Around 326,000 people visited 420intel.com in 2017, and in doing so they read nearly 3 million items, from news stories to slideshows to timeless articles written by industry leaders thoughout the globe.  So what were the news headlines that dominated 2017? Here’s a list of the 5 most-viewed news articles posted on 420intel.com for 2017!

5. Weed around the world: what legal marijuana looks like in other countries

Canada is on track to become the second country in the world to legalize the consumption and sale of recreational marijuana, after Uruguay made the big leap in 2014. On Thursday April 13, the Liberal government introduced its Cannabis Act, which allows people aged 18 and over to purchase and consume marijuana. Much like alcohol, many of the nuts and bolts of legislation will be left to the provinces, who will be able to raise the minimum age if they so wish, and will be required to implement a retail system.

The Trudeau government also plans to punish people for driving under the influence of marijuana, selling it to minors and importing or exporting it without a government permit.

4. The World's First Cannabis Genetic Test Can Tell You How Your Body Will React to Marijuana

What if a test could tell you that you may have a bad reaction to pot before you ever smoked your first spliff? One biotech company has created such a tool, and it’s already available to purchase. What if a test could tell you that you may have a negative reaction to pot before you ever smoked your first spliff? What if this same test could tell you if you’re likely to develop a habitual smoking problem? What if you could perform this test in your own home?

The world’s first cannabis genetic test will be available in September 2018, offered by a Canadian company called AnantLife, which specializes in genetic testing and counseling for a variety of medical conditions, including assessments for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and dietary issues.

3. The Very First Marijuana Stock ETF Just Debuted -- Should You Be Buying?

There's no two ways about it: As an investor, you'd struggle to find an industry with a more appetizing long-term growth rate than legal marijuana. According to cannabis research firm ArcView, North American legal sales increased by 34%, to $6.9 billion in 2016, albeit black-market sales still totaled $46.4 billion.

As more U.S. states push to legalize, and with Canada potentially on the precipice of legalization by 2018, the expectation is more that this $46 billion-plus in illicit sales will shift to the legal and regulated markets in the years to come. By 2026, investment firm Cowen & Co. anticipates total legal sales could reach $50 billion. 

2. Monsanto and Bayer are Maneuvering to Take Over the Cannabis Industry

It has been rumored for years that Monsanto plans to take over the cannabis industry with genetic engineering just as they’ve taken over the corn and soy industries. Although they have always denied having any intentions to do so, at this point it is unlikely that anybody really believes them.

In contrast, many in the cannabis sphere are prepared to resist any kind of GMO takeover of marijuana by Monsanto or any of their cohorts. Evidence is mounting, though, which points strongly to the notion that Monsanto does indeed plan to take control of the cannabis plant, and it doesn’t look good for medical users, or anyone planning on getting into the industry.

1. Court Rules that Insurance Company Must Cover Medical Cannabis Treatment

A judge in New Jersey ruled that a man’s insurance company must pay for the cost of his medical cannabis treatment. This may establish an important precedent in the medical industry. Andrew Watson, who lives in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program in 2014.

He sought financial reimbursement for the purchase of medicinal cannabis over a term of three months. Watson suffered from chronic neuropathic pain in his left hand. His condition was consistent with New Jersey’s list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. He was injured on the job. His initial worker’s compensation claim was denied.