Germany Deflates GOP’s Anti Marijuana Efforts

Terry Hacienda

-

April 4, 2024

Germany Deflates GOP’s Anti Marijuana Efforts

The GOP’s argument against marijuana took a body blow from Germany

Running against the grain of public sentiment, some members of the GOP are fighting against cannabis rescheduling and trying to be clever. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is still having internal discussions about whether to reschedule cannabis from a schedule I to schedule III-controlled substance with some in the GOP wishing to stop the process. But along comes Germany and they are deflating their efforts.

Germany has the biggest economy in the EU and are a leader in the United Nations and NATO. A practical country, they just legalized marijuana. Officials shared legalization would undermine criminal trade in the drug, guard against harmful impurities, and free police to pursue more serious crimes alongside providing medical benefits.

Republican Senators Jim Risch (R-), Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Pete Ricketts (R-NB) are unhappy with the the administration’s plan to reschedule marijuana. To stop or slow the process, these senators question if it violate US treaty obligations. Data shows 89% of citizens believe it should be legal in some form, so they are definitely swimming against the flow of public opinion. Additionally, science, data and the healthcare community have proven it has clear medical benefits.

The United Nations’s (UN) drug control body reaffirmed legalizing marijuana for non-medical or non-scientific purposes a violation of international treaties. But enforcement is non-existent. While Uruguay was technical the first, Canada was the first to fully implement it and the UN has done nothing. Since then Georgia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa and Thailand have made the move without any issues.

The Senators move has some support in the house, but Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has made it clear he wants progress on cannabis legalization. Germany’s move severely undercuts the GOPs efforts.

Andrew Cooper, partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, one of the top cannabis law firms believes “Consequently, if anything, the fact that Germany legalized adult-use cannabis despite all the hurdles (including not only the Single Convention, but the Schengen Convention of 1985, the EU Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA of 2004, and the Narcotic Drug Act (BtMG), when the U.S. only really needs to address (and likely ignore) the Single Convention, may provide some impetus to the DEA to follow suit”.

Tom Zuber, Managing Partner of Zuber Lawler whose west coast firm has a robust cannabis division states “It’s exciting to see Germany making history by legalizing cannabis at the recreational level as the largest economy in the European Union. I hope that Germany’s leadership on this front will inspire other countries throughout the world to do the same, including the United States.

Baby Bear Becomes Shy After Meeting A Fawn

Taylor Berman

-

April 3, 2024

0

Baby Bear Becomes Shy After Meeting A Fawn

Sometimes you just need some simple happiness

Mid week can be stressful and leave you feeling discombobulated. But if you want a giant dose of sweetness, this is for you. Meeting new people, or deer, can be stressful, especially if you’re a tiny cub named Boog. While it has been a while since this first happened, it never gets old watching a cute animals.

Boog met a new friend for the first time at Point View Farm in West Virginia At first Boog seems okay with the fawn, but he quickly steps back and rises on his two little back paws. Then he retreats even farther and tries to hide behind a staircase, which is not a great place to hide because everyone could still see him but he’s just a baby so what do you expect.

Bears are overwhelmingly solitary and are considered to be the most asocial of all the Carnivora. The only times bears are encountered in groups are mothers with young or occasional seasonal bounties of rich food (such as salmon runs).

Joel Rosenthal, who filmed the meeting, offers fantastic commentary throughout the video.

“These two just met for the first time,” he says. “This is the first fawn of the year. Boog doesn’t know what to think of him. Fawn doesn’t seem to mind at all. Come on, Boog. What is that? Now he’s hiding. He’s hiding. Look at him hiding. Hiding from that fawn.”

And here’s another video of Boog and the fawn hanging out.

Can you think of any better way to smile than watching a baby bear tries to hide after meeting a fawn. Boog and the fawn leave at a wildlife sanctuary in West Virginia. Its main function is to care for injured and orphan animals.

Will Germany’s Legalizing Marijuana Push The DEA

Terry Hacienda

-

April 3, 2024

0

Yet another major country has legalized marijuana – hopefully the DEA is paying attention. Here are some expert’s take on where it stands.

Another major country made the commitment, but will Germany’s legalizing marijuana push the DEA to act? Germany joined Malta and Luxembourg in Europe. Officials shared legalization would undermine criminal trade in the drug, guard against harmful impurities, and free police to pursue more serious crimes. In doing so, they have ignored the UN ban and joins other countries including Canada, Uruguay, and South Africa.

In the United States, the cannabis is still awaiting on decision from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regarding rescheduling. After a very slow start to his commitment, President Biden is moving now on his campaign promise and give younger voters another reason to support him. But according to Pew Research Center, an overwhelming 88% of U.S. adults say either that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use by adults (59%) or that it should be legal for medical use only (30%). Only one-in-ten (10%) say marijuana use should not be legal. It is a popular decision and is widely used in blue and red states and in legal and illicit states. Key experts have weighed in on whether Germany’s move will push for the DEA to act soon.

“We do not see Germany’s progress having much impact on the DEA. Our thesis is we are witnessing a coordinated democratic effort to advance cannabis reform ahead of the election to mobilize and sway younger voters. We continue to believe it is unlikely that the head of the DEA (a Biden appointee) will go against the HHS recommendation in an election year. So, we remain optimistic that we’ll land on Schedule III, but do not see Germany as a major driver of US reform.” says Jesse Redmond, Managing Director, Water Tower Research.

Andrew Cooper, partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, one of the top cannabis law firms believes “Consequently, if anything, the fact that Germany legalized adult-use cannabis despite all the hurdles (including not only the Single Convention, but the Schengen Convention of 1985, the EU Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA of 2004, and the Narcotic Drug Act (BtMG), when the U.S. only really needs to address (and likely ignore) the Single Convention, may provide some impetus to the DEA to follow suit”.

Tom Zuber, Managing Partner of Zuber Lawler whose west coast firm has a robust cannabis division states “It’s exciting to see Germany making history by legalizing cannabis at the recreational level as the largest economy in the European Union. I hope that Germany’s leadership on this front will inspire other countries throughout the world to do the same, including the United States.

Time will tell if will Germany’s legalizing marijuana push the DEA to act.

Legal Medical Marijuana Leads To More Sex

Brendan Bures

-

April 3, 2024

0

Legal Medical Marijuana Leads To More Sex

A new study is among the first to focus on medical marijuana legislation and what impact it has on state residents.

Living in a state with legal medical marijuana could mean you’re more likely to have sex, according to a study published in the Journal of Health Economics. On the surface, it might appear like a resoundingly positive finding. But researchers warn that such behavior comes with some drawbacks.

Previous studies have demonstrated some connection between cannabis use and increased sexual activity. A 2017 study found that daily marijuana users experience 20% more sex than those who have never used cannabis. But this more recent study is among the first to focus on medical marijuana legislation and what impact that has on state residents.

To better understand the correlation, researchers examined states that legalized medical cannabis between 2005 and 2014. Then, they analyzed how the implementation of these laws affected sexual frequency and fertility among people in their 20s and 30. “We find that [medical marijuana laws] cause an increase in sexual activity,” the researchers concluded.

What Needs To Happen For Marijuana To Become Legal At The Federal Level — Photo by Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images

But the study also found medical marijuana laws lowered contraceptive use, which led to higher birth rates. More specifically, states with new medical marijuana laws saw a mean increase of 2%, translating into 333 more births per quarter. One blind spot in the study, says David Simon, co-author of the study and assistant economics at the University of Connecticut, is that researchers couldn’t determine whether these individuals were trying to get pregnant or if they just forgot to use contraception.

“On one hand, more of these births occur to non-married partners and we find suggestive evidence of a temporary increase in gonorrhea following the passage of medical marijuana laws,” Simon told Yahoo Lifestyle. “This is consistent with a story of ‘impaired judgement.’”

However, he added, “it is also possible some of these births are due to decreases in chronic pain and increased life satisfaction.”

Researchers also noted with the introduction of medical marijuana comes new products aimed at improving sexual wellness. Experts have split opinions on whether cannabis is a sexual aid, with some analysts pointing to high-CBD strains as increasing libido and sexual satisfaction more consistently than high-THC strains. Another study concluded cannabis resulted in higher sex drives in both men and women, while also enhancing orgasms for both sexes.

How Many People Can You Date At One Time

Sarah Johns

-

April 2, 2024

0

How Many People Can You Date At One Time

Sometimes you have the right vibe and it seems everyone wants to go out with you – but how many can you really juggle?

Dating apps, parties, or sometimes at the grocery store, you can meet a potential partner. When your vibe is right, you go through a true feast period, and when it is off, a dry spell. But during the good times, how many people can you date at one time?

There are ton of dating apps from Match.com to one for furries to help them find the perfect partner. Match is the largest and statistically the best due to their data base. But they are ones for Indians to date, Indians to marry, people who consume weed, boomers, ones based on credit scores and more. The choice of online is enormous, and it doesn’t count the people you meet in real life. Parties, gatherings, your aunt who wants to set you up and the grocery store. And for the Gen Z population, they are way more open to dating everyone. But is our brain really built to have some many options???

No one says you can’t date 8,9, or 10 people at the same time. You can go all Samantha in Sex In The City, but there are hurdles. Too many options in the roster could lead to being overwhelmed and defeat the purpose of getting to know them and yourself better via time. The risk of forgetting details about your various dates is significant and can lead to awkward encounters. The number of people to truly date which most people can handle is three.

Mathematicians study the data and comes to a conclusion. The 37% rule claims if you’re planning to go on 10 dates, you should enjoy the first three (3.7) but don’t make any commitments. Then, the very next person you date who is better than any of those three should be the one you choose to settle with. According to the research, this is the perfect statistical balance between being exploratory and exploitative.

Helen Fisher, a sex expert and scientific consultant for Match.com, shares brains aren’t equipped to have so many options. “The problem is, the human brain is not built to even cope with so many choices. The brain has a sweet spot, apparently between five and nine alternatives, and after that, you don’t choose any,” she says on the podcast Sex with Emily.

Fisher recommends after chatting with the 9th person you should stop and get to know at least one of them more. “The more you get to know somebody, the more you like them, and the more that you think that they like you,” she says.

Another recommendation she gives out is to remain positive on first dates, ignoring minor quibbles such as mismatched shoes, a photo with a bad angle on their profile, or someone who doesn’t dress according to your tastes.

While we tend to be negative about these issues, there’s no way of knowing if this person is right for you on a first date, and they might surprise you as you grow more comfortable with each other and get to know them more. “If it is a maybe, go out again,” she suggests.

Dating doesn’t include first dates….but second, third and fourth dates should be a lower number. Also, if you are online and someone sparks your interest, meet them in the first two weeks. Otherwise you build up who you think they are and it may be a massive disappointment when you meet in real life.

Can Medical Marijuana Help During The Adderall Shortage

Amy Hansen

-

April 2, 2024

0

Can Medical Marijuana Help During The Adderall Shortage

Roughly 2.6% (139.8 million) of adults worldwide some form of ADHD. With the Adderall shortage, what are the options?

In October 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration announced a shortage of Adderall. The issue has has not be resolved and now, it seems, it is starting to have a larger effect on patients. South America (11.8%) has highest rate and Japan and Finland the lowest. American about average (7%). The average monthly prescription fill rate was 11% lower in the first half of 2023 than it was in the first half of 2022, and it did not show steady signs of improvement through the end of 2023.

More research needs to be done, but can medical marijuana help during the Adderall Shortage – or in general? While scientists are still research cannabis and ADHD, there is some early data suggesting cannabis may be a helpful therapy.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition which makes it difficult to focus and can lead to impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD is the official medical diagnosis, whereas Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a now-outdated term that describes people with primarily inattentive symptoms.

While those diagnosed with ADHD may encounter trouble in school or work, most have gone on to lead successful lives. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. Common treatments include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Can CBD Be Used To Treat ADHD Symptoms? — Photo by Katja Kircher/Getty Images

However, some people do not respond well to medication or cannot tolerate the side effects. As a result, many people turn to natural treatments like cannabis and CBD to treat their ADHD symptoms. Any medical marijuana given to someone under 21 should be discussed with a health care professional as the research is still out and the brain is still developing.

It is worth noting there is some inconclusive evidence suggesting CBD might be used as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia, and a few isolated studies show CBD’s efficacy in social anxiety.

Two ways data based ways medical marijuana can help with symptoms of ADHD are sleep issues and reducing anxiety. One of the most common reasons Americans use medical cannabis is to help with insomnia. Most people know what it is like trying to fall asleep when your mind is full of thoughts or concerns. Certain types of cannabis may help turn your busy brain into a blank board, allowing a solid night of sleep.

Another common medical reason is to manage anxiety and stress. But certain strains of cannabis produce the same anxiety symptoms, so you have to be careful about the type of medical cannabis you choose. Stimulating cannabis strains can have a calming effect on people with ADHD symptoms. When consumed responsibly, Sativa cannabis may help calm social anxiety while allowing you to remain focused, alert, and conversational.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, have an open, fact based discussion with your health care profession about blending medical marijuana into your treatment.

DeSantis Thwarted In Florida Marijuana Court Ruling

Terry Hacienda

-

April 1, 2024

0

DeSantis Thwarted In Florida Marijuana Court Ruling

Score one for the voters

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been clear about his views on marijuana. He has called recreational cannabis a problem, lamented marijuana’s “stench” and grimly warned drugs are killing this country. After voters approved medical marijuana, he said it wasn’t enough and made them vote again where it passed by 71%. Despite his campaign receiving major funds from a few large players in the industry, his public state has been consistent. As Florida put together a ballot initiative to legalize recreational, DeSantis signaled his displeasure. Ashley Moody, the attorney general of Florida and ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, asked the state Supreme Court to nix a proposed constitutional amendment which would legalize recreational cannabis.

Today, in a 5-2 ruling, the Florida State Supreme Court advanced a proposed adult-use cannabis legalization initiative to the November 5, 2024, ballot. This delivers multi blows to the governor as it dismisses his and the state attorney general argument. Marijuana, along with another ballot initiative are on the ballot and it is sure to drive voters who may not vote in line with DeSantis’s goals. And it shows despite his posturing, his administration, including the courts, are not in lockstep.

“This is one of the most important cannabis legalization campaigns in recent years,” said Matthew Schweich, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. “We have the opportunity to end the injustice of cannabis prohibition for over 22 million Americans.”

The ballot initiative, which is being spearheaded by Smart and Safe Florida, would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over and allow legal sales through licensed businesses. In order to pass, the initiative must be approved by 60% of voters. Of the 24 states with an initiative process, Florida is the only state that requires 60% to pass an initiative.

If the ballot hits the 60% approval mark, the initiative would take effect six months after Election Day. The initiative would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower and five grams of concentrate. Medical cannabis dispensaries would be permitted to sell cannabis to adults over the age of 21. The legislature would retain the ability to issue more licenses in the future.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed five of the seven justices. One justice said were “baffled” by the state’s argument about the language being misleading, and other justices were similarly skeptical of the state’s push against the amendment. This signals another blow the court ruling against the governor’s stated position.

As of this time, neither the Governor or the State Attorney General have provided feedback.

Cannabis Based Lubes Can Help You Go The Extra Mile

Amy Hansen

-

April 1, 2024

0

Cannabis Based Lubes Can Help You Go The Extra Mile

Even if things are going great – it is nice to have a little extra boost – maybe marijuana can help behind closed doors.

Romance is great and sex can be delicious, but there are a few things which make it even better. Lube is one of them….straight or gay, it is a basic, like salt on fries. It adds to the pleasure, reduces friction, and helps avoid injury. If you’re using condoms, lube also makes it less likely that it’ll break or fall off in the middle of fun. And cannabis based lubes can help you go the extra mile.

The most common psychoactive compound in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. The plant also contains more than 60 related compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD), is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. A cannabis – based lube can have both or either…giving you options on your experience.

A THC based lube applied topically doesn’t give the same feeling from inhalation or food intake. You won’t get high, but it can induce greater blood flow or sensitivity in a women’s area or in a booty. As you age, you might lose some feeling, but the THC can, for the short-term, bring back some feelings.

5 tips for having sex while high — Photo via rawpixel.com

A CBD lube, which has a cannabis base, also has things to enhance perforce. Some are more practical like managing pain and inflammation, espeicially for women struggle with painful or uncomfortable sex. Like most mucous membranes, the vagina is very absorbent, acting as a sponge and taking in the benefits of the compound in a matter of minutes.

CBD can relax the muscles in the pelvic area, including the uterus, bladder, anal sphincter and pelvic floor. The compound can reportedly improve blood flow as well, facilitating orgasms and making the whole sexual encounter easier.

“We do know that CBD acts as a vasodilator, meaning it boosts circulation,” Kiana Reeves, a somatic expert shared “Increasing blood flow to the genitals and erectile tissue network is the basis for arousal and heightened sensation.”

CBD can relax the muscles in the pelvic area, including the uterus, bladder, anal sphincter and pelvic floor. The compound can reportedly improve blood flow as well, facilitating orgasms and making the whole sexual encounter easier.

When it comes to men, there’s not much that the CBD lube can do other than lubricate. However, Men’s Health says that CBD lubricant can be applied to your booty and should provide much of the same effects as when it’s applied to the vagina.

Llike most lubricants, it’s important to be aware of ingredients. The cannabis and cbd is a unregulated, so it is important to get them from reputable retailers and brands, And you can avoid harmful materials like chemicals, glycerin and more.

Before using the product, read the instructions. Some items require the lubricant to be applied a few minutes beforehand or aren’t compatible with condoms and silicone toys.

How To Manage When Only One Partner Consumes Weed

Sarah Johns

-

April 1, 2024

0

How To Manage When Only One Partner Consumes Weed

Relationship can be difficult – especially if you have different hobbies or habits.

Dating and relationships can be fun, challenging and fulfilling, but it important to be on sync on who you act as both a couple and individual. Politics, religion, having children, and money are all the big hurdles which can cause a rift. A survey showed the three leading causes of divorce are basic incompatibility (43%), infidelity (28%), and money issues (22%). So what happens if you have some incompatibilities? How do you overcome it. Until the spread of legalization, alcohol and smoking were the only consuming habits to navigate. Now it includes how to manage when only one partner consumes weed.

If only one partner drinks, it can be a challenge and something a couple has to figure how to approach. Alcohol is generally legal and social accepted, but can cause more issues than weed. The downside of drinking including hangovers, a perhaps change in behavior traits while under the influence, health issues and cost. Cannabis has become more social accepted with over 85% of people agreeing on some form of legalization. It is also generally wrapped in a few myths including laziness and lack of motivation.

Knowledge, sharing and talking is key to growing a bond. Unlike alcohol andmarijuana, it is important to understand the distinction of something for a medical reason (i.e. anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia) versus recreational. Science is clear cannabis has medical benefits, alcohol is not. Having a drink to unwind is much more data murky.

Respect their opinions

While it’d be great to share consume together and go out for a delicious and hilarious meal, if the person you’re dating doesn’t, you can’t force them. A non judgemential open conversation followed by a general decision should provide a clear path. You get more points for respecting their space and decisions than by trying to prove that you’re right. And if done correctly, you can consume comfortably.

Be respectful of space

Like tobacco, smoking tobacco can provide a whiff of what is going on. Some people have smell issues and others just do not want their space to smell. Like smokers, be it cigarettes or the occasionally cigar, together come up with a plan of where you consume.

Stand your ground

At the same time, it’s equally important to stand your ground and not hide who you are because the person you’re dating thinks differently. This advice is not only limited to marijuana, since it’s important to hold on to your individuality whenever you’re entering a new relationship. Find some middle ground and moments where you can enjoy your habit without disturbing your partner’s day to day life.

Compromise

Compromise can appear in many ways, by either consuming on days when you’re apart, trying out non-intoxicating strains or indulging on special occasions and having your partner understand why you’re doing it. If the smoke is the issue, there are plenty of other less invasive options to choose from. The most important part here is to communicate.

Is The Administration Racing To Reschedule By 4/20

Terry Hacienda

-

March 29, 2024

0

Is The Administration Racing To Reschedule By 4/20

After dragging their feet for 3 years, the Biden administration seems to be putting some juice to get the DEA to move

Is it opening the door to a new era? It seems the Biden administration has suddenly decided to follow up on their 2020 campaign promises. But does the sense of urgency reflect not only their need to engage younger voters but something else? Is the administration racing to reschedule by 4/20. President Biden brought up federal rescheduling as part of his proclamation declaring April to be “Second Chance Month.” Followed by his mentioning it in the State of the Union, this should be a signal to the Federal Drug Agency (FDA) to move on the recommendation by other agency and act.

Having made the promise, for almost the first 3 years of his tenure, Biden barely acknowledged the cannabis industry. This despite sales in the industry continues to grow and now, over 50% of the country has legal access to products. Those under 40 have an entirely different take on marijuana with Gen Z drifting away from alcohol and moving to weed. Beer sales have mirrored the societal shift. They have been out of step with the public.

joe biden kamala harris — Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Biden is struggling with younger voters. Media like the New York Times has been piling on by highlighting why he is losing and gently making it a much bigger issue. The campaign is concerned and sees to reengage this demographic. Biden is viewed favorably by only 31% of people ages 18 through 29, much worse than he fares with other age groups, according to a recent Economist/YouGov poll.

The White House begrudgingly started the process of rescheduling last year. Currently, cannabis classified as having zero medical benefit is lumped into the same category as heroin and LSD. Neither alcohol or tobacco are boxed into this category despite having zero health benefits and litany of problems the does cause.

Rescheduling would be an immediate benefit to an industry struggling with a host of issues including tough business rules around the classification, chaos in the New York and California market, and a dropping of flower prices. Some older Senators including James Risch (R-ID) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) are making a last ditch effort to stop the process.

While 4/20 has long been a wink wink nod to marijuana use for those in the know, thanks to the legal sales it is another big media day. Like the 4th of July or Drinksgiving/Green Wednesday, it is a time where they could get the most engagement with the public.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Germany Deflates GOP’s Anti Marijuana Efforts

The GOP’s argument against marijuana took a body blow from Germany

Baby Bear Becomes Shy After Meeting A Fawn

Sometimes you just need some simple happiness

Will Germany’s Legalizing Marijuana Push The DEA

Yet another major country has legalized marijuana – hopefully the DEA is paying attention. Here are some expert’s take on where it stands.

Legal Medical Marijuana Leads To More Sex

A new study is among the first to focus on medical marijuana legislation and what impact it has on state residents.

How Many People Can You Date At One Time

Sometimes you have the right vibe and it seems everyone wants to go out with you – but how many can you really juggle?

Can Medical Marijuana Help During The Adderall Shortage

Roughly 2.6% (139.8 million) of adults worldwide some form of ADHD. With the Adderall shortage, what are the options?

DeSantis Thwarted In Florida Marijuana Court Ruling

Score one for the voters

Cannabis Based Lubes Can Help You Go The Extra Mile

Even if things are going great – it is nice to have a little extra boost – maybe marijuana can help behind closed doors.

How To Manage When Only One Partner Consumes Weed

Relationship can be difficult – especially if you have different hobbies or habits.

Respect their opinions

Be respectful of space

Stand your ground

Compromise

Is The Administration Racing To Reschedule By 4/20

After dragging their feet for 3 years, the Biden administration seems to be putting some juice to get the DEA to move

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