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Great Fall Whiskeys

Autumn is around the corner, even if the weather in a lot of the country still feels like midsummer. That means it’s time to reevaluate the whiskey cabinet, pick out some new featured whiskeys, and get started enjoying the coziest time of the year.  Here are some great fall whiskeys to enjoy with shorter night and longer happy hours.

brown wooden round table near black metal shelf

Stagg Jr.

Don’t have the cash or chutzpah to dive into the collectible bourbon fray this fall? Don’t fret. Let the tickers elbow one another for the chance to spend $850 on a bottle of George T. Stagg and snuggle in with a bottle of lil’ old Stagg Jr. It’s a little younger (and a lot easier to find) than its more grown-up sibling, but Stagg Jr. still offers that irresistible combination of big spice and high proof. Great for cutting the chill.

GlenDronach 18

Longer evenings and cooler temperatures call out for sherry. The GlenDronach Distillery in the Speyside region produces one of Scotland’s great sherried malts, and its 18-year-old “Allardice” expression is just right for autumn. Polished, nutty, and dense as a fruitcake (in the best way possible), this is a classically delicious whisky. While in Scotland earlier this year, I heard rumors from a couple of bartenders that the 18-year-old might be discontinued, so get it while you can.

RELATED: 4 Great Whiskeys For A Dinner Party

Bruichladdich Islay Barley

Fall is all about harvest and bounty, and Bruichladdich Islay Barley is the whisky equivalent of amber waves of grain. Made entirely from Islay-grown barley, this unpeated single malt is rich with cereal intensity, with a creamy mouth feel and delicate finish. If you think Scotch whisky isn’t for you, Islay Barley might change your mind.

clear drinking glass on black table

Parker’s Heritage

Fall ‘tis the season for collectible high-end bourbon releases, and the Parker’s Heritage collection from Heaven Hill is always among the best. This year, it’s an 11-year-old bourbon with big, bass-heavy spice notes and plenty of dark caramel. Even sweeter, Heaven Hill is donating $10 from each bottle sold to the ALS foundation in honor of late Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, who passed away earlier this year.

Weird Whiskeys to Challenge Ideas About Whiskey

Santa Fe Spirits Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey

Made in New Mexico, this American malt whiskey is made from 100% malted barley, 30% of which is smoked over mesquite. It’s smoky and nutty, with a nice richness and a pronounced mineral component to keep things interesting. Line this up with a couple of classic Islay malts in a blind tasting for a bit of fun.

Having these in your liquor cabinet will make autumn a delight!

Tip For Putting Dating In A Different Light

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Let’s be honest. The whole dating process sucks. Unless you’re a very social person, the thought of sitting down to have an awkward meal or drink with a stranger isn’t the most pleasant one. Even if you enjoy getting to know people, after the fifth unsuccessful first date you might be feeling a little frustrated. Here are some tips for putting dating in a different light.

No matter how many dating books you read and dating apps you download, the process never gets any easier; dating is draining and after a while it can also make you feel insecure, like there’s something wrong with you. Getting to know people is tough and developing intimacy takes some time. There are no shortcuts.

If you hate dating, you’re not alone. The important thing is to keep trying, hold on, and try to get as much from the process as you possibly can. We looked through different dating sites and found a lot of expert tips on the subject. Here are five of them.

Fake it ’til you make it

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RELATED: 5 Reasons You Might Be Dreaming About An Ex

If you’re constantly thinking that you hate dating, then your brain is going to find a million different thoughts that support this. It’s called the law of attraction. Thoughts become your reality, so trick your brain into thinking that you’re excited over the prospect of the date and meeting new people. It may seem like a tough thing to do at first, but later on you might find that you’re actually enjoying yourself.

Have some patience

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Take the necessary time to find someone you truly like and don’t force yourself to date anyone just because you can’t find anyone else. This process may take some time or it may end after a month of actively going on dates. Have an open mind and be willing to open up to people who may have different interests than you.

Date in spurts

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If the dating process is too exhausting for you and it takes a toll on different areas of your life, take a break of a month or two and then go back to it. Date in spurts, using the time off to work on yourself, read books, watch some TV shows, and hang out with friends. Try again once you’re feeling excited over the prospect.

Find a new hobby

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RELATED: Looking For Love In 2019? Try These 4 New Year’s Resolutions

It might seem crazy to fit in dating and a new hobby into your life, but it can also help you find pleasure in your day-to-day routine and make things less stressful for you. “Finding some relaxation and inner peace can help you feel better when you do go out there,” says matchmaker Stef Safran.

Don’t equate dating with sex

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If the thought of hooking up after dates stresses you out, consider each of these outings as an opportunity to meet new and interesting people. Try to remove the pressure of sex and just try to have fun hanging out with someone new.

This Activity Helps Those With Depression And Anxiety

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A new study shows that exercise is extremely helpful for people coping with a mental health condition, affecting them more than people who don’t share these struggles.

One of the activities that people first recommend when discussing conditions like depression and anxiety is exercise. The suggestion is so pervasive that it’s almost a cliche by now. Still, evidence shows that exercise is incredibly helpful for your mental health, decreasing muscle tension, promoting the production of serotonin, and more.

A British study suggests that people with depression and anxiety are twice as likely to reap the benefits of exercise when compared to people who don’t suffer from these conditions.

RELATED: TikTok Is Filled With Mental Health Advice — Here’s Why You Should Be Wary

exercise
Photo by Alexander Redl via Unsplash

The data was obtained by tracking the exercise patterns of over 50,000 people in their late fifties. About a third of them were affected by health conditions like depression and anxiety. While everyone experienced benefits from moderate amounts of exercise, people who had a mental health condition experienced 22 percent less risk of having a heart attack or a blocked coronary artery. For reference purposes, the majority of candidates only experienced a 17 percent decrease in their odds of suffering from a cardiac condition.

“The effect of physical activity on the brain’s stress response may be particularly relevant in those with stress-related psychiatric conditions. This is not to suggest that exercise is only effective in those with depression or anxiety, but we found that these patients seem to derive a greater cardiovascular benefit from physical activity,” said the lead researcher of the study, Hadil Zureigat.

Anxiety and other forms of stress can result in inflammation, a condition that creates risks for people’s circulatory systems. The effect of exercise targets different risk factors for people with an existing mental health condition, reducing the cortisol in their bodies and increasing cardiovascular health, all the while producing serotonin and boosting their moods.

RELATED: Immediate Mental Health Relief From Marijuana

Introducing a workout routine into your life when you don’t have one isn’t easy, but it’s often suggested to start off slow, taking your time to find an activity you find enjoyable. Just one exercise session can make you feel better, but the more you commit to it, the easier it gets to create a habit. Try working out with friends, outdoors, signing up to sports or classes whatever keeps you accountable, and returning to your activity.

Sleeping In On Weekends May Offer No Benefits

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Most of us sleep in on weekends, taking advantage of time off to recuperate, especially if we’ve had a draining week. A new study claims that no matter how much we nap and sleep in on weekends there’s no way of eliminating the negative side effects that come with an irregular sleep schedule.

The research, published on Current Biology, analyzed patients who only slept five hours throughout the week. Although these patients were free to nap and sleep in on weekends, they still gained an average of three pounds after two weeks of following the regimen, with their metabolisms experiencing disruptions that increased their odds of developing diabetes.

RELATED: 5 Simple Ways To Get A Better Night’s Sleep

“These health effects are long-term. It’s kind of like smoking once was—people would smoke and wouldn’t see an immediate effect on their health, but people will say now that smoking is not a healthy lifestyle choice. I think sleep is in the early phase of where smoking used to be,” says Kenneth Wright, director of the sleep and chronobiology laboratory at the University of Colorado.

Experts on sleep habits believe it necessary for people to change their perspectives regarding sleep, and that they should try their hardest to maintain it’s balance and equilibrium. At the end of the day, it’s not about how much sleep you clock in at the end of the week, it’s about maintaining a healthy and sustainable sleep schedule.

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Sleep deprivation is a serious matter, contributing to health issues like weight gain, risk of diabetes, heart disease, stress and more. The participants analyzed were all healthy, with no medical problems of any sort, yet they still experienced health damages. Although the long term side effects of sleep deprivation are still unknown, studies like this one prove that the conversation surrounding sleep should evolve, and that people should take sleep as seriously as getting enough exercise and maintaining a balanced diet.

Is Weekday Weed And Weekend Beer Trend

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Cannabis appears to have replaced the post-work drink for a significant portion of those living in legal marijuana jurisdictions.

Canadians like to drink. A 2017 World Health Organization report found that Canadians 15 years or older drank 10 liters of pure alcohol per capita in 2016, which is 3.6 liters more than the world average. The United States wasn’t far behind, consuming 9.3 liters per capita, and Lithuania far outpaced the competition, with a stunning 18.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita.

Pure alcohol is rather vague, so let’s get more specific. According to Beer Canada statistics, the average Canadian of legal drinking age consumed 210 cans of beer in 2018. That’s a lot of beer, especially when you consider 20% of the country abstains from alcohol consumption. However, the figure represented a 1.2% decrease from 2017, Beer Canada said, and national beer sales declined by 0.3% as well.

RELATED: Cannabis Products Will Surpass Craft Beer Sales In California

Those are small numbers, but they underline an important trend highlighted in a new Cowen and Co. industry report that could eventually make its way to the U.S.. In Canada’s first year of legal adult-use cannabis, domestic beer sales experienced their worst decline in six years. Domestic beer volume fell 3.9%, which is worse than the national beer volume fall at 3.0%.

Every Alcoholic Drink Shortens Your Life By 15 Minutes
Photo by Tim Bennett via Unsplash

This indicates a new lifestyle trend emerging in both Canada and legal cannabis states in America — weed on the weekday, beer and booze on the weekend. As Cowen analysts call it, consumers are also chasing a better “buzz for your buck.” Cheap beer used to serve as an easy way to wind down after a long day at work. Have a couple brews, don’t get that drunk, and relax.

RELATED: The Surprising Way Legal Marijuana Affects The Alcohol And Tobacco Industries

Cannabis appears to have replaced that lifestyle function for a significant portion of those living in legal marijuana jurisdictions. Cowen analysts emphasized that serious downturns in beer consumption and sales will only continue in Canada, as many provinces roll out more marijuana products such as vaporizers, edibles, and tinctures in the coming year.

Proof of these trends exist in legal marijuana states in America, too. A 2019 report from the Distilled Spirits Council reported that per capita beer sales declined between 2.3 to 3.6% in legal marijuana states Colorado, Washington, and Oregon following adult-use cannabis legalization. While federal marijuana legalization remains at least several years away, we should likely expect similar trends to continue in the United States when that occurs.

Legal Marijuana Handed A Nothing Burger From NY State

Following the chaos of the recreational weed rollout, the government is trying to figure out next steps. But it seems legal marijuana has been handed a nothing burger from NY state with their last rollout for potential cannabis retailers.. With an estimated $3.5 billion in sales at stake along with tax revenue for the state’s every growing budget, the fumble is costly for a significant number of players.  And it has been a huge loss for the marijuana industry as a whole.

What was quickly seen as an opportunity was pounced on in the city with the most billionaires globally along with endless big and small entrepreneurs, and hustlers. Seeing a huge amount of cash on the table, players acted in a quickly in a way bureaucrats will never understand.

Vape Sales Showing Signs Of Recovery From Crisis
Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Embracing a Wild West approach, officials decriminalizated and fumbled licensed legalization of sales.  Despite promises and initial outlines where existing medical marijuana dispensaries could switch to recreational and a fair, for government quick liscnese process, the state tossed it all in one stroke. In a vision of equity, officials decided to reserve the first retail licenses for felons and other “justice-involved” individuals.  Lawsuits started, the desired licensees struggled to raise capital and over 1,600 unlicensed retail stores opened in NYC. For the small time players, they have set sidewalk card tables parks, selling roll-ups and handmade marijuana edibles, in full view of the police.

The updated systems was rolled out, but has left people confused, dispirited, and disappointed. The Office of Cannabis Management rolled out the previous Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD) program with high hopes.  Now, regulators voted to allow the state’s medical marijuana operators to apply for adult-use retail licenses.  Multistate operators who have patiently acquired a majority of the state’s 10 registered organization.

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“It was more like an orgy of minimalism. While they are getting ready to open the application window on October 4th (notably, originally it wasn’t intended to be a 60-day window, but rolling applications) for most license types (sans on-site consumption and delivery), they refused to address the CAURD program.  Other than to suggest that it remains “a priority”, they have offered only some subtle hints in the guidance to the regulations. These include establishing a priority for retail applications which include secured real estate, which will be given priority after the initial 30-days of the 60-day application window have passed (although they do not define what that means).  And noting that existing licensees may apply for an additional license so long as they comply with the rules of a two-tier system.  The positive news is that these statements can be interpreted as an invitation to current CAURD licensees, many of whom will also meet other Social and Economic Equity (SEE) criteria entitling them to an additional priority.” shares Andrew Cooper, partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, one of the top cannabis law firms.

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Photo by 955169 via Pixabay

Unfortunately, there are multiple losers in the state’s unique approach.  One is consumer and medical marijuana patients, including veterans.  The unlicensed dispensaries are making a mint and overcharging customers due to high demand. Small investors and companies, including those who could be a player in the CAURD, will not have the financial to compete with multi-state and large players. And taxpayers will lose out for years to come as revue it lost to unlicensed dispensaries.

The good news, consumers will continue to find products easily over the next few years.  There is even a thriving unlicensed dispensary a few blocks from City Hall.

RELATED: Can Cannabis Help Seasonal Depression

While New York is awash with billionaires, fashion, food and smarts, common sense seems to be lack for making a good government plan.

Does Marijuana Increase Desire

Studies show cannabis increases the senses…but does it increase desire?

Does marijuana increase desire? Cannabis has been identified to have sexually stimulating effects and can intensify sexual experiences Some believe the herb puts them deeper in the moment and allows the overall sexual experience to become more enjoyable, while others are of the opinion that this perceived enhancement is nothing more than a stoned illusion.

A CNN piece on the subject from licensed couples therapist Ian Kerner indicates that it’s more likely it plays a positive roll in the bedroom. Scientific minds are still unsure how marijuana might boost libido, some sex professionals believe the answer is as simple as marijuana giving a person the ability to calm down and get out of their heads.

“People who use marijuana may have more sex because they put less pressure on themselves when they are high, so they don’t have the same performance anxiety as those who are sober,” Amanda Pasciucco, a Connecticut sex therapist, told the news source. “A small amount of marijuana may also help increase your ability to communicate your preferences to your partner.”

RELATED: How Marijuana Affects Men And Women Differently

Others believe there is a more biological reason behind weed’s ability to put people in the mood for love – and it begins with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Because these receptors control pleasure, pain, and relaxation, it makes sense that cannabis would open the door to increased sexual desire, says Peter Barsoom, founder of cannabis company 1906. “This effect can make sex feel even more enjoyable.”

Photo by John Schnobrich via Unsplash

“Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac in many cultures for centuries. In India, it was used as far back as the seventh century,” Barsoom explained. “Its use for sexual health was documented in Chinese texts, amongst Germanic tribes and by many African cultures.”

RELATED: The Fascinating Role Marijuana Plays In Sex

But this sexual enrichment does not come from getting completely wrecked on high-powered strains. In fact, most experts recommend that couples experiment with low doses of cannabis in order to get the most of the belly grinding experience. But these same professionals caution the use of cannabis edibles for first time users “because you can overshoot…and have an uncomfortable experience,” explains sexologist Nick Karras, author of The Passionate High: A Guide to Using Cannabis For Better Sex and Creativity.

intimacy is the glue of all important relationships and desire helps people bond in an even closer way.  Marijuana can be a tool to bringing more long term success into the mix.

Can Cannabis Help Seasonal Depression

Ultimately, seasonal affective disorder can set in as quickly and seamlessly as the fall foliage on the trees outside.  

The weather and foliage on the trees aren’t the only things that are changing around this time of year. As the sun starts to set earlier and earlier, peoples moods can be affected by the decrease in sunlight. This is often known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it can make the winter months miserable for lots of people. Can cannabis help seasonal depression?

Fortunately for those that do suffer from SAD, there are numerous remedies that can make this time of year more bearable. Exercise, vitamin supplements and even marijuana can have an enormous impact on fighting against the disorder. While there are resources for offsetting the disorder, getting a full understanding of the problem is paramount in being able to overcome it. 

5 Signs You Might Have Seasonal Depression
Photo by Dmitry Schemelev via Unsplash

Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

One of the most crucial steps in combating SAD is properly identifying its symptoms. Some of those symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Social withdrawal
  • Sleepiness and fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • And several others

Those who are suffering from any of these symptoms should refrain from self-diagnosis and seek professional assistance. That professional assistance could lead to more resources to fight the disorder such as an antidepressant prescription.

How Common is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

In recent years, more and more people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder have begun opening up about their struggles. An estimated 10 million Americans are said to be currently dealing from SAD. Additional research shows women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men. SAD also appears to be more prevalent among people with pre-existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.

RELATED: 5 Signs You Might Have Seasonal Depression

The number of people across the globe who suffer from seasonal depression is slightly lower than that of the United States. Only about 1-2% of the global population is said to suffer from seasonal depression while about 5% of the U.S population suffers from SAD. 

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Photo by Andrew Neel via Unsplash

How to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

There are a number of proven ways to offset some of the sadness that comes with the changing of the seasons. For example, cannabis contains cannabinoids that can have a positive impact on mood, while potentially increasing serotonin levels. When it comes to decreasing anxiety levels, that’s where CBD comes into play. By working with our body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD has been seen as instrumental in boosting dopamine levels.

RELATED: 5 Ways To Overcome The Winter Blues This Year

Aside from cannabis, there are a handful of other at-home methods that can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Spending more time with friends, family and loved ones can be highly effective in offsetting some SAD symptoms. The same can be said for making an effort to get lots of sunlight and getting regular exercise.

Ultimately, seasonal affective disorder can set in as quickly and seamlessly as the fall foliage on the trees outside. Knowing that you aren’t alone, and having the best practices for fighting it, can make the fall and winter months better than you could have ever imagined.

How To Get Rid Of Weed Odor In Your Home

Burnt popcorn, hot showers, vaporizers and more. Here are a few ways to eliminate the linger scent of weed in your home.

One of the most emblematic aspects about marijuana is its smell. Equally particular as it is enticing, marijuana’s scent is one of the world’s most recognizable smells. It’s also one of the hardest to get rid of.

In order to prevent your fabrics and your home from reeking of weed, there are a few things you can do, although it’s always better to prevent the smell over having to erase it once it settles in.

Here are 5 of the most useful bits of advice when it comes to making your home as marijuana-smell-proof as possible:

Use vaporizers

Vape Sales Showing Signs Of Recovery From Crisis
Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

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While there’s a lot of people who prefer to smoke joints and use bongs, vaporizers are effective if you want to consume something discreet and that produces little to no smell. These devices heat up marijuana instead of combusting it, creating no weedy smell (or at least a much subtler version of it) and saving your clothes a trip to the laundry.

Have a smoke buddy with you

Smoke buddies are a little clunky, but they’re a cheap and portable option that will help you get rid of lingering marijuana smoke. These devices allow you to blow smoke directly into them, leaving your surroundings odor-free. You can also make a sploof, which is cheaper and just as effective, only needing some dryer sheets and a cardboard toilet paper roll.

Have some Febreze and incense at your disposal

Febreze works in covering up the smell of weed, even if it leaves your home smelling of chemicals. If you prefer a more natural scent, you can try incense, which also produces a strong and distinct smell that will mask the odor of marijuana.

Smoke in the shower

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Photo by 955169 via Pixabay

RELATED: Here’s How Not To Smell Like Weed After Smoking

A common way to smoke marijuana on the low is to smoke in the bathroom while the shower is running. The water must be hot in order to create some steam, which will in turn mix up with the marijuana smoke and dissipate the smell.

Burnt popcorn masks the weed smell

While this measure is extreme, it is an effective way of masking the marijuana smell. Burnt popcorn smells very strong and will stay in your house for hours, maybe even days. However, when choosing this option, you’re basically trading in one smell for another. So hopefully you know how to get the burnt popcorn smell out of your home.

What Happens When You Combine Two Cannabis Strains

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Pairing two strains is not very common, but it’s something that attracts adventurous cannabis users. Here’s what you should know.

While you’ve probably smoked from a pipe or a bowl that had remnants from a different strain of weed, mixing two strains is not something people usually do, at least not as a first choice. Are you able to produce different highs when mixing two types of weed? Can you specially tailor a high by playing scientist? Some people believe you can. Some don’t.

Mixing strains together can boost cannabis’s much discussed entourage effect, that feeling when different elements of cannabis come together and produce a powerful high, much stronger than one you’d get when consuming a single cannabinoid by itself. The entourage effect is the reason why so many people claim that consuming one cannabinoid for relaxing or therapeutic effects is not as effective as consuming the entirety of the plant, terpenes and all.

If you’re after truly unique effects, mixing two strains together can do that, for better or worse. In any case, mixing two strains isn’t rocket science; while you could get a very strong high or something that puts you right to bed, nothing bad should happen, especially if the cannabis you purchased is good quality.

What you should do

What To Do If Your Marijuana Edibles Aren't Getting You How
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Stick to one product and use your common sense. If you’re smoking flower, choose two strains you like and pair them in equal parts. Don’t mix a vape with flower, or an edible with flower. Start off slow and reign in your creative monster. When prepping your bowl, care for your flower, placing it in glass containers and out of the sun, stored in a cool, dry place. This will preserve the plant’s terpenes and allow you to have fuller and better experience.

Which strains should you mix?

Should You Be Vaping Or Smoking Your Cannabis Flower?
Photo by Jeff W via Unsplash

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You should pair similar components, whether that’s flavors or effects. Ask around in your dispensary and you’re sure to come up with dozens of different pairings. When it comes to mixing weed, it’s a blank canvas. You can really do whatever you want.

What are you after?

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Ask yourself this question before you make your mix. Choose a strain you love and try to perfect it with something else. Are you after a couch-like indica effect that won’t knock you out instantly? Pair an indica with a hybrid that can help you kick up your high into something fun but still mellow.

Lastly, if you’re pairing two strong elements, be careful. When mixing two strains you’re opening yourself up to a completely new experience, one that’s more likely to result in something new but also a bad high, the type where you’re hyped up but also feel like sleeping for hours. Start off slow and ask questions in your dispensary. The point of it all is to have a good time and to try something new.

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