A new study found a link between this common medication and risk of developing dementia.
A new study published this week revealed some new uses for a seasoned drug. The research found that a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes might be helpful in preventing dementia in people who are at a higher risk for developing it in the future.
Researchers behind the study, published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, theorized that since type 2 diabetes was a contributor to dementia, that the drugs used to treat it could also impact a person’s risk of developing dementia.
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Researchers selected medication known as TZDs, one that hasn’t been all that studied when applied to dementia. They analyzed the medical records of a vast pool of subjects, all of them over the age of 60, with having type 2 diabetes. The subjects were all free of dementia when the study started. Then, researchers compared people’s symptoms over a period of seven years, separating them into groups: those who took TZDs and patients who took other leading medications of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers concluded that participants taking TZDs were 22% less likely to be diagnosed with any form of dementia. They also found that this group was less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, a condition that falls under the spectrum of dementia, and that affects over 6 million people in the country.
While the study is promising and suggests a novel way of preventing and treating dementia, the results don’t imply cause and effect. Then there are the side effects of TZDs, which are murky. The evidence isn’t definitive, but there’s a link between these medications and a higher risk of developing heart disease, which is why the medication isn’t prescribed as a first choice for people who are at a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Per the CDC, dementia is a term that envelops different symptoms referring to people’s impaired thought processes. It impacts their way of thinking, making decisions, and more, all in varying degrees and with an impact on their daily lives. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and more are all considered a type of dementia.
A new poll shows that Biden’s marijuana pardon was well-received among different political parties.
If there’s one thing that Americans agree on, it’s weed. This embrace of the drug has been developing for years, and it’s become the unlikely common ground among political parties.
A new poll on President Biden’s pot pardons shows just how much Americans are in support of marijuana’s reevaluation and possible declassification.
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The poll, conducted by POLITICO and Morning Consult, shows that nearly two-thirds of voters supported Biden’s pardon for non-violent marijuana convictions. These numbers include 40% of Biden’s strong supporters and 25% of those people that are somewhat supportive of Biden. On average, only one in four survey respondents was opposed to pardoning marijuana offenders.
When talking about changing marijuana’s classification under federal law, respondents were even more supportive, with 69% of them supporting declassification. One in five respondents said they were opposed to reevaluating marijuana’s federal legal status. The poll also showed that the public is well educated on the topic of cannabis and what Biden’s administration has done on the matter.
Unsurprisingly, the demographic that leads these positive responses is comprised of Millennials. Gen Z was the group that was least likely to be informed on Biden’s marijuana pardons. And two-thirds of Baby Boomers showed support for Biden’s decisions regarding marijuana.
In terms of political parties, Democrats and Independents were in support of Biden’s actions. Republicans were the more divided group, with 57% of them expressing support for reclassifying marijuana while just 46% of them supported marijuana pardons.
Lastly, when breaking the results down by race, Biden’s move was greatly supported by Black voters, with 74% of them supporting these pardons. This is a key demographic come election and one that was called out when the pardon was issued. “Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit,” said Biden in a statement last week. “And while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.”
The poll was conducted October 7 to 9 and includes responses of more than 2,000 registered voters.
A new study compared a late dinner and an early one, showing why the latter was better for maintaining weight and keeping people more energized.
Eating late has long been linked with weight gain, without much knowledge as to why. Now, a new study might explain why this happens, and why having an early dinner might be helpful for staying healthy and promoting weight loss.
The research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, also found some positive outcomes in regards to intermittent fasting, showing that meals eaten within a 10-hour window might be the healthier choice overall.
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Per the research, which was conducted by physicians from Harvard Medical School, the time of the day in which we eat affects numerous things, like our hunger levels, our daily energy and where our body stores fat.
The study involved 16 overweight participants, all of whom ate the same meals on different schedules. They also stuck to sleep and wake up schedules, trying their best to maintain the study as homogenous as possible.
Researchers explain that there was an early group, who had the meals at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m., and a late group, who ate at 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. The study also counted with a variety of evidence from participants, including blood samples, their temperature and self-reports on their hunger levels.
While there has long been a link between late eating and weight loss, it’s never been understood.
Results showed that participants who ate late reported more hunger and were less energetic. A look at their samples showed that they burned calories more slowly than the early group, all of which amassed in higher odds of obesity.
“This study shows the impact of late versus early eating. Here, we isolated these effects by controlling for confounding variables like caloric intake, physical activity, sleep, and light exposure, but in real life, many of these factors may themselves be influenced by meal timing,” explained senior author Frank Scheer.
Researchers explain that by keeping the study small, they were more likely to control outside factors like sleep schedules and the meals that were consumed, resulting in a study that shows a better understanding of how the body works and why obesity tends to affect people who eat at later times.
Part of what’s indicated on the agenda is a discussion on marijuana legalization and how it’s tied to suicide and violence. Entitled, “Protecting Children From Dangers of Drugs,” the section discusses how marijuana is still federally illegal “but that has not stopped more and more states and localities from legalizing it under their own laws,” it reads.
What’s ironic is that the goal of this agenda paper is to “restore the American family”. Their attempts to criticize cannabis legalization includes recommending the abolishment of cannabis edibles. “In addition, Congress should pass the Protecting Kids from Candy-Flavored Drugs Act, introduced 3 by RSC Chairman and Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), which would increase criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures or distributes drugs that are disguised as candy,” it reads.
Another ironic aspect is that the committee says the prohibition isn’t enough to stop kids from consuming cannabis. It indicates unfounded lies: “This has led to an explosion of marijuana use among children, which is having a hugely negative impact on their health,” the report reads.
Based on the agenda, what the GOP really wants is for criminal penalties for marijuana as well as other Schedule 1 substances that come in the form of candy or drinks to be increased. It’s ludicrous that they think these items are being sold to minors! Of course, these aren’t true, but it’s no secret that GOP lawmakers are still against marijuana legalization.
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GOP Still Against Cannabis Legalization
In April earlier this year, the House passed a law that seeks to decriminalize marijuana federally. This has been a long time coming, though the bill has met numerous bumps on the road. More than 200 House Republicans opposed the legislation, and just three of them supported it. When you look at the other side, over 200 House Democrats backed it up and just two voted against the bill. This pretty much ensured the death of the bill in Senate.
The GOP still chooses to go against the tide as most Americans are already in favor of marijuana legalization. In fact, many voters also support cannabis for recreational use.
There are many theories why there is still such a strong opposition from Republicans when it comes to marijuana legalization — as well as many other pressing issues. A quick look at congressional Republicans will show that most of them are religious and significantly older. These groups of people are not progressive when it comes to drug reform and the benefits of marijuana, which is why they are so conservative about it as well as other matters of family and morality.
In addition, many of the Republicans are not aware of how fellow Republicans’ opinions have evolved through the years. It isn’t far-fetched for many Reps to go against federal legalization of marijuana simply because they think they are doing right in representing their voters’ opinions.
In fact, a recent national poll conducted by the National Cannabis Roundtable revealed that more than three quarters of self-identified Republicans believe that recreational or medical legalization that has been supported by voters shouldn’t be opposed. They believe that the government instead should be focusing their efforts on getting rid of hurdles for these markets. Furthermore, 17% of respondents don’t think the federal government should be completely hands-off when it comes to state-legal markets.
According to former Colorado Sec. Cory Gardener, a Republican and a new board member of the National Cannabis Roundtable, “there’s been a massive shift in opinion, and it’s evidently clear that Republicans have extremely positive attitudes toward legal cannabis.”
A recent Gallup poll echoes the same sentiments, with results demonstrating that 50% of Republicans back legalization while 49% did not. “Twenty years ago, you couldn’t get a majority of Republicans that supported medical cannabis. Now, it’s overwhelmingly supportive,” explains Tony Fabrizio of Fabrizio, Lee & Associates to Politico.com.
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Look at the Numbers
All one has to do is simply look up the data.
How can the GOP say that cannabis legalization is tied to an increase in suicide and violence when data shows the opposite is true? Cannabis helps mental health, thus decreasing suicide and violence rates where it’s legal.
In a 2021 study analyzing results of a 2013 investigation which found no association between medical marijuana legalization and mental health, researchers confirmed: “We found that recreational marijuana access was associated with a 6.29% reduction in suicide rates for males aged 40 to 49, but no other mental health outcomes were otherwise affected by liberalization of marijuana laws,” the authors wrote.
“Adverse mental health outcomes do not follow cannabis liberalization at the state level, confirming the findings,” they add. “In addition, there is evidence that recreational marijuana reduces suicide rates for middle-aged males” — and this is just one study out of many.
Meanwhile, other studies show that cannabis legalization benefits the criminal justice system by reducing violent crime. In one study among several, researchers found that legal medical cannabis isn’t an indicator of increased crime rates. Dr. Robert Morris, lead author of the study and an associate professor of criminology, stated that cannabis may in fact lead to reductions in certain kinds of crime.
“We’re cautious about saying, ‘Medical marijuana laws definitely reduce homicide.’ That’s not what we’re saying,” he explained. “The main finding is that we found no increase in crime rates resulting from medical marijuana legalization. In fact, we found some evidence of decreasing rates of some type of violent crime, namely homicide and assault,” he said.
Conclusion
We hope the GOP opens their eyes and gets a good reality check. With their support, one day, we hope the federal legalization of cannabis will finally happen as recent announcements by President Biden seem to be pointing that direction.
The report also pointed to the challenges marijuana businesses face due to its illegal federal status, which creates numerous obstacles, including a lack of access to traditional banking systems.
A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank sheds light on the economic impact marijuana legalization has had in recent years, reports Marijuana Moment. Policy changes on the state level have resulted in increased commercial real estate demand, as well as a surge in tax revenues while creating more jobs.
According to an analysis from the Kansas City arm of the Central Bank, which collected data from several states under its jurisdiction, the Tenth Federal Reserve District, the cannabis industry has become one of the main economic sectors positioned to grow substantially in the coming period.
“Overall, the marijuana industry has had a significant effect on the economies of Tenth District states in the initial years after legalization,” the report said. “The emergence of the industry has led to higher employment and stronger demand for commercial real estate.”
The new analysis published last week also showed that tax revenue surged, and was driven by an increase in marijuana sales. However, the report also pointed to the challenges marijuana businesses face due to its illegal federal status, which creates numerous obstacles, including a lack of access to traditional banking systems.
“Marijuana legalization has also been associated with challenges for both the industry and localities more broadly, including access to banking services and concerns among some local officials about its effects on public health and safety,” the report continued.
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Legalization Efforts In Tenth Federal Reserve District
Within the Tenth Federal Reserve District, only Colorado and New Mexico have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.
While Missourians will get their chance to weigh in on recreational marijuana this November, cannabis-related initiatives in Oklahoma and Nebraska didn’t manage to get on the ballot.
“If these expansion efforts succeed, they may have important implications for the Tenth District economy,” the report says. “Although the size of the District’s marijuana industry has thus far remained moderate, the industry has already influenced employment, real estate, and tax revenue in legalized states.”
Meanwhile, Kansas is one of few states that doesn’t have a comprehensive medical cannabis law, though Governor Laura Kelly (D) is trying to change that. Earlier this year, Kelly signed legislation allowing Kansans to obtain prescription drugs derived from cannabis-related products.
In Wyoming, legalization advocates are preparing two ballot proposals for 2024 to decriminalize cannabis possession and legalize medical marijuana. A 2020 survey from the University of Wyoming showed that around half of the state’s residents support legalizing marijuana, and 85% favor medical use.
The measurable economic impact of introducing an adult-use marijuana market is estimated to increase state gross domestic product by up to $2.36 billion over five years
According to a report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), the state’s medical cannabis sales have hit $200 million in 2022, with patients spending $23.9 million at 38 licensed dispensaries in September, to obtain 4,571 pounds of cannabis, reported KNWA.
“Patients spent approximately $800,000 daily in September on medical marijuana purchases,” said Scott Hardin, a spokesperson for the DFA. “Additionally, 4,571 pounds is the largest month for sales in 2022. Through the first nine months of 2022, patients have spent $205 million to obtain 36,600 pounds of medical marijuana. We anticipate 2022 sales will surpass the $264.9 million spent in 2021,” added Hardin.
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Economic impact
There are 92,035 patients already enrolled in the medical cannabis program. The legalization of recreational marijuana by adults is Issue 4 on the Arkansas general election ballot. If Arkansas voters approve the initiative this November, the market could see more than $460 million in tax revenue over five years. According to the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI), the legalization of adult-use cannabis would create 6,400 jobs by 2027.
“The measurable economic impact of introducing an adult-use marijuana market, including economic activity diverted from illicit markets, is estimated to increase state gross domestic product by up to $2.36 billion over five years,” said Michael Pakko, chief economist at AEDI.
The five-year analysis found that Arkansas could see yearly sales reach $984 million by 2027 and $163.1 million in revenue from the standard state sales tax on marijuana purchases.
Supplemental revenue would be distributed as follows: $45.5 million in annual stipends for law enforcement, $34 million for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, $15.2 million for drug courts in the state and $212.5 million for a general fund.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, from Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), has passed the House on several occasions but stalled in the Senate.
With the end of Congress’s session just around the corner, marijuana advocates, stakeholders and lawmakers continue to push for marijuana banking policy change.
This time, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) joined forces with Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera (D), Attorney General Phil Weiser (D), Treasurer Dave Young (D) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) Executive Director Stan Hilkey in urging congressional leaders to revisit the issue, reported Marijuana Moment.
In a letter sent on Monday to both House and Senate leaders, Colorado officials focused on the impact which a bipartisan marijuana banking bill will have in terms of public safety and industry equity,
“The lack of safe banking and financial services for the cannabis industry in the State of Colorado has become a dire public safety issue for highly regulated cannabis businesses operating in compliance with state law,” the officials said.
The letter, which came on the heels of President Biden’s announcement to pardon prior federal cannabis possession convictions, also addressed the “uneven playing field faced by small and minority-owned cannabis businesses” caused by the lack of safe banking.
“We are proud of the robust cannabis structure established in our state that protects public safety, supports responsible innovation and, importantly, enhances the myriad economic development and social benefits the industry has provided to all Coloradans, especially minority-, women-, and veteran-owned small businesses,” the letter said.
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Banking Reform Bill Moving Closer To Passing
The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, from Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), has passed the House on several occasions but stalled in the Senate.
Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald’s analyst Pablo Zuanic, who recently met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., said last week that congressional leaders are considering a banking measure for the cannabis industry in the upcoming elections.
The analyst also said that the marijuana industry may not be in regulatory limbo for much longer, with the passage of “SAFE Plus” now more likely to pass during the Congressional lame-duck period, between the November midterms and when the new Congress is sworn in in January 2023.
The ‘SAFE Banking Plus’ Act is an updated version of a bill that seeks to harmonize state, federal and state law by protecting financial institutions that provide banking services to marijuana-related and ancillary businesses.
“We think that talk of a SAFE Plus (bill) is something that should be taken seriously,” Zuanic recently told investors during a Zoom call. “It’s not just a jingle. It’s not a pipe dream. It’s something that’s ongoing. There are discussions at high levels in the Senate between co-sponsors of the SAFE Banking bill on the Republican side with Senate leadership.”
Both outdoor and indoor marijuana are capable of producing the best weed in the land. But which gives you the best high?
Cannabis options these days are more bountiful than ever before. It seems there is a new way to consume marijuana every season and always a new strain to try out. When it comes to selecting a marijuana product, the process, while exciting, can be altogether daunting. It’s helpful to find ways of narrowing the list of choices in front of you. Legal grow company early on, especially in Canada, invested millions in indoor grow. Now the question is Indoor vs outdoor, which type of weed gives a better high?
If you prefer indica to sativa, for example, you can cut your list in half. This can make your selection a bit less overwhelming. Then there is the growing method to consider.
You may have heard there are some differences between indoor and outdoor marijuana. You might even notice that the buds you purchase even look a bit different depending on whether they were grown inside or in natural sunlight. This might have you wondering if these visual differences between indoor grown and outdoor grown marijuana can also affect the quality of the product. If so, when it comes to indoor versus outdoor cannabis, which type is better to buy?
Reasons to Buy (and Avoid) Indoor Grown Marijuana
Indoor cannabis is sometimes compared to growing marijuana in a laboratory, and this comparison is by no means baseless. Indoor marijuana is grown in very controlled, laboratory-like conditions. This control allows growers to extract the exact attributes they are looking for in any given strain.
This controlled and hands-on approach can lead to potent products, with several indoor varieties having higher THC content than their outdoor counterparts of the same strain. According to the cannabis technology and marketing companyLeafbuyer, “In an enclosed space, you can control the amount (and type) of light your plant gets, the humidity of your growing room, and just about every other factor that goes into growing cannabis.”
When you purchase indoor cannabis, you are likely to get a controlled product, with little variation. In other words, if you are less likely to be “surprised” with indoor cannabis, as part of the goal is to remove that nuance that exists in outdoor farming.
While indoor cannabis is quality controlled and closely monitored, there are some reasons that might steer you away from cannabis grown indoors. One of these reasons is noticeable right off the bat — the price. Because indoor cannabis is grown inside a facility, there are more overhead costs. It often takes more manpower per plant to grow as well, raising the price even more. And while each plant could potentially contain more THC than outdoor plants, the yields are often much smaller.
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The other reason you might want to reconsider purchasing indoor weed has less to do with how the high feels, but rather how low the purchase might make you feel on a moral level. That is because indoor cannabis has a mammoth carbon footprint. According to New Frontierdata, “Indoor cultivators use 18 times more energy to produce one gram of cannabis than outdoor cultivators use (kWh/gram).”
The study goes so far as to say that indoor marijuana cultivation produces almost 25 times more carbon than outdoor growing methods. If you, like many, are sensitive to your carbon footprint in this era of climate change, then purchasing some indoor cannabis might make you feel a bit environmentally irresponsible.
Outdoor Cannabis and Why You Should Choose It
When it comes to outdoor cultivation, it is easy to compare it to indoor growing and see a major potential downside, and that’s a lack of consistency. Just like with wine and other complex horticulture products, outdoor cannabis can vary greatly from one growing season to another. With ever-mounting wildfires, droughts, hurricanes and other intense unpredictable weather events, it is easy to see why there can be good years and catastrophic years for outdoor cannabis. This, more than anything, makes outdoor cannabis unpredictable, especially compared to cannabis grown indoors.
There is also the climate to consider. Growing cannabis outdoors in tropical Hawaii is simply not going to be the same process or product as the same strain grown in Maine. The growing seasons can be short or long, just as the days and sunlight can vary significantly.
Still, some argue that this individual relationship outdoor plants have with the Earth and the sun is what makes it special, and possibly superior. “By letting the plants do their thing and just making sure they have enough food and water to thrive, you can end up with an incredible crop,” according to cannabis nutrient supply companyGeoflora Nutrients. “Many growers even consider outdoor-grown bud to taste better because it was grown with sunlight.”
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In fact, while the idea that indoor weed is more precisely grown and is therefore superior is one theory, others see great value in using the natural elements. “Outdoor has a bad rep for being weak or not as juicy in flavor as indoor,” Merry Jane editor Mary Carreontold Forbes. “But I’d argue that outdoor can be just as good, sometimes better, than indoor,” she continued.
After all, potency is not necessarily what makes marijuana “the best.” Some people look for taste and aroma. Just like with fine wine, much of that nuanced flavor can come from the soil and surroundings, which might be muted or altogether absent when marijuana is grown indoors with carefully manipulated soil.
Answer the question of indoor vs. outdoor, which time of weed give a better high, well the answer is both. Both are capable of producing the best weed in the land. Indoor cannabis is king when it comes to consistency, since it strips the environment of nearly all outside variables. It also unloads a giant carbon footprint. Outdoor cannabis, while married and unique to the climate where it is purchased, can offer a more eco-friendly and tasty experience, even if it might be a bit of a surprise. And is usually more cost friendly.
There are tried and tested methods of consuming magic mushrooms safely. Smoking just isn’t one of them. Here’s why.
Psilocybin is the word on everyone’s lips these days. This amazing compound found in species of “magic mushrooms” is widely being consumed by everyone from young adults for recreation to moms, burnt out entrepreneurs, and everyone in between. After all, its health benefits are nothing short of miraculous; it can treat an array of ailments that Big Pharma hasn’t been able to do.
Psilocybin, whether in small or large doses, can be used for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD to name a few. You can even take it without having any serious mental disorders just for overall well-being. And many consumers appreciate the myriad of ways you can consume psilocybin: in pre-dosed capsule, raw, in food, tea, packaged edibles, and more.
But some people wonder if you can smoke magic mushrooms, since smoking is a common way to consume many other psychedelic substances.
What Could Happen If You Smoke Magic Mushrooms
Smoking is currently not an accepted method of consumption for magic mushrooms. It could even cause serious harm. Don’t smoke magic mushrooms!
When psilocybin is exposed to high heat, it will break down rapidly and won’t get you high. In addition, magic mushrooms can be extremely harsh on the throat when smoked. This will be an unpleasant, potentially painful, and even dangerous experience to smoke it overall.
There are risks involved. You can get aspergillosis, which is a respiratory condition caused by fungal exposure, resulting in damage to your blood vessels. The only treatment for aspergillosis is antibiotics, or in extreme cases it may require surgery. Other side effects of smoking magic mushrooms include shortness of breath, wheezing, lung damage, fever, and inflammation. Also, keep in mind that on top of the existing risks, you could also accidentally inhale mold spores when you smoke magic mushrooms — this condition is called Lycoperdonosis.
Individuals who already have a compromised immune system can suffer from another problem called histoplasmosis especially if you smoke mushrooms that have mold. This can cause pneumonia and lung infections. Serious cases may lead to chronic conditions affecting the liver, nervous system, and mouth.
In short, nothing good can come out of trying to smoke magic mushrooms. Even if safe, you likely won’t get high since psilocybin requires interaction in the digestive tract to convert it to psilocin. The psilocin is what triggers the serotonin receptors to boost serotonin production, which is what makes you feel elated after you eat the mushrooms.
So, you will likely not get high and you have a pretty high risk of getting seriously sick. It just isn’t worth it.
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Safest Way To Consume Magic Mushrooms
There are tried and tested methods of consuming magic mushrooms safely. Below are some ways you can do this:
Capsules: Pre-dosed psilocybin capsules are widely available especially in cities that have decriminalized it. It’s a discreet method of consumption plus offers the benefit of already being pre-dosed, so you already know exactly how much you’re getting in each capsule. Those who are fans of microdosing can take capsules containing 0.5 or 1 gram each, while macrodosing will entail consuming more.
If you want to make psilocybin capsules yourself, just grind the raw mushrooms until you’ve reached a fine, powdery consistency. Place them into empty capsules, whether manual or with a machine, and enjoy.
Tea: Taking mushrooms tea is an old, reliable way to consume mushrooms. This method is safe, and also advisable for individuals who have a sensitive stomach. Drinking mushroom tea also has a quicker onset time.
To make a tea, first use a grinder to turn the mushrooms into a fine powder form in your desired dose. Pour hot water over it, let it steep for around 10 minutes, and get ready for your trip. For those who do not particularly like the taste of mushrooms in tea, you can flavor it by adding honey or even another tea bag.
Edibles: You can add mushrooms into basically any kind of edible treat. This can be candy, omelets, chocolate, pizza and so much more. Doing so is an effective way of getting rid of the unpleasant taste. Just remember not to expose the mushrooms to high heat — above 190F for over 30 minutes in order to preserve the high.
Raw or dried magic mushrooms always works best if you are concerned about potency. Treat them the way you would other types of edible mushrooms.
Raw: If you don’t mind the taste of mushrooms, eating them raw is a simple, fuss-free way to get high. Simply pop the mushroom in your mouth, chew, and swallow. That’s all it takes!
Lemon tekking: Lemon tekking is a fairly new process that has grown in popularity for its refreshing way to consume magic mushrooms. Lemon tekking involves putting the magic mushrooms in freshly squeezed lemon juice, and allowing it to sit for 20 minutes. Doing so increases the intensity of the experience while also hiding any unpleasant taste of mushrooms.
According to experts, soaking mushrooms in the citric acid found in lemons results in a chemical reaction that breaks down the psilocybin in advance. What you get is a quicker onset through a delicious, refreshing drink.
Whatever you do, don’t smoke magic mushrooms. There are so many other ways you can safely consume mushrooms without having to worry about adverse side effects, such as the methods discussed above. Always do your research and plan for a proper, comfortable setting before dosing.
“The General Assembly didn’t pass your recommendations on this last session, but I believe they should,” the Gov. said, adding that cannabis possession conviction can “mar people’s records for life and maybe even prevent them from getting a job.”
Just days after President Joe Biden announced he would pardon all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession and urged governors to do the same, North Carolina’s Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has taken steps in that direction.
During a Friday task force meeting on racial equity and criminal justice, Cooper addressed the issue of marijuana decriminalization, saying that it’s time to “end the stigma.”
The task force, established in June 2020, includes law enforcement officers, attorneys, civil rights advocates and state officials. The 24-member panel announced in a 2020 report that lawmakers should consider possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana as a civil offense instead of a misdemeanor. However, the General Assembly ignored the task force’s recommendation.
“The General Assembly didn’t pass your recommendations on this last session, but I believe they should,” Cooper said, adding that cannabis possession conviction can “mar people’s records for life and maybe even prevent them from getting a job.”
Currently, North Carolinians caught with more than 1.5 ounces face a felony charge, while possession of over 0.5 ounces is punishable by up to 45 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein seconded the governor’s stance on the issue.
“People should not have a federal criminal record for something that is legal in an increasing number of states,” Stein said last week. “Let’s act, and let’s get it right. That means decriminalizing adult use, expunging past convictions for simple possession, and including strong protections for kids, no advertising, state-controlled sales and putting NC farmers first.”
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Legalization Efforts
Meanwhile, the state Senate approved the NC. Compassionate Care Act in June with bipartisan support in a 35-10 vote. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Bill Rabon (R), sought to allow cannabis with higher levels of THC to treat debilitating conditions such as cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, North Carolina House Republicans decided not to legalize medical cannabis later that month.
House Speaker Tim Moore (R) was a key lawmaker who dismissed the idea of enacting medical cannabis legalization this year. “I feel very confident that Republicans will have a supermajority next year. When I say next year, I mean six months from now. We can deal with this then,” he said.
