For mental health, it is national unplug day – grab a gummy and let your brain relax and enjoy real life!
Today is the day to pull the plug on your electronic devices, kick back and enjoy life in real time. It promotes giving our brain, body and eyes a chance to heal and readjust to life in the moment. What better way to start March then letting your mind be an unfettered playground. Science has long been clear excessive screen time is not healthy, so why not chill on National Unplug Day with a gummy.
Over the last 15 years, most everyone of all generations has slowly become attached to digital devices. While it has done wonders in the day to day business of work, banking, and staying connected to friends and family, screen times also agitates the brain. Marijuana’s key psychoactive ingredient is THC. It stimulates the part of your brain responding to pleasure, like food and sex. This unleashes a chemical called dopamine, which gives you a euphoric, relaxed feeling.
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The National Day of Unplugging started in 2009 in partnership with Jewish arts and culture non-profit Reboot and Sabbath Manifesto. The event draws on the Jewish tradition of observing a weekly day of rest, called Shabbat. In Jewish culture, Shabbat is typically observed from sunset on Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday.
The term digital native refers to people who have grown up using digital technology, and are therefore highly comfortable with and possibly dependent on it. So various generations have a different relationships screens. But across the board, a little break is positive.
Science has shown unplugging is positive for you and can make you happier and more productive. Some of the reasons include
Screen time disrupts sleep and desynchronizes the body clock.
Because light from screen devices mimics daytime, it suppresses melatonin, a sleep signal released by darkness. Screen stimulation can delay melatonin release, desynchronizing the body clock. Once disrupted it can effect deep sleep which is how the mind and body heals.
Screen time desensitizes the brain’s reward system.
Gaming releases so much dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical. But when reward pathways are overused, they become less sensitive, and more and more stimulation is needed to experience pleasure. Meanwhile, dopamine is also critical for focus and motivation, so needless to say, even small changes in dopamine sensitivity can wreak havoc on you function.
Screen time induces stress reactions.
Both acute stress (fight-or-flight) and chronic stress produce changes in brain chemistry and hormones that can increase irritability. Indeed, cortisol, the chronic stress hormone, seems to be both a cause and an effect of depression—creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, both hyperarousal and addiction pathways suppress the brain’s frontal lobe, the area where mood regulation actually takes place.
Marijuana gummies on the other hand, have a chill effect, and, thanks to data from BDSA, we also know they are the most popular way people, especially those under 45, consume. So give your body and mind a break and chill on national unplug day with a gummy.
As New York fails because of their failed marijuana rollout, they are constantly turning to random industries to solve their problems.
New York is an economic engine for the country, from Wall Street to the fashion and media, it sets the pace for the rest of the country. New York City has 18 million people, making it the most populous city in the US. When the state passed recreational cannabis, the industry saw it as a turning point, what they didn’t expect was it for it to be cliff for legal business owners. As it struggles with past mistakes, now NY begs tech companies to solve their weed problem.
Rather than the state fix the problem of over 1,500 unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in New York City alone, the Governor wants other companies to save the city from the mess. To give a sample of the problem, Michigan, which has 1,000 legal medical and recreational stores just hit the $3 billion revenue mark in 2023.
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What she doesn’t mention is the states botched rollout as produced only less than 100 legals store across the states, vs the 1,500+ in NYC alone. Now the state is begging Google and Meta to adjust their algorithms and block illegal dispensaries and keep the public from discovering them. Despite you can find shops within blocks of New York’s famed City Hall. This is the latest effort after demanding landlords large and small police their tenents and close the stores if they don’t have the paperwork.
The rollout of NY’s adult-use licensing program was initially delayed by former Gov. Cuomo, who did not select any members of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) during his tenure. While now Gov. Hochul quickly established the CCB, thus kicking off the adult-use program. At the least possible moment, the states upended the rollout, shocking existing legal medical retailers and disrupting what could have worked. Then unlicensed market was already starting to bloom. While some unlicensed operators continued selling upon legalization, many new operators saw this as a golden opportunity.The states enforcements troopers temporary shutter at least 2-4 stores a week and then issues announcements about their advances with the problems.
The state wants to be a model for equity programs. Illicty shops pay no taxes and have no regulations on merchandise given them a large bottom line.
“Strengthening New York’s equitable cannabis industry and protecting the hard-working small business owners operating in the legal market are top priorities, and the best way to accomplish those goals is by expediting the shutdown of unlicensed shops.” states the Governor at a recent press conference.
New York’s cannabis regulators have collected only $22.5K of the $22M in fines issued to unlicensed stores. If you want to solve the problem, the state should bulk up enforcement and handle the situation, actually issue legal permits to match the market and pause on trying to say they are helpless in stopping the issue.
With between 38-63% of women dealing with this issue – it seems medical marijuana could help.
Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOB) is something effecting between 38-63% of women at some point. It involves difficulty in achieving orgasm, substantially decreased intensity of orgasm, or both. While with most, it happens occasionally, for FOB it the presence of either of the following symptoms and experienced on almost all or all occasions of sexual activity.There is a marked delay in, marked infrequency of, or absence of orgasm, a markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations, and the symptoms have persisted for a minimum duration of approximately 6 months.
The good news is there are treatments and one of them is available to most in the United States. Yes, medical marijuana can help women with FOB. In studies, marijuana use is associated with improved sexual function among female users. The type and method of consumption does not impact outcomes. A gummy can relax a woman and help overcome the issue.
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The body’s natural endocannabinoid system is key in regulating things like pleasure, pain, relaxation and homeostasis. When it is activated by the cannabinoids in cannabis, it can leave users feeling relaxed with increased pleasure and decreased pain.
To highlight the issue, commonality, and acceptance. a committee of the State Medical Board of Ohio voted recently to seek expert opinions on whether medical marijuana could help patients with female orgasmic difficulty disorder. In addition, Illinois, set to meet next month about adding FOD as a qualifying condition, while New Mexico is slated to consider the issue in May, according to organizers at the nonprofit Female Orgasm Research Institute. Connecticut, too, is looking into the addition, the group said, though no meeting date has been set.
If you are working there FOB, starting out with a small amount of cannabis to help with the use. It is recommend smoking or vaping to learn how to use cannabis for this issue. Starting out edibles can hit differently in potency and timing, potentially making for an uncomfortable experience.
In a somewhat surprise, Mitch McConnell has announced his decision not to run again for Senate GOP leader in November…changes ahead.
Mitch McConnell embraced being called the Darth Vader. For 17 years he has commanded the GOP Senate, and, had an oversized influence in the larger Republican Party. In the last year, he has been plagued by a divided party, a tussle with a former president, and health issues. So it was only a somewhat surprise he announced he was stepping aside in leadership. Politicians are lining up to take his place and he will have a tough go until November when he relinquishes the position. But does McConnell’s exit signal the end of marijuana prohibition?
McConnell has been proud of remaking the Senate and accomplishing his personal political goals. While Senator, he and his wife has amassed a fortune of $35 million while stopping small marijuana business owners from getting ahead. Born in a different era, McConnell is a conservative from the old school, legal marijuana, LGBT rights, expanded voter access and are enemies to him. As the legal state by state cannabis industry has blossomed to $20+ billion in sales filling state coffers, McConnell only grew more firm in his stand to block federal legalization.
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Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC), a strong ally of the industry, said publicly what everyone is thinking. If McConnell is a no on federal legalization, it is a no go. He has stonewalled the SAFE Banking Act multiple times. When the Senate flipped, Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) put forward the SAFER Banking Act with a bipartisan group only to have it die due to the House’s leadership chaos.
McConnell has been fine going against public opinion when making policy he feels is correct. Marijuana federal legalization has over 87% of public approval and veterans groups have pleaded for support on cannabis for help with PTSD. Both appeals have fallen on the deaf ears of the Grim Reaper. And he has seemed pleased when he wins a major battle against the public and voters.
While his loss indicates a positive for the cannabis industry, there is a downside. Like the House, the Senate could get swept up in a power play as the players reshuffle who is control. Meaningful legalization could come to a standstill without strong, focused leadership whipping votes. With the Biden administration hesitate to move forward in the campaign procmises, the cannabis industry is holding its breath.
Cannabis has medical benefits, it better for your body than alcohol and can calm anxiety – and with larger legalization would be better for the planet
Marijuana is increasing popular and consumer use is creeping up. Gen Z is drifting away from alcohol and embracing weed as a healthy alternative. Michigan just had a $3 billion in sales and other states are setting records. With the federal government looking at rescheduling, the medical marijuana will expand as the FDA will be able to oversee consistency and dosage. But where will all the produce be produced? Legalizing marijuana is good for the environment and good for patients.
Legalizing marijuana would allow traditional farming states, especially in the South, to add cannabis as a crop in rotation. While the South already has outdoor group, especially in the state region of Florida, Georgia and Alabama, being federally approved would improve farm methods. Currently, illegal grows in farm country are hidden in timberlands or are two small to be effective. Canada, being the first major company to end restrictions was posed to be the supplier to the world.
Photos by Jen Chiu
Canada are wheat, canola, mustard, barley, ryes, oat, maize, and soybean. These crops can thrive in the northern Canadian environment. While wheat requires more water, winter wheat and rotation allows farmers to use the vast amounts of farmland in Canada.
When Canada went legal though, companies like Tilray, but massive indoor grows costing 10s of millions of dollars. Not only do indoor grows produce significant carbon issues, but it doesn’t allow for more natural uses like rainwater. Everything has to be pushed through energy using systems. On average, a cannabis plant consumes an estimated 22.7 liters, or 6 gallons, of water per day during the growing season. Wine grapes, which are an irrigated use an estimated 12.64 liters of water per day.
As you expand your knowledge and experience with marijuana…TAC is a way to maybe adjust your trip
Legalization has brought in millions of new users to marijuana. People are leaning into the joy and relaxed high without hangovers. Gummies have become the most popular, but many in their learning curve are enjoying flower. The plant is versatile giving a variety of experiences. You may notice a tag written on packages, what is it? TAC is way to have more marijuana fun.
First of all, TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It refers to the cannabis profile of a strain. When purchasing a cannabis product or seed, consumers are able to have more insight into the total cannabinoid content of the strain. With TAC, users can customize their cannabis sessions.
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The Total Active Cannabinoids of a strain take the focus away from THC alone and directs more attention to other minor cannabinoids in the plant. TAC informs users about how potent or effective a strain may be when consumed. Most of the time, the TAC is indicated by a cumulative figure, while a few manufacturers choose to disclose the individual properties of the cannabinoids present in the strain. This way, users can effectively decide which product they need at that very moment based on its potential effects.
TAC represents the total amount and potency level of the various cannabinoids found within a specific cannabis plant. Cannabis plants contain over 50 different cannabinoids, although not all are detectable. Current testing methods can only identify a set of cannabinoids available in substantial quantities. So, in reality, the TAC figure is usually less than the exact amount of cannabinoids in the strain.
The non-detectable cannabinoids in a strain are inactive or not sufficient enough to induce a notable impact. For cannabinoids to be included in the TAC means they have some form of influence on the effects that manifest in the user. Cannatech operators are yet to figure out a direct mechanism to identify the mechanism of an individual cannabinoid in a strain.
The Entourage Effect and TAC Relationship
The “entourage effect” best describes the synergy between all the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. The theory reveals that all compounds, including terpenes and phytocannabinoids, available within a cannabis herb work together to induce the best effects.
The total active cannabinoids figure is important to the entourage effect. Scientists believe that the TAC reveals how the entourage effect operates. Explains why THC and CBD induce better physiological effects when they are consumed together or in addition with other minor cannabinoids.
The knowledge of TAC is most beneficial to medical cannabis users. It gives them an indication of what to expect from the entourage effect. On the other hand, recreational users use TAC to improve their smoking or dabbing experiences.
A few novices in the industry often confuse the meaning of TAC as being Total Aerobic Count. This is different from total active cannabinoids and has a different meaning. A total aerobic count is a measurement of the total microbial counts in a cannabis sample.
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Cannabinoids In Cannabis
Over 60 cannabinoids can be found in weed plants. Some TAC labels could list up to 100 cannabinoids in one product. However, the majority of these compounds are relatively unknown—they have been identified, but their mechanisms are not understood. Some of the most common cannabinoids found in large and trace quantities in cannabis crops are as follows:
CBD induces effects that help to counteract the “high” produced by psychoactive cannabinoids. It does this by inhibiting the release of FAAH (an enzyme that breaks down anandamide). This action encourages the availability of anandamide, also known as the bliss compound. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and other therapeutic potential.
THC is literally the most famous cannabinoid in the weed ecosystem. This cannabinoid is the dominant compound that induces psychoactive effects on the user. THC reacts with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system to produce the “high.” It emulates anandamide to induce the release of FAAH. Unlike other cannabinoids, THC is more potent and lasts much longer in the system.
CBDV is a minor cannabinoid that is often found in wild and hybrid varieties of cannabis. Cannabis crops grown in Central Asia have trace amounts of this cannabinoid. Research is ongoing to understand the compound’s reaction with the ECS, but cannabis researchers have pointed out that it has a similar chemical structure to CBD.
is a minor cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Information about this cannabinoid is limited. Very little is known about its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some studies suggest that CBC adds holistic efficacy to the entourage effect.
Aside from cannabinoids, cannabis contains other essential compounds like fatty acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Most of these other compounds are poorly understood in the ecosystem. Yet, they all play vital roles in the entourage effect.
Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis strains their unique flavors. Terpenes are found in plants, fruits, and flowers of all crops, not just cannabis crops. Examples of terpenes are pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, and linalool. Terpenes also boost the effects of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system.
On the other hand, flavonoids give plants their pigment. They induce antioxidant effects in consumers. Their role in the entourage effect is vague, and their interaction, as well as the breakdown process, is yet to be established.
Knowing the TAC value of your cannabis products can be important. It’s just one more reason why cannabis regulations enforce manufacturers to include this information when labeling the products. It’s better when the total cannabinoids are listed. With this information, you can experiment with different product ratios to decipher the concentration that gives you the best cannabis experience. Medical officers can use this accurate measurement to determine the best therapeutic concentration for cannabis patients.
While most use any excuse to avoid workout – there is a group who feels compelled to regular fitness….but should they stop when sick?
It’s hard to think of something that can’t be made better with the help of a good work out.. Cramps, headaches and body pains are just a few of the issues that exercise can fix for us, or at least provide a good amount of relief. When you’re sick things might be different though, and working out might just make you feel worse than before while slowing your healing process.
It all depends on the severity of your symptoms. The site claims that if you’re a person who works out regularly, then you probably have already worked out while sick; you just didn’t know about it.
According to Michael Gleeson, professor of exercise biochemestry, it’s important to follow the “above the neck” rule, which means that it’s okay to train moderately if you’re symptoms are above the neck, such as having a runny nose and sneezing. If you have symptoms such as coughing, tight chest and joint aches then it’s best to stay at home, giving your body at least 2 days of rest, allowing it to heal and fight off symptoms.
Gleeson claims that while you can still workout with above the neck symptoms, you should still lower the intensity of your workouts. While no studies have shown results that suggest that working out while sick does anything bad for your health, there have been studies that suggest that intense exercise when healthy can increase the chances of getting sick.
There’s something about overworking the body that can dampen the immune system and increase the chance of getting a bug.”
Consider reducing the intensity and length of your workout. Instead of going for a run, take a walk, for example. Don’t exercise if your signs and symptoms are “below the neck,” such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or upset stomach. Don’t exercise with people if you have COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses.
While you should be wary of workouts while sick it’s very important that you try to workout regularly when you’re healthy, since this can help prevent illnesses in the future and help you get back from colds in shorter periods of time.
The cannabis industry is innovative – and now there is a new thing which has popped up – the micro license!
The cannabis industry has to be innovative. With regulations, zoning, and banking restrictions all against a background of building public support…you have to be clever. The latest idea to emerge is the micro license. What is a marijuana micro license and what does it do? A key factor in this development is providing to entry to a growing industry with a low investment threshold. This an advantage toward making it more socially equitable.
Michigan started the micro license trend to help with engage more people with a way to start a business without having have major funds. It allows business owners to grow marijuana, process marijuana, and sell cannabis-infused products to adults 21 years or older without depending on other suppliers. However, a Michigan marijuana microbusiness is not permitted to sell or transfer marijuana or marijuana-infused products to other licensed recreational marijuana establishments. Also, they cannot sell their seeds to other marijuana growers. The essence is to enable a standalone marijuana business model independent of other marijuana establishments. So, think of a good food truck model of go to where your customers are, develop your own products (not buying from Costco or Trader Joes and reheating) and selling directly to a small crowd.
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Currently cananbis microbusiness licenses are offered in Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and New Mexico. Missouri has just launched the program and have had a few hiccups. Their cannabis regulators may revoke 11 of the 48 social-equity cannabis licenses issued in October after finding they didn’t meet eligibility requirements. It seems they had misrepresented who backed them and longer term plans for the company.
Arizona is now looking at folding it in to the mix of businesses. Marijuana sales hit $1 billion in 2023, meaning it a fresh cash cow for businesses and for state coffers. Success seems to be allowing business to grow and prosper.
Surge pricing is flirting with another industry – to the fear of consumers….will marijuana be next?
Surge or dynamic pricing is already a part of business and consumer behavior. Uber, airlines, and hotels have been leaders in charging more for something when you need it the most. Uber has constantly faced harsh backlash for charging for up to 4X the regular cost. Wendy’s is now causing a ruckus as they are looking at experimenting with surge pricing and people are concerned. In theory, burger prices could increase during “lunch hours”. But will surge pricing hit the cannabis industry? In a way, it has.
Today surge/dynamic pricing is seen as a negative. For good reason. Federal regulators took a hard look at car services after several big surges occurred during extreme weather. This forced Uber to agree to put a cap on surge during declared emergencies so as not to be accused of price gouging (which is clearly illegal). But just as people got used to calling a cab from their phone, they also adjusted to surge pricing as the new normal.
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Bur dynamic pricing as been used for decades to benefit customers – Taco Tuesday to get people to eat out earlier in the week. Half price bottles of wine to fill restaurants on a Monday. Even Black Friday is a way to encourage people to get in the holiday spending spirit early – like 5 am early.
It has had a huge impact on the alcohol industry – in the form of Happy Hour. Happy Hour become a buzz word in the late 50s with the Navy and moved into the mainstream. The 70s is when the idea of discount drinks and happy hour really took hold. For patrons, they had the benefit of a nip after work at a discount (or just more for the money with 2 for 1). For restaurants and bars,,s it brought in customers at a slower times (4-6 or 7 pm) and they can pick the specials, allowing to offer value and still make a profit.
Marijuana dispensaries have also embraced Happy Hour pricing with stores offering time sensitive deals. In an efforts to attract customers and fill slow hours you can see things like “buy one, get one 20 percent off 9 am–noon and 4–6 pm every day”. Or “8–10 am weekdays; 20 percent off top-shelf eights and up”. Dynamic pricing is used to adjust consumer behavior…and a good discount is a strong incentive, and the marijuana industry as taken note.
Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell lost his battle with ALS. Can Medical Marijuana help others who suffer?
The Fresh Toast – It is a devastating disease and more research needs to be done to help patients. And in regards to help, what about ALS and medical marijuana?
Roughly over 5,000 people in Canada and the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year with over 20,000 smuggling with the disease. Over 15 people are diagnosed daily. ALS is estimated to be responsible for as many as five in every 100,000 deaths in people 20 years or older. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is between two to five years from the time of diagnosis. Some people do live for more than five years. More than half of all ALS patients live more than three years after diagnosis, 20 percent live five years or more, up to 10 percent live more than 10 years, and about five percent live 20 years or more. What about ALS and medical marijuana.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal type of motor neuron disease. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. It is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, after a famous baseball player who died from the disease.
Currently, there is no cure for ALS but there are some treatments available.
Cannabis has properties applicable to symptom management of ALS, including analgesia, muscle relaxation, bronchodilation, saliva reduction, appetite stimulation, and sleep induction. With respect to the treatment of ALS, from both a disease modifying and symptom management viewpoint, clinical trials with cannabis are key to helping patients. Based on the currently available scientific data, it is reasonable to think that cannabis might significantly slow the progression of ALS, potentially extending life expectancy and substantially reducing the overall burden of the disease.
As ALS progresses, though, more and more symptoms are noticed. These are the most common symptoms of ALS:
Twitching and cramping of muscles, especially those in the hands and feet
Loss of motor control in the hands and arms
Impairment in the use of the arms and legs
Tripping and falling
Dropping things
Persistent fatigue
Uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying
Slurred or thick speech and trouble in projecting the voice
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
Trouble breathing
Trouble swallowing
Paralysis
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a physician’s guidance immediately. Otherwise, be an advocate and champion for more medical research.
