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The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: July 3

Alec Engber
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The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: July 3

Last week was a monumental one for cannabis legislation. Nevada became the latest state to allow for recreational marijuana sales. The city of Denver released guidelines for the nation’s first cannabis cafes. Meanwhile in Massachusetts, the voter-approved legislation making recreational marijuana legal is still the subject of political debate. Find out about that more in our weekly marijuana legislative roundup.

Nevada:

On Saturday, recreational marijuana sales began in Nevada despite a court order barring the issuance of cannabis distributor licenses. In May, a state judge based in Carson City ruled that the Department of Taxation acted improperly in determining that there was insufficient interest among liquor wholesalers to meet demand for recreational cannabis. Liquor wholesalers argue that they have exclusive rights to obtain distributor licenses under the marijuana law passed by voters in November.

The DoT argues that it has the authority to issue distributor licenses to existing medical dispensaries if there are insufficient applications from liquor wholesalers to meet demand for recreational cannabis.

The state intends to appeal the court’s decision and issued a set of emergency regulations allowing medical dispensaries to begin selling their stock recreationally in the meantime.

Massachusetts:

On Saturday, members of the state House and Senate resumed talks after failing to meet a self-imposed deadline to pass a bill regulating the recreational marijuana law passed by voters in November.

The two chambers passed competing bills the prior week, with the House voting to “repeal and replace” the voter-approved measure with one that dramatically raised taxes on cannabis sales and imposed a stringent set of additional statewide regulations, while removing the power of voters to decide on cannabis regulations at the municipal level.

The Senate version of the bill would leave the ballot measure intact but modify the way marijuana is regulated at the state level, while expunging prior marijuana convictions and requiring referenda on the opening of marijuana retailers at the local level.

Lawmakers hope to reach a compromise in the coming days.

Denver:

On Friday, Denver licensing officials unveiled a final set of regulations for people to consume marijuana legally in certain businesses.

Last November, Denver voters passed I-300, directing city officials to create a four-year social marijuana consumption pilot program. The ballot measure requires applicants to obtain backing from a registered neighborhood organization and comply with Colorado’s indoor smoking ban. Marijuana growers and retailers in the city will not be eligible to apply.

The regulations closely mirror those already in place for liquor and cannabis retailers. Businesses will be required to post signs informing patrons of their responsibilities and that they cannot exchange marijuana for money. State lawmakers failed to pass legislation governing public use during the 2017 legislative session.

The city will begin accepting applications for annual and event permits at the end of August.

6 Great American Whiskeys For The Fourth of July

Margarett Waterbury
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6 Great American Whiskeys For The Fourth of July

The Fourth of July will be here before you know it, and there’s no reason to celebrate the holiday with anything other than these American whiskeys.

This year, we’ve selected six different American whiskeys, each made in a different region of the country, to celebrate American distillers’ amazing diversity and craftsmanship. From that first sizzle of hot dogs hitting the grill, to the very last fireworks fizzle, these whiskeys will help you ring in the nation’s 241st birthday in good taste, no matter where you are.

Rocky Mountains

Wyoming Whiskey in (naturally) Wyoming has consistently impressed us with their well-made, well-aged releases. We recently reviewed and really enjoyed Wyoming Whiskey Outryder, made from a blend of high-rye whiskey and bourbon produced from Wyoming-grown grains. It’s complex and refined without being wimpy—but we’re not sure Wyoming has ever produced anything that could be called “wimpy.”

West Coast

The West Coast is all about innovation and creativity, and Anchor Distilling in San Francisco, California, has been leading the craft spirits industry for decades.

Their Old Potrero Single Malt is one of the only 100% malted rye whiskeys in the country, and they introduced it back in the whiskey dark ages of 1993, when craft spirits were in their infancy and bars were serving appletinis rather than old fashioneds. Sweet, spicy, and smooth, Old Potrero is a tribute to the good things that happen when you think outside the box.

Midwest

Good whiskey comes from good grain, so it only makes sense that the breadbasket of the nation would produce some fantastic examples of the spirit. Cedar Ridge Wheat Whiskey from Cedar Ridge distillery in Iowa is made from 100% winter white wheat, and offers refreshing, ester-forward flavors of green fruit and banana bread that would pair beautifully with a big plate of strawberry shortcake and a romp through the backyard sprinkler. 

Southwest

Out West, people do things their own way—and perhaps no distiller better exemplifies that attitude than Balcone’s. Their Texas Blue Corn Bourbon is made from 100% heirloom blue corn, using a variety that has been grown for generations in the Southwest by Native Americans. Bottled at cask strength, it’s rich, salty, and intense, with a serious backbone of leather and spice.

South

Ah, the South—undisputed king of the American whiskey world. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a piece of bourbon history down here, and picking one example from the hundreds of great whiskeys made south of the Mason-Dixon line seems like a fool’s errand. Oh well—we’re willing to risk it.

This year, we’re reaching for a bottle of Rittenhouse Straight Rye from Heaven Hill. This bottled-in-bond release is affordable, outstanding in cocktails, and eminently sippable.

Northeast

While it’s no longer the nation’s whiskey leader, the Northeast has a deep history with distillation. Back around the time of Independence Day number one, rye whiskey produced in the Northeast was the tipple of choice for freshly minted Americans. Though Prohibition took a major toll on Northeast distillers, the craft distilling boom has initiated a distilling renaissance in the region. Wigle Whiskey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is keeping the Pennsylvania rye tradition alive with its Straight Rye Whiskey, a soft and sweet sipper with notes of banana and marshmallow.

This article originally appeared on The Whiskey Wash.

A Simple Guide To Buying Marijuana In Las Vegas This Weekend

Brendan Bures
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A Simple Guide To Buying Marijuana In Las Vegas This Weekend

You are officially able to purchase recreational marijuana in Las Vegas as of July 1, though the road getting here wasn’t so smooth. Vegas just performed the fastest turnaround from legalization to sales in states that have approved recreational cannabis. The move was made to increase Nevada’s potential tax revenue created by marijuana sales, though tensions over distribution rights almost stalled the July 1 kickoff date.

Thanks to the 45 million annual tourists visiting Las Vegas from out of town, some are predicting that Nevada will soon outpace Colorado and Washington—states where legalization has long been the case—in sales. It remains imperative to note: Though this is Sin City we’re discussing, rules still govern the proceedings. Marijuana remains federally illegal and that causes some complications for those looking to enjoy some fresh bud.

Here’s what you should know.

How To Purchase

Many brick-and-mortar dispensaries who previously sold medicinal cannabis require approval before selling marijuana recreationally. The Associated Press reports 17 stores have already been approved and there could be upwards of 40 places available to buy cannabis. Dispensaries aren’t wasting a second either, as The Las Vegas Sun writes at least 15 dispensaries will open at 12:01 a.m. on July 1.

Those interested who are at least 21 years of age with valid ID can buy up to an ounce of weed and an eighth of an ounce of edibles or concentrates.

Where To Consume

Nevada residents have been legally able to smoke in their private homes since January 1. That will still be the case. However, it’s important to remember it’s still illegal to light up in public. That means no public parks, moving vehicles, hotels, or casinos (more on those last two in a second).

While drinking alcohol outdoors on the Strip is allowed depending on who you ask—it is technically illegal but not generally enforced—there is no indication how marijuana will be handled. Generally, it remains a bad idea. Why? Because consuming marijuana in public can lead to a $600 ticket.

What’s The Deal With Hotels And Casinos

Casinos are often establishments riddled with vices. Booze and clouds of smoke hang in the air. Despite the recent changes in state law, those smoke clouds still won’t be from cannabis. That’s because casinos and hotels operate under federal law and, in case you forgot, marijuana remains federally illegal.

This has led some to speculate the popularity of tinctures and edibles, as tourists can discreetly consume those products without suffering consequences. If those products are new to you, be cautious. Edibles can take up to two hours until kicking in. Don’t be like Maureen Dowd.

Where To Purchase

Stores will hold kickoff parties and the like in honor of recreational legalization. You can find most of that information on the stores websites and social media pages. For a full list of where and when to buy recreational marijuana July 1, check here.

Gossip: Tom Holland Wore Nothing But A Thong Under His Spider-Man Suit; Gwyneth Paltrow’s Neighbors Hate Her

Naughty Gossip
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Gossip: Tom Holland Wore Nothing But A Thong Under His Spider-Man Suit; Gwyneth Paltrow’s Neighbors Hate Her

Because inquiring minds want to know, Spider-Man: Homecoming star Tom Holland has revealed what he’s rocking beneath his iconic suit.

“All I have on under that costume is a thong,” he tells Shortlist. “They brought them in on my first day, like, ‘Here are your thongs.’”

“I had serious misgivings,” the 21-year-old British actor continues. “Would my arsehole ever be the same again? But I had to get used to it, even though I was thinking, no way, no way!”

Holland also jokes that the costume, coupled with those skimpy undergarments, made going to the bathroom a challenge on set. “You have to completely disrobe and then put a dressing gown on, but they’re very comfy ones, you can’t walk around in just a thong, can you imagine? And then you race across the lot to the toilet, then come back, get back into it. It’s such a mission.”

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Neighbors Hate Her

“She’s created an uproar with neighbors on all three sides,” Andrew Rice, a spokesman for one neighbor, Michael MacElhenny, told the New York Post.

The neighbors say the new building is too big, too tall and incompatible with the adjacent houses, and it blocks their views.

Rice said Paltrow — who has owned properties in Amagansett, London, Malibu, Calif., and Los Angeles’ Brentwood area, where a complaint was filed against her for erecting an oversize 9-foot gate — has left “a trail of tears” on two continents.

“Michael and the other neighbors have tried to work with her, and they’ve gotten nowhere,” Rice said.

The Montecito Board of Architectural Review voted in favor of the plans last week when her architect claimed the house had been lowered 8 feet. Rice said the real shrinkage was just 1 foot and that the project was moving forward to the next step based on incorrect information.

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

What Happened During Nevada’s First Weekend Of Legal Weed?

Mike Adams
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What Happened During Nevada’s First Weekend Of Legal Weed?

As for now, Nevada is home to more than 40 medical marijuana dispensaries permitted to sell recreational marijuana as part of the state’s “early sales” program.

Although there was a great deal of uncertainty over whether Nevada’s loyalty to its booze wholesalers would get in the way of the launch of its fully legal, recreational marijuana market, the state officially became the fifth jurisdiction in the nation on Saturday morning that now allows adults to buy cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol.

Both tourists and locals were responsible for the dedicated legion of pot consumers that filled the streets over the weekend to celebrate their newfound freedom to purchase marijuana as part of the state’s newfound taxed and regulated marketplace. The new law, which was approved by the voters in last year’s election, allows adults 21 and over to buy up to an ounce of marijuana from pot shops across the state.

Various reports indicate that hundreds of people lined up outside participating dispensaries in order to take part in this historical event – emptying out ATM machines, listening to live music, and screaming like wild-eyed banshees over the fireworks that popped off in conjunction with the official end to prohibition in the Silver State.

One of the most notable pot buyers that showed up on the scene was that of Senator Tick Segerblom, a lawmaker who has been deemed the “godfather” of the state’s marijuana movement. Segerblom, who is responsible for pushing a number of marijuana-related measures in the upper chamber throughout the years, is excited about pulling millions of dollars out of the mouths of the black market and putting it into state coffers.

“Every time you buy something here, 33-cents is going to taxes. This is the most heavily taxed and regulated industry in the whole state,” Segerblom told CNN affiliate KSNV.

As for now, Nevada is home to more than 40 medical marijuana dispensaries permitted to sell recreational marijuana as part of the state’s “early sales” program. Most of these pot shops – 39, to be exact – are located in and around Las Vegas. However, the law does not permit legal weed to be sold near casinos, so patrons will need to venture away from the infamous Las Vegas strip to find a dispensary.

Some of the latest predictions show that Nevada could generate as much as $60 million in tax revenue over the next couple of years as a result of marijuana legalization. What’s more is this new sin industry is expected to create more than 40,000 new jobs and bring about $7.5 billion in economic activity.

Why Denver’s Marijuana Cafes Have Already Failed

Terry Hacienda
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Why Denver’s Marijuana Cafes Have Already Failed

Denver’s marijuana cafes are getting closer to reality, but don’t spark one up in celebration just yet. The rules and regulations created by a 22-person task force may harsh your mellow.

Nearly eight months after voters in the Mile High city approved an initiative to become the first city in the nation to allow “marijuana designated consumption areas,”officials on Friday finally unveiled a 14-page set of regulations. Advocates on both sides of the issue are scratching their heads in wonderment.

On Nov. 8 of last year, nearly 54 percent of Denver voters said yes to Initiative 300, a four-year pilot program allowing patron of approved businesses to consume cannabis in a social setting. But many supporters of the initiative believe what they voted for and what they are getting are two different things.

“Since the very beginning, we wanted this to be a discussion between neighborhood groups and businesses,” Emmett Reistroffer, who helped lead the pro-300 campaign, told the Denver Post last month. “We think some of these rules kind of circumvent that intent.”

Here are some of the specifics of the new regulations:

  • Businesses are not allowed to sell cannabis. It is strictly BYOB (bring your own bud)
  • Smoking is not allowed.
  • Vaping is allowed.
  • Edibles are allowed
  • Customers are not allowed to sell cannabis to others.
  • Businesses will not be allowed to serve alcohol if cannabis is being consumed on the premises.
  • Cafes must be 1,000 feet from schools, child care centers and recreational facilities, forcing establishments into industrial areas away from foot traffic.
  • Businesses must pay a $2,000 fee for a permit

“What we’re approving today is far from what the voters approved six months ago,” Reistroffer told Buzzfeed. “I would say 99 percent of the businesses that expressed interest in these permits are no longer eligible or interested because of the burdens.”

Colorado became the first state to allow for recreational marijuana sales on January 1, 2013. But since then, tourists and residents alike have struggled to find a suitable place to consume it.

Unless some of the regulations are loosened, it appears Denver’s four-year pilot project will struggle to get off the ground.

10 Types Of Marijuana Perfect For Independence Day

Terry Hacienda
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10 Types Of Marijuana Perfect For Independence Day

So while you enjoy the quintessential American holiday with friends and family at parks, backyard barbecues or the beach, spark one up and pursue your happiness.

What better day to enjoy cannabis than Independence Day? This is your day as a citizen of this great nation to celebrate American ideals such as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

The following list is organized by time of day. The first few are for early in the day to get you energized and uplifted. The middle of the list is for after your big meal to get you in the mood of euphoria and fireworks. The end of the list is for the post-fireworks chill and bedtime. Enjoy your day. And be responsible!

One word of advice: Hydrate. Keep a bottle of water handy and drink throughout the day. You’ll be thankful you did later in the day.

Kaboom

Start your holiday off with a bang with Kaboom. This is the perfect bud to get you uplifted for the day. It will give you a nice jolt of energy. You will laugh a ton and have some great conversations. A great one for early in the day.

Liberty Haze

A pretty potent bud high in THC. It’s a fine strain for most of the day. It will make you upbeat and energetic. If you are going to do any physical activity (horseshoes, ping pong, Frisbee, hacky sack, etc.) give this one a try. Very citrusy … just like lemonade! If you are planning on waking and baking for the holiday, Liberty Haze is for you.

Cherry Bomb

Instead of throwing a cherry bomb, try smoking it. A nice, mild daytime strain that will keep you in the right frame of mind for most of the daytime hours. Perfect if you are doing something creative or artsy. Also great for physical activity. You’ll be smiling all day. Another good candidate if you plan on starting before noon.

Spirit of ’76

This one is easier to find in Colorado than most other states. It is an uplifting, daytime smoke that will give you that happy feeling. Good for the afternoon, before the fireworks. Good for socializing. Will give you the munchies, so bring extra food for the barbecue.

Red Dragon/White Widow/Blue Dream (Red, White & Blue)

Red Dragon is an uplifting daytime bud. White Widow and Blue Dream are among the most ubiquitous buds around. No matter where you live, it should be easy to find these two. Put all three together and you have a little red, white and blue magic. You’ll feel patriotic … and uplifted at the same time.

Dynamite

Great to smoke right before the fireworks begin. You will be in awe of the colors and sounds. And if there is a soundtrack playing along with the show in the sky, even better. The euphoria will hit you and you won’t be able to stop oohing and ahhing. This should last a long time.

Northern Lights

Another one for the fireworks show. This one is a popular nighttime bud across the U.S., but very popular in Washington, where it was first grown. It will make you feel totally relaxed. If you have any body pain at the end of the long day, this bud’s for you.

Danky Doodle

Best for during the fireworks or shortly after the grand finale.  After the fireworks are over, Danky Doodle is perfect to chill with your friends. You will feel totally relaxed and euphoric.

American Kush

You will feel relaxed and happy without a care in the world. Don’t expect to do too much after smoking … except sleep. Or staring at the stars.

Presidential OG

This is recommended for the end of the night when the only thing you can think about is closing your eyes and melting into your mattress. If you have insomnia, you’ll have no trouble falling to sleep with this one.

So while you enjoy the quintessential American holiday with friends and family at parks, backyard barbecues or the beach, spark one up and pursue your happiness.

What’s The Deal With The Mormon Church And Medical Marijuana?

Terry Hacienda
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What’s The Deal With The Mormon Church And Medical Marijuana?

Will conservative Utah become the next marijuana-friendly state? A ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana was filed earlier this week, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a major force in the state, quickly came out against the plan.

On Monday, the Utah Patients Coalition filed what it called a “conservative” and winnable proposal for allowing cannabis for medicinal use. “We have been advocating on this issue since 2014,” said campaign spokeswoman Christine Stenquist. “Patients need access, and the when is now.” The campaign is waiting until 2018 to get on the ballot.

But by Wednesday, the Mormon church fought back against the initiative with a strongly worded statement to local news outlet FOX 13:

“Lawmakers across the country have wrestled with whether to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. This discussion raises legitimate questions regarding the benefits and risks of legalizing a drug that has not gone through the well-established and rigorous process to prove its effectiveness and safety.

During the 2017 legislative session, a bill was passed that appropriately authorized further research of the potential benefits and risks of using marijuana. The difficulties of attempting to legalize a drug at the state level that is illegal under Federal law cannot be overstated.

Accordingly, we believe that society is best served by requiring marijuana to go through further research and the FDA approval process that all other drugs must go through before they are prescribed to patients.”

Polling in Utah shows that 73 percent support medical marijuana for treating cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other serious ailments.

Stenquist is urging the LDS leadership to refrain from speaking out against the plan. “I’m hoping they stay neutral on this issue because this is a harm-reduction tool,” she said. “We’re talking about saving lives. Utah truly does have an opioid crisis.”

During the 2016 election cycle, LDS leaders urged Mormons to oppose legalization recreational marijuana in Arizona, California and Nevada.

Who Gets The Most Weed Delivered In America?

Terry Hacienda
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Who Gets The Most Weed Delivered In America?

Legal weed delivery services are getting more popular in some regions such as California, but who is taking advantage of the service? Young, well-educated and well-paid guys are, according to a report released earlier this week.

Eaze, a cannabis technology company launched three years ago in San Francisco, conducted a study of more than 10,000 California cannabis consumers. Participants of the study completed a 32-question email survey. Some of the findings confirmed preconceived stereotypes, but there were some surprising conclusions.

Millennials Are No. 1

Which generation is most likely to get weed delivered? Millennials (age 22-34) account for 57 percent of the Eaze’s business, the survey concluded. Gen X (35-52) were next with 21 percent; Gen Z (18-21) accounted for 15 percent; Baby Boomers (53-71) were at 7 percent.

It’s A Guy Thing

Two-thirds of all deliveries went to males. Women accounted for 32 percent, with transgender and non-conforming each reporting at 1 percent.

Choosing Bud Over Booze

According to the survey, 81 percent of Eaze customers were also consumers of alcohol, which is not that surprising. But of those cannabis enthusiasts who drink, nearly nine out of 10 (87 percent) say they consume less booze because of cannabis. Another 13 percent report that they have stopped drinking alcohol altogether in lieu of marijuana.

Getting Off The Opioids

Of the 40 percent of those surveyed who reported they have a prescription for opiates, 94 percent said they have reduced their opioid use because of marijuana and 31 percent claim they have totally replaced their opiates with cannabis.

Women Like It Daily

Women are the fastest growing consumer segment in cannabis. The data shows that 59 percent of women who consume marijuana do so on a daily basis and 15 percent use it four or more times a week.

More than one third of women (37 percent) prefer to smoke joints, 24 percent like a bong.

Other demographic findings

Cannabis consumers are generally educated, employed and well-paid.

  • Education: More than half (51 percent) of those surveyed have a college or postgraduate degree. (The California average is 39 percent.)
  • Employment: Nine out of 1o (91 percent) have full-time employment. The tech sector accounts for 19 percent of the customer base.
  • Income: Nearly half (49 percent) have a household income of $75,000 or more. The most common income bracket, at 16 percent, was $100,000-$149,999.

For a complete look at the survey, go to the Eaze site.

What Exactly Is Going On With John Mayer And Marijuana?

Sam Jones
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What Exactly Is Going On With John Mayer And Marijuana?

As we noted last week, John Mayer told the New York Times that he’s swapping booze for weed these days. “I’m actually very thoughtfully entering the cannabis life,” he said.

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, he’s back on the record about how the shift from alcohol to marijuana is changing his lifestyle:

I put it where drinking used to go, and the quality of life has gone up considerably. Drinking is a fucking con. How much is enough? Every time I drank, I was looking for some sort of regulated amount. It always feels wrong for me. I always feel like I went overboard. “I said two, now it’s three, now we’re at four?” I never had a serious issue with it, but I remember looking around going, “This feels rigged. I’m taking a break. There’s never an amount that felt like I was succeeding at life. It always felt wrong.

He goes on to mention how he’s always been “the guy saying that I didn’t like altered states,” and that “Once you know who you are, then it becomes OK.” Mayer says he remembers every trip, and every thought he ever had while under the influence of a drug.

Coming from a guy who wrote the lines “One mile to every inch of/Your skin like porcelain/One pair of candy lips and/Your bubblegum tongue,” it sure sounds like someone who’s taken a trip or two. It’s to-be-determined if this new marijuana revival in Mayer’s life with result in more masterpieces like that.

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