David Downs

@davidrdowns

GreenState founder David Downs is an award-winning freelance journalist and best-selling author based in San Francisco, with appearances in WIRED, Rolling Stone, The Onion, New York Times, and Scientific American. He is a 2025 Mendo Cup Judge.

Dispensaries

Sun, sand, surf, skin and sensimilla in Dogtown

David Downs

Technician Mark Raber prepares marijuana samples to be analyzed for potency and purity at the Werc Shop on December 16, 2011. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times) SOURCE: Mel Melcon

Explained

Ask GreenState: How do I test my cannabis for potency and mold

David Downs

Explained

Ask GreenState: How do I travel with my insomnia medicine?

David Downs

Explained

Beyond baggies: How to read modern marijuana packaging

David Downs

Straight to streaming: Gringo stars Selma's David Oyelowo as a hapless courier for a ethics-challenged corporation.

Culture

Podcast: How Gringo director Nash Edgerton made a cannabis comedy, never touched the stuff

David Downs

News

Vallejo dispensaries join the 300+ recreational stores open in California

David Downs

Etiquette

Retailers taking too much personal information? Safety stickers? — Cannabis FAQs answered

David Downs

News

World-class shop Buds & Roses joins ranks of California’s recreational cannabis stores

David Downs