Rep. Joyce is determined to make the conversation surrounding the MORE Act among Republicans a responsible dialogue about the inevitable end to prohibition.
A key House committee on Wednesday formally advanced the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, which will essentially legalize cannabis, to the floor.
Meanwhile, Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-R), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, sent a letter to fellow GOP members explaining why he intends to vote against the MORE Act as drafted. Likewise, he offered them guidance on the “cannabis policy landscape,” reported Marijuana Moment.
Sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D), the MORE Act would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, promote equity in the industry and impose a federal tax on marijuana products to fund various initiatives.
Rep. Joyce opposes the provisions of the MORE Act that “would punish those who have made a point to operate legally at their own personal cost, by placing an additional tax on legal operators to pay for the cost of industry access for illegal operators.”
Joyce pointed at legislation he sponsored, the Common Sense Cannabis Reform Act, a bill that would federally deschedule cannabis and direct the Food and Drug Administration and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (under the Treasury Department) to regulate marijuana. The introduced bill does not mention any reparations to communities disproportionally affected by the War on Drugs.
“He is determined to make the conversation surrounding the MORE Act among Republicans a responsible dialogue about the inevitable end to prohibition and help other conservatives engage on this important issue,” Katherine Sears, communications director for Joyce, told Marijuana Moment.
Researchers believe this painless and simple product could be available to people within six months.
Health experts are still struggling to find medications to treat COVID-19. Researchers from Cornell University claim that within six months, there could be a nasal spray that blocks COVID-19 infections and treats those who are already sick.
While conducting a study on mice, they found a molecule that can protect against infection and ease symptoms of people who are already sick. When used within 12 hours of COVID-19 exposure, the nasal spray could mitigate symptoms and even stop the infection altogether.
“There are very few, if any, small molecule antivirals that have been discovered that work prophylactically to prevent infection,” said Hector Aguilar-Carreno, associate professor of virology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This is the first of its kind. One advantage is that it works early in the infection, even after someone has already acquired the virus.”
Researchers tested the spray against the original COVID-19 strain and the Delta variant and found it effective. They believe the spray would remain effective against the Omicron variant or future strains that may appear.
According to the study, the spray works by identifying COVID-19 molecules and preventing them from infecting patients’ cells. Scientists were able to spot this in the study when the mice that were sprayed and later exposed to the virus didn’t experience weight loss symptoms, a sign of infection in them. Exposing the mice to the virus and then to the spray resulted in them surviving the infection.
While the spray has yet to be tested on humans, researchers are hopeful that it’ll be effective, and are gathering funds to start human trials. They predict that within six months, they can start packaging the product and distributing it, rapidly earning emergency FDA approval.
Throughout the pandemic, a variety of alternative medicines like ivermectin rose to prominence, increasing their sales and acquiring endorsements from a variety of people. The majority were proven ineffective, making the discovery of this nasal spray something that could provide relief to a lot of people and help stop the progress of the pandemic.
TAC allows you to experiment with different product ratios to decipher the concentration that gives you the best cannabis experience.
Cannabis is a highly versatile herb. As the world continues to embrace it, millions of people are being introduced to the various cannabinoids that make up the plant. Often, the tag “TAC” can be found written on the packages of cannabis products. But very few understand what this “TAC” is all about. So what is TAC and why should you care about it in weed products?
First of all, TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It refers to the cannabis profile of a strain. When purchasing a cannabis product or seed, consumers are able to have more insight into the total cannabinoid content of the strain. With TAC, users can customize their cannabis sessions.
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The Total Active Cannabinoids of a strain take the focus away from THC alone and directs more attention to other minor cannabinoids in the plant. TAC information informs users about how potent or effective a strain may be when consumed. Most of the time, the TAC is indicated by a cumulative figure, while a few manufacturers choose to disclose the individual properties of the cannabinoids present in the strain. This way, users can effectively decide which product they need at that very moment based on its potential effects.
TAC represents the total amount and potency level of the various cannabinoids found within a specific cannabis plant. Cannabis plants contain over 50 different cannabinoids, although not all are detectable. Current testing methods can only identify a set of cannabinoids available in substantial quantities. So, in reality, the TAC figure is usually less than the exact amount of cannabinoids in the strain.
Note that the non-detectable cannabinoids in a strain are inactive or not sufficient enough to induce a notable impact. For cannabinoids to be included in the TAC means that they will have some form of influence on the effects that manifest in the user. Cannatech operators are yet to figure out a direct mechanism to identify the mechanism of an individual cannabinoid in a strain.
The Entourage Effect and TAC Relationship
The “entourage effect” best describes the synergy between all the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. The theory reveals that all compounds, including terpenes and phytocannabinoids, available within a cannabis herb work together to induce the best effects.
The total active cannabinoids figure is very important to the entourage effect. Scientists believe that the TAC reveals how the entourage effect operates. Explains why THC and CBD induce better physiological effects when they are consumed together or in addition with other minor cannabinoids.
The knowledge of TAC is more beneficial to medical cannabis users. It gives them an indication of what to expect from the entourage effect. On the other hand, recreational users use TAC to improve their smoking or dabbing experiences.
A few novices in the industry often confuse the meaning of TAC as being Total Aerobic Count. This is different from total active cannabinoids and has a different meaning. A total aerobic count is a measurement of the total microbial counts in a cannabis sample.
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Cannabinoids In Cannabis
Over 60 cannabinoids can be found in weed plants. Some TAC labels could list up to 100 cannabinoids in one product. However, the majority of these compounds are relatively unknown—they have been identified, but their mechanisms are not understood. Some of the most common cannabinoids found in large and trace quantities in cannabis crops are as follows:
CBD induces effects that help to counteract the “high” produced by psychoactive cannabinoids. It does this by inhibiting the release of FAAH (an enzyme that breaks down anandamide). This action encourages the availability of anandamide, also known as the bliss compound. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and other therapeutic potential.
THC is literally the most famous cannabinoid in the weed ecosystem. This cannabinoid is the dominant compound that induces psychoactive effects on the user. THC reacts with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system to produce the “high.” It emulates anandamide to induce the release of FAAH. Unlike other cannabinoids, THC is more potent and lasts much longer in the system.
CBDV is a minor cannabinoid that is often found in wild and hybrid varieties of cannabis. Cannabis crops grown in Central Asia have trace amounts of this cannabinoid. Research is ongoing to understand the compound’s reaction with the ECS, but cannabis researchers have pointed out that it has a similar chemical structure to CBD.
is a minor cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Information about this cannabinoid is limited. Very little is known about its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some studies suggest that CBC adds holistic efficacy to the entourage effect.
Aside from cannabinoids, cannabis contains other essential compounds like fatty acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Most of these other compounds are poorly understood in the ecosystem. Yet, they all play vital roles in the entourage effect.
Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis strains their unique flavors. Terpenes are found in plants, fruits, and flowers of all crops, not just cannabis crops. Examples of terpenes are pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, and linalool. Terpenes also boost the effects of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system.
On the other hand, flavonoids give plants their pigment. They induce antioxidant effects in consumers. Their role in the entourage effect is vague, and their interaction, as well as the breakdown process, is yet to be established.
Bottom Line
Knowing the TAC value of your cannabis products is very important. It’s just one more reason why cannabis regulations enforce manufacturers to include this information when labeling the products. It’s even better when the total cannabinoids are listed. With this information, you can experiment with different product ratios to decipher the concentration that gives you the best cannabis experience. Medical officers can use this accurate measurement to determine the best therapeutic concentration for cannabis patients.
With time, more studies will begin to look into the specific interaction of minor cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds in the consumer’s system.
It’s no secret that secondhand tobacco smoke is a health hazard. It contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic and causes over 41,000 deaths per year, according to the American Lung Association.
The list of health conditions and serious illnesses tobacco triggers in smokers, as well as nonsmokers, is long.
Staggering data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that over 8,000 stroke deaths can be attributed to secondhand smoke, 7,300 deaths from lung cancer and nearly 34,000 premature deaths from heart disease annually in the United States among non-smokers.
Smoke Dangerously Hangs Around
Particles from the mixture of exhaled smoke released by the burning of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars or pipes settle in dust and on surfaces and remain long after the smoke has evaporated, research showed.
What About Secondhand Cannabis Smoke?
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that secondhand marijuana smoke is more harmful than secondhand tobacco smoke, reported USA Today.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that nonsmokers may be exposed to air pollutants at concentrations equal to twice federal air quality limits.
An aerosol monitor positioned where a bystander might sit measured the air quality — more precisely, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — of a bong smoker’s living room where a group of young adults smoked cannabis over the course of two hours. The instrument recorded PM2.5 levels before, during and after eight sessions.
The results showed that cannabis bong smoking increased PM2.5 from background levels by at least 100-fold. Moreover, after the initial 15 minutes of smoking, PM2.5 concentration, which can travel deep into the respiratory tract and impact lung function, significantly exceeded air quality levels considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.
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Don’t Smoke Indoors
During his senior year, UC Berkeley graduate and fellow Patton Nguyen conducted the study and came to this conclusion: “Don’t smoke indoors,” Nguyen said. “Understand that you could be affecting others and just be aware that there is a public health concern with bong smoking.”
PM2.5 concentrations from cannabis bong smoke were four times the amount of the air matter than from smoke produced by tobacco.
“There’s very little research in this area,” said Dr. Silvia Martins, professor of epidemiology and director of the Substance Use Epidemiology Unit at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. “This (study) is one of the first in a controlled environment.”
The FDA issued a letter warning seven CBD companies to refrain from falsely claiming their products can help treat or prevent coronavirus infections.
It has been over two years since COVID-19 turned the world upside down and we still have no viable treatment for the often devastating viral disease. While there are vaccines and other treatments aimed at helping people avoid or diminish the effects, there are still very few reliable treatment options.
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Nevertheless, this has not stopped some CBD companies eager to sell their products to falsely market them as a cure, treatment or prevention for COVID-19.
As such, the FDA accused seven CBD companies of “using research studies to claim or imply misleadingly that their CBD products” can alleviate or treat the coronavirus.
“The FDA has not approved or authorized any drug containing CBD for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19,” the agency previously noted.
Joint warning letters were issued with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to these businesses: Cureganics, Heaven’s Organics LLC, Functional Remedies LLC, Greenway Herbal Products LLC, CBD Social, UPSY LLC, and Nature’s Highway.
“We request that you take immediate action to cease the sale of any unapproved and unauthorized products for the mitigation, prevention, treatment, diagnosis, or cure of COVID-19,” the FDA wrote.
What Does The Research Say
The FDA warning letters come at a time when more and more studies are examining the way certain cannabis compounds can help fight the infection.
One such study was released in January. According to the report, “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants,” published in the Journal of Natural Products posited that certain cannabinoid acids from hemp (Cannabis sativa) can prevent infections from the virus that causes COVID-19 by obstructing its entry into cells.
Some CBD Companies Are Clear
The study was led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, College of Pharmacy and the Linus Pauling Institute, who discovered that two cannabinoid acids in hemp — cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid (also known as CBDA) have the ability to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein — the virus that causes COVID-19. By binding to the spike protein, these acids can block the virus from reaching into cells and causing infection, concluded the research.
Several months after the discovery Dr. van Breeman launched his own firm, The van Breemen Company, which seeks to deliver plant-based and natural wellness products to the consumer marketplace. Shortly afterwards, the company launched its first hemp-based wellness product, the Original Wellness Formula. This is a proprietary blend that stems directly from Dr. van Breemen’s research.
Photo by Fusion Medical Animation via Unsplash
Unlike the FDA-cautioned companies above, the van Breeman Company made it clear that the product is not FDA-approved for the treatment of COVID-19, though van Breeman intends to submit elements of this formula in the near future for approval.
Cease And Desist Demand
At the end of the letter, the FTC issued a “cease and desist demand,” stressing that “it is unlawful … to advertise that a product can prevent, treat, or cure human disease unless you possess competent and reliable scientific evidence.”
The FDA asked the CBD companies to review their websites and product labels to make sure they are not falsely advertising them as “safe and effective for a COVID-19-related use.”
“Failure to adequately correct any violations may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction,” the FDA concluded.
Marijuana has already proven to be an effective option when treating some symptoms associated with neurological disorders.
As of 2022, 39 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use. Marijuana’s proven effectiveness in assisting patients with various ailments has led the vast majority of states to allow its citizens to partake in marijuana’s proven benefits.
While the number of states that allow marijuana for medical use is high and continues to grow, it still remains a schedule I drug on a federal level. According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This means the majority of the states have approved marijuana for medical use, but the deferral government still defines marijuana as having no accepted medical use.
This legal conundrum has put medical marijuana in a state of limbo. States can prescribe marijuana to patients in need, but at the same time there is a limited ability for doctors and scientists to conduct necessary studies to unlock medical marijuana’s true potential. There have been many proven benefits to medical marijuana, but significantly more research must be done to understand its true medical potential.
One area where it’s becoming more understood is neurology. According to the Premier Neurology & Wellness Center, “Although medical marijuana may not be ideal for treating every neurological condition, it has proven to be especially effective in managing seizures, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.” While this is optimistic news for those with multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, there are many other neurological disorders that could potentially benefit from further research and studies.
Take neurological disorders like aphasia for example. It’s the condition actor Bruce Willis was recently diagnosed with, and why he has decided to step away from acting. While studies have shown it to assist other neurological disorders, there have not been nearly enough studies done to understand whether or not marijuana can help with aphasia therapy.
“Aphasia is a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate. It can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written,” according to theMayo Clinic. Currently, aphasia is treated using a variety of therapies, including speech and other cognitive therapies. There have not been enough studies to understand if medical marijuana can assist in aphasia therapy.
It is important to conduct significantly more research studies on various neurological disorders like aphasia. After all, marijuana has already proven to be an effective option when treating some symptoms associated with neurological disorders.
“In general, cannabis can be a safe option to help with muscle spasms, pain, anxiety, and sleep that may be related to the primary condition (Aphasia) or the secondary effects of the primary condition,” Eloise Theisen, Leaf411 Chief Nursing Officer and board certified Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, told The Fresh Toast. “We encourage anyone exploring cannabis with this condition to work with a knowledgeable cannabis healthcare professional to weigh the risks versus benefits of a cannabinoid treatment.”
The American Academy of Neurology wrote about its inability to properly research medical marijuana and its potential benefits in its official position on the matter: “The federal government currently classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Efforts to conduct rigorous medical research and/or reclassify marijuana in the DEA schedule will increase the potential for additional scientific data to inform clinicians and medical professionals.”
There is no denying that medical marijuana has come a long way in just a few years. It is now helping more Americans than ever before. Until the federal government takes a new stance on marijuana and the way it is scheduled as a drug, however, many of its medicinal benefits may continue to remain elusive to many of those it can help.
The potential of this cannabinoid to deliver highly psychoactive effects is enough reason for users to be extra cautious when using the products.
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P) is one of the popular, but limited cannabinoids making waves in the cannabis market at the moment. The cannabinoid is mainly preferred by hemp lovers because of its rich collection of psychoactive derivatives. While obeying federal laws, THC-P offers hemp lovers a perfect way to feel the intoxicating effects of weed.
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P) was discovered about three years ago. The available information on the fascinating cannabinoid is somewhat limited at the moment. Research showed that the compound is at least twenty times more intimidating than delta 9 THC. It has been observed to bind uniquely to the CB1 receptors. Potent psychoactive compounds like THC-P offer users a one-of-a-kind experience. However, it is imperative to dose the compound as you could easily get overwhelmed by it. New users are always advised to start with the lowest amount possible.
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THC-P Dosage and THC-P Strength
Cannabinoid dosage and strength are two different features that need to be taken into consideration. Before consuming any THC-P product, it’s advisable to know your limit. THC-P dosage defines the exact amount of the rare cannabinoid a person can ingest at once. It is often measured in ml. For instance, 2 mL of THC-P tincture While some measure it in vape puffs, that is five puffs off of a vape.
THC-P strength, on the other hand, specifies the precise milligram strength of cannabinoids in a product. The market offers different brands of hemp products that have been produced by infusing pure tetrahydocannabiophorol extract into the base formula. The exact milligrams of THC-P infused into the formula determine how potent each dose of the product can be.
THC-P Dosage Chart (Standard)
The guide chart is divided into three: The beginner THC-P for low tolerance, the advanced HHC for high tolerance, and the intermediate HHC dosing for medium tolerance. Users in the first category are recommended to use 1 mg to 3.1 mg per session, while the second uses 5 mg to 10 mg. Users with a medium tolerance can consume 3 mg to 5 mg per use. This standard dose applies to all products with THC-P. Everything from tinctures to cartridges, disposables, and flowers is available. New users ingest very little on the first trial until they get to the point where they start feeling its effects.
Dosing Instructions
THC-P products can be highly or mildly potent. When used as a vape or dabs, the user will begin to feel the effects about 20 minutes later. The impacts occur within 1 hour after ingesting THC-P tinctures. These products work the same way other cannabinoids like THC and CBD do, which is why it is best to always use patience after each dose before taking another.
There were instances where the users felt the need to use more THC-P because the effects had not fully registered yet. Experienced THC-P users recommend a 2-hour break between each session. Different brands produce THC-P products. And each brand has a recommended dosage guide for users to follow. Check the product packaging and label to find the dosage chart for each product. With this chart, you can tell how much THC-P you’d be able to consume in a session. It’s always best to follow the instructions of each brand to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed.
How To Determine The Right Amount Of THC-P
Tolerance levels differ among users. Not every new user can handle up to 1 mg, and not all regular users can handle more than 1 mg. Several factors influence how many cannabinoids a person can consume in order to have a satisfying experience. Before you consider only the dosing guidelines, here are some other factors you need to understand.
Tolerance Level
THC-P is a powerful cannabinoid that could intoxicate even the most tolerant user. You can use your tolerance to regular THC products to determine the appropriate dose of THC-P you can handle. If you have never tried out other existing forms of THC, then it’s best you start with delta 8 THC or delta 10 THC. This will help build a reasonable level of tolerance. Starting off with THC-P could be overwhelming. Even if you are a regular user of other cannabinoids, it’ll be best to start slow with this newer product. As mentioned earlier, its effects are much stronger than regular cannabinoids.
Delivery Method
Like all cannabis or hemp-derived products, THC-P can be consumed in different ways. Either as a sublingual, inhalable, or ingestible product. Whichever method is used, it determines how fast the THC-P compounds will be broken down and absorbed into the body. THC-vapes offer the highest potency effects as the compounds are immediately bioavailable. Tinctures, however, have a milder effect. Hence, vapes have lower dosage recommendations than tinctures.
Strain Type
THC-P products come in different strains. Each strain has its own unique cannabinoid and terpene profile. It is always advisable to stick to one strain of THC-P. Always try to research the synergistic effects of several strains before purchasing them.
Photo by Tony Sergiu / EyeEm/Getty Images
THC-P Dosage Recommendation
The dosing recommendations for THC-P depend on the type of product and delivery method. For vape cartridges, one puff would give a threshold effect, while three or more puffs would translate into more psychoactive effects. Disposable vapes also work the same way as vape cartridges. THC-P delivered through both mediums is highly bioavailable.
In contrast, THC-P tinctures are more accessible to dose. They are sold with dropper cases. 1/4 of a dropper delivers a threshold dose, while 1/2 or more delivers a more psychoactive impact. Other products like gummies and dabs have dosing guidelines on their packages.
Bottom Line
THC-P is an exciting cannabinoid for researchers to work with and for hemp lovers to dose on. Its potential to deliver highly psychoactive effects is enough reason for users to be extra cautious when using the products. Consuming too much or too little would leave the user over-intoxicated or unsatisfied. The best option to experience THC-P bliss is to find your comfortable limit and work with that. There are several THC-P brands to select from. Look up various brands and their reviews before deciding your preferred product.
Denver has long been a desirable travel destination. With the legalization of adult-use cannabis, tourism has been on fire and hotels have been trying to keep up. Indeed, a recent study showed an increase of 120,000 hotel rooms rented per month once tourists were able to purchase cannabis legally, yet public consumption of cannabis was banned in Denver.
Enter the Patterson Inn, the first licensed cannabis consumption lounge in a hotel, which just obtained a provisional license from the city of Denver, clearing a major cannabis licensing hurdle to operate a cannabis consumption lounge as an amenity to the adjacent hotel.
Chris Chiari, CEO and founder of the 420 Hotels, was the first to apply for a license under Denver’s new social consumption rules. Now that he’s received approval, Chiari is transforming part of the Denver-based luxurious castle into into a first in the nation, in-hotel licensed legal cannabis consumption lounge.
“The 420 Hotels sees cannabis hospitality as the most unique and exciting amenity in the hotel industry today,” Chiari said. “We are excited to be the first cannabis lounge to be licensed as an amenity to overnight hospitality, and to provide a welcoming space for legal cannabis consumption.”
Heads In Beds
“Licensed cannabis hospitality is the final mile in the effort to destigmatize and normalize cannabis possession and use. This has been my career focus for just over a decade and it’s exciting to be leading the charge with our keystone property, The Patterson Inn and our cannabis consumption lounge, The 420 Denver,” Chiari said.
“The 420 Hotels Inc. is pairing four-star hospitality with a licensed cannabis lounge. Our brand focus is heads in beds, and we see the addition of a licensed lounge for cannabis consumption as one of the most unique and exciting amenities in hospitality today,” Chiari told Benzinga.
With the provisional license in hand, The 420 Hotels Inc. is moving forward on renovating the carriage house of the Victorian era inn with a lounge that adheres to recently passed state laws for commercial cannabis consumption spaces. The goal is to have the updates, funded by an equity crowdfunding campaign through Republic.com, complete by the end of 2022.
“We look forward to welcoming the canna-curious as well as informed consumers looking for a space that doesn’t require sneaking around and allows for the open and responsible use of cannabis in a social environment,” Chiari said.
As cannabis earns legal status across a variety of states and younger people enter the workforce, it’s important for laws to reflect the reality of the country.
Last year, American workers turned in more positive drug tests than in the past two decades, fueled largely by marijuana.
Per The Wall Street Journal, Quest Diagnostics received over 6 million drug tests. Of these, 3.9% came back positive for weed. According to Quest’s indexes, this number represents an 8% increase from the previous year.
2021 numbers form an even wider gap when compared to 2017, representing a 50% increase in positive drug tests that align with how much the public’s perception of marijuana has evolved over the past couple of years.
Marijuana testing continues to be an issue, even though the landscape is much different than it was in years past. According to representatives from Quest Diagnostics, fewer companies are testing for THC, while some states have legislation in place that prevent employers from drug testing prospective employees.
Yes, evolving perceptions of weed are largely responsible for these changes, but these failed drug tests have also been sped up by the pandemic, which caused a shortage in employees and more lenient employers.
While some industries where employees handle heavy machinery remain understandably adamant about their drug testing policies, others have been changing with the times or simply admitting that they’re playing a losing game. Younger employees have different perspectives of marijuana, with drug testing limiting the pool of prospective and talented employees.
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Drug testing in the workplace is an ongoing conversation, one that shifts by the day. Earlier this month, the Department of Transportation proposed a new rule, giving employers the chance to provide different options for drug testing, including saliva tests.
Saliva tests are less invasive, capable of spotting THC use within the past 24 hours. Urine samples are the norm and can spot THC use within the past month.
Workplace drug tests are understandable under specific circumstances, but not for most cases. As cannabis earns legal status across a variety of states and younger people enter the workforce, it’s important for laws to reflect the reality of the country.
A new study found many heart health benefits associated with this popular fruit, which you likely have in your kitchen.
The food we eat is very important, influencing our bodies on several levels. A new study shows that eating fatty fruit like avocados reduces the risks of heart attacks in men and women. These benefits are even better when the avocado replaces a food like cheese or butter.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that consuming avocados reduced the odds of heart disease by 21% when compared to people who didn’t consume avocados.
Researchers tracked 68,000 women and 41,000 men over a 30 year time span. They found that avocados had heart-healthy properties, producing better results than foods like eggs, yogurts, and butter. Per the study, consuming avocado in lieu of these foods decreased the risk of heart disease from 22% to 16%.
“The full benefit of routine avocado consumption observed here derives from swapping avocado into the diet, and less healthful foods out,” Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine and nutrition, told CNN. Still, researchers explained that eating avocados won’t solely prevent a heart attack; the study simply shows that they have plenty of heart benefits.
Katz explained that while avocados were healthy, delicious, and filling, they were also expensive and, thus, not as easy to acquire as other foods. He suggested foods like walnuts, almonds, and olive oil, which could provide similar results. More accessible foods like lentils, chickpeas, and beans would also provide benefits in the same vein.
People over the age of 40 and those who are overweight are at a higher risk for these diseases, which can be prevented by exercising regularly, cutting down on alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining a balanced diet.
