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Willie Nelson Has Officially Stopped Smoking Marijuana

Though the red-headed stranger might use marijuana through other means, Willie Nelson quit smoking for health reasons.

Yes, the rumors are true. All-time marijuana icon Willie Nelson has toked his final toke, puffed his final puff, and will no longer smoke marijuana. The 86-year-old country legend told San Antonio television station KSAT that he quit smoking for health reasons.

“I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days and I have to be careful,” he said. “I don’t smoke anymore. I take better care of myself today.”

RELATED: How Willie Nelson Got Woody Harrelson Smoking Marijuana Again

Nelson added that he has a long history of filling his lungs with smoke, and that doesn’t just mean cannabis smoke. Ever since growing up as a boy in Abbott, Texas, he has “mistreated” his body, Nelson said.

why marijuana companies are rebranding themselves health care companies to wall street
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“I started smoking cedar bark, went from that to cigarettes to whatever. And that almost killed me,” he admitted.

While Nelson is a well-known user of marijuana, he’s also established himself as an essential advocate for the plant, as he currently co-chairs the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) advisory board. In the past couple years, he’s branched out into the cannabis industry through his Willie’s Reserve namesake brand, which he launched in 2016 with assistance from a private equity firm.

RELATED: Willie Nelson Just Invented The Best Job At His Marijuana Company

Though Nelson won’t smoke anymore, it remains unclear if he still uses cannabis via edibles, tinctures, and non-smokable products. In April, Nelson told Rolling Stone he wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for marijuana.

“I wouldn’t be alive. It saved my life, really,” he said. “I wouldn’t have lived 85 years if I’d have kept drinking and smoking like I was when I was 30, 40 years old. I think that weed kept me from wanting to kill people. And probably kept a lot of people from wanting to kill me, too — out there drunk, running around.”

What You Should Know About CBD & Intermittent Fasting

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Intermittent fasting is a very popular way of staying in shape. Here’s how CBD can help that process. 

Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular ways to stay in shape right now, most of it due to the fact that it’s an easy method to follow. When fasting, all you have to do is spend 16 hours or more without eating; you set your schedule according to your demands and have free rein to eat whatever you want. Of course, the healthier you eat, the better your results. Still, sixteen hours is sixteen hours, and the fatigue and cravings for meals can make even the strongest-willed people break their fast. Here’s where CBD comes in. 

RELATED: Marijuana For A Lean Physique? Science Weighs In

Before diving into the reasons why CBD’s capabilities might make for better fasts and might help manage people’s hunger, it’s important to understand what the fasting process is about and why it’s been so embraced as of late. 

We’ll focus on the most popular and common methods: the 18/6, 16/8, and Eat-Stop-Eat. In the first method, 18 represents the hours spent fasting, and 6 represents your eating window. By following the 18/6 you’ll spend 18 hours fasting and have a window of 6 hours to get your necessary calories. The 16/8 is the same thing, with slightly different windows for each. For some people, this method works perfectly since all they have to do is avoid snacks past their bedtime and either skip breakfast or eat it later in the morning. 

For those who are stronger willed, there’s the Eat-Stop-Eat method, which is a little more extreme, increasing the amount of time you spend fasting and the amount of time you have to eat. People can spend 24 hours without eating, only ingesting liquids without calories, like coffee and tea, and then have a day to eat with no limitations. Then they get back to fasting and so on and so forth. This method produces more effective intermittent fasting results, preserving lean muscle mass, promoting hormone levels and cutting calories. 

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Photo by Louise Burton via Unsplash

Intermittent fasting is built upon the knowledge that once the body spends over 16 hours without eating, it automatically begins to break down fat as a replacement for glucose. This is a process called ketosis. Aside from burning fat, ketosis also makes your body work harder to repair damaged DNA and replace old cells, some of which have been correlated with Alzheimer’s disease. There’s a lot of promise for fasting and a lot of good stuff associated with it. 

According to CBD Clinicals, CBD can enhance the fasting process by reducing your appetite, contributing with hormone regulation, fighting inflammation and even preventing diabetes. While THC is known for increasing people’s hunger, CBD doesn’t share these same capabilities. Most of the time, people eat when they’re bored or anxious; CBD makes for a good option for these types of people, keeping their brains focused and relaxed and preventing snacking. 

RELATED: Federal Study Aims To Learn More About Marijuana And Weight Loss

CBD also boosts the health capabilities of fasting, producing larger and more impacting results. CBD can be consumed as oils, topicals or capsules while fasting – as long as these don’t have calories – or as edibles once people have broken their fasts. 

While there’s no studies that prove that CBD oil makes for better fasts, the evidence that exists suggests that it might help people who have a hard time wrapping their heads around such a long period of time spent without eating. In any case, it sounds like a good supplement if you’re looking to give intermittent fasting a shot.

10 Best Types Of Marijuana For A Joyous Holiday Season

The holiday season is the gift that keeps on giving. And when stress is the present you never asked for (and can’t return), you can turn to one of these strains for relief.

For some of us, it’s the best time of year: friends, family, gift-giving and some time off work. For others, it’s a time of stress, travel nightmares and hangovers. No matter your mood, cannabis can help you throughout the holiday season. Give these marijuana strains a try.

Jack Frost

Perfect for wintertime, Jack Frost is especially good for sitting in front of the fireplace, sipping a hot toddy or a mug of hot cocoa, and contemplating life. Jack Frost invites you to chill out and get into the holiday spirit.

Candy Cane

Feeling stressed out? Or just need to unwind? Candy Cane is a well-known stress reliever. This type of cannabis goes perfectly with a nice massage. Your body will feel your tensions lift and your mind will feel a slight sense of euphoria. And it should last you throughout the night. Sweet dreams!

Snowcap

If you are seeking something more upbeat, try some Snowcap. You will get a sense of fun, cheerfulness and creativity. If you love playing board games with family during the holiday season, this is the perfect type of marijuana. You won’t be able to stop laughing. Snowcap is fun to share.

3 Kings

If you feel a headache coming on, give 3 Kings a try. It’s great for fighting stress and elevating your mood. You will feel slightly upbeat and chatty. Tip: 3 Kings typically is a bit more potent than average, so start slow and be mindful of how much you use.

RELATED: 7 Crucial Cannabis Hacks For Surviving The Holiday Season

Photo by Grav via Unsplash

Sugar Cookie

When it’s time for bed, smoke a little Sugar Cookie. This type of marijuana will help your body melt into your mattress and you’ll be dreaming in no time. Or if you just want to spend a lazy day on the couch watching old Christmas movies, have some Sugar Cookie.

White Widow

No matter where you live, you should be able to find White Widow. Have a little of this and you’ll feel energetic and euphoric for hours. A great choice for socializing and partying. Warning: You may get a strong sense of the munchies! 

Silver Kush

If you’ve had it up to here with parties and family and noise, find a quiet place and enjoy some Silver Kush. It’s the perfect type of marijuana for self-reflecting and some peace of mind. You may just be ready for more festivities later.

RELATED: How To Use CBD To Reduce Holiday Stress

How To Sniff Out Free Weed At A Party
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Colombian Gold

You can’t get more “old school” than this one. If you have a list of things to get done (shopping, cooking, decorating, etc.), then Colombian Gold is your friend. Enjoy it in the afternoon and it will last throughout the day. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when you feel overwhelmed with the holiday rush.

Panama Red

Another truly “old-school” option for those with a long to-do list. Panama Red is ideal for procrastinators with a lot to do and little time left. You’ll feel a little extra boost and a little happier. It’s also a nice option for socializing or game-playing. If charades is your idea of fun, try it with Panama Red.

Angel OG

If you can’t fall asleep after a busy day, give Angel OG a try. It packs a heavy punch and should put you in dreamland quickly. If you are feeling depressed or anxious or stressed during the holiday season, Angel OG is here for you.

Why Michael Bloomberg’s Marijuana History Could Cost Him The Election

Michael Bloomberg has a harsh history with marijuana, both from his comments and legislation.

If Michael Bloomberg’s late presidential bid served as the only political oddity of his campaign, perhaps he’d be able to overcome the self-imposed setback. But Bloomberg enters the race with a large, green mark on his back that could derail the former New York City mayor before he gets started. Because when it comes to marijuana legalization, Bloomberg has made it clear he is no fan.

At the beginning of this year, when rumors first circulated about Bloomberg’s intention to run for President, he delivered a speech at the U.S. Naval Academy. As other candidates prepared bold drug policy reform plans, Bloomberg declared efforts to legalize marijuana as “stupid,” and used the rising rates of drug overdose deaths as reason why.

RELATED: Does Marijuana Legalization Lead To More Problematic Weed Use?

“Last year, in 2017, 72,000 Americans OD’d [overdosed] on drugs. In 2018, more people than that are OD’ing on drugs, have OD’d on drugs, and today, incidentally, we are trying to legalize another addictive narcotic, which is perhaps the stupidest thing anybody has ever done,” Bloomberg told the crowd.

The sentiment echoed similar comments the former mayor made at the University of Toronto a week prior.

“To go and encourage people—to make it easier for people to engage in a behavior that has a significant possibility of damaging people’s health—is just nonsensical,” Bloomberg said. “This mad, passionate rush to let everybody do things without any research just isn’t something we would do in any other way.”

This stance positions Bloomberg as further right than former Vice President Joe Biden, who was excoriated last month when he suggested marijuana might be a “gateway drug.” Biden also believes marijuana should be decriminalized and re-scheduled to become a Schedule II drug, which would allow scientists to more freely research cannabis. However, in 2013, when New York legislators prepared a medical marijuana bill for patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS, Bloomberg dismissed the notion that cannabis contained any therapeutic value.

“Yeah, right, medical. Come on,” he said. “There’s no medical. This is one of the great hoaxes of all times.”

RELATED: The War On Drugs Isn’t Over, According To The FBI

Bloomberg ultimately served three terms as New York City mayor, beginning in 2002. During that time, the Drug Policy Alliance tracked marijuana arrest records in the city, which slowly rose throughout Bloomberg’s tenure, despite low-level possession being decriminalized in the 1970s in the city. There were more than 440,000 marijuana-related arrests made in New York between 2002 and 2012, a figure higher than the combined marijuana-related arrests made under the tenures of Rudy Giuliani, David Dinkins, and Ed Koch. New York City police spent close to 1 million hours processing marijuana-related arrests between 2002 and 2012 as well.

Photo by Flickr user David Berkowitz

These numbers resulted in city council members and activists to protest outside Michael Bloomberg’s home in 2011. According to the DPA, the arrests highlighted a racial disparity in enforcing drug laws within New York.

Currently, support for marijuana legalization has never been higher in the United States. A recent Gallup poll found that two out every three Americans believed marijuana prohibition should end, and legislation that would effectively legalize cannabis was recently approved in a bipartisan support in the House Judiciary Committee. Whether Michael Bloomberg changes his policy stance on the campaign trail or not, his harsh record on marijuana could impede any him gaining any significant momentum in the race for the Democratic bid.

4 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying CBD Gifts

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CBD makes for a great and innovative holiday present. Here are some things you should ask yourself before buying.

As one of the fastest growing industries in the country, CBD makes for a great present, one that seems especially designed for those who are looking for something new and exciting. The catch is that the CBD industry is growing and there’s chaos all over. If you want to buy something that does what it says it will do and that contains what’s on the label, you have to do your research.

CBD and cannabis newcomers currently have a hard time accessing the industry. Headlines spotlighting dangerous cannabis products, outbreaks of vaping illnesses, and CBD items that don’t contain any CBD can scare anyone, which is why we’ve compiled this list.

Despite it all, this is still one of the best times for purchasing CBD, since there’s so many products on the market to chose from. Before spending any money on a CBD gift for someone, here are some basic questions you should ask yourself.

Don’t buy the first CBD product you see

Nowadays you can find “CBD” products everywhere, from dispensaries to sketchy gas stations and convenience stores. Be wary of the latter two. There are thousands of products out there that are looking to reap some of the benefits of CBD’s new popularity, claiming to provide pain relief and relaxation only to contain minimal amounts of CBD or to contain hemp. If you want to buy a product that’ll produce real effects, you’ll have to look for a trusted brand or a dispensary where there’s options and experts that can answer your questions.

RELATED: These Are The 4 Biggest Problems With CBD Products

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Who’s the present for

CBD comes in all different forms, giving the consumer some room to explore and try new things. If you’re buying something for your parents, maybe the best option is to get some gummies, candies, bath salts and/or lotions. These products are pretty straight forward  and likely won’t stress out the recipient over how to use it properly. CBD cigarettes, tobacco and oils, on the other hand, make better presents for people who’ve had more experience with the compound.

What effect are you looking for? 

CBD works best when there’s a specific goal in mind, be that relaxation or treating some sort of ailment. Do your research and try to find the gift that works best. For example, if someone suffers from a chronic condition, their best option is probably a CBD topical or lotion. If you’re looking for a present that’s more beauty oriented, look into CBD lip balms, creams, and more, which will provide a more specific result.

RELATED: FDA Warns 15 Companies For Selling CBD Products That Violate FD&C Act

can cbd help with anti aging heres what you need to know
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Check if the company isn’t lying about their content

A scientific study sampled a variety of CBD products and found that large percentages of them didn’t contain the amount of CBD their label indicated, tricking users and charging more for less product. While a lot of companies have good intentions and are still figuring out ways of correctly monitoring doses, it’s best to stick to products with a proven track record. These should explain their content in depth and back their claims with the necessary test results.

Kate Middleton Secretly Worked In A Maternity Ward; Chrissy Teigen Slams Troll Who Commented On Her ‘Chefs and Nannies’

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Duchess of Cambridge spent two days shadowing midwives at a hospital to learn more about children’s early years of development; Chrissy Teigen shuts another IG troll down.

Kate Middleton Secretly Worked In A Maternity Ward In London

Via iHeart Radio:

Kate Middleton secretly spent two days working in the maternity ward of a major London hospital, according to People. Though the Palace didn’t make an announcement about Kate’s time in the maternity ward, it was listed on their daily list as activities, which is also known as the Court Circular.

“The Duchess of Cambridge, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, today completed two days with Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit in London,” the Court Circular reads for Kate on Thursday (November 28). While they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving across the pond, it seems like Kate is truly in the giving spirit, anyway.

During her two days at the hospital, the Duchess of Cambridge “shadowed midwives and other professionals at the hospital to learn more about children’s early years of development,” People reports. This lines up with much of Kate’s other charitable efforts, as well. She’s dedicated her official royal duties to early childhood development.

“Through our work, you have reaffirmed my belief of just how timely it is to focus on what happens in the early years of life, and how pivotal a stage of life this is for a child’s future,” Kate said in a speech about her early childhood development work back in May. “I hope my long-term commitment to working in the early years will help make a difference over a generational timescale. Your thoughts and advice will continue to be hugely valuable as I shape my thinking for the years ahead.”

Chrissy Teigen Slams Troll Who Commented On Her ‘Chefs and Nannies’

Via iHeart Radio:

After sharing an Instagram photo honoring her household staff, Chrissy slammed a troll who attempted to shame her for the post. “Grateful for people that make our dysfunctional house functional,” the Cravings author wrote alongside the photo, which also included her kids Luna and Miles.

Shortly after sharing the post, a troll popped up in the comments writing “AKA ‘thankful for my household staff of chefs and nannies.’” Chrissy caught sight of the comment and clapped back perfectly. “Literally just said that but you sure got me,” she wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5d3VlalH91/

Chrissy has never shied away from talking about having help at home, either. When asked during an interview how she can “do it all,” Chrissy’s answer was simple. “I have help,” she said back in 2017. “My mom lives with us. I have hair and makeup people. I’m not getting up and doing all this by myself. If I’m not being done for something, I’m not going anywhere. A lot of hands go into it. We have help. It’s important for people to know that.”

What Is CBD Yoga And Does It Work?

What do you get if you combine CBD’s relaxing properties with an already calming yoga class?

One of the most versatile workouts is yoga. People have become such fans of it that there’s a whole list of categories for it. There’s regular yoga, hot yoga, tantric yoga, and now, CBD yoga. The compound is so trendy that it was only a matter of time.

Cannabis and yoga are a combination that makes sense, with yoga being one of those workouts that demands a bit of brain activity and tranquility when compared to the standard sweating session. When you’re in a yoga class there’s a need for some sort of mental control. Unlike a boxing class, if you’re in yoga and your brain is not in it, there’s a lot of thinking going on that you can’t escape.

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CBD yoga classes vary depending on the location. Some people report ingesting CBD gummies before starting while others are given CBD oils. Some studios also support their classes by lighting CBD candles and scenting the place with CBD oils, maximizing the compound’s capabilities and submerging people in the relaxing experience. From then on it’s pretty standard; a regular yoga class that perhaps allows for more introspection and relaxation.

“My thoughts begin to stretch out, like traffic on a busy road slowly thinning,” said Vice contributor Emily Weitz. “I begin to linger on the space between the cars. It isn’t necessarily the CBD that’s relaxing me—it’s likely the yoga, a body meditation of sorts. Many who study the effects of CBD, though, argue that it enhances that mind/body connection.”

RELATED: How To: A Beginner’s Guide To Buying CBD Products

On paper, there’s a lot of reasons why yoga and CBD make such a good pair. Studies support plenty of CBD claims, such as pain relief, anxiety and stress management, decreased inflammation, and more, which complement a practice that’s spiritual and grounding. Even if the effect isn’t groundbreaking, it could make things simpler, nudging your brain and silencing it for 45 minutes of peace and quiet.

Long-Term Marijuana Use Raises Risk Of Testicular Cancer

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A new study found strong evidence that daily marijuana smokers have a higher risk of testicular cancer.

A group of researchers recently discovered that, while there’s still much to learn about the correlation between marijuana use and cancer, there’s one exception: Men who smoked cannabis daily were 36% more likely to develop testicular cancer than men who did not consume weed.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, compiled the results of previous research into the association between marijuana use and types of cancers, including lung, urogenital, as well as head and neck, among others. Most research proved inconclusive and demonstrated little to no connection between cannabis and cancer. Only when it came to testicular cancer did the study find any strong evidence.

RELATED: Why Would-Be Dads Should Reconsider Using Marijuana

“Sustained marijuana use may increase the risk for testicular cancer, but overall, the association of marijuana use and cancer development remains unclear,” the study’s authors wrote.

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Photo by Graham Hughes/EyeEm/Getty Images

There was insufficient evidence to support an association between ever having used marijuana and other types of cancer,” they added.

Long-term studies with a particular scope on cannabis users and cancer types is necessary, researchers noted, before providing any definitive conclusions. Besides marijuana use, other known risks for testicular cancer include undescended testicles and a family history of testicular cancer. While researchers don’t understand why, white men are more likely to contract this type of cancer than other ethnic groups.

RELATED: Reality Check: Does Using Cannabis Damage Your Fertility?

According to the National Institutes of Health, less than 1% of men develop testicular cancer each year. Men between the ages 20-34 are the most at risk of developing it, and the median age of diagnosis is 33. Less than 400 men will die each year from testicular cancer, as more than 95% of those diagnosed will survive.

Marijuana Flavoring Additives Could Be Cause Of Vaping Illness

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Artificially added terpenes in vaping products create more toxins for users than THC, latest study finds.

An ongoing effort in the research community has come about to better understand vaping products, following a vaping-related illness resulting in 47 deaths and more than 2,000 cases, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers.

The CDC previously reported that THC products could play a role in the initial outbreak of the illness. However, new research out of Portland State University reported that many flavoring additives in vaping products create toxins that could potentially raise users’ risk of cancer.

The study, published in ACS Omega, sought to better understand the toxins formed after cannabis concentrates undergo vaping combustion. As the authors noted, the ingredients listed for products isn’t what users often end up inhaling.

Of those toxins formed, researchers found that more stemmed from terpenes than THC. Terpenes affect the smell and taste of cannabis and occur naturally in marijuana’s flower state. However, many vendors and manufacturers instill up to 30% added terpenes in the concentrate, producing a more potent flavor and aroma.

RELATED: Study Confirms CBD Products May Cause You To Fail A Drug Test

“There are fewer toxins formed from THC as compared to terpenes,” Rob Strongin, the study’s lead author and Portland State University chemistry professor, said in a statement. “This is consistent with some of the vaping-related injuries we’re seeing. It’s not the active ingredients, like THC or nicotine, that appear to be causing the hospitalizations and deaths, but what they are combined with.”

legal marijuana users have stopped buying vapes following illness epidemic
Photo by HighGradeRoots/Getty Images

Last month, the CDC identified vitamin E acetate as “a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury.” Generally, vitamin E acetate is used as a thickening agent in vaping products. As Strongin explained, researchers didn’t focus on the effects these additives might have on respiratory health because they never expected anyone to inhale them.

“There’s a reason that no one studied the inhalation toxicity of a lot of the ingredients in e-cigarettes because nobody thought we’d be crazy enough to be inhaling them,” he said. “But the problem now is that there’s a huge gap in our knowledge.”

RELATED: The Dark Truth Behind The Recent Outbreak Of Vaping Related Illnesses

Researchers clarified that if you choose to still use cannabis products, the less additives the better. It is unwise to buy vaping products from the black market, as they are usually altered from their natural state. While the study’s finding might raise some alarm about vaping, the authors also noted that vaping is less risky than smoking.

“Results indicate that vaping or dabbing distillates has lower HI [Hazard Index] and ELCR [Elevated Lifetime Cancer Risk] than those of cannabis smoking by several orders of magnitude,” the study’s authors wrote. “These findings are not definitive and must be interpreted with caution as they are only a first step toward determining the overall safety of these cannabis inhalation methods.”

4 Tips To Help You Avoid Online Shopping Scams

As online shopping becomes more popular, so do scams. Here are some basic tips that’ll help you protect yourself.

The more we shop online, the more sophisticated online scamming becomes, especially when there’s tons of offers and we’re just trying to buy something before someone else takes it.

Despite the crazy vibes that come with the holiday shopping season, it’s important to check everything twice. Scammers work their hardest during this time of year, accurately predicting that people will be more willing to spend their money.

Here are a few basic tips that will help you avoid online shopping scams.

Be extra safe

When buying from stores you don’t normally buy from, be wary of your data. Check through the site’s privacy and security section. Use your credit card over your debit card and don’t store your card information on the site’s database, since this can get hacked. While it’s annoying to have to look for your card every time you want to shop, if you’re buying something from a website that you don’t know all that well it’s best to stay safe.

Tips To Help You Avoid Online Shopping Scams
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Watch out for social media based stores

Apps like Instagram have popularized app based shopping, connecting you with stores that seem to contain items that are tailor made for you, but that may not be all that legitimate. While most of the ads that appear on your stories and news feed have some sort of endorsement from the app, it’s always important to look up the store’s website, check for user comments and scroll through their security and return policies.

Make your purchases from home

One of the oldest security recommendations from tech experts is to conduct all of your internet important business from home, while under the protection of your password protected Wi-Fi. While most of the time there’s nothing wrong with using public Wi-Fi, when you’re shopping and entering sensitive information, it’s best to be sure that no one is able to look in.

RELATED: 5 Basic Tips That’ll Help You Protect Your Online Data

Tips To Help You Avoid Online Shopping Scams
Photo by Max Pixel

Don’t trust deals that are too good to be true

Crazy and unrealistic discounts are one of the most basic scamming red flags. While it’s likely that some stores offer great discounts during this time of the year, if the discount is over half of the original price, check that everything looks legitimate before you make your purchase. Compare and contrast prices and look up other shoppers’ comments and input. Trust your instincts and don’t buy the first thing that looks good.

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