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Letter from the publisher – Issue 81

“In the age of corporate cannabis, 420 can feel a bit like Black Friday or President’s Day,” writes Baynard Woods in this issue. “An excuse for marketing, sales, and gimmicks, making it all about the wrong kind of green.”

The consumption of weed for people aged 21 and over has been legal in this state for about three years now. That doesn’t mean that issues and points of conversation surrounding its use have stopped or slowed in any way. Read more.

Baltimore has received more than $35 million in cannabis reparations money, but none of it has reached residents

by Jaisal Noor

Hot Tokes

by Baynard Woods, Rahne Alexander and nat raum

Welcome to Baltimore Beat’s pay-what-you-can advertising page.

We know that algorithms make the internet a less reliable way of publicizing the great work local businesses do. We also know that people here in Baltimore are looking for ways to keep their money in their communities. We hope this is a way that small businesses can feature themselves in Baltimore Beat, keeping their services at the front of readers’ minds.

For more information, go to baltimorebeat.com/paywhatyoucan.

News

Black journalists speak out against alleged retaliation and discrimination at WJZ

Black journalists have been especially impacted by broader industry shifts like layoffs, consolidation, and the targeting of diversity, equity, and inclusion, raising concerns about editorial independence, public accountability, and the future of local journalism in majority-Black cities like Baltimore.

by Jaisal Noor April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Samuel ‘Big Sam’ Brown’s loved ones demand justice after fatal Baltimore County Police encounter

Brown was a ‘right-hand’ on anything his friends needed. Now, they’re looking for answers

by Darcy Costello April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Hard times demand intentional toking

Former cannabis industry worker nat raum reviews local strains and what you should look for when shopping.

by nat raum April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Arts & Culture

Munchies

Some of our favorite snacks for after a smoke sesh.

by Bry Reed, Baynard Woods and Sanya Kamidi April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Maryland Film Festival returns

The 27th Maryland Film Festival brings 140 movies to Baltimore April 8-12.

by Dominic Griffin, Bry Reed and Baynard Woods April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Best Beats Issue #081

Best Beats highlights some of the best local music that has caught the altered attention of Baltimore Beat’s staff.

by Derick Little Jr., Grace Hebron and Baynard Woods April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Opening Day 2026

Opening Day in Baltimore was glorious — the sun was shining, the outfits were impeccable, and there was a sense of optimism about a team led by new manager Craig Albernaz and featuring off-season additions first baseman Pete Alonso and pitcher Shane Baz. After a disappointing 2025, fans are looking for the new leadership to bring back the Orioles Magic we all relished in in 2023. They’re not off to a great start, but there are still more than 150 games for them to make things work.

In the meantime, let’s bring back the slate of $5 beers that made the ballpark experience significantly more affordable last year. If we’re going to be watching some up-and-down baseball, it’d be nice to not have to shell out tons of money to do so. (Sanya Kamidi)

Photos by Shae McCoy and J.M. Giordano