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Confusion Continues Over Whether White House Plans To Crackdown On Legal Marijuana

Mike Adams
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Confusion Continues Over Whether White House Plans To Crackdown On Legal Marijuana

Last week, the Sean Spicer told reporters to expect “greater enforcement” with respect to how the federal government handles legal weed. It seems to signal a coming crackdown on marijuana. Since then, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has come forward to suggest that the cultivation and sale of marijuana is not likely to be tolerated in the United States.

“I’m dubious about marijuana. I’m not sure we’re going to be a better, healthier nation if we have marijuana sold at every corner grocery store,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Tuesday, according to The Hill.

The White House, however has not given a definitive answer over whether the Department of Justice will honor former President Obama’s plan (Cole Memo) to take a hands off approach to legal marijuana.

It is no secret that Sessions is not a fan of the Cole Memo, but he has at least admitted that parts of it are of some value. Still, the only thing he has felt confident enough to say on the matter is, “We’re going to look at it…and try to adopt responsible policies,” perhaps signaling the possibility of revisions.

Last year, four more states — California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada — legalized the leaf for recreational use, bringing the nationwide total to eight.

In Colorado, which was one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to establish a taxed and regulated pot market, the state saw more than $1 billion in overall sales last year. Governor John Hickenlooper, a man who opposed legalization in the very beginning, said recently that he is “getting close” to giving legal weed his full support. He does not believe the Trump Administration should be considering any crackdown.

“I think it’s the wrong time to pull back from this experiment, and if the federal government’s going to come and begin closing in and arresting people that are doing what’s legal in different states, my god, it creates a level of conflict that’s going to be very difficult,” Hickenlooper told MSNBC.

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, who also opposed legalization, said that federal interference in state-level legalization “is going to raise some legal issues.”

There is some hope that the dread surrounding the Justice Department’s intentions for legal weed may inspire Congress to finally take action on the issue. After all, Sessions said during his confirmation hearing that he would adhere to any law established by Congress.

“I think one obvious concern is that the United States Congress made the possession of marijuana in every state and distribution of it an illegal act,” Sessions said. “So if we need to…if that’s something [that] is not desired any longer, Congress should pass a law to change the rule. It is not so much the Attorney General’s job to decide what laws to enforce. We should do our job and enforce laws effectively as we are able.”

In short, while the cannabis community is fired up at President Trump and AG Sessions over this debacle, it is really the fault of Congress for not establishing a federal standard a long time ago. As it stands, the billion-dollar cannabis industry is really only being held together with spit and duct tape.

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The 5 Best Breakfasts For After Your Wake And Bake

TFT Editors
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The 5 Best Breakfasts For After Your Wake And Bake

In our opinion, there are only two essential morning traditions: breakfast and wake and bake. The key to both is making sure you have enough time to do it right (and in the case of the wake-and-bake, safely–don’t plan on driving or operating machinery heavier than a blender or toaster for a few hours). A good morning meal or smoke session is one that isn’t rushed; in fact, the ideal morning is one in which you can combine both activities. Below are the five best breakfasts to prepare after getting blazed first thing in the a.m.

Pancakes

A classic. You can do what you want with pancakes—add fruit or other flavors to the batter, even make them “whole wheat” if your heart desires/requires it—but for our money, you can’t beat the original buttermilk variety topped with some quality butter and maple syrup. Really the ideal way to start your stoned day.

Eggs Benedict

You’ll need a bit longer for this one because of the hollandaise sauce, but it’s worth it. What’s better than a couple of perfectly cooked poached eggs over barely-crisp Canadian bacon and lightly toasted English Muffins, all doused in decadently-rich hollandaise? Mmm.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich

High or sober, few things in life are tastier than a good bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Our favorite is with two fried eggs, American cheese, and an everything bagel, but the beauty of the BEC sandwich is the nearly endless ways it can be customized. Like plain white toast instead of something more flavorful so you’re not distracted by the taste of the core ingredients? We won’t judge. Want to replace American with some fancy cheese, like cheddar? We support you 100 percent.

French Toast

There are worse things to do while blazed than taking bread and covering it with gooey egg then frying it to a delicious golden brown. Delicious.

Sugary Cereal

While we still believe the key to a successful baked breakfast is taking your time with it, we recognize that it’s not always possible. And you know what they say: a rushed meal while high is better than no meal at all while high. So there’s nothing wrong with packing a bowl with Cap’n Crunch (after you’ve packed your other bowl) and going to town.

Related Story: Peanut Butter On Eggs? The Peculiar Eating Habits of 7 Celebrities

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The Best Of: Celebrities And Fans Remember Actor Bill Paxton

Brendan Bures
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The Best Of: Celebrities And Fans Remember Actor Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton passed away due to complication from surgery this past Saturday. He was 61. He was widely known for blockbuster roles in Twister and Apollo 13, as well as Titanic. Often he pulled off the difficult feat of pulling audiences into films through his sheer affability.

As a remembrance to the actor, celebrities and fans have shared memories of Paxton as well as create touching tributes in his honor. His easing presence in the movies will surely be missed.

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See It: Gridlocked Taco Truck Opens For Lunch On Seattle Freeway

Amy Hansen
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See It: Gridlocked Taco Truck Opens For Lunch On Seattle Freeway


A three car accident featuring an overturned tanker truck caused a miles long backup on I-5 in Seattle Monday, creating the type of traffic jam that nightmares are made of. The crash happened around 10 am, and part of the freeway was closed until 6 pm. Fortunately, one of the hangry drivers stuck in traffic was the owner of the Tacos El Tajin taco truck, who said “fuck this” to the backup and opened for lunch anyway.

One of the stuck drivers got our of her car and recorded this on her phone.

Dozens of people were reportedly fed. And Tacos El Tajin couldn’t have asked for better PR.

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These Two Mardi Gras Cocktails Get You Instantly Drunk

Amy Hansen
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These Two Mardi Gras Cocktails Get You Instantly Drunk

it I the annual Mardi Gras and Carnivale finale! People are having a last hurrah before Lent or to join in the raucous fun. Well, these two Mardi Gras cocktails get you instantly drunk.

Today is Fat Tuesday, which means some party goers will likely be using it as an excuse to drink excessively and lift their shirts up (not necessarily in that order). Let’s be honest. Do any of us really know what Mardi Gras is all about, other than one big dance party? Do we care?

RELATED: 4 Boring Classic Cocktails And Their Superior Alternatives

One thing is certain: sugary cocktails are the unofficial mascot. Here are two that will make you feel like you’re wearing a feathered masquerade mask on a float made out of unicorns and rainbows.

King Cocktail

Photo by Nicole Barker

By Nicole Barker, The Z Bar (Reno, NV):

“Inspired by its namesake seasonal dessert, this cocktail tastes just as delicious as the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. You can even make a fun party game out of dropping a King Cake Baby into one of the cocktails and give a door prize to the guest who finds the trinket at the bottom of their glass.”

  • 1.5 oz Cognac Park VS
  • .75 oz Kringle Cream Liquere
  • .75 oz Pecan Syrup
  • .75 oz Cream
  • 2 Dashes Cherry Vanilla Bitters

Preparation: shake and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Police & Thieves Swizzle

Photo by China Morbosa

By China Morbosa, The Eveleigh (West Hollywood):

“Mardi Gras is decadence — the celebration of celebrations — and  swizzles are not far down the family tree from the famous New Orleans favorite, the Hurricane.”

  • 2oz English Harbour 5 year rum
  • 1oz fresh pineapple juice
  • .75oz fresh lime juice
  • .5oz Giffard Banane du Brésil
  • .5oz Taylor velvet falernum
  • .5oz Cruzan blackstrap rum
  • 4 dashes Angostura bitters

Preparation: Add the English Harbour, pineapple juice, lime juice, Giffard Banane du Brésil, and velvet falernum into a shaker. Dry shake, strain into a collins glass. Add crushed ice. Float 4 dashes of angostura bitters and .5oz of Cruzan Blackstrap Rum. Garnish with healthy mint bunch.

RELATED: TOCYN: ‘Stay The Course’ With Gin And Warming Spices

“It’s important to remember that during Mardi Gras, you’re likely to hop from one parade or party to another so you need a drink that travels well,” says Morborsa. “Traditionally, swizzles are rum-based and stiff as hell! The crushed ice mellows the booze a little making it refreshing in the thick, muggy air of the Big Easy and great for carrying with you wherever you go.”

The Latest iPhone 8 Rumor Might Render Your Chargers And Devices Obsolete

Brendan Bures
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The Latest iPhone 8 Rumor Might Render Your Chargers And Devices Obsolete

By now, you probably feel like you know the drill. Every year Apple prepares the release of the new iPhone, offering mostly minor tweaks to their popular device. Bigger screen, storage space, no headphone jack. That type of thing.


Except Apple’s new iPhone 8 might undergo the most radical redesign in recent years. That is, if the rumors that have been slowly leaking out in anticipation of the new iPhone, which is expected to be about six months away, are to be believed. There will reportedly be three models, with the high-end version featuring an OLED curved display screen. (Your current iPhone utilizes a cheaper LCD display and cheaper models will retain this LCD display.) It will take up the entirety of the front screen, thereby eliminating the home button and touch ID.

This high-end edition of the iPhone is also expected to cost close to $1,000, according to a Fast Company source. With the OLED screen and also a significant boost in battery life and memory, this isn’t too surprising. The iPhone 8 release will coincide with the 10th anniversary release of the original iPhone, and rumors have circulated Apple may call it the “iPhone X.” In addition, Fast Company reported “there’s even a chance that the physical buttons on the sides of the iPhone may go away, […] replaced by touch-sensitive inlays in the metal.”

The radical push forward for the iPhone is relatively exciting, adding many benefits and features to consumers. But according to the Wall Street Journal, Apple’s iPhone 8 could undergo some significant product designs that might dismay users. The new iPhone will ditch Apple’s “lightning” connector in favor of a USB-C port. This isn’t too surprising considering Apple’s Macbook line has already converted to the USB-C charger. (PC Mag offers a great explainer on the USB-C and why it’s beneficial to users.)

The WSJ article is behind a paywall, but here’s the essential information Gizmodo excerpted:

They said Apple would introduce other updates including a USB-C port for the power cord and other peripheral devices instead of the company’s original Lightning connector. The models would also do away with a physical home button, they said. Those updates would give the iPhone features already available on other smartphones.

In other words, all your new third-party devices and headphones and chargers that utilize the lightning port will soon become obsolete. Just like when Apple originally converted to its lightning port in 2012, this is sure to produce some significant consternation from users. While it may be easier in some respect as Android and Apple users can share chargers (Android uses USB-C), anything spent on lightning product will be wasted money.

None of this is confirmed yet, so don’t raise the pitchforks yet. But as this report comes from the Wall Street Journal, it shouldn’t be disregarded. So maybe don’t buy that new charger or speaker anytime soon?

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Man Claims His Dog Shot His Sleeping Girlfriend

Taylor Berman
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Man Claims His Dog Shot His Sleeping Girlfriend

Dogs are man’s best friend, until they jump on your nightstand, landing on the gun you’d for some reason left in the open, causing it to discharge a bullet into your sleeping girlfriend’s leg.

KTRK reports that a Florida man said such a scenario unfolded Tuesday night. Brian Murphy told Jacksonville police that his dog Diesel woke him in the middle of the night, apparently because he needed to go outside. After letting the pooch out and then back into his dark bedroom, where his girlfriend Murphy claims he saw a bright flash and heard a loud bang.

According to Murphy’s suspicious-sounding account of events as recounted in the police report., “Diesel jumped up on the nightstand, where (Murphy’s) gun was sitting, and it went off, shooting [his girlfriend] in the right leg.”

The woman, identified as Summer Miracle, told officers she was asleep at the time and didn’t see who shot her. She was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to Fox 30.

It’s unclear if Diesel—or Murphy—will face any charges.

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For The First Time Ever, Starbucks Is Opening In Italy

Jillian Peterson
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For The First Time Ever, Starbucks Is Opening In Italy

When Starbucks kingpin Howard Schultz traveled to Italy in 1983, he was so enamored with the coffee bars in Milan, that he convinced the founders of the (not quite yet) coffee giant to test the concept in downtown Seattle. Named Il Giornale, the coffee shop served their very first latte in 1984, using Starbucks beans, of course. Il Giornale went on to purchase Starbucks in 1987 and the rest is history.

Thirty-five years after that life-changing trip, Schultz, who plans to step down as CEO in April to focus on retail innovation, announced that the company will be opening their first Italy store — a giant 25-thousand square foot roastery in Milan — in 2018.

Schultz told the Associated Press that he thinks Italy is a special place.

I am so respectful of the Italian coffee heritage and the Italian culture, and I think we had to earn that respect, opportunity, and I think over the years we got to the point that we are now ready to come.

The news will certainly ruffle a few feathers. Milan is already home to one of America’s most iconic chains: McDonald’s. Will golden arches and a green siren be too much for the urban fashion hub? If not, will the sugary drinks, paper cups and endemic laptop camping do the laid-back Italian coffee culture in?

The roastery will be located in an old post office building in Piazza Cordusio, the heart of Milan, next door to the city’s cathedral. The roastery won’t be the only Starbucks opening in Milan next year. The company says they also plan to open a handful of cafes throughout the remainder of 2018.

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New Orleans Marijuana Beignets

Danielle Guercio
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New Orleans Marijuana Beignets

Carnival and the New Orleans incarnation, Mardi Gras, are huge parties in dozens of countries, especially those with a French influence or colonial past. If you celebrate Easter, the timing is significant. Being the day before Ash Wednesday, Fat Tuesday is a huge party in the wards of New Orleans where revelers fete until sun up to get their fill of sinning before Lent, which starts the following day. Why not add in some New Orleans marijuana beignets?

Before New Orleans was America, it was the sprawling Louisianas, before that, indigenous. These origins, steeped in slave culture, then mixed with some serious immigration from the world over in the 1900s and dropped in today’s American South lands you in one unique place with customs all its own. The Mardi Gras party is one for everyone.

Related: THC-Infused Fudge

Alcohol is freely consumed at these parties, but wouldn’t it be great if you could sneak herb into party favorites to have your own experience? Or, maybe you’re half a world away from New Orleans and just want to mark the day by eating some tasty treats. Beignets are your bud, and when served with bud, decadence factor is on par with a party for the ages.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Beignets with Ganja Icing Drizzle

Supposedly a copycat recipe for the famous Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, icing by Danielle Guercio

  • 3 tsp Active Dry Yeast
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg, room temp
  • 2 Tbs butter, room temp
  • 1 cup water, 85 degrees
  • ½ cup evaporated milk, room temp
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying (canola is a good choice, strain and reuse at least once)
Photos by Danielle Guercio

In a greased large bowl, proof yeast with warm water and milk, some of the sugar for five minutes.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Mix dry ingredients in another bowl, with egg, butter, and vanilla beaten in a measuring cup. When yeast has proofed, gently mix in the remaining wet ingredients. Fold in the dry ingredients in at least three parts using a spatula. Be gentle and don’t overmix, the gas that the yeast creates will make the beignets airy and delicious.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Cover and let dough rise at least one hour on the counter, or up to four or overnight in the fridge. Remove and turn onto a well floured surface. Roll into a sheet, cut with a sharp knife into squares. Separate and allow to rise again for just a few minutes while you heat oil.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

In a tall sided pot, bring oil to 350 degrees. Fry beignets 3 at a time for 1 minute or so on each side. You want them to puff up and get brown.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Remove to strain on a cookie rack with some paper towels. Shake on some powdered sugar.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Icing

  • Green, red and blue food coloring
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbs glycerin tincture*
  • 2 Tbs evaporated milk
Photos by Danielle Guercio

In a measuring cup, mix milk and glycerin until well incorporated. Add sugar and dissolve completely. Distribute in two sandwich bags, add 3 drops green to one and two drops red to one blue to the other. Snip the corner and drizzle generously onto beignets. Serve immediately!

Photos by Danielle Guercio

*Glycerin Cannabis Tincture

In an oven safe container double sealed with foil, decarboxylate 3.5 grams finely ground cannabis at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

RELATED: The Secret To Vegetarian Ramen: An Amazing Tasting ‘Fat’

Put cannabis in a mason jar or vacuum sealed bag, pour over 2 oz vegetable Glycerin and seal tightly. Place in a water bath at just under boiling for 1 hour. Strain and keep contents in a sterilized container. Stores indefinitely in freezer.

These are so delicious, and like a zeppole or donut, the fresher the better. You can add the weed into the beignets with either concentrates or weed butter, but the contact with the hot oil can jeopardize the strength, so it’s smart here to stick it in the icing.

RELATED: Here’s A Tuscan Inspired Soup Made With Weed Olive Oil

You can also make a quick raspberry jam by using the same guidelines as above. Eat up, because after breakfast it’s back to the bacchanal!

THC per serving: 2-3mg

Photos: Danielle Guercio

5 Easy Steps To Get Your Body Ready For The Hottest Spring Ever

TFT Editors
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5 Easy Steps To Get Your Body Ready For The Hottest Spring Ever

With the help of global warming, spring is rapidly approaching, which means one thing in addition to allergy problems for many: It’s time to lose those pounds you packed on to, uh, keep you warm during the winter. But how can you shed weight in an easy yet efficient manner? Let us help you. Below, check out five ways to get in shape for spring.

Cut Back on the Booze

Rob Nguyen/Flickr

This is both the easiest and most difficult way to lose weight. It’s easy because alcohol is just empty calories that add to your midsection. It’s difficult because, well, drinking is fun as hell. But if we may offer a suggestion: try smoking more weed (just stay vigilant when the munchies kick in).

Start Jogging Again


Only crazy people jog regularly in the depths of winter, so if you’re not crazy it’s time to hit the pavement. Start off slow and keep the distances short-ish—the true enemy is a stress fracture from over doing it—but rebuild your routine. Every other day is is a good goal, but you should be out there at least twice a week.

Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Burpees


Sure you could spend $80 a month to schlep to a crowded gym, but you could save time and cash by doing simple but effective exercises at home. Try three sets of 20 push-ups, three sets of 30 sit-ups, and three sets of five burpees (or more if you’re in better shape than we are).

Eat Better

stu_spivack/Flickr

It seems obvious, but watching your portion sizes and eating more veggies and lean meats (and cutting back on bread-heavy dishes and fried foods) will help you slim down as quickly as anything, even exercise. Of course, the best method is to combine better eating with rigorous and regular exercise, but you definitely need to be doing at least one.

Get Some Sun

Alex Liivet/Flickr

Get a jump start on that base tan.

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