These Are The Marijuana Products Women Are Buying

Julie Aitcheson

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August 5, 2021

These Are The Marijuana Products Women Are Buying

For the first time ever, concentrates have overtaken edibles in popularity among younger women, a change attributed to decreased stigma and increased consumer education.

In every sector of culture and society, a shift towards greater diversity is moving the needle on what, and who is considered “typical”. This is as true in the realm of cannabis consumption as anywhere else, with the stereotype of surfer dude stoners and glazed and confused couch potatoes making way for women as the fastest-growing segment of cannabis consumers.

Manufacturers are paying close attention to what these women want and how best to reach them with thoughtful branding, high levels of customer service, product design, and the retail experience. Not only are women increasingly driving cannabis sales, but they are also shifting their consumer behavior in ways that are pushing the industry to get more creative and innovative in meeting their demands — a trend that cannabis technology company Akerna (NASDAQ: KERN) highlights in its mid-year report.

CBD Vaping – What’s the Difference Between CBD E-Liquid And CBD Oil? — Photo by Elsa Donald via Unsplash

According to Akerna’s report, nearly 15 million women have purchased cannabis in 2021 so far, which is a 3.2% increase since 2019. Their market share, which in 2019 was 35% is now 38.2% and growing. Additionally, for the first time ever, concentrates have overtaken edibles in popularity among younger women, a change attributed to decreased stigma and increased consumer education. Previously, edibles held third place in female product preferences with concentrates in fourth, but that has changed since 2020 with 10.2% of women reporting a preference for concentrates over 8.9% who prefer edibles. Flower is still the favorite product among female consumers with 44% still ranking it their top choice, but the industry is watching this closely as new product innovations inspire new allegiances.

In Akerna’s report, 27.53% of female consumers fall into the under 30 category and 29.40% are between 30 and 40-years-old, with both demographics preferring flower, cartridges, and concentrates in that order. Both age categories placed infused edibles and “Other” in fourth and fifth place. For these women, cartridges lead concentrates by 20% or more, with edibles roughly half as popular as concentrates. Edibles still beat out concentrates for the 13.6% of female purchasers in the 50-60 age range and the 10.33% falling into the 60+ category. The strongest showing for edibles was in the oldest demographic (60+ women) studied, with 18.39% preferring edibles and only 5.31% concentrates.

The trend in younger consumers leaning more towards concentrates and elders remaining loyal to edibles holds up in the male demographic as well, though this isn’t attracting as much notice from the industry as the rise of women consumers. Although Akerna’s mid-year report has men still accounting for 61.8% of cannabis sales, women are closing that gap at a steady pace and challenging the industry to up its game in order to compete for their business.

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

How To Prepare For A Delayed Or Cancelled Flight

Culture

Maria Loreto

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August 5, 2021

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How To Prepare For A Delayed Or Cancelled Flight

Delayed and cancelled flights are growing increasingly common. Here’s what you can do preemptively.

Flight delays and cancellations are more common than ever. Due to staff shortages, reduced capacity or changes in the weather, these hiccups are to be expected, especially in a year that has been so frustrating for the travel industry. They’re unavoidable, but some preparation can help you deal with the problem as best as possible.

LifeHacker compiled a list of the best advice when exposed to a situation like this. Here are our favorites:

Book the trip with these possibilities in mind

laptop — Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

Knowing that delays and cancellations are a possibility is a good thing to keep in mind, since it will allow you to get to the airport ahead of time, and to react faster, skipping over the anger and frustration that is so common when facing these experiences and being unprepared. Give yourself as much flexibility as you can with your bookings and know that connecting flights and checking luggage means further complications.

Act fast

US Airlines Can Now Ban These On Flights — Photo by Erik Odiin via Unsplash

RELATED: 5 Hacks To Find Cheap Flights

It’s important to act quickly once a flight is canceled or delayed, speaking to a representative as soon as you can. If you’re in line to talk to a flight representative, get on the phone and try your best to contact someone. Be informed with websites like Skyscanner, since it pays to know other options, especially those within the same airline, when talking to the flight attendant.

Direct flights are easier

While more expensive, direct flights are likelier to be less painful and easier to solve should something go wrong. Direct flights work best when purchased ahead of time, and are a good option if you want to avoid a delay or cancellation.

If you have a connecting flight, make sure there’s enough time

Missed Your Flight? Here's What You Can Do — Photo by Joyce Romero via Unsplash

Sometimes connecting flights need to happen. When in these situations, make sure there’s a two or three hour gap between each flight. Sure, you’ll be traveling for the majority of the day, but it gives you some insurance that you’ll reach your destination on time.

Consider travel insurance

4 Tips To Help You Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Photo by Westend61/Getty Images

While the majority of shoppers tend to disregard travel insurance, it has become a helpful tool nowadays. These can ensure you get a good deal when facing these situations, although you should read the fine print carefully in order to avoid a bad situation.

Why Can’t Parents Keep Marijuana Away From Small Children?

Mike Adams

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August 5, 2021

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Why Can’t Parents Keep Marijuana Away From Small Children?

Allowing marijuana to be part of national commerce would presumably make it subject to tighter regulations, including packaging that didn’t appeal to small kids.

It was once believed to be propaganda: The idea that children of cannabis consumers were somehow getting their hands on the herb, ingesting it, only to later be strapped to various machines and gizmos down at their local hospital until the high wore off.

Some marijuana advocates are still convinced that this was just another way for The Man to disturb the course of legalization in the United States so cops can continue busting the skulls of stoners. In reality, however, thousands of kids every year are finding their parent’s pot stash, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. It’s a problem that has worsened as more states have legalized for recreational use. So, what gives? Why can’t parents keep weed away from kids?

5 Things You Can Do To Help You Feel Normal — Photo by August de Richelieu via Pexels

Cannabis industry officials no longer deny that children are being poisoned by edibles. But they place most of the blame on the actions of irresponsible parents. “I think that a lot of parents are falling behind on the learning curve when it comes to responsibly storing cannabis products the way that they would alcohol and medications and household cleaners and things of that nature,” Morgan Fox, media relations director for the National Cannabis Industry Association, told KATC-3.

For whatever reason, the cannabis industry continues to market edible pot as though their customer base is 12 and under. Step inside nearly any dispensary in a legal weed state and you’ll see a cannabis version of a wide variety of popular candies. There’s Zombie Skittles (packaged to mimic the famous Skittles brand,) and Cannaburst Gummies (designed in the image of Starburst). We’ve even seen Ganja Joy, Stoned Patch, Medicated Nerds, the list goes on.

The likenesses of these product’s packaging are so similar to the existing, THC-free brands that many candy companies, including Mars Inc., have filed lawsuits for copyright infringement. They want weed companies to get their own identities and stop ripping them off. Nevertheless, marijuana edibles, which are only supposed to be sold to adults 21 and older, continue to be distributed in containers that are attractive to kids. Meanwhile, the industry keeps preaching responsible use.

CBD Edibles Not All They Claim To Be — Photo by SageElyse/Getty Images

The results haven’t been good. The number of poison control calls from children ingesting cannabis jumped from 132 in 2016 to nearly 2500 last year. If it’s still too early in the morning for you to do the math, that’s around a 1600 percent increase. Out of the many calls, Julie Weber of the American Association of Poison Control Centers says 88% must be referred to emergency rooms. In most cases, this is to ensure the child doesn’t suffer serious side effects.

‘We did have to refer them into the emergency department because of the risk for seizures,” she said of one specific call to a poison control center where the kid ate 12 medicated gummies.

Even cannabis-consuming parents admit the problem with edibles is real. Earlier this year, Elizabeth Perry of Washington D.C., where marijuana is legal, noticed something wrong with her 21-month-old son. She told CBS News that when she laid him down in his crib, “he kind of went rigid and started shaking and crying.” Later, at the hospital, Perry learned that Oliver tested positive for THC. The child had gotten into her stash of edible gummies and consumed enough to make him seriously ill. “My first thought was, I did this to him, this is my fault,” she told the news source.

Part of the solution seems to hinge on federal marijuana legalization. Allowing marijuana to be part of national commerce would presumably make it subject to tighter regulations, like alcohol and tobacco, and the industry probably wouldn’t be allowed to package products in containers that appeal to small kids. Senate Majority Leader Schumer is pushing a pot proposal in the upper chamber this session, yet it does not have much traction. And it’s not immediately clear just how much regulatory control Uncle Sam would impose.

Until there are more rules for childproof packaging, healthcare officials say the best weed-loving parents can do to prevent more children from THC exposure is to properly secure all pot products and pay closer attention. They must assume the bulk of the responsibility if they are going to bring edibles into the house.

This Former Congressman Is Placing Big Bets On The Cannabis Industry

Cannabusiness

El Planteo

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August 5, 2021

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This Former Congressman Is Placing Big Bets On The Cannabis Industry

“I found the sector very attractive to invest in, understanding that it is currently developing and that it is still lacking maturity,” said cannabis entrepreneur Facundo Garretón.

By Ulises Román Rodríguez via El Planteo.

Paraphrasing Julio Cortázar, one could say: “Garretón/a model to assemble”. Born in the province of Tucumán, in Northwest Argentina, Facundo Garretón is a model entrepreneur. He’s a man who lives life in cycles that lead him to change his profession every so often. He likes to study, learn and expand everything he does.

He became a famous entrepreneur in the IT world when he created the site Invertir Online. And, in 2015, he ventured into politics and was elected congressman.

At the end of his mandate, he returned to what motivates him the most: creating a company. And not just any company: this time he ventured into the production of cannabis for medicinal use with Yvy Life Sciences, a company based in Uruguay.

But what triggered Facundo to invest in cannabis?

“For several years, I have been an angel investor in different high-risk ventures in sectors such as the life sciences and biotechnology. In 2017, while I was in Congress, I had the opportunity to work on the regulation of the cannabis industry,” explained Garretón, when interviewed by El Planteo, from his house in Uruguay where he currently resides.

From that moment on, he began to study comparative legislation and learn about what was happening in other countries around the world regarding cannabis.

“I found the sector very attractive to invest in, understanding that it is currently developing and that it is still lacking maturity.”

With an entrepreneurial sixth sense, Garretón discovered that a great opportunity was right under his nose.

“Latin America has a high potential, so as soon as I finished my term in Congress, I started to get involved in the sector and analyzed more than 300 cannabis companies,” he says.

He made his first investment in the dawn of 2020: YVY Life Sciences in Uruguay.

The production chain

Facundo Garretón invested in several companies, each of them focused on some segment of the production chain of cannabis.

YVY Life Sciences, for example, is focused on planting and processing: from seed, genetics, cultivation, flowering, harvesting, primary processing, flower separation, classification, drying, storage and flower export.

Following that logic, Facundo invested in Blueberries Medical Corp (OTC:BBRRF) in Colombia, a company focused on oil extraction, laboratory tests, and mastering specific formulations.

“I started Blueberries as the CEO and I am now the Chairman. Blueberries is a company that is fully operational and it is based in Colombia but is listed on the Canadian stock exchange” he told El Planteo.

Finally, he created a company called DrGea.com for the sale and distribution of cannabis-based products, which would be “the last link” in the production chain.

Susana’s mansion

In February, 2021, Facundo Garretón announced on his Instagram account: “We bought (Susana Giménez’s) house @gimenezsuok to build a wellness center and a Cannabis development hub in Uruguay.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Facu Garreton (@fgarreton)

His post bounced all over the media because, on the one hand, it was the mansion of one of the most recognized showbiz figures in Argentina and, on the other hand, the venture was related to marijuana.

“The opportunity to buy this mansion belonging to Susana Giménez came up and we thought of giving it a twist to install a cannabis center with plantations, a boutique hotel, a spa and a restaurant specializing in cannabis food” says Garretón.

The model would be like the one offered by the wineries on the wine route in Argentina, where you can learn about the elaboration processes up to the tasting.

“It is a medium and long term bet, Uruguay is the first country in the world to regulate the industry, it needs to have a cannabis center of these characteristics and we are in the process of building the first cannabis center of this kind in Latin America (for sure) and probably in the world.”

The vision of an entrepreneur

“The cannabis industry is a developing industry limited by regulatory issues and we have a few years ahead of us to make this a real business,” says the entrepreneur from Tucumán.

“In fact, all cannabis companies lose a lot of money and are making an investment in the future”. Garretón relates the nascent cannabis industry to the beginnings of the Internet at the end of the 90s. “Everybody wanted to invest in .com but few could make money. In fact, for many years .com companies were losing money and hundreds of thousands of companies disappeared.”

However, the ones that remained “the ones that invested well, the ones that did things correctly are the big companies of today, ranging from Amazon to Mercado Libre.”

How do you see Argentina in the market?

We hope that the issue of medical and industrial cannabis will be well regulated, but Argentina is quite behind compared to other countries in the continent.

How do you think the country could consolidate itself in the cannabis industry?

Argentina should regulate the three verticals. That is, not only the medicinal and industrial, but also the recreational and get involved in the regulation of the entire production value chain, not only in pharmaceutical and medicinal products, but also in beauty products, food, beverages, wellness and all the basic parts from the fibers of the plant, flowers and seeds.

What would you recommend to people who want to start investing in the cannabis industry?

Know that it’s a complex, super-difficult, long-term business that requires big backs and deep pockets. In the coming years there will be a lot of companies that will be formed, a lot of companies that will close, thousands of entrepreneurs that will crash, so you have to be cautious and invest carefully and with people who know the industry and the business, who have the knowledge of the business and not necessarily the knowledge of the plant.

A personal relationship with cannabis

Facundo Garretón is a member of a cannabis club in Uruguay. Every three months, they harvest special genetics. “Simply to try different strains, something which I love, but the truth is that I am not a huge consumer of cannabis.”

However, he recognizes that “being linked to the industry I have access to a lot of very interesting products.”

He also says that his wife “takes CBD drops” and that his mother “uses some cannabis-based creams for neck pain” and that several members of his family “consume different types of cannabinoids.”

Photos by Lelen Ruete for YVY Life Sciences.

This article originally appeared on El Planteo and has been reposted with permission.

What To Do If You Lose Your Proof Of Vaccination Card

Maria Loreto

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August 4, 2021

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What To Do If You Lose Your Proof Of Vaccination Card

Vaccination cards are important for getting into public spaces, yet they’re kind of easy to lose. Here’s what you can do to avoid this issue.

With New York becoming the first state to ask for proof of vaccination for the majority of indoor activities, other states are likely to follow suit. And while this is great since it makes workers and guests feel safe, it’s also a bit annoying, since proof of vaccination is a piece of cardboard that’s just big enough to not fit in most wallets.

Luckily, in the age of technology, there are plenty of solutions, even if you lose your vaccination card. Here’s what you should do:

Contact whoever is responsible

5 Things You Can Do To Make The Most Of Your Therapy Sessions — Photo by cottonbro via Pexels

Contact your vaccination provider or your state health department. All vaccine providers must report activity to their local immunization information system. Whether you call CVS or your local government, they should be able to provide you with your vaccination record through email or mail. In the latter case, it may take one or two weeks though, so you may want to use other options if in a rush.

Use online tools

This Is How Our Bodies Will Change After Spending Months Indoors — Photo by Vlada Karpovich via Pexels

Services like v-safe or VaxText allow you to get your record of vaccination much faster. While these services are not as recognized as the real card or a vaccination passport, they might save you in a bind, and they’re safe and sponsored by the government so they should be recognized in most places.

If you still have your card, take a picture of it

Why This Telemedicine Start-Up Believes Online Health Portals Are Here To Stay — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Unsplash

Instead of carrying your card around and having to fold it (and maybe ruin the stickers with the vaccine lot number on them), take a picture of it. Don’t do selfies or post them online, since they contain sensitive information that could be copied and used by other people. A photo of your vaccine card should be sufficient proof of your status to anyone who asks.

Figure out what your state is doing to keep track of these documents

This COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect Is More Common Than Expected — Photo by CDC via Unsplash

Many states are figuring out ingenious ways to carry these documents digitally. New York is using the excelsior pass, an app that contains all of your relevant COVID-19 data, from your vaccine card to your most recent PCR test. The website VaxYes allows you to create a vaccine passport that can be stored in any Google or Apple wallet and can be used for travel, employment, and entertainment.

Experts Opinions On Medical Marijuana For Lung Cancer

Medical Marijuana

Terry Hacienda

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August 4, 2021

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Experts Opinions On Medical Marijuana For Lung Cancer

Smoking cannabis while you have lung cancer can seriously compromise you, and even increase the risk of worsening cancer as well as the risk for it spreading.

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer affecting both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021 alone there were around 235,760 new lung cancer cases and the year isn’t even over yet.

It is the leading cause of death among men and women, despite the fact that cases continue to reduce because more people quit smoking cigarettes each year — the number one preventable risk factor for lung cancer.

How Does Smoking Marijuana Affect Your Lungs Exactly? — Photo by JP Yim/Stringer/Getty Images

But given how common lung cancer is, can cannabis help? Considering how cannabis has already been widely used for helping treat other forms of cancer, much is still unknown about its efficacy for the disease. Additionally, many people still lack awareness surrounding the cannabis plant because most people think that you can only smoke it, which doesn’t make sense if you already have a disease afflicting your lungs.

So what to the experts have to say about medical marijuana use for lung cancer?

According to Dr. Junella Chin, an integrative cannabis physician treating both adults and children in New York: “When you take plant-based cannabis, marijuana, you’re decreasing inflammation, and you’re relieving pain at the same time.” She adds that humans already have a natural endocannabinoid system but when there is chronic pain, the body’s own pain relievers aren’t enough.

“So when we utilize phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant, we are actually replenishing our body’s own cannabinoid system. By doing so, it helps us deal with pain and inflammation much more effectively,” she tells SurvivorNet.

Cannabis can also help treat the uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and cancer. The most common effects include nausea, anxiety, depression, pain, and loss of appetite. “Medical cannabis, if you think about tit, it’s the only botanical medicine that can help nausea, increase appetite, decrease pain, and elevate mood,” explains Dr. Chin. She also adds that a great deal of patients who are taking chemotherapy as part of their treatment regimen live in a cannabis-friendly state, and are using MMJ for relief.

While other doctors prescribe Marinol, which is a synthetic type of cannabis, for these side effects, Dr. Chin says nothing but the real plant is best especially when it comes to what she recommends for her patients. “That is much more effective in increasing appetite and decreasing pain for my cancer patients,” she says.

Marinol has been controversial since its release, because of many in the medical community parading it as an alternative to cannabis when it’s a completely synthetic version. Some common side effects of marinol include dizziness, trouble concentrating, drowsiness, confusion, and mood changes. Because of these, it’s clear why Dr. Chin and many other wise doctors prefer to recommend the real thing.

A Word of Caution

Patients should always discuss all the available options if they want to medicate with cannabis for cancer and chemotherapy.

“I have no problem with patients getting marijuana from a reputable, licensed source as long as patients are open with their physician about what they’re taking, and making sure it doesn’t interact with any clinical trial drug that they’re taking or any standard therapy,” says Dr. Elizabeth Comen, an oncologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Lung Cancer And Smoking Weed — Here's What You Should Know — Photo by Gijs Coolen via Unsplash

“In general, we have always advised patients diagnosed with lung cancer, not to smoke anything,” Dr. Comen tells SurvivorNet. In the case of lung cancer, edibles are usually recommended. “When it comes to marijuana, people have been using it for a very, very long time to help them. But people have also been hurt by marijuana,” she adds.

“I have no problem with patients getting marijuana from a reputable licensed source.” Of course, Dr. Comen is always concerned that her patients are in safe hands. Smoking cannabis while you have lung cancer can seriously compromise you, and even increase the risk of worsening cancer as well as the risk for it spreading. “I am open to patients taking whatever they need to feel better,” she adds.

Is There A Link Between Cannabis Smoke And Lung Cancer?

According to SurvivorNet, who has done an extensive review of available current literature, there are no dependable scientific sources linking lung cancer to marijuana smoke.

“Given the expanding legalization of marijuana, and the anticipated wave of increased use, there is clearly a need to study the cancer risks of marijuana with the same rigor that has been devoted to tobacco smoke,” explains Dr. Joseph Friedberg, who heads the thoracic surgery division in the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Both types of smoke contain some of the same carcinogens, so the widely held belief that tobacco smoke causes cancer and marijuana smoke does not is inherently flawed.”

Best Forms Of Cannabis For Lung Cancer

As smoking is not a healthy way to medicate with cannabis if you have lung cancer or any other form of respiratory disease, here are other effective ways to do so:

Edibles: Edibles are basically any kind of food infused with cannabis. They take longer for its effects to be felt, though their therapeutic effects last for a much longer time. Edibles are known for the strong body high as well as psychoactive effects. Edibles are an excellent therapy for cancer patients who are seeking relief from pain and insomnia.

Tinctures: Tinctures are a type of liquid cannabis extract which is ideal for patients seeking dosage control as well as quick onset. It’s used by placing three or four drops under the tongue, from where the compounds are absorbed.

Ingestible oils: Ingested oils can be consumed as oils, or placed inside capsules. They are swallowed just like any other infused good but what makes it different is that it’s just like oil.

With these terrific and effective options, you and your doctor have a great range of products to choose from should you decide to move forward and medicate.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

This Is The Only Beverage That Can Detox Your Body

Maria Loreto

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August 4, 2021

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This Is The Only Beverage That Can Detox Your Body

Despite the popularity of detox teas and juicing practices, there’s only one beverage that can detox your body of toxins.

Detox is a common word nowadays, enveloping a variety of behaviors. It can include detox teas or juices. In theory, detoxing sounds quite appealing, especially after an indulgent week or the holiday season. Despite how popular these practices are, certain experts are quick to point out that, really, the only drink capable of detoxing your body is water.

According to Medical News Today, our bodies are supposed to naturally eliminate toxins through our livers. Despite what certain products and companies might advertise, the liver is capable of doing the work on its own, without needing the boost of certain kinds of vinegar or detox teas.

this gut bacteria may determine how easily you lose weight — Photo by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

Eat This, Not That spoke to Jessica Bippen, a dietician, who says that juicing and other detox practices encourage a toxic diet culture and that people should stick to water, which gets the work done more effectively than anything else. “These detoxes typically turn into another form of yo-yo dieting or a restriction-binge cycle,” she said. “The marketing around selling detoxes catches people in a vulnerable state when they’re desperate for change. Most people (even if unintentionally) approach detox with a ‘quick-fix mindset’ hoping the detox or cleanse will give them the results they’re looking for in terms of health.”

Detoxes tend to lack the natural nutrients your body needs, increasing your risk of developing metabolic acidosis, which occurs when you disrupt your body’s acid-base and results in an excess of acidity in your bloodstream.

lemon cleanse — Photo by Tirza van Dijk via Unsplash

Your body is built to naturally eliminate these toxins, with water being the only substance that can speed this process up. By drinking enough water, you’ll be supporting your natural detoxification process and avoiding restrictions that could result in problems in the long run. Drinking enough water on a daily basis will help you flush out toxins through your urine and removing harmful agents from your bloodstream through normal processes, like sweating and breathing.

If you need occasional reminders to increase how much water you drink, Bippen recommends drinking a cup of water first thing in the morning, and a cup of water before having any other beverages, like coffee. Per experts, we’re supposed to drink half of our body weight in water, which sounds like a lot, but is a manageable number.

Billionaire Charles Koch Will Fund Lobbying Efforts To Legalize Marijuana Nationwide

News

Mike Adams

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August 4, 2021

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Billionaire Charles Koch Will Fund Lobbying Efforts To Legalize Marijuana Nationwide

Regardless of his reasoning for getting behind weed, Koch’s willingness to use his finances and massive network of political and business leaders is inevitably a sign that the cannabis cause is about to make significant strides.

If there is one thing the marijuana legalization movement has been missing all along, it is money. Sure, the forefathers of the industry managed to beg, borrow, and scrape together loads of cash to make the business of growing and selling cannabis look the part of American commerce. But even while managing to become a multi-billion-dollar business sector over the past decade, it’s fallen short of having the kind of cash it takes to influence lawmakers — the green to get stuff done.

It could be argued that the cannabis industry’s failure to pay off the suits on Capitol Hill is mainly the reason why Congress has yet to legalize the leaf at the national level.

Congress May Be Forced To Consider Nationwide Marijuana Legalization Now That 68% Of Population Supports It — Photo by Fokusiert/Getty Images

However, all of that seems to be changing. The cannabis industry is now being endowed by influence, power, and, perhaps most importantly, the money to get anti-pot politicians from both sides of the aisle to pay attention. Most recently, billionaire Charles Koch came out in support of federal marijuana legalization.

In an interview with Forbes, the 85-year-old CEO for Koch Industries said that not only was he getting behind efforts to legalize, but he is also contributing $25 million of his own money to get it done. The actual amount of these much-needed lobbying funds will come closer to $70 million over the next two years, according to the news source.

Koch, founder of Americans for Prosperity and the recently formed Cannabis Freedom Alliance, believes people should have the right to choose. “[Prohibition] is counterproductive. It ruins people’s lives, creates conflict in society, and is anti-progress. The whole thing never made sense to me.”

It’s not supernatural why Koch, now a libertarian, is suddenly interested in marijuana legalization. Last year, the tycoon alleged that after years of dumping millions into conservative politics, he was turning his attention to more important issues like poverty, gang violence, homelessness, addiction, and recidivism, according to an interview in the Wall Street Journal. Furthermore, in his book Believe in People: Bottom-Up Solutions for a Top-Down World, Koch confessed to being disappointed with himself for supporting the divisiveness of partisan politics.

“Boy, did we screw up!” he wrote. “What a mess!”

Legal marijuana could assist some of Koch’s newfound focus. It’ll create thousands of new jobs, contribute to the economy, pull the weed business out of the streets, and prevent otherwise law-abiding citizens from going to jail.

illinois pot offenders how to get your marijuana offense wiped clean — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

We’ve already witnessed this at some level in states that have changed their pot laws. The demise of prohibition also wouldn’t hurt his company, Koch Industries, either, which has a heavy hand in the agricultural sect. Regardless of his reasoning for getting behind weed, Koch’s willingness to use his finances and massive network of political and business leaders is inevitably a sign that the cannabis cause is about to make significant strides.

Noa Kahner, founder of Kahner Global, one of the premier investment conferences in North America, told The Fresh Toast that Koch’s involvement will create significant developments. “This is another example of mainstream culture and leaders casting aside old fake problems with the marijuana and embracing legalization. You are about to see another boom in the market,” she said.

Marijuana legalization is finally getting some much-needed attention on Capitol Hill. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Schumer introduced a proposal for ending nationwide pot prohibition, which is now up for public comment. Schumer needs 60 votes in the Senate to advance a pot bill, which he doesn’t presently have. Yet, it could be argued that Koch’s influence and lobbying cash might be persuasive to both Democrats and Republicans that are still on the fence about tendering their support.

“[The Koch’s] seem focused on the right for individuals to choose to consume something that is much less dangerous than other legal products such as alcohol and tobacco and appear to acknowledge the failure of the war on drugs in that respect,” said David N. Feldman, Partner Hiller PC and Skip Intro Advisors. “This is one of a number of recent developments creating more “cover” for Republicans to support legalization.”

Interestingly, with Koch backing off conservative politics and running full speed ahead with marijuana legalization, he inadvertently made Fox News less of an enemy. The money once used by the Koch Brothers to benefit conservatives; dollars used to hire hosts of popular Fox news programs to speak at Americans for Prosperity events, will now further federal marijuana legalization.

Speaking of Fox News, lately, it has shared a better-balanced dialogue regarding cannabis than in the past. We use the term “better” because to say Fox News now has a well-balanced narrative on marijuana would be so far from the truth it isn’t even funny. After all, in a recent episode of “Fox and Friends”, the hosts blamed the rise of shootings in Washington DC on cannabis-induced psychosis. On the flip side, however, Geraldo Rivera just used the platform to call for legalization “everywhere in every corner of this country, every kind of marijuana you want.”

Koch believes that his presence in the cannabis scene will lead to nationwide legalization before the end of 2021.

We shall see.

Cannabis-Based Sativex Mouth Spray To Treat Brain Tumors?

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 4, 2021

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Cannabis-Based Sativex Mouth Spray To Treat Brain Tumors?

Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma usually have 12 to 18 months to live and those suffering from recurrent glioblastoma survive for less than a year.

By Jelena Martinovic

Patients suffering from glioblastoma, the most common, deadly and extremely aggressive type of brain cancer, may have a chance of living longer if Sativex, a cannabis-based mouth spray, proves effective in treating recurrent brain tumors.

Cancer charities and the U.K.’s National Health Services (NHS) are launching a study to determine whether Sativex combined with chemotherapy medication (temozolomide) can help kill glioblastoma tumor cells and extend the overall length of patients’ lives, reported The Guardian. It will be the first such study in the world.

Brain Imaging Study Looks Into CBD's Antipsychotic Effects — Photo by TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay

The trial is being led by the University of Leeds and coordinated by a specialist research unit at the University of Birmingham.

Over 232 patients at 15 hospitals across the U.K. are expected to be recruited in early 2022.

Sativex was given the green light for use by the NHS in 2019 to treat muscle spasms linked to multiple sclerosis. Sativex, initially developed by GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: GWPH) is a mix in equal parts of the psychoactive substance Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which helps reduce pain, inflammation and anxiety without psychoactive effects.

Terpene Flavor Guide: Where Cannabis Gets Its Taste — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

Participants will administer up to 12 squirts daily of either Sativex or placebo oral sprays as part of the trial.

The trial is being funded by The Brain Tumour Charity, which launched an appeal to raise £450,000 to finance the three-year project.

The Spray That Could Give Patients ‘Some Extra Life’

Susan Short, a professor of clinical oncology and neuro-oncology at Leeds University and the leading investigator of the study, believes that the combination of temozolomide chemotherapy and Sativex could stop tumors from growing.

“It showed that this combination was safe, although some patients had problems with side-effects including sickness, tiredness, and dizziness,” Short said. “The study was not designed to test whether Sativex was better in terms of survival. But it did suggest that some patients who had Sativex did better than expected and better than those who just had chemotherapy.”

Each year, around 2,200 patients in England are diagnosed with glioblastoma. In the U.S. it is estimated that more than 10,000 individuals succumb to glioblastoma every year.

Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma usually have 12 to 18 months to live and those suffering from recurrent glioblastoma survive for less than a year.

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

5 Wellness Products To Make Your Life Easier

Maria Loreto

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August 3, 2021

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5 Wellness Products To Make Your Life Easier

A product won’t be able to fix your life, but it can serve as a helpful reminder to take care of yourself and enjoy the little moments.

Self-care and wellness are overused terms, yet people can’t get enough of them. It’s understandable; we all want stuff that can help us take better care of ourselves and if buying a book that tells us how to do it helps, then it’s at least worth purchasing.

A product won’t be able to fix your life, but it can serve as a helpful reminder to take care of yourself and enjoy the little moments. Wellness products can do different things for you, but most should make you happier and rested, whether they make your skin feel smoother or they’re extremely relaxing (ahem, cannabis). Here are 5 wellness products that can make your life easier:

Portable sunscreen

The Summer Skinny On CBD Sunscreen — Photo by rawpixel.com

Summer is nearing its end, but we still have August to endure and it’s important to protect our skin from the sun, something that a lot of us forget to do often. For sunscreen that stays on your skin for long periods of time and doesn’t leave those annoying white streaks, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen is a great option. It’s small and portable and thus a great item to have on you during your remaining summer weekends.

Noise-canceling headphones

Don't Trust CBD Workout Gear — Photo by Andrew Tanglao via Unsplash

Noise-canceling headphones are the best. Even though they’re more expensive than the average headphones you buy at your nearest convenience store, you tend to be more appreciative of these and not lose them as much. They can make a run feel better and improve your performance or make your subway commute much more pleasant. For something cheap and useful, Eritex MBits are wireless and Bluetooth compatible. If you want something a little more high-end, there’s Beats Studio Buds. Just don’t lose them.

A portable vape

NC Mayor Accidentally Includes Vape Pen In Social Distancing Post — Photo by Lepro/Getty Images

There’s nothing more convenient than a vape pen. These guys are discreet, portable, and make it easy and great to toke up when feeling stressed or bored. Brands like Pax make great vape pens that are flavorful and smooth and are also amongst the most popular cannabis products on the market. They’re very easy to find if you live near a state with legal marijuana

A weighted blanket

Teens With Sleep Issues Are More Likely To Binge Drink And Use Cannabis — Photo by Gregory Pappas via Unsplash

Just because weighted blankets are trendy doesn’t mean they don’t work. These blankets not only relieve anxiety but can also help you sleep like a baby by staying on you throughout the night and preventing you from moving too much. There are tons of options to choose from on Amazon, from cheap ones to those that are a little more expensive.

Cannabis drinks

Why Cannabis-Infused Drinks Are Hit Or Miss — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

Alcohol sadly doesn’t qualify as self-care, which is why a cannabis drink might be your next best option. These drinks are growing in popularity, even if they’re not as popular as you’d expect cannabis drinks to be. If you’re looking for a drink that can give you a fun buzz while also eliminating the possibility of a hangover, products like Cann or Wunder come in delicious flavors and are good choices.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

For the first time ever, concentrates have overtaken edibles in popularity among younger women, a change attributed to decreased stigma and increased consumer education.

Delayed and cancelled flights are growing increasingly common. Here’s what you can do preemptively.

Book the trip with these possibilities in mind

Act fast

Direct flights are easier

If you have a connecting flight, make sure there’s enough time

Consider travel insurance

Allowing marijuana to be part of national commerce would presumably make it subject to tighter regulations, including packaging that didn’t appeal to small kids.

“I found the sector very attractive to invest in, understanding that it is currently developing and that it is still lacking maturity,” said cannabis entrepreneur Facundo Garretón.

The production chain

Susana’s mansion

The vision of an entrepreneur

How do you see Argentina in the market?

How do you think the country could consolidate itself in the cannabis industry?

What would you recommend to people who want to start investing in the cannabis industry?

A personal relationship with cannabis

Vaccination cards are important for getting into public spaces, yet they’re kind of easy to lose. Here’s what you can do to avoid this issue.

Contact whoever is responsible

Use online tools

If you still have your card, take a picture of it

Figure out what your state is doing to keep track of these documents

Smoking cannabis while you have lung cancer can seriously compromise you, and even increase the risk of worsening cancer as well as the risk for it spreading.

A Word of Caution

Is There A Link Between Cannabis Smoke And Lung Cancer?

Best Forms Of Cannabis For Lung Cancer

Despite the popularity of detox teas and juicing practices, there’s only one beverage that can detox your body of toxins.

Regardless of his reasoning for getting behind weed, Koch’s willingness to use his finances and massive network of political and business leaders is inevitably a sign that the cannabis cause is about to make significant strides.

Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma usually have 12 to 18 months to live and those suffering from recurrent glioblastoma survive for less than a year.

The Spray That Could Give Patients ‘Some Extra Life’

A product won’t be able to fix your life, but it can serve as a helpful reminder to take care of yourself and enjoy the little moments.

Portable sunscreen

Noise-canceling headphones

A portable vape

A weighted blanket

Cannabis drinks

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