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Are States In A Pickle About Cannabis

Anthony Washington
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0
Are States In A Pickle About Cannabis

Are states in a pickle about cannabis income as booming tax revenue clashes with continued federal prohibition and uncertainty?

Are states in a pickle about cannabis income? As more jurisdictions legalize marijuana, the fiscal reality is becoming harder to ignore: cannabis taxes are delivering billions to state coffers—often outpacing alcohol revenue—while federal policy remains stalled. The result is a widening gap between state budgets relying on cannabis income and a federal government still classifing marijuana as illegal.

Across the United States, legal cannabis has evolved from a controversial ballot measure into a dependable revenue engine. Since the first adult-use markets opened in Colorado and Washington in 2014, states have collected more than $24.7 billion in cannabis tax revenue, including a record $4.4 billion in 2024 alone. These funds support education, health programs, infrastructure, and community reinvestment, making cannabis one of the most versatile new revenue streams in modern state finance.

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Colorado provides one of the clearest examples of cannabis outperforming traditional “sin taxes.” In fiscal year 2022–2023, the state collected over $282 million in marijuana taxes—far surpassing alcohol’s roughly $56 million. Similar patterns have appeared elsewhere. Analyses show legal states collected about 20 percent more tax revenue from cannabis than from alcohol in 2021, with California’s cannabis taxes generating more than double its alcohol tax intake.

California, the nation’s largest cannabis market, has brought in more than $6.7 billion in cumulative cannabis taxes, leading the country. Even in years when sales fluctuate due to regulatory costs or competition from illicit markets, the state still collects hundreds of millions annually. Washington, Illinois, Michigan, and Massachusetts also routinely report nine-figure revenues, demonstrating the fiscal impact is not limited to early adopters or coastal economies.

Are States In A Pickle About Cannabis
Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

Meanwhile, states without legal recreational cannabis—such as Texas—face a different budget reality. Texas maintains limited medical access and collects no comparable adult-use tax revenue, leaving billions in potential income untapped while neighboring states expand their regulated markets. This contrast underscores the growing divide between legalization states and holdouts.

Yet despite the economic windfall, federal policy remains stuck in neutral. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, creating banking barriers, tax complications, and legal uncertainty for state-licensed businesses. Analysts and industry advocates argue federal inaction forces states to operate in a patchwork system limiting growth and increases compliance costs.

Critics also point to federal spending priorities, arguing while Washington debates rescheduling and enforcement policy, federal agencies continue to spend heavily on equipment and operations unrelated to state cannabis markets. This perceived disconnect fuels frustration among state officials who rely on marijuana taxes to fund essential services.

RELATED: Is CBD Next On The Fed’s Hit List

Public opinion, however, has moved far ahead of federal policy. Multiple national surveys in recent years show roughly 88% of Americans support some form of legalization, whether medical or adult use. That overwhelming consensus adds pressure on Congress and federal agencies to reconcile national law with state-level realities.

The bottom line is states are not merely experimenting with cannabis—they are budgeting around it. As cannabis taxes surpass alcohol revenue in several jurisdictions and total collections climb into the tens of billions, the fiscal stakes continue to rise. Whether Washington acts or continues its long tradition of dragging its feet, the economic case for legalization is no longer theoretical. It is already written into state balance sheets.

What Does The Year Of The Fire Horse Hold

Sarah Johns
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0
What Does The Year Of The Fire Horse Hold

What does the year of the Fire Horse hold for love, money and career? Discover how this powerful zodiac sign signals bold change, high energy and unexpected opportunity.

Every year, millions of people check the Chinese zodiac the way others check their horoscope, wondering if the cosmos plans to hand them a trophy or a lesson. When the Year of the Fire Horse arrives, it does not tiptoe in politely. It kicks the door open, rearranges the furniture, and asks if you are ready to run. What does the year of the Fire Horse hold for you?

In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse symbolizes movement, independence, charisma and raw energy. Add the Fire element and you turn that galloping force into a blaze. Fire amplifies everything it touches. It fuels ambition, heightens emotions and accelerates change. If the standard Horse year is a spirited sprint, the Year of the Fire Horse is a full-throttle charge.

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Historically, Fire Horse years are associated with intensity and transformation. The last one, 1966, coincided with dramatic global cultural shifts. That does not mean history repeats itself on schedule, but it does hint at a pattern. Fire Horse energy favors bold decisions over cautious committee meetings. It rewards risk-takers, entrepreneurs and people willing to pivot quickly.

For careers and business, the Year of the Fire Horse often favors innovation. Stagnant projects may suddenly feel unbearable. Professionals who have quietly plotted their next move may finally leap. Markets can feel volatile, but volatility also creates opportunity. Industries tied to technology, media, travel and entertainment often resonate with Horse energy because they thrive on motion and visibility.

What Does The Year Of The Fire Horse Hold

Financially, this is not typically a year for timid savings strategies alone. The Fire Horse encourages calculated risk, not reckless gambling. There is a difference, and yes, the universe expects you to know it. Investments aligning with emerging trends may outperform, while outdated models struggle to keep pace.

In relationships, the Fire Horse can be passionate and impulsive. Romance may feel cinematic, with dramatic declarations and whirlwind connections. The flip side is tempers can flare just as quickly. Communication becomes essential. The Fire element heightens emotion, so thoughtful words matter more than usual. For couples, this can be a year of reigniting excitement or confronting issues which have been simmering beneath the surface.

On a personal level, the Year of the Fire Horse favors self-expression. Creative projects, personal reinventions and physical movement all align with its energy. Travel plans may materialize unexpectedly. Many people feel an urge to break routine, whether it means changing careers, relocating or finally starting the side project they have been talking about for years.

RELATED: Is CBD Next On The Fed’s Hit List

However, there is a cautionary note. Fire burns. Burnout is a real risk during a Fire Horse year. The same drive fueling achievement can also exhaust. Rest, reflection and moderation are not signs of weakness. They are survival skills.

Ultimately, what does the Year of the Fire Horse hold? Momentum. Change. Opportunity wrapped in adrenaline. It is a year rewarding courage and punishing complacency. If you have been waiting for a cosmic nudge, this is more like a cosmic shove. The question is not whether the energy will move. It is whether you are willing and able to move with it.

Colorectal Cancer And Medical Marijuana

Amy Hansen
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0
Colorectal Cancer And Medical Marijuana

James Van Der Beek sparks conversation as experts examine colorectal cancer and medical marijuana and how cannabis may help patients manage symptoms.

James Van Der Beek just lost his battle to colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers in the United States and worldwide. It begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine responsible for absorbing water and processing waste before it leaves the body. Most colorectal cancers start as small, noncancerous growths called polyps  develop on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. It is a tough joinery, but what about colorectal cancer and medical marijuana?

RELATED: Effects Of Lifetime Use Of Alcohol And Cannabis

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, family history, certain genetic conditions, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and diets high in red or processed meats. Symptoms may include persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. Because early-stage colorectal cancer often causes few or no symptoms, routine screening through colonoscopy or stool-based tests is critical. When detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable.

Standard treatments for colorectal cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches. While these treatments can be lifesaving, they may also bring significant side effects. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, chronic pain, neuropathy, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are common complaints among patients undergoing treatment.

Colorectal Cancer And Medical Marijuana

This is where medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, has entered the conversation. In many states, colorectal cancer qualifies as a condition for medical marijuana use. Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating pain, mood, appetite, and inflammation.

For colorectal cancer patients, medical marijuana may help manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which can be debilitating and lead to dehydration or malnutrition. Cannabis may also stimulate appetite in patients experiencing weight loss or cachexia, a condition marked by severe muscle wasting. Additionally, some patients report relief from cancer-related pain and improved sleep.

Preliminary laboratory studies have also explored whether cannabinoids might have anti-tumor effects, including slowing cancer cell growth or promoting cancer cell death. However, these findings are largely based on preclinical research in cell cultures or animal models. Clinical evidence in humans remains limited, and medical marijuana should not be viewed as a substitute for standard cancer treatment.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

As with any medication, cannabis carries risks. Short-term side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, impaired concentration, anxiety, and increased heart rate. In some individuals, particularly those predisposed to mental health conditions, high-THC products may worsen anxiety or trigger psychotic symptoms. Long-term or heavy use may lead to cannabis use disorder, characterized by dependence and difficulty controlling consumption.

Overuse of marijuana, much like excessive alcohol consumption, can create health and social problems. Chronic heavy use has been associated with cognitive impairment, respiratory issues when smoked, and potential interactions with other medications. For cancer patients already managing complex treatment regimens, careful medical supervision is essential.

Colorectal cancer patients considering medical marijuana should consult their oncologist or healthcare provider to discuss potential benefits, risks, and legal considerations in their state. When used responsibly and under medical guidance, cannabis may serve as a supportive tool in managing symptoms. But as with alcohol and many other substances, moderation and informed use are key to minimizing harm and maximizing potential benefit.

Cannabis And ICE Agents

Terry Hacienda
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0
Cannabis And ICE Agents

The hiring process was rushed, but can they be fired if caught while employed – here is the skinny on cannabis and ICE agents.

As debate intensifies over immigration enforcement, scrutiny has also fallen on whether standards have ever been loosened during periods when ICE was directed to rapidly expand its workforce. The concern stems from past political pledges to significantly increase the number of immigration enforcement officers within a short time frame — sometimes by thousands of positions.  So what about cannabis and ICE agents?

During high-profile expansion efforts, critics have questioned whether certain hiring safeguards were relaxed to meet aggressive staffing targets. It is important to separate perception from documented policy.

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When Congress allocates funding for additional ICE personnel, the agency can use federal hiring tools such as Direct Hire Authority, expedited onboarding, recruitment bonuses, and streamlined administrative processing. These mechanisms are legal and available to multiple federal agencies facing urgent staffing needs. They allow agencies to move candidates through the pipeline faster — but they do not automatically eliminate core requirements.

Historically, ICE law enforcement applicants have been required to complete background investigations, medical evaluations, drug testing, physical fitness assessments, and in many cases polygraph examinations. These are baseline standards for most federal criminal investigators and deportation officers. Waiving those entirely would raise significant legal and liability concerns.

Cannabis And Ice Agents

That said, there have been reports during prior hiring surges — particularly during earlier immigration crackdowns — ICE explored modifications to certain screening elements. For example, discussions have surfaced in past years about adjusting polygraph policies, expanding eligibility pools, or reconsidering disqualifiers such as prior cannabis use. In federal hiring, “waivers” can sometimes refer to case-by-case determinations where an applicant with a minor or dated issue is allowed to proceed if it does not pose a security risk.

This is different from eliminating standards wholesale. A waiver typically means a documented exception approved through supervisory or legal channels, not the removal of the requirement itself.

Concerns have also been raised about training timelines. In rapid expansion phases, agencies may increase academy class sizes or shorten the time between hiring and field placement. However, federal law enforcement officers must still complete required training programs before exercising full authority.

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Transparency advocates argue when hiring accelerates quickly, oversight must increase proportionally to ensure standards are not diluted. Supporters of expansion efforts counter workforce shortages can hinder enforcement missions and federal agencies retain professional vetting systems even under pressure.

Importantly, regardless of hiring tempo, federal drug-free workplace rules remain in force. Because marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, ICE employees — like all federal officers — are prohibited from using cannabis, even in states where it is legal. Federal law enforcement personnel are subject to random and for-cause drug testing, and a positive marijuana test can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or termination. In short, while hiring processes may at times be streamlined, federal officers can be fired for using cannabis, and drug policy enforcement remains a firm standard across the agency.

Does Ricky Martin Consume Marijuana

Sarah Johns
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0
Does Ricky Martin Consume Marijuana

He’s a worldwide music icon and sexy symbol with an audience of millions — but does Ricky Martin consume weed?

Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin has spent four decades in the spotlight as one of Latin pop’s most enduring icons, but fans curious about his personal life often wonder: Does Ricky Martin consume marijuana? While he hasn’t publicly embraced cannabis use as part of his lifestyle in recent years, there are some intriguing bits from his past suggesting he’s candid — when asked — about taking breaks and decompressing away from fame.

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In a past interview, Martin admitted on his birthdays, he would “disappear to Amsterdam” for some alone time where he might “smoke my joint” and relax away from public scrutiny. That anecdote, shared in the context of his personal coming-out journey and need for solitude, remains one of the few instances where Martin interwove cannabis with his own narrative — though he framed it as a tool for decompression during a difficult period rather than an ongoing habit.

Does Ricky Martin Consume Marijuana
Ricky Martin in Palm Royale

Today, Martin appears focused on health and holistic living rather than partying or substance use. In a recent Entertainment Tonight interview about his latest acting work, he said he drinks lots of water and avoids drugs and alcohol as part of “good living,” a comment aligning with a wellness-centric lifestyle more than a recreational one.

That acting work is garnering fresh attention. Martin plays Robert Díaz in Palm Royale, Apple TV+’s star-studded period comedy-drama. His turn as a high-society bartender with secrets in 1969 Palm Beach has earned praise for adding depth to the ensemble, which includes legends like Carol Burnett and Kristen Wiig.

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And even outside scripted television, Martin continues to share big cultural stages with today’s biggest stars. At the Super Bowl LX halftime show in February 2026, he joined Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga in a historic performance celebrated Latin music on one of the world’s largest platforms.

Whether he’s singing, acting or quietly navigating life offstage, Ricky Martin still commands headlines — and the public’s curiosity — about everything from his artistic choices to rumors about how he unwinds. What’s clear is this multi-faceted entertainer continues to evolve while staying true to his storied career.

Game On With These Super Bowl Cocktails

Anthony Washington
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0
Game On With These Super Bowl Cocktails

Ready to get your game on with these Super Bowl cocktails?

It is the finale to the football season and a good chunk of the population tunes in to watch the Super Bowl. Alone, with a few friends or a full on party…it is a festive occasions (at least until the 4th quarter in a tight game) and people enjoy a beverage.  The Super Bowl is a drinking day for most viewers.  As you settle into the 59th annual competition and halftime show – game on with these Super Bowl cocktails!

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Creole Bloody Mary

In a nod to the host city New Orleans, a Creole Bloody Mary is the best to pre-func and get right to start watching the game! This is a flavorful way to start the day.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vodka
  • 4-1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4-6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Celery for garnish

Create

  1. Fill shaker with ice
  2. Combine vodka, juices, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and hot sauce in shaker
  3. Strain and pour in a tall glass with ice
  4. Garnish with celery stick

Super Bowl Julep

The nice thing about the Super Bowl is you can enjoy day drinking. While a Mint Julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby, it is refreshing enough for morning football drinking. Plus it is good for the throat after all the cheering.

Ingredients

  • 4 sprigs of mint
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of water
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Create

  1. Muddle the mint, the sugar and the water in a cup
  2. Add the bourbon and stir gently
  3. Fill a glass to the top with finely crushed ice, add the julep mix and garnish with mint

FYI, an ounce of mint simple syrup can be substituted for the mint/sugar/water mixture

Perfect Stormy

Why not combine the classic beer with the cocktail.  Mix it up and enjoy this drink…rich in flavor and filling enough you don’t have too many over the course of the game.

Ingredients

2 oz amber rum

1 oz egg white

1 oz fresh lime juice

¾ oz ginger simple syrup

3 dashes Scrappy’s lime bitters

4 oz light beer

Glass: Highball tumbler/Collins glas

Create

  1. Dry shake all ingredients except the beer
  2. Add ice and shake
  3. Double strain into a collins glass with ice
  4. Top up with beer

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Gatorade Margarita

Everyone knows hydration is important when plays sports. It is also important for fans, especially if they are celebrating.  Gatorade is part of the football culture, dive in with this take on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

Create

  1. Mix the sugar and salt in a shallow dish
  2. Wet the rims of 4 to 6 rocks glasses with water and then dip in the sugar-salt mixture to coat
  3. Combine the sports drink, limeade concentrate, tequila and blue curacao in a large pitcher and stir
  4. Fill the rocks glasses with ice
  5. Pour the margarita into the glass
  6. Garnish each with an orange slice

Fourth Quarter Rum Countdown

When the fourth quarter hits, it can be a focus time, keep it simple with this classic drink.  Quick to prepare, refreshing to drink and the soda is a little caffeine boost after tailgating.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Superior rum
  • 3 oz cola
  • Lime for garnish

Create

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Pour in a good rum
  3. Add the chilled cola, stir
  4. Garnish with lime

The Best Easy Super Bowl Cocktails

Anthony Washington
-
0
The Best Easy Super Bowl Cocktails

Ready to get your game on with these Super Bowl cocktails?

It is the finale to the football season and a good chunk of the population tunes in to watch the Super Bowl. Alone, with a few friends or a full on party…it is a festive occasions (at least until the 4th quarter in a tight game) and people enjoy a beverage.  The Super Bowl is a drinking day for most viewers.  As you settle into the 59th annual game, try the best Super Bowl cocktails.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Creole Bloody Mary

In a nod to the host city New Orleans, a Creole Bloody Mary is the best to pre-func and get right to start watching the game! This is a flavorful way to start the day.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vodka
  • 4-1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4-6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Celery for garnish

Create

  1. Fill shaker with ice
  2. Combine vodka, juices, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and hot sauce in shaker
  3. Strain and pour in a tall glass with ice
  4. Garnish with celery stick

Super Bowl Julep

The nice thing about the Super Bowl is you can enjoy day drinking. While a Mint Julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby, it is refreshing enough for morning football drinking. Plus it is good for the throat after all the cheering.

Ingredients

  • 4 sprigs of mint
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of water
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Create

  1. Muddle the mint, the sugar and the water in a cup
  2. Add the bourbon and stir gently
  3. Fill a glass to the top with finely crushed ice, add the julep mix and garnish with mint

FYI, an ounce of mint simple syrup can be substituted for the mint/sugar/water mixture

Perfect Stormy

Why not combine the classic beer with the cocktail.  Mix it up and enjoy this drink…rich in flavor and filling enough you don’t have too many over the course of the game.

Ingredients

2 oz amber rum

1 oz egg white

1 oz fresh lime juice

¾ oz ginger simple syrup

3 dashes Scrappy’s lime bitters

4 oz light beer

Glass: Highball tumbler/Collins glas

Create

  1. Dry shake all ingredients except the beer
  2. Add ice and shake
  3. Double strain into a collins glass with ice
  4. Top up with beer

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Gatorade Margarita

Everyone knows hydration is important when plays sports. It is also important for fans, especially if they are celebrating.  Gatorade is part of the football culture, dive in with this take on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

Create

  1. Mix the sugar and salt in a shallow dish
  2. Wet the rims of 4 to 6 rocks glasses with water and then dip in the sugar-salt mixture to coat
  3. Combine the sports drink, limeade concentrate, tequila and blue curacao in a large pitcher and stir
  4. Fill the rocks glasses with ice
  5. Pour the margarita into the glass
  6. Garnish each with an orange slice

Fourth Quarter Rum Countdown

When the fourth quarter hits, it can be a focus time, keep it simple with this classic drink.  Quick to prepare, refreshing to drink and the soda is a little caffeine boost after tailgating.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Superior rum
  • 3 oz cola
  • Lime for garnish

Create

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Pour in a good rum
  3. Add the chilled cola, stir
  4. Garnish with lime

What About NFL Cheerleaders And Cannabis

Anthony Washington
-
0
What About NFL Cheerleaders And Cannabis

What about NFL cheerleaders and cannabis as laws change nationwide? Inside contracts, conduct rules, and where teams draw the line.

As the Super Bowl spotlight once again turns to the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, questions around cannabis in professional football continue to expand beyond players and into the wider NFL ecosystem. One which comes up with increasing frequency is simple but nuanced: what about NFL cheerleaders and cannabis or CBD? The most accurate answer is also the most familiar in modern sports policy— it depends.

RELATED: The Rebel Heart Of The South Includes Cannabis And Rock

Cheerleading has been part of American football culture for well over a century. What began on college campuses in the late 1800s evolved into an NFL tradition in the 1950s, when teams began forming official sideline squads. Over time, cheerleaders became ambassadors for their franchises, representing teams not only on game days but also at charity events, military visits, and major moments like the Super Bowl. With visibility came strict standards of conduct still shaping the profession today.

When it comes to cannabis and CBD, cheerleaders exist in a different regulatory universe than NFL players. Players are governed by the non-profit NFL league-wide collective bargaining agreement including drug testing rules and penalties. Those rules have loosened considerably in recent years as public opinion and state laws around marijuana have changed. The league now imposes fines rather than suspensions for positive marijuana tests, and discussions around CBD and player recovery are increasingly mainstream. Former players have publicly credited CBD with helping manage pain and inflammation, and the NFL itself has funded research into cannabinoids as alternatives to opioids.

What About NFL Cheerleaders And Cannabis

Cheerleaders, however, are not part of the NFL Players Association and are not subject to league drug testing. Instead, they are typically employed by individual teams or third-party management companies under contracts emphasizing personal conduct and brand representation. These contracts often include language about behavior which could reflect poorly on the organization, particularly while in uniform or at official events.

That is where the “it depends” comes in. In states where cannabis is legal, some teams appear to have quietly adjusted their expectations to reflect local law and cultural norms. Off-duty, legal cannabis use is not automatically prohibited in every cheerleader contract, especially in states like Washington, where the Seahawks are based. However, public use, impairment while representing the team, or activity conflicting with team image standards can still result in discipline.

In more conservative or medically limited states, or on teams with stricter conduct clauses, the door may be far less open. CBD products present another gray area. While federally legal if derived from hemp, many teams remain cautious due to quality control concerns and the risk of THC contamination, even though cheerleaders are not tested under NFL drug programs.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

As the Seahawks and Patriots prepare for the Super Bowl stage, their cheerleaders are focused on performance, travel, and high-profile appearances rather than policy debates. Still, their situation reflects a broader shift happening across professional sports. Cannabis is no longer a fringe topic, and in legal states, the conversation has moved from prohibition to discretion.

For NFL cheerleaders today, cannabis and CBD use is not governed by a single league rulebook. It is shaped by state law, team culture, and contract language. In some markets, the door is clearly opening. In others, it remains firmly closed.

DEA’s New Effort To Turn The Tide On Cannabis

Sarah Johns
-
0
DEA’s New Effort To Turn The Tide On Cannabis

DEA’s new effort to turn the tide on cannabis targets kids as public support for legalization and medical marijuana continues to rise nationwide.

In a case of a lesson in futility, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is launching another expensive effort against marijuana.  The DEA’s new effort to turn the tide on cannabis is focused squarely on children and teens. The agency has unveiled a new youth-oriented education initiative designed to warn young people about the perceived risks of marijuana use, framing cannabis as a public health concern at a moment when national attitudes have never been more permissive.

RELATED: Why Anxiety Feels Worse Than Ever

According to the DEA, the program is meant to counter what it views as a normalization of cannabis driven by legalization, commercialization, and pop culture. Educational materials aimed at schools, parents, and community groups emphasize potential impacts on brain development, mental health, and academic performance. Officials argue today’s high-potency products present new risks young people may not fully understand, and they say prevention must start early.

Think You Know Pop-Tarts

The challenge for the agency is that it is swimming against a powerful cultural and political current. Cannabis is now legal for medical use in a majority of states and legal for adult recreational use in many of them. Polling consistently shows 88% of the public supports some form of legal marijuana, whether medical, recreational, or both. That support extends beyond voters to major medical organizations that acknowledge cannabis has therapeutic value when used appropriately and under medical supervision.

Medical marijuana is commonly prescribed for chronic pain, nausea associated with chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis symptoms, epilepsy, and PTSD. For many patients, cannabis is seen as a safer alternative to opioids or other pharmaceuticals with well-documented risks. Public health researchers also frequently point out that cannabis compares favorably to alcohol, which is legal nationwide despite its strong links to liver disease, addiction, impaired driving, and violence. While cannabis is not risk-free, its overall harm profile is widely viewed as lower than alcohol’s, particularly for adults.

Generational attitudes further complicate the DEA’s message. Support for legalization is overwhelming among Gen Z and millennials, who have grown up in an era of dispensaries, regulated products, and open discussion of medical use. More striking is the rapid shift among baby boomers, many of whom now support legalization after decades of opposition, often influenced by personal experience with medical cannabis for pain or age-related conditions.

RELATED: Is CBD Next On The Fed’s Hit List

Critics of the DEA’s new effort argue that education campaigns focused solely on abstinence and fear risk losing credibility with young people who see cannabis as socially accepted and medically legitimate. They say a more effective approach would emphasize honest, science-based information that distinguishes adult use from underage use, acknowledges medical benefits, and places cannabis in context alongside legal substances like alcohol.

As the national conversation continues to evolve, the DEA’s youth-focused campaign highlights a deeper tension in U.S. drug policy: how to protect children without ignoring the overwhelming public consensus that cannabis, in some form, is here to stay.

Cannabis Is Becoming the New Third Place for Men

Anthony Washington
-
0
Cannabis Is Becoming the New Third Place for Men

Cannabis is becoming the new third place for men as drinking declines and social norms shift.

In recent years, the landscape of socialization for men has been quietly transforming. As traditional “third places” — public spaces like bars, coffee shops, and community centers where people gather outside of work and home — evolve, cannabis is increasingly filling the role for a growing number of men across the United States and beyond. With changing cultural norms, shifts in drinking habits, and a broader acceptance of cannabis use, this plant is emerging as a central thread in male social life.  It seems cannabis is becoming the new third place for men.

RELATED: Why Anxiety Feels Worse Than Ever

For decades, bars and pubs were often seen as the quintessential third place for men: a space to unwind after work, connect with friends, and build community. However, research and cultural trends indicate alcohol consumption among younger generations is on the decline. Millennials and Gen Z are drinking less than their predecessors, whether for health reasons, economic considerations, or simply a change in lifestyle preferences. According to surveys conducted in recent years, many adults now view alcohol as less central to their social lives, opting instead for activities feeling more mindful or wellness-oriented.

Men Who Vape Are More Likely To Have This Condition Than Non-Vapers
Photo by Itay Kabalo via Unsplash

At the same time, cannabis has undergone a remarkable shift in public perception. Once stigmatized and relegated to the margins of society, marijuana is now legalized for adult use in more than half of U.S. states. This rapid shift has brought cannabis into everyday conversations and has allowed adult users to engage with it openly without fear of legal repercussions or social judgement. As a result, cannabis lounges, private social events, and even informal gatherings centered around consumption are becoming more common.

Men, in particular, are finding appeal in these new forms of social interaction. Cannabis offers a way to relax and connect without the pressure of drinking heavily. Many report cannabis-enhanced gatherings feel more focused on meaningful conversation, creativity, and shared experience rather than competition or intoxication. In group settings, cannabis can facilitate a sense of calm and introspection, opening the door to deeper discussions and bonding.

Another factor contributing to this trend is the rise of cannabis-friendly businesses and spaces. In cities where adult-use cannabis is legal, lounges and social clubs provide environments specifically designed for communal consumption. These spaces mirror many of the functions bars traditionally served, but with a different cultural vibe. Instead of loud music and beer taps, patrons might find lounges with art, music, or curated educational experiences about strains and consumption methods.

RELATED: These Star Wars Strains Will Give You The Perfect Escape

The changing role of cannabis in male social life also reflects broader shifts in how men approach wellbeing. Younger men are more likely to consider mental health and emotional wellbeing as important aspects of their lives. Cannabis, when used responsibly, is often viewed as a tool for relaxation, stress relief, and reflection. For some, it has replaced alcohol as the preferred way to unwind after a long day or kick off a weekend gathering.

While it is too soon to say cannabis will completely supplant traditional third places, the evidence suggests a notable shift. As norms around substance use continue to evolve and legal access expands, cannabis is carving out a place in the social fabric. For many men, it is not just a substitute for drinking, but a new context for building community, fostering connection, and redefining leisure. In the broader cultural conversation, cannabis may soon be recognized not just as a recreational substance, but as a catalyst for a new kind of social space.

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