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.

Most popular articles

Say What? Why ‘Cannabis’ Is Rising and ‘Marijuana’ Is Fading

Sam Riches – May 29, 2017

With legalization sweeping across North America, the very words we use are changing. Read more

Step Inside Canada’s High Church of Cannabis

Sam Riches – August 23, 2017

Just outside Vancouver, Minister Davidacus Holmes administers cannabis sacrament to thousands and tries to get arrested. No luck so far. Read more

Her Mission: Getting Craft Cannabis Into Ontario’s Government Cannabis Stores

Sam Riches – March 14, 2018

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. Read more

Indigenous Cannabis: Revitalizing First-Nation Economies Through Legalization

Sam Riches – December 18, 2017

‘Exchanging Prohibition for Extreme Regulation’: Toronto Braces for New Cannabis Reality

Sam Riches – September 15, 2017

"[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. Read more

Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)

Chemical-Free Cannabis: Canadian Growers Turn to Biological Pesticides

Sam Riches – November 21, 2018

Chemical insecticides are banned. Read more

Meet Cody Van Gogh: The Canadian Creating Smokeable Works of Art

Sam Riches – November 8, 2018

High art. Read more

Koreans Could Face Criminal Charges for Using Cannabis in Canada

Sam Riches – October 29, 2018

“Weed smokers will be punished according to the Korean law.” Read more

The Hottest Item at This Toronto Design Boutique? State-of-the-Art Cannabis Chocolate

Sam Riches – June 12, 2018

A meticulous cannapreneur and a brave boutique have created a space for craft cannabis. Is there a place for them in the legal marketplace? Read more

Cannabis Entrepreneur Antuanette Gomez Launches Bid for Toronto City Council

Sam Riches – May 21, 2018

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. Read more

The Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty Fights to Right Prohibition’s Wrongs

Sam Riches – May 17, 2018

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. Read more

Her Mission: Getting Craft Cannabis Into Ontario’s Government Cannabis Stores

Sam Riches – March 14, 2018

‘Sensible Ontario’ Brings the Fight for Ontario Cannabis Lounges to the People

Sam Riches – February 2, 2018

The grassroots campaign Sensible Ontario is challenging Ontario's cannabis legislation, pushing for both licensed cannabis lounges and private cannabis stores. Read more

‘I Just Love Getting People High’: In the Kitchen With a Black-Market Edibles Maker

Sam Riches – December 20, 2017

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. Read more