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Win-Win: Pull Some Weeds And Get Free Marijuana

Dispensaries give back to their local economies by boosting jobs and tourism, but this shop in Maine is taking a pledge to clean up the streets literally. Summit Medical Marijuana is offering a trade-off: One bag of litter collected from around town, in exchange for one free marijuana

Dennis Meehan, owner of Summit Medical Marijuana, told WCSH6 that he was inspired by a similar program at a dispensary in Colorado. According the news outlet, Meehan said: “Something that caregivers do all across Maine that very few people know about is that they make huge sacrifices every week to help others live a better quality of life.”

Meehan goes on to talk about the profound impact medical marijuana can have on those who need it. “There’s a whole world of science out there. If you started the research today, 10 years from now you’d still be doing the research…When you see this plant have an incredibly life changing impact on somebody that has given up on life, or somebody that has been given up on by modern medicine – and you can bring them back to life and give them a quality of life. It doesn’t just affect that patient, it affects every single person in the family.”

Gossip: Angelina Jolie Reveals Bell’s Palsy Diagnosis; Drake Gets Dragged By Stripper

Angelina Jolie has been through a series of trials and tribulations this past year, but she’s not letting anything slow her down.

The Oscar-winning actress opened up to Vanity Fair about daily life after her highly publicized divorce from Brad Pitt, how her six children are coping with the split and how she’s finally taking charge of her health.

Following the news that Jolie had filed for divorce from Pitt last fall, the 42-year-old actress and her kids spent nine months living in a rental home out of suitcases. Nowadays, after purchasing a historic Los Angeles mansion for $25 million, things are beginning to settle into place.

“It’s just been the hardest time, and we’re just kind of coming up for air. [This house] is a big jump forward for us, and we’re all trying to do our best to heal as our family.”

The A-lister won’t go into details about what led to her split with the actor, but cryptically explains that things were tense for a short while before she decided to ultimately pull the plug on their marriage.

Last summer, during post-production for Jolie’s film First They Killed My Father, she claimed that “things got bad.”

Moments later, she clarified to the magazine, “I don’t want to use that word…Things became ‘difficult.’”

And despite ongoing claims that Brangelina’s larger-than-life and perhaps hectic lifestyle is what tore the family apart, the United Nations Goodwill Ambassador vehemently disagrees.

“[Our lifestyle] was not in any way a negative. That was not the problem. That is and will remain one of the wonderful opportunities we are able to give our children…They’re six very strong-minded, thoughtful, worldly individuals. I’m very proud of them.”

Jolie specifically added that her children have been “very brave…in times they needed to be.”

“We’re all just healing from the events that led to the filing…They’re not healing from the divorce. They’re healing from some…from life, from things in life.”

But the end of her relationship with Pitt wasn’t the only major hurdle Jolie found herself facing last year.

The world-renown actress also developed hypertension and Bell’s palsy. She also noticed extra grey hairs and dry skin.

“I can’t tell if it’s menopause or if it’s just been the year I’ve had,” she shared. “Sometimes women in families put themselves last until it manifests itself in their own health.”

However, Jolie has taken her latest health obstacles with stride. “I actually feel like more of a woman because I’m being smart about my choices, and I’m putting my family first, and I’m in charge of my life and my health. I think that’s what makes a woman complete.”

She continued, “I’ve been trying for nine months to be really good at just being a homemaker and picking up dog poop and cleaning dishes and reading bedtime stories. And I’m getting better at all three.”

Still, Jolie said, she’s beginning to get an itch for travel and adventure in the near future.

During a playful conversation with son Knox days before the sit-down, she joked that things in their household will never fully be “normal.”

“He said, ‘Who wants to be normal? We’re not normal. Let’s never be normal.’ Thank you—yes! We’re not normal. Let’s embrace being not normal.”

Drake Gets Brutally Dragged by a Stripper: “Eat a D*ck!”

An exotic dancer named Maliah Michel is putting Drake on blast after the rapper seemingly insulted her profession.

When Drake had basketball jerseys made for her and several of Houston’s famous strippers — including Lira Galore and Miracle Watts — to pay homage and “retire” them from their line of work, Michel took to social media to drag him for the offensive move. Reacting to an article that called the stunt “good-intended,” she tweeted, “No f**king well intentions… eat a d*ck.”

Via Hip Hop My Way:

“Y’all don’t know that n***a been trying to make me stop dancing. Always putting me down about it… Always telling me I’m not better than anyone else in the club selling ass instead of dancing. But n***a can’t stay in the club… Ya’ll just don’t know. My only regret is ever trying to explain how much I love dancing. And thinking so highly of him that I let his opinion of me mold my opinion of myself. F**k that and f**k you if you got a problem… I remember pleading with him to understand. I said Beyoncé wears the same kind of stuff I wear… No matter how light I tried to make things. Just always mean and hurtful. But whatever I’m done,” she wrote.

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Marijuana Recall: This Time It’s Pesticides In Concentrates

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Photo by vitranc/Getty Images As growers and dispensaries work to meet the demand of legal weed, pesticide poisoning is making headlines again: This time, in concentrates distributed by a dispensary in Colorado.

Although there are no reports of illness at this point, La Bodega is recalling a certain batch of medical marijuana concentrates that could contain unsafe levels of pesticide residue.

Local news outlet KDVR reports:

During a Denver Department of Environmental Health (DEH) investigation, residual levels of Myclobutanil were found in samples of marijuana concentrate products. Myclobutanil is a pesticide that the Colorado Department of Agriculture has determined, cannot be used on marijuana in Colorado.

This follows a May recall of “Blue Magoo” sold in Oregon for pesticide levels. Toxic additives in concentrates and medical marijuana are especially dangerous for patients with compromised immune systems.

Asking your budtenders about pesticide levels in your purchase not only helps you be more aware of what you’re putting into your bloodstream, but also raises awareness of the industry—and helps dispensaries avoid having to issue recalls in the first place.

Former NFL Player Marvin Washington Sues Jeff Sessions Over Marijuana

Former NFL player Marvin Washington is one of five plaintiffs who recently filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in federal court. As first reported by the New York Post, the lawsuit is an attempt to decriminalize marijuana.

The plaintiffs are suing over the constitutionality of the Controlled Substances Act, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I Drug, on the same level as heroin or LSD.  A Schedule I Drug is considered to have high potential for abuse and contains no accepted medical benefits. In comparison, the government has drugs like cocaine and meth categorized as Schedule II Drugs.

Washington alleges in the lawsuit that the CSA inhibits him from obtaining federal grants to open businesses that “would allow pro football players to use medical marijuana for pain management in lieu of more addictive opioids,” according to the Post.

“Classifying cannabis as a ‘Schedule I drug’ is so irrational that it violates the U.S. Constitution,” the suit says.

NFL players have been arguing to use marijuana to manage their pain in recent years. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants his players to have access to cannabis and advocates like former NFL player Eben Britton have stepped out in arguing the drug’s medical efficacy.

“The record makes clear that the CSA doesn’t make any rational sense and the federal government knows it,” attorney Michael Hiller told the Post.

Hiller represents Washington and the other plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Among the plaintiffs include 11-year-old Alexis Bortell and disabled military veteran Jose Belen. Bortell needs access to medical marijuana to help treat her epilepsy while Belen uses the drug to manage his post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sessions has long made known his negative views and actions regarding marijuana, causing cannabis advocates to consider him opposition to legalization efforts. The DOJ did not respond to comment when contacted by the Post.

In Maine, 20% Tax On Recreational Marijuana Likely To Pass

In Maine, it is proposed that a 20 percent tax be applied to recreational marijuana, breaking down to a 10 percent excise tax and 10 percent sales tax. It is also proposed that five percent of said taxes will go straight back into host communities. Legalization advocates and activists are applauding the higher taxes, as they do still remain competitive and also give back to the community.

The tax increase will place pot prices at around $240 an ounce, with $40 of that in taxes, putting them in line with Massachusetts. Though 20 percent is double that of which the voters passed – an excise tax was never mentioned in original legislation – it’s still low enough to quell the black market and to have imbibers lining up outside the doors.

It is currently estimated that the 20 percent tax could drum up over 20 million dollars in revenue for Maine in its first fully operational year. That’s not even including the $1.5 million in tax revenue generated by medical marijuana.

Medical cannabis will not face a similar tax hike and is set to remain at 5.5 percent for retail sales and 8 percent for edibles sales. There were marijuana legalization committee members who would’ve liked to see medical receive the same tax, but medical proponents fought to keep medical marijuana affordable for patients and a viable part of the scene.

Though the committee was hoping for a Tuesday July 26th finalization, there are still quite a few issues on the table, including licensing fees. The committee plans to reconvene on August 4th to keep working out the details and to hopefully reach a consensus.

With eight states and the District of Columbia having legalized cannabis, it is estimated that those legal states will collectively bring in over 650 million dollars in 2017 alone. From social programs to school repairs to community giving and beyond, the legalization of cannabis is clearly giving us new ways to rebuild infrastructures and help ailing social issues.

Gossip: Justin Bieber Apologizes For Canceling Tour; Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan, Molly Sims And Rachel Zoe Hosting In The Hamptons

Justin Bieber issued an apology to his fans following the cancellation of the remaining 14 stops on his Purpose World Tour. While out and about in Santa Monica on Monday, he explained to the paparazzi why he prematurely put a kibosh on the hole thing, saying, “Everything’s fine. I’ve been on tour for two years.”

“I love you guys. I think you guys are awesome,” he said, when asked what he’d like to say to Beliebers. “Sorry for anybody who feels disappointed or betrayed, it’s not my heart or anything. Have a blessed day.”

According to TMZ, Bieber pulled out due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

“Justin loves his fans and hates to disappoint them. He thanks his fans for the incredible experience of the Purpose world tour over last 18 months,” a rep for the Canadian crooner said in a statement. “He is grateful and honored to have shared that experience with his cast and crew for over 150 successful shows across six continents during this run. However, after careful consideration he has decided he will not be performing any further dates. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.”

His manager, Scooter Braun, also spoke out about the cancellation, writing on his Instagram, “An incredible run. Congrats to @justinbieber on an incredible tour and thank you to the entire cast and crew for your unending support.”

“To the promoters who believed around the world thank you. To the fans from all over the world who took part over the last 16 months over 6 continents thank you. To Justin who gave it his all night after night thank you,” he added. “And to those that won’t be able to see it…on behalf of myself, Justin, and the team, we are sorry. That was never our intent. But a man’s soul and well being I truly care about came first and we must all respect and honor that. Justin will be back and I know he looks forward to performing for you and with you all again. One chapter ends and another begins. Thank you again. Now please stop commenting on all my other photos that have nothing to do with this. Just kidding….but I’m not. Jokes aside your support for Justin is inspiring. Cheers.”

Though some fans were outraged, those in the music industry saw the cancellation as a much needed break for the 23-year-old after being on the road for the last two years.

“When someone pulls remaining dates of a tour, it means they would have done real damage to themselves if they kept going,” John Mayer tweeted, defending Bieber “We’ve lost so many great artists lately. I give Justin for realizing it was time to call it. You should too.”

Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan, Molly Sims And Rachel Zoe Hosting In The Hamptons

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance’s Super Saturday is 7/29 in Water Mill, NY.

Starting at 1PM, it’s a day of guilt-free designer bargain shopping for a good cause, ovarian cancer. There’s also fun things for the kids.

Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan, Gabby Karan De Felice, Molly Sims and Rachel Zoe are hosting. This is the 20th year.

Purchase tickets at ocrfa.org.

Love the fresh dirt we bring over daily from Naughty Gossip? Let us know in the comments!

8 Facts And 1 Big Speculation About Marijuana And HIV

Next to glaucoma, HIV/AIDS is the condition most associated with the earliest days of the medical marijuana movement. While we have years of data now, how it works—and even whether is works—to treat HIV/AIDS is still far from consensus.

Here’s some of what we do know:

  • As many as one third of HIV/AIDS patients use medical marijuana.
  • The nation’s first marijuana dispensary, the San Francisco Cultivators’ Club, opened in the early 1990s specifically in response to AIDS crisis. At its peak, the club boasted some 10,000, about 80 percent of whom were HIV/AIDS patients.
  • The first cannabinoid drug, Marinol (synthetic THC), was approved by the FDA way back in 1985 to combat the nausea and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS.
  • Not all involuntary weight loss is the same: Marinol works well with AIDS and with cancer patients; it does not work well at all with people who suffer from anorexia.
  • The nausea cannabis treats is often a side effect from antiretroviral drugs.
  • We still don’t know why cannabis suppresses nausea. But studies have shown that activating cannabinoid receptors does quell it, while suppressing the receptors can promote vomiting.
  • A 2007 study from Columbia University found that HIV/AIDS patients who smoked marijuana four times a day had a “substantial” increase in food intake. It concluded that marijuana has “clear medical benefit.”
  • Just three puffs a day is enough to reduce chronic neuropathic pain associated with HIV/AIDS by at least 30 percent. That’s according to UC San Diego study.
  • Here’s your bonus for speculation: In recent years, evidence has been emerging that suggests cannabis may not just treat the symptoms of HIV/AIDs but actually slow the progress of the disease. A 2012 study showed that our cannabinoid receptors in the gut can interfere with the signaling process HIV uses to subvert other cells and reproduce itself. Then, in 2014, researchers at Louisiana State University found that THC not only lowered the HIV load in research monkeys it also elevated their T cell count.

How Secret Is Disney’s $90 Secret Nacho Challenge?

The secret’s out. There’s a food challenge hidden within Frontierland inside the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World that involves a pile of nachos and potentially a long, long wait.

The folks from Hellthy Junkfood brought some friends along to attempt the challenge, which doesn’t look too impressive, but is reportedly supposed to feed up to 8 people.

The Nachos Rio Grande challenge takes place at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. In the video, the group of friends is instructed to arrive between 3-6p along with the “secret special nacho phrase.” Whatever that is. The group is then led to a roped-off section of the restaurant and after a more than two hour wait (there are quite a few other people also attempting the challenge, everyone is hangry), are finally presented with a huge tray of chips, which are then dressed with several toppings that arrive in a mini chuckwagon.

Delivering your nachos? A processional of every cast member in the restaurant,

The nachos come with the usual toppings of queso, salsa and guac, as well as three kinds of meat: chicken, beef and pork. The crew quickly finished the nachos, and some are even left hungry. As one of the friends states: “Bring four people. Three of them can’t be hungry.”

Afterwards, each diner is presented with a certificate, plastic deputy badge and churros, because Mexico. Head to the Disney Food Blog for more details and photos.

 

Marijuana Temple Balls: What Are They?

Marijuana temple balls aren’t just lovely to look at. They have a history, and a punch-packing high as well. They originated in Nepal, and have been used for thousands of years in traditional practices. In modern, Western use, they’re a little Old School Cool, coming into fashion in the 60s and ’70s with Nepalese exports to the US and Europe.

To make them yourself, however, is very simple, but requires a bit of elbow grease. Rolling a dried bub between your fingers will eventually extract the resin and powder. Roll a little longer. A little longer than that. The sticky resin trichomes and powder forms a swirly, greenish ball (in most cases; each strain’s different). Or you can do it like this YouTuber, who rolled out freeze-dried resin into a gigantic temple ball:

Like dabs, temple balls are highly concentrated and therefore not for the novice marijuana user to try on their first attempt at the plant. But after some practice, the compact little balls could be worth the effort.

These Beyoncé Wax Figures Are A Mess And People Are Freaking Out

What is the appeal of wax figures? I’ve never understood. They pose in artificial gestures and rarely appear like the personage they’re pretending to be. The appeal, I guess, has to do with their celebrity. Suspending whatever famous person as a wax figure allows others to feel a sense of voyeuristic proximity they could never have otherwise. Staring lovingly into Rihanna’s eyes, on your knees acting like you would propose, would get you laughed at and smacked if done in real life. But wax Rihanna can’t laugh at you, even if everyone around you should be. Then there is Beyonce.

That prelude is all setup for a very strange-looking Beyoncé wax figure that went viral recently. This wax figure was at Madame Tussaud’s and is notable for looking nothing like Beyoncé. You would recognize the face as Beyoncé’s. In addition the skin tone of the wax figure appears a lighter skin tone than Beyoncé herself.

https://twitter.com/CCFan007/status/887436555786354693

This may surprise you, but people were not having it on the internet.

Podcaster Shaun Lau also posted that other Madame Tussaud’s Beyoncé figures have the same outfit and same pose, but a different face. It is causing some to raise some funny suspicions.

https://twitter.com/NoTotally/status/887460140051451905

https://twitter.com/Richie_l0c0/status/888061625374093312

https://twitter.com/gaycourtjester/status/887463361721413632

Anyways, still not sure why we care about wax figures. They seem pretty trite and silly. They are disturbing in every way, shape, and form. Doubt me? Just look at that Beyoncé figure again.

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