Several new studies show that there’s no link between lack of motivation in teens and young adults.
Lazy stoners have existed forever. Depicted heavily in pop culture, the stereotype is perhaps the most popular of all, one that has been harmful to a lot of people. A couple of new studies show that this isn’t true, not even when applied to teens and young adults.
The most recent study, published in the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, examined 47 college students split into two groups: one comprised of non-users and another of recurrent cannabis users. Both groups were asked to complete behavioral assessment tasks called Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task. Results showed that cannabis consumers were more likely to choose tasks associated with higher motivations.
The second study, published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, in July of last year, was conducted by researchers of the Florida International University and took two years to complete.They recruited over 400 participants from ages 14 to 17, and asked them to complete five biannual assessments over the course of the study. These assessments consisted of two motivational questionnaires â the Apathy Evaluation Scale and the Motivation and Engagement Scale â and questions about the participants’ use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.
While results showed that higher cannabis use correlates with a higher loss of motivation, once factors like tobacco and alcohol use, and age, sex and levels of depression were accounted for, there was little evidence that suggested marijuana alone had an impact on motivation.
âOur findings do not support a relationship between cannabis use and reductions in motivation over time in a sample of adolescents at risk for escalation in cannabis use,â wrote the study’s authors. âThe current study contributes to the extant literature by examining these associations longitudinally in a large sample of adolescent cannabis users while controlling for important and often overlooked confounds, including sex and depression.â
Motivation in teens and young adults is a complex issue, one that’s influenced by a lot of factors. According to Psychology Today, teenagers are more difficult to motivate since they’re growing out of their childhood mindsets. “External factors are typically reliable as sources of motivation for children, but after 12, the factors, such as the desire for parental and social approval, start to diminish as core sources of motivation.” Outside distractions like social life, home life and substances like marijuana and alcohol, can all impact their levels of motivation.
Scientific data on cannabis and its effects on people is important for debunking myths that have long tampered with the plant. Having this knowledge and providing it to people makes it harder for legislators to continue the war on drugs by spreading fear and misinformation.
Whether you are an athlete or not, recovery and healing as soon as possible is critical. Here’s how cannabis can help.
Using ice or a cold compress is one of the most common first-aid treatments we know for an injury or sprain. Itâs usually best used right after the injury happens. This involves an ice pack or ice compress placed on the affected area, designed to reduce inflammation and numb out any pain while reducing swelling. Exposure to the cold has been known to decrease circulation and constrict the blood vessels. But in today’s world, there are newer options, here is why you should be using cannabis instead of ice for injuries.
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However, using cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of marijuana, may be more effective (and practical) for treating sprains and injuries. In fact, it can take the place of ice completely. CBD is simply more convenient since you can carry topicals for spot treatment as well as oral CBD products for when you have an accident. It also has the added benefit of being free from THC, which is an advantage for athletes.
Sports injuries can also happen when running or jumping on hard surfaces, wearing improper shoes, doing the wrong exercise techniques, poor flexibility, old injuries, or doing the same sport all year round among others.
Common Sports Injuries
There are many different types of sports injuries where ice is usually used as first aid. We can experience them when doing a fitness routine though they are more common among athletes, but the truth is that they donât choose â these can happen to anyone. In these cases, CBD can replace ice.
Sprains: Anyone who does sports can be prone to sprains. It occurs when a ligament (in some cases, two ligaments) is torn, stretched, or twisted. Ligaments are long tissue bands that wrap around joints or link bones to one another. The most common site for sprains is in the ankle and knee, which leaves the patient in pain and suffering from limited movements.
Strains: Strains are muscle injuries. This can happen when muscles are over extended or overstretched during exercise. Strains most commonly occur when one changes directly abruptly, while jumping, running, or lifting.
Tennis elbow: For golf and tennis enthusiasts, tennis elbows are common. This affects the outside of the elbows, resulting in inflammation and in some cases, chronic pain.
Runnerâs knee: Individuals who do marathons or triathlons involving running and biking may suffer from runnerâs knee. This injury is caused by repetitive motions, resulting in pain and swelling under the kneecap area which is known as the patella.
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Achilles tendon injury: The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscle, is the biggest tendon in the human body. Injuries here can occur during periods of extensive running, and pain is felt when the patient stands on their heel or toes, or when the ankle is being stretched.
Why CBD For Sports-Related Injuries Works
A sprain or injury is a major inconvenience every time it happens. Whether you are an athlete or not, recovery and healing as soon as possible is critical, not to mention painful.
For athletes, the reliance of opioids, ice and other treatment mechanisms were used at the first sign of pain and injury, though opioids are never recommended because they’re addicting and have seriously negative side effects which can also be fatal. Using topical CBD for pain relief and for fighting inflammation is a better option since it activates the endocannabinoid receptors in the affected area to help control stiffness and pain. In addition, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that can reduce the inflammation and pain caused by irritations and sports injuries.
This is important for anyone who frequently exercises, does sports, or simply is prone to more injuries because CBD shortens the recovery period while ensuring you are still comfortable.
âSports injuries most often involve either significant inflammation response or mild micro-traumas,â Dr. Andrew Kerklaan of Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics explained to Aaptiv. âBecause of CBDâs anti-inflammatory potential, it may be useful in a myriad of symptoms â from mild everyday aches and pains to minor injuries.â He also explains that CBD can help individuals recover from common injuries caused by exercise. âThese will all trigger inflammatory responses and therefore CBD may have potential to help in the recovery process,â he says.
Photo by Cristi Ursea via Unsplash
There are dozens of studies too, which tout the analgesic benefits of CBD. One study in 2020 revealed that CBD is beneficial for chronic pain while improving inflammation and sleep. In a 2018 review published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, researchers discovered that CBD was effective in treating inflammation, reducing pain, and improving mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. âIt is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective,â wrote the study authors.
There are many CBD products on the market that work well for injuries. For muscle and tissue-related injuries, using topicals is a fast-acting and effective way to enjoy localized relief. Topical products act faster than edibles. However, for those in serious pain, tinctures and sublingual drops are recommended since they are the quickest of all consumption methods.
CBD can also be used before and after an exercise for preventive care.
2021 was the fifth year in a row the cannabis industry saw an annual job growth rate higher than 27%, with a 33% increase in cannabis jobs in just a single year.
Can you guess how many people are employed by the U.S. cannabis industry? The numbers might surprise you. Data shows cannabis is a major economic driver.
Whitney Economics, a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting and economic research released their Cannabis Jobs Report, Data shows that Americaâs cannabis industry sold nearly $25 billion in products and created more than 100,000 new jobs in 2021.
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According to the report, there are 428,059 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. Furthermore, Americaâs 11 operating adult-use markets and 27 medical marijuana states combined sold just under $25 billion worth of cannabis products â more than $6 billion from the previous year.
The report forecasts total employment potential in a mature US legal cannabis market could potentially reach 1.5 to 1.75 million workers, nearly 4 times as many workers as in this yearâs report.
Since 2014, when the nationâs first adult-use cannabis stores opened, the industry has created hundreds of thousands of new American jobs. And with more states and a growing consumer base, there are still plenty more yet to be created. The potential cannabis has as both an economic driver and force for good and strong growth.
This yearâs 2021 report demonstrates that cannabis continues to be the most powerful job creator in America. 2021 was the fifth year in a row the cannabis industry saw an annual job growth rate higher than 27%, with a 33% increase in cannabis jobs in just a single year.
Employment in business and financial occupations are projected to grow only 8% through the decade. With states like New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut expected to open their first adult-use cannabis stores within the next 18 months, Americaâs cannabis job creation boom is expected to continue through at least 2025.
Nationwide cannabis sales increased 33% in 2021, while âthe investment capital that fled the cannabis space in early 2020 has largely returned, giving companies the money needed to increase payroll.
Key Findings From The Jobs Report
2021 marked the first year that cannabis job creation hit six figures. After adding 32,700 jobs in 2019 and 77,300 jobs in 2020, the industry added 107,059 new jobs in 2021.
The United States now has three times as many cannabis workers as dentists.
There are more people employed in the cannabis industry than there are hairstylists, barbers and cosmetologists combined.
As of 2022, three out of four Americans now live in a state where medical cannabis is legal.
The total cannabis sales figure in this yearâs reportâ$25 billionârepresents only about 25% of the total potential US cannabis market.
By 2025, Americaâs total annual legal cannabis revenue is forecast to be closer to $45 billion, which is still less than half the total potential market.
Last year, Americaâs legal cannabis industry created more than 280 new jobs per day.
A new study found that people who cut this out of their diet had less odds of developing cancer.
Food influences everything we do, from our weight to the functioning of our systems. And now, a new study reveals that vegetarians are 14% less likely to have cancer than meat-eaters.
A study was conducted by Oxford University researchers who analyzed data from over 470,00 people from Britain, finding differences in cancer risks according to their diets.
Researchers found that meat-eaters had higher odds of having cancer, with those who ate meat less than five times a week experiencing 2% less risk of developing cancer. Pescatarians had 10% less risk and vegetarians lead the pack with 14%.
While the results sound damming for meat and its influence on cancer and poor overall health, the study authors made it clear that their findings did not conclusively prove that eating meat resulted in cancer. These health differences could be due to body mass, whether the person smoked cigarettes or not, and their lifestyle. It could also be due to the fact that vegetarians tend to be a smaller group, one that’s more concerned with their lifestyle when compared to meat-eaters.
Still, the study joins a significant body of work that suggests that cutting back on meat is a good idea, keeping people healthier in the long run. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report voted the Mediterranean diet as the best in the world, being the best suited for weight loss and for maintaining people healthy and feeling good.
The Mediterranean diet is based on eating large amounts of vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, legumes, and more, limiting their meat and dairy intake. It’s a diet that has amassed a large number of followers across the world despite its limitations, being flexible and easy to adapt to.
Meanwhile, several medical marijuana providers have openly complained that the state is taking too long to approve their requests to serve the legal market.
After missing a self-imposed deadline to open the state for legal marijuana sales, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) said the state is âwithin weeksâ of having existing medical weed dispensaries sell recreational cannabis to adults 21 and older.
âIf I had to predict, we are within weeks â I would hope in March â you would see implicit movement on the medical dispensaries, some of them being able to sell recreational,â Murphy said during his radio show on WBGO in Newark. âTheyâve got to prove theyâve got the supply for their medical customers. I hope shortly thereafter, the standalone recreational marijuana operators.â
New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved legalizing recreational marijuana in November 2020, but sales have not started after more than a year.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), which is in charge of regulating the new industry, is still reviewing applications for licenses. The panel missed a self-imposed Feb. 22 deadline to open the state for adult-use cannabis.
So far, New Jersey has 23 medical cannabis dispensaries selling to the more than 120,000 registered patients in the state.
âOne of the biggest deficiencies weâre seeing is a lack of municipal approval,â said Jeff Brown, head of the CRC at a meeting in January. âThatâs an issue, and supply continues to be an issue. Itâs the priority of the CRC to get recreational sales started as soon as we can, but we have to do it in a way thatâs compliant with the law. We need the industry to get there.â
Meanwhile, several medical marijuana providers have openly complained the state is taking too long to approve their requests to serve the legal market. Some have even threatened to lay off workers and destroy cannabis product if the adult market doesnât open soon.
Because we can buy cannabis paraphernalia from the internet very quickly, people are wondering if subscription boxes are a worthwhile investment.
Smoking cannabis has recently become one of the most popular hobbies in many states. Like any hobby, equipment and accessories are necessary to enjoy cannabis use thoroughly.
This is particularly true if one wants to smoke cannabis outdoors, at a friend’s house, or even on the go. Unfortunately, as the industry is still growing, obtaining cannabis paraphernalia can be a hassle, and that’s precisely why there’s such a thing called smoking subscription boxes.
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What Are Smoking Subscription Boxes?Â
Smoking subscription boxes, or stoner boxes for short, are packages that consist of various smoking supplies. These may range from disposable rolling papers and snacks, to expensive, high-quality equipment like bongs and grinders. As you might imagine, the idea of receiving everything you need in one delivery seems very convenient and hassle-free, and indeed it is.
However, convenience is not the only advantage of smoking subscription boxes. The following are some other benefits of opting for stoner boxes over buying smoking supplies individually:
Pro #1: Products Are Generally Priced Below Retail ValueÂ
Yes, the contents of a smoking subscription box typically have a lower overall price than the retail value. Of course, some charge way above the usual price, but it’s a rare case.
Most packages have a price of around $3 to $100 a month, while their contents generally cost over $100 if you get them from a reseller. To explain further, here’s a closer look at the supplies you’ll get from smoking subscription boxes and their corresponding retail value:
Joints, Blunts, and SpliffsÂ
It’s no secret that joints, blunts, and spliffs are among the essentials of smoking cannabis. These are rolled papers that allow you to smoke cannabis directly.
Joints use tobacco paper, blunts use cigar paper, and spliffs are similar to joints, except they’re combined with tobacco leaf. They come in different shapes and sizes, though they typically cost $1 to $3 a pack. Most smoking subscription boxes that cost around $3 will have a couple of packs included in the package.
Ceramic, Glass, and Plastic PiecesÂ
Ceramic, glass, and plastic pieces are similar to joints, blunts, and spliffs in that they also allow you to smoke cannabis directly. They also come in different shapes and sizes.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
However, they’re much more expensive, with a retail value of $10 to $50. While you’ll rarely see these in a $5 subscription box, packages with a price of $10 and more should come with a couple of these pieces.
BongsÂ
A bong is essentially a type of cannabis glass paraphernalia but with a much more complex mechanism. It has a small bowl where you store the dried weed.
Upon lighting up the device, the smoke rises, which you can then inhale. Due to its relatively complex structure, bongs cost around $50 to $100. Surprisingly, stoner boxes with a price tag of less than $100 often include a bong, although it usually only comes as part of the subscription plan’s first-month package.
BubblerÂ
Bubblers are the more portable and lightweight version of bongs. The low-quality ones can cost as little as $10, while high-grade bubblers can be as expensive as $200.
Similar to bongs, they can come as part of packages that cost USD$100, but you can also find bubblers in subscription boxes priced at $10 to $20.
GrinderÂ
Grinders are yet another essential accessory for when one wants to smoke cannabis. It’s a device normally made of metal or wood that breaks up the cannabis into a powdery substance, which allows you to roll or pack it into a joint, blunt, or spliff.
There are several types of grinders. Plastic and acrylic grinders can cost up to $15, electric grinders can be as high as $50, and metal grinders can cost up to $40.
You can find decent grinders included in $10 to $50 stoner boxes.
VaporizersÂ
Unlike grinders, vaporizers take concentrates rather than powder. It comes in various sizes, and you might be familiar with its smaller version called vape pens.
Vaporizers have gotten more popular recently, so there’s a good chance you’ll receive one if you ever opt for a smoking subscription box. Disposable vaporizers cost $5 to $10, and you’ll often find these in subscription boxes costing $10. However, some providers include vape pens in their $50 packages.
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As you can see, you can get more value from smoking subscription boxes as opposed to when you buy smoking accessories and supplies individually from resellers. Additionally, getting a subscription box is usually done online, so you don’t have to go to a physical store every time you need to restock.
Pro #2: You Don’t Have To Go On A TripÂ
Most smoking subscription box providers have a website where you can pay for their services.
Once you do, they’ll deliver the boxes to your home, meaning you no longer have to go on a trip to your nearby gas station whenever you want to restock on rolling papers.
The same goes for when you broke or shattered one of your glass pieces and want to buy a replacement. In a way, it also saves you money by cutting down on your gas expenses.
Pro #3: Pricing Is Typically FlexibleÂ
When you look into the website of a smoking subscription provider, you’ll find that they have two payment models, and as always, each option has advantages and disadvantages.
Here’s a closer look at what each model entails:
Monthly SubscriptionÂ
The first one is a monthly subscription wherein you pay a certain fee every month, and they deliver the box or package to your front door regularly. Note that the frequency is not necessarily monthly, as some providers may deliver twice or thrice a month. With this model, you can collect coupons that can lower the costs of future packages.
One-Time SubscriptionÂ
The second payment model involves a one-time payment that is usually more expensive than the fee in a monthly subscription. However, the box contains more items that generally cost more. With this model, you can get everything you need at once, and if you ever need to restock on supplies, you can always transition to a monthly subscription.
Pro #4: Customization Is Possible Â
Some experts argue that while it certainly is convenient and affordable, consumers have no control over what they can receive in their smoking subscription boxes, which is a considerable disadvantage. However, it’s worth noting that certain providers offer multiple options to their customers. Daily High Club, for example, offers several subscription options, such as:
Connoisseur V2
El Primo
RAWsentials
Therefore, while it may not be fully customizable, it is still possible. For example, you can choose between a box that contains glass pieces or a box with rolling papers.
You have to remember, though, that not all subscription providers offer multiple options.
Pro #5: Shopping Is Discreet Â
Cannabis has always been a controversial topic in many industries. That’s why smoking weed in public will almost always guarantee that you’ll catch the attention of passersby.
The same goes for when someone delivers your cannabis paraphernalia at your front door.
With smoking subscription boxes, you don’t have to worry about that. Usually, when you receive the package, the box has no distinct features that will point toward it being a cannabis accessory. Instead, most stoner box providers use packaging that looks as simple as possible, meaning you can shop for cannabis paraphernalia discreetly using this method.
Pro #6: You’re Always In For A SurpriseÂ
The best smoking subscription box providers hand-curate each item in their packages, meaning the contents of your boxes will often be unique and valuable.
Most importantly, because the contents of the box change every month, you’re always in for a surprise. While it may not be economically beneficial, there’s a charm in having no idea what you’ll get from your packages. After all, that’s the main point of subscription or mystery boxes.
However, as you might imagine, this can also lead to dissatisfaction, especially if you’re hoping to receive a particular item but did not.
Meanwhile, subscription boxes also have their disadvantages, including:
Con #1: Contents Might Not Be What You NeedÂ
Stoner boxes might be a worthwhile investment if you want to experience the sheer thrill of surprises. It’s not ideal if your objective is to get a specific item, and for several reasons.
One, subscription boxes are designed to provide consumers with a steady stock of smoking supplies. Thus, if you want to get a specific glass piece, you need to wait until the provider decides to include a glass piece on the package. If you don’t get it from the first delivery, you’ll have to wait at least several weeks to get it from the next package, which can be frustrating.
In short, smoking subscriptions are excellent for restocking smoking supplies but not for shopping accessories. On the bright side, certain subscription services offer different frequency options.
Examples of such options include monthly, bimonthly, biweekly, or quarterly.
Con #2: Getting A Fake/Counterfeit Product Is Always PossibleÂ
The cannabis industry is growing at a fast pace. While it is indeed beneficial both for consumers and entrepreneurs, this rapid growth also comes at a price. For starters, scammers are becoming rampant in the industry as they attempt to capitalize on the popularity of cannabis by selling fake or counterfeit products. The same issue exists within the subscription service market.
The good news is that smoking subscription services are safer compared to other markets in the cannabis industry. This is because they typically follow strict quality policies and protocols.
Moreover, it’s advisable to check if the service provider allows refunds and returns because suppliers of fake or counterfeit products donât offer that feature.
Con #3: May Include Too Many Filler ItemsÂ
Many subscription service providers include too many filler items in their packages. Filler items refer to products like stickers, mugs, and other things that aren’t necessary for cannabis use.
Granted, you might be getting these items for a lower price, but if you don’t need them anyway, then you’re essentially throwing money down the drain. On the bright side, there are still a few brands out there that don’t use this tactic, but it’s a matter of whether you can find them or not.
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FAQs Â
If you have other queries concerning smoking subscription boxes, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions by consumers:
Do smoking subscription box providers ship internationally?
It depends on the service provider. Some do, while others don’t. Those that do are likely to bill their customers in US dollars, regardless of your location.
Can you return or get a refund on your orders?
Again, it largely depends on the service provider. However, if they do allow refunds, you should send your request before the box has been shipped. As for returns, subscription service providers typically only allow it if the package is untouched or defective. You may also have to wait several days for the return, refund, or replacement.
How can you get a discount from these providers?
It was mentioned earlier that you could get discounts from subscription service providers. Usually, you must be a regular on a specific provider to be eligible for these discounts.
Do subscriptions renew?
If you use a credit card to pay for the transaction, the subscription is renewed automatically. However, in the case of a direct transfer, you need to renew manually.
Can you get cannabis from a subscription box?
Smoking subscription boxes do not include the actual cannabis for legal reasons. It only contains accessories and other smoking supplies like rolling papers.
Because one can now buy cannabis paraphernalia from the internet very quickly, people are arguing whether smoking subscription boxes are a worthwhile investment or not.
If you’re like everyone else, it may have crossed your mind that it’s not worth its price. With this guide, it should be apparent that smoking subscription services have their own charm. Besides, your decision will depend on whether it’s up to your preferences or not.
In Ireland, people with chronic pain are seeking legal access to medical cannabis, arguing that the current scheme is too restrictive.
Ireland’s medical marijuana program has only three qualifying conditions: plasticity associated with MS, nausea associated with chemotherapy and treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Photo by George Hodan via publicdomainpictures
What About Us? Campaign
Advocates suffering from chronic pain have launched the ‘What About Us’ campaign outside Leinster House, the seat of the Irish parliament in Dublin.
Supported by People Before Profit parliament member, Gino Kenny, the group is calling on the Department of Health to expand the use of medical cannabis to include those with chronic pain. “The program is too restrictive; it’s only benefiting a handful of people. We think it’s not fit for purpose, so it has to expand,” Kenny said.
Amy Brown, 29, was among those who gathered outside Leinster House. Brown told the RTE, local news, that she suffers chronic pain from endometriosis and the only effective relief for her is cannabis.
“I’m in agony today. I feel like there’s a screwdriver being twisted right above my left rib. I was actually getting sick in the car on the way up here⊔
Brown said she wants cannabis to be made available for medical use because buying it illegally leaves her vulnerable to buying a bad or ineffective batch and also supports criminality.
Dr. Russell Banta, a researcher in chemistry at University College Cork, also traveled to Dublin for the demonstration. A cycling accident four years ago left him with dental, facial and neuropathic pain.
“If I could just go to a doctor and get a pharmaceutical-grade prescription and be monitored on it and find a strain that works best, that’s not psychoactive. I can just take a pill in the morning and go about my day, that’s the dream,” said Banta.
Photo by Roxana Gonzalez / EyeEm/Getty Images
Professional Support
Dr. Garrett McGovern, an addiction specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic, voiced his support for the expanded use of medical cannabis.
“There’s very little good quality research over here because the drug is illegal so, you know, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t say that there’s no evidence and on the other hand not invest in cannabis research. We have to find out both the positive and negative effects of this drug,” he said per RTE.
Benjamin Jenner shared a TikTok of his paralyzing cannabis experience with edibles. The video quickly went viral.
An Australian man was left paralyzed after eating an edible in Amsterdam, and now, millions of people know the story. Benjamin Jenner uploaded a TikTok video featuring a photo of him passed out in bed, looking petrified.
According to Jenner, he couldn’t feel any part of his body after consuming an edible, as if he were “sinking into a bed.” He discussed his experience from 2018 when he was backpacking through Europe and made a stop in Amsterdam. It was there where he bought a pot brownie.
“I had never tried marijuana as a joint or a brownie before as it’s illegal here in Australia so I definitely wanted to make the most out of my holidays by trying one,” he said. “I was only told to try a small section but it wasn’t kicking in, and because I don’t understand limits I naturally just ate the whole thing because it was so dense and nice, which was a big mistake.”
Situations like this are the most common amongst edible newbies, who think the initial portion they took is not enough to provide any effects. Edibles are absorbed through the stomach lining, a process that can take a few hours to experience.
“I felt like I was sinking into the bed and the mattress was swallowing me whole. It was so bad. I had my eyes closed and I genuinely could not move any part of my body even though I was conscious. I knew in my mind that I was clearly high, but my brain could not register to move any part of my body,” he continued.
According to Jenner, his TikTok prompted a surge of responses from people, who laughed and said they’d experienced similar things.
Edibles are finicky, taking their sweet time to kick in. Once consumed, the edible must go through the digestive tract and then be broken down, with some parts absorbed in the liver. It can take an hour or two for your digestive system to break down the edible, making it very common for people to overdose on them.
A new study shows that vaping can be harmful for people’s mouths, triggering gum disease and the production of bad bacteria.
Smoking has never been associated with positive oral health, but a new study, examining the relationship between vapes, cigarettes, and oral health, found that the habit can contribute to gum disease.
Published in the journal mBio, and conducted by researchers from New York University, the study found that people who vape have a unique oral microbiome that is different from nonsmokers and traditional cigarette smokers.
The study was conducted on a group of 87 people who smoked, vaped, or smoked regular cigarettes. Participants went to the lab to have their mouths analyzed twice, with their sessions occurring six months apart. Researchers took saliva samples and looked into the possibility of gum disease.
Researchers found that most people showed symptoms of gum disease, as everyone does after the age of 30, but that people who vaped showed evidence of “clinical attachment loss.” This is a symptom of gum disease where there is a separation between the gum and the tooth, creating pockets where bacteria can hide and thrive. In terms of microbiomes, vapers had a more similar environment to smokers, but also had bacteria like TNFα, known for causing inflammation and being linked with diseases like Alzheimer’s, depression, and more.
Deepak Saxena, one of the lead researchers, spoke with Interesting Engineering and discussed the findings. “Our thinking was that the microbiome [of e-cigarette users] will be similar [either] to the combustible cigarette users or to the non-smokers,” he said. This wasn’t the case. The study shows vaping creates a unique environment for bacteria, one that could affect people’s health in the future in ways that are not yet known.
While vaping and smoking are harmful to our health, the problem with vaping is that it’s an activity limited to mostly young people. Vaping has been marketed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes, touting the fact that it’s vapor and not smoke. But the truth is that these devices haven’t been around all that long, and there’s no way of knowing their long-term effects.
The South Dakota Senate green-lighted bills to legalize and tax marijuana as well as provide for expungements for low-level cannabis offenses, Marijuana Moment reported.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Rohl (R), lawmakers advanced SB 3 in an 18-17 vote, late Wednesday. The measure cleared the Commerce and Energy Committee last week and is now heading to the House.
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Whatâs In It
Once enacted into law, the bill would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis from licensed retailers.
The proposal would not permit home cultivation that was on a ballot measure for which activists have been collecting signatures.
Voters in South Dakota approved legalization during the 2020 elections. However, the reform was canceled by the state Supreme Court following a challenge from Gov. Kristi Noemâs (R) administration.
According to Circuit Judge Christina Klingerâs ruling from last February, which Supreme Court backed, the initiative violated the requirement that constitutional amendments can deal with just one subject.
Under the new proposal, the stateâs adult-use program would be regulated by the state Department of Revenue, which will also put rules related to issues such as transportation and registration into effect.
Local municipalities would be able to opt out of allowing cannabis businesses within their jurisdiction. In addition, those with a past felony conviction would not be allowed to hold a cannabis business license.
The licensing provisions of a separate bill, SB 150, which would take effect only if voters approve legalization at the ballot, would make it so that only existing businesses that currently hold liquor licenses would be eligible to enter the marijuana market.
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âWhile we prefer the framework of SB 3, we were very pleased to see both SB 3 and SB 150 pass the Senate today,â Matthew Schweich, director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (SDBML) told Marijuana Moment. âWe are now one step closer to reaching a compromise and enacting a legalization law through the Legislature this session.â
Expungement & Tax Bills
On Wednesday, another measure to allow for automatic expungements five years after a personâs conviction for low-level marijuana offenses also advanced through Senate.
In addition, a Senate bill poised to set up a tax system for a regulated marijuana market also passed. The vote scheduled after the legalization and expungement measures was initially delayed due to the memberâs motion to reconsider the approval of SB 3. The lawmaker did not insist on pressing for a revote after all.
The measure sets a 15% excise tax on marijuana products, with revenue going to a cannabis fund that would be subject to appropriations âthrough the normal budget process,â the text of the bill states.
Recreational Cannabis Still Off Limits
In the meantime, a bill intended to establish a tax policy if recreational marijuana became legal was rejected on Tuesday by the House. The bill that would set an overall 15 percent tax on cannabis was prescribed under the voter-approved 2020 initiative passed by the South Dakota House Taxation Committee last week.
Despite this setback, activists optimistically highlight that passing SB 3 to enact the broader reform is more important.
Noem told reporters last week that sheâsâ never been supportive of recreational marijuana,â but itâs a âdebate that people in South Dakota are having.â
âThereâre recreational bills here in the legislature that could be improved,â she said. âWeâre talking about that.â
