Lawmakers In Some States Want to Overturn Legal Weed

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February 1, 2021

Lawmakers In Some States Want to Overturn Legal Weed

“This shows what can happen when politics override the will of the people and causes a stalemate in the rollout of voter-favored programs,” says one industry expert.

Four of the five states that passed cannabis-centric ballot initiatives on Election Day 2020 have since run into hurdles. Lawmakers in some states want to overturn legal weed.

The pathway from ballot question to implementation has only been smooth for one of the five states to pass measures recently — Arizona. Adult use sales began on Jan. 22, with many medical dispensaries expanding to adult use to accommodate the newly opened market.

The Copper State sets a new bar by opening its market just a couple months after passing an initiative. Lawmakers from the other four states, however, are stalling the process.

South Dakota

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem issued a January executive order showing that she ordered a lawsuit to overturn the adult use portion of its results.

Adult use, which passed by a 54.2% to 45.8% margin, was voted into law simultaneously as citizens approved of a medical market that the governor is not opposing.

The governor is joined by law enforcement officers in the lawsuit, and court proceedings are ongoing.

Montana

Montana lawmakers aren’t opposing the results of its election. However, they rejected requests from the Department of Revenue to fund the program.

Despite opposition, home grow and possession laws did take effect on New Year’s Day. In the weeks since, amendments were filed to address taxes, their allocation, and product advertising.

There didn’t appear to be much concern from sources in the state, who indicated that implementation is still underway.

Chris Lindsey, a Montana citizen and director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project, says the funding rejection was disappointing. Still, the legislative session remains underway.

“We expect that the Governor and the legislature will ultimately make the right decision and uphold the will of the people,” Lindsey says.

could marijuana legalization unite a divided country — Photo by strelov/Getty Images

Mississippi

Mississippi’s bill is contested by Mary Hawkins, Mayor of the city Madison. The mayor argues that the initiative process was out of date because rules weren’t updated after Mississippi shrank from five to four congressional districts.

Hawkins, who filed her claim days before the election, has since been joined by the American Medical Association and the Mississippi State Medical Association in contesting the ruling. The groups cite risks to physicians and public health as their concern.

New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is refusing to sign legalization or decriminalization bills in their current states. His objection has been largely over the removal of language regarding underage possession.

He now has to issue a conditional veto seeking changes to the bill or hope that legislators compel themselves to amend the bill to his liking.

Murphy has until Feb. 8 to pass the bill, per New Jersey’s legislative calendar.

Despite his veto threat, Murphy said he is optimistic a bill would pass by the deadline.

Michael McQueeny, counsel for Foley Hoag’s cannabis practice, says the legislature and government are playing “constitutional chicken,” waiting to see which blinks first.

Jessica Gonzalez, a New Jersey-based cannabis and IP attorney for the firm Bressler, Amery & Ross, says the bill does not fully consider all parties.

“While I give credit to legislators who have been actively pushing for a regulated cannabis market, the legislative process did not leave much room for meaningful input from the patients, advocates and communities most harmed by the prohibition of cannabis,” Gonzalez says.

Marijuana Is Now Supposed To Be Legal In New Jersey, But It’s Not — Photo by
Photography by Steve Kelley aka mudpig/Getty Images

Confidence Among Most Market Leaders

Several cannabis executives did not seem concerned by the developments.

Paul Blair, VP of government affairs for Turning Point Brands (NYSE:TPB), looked toward recent positive news, highlighting Arizona’s efforts.

“That’s the new attainable benchmark for rolling out a regulated marketplace consistent with voters’ interests moving forward,” Blair says.

The state’s existing retail framework helped bring it online quicker than others, he explained.

“What’s clear across the country, though, is that public sentiment is rapidly shifting in the direction of market liberalization,” Blair added.

Others weren’t surprised by delays, saying that is the nature of the industry.

“We are not concerned and, to some extent, not even all that surprised,” ManifestSeven (CSE:MSVN) CEO Sturges Karban says. “The cannabis industry’s history of regulatory reform has often involved starts and stops, persistent political ambivalence, and delays in legislative action.”

Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTC:MJNA) CEO Dr. Stuart Titus also addressed the stalls in New Jersey, Montana and South Dakota.

“This shows what can happen when politics override the will of the people and causes a stalemate in the rollout of voter-favored programs,” he said.

Despite his worries, Titus does see each state eventually passing legislation.

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

5 Types Of Marijuana To Reduce Your Stress

Cannabis

Mary Schumacher

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February 1, 2021

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5 Types Of Marijuana To Reduce Your Stress

We can all use some stress and anxiety relief right now. The following cannabis strains are hybrids bred with those two emotional and physical strains in mind.

Sometimes the best remedy for super stress is to take in a big breath and exhale a cloud of a good, balanced strain of bud smoke or vapor to bring things back into perspective. It’s a known cure for a case of the mean reds, which are even more stressful than the blues, according to Audrey Hepburn’s beloved character Holly Golightly. To help with this, we have 5 types of marijuana to reduce your stress.

Though indicas are known to be such relaxants that they can give a user couch-lock, that doesn’t necessarily mean that being really stoned and a little sleepy is going to cure your stress. In fact, it could lead to a stress filled binge-fest in fact. (Though an original, pure Afgan is definitely a relaxant that won’t have you incapacitated when used in moderation, as are a few of the below mentioned.) A high octane sativa may or may not be the ticket, depending on your body. Everyone is different.

The following types of cannabis are hybrids bred with stress and anxiety in mind, and are listed in no particular order of efficacy, as again, everyone responds to cannabis in their own way.

White Widow

This classic, resin rich strain grows big, plentiful buds for a sativa dominant hybrid and thus is popular among growers and usually available at a dispensary. It’s an energizing strain that’s uplifting as well as having a slightly head high. You might get a little spacey, not too much, but perhaps just enough to breathe through whatever’s gotten your goat.

Jack Herer

study young marijuana use linked with stress and anxiety — Photo by AntonioGuillem/Getty Images

Another long time winner, Jack Herer is a well balanced hybrid that leans slightly more toward the sativa side. Because it is such a versatile, clear headed strain, it’s used for everything from PTSD to social anxiety to, of course, stress. It also has a rich history in its namesake, regarding hemp and cannabis activist Jack Herer, who penned the cannabis proponent’s mandatorily read The Emperor Wears No Clothes.

Northern Lights

A highly based indica strain (around 95%), Northern Lights has always had a reputation of being very calming, even to the beasts within. It might kick your ass if you smoke a few joints or a full cartridge to your head, but if used sparingly, it’s a great remedy for stressors. It’s another award winning, grower favorite and usually very easily found in states that both do and don’t have marijuana laws in place.

Super Lemon Haze

be less stressed — Photo by caio_triana via Pixabay

This amazingly potent and effective strain has 20% indica, just enough to keep the uplifting sativa high while bringing it down a notch to soothe the nerves and calm you down after an especially hard day. Usually covered in kief and with the smell and taste of Lemon Drop candies, it’s as fun to imbibe in as it is an anxiety slayer.

Granddaddy Purple

This fragrant strain provides a cerebral high that will absolutely melt away stress. A serious indica dominant, its effects are somewhat delayed, but are usually so relaxing that people also use the strain as a sleep aid. This is the one to pull out when the news is bad and you don’t have to drive anywhere.

5 Easy Ways To Eat Less Meat

Culture
Food

Maria Loreto

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January 31, 2021

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Consuming less meat is good for our bodies and the environment. Here’s what you can do if you’d like to get started.

More and more people are trying to reduce the amount of meat they consume, whether that means turning to vegetarianism, veganism, or reducing the amount of meat they consume on a daily basis. Reducing your meat intake can help you lower your blood pressure, increase your metabolism and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. We have 5 suggestions on easy ways to eat less meat.

Not only is eating meat every day less healthy for your body, the meat industry is also harmful for the environment, not to mention the animals themselves. Animal agriculture releases a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions, greatly affecting climate change. While your sole contribution won’t do much in the grand scheme of things, incorporating more vegetables and grains into your diet can be very beneficial, especially when approaching the topic with measure and low stakes.

Start off slow

setting a schedule can make you less productive — Photo by rawpixel.com

When trying a meatless diet, it helps to start off small, with realistic goals that allow for some margin of error, because meat cravings are real. If you’re used to eating meat every day of the week, start off with one meatless day, slowly adding in more days if you feel like it. This pace allows you to get to know your meatless foods, which dishes you enjoy, and it also gives your body some time to adapt to these new changes.

Buy a cookbook

Netflix Announces New Marijuana-Themed Competitive Cooking Show — Photo by rawpixel.com

While you don’t need to splurge on a vegetarian cookbook, it helps to have someplace where you can reliably obtain recipes that will make your transition into veggies a much simpler and pleasant one. This can help introduce you to new ingredients and dishes that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

Have a friend or partner join you

Workout buddies are popular for a reason: they help you stay accountable. If you have a friend who’s also interested in eating less meat, make a plan together. This can be made up of video chats or text messages exchanged in order to get meal ideas, or where someone cooks a big batch of vegetarian food and splits it with their buddy. It all works.

Plan your menus

Are You Being Healthier By Sticking To A Vegetarian Diet During The Week? — Photo by Brooke Lark via Unsplash

When cooking, it’s important to have a menu, that way you can shop properly and the meals can last through their intended days. When shopping for a meatless day, it’s important to get creative and to craft full meals that won’t leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied. Plan before you shop and it’ll be easier to stick to your schedule and goals. You can also find tons of recipes on Instagram. Accounts such as The Feed Feed and Minimalist Baker will ensure you start off on the right foot!

Don’t punish yourself

15 Coronavirus Memes To Help You Laugh Through The Bad Times — Photo by bongkarn thanyakij via Pexels

Lastly, whenever you’re trying out a new workout routine or changing up your eating habits, it’s important to expect some challenges. If it’s difficult to consume less meat, reduce your amount of days and push yourself slowly, that way your goals are easier to achieve.

Biden’s Marijuana Agenda Seems Destined For Trouble

Mike Adams

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January 31, 2021

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Biden’s Marijuana Agenda Seems Destined For Trouble

When it comes to nationwide marijuana decriminalization, the president would need the help of the full Congress to get it done. And that’s where things get tricky.

Joe Biden wants America to see him as the hip, new president who is just flat out better than Donald Trump. He’s not interested in building walls, inciting riots, or tweeting a bunch of jibber-jabber from the White House throne. No sir, old Cup of Joe has a more reasonable agenda than the lame-brained administration that just moved out. He’s trying to tame the coronavirus debacle, repair a beaten-down economy, and conduct a significant overhaul on immigration. But now it seems Biden’s marijuana agenda seems destined for trouble.

If time allotted, Biden would also like to be the Commander in Chief to kick some major tail in the realm of marijuana reform. Not only does he support the legalization of medical marijuana, but he’s also interested in eliminating the criminal penalties associated with minor possession.

Unfortunately, President Biden cannot crawl out of bed this morning and sign an executive order to end marijuana prohibition. He wouldn’t even if he could. Although Biden’s campaign showed a willingness to get behind modest cannabis reforms, full-blown legalization wasn’t one of them. However, Biden has some executive power he can use to help further the marijuana movement.

He can sign one ordering his health secretary to initiate the rescheduling process for the cannabis plant. And he might just do that. Biden has suggested that he would be willing to downgrade marijuana’s Schedule I listing to a Schedule II. Yet, when it comes to nationwide marijuana decriminalization, the president would need the help of the full Congress to get it done. And that’s where things get tricky.

There’s already enough evidence showing that it’s not going to be a bipartisan walk in the park on Capitol Hill this year. The Senate is presently in a political purgatory since the Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on the basic rules for operating a 50-50 split. To that end, the Republicans are stomping their collective feet at Biden’s early legislative agenda. They’re not buying into his $1.9 trillion stimulus deal — one that would put $1,400 into the pockets of each American — and they’re not at all pleased at the concept of raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

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

With this gridlock in the Senate, it’s going to be difficult for Biden to deliver campaign promises that keep the country from sinking further into a pandemic-driven downtrodden. It could also spell disaster for Biden’s plan to be the first president to get any concrete marijuana reforms on the books.

Now that the Democrats control both the House and Senate, cannabis advocates were hopeful that 2021 would be the year that marijuana got a fair shake on the Hill. Only it’s not going to be that easy. The Democrat’s majority is by such a thin margin that it doesn’t provide the party with the bulletproof political power that it needs to start making demands.

The Democrats lost three House seats to the new Biden Administration, which leaves them hanging onto the majority by a thread. The Senate, which is evenly divided, is in similar shape. Even though Vice President Kamala Harris is the tie-breaking vote for the Democrats, they are still going to need plenty of Republican votes to pass Biden bills, and that includes anything pertaining to marijuana reform. Although Mitch McConnell is no longer running the show in the upper chamber, the Democrats will desperately need him to rally the votes necessary to change the cannabis laws.

So what are the chances of getting McConnell to drum up support for decriminalization?

Honestly, it doesn’t look good – not at this juncture. McConnell is the more experienced, arrogant Senator, not to mention he still holds a lot of clout on the Hill even without majority leader status. Some of his last words on marijuana were not at all favorable. Given that he is still sore about losing the big boy’s seat in Georgia’s runoff election, he will not likely be quick to jump on board to help further the Democratic agenda. This is especially true when it comes to controversial issues, like cannabis reform. Still, former Schumer aides argue that he isn’t going to be bullied by McConnell. They say he has the chops to “outmaneuver the Republicans on substantive issues.”

Whether he’s a vicious enough shark to accomplish Biden’s policies remains to be seen. One thing is sure, Uncle Sam’s head is in a vice. This year could easily end up being yet another nonstarter for pot.

Trends Dominating The CBD Market

Green Market Report

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January 31, 2021

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The future for CBD is bright, and predictions for the market are only positive.

CBD is getting more and more trendy and popular day by day, year by year. It is one of the most quickly rising businesses in the world nowadays. Terms such as “full-spectrum” CBD oil or “CBD isolates” are not unknown to the consumers. What are the trends dominating the CBD market?

More than a dozen medical trials in the past decade have shown that treatments containing THC (and some that combine THC with another derivative called cannabidiol, or CBD) not only ease pain in MS patients but also alleviate other problems associated with the disease.

In the last few years, there has been a rising interest in CBD in the fitness industry due to the multiple health benefits that CBD presents. For example, CBD boosts the body’s natural response resisting attack by the antibodies that accumulate as inflammation. It helps injuries to cure easier and in less time.

These and other CBD benefits have created and still create some trends that dominate the CBD market, including:

New Brands

Cannabis brands create more narrow specialized lines of products for sleep, pain or energy. Every day new goods and new areas of influence are covered by the creation of new brands of products containing CBD.

Social Consumption

Customers are not hesitating anymore. Most of them are aware of the effects of CBD and are open to consuming new varieties and new brands of the products. New offers are quickly adapted and widely used by thousands of consumers. CBD is no more a synonym for marihuana. it is not dangerous anymore.

Micro-dosing

Micro-dosing is the latest model of consuming CBD. Many consumers claim that this is the best way to get all the benefits of CBD. Micro-dosing means spreading the daily dose into several smaller parts and taking them during the whole day. This method has become very popular recently. The consumers who are micro-dose fans enjoy tinctures and CBD oils. Probably it is because they find it easier to measure these products into different dosages.

Trusted Distributing Channels

The fallacies that some distributing companies have created about CBD is a miracle for some severe illnesses caused uncertainty about the truthfulness of this substance and about the distribution channels. Nevertheless, in the last few years, many channels managed to erase this negative perception about the distributing companies by hard and responsible work.

Now You Have a Choice

When the first CBD containing products appeared in the market the issue was to find and buy them; consumers had very little choice and their aim was to buy whatever they got. Now, the present market offers you a big choice not only of products, but also of brands and distributors. People pay attention to what they buy and they have the opportunity to decide what to buy and how much to spend.

Convenience

This is the general market trend and is essential for CBD market growth. Easy purchasing, new formats and forms, new shop locations, and especially home delivery created consistent and desirable consumerism. People want to be comfortable. A convenient lifestyle admires everyone. Any brand that has and offers these services wins.

FTC's Crackdown Against CBD Market Stirs Mixed Feelings Among Cannabis Pros — Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

CBD’s huge growth on social media is evident. It appeared out of nowhere with little evident potential and in one year became one of the world’s most profitable and prospective markets still with higher predictions for the future. The legalization of CBD in many countries and some states made the growth of this market quicker and more globalized. Both the European market and American markets have seen incredible growth.

Market intelligence firm Brightfield Group recently predicted 400% growth in the European CBD market from 2018 to 2023, a massive rise in a short five-year span. It looks as if the CBD boom may be set to go global.

The entrance of CBD products into sports made a crucial change in the CBD market worldwide. The use of many medical drugs has caused problems for lots of athletes, but since CBD is a psychoactive-free product, it never showed any dosage of marijuana in the sportsmen’s tests. This was a good advertisement for CBD.

The future for CBD is bright, and predictions for the market are only positive. Nevertheless, before using any product containing this substance, it is always a good idea to consult a specialist in order to avoid undesirable results.

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

Schumer Says Nationwide Marijuana Reform Is On

Mike Adams

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January 30, 2021

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Marijuana decriminalization is sure to be met with a signature if Congress can manage to get a bill on Joe Biden’s desk.

Nationwide marijuana reform will get some attention in 2021. Senator Leader Schumer says nationwide marijuana reform is on!

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the new king of Capitol Hill, says cannabis will get a fair shake this year once the session gets moving. Although the Senate has experienced a few hiccups so far as Schumer and minority leader Mitch McConnell have attempted to negotiate a power-sharing agreement, those issues appear to be resolved for the most part, and the upper chamber is finally going to work. Although there’s a lot of crucial issues that must be dealt with early on, Schumer says marijuana reform continues to be a high priority for Democrats in 2021.

During a recent interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Schumer alluded that this reform would be a part of a much larger racial justice initiative. “There’s lots to do, and we have to succeed,” he said. However, contrary to Schumer’s comments last year, the legislation probably will not call for full steam ahead marijuana legalization. Instead, it will likely follow the Democratic Party’s platform, which states that they “will decriminalize marijuana use and reschedule it through executive action on the federal level.” It also says they will get behind the legalization of medical marijuana and continue to allow states to do their thing with respect to adult use.

What Chuck Schumer Can Do For Marijuana As Senate Majority Leader — Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

It looks like cannabis advocates can expect to see at least some modest pot reforms being discussed in Congress this year. There was some concern early on that the Democrats’ slim majority in Congress might prevent progress from taking shape. Part of the problem is that the Democrats still need Republican votes to get anything to pass. They’ve lost some seats in the House, which has made it a little more difficult for them to control the room. And the Senate is split 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris being the tiebreaker.

As much as it hurts to say, the Democrats will need minority leader Mitch McConnell to rally the Republican votes necessary to approve anything substantial. Whether he’ll play ball remains to be seen. McConnell has stated that the two parties need to work together, but his attitude might change when presented with anything pertaining to pot. It’s no secret that McConnell loathes marijuana.

Furthermore, President Biden will probably be pretty strict when it comes to what pot-related measures he’ll get behind. He’s not likely to support full blown legalization. Still, the president seems more than eager to support legislation that deals with racial justice. He said during his campaign that he doesn’t believe anyone should go to jail for pot. Therefore, marijuana decriminalization is sure to be met with a signature if Congress can manage to get a bill on his desk.

Although Vice President Harris is a supporter of ending prohibition, she has said that she would not pressure Biden to take her side. We should probably expect the federal government to take baby steps on this increasingly prevalent issue if they can find a way to get anything accomplished at all. But America wants a change. Some of the latest Gallup polls show that more than 60% of the population thinks marijuana should be taxed and regulated similar to alcohol.

Senator Leader Schumer says nationwide marijuana reform is on, let’s see if he has the power and conviction to make it happen.

Should You Buy Bongs Online

Green Market Report

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January 30, 2021

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People have a general apprehension when buying stuff online, even more so if it’s anything related to recreational drugs.

If you are skeptical, having to buy something online can scare you off, be it a new gadget or something as trivial as a case of toilet paper. And when it comes to the online purchase of controversial stuff, like a vaporizer or a bong, it is fair that your guard would rise even more. Let’s be honest, all the misconception circulating about buying bongs online doesn’t help either. From the debate about whether it is legal to risk your privacy, all sorts of doubts may be creeping up your mind. So should you buy bongs online?

For instance, you might think ordering from an online headshop is a felony and cops are going to knock at your door the minute they get wind of it. To clear up these doubts, we are going to explain some of the most circulated myths about buying bongs online.

Buying Bongs Online Is Expensive

This is probably the most circulated myth about buying bongs online. While to a person who depended his whole life on traditional head shops for weed, buying online might seem expensive and more troublesome. Besides, people hardly want to trust a new supplier; they would rather stick with what is familiar to them.

However, buying bongs online can turn out to be cheaper than a brick and mortar head shop. Best Online Head Shop can stock high-quality bongs and dab rigs in large quantities by partnering with trusted manufacturers. Their stocks might be richer and more diverse than a traditional head shop. This ultimately results in the low price of bongs without compromising the quality.

Buying Bongs Online Is Illegal

Weed, tobacco, bongs, and all the stuff related to recreational drugs has this stigma attached to them: they are illegal, people who use them go to jail, and whatnot. It is completely understandable considering that most states have yet to legalize their use. Even the most progressive states are delaying coming forward and declaring them legal. Apart from the law, cannabis or recreational use is still taboo in some parts of our society.

However, regardless of the legal status of recreational drug use in your state, ordering from an online head shop is in no way illegal. As long as you are of legal age and will not use them for any illegal purpose, the law can’t stop you from buying them online. The same law that allows you to buy liquor doesn’t prohibit you from buying bongs online.

The Product Quality Will Not Be Up To The Mark

This is a regular dilemma for ordering any products online. Many sites are swarming with knock-off products and it is hard to tell them apart until they are in your hand. Unfortunately for the online purchase of bongs, some crooked online head shops can trick you into buying cheaper and inferior stuff.

RELATED: How To Buy Legal Weed Online

You will only have the chance of being tricked into buying a low-quality bong if you buy from a mediocre head shop that promises a cheaper deal. However, for customer satisfaction, an authorized online head shop will always provide good quality products using the latest technological solution.

You Will Have To Wait a Long Time For Your Product

Trusted online head shops have certain policies regarding shipment time and security. Most of them provide a three-five workdays shipment deal; it depends on the location that you want it delivered. Some online head shops even provide shipment facilities within 24 hours. Apart from fast delivery they also have strict protocols about the safety of your product.

Bongs and vaporizers have a delicate glass structure that needs careful handling. With multiple changes of hand during the whole shipment process, your product will likely undergo some rough handling, especially if it is from a less than stellar online supplier. However, with a first-tier online head shop, you can rest assured that your product will be handled with utmost care.

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

Your Privacy Will Be At Risk

Whenever we are making a payment online, we have this irrational fear of getting our privacy or identity stolen. This might not be completely irrational, but these cases are rare. If you stick with trusted websites, there is less chance of it happening. Online head shops are regulated by law to prevent any privacy breach or identity theft through the banking information you provide while purchasing.

Besides, the best online head shop will ensure that your product will face no scrutiny at any point of shipment, as it will be discreetly packed. Even your delivery man or your nosy neighbor will fail to guess what’s inside the package.

No Return or Exchange Option

A transparent return policy is part of the business ethics of a trusted online retailer. There might be cases when the customer is unsatisfied with the purchase or wants something different. A legitimate online head shop will readily agree to return or exchange that product according to their return policy.

They will also ensure the client gets an exchange within the fastest possible time and with the least complication in the whole process. However, no online head shop or any online shop for that matter will accept a used product.

No Personalized Experience

Your local head shop supplier might be very familiar (and trustworthy) to you, but they only can do so much when it comes to providing a knowledgeable opinion about the diverse world of vaporizers. Authentic online head shops have all sorts of vaping experts who can answer all of your queries. Besides, trained customer service and live chats are available for your service at any time you want.

If you want to experiment with something new or branch out from your comfort zone, the online head shops have a plethora of knowledge for you. To add to that, most of these online shops have separate platforms for customers where you can share your ideas with like-minded people.

The Bottom Line

People have a general apprehension when buying stuff online, even more so if it’s anything related to recreational drugs. While shady online head shops are to be blamed for this bad rep, the unassuming clients who order without checking the website’s credibility are also partly responsible. Now that you know buying bongs from an online head shop is neither expensive nor illegal, if you ever decide to buy bongs online, make sure you buy only from the best and authorized online head shop.

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

Outdoor Dining In The Winter Is Complicated — Here’s What You Should Account For

Culture
Food

Maria Loreto

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January 29, 2021

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Outdoor Dining In The Winter Is Complicated — Here’s What You Should Account For

There’s a lot to account for when having dinner outside in the winter. Here are some things you should keep in mind.

Outdoor dining has been one of the most successful pandemic developments, yet one that’s been constantly challenged by the weather and the contagion levels within our communities. Dining outside isn’t as safe as many make it out to be, especially with some of the setups you see nowadays. But it remains one of the few ways that can help us feel normal during pandemic times.

Here’s what you should know when dining outside:

It shouldn’t be done on a whim

How To Stop Coughing So Hard From Marijuana Smoke — Photo by cottonbro via Pexels

Despite what restaurants would like you to believe, not all outdoor dining spaces are equal. When we’re eating, we’re exhaling and inhaling, talking and drinking, thus releasing lots of respiratory particles. There’s no masks that can protect us, putting eating and drinking high on the list of potential risk.

Outdoor dining is safer than indoor dining thanks to ventilation; if you’re in an enclosed space with walls and other people, ventilation remains a concern. The safest option would be to find a restaurant with few people where there’s an umbrella and a heater…or an open tent. An enclosed outdoor space is basically just an indoor restaurant.

Now, the weather

Stoned Driving Policies Out Of Touch, Says Colorado Marijuana Users — Photo by Zachary DeBottis/Pexels

Make sure you know and trust the restaurant you’re going to beforehand. If there’s no heating available, you’re not going have a good time no matter what you’re wearing. If you can’t make it to the restaurant to check it out ahead of time, look on their Instagram page to familiarize yourself with the setup before you reserve a spot.

Wear the right clothes

man wearing knit cap on grey background — Photo by Andrew Neel via Unsplash

Sitting down…outdoors…in the winter…is no easy task. If you’re likely to get cold hands and feet, wear the right shoes, socks and gloves, since sitting down for over an hour can make for some really uncomfortable moments. Make sure to bring a beanie, a thick jacket and maybe even a blanket, even if you look a little weird.

Order the right foods

https://pixabay.com/photos/udon-noodles-soup-delicious-food-2234446/

Eating outside in the cold means that the glass of red wine you ordered is going to be more like a cold glass of juice. Maybe now is the time to enjoy white wine or bubbles with your meal. Also, the bowl of comforting soup you ordered may sound like a winter warmer, but it’s going to more like gazpacho sooner than later, so perhaps think about ordering something that tastes great when it’s cooled down or straight up cold.

Go at the right times

outdoor gathering — Photo by Ella de Kross via Unsplash

Lastly, you should try your best to avoid large crowds, even when the outdoor setting allows for plenty of airflow. Restaurants and bars are considered high risk areas because of the fact that people are gathered together with no face masks. The less people the better.

Don’t Get Too Excited About President Biden’s Ban On Private Prisons

Mike Adams

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January 29, 2021

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Don’t Get Too Excited About President Biden’s Ban On Private Prisons

Legal experts argue that this order’s overall impact will be more symbolic than anything resembling actual prison reform.

Corporate slavery is slowly dying in the United States. President Biden recently signed an executive order designed to eliminate the for-profit prison system supported by Uncle Sam.

In an Instagram message posted on Thursday evening, Biden wrote: “No one should be profiteering off of our criminal justice system. That’s why today, I ordered the Department of Justice to end the use of private prisons by the federal government.” The move is all part of the new administration’s commitment to racial justice. But while the implications of the order are noble, it will do very little to destroy the private prison complex.

For-profit prisons are run by corporations looking to cash in on the misfortune of others. The goal of this business model, just like any other enterprise, is to turn a profit for their shareholders. These prisons, which came about in the 1980s, sell their services to federal and state governments. But to keep making money, they have to keep the prisons running at capacity. Therefore, the longer prisoners are locked up, the better it is for their bottom line. Private prisons house more than 8% of the U.S. prison population. The Federal Bureau of Prisons holds the highest number of inmates through these contractors, experiencing an increase by around 77% over the past decade. Roughly 30,000 federal inmates are held in private facilities.

So at face value, it’s promising that Biden has ordered the Justice Department to stop using private prisons. However, legal experts argue that this order’s overall impact will be more symbolic than anything resembling actual prison reform. Because not much will change. “When it comes to private prisons, the impact of this order is going to be slight to none,” John Pfaff, a professor of law at the Fordham University School of Law, told NBC News. “This is not about shrinking the footprint of the federal prison system, it’s just about transferring people to public facilities. Biden is telling an executive agency under his control what kind of contracts they can enter.”

Furthermore, the order doesn’t alter the way states use private prisons in any way. Although the federal government will have to phase these contracts out over the next few years, states still get to decide where to house their criminals. And that’s a problem for the so-called Land of The Free.

“Since 2000, the number of people in private prisons has increased 39.3%, compared to an overall rise in the prison population of 7.8%,” according to a report from the Sentencing Project. “In six states the private prison population has more than doubled during this time period: Arizona (479%), Indiana (310%), Ohio (277%), Florida (199%), Tennessee (117%), and Georgia (110%).”

President Biden’s Marijuana Agenda Seems Destined For Trouble — Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Not even the federal government has to stop using them right away. They just can’t sign any new contracts. “The Attorney General shall not renew Department of Justice contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities, as consistent with applicable law,” Biden’s order reads.

Biden said the revision of the government’s private prison policy was just the beginning of his master plan for criminal justice reform. During his campaign, the president noted that he plans to decriminalize marijuana at the national level, not to mention clear the criminal records of some pot offenders. “Nobody should be in jail for smoking marijuana,” Biden told voters last year in New Hampshire.

Interestingly, the private prison system has fought tooth and nail against the legalization of marijuana throughout the years. By their own admission, eliminating pot crimes only serves to hurt their bottom line. They claim Biden’s order has consequences for the working class citizen, including losing hundreds of jobs in areas where facilities are located and negative economic impact.

But drug reform advocates say the order against for-profit prisons is just a start, and we have a long way to go. They’d like to see Biden address other prison reforms, like the mass incarceration problem. The United States has the highest prison population in the world. It presently houses more than 2 million people in private and public prisons. Drug offenses make up 46%.

Weed, Sex, Booze, And Other Consumer Trends

Benzinga Staff Writer

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January 29, 2021

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Weed, Sex, Booze, And Other Consumer Trends

Americans purchased $17.9 billion in cannabis products over the past calendar year. That’s $7.2 billion more than the $10.7 billion in sales from 2019!

By Andrew Ward

The pandemic helped vice businesses surge, or at least stave off the catastrophic downturns that other markets experienced. Here are weed, sex, booze, and other consumer trends we love!

With so many consumers staying home in accordance with social-distancing measures, they turned to new and familiar vices to cope. As a result, 2020’s market projections were thrown for a loop — setting the stage for a prosperous 2021.

Cannabis, Alcohol And Sex

Cannabis sales soared in 2020. According to Leafly, nationwide sales of medical and adult-use marijuana increased by 67% over 2019. That means Americans purchased $17.9 billion in cannabis products over the past calendar year. That’s $7.2 billion more than the $10.7 billion in sales from 2019!

The alcoholic beverage space outperformed 2020 expectations, but still saw global figures decline. Analysis firm IWSR reported that the market declined by 8% in 2020, less than the previously projected double-digit drop.

Alcohol e-commerce surged in 2020 due to lockdown measures, increasing 40% across ten countries, including the U.S., U.K, Japan, Germany, Brazil and Australia.

The U.S. sexual wellness market also saw significant growth. Per Grand View Research, the sector hovered $9.1 billion in 2019. It’s projected to grow at a 5.2% compound annual growth rate between 2020 and 2027.

The report noted that the pandemic reduced stigmas around sex acts like masturbation, prompting consumers to purchase toys to enhance sexual experiences.

Sexual wellness operators expect the acceptance of sex and sexuality to continue to rise, but replicating the previous year’s performance may be difficult.

Joe Vela, co-founder and CEO of sex tech brand Emojibator, says company revenue increased 83% between 2019 and 2020. He said the company is developing new products, lines and securing partnerships in an attempt to outdo itself this year.

“In 2020, we saw the trends towards celebrity-endorsed sex toy brands and subscription-based social media like OnlyFans which point towards changing attitudes of sexuality,” Vela says.

Cigarettes — Photo by Basil MK via Pexels

Tobacco And Gambling

Tobacco figures varied. Sales have declined for years, and continue to decline, according to Reuters.

Some countries, including the U.K., saw a spike in people attempted to quit smoking, and sales in South Africa declined as the government banned sales for five months.

In the U.S., because people were staying home and typically spending less money on things like gasoline, they opted to buy more conventional cigarettes instead of e-cigarettes.

Gambling also saw varied numbers as one or more rounds of closures affected casinos across several markets, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker.

After posting six months of gains, the U.S. market took a dip once again in November, with revenue declining 14.8%, or $2.92 billion, for the month. The decline attributed to a 1.1% deterioration in retail sales from the previous month and fewer weekends than in previous years.

Online gambling, however, could see a spike in 2021.

“With relaxed regulations in multiple states, there is potential for exponential growth across 2021 and 2022,” Lazhar Ichir, founder of gambling education platform BETANDBEAT, says.

Why Do The British Insist On Confusing Cannabis With Tobacco? — Photo by MAHDI HAJIZADEH via Unsplash

Operators Project Positive Results

Operators and investors appear optimistic for another successful year due to a combination of the pandemic, shifting public sentiment and possible regulatory changes.

Brand investor firm Vice Ventures Founding Partner Catharine Dockery credits the shift in the market due to changing attitudes across the board, from a growing public acceptance of cannabis to increased body positivity.

“That’s a big trend that will continue in 2021,” Dockery says of the shifting public views.

David Farris, VP of sales and marketing for Las Vegas’ Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:PLNHF), said that cannabis has shown that industry growth is possible even during the pandemic.

Farris cited plans for a superstore expansion in Santa Ana, California. That growth comes despite COVID restrictions.

“As these restrictions lift, I believe tourism and traveling will restore, and we will come back stronger than ever,” he adds.

Denver And Oregon Now Want To Legalize Psychedelic Mushrooms — Photo by farmer images/Getty Images

Psilocybin Will ‘Have A Moment’

Dockery is bullish, but warns that investing in any vice comes with regulatory risks.

“It is really important to work with people who are aware of that risk,” Dockery says of potential partners and investments.

In addition to the current slew of vices, Dockery is optimistic for therapeutic drugs.

“Psilocybin is going to have a moment,” she says, adding that she also has high hopes for additional treatments, such as ketamine.

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

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

“This shows what can happen when politics override the will of the people and causes a stalemate in the rollout of voter-favored programs,” says one industry expert.

South Dakota

Montana

Mississippi

New Jersey

Confidence Among Most Market Leaders

We can all use some stress and anxiety relief right now. The following cannabis strains are hybrids bred with those two emotional and physical strains in mind.

White Widow

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Consuming less meat is good for our bodies and the environment. Here’s what you can do if you’d like to get started.

Start off slow

Buy a cookbook

Have a friend or partner join you

Plan your menus

Don’t punish yourself

When it comes to nationwide marijuana decriminalization, the president would need the help of the full Congress to get it done. And that’s where things get tricky.

The future for CBD is bright, and predictions for the market are only positive.

New Brands

Social Consumption

Micro-dosing

Trusted Distributing Channels

Now You Have a Choice

Convenience

Marijuana decriminalization is sure to be met with a signature if Congress can manage to get a bill on Joe Biden’s desk.

People have a general apprehension when buying stuff online, even more so if it’s anything related to recreational drugs.

Buying Bongs Online Is Expensive

Buying Bongs Online Is Illegal

The Product Quality Will Not Be Up To The Mark

You Will Have To Wait a Long Time For Your Product

Your Privacy Will Be At Risk

No Return or Exchange Option

No Personalized Experience

The Bottom Line

There’s a lot to account for when having dinner outside in the winter. Here are some things you should keep in mind.

It shouldn’t be done on a whim

Now, the weather

Wear the right clothes

Order the right foods

Go at the right times

Legal experts argue that this order’s overall impact will be more symbolic than anything resembling actual prison reform.

Americans purchased $17.9 billion in cannabis products over the past calendar year. That’s $7.2 billion more than the $10.7 billion in sales from 2019!

Cannabis, Alcohol And Sex

Tobacco And Gambling

Operators Project Positive Results

Psilocybin Will ‘Have A Moment’

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