Page 2 – The Fresh Toast

Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

Amy Hansen

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September 13, 2024

Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

Cannabis has become popular for every adult age group- but the surprise is Gen Z and Boomers are using it for similar reasons.

Cannabis is fully legal to over 50% of the population and all groups are embracing its use. Proven healthier than alcohol, it has become much more common in all sets. Even Florida looks like it is going to vote for recreational cannabis. Long stigmatized as a way to get high, be lazy and lay about on the couch, it turns out it is become part of every day life…and part of a health regime. An example of how it is being used, Boomer and Gen Z consume marijuana for similar reasons.

It is become so accepted, AARP did a study about use among Boomers. AARP is the largest print magazine with 38 million readers…and their bulletin has 33 million. A huge validator for the demographic. It also shows they are more open to more mainstream cannabis. This falls in line by the positions of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

gummies — Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

The AARP study revealed 21 percent ages 50-plus used some form of cannabis — be it food, drink, flower or another type— at least once in the last year, a report from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found. That’s up from 1 in 8 (12 percent) in 2021. In 2015 and 2016, roughly 3 percent of adults 65 and older used cannabis, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Roughly 68% of poll respondents who used cannabis products did so for help with sleep, the researchers found. Many also cited pain relief (63 percent), mental health, anxiety, and mood (53 percent) and relaxation (81 percent) as reasons for using cannabis.

What is interesting is Gen Z, the youngest adult generation, Gen Z, is an also a big fan of marijuana. They helped fuel the California Sober trend where you reduce or stop drinking and use weed instead. One reason Gen Z has embraced weed is it helps with anxiety and mood. They also use it for relaxation, way more so than other generation who tend to lean into alcohol.

What is interesting is some Boomers and Gen X are consume marijuana in a more traditional way by smoking. Gen X and Boomers new to consuming tend to vape and use gummies. The later two are more “on the go” and discreet and doesn’t have the smell. It is interesting the marijuana is bonding together two generations.

Key Information About Joint Pain And Medical Marijuana

Amy Hansen

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September 13, 2024

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Key Information About Joint Pain And Medical Marijuana

Roughly 19% of the people suffer from joint pain – a daily struggle…but here is how medical marijuana can help.

Roughly 19% suffer from joint pain or some part of arthritis. Not only is it painful, it is disruptive in daily life. Some pain can be short term, like from sprains, an injury, tendinitis, or tendon inflammation, an infection of the bone or joint, or overuse of a joint. But some can be long term issues with an impact the patients like. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, bursitis, lupus and more can be long, lingering issues with pain. There is some hope, and cannabis might be one. Here is key information about joint pain and medical marijuana.

One study concluded about 20% of patients with rheumatoid diseases who actively consume cannabis report an improvement in pain. Cannabis contains key components which help reduce inflammation. More research needs to be done to to perfect treatment and dosage, but early indicators look positive for help. Another current benefit of medical marijuana or CBD with joint pain, is it helps with sleep, which is a problem with people in chronic pain.

cannabis may treat fibromyalgia pain according to new study — Photo by Ake via rawpixel.com

Medical marijuana, in the right dose can also be easier on the body. Long used as a natural pain killer, it is less addictive and the body responds positively. Currently used, orticosteroid injections have been a staple in managing pain and inflammation. With new research showcasing the long-term effects of one of the most used treatments, doctors and researchers are concerned about the risks of injections and the potential risks involved with cortisone.

A Boston University study found patients who had been given the medicine by injection found a risk for “accelerated adverse joint events after treatment.” Meaning, when a patient was treated for osteoarthritis or other joint pain via a shot of cortisone, it may have accelerated joint destruction and bone loss. The study also found certain preexisting conditions, such as older age and Caucasian race seemed to increase the risk for the outcome even more. Researchers recommended MRI pre-screening before injections were given to identify the area better and find if the danger could be accurately assessed before the dose was given.

Not only can medical marijuana be helpful, but so can CBD. The Arthritis Foundation has a guide to CBD for those that suffer from the condition. According to Dr. Daniel Clauw, a contributor to the guide, “Right now, it (CBD) appears to be fairly safe and might help certain types of pain.”

While CBD and THC can be used as part of a pain management regimen, they currently can not be the entire plan. Studies like the one conducted on cortisone treatments are bringing the conversations of cannabis and CBD to greater light and offering less stigmatization, but until more research is done, the best path for joint pain is still unknown.

These Strong Cocktails Will Help You Forget Politics

Anthony Washington

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September 13, 2024

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These Strong Cocktails Will Help You Forget Politics

The election is near and the chatter is non – stop. Need a break? Try one of these strong cocktails and unwind.

Local and national politics seem to be sucking up all the energy in the room. Unity seems to be a bit short and everyone is on edge. What the people need is a little break and maybe a drink and these strong cocktails will help forget politics and perhaps aid in making a few friends, or at least common ground with the bartender!

Long Island Iced Tea

This drink has been the introduction of hangovers to many a college student. Slow and go is perfect for the Long Island Iced Tea. There are competing thoughts on the invention of the drink, but what is clear – it was invented in Long Island. Flavor rich, this drink is best served with a snack.

Ingredients

½ fluid ounce vodka
½ fluid ounce rum
½ fluid ounce gin
½ fluid ounce tequila
½ fluid ounce triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
1 fluid ounce sweet and sour mix
1 fluid ounce cola, or to taste
1 lemon slice

Create

Fill cocktail shaker with ice
Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and sour mix over ice
Cover and shake.
Pour cocktail into a tall glass
Top with splash of cola or tea for color
Garnish with a lemon slice

Manhattan

A classic drink with a nod to the days of back room political deals, the Manhattan is a classic – the brown water version of the martini. The legend of this drink is it was born in an election. Said to be developed at the Manhattan Club by Ian Marshall for a dinner hosted for presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The host, Winston Churchhill’s mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, the former American Jennie Jerome.

Ingredients

2 fluid ounces rye whiskey
½ fluid ounce sweet vermouth
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 cup ice cubes
1 maraschino cherry

Create

Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass
Add ice and stir until chilled
Strain into a chilled martini glass
garnish with a maraschino cherry

La Louisiane

Another gift from New Orleans, the best drinking city in the US. It was a house cocktail of the late restaurant La Louisiane. The eatery was famous for their bouillabaisse, strong drinks and sad demise. But this cocktail is a toast to good times.

Ingredients

2 ounces rye whiskey
3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
1/2 ounce Benedictine
3 dashes absinthe
3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
1 maraschino cherry

Create

Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, absinthe and Peychaud’s bitters into a mixing glass with ice
Stir until well-chilled
Strain into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with a maraschino cherry

The Chicago Cocktail

The history of this cocktail is unknown with early versions showing up in London, Chicago and the South of France. What is clear, Chicago has a long history with politics, so what not imbibe in a drink to make you leave it behind.

Ingredients

1.5 oz brandy
1 dash of Grand Marnier
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Splash of sparkling bubbles

Create

Combine all ingredients in pitcher
Add ice and stir well
Strain into cocktail glass rimmed with superfine sugar
Top up with sparkling wine

May you muddle through through the rest of the election season with the cocktails.

Should You Add Hemp Beverages To Your Tailgating

Anthony Washington

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September 12, 2024

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Should You Add Hemp Beverages To Your Tailgating

Fall is football season which means it is time for tailgate parties! Maybe you should add hemp to the buffet!

Football season is here – and whether college or professional, tailgating is a thing. It takes place around sporting events, festivals and concerts. There is usually food, drinks, music and a good time. But, should you add hemp beverages to your tailgating? While marijuana is slowly becoming legal across the national, some big football states aren’t there. But hemp is legal and even some deep anti-marijuana states are embracing it. Texas, a huge football state, has hemp beverages sold at local and national chains. Hemp beverage can be seen as taking a bite out of the White Claw market, yet a bit healthier.

The nemesis of marijuana, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is proud of his blocking federal progress, but he has ensured hemp has a green light. Hemp beverage have become a billion dollar market. Wana Brands, a leader in the cannabis industry, has rolled out 3 beverages. Bayou Beverages out of Texas has taken the state by storm with products in Total Wine and convenience stores around the state. Hemp is sold like alcohol with restrictions on age and how it is sold.

Hemp or CBD drinks are created by infusing hemp extract, derived from the cannabis plant, into a liquid base. The most popular hemp-infused drinks include water, juice, tea, and coffee. One of the big differences between marijuana and hemp drinks is the “high”. With Delta-9 hemp, consumers tend to have a more intense experience and comes on faster than THC. It is a euphoric high when altered sensory perception and a sense of relaxation.

California Governor Newsom is supporting emergency rules to curb sale of hemp products with potent high. The state is struggling with their cannabis industry, high taxes and allowing the black market to run free have hurt mom and pop businesses. While consumers have been high, the states oversight has been driving them to hemp and to the marijuana black market.

Will California Let Marijuana Be Sold At Farmers Markets

Terry Hacienda

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September 12, 2024

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Will California Let Marijuana Be Sold At Farmers Markets

A staple of neighborhoods for meats, fresh vegetables and more – will California add in marijuana?

About 12% of people browse and potentially shop a Farmer’s Market on a regular basis. Usually they are pop-ups in a neighborhood with everything from local meat and fresh vegetables to vintage clothing and handcrafted products. Now the question is will California let marijuana be sold at farmers markets? A bill is going through the state legislature to allow small batch farmers and producers to sell at these venues. It could be an another step in fixing the chaos around their cannabis market.

The California cannabis industry has been struggling. With high taxes from state, regional and local governments, the businesses are burdened with high operational costs. Additionally, the state has done little or nothing to reduce the black market. This has lead some companies have gone under. Despite consumer use growing. While there has been lots of talk, this is one of the first major action. When legalization first started sweeping the country, California was the largest market. But with New York slowly getting their act together after chaotic rollout of recreational, they may lose out of being the top market.

This summer, the state legislature developed a bill to allow small producers to sell at local markets. This would be give some of the mom and pop more opportunity to reach consumers. They would only be allowed to see at markets in places like San Francisco where cannabis events are allowed by local governments. It would also cut overhead and the purchase price for customers, potentially reducing the huge black market in the state. The bill was forwarded to Governor Newsom, who is pondering whether or not to sign it and make it possible.

Governor Newson is a seasoned politician who is always looking to the future. This could be the first step in helping a popular, and for the state, profitable industry. Newsom was elected governor of California in 2018 and has stewarded the government’s action toward the industry, this could help provide some much needed relief.

Vaping Could Have This Effect On Men

Amy Hansen

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September 11, 2024

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While it is popular, easy to use and seen everywhere, vaping could have this effect on men.

It is seen everywhere and is viewed as a much easier option than smoking. Indulging in cigarettes, cigars and joints in general public spaces have been banned since the early 2000s. Prior to the ban it was a Wild West. Up until the late 80s smoking was permitted at work, hospitals, grocery stories, schools, bars, restaurants, and planes. When it began being banned from smoking inside, smoking decreased. After the ban, vaping technology emerged and went public in 2003. By 2011 about 7 million vaped globally, with over 82 million vaping in 2021. The number has only reason. When cannabis become legal, vaping marijuana become popular and is in a tight race with smoking and gummies for ways people consume. But there is a warning, vaping could have this effect on men…erectile dysfunction.

While they have lower levels of chemicals, vapes may still damage endothelial cells. It may cause oxidative stress on the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. This can affect nitric oxide (NO) levels and their signaling in the body. This can be an issue as sufficient NO is necessary to produce an erection.

vape pen — Photo by Dmitry_Tishchenko/Getty Images

One study suggests men who vape nicotine are twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction when compared to men who don’t vape. And cannabinoid receptors at the level of both the brain and penis may negatively impact erectile function.

The first study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, looked into deeper understanding of vaping and sexual health regarding men. They analyzed self-reported data from over 13,000 men over the age of 20. Among the findings: Men who used e-cigarettes were found to be 2.2 times more likely to have erectile dysfunction.

Some caveats in the study include that the data was self-reported, with there being the possibility of bias. Another thing to be mindful of is the fact that the survey didn’t ask any questions on whether or not the men were taking medications which increased the risks of erectile dysfunction, like antidepressants.

Nicotine has long been linked with a variety of sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction and decreased arousal. Researchers believe this link exists due to smoking and the damage it imparts on circulation, which can also increase the odds of heart disease and strokes. When circulation is impacted, it makes it more difficult for erections to occur naturally.

Cannabis has long been used as an aphrodisiac, light use can relax the body and increase sensational. But, some research has shown heavy consumption may cause problems. So it may be important not only how much you consume but how you consume. If you have issues, talk to a health professional.

The Best Marijuana Strains To Help With Fall Fitness

Sarah Johns

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September 10, 2024

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The Best Marijuana Strains To Help With Fall Fitness

Fall is in the air and if you need a little extra nudge toward working out, here are some tips!

The leaves are about to start changing, signaling the beginning of autumn. School is back, people are more focused at work and the calendar is packed with things before the onslaught of the holiday season. For some, it is a chance to maintain their workout schedule, for others, the shortening days and the crisp air can push toward lighting up on the work outs. To help out, it is good to have a buddy. They help and a study, study, men were more likely than women to do physical activity with a partner 1–4x a month. If you need an extra, marijuana makes for a good exercise partner. Marijuana can help motivate you and gather energy for exercise and it can give more focus. Here are the best marijuana strains to help with fall fitness.

While the imagine of the stoner as being lazy is common, it is actually a myth. Gen Z is seeing it as a healthier lifestyle using it to work out more and drink less. Some of the benefits of a low dosage marijuana in a workout include focus, faster recovery, and pain relief. And now cannabis is on the go with vapes, gummies and oils, making it easier to use in public. It is fast acting and discreet while in the gym or on a run or walk with a buddy.

Jack Herer

This sativa dominant strain is popular for its clear headed and creative high making it perfect for daytime consumption, leaving you focused, energized and ready to take on the day.

White Widow

White Widow is famous for its energetic effects and is a common medical strain. Of unknown origins, it is a balanced hybrid to energize without feeling out of control.

Sour Diesel

This strain is super popular for its energizing and dreamy effects. This strain is also popular amongst patients who suffer from depression, pain and anxiety.

Strawberry Diesel

This hybrid provides a well balanced high affecting your mind and body, leaving you relaxed but focused. It’s a versatile type of marijuana providing different effects depending on your mood.

Green Crack

As the name suggests, this marijuana strain is strong and fast acting, pumping your day full of energy. This strain is also popular with patients who suffer from depression, fatigue and stress.

Jillybean

This upbeat and happy hybrid is perfect for daytime use, leaving you energized and ready for activity.

Chocolope

This sweet chocolatey type of marijuana provides a dreamy and cerebral high making you excited to go to the gym and burn some extra energy

Ghost Train Haze

This strain has a floral and citrusy smell should be consumed with care due to its very powerful effects. When done right, Ghost Train Haze will leave you feeling focused and energized.

Durban Poison

This sativa is perfect for getting you pumped up and ready for the gym, containing high levels of THCV, a cannabinoid known for producing a lot of energy and engagement.

The Reason Dogs Have Puppy Dog Eyes

Sarah Johns

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September 10, 2024

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No matter what they do – all is forgiven when they show the puppy dog eyes…how did they learn the trick?

They are known as man’s best friend and have been around 30-40,000 years. Dogs became domesticated to help humans during the hunter/gatherer phase of development. And the bond has stuck ever since. Europe, Canada and the US are the most bonded to their dogs. “Puppy dog eyes” started around 1910 in popular journalism and has stuck. It is a reference to the sweet, adoring way dog can look at you…especially if they have done something wrong or in need. And it seems, the reason dogs have puppy dog eyes is do to man. This seemingly simple movement of eyebrows is proof of canine evolution and is due to their constant companionship with their pet parents.

RELATED: The Best Refreshing Cocktails

A study published in the Journal of the National Academy of Sciences explains dogs’ faces are capable of complex expressions thanks to a pair of muscles located near their eyes. By pulling their inner eyebrows dogs are able to give us the famous and adorable stare, facilitating human care and improving their communication skills.

The study, conducted by the University of Portsmouth, was interested in how dogs controlled their brows and how this movement was used as a tool for communication. Researchers gathered some dogs and studied these two muscles, finding that they work in tandem to widen and open dog’s eyes. Results showed dogs move their eyebrows more often when humans paid attention to them and less often when they were ignored or given food. These findings suggest that the eyebrow movement is voluntary, and that dogs use it to express their needs.

Other results show that humans tend to respond positively to these arching eyebrows and that people and dogs receive a dose of oxytocin when engaging in eye-to-eye contact.

In order to learn if this trait was due to human influence, researchers gathered some data on wolves. These animals were unable to replicate eyebrow movements, proving that our decades of adopting dogs as pets have changed some of their behavior.

Dogs may not be able to hunt as ably as they used to, but they can try their hardest to mirror our facial expressions. When it comes to living with humans, cuteness is what matters most.

The Best Marijuana Strains For Cuffing Season

Sarah Johns

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September 9, 2024

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The Best Marijuana Strains For Cuffing Season

Fall is in the air and cuffing season is right around the season. Here are some great cannabis strains to help you relax and enjoy the hunt!

Autumn is arriving along with pumpkin spice, harvest festivals, daylight saving times and cuffing season. Not familiar with cuffing season, it is the annual ritual where people find a partner to settle into the winter season. People all over are looking for someone to snuggle with during dark months. Cuffing season participants look for short (winter) or longer time partners to enjoy life.

It is thought the term “cuff” originated from the African-American vernacular as a verb meaning to “hook up”. Urban Dictionary defined the term “cuffing season” in 2011. It has been going strong ever since. But some people have a little anxiety around dating, and cannabis can help. Proven to treat anxiety, low dose THC can reduce the jitters and make it a little easier when swimming in the dating pool. Gen Z tends to go for real life encounters, while others still do a mix bag of hunting online. it is a whole lot easier when are at ease and open to meeting new people for friends or more when you are a little relaxed. Here are the best marijuana strains for cuffing season.

Star Tonic

Star tonic is a high-CBD hybrid developed from cannatonic and death star strains. The 2:1 CBD: THC strain has less than 9% THC levels and a CBD level of 17%. A few minutes after consuming, the user experiences a mellow onset. Novice users may feel a mild psychoactive reaction.

In the Pines

This strain is another hybrid developed from Master Kush, Pineapple Thai, and Pineapple genetics. It is high in CBD with about 6% THC content. This strain is renowned for its magical buzz and stimulating high. Consumers who prefer this strain say that it helps relieve their anxieties and chronic pains. It is an invigorating strain with a combo of piney and citrusy notes.

Red Pop

Another low-THC hybrid. The developers of this strain are based in Detroit, Michigan. The strain was rightly named after the state’s famous red soda pop. These strings deliver an effect that’s somewhere between euphoric and relaxing. Tt is generally a strain known to put you a good mood. Lab tests show that the Red Pop has a profile that’s rich in terpenes and low in THC. This explains why the strain has a sweet flavor akin to the region’s precious red fizzy soda.

Pennywise

Pennywise is referred to as a therapeutic cannabis strain. Plants in this strain have varying cannabinoid profiles that fall between the range of 5 to 10% THC. The ratio of THC to CBD is often 1:1 or 1:2. It is well-suited for smokers with low tolerance levels and newcomers. Heavy smokers can use this strain to ease back from high-THC strains.

CBD Blue Shark

The blue shark was developed from a cross of Blueberry, Shark Shock, Skunk # 1, and CBD Shark. The most potent varieties found in this strain have up to 15% THC, but most have less than 10% THC. Regular consumer claim this strain delivers a focused and relaxing high that gradually results in a mild euphoric buzz. The Blue Shark strain is indica-dominant and is recommended for day or evening use.

Blue Dynamite

The Blue Dynamite strain is lauded for its calming effects. The flowers have between 6 and 10% THC depending on the cultivation practices used. Its cannabinoid profile shows a 2:1 CBD to THC level. Experienced users reported that this strain helped relieve body pains while also providing a euphoric high.

May these strains help you in on a romantic journey.

Will DeSantis Let Floridians Vote On Marijuana

Terry Hacienda

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September 9, 2024

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Will DeSantis Let Floridians Vote On Marijuana

In his quest as a foe of legal cannabis and for running a nanny state, will DeSantis allow Floridians to vote for marijuana?

DeSantis is recovering from his failed presidential bid and is working to shore up his reputation in Florida. He is known for being tough, driven and getting things his way. His historic fight with Disney has drawn national attention, but hasn’t fully gone as DeSantis planned. His reputation is bruised and he is stepping up his tactics. He has opposed legal cannabis from the beginning, so will DeSantis let Floridians vote on marijuana?

Currently, DeSantis is using state resources to try to block the Sunshine State citizens from voting on another issues, but what about marijuana? DeSantis, despite receiving campaign donations from a few large cannabis operators, has been adamantly opposed.

Governor DeSantis Wants It Both Ways On Marijuana — Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

When medical marijuana was first put on the ballot, citizens were supportive. It was reasonable considering the amount of veterans and senior citizens in the state. PTSD and chronic pain are two of the ways the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services and science acknowledge cannabis has medical benefits. In general, Florida is in the top 3 states with retirees, a group the Governor thought he can rely on for support, but the state supported medical marijuana by 61%. The governor said it wasn’t enough support, and made them vote again, clearly sharing he did not want it passed. It passed with 71%. Now the state wants to pass recreational marijuana via a ballot initiative and the governor is unhappy.

The pro-marijuana group gained enough signatures and has out raised the opposition $75 million to $14 million. In different current ballot initiative, DeSantis has taken another tack. The other group also gained enough signatures and traction. But in an unprecedented move, the Governor has used state resource to go door to door to ask people if they signed the petition. Also, the governor has also allowed a state agency’s seal to be used in ads against a ballot initiative, a highly usual move.

The GOP Presidential candidate has come out in support of recreational cannabis in Florida, but, so far, it has not swayed DeSantis in his stance. The GOP leader and the governor have a fraught relationship, so it is unclear if it will make a difference in campaign.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Cannabis has become popular for every adult age group- but the surprise is Gen Z and Boomers are using it for similar reasons.

Roughly 19% of the people suffer from joint pain – a daily struggle…but here is how medical marijuana can help.

The election is near and the chatter is non – stop. Need a break? Try one of these strong cocktails and unwind.

Long Island Iced Tea

Manhattan

La Louisiane

The Chicago Cocktail

Fall is football season which means it is time for tailgate parties! Maybe you should add hemp to the buffet!

A staple of neighborhoods for meats, fresh vegetables and more – will California add in marijuana?

While it is popular, easy to use and seen everywhere, vaping could have this effect on men.

Fall is in the air and if you need a little extra nudge toward working out, here are some tips!

Jack Herer

White Widow

Sour Diesel

Strawberry Diesel

Green Crack

Jillybean

Chocolope

Ghost Train Haze

Durban Poison

No matter what they do – all is forgiven when they show the puppy dog eyes…how did they learn the trick?

Fall is in the air and cuffing season is right around the season. Here are some great cannabis strains to help you relax and enjoy the hunt!

Star Tonic

In the Pines

Red Pop

Pennywise

CBD Blue Shark

Blue Dynamite

In his quest as a foe of legal cannabis and for running a nanny state, will DeSantis allow Floridians to vote for marijuana?

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