Bees love hemp. The taller the plant, the greater the number of bees that flock to it, so says a new study.
Most of us learn in high school biology class about the mutual friendship bees maintain with flowers. However, you might be surprised to learn that bees have developed a similar relationship with hemp. In fact, the bigger the hemp plant, the more bees that flock to it.
Hemp production has spread across the country following its legalization by the 2018 Farm Bill, which is why scientists at Cornell University wanted to better understand the agricultural and environmental impact such aggressive hemp production could have. Up until this recent study, the exact nature of a bee’s relationship with hemp flowers has remained unclear.
The study, published in the Environmental Entomology journal, determined a strong correlation between higher hemp plant heights and the abundance, as well as the diversity of bees visiting them. Plants at least two meters tall attracted nearly 17 times the number of bees as their shorter counterparts. In the northeastern United States alone, hemp could support 16 different varieties of bee species, which the agricultural community should remember moving forward.
“As cultivation of hemp increases, growers, land managers, and policy makers should consider its value in supporting bee communities and take its attractiveness to bees into account when developing pest management strategies,” state the study’s authors.
Photo by Damien TUPINIER via Unsplash
Researchers made repeated sweep collections of 11 different farms in New York state. Among the most commonly captured were mellifera (60%), more commonly known as the European honey bee, and impatiens (30%), common eastern bumblebees. The study emphasized that hemp could provide essential nutrient resources for bees at times of floral scarcity, particularly in late summer when many bee-pollinated plants perish.
If you were worried about consuming cannabinoid-rich pollen, and whether bees would suddenly start crafting THC-abundant honey, the study’s authors assure you not to worry.
They found the presence of cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in hemp pollen is “not likely to have an impact on bee development due to the loss of cannabinoid receptors in insects.”
Thanks to the internet, we’re in touch with an unending stream of music. Here’s how you can find some songs you love.
There’s an endless amount of places where you can discover new music, be that from having a friend who’s an expert, listening to Spotify Discover, browsing online or knowing the right websites to follow. There are no wrong ways to go about it, but there’s never a thing as having too much music to listen to, especially if you’re a person who really enjoys their time spent with some headphones on.
Here are 5 easy ways to find new music.
Browse “best of” lists
If you have a genre you love or if you want to take a deep dive of something specific, like music of the 70s, “best of” lists are the most direct way of achieving your means. While it’s unlikely that you’ll become an expert in a genre from reading through a few of these lists, they make for the perfect way to discover new artists and songs. Websites like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork are known for their great lists, even if both have very different musical tastes.
Follow music websites
Music criticism is very fun, especially if you find a website or a critic that you like and start keeping up with their content. Pitchfork releases daily reviews of tracks and records, even if they tend to veer towards less commercial music; Rolling Stone is a bit more broad and wide reaching; There’s also NPR, Uproxx, The Guardian. We also publish a weekly music column.
Music apps like Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Shazam, Soundcloud, 8Tracks, Musyc are among the most well regarded, and we’re just scratching the surface of what’s out there. These apps are different in they way they operate, having different pros and cons, but they all succeed in providing you with some new music.
Use TV shows for inspiration
The era of Peak TV means that there’s a stressful amount of shows to chose from, but one good side effect of having all of this content is that there’s tons of new music you can encounter. Different kinds of shows have different kinds of soundtracks, with teen shows usually releasing up and coming songs and with premium channels offering some hidden gems. Keep an ear out while watching your favorite show and have your Shazam at the ready!
Soundcloud and Shazam are your best tools for moments when you’re out in a bar or a coffee shop and you listen to a really amazing snippet of a song. You might discover that it’s just a song with a great chorus or something truly awesome. There’s also concerts, the radio, recommendations from friends and your favorite singers.
Following a stalled vote in the Legislature, New Jersey is putting recreational marijuana legalization in hands of voters.
New Jersey residents will decide whether the state will legalize recreational marijuana in the 2020 Election. The question was placed on the ballot following votes in the New Jersey Assembly and Senate, both of which approved the measure by supermajorities.
The move follows a years-long push by Gov. Phil Murphy, who ran on a platform of marijuana legalization, for lawmakers to end prohibition in the state. Senate President Stephen Sweeney proposed placing the measure in New Jersey voters’ hands, after learning he did not have enough support in the Senate to push through legalization.
“While we are disappointed the legislature did not directly legalize marijuana, we are optimistic that 2020 will be the year New Jersey replaces its eight-decade-long experiment with marijuana prohibition with a more thoughtful and humane approach,” Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement. “Marijuana prohibition has derailed thousands of lives in New Jersey, while driving marijuana production and sales to the sometimes dangerous illicit market.”
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Prior to receiving a place on the ballot, the measure requires final approval from Gov. Murphy. Recent polls indicate demonstrate that more than 60% of New Jersey residents approve of adult-use marijuana legislation. If passed, New Jersey would join the 11 states, plus the District of Columbia, to legalize recreational cannabis.
“In addition to putting the question before voters, it’s critical that policymakers also incorporate measures to repair the harms of prohibition in implementing legislation going forward,” Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said in a statement. “Expungement of past marijuana-related offenses is a key component of that, and it’s encouraging that policymakers are making progress on that front.”
According to the Marijuana Policy Project, New Jersey may not be the only state on the East coast to push adult-use marijuana legalization in the 2020 election. Movements in states like New York, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have all gained momentum heading into next year, and could push the question onto the ballot as well.
A new study found among the 30,000 overdoses reported in 2016 for people ages 12-21, 30% of cases involved prescription opioids.
Doctors might want to reconsider how they prescribe opioid medications to teenagers. According to a new study by University of Michigan scientists, young adults could suffer from the same overdose risk factors as adults. Through data analysis, researchers were able to determine adolescents experience the same rate of opioid overdoses as do adults.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found one in 10,000 young people ages 12-21 will overdose while under active opioid prescriptions. That is the same rate adults suffer within 30 days of surgery. Previous studies reported 1 in 8 adolescents are prescribed opioids each year. Among the 30,000 overdoses reported in 2016 for people ages 12-21, 30% of cases involved prescription opioids.
“Our knowledge of risk factors for prescription opioid overdose comes mostly from studies of middle-aged and elderly patients, particularly U.S. Veterans. There is little data about risk factors for overdose specifically in adolescents and young adults,” lead author Kao-Ping Chua said in a statement.
“These numbers highlight the importance of mitigating overdose risk when prescribing opioids to adolescents and young adults,” he added.
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Researchers compiled data from 2.8 million privately insured patients ages 12-21 who had been prescribed opioids and did not have cancer between 2009 and 2017. The study found pre-existing risk factors could determine the likelihood an adolescent might suffer a drug overdose. Their analysis reported patients with a recent mental health diagnosis accounted for half of overdoses, and patients with a substance use disorder for a quarter of overdoses.
Chua described mental health as “a growing crisis among youth,” as more adolescents receive diagnoses for anxiety and depression. With that comes increased responsibility doctors have to screen possible candidates before prescribing opioids.
Researchers also expressed the importance of avoiding prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines. According to previous research, adults ages 18-29 report the highest abuse of benzodiazepines. While this study didn’t include a large number of patients receiving these prescriptions concurrently, the authors determined using opioids and benzos simultaneously was one the of the highest risk factors for overdoses.
Said Chua, “Our findings suggest that clinicians can mitigate overdose risk in adolescents and young adults by using the lowest amount of opioid possible, relying on short-acting opioids, and avoiding the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines.”
Unlike a vitamin or other supplement, CBD can offer anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties that have benefits millions of people around the globe can enjoy.
Cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be the cannabinoid of the hour, not just because it’s legal across the U.S. and has no psychoactive properties, but also because of a variety of benefits that stem from its interaction with our endocannabinoid systems.
We have many — many, as in uncountable — cannabinoid receptors spread throughout our bodies and when we ingest cannabis or a derivative thereof the cannabinoids bind to said receptors and interact with our bodies and minds in a variety of ways. While CBD is often referred to as the “medicinal” cannabinoid, it’s a little more complicated than that.
When THC is introduced in the form of whole plant cannabis or as a combination of THC and CBD, there is what’s called an “entourage effect.” This “entourage effect” is where patients reap the bulk of cannabis’s medical benefits, far more powerful than ingesting CBD alone.
Isolated CBD still gets a lot of attention, however, and for good reason. Its comparison to a vitamin or supplement is the closest description of its protective benefits, but it also can offer anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties that have benefits that millions of people around the globe can enjoy. (But with a little THC it still works a helluva lot better.)
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Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties it is often used in facial creams and make-up, as it anecdotally acts as a treatment and preventative measure for acne. It can also be used in pain relieving creams, especially those that are supplemented by other healing herbs and components like menthol. These creams are excellent in easing muscular pain, like cramps, and minor arthritic pain.
For those suffering from chronic pain who don’t want to get lifted or who live in a “dry” state, using a CBD tincture in conjunction with any creams is an excellent idea. The CBD goes to the receptors where it’s needed most when ingested orally and benefit the body whole. Some say that CBD can even help regulate blood pressure, though more studies need to be conducted before such claims can be substantiated with solid evidence.
Still, if CBD is helping whatever it is that ails you or that it was recommended to treat, then more power to you. It is an innocuous supplement and available in head shops everywhere. You can find it in enough forms to satisfy any consumption preference, from vaping to edibles to tinctures to creams and salves.
If you live in a legal cannabis state, try using CBD with some THC in it. Depending on the amount of THC, you can still avoid getting “high,” while receiving the benefits of the CBD.
Let go of movie theaters and indoor board games. Here are 5 new date ideas that will allow you to make the most of the winter season.
A lot of people hate the winter. Although there are plenty of drawbacks that come with the season — depression, the fact that it gets dark super early, the freezing temperatures — there’s also a lot of good stuff: snow, hot toddies, hot chocolate, cuddling and mistletoe. In fact, some could argue that winter is the most romantic season of the year.
Now that the sun is out of the equation, you’re going to have to get creative with your dates, which is why we compiled this list. We tried our best to steer clear from stereotypical indoor activities since that defeats the purpose of winter being the most romantic season.
Here are five winter date ideas that actually celebrate the cold:
Sledding
You saw this one coming, but it’s still a great idea. What’s a more memorable way of spending time with a new person than to be close to them in situations that feel somehow life threatening? Sledding is not dangerous but you will likely be scared. Afterwards you can have some food or hot cocoa and make the date one of the most memorable ones you’ve ever had.
Wine tasting
You don’t have to be a wine expert or travel to a vineyard in order to enjoy some decent wine samples. Plus, a lot of tasting rooms aren’t very busy during the colder months, which means more wine time for you! Look for places nearby that are hosting wine tastings and make this the first stop of your date. (Pro tip: Many tasting rooms with outdoor areas have fire pits during the winter.) This is an especially great first date idea, because if you still like the person after having a couple of drinks, they just may be a keeper!
Mini golf is awesome, no matter the season. If your outdoors location is closed, go to an indoor spot. If it’s open, bundle up and get ready to have some winter fun. Try to choose a day of the month that isn’t freezing, just pleasantly cold so that your date doesn’t get frostbite.
Holiday shopping
Holiday shopping is exhausting and nerve wrecking, which is why you might need some company. Try to lessen the pressure and take it easy. This is a date preferably done with someone with whom you’ve spent some time with, just so you don’t freak them out, but it’s also pretty cool if you choose to go to a holiday market or something like that. These places tend to have stuff you can buy and delicious food.
Ice skating is the best for people who are flexible, and the worst for people with two left feet. Still, it’s a pretty fun experience for all if you let it be one, providing a healthy workout and a perfect opportunity to laugh, be silly and hold each other’s hands. Ice skating is a classic winter date for a reason. Trust cliches.
Jerry Jones said he expects an ‘adjustment’ around the league’s marijuana prohibition following the leagues’ recent CBA negotiations.
When Major League Baseball removed marijuana from its banned substances list at its major and minor levels this month, some wondered whether football or basketball would follow suit. We might not have to wait much longer, if Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has a say.
In a recent interview with Dallas sports radio station 105.3 “The Fan,” Jones indicated the National Football League would changes its marijuana policy when negotiating the league’s next Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“I think the world is sensitive to the issue regarding marijuana,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan. “It’s also an issue contemporarily we’re excited about being in step with the social and legal scene as it goes forward.
“And, so, we not only have the interest of competitiveness in mind when it comes to any type of substance, we have the issue of the law and we have the issue of the society focus on it. All of that does receive attention when you’re discussing this area with players.”
This isn’t the first time Jones has spoken up regarding NFL players and the league’s marijuana policy. Two years ago, at a private owners’ meeting, Jones reportedly urged the league to drop its prohibition against marijuana use. Jones was told at the time the league couldn’t unilaterally change its policy and needed to wait until CBA negotiations with the NFL’s Player Union to enact such revisions.
“I think that you should expect and will expect an adjustment of the contemporary way or the present way that marijuana is being thought about,” Jones said.
Notable Dallas Cowboy players have been suspended due to marijuana in recent years, including two members in the past month. Former rising defensive stars Randy Gregory and David Irving, both of whom previously played for the Cowboys, have been suspended indefinitely by the league after multiple marijuana-related suspensions.
The percentage of THC is one of the most important factors when it comes to transportation. For you to successfully move CBD oil across states, the THC level must be below 0.3%.
CBD is just about the least alienating type of cannabis product, which makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family over the holidays, or stashing it away to help ease your anxiety. It’s a compound that’s of equal interest to your best friend as your conservative uncle. But despite the compound’s acceptance and legality, there are a few things you should account for when traveling with CBD.
The percentage of THC is one of the most important factors when it comes to transportation. For you to successfully move CBD oil across states, the THC level must be below 0.3%. It’s also important to remember that not a lot of people, including TSA agents, know the difference between CBD and THC, so the least “weedy” your package looks the better. This also depends on the airport your flying from, since some are more lax with their regulations, especially if they are located within legal states.
“Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law, except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA,” explains the TSA’s website.
Not all CBD oil is derived from hemp; a lot of these products are extracted from the marijuana plant, having a higher THC percentage. These types of products are banned across all airports, even if the state that you’re traveling to or from is a legal one for cannabis.
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If your product fits the TSA’s guidelines, it should be okay to travel in your carry on or luggage, just remember that liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less if you plan on stowing them in your carry on or personal bag.
If you comply with these rules you’ll have no issue when it comes to national trips. If you’re traveling to a different country, it’s another matter entirely, since you must account for the legal status of the compound.
In these cases, you should be as careful as possible, looking into the country’s CBD drug regulations or any additional restrictions. You should also look into purchasing travel size CBD products and having with you your product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA), which confirms your product’s safety and validity. When in doubt, it’s best to leave your CBD product at home and save yourself the waste of money and time.
For most dogs, CBD appears to work best when dosed sublingually. This will get the CBD into the dog’s bloodstream quicker than a CBD infused dog treat.
During the rush of the holiday seasons, it’s easy to forget dogs can get agitated by the sights and sounds of the holiday season. As Jeremy Feldman, Co-Founder and Brand Director of Pet-Ness, observes, “Much like humans, dogs also suffer from mental conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress. The symptoms can become exacerbated during the holiday season.”
Like humans, dog brains automatically release an increased amount of adrenaline and cortisol as coping mechanisms when faced with stressful situations. Signs like persistent barking, chewing of furniture, aggression, and urinating indoors, could mean the pup may be overly stressed and in needs of extra help to cope with the added stimuli.
Andreana Pena, Founder of pet CBD brand Blooming Culture, points to the dangers of conventional treatment for dogs who exhibit these aforementioned behaviors. ”Some pet parents rely on anti-anxiety medications to slow down their pets nervous system, which can lead to some unwanted side effects and even a drugged like state.”
One solution Feldman finds for dealing with these symptoms lies within the dog’s endocannabinoid system. “Dogs have endocannabinoid receptors within its body called CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors regulate the release of cytokine (signaling proteins) that are a contributing factor for helping regulate mood disorders, such as depression. When dogs ingests CBD, it stimulates their CB1 and CB2 which give them the sensations of wellbeing and a calm state of mind.” Pena adds how CBD is a safe and non-toxic alternative to calming a dog naturally. “CBD creates homeostasis within their body and lessens their flight or fight mode.”
Photo by sarandy westfall via Unsplash
How to Properly Dose a Dog
According to Dr. Debra Kimless, Chief Medical Officer of Pure Green, there is no one size fits all method for administering CBD to a dog. “Every dog breed is different, and every dog within each breed is an individual and responses uniquely to medications.” Pet owners should start with a low dose of CBD, and then watch and see how the dog responds. “If the dog is still exhibiting signs of stress or anxiety, then administer a little more until the anxiety and stress behaviors are reduced or stop.”
For most dog anxiety, CBD appears to work best when dosed sublingually, often in the form of CBD oil. This will get the CBD into the dog’s bloodstream quicker than a CBD infused dog treat.
Steve Goldner, Founder and CEO of Pure Green suggests avoiding home extracted cannabis mixtures or tinctures as these products may contain THC. “THC is very toxic to dogs and since cannabis strain names are confusing or misleading, a person should NEVER let their dog ingest cannabis plant material.”
Dr. Kimless offers this apt reminder that one needs to be careful when selecting products the best products. “Because of the current lack of clarity about standards and safety I would advise to proceed with caution by purchasing CBD from only a reliable source. The CBD should come with a lab test analysis to prove that there is no THC in the product as well as other toxic contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides or microbials that could potentially sicken a dog.”
While Democrats have made it their mission to change federal marijuana laws since taking over the U.S. House in 2019, they have also unwittingly put the issue in jeopardy by trying to run President Trump out of office.
There are a couple of scenarios that might unfold in the next year that would allow marijuana to be legalized at the federal level. No, it’s not going to happen in the coming months, but there is a good chance we could see it in 2021. That’s the good news.
However, some punk politics are happening right now that could stop such a thing dead in its tracks. And sadly, it’s going to be the Democrats fault. Because while the party has made it its mission to change federal marijuana laws since taking over the U.S. House in 2019, they have also unwittingly put the issue in jeopardy by trying to run President Trump out of office. Yep. We could be in big trouble.
There are several seats up for grabs in the U.S. Senate next year. Depending on the political loyalty of the nation come November, it is conceivable the Democrats could win control of the upper chamber, putting the party in a position where it has total control of Congress. It goes without saying this would be good for marijuana.
Their first line of business would be to remove Mitch McConnell from his influential role as Senate Majority Leader. From there, the Democrats would rule Capitol Hill. Any piece of legislation the party would choose to pursue, including anything cannabis-related, would move through the House and Senate without issue.
In a perfect world, one where the U.S. voters hit the polls in November and elect a Democratic president, the marijuana issue would undoubtedly get the support it needs in 2021 to become recognized as a legitimate part of American commerce. All of the Democratic candidates, except for Joe Biden, have come out in support of ending federal marijuana prohibition. Some believe Biden might even change his tune if he happens to get the keys to the White House.
But there is also a damn good chance President Trump will snag the 2020 election and lead the nation for a second term.
Photo by Flickr user Hannah Rosen
Now, it is important to point out a Trump victory doesn’t necessarily ruin the prospect of weed going legal in 2021. Trump has indicated he is open to supporting cannabis legislation. He’s also big on state’s rights. He’s admitted prohibition (of anything) doesn’t work. “When you watch prohibition, when you look at the alcohol, you look at cigarettes, you look at it all, if you don’t give it to them, it’s going to come here illegally,” Trump said in a recent vaping meeting. “That’s the one problem I can’t seem to forget… you just have to look at the history of it.”
Unfortunately, Trump is never going to support marijuana legalization as long as it’s part of the Democratic agenda. Why? Because the party is now hellbent on getting the president impeached.
The party introduced a couple of articles of impeachment, suggesting Trump is a criminal for his communications with Ukraine. They also assert he is guilty of obstruction of justice and bad taste. Seriously, some Democratic lawmakers, like Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, are trying to take this impeachment up a notch by nailing Trump for “abuse of power, especially the racist abuse of power, and some of the direct violations [of] the Constitution.”
Naturally, Trump is miffed about these charges. In a Twitter post that came hours before the articles of impeachment were released, Trump called the Democrat’s pursuits “sheer political madness.”
“To Impeach a President who has proven through results, including producing perhaps the strongest economy in our country’s history, to have one of the most successful presidencies ever, and most importantly, who has done NOTHING wrong, is sheer Political Madness!”
Trump’s nervous Tweets have not stopped since, which signals just how bothered he really is about this inquisition.
And what’s the end game here? At face value, this impeachment does nothing except brew more bad blood between Democrats and Trump. Furthermore, it seems unlikely that any of the charges are going to stick.
The Senate is already working on a plan to have Trump cleared should he be impeached. The upper chamber could vote to dismiss the articles of impeachment, resulting in an acquittal. This is what they are gunning for. Still, if push comes to shove, the Senate could simply employ a nuclear vote (51-vote procedural motion) to get the charges tossed out. Senator McConnell has indicated that he will only seek a motion to dismiss the case if he can get the 51 votes needed to do it. And he probably can. Republicans are thick as thieves on the Hill.
Photo by Richard Sharrocks/Getty Images
So, this means all of the noise surrounding the articles of impeachment might be for nothing.
But Trump is never going to forget it, no matter how it all shakes out. So in a scenario where the Democrats gain control of both the House and Senate in 2020 and finally get the chance to change the federal marijuana laws, they could find themselves completely helpless in getting it done.
It is doubtful Trump would sign any piece of legislation that slides across his desk that benefits the Democrats. Especially not now that they have done everything but drag him out on the White House lawn and flog him with a wet rubber hose. Sadly, we could see a time in 2021 when marijuana legalization is so close we can taste it, but it will go nowhere because of a grudge.
