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Jolly Green Giants—11 States Expected to Surpass $1 Billion in Cannabis Sales

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Legal weed is booming, and these states are cashing in faster than anyone expected.

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Cannabis is no longer just a counterculture niche—it’s a billion-dollar business, and certain states are riding the green wave straight to the bank. As laws shift and stigma fades, more Americans are lighting up legally, creating booming markets and surprising economic wins. It’s not just about dispensaries either—it’s jobs, tax revenue, real estate, and local development. The numbers are climbing fast, and a few states are pulling way ahead of the pack.

These aren’t always the places you’d expect, either. Sure, California leads the charge, but others are coming up quick thanks to smart regulations, strong demand, and thriving local producers. Whether for medical use, recreation, or both, these 11 states are positioned to pass the $1 billion mark in cannabis sales—and in some cases, they’ve already blown past it. The green rush is real, and these markets are where the money (and momentum) is headed next.

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13 Blue Cities Where the American Housing Crisis Is Spiraling Out of Control

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Blue cities are leading on policy—but losing ground on housing.

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Housing costs in America’s most progressive cities are spiraling out of control. These places often champion social equity, climate goals, and inclusive zoning on paper—but on the ground, it’s a different story. Renters are being crushed, homebuyers are frozen out, and working-class residents are fleeing in droves. Many of these cities have booming economies and cultural clout, but when it comes to housing, they’re teetering on the edge of dysfunction.

These housing shortages aren’t caused by a single issue—they’re a result of decades of zoning bottlenecks, NIMBY opposition, underbuilt infrastructure, and runaway demand. And while blue cities talk a big game on affordability, the execution is slow, uneven, and often blocked by the very communities that claim to want change. Here are 13 blue-leaning cities where the housing crisis is hitting hardest, and where progressive ideals are clashing with economic and political realities.

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