These Drivers Test Positive For Cannabis The Most

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August 24, 2021

These Drivers Test Positive For Cannabis The Most

Is high driving becoming an issue that society needs to take seriously? The data on this subject is mixed.

Commercial drivers are testing positive for marijuana more these days than any other drug, according to a recent report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

It’s an issue that many trucking companies and courier services must contend with as parts of the United States have gone legal. However, federal restrictions make testing positive for pot a big, fat no-no for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. Therefore, drivers can face a wealth of repercussions if they can’t pass a drug test.

Study Finds CBD Doesn't Impair Driving And THC's Effects Fade Within Hours — Photo by Jed Villejo via Unsplash

During the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) Federal Forum Plus online conference last November, attendees were shown statistics revealing that marijuana is the number one substance to look out for when drug testing truckers. The data shows that 98% of all positive drug screens in the first half of 2020 were for drugs, not alcohol — a completely legal substance. Only 892 CDL holders failed because of booze. Meanwhile, more than half (52%) of the 40,433 tests showed a positive result for marijuana.

If a CDL holder fails a drug test, which is mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), they could find themselves in a heap of trouble. They may be forced to attend a drug and alcohol program and take a Return to Duty test, including a drug screen, before being allowed to drive again. From there, the driver could be subject to a minimum of six random drug tests and have to attend more drug classes and jump through additional hoops for the next five years to keep working.

Fortunately, a CDL holder isn’t at risk of losing their license because of a failed drug test — at least not the first one. But repeat offenses could put the driver in a position where their driving privileges could be revoked. And yes, that even includes commercial drivers living in legal marijuana states. Since the herb is still prohibited at the federal level, FMCSA isn’t changing its anti-drug policies.

It can’t.

“The bottom line for CDL holders is you can’t use marijuana, even though you have states that allow people to use marijuana on a recreational basis,” said Larry Minor, the associate administrator for policy at the FMCSA.

These Drivers Test Positive For Marijuana More Than Any Other Substance — Photo by Josiah Farrow via Unsplash

It should be pointed out that there’s probably not an influx of truck drivers out there riding high. About half of the failed drug tests were found during the pre-employment phase. This is where an applicant has to pee in a cup to be considered for the job. Another 13,340 were random drug screens. Roughly 1,700 failed drug screens were found following an accident, and a few hundred of them were discovered during return to duty tests. Harder illegal drugs were also found.

Still, is high driving becoming an issue that society needs to take seriously? The data on this subject is mixed.

Some studies show there hasn’t been an uptick in stoned driving since states started legalizing marijuana. But a lot of that research came when states first began experimenting with legal weed. Since then, other research has shown that high driving has become prevalent in parts of the country.

The problem is there isn’t a device for gauging marijuana impairment. Some increases may involve people who weren’t actually stoned at the time of a traffic stop or accident. To better monitor marijuana intoxication on the American roadways, science must first develop a practical tool (like the breathalyzer) for law enforcement to use.

CDL holders, however, are going to need the federal government to change the law before catching a break.

Eating This 5 Times A Week Can Extend Your Life

Maria Loreto

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August 23, 2021

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Eating This 5 Times A Week Can Extend Your Life

Food has an important influence on our health. A study conducted by Harvard researchers found that eating this food 5 times a week can lead to a longer life.

The food you eat is incredibly helpful for a wide variety of things, from your waistline to your heart health. A new study found that eating nuts several times a week can help people live for longer periods of time.

Published in the journal Nutrients, the study was conducted by a group of Harvard researchers, who found that consuming five or more portions of walnuts a week helped people extend their lives by an average of 1.3 years. A more specific look showed that consuming walnuts decreased people’s risk of dying by 14 percent and of dying from heart disease by 25%.

5 healthy munchies to fit almost every diet — Photo by Irina Iriser via Unsplash

While nuts have always been associated with a healthier lifestyle, they’re usually believed to be beneficial when paired with healthy habits. But the study showed that just consuming walnuts had a positive impact on people’s health. For example, the study showed that people who had poor diets experienced benefits when consuming walnuts, having a 12 percent reduced risk of death and 26 percent of decrease in death from heart disease.

The lead investigator of the research, Dr. Yanping Li, said that walnuts could be used for people who want to start eating healthier. “What we’ve learned from this study is that even a few handfuls of walnuts per week may help promote longevity, especially among those whose diet quality isn’t great to begin with.”

Walnuts have long been associated with a variety of health benefits. They are compounds filled with antioxidants, promoting positive gut health, supporting weight loss, and having even been associated with less risk of developing cancer. Adding them to your diet could be a simple step towards achieving a healthier lifestyle, one that’s easy to comply with and that could be the gateway to a variety of healthier habits.

New Senate Bill Would Regulate CBD-Infused Food And Drinks — Is That A Good Thing?

CBD

Terry Hacienda

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August 23, 2021

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New Senate Bill Would Regulate CBD-Infused Food And Drinks — Is That A Good Thing?

Yes, this is the right step in the right direction, but the process towards attaining this goal will not be easy.

There is always a sense of apprehension and uncertainty because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. However, there is a glimmer of hope whenever such discourses occur with bipartisan support.

The new senate bill (introduced in May) seeking to regulate CBD foods and other products is an example of a bipartisan effort that empowers the Food and Drug Administration to treat hemp-derived products just like any other.

The bill

Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, Senator Ron Wyden, and Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon sponsored the bill alongside the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act. In a statement, Wyden asserts that this bill is timely because the FDA fails to update its rules regarding such hemp-based products.

Are High-CBD Hemp Flowers The Next Big Thing In Cannabis? — Photo by BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific via Unsplash

Senator maintained that he had worked with other senators so Congress could legalize hemp and other hemp-based products. This time around, they are set to ensure that the FDA takes the program seriously for America’s sake.

Congress confirmed the Agriculture Improvement Act in 2018, which, in addition to being the recent Farm Bill, is also a step towards removing hemp from the schedule 1 category. The schedule 1 grouping for hemp makes regulation and legalization difficult, and this act (if successful) eliminates such restrictions.

CBD products are used all over America in states that have legalized them, so one has to wonder why the Senate hasn’t done anything to ensure the federal government gets its CBD revenues. American consumers and farmers will have more liberality with CBD with a bill having the approval of Congress.

But, Congress still doesn’t have the final say because the FDA must approve CBD and certify it safe for consumption. So is the FDA on board with this plan?

FDA restrictions and its threat to the bill

According to the FDA’s rules, it doesn’t allow any new dietary food, ingredient, or beverage into interstate commerce if it has already been approved as a drug. Now CBD is mainly already used in the pharmaceutical industry, and the FDA had approved the Epidolex drug, which is purified CBD. Epidolex is used to treat seizures.

The FDA also has the authority to remove substances from the prohibited list and has maintained that it has “Limited” knowledge about the safety of CBD and other marijuana-based substances. Although the FDA made some effort by seeking information about CBD’s safety from stakeholders, their progress has not yielded results.

Their progress has been slow because of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the FDA has only resorted to sending warnings to companies who create several claims for their CBD substance. For example, CBD products have been marketed as treatment options for arthritis, relief from cancer pain, and even Alzheimer’s.

Gummy Products Are Changing The Way People Think About CBD — Photo by Pharma Hemp Complex via Unsplash

Only one effort from Congress to legalize hemp farming and the sponsors of Hemp Access made the FDA effectively regulate hemp products, thus providing relief to help farmers and merchants.

Yet, the FDA is the sole entity holding Congress back from taking a bold approach with CBD. Senator Merkley aptly said that for every day the FDA continues to waste time with updating CBD regulations, hemp farmers will continue to miss out on making a profit. Farmers will also be left guessing which products will be regulated, and business owners will not know how to get into the market.

The way forward

The Consumer Safety Act and Hemp Access plan allows hemp-based CBD products to be legally used in food, beverages, and supplements with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. The bill’s sponsors agree to prioritize customer safety and ensure that manufacturers (for CBD products) comply with all federal requirements.

The bill will also ensure that all CBD-infused products are well labeled. More so, the bill insists that the Secretary of Health and Human Services will mark the requirements for dietary supplements and food that contains hemp.

Jeff Daulby, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs, along with the Consumer Brands Association, maintains that the CBA has commended Senators Merkley, Wyden, and Paul for displaying support for CBD. Consumer brands have also advocated for a federal regulatory framework for CBD that will help the FDA set intelligent and consistent laws.

Congress also hopes that by empowering the FDA, they will deliver the much-anticipated rules for the American CBD performer. If the FDA takes its responsibility seriously and influences Congress to legalize cannabis, it will be a good day for the farmers and users.

Every nation has to think about how to get internally generated revenues, and with the rest of the world embracing cannabis, it is time for America to do the same. The amount of lost revenues is mainly attributed to the back and forth between the FDA and the Senate.

What If You're Not Feeling The Effects Of CBD? — Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

If only both parties can agree to the process and stay committed to ensuring America has access to cannabis at will. There will still be hurdles to cross in the future, but one thing is sure: cannabis will continue to grow across states that have legalized cannabis.

Yes, indeed, the future of cannabis is right before us, but we must work together as a team to get there. So while the senators are doing their best to enforce the bill, the FDA needs to embrace the truth about CBD-infused products as valuable pieces in society.

Bottom Line

The efforts by the American Senate towards ensuring that CBD is regulated like food and other products is a nod in the right direction. Yes, this is the right step in the right direction, but the process towards attaining this goal will not be easy.

In the past, the Senate has made similar efforts to regulate and legalize cannabis without any success. However, experts and enthusiasts are optimistic about this bill. The future will tell if they are right or wrong.

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

Muscle Cramps Could Be A Sign Of This Condition

Maria Loreto

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August 23, 2021

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Muscle Cramps Could Be A Sign Of This Condition

Muscle cramps are relatively harmless, but when they occur in these body parts they could suggest that there’s an underlying issue going on.

Cramps usually occur when we’re overusing a muscle, spending too much time in the same position, or we’re dehydrated. They can occur in any part of our bodies and they’re usually not a sign of alarm. But in some cases, cramps could be a signal of an underlying health condition and should be tended to immediately, especially when faced with extreme weather, like a heat wave.

According to The Chicago Sun Times, initial symptoms of heat illness can include cramps and you should look out for them in areas like your calves, thighs, arms or abdomen. These cramps can appear before more serious symptoms take place, like heatstroke or heat exhaustion, and it’s important to address them as soon as you can by finding shelter from the sun and staying hydrated.

How To Workout Outdoors When It's Very Hot — Photo by Fitsum Admasu via Unsplash

When faced with very hot weather, your body rids itself of nutrients and liquids much faster, which can result in muscle cramps. In order to treat these cramps and prevent them from developing into something more serious, it’s important to find shelter and hydrate, perhaps by drinking a sports drink, which can replenish your lost electrolytes more quickly.

Heat illness is very easy to confuse as simply feeling hot and sweaty. Cramps are a good indicator that the heat has taken a abnormal toll on your body and should be taken seriously, since afterwards people are likely to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include atypical heart rate, heavy sweats, nausea, vomiting, and more.

The best way to protect yourself against very hot weather is to avoid underestimating it, something that isn’t all that easy to do. Prepare ahead of time by hydrating regularly and wearing the appropriate clothes so that your body has room to breathe and move comfortably. Keep your eye out for symptoms of exertion, stopping if you feel like the heat is getting difficult to deal with.

Once Upon A Time And Time Again In Mexico: Tragedy And Farce

Opinion

Richard Cowan

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August 23, 2021

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Once Upon A Time And Time Again In Mexico: Tragedy And Farce

It’s important to remember that Mexico has very strong laws against gun ownership and a massive problem with guns, and Texas arrested 60,000 people for weed possession last year.

***Disclaimer:* *The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.***

August 13 was the 500th anniversary of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico, and things are as bloody and absurd as ever.

SEE: “Why Was Vice President Harris Greeted With Trump Campaign Signs In Guatemala? AND: Did Guatemalan Residents ‘Greet’ Harris With Signs Reading ‘Trump Won’?

This month there are two more stories that add to the absurdity.

Tijuana — Photo by DAVID NIETO via Unsplash

First, the Washington Post reported, “Legal U.S. marijuana is pouring into Mexico. It’s pricey, popular and has names such as ‘Bubba Kush.’”

Really? Yep, really. Coals to Newcastle? 

Well, as the Post headline suggests, American, especially Californian, marijuana has a cachet, like “French Champagne.” Mexican growers have to worry about the violence of the gangs more than the quality of the weed. On the other hand, smuggling weed south is relatively low risk, with excellent profits. 

(It is important to note that this story is about LEGAL weed, bought at retail, not from the huge illegal market that is much cheaper, and exists because of high taxes and excessive regulations.)

SEE: Let Artisanal Marijuana Growers Replace The Black Market With Home Grown

Of course, while they are not likely to have a major impact on the Mexican market, they may embarrass the Mexican government into complying with their Supreme Court ruling and finally legalize it.

SEE: Mexico Fails To Legalize Marijuana As Drug War Chaos Grows

Meanwhile, Mexico is suing the major American gun makers for $10 billion in damages.

Mexico's Cannabis Legalization Bill Will Boost Business, But There Are Concerns — Photo by John Coletti/Getty Images

It is important to remember that Mexico has very strong laws against gun ownership and a massive problem with guns, and Texas arrested 60,000 people for marijuana possession last year.

SEE: If Gun Laws Were Enforced Like Marijuana Laws

It is also important to remember that Mexico isn’t going anywhere. While the insurrectionists like to talk about “chaos at the border” to distract us from their role in the chaos at the Capitol, the chaos really starts far to the south, and not even in the Americas.

SEE: Asylum Seekers At The Border

On the other hand, the United States has over 330 million people and over 3,796,742 square miles. We are not being swamped by illegal immigration, but we and the rest of the world are being swamped by the Drug War. 

President Biden’s long history of prohibitionism has left him incapable of dealing with the global problems he helped create, while too many Senate Republicans just love talking about freedom, while supporting tens of millions of arrests for marijuana possession.

SEE: Marijuana Popular In Texas, Just Not With Cruz And Repubs

Richard Cowan is a former NORML National Director and author of About The Roles Of Celebrities In The CBD Industry.

How To Find High-Quality CBD Oil

Green Market Report

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August 23, 2021

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Some companies that sell their products at ridiculously low prices often use cheap methods to extract CBD oil. Their processes might involve toxic solvents that are harmful to health.

If you are looking to buy CBD (cannabidiol) oils, it is extremely important that you dig deep to find the latest and accurate information about oils. This is because CBD oils now are an industry in themselves and there are always bad apples who look to profit off of customers by scamming or misleading them into buying inferior products. Here is how to find high-quality CBD oil.

The worst part is that it is not always easy for interested CBD oil buyers to find out which CBD products and brands are supported by trustworthy claims. New merchants and brands are flooding the market with the growth in popularity of CBD oil. It is no surprise that each one of them claims to be dealing in the best CBD oils and of the highest quality. However, along with the CBD industry, online selling became very popular in short time. The good thing is that you can blindly trust authority CBD oil review websites and choose your best oil from the list.

california's absurd stance on CBD cosmetics — Photo by Anshu A via Unsplash

How To Identify High-Quality CBD Oils?

CBD oil is an extract taken from cannabis plants. It is important to note here that CBD, though present in marijuana too, is primarily extracted from agricultural hemp for medicinal purposes. The simple fact that these cannabis varieties contain minimum tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the substance that makes people feel high) makes CBD less controversial and more versatile for the general public.

How is CBD Oil Manufactured?

Unfortunately, there are not many regulations that control the manufacturing process of CBD. In other words, different CBD brands make use of different extraction methods for processing CBD oil from hemp.

Some companies that sell their products at ridiculously low prices often use cheap methods to extract CBD oil. Their processes might involve toxic solvents (such as pentane, butane, propane, and hexane) that are harmful to health.

On the other hand, good companies make use of organic and pharmaceutical-grade ethanol (essentially grain alcohol) for processing CBD. This is done to remove unwanted residues and toxins from the base hemp plant. This method is considered to be the safest method of extracting CBD for human consumption as it yields the highest amount of cannabinoids when compared to other refinement processes.

CBD oil can also be extracted and manufactured through the supercritical CO2 extraction method. Under this method, carbon dioxide is used in extremely cold and high-pressure conditions to ensure that Cannabidiol oil maintains its purity throughout the process.

Do I Really Need Both CBD And THC? — Photo by Tree of Life Seeds via Pexels

Place Where Hemp Is Grown

The source of CBD matters big time! Remember, hemp plants easily absorbs everything that is present in the ground where it was farmed and cultivated. A hemp plant that grew in rich soil will be of high quality, and the CBD extracted from it will be high-quality as well.

RELATED: How Is CBD Oil Made?

Similarly, a hemp plant that is grown in a land that is heavy with metals like lead and mercury is best avoided, as the CBD extracted from it will be unsafe for regular consumption.

You can find information about the land (on which the hemp plants are grown) on the manufacturer/retailer’s website or in their support center. If you are buying CBD oil in the United States, you can be assured of quality as farmers in the country are required to become certified by the State Departments of Agriculture before their product is sold.

Amount of THC Present In CBD Oil

Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the primary cannabinoids present in both agricultural hemp and marijuana. The original amount of THC (although low in quantity) should not exceed more than 0.3%. For this, you should always ask for laboratory results or check the labels before making a purchase.

Check for a “Full Spectrum” or “Whole-Plant” Label

One of the most impressive characteristics of good CBD oil is that it is manufactured by making use of a whole plant. Although cannabidiol isolates are becoming popular these days, they are cheaper compared to whole plant extracts. The use of whole plants ensures that the CBD oil includes not just cannabidiols but also the full range of hemp plant’s primary and secondary constituents (such as flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids) that work synergistically with cannabidiol.

CBD And How It Works With Your Body's Built-In Cannabinoid System — Photo by R+R Medicinals via Unsplash

Check for third-party lab results

A large majority of authentic and legitimate CBD oil brands will be ready to share third-party lab results with customers. These results ensure that the CBD oil is everything that it claims to be with low THC levels, high CBD levels and free of impurities.

Conclusion

The market of CBD oils is growing at a steady pace with every passing day and it is here to stay and prosper in the times to come.

While most CBD oil brands deliver high-quality CBD oils, the same cannot be said for all brands. The full legalization of hemp will surely improve CBD enforcement and regulations in the near future but until this really happens, consumers must be extra cautious about what CBD oil brands to trust. Remember, you can make the right CBD oil purchases with a little knowledge at your side. The more, the better the purchase!

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report.

3 Ways To Know If You’re Losing Weight Without Relying On Your Scale

Wellness

Maria Loreto

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August 22, 2021

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3 Ways To Know If You’re Losing Weight Without Relying On Your Scale

Don’t worry about what your scale says. Here are some other ways to know if your weight loss journey is paying off.

Tracking weight loss varies, but the majority of people rely on their scale. While this is clearly an effective way of monitoring weight gain or loss, the scale is a stressful measure, one that doesn’t work for a lot of people and that makes them feel even more pressured to lose the weight they want.

Weight loss can be monitored through a variety of measures, from the way you look to the way you feel. Here are 3 signs you might be losing weight, despite what your scale says.

Your low-stress workouts feel tougher

Short Workouts Vs Long Workouts: Which Is Better? — Photo by Tamara Bellis via Unsplash

If you’ve been working out more intensely, and randomly choose to do a low-key exercise, this will likely feel difficult. While it sounds counterintuitive, new workouts and routines — whether your capacity for working out is high or not — are likely to feel more difficult the first time. This doesn’t mean that you’ve gone off track with your health goals.

You feel more hungry

Munchies — Photo by Paweł Kadysz via tookapic

Since your body is going through some changes, your metabolism might pick up, making your appetite skyrocket. This is a good thing, as your body is becoming more efficient at burning calories that your body greatly needs when you’re putting it through a regular workout.

You gain a couple of pounds

How CBD Can Potentially Combat Obesity — Photo by TeroVesalainen via Pixabay

Sometimes, eating more healthy foods and working out more can result in some weight gain, which can be due to building up muscle, which is heavier than fat. Focus on the feel of your clothes; if they feel more comfortable even though you weigh more, it’s likely those extra pounds are due to new muscle mass.

The Most Powerful Uses For Cannabis

Green Market Report

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August 22, 2021

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While names like marijuana and weed carry a certain stigma, the truth is that the plant is natural and overwhelmingly safe.

Just a decade ago, cannabis wasn’t openly discussed in most circles. It was widely used, but was only sold, purchased, and discussed in hushed tones. Today, it’s legal in many parts of the country. And within a matter of years, it’ll be legal throughout the entire United States. And if you think it’s only for getting high, you’d be mistaken. Cannabis is a powerful compound with many applications. Let’s explore in further detail.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a term that refers to a group of three different plants that have psychoactive properties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The flowers of these plants can be harvested and dried to produce marijuana/weed.

What Are Skunk, Haze, And Kush? The Foundation Of Today's Cannabis Strains — Photo by msk.nina/Getty Images

While names like marijuana and weed carry a certain stigma, the truth is that the plant is natural and overwhelmingly safe. It has relaxing and calming effects and is known to treat a variety of medical conditions.

“Cannabis is made up of more than 120 components, which are known as cannabinoids,” Healthline explains. “Experts still aren’t sure what each cannabinoid does, but they have a pretty good understanding of two of them, known as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).”

CBD is a compound within the cannabis plant that provides numerous benefits without any euphoric sensation. It’s often used to treat medical issues and conditions.

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s the part that’s responsible for getting “high.” It’s the element that’s still illegal in some parts of the country. (Though this is rapidly changing.)

A Guide To Buying Your First Marijuana-Smoking Piece — Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

5 Ways Cannabis Can be Used

Most people think about cannabis as a recreational drug that people smoke for the purpose of getting high, but this isn’t always the case. Most cannabis users have a good reason for using it. Here are some powerful uses:

Pain Relief

Research studies show that cannabis is an effective treatment option in a variety of painful conditions — ranging from headaches to childbirth. It’s also seen as a much safer alternative to opioids, which are often prescribed to treat acute pain.

Stress Reduction

While cannabis can treat physical pain, it also has an effect on certain mental health issues. This includes stress reduction.

“Cannabis is not always beneficial for people who are susceptible to anxiety, but very low doses can help to ease feelings of nervousness and restlessness and make people feel calmer and more relaxed,” Las Vegas ReLeaf explains. “Some people find that cannabis can help them to calm nerves associated with social anxiety.”

This is an aspect of cannabis use that has the potential to explode. Used in small doses, it can help with chronic stress and potentially prevent full-blown cases of anxiety that stem from chronic stress.

Epilepsy Treatment

According to Epilepsy.com, “Early evidence from laboratory studies, anecdotal reports, and small clinical studies over a number of years suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially help control seizures.”

As more studies are done on the relationship between cannabis and CBD usage in epilepsy patients, it’ll be interesting to contrast the health benefits and risks. At this point, the benefits column has far more check marks.

Fighting Addiction

For years, politicians, lawmakers, and even medical doctors have lamented over the addictive nature of cannabis. But as time has passed, it’s become clear that it’s not nearly as addictive as once thought. In fact, it might be a viable treatment option for other addictions.

Cannabis Cravings: New Study Addresses Why It Happens — Photo by Alessandro Zambon via Unsplash

In certain cases, cannabis is being used to wean people off of other substances like opioids, alcohol, or hard drugs. In this sense, it’s able to fight addiction and provide healing.

Alternative to Less Desirable Habits

Per the previous point, cannabis is seen as a healthy alternative to less desirable habits like smoking cigarettes and heavy drinking. All in all, the science suggests that it’s much safer and has less harmful effects than either of the alternatives.

Is Cannabis an Option for You?

By no means are we advocating cannabis use for everyone. The hope is that this article has opened your eyes to some of the potential uses and benefits so that you can make an informed decision on whether it’s right for you. If you do decide to try cannabis, make sure you do your research and only shop with companies that are reliable.

At the moment, the cannabis industry is still fairly new. So it’s wise to ask around, read reviews, and search for a company that you believe in. For best results, look for businesses that track their products from seed to sale.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and was reposted with permission.

Reasons To Consume Cannabis On A Date

Green Market Report

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August 21, 2021

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These are just some of the basic ways that you can benefit from taking a toke before going out for the evening.

There are a lot of great ways to make a date special. While some people want to go out to the bar and tie one on for a fun evening, others have something different in mind. With all the changes that are happening regarding the views of marijuana usage, it’s not unusual for people who are romantically involved to smoke cannabis instead of using alcohol. Is that a good idea? Absolutely, and we’re going to show you why!

Improves appetite and metabolism

There is nothing worse than having someone over for dinner and they’re too worried or nervous to want to eat. Fortunately, a quick hit off a dab pen or a joint will help people get some of their appetites back. That means you can start off the date with a quick smoke and by the time dinner rolls around, you’ll be ready to have a good meal and dessert with each other!

How Not To Blow Your Diet When The Munchies Hit — Photo by Tristan Gassert via Unsplash

Like we’ve said before, every kind of cannabis affects a person differently, so make sure that your partner has some experience with marijuana if they’re looking to get hungry instead of worrying about any adverse effects. Best of all, you can combine the two by getting your hands on some tasty edibles, allowing you to sate your hunger and get into a much better frame of mind.

Improves the mood

The worst thing that occurs when people go on a date is nervousness. It can spoil your otherwise great personality and make you into a nervous wreck instead of a person that knows how to handle themselves. Yet, when you smoke a bowl before a date or on your date, you can ensure that your mood is going to improve drastically.

Instead of focusing solely on the negative aspects of the romantic encounter and thinking about everything that could go wrong, you’ll instead spend time indulging in other aspects of your mentality. This can result in you being more open and outgoing compared to how you would act alone. Just make sure you pick a good strain that promotes relaxation instead of picking one that is going to make you too hyper!

Increases creativity

Another benefit of cannabis use is that it can vastly increase your creativity. Why would you want that on a night when you’re with someone? Well, a lot of relationships are truly solidified when people get together and talk about their hopes and dreams. How can you get in touch with that part of yourself when you’re too worried about your looks or the way your voice sounds? It’s difficult but having some cannabis on hand can make that better for you. You can boost your creativity and tap into the side of you that thinks about the deep questions in life. That way, you can talk about deep topics, learn about your partner, and really test the depths of your connection without having to spend multiple dates getting to know each other. It’s like hitting the fast forward button on your relationship!

You can do it together with a partner

Last but not least, in case you haven’t noticed, you can smoke cannabis with a willing partner. While you can use it on your own to prepare for a date, it’s a good idea to get your partner involved too. That way, each of you can spend some time getting a good buzz going and determining the best way to go about the evening. You will find that you’re hungry, talkative, relaxed, and pleasant to be around!

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

FDA Continues To Show It Is Not Interested In Regulating Hemp-Derived Products

Nathalie Bougenies

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August 21, 2021

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FDA Continues To Show It Is Not Interested In Regulating Hemp-Derived Products

By failing to implement meaningful reforms surrounding CBD products, the FDA has created the very problem it’s pointing to: the proliferation of improperly labeled and unsafe products.

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) maintained its strict and narrow position on the legality of cannabidiol (“CBD”) by rejecting two new dietary ingredient (“NDI”) notifications submitted by Charlotte’s Web and Irwin Naturals. Both companies sought agency clearance to market their full-spectrum hemp extract as “dietary supplements.”

In its letters to these two major brands, the FDA pointed to two main reasons for its rejection:

Drug Exclusion Rule: Because CBD is an active ingredient in an approved pharmaceutical drug (e., Epidiolex), CBD is excluded from the definition of “dietary supplement” under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA”); and thus, cannot also be marketed as a dietary supplement.
Insufficient Data: The FDA raised safety concerns about the sufficiency of the evidence provided by both companies. The agency specifically pointed out to: (a) the “vagueness” of the preclinical and clinical studies provided, which it deemed failed to adequately compare the history of use to the proposed conditions of use for the companies’ hemp extracts; and (b) the failure to sufficiently address certain toxicity endpoints, including reproductive toxicity.

Not All CBD Topicals Are Treated Equal — Photo by BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific via Unsplash

The FDA’s conclusions are disappointing because both companies:

Addressed the distinction between a full-spectrum products like their extracts from CBD isolate, which is the substance contained in Epidiolex.
Provided ample evidence, including published peer-reviewed toxicology studies and years’ worth of real-world safety evidence, that their products can be marketed in a manner that is reasonably expected to be safe.

The FDA’s objections seem to suggest that the agency is holding hemp-derived CBD companies to a higher standard for NDIs. This dynamic reinforces the need for Congress’ involvement in clearing a legal path for the sale and marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. Legislation like H.R. 841, which would exempt hemp-derived CBD from the Drug Exclusion Rule, would also play a critical role in advancing the body of data needed to support a successful NDI for these products.

As was suggested by several stakeholders, the FDA’s objection to Charlotte’s Web and Irwin Naturals’ NDI notifications reveals, once again, that the agency is not intending to create a regulated market for CBD products. Moreover, in rejecting these two reputable companies’ NDI notifications, the FDA is disincentivizing the industry from seeking compliance and submitting their own NDI notifications.

New York’s Proposed Hemp Products Rules: A Model for the Industry — Photo by Iryna Veklich/Getty Images

Ironically, by delaying its rule-making process and by failing to implement meaningful reforms surrounding CBD products, the FDA has created the very problem it is pointing to when justifying its position: the proliferation of improperly labeled and unsafe products.

The FDA’s continued reluctance to carving a legitimate legal pathway for CBD products is not tenable. By failing to expeditiously serve its administrative functions, the FDA is further denying the CBD industry the ability to succeed and is jeopardizing the very task with which the agency is responsible: to protect public health and safety.

Nathalie Bougenies is an attorney at Harris Bricken. This article was originally published on the Canna Law Blog and is reposted with permission.

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Some companies that sell their products at ridiculously low prices often use cheap methods to extract CBD oil. Their processes might involve toxic solvents that are harmful to health.

How To Identify High-Quality CBD Oils?

How is CBD Oil Manufactured?

Place Where Hemp Is Grown

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Check for a “Full Spectrum” or “Whole-Plant” Label

Check for third-party lab results

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This article originally appeared on Green Market Report.

Don’t worry about what your scale says. Here are some other ways to know if your weight loss journey is paying off.

Your low-stress workouts feel tougher

You feel more hungry

You gain a couple of pounds

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Improves appetite and metabolism

Improves the mood

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By failing to implement meaningful reforms surrounding CBD products, the FDA has created the very problem it’s pointing to: the proliferation of improperly labeled and unsafe products.

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***Disclaimer:* *The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.***