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A Doctor’s Take On Cannabis And PTSD

Millions suffer from PTSD, but the a solution still has been developed, but doctors feel medical marijuana could help

It is estimated 3.6% of the world’s population suffers from it, so here is a doctor’s take on cannabis and PTSD. Thomas Green, MD is a retired urologists who has spent his life helping those suffering from difficult diagnosis. PTSD Isn’t just about bad memories, it can mean sleepless nights, sudden anxiety, and feeling like danger is always just around the corner. Veterans, accident survivors, first responders, anyone who’s been through trauma can live with it.

“Some people with PTSD aren’t chasing a high,  they’re chasing a good night’s sleep.” share’s Dr. Green.

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While I was still in practice, I treated a Vietnam vet for a urologic condition. That part was easy to fix. What wasn’t easy was his disabling PTSD. Back then, cannabis wasn’t as widely discussed in medicine as it is today, but I encouraged him to talk with his doctor or check out a local dispensary to learn more. I knew it might be one more tool to help him find some peace.

medical marijuana
Photo by CapturedNuance/Getty Images

Some people with PTSD say cannabis helps them fall asleep, quiets racing thoughts, and takes the edge off flashbacks. The science is still catching up, but here’s the idea: cannabis works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, the network that helps regulate mood, stress, and sleep.

“Cannabis works with the body’s own stress-regulating system, that’s why it may help.”

THC, the compound that can get you high, may help dull the emotional punch of painful memories. CBD, the non-intoxicating sidekick, may help with anxiety and calmness. Some people find relief with one or the other. Others use a blend.

Is it a magic fix? No. Cannabis isn’t for everyone. High-THC products can make some people feel more anxious. The key is starting low, going slow, and, if possible, working with a healthcare provider who knows cannabis.

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Research is growing, but early signs are promising. For now, many people combine cannabis with therapy, exercise, and other healthy habits.

“It’s not a magic fix, but for some, it’s one more tool for calmer days and better nights.”

Bottom line: If you’re dealing with PTSD and thinking about cannabis, get advice tailored to you. For some, it’s one more tool for better sleep, calmer days, and a little peace of mind.

TikTok Is Changing the Cannabis Industry

It has effected music, politics and shopping – now TikTok is upending cannabis

It may be best known for dance challenges, skincare hacks, and viral recipes — but it’s also reshaping how millions of millennials and Gen Z discover cannabis. Now TikTok is changing the cannabis industry. While the platform doesn’t allow direct advertising for marijuana products, clever creators and influencers are finding ways to showcase strains, lifestyle trends, and cannabis culture in ways influencing consumer behavior far beyond dispensary walls.

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Scroll through TikTok and you’ll find everything from “strain reviews in 30 seconds” to cooking tutorials featuring CBD, to clips explaining the difference between indica and sativa. Many of these videos rack up millions of views in just days, creating overnight hype for products once limited to small local markets. A catchy song paired with a visually appealing cannabis product can quickly become a trend, and suddenly dispensaries across the country are fielding calls from customers asking for an exact strain.

TikTok Is Changing the Cannabis Industry

Industry experts say TikTok is doing for cannabis what Instagram once did for craft cocktails and boutique fitness. It’s creating a new kind of digital word-of-mouth. In some cases, certain strains — like “Zaza” or “Blue Zushi” — went from relative obscurity to must-try sensations after trending on the app. Dispensary owners report customers walking in with their phones open, asking for products they’ve just seen in a TikTok video.

For millennials, TikTok serves as both entertainment and education. Instead of reading lengthy articles or browsing product menus, they can absorb bite-sized cannabis tips while scrolling during a coffee break. Videos breaking down THC percentages, terpene profiles, or microdosing strategies are making cannabis more accessible to curious users who may have been intimidated by dispensary jargon in the past.

The ripple effect is also being felt in branding. Cannabis companies are now thinking about how their packaging, visuals, and even product names might look on a phone screen. Bright colors, playful fonts, and shareable unboxing moments are becoming as important as potency. For an industry still facing advertising restrictions on traditional platforms, TikTok has become an indirect but powerful marketing tool.

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Of course, this influence doesn’t come without controversy. Since cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S., TikTok technically restricts content promoting its use. That hasn’t stopped creators from getting creative, using slang, emojis, or indirect language to skirt moderation. The result is a thriving subculture operating just under the radar — but is reaching millions of potential customers.

For millennials balancing busy lives, TikTok offers a quick, relatable, and often entertaining gateway into cannabis culture. And whether you’re a casual consumer, a wellness-focused CBD fan, or a curious newcomer, one thing is clear: TikTok is no longer just about viral dances — it’s helping decide what cannabis ends up in shopping carts.

New Study Offers Hope For CBD and Insomnia

It is nightmare where waking up is the problem…but a new study suggests CBD could help

It is one of the most common health complaints in the modern world, now a new study offers hope for CBD and insomnia. A groundbreaking trial in Australia is putting CBD (cannabidiol) to the test as a potential new treatment.

Melbourne-based Avecho Biotechnology has launched the world’s largest randomized, placebo-controlled trial of CBD for insomnia, enrolling more than 500 adults across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and the Gold Coast. The goal: to find out if CBD, delivered in a new capsule form, can help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed.

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The numbers are staggering. Globally, 10 to 30 percent of adults experience insomnia, and up to 15 percent live with chronic insomnia. In Australia, surveys show 60 percent of people report at least one symptom of sleeplessness. Economists estimate poor sleep drains more than $19 billion a year from the Australian economy, with nearly $11 billion lost in productivity alone.

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Photo by Erin Hinterland via Pixababy

Existing treatments—from melatonin to prescription sleep aids—can leave patients groggy or don’t work well long-term. This is why the Australian CBD sleep study is drawing international attention.

Avecho’s Phase III trial is designed with pharmaceutical-level rigor. It’s double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized, meaning participants and researchers don’t know who is getting CBD versus placebo. Volunteers will take capsules containing 75mg or 150mg of CBD each night for eight weeks while tracking their sleep.

The capsules use Avecho’s TPM (tocopheryl phosphate mixture) delivery system, a Vitamin E–based technology boosts CBD absorption. Poor bioavailability has long been a weakness of CBD oils and gummies—Avecho hopes this solves it.

If the trial succeeds, Avecho could become the first company to register an over-the-counter CBD product for insomnia in Australia. It would put CBD directly on pharmacy shelves, available without a prescription.

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For millions struggling with sleepless nights, this could be a medical and lifestyle game-changer. Insomnia has been linked to heart disease, depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. With demand for safe, non-addictive sleep aids rising, CBD could offer a natural alternative backed by hard science.

“This is the first large-scale test to see if CBD really works for sleep,” said Avecho CEO Dr. Paul Gavin in a statement. “We want to give patients safe, effective and accessible options.”

Immersive Events Redefine Millennial Nights

Escaping reality and slipping into a cool alternative universe has helped immersive events explode

For millennials, nightlife no longer means just bars and concerts—it’s about stepping into another world. Across the country, immersive events redefine millennial nights, offering elaborate evenings where guests trade everyday stress for ball gowns, masquerade masks, and story-driven adventures. From fairytale masquerades to sprawling fantasy festivals, these events have become a millennial favorite, combining nostalgia, creativity, and community in one unforgettable package.

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Unlike traditional costume parties, immersive fantasy gatherings are built around world-building and storytelling. Guests often adopt characters, engage in live-action quests, or simply revel in the spectacle of atmospheric venues transformed into castles, enchanted forests, or 19th-century ballrooms. The appeal is both escapist and social: attendees get the chance to embody a different self, share experiences with like-minded dreamers, and post Instagram-worthy moments feel lifted straight from a novel.

Immersive Events Redefine Millennial Nights

The roots of these events stretch back further than TikTok trends. Many organizers openly draw inspiration from the grandeur of the Gilded Age—an era of lavish balls and ornate social gatherings. In fact, some fantasy balls mirror the sweeping elegance of 19th-century high society, with silk gowns, chandeliers, and champagne fountains setting the stage. For millennials raised on period dramas like Downton Abbey, stepping into such an event feels like walking onto the set of a beloved show. The allure is as much about time travel as it is about fantasy.

But the modern twist lies in the interactivity. Unlike the rigid etiquette of the Gilded Age, today’s immersive experiences invite play. Guests might join a treasure hunt, dance under fairy lights, or take part in collaborative storytelling arcs. Companies like Eudantria Events and other boutique organizers have built loyal followings by blending historical opulence with modern inclusivity, giving everyone a role in the spectacle.

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Why the sudden rise in popularity? Experts point to the stress of digital life and the desire for meaningful in-person connection. A themed ball offers both: a carefully curated environment where phones take a backseat to face-to-face storytelling, yet where every chandelier-lit dance floor is still perfectly Instagrammable. For millennials balancing work, side hustles, and endless screen time, a fantasy night out feels like the ultimate luxury.

Immersive fantasy events also tap into a larger cultural shift toward experience over things. Instead of buying another gadget, millennials are spending on memories, communities, and creative expression. Whether channeling the elegance of Downton Abbey or the magic of Tolkien, these gatherings deliver a sense of wonder and belonging.

As mainstream media slowly catches on, one thing is clear: immersive fantasy events aren’t just a passing fad. They’re becoming a cultural cornerstone for a generation that craves both escape and connection. In many ways, they’re the modern equivalent of the Gilded Age ball—only with more dragons and less social hierarchy.

Recession Pop Resonates With Audiences

It is new soundtrack for the time, catchy pop anthems with emotional depth. Discover why this cultural trend resonates.

Back in the early 1990s, Gen X found themselves in grunge clubs, moshing out frustration to Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The music gave voice to a generation’s angst. Fast forward three decades, and a new genre has emerged, Recession Pop resonates with audiences, especially millennials and Gen Zers.  This sonic comfort is a shimmering, danceable, yet emotionally heavy style of music reflecting economic anxiety, heartbreak, and the strange urge to dance through it all.

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Recession Pop blends upbeat pop beats with lyrics hitting closer to home than most bubblegum pop ever dared. Instead of carefree escapism, these songs reflect the reality of living in an era of rising rents, student debt, job instability, and inflation. It’s music for the dance floor, but with a knowing sigh in between choruses.

“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter

Artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan are leading the charge. Carpenter’s smash hit Espresso may sound like playful fun, but underneath is a commentary on hustling, energy, and burnout in the modern economy. Roan, often described as a rising pop provocateur, captures millennial and Gen Z frustrations in glittery, theatrical anthems like Hot To Go!—a track equal parts fun and cathartic release.

Then there’s Charli XCX, who has long fused experimental pop with sharp cultural observations. Her music resonates with younger listeners because it captures both the highs of nightlife and the lows of existential dread. Together, these artists have defined a genre that is less about ignoring hardship and more about transforming it into something beautiful and communal.

Standout Tracks in Recession Pop

  • “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter – A TikTok-fueled anthem sounding carefree but reflects a restless, work-driven mindset.

  • “Hot To Go!” by Chappell Roan – A neon-soaked escape inviting listeners to dance away their stress.

  • “360” by Charli XCX – A stylish track pairing electronic production with sly commentary on image and modern identity.

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What makes Recession Pop so culturally powerful is its ability to balance optimism with honesty. Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to it not only because it’s fun to stream, share, and dance to—but also because it speaks to their lived experience. The upbeat production provides escapism, while the lyrics quietly acknowledge the struggles of navigating adulthood in uncertain times.

Much like grunge gave Gen X a raw voice in the early ’90s, Recession Pop provides today’s younger generations with a soundtrack to endure instability, while still celebrating joy wherever it can be found.

How AI Is Changing The Cannabis Industry

AI is bringing changes and advancements to most industries – including cannabis

Whether you are a doctor in Nebraska, a restauranteur in Baltimore or senior engineer in Bellevue, Washington, it is upending how you do your job – both good and bad.  Most areas of life are being touched and here is how AI is changing the cannabis industry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quietly reshaping nearly every corner of modern life, and the cannabis industry is no exception. From cultivation and retail to consumer transparency, AI is bringing new efficiency, accuracy, and trust to a market long been clouded by misinformation and stigma.

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One of the most visible changes is how AI helps consumers track cannabis products. In an industry where strain names and effects can vary widely, AI-driven platforms are stepping in to provide clarity. Apps now use AI to analyze lab results, customer reviews, and even chemical profiles to match consumers with products best suited to their needs—whether it is better sleep, anxiety relief, or a more social buzz. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or vague descriptions, consumers can access personalized recommendations grounded in hard data.

A peaceful sleeping baby nestled in a soft, fluffy blanket inside a wicker basket.

AI is also helping consumers find accurate, verifiable information in a marketplace which has sometimes struggled with exaggerated claims. Machine learning models can scan thousands of lab tests, regulatory filings, and scientific studies to identify trustworthy patterns. This gives guidance so customers are less likely to fall for marketing hype and more likely to discover which products are safe, effective, and compliant with state rules. For a generation used to researching everything from skincare ingredients to fitness supplements online, AI-driven cannabis insights are a welcome tool.

On the cultivation side, AI is revolutionizing how cannabis is grown. Smart sensors, combined with predictive algorithms, can monitor temperature, humidity, and light in real time. Farmers use these insights to maximize yield while minimizing water and energy use—an especially important consideration in an era of climate concerns and sustainability demands. By predicting plant health before problems arise, AI also reduces the need for pesticides and allows for more consistent harvests.

Retailers are benefiting as well. AI-powered inventory systems can predict which products will sell fastest, helping dispensaries avoid shortages or waste. Chatbots and virtual budtenders are guiding customers through product choices, mimicking the experience of a knowledgeable staff member but available 24/7 online. These digital assistants are especially appealing to Millennial and Gen Z consumers who prefer research-based shopping and minimal in-store pressure.

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Looking ahead, AI could play a role in shaping cannabis policy and public health, too. By analyzing patterns in consumption data, researchers and regulators can better understand how cannabis affects communities, potentially leading to smarter regulations and safer use guidelines. In medical marijuana research, AI is proving especially powerful. Machine learning tools can process vast sets of patient data, clinical trial results, and genetic information to identify which cannabinoids or terpenes may be most effective for specific conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or anxiety. This not only speeds up research but also helps doctors personalize treatment options for patients in ways not possible even a decade ago.

AI is doing more than making cannabis more high-tech—it’s making it more transparent, sustainable, and consumer-friendly. For an industry still overcoming decades of misinformation, which is a game-changing development.

Can Cannabis Help Make The Brain Younger

The age old search for youth may have a new direction – marijuana

The fight to stay young and healthy has been going on for hundreds if not thousands of years. Billions have been spent, but now there is a new twist – can cannabis help make the brain younger. In the age of biohacking and wellness trends, millennials juggling Zoom fatigue and daily stress are asking: can cannabis do more than chill us out—might it actually make our brains feel younger?

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Preclinical research has shown striking results: in older mice, low-dose THC boosted synaptic connectivity and improved memory, seemingly reversing age-linked cognitive decline.

On the human front, a controlled trial at Johns Hopkins and Tufts used dronabinol—a synthetic THC—in 75 Alzheimer’s patients experiencing agitation. Over three weeks, a twice-daily 5 mg dose reduced agitation by about 30% and was better tolerated than traditional antipsychotics.

A peaceful sleeping baby nestled in a soft, fluffy blanket inside a wicker basket.

However, when it comes to cognitive effects in healthy or aging adults, the data is more mixed. A JAMA Network Open study tracked 57 new medical cannabis users for a year using fMRI scans. The result? No meaningful changes in working memory, reward processing, or inhibitory control—good news for safety-minded users.

But another large-scale imaging study found among young adults (ages 22–36), heavy cannabis users showed reduced brain activation during working memory tasks—63% in lifetime users and 68% in recent users.

Long-term studies add nuance: a Danish cohort study followed over 5,000 men from young adulthood to their 60s and found no greater cognitive decline among cannabis users—in fact, users showed slightly less IQ decline than non-users

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What Does It All Mean for the average person?

  • Dronabinol may soothe brain agitation in Alzheimer’s patients—a meaningful bump in quality of life for patients and caregivers Johns Hopkins Medicine.

  • Medical cannabis over a year doesn’t appear to disrupt key cognitive functions in healthy adults, based on fMRI measures.

  • Heavy recreational use, especially among the younger crowd, may impair working memory and brain activity in imaging studies

  • Long-term cognitive aging trends may not suffer—and could potentially fare better—in users, according to a large Danish study.

While animal studies highlight a fascinating possibility—THC under tightly controlled, low doses might rewind aspects of brain aging— human trials are still in early stages. For Alzheimer’s-related agitation, synthetic THC shows real promise. For healthy adults, cannabis appears neurologically safe over a year. Yet, heavy habitual use—particularly among younger individuals—may carry cognitive costs. Conversely, long-term cognitive aging does not seem accelerated among users—and might even be subtly mitigated.

The Best Late Summer Cocktails

There is plenty of summer life – and what better way to savor it than with these cocktails

There is at least another month of summer, making it the perfect time to raise a glass to warm nights, beach weekends, and golden hour happy hours. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, a rooftop soirée, or simply enjoying a solo sunset, the right cocktail can capture that fleeting summer magic. Here are the best late summer cocktails —each with its own spirit base and a splash of history—to close out the season in style.

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The Sea Breeze

Popularized in the 1980s, the Sea Breeze originated from earlier Prohibition-era recipes but found its fame as a light, tart-meets-sweet summer sip.  Quick, taste and a hint of healthy.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice

Create

  1. Combine ingredients in a shaker and gently mix
  2. Shake with ice
  3. Pour into a highball glass
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge
Sea Breeze
The Tom Collins
Believed to date back to the 1870s, the Tom Collins is essentially a sparkling gin lemonade, perfect for late-summer afternoons.
Ingrediants
  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Club soda to top
Create
  1. Combine  lemon, and syrup with ice in chilled tall glass
  2. Stir vigorously
  3. Top with soda
  4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry
The Daiquiri
Originating in Cuba in the late 1800s, the daiquiri was a favorite of writer Ernest Hemingway, who enjoyed a less sweet variation at Havana’s famed El Floridita bar. His preferred version, sometimes called the “Hemingway Daiquiri,” swapped sugar for grapefruit juice and added a touch of maraschino liqueur. The classic recipe, however, remains a crisp, tart, and refreshing icon.  This light drink looks totally different than the New Orleans drive through drinks.
Ingrediants
  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup
Create
  1. Combine gin, lime juice and simply syrup in shaker
  2. Add ice and shake
  3. Strain into a coupe glass
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel

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The Watermelon Basil Margarita
A fresh twist on Mexico’s beloved margarita, this version blends juicy summer watermelon with fragrant basil for a vibrant, end-of-summer cooler.
Ingrediants
  • 2 oz tequila blanco
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz triple sec
  • 1 cup fresh watermelon chunks
  • 2–3 basil leaves
Create
  1. Muddle watermelon and basil in mixing glass
  2. Add remaining ingredients with ice
  3. Shake well
  4. Strain into an ice-filled glass
  5. Garnish with a basil sprig and watermelon wedge
The St-Germain Spritz
Born in the early 2000s when elderflower liqueur hit the cocktail scene, the St-Germain Spritz became a go-to for those seeking a floral, bubbly alternative to the classic mimosa.
Ingrediants
  • 1.5 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
  • 2 oz champagne or sparkling wine
  • 2 oz soda water
Create
  1. Build via layers  over ice in a wine glass
  2. Stir gently
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist and edible flowers for flair
These cocktails not only taste like summer—they carry pieces of history and creativity in every glass. Before the leaves turn, mix up one (or all) and savor the season’s last sunsets.

Is Cannabis Behind The Big Drop In Drinking

Big liquor companies are worried – but is marijuana the cause?

From the James Bond martini to the And Just Like That cosmopolitan drinking has been part of our culture, but is it about to change? Alcohol consumption in the United States has hit its lowest level in nearly a century, with just 54% of adults saying they drink compared to 62% in 2023. This dramatic shift is raising a big question: Is cannabis behind the big drop in drinking?

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According to new Gallup polling, the decline is most pronounced among Gen Z and younger millennials, who are drinking far less than previous generations at their age. For many, the choice is deliberate—rooted in health consciousness, cost, and evolving cultural values.

Generation Z is rewriting the rules of socializing. Surveys show they are less likely to drink regularly than Gen X or Baby Boomers were at the same stage in life. The “sober curious” and “mindful drinking” movements are thriving on social media, where hashtags like #sobercurious and #hangoverfree highlight a lifestyle which prioritizes wellness, mental health, and productivity.

Legal Weed Is Making An Impact On The Billion Dollar Sleep Market
Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images

For many young adults, alcohol’s image has shifted—from a symbol of fun to a potential risk factor for anxiety, cancer, and poor sleep. A record 53% of Americans now believe moderate drinking is harmful, a massive leap from just a quarter of the population a few decades ago.

While some speculate legal marijuana is driving alcohol’s decline, experts say cannabis is only a small part of the story. Gallup’s data shows no strong evidence legalization alone caused the drop in drinking.

Research does point to a substitution effect for certain individuals. In Colorado, heavy drinkers consumed 28% fewer alcoholic drinks on days they used cannabis. Nationwide, some cannabis users report drinking less because they prefer the “cleaner high” and reduced risk of hangovers.

Yet cannabis hasn’t replaced alcohol wholesale. In fact, some studies suggest legalization has slightly increased casual drinking among certain demographics, especially young men. The relationship between the two substances is complex—not a simple one-for-one swap.

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The other drivers behind the historic decline in drinking appear to be:

  • Health awareness: Growing public knowledge about alcohol’s link to cancer, mental health issues, and sleep disruption
  • Cultural change: Gen Z’s preference for control, wellness, and authenticity over intoxication
  • Economic realities: Rising costs make alcohol a less frequent indulgence
  • Alternative choices: From cannabis to non-alcoholic craft beverages, young adults have more options than ever

Cannabis may influence drinking habits for some, but the nationwide decline is far bigger than any single factor. Gen Z and millennials are reshaping nightlife, prioritizing health, and proving you don’t need a drink in hand to have a good time. If this trend continues, the 2020s might be remembered as the decade America’s love affair with alcohol began to cool—by choice.

Gloria Gaynor And Marijuana

She made a song an anthem – but what about Gloria and cannabis?

She is timeless disco icon best known for the anthem “I Will Survive,” has openly revealed she needed help in managing the relentless pressure of touring—not as a dependency, but as a tool for stress relief. Gloria Gaynor and marijuana is an example of how the green plant can help those in need. Gaynor described using “marijuana to offset the stress of a hard-hustling touring schedule,” noting it was her go-to choice during moments of overwhelm—“Champagne was my drink. My drug of choice at the time was marijuana”

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Importantly, Gloria insists she never battled a drug addiction. Her usage appears controlled and contextual—something to help her stay grounded amid touring rather than fueling any substance dependency narrative.

Cannabis is increasingly recognized—especially in journalistic and wellness circles—for its potential to ease anxiety. Many experience benefits such as lowered stress, improved mood, and enhanced relaxation. These anecdotal and studied outcomes align with what Gaynor experienced: a way to soothe nerves and maintain mental equilibrium during grueling work periods.

Gloria Gaynor And Marijuana

He most well know hit “I Will Survive” was released in late 1978, it was quietly placed on the B-side of the single “Substitute.” But the song had a backstory making it anything but ordinary. Gaynor had recently undergone spinal surgery, a moment leaving her uncertain about her career. The lyrics, written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, resonated deeply with her own journey of recovery and resilience.

“It spoke to everything I was going through — physically, emotionally, spiritually,” Gaynor recalled. “I knew this song could give people hope.”

Rather than letting it languish in obscurity, she personally handed the track to DJs at New York’s Studio 54. The club’s pulsating lights and late-night crowd became the launchpad for its success. Within months, the single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually winning the only Grammy ever awarded for Best Disco Recording.

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With its driving beat and defiant lyrics, “I Will Survive” became more than just a dance floor hit — it was a lifeline for listeners facing breakups, illness, discrimination, or personal loss. Rolling Stone would later rank it among the greatest songs of all time.

Beyond “I Will Survive,” Gaynor’s catalog includes the exuberant “I Am What I Am” (1983), which found special resonance in the gay community, and disco hits like “How High the Moon” and “Casanova Brown.” Each reflects her unmistakable voice and her ability to connect with listeners through themes of authenticity and self-belief.

Today, Gaynor’s story is one of longevity, not cringe. She continues to perform, inspire, and advocate for resilience in all forms — whether through music, faith, or a little help from a plant which, for her, was simply another way to survive.

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