Sam Riches
Sam Riches is a writer and journalist in Toronto. His work can be found in Vice, Pacific Standard, Wired, and many other publications.
Sam Riches is a writer and journalist in Toronto. His work can be found in Vice, Pacific Standard, Wired, and many other publications.
Most popular articles
Say What? Why ‘Cannabis’ Is Rising and ‘Marijuana’ Is Fading
With legalization sweeping across North America, the very words we use are changing.
Sam Riches - May 29, 2017Step Inside Canada’s High Church of Cannabis
Just outside Vancouver, Minister Davidacus Holmes administers cannabis sacrament to thousands and tries to get arrested. No luck so far.
Sam Riches - August 23, 2017Her Mission: Getting Craft Cannabis Into Ontario’s Government Cannabis Stores
After making her name producing pop-up black-market cannabis markets, Lisa Campbell's ready to help craft cannabis find its rightful place in Ontario's government-controlled legal cannabis scene.
Sam Riches - March 14, 2018Indigenous Cannabis: Revitalizing First-Nation Economies Through Legalization
“There is an undeniable sense within the First Nation community of not being left behind,” says Jacob Taylor, co-founder of the First Nations-owned and -operated socioeconomic development firm the Pontiac Group.
Sam Riches - December 18, 2017‘Exchanging Prohibition for Extreme Regulation’: Toronto Braces for New Cannabis Reality
"[Ontario] could have simply licensed all the existing dispensaries," says lawyer Jack Lloyd. "Instead, they’ve elected to declare war on a group of political activists, cannabis enthusiasts, and cannabis legalization activists. To say that it’s draconian is an understatement.”
Sam Riches - September 15, 2017Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)
Chemical-Free Cannabis: Canadian Growers Turn to Biological Pesticides
Chemical insecticides are banned.
Sam Riches - November 21, 2018Koreans Could Face Criminal Charges for Using Cannabis in Canada
“Weed smokers will be punished according to the Korean law.”
Sam Riches - October 29, 2018The Hottest Item at This Toronto Design Boutique? State-of-the-Art Cannabis Chocolate
A meticulous cannapreneur and a brave boutique have created a space for craft cannabis. Is there a place for them in the legal marketplace?
Sam Riches - June 12, 2018Cannabis Entrepreneur Antuanette Gomez Launches Bid for Toronto City Council
After breathing new life into the Toronto chapter of Women Grow, Antuanette Gomez is shifting her focus to politics and, beginning next month, making a run for Toronto city council.
Sam Riches - May 21, 2018The Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty Fights to Right Prohibition’s Wrongs
The Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty is making sure the government can’t continue to deal in erratic hypocrisy, but must actually address the systemic and oppressive failings of prohibition.
Sam Riches - May 17, 2018Her Mission: Getting Craft Cannabis Into Ontario’s Government Cannabis Stores
After making her name producing pop-up black-market cannabis markets, Lisa Campbell's ready to help craft cannabis find its rightful place in Ontario's government-controlled legal cannabis scene.
Sam Riches - March 14, 2018‘Sensible Ontario’ Brings the Fight for Ontario Cannabis Lounges to the People
The grassroots campaign Sensible Ontario is challenging Ontario's cannabis legislation, pushing for both licensed cannabis lounges and private cannabis stores.
Sam Riches - February 2, 2018‘I Just Love Getting People High’: In the Kitchen With a Black-Market Edibles Maker
The Canadian government won't be ready to regulate an edibles market until 12 months after legalization. For now, producers like Fritz labor precariously, building up small businesses that face an uncertain future, while the legalization boom awaits.
Sam Riches - December 20, 2017Indigenous Cannabis: Revitalizing First-Nation Economies Through Legalization
“There is an undeniable sense within the First Nation community of not being left behind,” says Jacob Taylor, co-founder of the First Nations-owned and -operated socioeconomic development firm the Pontiac Group.
Sam Riches - December 18, 2017