Given the spread of legalized marijuana availability in the U.S., Nerz will cover the  growing market for pot, examining economic and cultural impact of the shift in public policy.

As a contributor to Fusion’s digital and TV platforms, Nerz will explore all aspects of cannabis culture and the business it is generating as states such as Colorado  legalize its sale for recreational use.

Nerz has written for NPR, Esquire and cabler History. He’s reported extensively on marijuana issues as the author of “Marijuanamerica: One Man’s Quest to Understand America’s Dysfunctional Love Affair with Weed” and “Eat This Book: A Year of Gorging and Glory on the Competitive Eating Circuit.”

Fusion has also ordered “The Cannabusiness Report,” a limited series of half-hour specials to be hosted by Nerz. He has spent the past several months developing the program through segments on Fusion’s morning show, which now airs in primetime as “Fusion Live.”

“Marijuana legalization is an issue that is taking on increasing relevance – politically, economically and culturally – and requires the kind of coverage that only someone with Ryan’s expertise can deliver,” Fusion CEO Isaac Lee said in a statement. “Ryan’s reporting is a great example of how Fusion is uniquely capable of providing news, information, and opinion on topics that matter to millennials, especially in situations where the mainstream media can’t keep up.”

http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/fusion-taps-ryan-nerz-as-tvs-first-...