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The Ultimate Summer Reading For The Cannabis Enthusiast

Al Olson
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The Ultimate Summer Reading For The Cannabis Enthusiast

Summer’s here and whether you plan on heading to the beach, the bungalow or the backyard, you will want to bring along a few books to keep you company in your favorite lounging chair.

So load up our book back, suitcase or Kindle with these excellent books on marijuana. If you are into history, botany, medicine or just fast-paced narratives, there is something for everybody here.

Educating yourself about this amazing herb can be just as fun as smoking it. Enjoy!

Fascinating Narratives

Brave New Weed 

Joe Dolce weaves a fascinating tale of the twisted history — and even more twisted pretzel logic — behind marijuana prohibition. It is a tale that, depending on the chapter, will make you laugh, think or pull your hair out in frustration. Dolce’s book takes you on a wild ride as he discovers the truth behind the government’s bizarre drug policies.

Weed The People 

Bruce Barcott’s book is a beautiful read — he is a fine writer and diligent reporter. Barcott provides an insider’s view into the business of cannabis. Barcott also peeks into the future of the industry and offers up some hope for what lays ahead.

Smoke Signals 

Martin A. Lee’s amazing book was published in 2012, but it still resonates today. Lee, an investigative reporter, takes the reader on a character-driven journey through the history of cannabis prohibition. Lee’s detailed research and lively writing style is one of the smartest books on the subject.

Too High To Fail 

Doug Fine’s 2013 book is a sometimes hilarious look at cannabis laws and the future of the plant. Fine writes with flair and humor, but he is also a talented reporter who has an eye for detail. (By the way, Fine has another cannabis-related book worth checking out: Hemp Bound.)

A Walk Through History

Marijuana: A Short History 

Author John Hudak’s short (224 pages) book was published in October 2016 and is an up-to-date examination of how cannabis emerged from the shadows of counterculture and illegality to become a mainstream issue. It is an excellent crash course on how the U.S. government demonized the medicinal herb.

All About Medicine And Wellness

Marijuana: Gateway to Health

When Clint Werner’s book was published six years ago, endocannabinoid science was not discussed in mainstream media. Today, even the casual toker knows a thing or two about cannabinoids and how they affect the human body. Werner’s work is essential for anybody looking for an accessible, well-researched look at the science behind the herb.

Cannabis Pharmacy  

Another smart book option for those more interested in the science of cannabis. Longtime cannabinoid expert Michael Backes examines strains, dosage and a practical guide to marijuana. This is a perfect book for medical marijuana patients — or those considering using cannabis for therapeutic use.

The Cannabis Manifesto 

Steve DeAngelo, a longtime activist and cannabis entrepreneur, offers up a deeply personal book on cannabis. DeAngelo’s manifesto calls for Americans to reframe the debate over marijuana and delivers a compelling case for a brighter future.

The Basics

The Pot Book 

Julie Holland’s compilation of essays, stories and studies is seven years old, but it still resonates today. Dr. Andrew Weil, who contributed to the book, said it best: The Pot Book “takes a candid look at all things cannabis from all angles:  history, scientific research, medicinal use, our nation’s drug policy, myths, and misconceptions. I recommend this book as a comprehensive must-have guide for any library.”

The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy

Jack Herer, the late, great marijuana activist wrote the first edition of this milestone book in 1985, smack dab in the middle of the “Just Say No” Reagan Era. More than 30 years and 12 editions later, this must-have book remains relevant today. Herer compiled tons of data and information about the cannabis plant and provides the basics. It should be on the bookshelf of every cannabis lover.

Social Justice

High Price 

Carl Hart, a cutting-edge neuroscientist at Columbia University, has written a gripping, deeply personal book about his journey from the mean streets of Miami to the Ivy League. Along the way, he discusses the science of addiction and the failed War on Drugs. This book — part memoir and part social science — was the winner of the Pen/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.

Not Really About Marijuana, But …

The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World 

Michael Pollan, takes a fascinating look at the symbiotic relationship between human life and plant life in this easy-to-read book on science, nature and history. He spends a lot of time taking a look at various kinds of plant life: tulips, potatoes, and the like. Cannabis gets its moment in the sun here too, as Pollan examines how cannabis co-evolved and thrived with humans from the very beginning,

Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition 

This book is not about marijuana … it’s about the rise and fall of alcohol prohibition. It is one of the best books ever written about failed the failed government policy. But the book really makes you think about how any kind of prohibition can be flawed. If the person on your gift list is not interested in weed, get them this book. It will make them think twice about marijuana prohibition.

What Are The Best Movies Of 2017 So Far?

Brendan Bures
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What Are The Best Movies Of 2017 So Far?

While 2017 hasn’t been the most stellar of movie years thus far, some standouts have made going to the theater still essential. From blockbuster to arthouse, from horror to romcom, here are the best movies of 2017 so far:

Alien: Covenant

Now this is franchise blockbuster done right. Ridley Scott goes full tilt into the Alien franchise origin story with a movie all about scope and grandeur.

Baby Driver

The best film of the year. Edgar Wright breaks away from leaning on genre or satire instead blending his influences into something truly unique. A masterclass in cinematic possibility as Wright pushes every aspect of film from sound editing and action stunts to their absolute maximum.

Get Out

What praise has this subversive, sardonic film not received? Regardless all of it’s deserved as director Jordan Peele announces himself as our most surprising hot new auteur. Come for the memes, stay for the history lesson.

It Comes At Night

Apparently the trailer ruined the movie for many so, um, don’t do that. Going in blind this film becomes a suspenseful, disarming experience where the monster moves from exterior to interior without your noticing.

Logan

Hugh Jackman’s decades-long run playing Wolverine ended correctly. The first superhero movie where the characters just happened to be superheroes, Logan is equal parts western, road trip movie, and family drama. Oh and it’s the bloodiest movie in years.

Personal Shopper

Admittedly a languid, moody art film that will deny and challenge your expectations. Yet thanks to the combination of Kristen Stewart’s performance and director Olivier Assayas’ camera, this film will haunt you long after viewing.

The Lovers

A simple movie that pushes its premise to its whimsical breaking point. The cast is brilliant in exploring these manic-depressive egotists.

Your Name.

One of the most popular Japanese films ever made its American debut this year. The lighthearted high school teen drama beginning sucks you in, but soon you’re crying over this meditation on historical trauma and love’s timelessness.

This Week’s Fresh Makeup Tutorials: Glitter Eyeshadow

Sam Jones
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This Week’s Fresh Makeup Tutorials: Glitter Eyeshadow

What better time to test out an explosive trend than on a day devoted to fireworks and summer fun? Glitter eyes aren’t as daunting as they seem—and with these tutorials, you’ll be the brightest firecracker at the party.

This one’s for New Year’s Eve, but fireworks still ensue. A nude lip keeps the focus on the glitter.

A cut crease that’s blended as normal eyeshadow would be makes the glitter on the lid pop.

Notice in this one that she’s covered the space beneath her eyes with clear plastic to keep the glitter from going everywhere. Major pro-tip.

This ultra-colorful color combination is fun for day or night. She’s also using the “tape trick” to keep the glitter under control.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV1hNkojHVr/

Instead of covering the whole eyelid, Anastasia draws a bold line of glitter along the crease, for an unexpected pop of shine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV7Jl_BlND8/

Pride month may be over but the party never stops. Let your glitter roam down your cheeks for a festive look.

This glitter eyeshadow look sparkles, but the blue lip adds an extra pop of fun.

7 Epic Fireworks Fails To Learn From This Independence Day

Sam Jones
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7 Epic Fireworks Fails To Learn From This Independence Day

There’s nothing like Independence Day in the US. The smell of hot dogs on the grill, ocean waves, fresh-cut grass, and the burning eyebrows of your buddy who got too close to the fireworks display.

Around time last year, an Iowa man was arrested for setting off fireworks at 4 a.m., something he told police he’s do again “with a blunt in his mouth because this is America.” While we wonder if he will deliver on that promise this year, let’s look back at some of the highlights of explosive misuses of our nation’s greatest tradition: Lighting stuff on fire for the sake of patriotism.

The look on this guy’s face is priceless. If you don’t know this feeling in the pit of your stomach, you’ve never been a teenager.

Everything in this compilation video is painfully great, but the first few seconds set the tone. “It’s fine.” [unintelligible screaming]

This enthusiast got too close, and a rogue firecracker found his camera lens. Wear proper goggles, kids.

Neville Longbottom here takes an Incendio straight to the face, courtesy of his buddy’s Roman Candle. He seems unfazed.

Nothing blows up in this reporter’s face literally, but figuratively, hoo yeah. “Wouldn’t you like to know, weather boy,” should become the shut-down catchphrase of the summer.

This one isn’t a fail—the marshmallows cook, all right—but it’s definitely filed under Dumb Uses Of Your Time.

9 Must-Have Songs For Any 4th Of July Party

Brendan Bures
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9 Must-Have Songs For Any 4th Of July Party

Every 4th of July party needs a good playlist. We know you need to tailor whatever playlist you make to the crowd, which we respect. So instead of providing a one-size-fits-all playlist, here are some tunes both obvious and under the radar we suggest you include.

Miley Cyrus—“Party in the USA”

Temporarily putting aside our beef with Miley, this song still bangs for a summer BBQ. Its simple chorus—“So I put my hands up, they’re playing our song”—makes everyone want to sing along.

Bruce Springsteen—“Born in the U.S.A.”

Any American holiday playlist needs a little Bruce. You know why this song is necessary for any 4th of July.

Funkadelic—“One Nation Under A Groove”

George Clinton knows how to unite us through grooves. Even if this is your first or fiftieth time hearing it, you can’t stop yourself from dancing.

Lana Del Rey—“National Anthem”

I’ll let Lana tell it: “Summer’s in the air and baby, heaven’s in your eyes / I’m your national anthem.” I’ll salute to that.

Jay Z & Kanye West—“Otis”

You’d think the obvious pick would be “Made in America” from the duo’s Watch The Throne collaboration. Nah. It’s a celebration, bitches, and this song is celebration music.

Red Hot Chili Peppers—“Dani California”

Watch how a crowd reacts when the kick drum starts and as the introduction builds with those guitar chords. Feel-good rock for a feel-good day.

Billy Joel—“We Didn’t Start The Fire”

Though Joel himself might dismiss the song as novelty music, it still works.

Sly and the Family Stone—“Everyday People”

A reminder of your cross-cultural brethren on the holiday.

Hamilton Mixtape—“Immigrants (We Get The Job Done)”

You could really just play the whole Hamilton mixtape and musical instead if you wanted. Might be cornball for some, but it fits two musts for any 4th of July playlist—it’s undeniably American and it bangs.

What Is ‘Greening Out’ On Marijuana And Why Does It Happen?

Maria Loreto
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What Is ‘Greening Out’ On Marijuana And Why Does It Happen?

The term “greening out” originated as a play on blacking out; the moment when people drink too much alcohol and forget what you did when you were drunk. Greening out is the equivalent of this with marijuana instead of alcohol, leaving people impaired with nausea, paranoia, anxiety and just a general feeling of awfulness.

Dr Freddie Vista believes that this phenomenon occurs because of an excess of THC in the body, which affects some people more than others because of their low tolerance. He explains that this symptoms appear due to the overstimulation of the cannabinoid receptor in our brains. This area is normally and, to a lesser degree, stimulated by anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pain, appetite, depression, memory and fertility. When there’s an excess of THC in the brain your body feels this symptoms. 

Other causes for greening out can include the plant’s cultivation methods and what was used for its fertilization. People can have bad reactions to the pesticides used or the bacteria, fungi, and mold that are present on the plant.

The most important thing about greening out is knowing how to cope with your discomfort, since there’s really no way of instantly making your symptoms disappear. No matter how awful you’re feeling, there haven’t been any deaths caused by excessive consumption of marijuana. Being with friends and in a safe space will make you feel better and more calm, giving you more control over the situation. Drinking fruit juice is always good because it’ll keep you hydrated and it’ll raise your blood sugar. If there’s any vomiting then be sure to lay on your side and stay calm. Be sure to call an emergency service if the symptoms get too intense and discomforting. 

Chance The Rapper’s Inspiring Comments About Weed Legalization

Brendan Bures
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Chance The Rapper’s Inspiring Comments About Weed Legalization

Chance the Rapper is one inspiring dude. You can’t help but be moved when he speaks thanks to the clarity and purity of his speech. Unlike most current artists, he never seems to placate or pander but instead what he finds in his heart to be true. He willingly makes mistakes on big stages and is forthcoming in admitting he doesn’t have all the answers.

The same happened recently when he accepted the BET Humanitarian Award at only 24 years of age. While also accepting BET’s Best New Artist Award in the same night, Chance took the opportunity to touch on many issues close to his heart like artistry, community, and family. Prior to his speech, he even earned video tributes from the likes of Michelle Obama and Common.

But his speech is what garnered raucous applause from the crowd and online. One important topic Chance touched on was marijuana legalization and the many still in prison because of harsh sentencing under previous administrations. While President Barack Obama attempted to release some convicted of cannabis-related crime, many remain serving time in prison.

As Chance said:

I was going to tell everyone in this government that y’all need to let everybody out of jail for selling weed before y’all start making it legal! For people to sell it and make capital off it!

Marijuana is still federally illegal and Attorney General Jeff Sessions remains brazen on persecuting marijuana-related offenses, but cannabis is currently legalized in some form in 29 states across the country.

An Industry Insider Shares The Newest Trend In Marijuana Edibles

Jillian Peterson
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An Industry Insider Shares The Newest Trend In Marijuana Edibles

Cannabis cotton candy is quite possibly the best — or at least the most fun — way to get an adult sugar high, no? Vanessa Corrales launched B-Edibles in February, focusing on candy floss. Since then, she’s placed in every edible competition she’s entered, including first place for Best Candy at Edible Sesh in Los Angeles. Vanessa gives us some insight into the newest trends in marijuana edibles.

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

The cotton candy is made with organic cane sugar and lab-tested C02 oil. Corrales recently launched a sibling product: sugar cubes. She makes both of her edibles with infused oils and is working on cubes made with sugar substitute that diabetic and cancer patients can use.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV40VP3lx3w

I chatted with Corrales to find out if she has any tips for those interested in experimenting with edibles in their own kitchen.

What were you doing before you started making edibles? 

I was the General Manager for a Coffee Roasting Company that has 2 locations here in San Diego.

What’s the key to making really great edibles? 

Don’t make anything you wouldn’t eat yourself! Plain and simple. Honesty and integrity always win!

Why cotton candy? 

I’ve had a cotton candy catering company for a little over a year now but I had no intention of infusing cotton candy. I was looking for an edible that would allow me to stand out from the crowd as well as help me break the ice when it comes to talking about cannabis.

Cotton candy does just that! It’s not always easy to talk about cannabis where I come from so colorful and nostalgic treats are helping me break the ice before I start introducing the idea of marijuana.

What kind of machine do you use to make the candy? 

We use a specific industrial machine that we had made for us that helps us regulate temperature so we don’t burn off our THC when spinning sugar.

What does it taste like?

It’s magical, you can see flavors and taste colors!

How is the high different than other edibles?

If you’ve ever had cotton candy you know that it melts and melts fast which is why it acts as a sublingual when consuming this edible.Your body processes it in your mouth and not in your stomach so you can feel the THC effects in a matter of 20-30min.

We make it very easy to micro dose when it comes to edible sugar by informing our patients the THC levels in each gram of sugar.  With our cotton candy we suggest to start low and go slow, pinch by pinch.

How do you suggest consumers use your sugar cubes? How do you prefer to use them? 

I prefer to use them with an herbal tea before I go to bed. When I have a headache I let a cube disintegrate in my mouth instead of swallowing 2-4 over the counter pills. I have patients that add them to smoothies or a protein shake for sore muscles or aching knees.

Do you have any tips for someone who might want to try making their own edibles? 

It’s not hard going organic and using only natural ingredients. It might take a bit more research and your costs might be a few cents higher but it will all pay off at the end and trust me you will be able to sleep well at the end of the night knowing you are producing an edible that has no artificial ingredients.

If you are true to what you believe everything will fall into place and all the questions will be answered one way or another!

Do you have any tips for home cooks dabbling with oils? 

  • Respect the plant
  • Make sure your oil is lab tested in order to know what you are working with.
  • Clean and safe environment for cooking i.e., no kids or dogs around or other food.
  • Make sure you understand the decarb process of your oil
  • Lab test your products even if you are making them at home, remember we all started at home! You never know you might be the next big edible queen/king!

What’s the new trend in edibles?

Micro-dosing and all organic.

Gossip: Martin Shkreli Tells Reporter He Can “Do Whatever He Wants”; J-Lo’s Pre-Taped Fourth of July Performance

Naughty Gossip
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Gossip: Martin Shkreli Tells Reporter He Can “Do Whatever He Wants”; J-Lo’s Pre-Taped Fourth of July Performance

Martin Shkreli, AKA “Pharma Bro,” who gained notoriety for acquiring and jacking up the prices of a life-saving drug used by AIDS patients by 5,000%, officially started his trial for securities fraud on Wednesday.

Shkreli, who previously said, “I’m so innocent, the jury, judge and prosecution are gonna give me an apology,” gave an impromptu press conference during a lunch break on Friday, describing the prosecution as “junior varsity” and complaining that “people blame me for everything to a group of reporters in a sixth-floor courtroom set up for them to watch the trial via closed-circuit television.
Benjamin Brafman, Shkreli’s lawyer, interrupted the tirade by peering into the room and saying, “Martin, can I talk to you for a minute?”

So when CNBC’s Meg Tirrell caught up with the pair outside the courtroom and asked Brafman about the comments his client made about the trial and the prosecution, Shkreli interrupted by saying, “He’ll do whatever he wants.”

J-Lo’s Pre-Taped Fourth of July Performance Angers Locals

Jennifer Lopez was in Long Island City, Queens, Friday pre-taping a performance for Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show — but some locals weren’t thrilled about Jenny on their block.

Residents of a building on Borden Avenue, near the park where J.Lo and other acts perform, say the broadcast turns their block into an annual nightmare and robs them of their liberty to celebrate the Fourth.

“J.Lo is pre-taping today,” groaned resident James Edstrom on Friday, adding that cars were “being towed.”

Edstrom says that his Hunters Point South building, which has some tenants who are veterans, will be “in a frozen zone,” which means residents can’t leave the property after 1 p.m. on Independence Day due to tight security measures. “Homeland Security allows us to have four guests [come to the building], but they have to be here by 1 p.m.,” he said.

Residents can’t use other areas of their building to watch the fireworks: One told local NBC News, “It feels like a prison.” Edstrom added, “The mayor is having a party on the roof of the adjacent school — so I am locked in my building and all I can do is watch Mayor de Blasio party on a roof.”

A Macy’s rep explained that the NYPD and other agencies implement a safety plan for the event and “a command and broadcast center must be placed within close range of the fireworks barges. Unfortunately, that may result in some restricted access for local residents.”

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

What Sophie Turner Learned From Her Game-Of-Thrones-Style Sex Education

Brendan Bures
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What Sophie Turner Learned From Her Game-Of-Thrones-Style Sex Education

You can learn a lot watching “Game of Thrones.” You can learn about power’s infallible corruption, geography, and family dynamics. Or you learn about inverting inherently patriarchal social structures, medieval battle, or badass dragons. If you’re Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark on the show, “Game of Thrones” can also teach you about sex.

Turner recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview with the Times’ magazine, revealing how she first came to learn about “sex stuff” thanks to GoT.

“The first time I found out about oral sex was reading the Game of Thrones script,” she told the Times’ Magazine. “I was 13. I said, ‘Wow! People do that? That’s fascinating.’ I guess that was my sex education. Being on ‘Game of Thrones’.”

While Turner is 21 now, she was only 12 when she first auditioned for the show and 15 years old when it first aired. In other words, Turner didn’t learn of the “birds and the bees,” but instead, “the dragons and the direwolves.” That was a bad joke, but I won’t apologize for it.

Turner also touched on the controversy that sprouted from a scene where her character was sexually assaulted. Criticism at the time revolved around the necessity of depicting such an act and if the show had crossed a line.

“Sexual assault wasn’t something that had affected me or anybody I knew, so I was pretty blasé about the whole thing,” she said. “Naively so. And then I shot the scene, and in the aftermath there was this huge uproar that we would depict something like that on television. My first response was like, maybe we shouldn’t have put that on screen at all.”

It taught the actress more about the issue and how it affected others. Instead she saw it as an opportunity to engage in conversation surrounding sexual assault and how we can help those who had suffered from it.

“The more we talk about sexual assault the better, and screw the people who are saying we shouldn’t be putting this on TV and screw the people who are saying they’re going to boycott the show because of it,” she told the Times. “This sort of thing used to happen and it continues to happen now, and if we treat it as such a taboo and precious subject, then how are people going to have the strength to come out and feel comfortable saying that this has happened to them?”

“Game of Thrones” premieres its seventh season July 16.

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