In the news today regarding the famous canal – but what about Panama and marijuana?
Panama is the only place in the world where the sun rises in the Pacific Ocean and sets in the Atlantic Ocean. It is slightly smaller than South Carolina but has more bird species than the continental United States. It’s also home to many natural attractions, including whitewater rafting, snorkeling, and birding. Long a friend, it was the first Latin American country to use the US dollar as its currency. Now it is the news with the new administration. Considering the talk here, what about Panama and cannabis?
The economy of Panama is based mainly on the tourism and services sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of its GDP and accounts for most of its foreign income. Services include banking, commerce, insurance, container ports, and flagship registry, medical and health. Enjoy a significant number of travelers who enjoy adventure, outdoor activities and chilling, the country’s stance on marijuana is evolving.
Panama has made significant strides in the realm of cannabis, particularly regarding its medical use. In 2021, Panama became the first Central American nation to legalize medical cannabis when President Laurentino Cortizo signed Law 242, allowing for the medicinal and therapeutic use of cannabis and its derivatives. This law was a response to growing demands from patients suffering from various medical conditions, including epilepsy and chronic pain, who had previously resorted to smuggling cannabis products due to a lack of legal options
In September 2022, the Panamanian government established regulations to support the implementation of Law 242. These regulations created a National Directorate for the Monitoring of Activities Related to Medical Cannabis, which operates under the Ministry of Public Security. This body is responsible for overseeing the cultivation, production, and distribution of medical cannabis products, ensuring patient data protection and product traceability from cultivation to sale. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is tasked with issuing licenses for manufacturing and commercializing cannabis products, with an initial cap on manufacturing licenses set at seven for the first five years. Regulations aim to ensure that all medical cannabis produced in Panama adheres to strict quality standards.
The government envisions creating a robust local industry that not only meets domestic needs but also positions Panama as a potential hub for international medical cannabis trade. While they are making advancements in medical cannabis regulation, recreational use remains illegal in Panama. The law against recreational cannabis is often unenforced, leading to a culture where its use is tolerated among the youth. Both the public and tourist find it an easy atmosphere.
Panama has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America and has as stable government. Like the United States, it is a republic and engages the public. They have evaluated cannabis as a benefits and have moved to integrating into their healthcare.
They are more popular than dating apps and are consider a best friend – but are they really there when you need them emotionally?
They are man’s best friend with 38% of Canadians and roughly 50% of Americans having a dog. In the US more men have dogs and in Canada more woman have the furry companion. While they are fun, loving and play, does your dog really care when you are sad? Dogs have long been known as loyal companions, but recent research suggests that their emotional intelligence may run deeper than mere companionship; they can actually empathize with their owners’ feelings, particularly during times of distress.
A study published in the journal Learning & Behavior explored how dogs respond to their owners’ emotional states. Researchers found that dogs not only recognize when their owners are upset but also take action to provide comfort. In the experiment, 34 dog-owner pairs were observed in a controlled setting where owners either cried or hummed a cheerful tune. The results showed that while the dogs opened a door to reach their owners at similar rates, those who heard crying did so significantly faster—averaging just 23 seconds compared to 96 seconds for the humming group. This indicates that dogs are more inclined to respond quickly when they perceive their owner is in distress.
Interestingly, the study also noted physiological responses in dogs when their owners cried. Dogs that opened the door displayed lower stress levels than those who did not, suggesting that while they were affected by the owner’s crying, they were not overwhelmed by it. Conversely, dogs who showed high levels of stress likely cared deeply but were too anxious to act. This highlights a range of emotional responses among dogs, similar to human reactions.
The bond between dogs and their owners plays a crucial role in these empathetic behaviors. Dogs with stronger attachments to their owners exhibited quicker responses to distress signals. This bond is essential as it fosters a mutual understanding of emotions, allowing dogs to act on their instincts to comfort their human companions. As research continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that our canine companions are not just pets; they are emotionally attuned partners capable of providing significant comfort during our most challenging moments.
There are beloved and fun – and some of the classic and Spaghetti western’s have some fun
From today’s hit like Yellowstone to the old school TV classics like Gunsmoke, Bonzana and High Chapperell. Riding the wave of popularity, in the 60s and 70s a subgenera appeared in Italy produced with low budgets. Sergio Leone is considered the pioneer of the spaghetti Western genre. Leone was an Italian filmmaker who directed several and help make them popular. They are know for their anti-her and supervision of traditional Western tropes. All of If you look past the plots, you can see there is value in what they share. Here are some fun life lessons learned from Spaghetti Westerns.
If you pay attention, Westerns can teach you more about love and sex than a Prince song, and that’s saying something. Setting the stage – say you’re drinking at your favorite saloon and a local tough just called a barmaid a wench while grabbing her arm. You would get up, punch the guy square in the jaw and fighting would commence. After you win (of course you would win because you’re a good guy and good guys always win), the barmaid would take you upstairs, clean your wounds and then she would sleep with you. Ah, the good old days, where all it took to get laid was risking personal safety. Say what you want, it’s still better than Tinder.
Photo courtesy of Everett Collection
Alcoholism is a career option
In the Old West, being a drunk was a totally viable career option. In fact, it was damn near necessary. Every respectable town needed a town drunk. Why? How would you know who the respectable people were if there were no unrespectable people to compare? It wasn’t a bad living. You’d stumble out of bed, clock in for work stinking of whiskey, wearing the same clothes you went to bed in.
Fashion
In the Old West, wearing black meant you were a crappy person with no scruples or morals to speak of. In today’s society, wearing black usually means you’re a New Yorker, which to the rest of the world, coincidentally, means you’re a crappy person with no scruples or morals to speak of. In the Old West, all the bad guys wore black. So unless you were on the wrong side of the law, black was out of the question. Which is really too bad because black is really slimming. It’s a shame clothing can be so stigmatized.
Being a “man” may be a subjective thing in our modern times — but in the old West, there was a litmus test of manhood. Men had to be tough, brave rugged and tall. If you weren’t tall — that’s OK, you just had to have a complex about it and punch every third man you saw in the jaw. Why? Because you’re a man that’s why! But you also deeply loved your horse, you dog, and, while you didn’t show it, the few friends you have. You also stood up for what you believe in – sometimes when the odds are against you.
The 1966 classic The Good, the Bad and The Ugly is said to be best spaghetti Westerns ever made. Take a little time and enjoy the blending of Westerns, culture, art and more.
MLK shared a vision about building a fabric of society, including everyone and working together. Can this happen with the marijuana industry?
The swearing in a new president always gives hope. The cannabis industry has seen 3 presidents, none who have helped move the industry truly forward. The public has had a change of heart and now almost 90% believe it should be legal in some form. The major medical associations and federal agencies (aside from the Drug Enforcement Adminstration) believe it has medical value. And yet, our older, white politicians see it for something it is not. Thousands of mom and pop business are hoping for a change to help them on their ladder to the American dreams. And tens of millions are turning to marijuana to not only solve medical problems, but to wean themselves off the more dangerous alcohol. Here is a look at Martin Luther King and cannabis.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is widely recognized for his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and justice. Although he did not publicly address cannabis use during his lifetime, his principles resonate deeply with contemporary discussions surrounding marijuana legalization and the broader implications of drug policy on social justice.
The prohibition of cannabis in the United States has roots in racial discrimination and social control. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized marijuana, was influenced by prejudiced attitudes towards minority communities, particularly targeting Mexican immigrants. This historical context is crucial when examining how the “War on Drugs” has disproportionately affected people of color, echoing the systemic injustices that King fought against.
Many scholars and activists argue if King were alive today, he would likely advocate for an end to the War on Drugs, recognizing it as a continuation of racial oppression. Michelle Alexander, in her influential work “The New Jim Crow,” highlights how the drug war has perpetuated cycles of racial injustice and mass incarceration. Statistics reveal that Black individuals are arrested for cannabis offenses at rates significantly higher than their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates. This disparity aligns with King’s vision of equality and justice for all.
As discussions around cannabis legalization continue to evolve, figures like Martin Luther King III emphasize the importance of equity in the cannabis industry. He advocates for creating opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in this burgeoning market. This aligns with King’s broader vision of building a “beloved community” where economic and social justice prevail.
A large portion of industry leaders who were involved in the incoming president’s campaign are hopeful. Millions of average people want it, millions more need it for medical issues, and thousands of small business owned by a variety of people want it, will this administration take the step forward?
The holidays and then back to work to a busy 2025 – relax and sleep late this 3 day weekend with a little help from cannabis
First came the holidays and then boom, back to work. After 5 weeks of making merry, all the meetings, work things and more have accumulated and it is back to work in wintery weather. Add the news and short days – it can be a little disheartening. Taking time for a relaxing, indulgence sleeping in sounds great – but sometimes the body is too wound up. Well, marijuana can help you sleep late this weekend – and maybe help your body unwind.
The relationship between cannabis and sleep is complex and multifaceted. Cannabis primarily affects sleep through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the brain. The active compounds, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), bind to cannabinoid receptors, promoting sleep by increasing levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that encourages sleepiness, and suppressing arousal signals in the brain. THC is known to reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep while increasing deep, slow-wave sleep, which is considered restorative.
Photo by Kinga Cichewicz via Unsplash
For many users, marijuana can provide short-term benefits such as faster sleep onset and improved sleep quality during the first half of the night. A significant portion of users report that cannabis helps them relax both mentally and physically, leading to deeper and more uninterrupted sleep. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, or restless legs syndrome, where cannabis may alleviate symptoms that interfere with sleep.
Despite the short-term benefits, experts caution against long-term reliance on marijuana for sleep. Research indicates habitual use can lead lack of sleep, increased awakenings during the night and fragmented sleep patterns. Over time, users may find that the initial benefits diminish, leading to a cycle where insomnia returns more severely upon cessation of use. Like most sleep aids, this is for occasional use and not a nightly routine.
Interestingly, surveys reveal that nearly 25% of Americans occasionally use marijuana to help with sleep. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations. Over 50% of Gen Z express high stress and the need to relax.
The first 3-day weekend of the year is a reason to kick back or have an adventure – and here are cocktails to accompany the ride!
The year has started with a bang and now we are rolling into the first 3 Day weekend – ending in the presidential inauguration. Skiing, hiking, travel, chilling or politics…what better way to compliment the activity than with something tasty. Here are the best cocktails for this winter 3 day weekend.
What better way to start a 3 Day weekend and Inauguration weekend then with a little indulgence in with the original sin. The drink has multiple recipes – including one iwth absinthe, but this one should be easy, tasty and a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Ingredients
2ounces chilled champagne
1ounce brandy
Splash of triple sec
Splash of grenadine
Orange twist for garnish
Create
Combine ingredients in a brand snifter
Stir and add ice cube to chill to taste
Garnish with orange twist
The Americana Cocktail
Wha better way to celebrate Martin Luther King Day with an all American drink and a vision of a better tomorrow. This drink is tasty and potent.
Ingredients
1 sugar cube (we prefer a demerara sugar cube)
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 ounce bourbon
2 ounces Brut Champagne
Orange slice for garnish
Create
Coat the sugar cube well with the Angostura bitters – approximately 4 dashes
Drop the sugar cube into a chilled flute
Pour the bourbon over the sugar
Top up with the Champagne.
Garnish with an orange slice
Whiskey Smash
Why not try something different. You might not want to get smashed this weekend, but this cocktail can trace its origin back to the late 1800s. Tasty, refreshing and easy to make. Great way to delight your taste buds.
Weather skiing, hiking, road tripping or hanging out in DC – chances are the weather is going to be nippy. Why not lean into it and have this spicy frostbite to feel cozy and warm on the inside?
It seems the new administration will put a bigger focus on space – here are the perfect strains to celebration the exploration.
The new admisntration is poised to encourage expanded space travel. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight conducted in 1969, and now Blue Origin, Boeing SpaceX and more are working on leaving the earth’s orbit normal. Civilians can now pay to be taking up and experience.
Not everyone can write the check, but here are our awesome 11 marijuana strains to celebrate space travel and take you out of this world.
A hybrid strain that combines relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. It’s gaining popularity for its unique branding and powerful effects, making it a standout in the cannabis market.
An indica-dominant strain (85% Indica/15% Sativa) known for its euphoric and focused effects. It features a fruity flavor profile derived from its parent strains, Gorilla Glue and Wookie #15.
Apollo 11
Celebrating the historic moon landing, this strain delivers strong cerebral effects that help alleviate stress and moderate pain.
Apollo 13
This hybrid strain features energizing effects with an earthy scent, inspired by the famous space mission. Users report a euphoric experience that feels like a journey through space.
Cosmic Collision
A fusion of Cosmic Charlie and Piña Collision, this sativa strain offers pineapple-kiwi flavors and uplifting effects that enhance creativity.
Carl Sagan
Named after the famous astronomer, this strain provides balanced effects and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day of cosmic exploration.
Outer Space
A sativa known for its creative and energetic effects, Outer Space is said to make users feel uplifted and focused—ideal for those looking to explore their thoughts.
This balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) is known for its euphoric high and ability to alleviate various ailments such as pain and anxiety.
Northern Lights
A classic indica strain that promotes relaxation and introspection, perfect for those looking to ponder the mysteries of space while enjoying a calming experience.
White Widow
This enduring strain provides cerebral stimulation without anxiety, suitable for contemplative moments or social gatherings under the stars.
Supernova
Known for its powerful effects and vibrant flavors, Supernova is ideal for those seeking an explosive experience that mirrors the wonders of the cosmos.
By 2021, people thought they were gone forever, but they have roared back bigger and better.
Las Vegas was the birthplace of the All You Can Eat Buffet. The concept grew and places like Golden Corral, Sizzler and more dotted the national landscape. Not to be confused with cafeterias like Cleburne in Texas (founded in 1941) or Morrison’s in the Southeast (founded in 1920), the all-you-can-eat focused on value and quantity. The restaurant type struggled during Covid and many industry experts expected their demise, but All you can eat buffets are back in a big way. From the “by the pound” places to sit down restaurants, customers have embraced them again…and sales are soaring.
The all-you-can-eat buffet is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, evolving from its past reputation of low-quality, mass-produced food to a vibrant dining experience that emphasizes quality and sustainability. This revival can be attributed to several factors, including consumer demand.
Today’s buffets are redefining the dining landscape by incorporating gourmet offerings and interactive experiences. Gone are the days of lukewarm trays filled with unidentifiable dishes; modern buffets feature live cooking stations where chefs prepare meals on-site, showcasing everything from sushi to seasonal farm-to-table dishes. This shift prioritizes quality over quantity, appealing to a more discerning clientele who values fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Outside of Seattle, WA Feast Buffet lets you make custom ramen and Harvest Buffet has a make your Mongolian Beef.
The economic climate has also played a significant role in the buffet’s comeback. With inflation affecting grocery and restaurant prices, buffets offer an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value. For a fixed price, diners can enjoy a wide variety of foods, making it an appealing choice amid rising costs of living. In 2022, the buffet industry generated approximately $5.5 billion, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year, as many establishments reopened post-pandemic.
A noteworthy trend among modern buffets is their commitment to sustainability. Many establishments are implementing practices that minimize food waste by creatively repurposing leftovers and sourcing ingredients from local farmers.
Buffets have regained their status as social hubs where families and friends gather to enjoy meals together. This communal aspect is particularly significant in many cultures, where dining is synonymous with connection and celebration. Buffets cater to diverse tastes, allowing diners to explore various cuisines in one sitting, which enhances the overall dining experience.
The resurgence of all-you-can-eat buffets is not merely a return to old habits but rather an evolution that embraces quality, sustainability, and community.
Sometimes it is easier – but should you drink water from the bathroom?
The body needs water…and the lack of water can causes issues. The right drinking water nourishes the body, but most don’t get what they need. While generally people don’t drink enough plan water, men tend to drink more water than women. Because it is easier, some people refill their glass/bottle at the easiest tap, but should you drink water from the bathroom sink? Drinking water regularly from the bathroom tap may seem like a convenient option, but it poses several health risks and hygiene concerns make it a bit sketchy.
One of the primary reasons to avoid drinking bathroom water is the potential for contamination. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and other pathogens due to the high humidity and frequent use. The faucet itself can harbor germs, especially if it is not cleaned regularly. Additionally, bathroom plumbing may contain lead or other harmful substances, particularly in older homes where pipes have not been updated. Lead exposure can lead to serious health issues, including developmental problems in children and cardiovascular effects in adults.
Photo by Coco Images via Pexels
Bathrooms are often less hygienic than kitchens. Even if the water coming from the tap is treated and safe to drink, the surfaces around the sink are frequently touched by dirty hands. Items such as toothbrushes, soap dishes, and towels can also contribute to the spread of germs. When people wash their hands or flush toilets, splashes can contaminate the sink area, increasing the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria when drinking from the tap
The quality of water can vary significantly between different sources in a home. Kitchen taps generally draw from cleaner lines and may be subject to stricter regulations regarding water quality. In contrast, bathroom taps may not be as rigorously monitored or maintained. This inconsistency can lead to unexpected contaminants entering the water supply.
Kitchen taps are typically cleaner and may offer better filtration options. If you are concerned about water quality, consider using a water filter that has been certified to remove contaminants.
Water is the key to life, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (a little under a gallon) of fluids a day for men and 11.5 cups (.7 gallons) of fluids a day for women.
There is a big buzz about the dropping of fact checking and opening the door to increased online harassment on Meta they still stomp on marijuana
Dealing with fake or hateful information online can be annoying, but for some, it is much worse. Especially for kids who are still developing their coping skills. In fact, 26.5% of teens (aged 13 to 17) reported experiencing cyberbullying within the last 30 days. This marked an increase from 16.7% in 2016. Despite the increase, Meta announced a shift towards a “community notes” model where users can flag questionable content instead of relying solely on third-party fact-checkers.
However, this change does not extend to cannabis content, which remains heavily moderated and often blocked from search results. Cannabis-related content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, remains stringent despite recent updates to its content moderation policies. The company continues to categorize cannabis content as a “high severity violation,” which places it alongside issues like terrorism and fraud.
Meta ended its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a user-driven model akin to Community Notes. Critics argue this will lead to an increase in misinformation and hate speech, as there will be less oversight on potentially harmful content. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that this change would likely result in more “bad stuff” circulating on its platforms.
Via Anton Petrus/Getty
And yet, the ongoing restrictions have made it difficult for cannabis advocates, news outlets, and businesses to share information or promote educational content about cannabis including medical marijuana. The American Medical Association, AARP, the Food and Drug Administration have all acknowledged the value of medical marijuana, but information on how it helps as been limited by Meta.
Many accounts related to cannabis advocacy have faced suspensions or limitations, further complicating efforts to engage with the public on legalization and reform issues. Not only as medical marijuana benefiting millions, thousands of mom and pop business are being hurt by the policy.
Meta’s policies reflect an outdated view of cannabis, lumping it together with more dangerous drugs without recognizing its legal status in many jurisdictions. This has led to accusations that Meta is missing an opportunity to support the evolving cannabis community and its businesses. Interesting their harmful cannabis policy is now in line with their hateful content policy.
