TikTok Is Filled With Mental Health Advice , Be Careful

Maria Loreto

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March 12, 2021

TikTok Is Filled With Mental Health Advice , Be Careful

With millions of users posting content, TikTok is one of the most popular apps when it comes to mental health. Here’s why that might not be a good thing.

TikTok is an incredibly popular app. What started as a service for making funny videos and dance challenges quickly morphed into a space where people could discuss all sorts of topics, among them, mental health. Whether they’re relaying personal stories about depression and OCD, or providing advice to their many followers, many TikTok users have earned thousands of followers for their helpful content. Even doctors and health experts have developed a TikTok presence, providing important information in small, digestible clips. But TikTOk is filled with mental health advice, be careful, it can’t all be trusted.

When there’s so much discussion going on about mental health, it’s challenging to differentiate the good from the bad. It’s also inevitable that some of these content makers end up giving some form of loose therapy to their followers without having the necessary training. The format of TikTok doesn’t help this problem, limiting the amount of characters per post and limiting videos to 60 seconds.

5 Great Life Hacks We Found On TikTok — Photo by Solen Feyissa via Unsplash

One of the problems with TikTok is the vast amount of users it has. Unless a doctor is wearing scrubs, there’s no easy way to differentiate them from other users who may not have the necessary skill set to address complex mental health issues. Users can state their personal symptoms as facts, with millions of viewers believing whatever it is they’re watching.

In an interview with Mashable, Dr. Inna Kanevsky said that TikTok creators tend to refer to science and studies broadly, repeating claims that sound alluring but that might not have the necessary research and support to be stated clearly. Kanevsky has grown popular on TikTok by creating videos debunking the content that’s provided by other TikTokers.

@dr_inna #stitch with @maxklymenko I happen to personally like Max. He’s from my hometown. But claiming “science says” like this has to stop.♬ original sound – Inna Kanevsky, Ph.D. (she/her)

“They basically propagate their point of view that is not empirically backed, that is essentially pseudoscience…It’s not necessarily the best treatment or the best people to listen to. But they are popular and positive and attractive. And that may prevent people from seeking actual help,” she said.

Thea Gallagher PsyD spoke to Psycom about a video featuring a woman discussing her experiences with OCD.

@lapinstudios ♬ Rating – astuanta

“I think she did a good job of showing how laborious some of these rituals can be,” said Gallagher. “If somebody watches this and says, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a real problem that I can seek help for, that other people struggle with this too’, it can help normalize the condition.”

But according to Kanevsky, there’s a caveat: “I don’t want people to watch this video and assume that’s how every OCD person is, or that this is how it’s going to be forever. I want people to know that these are treatable problems and there are a lot of effective evidence-based treatments out there for OCD, anxiety, and depression.”

Mental health is an expensive and complicated field, requiring professionals to study for years before they’re able to provide advice to clients. While mental health should be accessible for every person that needs it, the existence of TikTok coping mechanisms and pseudoscience might discourage people from getting the help that they need and might encourage them to believe these things and spread them out.

While it’s amazing that people now have a place where they can express themselves openly and find content that makes them feel seen, it’s important to find some sort of filter. TikTok users, especially those who are looking for mental health content, should be careful about the information they consume. TikTok makes it easy to spread misinformation, so it’s up to the viewer to do their research in order to find content that’s based in facts and that they can enjoy.

5 Podcasts That Can Help You Save Money

Maria Loreto

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March 12, 2021

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Podcasts are a resource for so many things in life. Here are some of the best when it comes to financial advice.

Podcasts cover almost every topic imaginable, from romance to true crime. They’re meant to be consumed on the go or while we’re occupied with mundane tasks, allowing our brains to drift off in another, more interesting direction. A thriving topic for podcasts right now is finance, since the majority of us need a little help in that area.

While there are hundreds of podcasts designed to help you start your own business, what about those that are designed to help you manage your money our improve your relationship with it? Luckily, there’s a ton of those too. Here are 5 of the best podcasts when it comes to providing financial advice:

Millennial Money

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

Millennials’ finances have been heavily discussed by everyone, and not always with the best intentions. Do we really care how many avocados young people are buying? Come on, guys.

Despite the name, Millennial Money is a podcast for all ages, lead by Shannah Compton Game, a certified financial planner and entrepreneur. Her podcasts try to help you develop a more positive relationship with your money, discussing the many different issues that your finances influence.

Popcorn Finance

Popcorn Finance is a great concept. Hosted by financial analyst Chris Browning, the podcast breaks down every day money questions, like taxes, credit scores and loans, in segments of approximately 10 minutes.

Planet Money

The Richest Cannabis Businesses In 2020 — Photo by Maklay62 via Pixabay

NPR’s Planet Money tries to make the economy a fun and accessible topic. Surprisingly, it succeeds at its mission, putting together an entertaining podcast that’s creative and fun and that discusses the many things that affect the economy. It has won Peabody and Edward R. Murrow awards and is hosted by a rotating roster.

Million Bazillion

Unlike the rest of the entries on this list, Million Bazillion is a money program for kids, which sounds off, but kind of makes sense. Million Bazillion approaches all topics with an open and curious approach

Journey To Launch

Hosted by Jamila Souffrant, Journey To Launch started off as a blog about Souffrant’s transition into financial independence, which later morphed into a podcast and a profitable business. Souffrant covers a wide range of issues, discussing personal stories of debt, success, and more.

Congressional Democrats Must Legalize Marijuana Nationwide Before Midterms, Or Else

Mike Adams

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March 12, 2021

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Congressional Democrats Must Legalize Marijuana Nationwide Before Midterms, Or Else

Democrats will have to find a creative way to get federal marijuana legalization done in the short amount of time they have control or else risk blowing it all together.

Ever since the Democrats took control of Congress this year, the cannabis industry has been excited about the possibility of federal marijuana legalization. Many believe that federal lawmakers will pass legislation in the next few months designed to tax and regulate weed like alcohol. They have it on good authority, too, that it could happen.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the issue is going to be a priority for Senate Democrats this year, and a bill, whatever it consists of, will be introduced soon. Still, as you read this article, the Republicans are scheming and dreaming of taking back the power.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he is assembling candidates that can win in the midterm election and put him back on the throne. Therefore, if Democrats want to legalize weed nationwide, they’ll need to do it before the next election. Because unfortunately, there’s a good chance they will lose their power in 2022.

Democrats are in good shape right now. Just this week, they passed a mega COVID-relief bill that’s going to put more money in the hands of Americans and probably save many of them from financial collapse. It’s a big win for the Democrats, and now they’re gearing up for the next one. And that could be federal marijuana legalization. Schumer and crew have already indicated that they will be putting a cannabis-related bill on the table soon “to ensure restorative justice, protect public health and implement responsible taxes and regulations.”

Now That Congress Passed COVID Relief, Is National Marijuana Reform Next? — Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

As we mentioned earlier this week, a Senate bill designed to legalize marijuana could see the light of day in April. Although they aren’t talking about it much, the Democrats understand that they must move full steam ahead on this issue if they stand any chance at seeing it through. They are on borrowed time, and they know it. Even with major political wins, like the COVID-relief bill, they will still be challenged to keep control of both the House and Senate next year. So anything they want to get done before then, including legalization, will need to be finalized in a hurry.

The Democrats have such a thin majority on the Hill that it makes hanging onto it even more difficult. The Senate is a 50-50 split (with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker), and they own the House by only nine seats. But some of the old-timers in the Republican party are starting to retire, which is giving the Democrats a bit of an edge for the time being.

Historically speaking, however, the midterms will wreak havoc on the president’s party — Democrats understand this as well. They know that it’s not going to take much for them to lose their clout and forfeit it back to the Republicans. Unless McConnell retires, too, which is possible, he would then step back in and continue his reign of Republican terror like nobody’s business.

And that spells curtains for marijuana. McConnell still hasn’t publicly changed his opinion on legalization.

Anti-Marijuana Mitch McConnell Could Still Control Senate As Minority Leader — Photo by Nicholas Kamm-Pool/Getty Images

Without getting into too much political handicapping — it’s still too early for that — let’s just say that time is of the essence for the Democrats to push their agenda and get as much done as possible. Because of how the present division of power falls, they can’t just put a marijuana-bill to a vote and get it done easily. The process of legalizing nationwide will take time to secure the necessary votes, and it will require bipartisan support. There’s no other way around it.

Democrats were forced to eliminate the $15 minimum wage and trim emergency unemployment benefits to make the COVID-relief bill more palatable for Republicans. Legal weed could prove to be a more delicate issue, given the Republicans’ anti-drug attitude. The Dems will have to change some minds or make unwanted concessions. That could spell big trouble.

However, to test the waters, Democrats will likely try to push a marijuana bill through raw dog style, leaving it open to the filibuster. That’s an old Senate rule that puts controversial issues to a supermajority vote rather than just a straight majority. It’s a rule that McConnell wants to keep in play, for obvious reasons, since it keeps him in control of the Senate in some respects even as the minority leader. Any attempt to sabotage the filibuster could cost the Democrats a chance at passing more of Biden’s agenda, and that can’t happen. It won’t happen. So, caution is paramount.

In short, Democrats will have to find a creative way to get federal marijuana legalization done in the short amount of time they have control or else risk blowing it all together. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely this year. Nevertheless, losing one Congressional House next November would be enough to divide the Hill, once more, and halt progress on the cannabis issue for years to come. If ever there was a perfect storm for possibility and nothingness, that time is now.

Marijuana And Birth Control, What Are The Risks Of Combining Them?

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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March 12, 2021

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Marijuana And Birth Control, What Are The Risks Of Combining Them?

In the course of the weekend, marijuana and birth control may meet up – but is it a good idea?

The growth of cannabis acceptance globally has brought about a change in the demography of people that use cannabis. Gone are the days when people believe only potheads use cannabis; the days of backward thinking like that are long gone. With mainstreaming, marijuana shows up regularly in people’s lives. But with marijuana and birth control, what are the risks of combining them?

In the world we live in today, more women and professionals use cannabis. And with more mainstream, questions are being asked on how its use can affect other drugs like anxiety, weightless and more.

A closer look at birth control

Birth control is a common part of every society. Different birth control methods range from the use of condoms to pills, shots, implants, vagina rings, patches, and so on. Various factors come into play when people choose birth control methods that best suit them. Many of the birth control methods that deal with hormones are estrogen-based, progestin-only, or a combination of modulation of both hormones. The mechanism of action of some of these birth control methods as it relates to the body is mostly what we have to consider when it comes to weed and risks of combination.

Are there risks?

The answer to the question about the possibility of risks associated with combining weed and birth control is not one that can be answered directly. This is because there are limited studies available in this area to help make concrete inferences. Nonetheless, the general understanding of some of the ways cannabis and hormonal birth control works gives a detailed understanding of what to expect.

Before even delving into the biochemical reactions of cannabis and birth control in the body, it is important to first state that cannabis can be consumed through different methods. A lot of people opt for the different means of consumption for several reasons chief of which is health. We all know that smoking can make users susceptible to cardiovascular issues, lung irritation, and so on. So for the sake of this article less emphasis will be placed on the risks incurred by combining birth control with any particular method of consumption; we’ll solely look at the risks posed by the interaction of cannabinoids and birth control drugs.

Can The Coronavirus Be Transmitted Through Sex? — Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

Risk of reduced effectiveness?

The goal of using birth control is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Likewise, cannabis is also used for different primary goals, such as medical or recreational reasons. However, when these products are combined, they have a huge risk of affecting the activity of one another. More importantly, cannabis has a risk of reducing the effectiveness of birth control drugs thereby increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Experts have conducted studies that show that cannabis can affect the mechanism of action of estrogen-based hormonal birth control. Cannabis contains a major cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes a euphoric feeling when cannabis is used. THC affects the mechanism of action of estrogen-based hormonal birth control in the body. This happens by THC interrupting signaling between estrogen receptors. By interrupting this process, THC increases the estrogen level in the body countering the effects of estrogen-based hormonal birth control. This also increases the risk of blood lots and such persons developing stroke.

The risk of cannabis reducing the effectiveness of birth control doesn’t only lie with THC. Cannabis also contains another major cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD) which also affects the effectiveness of birth control. CBD is known to interact with different types of substrates in the body. This also includes birth control pills thereby reducing their ability to effectively prevent pregnancy. CBD also monopolizes liver enzymes and by so doing, it prevents such enzymes from sufficiently metabolize molecules of birth control pills. This enzyme inhibition decreases the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives and increases the risk of pregnancy. This is however not so with progestin-only hormonal birth control.

What You Need To Know About Marijuana And Birth Control — Photo by Thought Catalog via Unsplash

Risk to general health?

Apart from reducing the effectiveness of some birth control pills and increasing the risk of pregnancy, combining weed and birth control can also affect general health. The use of weed alongside birth control increases the risks of developing blood clots which can lead to stroke. Individually, both birth control pills and THC can lead to the development of blood clots. When combined they run the risk of causing high blood pressure and ultimately problems associated with hypertension. Other factors that can cause blood clots are smoking, family history, and age.

There are limited studies to be able to draw enough conclusions about the role of CBD when it comes to blood pressure. Some researches point to CBD reducing blood pressure while others show it raises blood pressure. It should be noted that the difference in these results might be due to the dose differences in these studies. The role of THC, however, is still a bit clear from a 2016 study in the Journal of Hypertension. The study shows that there is a modest association between recent cannabis use and systolic blood pressure. Those who conducted the study however warned that more investigations will need to be carried out to fully understand the role that CBD plays with systolic blood pressure.

What to do

It is obvious that there might be some risks when it comes to using weed and birth control. But, is it possible to mitigate this risks, sure it is. If some crucial steps are taken, it’s possible for women to avoid these risks while still using birth control.

Consultation – The most important step you can take regarding this is to consult a professional. An expert will be able to give you unique quality information on how you can go about using birth control and weed. Each individual is different, so don’t follow the instructions given to someone else, get in touch with your healthcare provider for the best possible advice and directives.

Change – A change in the type of birth control or method of cannabis consumption can also play a significant role. This will be influential in limiting the risk of ineffectiveness and risk to general health.

Bottom line

There is still a need for more relevant studies to fully know the risks involved with combining birth control and weed. Until sufficient research has been conducted, it’s advisable that users reduce the combination of the two substances as much as possible.

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

COVID-19 Vaccine: Why Are Women Experiencing Worse Side Effects Than Men?

Maria Loreto

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March 11, 2021

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COVID-19 Vaccine: Why Are Women Experiencing Worse Side Effects Than Men?

Data shows that women are more likely to experience more severe side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine than men.

Side effects from COVID-19 vaccines range from the barely noticeable, which is fortunately the case for the majority of people, to vomiting and flu like symptoms. And now, to complicate things, a new study reveals that women are experiencing negative reactions to higher degrees.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, analyzed data from the first 13 million vaccines distributed in the U.S. And even though only 61% of women had received vaccinations, 79% of side effects were reported by them. Ouch.

This Site Will Match You With Leftover COVID-19 Vaccines — Photo by Artem Podrez from Pexels

A closer look shows all 19 people who experienced anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) after receiving the Moderna vaccine were women. So were 44 of the 47 people who experienced the reaction after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

Strangely enough, these kinds of findings are common in data gathered from vaccination studies. “This sex difference is completely consistent with past reports of other vaccines,” microbiologist Sabra Klein told the New York Times.

While it’s tough to say why this happens, health experts have some theories that could provide some explanations. Amesh Adalja, M.D. explained to Health magazine that women might be more likely to report their symptoms when compared to men. Still, experts think this theory isn’t sufficient to explain why this happens so pervasively.

Dr. William Schaffner says that women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, having a more reactive system. Estrogen appears to “jazz up” the immune system while testosterone does the opposite. “There is a real difference between immune reactions between men and women,” Dr. Schaffner said. “We in the medical community haven’t studied that as thoroughly as we ought to.”

Another influencing factor could be the dosage. Women usually need a smaller dosage of a vaccine to get an effect, while recommended drug dosages are historically based on trials conducted on male participants.

What all health experts agree on is that it might help women if they’re healthcare providers explain the potential side effects, and that these reactions are normal and are just the way in which their immune systems are battling off an infection and producing the response needed to create a protection for it.

How CBD And THC Are Changing COVID-19 Treatment

Kate-Madonna Hindes

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March 11, 2021

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How CBD And THC Are Changing COVID-19 Treatment

The scientific community seems to be more widely accepting cannabis to treat newer diseases, leading to better education and understanding for all.

With coronavirus variants raging across the globe, could THC and CBD offer benefits not yet known in treating and keeping the virus’s deadly effects at bay? While THC and CBD are already known to aid in many diseases, scientists worldwide are looking to different combinations and strains to understand better how they can decrease long-term complications and death.

Throughout most of 2020 and already in 2021, new studies are emerging that back earlier findings, creating a strong connection between CBD and THC as agents against the virus. In fact, CBD is already making a difference with COVID-19.

Here are three fast facts to know:

CBD has already been proven to reduce inflammation in the body, directly tied to the harm of cytokines released by the coronavirus. Many COVID-19 patients did not die from the virus itself. The body’s response to the virus—a process called a cytokine storm—caused the body to go into a “fight” mode, causing breathing issues and over-saturation of cytokines in the body. Whenever a virus enters the body, it releases cytokines, a secretion from the cells that respond to the virus—allowing the immune system to retaliate.
CBD could be an effective treatment against cytokine storms, which is what causes the most havoc in the body. According to the medical journal, HealthEuropa, “Early findings in a study currently being conducted by terpene manufacturer Eybna and cannabis research and development firm CannaSoul Analytics, both from Israel, appear to indicate that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids used is up to two times more effective than the corticosteroid dexamethasone when used to reduce inflammation from COVID-19. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed.”
More research is continuing to happen overseas to see the virus’s full effects and ways CBD can mitigate long-term damage. Research from Rabin Medical Center at Beilinson, a leading hospital of Clalit HMO, holds a clue to further studies. In recent research, the Center’s team found that out of 11 patients in the program, 8 saw an improvement in infections stemming from the virus.

Announced in January 2021, a clinical trial in Israel featuring Stero Biotechs, “aimed to benefit and help COVID-19 patients in severe states with respiratory failure from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).” With heart damage being a leading cause of complications from COVID-19, many are looking into ways to lessen the virus’s effects on the body after infection. Stero Biotechs’ CEO, David Bassa, has been at the forefront of utilizing CBD and synthetic CBD in other trials, including Crohn’s Disease and hives.

This FDA Approved COVID-19 Self-Test Is Available On Amazon — Photo by Mufid Majnun via Unsplash

THC and the battle against COVID-19

THC is no stranger to the fight against coronavirus as well. The University of South Carolina unveiled a June 2020 study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, which found THC could effectively treat COVID complications and reduce mortality. The preliminary study found that using mice, “THC led to 100% survival of mice.” with the compound lessening inflammation cytokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α, removing the “cytokine storm” or overreaction to the virus and finding how specific cells and bacteria in the lungs played a critical role in understanding COVID-19’s reach and extinction.

Another study, published by the scientific journal Nature in January 2021, found that the C. Sativa marijuana strain showcased reduced inflammation against the virus and immune response markers. The study showcased a promising result but stressed caution with cannabis.

One element is certain: The scientific community seems to be more widely accepting cannabis to treat newer diseases, leading to better education and understanding for all.

Dr. Fauci Says You Should Avoid Doing This Right Now

Maria Loreto

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March 11, 2021

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Dr. Fauci Says You Should Avoid Doing This Right Now

In a recent radio interview, Dr. Fauci spoke about the new guidelines posted by the CDC and the one activity the majority of us should avoid.

As the pandemic evolves and more people continue to get vaccinated, the world is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While there’s still a long road ahead, it’s becoming more and more plausible to be able to hang out with friends and family without having to worry about COVID-19. Still, it remains important to stay vigilant.

In an interview with KNX-1070 Newsradio, Fauci spoke about the many things that he’s looking forward to once the vaccine has been distributed to large percentages of the community. He also spoke about some of his concerns during this pivotal time in the pandemic, where it’s easy to think that we’ve won the war.

COVID Might Be The Least Of Your Worries If Traveling With Weed During The Holidays — Photo by JESHOOTS.COM via Unsplash

Fauci also spoke about the importance of staying safe and avoiding things like travel. He says that when travel can’t be avoided, it’s important for people to wear their masks and to be safe when in tight spaces.

“Quite soon, you’re going to see formal recommendations about traveling about whether or not once you’re vaccinated, you really can go safely travel,” said Fauci. “Certainly everybody that travels should be wearing a mask. So I would think of a person has to travel—and remember now traveling is discouraged because of the level of infection and community, but many people just have to travel—so if you’re vaccinated and you’re traveling, you still should wear a mask for the simple reason that you have to wear a mask when you get on a plane and when you get on a train, but more granular description about what you can do in the arena of travel, we’ll be coming out reasonably shortly from the CDC.”

Other suggestions from Dr. Fauci include ensuring that all people have access to the vaccine, including people that belong to minority groups and are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and that people who are hesitant over taking the vaccine should be calm and know that it’s completely safe.

Now That Congress Passed COVID Relief, Is National Marijuana Reform Next?

Mike Adams

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March 11, 2021

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With COVID-relief efforts out of the way for the moment, Congress will have a chance soon to tackle marijuana reform.

Congress just passed a massive $1.9 trillion COVID-relief package that will put more cash in the hands of Americans ($1,400), extend unemployment benefits, and make other much-needed advancements designed to bring the country back from the grave.

The U.S. Senate, headed up by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, did its part last week — passing the bill in a vote of 50-49 — and now the House has come through. The bill now heads to President Biden for a signature.

So, what’s next? Well, we could finally see national marijuana reform start to get some attention from those Democrats dedicated to the doobie. It’s likely the next hot issue for the Senate.

At the beginning of the year, Schumer, along with two other Senators, vowed to make federal marijuana legalization a priority in the new session. “In the early part of this year, we will release a unified discussion draft on comprehensive reform to ensure restorative justice, protect public health and implement responsible taxes and regulations,” the Senators said in a statement. As far as the Democrats are concerned, the goal is to bring pot prohibition to an end once and for all in the United States. After all, more than half the country has legalized in some form or fashion. But they’ll have to act soon because legalizing at the federal level will be no easy task.

Although the Democrats control both Congressional houses, they are destined to face a slew of challenges when it comes to legalizing weed. For starters, President Biden isn’t sure yet whether a full-scale taxed and regulated market is the way to go. He’d rather see more research before taking such a bold leap. So even if Congress can get a bill through the legislative grind, it could face some resistance at the very top. Getting it there is going to be difficult enough. Sure, Democrats have majority rule, but it is by such a thin line that any resistance could jam them up. In short, Democrats are going to need some Republican support to go all the way.

But time is of the essence. The marijuana miser known as Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is already putting together plans to boot the Democrats out of control in the midterms. He told Politico last month that his primary goal this year was to put Republican candidates on the ticket that could win in November 2022. “The only thing I care about is electability,” he said. If he is successful, which is possible, Democrats would forfeit their power back to Republicans. And as we’ve seen in the past, having them in control never bodes well for pot.

Mitch McConnell Plans To Run Pro-Marijuana Democratic Majority Out Of Senate In 2022 — Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Schumer and crew will likely introduce pro-pot legislation by around April. However, unlike years past, Democratic controls will ensure that any marijuana-related bill that gets filed will get a fair shake in committee. They would almost certainly go before the full Senate for a vote. But so far, Democrats have been forced to work all of their magic by way of budget reconciliation, limiting their legislative reach.

The party will not be able to use this tactic to pass marijuana reform and tweaking the filibuster, the one thing that stands in their way of legalizing weed on their own could lead to a “scorched earth Senate,” according to McConnell. Because of this, Schumer and friends may have been a little ambitious in thinking that they were going to swoop in and put a marijuana law on the books in 2021. McConnell still hasn’t given any indication that he would help rally support for federal marijuana legalization once it is introduced. Therefore, getting the votes necessary to pass such a controversial bill could prove exhausting.

Nevertheless, with COVID-relief efforts out of the way for the moment, Congress will have a chance soon to tackle marijuana reform. How far will lawmakers get? Well, if you’re reading this, probably not as far as you’d hope. Not unless the Democrats have something clever up their sleeves.

Here’s When You Can Expect Your $1,400 Stimulus Check

Culture
News

Maria Loreto

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March 10, 2021

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Here’s When You Can Expect Your $1,400 Stimulus Check

The $1.9 trillion massive stimulus package approved by Congress is headed to Joe Biden’s desk to be finalized this week.

On Wednesday, Congress gave final approval to President Biden’s stimulus package, which is expected to be signed this Friday. Known as the American Rescue Plan, the package amounts to almost $1.9 billion, making it one of the largest injections of federal aid since the Great Depression.

Aside from the $1,400 direct payments, the package is expected to boost the distribution of vaccines and provide relief for schools, state governments and small businesses.

Here's When You Can Expect Your $600 Stimulus Checks — Photo by John Guccione via Pexels

Per the New York Times: “The measure will provide $350 billion for state, local and tribal governments and $10 billion for critical state infrastructure projects; $14 billion for the distribution of a vaccine, and $130 billion to primary and secondary schools. The bill also includes $30 billion for transit agencies, $45 billion in rental, utility and mortgage assistance, and billions more for small businesses and live performance venues.”

Aside from all of these changes and improvements, the relief bill hopes to slash poverty by a third and possibly cut child poverty in half, expanding on tax credits, unemployment benefits, food aid and rental and mortgage assistance. Despite the long road that the bill has faced, being heavily contested amongst Democrats and Republicans, according to the Pew Research Center, about 70% of Americans support for the bill.

The $1,400 checks will be sent to individuals who made $80,000 or less in 2019, single parents who made no more than $120,000, and couples who topped out at $160,000. People could receive their paychecks within days of the bill’s signing. But according to House Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who commended the Senate and House for working together:

“We were a seamless web and we worked together. We say to America: Help is on the way. You will receive $1,400 checks by the end of March.”

Setting Equal Standards For Women In The Cannabis Industry

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 10, 2021

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Setting Equal Standards For Women In The Cannabis Industry

It’s easy to blame gender inequality on society and the status quo, but women are not going to change anything in the male-dominated industry until women demand it in real-time.

By Silvia Munoz Campo

Many women around the world were raised to believe “this is a man’s world.” And, to a certain extent, that was the case back then. But as society progresses, we have come to understand that men and women should — and need to be — equal, both in and outside the workplace.

However, challenges are far from behind us: women still endure challenging work-related situations, get little recognition and support from peers, and are often faced with high hurdles when it comes to professional growth. And much of this goes unspoken.

Thus, the question remains: How can we ensure that things change?

Information Is Key

Gender equality information brings awareness to how many of these women still live daily. Keeping the conversation open gives hope that the invisible workplace struggle can be transformed, and eventually disappear.

Although many positive advancements have occurred in the past decade, racial and gender diversity in the marijuana industry is still lagging.

Last year, the overall proportion of women in senior-level executive positions globally was 29%.

In the cannabis industry, a report from 2019 revealed that the number stood around 37%. A bit more promising, however, this survey was only based on 81 self-identified marijuana industry professionals and excluded data from respondents whose legal standing was unclear in any manner up to 2019. The real number seems to be lower.

This article is dedicated to all the wonderful women in the cannabis industry who decided to help other women during one of the most challenging years in this lifetime: 2020.

COVID-19 Set Equality Back

“COVID-19 has deepened preexisting divides, vulnerabilities and inequalities, as well as opened up new fractures, including fault lines in human rights,” said the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in a recent statement. “Gender equality has been set back years.”

Throughout the pandemic, women have lost jobs at a disproportionate rate, many obliged to leave their professional activities to take on increased domestic burdens. This has resulted in greater poverty numbers, lower incomes, a lingering wage gap, and a lifetime of limited access to opportunities, resources, and labor protections.

Female Cannabis Leaders Will 2021 Be Their Year — Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Yet, the pandemic has also made the strength and effectiveness of many women in leadership positions shine. One such lady is famed cannabis advocate Mara Gordon.

“Women are the decision-makers in most households when it comes to healthcare, beauty and nutrition. As a result, they are already the subject-matter experts well-positioned to lead before stepping into the boardroom. Getting women to believe in their own power — and to act on it — that is the challenge,” she said. “Women must be their own biggest fans, and must convey their confidence to others.”

It is easy to blame it on society and the status quo, but women are not going to change anything in the male-dominated industry until women demand it in real-time.

The Boys’ Club

Men are recruited far more than women for top jobs despite efforts to bridge the gender gap. According to the Financial Times, just 5% of top jobs at big companies are held by women.

This is why the first step is to keep the conversation going. This is where our brave interviewees come in.

Many women in the cannabis industry say they have dealt with being patronized, downplayed and even considered to be annoying just for stating their own opinions.

“Before legalization, women played supporting roles in the home for the growers who were out doing the work all day. There were female trimmers, of course, those stories of women needing to trim topless — those aren’t fake. That was very real,” highlighted Jackie Bryant, a freelance journalist.

A recent Yale study found that males with more power due to seniority spoke more than their junior colleagues. Yet, for females, power was not linked to significantly more speaking time or attention.

5 Ways To Avoid Unhealthy Marijuana Habits — Photo by rez-art/Getty Images

In fact, the study explains that, when male executives spoke more often, they would get 10% higher competence ratings. But, when female executives spoke more, both women and men criticized them, leading to 14% lower ratings.

“It often feels like the industry is designed for males by males in the way products are designed, produced and marketed, which can feel one-dimensional and exclusive,” said Katie Bajcar, director of marketing at Spherex.

She admitted: “I often feel like it’s me versus the “big boys.”

Brittany Carbone, founder and CEO of Tonic Vibes added, “Having my hands in all parts of the industry, including cultivation and processing, I see a lot of condescension and predatory tactics.”

“You see it more in the trade show and industrial scene, where finance or real estate bros who are just cashing in on cannabis hang out. The level of ‘mansplaining’ and pressuring into a deal because you’ll never find anything better is classic negging.”

Not All Is Looking Down

Despite the disheartening stats, Jackee Stang, founder and CEO of psychedelics company Delic, feels optimistic.

“I experience a lot less mansplaining these days, but I am certainly more aware that it’s happening when it does happen,” she said.

“While I have zero stomach for mansplaining, I am much more likely to make fun of it openly while it’s happening as opposed to silently detesting it. Sexism is so ingrained into our culture that men are likely not aware they’re being sexist half the time. So our job is to make them aware. And hopefully with some humor.”

Needing More Women Representation

Recognizing the progress, Ellen Mellody of MATTIO Communications, argues there’s still a lot to be done.

“Industrywide female participation is still skewed, and overall the progress is slow. Many of us who perform executive roles in traditionally male-dominated workplaces like cannabis are forced to regularly confront our own unique set of challenges,” she voiced.

“As we celebrate all of the female disruptors who have worked so hard to create this industry and movement, we must also continue to break down barriers by stepping up and serving as mentors to young women entering the workforce.”

And it’s up to us, women, to lead the charge.

Nishi Whiteley, Credo Science co-founder concluded, “It is incumbent upon those of us with more professional experience and in leadership roles to provide guidance and mentorship to those around us. Women who help cultivate the professional and leadership development of other women make the industry better for all people and our stakeholders.

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

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