Editorial Policy

This Editorial Policy governs all content published by Cannabis Inquirer. It reflects our commitment to the highest standards of independent journalism and positions Cannabis Inquirer as a protected press entity exercising rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Mission Statement

Cannabis Inquirer is an independent digital news publication dedicated to authoritative, fact-based cannabis journalism. Our mission is to inform the public about cannabis policy, legalization, science, industry, and culture with accuracy, fairness, and independence.

Editorial Independence

All editorial decisions — including what stories to cover, how to cover them, which sources to consult, and what conclusions to draw — are made solely by Cannabis Inquirer’s editorial staff.

Advertisers, investors, sponsors, and external parties have no influence over what we cover or how we cover it. A clear firewall exists between our advertising and editorial operations. Editorial staff are prohibited from disclosing story plans to advertisers. Advertising staff are prohibited from making editorial requests.

This independence is not merely policy — it is the foundation of our credibility and our claim to the protections afforded to the press under the First Amendment.

Journalistic Standards

Accuracy

We verify information before publication. Claims of fact are supported by primary sources, official records, or credentialed experts wherever possible. We distinguish clearly between news reporting, analysis, and opinion.

Fairness

We present multiple perspectives on contested issues. Individuals and organizations subject to criticism or negative coverage are given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication.

Transparency

We disclose potential conflicts of interest. We clearly label sponsored content, advertising, and opinion pieces. We explain our methods and sourcing where relevant to the public interest.

Accountability

We hold ourselves to the same standards we apply to others. We acknowledge and correct our mistakes promptly and publicly.

Corrections Policy

When we publish factual errors, we correct them promptly and transparently. Corrections are appended to the original article with a clear “Correction” label noting what was changed and when. We do not silently edit published content in a way that materially changes its meaning without disclosure.

To report a factual error, contact: editors@cannabisinquirer.com.

Source Standards & Confidentiality

We verify information with multiple independent sources wherever possible before publication. We prefer named sources and make clear when information comes from unnamed sources and why anonymity was granted.

Cannabis Inquirer protects the confidentiality of sources who provide information under an expectation of confidentiality. We take our legal and ethical obligations to confidential sources seriously and will resist compelled disclosure through all available legal means.

Conflict of Interest

Editorial staff members may not hold financial interests — including equity, options, or material ownership stakes — in companies they cover. Staff must disclose potential conflicts of interest to editors before accepting assignments. Editors with conflicts of interest recuse themselves from editorial decisions affecting those interests.

Advertiser Separation

A clear firewall exists between our advertising and editorial operations. Advertising revenue supports our journalism but confers no editorial influence. Advertisers who seek editorial coverage are directed through the same editorial process as non-advertisers. Threats to withdraw advertising in response to editorial decisions do not affect our coverage.

Sponsored Content

All sponsored, paid, or branded content is clearly labeled “Sponsored” or “Advertisement” in a manner visible to readers before they engage with the content. Sponsored content is never presented as independent editorial content.

Cannabis Coverage Standards

We cover cannabis as a legitimate industry, public health topic, and policy matter. We do not advocate for or against cannabis use, legalization, or prohibition as a matter of editorial policy. Our coverage is guided by facts, data, peer-reviewed research, and the public interest. We cover cannabis in its full complexity — including its economic, social justice, public health, and regulatory dimensions — without sensationalism or dismissiveness.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Cannabis Inquirer uses AI-assisted tools in our editorial workflow, including for research assistance, summarization, and content drafting. All published content is reviewed and edited by our editorial team. We do not publish AI-generated content without meaningful human editorial review. We will continue to refine this policy as AI tools evolve.

Editorial Complaints

Readers who believe we have fallen short of these standards are encouraged to contact our editorial team. We take editorial complaints seriously and respond to substantive concerns.

Contact: editors@cannabisinquirer.com