Why not take a holiday classic candy and make it even more fun!
Love them or hate them, Peeps have become a staple for Easter and other holidays. Each year across the US and Canada, retailers are filled with things for holiday from chocolates, to new clothes to the infamous little bunnies. Newspapers have contests asking people to do a scene with the squishy characters and conversations are heard in store aisles and across cocktails about the peep. But what if you made them even better…how about marijuana peeps for your basket?
Last year, Easter candy accounted for $3.4+ billion in the US and Canada dollars in sales. Confectionary sales have steady grown over the last 10 years for this holiday. Edibles are a huge cannabis market. According to BDSA, a leading analyst firm which also covers cannabis, says edibles are the number one way people consume marijuana. Roughly 90% of it is via gummies, followed by chocolate.
In 1953, Just Born acquired the Rodda Candy Company and it jelly bean and marshmallow chick line. Smartly, they replaced the time-consuming process of hand-forming the chicks with mass production. When founder Sam Born displayed a sign for his freshly made candy, he titled it “Just Born”, playing off of his last name and the fact that he made his candy fresh daily. The newly purchased company, Just Born, was soon the “largest marshmallow candy manufacturer in the world.”
In the 1960s, following the company began following seasonal themes. Twenty years later, the Marshmallow Peeps Bunny was released as a popular year-round shape of the candy. The yellow chicks were the original form of the candy — hence their name — but then the company introduced other colors and, eventually, the myriad of shapes now produced.
How to make Marijuana Peeps:
1) Buy some bunny Peeps.
2) Melt either white chocolate or vanilla candy wafers or bark in a microwave safe mug (deep enough to cover the Peeps) until it’s nice and fluid.
3) Add cannabutter or a small amount of marijuana oil and stir well until fully blended.
4) Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each Peep (use some melted candy to make it adhere better).
While cannabis isn’t the face of the fountain of youth, your body may feel younger thanks to consuming
The buzz is Gen Z is turning away from alcohol to marijuana and California sober is the new thing for the other 35 set. But look around the corner and you see seniors are also using marijuana more. Part of the reason is helps the body feel and act younger. Marijuana makes 70 the new 50. Even Fox News viewers are pro-marijuana legalization.
The Drug and Alcohol Dependence journal published “marijuana use is becoming more prevalent in senior population.” There is sound reason for it, cannabis can reduce anxiety, body aches, inflammation and enhance a relaxed mood which can lead to other things. Alcohol tends to have more damaging affects to the body, especially over longer periods of time.
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Science has proven cannabis can have many benefits for seniors. The 65+ set may benefit from cannabis for chronic pain, sleep difficulties, tremor, spasticity, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite. All key things, but what are the lifestyle benefits of marijuana use.
Help with inflammation which can lead to more movement including walking, dancing, and more. Several studies showed that cannabinoids downregulate cytokine and chemokine production and, in some models, upregulate T-regulatory cells (Tregs) as a mechanism to suppress inflammatory responses. Joint pain can be reduced giving more body mobility.
It can also reduce anxiety. THC can reduce stress at lower doses, higher doses can induce panic, paranoia and anxiety. A small amount, say half a gummy, can help with anxiety and allow you to feel more optimistic about life. A potential benefit is being a bit more chill in the approach to new things. Despite the changes in cognition that may come with age, older adults can still learn new things and adjust as they age.
Cannabis can affect someone’s sex life is wide, from simply helping people feel more turned on, to opening the mind to deeper intimacy and promoting mindfulness. When applied to seniors, cannabis can provide an even larger influence, offering relaxation and increased libido, while also treating symptoms that naturally appear as people grow older and their bodies start to change.
Aside from body aches and pains, cannabis also has a variety of lubricants and intimacy oils that can help boost sex, especially post-menopausal women who sometimes experience decreased libidos. These oils can heighten arousal and provide different opportunities for bonding, whether that means an intimate massage or simply something new that couples can try out together.
Studies show that cannabis use among seniors steadily increases year after year, with a majority of people growing more educated on the subject and learning to use the plant to their advantage. Dosage is key, so start with low potency dosage to find the right comfort level. Talk with an expert either in your doctor’s office or at dispensary about how you find the right level for you.
Spring is in sight, but winter still has a hold on the weather – here are some tropical cocktails to give you the summertime feel
Winter is done in three weeks, but it isn’t done with us yet. Coats, sleet, and long days are still here. But hope is around the corner, March and April are often the busiest months of the year, surprisingly for gyms. People begin to feel summer approaching and want to start getting their bodies swimsuit-ready. The dreams of tropical (or at least sunny) destinations are in people’s mind as they look out the window. To help, here are some summery exotic cocktail for the last of winter.
Made famous by Hemingway, the Daiquiri is frozen fun choice of summer time drinks! It was either invented in 1902 by an American mining engineer named Jennings CoxWilliam A. Chanler in Cuba or a US congressman who purchased the Cuban iron mines and introduced it to New York.
Add all ingredients into a blender with a cup and a half of ice.
Pulse until mixed.
Divide between two glasses and garnish each with a lime wheel.
Tequila Sunrise
Created by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice in the early 1970s while working as young bartenders in Sausalito. They served the drink to The Rolling Stones’s Mick Jagger at the start of their 1972 American. Jagger had one, loved, and he and the band order them throughout the tour. He even dubbing the tour the “cocaine and tequila sunrise tour”.
Ingredients
2ouncesblanco tequila
4ouncesorange juice, freshly squeezed
1/4ouncegrenadine
Garnish:orange slice
Garnish:cherry
Create
Add the tequila and then the orange juice to a chilled tall highball glass filled with ice.
Top with the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom of the glass, creating a layered effect.
Developed in the late 50s by the bartender Benito Cuppari while he was working SS Michelangelo cruise ship, it is named after the Barracuda Beach Club in Portico. It was initially served in a pineapple shell.
Ingredients
⅔ Part Galliano
⅓ Part Grenadine
⅔ Part Light Rum
⅓ Part Lime Juice
⅔ Part Pineapple Juice
Champagne
Create
Fill a chilled highball glass with ice cubes.
Add galliano, grenadine, light rum, lime juice and pineapple juice.
Top up with champagne.
OR
Shake Galliano, grenadine, light rum, lime juice and pineapple juice well.
Pour in a champagne coupe.
Top with champagne
While the temperatures may be low outside, warm your insides with these summery exotic cocktails for the winter.
The Biden administration has been slow in fullfilling the last campaign promise of helping the cannabis industry….is the DEA waiting
In 2012 Colorado and Washington legalized recreational cannabis. Science, public opinion, how we consume, and support from groups as varied as HHS to Fox News watchers have already moved to supporting federal legalization. In the last election, the Biden administration committed to helping the industry. A key factor is his support of veterans. Veterans, along with federal and medical research, has shown cannabis is a solid help to PTSD. Also, as the country struggles with an opioid crisis, expert believe medical marijuana can be part of the solution. But the administration and dragged it’s feet and now it seems another agency is lingering on change. What is taking the DEA so long to reschedule marijuana. Experts weight in.
Terran Cooper, a leading cannabis expert at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman Law shares his thoughts. “While we have comparable examples of controlled substance rescheduling, the ramifications of cannabis rescheduling are beyond anything we’ve ever seen. There are a number of policy issues to be navigated by the DEA, including the existence international drug treaties, which may have delayed the DEA’s review (though Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and others have argued that applicable treaties shouldn’t prevent rescheduling). The widespread consequences of potential cannabis rescheduling may have also muddied the water, as numerous parties have sought to influence the DEA’s review in various ways. “
“While it is possible that the DEA is attempting to navigate denying the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recommendation for cannabis to rescheduled, many are skeptical of this likelihood. The HHS recommendation is binding on the DEA (21 USC 811(b)) as to scientific and medical matters, meaning in order to deny cannabis rescheduling the DEA would have to rely on other relevant data to outweigh HHS’ recommendation. This is a tall order, even for the historically cannabis-averse DEA.”
Jesse Redmond, Managing Director at Water Tower Research and a keen analyst for the industry has this take. ““It’s critical to realize the rescheduling process is occurring during an election year and it is possible democrats are coordinating efforts for maximum political impact. Many are pointing to the week of 4/20, which falls on a Saturday this year, for the DEA’s response to the HHS’ recommendation. This would give time for the public comment period and final rule before the elections in November.”
John Hudak, Director, Maine office of Cannabis Policy has this take. “Cannabis policy is a burning question with a small minority of the public but data show that in congressional campaigns, the vast majority (nearly 90% of candidates) never mention cannabis policy in public. That suggests that most voters are focused on different issues. Despite that, the current cannabis rescheduling petition before the federal government, and initiated by President Biden, is moving at lightning speed compared to every other prior cannabis rescheduling petition.”
“There is no easy explanation of the delay. Some factors are the fact that the DEA and the FDA have different interests in cannabis regulation, the lack of clarity regarding how the DEA would regulate the rescheduled drug, how rescheduling and varied state cannabis laws would intersect, the loss of federal tax dollars when cannabis business expenses become deductible, and political considerations in a presidential election year.” said Lonnie Rosenwald from Zuber Lawler.
The industry is in need of support as consumer demand increase, but the cost of doing business is becoming prohibitive. President Biden and Vice President Harris have been traditionally anti-marijuana, so you wonder if their lack of urgency or support is weighing in on the DEA’s slow walk of a decision.
For mental health, it is national unplug day – grab a gummy and let your brain relax and enjoy real life!
Today is the day to pull the plug on your electronic devices, kick back and enjoy life in real time. It promotes giving our brain, body and eyes a chance to heal and readjust to life in the moment. What better way to start March then letting your mind be an unfettered playground. Science has long been clear excessive screen time is not healthy, so why not chill on National Unplug Day with a gummy.
Over the last 15 years, most everyone of all generations has slowly become attached to digital devices. While it has done wonders in the day to day business of work, banking, and staying connected to friends and family, screen times also agitates the brain. Marijuana’s key psychoactive ingredient is THC. It stimulates the part of your brain responding to pleasure, like food and sex. This unleashes a chemical called dopamine, which gives you a euphoric, relaxed feeling.
Photo by Tranmautritam via Pexels
The National Day of Unplugging started in 2009 in partnership with Jewish arts and culture non-profit Reboot and Sabbath Manifesto. The event draws on the Jewish tradition of observing a weekly day of rest, called Shabbat. In Jewish culture, Shabbat is typically observed from sunset on Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday.
The term digital native refers to people who have grown up using digital technology, and are therefore highly comfortable with and possibly dependent on it. So various generations have a different relationships screens. But across the board, a little break is positive.
Science has shown unplugging is positive for you and can make you happier and more productive. Some of the reasons include
Screen time disrupts sleep and desynchronizes the body clock.
Because light from screen devices mimics daytime, it suppresses melatonin, a sleep signal released by darkness. Screen stimulation can delay melatonin release, desynchronizing the body clock. Once disrupted it can effect deep sleep which is how the mind and body heals.
Screen time desensitizes the brain’s reward system.
Gaming releases so much dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical. But when reward pathways are overused, they become less sensitive, and more and more stimulation is needed to experience pleasure. Meanwhile, dopamine is also critical for focus and motivation, so needless to say, even small changes in dopamine sensitivity can wreak havoc on you function.
Screen time induces stress reactions.
Both acute stress (fight-or-flight) and chronic stress produce changes in brain chemistry and hormones that can increase irritability. Indeed, cortisol, the chronic stress hormone, seems to be both a cause and an effect of depression—creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, both hyperarousal and addiction pathways suppress the brain’s frontal lobe, the area where mood regulation actually takes place.
Marijuana gummies on the other hand, have a chill effect, and, thanks to data from BDSA, we also know they are the most popular way people, especially those under 45, consume. So give your body and mind a break and chill on national unplug day with a gummy.
As New York fails because of their failed marijuana rollout, they are constantly turning to random industries to solve their problems.
New York is an economic engine for the country, from Wall Street to the fashion and media, it sets the pace for the rest of the country. New York City has 18 million people, making it the most populous city in the US. When the state passed recreational cannabis, the industry saw it as a turning point, what they didn’t expect was it for it to be cliff for legal business owners. As it struggles with past mistakes, now NY begs tech companies to solve their weed problem.
Rather than the state fix the problem of over 1,500 unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in New York City alone, the Governor wants other companies to save the city from the mess. To give a sample of the problem, Michigan, which has 1,000 legal medical and recreational stores just hit the $3 billion revenue mark in 2023.
Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels
What she doesn’t mention is the states botched rollout as produced only less than 100 legals store across the states, vs the 1,500+ in NYC alone. Now the state is begging Google and Meta to adjust their algorithms and block illegal dispensaries and keep the public from discovering them. Despite you can find shops within blocks of New York’s famed City Hall. This is the latest effort after demanding landlords large and small police their tenents and close the stores if they don’t have the paperwork.
The rollout of NY’s adult-use licensing program was initially delayed by former Gov. Cuomo, who did not select any members of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) during his tenure. While now Gov. Hochul quickly established the CCB, thus kicking off the adult-use program. At the least possible moment, the states upended the rollout, shocking existing legal medical retailers and disrupting what could have worked. Then unlicensed market was already starting to bloom. While some unlicensed operators continued selling upon legalization, many new operators saw this as a golden opportunity.The states enforcements troopers temporary shutter at least 2-4 stores a week and then issues announcements about their advances with the problems.
The state wants to be a model for equity programs. Illicty shops pay no taxes and have no regulations on merchandise given them a large bottom line.
“Strengthening New York’s equitable cannabis industry and protecting the hard-working small business owners operating in the legal market are top priorities, and the best way to accomplish those goals is by expediting the shutdown of unlicensed shops.” states the Governor at a recent press conference.
New York’s cannabis regulators have collected only $22.5K of the $22M in fines issued to unlicensed stores. If you want to solve the problem, the state should bulk up enforcement and handle the situation, actually issue legal permits to match the market and pause on trying to say they are helpless in stopping the issue.
With between 38-63% of women dealing with this issue – it seems medical marijuana could help.
Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOB) is something effecting between 38-63% of women at some point. It involves difficulty in achieving orgasm, substantially decreased intensity of orgasm, or both. While with most, it happens occasionally, for FOB it the presence of either of the following symptoms and experienced on almost all or all occasions of sexual activity.There is a marked delay in, marked infrequency of, or absence of orgasm, a markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations, and the symptoms have persisted for a minimum duration of approximately 6 months.
The good news is there are treatments and one of them is available to most in the United States. Yes, medical marijuana can help women with FOB. In studies, marijuana use is associated with improved sexual function among female users. The type and method of consumption does not impact outcomes. A gummy can relax a woman and help overcome the issue.
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The body’s natural endocannabinoid system is key in regulating things like pleasure, pain, relaxation and homeostasis. When it is activated by the cannabinoids in cannabis, it can leave users feeling relaxed with increased pleasure and decreased pain.
To highlight the issue, commonality, and acceptance. a committee of the State Medical Board of Ohio voted recently to seek expert opinions on whether medical marijuana could help patients with female orgasmic difficulty disorder. In addition, Illinois, set to meet next month about adding FOD as a qualifying condition, while New Mexico is slated to consider the issue in May, according to organizers at the nonprofit Female Orgasm Research Institute. Connecticut, too, is looking into the addition, the group said, though no meeting date has been set.
If you are working there FOB, starting out with a small amount of cannabis to help with the use. It is recommend smoking or vaping to learn how to use cannabis for this issue. Starting out edibles can hit differently in potency and timing, potentially making for an uncomfortable experience.
In a somewhat surprise, Mitch McConnell has announced his decision not to run again for Senate GOP leader in November…changes ahead.
Mitch McConnell embraced being called the Darth Vader. For 17 years he has commanded the GOP Senate, and, had an oversized influence in the larger Republican Party. In the last year, he has been plagued by a divided party, a tussle with a former president, and health issues. So it was only a somewhat surprise he announced he was stepping aside in leadership. Politicians are lining up to take his place and he will have a tough go until November when he relinquishes the position. But does McConnell’s exit signal the end of marijuana prohibition?
McConnell has been proud of remaking the Senate and accomplishing his personal political goals. While Senator, he and his wife has amassed a fortune of $35 million while stopping small marijuana business owners from getting ahead. Born in a different era, McConnell is a conservative from the old school, legal marijuana, LGBT rights, expanded voter access and are enemies to him. As the legal state by state cannabis industry has blossomed to $20+ billion in sales filling state coffers, McConnell only grew more firm in his stand to block federal legalization.
Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC), a strong ally of the industry, said publicly what everyone is thinking. If McConnell is a no on federal legalization, it is a no go. He has stonewalled the SAFE Banking Act multiple times. When the Senate flipped, Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) put forward the SAFER Banking Act with a bipartisan group only to have it die due to the House’s leadership chaos.
McConnell has been fine going against public opinion when making policy he feels is correct. Marijuana federal legalization has over 87% of public approval and veterans groups have pleaded for support on cannabis for help with PTSD. Both appeals have fallen on the deaf ears of the Grim Reaper. And he has seemed pleased when he wins a major battle against the public and voters.
While his loss indicates a positive for the cannabis industry, there is a downside. Like the House, the Senate could get swept up in a power play as the players reshuffle who is control. Meaningful legalization could come to a standstill without strong, focused leadership whipping votes. With the Biden administration hesitate to move forward in the campaign procmises, the cannabis industry is holding its breath.
Cannabis has medical benefits, it better for your body than alcohol and can calm anxiety – and with larger legalization would be better for the planet
Marijuana is increasing popular and consumer use is creeping up. Gen Z is drifting away from alcohol and embracing weed as a healthy alternative. Michigan just had a $3 billion in sales and other states are setting records. With the federal government looking at rescheduling, the medical marijuana will expand as the FDA will be able to oversee consistency and dosage. But where will all the produce be produced? Legalizing marijuana is good for the environment and good for patients.
Legalizing marijuana would allow traditional farming states, especially in the South, to add cannabis as a crop in rotation. While the South already has outdoor group, especially in the state region of Florida, Georgia and Alabama, being federally approved would improve farm methods. Currently, illegal grows in farm country are hidden in timberlands or are two small to be effective. Canada, being the first major company to end restrictions was posed to be the supplier to the world.
Photos by Jen Chiu
Canada are wheat, canola, mustard, barley, ryes, oat, maize, and soybean. These crops can thrive in the northern Canadian environment. While wheat requires more water, winter wheat and rotation allows farmers to use the vast amounts of farmland in Canada.
When Canada went legal though, companies like Tilray, but massive indoor grows costing 10s of millions of dollars. Not only do indoor grows produce significant carbon issues, but it doesn’t allow for more natural uses like rainwater. Everything has to be pushed through energy using systems. On average, a cannabis plant consumes an estimated 22.7 liters, or 6 gallons, of water per day during the growing season. Wine grapes, which are an irrigated use an estimated 12.64 liters of water per day.
As you expand your knowledge and experience with marijuana…TAC is a way to maybe adjust your trip
Legalization has brought in millions of new users to marijuana. People are leaning into the joy and relaxed high without hangovers. Gummies have become the most popular, but many in their learning curve are enjoying flower. The plant is versatile giving a variety of experiences. You may notice a tag written on packages, what is it? TAC is way to have more marijuana fun.
First of all, TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It refers to the cannabis profile of a strain. When purchasing a cannabis product or seed, consumers are able to have more insight into the total cannabinoid content of the strain. With TAC, users can customize their cannabis sessions.
Photo by Connor Wilkins via Unsplash
The Total Active Cannabinoids of a strain take the focus away from THC alone and directs more attention to other minor cannabinoids in the plant. TAC informs users about how potent or effective a strain may be when consumed. Most of the time, the TAC is indicated by a cumulative figure, while a few manufacturers choose to disclose the individual properties of the cannabinoids present in the strain. This way, users can effectively decide which product they need at that very moment based on its potential effects.
TAC represents the total amount and potency level of the various cannabinoids found within a specific cannabis plant. Cannabis plants contain over 50 different cannabinoids, although not all are detectable. Current testing methods can only identify a set of cannabinoids available in substantial quantities. So, in reality, the TAC figure is usually less than the exact amount of cannabinoids in the strain.
The non-detectable cannabinoids in a strain are inactive or not sufficient enough to induce a notable impact. For cannabinoids to be included in the TAC means they have some form of influence on the effects that manifest in the user. Cannatech operators are yet to figure out a direct mechanism to identify the mechanism of an individual cannabinoid in a strain.
The Entourage Effect and TAC Relationship
The “entourage effect” best describes the synergy between all the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. The theory reveals that all compounds, including terpenes and phytocannabinoids, available within a cannabis herb work together to induce the best effects.
The total active cannabinoids figure is important to the entourage effect. Scientists believe that the TAC reveals how the entourage effect operates. Explains why THC and CBD induce better physiological effects when they are consumed together or in addition with other minor cannabinoids.
The knowledge of TAC is most beneficial to medical cannabis users. It gives them an indication of what to expect from the entourage effect. On the other hand, recreational users use TAC to improve their smoking or dabbing experiences.
A few novices in the industry often confuse the meaning of TAC as being Total Aerobic Count. This is different from total active cannabinoids and has a different meaning. A total aerobic count is a measurement of the total microbial counts in a cannabis sample.
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Cannabinoids In Cannabis
Over 60 cannabinoids can be found in weed plants. Some TAC labels could list up to 100 cannabinoids in one product. However, the majority of these compounds are relatively unknown—they have been identified, but their mechanisms are not understood. Some of the most common cannabinoids found in large and trace quantities in cannabis crops are as follows:
CBD induces effects that help to counteract the “high” produced by psychoactive cannabinoids. It does this by inhibiting the release of FAAH (an enzyme that breaks down anandamide). This action encourages the availability of anandamide, also known as the bliss compound. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and other therapeutic potential.
THC is literally the most famous cannabinoid in the weed ecosystem. This cannabinoid is the dominant compound that induces psychoactive effects on the user. THC reacts with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system to produce the “high.” It emulates anandamide to induce the release of FAAH. Unlike other cannabinoids, THC is more potent and lasts much longer in the system.
CBDV is a minor cannabinoid that is often found in wild and hybrid varieties of cannabis. Cannabis crops grown in Central Asia have trace amounts of this cannabinoid. Research is ongoing to understand the compound’s reaction with the ECS, but cannabis researchers have pointed out that it has a similar chemical structure to CBD.
is a minor cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Information about this cannabinoid is limited. Very little is known about its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some studies suggest that CBC adds holistic efficacy to the entourage effect.
Aside from cannabinoids, cannabis contains other essential compounds like fatty acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Most of these other compounds are poorly understood in the ecosystem. Yet, they all play vital roles in the entourage effect.
Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis strains their unique flavors. Terpenes are found in plants, fruits, and flowers of all crops, not just cannabis crops. Examples of terpenes are pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, and linalool. Terpenes also boost the effects of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system.
On the other hand, flavonoids give plants their pigment. They induce antioxidant effects in consumers. Their role in the entourage effect is vague, and their interaction, as well as the breakdown process, is yet to be established.
Knowing the TAC value of your cannabis products can be important. It’s just one more reason why cannabis regulations enforce manufacturers to include this information when labeling the products. It’s better when the total cannabinoids are listed. With this information, you can experiment with different product ratios to decipher the concentration that gives you the best cannabis experience. Medical officers can use this accurate measurement to determine the best therapeutic concentration for cannabis patients.
