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Simpsons Writer Reveals Iconic Episode’s Hidden Marijuana Joke

Brendan Bures
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Simpsons Writer Reveals Iconic Episode’s Hidden Marijuana Joke

The Simpson’s have a record for “predicting” things while making you laugh…and episodes give a green light to weed

Debuting on December 17, 1989, it has run 760 episodes.  The Simpson’s holds the record for the longest-running American animated series, longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running American scripted primetime television series. This includes both in seasons and individual episodes.  It seems the public can’t get enough of the dysfunctional family.

As way to keep the public engaged, the creators drop behind the scene information including on-set drama or lucky breaks creators had along the way. Other times, it’s Easter eggs you missed or were left on the cutting room floor.

“Simpsons” writer Josh Weinstein shared a joke which falls into the latter category for the cartoon’s iconic “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” two-part episode.  In another example of the Simpson’s creator prediction the future, they understood the upcoming mainstreaming of marijuana.

Josh Weinstein, the writer episode’s script revealed “Simpsons” TV broadcaster Kent Brockman was secretly a marijuana user. Police officers investigate for clues while Brockman reports live from the scene, in the scene Weinstein shared.

RELATED: The 1975’s Matt Healy Reveals How Marijuana Helps His Mental Health

During the telecast, sniffer dogs converge upon Brockman, hinting he may have illicit substances on his person. “Brockman takes out a baggie of medicinal herbs and quickly crams it in his mouth,” reads the script. With his mouth full, he asks Wiggum, “Anything else, Chief?”

Weinstein revealed in comments to his post that he assumes the joke “got cut for time ’cause this episode was really jammed with stuff and this was just a side joke.” When one user commented that Kent Brockman always “came across as a coke guy,” Weinstein agreed.

This isn’t the first time “The Simpsons” has included some clever marijuana humor into its writing. In the 2005 episode “Midnight Rx,” the show accurately predicted Canada legalizing cannabis ahead of the United States. There was also the 2002 “Weekend at Burnsies” episode, which follows Homer getting a medical marijuana prescription and includes the most pot jokes possible in any “Simpsons” episode.

 

Does TicTok’s Sleepy Girl Mocktail Work

Amy Hansen
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Does TicTok’s Sleepy Girl Mocktail Work

TicTok is filled with wellness hacks, health tips and beauty secrets – but do they all work?

When things go viral, they can have an impact.  TikTok is in over 160 countries, has over 1.1 billion users, and has been downloaded over 220 million times in the United States alone. Their audience age starts at 13. A variety of trends, health tips and beauty secrets have swept the planet – only to come and go. But most hacks, tips and secrets are from people who may not be experts in the field.

RELATED: Which State Has The Cheapest Marijuana

TicTok is more than entertainment. If there’s something young people want to know, almost 40% of them search on TikTok before Google.   According to a recent survey  from CharityRx of 2,000 adults, one-third of GenZers consult TikTok for health advice and another 44% turn to YouTube before turning to their doctor.

With this information, does TicTok’s Sleep Girl Mocktail work?

Photo by Shane via Unsplash

It’s shaky pseudo-science that winds up going viral, though (sorry, but rubbing banana peels on your face won’t give you wrinkle-free skin). So you need to verify from outside source before you get your hopes up on something.

That’s the case for the so-called “sleepy girl mocktail” that’s making its rounds online. Proponents say the combination of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and a fizzy mixer like sparkling water or prebiotic soda is a match made in heaven for good sleep. Also, the effect is the same for both genders.

And it actually might help. “There’s sound science to back up the idea that a drink like this could help you relax and possibly fall asleep faster,” says registered dietitian Devon Peart, RD, MHSc. “But it’s not a cure for insomnia or a sure-fire antidote to poor sleep.”

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Magnesium helps nerves and muscles function, regulates blood pressure, and helps maintain good bone health. It also helps increase the amount of water in the intestines, which can help with bowel movements. It may be used as a laxative due to these properties. Additional, there is some evidence tart cherry juice can help with sleep, reduce inflammation, and potential other health benefits.

Sleepy Time Mocktail Recipe

  • 1/2 cup pure tart cherry juice.
  • 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder.
  • A bit of fizzy drink to cut it, like a prebiotic soda or sparkling water.

Simply stir, sip and hopefully enjoy a good night’s sleep

How Accurate Are Drug Sniffing Dogs

Terry Hacienda
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How Accurate Are Drug Sniffing Dogs

We have seen them on TV, at the airport and occasionally in other places – but how accurate are drug sniffing dogs?

Used at airports, train stations and major event, dog sniffing dogs are common. They have been featured on TV and movies and occasionally, at retirement, celebrated in on the media. But how accurate are drug sniffing dogs?

Belgian Malinois have become increasingly popular for narcotics detection tasks, making German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois two of the most popular narcotics detection breeds. Labrador Retrievers, Terriers (e.g., Fox, Welsh, and Jack Russell) and English Springer Spaniels are also used.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

To train a narcotics detection canine, an association must be developed between the canine’s training toy and the odor of controlled substances, usually cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. When the dog smells the odor of the designated narcotics, it believes it has found its toy. Dogs do not know they are smelling narcotics and not the toy itself. Once this connection between the odor of narcotics and the toy has been implanted in the dog’s memory, it is then taught to perform a certain behavior to signal the handler it has located the odor of what it believes is its toy. This demonstration is commonly referred to as the “alert.”

So how effective are they? It is a mixed bag, and it clear in all studies they aren’t always accurate. Law firms like Keller Law Office in Minnesota claim drug-sniffing dogs are not very accurate. They say multiple studies show alarmingly high error rates, with some results exceeding 50 percent.

A study by Polish researchers from the Department of Animal Behavior at the Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Science, found on average, dogs found hidden drugs correctly 87.7% of the time, with false indications happening about 5% of the time, and in 7% of cases, the dogs were unable to find the hidden substances.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

california police dog forced to retire because of new marijuana laws
Photo by Deonny Rantetandung via Unsplash

The group found German Shepherds were the top narc dog, while terriers, who are often used due to their small size, were poor performers. Dogs performed better indoors than outdoors, while familiarity with room had no significant impact. Finding drugs outdoors or inside of a car were the most difficult tasks; these drug sniffing dogs were only 58% accurate when searching within a car.

Some drugs can also leave residual odors dogs do not distinguish from the actual presence of substances, with cannabis buds and hashish leaving the strongest after-odors, all dogs signaled the presence of hashish a day after it was removed from the location, and 80% did so after 48 hours.

RELATED: No, Drug-Sniffing Dogs Can’t Distinguish Between Marijuana And Hemp

In the UK, revealed drug sniffing dogs had incorrectly detected illicit substances on patrons in almost 75% of the 95,000 searches undertaken since 2012. While they are doing a review, the practice continues.

Police dogs and their efficacy is often perceived as highly accurate and nearly infallible which data doesn’t always support. The good new is K9s are also immune from racial and other biases. Enforcement agencies globally rely on their keen sense of smell to find hidden narcotics.

Other opportunities for is in sniffing out explosives, but dog teams alerted to the training sample in both trials (alert rate = 100%), indicating a strong response to the training sample. On average, dog teams alerted to the 30 g subsample of the confiscated explosive in 10 of 14 trials across all dogs at an alert rate of 71.43%.  So still not the best score, but better than average.

The most successful dogs are trained to detect crop pests and diseases. A study by the US Department of Agriculture found these dogs identified trees infected with citrus greening disease with 99% accuracy; they could detect infection as early as two weeks after onset.  Maybe it would be a better use?

Marijuana And Gut Health

Sarah Johns
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Marijuana And Gut Health

Gut health is in the news as it seems to be key to healthy living….but what about marijuana and gut health.

It is currently buzzing in the wellness community, but gut health isn’t just a trending topic but an important aspect of health. “It impacts everything from obesity to cancer rates, says Dr. Aditya Sreenivasan, a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Cannabis has been proven to have medical benefits for a variety of things including cancer treatment, nausea, inflammation and more, but what about marijuana and gut health?

RELATED: Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Marijuana

Gut health refers to the well-being of the digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste from the body. It is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, collectively known as the gut microbiome.

Illustration by MEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

The short answer is, there is not enough research to determine there are benefits regarding marijuana gut health.

A review of 20 studies published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenteroloy in. 2021 concluded that while the use of cannabinoids in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was not effective at inducing remission, it was associated with patient-reported symptom improvement, including decreased abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

It is key not to overdue any thing such as cannabis or alcohol for your gut health.  Key ways to be preventative include

  • Eat a high fibre diet
  • Eat a diverse range of food
  • Limit ultra-processed foods
  • Drink water.

These four things can go a long way on how your body (and stomach) function. The importance of our digestive system to overall health is a topic of increasing research in the medical community. Research is showing us gut microbiome affects must organs in our body.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Enjoy Marijuana Without Smoking It

There isn’t enough research around marijuana and gut with several hurdles exist on studying the effects of cannabis on the gut. An example, cannabis can come in so many different formulations and strains. When patients are using cannabis, one patient may be using a different strain from the patient next door.

What About Adding Beef To Your Cocktails

Anthony Washington
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What About Adding Beef To Your Cocktails

From burger to Beef Wellington, it is very popular – what about adding beef to your  cocktails?

The burger is an icon meal and is universally popular. The USDA reports Americans overall consumed a whopping 30 billion pounds of beef in 2021, which equals almost 60 pounds per person per year.  Beef sandwiches, tacos, and more are gobbled up every day and the flavor fills the mouth.  People are returning to pre-pandemic habits and cooking at home less, according to a Gallup-Cookpad global survey, Gen Z and  Millennials are enjoying retro dishes like Beef Wellington, casseroles and more but putting their spin on classics. What about beef to your cocktails?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Savory cocktails are becoming a thing in artisanal lounges…so why not add a favorite flavor? Earlier this year, the Parmesan espresso martini took TikTok by storm, transforming a seemingly abominable combination into a certified craze. Dirty martinis have even made the jump from drinks to food, inspiring everything from a briny salad dressing to an olive-studded pasta. It points to the wider embrace of savory cocktail flavors, particularly in combinations outside the norm.

Beefy Bloody Mary

Take a morning favorite and convert it from a “salad” to a “main”. The add depth of the beef broth will make it warm your heart and stomach on any day.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz V8 Tomato Juice or Bloody Mary mix
  • 2 oz Swanson Organic Beef Stock
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp Tabasco
  • 1½ oz vodka
  • Dash freshly ground black pepper
  • Thyme sprig, for garnish

Create

  • Mix all ingredients except for Thyme into a highball glass and stir to incorporate.
  • Add ice; stir some more for chill and slight dilution. G
  • arnish with a thyme sprig

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Bull Shot

Bring out the cowboy/cowgirl in you with this drink.  Rich, nuanced and delicious – this drink will live a big smile on your face.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery salt (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 3/4 cup chilled double-rich double-strength canned beef broth
  • Lime wedge

CREATE

  • Mix Worcestershire and salt in glass
  • Add ice cubes
  • Pour vodka, then broth over
  • Garnish with lime wedge

Marijuana Legalization Versus Decriminalization

Terry Hacienda
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Marijuana Legalization Versus Decriminalization

With 40 states having some form of legal cannabis – some people are confused about legalization vs decriminalization

Over 40 states have some form of legal weed – either full recreational or a form of medical marijuana.  Plus, almost 90% of the country believes it should be legal in some form.  But it gets confused about decriminalization.  Marijuana legalization versus decriminalization, what is the difference and how does it affect consumers?

But if there is one confusion in this day and age concerning the methods of marijuana reform this country has been experimenting with, it’s precisely what the difference between legalization and decriminalization is. And which one is better in the grand scheme of longevity and public health and safety.

Which State Will Legalize Marijuana First In 2020- Kentucky, Ohio Or Indiana?
Photo by RobinOlimb/Getty Images

When a state legalizes marijuana, what it’s really doing is eliminating the laws it has associated with the possession and personal use of cannabis. It means people (typically adults 21 and older) can no longer be punished by the county, city or state for most marijuana-related offenses. 

These laws often come with possession limits, allowing adult individuals to hold up to an defined weight without getting into trouble. In many cases, these laws also allow adults to engage in home cultivation. Depending on the state, the rules essentially give adults the freedom to grow a certain number of plants in their home (or outside garden) for personal use.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Legalization also gives the state government the power to establish a taxed and regulated market, allowing pot consumers to purchase cannabis products from a retail environment. Usually, the state gives local municipalities the freedom to decide whether they want to cater to pot shops or not. Just think of marijuana legalization in terms of how the alcohol trade works. Booze is fully legal, and adults 21 and older can buy it from liquor stores and other licensed retailers. But there are still some “dry” counties in parts of the country. Marijuana isn’t any different.  

State and local jurisdictions benefit from the legalization model, too, as they all collect tax revenue allotted for road construction, schools and combatting drug addiction. It turns out cannabis revenue is more valuable than alcohol or tobacco.

Which State Will Legalize Marijuana First In 2020- Kentucky, Ohio Or Indiana?
Photo by RobinOlimb/Getty Images

Decriminalization, however, is a different beast. These laws basically allow low-level marijuana offenders to escape jail and criminal charges. The rules are just a little less restrictive than in a full-blown prohibition regime and there is no retail market. Anyone caught for pot in a place where decriminalization is in effect can expect to receive a small fine (typically, between $50 and $200), and they may have to make an appearance in court. It just depends on the state or local authorities. But as long as small-time possession is involved, there is never a situation where an offender has to worry about spending time in jail, losing their vehicle or dealing with a criminal record.

RELATED: Does Legalizing Marijuana Help Or Harm Americans? Weighing The Statistical Evidence

Go over the possession limit, though, and it’s a different story altogether. Think of decriminalization as similar to a seat belt violation. It’s still against the law to drive around without a seat belt, but the cops aren’t going to cuff you for it. They’re going to hand you a citation, tell you to be careful and move on. But don’t expect to keep your weed. Police will usually seize it even though it is decriminalized. After all, it’s not legal to be in possession of marijuana, it’s just not a criminal offense. Several states and cities have gone this way rather than entertain a fully legal system.

With HHD, FDA and the DEA looking at rescheduling, it will add another wrinkle in how marijuana is classified in the nation and states.

Focus On This If You Want The Best Marijuana

Terry Hacienda
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Focus On This If You Want The Best Marijuana

Like wine, it can be tough figuring out the best marijuana to purchase – here is a key thing to know

When it comes to things we consume, if we haven’t tried it before it can be complicated. “Having tried a wine before is a strong predictor of choice,” Dr. Armando Corsi, Associate Professor with the University of Adelaide in Australia involved in a recent survey on wine purchases. “However, if you didn’t try it yourself, Australian and U.S. consumers tend to rely on price, whilst Italians seem to be guided more by the food they are going to match with that wine.”

RELATED: Which State Has The Cheapest Marijuana

The survey included a total sample size of 2,014 wine consumers from the three countries (Italy, Australia and the U.S.). In the cannabis world, strength and price are the key decides. Price is usually a key decided, but you should focus on this if you want the best marijuana to smoke.

cannabis smell terpenes
Photo by Sharon Mccutcheon / EyeEm/Getty Images

RELATED: Why You Should Smell Your Weed Before Buying

Aroma is the key point if you smoke. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for producing the distinct aromas. Notable scientists worldwide have taken time to investigate these compounds and shed more light on their existence. Terpenes are available in most plants and trees, like lavender, oranges, roses, mint, and our favorite plant, cannabis. While there needs to be more research, it is clear these compounds. occupy a crucial position.

In the cannabis ecosystem, terpenes play a direct role in cannabis’s acceptance within the human body. The first sense a consumer comes into contact with when holding cannabis is its aroma. All forms of cannabis, whether indica, sativa or hybrids, contain terpene compounds. These compounds determine how the entourage effect plays out. They are a key determinant of psychoactive and therapeutic cannabis effects. However, they’ve not been considered as much as they should be. To understand the interaction of cannabis compounds with receptors in the body, there has to be an in-depth understanding of the vital role terpenes play.

RELATED: The Definitive Guide To Terpenes And Cannabis Aromatherapy

Aromas help solidify vital memories and also help remember these memories. For instance, whenever I catch a whiff of strawberries, I remember my late grandparents’ farm and the beautiful memories I made there with my siblings and cousins. No matter how faint the aroma is, it can instantly transport you to another location or period.

Can CBD Save Your Skin From Cold Weather 

Jane Chertoff
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Can CBD Save Your Skin From Cold Weather 

Freezing weather can damage your skin – can CBD help?

We are in the depths of winter and even Mississippi is having snow and ice.  It is flat out cold outside.  For those who have to venture out and deal with it, their skin might be effected by the temperatures. Skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips. In truly low temperatures, there may be a warning not to have exposed skin, a true sign of danger for the body and your beauty system.

Can CBD save your skin from cold weather?  Yes, the right products have the ability to help fight the damages.  CBD can hydrate and calm the skin which can make a difference – especially on the lips.

Cannabis Topicals
Photo by rawpixel.com

Studies have found ttopical CBD products are effective for hydration.  The infusion of oils and Vitamins A, C, and E that can help deeply moisturize and protect skin along with CBD’s antioxidant-rich properties.   Antioxidants are important for dehydrated skin because they can help protect against free-radical damage which can lead to skin looking more dehydrated and with more fine lines and wrinkles.  

RELATED: 3 Things To Know About Fall Allergies And Marijuana

Make sure you look for products containing pure CBD oil plus along with other oils like grapeseed, coconut, jojoba, marula, or oregano oil for best results.   

If you suffer from chapped lipped, look for a CBD-infused lip balm which can help your lips stay hydrated. 

CBD Oil And Its Potential Aa A Psoriasis Treatment
Photo by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Have you ever found yourself with more red spots or breakouts as soon as the weather starts to turn? CBD skincare products can help soothe your skin throughout the fall and winter. Studies show that CBD can help regulate and stabilize skin function. It’s also anti-inflammatory. That means it may help reduce acne and redness so you could have clearer, calmer skin this season. Plus, it may inhibit oil production so you breakout less over time.

RELATED: 8 Things To Know Before Using Cannabis Topicals

If you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or atopic dermatitis that only gets worse or itchier as the season’s change, you aren’t alone. CBD is also effective to help with common skin conditions because of it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.  

But if you also take medications for a skin condition like eczema, always confirm with your dermatologist that it’s safe for you to add CBD skincare to your daily routine before starting.  

Iowa And Marijuana

Terry Hacienda
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Iowa And Marijuana

The current governor, Kim Reyonlds is not a fan and has been a roadblock.  Reynolds has stated “I believe marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to other illegal drug use and has a negative effect on our society.”

Cannabis in Iowa is illegal for recreational use but hemp products including CBD products are legal for consumers to possess and registered retailers to sell. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana is still a crime. The state’s medical marijuana program for patients with qualifying debilitating health conditions allows for the legal sale and possession of no more than 4.5g of THC per patient every 90-day period.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

According to a 2021 Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, 54% of Iowans support legalizing recreational marijuana. But with firm resistance from the Governor, it will be hard ot have progress.  Despite public acceptance, the Governor believe she knows what is better for the population.

In the meantime, Missouri and Illinois will benefit from consumers and taxes.

 

Can Firewhiskey And Klingon Bloodwine Keep You Warm

Anthony Washington
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Can Firewhiskey And Klingon Bloodwine Keep You Warm

Can these two classic fiction cocktail keep you warm this winter?

With this weather, you might be stuck inside looking for something fun and different.  For all the Harry Potter and Star Trek fans, here are two recipes which may bring a warm to your heart and soul. So, can Firewhiskey and Klingon Bloodwine keep you warm?

To be honest, drinking alcohol to warm up is an old myth. The truth is, if you’re outside in the cold for a long period of time and you’re not careful, a few draughts of alcohol isn’t too wise.The feeling of warmth is an illusion. Alcohol, on its own, doesn’t warm you up. What it does is cause your blood vessels to dilate, sending more blood than normal to your skin, giving you the feeling of warmth while actually making you lose heat much faster.  So if you indulge, don’t do it out in the freezing temperatures.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Firewhisky is an alcoholic drink consumed by wizards and witches in the Harry Potter universe. While the underage were not allowed to purchase it, it was occasionally consumed.. It was known to cause a burning sensation when drunk, and for filling one’s body with courage.  The lore is it was crafted after Fireball liquor.

 

Bloodwine is a popular alcoholic drink among Klingons, best served warm. As with many Klingon foods and beverages, it was not for the faint of heart. Bloodwine is a very known to be highly intoxicating, making it a bit of a hit to non-Klingons. Klingon captains and generals were fond of carrying several barrels of their favorite vintages to celebrate victories. Bloodwine is traditionally consumed by warriors being inducted into the Order of the Bat’leth. Bloodwine was used in a symbolic gesture following the Invasion of Cardassia in 2375.

FIREWHISKEY

Liquor and an open flame – what more can you ask for on a cold day stuck inside????  Make magic with this delightful cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz whiskey
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps
  • Splash of 151 rum

Create

1.) Add 1 ounce of whiskey, 1/2 an ounce of Cinnamon Schnapps and some ice to a beverage shaker

2.) Shake to chill

3.) Pour into a highball glass

4.) Splash some 151 on the top

5.) With your wand or a lighter, light your Firewhiskey

6.) Drink, preferably after putting out the flames

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Klingon Bloodwine

This concoction will light a fire in your soul and help you envision going to a bold new place.   Live long and prosper!

Ingredients

  • 1 oz gold tequila
  • 1 oz spiced rum
  • dash of grenadine
  • 2 dashes of tabasco
  • Cranberry juice to top it off

CREATE

  • In a shaker, add dashes of tabasco and grenadine.
  • Add the rum and tequila, then top off the drink with cranberry juice until full.
  • Add ice, shake twice, serve in a red wine glass or martini glass

Can Firewhiskey and Klingon Bloodwine keep you warm, it will definitely make you feel on fire!

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