Photo by John Chapple/Rex/REX USA.
For some, this might be the most exciting hire in journalism this year. It may also be the most surreal development. The Denver Post just hired a marijuana editor, a first for any major U.S. newspaper. The move is in anticipation of an impending milestone for Colorado cannabis culture: Weed will be legal as of January 1, 2014. Now, the Post will have someone officially reporting on everything that will come with this new era — and, according to newly christened marijuana editor, Ricardo Baca, there's a lot to cover.
Baca, who has served as the paper's long-time concert reviewer, is thrilled with his new post. In a very enthusiastic interview, he covered everything from his own usage to how other writerly cannabis enthusiasts can get involved.
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So, does Baca smoke weed? His response was pretty perfect: “I’ve covered concerts for a living over the last 15 years. That means hanging out with musicians, working with people in the industry, attending music festivals in Austin and the Coachella valley and New York and L.A. So, yes.”
But, that doesn’t mean he can just spark up at the Post office. “As with alcohol, you are not allowed to ingest (either via cigarettes or food) marijuana in the office or come to the office 'reeking' of marijuana,” Baca explained.
Perhaps best of all, Baca revealed others can join this new journalistic endeavor, too. The Post's marijuana editorial department is hiring. "We are absolutely hiring a freelance pot critic. And a freelance pot advice columnist. And a freelance video game writer. What we're doing here is covering cannabis culture and news from a professional, journalistic and critical point of view. If you think you have something to offer: rbaca(at)denverpost.com." We're glad we don't have to weed (heh) through those resumés on Monday morning. (The Denver Post)