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It Is The DEA Against The Vast Majority Of The Public About Marijuana

Terry Hacienda
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It Is The DEA Against The Vast Majority Of The Public About Marijuana

The cannabis industry is concerned about the direction of regulations – and the DEA is still against the plant.

The cannabis industry is very concerned for the future.  While many supported the incoming president with hopes for action, things look rough. The Speaker of the House is against legal marijuana, the pro-weed Attorney General nominee seems to be in trouble, and some of the new Senate leadership feel cannabis issues as dead on arrival.  And is this giving an indicator to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to not do anything?  It is the DEA against the vast majority of the public about marijuana.

RELATED: DEA Delivers Gut Punch To Marijuana Industry

Every poll shows at least 88% of the population is for some form of legal cannabis.  Florida had almost 57% of their voting public support full recreation. Almost all major medical organizing including the federal government’s Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration, the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians have supported rescheduling. Their reason is proven science around it providing clear medical benefits. But the DEA seems to be against it.

Now, the DEA and their Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney has denied a key group from being part of the hearing. Cannabis has been proven to help with PTSD and the Veterans adminstartion has rearranged its process to allow veterans to seek this option of treatment.  The Veterans Action Council (VAC), an organization supporting cannabis access for military veterans, petitioned request “status as an interested party” to give testimony.

This is a follow up from an earlier requested to participate. Despite working with the government, the group was not included on the list of 25 participants released Oct. 31 by DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.

According to a footnote in the order denying the Veteran group a chance to testify, the DEA could allow more participants to testify. But DEA DIrector Milgam has shown no love for cannabis or the industry, and the current list leans heavily into the anti-cannabis group and  against the general public.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

As reported in early summer, Director Milgram made an unusual request of top deputies summoned in March for the “Marijuana Meeting”: Nobody could take notes. This has made the industry very anxious and hoping for a positive outcome for the thousands of mom and pop businesses.

Can Little Cannabis Help Big Tobacco

Amy Hansen
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Can Little Cannabis Help Big Tobacco

Tobacco has long been an economic giant…but is cannabis upending the system?

From the Marlboro Man to Virginia Slims, smoking a cigarette has been iconic.  Movie stars, Santa Clause and more encouraged their favorite brands.  Soldiers in war received complimentary cigarettes as part of their rations. But when Fred Levine won the famous tobacco lawsuit, the industry reign as a top dog rapidly started to diminish. But can little cannabis help big tobacco? Marijuana has recently surpassed tobacco in popularity among Americans. Currently, 16% of adults report smoking marijuana, compared to only 11% who smoke cigarettes. The power tobacco industry could expand but increase their stake in cannabis.
In the United States and Canada, cigarette consumption peaked in 1965 at a staggering 4,259 cigarettes per capita annually. During this period, about 50% of men and 33% of women smoked regularly. The tobacco industry’s influence extended far beyond sales, shaping culture, advertising, and even medical opinions. “Big Tobacco” includes Philip Morris (now Altria), R.J. Reynolds, British American Tobacco, and Imperial Tobacco were and are key international corporations and used to be big players on the stock market.

A key concern is the change in demographics. Nearly a third of respondents under 35 say they smoke marijuana compared to 8% of young Americans smoke cigarettes at least once a week. A drastic trend which will be hard to change.  Gen Z has always drifted away from alcohol and started the California sober movement where they only consume marijuana and don’t drink.  The alcohol industry has a stake with over $12 billion invested.

While not at the same level, Big Tobacco seems a future in the plant. Altria Group, the parent company of Philip Morris USA, made one of the largest investments by acquiring a 45% stake in Canadian cannabis company Cronos Group for $1.8 billion. British American Tobacco (BAT) has also been actively investing in cannabis. Imperial and Phillip Morris have shown interest but have yet to make a major play.

Big Tobacco has the clout, cash and cleverness to take marijuana to the next level in not only the US but around the globe. They can make cannabis an international juggernaut not only recreationally, but medically.

A Glass Of Water Should Only Sit Out For This Long

Sarah Johns
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A Glass Of Water Should Only Sit Out For This Long

You don’t really think about it – but memes have been asking about how long a glass of water can sit out before it goes “bad”.

We know about milk, beer, sodas and more – when to drink, when they go bad and when to toss. But water?  It is part of nature, can be served hot, warm or cold, left out and usually has just one ingredient – water. Even adding ice just adds more of the same. But how long should a glass of water be left undrunk?  Well, believe it or not – it is has a shelf life. A glass of water should only sit out for this long, according to experts…let us explain.

RELATED: This Epic Love Story Is Being Set To Music

According to water experts, a glass of water can safely sit out for around 12 hours before you should worry about drinking it; however, it may start to taste flat or stale due to carbon dioxide from the air mixing with the water, so it’s best to consume it sooner if you want the best flavor. 
water
Photo by Steve Johnson via Unsplash

The main concern with leaving water out for too long is that it will lose its freshness and develop a slightly off taste due to absorbed carbon dioxide from the air. While it is generally safe to leave water out for a day or so, leaving it exposed for extended periods can increase the risk of airborne contaminants settling into the glass, especially in dusty environments. 

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.

RELATED: Great Fall Whiskeys

Drinking water left out puts it at room temperature, generally consider idea for drinking. It is easy absorbed by the body, which is why tap instead of cold water is best if you are hot and trying to hydrate.

To maintain the best quality if you are leaving water out, cover your glass of water if you plan to leave it out for a while.

 

How MMA And Boxing Are Using CBD

Anthony Washington
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How MMA And Boxing Are Using CBD

MMA and Boxing are having a moment in the spotlight…but did you know CBD has role?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a relatively young sport increasing in popularity. In 2022, there were around 2.5+ million people in the United States who participated in MMA for fitness. MMA fighters have become more accessible to fans through social media, where they share glimpses of their daily lives. And boxing, which had seemed to lose an audience, is making a small comeback. They have some high profile fans who have brought additional attention to matches. The action in brutal on the body, but here is how MMA and boxing are using CBD…and everyone is cool with it.

CBD has gained popularity in the world of combat sports, particularly in boxing and (MMA). This natural compound, derived from the cannabis plant, has become a go-to option for many fighters seeking to enhance recovery, manage pain, and improve overall performance. And unlike medical marijuana, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018. The decision has allowed athletes to use CBD without fear of violating anti-doping regulations. The caveat is fighters need to ensure the CBD products have non-detectable levels of THC to avoid potential issues with drug testing.

man in black and white striped long sleeve shirt

One of the primary reasons boxers and MMA fighters turn to CBD is its potential to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. The physical demands of these sports often result in injuries, soreness, and inflammation. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially helping to manage pain without the risk of addiction associated with traditional opioid-based medications.

A significant concern in boxing and MMA is the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to repeated blows to the head. Interestingly, CBD has shown potential neuroprotective properties. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD might help protect against and potentially improve outcomes in cases of TBI.

Quality sleep is crucial for athletes’ recovery and performance. CBD has shown promise in improving sleep quality and duration, which is essential for fighters who need to recover from intense physical activity. By promoting better sleep, CBD may help boxers and MMA fighters recover more efficiently between training sessions and fights.

Combat sports can be mentally taxing, with fighters often experiencing performance anxiety and stress. CBD has been reported to have anxiolytic properties, potentially helping athletes manage pre-fight jitters and overall stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining focus and composure during high-pressure situations.

How Marijuana Can Help Your Golf Game

Anthony Washington
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How Marijuana Can Help Your Golf Game

Fall is the perfect time to play golf…not to warm and a great exercise…and marijuana can help you up your game.

The weather is getting pleasant in the Southern part of the US. From Florida to South California, courses are packed with players, golf carts and clubs swinging in the air.  But how can marijuana help your golf game? In 2023, more than 26.6 million people participated on the golf course. This is a record number of participants playing 531 rounds of the game. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. And the younger set is embracing with 6 million playing. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf.  But it seems they are indulging in midweek golf as many work for home.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

One of the key ways marijuana can potentially benefit your golf game is by reducing stress and anxiety. Golf is a mentally demanding sport with some players struggle with nerves. It can be especially high-pressure with all eyes on your performance for every swing. Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, has been shown to have calming effects that can help golfers relax and maintain focus.

Dosage is key, you want to be focused and relaxed, not on a full on trip. In moderate doses, some golfers report marijuana can enhance focus and sensory perception on the course. This heightened awareness can lead to improved reading of greens, better judgment of distances, and a keener sense of wind conditions.

closeup photo of white golf ball

By alleviating pre-game jitters and on-course anxiety, players may find themselves better able to execute shots and maintain composure throughout their round. This increased mental clarity can lead to more consistent performance and potentially lower scores.

After a few holes, the muscle-relaxing effects of certain cannabis strains can help golfers maintain a fluid, tension-free swing. This relaxation can contribute to improved technique and potentially greater distance off the tee.
Golf’s repetitive motions can often lead to muscle soreness and joint pain, particularly for frequent players or those with pre-existing conditions. Marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate these issues, allowing golfers to play with less discomfort

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

For the more competitive players, quality sleep is crucial for athletic performance, including golf. Some players use cannabis products to improve their sleep quality, potentially leading to better recovery between rounds and improved overall performance.

Used correctly with the right strain and dosage, your game could be on parr with seasoned players.

Starbucks Disappoints Again This Holiday Season

Sarah Johns
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Starbucks Disappoints Again This Holiday Season

Another holiday season, another year Starbuck’s ignores a holiday classic

While it isn’t even Thanksgiving, stores, restaurants, and some homes are already prepping for Christmas. The big retailers are already premiering a holiday section, travel is being booked, and Starbucks is playing the Grinch by ignoring their classic Eggnog Latte. The seasonal drink, which contained espresso, steamed eggnog, and ground nutmeg, pretty much tasted like Christmas in coffee cup. Starbucks first introduced the holiday drink in 1984 along with the Christmas Blend coffee. It was their first foray into marketing festive beverages and was a success. In 2023, in North America alone, fans drank over 1 BILLION eggnogs (none from Starbucks). It seems the largest retail coffee company has a “War on Eggnog” and is working to ruin the festive spirit.

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Starbucks temporarily removed the Eggnog Latte from its menu in 2014 to streamline the menu, but brought it back after being flooded with customer complaints. Then during the late part of the pandemic in November of 2021, Starbucks added to the misery by dropping the menu favorite.

Eggnog originated in medieval British. The original beverage included wine and beer, starting teh tradition of a boozy drink. In the 17th century, it was fashionable for the aristocracy drink it with sherry. In colonial America, eggnog was made with rum and George Washington served eggnog helping make it part of the holiday culture. Different parts of the country add their regional liquors including bourbon.

What is interesting, the new “holiday” menu has 4 hot drinks and 4 cold drinks, highlighting a trend toward chilled refresh drinking.  Returning drinks include:

Caramel Brûlée Latte A blend of espresso, steamed milk, and caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel brulée topping.

Chestnut Praline Latte Espresso and steamed milk combined with chestnut praline flavors, finished with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.

Peppermint Mocha A classic combination of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte Blonde espresso mixed with sugar cookie flavors and almond milk, garnished with festive sprinkles.

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai A refreshing iced chai latte infused with gingerbread flavors.

RELATED: Great Fall Whiskeys

New additions include:

Cran-Merry Orange Refresher A non-coffee drink combining sweet orange, tart cranberry, and warm spices.

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew – A new cold brew option likely inspired by the fall’s Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte.

Elphaba’s Cold Brew Sweetened with peppermint syrup and topped with nondairy matcha cold foam.

It is a sad day when a major company turns away from a popular selling beverage to wage their “War on Eggnog”.

 

Staying Trim During The Holidays With Marijuana THCV

Sarah Johns
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Staying Trim During The Holidays With Marijuana THCV

The holidays are fun and full of family, activities, and food.  But does marijuana have a natural  secret weapon to help you at least not gain weight this season?

The holidays are here – turkeys, pie, and family favorites. Along with Christmas cookies, holiday cocktails, everything adds up and starts to make a difference in how clothes fit. On average, people gain between 1-2 pounds in November and December. Some studies suggest people gain more, with an average of 2–5 pounds. But is marijuana’s THCV your natural holiday weight loss plan. While Ozempic has been the wonder drug of weight loss, cannabis a natural plant used for thousands of years in medicine. Why not use to look good also? Here is some information and also advice on how much to take and how it works.

The most famous cannabinoids are THC or CBD. Legal to over 50% of the country and used by millions across the country.  While they are the most commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV. Although THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits.

Research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite, especially during the holidays.

Photo by Olga Tsareva/Getty Images

It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food craving. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.

It is important to manage the dosage. Start with a low dose of 5-7.5mg of THCV for appetite suppression effects. Options for taking THCV include gummies, tinctures, vapes, or THCV-rich cannabis strains Take THCV in the morning to help with focus and energy. Start on teh weekend so you can make sure it works in a way which is comfortable. Consume it with food to increase absorption.

Gummies and tincture/oils are the easiest ways to consume to manage the dosage. Start with half a gummy or 1 full gummy (typically 10mg) and adjust based on your response. You can increase to 2 gummies per day if needed. For tinctures, start with half a dropper or less and adjust as needed. Take THCV about an hour before you normally start feeling hungry

RELATED: Which Is More Effective For Marijuana Patients, THC Or CBD?

THCV should be part of a healthy routine including exercise and proper rest. Research on cannabis continues, to using THCV is not a long term solution, consider it for the holidays. As usual, take to your health professional to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications.  Start low and grow so you can pay attention how your body and mind reacts.

How Cannabis Can Help With Dysmenorrhea

Amy Hansen
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How Cannabis Can Help With Dysmenorrhea

Millions suffer, but relief could be here thanks to science and a simple plant.  Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.

It is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but the painful truth is a majority of women will suffer it at some point and finding relief is invaluable. Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain or discomfort during menstruation. It is a common gynecologic problem, but the pain can range from dull cramps to indescribable agony. Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.
Medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment option for dysmenorrhea, offering hope for the tens of millions of women who suffer from menstrual pain. Current medical management options primarily consisting of over-the-counter pain relievers and hormonal contraceptives. The effectiveness of these treatments vary greatly.
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in uterine function and pain perception. Cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, as well as TRPV receptors, have been identified in human myometrial tissue. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a primary component of cannabis, can act as a cannabinoid agonist, potentially triggering myometrial relaxation and easing menstrual pain.
Photo by Esther Kelleter/Getty
The potential benefits of cannabis for dysmenorrhea includes pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced reliance on pharmaceutical pain relievers. While research specifically on cannabis for dysmenorrhea is growing, studies on chronic pain provide some insights:
  • A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios may offer moderate improvement in pain severity.
  • A meta-analysis of 32 trials showed that medical cannabis or cannabinoids resulted in small to very small improvements in pain relief, physical functioning, and sleep quality among chronic pain patients.

There is significant interest in using cannabis for gynecologic pain management:

  • A survey found that 61.2% of women who had never used cannabis and 90.0% of those who had were willing to try it for gynecologic pain.
  • After cannabis legalization in Canada, current cannabis use increased from 13.3% to 21.5% among women with self-reported moderate-to-severe pelvic pain.
With th American Medical Association, American College of Physicians and even AARP recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis, it is critical more research is funded.  Millions of women may be in pain needlessly due to untreated dysmenorrhea.

Science Says Cannabis Can Be Making Us Healthier

Amy Hansen
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Science Says Cannabis Can Be Making Us Healthier

As it it becomes available to more people, there is a positive health change going on according to data.

Cannabis is becoming more mainstream and and the side effects are doing even better than expected.  It seems the availability of legal marijuana is helping with the health of the general population. Studies in California, Canada and the now New Zealand have shown the upside of legalization. While cannabis has been used for health benefits for millions of years, reduction in more harmful intoxication products is another important wellness trend.

RELATED: Can CBD Oils Help With Anxiety & Depression

Alcohol consumption is associated with significant health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers. In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 36,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to chronic alcohol use, while there is no comparable category for marijuana-related deaths. Alcohol is also much more addictive than marijuana, causing long term physical and mental issues.

A study from New Zealand has found some interesting trends regarding the relationship between marijuana legalization and the consumption of alcohol and opioids.

heart cannabis
Photo by megaflopp/Getty Images

Following the legalization of marijuana in New Zealand, researchers observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption:

This suggests for adults, marijuana may be serving as a substitute for alcohol in some cases, particularly when it comes to heavy drinking episodes.

The relationship between marijuana legalization and opioid use appears more complex:

  • There was no clear evidence of marijuana legalization directly reducing opioid use or abuse.
  • However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users.
  • The likelihood of transitioning from opioid use to opioid use disorders among cannabis users was found to be 2.52 times higher than non-cannabis users.

The study also revealed some additional findings regarding substance use patterns:

  • Marijuana use increased by 16% among adults aged 21 and older following legalization.
  • There was a 5-6% increase in marijuana use initiation among adolescents and young adults aged 12-20. This would be go with the greater North American trend of California sober and Gen Z drifting away from alcohol and more into marijuana.
  • No significant changes were observed in the use of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin in any age group.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

These findings suggest while marijuana legalization may lead to decreased alcohol consumption among adults, it does not necessarily translate to reduced use of other substances, particularly opioids. The relationship between cannabis use and other substance use behaviors is complex and multifaceted. Time and more research should yield more benefits.

Try These Delicious Autumn Cream Drinks

Anthony Washington
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Try These Delicious Autumn Cream Drinks

Want something delicious with an “oomph” – these yummy creamy concoctions will make your mouth happy!

Fall is a time of coziness, cuffing and nights in front of the fire. Want better way to accent it with a nice tasty cocktail? Try these delicious autumn cream drinks and enjoy the pre-holiday season. Bailey’s was the commercial first cream liquor and made available to the public in 1971. But Irish monks have blended whiskey with fresh dairy cream since the 14th century.  These new and classic connections will bring a smile on crisp nights.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Important note, using cream instead of milk in alcoholic cocktails can significantly enhance the drink’s texture, flavor, and overall experience. Cream provides a richer and smoother texture compared to milk. The higher fat content in cream (typically around 36% or more) creates a luxurious mouthfeel that can elevate the drinking experience.

White Russian

The White Russian’s development took about 30 years. The first mention of the drink is in a newspaper was in 1965 in the Oakland Tribune. The 1961 edition of the Diner’s Club Drink Book included a recipe for a Black Russian, with a note suggesting adding cream to make a White Russian. The White Russian’s popularity increased after the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, drinks it throughout the film.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce Kahlúa
  • 1 ounce heavy cream

Create

  1. Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice
  2. Top with the heavy cream and stir
White Russian cocktail

Churro Cocktails

A churro is a fried dough pastry originated in Spain and Portugal. They are a fast-growing dessert and breakfast item on menus, and are a popular treat at theme parks and sporting events in Europe and North and South America.  Somrus, who makes cream liquors, made a cocktail from the flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 parts Somrus Coffee
  • 1/2 part cinnamon whiskey

Create

  1. In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake
  2. Strain and pour

Brandy Alexander

This is was a classic “go to drink” for X. It was rumored to have been created at the Paris Ritz in 1922. Or it could have been made in 1915 by celebrate pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander during a World Series. It was considered a posh way to end the evening, especially after other cocktails.It’s creamy and boozy or a delicious replacement for dessert for those who like to drink their sweets. In the 2000s, it has moved to the back of the line, but is still a great way to cap off a night drinking.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces cognac
  • 1 ounce dark creme de cacao
  • 1 ounce cream
  • Grated nutmeg for garnish

Create

  1. Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
  2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass
  3. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Mango Fizz

For those who are holding on to every last bit of summer, this mango cocktail can add a a little sunshine. The fruit is considered the world’s most popular fruit with over 20 million tons consumed each year. Mangoes are a symbol of friendship and love, which can add to special evening.

Ingredients

  • 2 parts Somrus Mango
  • 1 part citrus vodka
  • ½ part simple syrup
  • Club soda

Create

  1. Combine Mango liqueur, vodka and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker
  2. Shake vigorously
  3. Strain into ice-filled glass
  4. Top with club soda

 

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