Marijuana Use On The Rise Among Boomers

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September 5, 2020

Changing attitudes and public education around cannabis likely influenced the consumption habits of older Americans, study finds.

Older Americans rank as the newest growing demographic of cannabis users in the nation. A new survey reveals that about 1 in 20 Americans ages 55 and older have smoked marijuana in the past month.

The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed three years of national survey data collected between 2016 to 2018 from over 170,000 adults over the age of 55. Researchers found cannabis use among men (6.7%) was almost double that of women (3.5%).

Study co-author and University of Massachusetts Medical School professor Bill Jesdale suggested that changing attitudes and new available education around cannabis use could explain the trend.

“It could be there are more people using marijuana for medical conditions,” Jesdale said. “It could be there are more using it for recreational uses. It could be more people acknowledging use, in an environment when it’s easier to say that you use products when talking to someone from the government.”

A different study published last month found that cannabis users over the age of 60 self-reported improvements in their health-related quality of life (HRQL). Researchers collected data from medical marijuana use among older patients in Colorado and Illinois across a one-year period. There was a “strong positive association” connecting how often patients used cannabis and self-reporting upgrades in pain management, health-care utilization, and HRQL.

Here's What You Should Know About Seniors & CBD — Photo by Rawpixel/Getty Images

“Many seniors likely experimented first-hand with cannabis during their youth and are now returning to it as a potential therapy to mitigate many of the health-related symptoms that come with older age, including chronic pain,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Many seniors are well aware of the litany of serious adverse side-effects associated with available prescription drugs, like opioids, and they perceive medical cannabis to be a viable alternative.”

Public attitudes about cannabis legalization among baby boomers, or those born between 1946 and 1964, have certainly changed in recent years. Recent polling by the Pew Research Center shows 63% of all boomers are in favor of legal marijuana.

Said Armentano, “As their attitudes continue to evolve on cannabis, expect to see many politicians at the state and federal level shift their views as well.”

Voting Is More Likely To Get You Laid Than Not, So Says OKCupid

Maria Loreto

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September 5, 2020

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Voting Is More Likely To Get You Laid Than Not, So Says OKCupid

A survey conducted by OKCupid found that voting is an important issue for dating, making it more likely for users to get matches and messages.

Election years have a big impact on our daily lives, increasing our stress levels, tensions between political parties and even the amount of guns that are sold. Politics also play a role in dating.

According to a survey conducted by OKCupid, voting is a very important issue for its members. In fact, more than a half-million members said they wouldn’t date someone who didn’t vote.

OKCupid broke down the results by state, showing how members feel about prominent political issues. Results show that 91% of OKCupid female members were registered to vote compared to 89% of men. The site also broke down voters by generation, with Baby Boomers being the largest percentage of registered voters.

Fifty-percent of users said that the question “Are you registered to vote?” was important for them when finding a match. People who are registered to vote are 63% more likely to get a match and 83% more likely to receive a message. They’re also more likely to be seen as self confident, valuing intelligence over looks, enjoying discussions of politics, being more open with their feelings and, for some reason, enjoying the taste of beer.

Should The Coronavirus Alter Our Dating Behavior? — Photo by Relevante design via Unsplash

In order to encourage people to vote, OKCupid is launching a badge, asking users if they’re registered to vote. If users select Yes, a badge will be automatically be added to their profiles. If people select No, then OKCupid will open a link in their device that’ll allow people to register.

“Now more than ever, daters want to connect with people who share their values,” said OKCupid CEO Ariel Charytan. “Over the past few years, people on OkCupid have become more vocal about today’s leading issues — from climate change to voting rights.”

OKCupid previously released some stats on politics and how important it is for their members, with many claiming that they’d be unable to date someone from their opposing political party. It’s 2020 and it’s impossible to sweep politics under the rug.

Drone Makes It Rain Marijuana To Protest Cannabis Laws In Israel

Brendan Bures

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September 4, 2020

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Drone Makes It Rain Marijuana To Protest Cannabis Laws In Israel

The Green Drones group is a cannabis legalization advocacy group in Israel and promotes a “free love” slogan. Apparently, that includes free weed.

Imagine standing in a busy town square and suddenly it starts raining. But is isn’t water you feel. Instead, tiny bags of cannabis drop from the sky via drone. Would you take the freebie?

Tel Aviv pedestrians walking in Israel had to make that decision Thursday afternoon when more than 100 packets of weed fell in Rabin Square, where residents were seen rushing to scoop as many bags as they could. Two members from a group called “Green Drones” are suspected of operating the weed drop and have been arrested on drug trafficking charges.

Hints of this upcoming stunt called “rain of cannabis” were sent over the secure messaging app Telegram, The Jerusalem Post reports.

“It’s time my dear brothers. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the green drone, handing out free cannabis from the sky… Enjoy my beloved brothers, this is your pilot brother, making sure we all get some free love,” a message sent over Telegram read.

“We’re launching the ‘rain of cannabis’ project, that will include a weekly delivery to different parts of the country of 1 kilo of cannabis divided into free 2 gram bags.”

The Green Drones group is a cannabis legalization advocacy group in Israel and promotes a “free love” slogan. Cannabis possession is partially decriminalized currently in small amounts, but distribution is a criminal offense. But Green Drones reportedly plans to continue the “rain of cannabis” project, regardless of the potential penalty.

The weed drop comes ahead of the country’s upcoming plan to shut down 30 “red” cities to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Israel currently has one of the world’s highest COVID-19 infection rates. Green Drones said the lockdown partially inspired this project, as the pandemic “requires thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways of getting cannabis to consumers.”

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

The Governor of Nebraska doesn’t believe medical marijuana is a thing (who’s going to tell him?); cannabis is showing promise as a treatment for COVID-19 symptoms; soft talkers may save us from the pandemic; Trump may be willing to lose the election over marijuana prohibition; and finally, a lady’s guide to discreet marijuana use.

Let’s dive into the top five news stories from The Fresh Toast this week.

Nebraska Gov. Claims There’s ‘No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana’

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts Claims 'No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana' — Photo by Pieter van de Sande via Unsplash

A voter-approved initiative to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska will appear on the November ballot, but marijuana shouldn’t even be labeled a medicine, according to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

“There is no such thing as medical marijuana,” Ricketts said at a press conference Monday. “This is not something that would be prescribed by a doctor. It’s not going to be distributed through a pharmacy. These are dispensaries that would be in your communities.”

Read the full article here.

New Studies Show Marijuana Effective At Treating COVID-19 Symptoms

University of South Carolina researchers now believe marijuana’s THC could be effective against battling symptoms caused by the coronavirus based on a trio of studies. In each study, THC helped prevent a deadly immune system response that causes acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) and boosted healthy lung bacteria.

“We have been working on cannabinoids for over 20 years and found that cannabinoids such as THC are highly anti-inflammatory,” study co-author Prakash Nagarkatti said. “Thus, our studies raise the exciting suggestion to test THC against ARDS seen in COVID-19 patients.”

Read the full article here.

These Types Of People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus

Loud People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus — Photo by Brooke Cagle via Unsplash

Those who speak in low tones are capable of reducing the transmission risk of the coronavirus by 80%.

These findings were reported by The Atlantic, which spoke with several experts and concluded that silence in public spaces is an extremely efficient way of keeping the spread of the virus under control.

Since COVID seems to be transmitted primarily through droplets that come out of our nose and mouth when we sneeze or cough, “Every route of viral transmission would go down if we talked less, or talked less loudly, in public spaces,” Jose L. Jimenez, a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, who studies disease transmission, told The Atlantic. “This is just a very clear fact. It’s not controversial.”

Read the full article here.

Is Trump Willing To Lose the Election For Marijuana Prohibition?

On a campaign visit to Wisconsin, Trump “urged Republicans not to place marijuana legalization initiatives on state ballots out of concern that it will increase Democratic turnout in elections… and that he blames marijuana legalization efforts on former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) defeat in the 2018 election.”

“The next time you run please don’t put marijuana on the ballot at the same time you’re running,” Trump said, directing his advice to Walker, who was in the crowd. “You brought out like a million people that nobody ever knew were coming out.”

Read the full article here.

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

Women And Minorities Push To Maintain Presence In Cannabis Industry — Photo by rez-art/Getty Images

Some women would prefer a more discreet method for using marijuana. If we’re perfectly honest, the smell of smoking cannabis can feel like a little much for certain circumstances. Although there are many options out there, a trip to a dispensary can be downright overwhelming if you’re not certain what you’re looking to buy.

Looking for a more tasteful way to consume cannabis? Here’s what you need to know before making your next purchase.

Read full article here.

How To Approach A Friend Who Refuses To Wear A Mask

Maria Loreto

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September 4, 2020

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How To Approach A Friend Who Refuses To Wear A Mask

Before you lose your cool on a loved one who thwarts face coverings during a raging pandemic, try to get your message of concern across by follow these simple tips.

At this point, most of us understand the importance of face masks and wearing them in public spaces. Still, as you walk down the street, you’re likely to stumble upon a few people with no masks on, or, inexplicably, with their masks around their wrists. It’s natural to feel annoyed by this type of behavior. When it comes to friends and family committing these kinds of acts, it’s a challenge to remain impartial and avoid a blowout.

The reasons why people are not wearing their masks vary from politics to laziness to not wanting to mess up their makeup. While it may feel great to rant to your face mask avoidant friend or relative, your efforts will likely not be effective if you let your emotions control you.

“If you bully, threaten or guilt someone to change, at worst you will invoke primal defense mechanisms that will end in aggression,” Dr. Daryl Appleton tells Men’s Health. “Fear will generally keep the mind closed. When we invest deeply in a feeling, we feel it with our whole body and mind, and to admit that we may be wrong or have to change can be an incredibly scary thing.”

Ask Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley: 'Do I Give A Gift If It’s A Virtual Wedding?' — Photo by Edward Jenner via Pexels

If you feel like you should be doing more to educate others (or if people not wearing masks just really bugs you), it’s important to prepare for a discussion. Like most arguments regarding political ideologies and differences in morals, you’ll most likely be unable to sway them completely. But, if you approach these issues correctly, you might get to a place of understanding, a midpoint where both people get where the other is coming from.

When discussing the issue with a loved one, try to come from a place of respect, remembering why you care about this person. Appeal to their core values and show them unbiased opinions on why masks work, scientific facts supporting social distancing and why it’s important to take care of yourself and others. Express how their behavior makes you feel, how you’d feel more confident socializing with them if they were more careful with their safety practices. Do your best to keep your judgement to yourself, even if it’s incredibly difficult.

What Exactly Is A COVID Super Spreader?

Maria Loreto

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September 4, 2020

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A super spreader event can be a small gathering, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Here’s what you should know.

The term “super spreader” is pretty self-explanatory. It refers to instances where there’s a high likelihood of spreading bacteria or viruses. In regards to the coronavirus pandemic, it means an event or a person who transmits COVID-19 to large numbers of people.

Normally, one person infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to members of their household and a few others they come in close contact with. But during a super spreader event, they could transmit the virus to 10 or more people.

The Huffington Post spoke with Quentin Leclerc, a researcher in mathematical modeling of infectious disease. He said that by focusing on the events themselves and not the person responsible for the spread, people can shift their focus and prevent these instances from occurring.

“A lot of people ask: what are the most high-risk settings or how do we rank them?” said Leclerc, “but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to talk about it this way. What’s interesting is to say this is where we see super-spreading events, these are the characteristics of the settings, [so] these are the factors that facilitate super-spreading events, not the settings.”

decoding the subtle cues of restaurants — Photo by Kevin Curtis via Unsplash

Laclerc explained that the coronavirus thrives in indoor spaces where it’s cold, ventilation is poor, and people can’t really practice social distancing. Choirs, where people sing and stand closely together, nursing homes, which contain people with weakened immune systems, and prisons, which pack people in closed spaces with poor sanitary measures, are some of the most common super spreaders.

Weddings can also be super spreader events, like the one in Maine that’s linked to 134 coronavirus cases and one death, even though it was only attended by 62 people. The takeaway? Just because an event is small, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Make sure to always wear your mask, avoid gatherings where social distancing is not possible, and if you think you’ve come into contact with an infected person, self-quarantine for 14 days.

Yes, Cannabis Fights Chronic Gut Problems — Here’s How

Brendan Bures

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September 4, 2020

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Yes, Cannabis Fights Chronic Gut Problems — Here’s How

Because the endocannabinoid system acts as a regulatory system for your gut, it helps lower inflammation that would cause chronic issues.

A primary reason many patients turn to medicinal cannabis is to treat chronic pain. In fact, a 2019 study published in the journal Health Affairs found that more than 62% of medical marijuana patients were using the plant to relieve pain symptoms.

Those with chronic gut issues also experience intense pain, and patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, have begun using medicinal cannabis to treat their symptoms. Though cannabis provides therapeutic value for these people, its primary benefit doesn’t really have to do with their pain.

Until recently, we weren’t exactly sure why cannabis was so effective in treating chronic gut problems. But a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation was able to show the physical manner in which cannabis attacks IBD. Researchers weren’t initially looking for marijuana’s effect on the microbiome, but rather stumbled upon the answer.

What cannabis was treating was their inflammation. Previous studies have shown how cannabis is a useful anti-inflammatory, but it works a little differently with IBD. First, a little anatomy lesson. A thin layer of cells, called epithelial cells, separates our gut from the rest of our bodies and are responsible for regulating different mechanisms, like controlling how many neutrophils enter.

Neutrophils are a kind of white blood cell that traverses the gut and eats up microbes. When too many neutrophils slip inside and kill peaceful microbes and the gut itself, it causes IBD in patients. But researchers discovered epithelial cells aren’t the only the gateway that controls what gets in our gut.

Cannabis And Gut Health Does It Boost Your Gut Bacteria? — Illustration by MEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

As Beth McCormick of the University of Massachusetts and others discovered, our endocannabinoid system also contributes. Think of the endocannabinoid system acting as a regulatory system for the gut. Not everyone produces enough cannabinoids to assist the gut in functioning properly, which helps explain why ingesting cannabinoids through cannabis has proven effective for patients.

“There’s been a lot of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of medical marijuana, but there hasn’t been a lot of science to back it up,” said McCormick, who served as co-author of the study.

“For the first time, we have an understanding of the molecules involved in the process and how endocannabinoids and cannabinoids control inflammation. This gives clinical researchers a new drug target to explore to treat patients that suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, and perhaps other diseases, as well.”

It’s worth mentioning that researchers have not conducted studies on using marijuana-derived cannabinoids to replace those missing in humans with IBD. But the team behind the study believes this could open the door to helping the 1.6 million Americans with IBD.

Randy Mrsny, a co-author of the study and professor at the University of Bath’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, said that “while this is a plausible explanation for why marijuana users have reported cannabis relieves symptoms of IBD, we have only worked in mice and have not proven this experimentally in humans.”

“However our results may provide a mechanistic explanation for anecdotal data that cannabinoid exposure benefits some colitis patients,” he added. “For the first time we have identified a counterbalance to the inflammation response in the intestine and we hope that these findings will help us develop new ways to treat bowel diseases.”

Study Reveals 90% Of Rolling Papers Contain Heavy Metals

Maria Loreto

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September 3, 2020

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Study Reveals 90% Of Rolling Papers Contain Heavy Metals

“There is a wide range of concentrations of metals contamination in these products from a relatively low level to grossly contaminated,” researchers noted.

Before you roll your next joint, listen up. An analysis conducted on rolling papers showed that there was at least one heavy metal in 90% of the papers that were tested. And according to data, 8% of them contained at least one heavy metal in concentration levels above the allowable state limits for cannabis products.

Researchers from one of California’s leading cannabis labs, SC Labs, analyzed samples of 70 rolling papers — 25 pre-rolled cones, 20 wraps and three cellulose based papers, all purchased from Amazon and different smoke shops located throughout Santa Cruz.

“It is not surprising to find a prevalence of heavy metals detected in the rolling paper products and should not be considered alarming on its own,” researchers noted. “There is a wide range of concentrations of metals contamination in these products from a relatively low level to grossly contaminated.”

While it may be surprising to learn that there’s metals in your rolling papers, it makes sense. Paper is made out of plants, which naturally absorb contaminants from the soil that they were planted in. Although rolling paper manufacturers have to adhere to some regulations, including listing their ingredients, these are generally less monitored than other products within the tobacco and cannabis industry.

Are People Really Using Food Stamps To Buy Legal Marijuana? — Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

There will always be some level of harm associated with smoking any kind of paper, which makes switching to other cannabis consuming methods a valid option. If you enjoy your joints, you can still try to keep yourself as healthy as possible by sticking to popular and certified rolling paper brands, such as RAW.

Avoid purchasing bleached and thick papers, since these have more contaminants, produce more smoke and, thus, more harm to your lungs. Also, avoid blunt wrappers and colored papers. Like everything else cannabis related, always be on the lookout for the most natural ingredients.

Survey: Single People Aren’t All That Interested In Relationships

Maria Loreto

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September 3, 2020

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Survey: Single People Aren’t All That Interested In Relationships

New survey finds that singles are happy being single and that they have higher priorities than dating.

Single adults have to live with the pressures put on them by their peers, family and friends. Despite the growth and advancement that we’ve made as a society, being single is often seen as a time when singles await their perfect partner. But if a recent survey is any indication, this isn’t the case.

The survey , conducted by the Pew Research Center during October 2019, found that 50% of singles in the U.S. are not looking for a relationship. And dating doesn’t fare any better. Going against popular stereotypes and beliefs, the data finds that when it comes to finding potential partners, men are actually more interested than women.

Authors of the survey explain that some of the reasons why this is happening is because people nowadays choose to focus more on their careers and enjoying the perks of single life. Adults under the age of 49 claimed to be focused on work at the moment, while those over the age of 50 said that they enjoyed their life as-is.

How Marijuana And CBD Help Create Calm, Healing Walks — Photo by Jad Limcaco via Unsplash

Another significant contributing factor is that families and peers are pressuring people less than they used to when it comes to getting married and settling down.

The pandemic has been a prime time for discussing relationships. While many couples have struggled during spending lockdown together, a large percentage of people have also struggled with the pure stress of the pandemic.

It’d be interesting to see whether or not the pandemic has changed any of these survey results. Regardless, it’s safe to say that dating and relationships are now much more complicated than they used to be just a year ago.

GOP Attacks Marijuana Decriminalization Bill, Question Democrat Priorities Amid Pandemic

Brendan Bures

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September 3, 2020

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GOP Attacks Marijuana Decriminalization Bill, Question Democrat Priorities Amid Pandemic

Republicans criticized Democratic leadership in the House, which will vote on a bill that would remove weed from the controlled substances list.

This month the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would decriminalize cannabis federally and expunge marijuana cases for some. The vote, which will take place the week of Sept. 21, was put forward by Democratic leadership, but generated backlash from Republicans.

The GOP criticized Democrat priorities during the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest in cities across America.

“We are dealing with a pandemic and mob violence is terrorizing major cities – so what’s first up on Speaker Pelosi’s agenda after a long House recess?” Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) tweeted. “No Joint Left Behind – A bill legalizing pot!”

https://twitter.com/KenCalvert/status/1300507156219744257?s=20

The measure, known as the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, had languished in Congressional chambers since last November, when the House judiciary committee passed the legislation.

The House already passed a $3 trillion stimulus package in May, but the Republican-controlled Senate has yet to approve COVID-19 relief legislation. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY.), right-hand man to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, told reporters that Senate Republicans plan to vote on their “skinny” stimulus bill worth about $1 trillion following Labor Day weekend.

Should the Democrat-controlled House approve the MORE Act, however, it would represent another piece of legislation with enormous media attention that has stalled in the Senate. A spokeswoman for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) also spoke out against the bill, labeling it irresponsible due to its relevancy and health impact.

“The House has been out for weeks — the first legislative business the Democrat majority plans to take up is the legalization of marijuana,” McCarthy’s spokeswoman Michele Perez Exner tweeted. “In the midst of a pandemic associated with a respiratory tract infection, this is what Dem leaders have decided to make their priority.”

https://twitter.com/michelepexner/status/1300479671033884673?s=20

Donald Trump’s re-election campaign also voiced a negative response to the announcement. Last month, Trump told Republicans to keep cannabis legalization off the ballots if they want to win and now worries marijuana could lose him the election.

“House Dems — more worried about pot dealers than providing relief for the American people,” Trump’s Director of Press Communications tweeted.

https://twitter.com/ErinMPerrine/status/1300469286205620224?s=20

On the other hand, one Republican congressman who will vote “yes” on the MORE Act is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). He said on a recent episode of his podcast “Hot Takes With Matt Gaetz” that while he disapproves of “reparations” included in the bill, he will support the proposal.

“I believe in cannabis reform in this country. The federal government has lied to the American people for a generation about cannabis,” Gaetz said. “What are we going to do about it? The MORE Act.”

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Marijuana Use On The Rise Among Boomers

Changing attitudes and public education around cannabis likely influenced the consumption habits of older Americans, study finds.

Voting Is More Likely To Get You Laid Than Not, So Says OKCupid

A survey conducted by OKCupid found that voting is an important issue for dating, making it more likely for users to get matches and messages.

Drone Makes It Rain Marijuana To Protest Cannabis Laws In Israel

The Green Drones group is a cannabis legalization advocacy group in Israel and promotes a “free love” slogan. Apparently, that includes free weed.

Top 5 Fresh Toast Stories Sept. 4, 2020

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

Nebraska Gov. Claims There’s ‘No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana’

New Studies Show Marijuana Effective At Treating COVID-19 Symptoms

These Types Of People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus

Is Trump Willing To Lose the Election For Marijuana Prohibition?

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

How To Approach A Friend Who Refuses To Wear A Mask

Before you lose your cool on a loved one who thwarts face coverings during a raging pandemic, try to get your message of concern across by follow these simple tips.

What Exactly Is A COVID Super Spreader?

A super spreader event can be a small gathering, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Here’s what you should know.

Yes, Cannabis Fights Chronic Gut Problems — Here’s How

Because the endocannabinoid system acts as a regulatory system for your gut, it helps lower inflammation that would cause chronic issues.

Study Reveals 90% Of Rolling Papers Contain Heavy Metals

“There is a wide range of concentrations of metals contamination in these products from a relatively low level to grossly contaminated,” researchers noted.

Survey: Single People Aren’t All That Interested In Relationships

New survey finds that singles are happy being single and that they have higher priorities than dating.

GOP Attacks Marijuana Decriminalization Bill, Question Democrat Priorities Amid Pandemic

Republicans criticized Democratic leadership in the House, which will vote on a bill that would remove weed from the controlled substances list.

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