Page 5 – The Fresh Toast

Cannabis Helps The Young And Old Sleep

Amy Hansen

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October 30, 2025

From Gen Z to Boomers, cannabis helps the young and old sleep better — here’s what science says.

New research from University of Michigan (U-M) is adding nuance — and a dose of caution — to an increasingly popular trend: using marijuana to help you sleep. But what is interesting is cannabis helps the young and old sleep. Yes, whether you’re a 20-something struggling with late-night screen time or a 60-plus professional battling early-morning wake-ups, they are turning toward the green plant to help with a sound snooze.

According to the U-M’s psychiatry department, initial results suggest that cannabis may help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality in the early part of the night. But the benefit doesn’t necessarily carry through the whole night. The research points to more awakenings and fragmented sleep in the latter part of the night for some users. Yes, cannabis appears to help some people sleep, at least initially, but the story is far from straightforward. The U-M team emphasize the evidence is still in its infancy; usage has raced ahead of science.

gummies — Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

For Gen Z or Millennials juggling business and baby-boom-aged parents, sleep is often elusive. Older adults, meanwhile, may contend with chronic pain, insomnia or medication-side-effects. That’s why the notion of a plant-based sleep aid is appealing across the age spectrum.
The U-M research suggests those with chronic pain, anxiety or certain sleep disorders may experience more noticeable benefit. But for otherwise healthy sleepers, the upside may be limited, and in some cases, temporary.

But like most sleep aids, what works at first may wear off. Routine cannabis use for sleep may lead to diminished benefit over time, and insomnia can return — sometimes when use is stopped abruptly.
The mode of use matters too: inhaling cannabis may bring faster onset of sleepiness, while edibles act more slowly but last longer.

Generational take-away: what each age group should know:

Younger adults (20s-40s): If you’re using cannabis to deal with irregular sleep patterns, late-night tech use or social jet-lag, it may help you get to sleep — but it’s not guaranteed to fix sleep quality or cycles long term.
Middle-aged adults (40s-60s): Those dealing with stress, pain or changing sleep rhythms might see a benefit — but must watch for dependence and tolerance.
Older adults (65+): If sleep disruptions stem from pain, sleep-apnoea or medications, cannabis might help but should be used under medical supervision. Long-term effects and interactions (e.g., with heart- or blood-pressure meds) are less well studied.
Across all ages: better sleep hygiene (consistent bedtimes, reduced screen time, calming routines) remains foundational.

The U-M researchers urge caution: consult your doctor before using cannabis as a sleep aid. The sleep-inducing effect may not last, side-effects are still being mapped, and the optimal dosage/administration method is unclear. medicine.umich.edu
For those who use cannabis for sleep, experts suggest treating it as a bridge, helping you establish better sleep patterns, rather than a permanent substitute for good habits.
As one U-M sleep psychologist put it: “The research is still in its infancy, the availability of marijuana has really out-paced the science.”

whether you’re young or old, cannabis can help you sleep. But it’s no silver bullet. The short-term benefits may exist, but they are often offset by fragmented sleep later at night, possible next-day fatigue, and diminished return over time. In real terms: if you lean on it nightly, you may trade off one sleep problem for another.

The best approach? Use it cautiously, pair it with solid sleep hygiene, and keep an eye on how your sleep — and overall daily alertness — really responds.

The Dictionary’s New Word And The Secret Language of Cannabis

Anthony Washington

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October 30, 2025

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How the dictionary’s new word and the secret language of cannabis reveal modern culture trends.

Language is always a bit of a lark, here is a peek at the dictionary’s new word and the secret language of cannabis. The dictionary recently added a new entry that’s already turning heads: “6 7”. The phrase is a popular, largely nonsensical Gen Alpha and Gen Z slang term stemming from a viral rap song and social media memes featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball. It has no fixed meaning, though some interpret it as “so-so,” and its primary purpose is to serve as an inside joke and a playful interjection in conversations to signal group membership and sometimes to playfully annoy adults.

For Millennials and Gen Z, it’s another shorthanded phrase floating around. In this new lexicon, there are subtle ways younger generations talk about marijuana without saying it outright. And like 6 & 7, this generation has transformed cannabis conversation into something playful, coded, and cultural.

For Millennials and Gen Z, cannabis isn’t just a plant—it’s a culture, complete with its own lexicon spanning playful slang, discreet references, and digital shorthand. Understanding this “hidden language” offers a window into how younger generations talk about, consume, and normalize cannabis in ways older generations never imagined.

Take, for example, words like “green,” “sticky icky,” “dank,” or “bud,” which are part of a flexible, evolving vocabulary signaling familiarity and community. But it doesn’t stop there. Millennials and Gen Z frequently use coded terms in text messages or social media to bypass restrictions or maintain privacy, turning ordinary words like “Netflix and chill” or “herbal tea” into cheeky euphemisms for cannabis consumption. The language can be playful, ironic, or even rebellious—a reflection of a generation who grew up amid shifting legalization policies and changing cultural attitudes.

Social media has accelerated this linguistic evolution. On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, cannabis culture thrives through memes, hashtags, and emojis serve as shorthand for both discreet communication and cultural identity. The leaf emoji 🌿 or the “420” reference often functions as a subtle nod, creating an inclusive insider language resonating with peers but might fly under the radar of older generations.

Interestingly, Millennials are witnessing a linguistic bridge between Gen Z and older users. Whereas Boomers and Gen X primarily used straightforward terms like “marijuana” or “pot,” younger generations lean into a mix of humor, irony, and coded vocabulary. This shift reflects more than playful creativity—it signals a deeper change in cannabis normalization. Where older generations often framed cannabis in terms of legality or risk, Millennials and Gen Z describe it with nuance, culture, and even culinary flair, from “infused edibles” to “craft strains” and “microdosing.”

The evolution of cannabis language isn’t just about words—it’s about generational perspective. For older users, cannabis conversations were private, cautious, or stigmatized. Millennials and Gen Z, by contrast, have turned their lexicon into a form of expression, identity, and community. And as the dictionary updates to capture these shifts, it marks a cultural recognition of language which has long thrived outside the mainstream.

Cannabis has always been more than a plant—it’s a social marker, a generational signal, and now, officially, a dictionary-worthy phenomenon. The secret language Millennials and Gen Z share isn’t just clever slang—it’s a reflection of how culture, legality, and identity intersect in a world changing faster than ever.

Cannabis In Candy And Other Halloween Myths

Amy Hansen

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October 30, 2025

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Debunking cannabis in candy and other Halloween myths: what parents really need to know

Curious about the cannabis in candy and other Halloween myths? Every autumn, a familiar rumor surfaces on social media and in group texts: “Someone’s handing out weed candy to trick‑or‑treaters.” But here’s the short version: no credible evidence supports the claim. What’s actually going on is a modern twist on a long history of candy‑tampering folklore.

Long before cannabis entered the public conversation, concerns about Halloween treats were dominated by tales of razor blades hidden in apples, pins in chocolates, or poison in candy. Those fears are largely urban legend.

Where did it start? By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as candy production grew industrial, some doctors and commentators began warning food adulteration was a hidden menace. The shift from small‑scale confectioners to mass manufacturing fueled distrust of what lurked inside sweets. In 1959, a California dentist, Dr. William Shyne, distributed laxative pills to trick‑or‑treaters in candy coatings—more prank than poison, but it entered the lore.

In 1970, a New York Times op‑ed asked whether the “plump red apple” might conceal a razor blade, feeding parental fear.

The most infamous case came in 1974, when an 8‑year‑old in Texas died after consuming a Pixy Stix laced with cyanide. But the twist is the child’s own father, Ronald Clark O’Bryan, was convicted—and later executed—for planting the poison to camouflage a murder as a “random” trick‑or‑treat crime.

Folklorists like Joel Best have traced dozens of reports of candy tampering from 1958 to 1983; but after investigation, none could be confirmed as a stranger’s random act of harm. Many turned out to be misattributed, hoaxes, or even children themselves adding dangerous objects and calling attention to it.

Over time, the razor‑blade apple myth became a cultural shorthand for parental anxiety. Ironically, apples were once common Halloween treats (candied or caramel apples). But the myth contributed to their decline as mass “give‑aways.”

The razor blade story is far from the only tale in the haunted folklore of Halloween sweets. Some of the persistent legends include:

Needles or pins in candy bars: Occasionally reported, but often traced to local pranks or “copycats” rather than sinister strangers.
Poisoned candy or drug‑laced treats: Tales of cyanide, lye, or drugs in sweets persist. But documented cases of poisoning via “random Halloween candy” are effectively non‑existent.
“Blue star” lollipop tattoos or poisoned tattoos: A variant rumor claims temporary tattoos handed out include psychoactive or toxic compounds—another version in the “urban legend about drugs” canon.
Mass poison scares tied to other events: For instance, after the 1982 Tylenol poisoning scandal (cyanide in over‑the‑counter pills), public fear of tainted consumables spiked—including Halloween candy warnings.

These legends flourish because of what folklorists call availability cascade—when a vivid fear is repeated often, people assume it must be true.

So where did the weed candy myth come from? It’s essentially a new costume draped over an old scare. As legal cannabis markets have emerged, the idea someone might hide THC or marijuana edibles in trick‑or‑treat bags has gained traction online — yet it fails under scrutiny:

No documented cases. No credible report shows strangers distributing cannabis treats to kids on Halloween.
Cost is prohibitive. Legal THC edibles are expensive under regulation and taxation—handing out full doses to many kids isn’t cheap.
Strict regulation and packaging. Dispensaries are required to use child‑resistant packaging, labeling, and maintain records—anonymously distributing to random children would breach every rule.
Severe legal risk. Distributing THC to minors is criminal; any plausible motive is overshadowed by the consequences.
Counterfeit vs. real product confusion. Some rumors mix in fake or illegal edibles mimicking mainstream candy, creating fear, but they are not part of regulated cannabis commerce.

Derived from older tampering myths and amplified by digital echo chambers, the cannabis candy scare is a modern variant—but one without substance.

A practical Halloween safety checklist might include: supervise routes, cross at well‑lit streets, have children wait until home to open candy, discard unwrapped or suspicious items, and of course, check for choking risks or allergens.

The myth someone is secretly giving cannabis candy to unsuspecting trick‑or‑treaters is more frightening than factual. It’s a modern reincarnation of a much older folklore of tainted treats, one built on fear, not evidence. The razor in the apple may be a chilling image, but it remains a legend, not a reality. This Halloween, the real risk is not a phantom dose of THC—but a car, a broken sidewalk, or too much sugar.

Let’s protect kids with real caution, not ghost stories.

The Inconsistency About Cannabis And Guns

Terry Hacienda

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October 29, 2025

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Exploring the inconsistency about cannabis and guns, where freedom for firearms clashes with outdated marijuana laws

In the ongoing culture‑war of American politics, few issues highlight the contradictions within the conservative, pro‑Second Amendment world quite like the pairing of gun ownership and marijuana use. the inconsistency about cannabis and guns makes for odd political alliances.

On the one hand, many on the Right argue vigorously that the individual right to keep and bear arms must be protected from government infringement. Yet on the other, that same political cohort often supports strict federal prohibitions preventing lawful — and even state‑legal — cannabis users from purchasing firearms. By contrast, alcohol use, which is legal nationwide, is rarely treated as a disqualifier for gun ownership despite strong associations with firearm violence. That contrast raises questions about consistency, principle and policy.

Here are some of the relevant statistics:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2024 about 22.3 % of Americans aged 12 or older (roughly 64.2 million people) reported past‑year marijuana use.
Meanwhile, alcohol remains more widely used: in 2024, approximately 134.3 million Americans aged 12 or older reported past‑month alcohol use.
On firearms and substance risk: Alcohol misuse is documented to elevate the risk of firearm injury or death through homicide, suicide or unintended injury. For example, one advocacy page reports that alcohol misuse accounts for more than 140,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and that introducing firearms to alcohol‑misuse situations increases serious injury or death risk.

Will the Supreme Court Hear Litigation To De- Or Re-Schedule Marijuana? — Photo by Claire Anderson via Unsplash

By contrast, cannabis incident data tied to firearms (for example, use of marijuana plus gun‑possession) are far less publicly quantified, though one Hawaii report found that of some 23,528 firearm permit applications, 519 (~ 2.2 %) were denied — and of those, 211 (~ 40.7 %) were due to the applicant’s status as a medical‑marijuana patient.

What emerges: legal alcohol is widespread, common among gun‑owners, and strongly implicated in firearm‑related violence; cannabis is increasingly used, often legal at the state level, but its users are often precluded from gun rights under federal law.

At the federal level, under the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) prohibits any person who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” from possessing a firearm. Because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally, state legal‑use does not override the restriction.

In recent years, courts have challenged this blanket prohibition. For example:

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has held that applying § 922(g)(3) to someone who uses marijuana but isn’t intoxicated at the moment may violate the standard set in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) because firearm regulations must be consistent with historical traditions.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in August 2025 that medical‑marijuana users in Florida had plausibly alleged that the federal prohibition violated their Second Amendment rights.
And the Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to review whether regular marijuana users can legally own guns, with arguments expected in early 2026.

Thus, the legal collision is clear: dozens of states permit adult‑use or medical cannabis; federal law bans gun ownership by cannabis users; and courts are now reconsidering the constitutional footing of that ban.

From the vantage of many conservative advocates, gun rights are sacrosanct: the individual right to own firearms for self‑defense, deterrence of tyranny, and personal liberty. Meanwhile, proponents of cannabis reform argue that legal adult‑use meets the same liberty standard — and yet those who support gun rights often also support or accept federal cannabis prohibition that strips gun rights from users, even when state‑legal.

The contradictory posture arises when one considers: if gun ownership is a fundamental individual right irrespective of political views, why exclude lawful adults simply because they also use cannabis? Especially when alcohol use, far more prevalent and demonstrably tied to firearm violence, does not (in most cases) lead to automatic loss of gun rights. That asymmetry suggests an underlying value‑judgment: alcohol is socially accepted (and taxed) despite risk; cannabis is socially stigmatized even as laws evolve. The Right’s selective focus — defending guns fiercely while accepting restrictions for cannabis users — raises questions about consistency of principle.

This contradiction has real‑world consequences: legal ambiguity for millions of Americans, a patchwork of state laws vs. federal restrictions, and potential erosion of trust in institutions when liberty claims are applied unevenly. For the Right’s long‑term credibility on individual rights, the question becomes: can you credibly champion “freedom to keep and bear arms” while endorsing a regime that denies that freedom to law‑abiding adults because of a behavior (cannabis use) that’s legal in many states?

In short: to claim consistency, the pro‑gun conservative movement must either defend gun rights across the board(including for cannabis users) or explain why this particular group is different. Until then, the contrast between alcohol, cannabis, and firearms under the law remains a striking example of “rights for some, restrictions for others.”

Making Your Cannabis Dollars Stretch During The Shutdown

Anthony Washington

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October 29, 2025

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Making Your Cannabis Dollars Stretch During The Shutdown

Learn how to save and make your cannabis dollars stretch during the shutdown

As the government shutdown drags on, its effects are rippling far beyond the halls of Washington. Federal workers face unpaid leave, small businesses see delayed contracts, and everyday Americans are feeling the pinch as essential services slow. Grocery prices have risen and rent, gay and utilities bills remain fixed so many people are finding creative ways to stretch their income. Here is some help in making cannabis dollars stretch during the shutdown.

Marijuana use has gained in popularity and has started replacing alcohol. Cannabis consumers aren’t immune to economic pressures. With dispensary prices steady or slightly rising, maximizing the value of each purchase has become a priority. Thankfully, there are several strategies to help your cannabis last longer without sacrificing the experience.

Here are some practical ways to save money while still enjoying a buzz.

Consider a Vape
Vaping cannabis is often more efficient than smoking. Vapes heat the flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids without burning the plant material, meaning you can use less for the same effect. Portable vapes also let you microdose throughout the day, giving a longer-lasting, controlled experience.

Microdosing for Maximum Impact
Instead of large sessions that burn through your stash, try microdosing — small, measured amounts of cannabis that provide subtle effects. Microdosing not only extends your supply but can enhance focus and creativity without overwhelming sedation. Millennials, in particular, are embracing this approach as a mindful way to enjoy cannabis while staying productive.

Mix Methods
Combine concentrates with flower. Adding a small amount of concentrate to your joint, bowl, or vape session can boost potency without needing extra flower. This “stretching” method is popular among budget-conscious cannabis users.

Store It Right
Cannabis loses potency when exposed to light, heat, or air. Use airtight containers, store in a cool, dark place, and avoid excessive handling. Proper storage ensures every gram remains effective longer.

Explore Infusions and Edibles
If you legally have access to cannabis-infused products, these can offer longer-lasting effects than smoking alone. A little goes a long way, and dosing carefully can make your purchase last days instead of hours.

While the government shutdown may be causing economic stress, savvy cannabis users are finding ways to enjoy their favorite plant responsibly and cost-effectively. By embracing vapes, microdosing, and smart storage, you can make every gram count — and keep your wallet and your high happy.

Hemp Is Being Helped By GOP Senator

Terry Hacienda

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October 29, 2025

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Hemp is being helped by GOP Senator Rand Paul, boldly tying government funding to hemp’s survival

In a surprising twist of Senate strategy, hemp is being helped by GOP Senator. Randy Paul has positioned himself as the unlikely champion of hemp — threatening to keep the federal government shutdown alive unless protections for the industry are secured. With the Republican Party controlling the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, this move shows how intra-party battlegrounds can shape policy and put unexpected players into the spotlight.

With Republicans holding the presidency oand congress, the GOP nominally holds the power to end the shutdown. But power isn’t the same as unity. While GOP leaders are pushing to fund the government, the details of what gets included in the continuing resolution remain hotly contested. Sen. Paul has effectively leveraged that dynamic by tying the fate of government-funding legislation to the fate of hemp policy.

Paul warned that unless the hemp industry’s interests — particularly around hemp-derived THC products — are expressly protected, he may withhold his support for bringing the government back online. According to industry coverage, he’s told leadership that “we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The easy way is I give my consent, and the hard way is I don’t.” The result: a fresh sense that even with unified Republican control, the party must manage internal dissent if it hopes to reopen the government.

Back in 2018, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 (part of the larger Farm Bill) removed hemp — defined as cannabis sativa with less than 0.3 % THC — from Schedule I drug status, opening the door for industrial uses and new product development. Since then, the hemp industry has evolved far beyond fiber and seed. Now, hemp-derived cannabinoid products — including gummies, beverages, extracts and even low-dose THC items — have flooded the market, gaining significant consumer traction.

One of the key sticking points in Washington is the proposed language in appropriations bills that would redefine “hemp” by eliminating any “quantifiable amount” of THC or THC-adjacent cannabinoids. The industry argues that such a definition would effectively bury the current hemp-derived products sector. Paul, fending for his state’s hemp farmers, said a tighter definition would “devastate” Kentucky’s hemp economy.

It’s not just niche farms anymore. Hemp-derived products are moving into mainstream retail channels and becoming a consumer trend. For instance, Total Wine & More now features hemp-derived THC beverages and other innovative hemp products on shelves, marking a signifier of how widely accepted the category has become. Retail articles highlight that “mainstream retailers like … Total Wine … are joining the THC Beverage Retail Revolution, signaling that hemp-derived cannabis drinks have officially entered the mainstream.” The combination of broad availability and elevated consumer demand helps explain why Paul is motivated to keep fighting for protections — this isn’t a fringe industry anymore.

Paul’s core demand: don’t let the appropriations process or continuing resolution sneak in language that guts hemp-derived products by redefining hemp in a way that would ban many existing products. Instead, he proposes that Congress delay sweeping changes, conduct studies, and give the industry breathing room. Marijuana Moment+1
For the hemp industry — and for retailers — the stakes are high. A ban on “any quantifiable THC” could force many products off shelves, disrupt supply chains, jeopardize investments and cost farmers and businesses tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.

For younger and middle-aged consumers, this isn’t just about farmers and policy wonks. Hemp-derived products tie into wellness trends (CBD, functional beverages), alternative consumables (micro-dose THC drinks), and retail culture (finding such items in familiar stores). The mainstream move of hemp means suddenly your local beverage aisle or specialty store might carry hemp-derived options alongside other lifestyle products.
So when Paul threatens to use a shutdown as leverage, it’s more than politics — it’s about whether your next casual drink could be a hemp-derived beverage, or whether those products could vanish or shift dramatically in how they’re regulated.

As the shutdown drags on and GOP leadership wrestles internal divisions, Paul’s blockade of hemp-related changes creates a scenario where even a party with full control doesn’t necessarily have full command of the agenda. If he holds out, the shutdown could persist until either leadership makes a deal on hemp — or until Paul relents.
For hemp brands, retailers and consumers, the message is: Washington is watching. The definition of hemp, the regulation of THC-adjacent products and the channels of mainstream retail are all in flux. Millennials who have embraced hemp as lifestyle, beverage or wellness category should keep their eye on Capitol Hill — because their everyday options might hinge on how this fight resolves.

In the land of majority rule, one senator is reminding his party control doesn’t equal consensus — and the hemp industry just became the rope he’s pulling on.

Marijuana Has Way Taken Over Cigarettes

Anthony Washington

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October 28, 2025

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Marijuana Has Way Taken Over Cigarettes — new data shows weed now dominates America’s smoke culture

For the first time in recent memory, marijuana has way taken over cigarettes in the United States. This is a shift with cultural, commercial and public-health consequences. And yes, it covers “this doesn’t count because I only have a cig when out drinks with certain friends.” A new analysis of national survey data shows “cannabis-only” past-month use rose sharply between 2015 and 2023 while cigarette-only use declined, leaving more Americans who report using marijuana than those who say they smoke cigarettes.

Why the swap? Several forces converged. Legalization and normalization have removed stigma for many adults, especially younger and middle-aged cohorts, and product innovation (vapes, edibles, concentrates) has made cannabis easier to use discreetly. At the same time, decades of public-health work — taxes, smoke-free laws, advertising restrictions and education campaigns — have steadily pushed cigarette smoking down from its 20th-century highs. The World Health Organization and recent U.S. studies document that tobacco use continues a long-term decline even as absolute numbers remain large.

But don’t read this as cigarettes being dead. The tobacco industry remains rich and politically powerful. U.S. economic data show tobacco sales, production and related revenues continue to generate billions annually — and the industry still lobbies, litigates and markets aggressively around the world. That money buys influence in policy debates even as overall smoking prevalence falls. Public-health advocates warn industry resources make ending tobacco harms a slower, ongoing battle.

Is marijuana really “healthier” than cigarettes? Short answer: in some respects, yes — but it’s complicated. Decades of evidence tie combustible tobacco to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and clear excess mortality; those links are far stronger and better quantified than most evidence for cannabis. Major reviews (including the National Academies’ 2017 report and more recent reviews) find mixed evidence: cannabis carries respiratory and mental-health risks, and heavy use can lead to cannabis use disorder, but population-level cancer and long-term mortality links are not as clear as they are for cigarettes. In other words: marijuana may be less deadly for some outcomes, but it is not risk-free.

For Millennials and Gen-Z readers, the headline is a cultural one: weed has entered the mainstream in a way cigarettes haven’t in decades. For clinicians and lawmakers, the headline is a caution: shifting use patterns bring new questions about addiction, impaired driving and long-term health that require smarter surveillance — and a public conversation that’s honest about both benefits and harms.

The Perfect Cup Of Cannabis Tea

Sarah Johns

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October 28, 2025

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The perfect cup of cannabis tea, a warm, relaxing autumn drink to reduce anxiety, better than alcohol for women.

As the leaves turn amber and the air gains a crisp autumn bite, many of us reach for a steaming mug of something warm. Traditionally, it might be wine, cider, or a fancy cocktail—but this fall, there’s a new contender stealing the spotlight. Let us introduce you the perfect cup of cannabis tea. Beyond its comforting warmth, cannabis tea offers a gentle way to relax, ease anxiety, and skip the post-drink hangover.

Cannabis tea is quickly becoming a wellness staple for Millennials and Gen Z women seeking a calm, cozy ritual. Unlike alcohol, which can disrupt sleep, spike anxiety, or leave you groggy, cannabis-infused tea can provide a soothing, mindful experience. Its cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate mood, reduce stress, and create a gentle sense of calm—perfect for autumn evenings when Netflix and fuzzy socks are calling.

Is Marijuana Messing With The Environment — Photo by underworld111/Getty Images

For those new to cannabis tea, there are two popular ways to brew it depending on your taste preference.

The Classic “Weedy” Brew

If you enjoy the signature earthy cannabis flavor, this is your go-to. Start by gently simmering 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis in a cup of water with a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter (to help absorb cannabinoids). Let it steep for 15–20 minutes, strain, and sip slowly. The result is a robust, herb-forward tea with a calming buzz perfect for winding down after a hectic day.

The Light & Floral Option

Not a fan of the “weed” taste? You can soften it with complementary flavors like lemon, rose, or chamomile. Brew your cannabis with dried chamomile flowers, a slice of lemon, or a few rose petals. Add honey or your favorite natural sweetener. This version masks the cannabis flavor while keeping its calming effects, making it a chic, Instagram-worthy wellness drink.

Beyond taste, cannabis tea is versatile: you can enjoy it morning or night, hot or iced, solo or with friends. And unlike cocktails, it won’t leave you dehydrated or foggy—making it ideal for women balancing careers, social lives, and self-care routines.

As the season shifts, swapping a glass of wine for a cup of cannabis tea could become your new autumn ritual. It’s cozy, calming, and comforting—a simple way to sip your stress away while embracing the cooler months.

How Cannabis Can Help Combat Fall Respiratory Ailments

Amy Hansen

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October 27, 2025

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How cannabis can help combat fall respiratory ailments easing congestion, inflammation, and seasonal discomfort.

Autumn is here, which means pumpkin spice lattes, crunchy leaves and football. It also means a new set of illnesses, here is how cannabis can help combat fall respiratory ailments. Leaving summer behind and a change in weather and social environments means the inevitable flu, cold, and RSV season. While most of us reach for chicken soup or a hot toddy, more Americans are turning to cannabis to ease symptoms and even cut back on alcohol.

Before you light up, here’s an important distinction: smoking cannabis can irritate your lungs and worsen coughs and sore throats. But non-smoking options—think gummies, edibles, and tinctures—may help you feel better without the harsh hit to your respiratory system.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, has natural anti-inflammatory properties. This means it may help calm swollen airways and relieve some of the stuffy, congested feeling. And for those achy bodies arriving with colds or the flu, both CBD and THC can offer mild pain relief.

Sleep is another key ingredient for recovery, and cannabis may help here too. THC can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, letting your body fight off infection while you catch up on Zzzs.

Cannabis gummies are also becoming a go-to for folks looking to cut back on alcohol. Swapping a post-work beer or cocktail for a gummy can deliver relaxation and stress relief without the hangover, liver stress, or calorie load that comes with booze.

Some studies suggest cannabis can reduce alcohol consumption when used responsibly, and anecdotal evidence from Reddit and wellness blogs backs this up. People report better sleep, a calmer mood, and an easier time sticking to lower-alcohol routines.

If you’re new to cannabis, start low and go slow. Gummies and edibles make dosing easy, and you can choose products higher in CBD for inflammation relief or THC for sleep and relaxation. Avoid smoking or vaping while sick—your lungs will thank you.

Cannabis isn’t a miracle cure for colds, the flu, or RSV, but it may help ease symptoms and reduce alcohol use in a pinch. Pair it with plenty of fluids, rest, and basic cold-season hygiene, and you could have a smoother autumn than ever before.

Guess What Is Threading Its Way Back To Being Popular

Sarah Johns

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October 27, 2025

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Guess what is threading its way back to being popular — Gen Z’s surprising new obsession is sew cool.

In a generational twist, young Americans are falling in love with their grandparents’ pastimes. From vinyl records spinning on turntables to typewriters clacking again on dorm desks, Generation Z and Millennials are breathing new life into analog culture. Now, they’re taking nostalgia one step further. You will never guess what is threading its way back to being popular now – sewing machines.

Across TikTok, Instagram, and even in big-box aisles at Costco, sewing is emerging as the latest hands-on hobby to stitch its way back into mainstream life.

From gardening and journaling to reviving the look of thrifted 1980s windbreakers, Gen Z has turned “old-fashioned” into “on trend.” This generation values individuality, sustainability and creative expression — all things found in vintage-inspired pursuits. Just as vinyl and Polaroid cameras have made a comeback, sewing fits perfectly into the same ethos: it’s tactile, personal, and proudly non-digital.

The resurgence of hands-on creativity isn’t random. It’s a counterbalance to a world that’s often fast, online and disposable. In a sense, young people aren’t just buying less — they’re making more.

Why Sewing Is Trending Again

1. Crafting identity and self-expression
For many, sewing is a declaration of independence from fast fashion. Customizing or making your own clothing offers a sense of empowerment — a creative outlet says, “I made this.” On social media, this translates into content celebrating originality, individuality and style over mass production.

2. Sustainability and slow fashion
Gen Z and Millennials care deeply about sustainability. Sewing gives them a way to reuse, repurpose and repair, rather than toss and replace. Visible mending — repairing clothing in a way shows off the stitches as part of the design — has become a viral movement on TikTok.

3. Screen-break creativity
With most of life lived online, sewing provides an analog escape. It’s hands-on, calming and meditative — a way to literally disconnect from screens. A recent Fortune article noted many young adults are learning to sew “to get off their phones and save money.”

4. The social media effect
TikTok and Instagram have made sewing trendy, not tedious. Hashtags like #sewingtutorial, #upcycledfashion and #thriftflip are filled with videos showing transformations from thrift-store finds to high-fashion looks. Tutorials and time-lapse reels make the craft feel approachable and rewarding — especially when the finished product is instantly shareable.

When a major retailer starts stocking modern sewing machines, you know something’s changing. Costco now offers sleek, computerized models like the Singer Heavy Duty 8832 and Brother XR3340, complete with LCD screens, hundreds of stitch patterns, and built-in quilting options. These aren’t your grandmother’s machines — they’re tech-forward tools align with the DIY spirit of younger shoppers.

The fact Costco, known for bulk groceries and electronics, now markets sewing machines signals just how mainstream this revival has become. The craft aisle isn’t just for hobbyists anymore — it’s for creators, side-hustlers and trendsetters.

On Instagram and TikTok, sewing creators are building large, loyal followings. Whether it’s a 20-second video of a thrifted denim jacket getting a new lining or a full tutorial on turning curtains into dresses, sewing content fits perfectly into Gen Z’s creative economy. It’s visually satisfying, shareable, and aspirational in a grounded way — making something from nothing.

Younger users are even reframing the stereotype of sewing as something only grandmothers do. Many proudly show off learning from older relatives while adding a modern twist, connecting generations through thread and fabric.

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