Marijuana sales up again

The Oklahoma Tax Commission reported May figures for medical marijuana tax collections, and the numbers show sales increased again compared to the previous month.

According to the data, Oklahomans purchased approximately $79 million worth of marijuana products that month, an increase of $5 million from the previous record.

A year ago, sales were less than half what they are now.

The Tax Commission reported it collected $12.5 million in taxes from May sales, which include the 7% medical marijuana tax plus state and local sales tax.

Researching free speech

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced new investments to support research on the rules, norms and governance of the internet and digital platforms.

The $1.7 million in 20 new grants will focus on research to inform the national conversation on technology policy issues, including free expression online and the scale and power of digital platforms. These grants, to researchers representing a range of backgrounds and perspectives come amid growing debate over technology’s role in our democracy.