Friday, December 19, 2025
Home Blog Page 1210

Catalonia, Spain Has Finally Legalized Marijuana Clubs

Nadja Vietz
-
0
Catalonia, Spain Has Finally Legalized Marijuana Clubs

The Parliament of Catalonia just approved by a 118 to 9 vote a new law that (Ley de asociaciones de consumidoras de cannabis)  establishes legal standards for cannabis clubs. Up until now, cannabis clubs in Catalonia, Spain were protected solely by municipal regulations and they have to a large extent been operating in legal limbo. This new law gives greater legal certainty to Catalonian cannabis clubs.

The law could still face legal challenges by Spain’s central government in Madrid or in front of Spain’s Constitutional Court, but for now it is the law of the land for Catalonia (which consists of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. The law is intended to regulate recreational and therapeutic uses of cannabis as a way to improve public health standards, while also curtailing the illegal market and cannabis tourism.

Here are some of the new laws key points:

  • The law will regulate the consumption, cultivation, and transportation of cannabis.
  • The cannabis clubs must be self-sustaining non-profit associations.
  • The law will impose requirements on how, who, and by what means cannabis can be delivered to a cannabis association.
  • To combat “cannabis tourism,” members of cannabis clubs must wait 15 days after joining an association to obtain cannabis.
  • The law will establish limits on advertising.
  • Cannabis clubs may not sell alcohol, cannabis-infused food, or any other drug.

Catalonia’s new cannabis law also imposes the following limits, but not for those utilizing cannabis for therapeutic purposes:

  • You must be 18 years or older to join a cannabis club.
  • Cannabis club members between the ages of 18 to 20 years old will be limited to obtaining 20 grams of cannabis per month.
  • Cannabis club members 21 years old and above are limited to 60 grams of marijuana per month.
  • The quantities of cannabis dispensed to club members must be accurately logged in a ledger.
  • Each cannabis non-profit association can produce no more than 150 kilograms of cannabis per year.

Nadja Vietz is an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm with lawyers in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Beijing. This story was originally published on the Canna Law Blog. 

 

UN And WHO Open To Decriminalization Of Some Drugs

Suchitra Rajagopalan
-
0
UN And WHO Open To Decriminalization Of Some Drugs

In a joint statement, the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) expressed their support for countries in the review and repeal of laws that criminalize drug use and possession of drugs for personal use. This joint statement, which addresses discrimination in health care settings, comes in light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim to “ensure that no one is left behind”.

The WHO has previously called for drug decriminalization as a necessary measure for public health but this joint statement with the UN represents another significant step in the global movement for drug decriminalization.

There is growing support for drug decriminalization – the elimination of criminal penalties for drug use and possession – in the U.S. and around the world. Leading medical, public health and human rights groups have endorsed drug decriminalization, including the International Red Cross, the American Public Health Association, American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP and Latino Justice.

Public opinion on decriminalization has also been steadily increasing as the harms of criminalizing drugs become more apparent. Polls of presidential primary voters in Maine, New Hampshire and even South Carolina found that substantial majorities in each state support ending arrests for drug use and possession. In 2016, the first state-level decriminalization bill was introduced in Maryland and a similar version was reintroduced in 2017.

Internationally, several countries already have some form of drug decriminalization. Portugal, most notably, decriminalized drugs back in 2001 as a response to the country’s HIV crisis and has demonstrated the vast benefits of decriminalization – substantial reductions in overdose, HIV/AIDS and addiction, all without any increase in drug use or crime.

Not only does drug decriminalization drastically reduce the number of people mired in the quicksand of the criminal justice system – it also, as the UN/WHO statement highlights, vastly improve public health. It decreases the stigma against people who use drugs and addresses the discrimination they historically face.

The harms of discrimination are only exacerbated in health settings, where it is literally a matter of life and death. Decriminalization can be the difference between a loved one getting the health services they need and a loved one being stigmatized, denied treatment and in danger of losing their life.

Drug decriminalization is a rational and fiscally sound policy rooted in health and human rights. Governments throughout the U.S. and around the world have an indisputable moral and scientific imperative to pursue it.

The story originally appeared on the Drug Policy Alliance website. 

Timmy The Naughty Penguin Has Had Enough

Sam Jones
-
0
Timmy The Naughty Penguin Has Had Enough

Who hasn’t felt like pushing someone and stealing their fish from time to time? Timmy, the naughty penguin in this tale of two penguins, was accused of stealing fish and shoving other penguins. Betty, the conventionally good penguin, earned the title by being good at swimming and waiting patiently for fish.

The National Aquarium of New Zealand posts their “Naughty” and “Good” Penguins of the Month, praising one and ridiculing the other for their behavior. Someone spotted this tradition and posted it to Facebook, where it went viral.

The image made its way to Reddit, and then to Twitter, where people are divided on whether Timmy is in fact Naughty or just thinking outside the enclosure. Is he “bad” because he knows what he wants and goes after it?

https://twitter.com/theamycoop/status/882899415937290240

https://twitter.com/twiterney/status/882158154615750656

In response to this outcry of justice for Timmy, the zoo posted more information on their favorite naughty penguin:

https://www.facebook.com/NationalAquariumNZ/photos/a.135056123205225.18240.130391173671720/1542190459158444/?type=3

“We love Timmy, however he’s a regular offender of stealing fish and pushing other penguins out the way while flicking up sand in the process!”

May we all be the lovable, belligerent penguins we’re meant to be.

Cannabis At The County Fair Will Soon Be A Thing

Terry Hacienda
-
0
Cannabis At The County Fair Will Soon Be A Thing

What is more American than a county fair in the middle of summer? It’s the place to go for gut-busting fried food, stomach-churning carnival rides … and next year in California, cannabis.

That’s right. The Golden State, which legalized recreational marijuana last year, will allow cannabis on fair property. According to a report this week in the Sacramento Bee:

Gov. Jerry Brown last week signed a bill that details how to carry out the November 2016 ballot measure that legalizes recreational marijuana as of January 2018. Tucked deep in the text is an option for county fairs to allow sampling and sales for people 21 and older in designated spots.

The Stanislaus County Fair has had “minor discussions” among the board and Chief Executive Officer Matt Cranford about the issue, spokeswoman Adrenna Alkhas said by email.

“We must always look at our demographics and keep in mind that this is a family-friendly fair,” she said. “Once this takes effect next year, we will give it thorough thought and see how supportive the public would be.”

California is not the only state to consider the cannabis question. Last summer, the Oregon State Fair added a new agricultural prize for best marijuana plants. There were nine cannabis entrants last year, displayed in a greenhouse with its own entrance and exit. Only people 21 and older were allowed to see the exhibit.

“This is really a reflection of where Oregon is now as a state,” said Oregon State Fair spokesman Dan Cox.

Since retail sales of cannabis will not begin in California until next year, this summer’s fairs will not offer cannabis. You’ll have to wait for next year to enjoy a little marijuana before eating a deep-fried Oreo or the elephant ears or the corn dog.

 

7 Cannabis Sodas For People Who Don’t Like Weed

Jillian Peterson
-
0
7 Cannabis Sodas For People Who Don’t Like Weed

They don’t get you high quite like smoking a joint, and the certainly don’t taste like weed, but for people who want to get buzzed without eating their edibles, drinking a soda is the next best thing. Plus, today’s cannabis sodas look just like the real thing, so they’re easy to sneak into public places, not that we’re suggesting that. Here are 7 spiked carbonated drinks that will get you high without all the added sugar. (It’s easy to overdose on this stuff, so make sure you watch your dosing).

Sprig

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKpTPZEAVJA/

A THC-infused soda reminiscent of Fresca. Each Sprig is infused with 45 mg of THC oil, which is blended with natural citrus flavors and a small amount of pure cane sugar (half the amount of regular soda).

Manzanita & Madrone

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVQxFewgQWe

The Natural Cola fizz is a nod to Americana. It’s made by infusing CO2 cannabis oil in sparkling water along with sugar cane, fresh-pressed lime juice, vanilla, kola nut and cinnamon (and 10 other plant compounds).

Olala

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUkQd_pBbAg/

Olala sodas feature 10, 50 or 100 mgs of THC per 9 oz bottle and come in a variety of flavors: Orange Cream, Ginseng Cola, and Lemon Lime Citrus. All are made with pure CO2-extracted cannabis, pure cane sugar, and natural flavors.

(The Orange Cream 10 mg won the WA State Dope Cup 2017 award for Best Liquid Edible).

Legal

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV7tcLXHpOZ

Five flavors made with local ingredients from Washington State, like fresh cherries and fresh lemon and ginger juices. All are made with local cannabis extract and come in sativa, indica, THC + CBD, and Hybrid. (The coffee mocha goes down easy).

CannaCola

https://www.instagram.com/p/m0VZuEgdaY

A tasty way to ingest medical marijuana, flavors include: Orange Kush, Sour Diesel, Grape Ape, Doc Weed and the classic Canna Cola.

Zasp

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTHl9zrBI24/

Technically, not a soda since they’re not carbonated. But the packaging is too sleek to pass up.

The drinks are made with natural fruit flavors (black cherry, strawberry lemonade, tangerine, tropical punch) and high grade, pure cannabis oil to create a line of potent drinks that range from 30 mg to 240 mg.

Keef

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTUVP1ogdo4/

The “Sparkling” line of beverages are for those looking for a soda alternative. The lemon and blood orange flavors have zero calorie and zero sugar and contain 10 mg of THC.

The Colas, however, range from 10 mg to 100 mg and come in flavors like Kush Orange, Root Beer and Blue Razz.

Gossip: Inside Kanye West & Jay-Z’s Beef; Ben Affleck Dating SNL Producer

Naughty Gossip
-
0
Gossip: Inside Kanye West & Jay-Z’s Beef; Ben Affleck Dating SNL Producer

Jay-Z is still so steamed over his falling out with Kanye West that he addressed it on his new album 4:44 — nearly nine months after West ranted about Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé onstage. Now a source tells Page Six why Jay-Z can’t let go of the bad blood. In the opening track of the album, which was released Friday, Jay-Z raps, apparently about West, “This ‘f - - k everybody’ attitude ain’t natural” and “You ain’t the same.”

We’re told it was his response to West slamming the couple at his concerts last year. At one concert in Inglewood, Calif., before West’s alleged nervous breakdown, West said, “Beyoncé, I was hurt. I went down seven years on behalf of your fake s - - t” and “Jay-Z. Call me bro, you still ain’t call me . . . I know you got killers, please don’t send them at my head.”

We’re told the feud stems from West “forcing [his wife] Kim Kardashian” on the Carters.

“[Kanye’s] rant was really about Kim and Beyoncé not being BFFs. Kanye is frustrated that his wife does not have a better relationship with Beyoncé. He wanted to put that pressure on Jay. It’s like, ‘We’re cool and we do business together, and now our wives should be friends?’ ”

But the source said, “It’s not organic. It’s not real. Beyoncé is a Southern, God-fearing woman, despite what you may see when she’s entertaining. She may not have much in common with Kim,” a source told us. Added the source, “It’s like, Jay believed in you and now you’ve alienated him to where he’s like f - - k you.” One source doubts their friendship will survive, but another said, “Their relationship is familial . . . I’d be very surprised if they didn’t work together or have some kind of relationship in the future.”

Ben Affleck Dating SNL Producer

The Oscar-winning actor is dating Lindsay Shookus, a producer at “Saturday Night Live.”

A source tells us that the two are still very much “in the early stages” of their relationship and recently met up while he was in London for work. We’re told that the duo caught a showing of Sam Mendes’ play Ferryman last week during their trip abroad.

“It’s more than a summer fling,” the insider shared. “They are having fun and care for each other. It’s early and they are taking it slow.”

And while the new couple has done their best to keep things under wraps in the beginning stages of their romance, the two stepped out on the town in Los Angeles Thursday night for a quick date night.

Both Affleck and Shookus have yet to confirm their relationship.
[From E! Online]

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

The Stupid Fireworks Award For 2017 Goes To This Guy

Sam Jones
-
0
The Stupid Fireworks Award For 2017 Goes To This Guy

We saw plenty of fireworks fails over the past year, but as 2017 continues to out-do itself, it’s only right that the biggest fireworks fuck-up would emerge on the birth of our nation this year.

A man in Michigan wins the Stupid Fireworks award because he decided it was the best way to solve his bee problem—a nest was growing in his garage. Of course, he burned his own garage down instead.

West Michigan’s WWMT reports:

MLive reports crews responding to the home in Grand Blanc Township on Monday saw fireworks shooting into the sky from the burning garage. No one was injured. Grand Blanc Fire Chief Bob Burdette says the homeowner was trying to use a smoke bomb to get a bees’ nest out of the garage. Homeowner Mike Tingley says that while he’s sad about his garage, he’s happy the incident wasn’t worse. Tingley says “everyone is safe and that’s the main thing.”

That’s a pretty calm and reasonable reaction from someone who just tried to blast bees out of his home using explosives. Or, it’s the reaction of a man who knows he’s fucked up big time and doesn’t want to admit that this was massively dumb.

These People Are Snorting Lines Of Chocolate

Jillian Peterson
-
0
These People Are Snorting Lines Of Chocolate

Described as super trendy in Europe, snorting lines of chocolate is now making its way into the states. You read that correctly.

Mixing a popular candy element with a drug use aesthetic — what could go wrong?

Named Coco Loko, the substance is made of cacao powder along with energy-drink ingredients like gingko biloba, taurine, and guarana. Nick Anderson, the 29-year old who created the product is the owner of Legal Lean, which is responsible for another drug-free consumable that takes advantage of pop culture stereotypes: a drug-free cough syrup that mimics the popular combo (see Purple Drank). Because as everyone knows, cold suppressants are popular for their flavor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV5yephAB26

Anderson tells The Washington Post that the effects of Coco Loko can last as long as an hour and describes the high as being  “almost like an energy-drink feeling, like you’re euphoric but also motivated to get things done.”

Coco Loko, which sounds a lot like Four Loko, that cheap malt beverage underage kids love, hasn’t been approved by the FDA.

Doctor Andrew Lane from the Johns Hopkins Sinus Center tells The Post that he has a few obvious concerns, mainly that it’s not clear how much of each ingredient in the Coco Loko would be absorbed into the nasal mucus membranes and that “putting solid material into your nose — you could imagine it getting stuck in there, or the chocolate mixing with your mucus to create a paste that could block your sinuses.”

An Atlanta-based company that distributes the product to smoke shops and liquor stores says it’s not flying off the shelves, but “people are definitely curious.”

Starting July 10, Coco Loko will be available on Amazon for about $25. That’s 10 servings. Or, like, 50 candy bars.

Inside The Stormy Bromance Between Iron Man And Spider-Man

Joe Mortimer
-
0
Inside The Stormy Bromance Between Iron Man And Spider-Man

Let’s face it, any relationship is going to have its ups and downs, and this is no different for superheroes. With all the Spider-Man hype in the air, we wanted to showcase some good and bad times that he has shared with his friend/mentor/rival Iron Man.

Things have always been pretty good between Iron Man and Spidey. At least on paper it seems like everything should be hunky dory. Both characters are wise-cracking science nerds that don colorful outfits and fight bad guys. They’ve teamed up multiple times on various adventures and Tony Stark has invited Spidey to join the different incarnations of the Avengers from time to time. In the Ultimate Universe, Iron Man even trained Spider-Man and helped him defeat Mysterio.

Cover art via Marvel

Tony Stark has been somewhat of a father figure to Peter, something Spider-Man had longed for after losing both his father and Uncle Ben. When events led to Spider-Man and his family being homeless (house burned down by a dang villain), Tony let them stay in Stark Tower and even built him a new costume dubbed the Iron Spider armor. But the good times were short-lived.

The superhuman Civil War broke out and the wall crawler had to choose a side. Initially he chose to go with his mentor, in supporting the Superhuman Registration Act. Spider-Man called a press conference and revealed his identity to the world over live TV.

Later though, after finding out that Iron Man was imprisoning superheroes that were not registered, he changed teams and joined Captain America’s side. This of course led to a few scuffles between the two heroes, but after the all the wars, invasions, skrull imposters, and other comic bookery Iron Man invited Spider-Man to be an Avenger once again.

Fast forward to now-ish and Peter is the CEO of a highly successful tech company called Parker Industries, while Stark Industries is not doing so well. Just another thing for the two to fight about, until Tony is put into a coma by Carol Danvers during Civil War II.

Spider-Man: Homecoming will put Tony Stark in that fatherly/mentor role that I’ve always been a fan of. My favorite scenes of Iron Man 3 are his interactions with his kid sidekick in the film. So hopefully we’ll get plenty of funny moments between Stark and Peter when Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters.

DJ Chelsea Leyland: Advocate For Medical Marijuana And Epilepsy

Brendan Bures
-
0
DJ Chelsea Leyland: Advocate For Medical Marijuana And Epilepsy

Like others in her position, DJ Chelsea Leyland seemed initially wary when entering the cannabis space. A DJ, model, and fashion designer, Leyland is well-regarded within multiple fields and earned status as an “It Girl.” But Leyland wanted more. To stop only discussing skincare regimens and instead wanted to influence change, which led to her opening up about her experiences with epilepsy.

Now she isn’t looking for any sentimental wishes, but instead to help educate. Leyland took pills and other Western medicine to alleviate her epileptic symptoms, but those left her with sides effects like pain, anxiety, heart palpitations, and memory loss. This eventually led Leyland down a path of CBD oil, low in THC and an effective answer to epilepsy as clinical studies have shown.

“We grow up thinking that our doctor knows best and sadly that isn’t the case. I tried to [have a conversation with] my neurologist about [CBD oil]… and he basically laughed in my face. [As if] I was just trying to get stoned,” she told Milk last year. “And it does not get you stoned at all. I’m now taking it daily; I’ve nearly weaned myself off my medication.”

Leyland’s sister suffers from a more severe form of epilepsy and mild autism, which is part of the reason she felt compelled to find a solution that works for her and to speak out. Part of her advocacy is to help convince her sister’s doctors to introduce CBD oil as effective medicine.

Once Leyland herself started taking CBD oil, she noticed big changes. No more anxiety, no more irritability or insomnia, no heart problems, and most importantly, no more seizures. She’s never felt better and more like herself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLkLRf_Dp9n/

“There were so many things about myself that I questioned: is this my personality, or is this because I take medication, or is this because I’m epileptic? After I introduced CBD into my life, I noticed many of these negative side effects began to disappear,” “CBD is anti-inflammatory for the body and the brain. It works on the brain’s endocannabinoid system (responsible for a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory) to calm the nervous system, which is why it’s anti-seizure.”

She also added: “The way my brain processes things just feels really different. It feels as though I’m catching up on sleep that I really needed.”

As a result of her own story, Leyland launched a cannabis consulting company with Jonathan Rice aimed at raising awareness of CBD and its medicinal benefits. Diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Rice was Maine’s first medical marijuana patient. Together, Rice and Leyland will also help give medicine to those who suffer from ailments like epilepsy, PTSD, pain management, and concussions.

“Our goal is simple,” she told Harpers. “We want to help people gain access to CBD and eradicate the stigma associated with it, so that people don’t have to feel like criminals to access the medicine they deserve. It’s about reprogramming the way people perceive cannabis. It’s about educating people and sharing our stories.”

1...1,2091,2101,211...1,460Page 1,210 of 1,460

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