Print the page
Increase font size
Today’s Unofficial Holiday (4/20)

Posted April 20, 2022

Matt Insley

By Matt Insley

Today’s Unofficial Holiday (4/20)

A reader takes exception to us calling the current level of inflation “Reagan-era inflation.”

He contends: “It was during the Reagan years that we were able to recover from the inflation that resulted from the 1970s, remembering particularly Ford's WIN (Whip Inflation Now) buttons and the disastrous years of the Carter administration. 

Whip Inflation

Image courtesy: Gerald Ford Museum

“I lived through those years so I am well aware of who caused it while some of your younger readers may mistakenly think you are putting the blame on Reagan. Just want to clarify the history for those who are too young to have lived through it.”

Send your opinions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

Your Rundown for Wednesday, April 20, 2022...

4/20

Since today is the unofficial holiday among marijuana enthusiasts, we thought it appropriate to provide an update on the burgeoning legal-cannabis industry in the U.S.

From a revenue perspective, our elected officials at the state-and-local level and in D.C. might see only taxable dollars and cents associated with medical and recreational cannabis.

“But the beneficial impact exceeds just tax dollars,” says Marijuana Business Daily.

Cannabis Industry

Source: MJBizFactbook

“The total U.S. economic impact from marijuana sales in 2022 is expected to reach $99 billion – up more than 20% from last year – and upwards of $155 billion in 2026.”

Certainly, these numbers are best estimates, especially considering how multi-tiered the marijuana industry is, encompassing everything from agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, retail and more.

But according to research from MJBiz Factbook: “The economic impact of the marijuana industry, [means] for every $10 consumers and patients spend at marijuana retail locations, an additional $18 will be injected into the economy, much of it at the local level.”

If accurate, particularly in this high-inflation environment, that’s a substantial win for the U.S. economy. (We'll take any good news we can get.)

We’ll continue to update you from time to time on the latest in the cannabis industry, reaching out especially to our pot-stock authority Ray Blanco for the best marijuana investments for your money. Stay tuned…

Market Rundown for Wednesday, Apr. 20, 2022

S&P 500 futures are up 0.40% to 4,475.

Oil is up 1.2% to $103.80 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold’s down $9.40 per ounce, pennies away below $1,950.

Bitcoin is up 1.35% to $42,015.

Send your comments and questions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

We’ll be back Friday with more; until next time, take care!

For The Rundown,

Matt Insley

Matt Insley
Publisher, The Rundown
TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

120,000 Socialists Have a Plan

120,000 Socialists Have a Plan

Posted August 21, 2026

By Matt Insley

Here’s how the DSA is turning growth into political influence inside the Democratic Party — and what its strategy could mean for investors.
Trump Claims Deed to Hormuz

Trump Claims Deed to Hormuz

Posted August 19, 2026

By Matt Insley

Donald Trump claims the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US TERRITORY” as the Iran war nears six months. Here’s what the standoff means for oil, inflation and your money.
Airfares Up 25%

Airfares Up 25%

Posted August 17, 2026

By Byron King

Byron King explains a real downstream energy bottleneck — and highlights six ways investors can play it.
AOC Wants a Do-Over

AOC Wants a Do-Over

Posted August 14, 2026

By Matt Insley

AOC says “Woke 1 was crazy.” But while the slogans of 2020 may be changing, the economic agenda isn’t.
Goatherders Rewrote the Rules of War

Goatherders Rewrote the Rules of War

Posted August 12, 2026

By Emily Clancy

Paradigm Press has tracked the rise of drone warfare for years. Here’s how cheap drones, autonomous weapons and counter-drone technology are reshaping modern warfare.
The Fauci Follies

The Fauci Follies

Posted August 10, 2026

By Matt Insley

Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times before Congress. We examine the contempt vote and new questions about Fauci’s lucrative scientific awards.