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Secondhand Bong Smoke Way More Toxic Than Tobacco — Here’s Why

Don’t smoke indoors. Understand that you could be affecting others and just be aware that there is a public health concern with bong smoking.

By Jelena Martinovic

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.

How Often Should You Change Your Bong Water?
Photo by vladans/Getty Images

RELATED: 3 Reasons Bowls And Bongs Are Now Obsolete

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.

RELATED: Will I Get High Or Sick From Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke?

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.

Smoking Marijuana
Photo by Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images

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.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

FDA Warns CBD Companies To Stop Claiming Their Products Can Treat COVID-19

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.

By Nina Zdinjak

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.

cannabis and COVID
Photo by Amfer75/Getty Images

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.

RELATED: Not So Fast With The Cannabis-COVID Treatment: Researchers Clarify

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.

covid-19
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.”

RELATED: How Is Cannabis Helping So Many People With Post COVID-19 Recovery?

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.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Medical Marijuana And Aphasia — Here’s What We Know

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.

cannabis brain
Photo by Feodora Chiosea/Getty Images

RELATED: Can Cannabis Keep Your Brain Young?

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 the Mayo 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.”

RELATED: DEA Delays Production Of Marijuana Drug As Potential Treatment For MS And Huntington’s Disease

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.

Is THC-P Really 30 Times Stronger Than THC

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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.

Smoking Marijuana
Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

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.

RELATED: 6 Low-THC Cannabis Strains To Help You Relax And Chill Out

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.

RELATED: What Is It Like To Smoke THC-O Dominant Flower?

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.

Smoking Marijuana
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 Hotel First In Nation To Receive License For Legal Weed Consumption

By Maureen Meehan

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.

 

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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

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“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.

RELATED: How The Hotel Industry Benefits From Legal Marijuana

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.

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“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.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Failed Workplace Drug Tests Hit A Two Decade High — Here’s Why

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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.

RELATED: Will Drug Testing For Weed Eventually Disappear Forever?

5 Products That Can Help You Pass A Drug Test
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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.

weed laptop
Photo by José Antonio Luque Olmedo/Getty Images

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.

RELATED: Which Industries Most Often Test Workers For Cannabis?

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.

Eating This Fruit Twice A Week Can Reduce Odds Of Heart Disease

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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.

RELATED: These Popular Foods Might Be Reducing Your Life Span

Is Marijuana Use Risky For Your Heart?
Photo by Khwanchai Phanthong/EyeEm/Getty Images

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.

RELATED: These Popular Foods Might Be Reducing Your Life Span

Cardiovascular disease includes a variety of symptoms and diseases, from heart valve problems to heart attacks. The American Heart Association predicts that over 82 million people in America live with at least one form of cardiovascular disease. heal

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.

US House Of Representatives To Vote On Cannabis Legalization Bill This Week

Sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the MORE Act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, and so much more.

By Javier Hasse

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, a comprehensive federal cannabis legalization bill that contains strong social equity provisions with an emphasis on restorative justice for communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition.

Toi Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project, applauded the MORE Act’s approach to legalization, as it “promises to address many of the harms caused by prohibition through an equity- and justice-centered framework.

marijuana legalization
Photo by RODNAE Productions via Pexels

RELATED: Lawmakers Release Report On MORE Act Ahead Of House Floor Discussion

“Americans have made their support for cannabis legalization abundantly clear, and states across the country have taken the lead on cannabis legalization. Now it is time for Congress to take action and finally put an end to the failed policy of prohibition. We urge members of Congress to once again pass this historic piece of legislation,” Hutchinson added.

What’s The MORE Act

Sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the MORE Act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act; require federal courts to expunge prior cannabis-related convictions and provide for re-sentencing; provide grants and funding to communities most harmed by the war on cannabis; lift barriers to licensing and employment in the cannabis industry; protect immigrants from being denied citizenship over cannabis; and allow VA physicians to recommend medical cannabis to veterans. In 2020, the House passed the MORE Act, but it did not advance in the Senate.

RELATED: The MORE Act Will Not Legalize Cannabis Nationwide — Not Like You’re Thinking

On the Senate side, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced a draft version of an alternative cannabis legalization bill, the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity (CAO) Act.

According to the latest Gallup poll, 68% of Americans support cannabis legalization. To date, 18 states have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and over, and 37 states have legalized medical cannabis.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Is There A Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines And Hearing Problems?

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The World Health Organization is looking into claims of hearing loss after people receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what we know.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking into hearing issues as a sequel of COVID-19 vaccines. The organization announced they’d be looking into the issue in a recent newsletter posted on its website.

According to the newsletter, the organization has learned of a variety of hearing issues that people all over the world have reported following their COVID-19 shots. These issues include tinnitus, hearing loss, or sudden changes in people’s hearing habits.

RELATED: The Length Of This Body Part Could Impact Your COVID-19 Symptoms

An FDA Advisory Panel Is Recommending Booster Shots Of This Vaccine
Photo by Mufid Majnun via Unsplash

So far, according to the numbers reported to the WHO, the cases of hearing problems are quite rare. The organization reported 367 cases of tinnitus and 167 cases of hearing loss from people all over the world.

The data suggests that the people affected were between the ages of 19 and 91 and primarily women. Over a third of the people who reported these symptoms worked in the health care industry, something that could suggest the problem is more pervasive and that these people are able to spot new patterns in their hearing due to their medical training and exposure. According to WHO, “As there is still only limited data in the literature providing evidence for this link, further monitoring is required.”

While some patients have recovered, others claim the ringing in their ears has disrupted their lives. NBC spoke with some patients who said they’d been experiencing loud phantom noises for over a year. “It startled me,” said a 66-year-old patient. “I thought it was a dog whistle going off right next to me.”

Tinnitus can be described as any number of sounds and noises that people hear, with others being unable to hear them. The sounds can range from buzzing, ringing, vibrations, and more, with symptoms expressing themselves as manageable or severely disruptive. While some people notice these symptoms, others don’t, carrying on with their lives as normal.

RELATED: People With Depression And Anxiety Find This Activity Much More Beneficial

While the WHO will be looking into this subject more closely, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found no link between the COVID-19 vaccine and hearing loss. These results were gathered by analyzing a pool of vaccine side effects and detailed studies of over two dozen patients who looked for medical help following hearing loss after their COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the researchers, the people that were treated were not at a higher risk of developing a hearing loss problem. These issues are relatively common, with the CDC reporting that around 10% of Americans have experienced some form of tinnitus.

Is Now The Time To Invest In Weed?

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The trajectory of the market looks to remain unclear for the foreseeable future, or at least until there is substantial federal legislation that makes investing in cannabis a more stable investment.

Cannabis stocks have been in the news after showing dramatic gains and losses over the course of just a few days. The activity started in response to the announcement that Congress will soon hold a floor vote on the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act.

With this announcement coupled with the reality that more and more states are legalizing recreational marijuana, one might wonder if now is the perfect time to invest in marijuana.

After the dip in the market Monday, however, there is a renewed understanding that maybe marijuana stocks are not a safest bet quite yet. With continued forward momentum happening in marijuana legalization every year, is now a good time to invest in weed? And if not now, then when?

Are Americans Ready To Invest In Marijuana Stocks?
Photo by Darren415/Getty Images

First, there is the fact that more and more states are legalizing recreational marijuana. This means more marijuana businesses, and increased growth for the industry as a whole. This should mean profits stocks should increase for many cannabis companies, or at least one would think.

“It’s a big deal, but we won’t see any money from those states for a while,” Jason Spatafora, co-founder of MarijuanaStocks.com, told U.S News in reference to the recent increase in states legalizing weed. The recent legalizations will be good news for the market eventually, but these single state legalizations do not make the immediate impact on Wall Street that one might expect, especially without the backing of the federal government. This is where the MORE Act comes into play.

“Before there will be any significant institutional investment, federal legislation must pass giving the cannabis industry access to the U.S. banking system,,” according to Forbes. In short, the cannabis industry needs to be able to conduct business with banks like any other major market player, which the industry currently cannot. If the MORE Act passes, cannabis stocks might be able to attain more stability and legitimacy.

While Congress is putting the MORE Act to a vote in Congress, it is unlikely that it will swiftly become law. The vote itself appears to be more symbolic than anything. 

person using phone and laptop computer
Photo by Austin Distel via Unsplash

“We expect the MORE Act to clear the House once again, but we view it primarily as a messaging bill as it has no viable path to passage through the Senate,” Barrons reported, quoting a research note from BTIG strategist Isaac Boltansky. The fact that there will be a vote means there is potential to spark up much needed debate and discourse on the matter, but it will likely fall short of the federal legislation the cannabis industry needs to achieve stronger legitimacy.

RELATED: Legal Weed: Cannabis Dispensaries, Marijuana Stocks And How It All Works

Still, just because cannabis stocks are not currently as stable as some more established industries does not mean they should be completely overlooked. In fact, some say now is a great time to get in at the ground level.

“Investors may think now is the time to get out of cannabis stocks, but those falling share prices provide an opportunity to lock in a low share price before things eventually bounce back,” according to NASDAQ

RELATED: Time For Nasdaq And NYSE To List US Cannabis Companies

For those confident in the future of marijuana, now might be a good time to start investing in the companies they believe in. NASDAQ’s rule of thumb? Look for the ones that are growing revenue and already making a profit.

While investing in weed is currently a bit of a gamble, its future looks very green.  America’s cannabis industry is currently worth around $60 billion, and is projected to grow to upwards of $100 billion by 2030. The current stocks might not be secure, but the industry itself is on a very profitable path. The key is knowing there will be highs and lows over the next few years, and being at peace with that as an investor.

marijuana money
Photo by IURII BUKHTA/Getty Images

If you are investing in weed today, be cautious in your investment and be prepared for inevitable ebbs and flows. “It may come as a shock to investors who haven’t experienced extreme volatility in their portfolios before, or whose portfolios are too heavily tilted toward cannabis,” wrote NextAdvisor, in reference to the extreme highs and lows of marijuana stocks. 

RELATED: Cannabis Market Experts Explain When To Consider Stocks And ETFs

It looks like investing in weed will continue to be a bit of a roller coaster ride. The trajectory of the market looks to remain unclear for the foreseeable future, or at least until there is substantial federal legislation that makes investing in cannabis a more stable investment. Still, if you believe in the product or a specific company that has stock available, now may be a very cheap time to buy. Just remember that if you invest in weed today that you are playing the long game. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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