Author and journalist Ryan Nerz has the unique distinction of being television's first ever chief cannabis correspondent.

Hired by Fusion, Nerz will contribute to the channel's digital and television platforms and will also host a limited half-hour show called "The Cannabusiness Report" which focuses news and opinion about the marijuana industry nationwide.

“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.

Currently, 20 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado and Washington and about a dozen other states are expected to legalize marijuana in some form in the coming years.

Fusion isn't the first media organization to hire a journalist to focus in on issues related to marijuana. In Colorado, The Denver Post made headlines when they announced they were seeking a "weed editor" for their recently launched marijuana news and culture site The Cannabist.