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Fire Season Is Coming — Here’s What That Means For Canna-Businesses

Cannabis businesses need to remain vigilant and consider whatever regulatory measures can be taken to mitigate losses caused by fires.

Summer’s here, a massive heatwave just hit the west coast, and fire season is right around the corner. This is the harsh reality for west coast residents and it doesn’t look like that’ll change anytime soon. Wildfires have a severe impact on entire communities and everyone can be impacted. But there are some unique issues for cannabis businesses that I’ll get into in this post.

First off, cannabis businesses are unlike many other businesses because they are siloed in specific locations and have many regulatory restrictions concerning moving goods in the event of a natural disaster such as a fire. Fortunately, many states’ regulators had the foresight to include provisions for relief from regulatory requirements in some cases when natural disasters strike. You can check out our posts on Oregon and California to read more about their respective regulations, which I won’t rehash here.

The California Fires and Cannabis
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images

Second, cannabis businesses are very susceptible to damage as a result of fires. Outdoor cultivators are usually hit the hardest–even when fires don’t damage their crops, smoke and other particulate matter (even from seemingly far-off fires) can destroy outdoor crops. I saw a lot of examples of this happening last year. So even when fires may not be at a cultivator’s literal doorstep, they need to be thinking about things like air condition and whether they need to get in touch with the state about seeking any relief as noted above.

For any cannabis business, actually having a fire at the premises is about the most serious problem one could face. This is a particular challenge for businesses that may be storing tons of cash and valuable products and that may not have adequate insurance coverage (as is often the case) to cover losses caused by fires. Moreover, loss in the ability to operate due to fire damage can be a major, if not fatal, setback for many cannabis businesses.

RELATED: The California Fires and Cannabis

Third is utilities. If fire or excessive heat damages power lines, for example (this happened in LA County during last year’s massive heatwave), indoor cultivators may not get the electricity they need to cultivate plants — and they need a lot. And while we are on the precipice of another drought, cultivators across the state will face declines in water availability as resources are being diverted to fight fires. We are already seeing issues crop up all across the state with water supplies.

California Fires
Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Stringer/Getty Images

For many cannabis businesses in cities or other non-rural areas, fires won’t be a direct impact. But it’s entirely possible that we’ll see another massive spike in prices that will be felt all along the supply chain due to fire impacts on cannabis cultivators. The point is that cannabis businesses need to remain vigilant and consider whatever regulatory measures can be taken to mitigate losses caused by fires.

Griffen Thorne is an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm with lawyers in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Beijing. This story was originally published on the Canna Law Blog and has been reposted with permission.

10 Best LinkedIn Cannabis Groups For Networking In The Weed Industry

The social media platform has very active cannabis groups where cannabis expos, events, and discussions are shared.

LinkedIn is the most preferred social media platform for professional networking. A quick google search will show that the main purpose of the social network is “to connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.” From all indications, LinkedIn is certainly fulfilling its mission.

Productive connections have been made on this site, and various careers have been developed. There are groups for any and every industry in the world on LinkedIn with a very diverse audience from all over the world.

hers all you need to know about tiktok the next big social media app
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As a cannabis entrepreneur, LinkedIn is one of the best places for you to network. The social media platform has very active cannabis groups where cannabis expos, events, and discussions are shared.

These cannabis groups have every important information a cannabis professional might need. From information about other dispensary owners to marketing tips, everything is available. There is even a group for cannabis accountants and lawyers; just how awesome is that?

Here is a carefully researched list of the best 10 LinkedIn cannabis groups a cannabis entrepreneur should belong to. If anything, for networking purposes.

Cannabis Industry Journal

With almost 9,700 active members, the cannabis industry journal group is a B2B LinkedIn group for professional and novice entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Members offer different forms of news, guides, resources, and even the latest policies in the cannabis industry. Weekly, members receive free e-newsletters that contain fresh content and ideas that are beneficial to a cannabis business.

The group was created in June 2015 and is still very active today. For educational content that focuses on the quality and safety and technology used for products in the cannabis marketplace, do join this group. Note that you cannot promote any of your products or services in the group.

Marijuana Investment Professionals

As its name implies, this group is for LinkedIn users willing to find cannabis businesses in the industry. This group has turned out to be an access point for anyone willing to become a part of the budding cannabis industry.

The group is currently made up of 7,773 members and these members are always motivated to share content, opinions, questions and also leave comments on various discussions that are held.

Here's How You Can Protect Your Body From Hours Of Sitting
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The Cannabis Group

This is a huge LinkedIn cannabis group having all kinds of professionals any new canna-entrepreneur would ever want to connect with. Its 17,470 professionals consistently discuss the latest happenings in the cannabis industry. Here, you can read meaningful content and get resources to grow your cannabis business.

There’s every chance that you might connect with potential business partners in this group, as well as get access to ancillary service operators for cannabis businesses. This is one of the most productive groups to join for every cannabis enthusiast.

Cannabis Investors & Entrepreneurs

This group is 33,510 members strong. Cannabis Investors & Entrepreneurs is one of the largest groups for networking among existing and intending cannabis entrepreneurs. Professionals in this group give tips on the best cannabis stocks to invest in, they also exchange advice and services with each other.

Professionals on this group are leading entrepreneurs in the unique cannabis industries in the US; joining this group gives you top access to discover who is on top of the market, as well as the companies to consider in the future.

Cannabis Medical and Recreational Insider

This group has been in existence since January 2014. Over the years it has grown by offering information to those willing to be a part of the legal cannabis industry. With 15,547 members now, there are plenty of opportunities to be found in this group.

The right place to meet with other cannabis enthusiasts and improve your professional network. Members of the group cover topics and other content that revolves around the medical and recreational cannabis industry. Regardless of whatever branch of the cannabis industry you belong to, you’ll find mutual connections in the group.

Cannabis Unionization Efforts Continue To Grow Across Several States
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Cannabis Funding and Investment

This group is made up of investors and business owners. Opportunities are shared for entrepreneurs trying to enter into the industry.

Here, investors and entrepreneurs get to network together and sometimes become business partners. The group has about 7,227 members. If you are on a search for enthusiastic investors to provide the necessary funding for your cannabis business, then you should join.

Medical Marijuana Professionals

Created in 2010, when medical marijuana was the only available option legally for professionals in the US. With its members bearing 4,000 the group remains dedicated to answering questions related to the medical marijuana industry.

Professionals from different fields in the medical marijuana industry are all welcome to this group. cannabis doctors, medical cannabis growers, or dispensary operators are available in the group to share their experiences, and ideas in the industry.

Cannabis Nurses Network

Here, the main topic for discussion is cannabis; the upsides, downsides, latest developments, and its history. The group is majorly for medical professionals in the cannabis industry. They converse with this group to advocate for the use of medical cannabis and CBD products due to the therapeutic benefits the drugs possess.

RELATED: Cannabis And Sex: Two Things Social Media Doesn’t Want You To See

In the Cannabis nurses network, members are disallowed from promoting their goods and services. It is strictly an open group for people willing to learn about the various alternative cannabis medicines.

American Alliance for Medical Cannabis

This group is open to dispensary operators, cannabis medical professionals, and growers in the medical cannabis sector. The group is dedicated to advocating for patients’ rights and supports. Occasionally, some discussions focus on clinical research involving the use of medical cannabis in patients.

If you’re a medical cannabis practitioner or an intending, then AAMC is the right networking group for you.

CBD & Cannabis Professional Business Network

This is another enormous group with 26,300 members and still growing. This group focuses on the fast-growing Cannabis industry and CBD industry. The group is filled with entrepreneurs and other professionals in the field looking to meet to rising demand for cannabis and CBD products

The group members are always willing to share insightful guides and resources to help each other grow in the industry.

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

Mind Vs. Body High: 4 Ways To Tell The Difference

Marijuana highs tend to appear in two ways: head highs and body highs. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Weed use tends to produce two effects: body highs and head highs. While it’s very difficult to predict the type of high you’ll get when first trying a new strain or method of ingestion, it’s slightly easier to differentiate a head high from a body high. If you’ve been around weed for a while, you’ve likely experienced the two.

Broadly speaking, head highs are all about creativity, finding things funny, or getting into those talky moods. Body highs are relaxing and tingly, when you feel like having a delicious nap or snuggling up to someone.

It’s difficult to target the type of high that you’ll get, but usually sativas are associated with mind highs and indicas with body highs. According to Vice, the method of consumption can also have an effect. “When you smoke, the cannabinoids go straight into your lungs,” explained Dr. Laurie Holtzman. “They go right into your blood supply, into your brain, across the blood-brain barrier and then you get the high.” Edibles, on the other hand, are associated with body highs.

Here are 5 ways to differentiate which kind of marijuana high you’re experiencing:

Body highs heighten your physical sensations

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

Body highs are known for their powerful relaxing effects. This makes tend to leave the user less functional and more impaired. These highs are great for watching silly movies or enjoying a delicious meal. You’ll be less talkative but might be having a better time.

Mind highs alter your mood

RELATED: Is Your Weed Good? Here’s How To Tell

Mind highs result in a brighter mood, with less laziness involved. They’re perfect for day use, since people remain functional with an added sheen of optimism and energy. Controlled mind highs are great for working out or carrying out day to day activities with an exciting twist.

Body highs are great for treating pain and promoting relaxation

'Ok Boomer' Meme Might Become A TV Show
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Since body highs are so focused on the body, they tend to be an amazing option for people who are struggling with some form of pain. They also enhance sexual awareness and bodily sensations.

Mind highs are talky and creative

5 First Date Rules You Should Forget About
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RELATED: What Are The Most Expensive Marijuana Strains In The World?

Mind highs are great for social or creative situations. They result in talky or giggly highs, easing social anxiety and making every situation fun and different. Creative activities like painting, writing, and more, come easily to people who know how to handle these type of highs.

More Women Oppose Sha’Carri Richardson’s Marijuana Ban Than Men

Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from the Olympics following a drug test that tested positive for THC.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) suspended runner Sha’Carri Richardson after she failed a marijuana test. Richardson was set to represent the U.S. in the 100 meter dash in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Despite the outrage from those who’ve come out in support of Richardson, a recent poll shows that drugs in sports remain a controversial topic, with a pronounced gender divide.

Attitudes from politicians and celebrities, whether they belong to the left or right, have been very different than they would have been in years past. Many of them have come out in support for Richardson, from conservative Donald Trump Jr. to renowned pot-smoker Seth Rogen. Those against the ban believe that Richardson should compete despite the marijuana found in her system, making it clear that marijuana is not a performance enhancing drug.

RELATED: Marijuana And Athletes – What You Should Know

Democratic Senate Leaders Announce Plan To Federally Legalize Marijuana in 2021
Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

While the condemnation of the USADA has been sharp and prevalent in the media, a recent poll shows that the public is much more conservative than one would expect. Women were more likely to oppose the USADA’s stance than men.

Conducted by YouGov, the poll surveyed over 300,000 Americans and found that the majority (43%) of the population supports Richardson’s ban. Only 41% oppose it.

A breakdown of the results shows that 44% of women oppose the suspension of Richardson, while 48% of men were more supportive of the penalty.

Age and party affiliation also played a part in people’s opinions. More than half (53%) of Democrats oppose the USADA’s decision while only 37% of them support it. Young people were more receptive of the issue with 27% opposing the sanction. People over the age of 55 were more likely to support Richardson’s ban.

RELATED: Liberals Are More Likely To Smoke Marijuana Than Conservatives

In an age of marijuana revision, where the drug is being embraced by different states, it seems tone deaf to cancel the opportunity of an athlete that had made headlines days before due to a positive THC test. It’s an example that highlights how much work is left to be done by marijuana activists.

Legalization In Latin America: Who’s Next After Mexico?

These three countries are far from the only jurisdictions of interest in Latin America and the Caribbean. There could be dark horses that surprise us.

In what has undoubtedly been the biggest cannabis news to come out of Latin America in a while, Mexico’s Supreme Court declared the prohibition on adult-use cannabis to be unconstitutional. This means you can now drive the 7,498 miles between Sydney, Nova Scotia and Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas passing solely through jurisdictions where cannabis is legal (though you should not attempt to cross any international borders with cannabis).

Following Mexico’s historic move, cannabis observers are wondering who the next newsmaker will be. Here are some countries we should keep an eye on, in alphabetic order.

Latin America Moves Toward Legalization With Some Absurd Exceptions
Photo by Fabian Schmiedlechner / EyeEm/Getty Images

Argentina

In June, a bill was introduced to regulate medical cannabis and industrial hemp. As explained in a previous post, medical cannabis was legalized in Argentina in 2017, but inadequacies in the regulatory framework have forced many patients to turn to the black market.

RELATED: Mexican Supreme Court Legalizes Individual Adult Cannabis Use

In addition, back in November 2020 a bill that would legalize adult-use cannabis was introduced by Deputy Enrique Estévez; once new regulations for medical cannabis and industrial hemp are in place, it will be logical for attention to turn to recreational use. While believing that such legalization must be “handled with much care,” President Alberto Fernández has a “very liberal outlook” on the subject. In addition, legislative elections in November could bring reformist winds to Congress.

Chile

As we described in a recent post, Chile is in the process of drafting a new constitution. Based on the composition of the constitutional convention, we can expect the resulting document to pave the way for full legalization. There is also considerable support for legalization within the cohort of mayors elected in May. It is likely that the legislative ranks will see a similar trend when elections to Congress take place later this year. Moreover, one of the leading candidates for the presidency, Communist Daniel Jadue, openly supports legalization. All in all, the stars are aligning in favor of legalization in the Country of Poets.

latin america
Photo by Ignacio Amenábar via Unsplash

Colombia

Last year, the Chamber of Representatives voted down a proposed law that would have legalized adult-use cannabis. However, a new legalization bill was introduced in the Colombian Senate in short order. According to some analysts, the newer proposal has a higher chance of success, as it would legalize cannabis through new regulations, instead of requiring a constitutional amendment as the failed bill did. Moreover, the new bill’s framework would place the government at the heart of the legal cannabis industry, structure licensing in a way that benefits smallholders, and favor historically marginalized communities. These features may help make legalization attractive to a broader set of constituencies.

RELATED: Latin America Moves Toward Legalization With Some Absurd Exceptions

The three countries mentioned above are far from the only jurisdictions of interest in Latin America and the Caribbean. There could be dark horses that surprise us. Rest assured we’ll be here to tell you about it.

Fred Rocafort is a former diplomat who joined Harris Bricken after more than a decade of international legal experience, primarily in China, Vietnam, and Thailand. This article originally appeared on the Canna Law Blog and has been reposted with permission.

Do You Need To Worry About Your Cannabis Use? Study Reports New Details On CHS

First described in 2004, CHS typically affects long term consumers of cannabis more so than casual users.

By Andrew Ward

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that is believed to lead to intractable nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in cannabis consumers. The condition can last days or weeks, returning for months. CHS’s origins remain uncertain.

Awareness of the condition has grown in recent years, first mentioned in a lab study in 2004. Still, some continue to push back on CHS as a condition, questioning its severity or sometimes considering it a misdiagnosis. Advocates for the legitimacy of the condition cite support from leading hospitals, including Cedars Sinai and studies from The Mayo Clinic.

Should Chronic Pain Patients Use Metered Doses For Most Effective Treatment?
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An Austin, Texas-based study released on Tuesday analyzes underlying genetic mutations in heavy cannabis flower and concentrates consumers in an attempt to better understand and identify the genetic markers of the condition.

Using “the largest contemporaneous database,” the study compared CHS diagnoses and symptoms of heavy-cannabis consumers.

RELATED: A Brief Examination Of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

The analysis adds to an incrementally growing pool of studies. “CHS is remarkably stereotyped in its presentation,” the study notes, pointing out that nearly 75% of CHS patients are consumers for at least one year and all suffer from recurring severe nausea, vomiting and other possible adverse effects over several months.

Key Findings And Breakthroughs

Analysts concluded that their research is the first “to note associated mutations in genes affecting neurotransmitters, the endocannabinoid system, and the cytochrome P450 complex associated with cannabinoid metabolism.”

RELATED: Federal Health Experts Express Concerns Over Strong Marijuana

In a press release, CReDO Science CEO and study co-lead, Dr. Ethan Russo, stated that “These important preliminary findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge, stimulate additional investigation, help elucidate the pathophysiology of CHS and, ultimately, direct future treatment.”

Difficult Menstruation
Photo by martin-dm/Getty Images

Len May, CEO of Endocanna Health, also co-led the study.

The results came from a pool of 585 heavy cannabis-consuming respondents through an online survey. Of the subjects, 28 patients and 12 controls finished genomic testing.

RELATED: Let’s Talk About The ‘New’ Syndrome In Which Weed Users Can’t Stop Puking

While the final pool was smaller than anticipated, researchers believe more results will come through ongoing questionnaire submissions and testing, said CReDO Science COO Nishi Whiteley.

Next Steps: CHS Treatment

Whiteley added that the company is assessing its next steps, with the current high priority focused on “coming up with treatments that are affordable and sensible for the patient that will help provide them immediate relief.”

Relief options arose from the study but did not appear consistent at this time.

Whiteley added that the results revealed that one consistent remedy did not work in the study. Instead, various options showed promise depending on the individual and the side effects they experienced.

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

6 Senators Who Are Blocking Legal Marijuana For 328,000,000 Americans

Do these senators have ties to industries and sectors that don’t serve your interests?

Most Americans want to legalize recreational and/or medicinal marijuana. Scientific research shows its benefits.  It’s proven to be viable businesses and states with decriminalized cannabis enjoy incredible revenue. Simply put, legalized marijuana is a hefty source of income, approved by most Americans and truly helps people’s health.

Both science and history have proven the efficacy of cannabis, yet several U.S. senators won’t vote to legalize marijuana on a federal level and/or pass a law that will let banks work with cannabis businesses. Why? It doesn’t make sense. A mystery, indeed. Solving a mystery always starts with questions. Let’s start with the following:

white concrete building under cloudy sky during daytime
Photo by Harold Mendoza via Unsplash

Who benefits from keeping marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug?  Big pharmaceuticals is certainly one of them.  After all, who’d need their expensive addictive opioids if marijuana can alleviate pain and aid crippling anxiety?

Let’s pull on this thread a bit and ask more questions.

Who would Big Pharma want to talk to protect their interests? Lo and behold, it’s  the people who make laws. And why do people who make the laws listen to Big Pharma instead of the people they represent? Are they getting paid? And IF they are getting paid, why are the lawmakers voted in and stay in office?

Now, that’s a question we must answer.

To answer this question let’s investigate the usual suspects who deny income and potential jobs to the people they represent.

Ted Cruz
Photo by Flickr user Gage Skidmore

Let’s take a look at Ted Cruz (R-TX) who said, “I think it’s an issue in which reasonable people can disagree, and so each state should adopt laws that reflect the values of their citizens.” Huh.  If he really thinks that states should be able to decide for themselves, why won’t the 64% of approval make him vote cannabis decriminalization? Perhaps the reason for Ted Cruz to be a staunch opponent to legalizing marijuana is his plans to run for president in 2024.  According to The Texas Politics Project at UT Austin, 72% of the most conservative Republicans oppose any use of marijuana. Basically, Ted Cruz has to curry to the base to launch his bid to be President.  It’s also worth to consider this fact: Sen. Cruz received $1,897,718  during the 2020 election cycle.

RELATED: Why Voting For Cannabis Doesn’t Always Equal Cannabis Legislation

On the other hand, Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is not running for president in 2024. Yet, Sen Graham does not support the legalization of cannabis prohibition at the federal level nor will he support cannabis businesses to use banks. Sen. Graham must answer to the Republican base who are, like in Texas, strongly opposed to decriminalizing cannabis.  More startling, however, is that Sen. Graham received $2,909,00 from the health industry during the 2020 election industry[i].  While the “health industry” sounds innocuous, it in fact, includes Big Pharma. In other words, Sen. Graham will not bite the hand that feeds him—at the expense of American’s well-being.

Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) stated the following in Dec. 2019: I remain firmly opposed to efforts to legalize marijuana on the federal level, and I am opposed to legalization in the State of Idaho. I also do not support the SAFE Banking Act that passed in the House of Representatives. This bill would provide banking services to a legitimate cannabis-related business. Without banking services, legitimate cannabis is less accessible to people who need it.  Why would Sen. Crapo limit people’s access to legal cannabis? Is it because in 2020, he received $362, 241 from big pharmaceuticals? [1]  Is it because he has political ambitions in 2024? Perhaps. Yet it is true he is the ranking member of the finance committee and a member of the health subcommittee.

RELATED: Who Really Controls The Cannabis Industry?

Steve Hawkins, executive director of DC-based Marijuana Policy Project, said in a recent interview that cannabis banking reform is critical to enabling small businesses — including women- and minority-owned enterprises — to get the access to capital they need to operate and grow cannabis businesses.

Why is small business being hindered to thrive? It doesn’t make sense. Who benefits from small businesses thriving? Not local business owners.  Not our neighbors.  Not the economy. Certainly, not regular people. And yet, as we know, the majority of regular people support the legalization of cannabis.

Republicans From Legal Marijuana States Won’t Vote To Legalize Federally
Photo by Nathan Griffith/Getty Images

Who are the other politicians who are miserably failing at the tasks of representing people’s needs?  There are quite a few and just like Emperor Palpatine of Star Wars, they are shrouded in secrets. Fortunately for us, the information age sheds light on these nefarious characters.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) claims to be a moderate, but she has failed to stand up for states’ rights on marijuana even after her own constituents approved a marijuana legalization initiative in 2016.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) says he supports medical marijuana, but only if done through the FDA process (which is not possible). Despite his opposition, Florida voters approved a medical marijuana initiative in 2016, showing Rubio is out of step with his constituents.

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) doesn’t even claim to support medical marijuana, saying it would be “harmful to the social fabric of Oklahoma.”

Do these senators have ties to industries and sectors that don’t serve your interests? Find out. Open Secrets and Just Facts are two of the organizations that’ll help you help yourself. With these tools, the time of legalizing cannabis on a federal level is within the horizon. Already, the House of Representatives passed the SAFE Banking Act. It’s up to us to target the remaining senators who aren’t listening to us and heeding the calls of big money and narcissistic political ambition.

Go ahead. Ask questions and you’ll find out who’s got your back.

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

These Things Can Make It More Likely For You To Get COVID-19 Even If You’re Vaccinated

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A vaccine is the best preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19. Still, they’re not 100% effective. Here are a few things that can make it possible to get COVID-19 post-vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective at curbing the spread of the virus. Their use has allowed large percentages of people to return to their normal lives, being able to hang out with friends and go to their jobs knowing that they’re safe from the virus.

Is it possible to get COVID-19 after getting your shot? While odds are low, the vaccines aren’t 100% effective and there is a margin of error. This is known as “breakthrough COVID-19.”

vaccine
Photo by CDC via Unsplash

Early research suggests that breakthrough COVID-19 is very rare but that a few factors can make it more likely. According to WebMD, the possibility of this can happen if the vaccine was stored improperly, when people have weakened immune systems or if they’re exposed to a COVID-19 variant.

RELATED: When Can We Expect A COVID-19 Booster?

Errors when administering vaccines are not common, but they include giving too low or too high of a dose, using the wrong needle, or improper storage and handling. According to a report published in April of this year, there were around 160 vaccine errors that were self-reported. The CDC requires healthcare workers to call recipients in order to inform them of the mistake.

People with weakened immune systems should remain mindful of distancing measures and community spread. Studies have shown that weakened immune systems are less likely to produce the same amount of antibodies than immune systems that are functioning normally, making it more likely for people with comorbidities to catch COVID-19 despite taking all of the appropriate preventative measures.

Can COVID-19 Vaccines Be Mix-Matched? UK Study Has Answer
Photo by Diana Polekhina via Unsplash

Lastly, COVID-19 variants still pose a threat. The Delta variant has doubled in the U.S. over the past two weeks, and it can be a threat for everyone no matter whether they’re vaccinated or not, especially when community spread is high.

RELATED: This COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect Is More Common Than Expected

Breakthrough COVID-19 is unlikely, but it’s still a possibility depending on factors like you’re health and where you live. Still, having the COVID-19 vaccine is the best preventative measure you can take, so it’s important to get your shot as soon as you can and to remain informed.

5 TikTok Hashtags To Watch If You Crave Drama

TikTok is addictive and, if you follow the right hashtags, incredibly dramatic.

We all love reality TV for a reason: real-life drama is addictive. Nowadays, this isn’t limited to the Bravo network or your neighbors. TikTok is one of those drama hubs where you can spend hours scrolling and gasping if you’re following the right hashtag. Here are some to watch:

#messytiktok

@katiequackksssI’ll just leave this right here ##greenscreenvideo ##viral ##FamilyRecipe ##fyp ##messytiktok ##toxic ##thot ##forthestreets♬ original sound – Katie

The hashtag #messytiktok has a staggering amount of views, over 2 million to be precise. It is messy, filled with drama about exes, former best friends who do terrible things to each other, screenshots of terrible conversations, and a never-ending stream of embarrassing tales.

#aita

@llove_lolaI feel bad for K but nah you don’t owe anyone anything ##reddit ##story ##storytime ##aita♬ original sound – llove_lola

RELATED: TikTok Is Filled With Mental Health Advice — Here’s Why You Should Be Wary

Also very popular on Reddit, the hashtag #aita stands for “Am I The Asshole?” People usually are the assholes when they’re asking themselves these questions. Anyway, the hashtag sometimes contains stories people read from the internet or people coming forward with their own.

#dramatok

@aliyah.abaderBestie reveal soon? ##dramatok ##toxic ##bestfriend ##fyp ##foryou ##paintok ##love ##nomorefortnite ##fortnite ##zodiacsigns♬ mrblocku says no more fortnite – ethan

This hashtag is clear and to the point. In #dramatok you’ll find public and semi-public figures having arguments, disagreements, and the like, usually resulting in something dramatic because if not it wouldn’t go viral.

#toxictiktok

@megannenriquezgYou welcome ? ##toxictiktok ##fypシ ##maxplumpjump♬ Oh No – Kreepa

RELATED: TikTok Also Wants To Be A Job Search App

This hashtag is bad. It just is. Aside from featuring drama and toxic behavior, #toxictiktok actually gives out toxic recommendations, like filling out keyholes with superglue or telling you how to listen in on your partner’s phone without them noticing. It’s a hashtag that’s not meant for life advice, a crazy yet valid disclaimer one has to make whenever TikTok is mentioned.

#spillthetea

@barrettplasticsurgeryYou asked….so here it is ? ##greenscreen ##plasticsurgeon ##secrets ##spillthetea ##myopinon ##kardashians ##learnontiktok ##kendalljenner♬ original sound – Dr Daniel Barrett

Lastly, #spillthetea is mostly focused on influencer or celebrity drama. It’s a nice spot to catch up on if you’re behind on feuds and dates and are feeling like going on a TikTok spiral.

Apple’s Decision To Allow Select Cannabis Brands On App Store Signals Incremental Acceptance Of Emerging Legal Market

The decision comes as tech giants continue to handle cannabis apps and accounts in often unclear ways.

By Andrew Ward

As first reported by TechCrunch and WeedWeek, the ongoing conundrum between cannabis and tech took its latest turn last month, when Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) updated its policies to allow pot-centric apps onto its store.

Under its new policy, Apple created leeway that allows “licensed and otherwise legal cannabis dispensaries” from working with Apple. Companies must also be geofenced to qualify for store listing.

Photo by Joanna Malinowska via freestocks.org

The decision was not a cannabis-specific one made by Apple. Instead, the move came as part of the company’s attempt to curtail fraudulent apps that scam consumers across the marketplace.

RELATED: Cannabis And Sex: Two Things Social Media Doesn’t Want You To See

Alphabet Inc Class A (NASDAQ:GOOGL), which announced its ban on cannabis apps in 2019, continues to stick with its policy regarding its Google Play store.

The decision comes as tech giants continue to handle cannabis apps and accounts in often unclear ways.

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Inc. Common Stock (NASDAQ:FB) and its other dominant social media app, Instagram, continue to allow cannabis brands to sign up. However, numerous accounts have reported being deleted, shadowbanned or suspended over the years.

RELATED: What Does Instagram’s Ban On Vaping Influencers Mean For Cannabis?

Mary Pryor, the co-founder of the cannabis advocacy platform Cannaclusive, successfully campaigned Instagram to restore her company’s account after being suspended for several days in June.

hers all you need to know about tiktok the next big social media app
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Pryor, an equity advisory board member to Jay-Z’s TPCO Holding Corp (OTC:GRAMF), called Apple’s decision groundbreaking, noting that it coincided with discussions incrementally occurring on the federal level as well.

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She encourages Google, Facebook and other tech giants to “learn from Apple” and its decision.

Speaking about industry and advocacy efforts, Pryor said: “We should expect Facebook and Instagram to figure it out. We may need to do more to encourage and inform them.”

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

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