This week, investigative reporter Paige St. John from the Los Angeles Times dives into the hidden dangers of legal cannabis. She reveals alarming levels of pesticides in products sold at legal dispensaries, questioning current safety regulations. Paige discusses the long-term health risks these contaminants pose and critiques the government's inadequate responses to consumer safety. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for reforms and transparency in the industry to protect unsuspecting users from toxic substances.

Pro-pot Californians said legalizing marijuana would end the state’s black market for reefer. Instead, says LA Times investigative reporter Paige St. John, the illegal market is bigger than ever.This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained  Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices