What Is Cuffing Season And Does Science Support It?

Maria Loreto

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October 17, 2019

What Is Cuffing Season And Does Science Support It?

Cuffing season is just around the corner, but is there any scientific evidence that supports this phenomenon?

Cuffing season is that magical time of the year when the days are shorter and the weather is colder, which results in ~~lonely and desperate~~ singles pairing off for a brief spell, because what else is there to do?. Once the sun is setting at a normal hour and there’s no need to layer up when leaving the house, the singles are back and ready for summer fun. Although “cuffing” is a very popular expression that has resulted in a lot of great memes, is there a scientific basis to support its existence?

The fall and winter months are taxing, affecting some people more than others. Cold weather paired with limited sunlight makes it more likely for people to be depressed, to gain weight, and to feel a general sense of isolation. Winter also happens to coincide with different holidays, something that can make single people feel more alone than usual.

“Hormones change with the season due to light and temperature,” Tristan Coopersmith, licensed psychotherapist and founder of Life Lab, tells Bustle. “Our sex hormones, which are responsible for libido are super charged. We are literally just hungrier for sex during this time of the year.”

how real is cuffing season — Photo by Kristina Litvjak via Unsplash.

The Guardian also spoke with some experts who gauged the reality of cuffing season. Overall, they found that although there’s little empirical support, there’s some science that suggests that humans are more sexually active during the winter.

Testosterone peaks during the months of October and November, making it more likely for people to look for sex. Most babies in the U.S. are born within the months of July through September, meaning that they were conceived during winter. Relationship expert Marisa T. Cohen explains that surrounding yourself with family members might also be a contributing factor. “It might be external pressure from aunts, uncles, grandparents: ‘When are you going to bring someone home?’ or ‘Are you planning on getting married?’,” she told The Guardian.

Although there’s no way of knowing if people are consciously looking for relationships that’ll only last through the winter, there’s a large amount of data that at least supports the fact that the winter makes us all a little crazy.

No matter your plans or stance on the matter, cuffing season officially begins this November 8th.

Could Ireland Be Softening Its Stance On Cannabis?

Rudy Sanchez

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October 17, 2019

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Could Ireland Be Softening Its Stance On Cannabis?

Prevailing attitudes in Ireland still hold cannabis as a dangerous substance, in contrast to the support of strictly-controlled medicinal marijuana.

Despite being known as “The Emerald Isle,” cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Ireland, while medicinal use has only recently been legalized and approved for specific conditions as a “last resort” treatment. Prevailing attitudes in Ireland still consider the marijuana plant as dangerous, in contrast to the support of strictly-controlled medical cannabis. Nonetheless, personal possession and consumption is treated as a minor offense. But could the Irish be softening their stance on cannabis and be in the early stages of legalization?

Cannabis has been considered an illegal substance in Ireland since 1934, although today the police in Ireland have wide discretion in the enforcement of marijuana possession laws. In 1996, cannabis was made an unscheduled drug, allowing for penalties less harsh than for other substances on the illicit market.

Hemp and CBD, however, are legal in Ireland, and similar to other markets, the CBD rush is happening in Erie as well; one industry expert estimates that CBD could create 80,000 jobs and revitalize moribund rural economies. The cultivation of the cannabis plant for hemp and CBD is strictly controlled, can not be grown alongside public roads or in public view, and cultivators are subject to Garda (police) vetting.

Like CBD and hemp, medical marijuana is legal but strictly regulated, with a five-year pilot program recently signed into law and expected to go into effect soon. The new law allows doctors to prescribe cannabis to their patients to treat specific symptoms arising from multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy, and epilepsy, and only when other methods to abate conditions have proved ineffective. The new program also allows for importation of cannabis, with eyes towards domestic sourcing. In some cases, the cost of cannabis would be covered by the patient’s drug plan.

Like in many western nations where cannabis remains prohibited but largely tolerated, cannabis is not overly difficult to obtain, although its recreational use is more taboo than in Canada, and much of the US and Western Europe. While medicinal marijuana was still under consideration, a group of Irish physicians penned an open letter to the Irish Times warning that the allowing of medicinal use would lead to the legalization of recreational cannabis, characterizing medical marijuana as a “Trojan Horse.”

There seems to be little to suggest Ireland will be legalizing recreational marijuana soon, but a curious legal loophole exists within Irish law; cannabis seeds are legal to sell, buy, and possess, for collecting purposes. Germinating and cultivating cannabis from those same seeds remains illegal however.

The Science Behind Marijuana And Migraines

Kate-Madonna Hindes

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October 17, 2019

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The Science Behind Marijuana And Migraines

It’s estimated that over 1 billion individuals worldwide suffer from the debilitating pain of migraines. And now new research shows that CBD may help.

There is nothing quite like a migraine. The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) estimates that over 1 billion individuals worldwide suffer from the debilitating pain of migraines. With 1 in 5 women, 1 in 16 men, and 1 in 11 children all dealing with the life-changing effects of migraines, it’s no wonder CBD and marijuana are often brought up as a means of therapy.

Dr. Stephen Silberstein, director of the Headache Center at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, recently published a piece with the AMF that showcased the benefits and risks of CBD and THC for those that experience migraines. He states, “If you have a lot of neck pain or soreness, it is perfectly reasonable to use CBD oil. It may even prevent nausea and vomiting,” symptoms often associated with a severe migraine episode.

Dr. Silberstein also notes that while CBD and medical marijuana is not yet legal in all states, patients should consult their doctor and research where their CBD is made to ensure it’s labeled correctly.

Do studies exist to showcase other benefits that CBD offers those that have migraines?

A study from the University of Colorado, published in the journal Pharmacotherapy, showed that the frequency of migraines in patients who used cannabis dropped from 10.4 per month to 4.6 — a number that’s both statistically and clinically significant. Additionally, secondary findings showed that different cannabis delivery routes had different strengths: Smoked marijuana, which hits the bloodstream almost instantly, was best for treating acute migraines. On the other hand, edibles, which take much longer to metabolize, helped prevent headaches.

relieve your migraines — Photo by JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

The Association of Migraine Disorders shared a first-hand account of Michelle Tracy, who explained her fear and hesitation to try CBD and marijuana to combat migraines. Her compelling story serves as a reminder that often, when patients are told, “there’s nothing else that can be done,” it can cause debilitating stress and confusion. Travis closes her story with, “I remain optimistic that there is even more help to be found as more research is conducted, and as marijuana becomes even more socially acceptable.”

While CBD offers therapy above and beyond prescriptions, Mayo Clinic cites that patients need to be aware of risks as well. “Though it’s often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue.” For those that spend days in the dark, it may be time to bring up CBD to their health care team to investigate if it’s a viable solution to their migraines.

5 Animal Videos To Save Your Week: Oct. 14

Maria Loreto

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October 16, 2019

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5 Animal Videos To Save Your Week: Oct. 14

This week’s column features a couple of cute cats, a UPS delivery dog, and a skating bulldog.

There’s no better pick-me-up than the one you get when you see a clip of an animal acting silly, which is why we’ve compiled this weekly column. These short videos feature all sorts of animals and can provide that much needed mid-week rush of endorphins, anywhere at any time.

This week’s cute animals include a screaming kitten, a cat jumping in slow motion, a UPS delivery dog, a dog getting a haircut and a dog who’s also a great skater. Have a look.

Tiny kitty

This is just a video of a black kitty screaming. You don’t need anything else.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3py4gLl_3r/

A UPS delivery dog

This elaborate video shows us a well trained pup wearing the cutest UPS dog costume ever made. The lopsided hat just brings the whole video together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3rpdjogKdH/

An upset dog getting a haircut

This dog is a perfect representation of broken trust, looking at his owner resentfully because he was manipulated into getting a haircut.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3peOFDANKH/

Cat in slow motion

Cats are agile creatures, jumping over fences smoothly. This video capitalizes captures this and becomes an endlessly watchable loop.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qHFpHF3pQ/

A skater dog

This skating bulldog has become quite famous on social media. Aside from looking adorable on a skateboard, as this breed of dog tends to do, he actually looks like he knows what he’s doing, which is crazy because riding a skateboard is super hard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sHDTSBar3/

What To Do With Leftover Marijuana Rosin Chips

Mary Schumacher

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October 16, 2019

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What To Do With Leftover Marijuana Rosin Chips

You’re going to need a whole lot of leftover rosin chips to reap the benefits, so the flatiron pressed buds will have to collect over a long period of time or not be used at all.

Rosin presses have rapidly gained in popularity since their debut around four years ago. In that time, the press itself has evolved and the heat, pressure and time components that it takes to make this solventless goodness have been tweaked to perfection. Sort of. Even with all the new technology in place, not all THC is being extracted.

Unless you’re straight ballin’ and needn’t be bothered, the leftover weed, or rosin chips, don’t have to be a conundrum. There are a few good ways to get every last bit of THC extracted or at least into your system.

First, remember that you’re going to need a whole lot of leftover rosin chips to reap the benefits, so the flatiron pressed buds will have to collect over a long period of time or not be used at all. The main event is going to come with an actual press that is in fairly constant use.

One popular method is making a tincture out of high proof alcohol, which extracts the remaining THC and concentrates it into a digestible liquid held under the tongue for a minute or so. To make the tincture, first grind up the leftover product and decarboxylate it. You can do this by putting it in an over on low heat (225 F° ballpark) for 40 minutes. Put the decarboxylated crumbs in a jar and just cover with the liquor. Shake vigorously a few times a day for a month to three months and voila! Place the tincture into dark colored medicine droppers and enjoy!

Though it won’t taste like the souped up nuggets that once were, vaping your rosin chips is another viable option. Grind them up fine and them pack your vape. The irony is that often vape crumbs are reused to make edibles, so we have a whole lot of recycling going on! No vaporizer? You can always just smoke them, just expect to smoke a lot of not so yummy pot.

Speaking of edibles, they are yet another way to use up your rosin leftovers. You’ll want to decarboxylate ground up rosin chips again before making your cannabutter, coconut oil or other edible carrier oil. Again, the taste isn’t going to be the same as if you were using fresh buds, but with cooking you can get creative with flavors and that means even the leftovers can taste gourmet.

Photo via @GanjaYogiTribe/Twitter

Science Says This Is The Best Way To Train Your Dog

Culture
News

Maria Loreto

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October 16, 2019

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Science Says This Is The Best Way To Train Your Dog

Positive reinforcement (giving treats and kisses to your dog when they behave correctly) is one of the world’s most popular ways of training dogs. But is this the best way?

There are a million ways to train your dog but nothing beats a treat. Although this method has been criticized because it encourages giving out food after every good deed, a growing body of research continues to prove why this method is the easiest and most effective way of reinforcing positive behaviors.

We tend to give too much credit to our relationship with our pets, believing that they’ll do anything we want just because we love them and they presumably love us. It’s a cute thought, yet not the most practical one when you want your dog to pee in the proper place and not on your expensive rug.

“If your boss stopped paying you, you’d probably stop going to work pretty quickly. You need to motivate your dog too,” Zazie Todd, author of “Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy,” tells Huffington Post.

dogs know when youre upset and want to help — Photo by Alvan Nee via Unsplash.

One of the most common and effective methods of preventing bad behaviors is punishment. Although this method works in changing bad behaviors, it also comes with a batch of side effects. “The risks include fear, anxiety and stress,” says Todd, “and they include an increased risk of aggression, because the dog may react badly to punishment or the threat of punishment.”

Try to find creative ways to positively reinforce your dog with treats, walks and play time. Get creative with what you give to your dog, ensuring that treats are varied and keep them interested, and that they fit the activity that your dog is doing. You can give your dog a basic treat when it behaves correctly within the house, and a more special treat when they’re out and really deserve it.

Ration out foods, making sure that your dog is not overfed, and avoid punishments even if it seems like the easiest way to prevent bad behaviors.

Meghan Markle Just Confirmed That Baby Archie Does Indeed Have Red Hair; Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott Reunite For ‘Family’ Time

Naughty Gossip

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October 16, 2019

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Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, who called it quits recently, are putting their family first; The Duchess of Sussex reveals what we all suspected: Archie has his dad’s red hair.

Meghan Markle Just Confirmed That Baby Archie Does Indeed Have Red Hair

Via Town & Country:

Baby Archie just turned five months old, and hit another important milestone. Meghan and Harry’s son recently attended his first playgroup class in Windsor.

“I just took Archie for his first [playgroup] class,” Meghan said at the annual Wellchild Awards in central London this evening. “It was a lot of fun. He loved it.”

The Duke and Duchess spoke with 11-year-old Milly Sutherland and her mom Angela, 50, at a reception for winners of the awards, and after their conversation, Angela said: “[Meghan] took him to one of these baby classes today, and she said they had loads of fun together. She said it was really good fun.”

The mum and daughter, from Liverpool, also asked the couple whether Archie has red hair.

“Meghan said he has, and Harry said he definitely has. You can see it in his eyebrows,” Angela said.

She added, “Harry said he’d had no hair for five months, but Meghan told him she had taken him to the playgroup, and there were other children there with the same amount of hair or even less.”

Watch Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott Reunite For ‘Family’ Time

Via iHeart Radio:

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott are putting their family first.

While the former couple called it quits on their two-year relationship earlier this month, the exes are making sure their relationship as co-parents remains on track. Kylie and Travis’ first step in ensuring that their 20-month-old daughter, Stormi Webster, remains their priority is setting aside family time like they did on Sunday (October 13).

A source told E! News that the former couple spent the day together with their baby girl at Kylie’s home. “They got along well and were so happy being a family with Stormi,” the insider shared. “It looked like nothing has changed with them.”

Travis even shared a cute moment from their family day to his Instagram Story. The “Highest In The Room” rapper posted a video of Stormi dancing to one of his songs as someone, who sounded a lot like Kylie, cheered on the baby girl off-camera.

Despite their time together as a family, a source previously told E! News, Kylie and Travis “still separated, however, they’ve started having “conversations about getting back together.”

“They both know it’s inevitable, they just needed some breathing room to work out a few of their issues,” the insider explained. “They want to make it work and have both expressed they miss each other and are still in love with one another.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mWDY_gtkx/

You Should Be Listening To These Cannabis Podcasts

Brendan Bures

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October 16, 2019

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You Should Be Listening To These Cannabis Podcasts

Whether you’re looking for something all about marijuana business or the history of cannabis, these podcasts will keep you entertained and informed.

Content is king and no media format contains more creativity and niche information than the world of podcasts. Most of us listen to podcasts through headphones, which makes the listening experience more intimate and personal than binging Netflix on a Sunday morning. Thanks to America’s newfound interest in all things cannabis, a wealth of cannabis podcasts have emerged to satiate the growing demands of audiences.

Here are some of our favorites, all of which still produce fresh episodes.

On Something

This new NPR-associated podcast from Colorado Public Radio focuses on how life has changed in various parts of the country following legalization. Hosted by journalist Ann Marie Awad, On Something narrows down to the personal narratives that occur in the wake of so much political and cultural change. Recent episodes include “CBD: The Hype And The Reality” and “Legal Weed As Reparations?”

GrowCast

For the folks interested in the nuances behind the growing and processing of cannabis, this show is for you. Don’t worry, GrowCast doesn’t exclusively discuss growing techniques. The podcast also dives into the history of cannabis and some of marijuana’s biggest pop culture moments, all while expanding your knowledge of all things weed.

CannaInsider

As you might expect by its name, CannaInsider is a very industry-centric podcast. You’ll enjoy this show if you’re interested in the business of marijuana, as well as the trends and individuals shaping the cannabis industry. With nearly 300 episodes, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to make it big in marijuana.

Great Moments In Weed History

Who doesn’t love a good deep dive? That’s what keeps us returning to this show, which highlights some of the most improbable and hilarious moments in cannabis history. Whether hosts Abdullah Saeed and David Bienenstock discuss Barack Obama’s weed years, or when Bob Dylan first introduced The Beatles to marijuana, you’ll learn how cannabis indirectly and directly shaped some of America’s greatest figures.

Is Hemp-CBD Pet Foods Legal?

Nathalie Bougenies

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October 16, 2019

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While there are many hemp-CBD pet products on the U.S. market, here’s a brief overview of the regulatory framework surrounding hemp-CBD pet foods.

According to recent reporting, pet industry spending is expected to reach $96 billion by 2020 with CBD as one of its fastest growing sections. Following the enactment of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 Farm Bill”), there has been a huge interest in the use of hemp-derived cannabidiol (“Hemp-CBD”) for our furry friends. Yet, public demand for Hemp-CBD pet products may be pushing the market ahead regardless of legal requirements. But is hemp-CBD pet foods legal?

While there are many Hemp-CBD pet products on the U.S. market, this blog post provides a brief overview of the regulatory framework surrounding Hemp-CBD pet foods.

FEDERAL POLICIES

Hours following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, Scott Gottlieb issued a statement in which the then-FDA Commission clarified that the federal legalization of the crop did not strip the agency of its regulatory authority over products containing hemp and its derived compounds, including Hemp-CBD pet foods.

Waking up to this every morning would surely give you more will to live. Unsplash/jonathan daniels, CC BY-SA

Pursuant to Sections 301(ll) and 201(ff)(3)(B) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&CA”), food cannot contain an ingredient also found in an approved drug. Because the FDA approved CBD as an active ingredient in Epidiolex, a drug used in the treatment of epilepsy, for which substantial clinical investigations have been instituted, the FDA posits that it is unlawful to use CBD as an active ingredient in human and pet foods.

There is an exception to this rule if the substance was “marketed as” a conventional food before the new drug investigations were authorized; however, based on available evidence, FDA has concluded that this is not the case for CBD. Consequently, the sale and marketing of Hemp-CBD pet foods currently violates FDA policies.

The FDA has limited its enforcement actions against Hemp-CBD products for pets by issuing warning letters to companies that have been making unsubstantiated, egregious claims about the therapeutic value of their products. Therefore, if a company decides to enter the Hemp-CBD pet market regardless of FDA policy, it should, at a minimum, refrain from making any health claims.

STATE LAWS

Although the FDA prohibits the sale and marketing of Hemp-CBD pet foods in interstate commerce, several states have enacted legislation that expressly legalized the sale of these products. Oregon, for example, authorizes the manufacture, distribution and sale of Hemp-CBD pet foods, which are limited to “dog and cat” foods containing no more than 0.3 percent total THC. In addition, Hemp-CBD pet foods manufactured, sold and marketed in the Beaver State must meet other testing requirements imposed by the Oregon Health Authority, including but not limited to microbiological contaminants.

Other states have not taken a position on the sale of these products, rendering these products illegal at worse and unregulated at best.

So similarly to Hemp-CBD human foods, Hemp-CBD pet foods cannot lawfully be sold throughout the United States. As such, manufacturers, distributors and retailers of Hemp-CBD pet foods should consult with regulatory attorneys to understand and mitigate the risk of enforcement action by the FDA as well as state and local enforcement groups that prohibit the sale of these products.

For more information on this issue, please contact our hemp regulatory team.

This article originally appeared on Canna Law Blog.

Cannabis Capsules Are Not Your Mother’s Marinol

Mary Schumacher

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October 16, 2019

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Cannabis Capsules Are Not Your Mother’s Marinol

Because Marinol is the synthetic form of THC, it comes with a host of side effects not normally associated with full plant cannabis.

Even if weed were to be legalized nationwide tomorrow, there will always be times when smoking — and even vaping — are not appropriate. For patients with respiratory conditions, smoking may not even be an option and edibles may be too filling. All excuses to use THC pills aside, they definitely have their place at the cannabis table, much more so than the synthetic Marinol.

Marinol was and remains a THC pill given to cancer, HIV/AIDs and other patients with wasting syndrome. Unfortunately, because it is the synthetic form of THC alone, it comes with a host of side effects not normally associated with full plant cannabis. And that includes, sadly and ironically, nausea and stomach pain.

Now when you visit your local dispensary, cannabis capsules are everywhere. Full spectrum, CBD, high THC and other variations on the themes of cannabinoids. While some CBD oils may be made with CBD isolate, which has its merits, the full plant version of the pill has an entourage effect that relieves more symptoms.

There are a few things to be aware of, however, such as the carrier oil and cannabinoids will be processed through your liver — a much different experience than smoking cannabis. It still gets you lifted, that’s for certain, but it also has additional medicinal properties, like a full body high and increased munchies, and lasts longer than traditional smoking or vaping.

If you don’t live near a dispensary or don’t have a caregiver, making your own capsules is a fairly easy process. Take an amount of cannabis that you would normally ingest in one sitting, multiply it by the amount of capsules you want to make, grind up the bud and proceed to the very important step of decarboxylation.

To decarboxylate your weed, simply spread it across the bottom of a baking pan and set the oven to 225℉. Put the pot pan in the oven and let it bake for around 45 minutes. Once your THC has been made active in this manner, you’re ready to add the oil. Grind the weed up fine and cover it with coconut oil in a crockpot. Stir it up. After 4 hours and 20 minutes, cool the liquid and start inserting gel caps with the magical oil using an oral syringe.

Store your ultimate chill pills in the fridge and take when needed. A perfect method is to smoke or vape prior to or right after taking the capsules. You’ll slip right from one high to another. Just remember to start with one pill, wait an hour, and see where your body and mind have landed before taking another.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

What Is Cuffing Season And Does Science Support It?

Cuffing season is just around the corner, but is there any scientific evidence that supports this phenomenon?

Could Ireland Be Softening Its Stance On Cannabis?

Prevailing attitudes in Ireland still hold cannabis as a dangerous substance, in contrast to the support of strictly-controlled medicinal marijuana.

The Science Behind Marijuana And Migraines

It’s estimated that over 1 billion individuals worldwide suffer from the debilitating pain of migraines. And now new research shows that CBD may help.

5 Animal Videos To Save Your Week: Oct. 14

This week’s column features a couple of cute cats, a UPS delivery dog, and a skating bulldog.

Tiny kitty

A UPS delivery dog

An upset dog getting a haircut

Cat in slow motion

A skater dog

What To Do With Leftover Marijuana Rosin Chips

You’re going to need a whole lot of leftover rosin chips to reap the benefits, so the flatiron pressed buds will have to collect over a long period of time or not be used at all.

Science Says This Is The Best Way To Train Your Dog

Positive reinforcement (giving treats and kisses to your dog when they behave correctly) is one of the world’s most popular ways of training dogs. But is this the best way?

Meghan Markle Just Confirmed That Baby Archie Does Indeed Have Red Hair; Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott Reunite For ‘Family’ Time

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, who called it quits recently, are putting their family first; The Duchess of Sussex reveals what we all suspected: Archie has his dad’s red hair.

Meghan Markle Just Confirmed That Baby Archie Does Indeed Have Red Hair

Watch Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott Reunite For ‘Family’ Time

You Should Be Listening To These Cannabis Podcasts

Whether you’re looking for something all about marijuana business or the history of cannabis, these podcasts will keep you entertained and informed.

On Something

GrowCast

CannaInsider

Great Moments In Weed History

Is Hemp-CBD Pet Foods Legal?

While there are many hemp-CBD pet products on the U.S. market, here’s a brief overview of the regulatory framework surrounding hemp-CBD pet foods.

FEDERAL POLICIES

STATE LAWS

This article originally appeared on Canna Law Blog.

Cannabis Capsules Are Not Your Mother’s Marinol

Because Marinol is the synthetic form of THC, it comes with a host of side effects not normally associated with full plant cannabis.

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