Page 36 – The Fresh Toast

Things Are Heating Up For Cannabis This Summer

Terry Hacienda

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June 7, 2024

Temperatures aren’t the only thing warming up this summer – the cannabis market is heating up with potential changes.

It is the time of year for high temperatures, travel, grilling, and more. And as a bonus this year, things are heating up for cannabis this summer. The industry is holding its breath as the current administration lumbers toward rescheduling, Florida is setting the stage again for a fight between the governor and his residents and licenses are granted as Ohio opens the marijuana market.

The cannabis industry is starting to rise out of a mess caused by overexcitement, federal regulation and zero tax relief for mom and pop businesses. And, it seems, the Biden administration seems to be finally taking rescheduling serious with both President Biden and Vice President Harris using it as a talking point in speeches.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) hasn’t be the most excited despite both Health and Human Services (HHS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommending the change. Several key federal health agencies were part of conference recently to discuss the marijuana science and policy considerations for researchers navigating cannabis studies, but the DEA cancelled their participation. Currently, it is in a 60 day public comment period and they DEA will move afterwards. Fall seems to be the time a final decision will be made.

Governor DeSantis Wants It Both Ways On Marijuana — Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Florida has voted on marijuana three times. The first time medical passed by 60% and the the then popular Governor declared it not enough. The second time it passed by over 70% and the Governor said the public was confused. Now they go for a third time and the Governor doesn’t want a vote and especially doesn’t want support from his citizens. But things have changed. Faced with soaring problems and a more negative view of his nanny state policies, DeSantis barely breaks 50% approval ratings. In a new Fox New poll, 66% of the state backs expanding legalization. Included in the poll is Republicans are at 57% for making the plant more available, it seems DeSantis is again swimming against what Florida wants.

The state where 7 US presidents were born, Ohio, is gearing up to sell recreational marijuana in dispensaries. Ohio’s 132 medical marijuana dispensaries are now able to apply for recreational sales permits. It means marjijuana could be sold to the adult general public begin by mid July. And, most likely, it means most Buckeyes should have access by the later part of the summer. And it means the end of the year will be a boon for the states tax coffers. Smaller state Missouri did over $1 billion in sales in their first year, so the state budget should look good next year.

Cool Ice Cream Cocktails For A Heat Dome

Anthony Washington

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June 7, 2024

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Cool Ice Cream Cocktails For A Heat Dome

Summer had roared in with record temperatures across the Southern US….boozy ice cream is a perfect way to make it more

Yes, it gets hot in the summer, but toss in a heat dome and temperatures soar! It is a weather phenomenon where the atmosphere traps hot air, like a lid or cap. The heat is trapped in the day and night and soars to usually high levels. But cool ice cream cocktails for a heat dome couple become your new boozy treat!

Champagne Float

Champagne is a perfect way to toast relief from 100+ degree temperatures…or just because it is a Tuesday. When not give a chic, adult update to the classic root beer float. This quick combo can be used for an afternoon delight or post dinner dessert.

Ingredients

750 ml (1 bottle) champagne
1 quart vanilla ice cream sorbet, or frozen yogurt
Whole fresh strawberries

Create

Have chilled champagne flutes read
Add 3-4 small scoops of ice cream/sorbet/frozen yogurt to each glase
Top with champagne, garnish with a strawberry, and serve immediately

Margarita Ice Cream Float

Margaritas are go to cool drink of the summer….so why not kick it up a notch and a little cream fun????

Ingredients

2 scoops softened Vanilla Ice Cream
4 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 cup lemon lime soda
2 shot 100% agave tequila
lime wheel garnish
salt on the rim garnish

Create

Juice limes to produce 4 tbsp of fresh lime juice.
Wet rim of glass with lime wedge. Pour salt onto a plate. Turn glasses upside down and press rim into the salt. Scoop ice cream into each glass.
Combine lemon lime soda, tequila, and lime juice and divide between two glasses.
Garnish with lime wheel and grate lime peel and enjoy!

Martini A La Ice Cream

Take the cool, classic martini and make it a refreshing relief which laughs at the rise thermometer. You can choose a variety of flavors, but the pink of the strawberry looks great.

Ingredients

1 oz Vodka
1 oz White chocolate liqueur
1 oz Strawberry liqueur
2 scoops strawberry ice cream
Sugar
Ice

Create

Rim edge of martini glass in coarse sugar
Fill martini shaker with ice, vodka, white chocolate liqueur and strawberry liqueur
Shake well
Add two scoops of strawberry ice cream to martini glass and pour mix over top
Garnish with a strawberry

Boozy Chocolate Shake

Shakes are classic summer treats, and most people would be surprised to learn strawberry is the most popular flavor sold. Here is a classic cocktail blending the joy of ice cream and the richness of bourbon.

Ingredients

6 ounces bourbon
3 cups premium vanilla ice cream (plus more if needed)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 tablespoons chocolate syrup, divided

Create

Place four heavy pint glasses in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes
Add the bourbon, ice cream, milk, and four tablespoons of the chocolate syrup to a powerful blender
Add three ice cubes, and blend until smooth. If the mixture seems too thin, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ice cream and blend again
Divide evenly among the prepared pint glasses, and top each with 1/2 tablespoon of the remaining chocolate syrup
Serve immediately

This Tropical Syrup Will Give Relief From Summer Colds

Danielle Guercio

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June 6, 2024

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This Tropical Syrup Will Give Relief From Summer Colds

Summer colds are the worst – but this pineapple cough syrup can help save the summer!

Summer cold symptoms are common and miserable. We are used to summer being a fun time and enjoying outdoor activities. But coughs, small fevers and general misery can spoil the best laid plans. Luckily, this tropical syrup with give relief form summer colds…and bring a little smile on your face! Summer and winter colds are caused by different viruses, but the symptoms are the summer.

If you have a light summer cold, this syrup can help. But if symptoms or fever persists, you need to see a medical professional, and you can keep using the syrup among the treatment options.

The good things about this tropical mix is is based in pineapple, which is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. One cup continues 1/3 of your daily dose of vitamin C, manganese, fiber, and B vitamins!

Pineapple Cough Remedy

Makes 16 oz, 2mg THC per oz, estimated

1 pineapple
1lb ginger
3 lemons
1 Tbs cannabis glycerin tincture

Depending on the type of juicer you have, you can decide how concentrated to make the juice. If using a blender, you may have to add some water. A centrifugal juicer tends to make a very strong juice, so be prepared for some spice, but know you can add water to taste.

Break down a fresh pineapple by removing the leaves and cutting off the tough outer skin. Remove the core and either cut into spears for a centrifuge juicer and chunks for a blender. Skin the ginger by using a scraping motion with a spoon or the blunt side of a butter knife, then cut into chunks. Remove skin and most of the pith from lemons, cut in half.

Blend or juice all ingredients, adding 16oz of water if using a blender. You must strain well if you’re blending, as it will be really pulpy and not pleasant this way. Taste for possible dilution with a centrifugal juicer.

Add glycerin tincture and mix until dissolved. Either store in a clean bottle with a seal or cap, or dispense into smaller jars for single serving on the go. Serve 1 oz at a time after gargling for best results. Stores for 2 days maximum in the fridge.

*Cannabis Glycerin Tincture

Decarboxylate 3.5g of finely ground cannabis at 225 degrees for 20 minutes in a tightly sealed, oven safe container. Put cannabis in lidded mason jar or vacuum sealed bag with cannabis and ½ cup vegetable glycerin. Heat in water bath just under boiling for at least 1 hour. Strain and chill to use in recipes.

Being sick is the worst, and when you have the energy to put some of your efforts into treating symptoms and taking care of yourself, you tend to get better faster, or at least it feels that way. If you’re in bad shape, this juice would also be easy to purchase from a juice spot, and adding cannabis in a oil form to help relieve pain or help skip anything smoky until your respiratory system is in tip top shape.

Photos: Maria Penaloza

More Is NOT Better When Dealing With Anxiety

Amy Hansen

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June 5, 2024

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More Is NOT Better When Dealing With Anxiety

Science has proven the cannabis plant has medical benefits…but it shows more is not better.

Anxiety is something most people experience at some point, but for some, they experience it way more frequently. An estimated 31.1% experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Cannabis can help with anxiety, but dosage is a key. It is a case of too much hurts rather than helps. Studies show low THC with a mix of CBD can be the most effective treatment. It is always good if you have a mid or long term issue with anxiety to talk with a health professional and work with them to find the right dosage, just like any other medication.

Microdosing has become very popular for those who use medical marijuana. The most common reasons including anxiety and chronic pain. More complex reasons include treatment of cognitive deficits, mental illnesses, and many diseases considered incurable. But to understand the benefits, you have to understand your situation and dosing. Microdosing means using between 2.5-5 mg to take the edge off and allow the plant’s benefits to take evenMore research is being put into the benefits of marijuana, but it important to work with professionals.

marijuana capsules — Photo by megaflopp/Getty Imagess

Like alcohol, there needs to be an eye on the amount and strength of marijuana consumed. In a of study published in JAMA Psychiatry this week found regularly consuming high-THC marijuana and marijuana products could lead to mental health and addiction problems down the road.

Specifically, researchers reported those who consistently used high-THC marijuana were four times more likely to abuse the drug and twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders. The study’s authors added regularly consuming potent cannabis increases your chances of subsequent illicit drug use by 30%. The study had a significant limitation, the authors wrote, regarding where participants sourced their cannabis with survey respondents not having scientific way of determining THC levels in their cannabis.

Previous research has show that today’s marijuana is stronger than it needs to be. This is especially true when buying illegal marijuana, as black market producers breed cannabis strains designed to deliver the highest high to consumers in hopes they’ll come back for more. A study published earlier this year also found that 70-90% of medical marijuana products were too strong for effective chronic pain relief.

Weed In The White House

Amy Hansen

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June 4, 2024

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The President’s home is known as the White House – but occasionally there has been a bit of green there.

It is pretty clear the US presidents are not big public champions of marijuana use. And while the Biden/Harris administration has clearly made it known they are not a fan, what about recent past presidents and their families? Who has had weed in the White House. The west and east wings are full of people helping run the government, especially the younger crowd, but what about the residence part with the commander-in-chief and his family.

In recent memory, the first president to use marijuana in the White House was John F. Kennedy (JFK). According to Michael O’Brien, JFK’s biographer, the president used to smoke cannabis with Mary Meyer, one of his mistresses. JFK suffered chronic back pain beginning in his early 20s. He underwent a total of 4 back operations and pain plagued him for life. Cannabis is known to help chronic pain and he looked for relief in a variety of places. In fact, the hunt for to numb the pain included Max Jacobson, the first Dr. Feelgood.

Lyndon B Johnson drank but didn’t use and while Gerald Ford didn’t consume weed, his wife drank and use opiates. Ford’s son Jack did confess to using marijuana and most likely consumed while they were in residence. He was the first adult son to live in the White House since F.D.R.’s days, and the pressure was immense. His desire is understandable.

Jimmy Carter confirmed the rumors about marijuana’s most famous moment in the White House, the time Willie Nelson smoked a joint with the President’s son atop the White House roof.

“When Willie Nelson wrote his autobiography, he confessed he smoked pot in the White House,” Carter says. “He says that his companion was one of the servants in the White House. Actually, it was one of my sons.”

Savvy individuals started putting two and two together and realized exactly which Carter boy smoked a joint with Nelson — Chip Carter, Jimmy’s middle son. Chip had developed a personal friendship with NORML founder Keith Stroup and was “a marijuana smoker himself”.

The Reagans amped up the reefer madness with the Say No To Drugs campaign. First Lady Nancy become a huge advocate against all drugs. Despite the campaign and Nancy’s aversion to drugs (and apparently) drinking, Ronald Reagan was a big fan of wine. Their successors, who they were notoriously not close to the Reagan, the George H.W. Bushes, were old school drinker with vodka martinis and bourbon. But not green or gummies.

Clinton’s famous “I didn’t inhale” caused a buzz about his trying marijuana. He was the first president to come clean about it, but by the time he was president, he didn’t consume. George W. Bush had reformed by his election and nether used drug or drank after an unfortunate period in his life.

The next president shared he consumed cannabis in college and as a young adult seeing it more as a rite of passage. President Barack Obama said smoking marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol, but seems have to stopped as his political career took off. His successor does not drink or consume any drugs.

Biden, who is famously old school, does not use marijuana at all, but could be the first to take large step toward legalization.

Key Tips On Bouldering And Marijuana

Anthony Washington

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June 4, 2024

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Bouldering and rock climbing have exploded – can cannabis help with this hot activity?

Even 5 years ago, rock climbing and bouldering were niche activities for those with a passion. But since it has become a fun, core strengthening, urban activity and is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Cities, towns and cruise ships now have climbing gyms and the popularity as soared. North American climbing gyms alone almost reached $1 billion dollars last year, this doesn’t count outdoor, equipment and other markets. With its popularity, it blends in with other lifestyle options, so here are key tips on bouldering and marijuana.

France is was the birthplace of modern bouldering. Pierre Allain, a pioneering French climber in the mid-20th century, loved the Fontainebleau forest and was among the first to see bouldering as a unique discipline within climbing, not just a training tool. He developed climbing shoes with rubber soles, increasing climbers’ ability to grip the rock, a revolution which helped bouldering gain recognition as a legitimate sport. Around the same time in the US, a gymnast as well as a climber, John Gill approached bouldering with a focus on strength, balance, and dynamic movement. Regarded as the father of modern bouldering, he introduce the concept ‘clean climbing’ – leaving no trace on the rock – which has influenced generations of climbers to respect and protect the natural environment.

A Climbing Magazine anonymous survey of professional climbers a couple years ago, in which most said they used it for recovery while others said they sometimes climbed while using cannabis. A deeply-researched review conducted by scientists, including members of the World Anti-Doping Agency and National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that “the use of cannabis as doping will not help to gain a competitive edge by any means.” But the review also highlighted how cannabis can help athletes deal with anxiety in high-pressure situations—climbing includes plenty of high-pressure situations—and “play a major role in the extinction of fear memories” from traumatic athletic events, such as suffering a tough whipper or something more serious.

“Cannabis improves sleep and recovery after an event, reduces anxiety and fear and aids the forgetting of negative events such as bad falls and so forth,” researchers wrote. “Cannabis enhances sensory perception, decreases respiratory rate and increases heart rate; increased bronchodilation may improve oxygenation of the tissues.”

Marijuana can also help you in the gym during training sessions. A University of Colorado study concluded using marijuana before exercise “increases motivation” as well as “enhances recovery from exercise.” Recovery is huge, particularly in sports brutal on the body like climbing. Professional athletes in football, basketball, hockey, fighting, and even golf have all come out in favor of using cannabis as a recovery tool, with some saying CBD is enough.

More than those other sports, though, safety is of the utmost importance while climbing. Combining marijuana and climbing should be done with serious intention and without harming belay partners or fellow climbers. An online survey conducted by Training Beta, a website dedicated to rock climbing training, explored how readers felt about the relationship between climbing and cannabis. Among 1,462 respondents, 47% said they weren’t comfortable with high belayers and 46% responded that it depended on the setting and person belaying them.

Wedding Couples Should Know About This Aphrodisiac

Sarah Johns

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June 3, 2024

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Wedding Couples Should Know About This Aphrodisiac

It is summer wedding season – complete with stress, family and things which just go wrong….wedding couples should know about this key aphrodisiac

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Couples are diverse – young, old, same sex, different sex, Star Trek fans and more. Even Rupert Murdoch has gotten remarried for the 5th time. Science, Hallmark Rom-Coms and Bridezilla shows highlight the good, the perfect and sometimes the mess, but the strain of it all can cause problems. Wedding couples should about know about this aphrodisiac to make the wedding time extra special.

Marijuana has been an intimacy go-to for thousands of years. It pops up in the Karma Sutra and is used extensively in sensual tantric rituals, yoga, and more. It has been established across the world couples can enjoy both sex and cannabis. If can be helpful in many ways, including leading up to the magic moment.

The bible of women getting married, Brides Magazine, reported, intimacy is improved with cannabis is imbibed. And cannabis can lead to better sex. It has definitely gone mainstream and is acceptable. The other main resource is The Knot, which also gently suggests ways ot make the wedding and honeymoon better.

With bridezillas being on the rise, one way cannabis or cbd can make is difference is reducing the anxiety. THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses while CBD at all dose. It can also help with sleep leading up to the big day. Healthier and less fattening than alcohol, it helps set a positive stage for nuptials and nighttime.

When it comes to the honeymoon, women have cannabinoid receptors in their reproductive system. Cannabis helps relax female muscles, increase lubrication and even intensify and draw out orgasms. CBD, which comes from the cannabis plant. can be just as effective in the bedroom, reducing any pain and calming your headspace. But the right THC strain can have you in another world with your partner and you don’t have get give a high, simply in the mood.

And with over 50% of the country having legal weed, smoking it isn’t the only option. Gummies and vapes are more discreet with way less smell. With gummies, you can microdose to take the edge off the planning and event. It might be something worth considering.

Your Zodiac Sign And Marijuana

Sarah Johns

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May 31, 2024

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Since the beginning of time man has looked to the stars for guidance! What does the zodiac say about your cannabis use?

Across the globe and throughout history, human has liked to the skies for hope, guidance and help. Once considered a scholarly tradition, it is now seen more new age. Ancient Egypt is the first to give us the first Zodiac sign. As it spread across the globe the Western civilization chart aligned with starts and having Virgo, Caners, and Taurus among them equaled China’s assortment including Rabbits, Tigers and Dragons. But what about your Zodiac sign and marijuana?

There are twelve signs in a year and they are grouped into Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. Some signs are more known than others – Virgos are known for beauty and brains, Taurus are diligent and determined , Scorpions are sharp tongued and loyal, and so on.

Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, The Fire Signs

These signs have varied relationship to getting high. Passionate, courageous and impulsive, their needs are a bit scattered. Aries are fast moving and action-oriented, so old-school being stoned is kind of antithetical to their essence. A strain to help focus is key is important.

Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, The Earth Signs

Earth signs are probably the biggest stoners. Pragmatic, practical, logical, reliable, and honest, is important they walk little on the chill side. Considering they are closest to nature, the this signs have a high affinity for cannabis considering that they are the most connected to nature. Taurus season literally starts on 4/20. Because they hate losing control of their thoughts, Tauruses are far more into strains that will result in body highs.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, The Air Signs

Air is the element of logic and communication and the mind so getting high is really about being able to have a different perspective and being able to see things in a different way. Their strong since of curiosity plays well with the THC sense of wonderfulment.

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, The Water Signs

These strong signs motivation to consume stems from their emotions. Their traits of being sensitive, tender-hearted and often psychic makes marijuana another tool in the skill set of personal enlightenment. Marijuana is a way for to either tap into feelings or tap out of feelings to avoid being overwhelmed. Cancers’ strong emotions can make them a bit intense and weed can be a good buffer from the world just to create a little soft pillow between them and their reality.

Medical Marijuana Is About To Have A Big Positive Change

Amy Hansen

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May 31, 2024

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Medical Marijuana Is About To Have A Big Positive Change

The government and medical agencies have verified it has medical benefits…but marijuana is about to have a big positive bump to help patients

In the midst of the discussion around the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) move to reschedule marijuana, one area hasn’t truly been highlighted enough. It will make a huge difference for millions of patients. Medical marijuana is about to have a big positive change, and it can make some lives much, much better. Most governments and medical associations recognize cannabis can provide help for cancer, chronic pain, depression and anxiety along with nausea and sleep issues.

Research on cannabis has increased significantly with organizations like Penn State, UCLA and Harvard, but there is still much more to be done.

One reason the change will be better is it will allow the base of the research, the plant itself, to be grown in a better way to produce a quality plant. Currently, the plant is grown in Mississippi. The state still classifies it as illegal, has a significant and robust black market. Unfortunately, that does provide enough of a base of professionals to ensure quality product for large studies.

medical marijuana — Photo by Visivasnc/Getty Images

The DEA has contracted with the University of Mississippi to be responsible the cultivation of marijuana for medical research. The college grows marijuana for research at a secure facility. The change by the DEA will allow other research organizations with a wider reach of agriculture professionals with experience with the plant to provide current expertise.

Large companies like Curaleaf, which is in multiple states, can help produce a product scientists can use as they learn more uses and dosages for the plant. They will be able to help research institutions expand the quality and quantity.

While the FDA’s oversight of cannabis trials will expand, researchers are hopeful rescheduling will make it easier to do large-scale clinical trials once they are approved. Specifically with the decentralized clinical trials where participants are allowed to bring home their drugs so they can make it part of their regime.

Rescheduling will also continue to destigmatize medical marijuana for patients. It will put it on a path to federal regulations, which, eventually could provide a reimbursement number which allows insurances and Medicare to offer it to millions of more patients. Especially seniors which tend to adapt slowly.

While medical marijuana isn’t a cure all, it can help multi issues and will benefit millions.

4 Ways Marijuana Can Help In A Messy Break Up

Sarah Johns

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May 31, 2024

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4 Ways Marijuana Can Help In A Messy Break Up

Breakups are tough and miserable – even if you are a celebrity. But there are ways marijuana can help!

The buzz in the celebrity world is about the breakup of Beniffer – Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. It has dominated the news, but it reflects everyone’s journey in relationships. Almost everyone suffers a miserable breakup in their life. The ending of relationship doesn’t always have a logical reason or comes in a methodical planned way, it is usually messy, emotional and draining for a while. And it can lay heavy on someone’s mind and heart. One bright note is there are 4 ways marijuana can help in a messy break up.

Breakups can upend a life. Hurt, grief, and a sense of failure when a relationship ends is common. It often mean a big change in your daily routine, which can feel overwhelming and a constant reminder of the loss. Weight gain and lack of good sleep can also be part of the after effects. But, in the right dose and intention, marijuana can help you through.

Photo by Clker-Free-Vector-Images via Pixabay

The first way to help is with sleep, with 35-45% increased odds of insomnia symptoms this is key. A good night dozing can help with a tough day of change. So, it is critical to nip long term disruptions it in the bud. Research studies have shown, with the correct dosage, marijuana may have an overall positive effect on maintaining sleep.

The second way is to help with anxiety. Big change causes makes people anxious, the loss of a person you care about, sometimes identity gets wrapped up in the “we” of a relationship, causing a disruption on self perception. Time is the best way and most natural way to heal. But THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses. Work with a healthy professional to a figure out a plan to get you to a more positive place.

The third is to reeducation of alcohol consumption. Drinking too much after a breakup is unfortunately common, as the feelings of control alcohol provides can feel euphoric for a short period. But both physical and mentally it is not good. Light marijuana usage can relax you and put you in a better state of mind without hangovers, drunk texting and more.

The last way is personal health. While it is hard in the middle of a breakup to look ahead, marijuana can help you with looking good for the future. While the myth is stoners are lazy, couch potatoes eating…cannabis can get you moving. Like dopamine, it allows us to feel a sense of pleasure and reward, which has the effect of motivating us. Consuming a sativa strain can help you get out of bed and move which could include a workout!

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Things Are Heating Up For Cannabis This Summer

Temperatures aren’t the only thing warming up this summer – the cannabis market is heating up with potential changes.

Cool Ice Cream Cocktails For A Heat Dome