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What Pet Owners Should Know About Cannabis And CBD Products

Maria Loreto
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What Pet Owners Should Know About Cannabis And CBD Products

A symposium looking into the veterinary use of cannabis shows that there’s a lot of questions regarding CBD and pets.

A lot has been said about CBD pet products and their capacity to tame anxiety and other stressors that pets experience. Anecdotal evidence indicates that many pet owners are happy with the cannabis products they’ve used on their pets, stating they put their pets  at ease when they’re exposed to stressors like fireworks and separation anxiety. Pet owners feel a sense of comfort when using these products, since there are little to no side effects associated with them.

A cannabis symposium hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) last month delved into the topic of veterinary cannabis, with different experts discussing its pros and cons.

“We certainly recognize the potential opportunities that cannabis-derived compounds may offer and acknowledge the significant interest in these possibilities,” said Randall Gnatt, a senior regulatory counsel in the Office of Surveillance and Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

RELATED: The Relationship Between CBD And Owning Pets Is Deeper Than You Think

“We’re also aware that some companies are marketing products in ways that violate the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and then may put the health and safety of people and animals at risk.”

Waking up to this every morning would surely give you more will to live. Unsplash/jonathan daniels, CC BY-SA

While Gnatt made it clear that CBD is a promising compound for both humans and animals, he also expressed the FDA’s concern regarding it, particularly in the way in which the cannabinoid has been advertised by dozens of companies. “Other than the approved human prescription drug, we know little about the potential effects of sustained or cumulative long-term use of CBD,” he said.

RELATED: Some CBD Pet Products Don’t Actually Contain Any CBD

“We don’t know about coadministration with other medicines or risks to vulnerable human and animal populations. This doesn’t mean that we know CBD is categorically unsafe under all circumstances, but given the gaps in our current knowledge and the known risks that have been identified, we’re not at a point where we can conclude that CBD products are safe for use.”

CBD and cannabis remain largely unregulated. While significant steps have been made over the years to validate the medicinal claims of cannabis, much work needs to be done in order to get a full picture of the plant, especially if we’re giving it to animals who have no say on the matter and who might be better off visiting their veterinarian.

Enhancing Athletic Performance With Cannabis

Becky Garrison
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Enhancing Athletic Performance With Cannabis

It can reduce anxiety, promote healing, and relax the body and mind. Here are some other ways athletes use cannabis to enhance performance.

Anna Symonds, Education and Partnership Manager for East Fork Cultivars, has been a  rugby player for 18 years and attributes a lot of her longevity as a professional athlete to cannabis. 

While she experimented with cannabis as a teenager, she discontinued this practice when she got more serious about sports. After she smoked with some teammates after a game, she experienced immediate healing and muscle relaxation. “I started to have this mental shift of seeing cannabis as medicine.” About five years ago after she got a back injury, cannabis proved to be the only thing that would provide her with pain relief and muscle relaxation, while increasing her functionality without the side effects from other medications.

Some time ago, Symonds observed how she would play better if she smoked the night before. “In addition, it  helped with the anxiety that comes before a competition, as well as relaxing the mind and body.” Also, the munchies enabled her to take in enough good calories so she could power up for the next day.

RELATED: How Rock Climbers Can Use Marijuana In Recovery And Training

By microdosing before practice with a 1:1 full spectrum chocolate edible containing 1 mg THC, Symonds found the sweet spot where her pain would reduce and her mind would get into flow state where she was fully present and performing fully optimally. 

How Do You Know If Your Workout Pain Is Dangerous?
Photo by bruce mars via Unsplash

Choosing Cannabis over OxyContin 

Nathan Quarry, a Former UFC contender and ZombieCageFighter, grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness, where he was indoctrinated into the Refer Madness way of thinking about marijuana as a drug. “From day one, I was told that if I smoked marijuana, I would be excommunicated from the church and God would kill me at Armageddon.”

In his twenties, he began questioning his faith and trained to become a UFC fighter. For twelve years, he took the abuses he suffered as a child and took it out on his opponent. As his injuries mounted, his OxyContin use increased to 120 mg daily. 

RELATED: Marijuana And Exercise: A Great Combo For Mindful Athletes

Then after taking cannabis on the recommendation of a friend, he slept solidly for eight hours and he felt incredible. He’s now complexly off OxyContin. “I start my day with CBD and it really helps to get everything moving.”

workouts
Photo by Flickr user ThoroughlyReviewed

Cannabis as an Aid for Performance and Recovery 

While Antonio DeRose, COO, Green House Healthy, has used cannabis recreationally for over 15 years, he didn’t begin using this plant to help with his performance and recovery as a trail runner until about 5 to 6 years ago. He describes himself as a “wake and bake” person. “When I wake up in the morning, I use cannabis to recharge my endocannabinoid system. Then I do some sort of physical activity.” 

DeRose prefers a high dose edible followed by some flower before he runs. “Cannabis is a bronchodilator, so it allows me to absorb more oxygen with each breath.” He finds cannabis aids in recovery by calming down his nervous system and reducing inflammation. Topicals work well for isolated areas where he has specific pain. Also, he uses hemp as a nutritional supplement, noting that as the body regenerates bones every ten years, technically he’s made of hemp.

Using Cannabis To Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Joel Claycomb
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Using Cannabis To Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a challenging, long-term disorder typically characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD is further subdivided into ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores within the lining of the large intestine and rectum, while Crohn’s disease is identified by a more generalized, deeper inflammation of the entire digestive system. Both classifications may involve weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. In some cases, IBD can lead to life-threatening complications. Additionally in younger patients, delays in puberty and growth failure may occur.3

RELATED: Marijuana Can Eradicate Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The cause of IBD is not completely established, though it is likely that genetics coupled with a dysregulated immune system may result in an inappropriate inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. Current pharmacologic interventions focus on immune suppression and may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, and biological therapy. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.4

Study: Marijuana Can Eradicate Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Photo by Tharakorn/Getty Images

Using animal and human cell lines in experiments, it has been theorized that a lack of naturally produced endocannabinoids in some people may result in the body being unable to control the inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract. Consumers of cannabis report that it aids in alleviating symptoms of cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, and poor appetite. It is believed that supplementing an under-producing endocannabinoid system results in improved quality of life and reduction in symptoms.

RELATED: The Way Cannabis Helps Inflammation Is Pretty Amazing

In a study comparing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and sulfasalazine in the treatment of intestinal inflammation in rodents, it was discovered that the most effective therapy was a combination of low dose THC with CBD. The research is promising for developing a safer, more effective treatment for IBD, especially due to a lack of psychoactive effects when using CBD in combination.

In another study, scientists used CBD without THC to determine the efficacy of inflammation reduction. They discovered that if CBD was given before inducing a flare up, it prevented inflammation from occurring. Additionally, if a patient was suffering from an active flare-up, administration of CBD reduced inflammation.

RELATED: Marijuana Can Treat Crohn’s Disease Symptoms Effectively

There is growing evidence to suggest that more specific cannabinoids such as cannabigerol and THCa may be especially useful in alleviating IBD symptoms. It is important to note that THCa needs to be consumed orally in order to derive benefit from it.

Additionally, terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and myrcene have proven to be beneficial for abdominal pain relief. Specific strains that contain the previously mentioned cannabinoids and terpenes include Sour Diesel, Tangie, Cookies, and Durban are the most commonly cited.

While further research is integral to clearly identifying the best possible treatments for IBD, it is at least encouraging to see cannabis be a part of the conversation moving forward.

 

GOP Voters Support Weed Decriminalization More Than Democratic Lawmakers

Brendan Bures
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GOP Voters Support Weed Decriminalization More Than Democratic Lawmakers

Moderate Democrats feared the MORE Act could hurt their chances at the ballots, but a bipartisan majority supports passage of the bill.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on a bill that would decriminalize cannabis nationwide and expunge marijuana records. But moderate Democrats successfully convinced party members not to vote on the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act until after the 2020 Election.

Their reason? Concern over how it would affect U.S. voter perception.

Congress has yet to approve a new stimulus package and pushing cannabis legislation through could alienate some voters. Republicans lawmakers vociferously attacked the scheduled MORE Act, too, with one GOP Representative labeling the bill “No Joint Left Behind.”

Moderate Democrat and Republican lawmakers alike may have been mistaken, according to a new poll. A majority of both Republican and Democrat voters support passage of the MORE Act, data shows. Only Independent voters didn’t favor the bill’s passage, although that may be more due to a lack of knowledge—29% of Independent voters said they don’t know what the MORE Act is.

RELATED: GOP Attacks Marijuana Decriminalization Bill, Question Democrat Priorities Amid Pandemic

GOP Voters Support Weed Decriminalization More Than Dem Lawmakers
Photo by DEZALB via Pixabay

Data for Progress and The Justice Collaborative Institute conducted the polling, surveying 1,212 likely national voters. Their numbers showed 59% of voters, which included 53% of Republicans, support passing the MORE Act. A bipartisan majority also favored treating drug use as a public health issue instead of a criminal justice act, and believe the federal government should legalize the possession and sale of marijuana.

“The decision to push back a vote on the MORE Act not only calls Democrats’ prioritization of racial and criminal justice into question, but it also shows a complete disregard for the will of the majority of the American people who are ready for reform,” said the Justice Collaborative in a statement. “Failing to pass legislation decriminalizing marijuana use could be an electoral risk come November.”

RELATED: Arizona Emerges As Fierce Battleground For Marijuana Legalization

Neither party has established itself as a home for cannabis-focused voters. President Donald Trump told Republicans to keep cannabis reform off the ballots if they want to win the election this year. And presidential nominee Joe Biden has pushed Democrats away from legalization as an official party platform, instead favoring decriminalization and rescheduling. Recently, vice president pick Kamala Harris promised a Biden-Harris Administration would take no half-steps on cannabis, and then promised another half-step.

Criminal Justice Reform Must Become The Business Of America’s Business

Richard Cowan
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Criminal Justice Reform Must Become The Business Of America’s Business

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.

Only the business community can bring about real criminal justice reform and that can only be accomplished by ending the Drug War, and marijuana prohibition

Fifty years ago this month, the late, great economist Milton Friedman, published an essay,  “The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Its Profits”.  

The title really says it all, but it is important to understand that Friedman always emphasized that his political views (he was a Libertarian) were separate from his economics (Monetarism). He also insisted that he was not exempting business from ethical norms. 

Although Friedman and John Maynard Keynes had very different views on economics, he would have agreed with Keynes famous quote: 

“When the facts change, I change my mind – what do you do, sir?” 

I like to think that Friedman would have a very different view today because America and the world have changed enormously in the last half-century. It is important to recognize that the immediate impetus to social change really had nothing to do with “business”, but was triggered by questionable police violence against African Americans. Not exactly a new problem. 

SEE: Don’t Mention The Drug War. We Must Decriminalize Being Black. Black Freedom Matters 

The business community’s immediate response was to recognize the need for greater racial diversity in business, announcing new policies for hiring executives. And “Show Business” responded by changing the rules for winning an Oscar, not exactly things related to the improper use of violence against poor people of color. 

What the 1920s Can Teach Us About the 2020s
Photo by Clay Banks via Unsplash

In fact, greater diversity in the executive suites and in the Oscars would be good for business and would fit Friedman’s focus on profits. They are necessary, but not sufficient. Obviously, rioting and looting are bad for business, but so are peaceful demonstrations, and social justice at the top means nothing to those on “the streets.” 

Unfortunately, while “Black Lives Matter” is a great slogan and a “righteous cause”, it has predictably become “street theatre”. The founders of BLM are self-proclaimed “Marxists”.   

SEE: Black Lives Matter Is Absolutely Necessary But Absolutely Not Sufficient 

To many Americans that means they are “Godless” — true enough — but it also means that they simply cannot communicate with the American people. These unjustified acts of violence are totally unacceptable, but if they totally ended, we would still have huge problems with policing.  

Frankly, I think that Marxism is ridiculous, but the closest Marx got to reality was his recognition of the importance of class in Victorian England, not exactly a profound insight. On the other hand, America hasn’t really been honest about “class” in society and within the races.  

Prosperous whites simply cannot imagine that prosperous African Americans actually get stopped by the police, for being prosperous African Americans, and who feel that they have to have “the talk” with their children about how to act when (not if) they are stopped by the police… for no reason. 

SEE: Police stop fewer black drivers at night when a ‘veil of darkness’ obscures their race 

I doubt that very many prosperous white parents have ever felt that necessary.   

Photo by Kelly Lacy via Unsplash

Even an African American Republican United States Senator, (S.C.), Tim Scott, said that in the course of one year as an elected official, he was stopped seven times by law enforcement. And while in some of those instances he was speeding, Scott said the “vast majority” of those encounters were the result of “nothing more than driving a new car in the wrong neighborhood or some other reason just as trivial.”  

This is the classic example of the cliche about the tip of the iceberg. Visible police violence is a very small part of the problems with OUR criminal justice system. 

SEE: Prosecutorial Misconduct: The Invisible Problem Behind The Police 

AND: Half of All False Convictions in the U.S. Involved Police or Prosecutor Misconduct, Finds New Report 

Meanwhile, the Republican Party, supposedly the pro-business party, is really the Prohibitionist party, and the Trump Administration has been co-opted by the Drug Warriors, Bill Barr, Mark Meadows, Mitch McConnell, et al.  

SEE: The Prohibitionist Deep State: Trump’s New Chief of Staff Even Opposed CBD for Desperately Sick Children And Medical Marijuana for Disabled Vets 

AND: Is The War On Cannabis A Cult? What Can We Learn About American Politics 

This means that the business community is seen as an ally of racists. These injustices are being committed in our name.  

In the real world, that means that only the business community can bring about real criminal justice reform and that can only be accomplished by ending the Drug War, and marijuana prohibition. Or shall we leave it all to the Marxists? 

SEE: It’s Time for Silicon Valley To Finish Its Job of Disrupting the Racist Drug War

Richard Cowan is a former NORML National Director and writes about the benefits of CBD for senior citizens. 

Will Australia Follow US Lead In Selling CBD?

Nisha Karyn
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Will Australia Follow US Lead In Selling CBD?

Just how big is the market for low-dose CBD medication? Australia’s leading industry data source reports that 20% of patients are taking low-dose CBD.

Australians might be looking at a cleared path to cannabis medications as soon as next year. The Australian government made an interim decision earlier this month (Sept. 9) to bring low-dose CBD medication over-the-counter. So will Australia follow US lead in selling CBD?

Right now, accessing treatments Down Under means meandering through pathways to get a doctor’s prescription and approvals from the government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Aussie version of the FDA. However, this government announcement means that CBD could be labelled down from a Schedule 4 to a Schedule 3 drug with implementation proposed on June 1, 2021.

So just how big is the market for low-dose CBD medication? FreshLeaf Analytics, Australia’s leading industry data source, wrote in its Q3 Patient, Product and Pricing Analysis that 20% of patients are taking low-dose CBD. There’s also the potential for the over-the-counter CBD market in Australia to grow rapidly and exceed A$200 million of revenue. 

FreshLeaf Managing Director Cassandra Hunt said, “This will be the biggest thing to happen in the industry since Federal legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Australia in 2016. We expect it will result in more Australians benefiting from the healing properties of cannabis and will reduce the number of people seeking products through unregulated illicit channels.”

The Latest Report From The FDA Shows How Poorly It Has Handled CBD
Photo by athima tongloom/Getty Images

It’s not all smooth sailing though. Dr Mark Hardy of Australia’s first and largest medicinal cannabis network, CA Clinics said, “This is a welcome move but it’s important to note that the effects of low-dose CBD may be negligible for many patients. Patients seeking treatment for chronic conditions that may benefit from medicinal cannabis may require higher dosages or other cannabinoids such as THC and should therefore consult their GP before taking these products, even in small amounts.”

RELATED: Australian State Considers Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

And there are other factors that might still stand in the way of this initiative bringing over-the-counter medicinal cannabis within closer reach of consumers. 

While the new regulations would theoretically allow the sale of pure and securely packaged CBD to adults, with each packet containing 1,800mg of product (30 day supply of the recommended 60mg daily dose), Hunt said that “‘The next challenge will be getting products in the market as quickly and cost effectively as possible’. 

Registering a product for a Schedule 3 label means producing clinical data providing evidence for efficacy that may be difficult to do for 60mg doses. 

the cbd you just bought might be bogus
Photo by MysteryShot/Getty Images

FreshLeaf’s Q3 report wrote, “This raises substantial questions around the ability of any company to successfully register its products, even if the regulatory pathway exists.” 

FreshLeaf has declared that it is working closely with the TGA to define these requirements. 

Product types have also been limited to oral, oral mucosal and sublingual formulations, dismissing other common delivery types such as vapes and topical creams. 

The good news for Aussie patients is that, even if there are hurdles to over-the-counter low-dose CBD, FreshLeaf’s Q3 report states that general legal market prices are now 25 percent of what they were at the industry’s dawn in early 2016. This has been the largest drop in its history and “a clear example of market forces, not regulation, being successful in driving prices down.”

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide To Buying CBD Products

The number of legal medicinal cannabis products available in Australia has also seen a 50 percent rise to 150 in the last year. FreshLeaf expects to see it spike to 300 products at the end of 2021…. good news for patients and choice, tough if you’re a doctor trying to choose which one is the most appropriate for your patient!

A final decision for the over-the-counter move is expected to be made by the Australian government on November 25. Let’s  hope will Australia follow US lead in selling CBD?

New Poll Breaks Down Why People Are Turning To Weed During Pandemic

Maria Loreto
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New Poll Breaks Down Why People Are Turning To Weed During Pandemic

Consumers are relying on marijuana to ease their pain during the coronavirus. Here’s exactly what they’re using it for.

It’s no secret that the pandemic has made a lot of people turn to weed for escape, whether they’re looking for therapeutic results or fun. A new report says that as the pandemic evolves, large percentage of users have been seeking for the plant’s therapeutic relief. Rising levels of anxiety and sleep issues have resulted in an uptick in cannabis use as well as a stable rise in the use of cannabis delivery services.

These results appeared in a recent poll conducted by cannabis delivery service Ganja Goddess, which surveyed over 850 people. Their numbers suggest that the majority of users are consuming flower and that the rise in use of delivery services is mostly due to convenience and safety.

RELATED: How The Coronavirus Is Impacting The Cannabis Industry

Zachary Pitts, CEO of Ganja Goddess, explained in a statement (via Forbes) that the poll’s results reflect a shift in consumer behavior due to the pandemic. He says that the majority of poll respondents increased their cannabis use by 9% since April of 2020, when Ganja Goddess completed its last poll.

Photo by Shopify via Burst

When discussing the reasons behind their cannabis use, 78% of respondents said they used cannabis as a way of managing a condition; 69% of them were treating sleep issues, 68% anxiety and 32% are seeking relief from a chronic condition.

While the majority of cannabis users polled are consuming flower, edibles and vape pens come in second and third place with 51% and 36% respectively. Smaller groups of cannabis users are also purchasing tinctures (14%) along with pills and capsules (13%).

RELATED: 5 Reasons Cannabis Was Named An Essential Business

Before the pandemic hit, cannabis flower was the preferred product of most cannabis users, at least the ones polled by Ganja Goddess. While this remains unchanged, it seems like the threat of COVID-19 has pushed people to try products such as edibles and tinctures in order to keep their lungs in good shape.

Still, this change isn’t as strong as some experts believed it would be when the pandemic first hit. As time passes and the pandemic progresses, it seems that the one significant change that cannabis users have embraced is the use of cannabis delivery.

The Biggest Trends In Vape Pens We’ve Seen This Year

Green Market Report
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The Biggest Trends In Vape Pens We’ve Seen This Year

With the market expanding, new brands are popping up, and everyone is doing their best to please the consumers and build a solid reputation.

We’ve all witnessed the epic expansion of the vaping market in recent years, with people of all ages joining in on the trend. It seems that no matter where you turn, there’s always that one a guy or a girl with a vape pod in any group of friends.

Well, the increased popularity has caused quite a bit of a stir in the vaping industry, and there are a number of changes on the horizon. If you just want to buy vape juice online, get a colorful pod, and join the community, it’s a perfect time to do so.

Here are just some of the biggest trends that all you vapers, and soon-to-be vapers, can look forward to.

Things Are Getting Smaller and More Efficient

While our cell-phones have been getting bigger and bigger over the last decade, the vaping world has been hit by a shrink ray. Vape pens have gotten a lot slimmer, with some quite elegant models seen in the hands of Instagram fashionistas.

Going with a smaller size doesn’t mean sacrificing all the power, though, as these compact devices are real workhorses. They’re easy to carry around, they have a perfect look for those who want to be a bit understated and classy, and they work just as well as their chunkier counterparts.

RELATED: 4 Biggest Benefits Of Vaping

Some people are even buying these slimmer models as a backup for their larger vape pods, something that they can just grab on a short trip to the store or when taking the dog for a walk.

These tiny vape pens are also great summer accessories for the ladies, as there’s often not enough pocket space or handbag real estate for a large pod.

A Whole Rainbow of Exciting New Flavors

In the past couple of years, the governments of several states were ready to crack down on vaping equipment, especially the more eclectic flavor mixes, fearing that they would get kids to start taking up the habit. However, this was shown to be a murky issue at best, as about 30% of high-school students reported that they tried two or more tobacco products.

RELATED: As Teen Use Rises, Study Finds Vaping Damages Lungs

Be that as it may, the mere existence of different flavors didn’t make traditional cigarettes any more enticing than they already were, and having fun e-liquid flavors is not the issue here either. Luckily, with a lot of states backing away from draconic measures, we now have access to an amazing variety of blends.

That’s great news for anyone experiencing vaper’s tongue, where the person gets so used to a certain flavor that the vape juice starts feeling bland and tasteless. The best cure is to switch things up, using different flavors, and there’s a ton of options now.

Are Smokers And Vapers More At Risk For Coronavirus?
Photo by Andres Siimon via Unsplash

Remote Access to Vape Pods

As of 2018, 87% of survey respondents said that they regularly used WiFi around the home. I’m willing to bet that the number is well into the 90% range by now, and it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly convenient and allows for some cool IOT gadgets around the house as well.

It looks like the simple old vape pods and desktop vaporizers are offering WiFi connectivity as well. Some smart vaping devices now have apps that allow you to modify anything from nicotine content to the power output using your phone. The app can also keep track of your preferences and give you insightful analytics on your nicotine consumption.

These cool little gadgets will be the perfect fit for both tech geeks who love the extra functionality and those who’ve been trying to quit smoking but never really kept track of how much they were smoking every day. Be on the lookout for new models, as this smart vaping trend has taken off big time in 2020.

Tighter Quality Control

As we mentioned earlier, there have been raising concerns about the health implications of vaping, so the manufacturers have really tightened up their quality control. Another reason why we are now seeing higher quality products at even the more reasonable price points is all the competition on the vaping market.

With the market expanding, new brands are popping up, and everyone is doing their best to please the consumers and build a solid reputation.

The vaping industry is experiencing massive growth in this era of lockdowns and isolation, and the explosion in demand has caused the market to adapt. What this means for the users is more options in terms of e-liquid flavors, high-quality devices at lower prices, smart technology, and incredibly compact and elegant vape pens.

It’s a great time to go away from cigarettes and go with fun flavors with much less nicotine, combined with a classy gadget that’s sure to turn a few heads.

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

5 Ways To Prep For The Winter Blues

Maria Loreto
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5 Ways To Prep For The Winter Blues

Seasonal affective disorder is a real issue, one that can become even worse due to the pandemic. Here are some ways to combat it.

Summer is pretty much over, signaling an anxious period of time for those who aren’t fond of the cold weather. While it might sound like a simple preference, there are higher odds of being depressed in the winter. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real problem, one that’s made worse by feelings of isolation. The pandemic makes this affliction even more complex.

Still, SAD, or any type of winter blues, can be battled by making small changes to your everyday life. It’s important to keep in mind that if the problem feels like it’s getting out of hand, talk to someone about it, preferably a person you trust or a professional.

Here are 5 ways to get ready for the winter blues:

Prioritize your mornings

Mornings are important, especially during the winter, when days are shorter and nights are longer. SAD can push people to want to stay in bed for longer periods of time, something that sounds delicious in theory, but that can quickly derail your plans. Try to get up a little earlier so you can have more light during your day, which will also allow you to go to bed earlier on and keep a better sleeping schedule. If you need an incentive in order to wake up a earlier in the mornings, set several alarm clocks, schedule activities earlier on and do your best to treasure these hours since sunlight has a big impact on your mood.

Get a new hobby

Here Are The Reasons Why Cannabis Consumers Stocked Up
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

RELATED: 5 Ways To Stay Creative In The Winter

Nights tend to be the hardest to deal with during winter. If you live alone or are feeling particularly isolated, be sure to find something to do that keeps you entertained and that gives you some sort of purpose. Try new hobbies, game nights with friends, or put together a reading list that you can tackle each night. These small moments will allow you to care of yourself and do something relatively productive with your time, much more so than scrolling through your timeline.

Exercise

Working out is critical during the winter. It not only keeps your body in shape, it assists in the production of dopamine and endorphins when you need them the most. While outdoor work outs aren’t always pleasurable or possible, try to get them in when you can. On days where it’s too cold, try working out to YouTube videos or apps; any routines that are fun and provide you with a challenge are encouraged.

Keep your place cozy

cozy up this winter to these 6 comfort cultivars
Photo by Alisa Anton via Unsplash

RELATED: 7 Ways To Stay Fit While Getting High Indoors This Winter

A change of space can make you feel way better and also help you stay occupied. Avoid cluttering up the area where you’ll spend most of your time, putting away the stuff you don’t need and adding blankets and comforting items that will make you feel safe and at home. Move furniture around and try to transform your space into something that can be creative and productive for the coming winter months.

Indulge your emotions

One of the most important things you can do is to be honest with yourself. If you’re feeling sad and overwhelmed, it’s okay to feel these things and cry about them. Release your anxiety by crying or by talking things out with someone you trust. If you need a little help getting your emotions going, put on a movie or show that you know will get you emotional, giving yourself the space to feel whatever it is you’re feeling while also creating some distance. After you’re done, shift gears and try to do something that makes you feel at ease, at least for a little while.

Here’s Why Using A Weed Grinder Is A No-Brainer

Maria Loreto
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Here’s Why Using A Weed Grinder Is A No-Brainer

You don’t need grinders to smoke marijuana but you should still use one anyway. You’ll thank us later.

Marijuana flower is easily malleable. Once it’s cut down to small pieces, it can be added to bongs, pipes, rolling papers and all sorts of recipes for sweet and savory dishes. A lot of people think that once they have the weed, they’re all set to get high, which is true. Still, the more people smoke and learn, the more likely it is for them to look for better ways of consuming marijuana. A good grinder is a key component.

Grinders are tools that are sometimes considered unnecessary, ignored by amateur marijuana consumers. People can split their weed into functioning chunks by using scissors, their fingers, a quarter, and more. While all of these methods get the job done, the end result, whether it’s in a joint, a bong, or an edible, might taste strong and harsh, with the marijuana bits burning out unevenly or clumping together for that strong weedy flavor.

RELATED: A Women’s Guide To Tasteful Marijuana Use: Tincture, Vape, And Edibles

Marijuana grinders, even when some wear and tear has set in, chop weed evenly and create a kind of fluffy powder that’s easy to carry and handle. These devices also limit the amount of times you touch the weed with your hands, a process that contaminates the weed and robs it of its trichomes, which are the particles responsible for providing marijuana with its aroma and some therapeutic benefits.

4 Easy Ways To Grind Your Marijuana Without A Grinder
Photo by saeedkebriya via Pixabay

While there are issues with over grinding weed, the majority of times the use of a grinder will result in more pleasant, manageable and even highs. When marijuana is properly cut, it allows for some airflow, which in turn allows for the marijuana to burn evenly. Most common grinders also have a bottom compartment, where the ‘kief’ is stored. This powder contains a bunch of cannabinoids that can be repurposed for extra strong joints, preparing hash and more.

RELATED: How To Ensure A Safe Cannabis Vaping Experience

Grinders are also cost effective. While a good grinder can cost over $100, with different compartments that grind, separate pollen and leave you with super clean weed, there are also cheaper options that get the work done. All decent grinders ensure that the amount of money you spend on weed doesn’t go to waste when it’s poorly cut.

Grinders make for a better cannabis experience, reducing mess and making it easier to clean up and making the most out of your weed. Using one is a no-brainer.

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