5 Tips To Help You Get Back In Shape After Lockdown

Maria Loreto

-

October 11, 2020

5 Tips To Help You Get Back In Shape After Lockdown

The closure of gyms during quarantine robbed many people of their motivation to move and stay active. Here are some ways to regain your post-lockdown fitness level.

We’ve talked a lot about pandemic workouts but we’ve neglected to mention how a lot of people have found it difficult to stay active over the past seven months of COVID-19. Data collected by Fitbit found that American adults were 12% less active in March, when stay at home mandates began to roll out than they were in January. Once people stopped going out, their fitness routine dropped to the bottom of their priorities.

Now that gyms are reopening and people are starting to get back to normal, many are trying to get back to their health routines. Health and fitness experts agree that what matters most is to stay safe and to be consistent.

Here are 5 tips that can help you get back in shape after months of lockdown:

Start off slow

After months of leading a sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to be as safe as you can, understanding that your body might not be ready to commit to the workouts you used to complete pre-lockdown. If you were used to running 5 miles or so, try out shorter distances at a slower pace. Use an app like Runkeeper or Nike Run Club to keep track of your progress and notice your improvement.

Do plenty of warm ups and post workout stretches

Mindful Movement Can Help You Change Your Relationship With Fitness — Photo by Dane Wetton via Unsplash

RELATED: 5 COVID Myths Debunked By WHO

It’s never a good idea to skip out on warmups and stretches. These activities become more important if your body has lost strength and training. Add in warm ups and stretches to your routines, setting apart the time for them. Buy foam rollers, mats and appropriate gear, anything that motivates you to stretch thoroughly.

Progressively push yourself

In order to get back to your previous form or to be able to run or bike faster, you’ll have to make it a goal to push yourself. It’s easy for our brains to shut off mid-workout, something that’s great for stress relief but that makes it difficult for us to push ourselves further. Use a tracking app or some form of keeping tabs on your progress, with each week challenging yourself to new objectives. You’ll notice these changes in your body and in your enjoyment in these activities.

Focus on your muscles

How To Prevent & Treat Sore Muscles After Working Out — Photo by Victor Freitas via Unsplash

Your body will lose muscle mass if you stop working out. Strong muscles help prevent injuries and allow you to work out with more success, so spend some time doing basic body weight exercises like squats, lunges and planks, which are effective and quick. They also can be completed anywhere, without the need of any equipment.

Expect some pain at first

If you’ve been on a long break, the first time you go back to your work outs your body will feel it, especially a day or two later. Hydrate and make sure to eat well in order to recover properly. If you feel sharp pain in the middle of a work out, pace yourself and tone down your efforts. An injury could result in complications and an even longer break from your fitness.

Eyes On Michigan As State’s New Cannabis Market Booms

Marissa Gold

-

October 11, 2020

0

Eyes On Michigan As State’s New Cannabis Market Booms

With recreational sales growing from $9.8 million in January to $65.5 million by August, there’s no questioning Michigan’s potential.

In December of 2019, Michigan became the tenth state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis. All eyes on Michigan as state’s new cannabis market booms! Less than a year in, it’s already outpaced Nevada to become the fifth highest-grossing state for cannabis sales and is on track to surpass $1 billion in sales, according to data from Headset. All eyes on Michigan as state’s new cannabis market booms!

In addition to its fast-growing new adult-use market, Michigan’s medical market is ranked #2 in the country, second only to California. Now, all eyes are on The Great Lake State as cannabis operators and investors across the U.S. seek to claim their share of this high-potential market.

A Strong Medical Market Paved the Way

Though Michigan’s recreational market is still less than a year old, medical cannabis has been legal in the state since 2008.

“Michigan has historically boasted the second-largest medical cannabis program in the country, and therefore, the adult-use market has a phenomenal base of consumers to grow from,” explains Fabian Monaco, President of Gage Cannabis Co, a Michigan-based cultivator and dispensary operator.

“Because of this, adult-use sales are now experiencing exponential growth, along with the fact that the state has 7.3 million adults over the age of 21, with a total population of 9.9 million,” adds Monaco.

By continuing to serve both medical and recreational markets–a move not always followed by other states–Michigan reaches a maximum potential consumer base.

Michigan Consumers Are Top-Spenders

Perhaps the biggest standout finding was the amount Michigan consumers were willing to spend on cannabis. Headset data shows the average basket size in Michigan is $84.58, a notable increase from California’s average purchase amount of $64.13. This data puts Michigan consumers at the top of the food chain, spending-wise, and is especially attractive to cannabis brands that offer premium products at higher price points.

Gage Cannabis, which has exclusive cultivation and distribution rights to premium brands like Cookies, Grandiflora, and Minntz, currently operates just 1% of Michigan’s medical dispensaries but has commanded 10% of the state’s medical market share.

Monaco attributes this to Michigan consumers’ apparent preference for high-quality brands, and a willingness to spend more on their purchases. Despite plenty of competition and lower-priced options, Gage continues to command premium pricing on its flower products.

“The average basket size of a Gage customer has been $175 for five straight months, which are industry-leading numbers to say the least,” Monaco underscores.

More Legal Marijuana Equals Less Crime? Not So Fast — Photo by nattrass/Getty Images

The Pandemic Only Boosted Business

With the onset of the pandemic, many retail businesses were forced to close, but the state’s newly-legalized cannabis industry was considered essential and allowed to remain open–with a few precautions.

“Delivery saw incredible adoption in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Meredith Mahoney, president of Lantern cannabis delivery platform. Despite the fact that Lantern was brand-new to the Michigan market, the pandemic created a demand, and her technology was able to step in and fill it.

“Curbside pickup or delivery were the only ways to purchase, with delivery being the much easier and more convenient way to shop, and this accelerated our progress,” says Mahoney.

Consumers Come to Michigan from Out of State

Michigan’s unique geographical location also brings in consumers from neighboring states, some of which only allow medical purchases or none at all. Monaco notes that “Consumers travel to our stores from nearby states such as New York, Ohio, and Indiana, among others.”

Though he says Gage will remain a single-state operator in Michigan, he has an “aggressive” expansion plan beyond his five current retail locations to meet the current demand. “We are preparing to open an additional eight locations within the next six months in new markets including Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Bay City, Buena Vista, Center Line, Grand Rapids, and Lenox Township,” he says.

More Firsts and More Expansion Ahead

With recreational sales growing from $9.8 million in January to $65.5 million by August, according to Headset, there’s no questioning Michigan’s potential. Brands operating within the state are expanding their services to keep up with the Michigan consumer’s appetite.

Mahoney plans to launch on-demand cannabis delivery next: “Lantern will be the first on-demand cannabis e-commerce platform operating in Michigan that enables recreational cannabis delivery into Detroit in 60 minutes or less from when an order is placed,” she says. After teaming up with local dispensary 3Fifteen for its launch, Lantern will now broaden its network of dispensary partners to expand its service across the state.

Joe Crouthers, CEO of investment firm Ceres Group Holdings, agrees that more industry leaders are likely to follow suit. “Michigan is a big contributor to the cannabis industry’s momentum. They have explosive growth from their new recreational market, a friendly state government with progressive regulation, diverse (canna-educated) consumer mix, and a platform for well-established brands to expand,” he says.

And while he cautions investors with some general advice, “To maintain tempered valuations, achievable forecasts, and prudent cash flow management,” one thing is clear: “The state certainly warrants our attention.”

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

How Touch Deprivation Is Affecting Our Mental Health

Maria Loreto

-

October 11, 2020

0

How Touch Deprivation Is Affecting Our Mental Health

Here’s how physical distance from friends and family could be affecting you — and what you can do about it.

No matter how lax people are with their COVID safety measures, casual touching has been derailed. From handshakes to hugs, everyday touches have been radically reduced, even becoming a source of stress for some. This can cause mental health issues, from increased odds of depression to a higher likelihood of suffering anxiety.

By far the type of touch that people are missing the most is hugs. While we don’t tend to hug strangers on the street, we do hug our friends and family members, especially during reunions or special occasions.

Touch deprivation affects people differently and it matters whether they’re huggers or not. “Some people may feel it within a week, others may never feel it at all,” psychiatrist Dr. Neel Burton told the New York Times. “No doubt the thought that you cannot hypothetically access touch — for example, by seeing a friend, or booking a massage — makes the craving worse than it would otherwise be.”

Your Genes Are Responsible For Your Craving Of Hugs Right Now — Photo by Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

Coping with touch deprivation depends on our situation. While some of us are living alone, others are living with roommates, partners or family. Those who have companions should make the most out of their situations, reaching out for hugs when they need them most. If someone’s been alone and feels lonely and like they need some support, weighted blankets are a good option and also “moving the skin.” This expression refers to “moving your skin forcefully enough to cause indentations and hit the pressure receptors.” Scalp massages, brushing your body in the bath and doing some abdominal crunches can trigger this sensation and give your body that feeling it’s been craving.

For other ways of treating your loneliness, it’s important to analyze each person’s situation. Measure your level of risk and willingness to expose yourself to the virus; make a plan with some friends to hang out, distanced but without wearing any masks. Create pods with people you trust.

The pandemic is ongoing until further notice, and its physical and mental effects are very real. While you may think that your loneliness is just a symptom of what the world is going through, you should still monitor what you feel and act quickly if you are not doing well.

Keep This In Mind When Choosing Your Face Mask

Maria Loreto

-

October 10, 2020

0

Keep This In Mind When Choosing Your Face Mask

Face masks are some of the most efficient ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Not all are made the same, though.

Masks have been proven to be the most essential and most effective way of controlling the spread of the coronavirus. While keeping your distance is still the safest measure you can take, proper face masks, when worn by everyone, vastly reduce the risk of transmitting this deadly virus. They also allow us to retain some of the normalcy we crave.

Not all masks and face coverings are made equal though; some are more efficient at providing protection for people and some shouldn’t even be worn at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.

Here are 5 things you should keep in mind when choosing your face mask:

The material of the mask matters

stack of white yellow green and blue textiles — Photo by Vera Davidova via Unsplash

Our perspective on face coverings has evolved as the months have passed, with governments initially advising general face coverings, only to later up the ante by recommending face masks specifically with two or more layers for protection. A new study says that masks made out of silk are more effective than cotton when it comes to providing protection from the virus. These masks are more breathable, more comfortable and they also repel moisture, something that’s very useful when battling an airborne virus.

Children should wear masks that fit

This may seem obvious, but when giving a face mask to a kid, it’s important to find one that fits snugly and is preferably made for their size and proportion. Kids face masks should cover the nose, mouth and under the chin, just like adults. But please, parents, don’t give your kid one of your masks to wear. Find one that fits them.

Gaiters and face shields might not be as effective

5 Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing Your Face Mask — Photo by Engin Akyurt via Unsplash

Although any type of face covering is better than no covering, neck gaiters tend to be single layered, thus, not being as effective as other masks. When it comes to face shields, while these are effective in reducing the spread of the virus, they don’t provide protection from airborne droplets that can be absorbed through the open parts of the shield.

Your child might be too young for a mask

Children under the age of two shouldn’t wear face masks, since they might cause difficulty breathing and may result in further complications. The CDC makes it clear that anyone at risk of suffocation shouldn’t wear face masks.

5 Political Podcasts That Make The News Enjoyable

Maria Loreto

-

October 10, 2020

0

5 Political Podcasts That Make The News Enjoyable

Tired of all the news? How about some more? These podcasts make the current political landscape almost bearable.

It might have slipped your mind, but there’s a presidential election less than a month away. The stakes are very high, causing every news outlet to try to cover every possible angle until we’re drowning in news. Why would you want even more news recommendations? But here we are.

Podcasts have a way of simultaneously presenting information while extracting expert analysis. While they tend to be time consuming, they’re an efficient way of disguising important stuff with entertainment.

Listening to the right podcast can eliminate hours of scrolling for news and trying to catch the most important highlights provided by newspapers and political channels. It’s also an easy way to prevent doomscrolling. They also provide you with smart opinions and commentary, which you can then relay to friends and family and show off a bit.

Here are 5 politics podcasts you should be on the lookout for:

The Daily

“The Daily” is the news podcast of the New York Times. Hosted by political journalist Michael Barbaro, the podcast is a good source of information, providing you with a batch of news filtered through a political lens. It’s not exactly fun, but it gives you all the stuff you need to know.

NPR Politics

“NPR Politics” airs every weekday, providing you with a snapshot of all the news of the day. The show is hosted by political reporters, who provide some of the best commentary in the industry. NPR is known for their audio content, so it’s difficult to find a better source of information.

Slow Burn

“Slow Burn” is Slate‘s political podcast. It’s one of the most unconventional podcasts on this list, framing each season with a historical event that reflects the times we’re living in. Slow Burn is an effective and fun way of learning U.S. history while also seeing how patterns tend to repeat themselves in politics.

In The Thick

“In The Thick” is a special show, one that tries to go against the norm of U.S. politics, providing the opinions and voices of people of color. Hosts Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela invite different journalists and academics in order to provide honest conversations on politics that don’t shy away from race and identity.

Left, Right & Center

“Left, Right & Center” might be the most important podcast on this list, providing you with political views from the left, right and center (it’s not just a clever name!). The podcast is comprised of debate among hosts with different political tendencies, which ultimately become an educational experience for the listener, especially for those who don’t tend to interact with people of different ideologies. So, for the majority of people.

What Is Cannabis Decontamination

Alex Oleinic

-

October 10, 2020

0

A cannabis product may fail contaminant testing if it has unsafe levels of microbials, heavy metals or pesticides.

What is cannabis decontamination? While marijuana has many beneficial properties for both medical and recreational users, it also comes with intrinsic dangers like mold and yeast. Growing cannabis sometimes involves pesticides, and the water can be polluted.

Most states where cannabis is legal have enacted legislation that requires companies to pass tests before releasing their product on the market. This, in turn, created a problem for companies that must ensure their product is safe and compliant with all regulations.

Luckily, the demand for a pure cannabis spurred the development of decontamination technology.

To better understand decontamination, how it works and why it’s important, Benzinga spoke with Jill Ellsworth, the founder and CEO of one of the leading cannabis and hemp decontamination technology companies: Willow Industries.

Marijuana Really Helps You Poop, According to Science — Photo by OlegMalyshev/Getty Images

What Is Cannabis Decontamination?

A cannabis product may fail contaminant testing if it has unsafe levels of microbials, heavy metals or pesticides.

Among microbials, the most common is powdery mildew mold. Another risk: aspergillus, or bile-tolerant, gram-negative bacteria.

Both can have a dangerous effect on the human health.

To prevent their product from failing testing, companies turn to different methods of treatment and processing that reduce or eliminate contaminates.

In Willow’s case, the company is focused on microbial decontamination.

Cannabis contaminated with microbials is usually processed into concentrates, which is not ideal, because it reduces the price compared to flower.

Willow’s technology uses ozone gas to reduce microbial levels without destroying the flower.

‘It Can Create A PR Nightmare’

Decontamination is important to ensure a quality product reaches the shelves.

It’s particularly important for large growers.

Smaller farms usually manage the growth environment easier, making it easier to ensure that the product is clean.

The situation changes for commercial, large-scale growers, where contamination is “inevitable,” Ellsworth said.

“If a grower or manufacturer isn’t thinking about decontamination, it’s only a matter of time until their supply chain is disrupted by a failed test result. And in the extreme case, if an immune-compromised patient consumes contaminated flower and falls ill, it can create a PR nightmare for the company and set the industry back as a whole.”

Despite the dangers of contaminated cannabis, some states still don’t have legislation that mandates decontamination. And even in states where it’s mandatory, there is still room for improvement, Ellsworth said.

“I can easily see a future where regulators require cultivators to have a ‘kill step’ in their production process, but we’re not there yet. The rules will continue to change over the next few years.”

Marijuana Recall Pesticides In Concentrates — Photo by vitranc/Getty Images

Education Is Paramount

No matter whether decontamination is required by law, companies should still ensure their product is clean for their consumers’ sake.

“We don’t want to help contribute to a ‘Reefer Madness’-type mania about microbial contamination, but it’s a serious issue that has been in the shadows for a long time, so education is extremely important,” Ellsworth said.

While Willow focuses on educating producers about the dangers of microbial contamination, consumers should also be made aware and demand a clean product.

“When it comes to public awareness, independent journalists, regulators and the press have a leading role. It starts by educating people about their local laws and raising the alarm when something goes wrong,” the CEO said.

At the same time, companies should not wait to be pressured by laws or consumers, but show initiative and aim to provide a safe and clean product as a way to differentiate their brand, she said.

“In addition to helping differentiate their brand, it would be a form of education; a clear win-win scenario.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga.

ICYMI: Here are the headlines making news this week on The Fresh Toast.

A new survey finds that young adults prefer to handle their money a little differently now that there’s COVID to contend with; With recreational sales growing from $9.8 million in January to $65.5 million by August, there’s no questioning Michigan’s potential; and while face masks are some of the most efficient ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19, not all are made the same.

Let’s dive into those stories and more as we round up the top five headlines on The Fresh Toast this week:

Survey: Millennials Might Stop Using This Post-Pandemic

why millennials dont want to talk about this health issue — Photo by jens johnsson via Unsplash

Cash is a necessity, or so says our grandparents. In reality, cash is used when shopping at small independent stores, cash-only restaurants and for that instance once every couple of months when you need to pump your tires and find yourself in need of some loose change. Now that there’s credit cards and apps like Venmo and Zelle, there’s never been less of a need for cash, especially for young people. The spread of COVID is also a factor that’s making people reconsider their use of cash.

Continue reading >>>

All Eyes On Michigan As State’s New Cannabis Market Booms

person holding grey tongs and kush — Photo by Add Weed via Unsplash

In December of 2019, Michigan became the tenth state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis. Less than a year in, it’s already outpaced Nevada to become the fifth highest-grossing state for cannabis sales and is on track to surpass $1 billion in sales, according to data from Headset.

In addition to its fast-growing new adult-use market, Michigan’s medical market is ranked #2 in the country, second only to California. Now, all eyes are on The Great Lake State as cannabis operators and investors across the U.S. seek to claim their share of this high-potential market.

Continue reading >>>

Keep This In Mind When Choosing Your Face Mask

Masks have been proven to be the most essential and most effective way of controlling the spread of the coronavirus. While keeping your distance is still the safest measure you can take, proper face masks, when worn by everyone, vastly reduce the risk of transmitting this deadly virus. They also allow us to retain some of the normalcy we crave.

Not all masks and face coverings are made equal though; some are more efficient at providing protection for people and some shouldn’t even be worn at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.

Here are 5 things you should keep in mind when choosing your face mask.

Continue reading >>>

Does Jessica Alba Smoke Weed?

Photo by Mike Coppola/Staff/Getty Images

Last week, Alba made an appearance on the web series Hot Ones, where celebrities are asked questions as they eat progressively hotter wings. Host Sean Evans asked Alba about her experiences while working on 90210.

“On the set of 90210, I couldn’t even make eye contact with any of the cast members, which was really strange when you’re, like, trying to do a scene with them,” she said. “Yeah, it was like, ‘You’re not allowed to make eye contact with any one of the cast members or you’ll be thrown off the set.’”

That sounds like total bummer. Did Alba ever turn to weed to keep her calm?

Continue reading >>>

3 Things To Know About Fall Allergies And Marijuana

From the first sneeze to the first snow, many around the nation experience the trials and tribulations of seasonal allergies. The thought of treating allergies to weed with weed can make some pause, but the science is sound.

According to Americans for Safe Access, decades of research led to a breakthrough in treating skin allergies when a team from the University of Bonn in Germany studied THC’s effect on inflammation. Already genetically engineered to not react to cannabinoids generated in their brain, the team used mice and found that the animals’ ears became red and swollen.

Continue reading >>>

Maine Begins Recreational Cannabis Sales Today

Debra Borchardt

-

October 9, 2020

0

Maine Begins Recreational Cannabis Sales Today

While it’s highly unlikely that the state will ever be a Colorado or California from a sales and revenue standpoint, Maine offers operators numerous tourist-dense markets.

It’s been a long and winding road for full legalization in the state of Maine, but that is ending. Sales are set to begin on October 9. Maine’s ballot initiative measure to legalize marijuana for adults and establish a regulated marijuana market passed back in November 2016, along with three other states — California, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Maine is the last of those states to launch adult-use retail sales.

Marijuana has been legal for adults 21 and older to grow and share in Maine since January 30, 2017. The legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on June 27, 2019. Maine’s adult-use marijuana regulation law can be found here.

“The delays were unfortunate and unnecessary, but in the end, we’ve succeeded in replacing prohibition with a thoughtful policy that legalizes, regulates, and taxes marijuana sales for adults 21 and over,” said Marijuana Policy Project Deputy Director Matthew Schweich, one of the leaders of the 2016 campaign.

The new law states that adults 21 years of age or older with a valid ID will be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of a combination of marijuana and marijuana concentrate that includes no more than 5 grams of marijuana concentrate. It remains illegal to consume marijuana in public spaces. Maine municipalities must opt-in to the adult-use program by locally allowing for marijuana establishments.

Brian Lauvray, Head of Development and Strategy with the cannabis consulting company MMLG has been in the state assisting companies. He said,”Maine represents a very reasonable entry point for companies looking to move to the east coast. While it’s highly unlikely that the state will ever be a Colorado or California from a sales and revenue standpoint, Maine offers operators numerous tourist-dense markets, one substantial year-round market in Portland, plus towns such as Lewiston and Bangor.”

He noted that only 10% of municipalities have opted in thus far. “Operators who get in now will have the leg up on future licensing opportunities as new markets come online in the Pine Tree State,” he added.

Lauvray also pointed out that Portland is expected to be Maine’s largest market with about 540,000 in the metro area and that once the program gets established it will serve as a waypoint for tourists going further “down east.” “It really will be a win for any operators looking to gain an east coast foothold. However, Portland applicants will almost certainly miss the deadline for state licenses being awarded starting next month in advance of recreational sales opening on 10/9.” (Portland’s city application deadline is 8/31.)

Vermont Kills Bill To Tax And Regulate Recreational Marijuana — Photo by Heath Korvola/Getty Images

In addition to just making the license deadline, Lauray said that when state licenses begin to be handed out in September and the official date for rec-use sales opening, there’s a possibility that many retailers may have limited supplies for consumers initially. “So, for consumers, operators and investors, a hefty spoonful of “expectation management” may be the order for this fall. But in the long term, Maine will be a healthy market.”

Wellness Connection of Maine (WCM), the state’s largest medical cannabis provider launched HighNorth, a Maine-centric lifestyle brand designed to meet the future needs of Maine’s recreational cannabis market. WCM created HighNorth to bridge the transition between Maine’s existing medical market and the future adult-use market.

“Maine is known for its pristine waters, open air and majestic coastline – our goal with HighNorth was to embody the State’s brand within the cannabis industry,” says Charlie Langston, Managing Director of WCM. “We hope that locals and tourists alike think about HighNorth when they hike Acadia, ski a Maine mountain or plan a whitewater rafting trip.”

“Soon enjoying cannabis will be as normal as having a beer,” WCM Marketing Manager Susanne Pingree says. “Maine’s microbrewers have set a strong example of how colorful, fun and savvy branding enhances the customer experience – and that’s what we want our customers to feel too.”

D.C. — Photo by Sharon Mccutcheon/EyeEm/Getty Images

It is clear that the Maine market is one for companies that have a long-term vision. Cannapreneur Partners Co-CEO Todd Sullivan said, “Maine’s upcoming adult-use program is not without its hurdles. It has taken roughly four years to launch since residents voted for legalization. Reasons for these setbacks include opposition from the former governor, opt-in decisions by municipalities and local authority issues, residency requirements, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In addition to these obstacles, litigation at the state level and in Portland (Maine’s largest city) continued to throw wrenches into the mix. Our hope is that Maine will work to decrease many of the current regulatory barriers. These regulations disproportionately impact entrepreneurs in the state while favoring large MSOs that have the financial means and time needed to obtain licenses.”

Sullivan went on to say, “From an investment point of view, we see a lot of potential in Maine’s cannabis marketplace given the launch of their adult-use program and the low operating costs, although close attention to the rapidly changing landscape is necessary. In major hubs such as Portland, many businesses quickly invested in store locations and have been paying rent while waiting for the program to commence. The long wait, plus license caps, local authority issues, zoning laws and a license scoring system that has historically favored big players create some unique pain points within the state’s growing industry.”

“Maine was a tough campaign,” said MPP’s Schweich. “We overcame a difficult signature drive. Then we had to fight in court to ensure qualification for the ballot. It was a real team effort that culminated in a well-earned victory on Election Day.”

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

Kate Middleton Pregnant? 5 Signs She Might Be

Patricia Wallace

-

October 9, 2020

0

Kate Middleton Pregnant? 5 Signs She Might Be

Here we go again! Royals fans think Kate Middleton might be pregnant with her fourth child. Here’s why.

There’s no better distraction that speculating whether or not a celebrity is pregnant, and right now, Bump Watch 2020 currently has a stronghold on Kate Middleton. Is Kate Middleton pregnant with her fourth child? I mean, what else is there to do in quarantine with handsome Prince William?

But we’ve seen this before, many times. Last September, she was seen playing with kids, which obviously means she’s planning to expand her family. And before that, in March, she chatted it up with a 5-month-old little boy telling his father, “He’s gorgeous. It makes me feel broody.” For those of you who don’t speak British slang, “broody” basically means “nesting.” Like, Kate was saying she felt like she wanted another baby. Or was she just making small talk?

But eagle-eyed fans have some new evidence they’d like to present to the court of public opinion as to why Duchess Kate might be knocked up with a pandemic baby. Here are exhibits A through E, which they believe point to another Cambridge bun in the oven. If it’s true, Kate would be the first royal since the Queen to have four children.

Jury, it’s your call.

Exhibit A: Hand placement

View this post on Instagram

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share new photographs of their family with @DavidAttenborough. The photographs were taken earlier this week in the gardens of Kensington Palace, after The Duke and Sir David attended an outdoor screening of Sir David’s upcoming feature film ?️ ‘David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet’. With a shared passion for protecting the natural world, they continue to support one another in their missions to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces. This includes working together on The @EarthshotPrize ? the most prestigious global environment prize in history – further details of which will be shared in the coming weeks. When they met, Sir David gave Prince George a tooth from a giant shark ? the scientific name of which is carcharocles megalodon (‘big tooth’). Sir David found the tooth on a family holiday to Malta in the late 1960s, embedded in the island’s soft yellow limestone which was laid down during the Miocene period some 23 million years ago. Carcharocles is believed to have grown to 15 metres in length, which is about twice the length of the Great White, the largest shark alive today.

A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal) on Sep 26, 2020 at 2:30pm PDT

Kate and William’s latest family photo shoot captures Kate with her hand over her midsection while looking awfully cheery. Plus, famous body language expert type Judy James says while Kate is often spotted cupping her hand over her stomach, pregnant or not, here, she’s positioning it in a semi-protective way. You can see all of the other clues Kate drops in this thorough video by Royal Insider.

https://youtu.be/xkCs3ujFLcE

Exhibit B: Hairstyle

While the rest of us are showing our roots and trying to disguise our botched at-home quarantine bangs, Kate has lobbed off some of her locks and gone with a low-maintenance style similar to the hairstyle’s she’s sported with some of her other pregnancies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_-53RFPdj/

Exhibit C: Ireland

In early March, right before coronavirus hit, Kate and William visited Ireland, which included a stop at the Guinness brewery in Dublin. We all know Kate loves a good pub beer, but she was never seen actually drinking her pint. Hmmmm….was the couple trying for a baby at this point? Seems plausible.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9SaPQcl3k-/

Exhibit D: PDA

Kate isn’t usually affectionate with William in public, but recently, she was spotted getting affectionate with her husband during a stop in South Wales, which is very un-royal of her, as even minor PDA is considered a royal faux pas. The two were seen tapping into their inner child at a seaside arcade, no less.

https://twitter.com/RoyalFamilyITNP/status/1291005364561944579

The two were also openly affectionate with each other during the Ireland trip.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9YjeoKFGH4/

Exhibit E: Prince William

Back to body language expert Judy James. She says he seems to be suppressing a smile these days, which may suggest he’s trying to keep some good news to himself. Is that true? I guess it’s hard to tell when you’re wearing a face mask.

Weed Stocks Surge After Kamala Harris Promise

Brendan Bures

-

October 9, 2020

0

Weed Stocks Surge After Kamala Harris Promise

Harris’s promise could remove regulatory hurdles currently dampening new advancements in the cannabis industry.

During the vice presidential debate on Wednesday, Kamala Harris delivered the biggest promise on cannabis reform ever to be made on such a national stage — that the Biden-Harris administration would decriminalize marijuana. The next day, a broad array of U.S.-listed shares of cannabis companies boosted upwards.

“We will decriminalize marijuana and we will expunge the records of those who have been convicted of marijuana,” she said.

Cannabis ETFs THCX and MJ.P rose 7.4% and 5.5%, respectively. Big name companies like Aurora Cannabis, Canopy Growth, and Aphria, Inc. climbed between 10% and 13%, after Harris’s statement. Tilray had the biggest climb, as shares of the stock increased 18.3%.

Although decriminalization and expungement primarily offer a huge advancement towards criminal justice, Harris’s promise could also remove regulatory hurdles currently dampening new advancements in the cannabis industry. Banks and other financial institutions still won’t work with cannabis companies, due to marijuana’s Schedule I status.

These institutions fear federal prosecution, even in legal marijuana states. Democratic lawmakers have tried to pass the Secure And Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, which would provide banks legal protection to work with the legal cannabis industry. The bill passed the House with a majority bipartisan vote, but has languished in the Republican-controlled Senate with no action.

After Harris Promises Decriminalization, Cannabis Stocks Surge Up And Up — Photo by Al Drago/Stringer/Getty Images

“Access to safe banking will transform the industry, freeing up capital markets for investment and reducing the risk of operating a cannabis business,” Keith Cich, co-founder of cannabis-related products manufacturer Sunderstorm Inc., told Reuters.

Democrats have attached the SAFE Banking Act to the latest coronavirus stimulus package as a provision, but the Trump administration has largely condemned the move. These regulatory hurdles also ban cannabis companies from using the tax credits and other incentives many other businesses enjoy. A cash crunch has hit the industry during the pandemic and decriminalization could provide money flow in ways both obvious and not.

“From a business perspective, [decriminalization] will level the playing field by allowing companies to expense normal operational costs instead of being taxed on gross profit,” Sam Armenia, vice president at producer C21 Investments Inc CXXI.CD, told Reuters.

Although Harris has a complicated history with marijuana, she has since become a fierce advocate of marijuana reform. She is the lead sponsor on the Marijuana, Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, which would end federal cannabis prohibition. She also put her voice behind allowing cannabis companies access to coronavirus-related stimulus funding and improving access for marijuana research.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

The closure of gyms during quarantine robbed many people of their motivation to move and stay active. Here are some ways to regain your post-lockdown fitness level.

Start off slow

Do plenty of warm ups and post workout stretches

Progressively push yourself

Focus on your muscles

Expect some pain at first

With recreational sales growing from $9.8 million in January to $65.5 million by August, there’s no questioning Michigan’s potential.

A Strong Medical Market Paved the Way

Michigan Consumers Are Top-Spenders

The Pandemic Only Boosted Business

Consumers Come to Michigan from Out of State

More Firsts and More Expansion Ahead

Here’s how physical distance from friends and family could be affecting you — and what you can do about it.

Face masks are some of the most efficient ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Not all are made the same, though.

The material of the mask matters

Children should wear masks that fit

Gaiters and face shields might not be as effective

Your child might be too young for a mask

Tired of all the news? How about some more? These podcasts make the current political landscape almost bearable.

A cannabis product may fail contaminant testing if it has unsafe levels of microbials, heavy metals or pesticides.

What Is Cannabis Decontamination?

‘It Can Create A PR Nightmare’

Education Is Paramount

ICYMI: Here are the headlines making news this week on The Fresh Toast.

Survey: Millennials Might Stop Using This Post-Pandemic

All Eyes On Michigan As State’s New Cannabis Market Booms

Keep This In Mind When Choosing Your Face Mask

Does Jessica Alba Smoke Weed?

3 Things To Know About Fall Allergies And Marijuana

While it’s highly unlikely that the state will ever be a Colorado or California from a sales and revenue standpoint, Maine offers operators numerous tourist-dense markets.

Here we go again! Royals fans think Kate Middleton might be pregnant with her fourth child. Here’s why.

Exhibit A: Hand placement

Exhibit B: Hairstyle

Exhibit C: Ireland

Exhibit D: PDA

Exhibit E: Prince William

Harris’s promise could remove regulatory hurdles currently dampening new advancements in the cannabis industry.

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.