The Court in Illinois, a legal state, makes a key ruling about cannabis
With over 50% of the population in the US and 100% in Canada having access to legal cannabis, there has been some changes. All age groups are embracing it, including Boomers who are using it in bigger numbers for its medical benefits. Beer sales are down as people are embracing vapes and gummies over calorie filled and hangover inducing beer. And the are figuring out how to keep people from driving under the influence. Now, a state court makes key ruling about marijuana which differentiates it again from alcohol.
Law enforcement has treated cannabis like alcohol regarding driving under the influence. The smell of either gives probable cause, but now, for marijuana it is under doubt. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is very slow walking a decision about rescheduling cannabis. Part of the reason for the DEA is to combat marijuana and rescheduling would change a focus. Several sources say the agency is not keen on the change and hopes by delaying action until after the election, they may be given a pass. But this court ruling adds more pressure.
The ruling stemmed from a 2020 case in which Ryan Redmond was pulled over by Illinois State Police on Interstate 80 in Henry County. According to court records, Redmond’s license place was not properly secured to the vehicle and he was driving 3 miles over the speed limit.
The trooper allegedly smelled marijuana coming from inside the car, and subsequently found a small amount of cannabis inside. Redmond was charged with a misdemeanor for transport of cannabis.
Redmond exhibited no signs of impairment, leading Neville to opine that the trooper’s “reasonable suspicion” would not have advanced to a “probable cause search.”
The court ruled the smell of cannabis doesn’t provide probably cause, unlike the smell of alcohol on the breath.
This court’s ruling could have an impact on federal law. Currently, there isn’t a fully reliable way to test people with data, like an alcohol breath analyzer. The next step in how the state adjusts will likely by copied by other states to avoid lawsuits. This will have an impact on federal policy…and maybe nudge the DEA.
It was a love story which kept tongues wagging and the media in a frenzy – now it is being made into an opera.
The tempestuous love affair between global opera superstar Maria Callas and billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis is coming to New York City. The epic love story is being set to music. The legendary tragic tale which eventually became a triangle with Jackie Kennedy Onassis is a saga for the ages. Now, new opera writer Elizabeth Coppinger has transformed it into an opera. After a career in technology and community activities, she decided this story needs to be framed in the grand, dramatic setting of opera to allow it to be memorialized in the perfect setting.
The story tells of Maria Callas and her scandalous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, then one of the world’s richest men. Tragically, their ill-fated affair collapsed in betrayal and heartbreak with Onassis’ surprise marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Their romance was during the height of the glamorous “jet set” and played across the world in locations like Rome, Athens, London, and New York. This was the era when large yachts, titled guests, private planes and more were all new, and set the very rich apart. The papers ate it up and broke Callas heart.
In a clever twist, Coppinger tells the timeless tale via the Greek gods, Zeus and Hera. They mythical couple are also the main stars in the new Netflix series Kaos starring Jeff Goldblum and Janet McTeer.
This new English-language opera by award-winning composer, Clint Borzoni, and new librettist Coppinger, is being workshopped in NYC. Borzoni has created for La Callas a lush, melodic score evoking the sweeping passion and drama of Callas’ legendary life and career. Her story is contemporary. The story highlights the diva’s struggle with society’s bias against strong women and she was cast by the press as an egotistical diva rather than the dedicated and brilliant artist like her male contemporaries. She was expected to choose between her career and personal happiness, still a familiar dilemma for women today. The new film, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie, and the recent worldwide centenary celebrations of Callas’ birth show the public’s continuing fascination with Callas’ life and legacy.
The Act I workshop performance of La Callas will be on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall in New York City. Tickets are available from the Merkin Hall Ticket Office.
As marijuana become legal across North America – the North Pole got caught in fight.
Canada and a big chunk of the United States have legalized cannabis. The results have been improved medical options, a decrease in alcohol consumption, a reduction of youth use and some more chill people. But the journey to this point has been tough. Opponents have spread misinformation and slowed the process. Even the current administration has be lackadaisical in the approach. Medical marijuana patients will tell you the benefits in trea tment of chronic pain, cancer, insomnia, inflammation and more. Veterans now have access to treatments to a proven help with PTSD. It has been a battle, but, in one case, Santa saves Christmas for marijuana fans.
Thomas O’Connor legally changed his name to Santa Claus in 2005 and is a monk, child welfare activist and local city council member. He is also a cancer patient and a consumer of medical marijuana. He resides in North Pole, Alaska, which originally banned all cannabis use.
North Pole, Alaska, a small suburb of Fairbanks, is known for its year-round Christmas decorations, including candy cane–striped street lights. Santa Claus House is a Christmas store with walls covered in children’s letters to Santa and a huge Santa statue outside. Streets have names like Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane. In 2016, the local city council voted to ban marijuana businesses within its city limits. But they didn’t talk to the official leader of the North Pole, Santa Claus.
Screenshot via WCMH
When it happened (and it was covered by The Fresh Toast), Santa shared with Alaska’s KTUU. “I think they are not in this particular instance are not embracing the spirit of love. I think what they’re doing is engendering hate, which comes from fear.”
But you don’t become Santa without having some good will, determination and drive. Santa worked with the city and city council and managed to get the proposition overturned. Now the area boosts three cannabis dispensaries.
And Santa? He continues his children welfare advocacy work and, as of 2022, is the mayor pro tem of North Pole. Unfortunately, Santa is still plagued with cancer and continues to be a medical marijuana patient. We hope more research is in his stocking this year to provide help and relief for him and the millions of patients who would benefit.
Sometimes you need marijuana to have a focused effect, especially around medical issues
With cannabis legal, more people are consuming. But the surprise it isn’t always about getting high and chilling out, a surprising number are using it for medical reasons. Gen Z, who is struggling with anxiety, use it to relax and also as an alternative to alcohol. Boomers are using it for medical reasons at increasing number. But a concern is they don’t users for these reasons don’t want to be too stoned. Here are the 4 differences between a mind vs. body high. This is a key part in consuming for medical reasons or just a relaxing evening.
According to data, most medical cannabis patients report enjoying the hyper-sensory experience of feeling high. Sativa strains can induce a head high, which may empower you to think faster, act more quickly, and feel less inhibited at social gatherings. Indica is associated with more of a ‘bedtime buzz’, or what we call a body high, leaving you feeling relaxed, calm, and ready to catch up on some sleep.Indica strains may be well known for their ability to provide body-numbing effects that can help make chronic pain more manageable. cerebral strains can help alleviate chronic pain by reducing pain perception, or how acutely you feel pain and discomfort.
So marijuana can have two effects: body highs and head highs. While it’s very difficult to predict always predict the type of high, it’s slightly easier to differentiate a head high from a body high. So whether you use it for medical or just for fun, it is good to know which trip you are choosing.
Body highs heighten your physical sensations
Photo by Gregory Pappas via Unsplash
Body highs are known for their powerful relaxing effects. This makes tend to leave the user less functional and more impaired. These highs are great for watching silly movies or enjoying a delicious meal. You’ll be less talkative but might be having a better time.
Mind highs alter your mood
Mind highs result in a brighter mood, with less laziness involved. They’re perfect for day use, since people remain functional with an added sheen of optimism and energy. Controlled mind highs are great for working out or carrying out day to day activities with an exciting twist.
Body highs tend to help treat pain and provide relaxation
Photo by 0meer/Getty Images
Since body highs are so focused on the body, they tend to be an amazing option for people who are struggling with some form of pain. They also enhance sexual awareness and bodily sensations.
Mind highs are great for social or creative situations. They result in talky or giggly highs, easing social anxiety and making every situation fun and different. Creative activities like painting, writing, and more, come easily to people who know how to handle these type of highs.
It was a love story which kept tongues wagging and the media in a frenzy – now it is being made into an opera.
The tempestuous love affair between global opera superstar Maria Callas and billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis is coming to New York City. The epic love story is being set to music. The legendary tragic tale which eventually became a triangle with Jackie Kennedy Onassis is a saga for the ages. Now, new opera writer Elizabeth Coppinger has transformed it into an opera. After a career in technology and community activities, she decided this story needs to be framed in the grand, dramatic setting of opera to allow it to be memorialized in the perfect setting.
The story tells of Maria Callas and her scandalous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, then one of the world’s richest men. Tragically, their ill-fated affair collapsed in betrayal and heartbreak with Onassis’ surprise marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Their romance was during the height of the glamorous “jet set” and played across the world in locations like Rome, Athens, London, and New York. This was the era when large yachts, titled guests, private planes and more were all new, and set the very rich apart. The papers ate it up and broke Callas heart.
In a clever twist, Coppinger tells the timeless tale via the Greek gods, Zeus and Hera. They mythical couple are also the main stars in the new Netflix series Kaos starring Jeff Goldblum and Janet McTeer.
This new English-language opera by award-winning composer, Clint Borzoni, and new librettist Coppinger, is being workshopped in NYC. Borzoni has created for La Callas a lush, melodic score evoking the sweeping passion and drama of Callas’ legendary life and career. Her story is contemporary. The story highlights the diva’s struggle with society’s bias against strong women and she was cast by the press as an egotistical diva rather than the dedicated and brilliant artist like her male contemporaries. She was expected to choose between her career and personal happiness, still a familiar dilemma for women today. The new film, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie, and the recent worldwide centenary celebrations of Callas’ birth show the public’s continuing fascination with Callas’ life and legacy.
The Act I workshop performance of La Callas will be on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall in New York City. Tickets are available from the Merkin Hall Ticket Office.
The speed of cannabis mainstreaming is setting records.
Since the first state went legal in 2016, consumers have moved to legal marijuana. Now, with over 50% of the country having access to it, things are starting to change. And consumer use sets records on cannabis as all ages are starting to consume and consume more. States who have full legal cannabis are bringing in more revenue from marijuana than alcohol. All fueled by consumers.
The newest record is Michigan, a solid mid-western state. In the first year of it being available to the public, the state had $1 billion in sales. Now, the Great Lakes State sets record with $295+ million in monthly marijuana sales. And it isn’t what you think, while it is being used to relax, it is also being used for its medical benefits. Boomers, the generation who helped promote the War on Drugs, has turned to it for the medical benefits of managing inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia, and more. And their grandchildren in Gen z are using it to combat anxiety. There generation has the highest amount of any other generation.
Photo by Hans via Pixabay
The other record is cannabis is taking a bit out of beer. Beer sales are down, especially earlier in the week as people are turning to vaping and gummies for a quick, low calorie and dose to relax after a busy start to the week. Year over year growth isstrong. In 2022, sales were $30 million and in 2024, it is on track to be $38 million. While beer sales still far outpace cannabis at $117 billion, sales dropped again in 2023 by 5.1%. Another reason big liquor companies are wading into the cannabis market.
But the industry is still struggling and the Biden/Harris administration has failed to follow through on their 2020 promise to help the industry. Biden is one of the most seasoned policymakers in DC with 50 years of service, so it seems the failure of the DEA to make a move before the election could be planned. The DEA rescheduling move premiered at time to provide zero relief for the industry in 2024 as the DEA is not making an announcement until December. Being post December, it could provide cover to the current administration to make make a move. Or if the GOP wins the presidency, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-KY) has made it clear he will move to reduce the industr
Finding a good partner can be a challenge…here are some tips to help with online dating.
Dating can be tough, and not everyone is an expert. While Gen Z is drifting away from apps, most of the rest of the population is still strong. In fact, 349 million people worldwide using dating apps. The vast majority of matchmaking is done on mobile devices. Over 50% of individuals who met someone on a dating app said it led to a romantic, exclusive relationship.
We interviewed the founders of Konvo Dating and discovered the number one complaint from men is frustration over not getting responses to their messages to women. It’s hard to get noticed, especially when most men swipe indiscriminately at women they find attractive. This strategy partly explains why women are inundated with matches, and a man’s message is easily missed. Here are their tips for guys to get a dating app response. Here are tips for for guys to get a dating app response.
A generic “Hey” or “What’s up?” will likely go unnoticed in a sea of similar messages. Women on dating apps receive many such messages, and the key to catching her attention is personalizing your approach. Take the time to read through her profile and find something unique to mention. Maybe she’s passionate about a particular hobby or traveled somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Referencing something specific shows that you’ve paid attention and that your message isn’t just a copy-paste.
Why It Works: Personalizing your message makes her feel seen and appreciated for more than just her appearance. It tells her you’re genuinely interested in who she is, not just looking for a casual match.
Example: “I noticed you love hiking—have you been to [local trail]? I’ve been looking for new places to explore!”
Photo by Westend61/Getty Images
Keep It Light and Playful
When starting a conversation, being lighthearted can help ease any initial awkwardness. Humor is an excellent tool for breaking the ice and creating a relaxed atmosphere. A playful comment or a light joke can set the tone for a fun conversation she wants to engage in. Just be mindful of your humor—keep it respectful and avoid anything that could be misinterpreted.
Why It Works: Playful conversations stand out because they’re enjoyable and easygoing. Women are more likely to respond to someone who can make them smile, especially in the often-serious world of online dating.
Example: “Your profile says you love dogs—does that mean you’ve mastered the art of the perfect dog selfie?”
Compliment Her Interests, Not Just Her Looks
Complimenting a woman’s appearance is fine, but leading with or only focusing on her looks might make it seem like you’re more interested in the surface-level aspects of who she is. To stand out, shift the focus to her hobbies, personality, or achievements. Compliment her based on her passion and show genuine curiosity about those interests.
Why It Works: Complimenting her interests makes her feel valued beyond her appearance, highlighting your interest in a deeper connection. It also allows her to talk more about something she cares about, making it easier to continue the conversation.
Example: “I’m impressed by your photography skills—how you captured [location] is incredible. How long have you been doing photography?”
Instead of Talking About Your Ex, Talk About How You’ve Grown
Bringing up past relationships, especially in a negative light, can be a big red flag in early conversations. It signals unresolved issues and can create an uncomfortable dynamic. Instead of focusing on what went wrong in the past, share how you’ve grown and learned from those experiences. If the topic arises, frame your response positively, highlighting personal growth and looking forward to new opportunities.
Why It Works: Talking about personal growth rather than past drama shows emotional maturity and self-awareness, both attractive qualities. It shifts the focus away from the baggage and toward future possibilities.
Example: “I’ve learned a lot from my past relationships, especially about communication and understanding. I look forward to finding a fresh start and building something meaningful.”
Stay Positive and Optimistic
A positive attitude is incredibly appealing. Women are more likely to respond to someone who seems upbeat and optimistic about dating. Avoid complaining about your previous experiences with dating apps or expressing negativity. Instead, show excitement and a lighthearted attitude toward meeting new people. Positive energy is contagious and makes the conversation feel more enjoyable for both of you.
Why It Works: Positivity sets a welcoming tone and creates a comfortable space for conversation. Women are more inclined to engage with someone who radiates enthusiasm and doesn’t take things too seriously.
Example: “I’m new to this app and excited to meet interesting people. How’s your experience been so far?”
Navigating the world of dating apps can be tricky, but using these five tips from Konvo can set you apart and increase your chances of making a genuine connection. Personalizing your messages, staying playful, complimenting her interests, focusing on growth rather than baggage, and maintaining a positive attitude will improve your chances of a reply and set the stage for meaningful interaction.
Patience and understanding is a essential, KONVOdating.com has more tips.
Anxiety is a struggle for many – and Gen Z especially. But this fun habit can make a difference.
Everyone has anxiety at times, but having it longer term can cause more issues. Insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal issues and more can result. Gen Z is seeing higher stress levels than older generations. 18 to 34-year-olds say their average stress level is a 6 out of 10, compared with a 3.4 among people ages 65 and older. APA’s 2023 Stress in America survey found. Last year, the younger generation shared their average stress was a 5.8. But a fun habit can help calm anxiety and can be done in most places.
Listening to music can relax you and calm you down. Research confirms these personal experiences with music. Current findings indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 – 14 hertz or cycles per second). This alpha brainwave is what is present when we are relaxed and conscious.
Photo by Malte Wingen via Unsplash
Another study, published in the journal Plos One and conducted by a group of Canadian researchers from Ryerson University, utilized music and Auditory Beat Stimulation (ABS), a sound combines tones and plays them in one ear or another, stimulating the brain. ABS is an interesting method, one which seeks to provide anxiety relief in the least invasive form possible, disregarding medications.
The research examined 163 patients who were already taking anti-anxiety medication. They were instructed to listen to relaxing music, ABS sessions, both, or “pink noise,” a sound similar to white noise. Participants listened to these sessions for 24 minutes, with an artificial intelligence device selecting the music depending on the participant’s mood.
Researchers found that participants with moderate levels of anxiety experienced the most benefits after listening to music and ABS. Participants who had high levels of anxiety reaped more benefits from listening to music only when compared to the group who listened to ABS.
“The findings from this research are exciting as they indicate personalized music shows great promise in effectively reducing anxiety in specific segments of the population that suffer from anxiety,” wrote the researchers.
Music has long been associated with anxiety-relieving properties, but there haven’t been many studies that look at it through a scientific lens. Nowadays, when there are so many options for remote and digital treatment, the exploration of auditory stress-relieving tools sounds like something worth investigating, that could provide relief to large amounts of people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
