The Duke of Cambridge was struck down with COVID-19 earlier this year, shortly after his father caught the virus. Why are we just now hearing about this?
As to not alarm the nation, Prince William caught COVID-19 back in April, after his father, Prince Charles, was sick with the virus.
According to The Sun, William told someone at a royal engagement that, “There were important things going on and I didn’t want to worry anyone.”
The Duke of Cambridge, who’s next in line for the throne, was treated by palace doctors, and followed government guidelines by isolating at the family home Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, reports The Sun.
You would hardly know William was sick; he participated in over a dozen telephone and video call engagements during the month, including opening Nightingale Hospital Birmingham at the NEC via video on April 16 and appearing alongside Stephen Fry during a Comic Relief sketch on April 23.
A source tells The Sun:
William was hit pretty hard by the virus – it really knocked him for six.
“At one stage he was struggling to breathe, so obviously everyone around him was pretty panicked.
“After seeing medics and testing positive – which was obviously quite a shock given how fit and healthy he is – William was determined it should be business as usual though.
“He was determined to fulfill his engagements.”
Photo by Matt Dunham – WPA Pool/Getty Images
The source added, “As a result of his own experiences, he realizes absolutely anyone can catch this awful disease – and knows how imperative it is that we all take this second lockdown seriously.”
Last month, the Queen attended her first in-person engagement outside the royal bubble since March. She and Prince William toured the new Energetics Analysis Centre at the British military’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory…without a mask.
The palace explained that the decision to go sans mask was decided after consulting the queen’s medical team: “Specific advice has been sought from the medical household and relevant parties, and all necessary precautions taken, working closely with [the laboratory].” Kensington Palace didn’t comment on whether Prince William had been tested. They have also not commented about this latest revelation.
There’s no predicting how you’ll first react to the herb, so the best way to go is to start slow and know what you’re smoking or otherwise ingesting.
While the scales of prohibition propaganda fall from the eyes of many, cannabis loses its stigma and becomes more of a curiosity than a mound of devil’s lettuce. If you’ve never had the cannabis experience and really aren’t sure what it even entails, this is for you.
For decades there have been political speeches, TV commercials, radio advertisements and even billboards that have touted the many evils of drugs, but especially those of marijuana. Believe me when I tell you: they were all lying. Maybe not maliciously, maybe with the right intentions in their hearts, maybe even unwittingly, but they were still flat out lying.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s take a look at the plant that once was demonized, and how to consume it if you’ve never done so before.
First of all, cannabis is a bushy plant that grows well in many different climates, though the types that are most common to the U.S. prefer long summers and drier harvest times. This is why many people grow the plant indoors, where they can control the environment.
The plant itself contains many different properties that lead to its classification as medicinal. Among the many are terpenes, flavonoids and, most famously, cannabinoids. The latter includes the psychoactive component THC and the more mellow, yet nearly as famed CBD. There are many more cannabinoids working together as well, and these fit perfectly into our own endocannabinoid systems, which run throughout our bodies.
Photo by Mayara Klingner/EyeEm/Getty Images
When we ingest cannabis, the receptors in the endocannabinoid system accept the cannabinoid puzzle pieces and they get to work. Cannabis is considered an enhancement drug, so expect food to taste better (and to want more of it), for music to sound more intricate, for a massage to feel like heaven, and for a panic attack to feel like the end of the world.
There’s no predicting how you’ll first react when smoking marijuana for the first time, so the best way to go is to start slow and know what you’re ingesting. There are three main types of cannabis: sativa, which is more stimulating; indica, which is more sedating; and hybrid, which melds both worlds. If you’re able to get to a dispensary, ask the budtender which type and “strain” (variety or name) is best for you.
Whatever you do, start off slow by taking one to two draws off a vape pen, which vaporizes concentrated oils or the flowers of the plant for a smoother experience than outright smoking. Eat a quarter of a mid-range edible that has been infused with cannabis. Only put one measured dropper of marijuana tincture under your tongue. Not all at once on your first time out the gate, but you get the drift, take it easy and move up at your own pace.
If you’re coming into cannabis now because of an illness, try not to go into the experience with fear, as that can trigger anxiety that can then be enhanced by cannabis. Know that not one person has ever died from marijuana, it is non-toxic and beyond that has healing properties as well as pleasurable ones that you’re on the cusp of enjoying. Best of luck!
Cannabis companies can avoid the pitfall of creating toxic “bro culture” by taking diversity seriously. That includes women.
The marijuana industry is poised for another leap of growth with the election, an increase of use by seniors and healthy sales during COVID-19. As companies rush to cash in on the trend, few companies are doing it in a way to ensure diversity among leadership by including more female executives. Why are there so few cannabis women leaders?
Attorney David Feldman, a partner at Hiller PC and a leader in the marijuana industry shared his view. “The first active networking group was Women Grow, which also welcomes men to its events. Early on, it was immediately apparent life in cannabis was going to be refreshingly different from many other industries (including Wall Street) with which I have been involved, because of the important, dedicated and leading role of women in the space.
“It was estimated 37% of senior level jobs at these companies are held by women, as opposed the general 21% for all U.S. companies. Some reports are indicating a reduction in the number of women in senior positions over the last few years. Some feel that is in part due to the historical favoritism among investors toward male-led businesses, and the fact that more men from outside the industry have entered. It is unfortunate that so few CEOs of the bigger companies in the space are female, we all hope that balance can be improved.”
Deborah Johnson, who just joined private equity company Keneh Ventures as in Investor Relations, shared her thoughts as an experienced leader of building companies. “We’ve all heard of the horror stories coming out of the startup world — especially in Silicon Valley — where there are plenty of women entrepreneurs, but they typically get less venture capital or are overlooked when it comes to filling a seat on the board. As a result, we got this bro culture that became toxic.” (SEE: Why VCs Aren’t Funding Women-led Startups)
“Cannabis companies can avoid that pitfall by taking diversity seriously. A voice and background different than your own can only lead to smarter choices and a better connection with customers.”
While one of largest companies, iAnthus Capital Holding, just lost early founder and board member Elizbeth Stavola, others are expanding their executive team to include more female energy.
While cannabis use slightly leans toward the male consumer, women offer a significant growth opportunity, especially as it moves toward full legalization. Amber Senter (CEO, Breeze Distro and Chairman of the Board, Supernova Women), Christine de la Rosa (CEO and co-founder, The People’s Dispensary), and Dr. Chanda Macias (CEO/owner, National Holistic) have taken the lead founding and growing leaders in the space with Dr. Macias having impact in Louisiana. Debra Borchardt, founder of Green Market Report, one of the most respected cannabis business journalist and a sought-after speaker for her incisive insight.
Photo by rawpixel.com
Long time cannabis journalist Anthony Noto shares, “Cannabis companies can avoid that pitfall by taking diversity seriously. A voice and background different than your own can only lead to smarter choices and a better connection with customers.”
“On Nov. 3, there will be a number of ballot initiatives for voters to consider. Voters in New Jersey, Arizona and Montana — where there are existing medical cannabis markets — will consider legalizing adult-use. Mississippi may potentially become a new market for medical cannabis, and there are two ballot initiatives in South Dakota that seek to legalize both medical and adult-use.“
If current ballot initiatives pass, along with a Biden-Harris ticket that promises decriminalization, the cannabis industry will look completely different in 2021 and beyond. When that happens, regulators need to make sure everyone gets a fair shake. In various states where pot is legal — recreationally, medically or both — licenses were typically granted to connected Caucasian men. States are working on equity rules to build the female and people of color ranks.
Keneh Venture’s Johnson offers this advice for women who want to enter the industry.
All traditional market skills translate to the cannabis industry. It’s just a matter of lining up your skills and passion with the right company — or starting your own.
As a woman you can influence the market regarding the female demographic. As an economic force brands should be taking into account our preferences in messaging, platforms and products.
Engage with women groups — there are a number of groups in the cannabis industry — from Women Grow, WEiC, Toketivity, etc. where you can find others to be resources, mentors, affiliates and cannabis aficionados.
Refer other women to: fill a position, support a woman owned business, speak at forums, sit on a board, have an interview, etc.
We should all remember only female cannabis plants produce THC, so it is important they help lead the growth of the industry.
Wendy Williams is an Emmy award nominated TV host and media personality who may be going off the rails. Does she smoke weed?
Wendy Williams, host of her namesake daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, has been forever immortalized in gifs. If you aren’t familiar with her show (what’s wrong with you?), you’ve certainly seen her face somewhere on social media.
This week, she talked about her experience while shooting The Masked Singer. But the big news prior to this had less to do with masks and more to do with potential flasks. Last week, viewers were concerned by her incoherent rambling in the Season 12 premier, where she appeared unable to stay on topic or pronounce Adele’s name correctly. She didn’t seem sober. DJ Boof, who recently left the show, posted on Instagram: “Y’all have no idea what’s really going on and everyone there is afraid to speak up because they don’t wanna lose their jobs.. this is going to play out bad.. I feel sorry for the workers and victims.”
Williams has been open about her ongoing struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. In March of last year, she spoke about the topic on her show, explaining that she’d been living in a sober house as a part of her recovery process. “This is my autobiographical story,” she said to her audience. “I am living it. I’m telling you this.”
She explained that every day after filming her show, she went to various meetings around the tri-state area, and was driven home every night by her 24-hour sober coach.
Some years before, Williams also revealed that her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., had smoked synthetic marijuana. This compound is known for its dangerous side effects, which occur due to the chemical elements that are present in the drug. Side effects of synthetic marijuana include nausea, chest pain, kidney problems, psychosis, brain damage and more. At the time of the show’s taping, Williams’ son was 14-years-old and was taken out of the country for rehab. Reports say he is now healthy and sober.
There’s not a lot of information out there on Williams and marijuana, but with her history, it’s unlikely that she’s a regular cannabis user.
Until the election is over, give yourself permission to shut off your notifications, relax and unwind as much as possible. Or try some cannabis.
The election is Tuesday and you may find yourself feeling more anxious than usual. The endless barrage of the news, debates, polls, and even ads and videos you’re seeing online is enough to stress anyone out. You may find yourself worried that your candidate isn’t going to do well, even if it’s out of your control. (But do make sure you vote and get your voice heard!)
If you’re experiencing election anxiety this month, remember that soon the election will (hopefully) be behind us and we can all move on. Until then, here are a few ideas to help you stay relaxed and calm when anxiety strikes.
1. Step away from the news and get outside
Franck Michel/Flickr
Switch off the TV and turn off the news notifications on your phone. Spend some time outdoors away from the constant updates about the election. Go on a walk or hike or just spend time in a nearby park. The fresh air and the break from screens will allow your brain to refresh and recharge when you’re feeling anxious.
If you need to feel calm and relieve some anxiety and stress, CBD can help. CBD oils, tablets, edibles, and beverages can help you sleep, calm your mind, and even help with migraines and muscle pain. When the stress of the election becomes too much, CBD help get your through.
3. Exercise
Photo by Alexander Mils via Unsplash
Moving your body may be the last thing on your list when you’re feeling stressed and anxious. But during these chaotic times, exercise can help your body release endorphins, improve your mental health, help you sleep, and overall just make you feel great. The next time the news feels like too much, try jogging, cycling, swimming, or yoga, and watch your mood improve instantly.
Meditation might not be your “thing,” but during these trying times, it may be exactly what you need. Downloading a meditation app and using it for just 10 minutes a day can help you relax and feel less stressed, research shows. All you have to do is focus on your breathing and let the calm rush over you as the rest of the world melts away.
Until the election is over, give yourself permission to shut off your notifications, relax and unwind as much as possible. It may help you combat some of the anxiety you’ve been feeling.
This year’s Halloween is a little different (okay, a lot different), but that doesn’t mean people aren’t celebrating. Here are some of the most popular costumes of 2020 according to Google.
Signaling the beginning of fall and the fact that the year is almost over (hands in prayer emoji), Halloween is a moment that provides something for people of all ages. Kids get the chance to dress up and eat candy until they’re sick and adults get to dress up and get wasted without anyone judging them too harshly.
While this year is different in every way, there’s no reason why costumes can’t still be enjoyed. Google Trends set up a spooky page called “Frightgeist” that allows people to see the most popular costumes in each state. There are different sections, including a map of the U.S. highlighting the most searched costumes per state and an option to search for a costume according to your own personal preferences. After following these prompts, Google Trends suggested I dress up as a farmer, which was not what I was expecting. Still, I appreciate the inspiration.
Here are 5 of the most searched Halloween costumes of 2020 and the states in which they’re most popular:
Witch
Photo by Zachary Kadolph via Unsplash
Witch costumes have been trending this year, particularly in areas like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Sacramento and Chicago. Witches are the reason why we all want to watch Hocus Pocus as soon as the weather drops.
A more random popular costume this season is the dinosaur, which is trending in areas like New York, LA, San Francisco and Fresno. I see no reason why people would be so interested in dinosaurs except for how popular those videos are of people wearing tiny armed t-rex costumes and doing silly thing.
Harley Quinn
Photo by Chema Photo via Unsplash
Against all odds, Harley Quinn was one of the only superhero characters to get the spotlight this year. Birds of Prey, the film she stars in, was one of the only major blockbusters released this year, right before the pandemic started. If you live in New York, Houston, LA, Detroit or Nashville, your odds of stumbling into some Harleys are greatly increased.
The fourth most searched costume is… a rabbit? According to Google, this costume is searched most in LA, New York, Chicago, Salt Lake City and Nashville. Don’t ask why. I guess rabbit costumes can be very cute on children and very disturbing on adults.
Clown
Photo by Flickr user OakleyOriginals
Coming in fifth this year are clown costumes. These polarizing characters are popular primarily in New York, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, Green Bay and LA. Creepy clowns are always a hit on Halloween, just not in your dreams.
ICYMI: Here are the headlines making news this week on The Fresh Toast.
Are marijuana hangovers real? Anyone who has ever had an overly ambitious night with weed will tell you…yes, yes, they are; Picking the right cannabis strain is crucial for anyone searching for a specific feeling. Here’s how to make the right choice; People who use marijuana have more sex for a reason (and it’s not what you think!).
Let’s dive into these stories and more as we round up the top five headlines on The Fresh Toast this week:
Election Anxiety: 4 Creative Ways To Combat It This Month
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels
The election is less than two weeks away and you may find yourself feeling more anxious than usual. The endless barrage of the news, debates, polls, and even ads and videos you’re seeing online is enough to stress anyone out. You may find yourself worried that your candidate isn’t going to do well, even if it’s out of your control. (But do make sure you vote and get your voice heard!)
If you’re experiencing election anxiety this month, remember that soon the election will (hopefully) be behind us and we can all move on. Until then, here are a few ideas to help you stay relaxed and calm when anxiety strikes.
Marijuana Hangovers Are Real: What You Need To Know
Photo by South_agency/Getty Images
You eat one and then another. After 30 minutes or so of feeling nothing but the need for a tall glass of milk, you devour a couple more of those delectable little boogers. It is somewhere in the middle of a “Seinfeld” binge when the weed starts to kick in. And it keeps on keeping on.
Soon you are as stoned as you’ve ever been in your life. It’s actually a lot of fun, up to the point when you realize that you have to be at work first thing in the morning and the pot brownies are refusing to loosen their grip. Yet you manage to crash out…eventually. But in the morning, that dastardly alarm clock wakes you from a stoned slumber and something just isn’t right.
You’re in haze, a bizarre funk, unlike any you’ve ever experienced. It is difficult to put on socks, and forget about tying your shoes. This, my friends, is a sure sign you have entered the realm of the weed hangover.
Cannabis has different strains. Picking the right one is crucial for one to get the feeling that they are looking for. One can choose to go with those that contain THC or the ones that do not have this component such as CBD oil.
Important to note is that cannabis is not legal in most states, and one must bear this in mind before trying to buy any weed product. For countries where the use of cannabis is permissible, it is best to buy from authorized dealers to make sure that the weed bought is good quality and free of harmful substances. Back street dealers tend to lace their product with other substances that can alter the normal functioning of the body.
There is some controversy over whether marijuana actually increases sexual appetite. Some believe the herb puts them deeper in the moment and allows the overall sexual experience to become more enjoyable, while others are of the opinion that this perceived enhancement is nothing more than a stoned illusion.
A 2018 CNN piece on the subject from licensed couples therapist Ian Kerner indicates that it’s more likely that pot plays a positive roll in the bedroom.
Although scientific minds are still unsure how marijuana might boost libido, some sex professionals believe the answer is as simple as marijuana giving a person the ability to calm down and get out of their heads.
The marijuana industry is poised for another leap of growth with the election, an increase of use by seniors and healthy sales during COVID-19. As companies rush to cash in on the trend, few companies are doing it in a way to ensure diversity among leadership by including more women executives.
Attorney David Feldman, a partner at Hiller PC and a leader in the marijuana industry shared his view. “The first active networking group was Women Grow, which also welcomes men to its events. Early on, it was immediately apparent life in cannabis was going to be refreshingly different from many other industries (including Wall Street) with which I have been involved, because of the important, dedicated and leading role of women in the space.
The late Princess Diana was reportedly saddened that her youngest son was made to feel like he wasn’t good enough.
Growing up as a royal, Prince Harry had many opportunities most people don’t get handed to them. But his childhood was flawed, just like anyone else’s. And when your older brother is the future King of England, it’s probably a little rougher.
In the documentary “Meghan and Harry: The Baby Years”, Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine, spoke about the harsh reality Harry had to face as a kid.
She recalled how Harry’s great-grandmother would alienate him by focusing her attention on William by saying things like, “Come on William come and sit next to me,” making Harry feel left out.
Seward added that the Queen Mother wasn’t the only royal to treat Harry this way.
“Other members of the Royal Family were very conscious he was number two.”
This treatment of Prince Harry reportedly left Princess Diana “very anxious”, according to Seward, who said the late Princess of Wales was saddened that her youngest son was made to feel like he wasn’t good enough.
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On the flip side, the way Will found out he’d be King wasn’t much better.
When he was in school, William had no idea he was “different” from his classmates, according to one royal author, who says the Prince didn’t know any better because he was brought up as a “normal” kid.
“Before William attended school, he genuinely had no idea that he was any different from anyone else.
“His innocence of his position was soon ended by fellow pupils, who left him in no doubt who he was.
“On one occasion a classmate reportedly asked him: ‘Don’t you know the Queen?’
“William looked at him and replied: ‘Don’t you mean Granny?’”
Prince William will inherit the throne from his father, Prince Charles, making him second in line to the throne, while Harry is sixth, behind his nephew Prince Louis.
Chuck Schumer noted that if Democrats retake the Senate, cannabis legalization will be a priority, moving the ball towards federal legalization significantly further.
Next week’s elections have the potential to make some serious changes and reforms for cannabis and even psychedelics. In this post, I’ll examine some of the bigger-ticket items to watch.
The Presidency: Probably the most impactful thing for the cannabis industry is the presidency. I wrote a post last week about how federal law is unlikely to change with the current administration. We did, after all, give Trump a D+ on his record for cannabis. While Biden himself only scored slightly better by our rankings, he has since added Kamala Harris to his ticket, and Harris has a better track record and Canna Law Blog ranking on cannabis. On the balance, we think a Harris/Biden ticket will go a lot further with respect to cannabis legalization than a Trump/Pence reboot.
Congressional Races: There are a number of hotly contested races across the United States and Democrats seem to have serious chances in many conservative states. Just a few days ago, Chuck Schumer noted that if Democrats retake the Senate, cannabis legalization will be a priority. We think that blue wave in Congress will move the ball towards federal legalization significantly further.
Arizona: Medical cannabis is already legal in Arizona. Next week voters will decide whether to legalize cannabis for recreational uses. See our recent post on Arizona’s Prop. 207 here.
Mississippi: Cannabis is currently not legal in Mississippi, and voters will decide next week whether to legalize it for medical purposes only. See our post on the Mississippi initiatives here.
Montana: Medical cannabis is already legal in Montana. Voters will decide next week whether to, among other things, legalize cannabis for recreational use. You can read about the Montana initiatives here.
New Jersey: Medical cannabis is already legal in New Jersey, and next week voters will decide whether to legalize cannabis for recreational uses. See our recent post on the New Jersey cannabis question here.
Oregon: Oregon is considering one measure that would fully legalize psilocybin for therapeutic uses only. We’ve written a lot about this measure (Measure 109) and you can check out our posts here:
Oregon is also considering a law (Measure 110) that would decriminalize (not legalize or regulate) minor possession and use of all drugs.
South Dakota: Cannabis is currently not legal in South Dakota. Separate measures would, if passed, legalize recreational and medical cannabis. We will publish a post on South Dakota’s measures this Sunday, November 1, 2020, so please stay tuned.
Washington, D.C.: D.C. voters will have a chance to weigh in on whether certain psychedelic plant substances should be decriminalized (not legalized or regulated) next week. If passed, D.C. will be among many other U.S. cities (like Oakland, Santa Cruz, Denver, and Ann Arbor) that have already decriminalized psychedelics in one form or another. You can read about the D.C. efforts on our post here.
Griffen Thorne is an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm with lawyers in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Beijing. This story was originally published on the Canna Law Blog and has been reposted with permission.
It’s an investment that’s likely to pay off if you’re a regular cannabis consumer looking for more customization and the ability to switch between concentrates and herb.
Dual use vaporizers are devices that allow the user to smoke both dry herb and concentrates. Unlike the majority of vaporizers on the market, which allow for one method only, these vaporizers give more variability to the user and are a good fit for those who enjoy concentrates and dry herb depending on the occasion.
These types of vaporizers have all the perks of regular vaporizers, providing a healthier and more discreet option than smoking joints and blunts. Vaporizers function through a combustion process that doesn’t generate smoke, thus limiting the carcinogens and tar that smokers tend to ingest. Since there’s no fire, there’s also less of a smell produced, allowing users to ingest their cannabis comfortably no matter where they are.
As for the cons of dual use vaporizers, it’s important to note that in order to provide users with both capabilities, these devices tend to be larger and clunkier than what’s commonly seen on the market. Vape pens are known for how sleek and portable they are; dual use might ask for special care and even a protective case for you to carry your device around.
Dual use vaporizers tend to also be more expensive than other vapes on the market, with prices ranging from $100-$300. It’s an investment that’s likely to pay off if you’re a regular cannabis consumer looking for more customization and the ability to switch between concentrates and herb.
For occasional smokers, who prefer to consume with friends or when they go out, dual use vaporizers might not be what you want if you’re looking for something more discreet. It might be best to stick with a device that’s disposable or slimmer.
