Page 3 – The Fresh Toast

How a GOP CBD Crackdown Could Affect America’s Pets

Amy Hansen

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November 19, 2025

Learn how a GOP CBD crackdown could affect America’s pets as owners face shrinking wellness options.

As conversations in Republican-led states and within segments of the party intensify around restricting access, one group often left out of the debate is America’s beloved animals. Here is how a GOP CBD crackdown could affect America’s pets. With CBD widely used to ease anxiety, pain, inflammation, and age-related discomfort in animals, a potential ban—or tighter federal and state restrictions—could create a major ripple effect for millions of pet owners, many of whom identify as Republican.

Pet ownership is one of the strongest lifestyle common denominators in the United States. Roughly 66% of American households have at least one pet, and surveys consistently show Republicans are slightly more likely than Democrats to own pets, and to own multiple pets. Dogs, cats, horses, and even aging farm animals have increasingly benefited from CBD products marketed specifically for animals. These products are non-intoxicating and contain minimal or no THC, the compound associated with cannabis’s psychoactive effects.

For many owners, CBD has become part of a normal wellness routine. It is commonly used to help manage chronic joint pain in older dogs, reduce mobility issues in senior cats, calm pets with storm or firework anxiety, and support animals recovering from surgery. In horses, CBD is often used for inflammation, joint stiffness, and post-exercise recovery. Veterinarians—while restricted in how openly they can recommend CBD depending on state laws—frequently acknowledge many of their patients show improved comfort and lower stress levels when CBD is part of their care plan.

A significant portion of CBD buyers for pets are middle-aged or older adults who have aging animals at home. These owners often rely on CBD as a safer, gentler alternative to prescription sedatives, long-term NSAIDs, or opioids, all of which can carry risks for senior pets. For them, a GOP-driven CBD ban could mean returning to less effective or potentially more harmful interventions.

Many Republican lawmakers support CBD access as part of the hemp industry, a major agricultural sector in GOP-leaning states. However, other conservative blocs have more recently pushed for restrictions, citing purity concerns, inconsistent regulation, and fears of unregulated derivative products entering the market. A broad CBD ban—whether intentional or the result of sweeping legislation targeting hemp derivatives—would leave pet owners with far fewer options and likely drive demand toward unregulated or black-market alternatives.

For now, the future of CBD access remains uncertain. But what is clear is that millions of pets—particularly older ones managing chronic pain or anxiety—could feel the consequences first. And with a large share of those pets living in Republican households, the debate over CBD is quickly becoming far more personal than political.

What’s On The Table For GameStop’s Trade In Day

Anthony Washington

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November 17, 2025

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What’s On The Table For GameStop’s Trade In Day

Wondering what is on the table for GameStop’s Trade Anything Day? See what you can and can’t trade.

GameStop, a retailer best known for turning used video games into a form of alternative currency, is leaning all the way into the joke—and the marketing opportunity—with its newly launched Trade Anything Day. The concept is as simple as it is amusing: bring in almost anything, and GameStop will give you store credit for it. Yes, really….so what’s on the table for GameStop’s Trade in day?

The company has encouraged customers to dig deep into junk drawers, forgotten closets, and emotional baggage. And based on early reports, people certainly are.

While GameStop still gives the most value for electronics and games, the store’s guidelines indicate Trade Anything Day truly stretches the imagination. Here are some examples of what is eligible:

✔ Old phones
Have a Samsung Galaxy from 2013 sitting in a sock drawer like a retired pet? Bring it in.

✔ Floppy disks
Finally—your stash of Windows 95 startup disks can serve a purpose other than confusing Gen Z.

✔ Things your ex left at your house
That hoodie, that DVD they never picked up, that mug they insisted was “decorative”—GameStop will take it. Unsurprisingly, they do not provide emotional compensation.

✔ Old board games
Dusty Monopoly sets, incomplete Trivial Pursuit boxes, and that Risk board missing half the armies are all fair game.

✔ Taxidermy
Yes, you read that right. GameStop’s quirky trade-in policy has reportedly welcomed the occasional mounted deer head or a scene of dancing mice —because one person’s trophy is another person’s store credit.

✔ DVDs, CDs, gadgets, cables, controllers
If it once plugged in, lit up, or made a noise, odds are they’ll consider it.

✔ Random household items
Reports include kitchen utensils, lava lamps, garden gnomes, and at least one singing fish plaque. The company says the item simply needs “resale or recycling potential,” which is corporate for “we’ll figure something out.”

**Items You Cannot Trade—No Matter How Hard You Try**

Yes, there are limits. GameStop specifically excludes anything that could cause legal, sanitary, or moral dilemmas. For example:

✘ Weapons – No swords, no nunchucks, and definitely no crossbows.
✘ Food or perishables – Even if it’s “collectible cereal.”
✘ Live animals – This includes but is not limited to snakes, hamsters, or that goldfish you won at a carnival.
✘ Hazardous materials – Batteries are fine; uranium is not.
✘ Anything illegal – If you need to ask if it’s allowed, the answer is no.

The promotion is clearly designed to drive foot traffic and social buzz, jumping off GameStop’s reputation for quirky customer interactions. It’s also a clever recycling and re-use initiative: one person’s abandoned Walkman is another person’s retro treasure.

GameStop hasn’t released data on the most common or strangest accepted items yet, but judging by social media, the competition is fierce. If you’ve ever wanted to trade your way into a new game using only the contents of your junk drawer, this is your moment.

Underpinning Trade Anything Day is more than just marketing bravado — it’s part of a broader effort led by Ryan Cohen, GameStop’s executive chairman-turned-CEO, to completely reinvent the company. Since taking the helm, Cohen has driven a ruthless cost-cutting strategy, shutting hundreds of underperforming stores and tightening the company’s expense structure around “extreme frugality.”

Simultaneously, he has pivoted GameStop’s core business toward high-margin collectibles and trading cards, striking a partnership with PSA to grade cards in stores — a move that has helped fuel a significant boost in the company’s profitability. GameStop has also made bold capital allocation decisions: under Cohen’s direction, the company now has the authority to use its cash stockpile to invest in public markets, including buying Bitcoin as a treasury asset. The overall goal, Cohen says, is to transform GameStop from a declining brick-and-mortar video game retailer into a lean, liquid, and digitally savvy business — one that can survive long term, even in the fast-moving world of gaming and collectibles.

Bring what you can, don’t bring what crawls, and may the store credit gods be ever in your favor.

Are Expensive Salads On The Way Out

Sarah Johns

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November 17, 2025

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With rising prices reshaping habits, the question grows louder — are expensive salads on the way out for good.

Once a reliable sign of upscale casual dining — the $12–$18 “power” salad, piled with avocado, microgreens and protein — are expensive salads on the way out? After years of steady growth as consumers chased healthier, Instagram-ready meals, several data points and industry signals suggest demand is softening and menus are shifting to broader, more value-oriented offerings.

Salad chains like Sweetgreen and fast-casual brands who helped normalize high-priced salads are feeling the squeeze. Sweetgreen, the poster child for premium salads, reported a sharp drop in same-store traffic and recently posted a double-digit decline in comparable sales, prompting analysts to question whether consumers are tiring of paying top dollar for leafy bowls.

Why now? Inflation, menu fatigue and shifting demographics all play a role. Restaurant prices climbed through 2024–25, squeezing discretionary dining budgets; consumers increasingly compare a $15 salad to cheaper, filling alternatives and to the cost of cooking at home. National trend reports show salads remain common on menus, but average ticket growth is modest — consumers paid about $11–$12 on average for salads in mid-2024, a small increase rather than runaway inflation. The gap between premium offerings and what customers are willing to pay is narrowing.

Demographics matter. Younger consumers — Gen Z and budget-conscious Millennials — helped fuel plant-forward menus but are simultaneously the cohorts most likely to cut back on eating out during economic uncertainty. Many prioritize variety, flavor and value over expensive perceived “healthy” status symbols. Meanwhile, older diners who once favored pricier entrées may be trading down or choosing different formats such as family plates, pizza and bowls which feel like better value.

The city factor is important too. High-cost dining markets such as Seattle are amplifying the problem: residents there already pay well above the national average for takeout and dining, prompting price sensitivity and less frequent restaurant visits. Local restaurant surveys show many operators planning more price increases, reduced hours, or menu trimming as sales soften — a pressure cooker for operators who once relied on high-margin salad offerings.

Is this unique to salads? Not entirely. The industry is witnessing a broader recalibration: premium menu items were up-priced during the pandemic and staffing-cost surge — from specialty bowls to some protein-heavy dishes — are being reexamined. Chains and independents are diversifying menus and adding value items or bundling to keep traffic steady. Some operators are shortening menus to focus on core sellers and launching promotions to lure budget-minded customers back.

What comes next for the salad? Expect evolution rather than extinction. Salads that offer clear value — protein-forward bowls, shareable composed plates or hybrid items that feel like a meal — will persist. Operators that reprice smartly, highlight local or seasonal ingredients, and integrate loyalty or bundled offers may revive demand without alienating loyal customers. For diners, the era of paying a premium simply for a bowl of greens may be giving way to a more pragmatic, flavor-forward, and value-conscious salad scene.

What’s Up With Marijuana Pouches

Anthony Washington

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November 12, 2025

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From ballparks to boardrooms, people are buzzing about a new way to chill — what’s up with marijuana pouches?

A discreet new cannabis trend is making its way from dispensary counters to golf bags, office drawers, and weekend festivals what’s up with marijuana pouches. These tiny, tea-bag-like packets are designed to deliver THC or CBD through the mouth — no lighter, rolling papers, or vaporizer required.

They look strikingly familiar to longtime users of chewing tobacco. In fact, the new cannabis pouches borrow both the form and ritual of traditional dip — but swap out tobacco for cannabinoids.

Each pouch contains a mix of plant fiber, flavoring, and an extract of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids. You tuck it between your gum and lip, where the active compounds absorb through the mouth’s lining. Within minutes, users may feel a mild buzz or relaxing effect, depending on the blend.

It’s a smoke-free, spit-free alternative to joints, edibles, or vaping. For some, it’s about discretion — there’s no odor, no paraphernalia, and nothing to draw attention.

Old-school chewing tobacco or “dip” involved shredded tobacco leaves, often accompanied by a telltale bulge in the lip and a constant need to spit. It carried serious risks: gum disease, oral cancer, and addiction tied to nicotine.

marijuana leaf — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

Marijuana pouches, by contrast, contain no tobacco or nicotine. They’re marketed as cleaner, safer, and more convenient. The packaging — sleek tins with mint or citrus flavors — feels more like craft gum than contraband. But health experts caution “safer” doesn’t mean “risk-free.” Research is still sparse on the oral and long-term effects of absorbing THC or other cannabinoids this way.

The user base for marijuana pouches is diverse and growing fast:

Former smokers and vapers looking for a discreet, lung-friendly alternative.
Older professionals who enjoy cannabis but prefer not to smell like it or disrupt their day with edibles.
Outdoor and sports enthusiasts — golfers, skiers, anglers — who like a mild, portable buzz without smoke.
Ex-tobacco users who miss the oral ritual of dip or snus but want to avoid nicotine.

Retailers say many first-time pouch buyers are people who haven’t visited a dispensary in years but are curious about new, low-profile formats.

Nicotine pouches are regulated by the FDA; cannabis pouches aren’t — at least not clearly. Some are made from hemp-derived compounds claim to be federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Others contain delta-8 or delta-9 THC, which can fall into murky legal territory depending on the state.

Labeling standards vary widely. Some brands include lab-tested THC and CBD levels, while others make vague claims about potency. Consumers should look for third-party testing certificates and verify products comply with local cannabis laws.

Marijuana pouches are the modern cousin of old-school chew — compact, discreet, and increasingly mainstream. They cater to an audience wanting control, convenience, and subtlety.

But with minimal regulation and limited research, users should approach these products with caution. Until clearer standards emerge, the best rule is simple: know what you’re putting under your lip before you pop it in your mouth.

Who is Rep. Thomas Massie And Why It Matters For Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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November 12, 2025

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Discover who is Rep. Thomas Massie and why it matters for cannabis policy, hemp bans, and legalization

Who is Rep. Thomas Massie and why it matters for cannabis? He is the libertarian-leaning Republican congressman from Kentucky’s 4th District who has built a national reputation as an independent, tech-minded lawmaker willing to buck party leaders on principle. An MIT-trained engineer and entrepreneur who lives off-grid in a solar-powered home, Massie has served in the U.S. House since 2012 and is known for procedural savvy, high-profile lone “no” votes, and a consistent small-government worldview. He is also a champion of hemp.

That background helps explain why Massie is suddenly central to the current debate: he could act as a stopgap against the HEMP ban language that was tucked into the recent federal funding package — a provision backed by GOP leaders and joined by eight Senate Democrats sharply restrict intoxicating hemp-derived products. Massie and other Kentucky lawmakers have warned sweeping milligram or parts-per-container limits would devastate farmers and small businesses relying on hemp and broad-spectrum CBD products. His history of sponsoring hemp-friendly measures gives him credibility when he argues the fix is regulatory clarity, not a near-ban.

What power does Massie actually hold? Formally he is a House backbencher — not committee chair or party whip — so he lacks the structural levers of leadership. Practically, however, Massie’s influence exceeds his formal rank in two ways. First, he’s a high-profile, well-connected voice on libertarian issues and hemp policy who can rally attention and allies in both parties; he has previously secured bipartisan support for hemp amendments and legislation. Second, in razor-thin or politically fraught votes — including must-pass funding measures — a small group of dissenters can stall or complicate passage. Massie’s willingness to use procedural tactics and his record of cross-bench cooperation make him someone negotiators watch when hemp language is on the line.

How does Massie relate to Sen. Mitch McConnell? McConnell gleefully lead the effort to stop cannabis legalization despite popular opinion. The two are fellow Kentuckians but not a political tag team. McConnell has been a key figure in recent efforts to close what he and others call a “loophole” in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed intoxicating hemp products to proliferate; McConnell’s more recent push to curtail those products puts him at odds with Massie’s pro-hemp, states’-rights stance. Historically both have backed expanding legal hemp in various forms, and both care about Kentucky agriculture — but on the current crackdown McConnell is a leading architect of restriction while Massie is among the loudest House opponents trying to shield the state’s hemp sector. That tension — a Senate leader vs. a contrarian House member from the same state — is a principal reason this fight has become high-stakes and highly visible.

Thomas Massie is not the biggest DC power player, but he is a consequential voice on hemp and cannabis policy — one who combines a consistent legislative record on hemp, a willingness to use procedural tools, and the credibility of representing a major hemp-producing state. In the weeks ahead, his actions (and whether other House Republicans from hemp states join him) could help determine whether the new restrictions become law as written or are softened or removed before final passage.

The Difference Between Bread Made In France And The US

Sarah Johns

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November 10, 2025

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It’s a delicious journey exploring the difference between bread made in France and the US — crusty passion meets convenience.

Ask anyone who has torn into a still-warm baguette on a Paris street corner — French bread doesn’t just taste different, it feels different. There’s something unmistakably alive about it: the crackle of the crust, the tender crumb within, the faint tang of fermentation. For many, the first bite answers the question before it’s asked but what is the difference between bread made in France and the US. Is it because bread in France simply has a soul.

The difference between French and American bread begins with philosophy. In France, bread is viewed as a living thing, the product of patience, craft, and regulation. The country’s Décret Pain — literally, the Bread Decree — restricts a baguette de tradition française to just four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. No preservatives, no sugar, no shortcuts. Each baker (boulanger) relies on long fermentation times which coax out deep flavor and create the unmistakable chew.

In the United States, bread followed a different path — one prizing convenience and uniformity. The rise of industrial baking in the 20th century, followed by the invention of pre-sliced bread in 1928, transformed the humble loaf into a symbol of modern life. Soft, sweet, and shelf-stable, American bread was built to last, not to linger. Its neat slices made lunch quicker and life easier — “the best thing since sliced bread” became part of the national lexicon for good reason.

Buying bread in France, though, remains an art of daily ritual. Most people stop at their local boulangerie once, sometimes twice a day. There, the baker knows the regulars by name, and customers cradle their baguettes like fragile treasures as they walk home. Bread is bought for the meal, not for the week — it’s a practice preserving freshness and a sense of community.

Even as France clings proudly to its traditions, it isn’t immune to change. The demand for gluten-free and whole-grain loaves is growing, particularly in Paris and other cosmopolitan cities. While no gluten-free baguette will ever replace the classic, French bakers are exploring new flours — chestnut, buckwheat, rice — to meet modern dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Ultimately, the story of bread in France versus America is more than culinary — it’s cultural. French bread celebrates time, craft, and connection. American bread celebrates innovation, efficiency, and accessibility. Both feed their people — but only one still inspires a daily pilgrimage for something as simple, and as sacred, as a loaf.

The Democratic 8 Also Knifed The Hemp Industry

Terry Hacienda

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November 10, 2025

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The Democratic 8 Also Knifed The Hemp Industry — siding with prohibitionists to gut veterans’ healthcare and hemp innovation.

They are the buzz on the internet and politics worlds over their betrayal to their political party, but did you know the Democratic 8 also knifed the hemp industry? In a dramatic turn of events, 8 Senate Democrats have quietly helped push through a deal both re-criminalizes intoxicating hemp-derived THC products and strips out key medical-marijuana provisions previously cleared both chambers of Congress. The implications for both healthcare and cannabis policy are significant.

Under the newly negotiated spending package, negotiators agreed to ban “intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including Delta-8,” while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp. At the same time, the legislation omits the provisions the House and Senate earlier this year passed to enable physicians at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend medical marijuana to veterans — language now excluded from this deal.

From a healthcare standpoint, this is a two‐fold blow. First: healthcare access for veterans. The VA‐doctor recommendation language was seen as a breakthrough for veteran patients who seek alternatives to opioids or other pain management tools. Now it’s gone. Second: the broader THC market. By re-criminalizing intoxicating hemp THC products — despite their existence in a previously lawful grey-zone post-Agricultural Marketing Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”) environment — Congress has signalled certain “hemp-derived” cannabinoids are being pulled back under prohibition.

the group of eight Senate Democrats who broke from the caucus to vote in favour of advancing a funding deal to end the government shutdown include:

Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)
Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
John Fetterman (D-Pa.)
Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.)
Tim Kaine (D-Va.)
Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) – whose daughter is also running for Congress
Angus King (I-Maine, caucuses with Democrats)

What stands out is the ban on intoxicating hemp THC products came in the same spending package, even though earlier this year the House and Senate had passed language to allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana for veterans. The new deal reverses earlier momentum.

For advocates of veteran healthcare this is a cold shower in addition to the failed promise to help with healthcare premiums. It is also a deliberate smack at any real cannabis policy reform. The exclusion of VA-doctor recommendation language means veterans may have to continue navigating patchy state laws and federal prohibitions without help from the federal agency meant to serve them. Meanwhile, hemp business operators say the ban threatens a multibillion‐dollar industry built around hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The timing is also politically striking. By tying these policy reversals to a must-pass government-funding measure, negotiators effectively placed them in the envelope of “budget compromise” rather than standalone reform. This means Democrat 8 can gut healthcare in two separate ways at the same time…with the hemp being a hidden negative for veteran with PTSD, cancer patients and others who the American Medical Association say could benefit.

On the hemp side, the language undercuts previous regulatory efforts by Democratic senators. In September, eight Senate Democrats had sent a letter urging party leaders not to re-criminalize hemp THC products. But given the opportunity the deal they signed onto does exactly did re-criminalize hemp. You wonder if their early comments were just for votes and optics.

The deal pushed by Democratic negotiators didn’t just fail to extend healthcare protection, it actively reversed course on veteran access to medical cannabis and tightened federal restrictions on hemp-derived intoxicants. Whether this will spark further legislative fights, or judicial ones, remains to be seen. What is clear is a policy moment earlier this year looked like progress has now been shunted aside hidden under cover of a budget compromise.

A New And Musical Telling Of A Fiery Love Story

Sarah Johns

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November 9, 2025

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It was the talk of the world, an epic love story now being given magnificent musical treatment

It was the talk of the world, an epic love story now being given a magnificent musical treatment, a new and musical telling of a fiery love story. The scandalous love affair between global opera superstar Maria Callas and billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis was a global sensation. The grand and tragic love story has been turned into an opera. Elizabeth Coppinger, a pioneering woman who made a name for herself in tech and then turned her attention to a passion. She partnered with with composer Clint Borzoni, and created her first opera.

The legendary tragic tale which eventually became a triangle with Jackie Kennedy Onassis is a saga for the ages. She decided this story needs to be framed in the grand, dramatic setting of opera to allow it to be memorialized in the perfect setting.

RELATED: The Best Refreshing Cocktails

Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis shared one of the 20th century’s most passionate and tragic love affairs. Callas, the world’s reigning opera diva, met the Greek shipping magnate in 1957, and their magnetic connection defied their respective marriages. For over a decade, they lived a glamorous, tempestuous romance filled with luxury, jealousy, and devotion. Onassis was the love of Callas’s life, though he ultimately married Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968—a betrayal that shattered her. Despite this, Callas never stopped loving him. Their affair remains legendary—a tale of power, passion, and heartbreak between two icons who burned too brightly to last.

Maria Callas, born in New York and raised in Greece, was one of the most celebrated and influential opera singers of the 20th century, Think Taylor Swift famous. Her extraordinary voice, dramatic intensity, and command of bel canto roles transformed opera performance. She rose to fame in the late 1940s and 1950s with triumphs at La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and Covent Garden in London. Known for roles in Norma, Tosca, and Lucia di Lammermoor, she redefined operatic artistry. After her affair with Onassis, her career declined amid vocal struggles and emotional turmoil, yet her legend and recordings endure timelessly.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

Experience the first act of La Callas at performances in Seattle by Puget Sound Concert Opera on December 5th and 7th to celebrate the famed diva’s birthday. The performance will be followed by an intermission with a special cake and champagne toast La Divina on her birthday week and a performance of bel canto and verismo arias made famous by Callas herself. The event is at

Art Love Salon and tickets are still available..

In addition Sunday, January 25 The Dallas Opera will be performing three pieces from La Callas with its full orchestra at its Hart Institute for Women Conductors: 10th Anniversary Concert at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas.

What About A Cannabis Cocktail/ Holiday Party

Sarah Johns

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November 7, 2025

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Hosting a winter gathering? What about a cannabis cocktail/holiday party. It is the chic, hangover-free way to celebrate.

As the holidays approach, dinner parties and happy hours begin filling the calendar — often with a predictable lineup of wine, cocktails, and morning-after regrets. But this year, a new trend is quietly taking over living rooms and lounges. What about a cannabis cocktail/ holiday party? For adults looking to unwind without the hangover, low-dose cannabis beverages and mocktails are becoming the chic, health-conscious alternative to alcohol.

Think of it as an elevated gathering — literally. Instead of traditional cocktails, hosts are serving beautifully crafted “cannacocktails,” blending sparkling juices, herbal infusions, and precisely dosed cannabis tinctures or ready-to-pour THC/CBD beverages. The result? A relaxed, social buzz that’s mellow rather than messy, perfect for those who want to enjoy the season without derailing their wellness goals.

“With so many people cutting back on alcohol or exploring the sober-curious movement, cannabis drinks offer a modern middle ground,” says Seattle mixologist Jordan Leary, who specializes in non-alcoholic bar programs. “They still feel indulgent and festive, but you stay clear-headed and connected.”

Low dose is the key, most cannabis beverages today range from 2 to 5 milligrams of THC, about the equivalent of a single glass of wine in social effect. Many also include CBD for balance, producing a light body relaxation without impairing focus or energy. They’re now available in elegant packaging from brands like Cann, Wunder, and Artet, all designed for adults who appreciate design, flavor, and mindfulness.

Hosting your own cannabis cocktail party is simpler than it sounds. The key is intentional pairing and pacing:

Offer a mix of infused and non-infused mocktails so guests can choose their comfort level.
Start with lower-dose drinks (2–3 mg THC) and wait at least 45 minutes before offering refills.
Pair beverages with light bites — think charcuterie, roasted nuts, or spiced popcorn — to balance flavors and absorption.
Set a cozy vibe: soft lighting, seasonal playlists, and clear labeling for all drinks.

And of course, safety first. Guests should plan transportation in advance, and anyone trying cannabis beverages for the first time should start low and go slow.

Beyond just being a novelty, the cannabis cocktail party reflects a broader shift toward intentional celebration. People are rethinking how they socialize, and cannabis offers an inclusive, modern way to connect.

So this holiday season, trade in the eggnog for an elderflower THC spritz, or a CBD ginger fizz. Your guests will thank you in the morning.

The Best Cocktails To Sip This Autumn

Anthony Washington

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November 7, 2025

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As nights grow longer, explore the best cocktails to ship this autumn — from maple bourbon Old Fashioneds to spiced vodka mules.

As the days grow shorter and the air takes on an unmistakable autumn chill, there’s no better time to trade in summer spritzes for something richer, cozier, and more complex. Cooler weather often shifts our drinking habits — research shows that people tend to favor darker spirits and warmer flavor profiles as temperatures drop. Think whiskey, bourbon, and spiced syrups instead of citrus and soda. Whether you’re unwinding by the fire or hosting a dinner with friends, classic and contemporary cocktails will make the season taste as good as it feels. Here are the best cocktails to sip this autumn.

RELATED: 5 Great Bourbons For Fall

The Gin Bramble

Created in London in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell, the Bramble was inspired by British hedgerows filled with blackberries. Its balance of tart and sweet makes it an ideal transition cocktail for early autumn.

Ingredients

2 oz gin
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz blackberry liqueur

Create:

Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice
Strain over crushed ice in a glass
Drizzle blackberry liqueur on top

The Maple Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and is often called the “original cocktail.” The maple version adds a seasonal twist that nods to New England’s harvest traditions while giving the drink a richer, slightly smoky sweetness.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
½ oz pure maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish

Create

Combine ingredienta with ice and stir
Strain into a rocks glass
Garnish with orange peel

The Irish Coffee

Invented in the 1940s by chef Joe Sheridan at an Irish airport to welcome cold, weary travelers, Irish Coffee remains a beloved way to warm up from the inside out.

Ingredients

1½ oz Irish whiskey
4 oz hot coffee
1 tsp brown sugar
Fresh whipped cream

Create

Stir whiskey and sugar into hot coffee
Top with lightly whipped cream

The Spiced Cranberry Mule

A twist on the 1940s Moscow Mule — the cocktail that helped make vodka popular in America — this version introduces cranberry and spice, giving it a distinct autumn edge.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice
½ oz lime juice
Ginger beer
Dash of cinnamon or clove

Create

Build over ice in a copper mug
Top with ginger beer and stir gently
Garnish with a lime wedge or cranberries

The Tequila Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy’s roots trace back to 18th-century Scotland as a medicinal drink. Swapping in tequila gives it a warm, herbal complexity and an unexpected south-of-the-border kick.

Ingredients

1½ oz reposado tequila
½ oz honey
½ oz lemon juice
4 oz hot water
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Create

Combine tequila, honey, and lemon juice in a mug
Add hot water and stir until honey dissolves
Garnish with a cinnamon stick

Whether you’re partial to whiskey’s warmth, gin’s botanical brightness, or tequila’s smooth spice, autumn is the ideal time to explore deeper flavors. So pour yourself a glass, wrap up in your favorite sweater, and toast to the cozy months ahead.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

How a GOP CBD Crackdown Could Affect America’s Pets

Learn how a GOP CBD crackdown could affect America’s pets as owners face shrinking wellness options.

What’s On The Table For GameStop’s Trade In Day

Wondering what is on the table for GameStop’s Trade Anything Day? See what you can and can’t trade.

**Items You Cannot Trade—No Matter How Hard You Try**

Are Expensive Salads On The Way Out

With rising prices reshaping habits, the question grows louder — are expensive salads on the way out for good.

What’s Up With Marijuana Pouches

From ballparks to boardrooms, people are buzzing about a new way to chill — what’s up with marijuana pouches?

Who is Rep. Thomas Massie And Why It Matters For Cannabis

Discover who is Rep. Thomas Massie and why it matters for cannabis policy, hemp bans, and legalization

The Difference Between Bread Made In France And The US

It’s a delicious journey exploring the difference between bread made in France and the US — crusty passion meets convenience.

The Democratic 8 Also Knifed The Hemp Industry

The Democratic 8 Also Knifed The Hemp Industry — siding with prohibitionists to gut veterans’ healthcare and hemp innovation.

A New And Musical Telling Of A Fiery Love Story

It was the talk of the world, an epic love story now being given magnificent musical treatment

What About A Cannabis Cocktail/ Holiday Party

Hosting a winter gathering? What about a cannabis cocktail/holiday party. It is the chic, hangover-free way to celebrate.

The Best Cocktails To Sip This Autumn

As nights grow longer, explore the best cocktails to ship this autumn — from maple bourbon Old Fashioneds to spiced vodka mules.

The Maple Old Fashioned

The Irish Coffee

The Spiced Cranberry Mule

The Tequila Hot Toddy

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