via VICE is VICE Media’s shopping arm. We cover what people are actually buying, smoking, using, swiping on, sleeping on, upgrading to, and lining up for across cannabis, tech, sex and wellness, travel, and life (our catchall for home, style, food, pets, grooming, and whatever else ends up in your cart at 1:12 a.m.). When a buzzy THC drink takes over group chats, a sexual wellness brand promises to change your night, a dumbphone goes viral for ditching the algorithm, or the latest announcement sends resale prices into orbit, we’re on it. We track drops, launches, limited releases, sale events, gear, seasonal chaos, weird collabs, Prime Day insanity, pop-ups, and the products that quietly become essentials without ever trending. If it’s shaping how people live — or spend — we’re paying attention so you don’t have any missteps.
But we don’t do hype. We do our homework. Every guide, review, and ranking is researched, reported, tested, compared, and argued over by subject matter experts. We try the stuff. We use it in real life. We consult experts when it matters. We tell you who something is actually for and who should absolutely skip it. You’ll get context, pros and cons, and clarity on whether a product is a flex, a fad, or genuinely worth your money. If something makes it into via VICE, it survived our skepticism.
Simply put, via VICE is the opposite of influencer haul culture. We test it, stress it, and tell you the truth.
Editorial Policy
via VICE reports on products, brands, services, drops, and sale events across cannabis, tech, sex, dating, music, travel, and everyday life. We treat shopping and spending as part of culture, not separate from it.
Our editorial team operates independently from advertising and business teams. If/when brands pay for product spotlights, the content will be labeled clearly, while still maintaining editorial oversight. That means, if we don’t like the product, brand, or service, and/or if the product, brand, or service does not meet our standards, we will not cover it — even if a company is offering us money for coverage. We will only give favorable coverage, integrate in rankings and “best” roundups, and include in listicles and gift guides if our writers and editors have independently tested or evaluated, researched, and determined the product meets our standards for quality, performance, safety, and value.
If a product appears in via VICE, it’s because our editors chose to cover it.
Meet Our Team
Ysolt Usigan, via VICE Editorial Director
Ysolt Usigan is VICE’s commerce editorial director. She’s a shopping expert who’s spent over a decade covering lifestyle, beauty, health, travel, and tech for major publishers and brands like Ziff Davis, NBC Universal, Time Inc., CBSNews, and The Weather Channel. You’ve also seen her work in Good Housekeeping, Everyday Health, Digital Trends, AskMen.com, Woman’s Day, and SheKnows.com. She’s tested and reviewed thousands of products — from cult home finds to weird-but-useful gadgets — always with an eye for what’s actually worth your money. As an editorial leader, her mission is to produce quality, trustworthy content that helps shoppers make smarter, more confident buying decisions.
Nick Stockton, via VICE Editor
Nick Stockton is a California-based writer, editor, and musician with extensive experience covering music culture and history, breaking music news, guitar and music equipment reviews, and more. In his capacity as a music journalist, he has interviewed the likes of Johnny Marr, Margo Price, Sierra Hull, and Sheila E., as well as countless leaders in the music gear space. As editor for via VICE, Nick ensures the content you’re reading is quality, clear, and helps you make smart buying decisions.
Matt Jancer, via VICE Tech Staff Writer
As VICE’s tech staff writer, Matt Jancer, brings firsthand expertise to fast-moving categories like electric bikes, audio gear, and artificial intelligence. Prior to his work at VICE, Matt spent more than 15 years covering technology, with bylines across more than 20 publications including WIRED, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, and Men’s Journal. Based in New York City, he’s reported on everything from electric vehicles and motorcycles to outdoor gear and the ever-evolving world of consumer tech.
Maha Haq, via VICE Cannabis Staff Writer
Maha Haq is VICE’s cannabis staff writer. She’s a Los Angeles–based subject matter expert in cannabis with a decade of experience across the industry, spanning research, product curation, and community building. She holds graduate-level training in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, bringing a strong foundation of subject-matter expertise to her work. Maha covers cannabis commerce, emerging trends, and consumer insights, and regularly reviews products on her Twitch livestream, Dabby Hour. Her research has been featured in NBC News, and the Los Angeles Times has referred to her as the “weed whisperer for Gen Z.” Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between industry operators and everyday consumers.
Sam Watanuki, via VICE Sex & Lifestyle Staff Writer
Sam Watanuki has built a career testing and writing about pretty much everything. He has helped grow publications like TheGamer and SVG into go-to destinations. He previously covered pop culture, tech, home, food, sexual health, style, and personal finance for outlets like Mashed, The Daily Meal, ComicBook, and Relay. He has also written for numerous B2B and B2C clients, helping brands connect with their audience through copy that actually engages (and converts) with their customers. As a full-time commerce writer for VICE, Sam brings that same “actually used it, actually has opinions” energy to his content.
How We Decide What to Cover
We prioritize:
- Cultural relevance (what people are actually talking about, curious about, or buying)
- Utility (what helps readers make smarter, better, cost-effective decisions)
- Original reporting (not recycled press releases)
- Firsthand testing and research
- Subject matter expertise and the experience of our staff writers and editors
Accuracy & Transparency
We fact-check product claims against available research, expert commentary, and/or firsthand testing. When we reference studies, regulations, or technical specifications, we cite credible sources.
If we receive products for consideration, we disclose that clearly. Receipt of a product does not guarantee coverage though.
When we make mistakes, we correct them transparently.
Affiliate Disclosure
via VICE may earn a commission from purchases made through links on our site, this revenue supports our journalism. We independently evaluate all of our recommendations, and our rankings and conclusions are determined by editors.
We choose what to cover based on editorial merit, cultural relevance, and/or performance in testing. If a product spotlight or mention is sponsored, it will be clearly labeled.
Updates & Maintenance
Buying guides, roundups, and reviews are updated to reflect new models, discontinued products, price shifts, regulatory changes (especially in cannabis), and evolving expert guidance.
If something is no longer worth your money, we’ll say so and, in some cases, recommend alternatives.
Review & Testing Policy
We don’t rank products based on press materials, star ratings, or vibes. We test as much as possible. Our writers and editors test products in real-life conditions too, not controlled showroom environments to provide information on product benefits, use cases, and tips for use.
We may do product spotlights for things we did not test, but we will be transparent in our messaging.
Regardless of how we obtain a product, coverage is never guaranteed. Brands do not review or approve our conclusions prior to publication.
Ongoing Re-Evaluation
Products may be removed from content if:
- Quality declines
- Better alternatives emerge
- Safety concerns arise
- They are discontinued or out of stock
- Transparency standards are not maintained
Cannabis-Specific Coverage & Compliance Policy
Cannabis is a fast-moving, state-regulated industry. We cover it responsibly.
Our cannabis coverage is intended for adults 21+ (or the legal age in applicable jurisdictions). We do not target minors and do not glamorize irresponsible consumption.
We weave in the following as much as possible:
- Proper dosing guidance
- Label details
- Lab testing info (if available)
- Safe storage and cleaning practices
Medical & Safety Disclaimer Framework
via VICE publishes service journalism — not medical, legal, or financial advice. Our content is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult qualified professionals regarding:
- Medical conditions or treatment
- Sexual health concerns
- Mental health questions
- Cannabis interactions with medications
If a product involves ingestion, topical application, sexual wellness, or physical equipment, we advise readers to follow manufacturer instructions, take note of safety precautions, discontinue use if adverse effects occur, and/or seek professional guidance as needed.
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