Saturday, May 9, 2026
Home Blog Page 1063

Want To Get Fit In 2018? Cannabis Can Help

Terry Hacienda
-
0
Want To Get Fit In 2018? Cannabis Can Help

Say farewell to 2017 and hello to 2018. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to improve your fitness level, hit the running trail or the gym. And don’t forget cannabis — it will help you stay active and lose a few pounds.

According to researchers at Oregon Health and Science University, people who use marijuana more than five times per month have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who do not marijuana.

The researchers concluded:

“Heavy users of cannabis had a lower mean BMI compared to that of never users, with a mean BMI being 26.7 kg/m in heavy users and 28.4 kg/m in never users.”

The study also suggested that people who consume marijuana on a regular basis are more physically active than those that use it sporadically or not at all.

This is not the first time scientific studies have reached this conclusion:

  • A study published last year in the Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics suggests that regular consumers of cannabis have a lower BMI than those who do not use the drug.
  • A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that cannabis consumers have 16 percent lower levels of fasting insulin and 17 percent lower insulin resistance levels than non-users. The research found “significant associations between marijuana use and smaller waist circumferences.”
  • And data published in British Medical Journal in 2012 reported that cannabis consumers had a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes and a lower risk of contracting the disease than did those with no history of cannabis consumption.
  • A study published last year in the Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics suggests that regular consumers of cannabis have a lower BMI than those who do not use the drug.
  • A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that cannabis consumers have 16 percent lower levels of fasting insulin and 17 percent lower insulin resistance levels than non-users. The research found “significant associations between marijuana use and smaller waist circumferences.”
  • And data published in British Medical Journal in 2012 reported that cannabis consumers had a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes and a lower risk of contracting the disease than did those with no history of cannabis consumption.

In the 2016 study, lead author Isabelle C. Beulaygue from the University of Miami concluded:

“There is a popular belief that people who consume marijuana have the munchies, and so [they] are going to eat a lot and gain weight, and we found that it is not necessarily the case.”

Researchers have not identified the reason behind the findings. But some suggest that those who consume cannabis regularly may be able to more easily break down blood sugar, which may help prevent weight gain.

Happy New Year!

The One Thing You Need To Know About Marijuana And Fibromyalgia

Richard Faulk
-
0
The One Thing You Need To Know About Marijuana And Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious chronic pain syndrome that affects anywhere from 3 to 6 million Americans. It’s characterized by widespread muscle pain, by tenderness in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips, and by fatigue. In fact, it is often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, but victims of fibromyalgia have the advantage: Since their syndrome has a Greek name, it sounds more legit.

As is the case with many poorly understood medical conditions with few medical options, fibromyalgia patients have been willing to embrace medical cannabis (one study puts that number at 13 percent), and doctors are not averse to recommending it—despite a scarcity of clinical trials. This is known as the “Meh, what the hell?” school of medical thought.

While cannabis has been shown to be effective at treating chronic nerve pain (which makes sense, because one of the places cannabis receptors are most abundant is in our nerves), the (non-anecdotal) evidence for quelling the musculoskeletal pain caused by fibromyalgia is thinner, and it comes entirely from patients’ self-reporting. That doesn’t mean the evidence is false, just that we should be on guard for possible bias, whether conscious or not.

In a controlled, double-blind trial that appeared in The Journal of Pain in 2007, fibromyalgia patients who took synthetic THC reported “significant” improvement in pain and anxiety. A similar study from 2010 found that THC improved sleep, but it did not find any effect on mood. Finally, a 2011 study looked at cannabis users in the wild—asking smokers and eaters of marijuana to report their success treating their fibromyalgia. Researchers found a statistically significant reduction of pain and stiffness, plus increased feelings of relaxation, drowsiness, and well being.

The upshot? If you’re an adult looking for fibromyalgia relief, cannabis is certainly an option. The effects are temporary, and we don’t know exactly why it works in this case, but the side effects are mild. And beside, it can be a little fun in its own right.

Florida Stands To Lose Millions Opposing Smokable Marijuana

Brendan Bures
-
0
Florida Stands To Lose Millions Opposing Smokable Marijuana

When Florida’s medical cannabis legislation went into effect, it granted patients the ability to consume cannabis for medical use—they just couldn’t smoke it. Much of Florida’s medical marijuana roll out has been obtuse and misguided, but this point is perhaps the most contentious.

It was seen as willful opposition to the 71 percent of Florida residents who voted to legalize medical marijuana in the state. It also caused noted cannabis activist and influential Orlando attorney John Morgan to file a lawsuit against the state until they revise the law to allow “medical use” to include smokable marijuana.

By redefining the constitutionally defined term ‘medical use’ to exclude smoking, the Legislature substitutes its medical judgment for that of ‘a licensed Florida physician’ and is in direct conflict with the specifically articulated Constitutional process,” Morgan’s lawsuit charges.

Now state representative Carlos Guillermo Smith believes Florida could lose millions in taxpayer money fighting the lawsuit. Part of the reason Florida fears smokable marijuana, Smith alleges, is because the state fears it cannot properly regulate the sale of whole flower medical marijuana.

“Litigation will cost the state [and taxpayers] millions of dollars,” says Smith, who also sponsored a marijuana decriminalization bill last session.

Florida’s next legislative session will commence in about two weeks, where the state will decide if it wants to amend the law or follow Morgan all the way to court.

This Product Just Won Top Cannabis Innovation of 2017

MJ News Network
-
0
This Product Just Won Top Cannabis Innovation of 2017

The world’s only cannabis live resin, terpene-infused Aerosol Inhaler, the AeroInhaler, was recognized as 2017′s “Invention of the Year” at Colorado’s annual Cannabis Business Awards. Released in September by Colorado’s Revered Inc., the AeroInhaler‘s sublingual delivery system has quickly revolutionized Colorado’s cannabis industry.

The AeroInhaler uses THC distillate and cannabis-derived terpenes to develop flavors like Grape Ape, Super Silver Flo, Sour Diesel, Kirkwood OG, Tangerine Haze and more. Designed to provide metered doses to consumers, the AeroInhaler can be found on sale in partner recreational Colorado dispensaries.

“The AeroInhaler is the future of cannabis,” said Revered Inc. CEO Edward Naylon. “The device’s discrete, measured dose is a revolutionary way to consume marijuana extract. We can’t wait to share with the world what’s in store for 2018 as we plan to expand to other markets.”

Containing a total of 1,000mg of total ingredients (THC & Terpenes) per canister, a consumer receives anywhere between 6 and 7.5mg of cannabis distillate per puff depending upon the potency of the distillate production batch. With a pharmaceutical grade valve that ensures 10mg of total ingredients are dispensed on every puff, consumers gain a dependable and reliable experience every time.

The AeroInhaler delivers the same exact dose with each puff, so you are totally in control of your high. Take the guesswork out of enjoying cannabis. Distillate delivers pure THC without the buzzy head high of a sativa or the lagging low of an indica. The  AeroInhaler provides you with a predictable, measured, and metered dose every time you puff.

By inhaling pure THC distillate with added live resin terpenes you eliminate unpredictability without sacrificing taste. Enjoy a remarkably reliable high with every bit as much flavor as a live resin. The AeroInhaler has absolutely no odor profile whatsoever when used, so enjoying cannabis has never been so discreet.

Rand Paul Is Upset Because Orrin Hatch Makes Better Weed Jokes

Brendan Bures
-
0
Rand Paul Is Upset Because Orrin Hatch Makes Better Weed Jokes

A Festivus is for the rest of us. If you’re a “Seinfeld” fan, you know the satirical holiday created by the show, which includes a Festivus dinner, the undecorated Festivus pole, and an “airing of grievances,” among other things.

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul celebrated Festivus this year, as he’s done in years past, and displayed his holiday spirit by sharing his “Airing of Grievances” on Twitter. He used the holiday tradition to take stray shots at Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and Harry Reid, as it was recently revealed that he personally urged the Pentagon to investigate UFOs.

But his best mention revolved around cannabis and Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who this month condemned the “regulatory acrobatics” involved with cannabis research. What grievance was Paul airing that included Hatch and marijuana?

Simple. He’s upset that Hatch makes better pot jokes than him.

If you were curious about just what kind of cannabis jokes Hatch is prone to making, look no further than last week. Coming across a New York Times story about an elderly couple caught with more than 60 pounds of marijuana that were to be Christmas presents, Hatch couldn’t resist some self-deprecation.

Hope everyone else had a happy Festivus.

Twitter Is Freaking Out Over This Coffee Pouring Puzzle

Maria Loreto
-
0
Twitter Is Freaking Out Over This Coffee Pouring Puzzle

A Twitter user posted this intricate coffee puzzle that people have been mulling over. In it, coffee is poured into a network of pipes that have several numbered cups at the bottom.

People were debating over which cup would receive the coffee first, seeing how every cup has different pipe designs and some look further or closer away. 

Some were dumb.

Yet they persisted.

But in the end the answer was in front of us all along.

A closer look at the design shows that only one cup could be able to receive the coffee, no matter how close or far it was to the pipe. As it turns out, only cup #5 could receive coffee, considering that the rest of the pipes were sealed off. See? All those mental acrobatics were unnecessary. The answer was right there all along.

The 4 Richest UK Celebrities Under 30 In 2017

Brendan Bures
-
0
The 4 Richest UK Celebrities Under 30 In 2017

Hello from the other side, where British celebrities are not only rich and famous, but also young. Every year, the Sunday Times culls together a list of the richest families and individuals in the United Kingdom.

The top of the list is filled with very important people that you probably have never heard of. So instead we’re limiting the results to only include celebrities under 30. This is a more fun list full of kids you’ve definitely heard of.

Without further ado, the five richest UK celebrities:

1. Adele (£132m)

All of her albums have been global-charting, smash records. At a time when every celebrity focuses themselves into niche markets, Adele soars with universality. Everyone knows her and almost no one has a bad thing to say about her. Her talent is just as recognized by bougie, juice-cleansing soccer moms as it is misanthropic hipster bloggers.

During her 121-date Adele Live tour, the singer was pulling in more than £500K a night. According to The Sun, she “owns a plush, new £4 million mansion in Sussex, a £5.4 million LA Mansion, a £5.65 million London mews house and a £5 million seaside home in Hove.”

How’s that for investments?

2. Daniel Radcliffe (£78m)

Here’s the wizardry way to make money, kids—literally become Harry Potter. The British actor was well-loved for playing The Boy Who Lived in the Harry Potter film adaptations, and he was well-reward, too.

Back in 2000, Daniel Radcliffe’s parents were savvy enough to establish a company they could invest his cash in. That’s why Radcliffe continues to rake in money from his wizarding days. Not to mention all the royalties he makes from future media licensing deals and the like.

The other way to make a lot of money? Play Hermione Granger. While Emma Watson isn’t as wealthy as Radcliffe, her star has shone brighter in their post-Harry Potter days.

Whereas Radcliffe has leaned into offbeat artistic roles like Swiss Army Man and playing Rosencrantz in a revival of Tom Stoppard’s classic Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Watson continues to play massive, star-defining roles. She was most recently Belle in Disney’s live adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, and she starred in Darren Aronofsky’s Noah, which grossed $362 million at the box office.

In other words, the witch isn’t doing so bad herself.

3. Harry Styles (£56m)

It was only so long before we’d see a member of One Direction on this list. The group’s leader and popular star hasn’t missed a stride since One Direction broke up a few years back—don’t worry about the rest of the group, they round out the top 10 of richest UK celebrities under 30.

But Styles is boosted thanks to his trending solo career unleashed on his self-titled debut. Don’t forget his nascent acting career, as seen in the summer’s biggest blockbuster Dunkirk.

4. Ed Sheeran (£52m)

The singer-songwriter is known for his shabby, everyman style, but his persona doesn’t match his bank account. Like Adele, Ed Sheeran dominates the pop charts while maintaining a critical appreciation for his tunes.

His recent ÷ album has earned old Ed around £47K a day while he was earning about £700K a gig for his 18-month world tour. Not bad, huh?

How To Consume Cannabis Edibles With Confidence

Becky Garrison
-
0
How To Consume Cannabis Edibles With Confidence

Following is a conversation with Leah D’Ambrosio, co-founder of BakedSmart and Sconed Edibles, about her efforts to legitimize the edible industry and promote responsible use.

What was the impetus for creating Cannacals?  

Michael Treadway and I started a small edible company, Sconed, in 2015 and from it’s inception we knew there was no way we wanted to have our edibles out and not have them marked. We looked for different solutions but found there really wasn’t anyone creating a way to mark edibles that was affordable and easy to use.

Seeing a need for a way to mark our edibles, we met with a manufacturer who has bene making bakery decorations for 60 years. They created edible images with a green cross design for us to use on our toffee and agree to partner with us to provide other edible companies a way to mark their edibles. About the same time our green cross designs were coming out, Colorado’s law that all edibles be marked with a diamond and THC! went into effect. So, we started supplying edible companies selling edibles in Colorado with our Cannacals in this design.

It was pretty shocking to us that the issue of having cannabis infused foods sold that look exactly like regular food was not being addressed. There are all sorts of rules and regulations about packaging but my biggest question was happens when they are outside of the package? How would anyone ever know a brownie is infused unless it’s marked right on the brownie? This was a serious issue to us and we wanted to do something to help prevent accidental consumption.

Photo courtesy of Baked Smart

What are the different products that you offer for sale?

We have commercial products for edible companies to use on baked goods, candies, chocolates, and gummies. Commercial products include12”x17″ flood sheet designs, targets which are simply cut out images that can be used in molds or on cookie sheets and transfers for chocolates, gummies, caramels, and hard candies. We also have home kits of our target and transfers for consumers to use at home when making edibles.

Photo courtesy of Baked Smart

Explain how one can use Cannacals.

Cannacals are super easy to use. For both DIY and commercial chocolatiers, our transfer sheets can be used in molds or they can easily be laid on top of the chocolate in the mold and once the chocolate dries, they can peel off the acetate backing. For the targets and sheets, you can easily place them in the pan or on the cookie sheet and pour the batter on and bake. For DIY chefs, you can use our products just like the commercial edible companies OR you can even use them on edibles you purchase at the dispensary. For instance, if you purchased some cookies at the dispensary and want to make sure that even out of the package your roommate, parents, spouse, children, know that cookie is infused, you can apply our target to the cookie using just a tiny drop of water. Our products are moisture activated so once the target is applied to the cookie with water, it will adhere. Let it dry for a couple of seconds and then you have a cookie that is marked with a green cross Cannacal. Cannacals are made with sugar, cornstarch and edible food dye and are completely safe. They do not change the taste or the texture of the food product they are applied to.

What is the Green Cross Initiative?

A green cross is a universal symbol for medicine Children as young as 3 can associate meaning to a symbol and whenever people see products with the green cross on it, they intuitively know it is the sign for THC! Right now, the green cross initiative is small but we hope with funding, we can continue our efforts to educate state governments and the public on the need to support the green cross as a universal symbol on all cannabis infused foods. You don’t want to go to one state and see the letters THC and then go to a different state and see a pot leaf. States and consumers need to come together and agree on a truly universal symbol. We hope the Green Cross Initiative helps with that or at the very least gives them reasons why the green cross makes sense.

Photo courtesy of Baked Smart

With legalization comes great responsibility. As an industry, the only way to help remove the stigma we currently bear is to show that we care about consumers and the public. That we care about accidental consumption. One of the ways of doing this is by marking all of our edibles so that it is obvious when a food product is infused.

Gunpowder Green Tea Syrup: The Condiment You Didn’t Know You Needed

Danielle Guercio
-
0
Gunpowder Green Tea Syrup: The Condiment You Didn’t Know You Needed

Loose leaf tea is the most common method of preparation around the world, unlike in the western countries where tea bags are the primary choice. It seems like we will do anything to avoid having to wash a dish out here. In that spirit, pre-batching a flavored syrup for your enjoyment is a time saver and turns a tea break into a luxury.

Green tea is one of the most consumed beverages the world over. Born in China and propagated around the world by the British and Dutch empires, camellia sinensis is a plant that changed the very fabric of society. Green tea in particular is loaded with health benefits, and in addition to its caffeinated boost, it helps the body fight off free radicals. When combined with cannabis, green tea can wake you up and medicate in a single swoop, great for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Using green tea syrup in beverages and foods is not new either, but having it on hand at home can shake up your normal tea ritual. Making syrup is not very difficult, and crafting soda, cocktails, and desserts with this level of flavor tastes like ten times the effort.

Photo by Danielle Guercio

Gunpowder Green Tea Syrup

  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Tea
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 oz Glycerin Tincture*

Place tea in a glass jar or measuring cup.

Photo by Danielle Guercio

In a small saucepan, heat up sugar and water until it just comes to a boil.

Photo by Danielle Guercio

Turn off heat and allow to cool for a minute or so, then pour over tea.

Photo by Danielle Guercio

Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain into sterilized container.

Photo by Danielle Guercio

Mix in tincture while syrup is warm. Store in fridge Up to 4 weeks. Serve 1oz at a time and top with seltzer for a refreshing soda, drizzle over ice cream,  or use as sweetener in a cocktail recipe.

Tincture is top right / Photo by Danielle Guercio

*Tincture Recipe

In an oven safe container double sealed with foil, decarboxylate 3.5 grams finely ground cannabis at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Put cannabis in a mason jar or vacuum sealed bag, pour over 2 oz vegetable Glycerin and seal tightly. Place in a water bath at just under boiling for 1 hour. Strain and keep contents in a sterilized container. Stores indefinitely in freezer.

The rich flavor of the tea is extra concentrated and extra sweet, which is the way that this brand in particular is prepared. The brand ‘Temple of Heaven’ is available at many types of Asian markets and Amazon without fail. It is delicious and strong, perfect for a cool afternoon.

Preparing a giant pitcher of sweet iced tea is a snap with this syrup recipe, just be sure to label it so no one accidentally drinks this ‘herbal’ tea unsuspectingly.

Photos: Danielle Guercio [Instagram @danizig]

Single Mother Captures Perfect Royal Family Portrait

Brendan Bures
-
0
Single Mother Captures Perfect Royal Family Portrait

As the grouping of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle strolled to meet the rest of the Royal Family for their annual Christmas Day service, many seasoned photographers were eager to snap the money shot of the foursome.

With Markle appearing every bit the future Royal, it was a single mother from the UK who scooped 20 of the best photographers across the country. Her name is Karen Murdoch and now she’s receiving more attention that she’s ever imagined. After capturing the image with just her iPhone, and posting it on Twitter, it blew up.

The photo has been “liked” nearly 40,000 times and retweeted almost 5,000.

The attention caused major media outlets to reach out and request to use the photo. It was used by four major UK newspaper outlets as their front-page image.

Murdoch said she’s been overwhelmed by the “bizarre and bonkers” response.

Murdoch told the BBC her secret to attracting the Royals’ attention.

“I’m just very bubbly by nature and I was with my daughter and I got a bit excitable, I suppose, she said. “I was just sort of shouting and I just went ‘Merry Christmas!’ like an idiot. I was fan-girling.

“That’s all I said and got them to look.”

Murdoch aims to use the royalties and rights of the image to pay for her daughter’s university tuition. She’s been flooded with offers to copyright the image and many believe the image is now part of the Royal Family’s history.

1...1,0621,0631,064...1,472Page 1,063 of 1,472

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

The Fresh Toast is an award-winning lifestyle & health platform with a side of cannabis. We work hard each day to bring uplifting and informative information about culture, weed, celebrity, tech and medical marijuana.

© Copyright @2020