Winter depression is a real thing, starting to affect people right around this time of the year. Here’s what you can do to prepare.
Raise your hand if you’re a fan of winter.
Aside from the cold and shorter days, a lot of people are more prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that arrives during winter and vacates when the sun starts to show its face again. SAD affects around 1 in 20 people, throwing a wrench in their days and making it difficult to function and carry on with normal life. But the good news here is that you can prepare for it.
Not a lot is understood about this condition. According to the New York Times, it tends to run in families, affecting women more often than men. Some experts believe it’s possible to, in a way, trick your body with some foresight and knowledge. Here’s how.
Understand the Stages of SAD
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According to experts, seasonal affective disorder functions in stages. At the start of the winter season, symptoms include sleeping for longer hours, having difficulty getting up in the mornings and craving carbs. Later, within three or four weeks, it’s possible to develop major depression. The key lies in tending to your condition before you reach the depression period. Experts recommend using bright light therapy, the most direct and efficient method of treating this condition, for a half hour every morning. This method provides better results than medication although users must be consistent in order to reap benefits.
The Sooner You Start, the Better
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This is a good time to start preparing for winter depression. Slowly, start creating pockets of time where you do activities that make you feel physically and mentally happy and balanced, from regular workout sessions to pursuing fun habits to reconnecting with old friends. Consider these experiences and activities as you stocking up for what’s to come. The more fulfilled you feel, the better.
Most experts agree that going into hibernation mode isn’t great, even if that is what your body is craving. Make time for daily walks, of at least 20 to 30 minutes. If you could add in an activity to look forward to outdoors, that’s even better.
Sometimes the best way to treat a condition is with the help of medication. Pay attention to your symptoms and track them so you know if they’re increasing. This way, you can talk to someone who can provide you with the proper guidance.
There are still many European countries that will need to follow suit, but every time one country takes the bold step, it means several other countries will do the same.
Europe is beginning to take its cannabis industry seriously, and it is such a rewarding time to experience this movement. We are used to hearing cannabis news from countries like Germany, Spain but not the Czech Republic. So this information is quite informative as it shows the speed at which the marijuana sector is thriving.
This move is expected to increase calls for more marijuana reforms for all European countries. Czech President Milos Zeman signed a law in September that permits industrial hemp cultivated in the country to contain THC up to 1.0%. This prescribed level exceeds the present limit set by the European Parliament.
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The prior guidelines set by the Parliament are way lesser than what is proposed (0.2% – 0.3%). Even though the changes will not happen until 2023, this move has ignited hope in millions of people that cannabis is making headway in Europe and the Czech Republic.
The changes also represent an exciting time for the global cannabis market because, with such regulations, more countries, cities, and communities will look to implementing such laws. If you are reading this, you love cannabis. If you have ever had challenges with getting marijuana, you will know it is because of severe legalization issues.
When you hear such good news, it provides an insight into what you can expect from other countries in the future. Other additions to the new provisions in the Czech Republic will improve the conversations we have regarding cannabinoid drugs. Private groups will also be permitted to produce medical marijuana products.
This move will affect the Czech Republic. It will also affect countries in the EU searching for lower-priced marijuana products beginning with, but not limited to, extracts.
With this move, the Czech Republic will be well-positioned as a significant competitor in North Macedonia regarding pricing, and its reach extending to Portugal. It will also create an alternative revenue-generating stream for the economy and increased labor in the market.
Denmark used to be the leading market point, but it will no longer be the same with the Czech Republic disrupting the market. For other countries like Poland, this move may lead to a boon in the way patients can now get access to medical marijuana, which they couldn’t afford under strict laws.
Italy will also get into the conversation as the country is already holding talks about decriminalizing marijuana and other plants like psilocybin. Growing marijuana at home is currently permissible in Italy, and that is yet another significant stride in Europe.
What Is Legal in the Czech Republic?
The cultivation of medical marijuana has been legal in the Czech Republic since 2013. However, only a few growers that grow on a large scale have been licensed. The Czechs are permitted to grow only as much as five plants at a time at home, and it is still occasionally decriminalized even though you can be punished and fined for possessing it.
The current third-place political party, Pirate Party, has promised to embrace cannabis and set up progressive policies that will favorably work for the marijuana community. This political party is set to win the nation’s election in October, and that will also be a big win for the cannabis community.
Even if the Pirates don’t win the election, the changes in the country’s marijuana policies will take the Czech Republic one step closer to becoming a cannabis-friendly nation. This country is taking a stand on a significant issue and is bound to encourage even more reforms in other places.
With the renewed call for more recreational trials all over Europe, one can understand why the Czech Republic is making significant strides. There is also another reason why the Czech Republic is taking this step, and it has to do with exportation.
The Exportation Discourse
In current times, the medical marijuana produced in the Czech Republic was solely for domestic consumption. This situation is a unique chance in Europe because the cultivation after 2017 was mainly for export. Therefore, within the country, medical marijuana doesn’t have to meet GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification, making it even less expensive to grow than in other sections of the EU.
So it is safe to say that the dispensation of medical marijuana has tremendously increased within the past few years. In 2020, patients received up to 70 kgs, which is a sharp increase from what was obtainable in 2019, which pegs the figures at 17 kgs.
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Czech GMP discussions are one of the most exciting things in the EU. Unless the marijuana is domestically cultivated and is GMP rated, growers wouldn’t be able to export it to other Medical marijuana markets in Europe. There will most likely be a significant uptick in terms of domestic production and medical usage. So because of this, Czech Republic might become one of the countries in Europe, such as Portugal, where medical marijuana is constantly re-examined.
This move is also set against a rising wave of demands for recreational trials in different countries. The Czech Republic is not waiting for recreational tests: it is going right ahead to get rid of limitations so its market can flourish. The new development in the Czech Republic will broaden the view of cannabis enthusiasts in Europe to imagine a continent where access to marijuana is free for all (legal age limits).
Bottom Line
The excitement over the Czech Republic’s move with its new marijuana laws goes beyond one country making such brilliant regulations for the future; it births a sense of awareness in the minds of entrepreneurs and the health and wellness sector that anything is possible with marijuana.
There are still many European countries that will need to follow suit, but every time one country takes the bold step, it means several other countries will do the same. They may not all take that bold step this year, but the wheels are already in motion, and the future of marijuana is certain. If you are a cannabis enthusiast in Europe, these are exciting times for you!
This year, Halloween is a little more normal when compared to 2020. Here’s what experts are recommending for you to stay safe.
Halloween is a big deal. Halloween in a pandemic is an even bigger deal, adding in a variety of elements that we should consider in order to have a good time and stay safe. While we have the experience of last year’s Halloween for reference, this year, things are a bit different.
Here’s what experts are recommending for this year’s festivities and for you and your family’s safety:
Trick or Treating Is a Go
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“I think that, particularly if you’re vaccinated, you can get out there and enjoy it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN’s State Of The Union. When it comes to children, things are pretty straightforward: if they’re over the age of 5 and vaccinated, they’re well protected and should go trick or treating if they want to. If they’re under the age of 5 and can’t be vaccinated, it’s still pretty safe if you’re doing it with a limited group and are going trick or treating outdoors. A lot of families will be setting up candy stations outdoors, limiting contact between others, and this is clearly the safest way to go.
“I’d encourage parents not to enter other people’s apartment buildings, and instead, look for activities in a neighboring park or other primarily outdoor settings,” Dr. Leana Wen explained to CNN.
Parties Are a More Complicated Subject
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“I wouldn’t necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think that we should be able to let our kids go trick-or-treating in small groups,” Rochelle Wolesnky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CBS’ Face The Nation.
Dr. Mona Amin spoke to the Today Show and said that indoor parties are a reasonable option depending on the positivity rates of your area. If they’re under 5%, then an indoor party is relatively safe. When it comes to other types of gatherings and living in a place with more COVID-19 cases than the 5% she talked about, it’s best to stick to family and friends who are vaccinated. Kids who’ve yet to be vaccinated could also wear face masks as parts of their costumes.
Prepare for Haunted Houses and Other Indoor Venues
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All of these popular Halloween activities come with some risks, which increases depending on community COVID-19 rates, the size of the gathering, and whether or not it’s indoors or outdoors. The best combo here for staying safe is knowing the transmission rate for your area and wearing a mask indoors when surrounded by strangers. It all depends on you and the amount of risk you’re comfortable with.
“This shows that small-town politics has an ugly, uneducated side,” said one cannabis activist. “This is why we continue to fight, even on the local level.”
As cannabis legalization spreads across the country over the past couple of years, more and more small jurisdictions embrace decriminalizing the plant. In the state of Ohio, so far 22 jurisdictions have already approved local statutes decriminalizing cannabis possession.
Nevertheless, there are those who don’t approve of the legalization trend and are doing what they can to sabotage it. Just last week an Ohio police department shared, and hours later removed, a post on Facebook advocating against a cannabis decriminalization proposal, reported Marijuana Moment.
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“Downhill Tumble” For Society
According to the posted-and-later-deleted press release from McArthur Police Chief Thomas Heaton, the cannabis decriminalization initiative on which the town’s adults are meant to decide in the coming months could begin a “downhill tumble” for society.
Heaton highlighted that the proposed measure would reduce penalties for low-level cannabis possessions to a zero-dollar fine.
“The McArthur Police Department is not willing to endorse or recommend the passage of this levy,” the chief said. “Society views may think this is no big deal because it’s just marijuana. However, this is only the beginning of a downhill tumble with regards to ILLEGAL drug use. If the penalties continue to be decreased over time, then what chance does society have to combat the ever-growing drug problem facing our Village and Country.”
NORML Appalachia of Ohio responded with a press release stating that Heaton is “risking his own employment” by getting involved in polling with taxpayer money and pointed out that the police chief violated the federal Hatch Act and Ohio law because he used the police department’s voice to spread “outdated information to influence and intimidate voters.”
“This shows that small-town politics has an ugly, uneducated side,” Don Keeney, an activist with the NORML told Marijuana Moment. “This is why we continue to fight, even on the local level. Change comes from the ground up.”
Furthermore, advocates also highlighted that Heaton incorrectly described the initiative as “levy,” which means it would involve tax, which it does not.
A new study found that consuming this type of coffee diminishes the odds of developing heart disease.
Coffee provides a variety of cardiovascular benefits. Studies have shown that a moderate consumption of coffee can improve cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease. A new study provided a clearer picture of this type of coffee is best for heart health.
Published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, the study used the fact that coffee was associated with positive cardiovascular health as a starting point.
Researchers wanted to have a closer look at the effect of instant coffee on the progression of heart disease. They collected a variety of data from males and females between the ages of 39 and 67. Thirty percent of the people analyzed said they “habitually consumed instant coffee.”
The study showed a variety of things. For starters, it showed that regular consumption of instant coffee was linked with lower systolic pressure. After researchers accounted for a variety of factors though, this influence was diminished, rendering this result inconclusive. But researchers did make a positive discovery, finding that instant coffee was linked with “carotid arterial compliance,” which, according to the journal Nature, “is afunctional marker of arterial elasticity.” This is a good thing, making it less likely for arteries to crash when exposed to high pressure.
Previous studies have linked coffee and heart health in interesting ways, with researchers discovering that caffeine is responsible for this influence. The influence of caffeine on the heart is not wholly understood, but studies comparing and contrasting decaf coffee vs regular coffee found that the former doesn’t provide heart health benefits. Regular coffee has been linked with less risk of heart failure, of developing cardiovascular disease, and more.
While coffee is not for everyone and people with a sensitivity to it shouldn’t have coffee just because of its benefits, a large percentage of people really enjoy it. It’s a relief to know that a moderate consumption of coffee, a substance that has been previously linked with a variety of damaging conditions, paired with a healthy lifestyle and diet, is a good thing, with plenty of positive benefits.
If you want to be a multi-state operator or try to expand to other countries, it makes sense to hire someone who has the background and experience to help grow the business.
As the cannabis industry scales, so does its need for experienced business veterans to steer companies towards the top. The demand has led to an influx of executives entering the space from other industries. There is a steady flow of outside execs pouring into the cannabis industry.
Most in the cannabis industry note that the move is a likely response to a nascent space. However, as recent analyses revealed, gender and diversity gaps persist at the top of cannabis companies.
Numerous cannabis companies continue to lack the needed boardroom experience to bring a startup to a grander stage. That skills gap led to the demand for outside industry talent in recent years. The trend continues today as more companies come online.
Nichole McIntyre, urban-gro Inc’s vice president of human resources, told Benzinga that bringing in leadership from industries experiencing similar regulations is helpful as companies scale.
Luis Merchan, CEO of Flora Growth Corp, echoed similar sentiments.
“The industry is going through a period of transformation where operations, supply chain management, project management and financial discipline are becoming imperatives in the skill set of executives that lead cannabis companies,” Merchan said.
Luke Zimmerman, Esq., a cannabis industry attorney and instructor at Oaksterdam University, said outside leadership is a suitable decision for many companies. “If you want to be a multi-state operator or try to expand to other countries, it makes sense to hire someone who has the background and experience to help grow the business,” he stated.
Zimmerman added that he believes the influx of outside leadership is spurred on by the innovative and exciting appeal of the industry.
He also noted that changing spaces are leading to transitions, such as shifts in tobacco use, decreasing alcohol consumption among younger demographics and an evolving pharma industry all playing a part.
“C-suite execs from these industries are paying attention to this and see the opportunities the cannabis industry is offering,” Zimmerman said.
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McIntyre warned incoming leaders who may underestimate the culture shift in the nascent space, notably its casual pace.
“Cannabis companies desire change and a new way of business operations which I believe originates from ongoing plant advocacy to overcome inaccurate public perceptions and misguided public policy,” McIntyre stated.
Inclusion Continues To Lag In Cannabis
Some improvements have been made since the industry first began taking shape several years ago. However, various recent reports reveal that inclusivity could be improved in the cannabis industry, including the C-suite.
Marijuana Business Daily‘s Women and Minorities in the Cannabis Industry report said that racial and gender diversity lags across the market, as does data tracking. “Social equity initiatives and cannabis legalization are now intertwined, but there is still no magic bullet to improve the landscape,” wrote Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier.
Two additional studies honed in on C-suite representation. “Gender Parity In The C-Suite,” from the National Cannabis Industry Association and the Arcview Group noted a lack of inclusion at the top, letting the problem trickle down across the company.
In June, a report from BusinessInsider reported that white males made up 70% of top executives at the industry’s 14 leading companies. Black individuals made up just 7% of top-level leadership.
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Most respondents felt more could be done to reach adequate levels of inclusivity in the space.
Urban-gro’s McIntyre agrees that more diversity is needed across cannabis but said that improvement is underway. “Many cannabis companies are beginning to focus their efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their company culture, executive staff, and BODs,” she said.
“There is still some work to be done with regards to diversity, in part because of the stigma around the industry,” said Merchan, adding that Flora emphasizes its inclusivity, including a 50% diversity ratio in the C-suite.
Researchers of a new study note that CBD plays an important role in risk reduction for users of high THC cannabis.
Disclaimer:The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.
A U.K. think tank has published a study called Changes in delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta‐analysis.
A meta-analysis is a fancy word for studying studies, and generally speaking, the larger the sample, the more reliable the results will be, and the Addiction and Mental Health Group at the University of Bath “analysed data from more than 80,000 cannabis street samples tested in the past 50 years in the US, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Italy and New Zealand.”
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However, the very long time span for the sampling may be more of a problem than an asset. Fifty years ago, none of these countries were major producers of hashish.
For example, it was 50 years ago when I first bought some Moroccan “blond” hash in Fort Worth, Texas. (Long story) I’m pretty sure a Texas sheriff would not have known what it was. Or how to test for THC, whatever that was.
But this meta-analysis says that in “herbal cannabis, THC concentrations increased by 14% between 1970 and 2017. This was primarily due to a rising market share of stronger varieties, such as sinsemilla.”
To make things even more confusing, the headline on the article published in the research journal at the University of Bath emphasizes Cannabis strength soars over past half century — new study: Largest study on how cannabis has changed over time finds increased strength putting consumers at greater risk of harm.
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So their headline does not match their data. It seems to have been tailored to emphasize a standard bit of prohibitionist propaganda, about potency and risk.
However, it is important to note that they do say that CBD plays an important role in risk reduction for users of high THC cannabis.
They say, “Traditionally, cannabis resin contained much lower amounts of THC with equal quantities of CBD (cannabidiol, which is believed to have some health benefits), however, CBD concentrations have remained stable as THC has risen substantially, meaning it is now much more harmful than it was years ago.”
That point reflects a very British obsession with what they call “Skunk” which is the focus of their own version of “Reefer Madness”. Skunk is simply “herbal cannabis” which is supposedly very high in THC, but very low in CBD. Of course, being contraband, there is no precise definition of Skunk.
Meanwhile back in the U.S., hashish has much lower levels of THC than popular concentrates (dabs, wax, etc.). Consequently, this meta-analysis would seem to be of dubious relevance. However, its conclusion actually supports legalization, because they say, “As the strength of cannabis has risen, consumers are faced with limited information to help them monitor their intake and guide decisions about relative benefits and risks. The introduction of a standard unit system for cannabis — similar to standard alcohol units — could help people to limit their consumption and use it more safely.”
Of course, that is possible only with legalization. Only legal cannabis has its THC potency on its label. Only legal cannabis tells consumers what the CBD level is.
A recently published report shows that the vaping illness known as EVALI was significantly less likely in states with legal marijuana programs.
In what feels like another lifetime, before the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a different type of lung disease affecting a majority of people. Vape consumers, primarily those who consumed cannabis, were suffering from a disease called EVALI, which caused respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The disease could result in long-lasting damage to the lungs and even in death.
And now, a recent study reveals that states with legal marijuana programs had fewer reports of the illness.
Published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, and conducted in conjunction with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the study demonstrated that in states where cannabis was medicinally or recreationally legal, EVALI was much less available. In 2019, states with marijuana laws had 42% fewer cases of EVALI.
“Marijuana policy attributes linked to lower EVALI incidences were also associated with reduced likelihoods of vaping as one’s primary mode of use,” concludes the study. “As additives in informally-sourced vaping concentrates could drive future EVALI cases, marijuana policy design should account for effects on mode of use in licit and illicit markets, to limit the scope of future outbreaks.”
EVALI first appeared in 2019, creating a sort of panic within the vaping community, especially since vape pens were becoming increasingly common. After some study and research, the disease was linked to an element in cannabis vapes known as vitamin E acetate, although other compounds and elements might also have an influence.
This study is a great example of the importance of legal cannabis. Aside from the standard reasons, such as reducing the effects of the war on drugs and providing new avenues for medical relief, legal cannabis significantly reduces the extent and harm of illicit and black-market cannabis. As long as cannabis remains illegal on a federal level, unsuspecting people will continue to be harmed by these preventable situations.
Customers in California and Oregon can choose between an extensive, curated product assortment of flower, pre-roll, concentrates, edibles and accessories available on Budee’s marketplace app.
Stem Holdings, Inc., which is doing business as Driven by Stem, announced Monday that Budee, its e-commerce cannabis delivery platform and service, has launched the Budee Cannabis Delivery app, which is available for download in the Apple App store.
Budee’s 173,000 loyal customers can now purchase from its wide-ranging selection and track orders to their doorstep with an intuitive app-based shopping experience, the Florida-based cannabis company announced.
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Customers in California and Oregon can choose between an extensive, curated product assortment of flower, pre-roll, concentrates, edibles and accessories available on Budee’s marketplace app.
The new app also features a seamless purchase experience, complete in-app cannabis e-commerce shopping, special and exclusive deals, products deals, promotions, as well as expedited customer service and on-time delivery service.
Adam Berk, CEO of Stem, a multi-state, vertically integrated Farm-to-Home (F2H) cultivation and technology omnichannel cannabis company, called the move a “significant milestone” for the company.
“We are ready and excited to expand our technological leadership to the 65% of our customers who have an iPhone as well as new customers enthused to have our great assortment and personalized service, who can now seamlessly and confidentially purchase cannabis products through their mobile device in our markets,” Berk commented. “We continue to focus on improving customer experience and have launched our Budee app across our current footprint in California and Oregon to facilitate new customer acquisition and service excellence.”
The company also said that Budee will be expanding into new markets in late 2021 and throughout 2022.
Photo by Keira Burton from Pexels
Apple Hype Continues
After Apple Inc. updated its policies to allow cannabis-centric apps onto its store, several cannabis companies launched new apps for Apple’s iOS smartphone operating system.
Weed delivery company Eaze jumped on the opportunity first by launching a “first-of-its-kind shoppable” app for iPhone users in July, followed by TPCO Holding Corp. (NEO: GRAM.U), which is doing business as The Parent Company, Emjay and Leafly.
Newsom disclosed in a veto message that the measure would “weaken” protections included in the cannabis legalization ballot measure which was approved in 2016.
It seems that cannabis billboards will not be seen by the millions who drive on California’s many highways and byways after all. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on Friday that would have allowed cannabis billboards along interstate freeways and state highways that cross state borders, except within a 15-miles radius of another state.
While state regulators adopted rules meant to clarify advertising restrictions along highways in 2019, since January those regulations have conflicted with state law, according to a judge’s order. Moreover, the judge ruled that officials did not have sufficient authority to allow the billboards.
Photo by Matthew Hamilton via Unsplash
The bill, AB 1302, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Quirk, addressed the issue while also barring cannabis billboard ads within a 15-mile radius of the state border.
Newsom disclosed in a veto message that the measure would “weaken” protections included in the cannabis legalization ballot measure which was approved in 2016.
“When the voters passed Proposition 64, they enacted robust protections shielding youth from exposure to cannabis and cannabis advertising,” Newsom wrote. “Among other things, voters completely prohibited billboard-based cannabis advertising on all Interstate Highways and on all State Highways that cross the California border. Allowing advertising on these high-traffic thoroughfares could expose young passengers to cannabis advertising.”
The move comes on the heels of Newsom’s approval of legislation that expands the hemp industry in California by legalizing retail sales of hemp-derived consumable products, as well as a bill that requires hospitals and other health care facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana.
Cannabis Billboards Nationwide
In other states that have legalized the plant, such as Michigan, cannabis billboards have their place on the roads, despite a group of state lawmakers who are trying to pull them down.
In the Wolverine State, the billboards are regulated and have all been approved by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency. Still, the display of photos of marijuana products is not permitted.
In Arizona, the bill banning cannabis-related ads on billboards within 1,000 feet of schools, child-care centers, public parks and churches was denied in a 30 to 18 vote. The lawmakers explained that they were worried about passing a bill that would give an advertising advantage to the alcohol industry.
In the meantime, Sacha Baron Cohen, an English actor, comedian, writer and producer, best known as Borat Sagdiyev and Brüno Gehard, recently sued Massachusetts -based cannabis dispensary Solar Therapeutics for using his Borat image on a billboard without permission.
Cohen accused Solar of copyright infringement, false advertising, and the misappropriation of his right of publicity over the billboard and is looking to sough $9 million in damages.
