Over the last two decades marijuana has practically been an unstoppable force.

Since 1995, 23 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, while four states (along with Washington D.C.) have legalized all aspects of marijuana, including its recreational use for adults. Even in states where marijuana failed to gain approval initially, such as Oregon, the proverbial scales were tipped in favor of supporters just a few short years later.

Tens of thousands of Texans with a loved one suffering from epilepsy are now waiting to see what Governor Abbott will do. The legislature has sent to his desk a bill that would permit the medical use of marijuana oils to treat intractable epilepsy. The question is, will he sign it or veto it?

A medical marijuana growing room in an unspecified location outside New York.(Photo: Photo provided by Butler Evergreen)

Hoping to plant a seed and grow a thriving business in western New York, at least three Rochester-area companies plan to seek state approval to grow, process and dispense medical marijuana.

Under the state law that will allow physicians to prescribe marijuana-based medicine to treat select illnesses beginning in January, five companies are being chosen to provide that medication. Applications are being taken through June 5.

When retailers open state-approved medical marijuana shops in Illinois later this year, they will face a distinct disadvantage in luring prospective patients across their thresholds: Marijuana will always be cheaper on the black market.

So what incentives might entice those patients?

Think cannabis-infused premium chocolate. Well-lit display cases that showcase buds as if they were jewelry. Informed employees who can guide each patient to the best strain for their needs.

Dispensary owners in Illinois are thinking, too, about Tupperware-style education parties, spa-like interior design and good old-fashioned customer service — all ways to beat out their fiercest competitors: underground dealers.

Four years ago Cassandra Farrington couldn’t find any venue in the country that would host her idea for a conference on the business of marijuana. This week, she hired out the Hilton Chicago, one of the city’s most famous hotels and one that has accommodated every US president since it opened in 1927.

Go on Craigslist and search for marijuana, and you’ll likely come across quite a few posts advertising for “patient-to-patient” exchanges or delivery of the drug.

The ads will ask for other medical marijuana patients only and, often, they’ll ask for a “donation” fee.

The ABC15 Investigators looked at dozens of ads like this. One medical marijuana patient who said he’s been posting ads for a few months agreed to talk to us.

“The purpose of these ads is to get yourself out there,” he said, “to get known.” He said it’s so that he and other medical marijuana patients can try different types of medical marijuana and meet each other. He described it as a community of medical marijuana patients.

Cristina Barbuto says state law should protect workers who use medical marijuana with a doctor’s certificate.

Cristina Barbuto was thrilled when she landed her new marketing job last year.

Her delight quickly evaporated when she was fired after her first day because a drug test revealed marijuana use. She lost her job even though she’d disclosed during her interview that she takes the drug, with a doctor’s legal permission, to ease the symptoms of a digestive disorder.

Kelly Clarkson is the latest musician to speak out in favor of marijuana legalization. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the "Invincible" singer said that while she doesn't smoke herself, she still finds it perplexing that alcohol and certain pills are legal while marijuana isn't.

By Kerry Blasdel

Finding a suitable location is often one of the biggest hurdles startup cannabis businesses face. The headache doesn’t end once you sign a lease, though.

Dispensaries and cultivation sites must navigate a minefield of real estate challenges that can change the playing field overnight and force owners to scout out a new location quickly.

The result: You have to go through the maddeningly complex and surprisingly time-consuming process of finding real estate all over again.

CHICAGO – With federal legalization efforts moving forward, pot entrepreneurs might want to focus on the recreational side of the business rather than the medical side, as major pharmaceutical companies are poised to jump in there. That's the future, according to Adam Bierman, managing partner of MedMen, a marijuana consulting firm headquartered in Los Angeles. Bierman spoke at this week's Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Chicago.