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Will Porn Decide The Next Election

This is turning into one of the most weird elections. Now will porn sway the election?

The presidential election has been filled with memes, hurricanes, hashtags, misinformation and more. Record voter turnout has already been seen in Georgia and anxiety is up in both parties. But will porn decide the next election? You have the right, the left, moderates, evangelicals, union members, and celebrities weighing in and trying to sway the vote.  But two groups are getting involved via porn and it could actually make a difference.

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As of August 2024, Pornhub is the 16th-most-visited website in the world and the most-visited adult website. Which makes it bigger than Amazon, Pinterest, and Walmart. Additionally there are 4 adult sites in the top 50. Which makes it a powerful voice in a moment when people could be open to information about their activity.  Advertising on an adult site is inexpensive and has a huge reach. Plus, the performers have a huge reach…especially with the hard to reach demographic of men 25-44.  So why wouldn’t it become a key focus.

FTW PAC, is a political action committee co-founded by friends Wally Nowinski and Matt Curry. Their plan to reach the hard to grab young men demographic to engage them when they consume online adult entertainment. It mixes up the ad content and their moment’s interest.

They are running ads which starts with a woman enjoying herself on a bed before Donald Trump appears over her, or else a warning that “Trump’s Project 2025 will ban this video.” The ads conclude by telling the viewer, “Enjoy while you can.”  Powerful stuff when men are in a needy moment.

When Louisiana banned porn, which was support by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), demand for VPNs surged by 210%. When Pornhub blocked access to Texas, searches for VPNs by Texas users increased more than fourfold.

RELATED: Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

In addition to FTW PAC, 17 adult film stars has launched a $100,000 ad campaign warning viewers about the Project 2025. The ads run in front of videos on popular porn sites. This is to sway the election against the the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation blueprint for the next Republican administration.  Their plan is to ban pornography and prosecute porn producers.  Additionally, they want to stop legal marijuana.

Project 2025’s Take On Marijuana

Should the GOP Presidential candidate win the election, the Heritage Foundation will have influence on policy….what’s their stance on cannabis.

The marijuana industry potential survival hinges on the next election. Federal restrictions have hammed mom and pop business and the lack of tax benefits, which benefit other small business, has been brutal. Biden’s slow actions toward is promises have allowed the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to delay their ruling on rescheduling until December, after the election. This gives the DEA some wiggle room on their decision. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is taking Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) role in trying to stop the cannabis industry. He has made it clear to the DEA they should reject any help to cannabis.  So, if the GOP candidate wins, what does it mean for cannabis?  The Heritage Foundation has produced a plan for the future administration embraced by senior leaders, including VP candidate J.D. Vance who wrote an opening statement. So what their Project 2025’s take on marijuana?

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The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank founded in 1973, has consistently taken a strong stance against the legalization of marijuana. Their position is rooted in concerns about public health, safety, and social consequences. The Heritage Foundation has not stayed current in cannabis research or public opinion, but the plan lays out a clear roadmap of a complete change of government.

The Heritage Foundation And Marijuana

The American Medical Association, AARP, and the American College of Physicians are some of the organizations who believe marijuana has a legal role at the table since it provides medical benefits.  Roughly 90% of the general public believes it should be legal in some form. The Veteran’s Administration has altered policy to support veterans with PTSD. The Heritage Foundation argues marijuana is an addictive substance with significant negative impacts on physical and mental health

While science and data among legal states have disproved the myths including about it being a gateway drug for the young, the Heritage Foundation clings to old tropes. They stand by the argument consumes leads to the consumption of harder, more dangerous substances. This perspective forms a crucial part of their opposition to legalization efforts.

They argue that legalization could lead to increased crime rates. Legal states have disproven this based on data and crime rates. An additional benefit has been the decrease in alcohol as people are relaxing with gummies.

RELATED: DeSantis Uses Hurricane To Damage Marijuana Initiative

The Heritage Foundation advocates for a comprehensive drug policy with strengthened law enforcement, treatment, and prevention and education.  This align’s with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance.

The Heritage Foundation’s stance on marijuana legalization falls in with their broader conservative principles, emphasizing personal responsibility with a dash of government oversight. Their arguments continue to influence the ongoing debate surrounding marijuana policy in the United States.

Kamala Harris’s Evolving Take On Legalizing Cannabis

Presidential candidates relationship with the marijuana industry has involved – now she wants to deliver the winning goal.

The cannabis industry has been nervously waiting for some federal action to let the industry move to the next level. While consumer use is growing and taking a bite out of the alcohol industry, federal resections have put a significant hold on the profitability and growth of cannabis. President’s Biden made a promise to support the industry in 2020, but waited until 2023 to make a move with no noticeable action taking place until 2025. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is making an announcement on rescheduling in the first part of December, after the election. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has leaned in the DEA not to reschedule and made it clear he firmly opposes cannabis. This would go against all precedents as both the Food and Drug Administration and Health and Human Service has said it should be done.

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There will be a new president and a new set of rules in December, and the DEA will be watching the political winds. So what is Kamala’s Harris Take on legalizing cannabis? With almost 90% of the country believing it should be legalized in some forms and groups like the American Medical Association, AARP, and the American College of Physicians supporting it, it is not a hot pototo, except for a few in power.

marijuana legalization
Photo by Alexander Sanchez/Getty Images

The latest take is Harris proposed legalizing marijuana nationally for recreational use and ensuring Black entrepreneurs have access to the growing cannabis industry. She made the announcement while in California. She has become the first sitting vice president to encourage legalizing it and has become a public champion. This is more open and aggressive than the current Biden administration’s approach. During a wide-ranging conversation on the podcast “All the Smoke” with former NBA stars Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Harris expressed her belief that marijuana should be legalized.

Harris stated, “I believe we have reached a moment where it is crucial to recognize that we need to legalize it and cease the criminalization of this activity.” She emphasized her conviction that individuals “should not face incarceration for using marijuana”

RELATED: DeSantis Uses Hurricane To Damage Marijuana Initiative

Harris has been critical of the current federal classification of marijuana. During a White House roundtable, she pointed out the absurdity of cannabis being considered as dangerous as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl under current law. During her 2020 presidential campaign, she expressed support for marijuana legalization and admitted to having used it herself in the past. This shift from her earlier career as a prosecutor demonstrates a changing perspective on cannabis policy.

The $23+ billion industry is full of mom and pop businesses. Democrats have been traditionally been more of ally to the industry. Republican blocked SAFE Banking for 7 times and then the GOP Speaker coup ended any chance for movement last year. Some marijuana industry leaders don’t have faith in Biden or Harris, but the congressional GOP has not be the support to cannabis and the other party.

Fun Facts About Halloween

The longer nights, the wind, the chill – all great for Halloween.

Halloween is big in the US with 96.95% of 25 to 34 planning to celebrate in some form – this is more than the 18-24 crowd (93.18%). The holiday come to the US in the 19th century was with my traditional coming  from the Irish and Scots, and Cajuns. It is now a huge season and worth a record $12.2 billion in spending. This is a significant increase the $8 billion spent in 2020. It is also one of the top 5 drinking and top 10 marijuana holidays in North America.

RELATED: Crazy Trend Of Pumpkin Spice Alcohol and Marijuana

The word “Halloween” is derived from “All Hallows’ Eve,” which refers to the evening before All Saints’ Day. As Irish immigrants brought their traditions to America in the 19th century, Halloween evolved into a community-centered holiday characterized by activities like trick-or-treating, costume parties, and pumpkin carving. Interestingly, the first jack-o’-lanterns were made from turnips, not pumpkins, as they are today. The traditional colors of black and orange with black symbolizing death while orange represents the fall harvest.

lighted Jack-o'-Lantern

Halloween costumes were originally vampires, ghosts, skeletons, scary looking witches, and devils. Over time, the costume selection extended to include popular characters from fiction, celebrities, popular memes, ninjas and princesses. In the 1940s, Halloween retailers Ben Cooper, H. Halpern Company (Halco), and Collegeville started licensing costumes for existing characters like Superman and Donald Duck. These store bought outfits were more appealing and easier for kids and adults. You didn’t have to think, everything was all put together. The Ben Cooper company were the first to premier the very popular Richard Nixon mask in the late 1960s, which sold as equally well as its Ronald Reagan mask even in the late 1980s.  The women’s lib and gay revolution introduced the sexy costume in the 70s. These cultural events made way for the normalization of sexy costumes today.

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On average, children eat around 7,000 calories and three cups of sugar on Halloween, which is equivalent to almost 169 sugar cubes.  Adults eats about 3.4 pounds during the time around the holiday – about 222 sugar cubes.

The most popular candy for Halloween is:

  • M&M’s.
  • Reese’s Cups.
  • Sour Patch Kids.
  • Skittles.
  • Starburst

At your next event, you can share these fun facts about Halloween.

Christopher Columbus And Cannabis

He is honored for helping open the new world…and a certain plant had helped a quite a bit.

There are so many myths and stories around Columbus. Did he discover North America (spoiler -looked like the Vikings beat him to the continent)? He wasn’t about gold and glory, he was about bringing religion to the world in honor of Catholic Spain. The other big myth is he was Italian, but now it is believed he was Spanish and Jewish, and hid it to avoid being prosecuted. But what about Christopher Columbus and cannabis.

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Cannabis played a significant role in 16th century society, particularly in England and Europe. It was considered the “golden age of hemp”, especially under the reign of King Henry VIII. In 1533, the king introduced a hemp cultivation law requiring landowners to dedicate 1/4 acre for every 60 acres to growing hemp, or face fines. European herbals and pharmacopoeias of the time listed various medical applications for cannabis. The number of reported medicinal uses for cannabis doubled during this period as travelers brought back information from the East. And, it helped make Columbus’s journey possible.

three masted sailing ship, christopher columbus, sails

Hemp fiber was in high demand for producing durable sails, ropes, and nets for the expanding English navy…and the Spanish noticed. The sails and ropes of his three ships the La Santa Clara (Niña), La Pinta, and La Santa Gallega (Santa Maria), were made of hemp. The cracks between the planks were filled with hemp to make the ships watertight. No other natural fibre can withstand the forces of the open ocean and the stresses of salt water.

The hold of the Santa Maria, his flagship, was filled with hemp seeds. The ship had a supply of food provisions including salted meats, dried fish, hardtack biscuits, beans, lentils, and cheese, meant to last the duration of the voyage.  And hemp served as a protein-rich source nutritious snack for the crew, aldditionally the hemp seeds could be planted in any newly discovered regions.

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The ships’ lamps were fuelled using hemp oil and these lamps lighting the way and most clothes had hemp fiber. But it is doubtful they used the cannabis hemp for fun. The ships were roughly 60 feet long and 20 feet wide. And they had carried around 88 men. So their was a ton of focus in the open ocean…and very little privacy.

Hemp’s contribution is displayed in Barcelona at the base of the statue honoring the explore. It has cannabis leaves.  So this Columbus Day, now the humble cannabis plant helped out quite a bit.

Do Marijuana Strains Really Matter

There is lots of talk about indica, sativa, and hybrids – but does it really matter?

All of Canadian and over 50% of the US population have access to legal cannabis, and use is increasing and people are being more open. Sales are rocketing, but like spririts and wine, do people really focus type of strain?  Do marijuana strains really matter and what should you know? A YouGov survey asked how people purchased wine, which sells more than the cannabis industry. The top three factors in choosing a wine is price (by far), brand and ratings. With marijuana, it is markets by strain and price.

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Marijuana, derived from the cannabis plant, is commonly categorized into three main types: indica, sativa, and hybrid. While these classifications have been widely used, recent research suggests that the distinctions may not be as clear-cut as once believed.

Photo by Riccardo Livorni/EyeEm/Getty Images

Indica

Cannabis indica plants are typically short and bushy with wide leaves. Originating from the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, these plants adapted to harsh, dry climates. Indica strains are often associated with relaxing and calming effects, making them popular for nighttime use. They are commonly believed to have higher levels of CBD compared to THC, although this is not always the case.

Sativa

Cannabis sativa plants are generally tall and thin with narrow leaves. They are native to hot, dry climates with long sunny days, such as Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia. In North America, they are grown in the American South (illegally) or in grow houses. Sativa strains are typically associated with energizing and uplifting effects, often described as producing a “mind high”. They are frequently used during the day and are thought to have higher THC content compared to CBD.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are the result of crossbreeding indica and sativa plants. Due to extensive breeding over the years, most strains available today are hybrids. Hybrids can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced, offering a wide range of effects depending on their specific genetic makeup.  Breeders create hybrids to combine desirable traits from different strains, such as flavor, aroma, potency, and specific effects

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While the indica-sativa-hybrid classification system remains popular, it’s important to note that these categories are not scientifically accurate predictors of a strain’s effects. The cannabis plant has evolved significantly due to selective breeding, and pure indica or sativa landraces are now extremely rare. Modern cannabis research focuses on the plant’s chemical composition rather than its physical characteristics or supposed lineage. The effects of a particular strain are determined by its unique profile of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes, rather than its classification as indica, sativa, or hybrid.

You Will Fall For These Autumn Cocktails

The change of seasons has started – so why not add some autumn cocktails?

The leaves are changing, the air is bit more brisk and sweaters and jackets are being pulled out of the closet. Summer is over and autumn is here, and with it is a desire for full, refreshing drinks that have a richer, deeper flavor. You will for for these autumn cocktails which will help brighten the evenings.

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Pumpkin Pie Martini

Canadians and Americans spend over half a billion dollars on pumpkin spice products annually, and Starbucks alone sells than 20 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes each year. So why not up the game and make it into a cocktail?

Ingredients

  • 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • Lemon wedge
  • 4 oz vodka
  • 3 Tbsp half and half
  • 3 Tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • Whipped topping, for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Create

  1. Combine sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a shallow dish
  2. Using a lemon wedge, wet rim of martini glasses, then dip glasses in pumpkin spice sugar to coat rim
  3. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, half and half, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup
  4. Shake vigorously until well chilled
  5. Strain into glasses
  6. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of the remaining pumpkin spice sugar

Black Russian Cocktails

The Black Russian cocktail was invented in 1949 by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. He created the drink to honor Perle Mesta, the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg at the time. Mesta was a socialite known for her lavish parties and was a regular at the hotel bar. It the perfect starter drink or late night cocktail.
Ingredients
  • Ice
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Kahlúa or coffee liqueur
  • Orange slice or Maraschino cherry for garnish

Create

  1. Fill a large measuring glass with ice
  2. Add vodka and Kahlúa and stir with a bar spoon or another long-handled spoon until mixture is chilled, about 30 seconds
  3. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass
  4. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry

Autumn Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is an OG drink since it  was first created in the 1800s. First known as the Whiskey Cocktail, it followed the basic formula for cocktails which included a spirit, sugar, water and bitters. As it was quick and simple to make with just some standard readily-available ingredients, it was originally enjoyed first thing in the morning as a hangover cure. Over the years, bartenders have tweaked the drink again and again….so why not add an autumn twist to yours?

Ingredients

  • 1/2 oz apple cider
  • 1 tsp dark brown sugar
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 1/2 oz Bourbon
  • 1 thin apple slice for garnish
  • 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Create

  1. In a mixing glass, combine the cider, brown sugar, and bitters
  2. Stir until sugar has dissolved
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and add the bourbon.
  4. Stir until chilled, about 15 seconds.
  5. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
  6. Garnish with the apple slice and cinnamon stick

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Pear-Ginger Shrub

Shrubs are the hot new things a great option. These mocktails have all the flavor without the alcohol. They are an old way of preserving fruit in vinegar that has found new life in the cocktail world. The result is a sweet-tart syrup that can be added to cocktails, or served on its own with a splash of club soda or seltzer.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ripe pears (about 4 medium)
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) sugar
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger with skin, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar, raw or pasteurized
  • 3 to 4 ounces club soda, chilled, to serve

Create

Chop pears, with skin, into 1/2-inch dice

Combine pears with the sugar in a nonreactive container (glass or plastic), tossing the pears to evenly coat them, and lightly crushing them.

Add the ginger and cover the pear and ginger mixture with a tea towel

Let it sit in a cool, dark place for 48 hours, stirring the mixture twice during this period

After the resting period, strain through a fine strainer into a jar or bottle that can accommodate an additional 1 1/2 cups of liquid

Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine

Seal the jar and refrigerate for 10 days, after which it is ready to use (The shrub will keep for up to 6 months refrigerated)

Combine 1 ounce of the Pear-Ginger Shrub with 3-4 ounces of chilled club soda. Stir gently to combine.

Hope you fall for these autumn cocktails.

Marijuana Edibles Make A Dramatic Improvement

While popular, cannabis edibles have had a challenge with how long it takes to “hit”, which causes some consumers to overindulge – but a change is here!

Cannabis has become mainstream with almost 90% of the public believing it should be made legal in some form. And while smoking is still the most popular consumption among experienced users, gummies and vapes are close behind. Newer users prefer consuming in a discreet way without the smell and can be taken anywhere.  And while it seems back in the day everyone had a story about overdoing it with pot brownies, things have changed. Now, marijuana edibles make a dramatic improvement in when it takes effect.

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While vaping works similar to smoking, edibles process cannabis differently. When consumed, edibles go through the digestive tract where the cannabinoids are absorbed. Unlike smoking, which delivers cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream via the lungs, edibles take a more circuitous route.  This is why it can take form 45-90 minutes for edibles provie the high.

But new technology is making a difference, cannabis beverage (including hemp) are quicker acting, and now a gummy is hitting the market which takes effect within 5-15 minutes. Wana Brands is hitting their multi state markets with the new gummy and it is proving a benefit for consumers.

marijuana clock
Photo by coffeekai/Getty Images

“As we uncover more information about cannabinoids and how they interact with each other, we are discovering new opportunities to create products that speak to very specific outcomes,” said Joe Hodas, President of Wana Brands. “A growing number of consumers are seeking out ways that cannabinoids can help them negotiate daily or occasional stresses, and Wana Optimals Quick Lift is a great example of how integrating three key cannabinoids can achieve results unlike any other gummy on the market.”

The new method for gummies allows them to bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream through the stomach. As a result, these gummies will have a quicker onset which an be beneficial.

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Both Boomers and Gen Z are using marijuana for fun, but also for anxiety, chronic pain and more. The new gummies allows the medical benefit to received more.

Science Says CBD Oil May Help Heal Wounds

Nothing is worse than a wound, the pain, the slow healing and the potential scar…but it seems CBD oil may help.

It happens to everyone, a fall, a surgery, something which breaks the skin and becomes an open wound. It can hurt, itch or just look really bad. Not healing properly also causes problems.  Scar tissue doesn’t allow hair to grow, tends to get sunburned and can be sensitive to the touch. Research has managed to find a path to help with wounds, but more needs to be done. With all the things developed to help, science says CBD oil may help heal wounds. And this can be a good news to the 100+ million who get a nasty wound each year.
Some new research shows cannabinoids appear to improve skin wound healing through a variety of mechanisms. This is supported through a variety of in vitro and animal studies. Animal studies suggest application of cannabinoids may improve the healing of postsurgical and chronic wounds.

Text

It is natural CBD is seen a solution to the wounds, it has multiple ways to help the body. It is a potent anti-inflammatory properties which canhelp reduce inflammation associated with wounds. By decreasing inflammatory markers and cytokine production, CBD may help control swelling and promote faster healing. Also, it can increase blood flow to the injured area, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to promote healing
It also can help with pain since the the analgesic effects  can help reduce pain associated with woundshis pain relief may allow for better wound care and less discomfort during the healing process.
Datas shows CBD exhibits antibacterial and antiseptic effects which can help keep wounds clean and prevent infection. This is crucial for proper wound healing, especially for open wounds and preventing scarring. The antioxidant properties of CBD can help reduce oxidative stress in wounds, which may contribute to faster healing
The study showed 72% of CBD-treated patients experienced complete wound healing compared to only 30% in the control group. Research has managed to find a path to help with wounds, but more needs to be done.

How Cannabis Helps With A Good Mood

There is lots going on in the world…but marijuana may be able to lift your spirits.

Back to the office, weather, politics, Karens, all taking a bite of your spirits. Over 50% of Gen Z feels anxiety, While it looks like it can be a rough autumn, there is hope. Some are born with a set of genetic variants making it easier to feel happy, while others are less fortunate. Genetic variants also play a role in an individual’s responsiveness to the environment. Some need a little more help, be it music, pets, or more. Here is how cannabis helps with a good mood.

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Cannabis has gained popularity not only for its recreational use but also for its potential mood-enhancing effects. The science behind cannabis’s ability to influence mood is complex and multifaceted, involving various chemical compounds and their interactions with the human brain and body. At the heart of cannabis’s mood-altering effects is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation.

Ancient Chinese Tomb Shows Evidence Of Cannabis Use
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

The two main compounds of make the difference. First is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly in areas associated with pleasure, memory, and cognition. By stimulating these receptors, THC can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. The other is CBD (Cannabidiol). Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive but still interacts with the ECS. It has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, which may contribute to improved mood.

Another path to helping is cannabis compounds can influence the release and reuptake of various neurotransmitters. Those including

Dopamine: THC can increase dopamine release in the brain’s reward centers, leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Serotonin: CBD may enhance serotonin signaling, which is associated with mood regulation and anxiety reduction.

GABA: Cannabis can affect GABA signaling, potentially promoting relaxation and stress relief.

.The anxiolytic effects of certain cannabis compounds, particularly CBD, may help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. This stress-reducing effect can contribute to an overall improvement in mood.

RELATED: Couples Using Cannabis Can Increase Intimacy

It’s important to note that the mood-enhancing effects of cannabis are often dose-dependent. Lower doses tend to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, while higher doses may increase the risk of anxiety or paranoia.

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