Marijuana Makes For A Great Last Minute Gift

Sarah Johns

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December 23, 2023

Marijuana Makes For A Great Last Minute Gift

Not everyone is on top of the present exchange thing – and sometimes you are facing the deadline and need something fast – we have a few ideas.

Gift giving can be tough – finding the perfect present takes thought, skill and time….and sometines you just don’t have the time. More than 140 million people will be out getting those last minute gifts according to the National Retailers Association. You have seen them driving around, printing pictures from the internet and frantic looking for open stores. Don’t stress yourself out looking for the perfect thing – we have an idea. Marijuana makes a great last minute gift.

There are some other non-cannabis ideas. Gift cards (if you know what they like), the new Bailey’s Chocolate is a little piece of heavens, or a fun subscription like to a Master Class, media like there favorite news site, or movie tickets (Where they are also open late). But with 18% of people using, why not give the gift of weed?

Over 50% of the country has access to legal cannabis and it is mainstreaming quicker than you think. According to BDSA, women are almost equal to men who use. And according to the Pew Research, 90% believe it should be legal in some form. So with almost 20% of the population consuming, why not give it as a gift. Dispensaries stay up late so it is truly a great last minute gift.

If you are giving marijuana as a gift, consider gummies. They are by the most used form with almost 49% saying they use gummies over anything else. Next would be chocolate edibles, easy to use and easy to managing the dosing.

A fun idea could also be a Hemp Drink, found in convince stores, dispensaries and in some states, liquor stores, these make for an alternative to beer. Although hemp doesn’t have the psychoactive components of the cannabis plant like marijuana, it can still give you a buzz. And brewers who create hemp ales still must follow proper licensing and regulations on state and federal levels.

Data Suggests Cannabis Is A New Holiday Tradition

Terry Hacienda

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December 22, 2023

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Data Suggests Cannabis Is A New Holiday Tradition

Once it was something you had to go outside since you “forgot something in the car” – but now it has totally mainstreamed

The holidays have been filled with wine, eggnog and maybe one friend or relative who has been a bit over served. The stereotype is some of the younger cousins “forgetting something in the car” and having a little puff puff pass. But as over 50% of the country has access to legal weed, those imagines need to move over for modern times. And now data suggests cannabis is a new holiday tradition.

With the legal trend and states like Ohio, Arizona, Michigan, and Alaska having full recreational cannabis, it has become very mainstreamed. Even Fox News has come around as a majority of their viewers believe in some type of legalization. And, people age 65 and older are experimenting with marijuana more than any other age group.

TD Cowan released data to show marijuana continues to make inroads on alcohol. Viven Azur, from TD Cowan, is one of the top data and financial analysts in alcohol, cannabis and tobacco. According to data, states with access to legal cannabis marijuana are underperforming. Meanwhile, the 5-year alcohol volume for adult-use cannabis states has underperformed non-cannabis states.

TD Cowen shared historically alcohol purchases have grown at a 5% annual rate. However, younger consumers are opting to go sober for longer. As marijuana mainstreams, Azur expects cannabis sales to grow 11% in 2023 and alcohol to grow 3% in 2023. As cannabis consumers drink less, they report consuming cannabis on a more frequent basis.

And BDSA, a leading data analyst company which also covers the cannabis space released surprising data. Women have had a large embrace in use. In fall of 2019 43% of marijuana consumers were woman, in spring of 2023 it moved ot 47%. As the user market has grown, the portion of female users have grown with it.

Since women tend to drive holiday celebrations, meals and family gatherings, there almost equal use means marijuana is on the list of acceptable things more than before. And with the younger population drinking less and having a gummy more, it means a change during the festive season. So data suggests cannabis is a new holiday tradition and here to stay.

What Are The REAL 12 Days Of Christmas

Sarah Johns

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December 21, 2023

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You know the song – but do you know when it starts or finishes and why? What are the real 12 days of Christmas?

Everyone knows the song and it has been sung by groups as wide ranging as Relient K to the Muppets. First recorded in a children’s book published in London around 1780, it has been an earworm ever since. But do you know the meaning behind it? What are the real 12 days of Christmas? Europe and the US differ in celebrations.

The Fresh Toast – You know the song – but do you know when it starts? What are the real 12 days of Christmas.

The 12 days of Christmas is the period during the holiday marking the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings’ Day). Advent, and the commercial advent calendars providing everything from Legos to chocolates to buzz is a different set of dates. The four weeks preceding Christmas are collectively known as Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24.

The 12 days of Christmas ends at Epiphany (in the old South called Old Christmas). Epiphany is a Christian feast day falling on 6 January. It is when many Christians believe the Maji (also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men) followed the star to visit the newly born baby Jesus. Epiphany become a declared a holiday as it comes from the Greek word meaning to reveal and it is the day when the baby Jesus was revealed to the world. It is also called Three Kings Day.

In the 6th century, the Catholic Church declared the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany (i.e. to just before midnight 5 January as Epiphany begins 6 January) as a sacred and festive season, and established the duty of Advent fasting in preparation for the feast. In modern times, Advent is known mostly through calendars providing little gifts.

In the United States, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the big celebrations. In Europe, while there is still the excitement over the 24th and 25th, Epiphany is also a big time for a feast, family and joy.

In Italy, good children receive gifts not only on Christmas, but also on January 6^th, in celebration of the Epiphany. Usually candies and small toys, these are whimsically said to be brought by La Befana, a kindly witch riding a broomstick. For naughty children she leaves just a lump of coal.

In France, the 6^th of January is ‘l’Epiphanie’ or ‘la journée des rois’ commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus. It’s traditional in France to eat ‘la Galette des Rois’. French people will go to the bakery to buy this king’s cake or make it themselves. Games and a crown are involved in the cake celebration and laughter should be generously added to the evening.

Both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Catholic Church celebrate on 6 January, as opposed their feud over Easter.

5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Anthony Washington

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December 21, 2023

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5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Christmas is all around, but for some, the holiday spirit is elusive. Here are are some films to help reignite the spirit, bring a smile and maybe even a tear or two.

From constant holiday music to the rush to find the perfect gift, some people struggle to have the heartwarming holiday spirit. The commercialism of the season can be a bit off-putting, but taking a breath, a puff, a sip and enjoy the simple things – a beautiful tree, a good Christmas cookie and hanging with those you care about. Here are 5 heartwarming holiday movies to restore your holiday spirit.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This childhood classic touches hearts for all the meanings of Christmas including kindness to others. Good ol’ Charlie Brown is still bullied, Snoopy is still cool but the holiday looms over the show. The jazz portions were created by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and have become a holiday staple. It has won awards despite some animation “snafus” (notice Snoopy suddenly appearing on Schroder’s piano) and has captured hearts and respect. And the dance scene is iconic and you can have fresh moves for New Year’s Eve.

The Bishop’s Wife

It seems every generation laments the lost meaning of Christmas. This stellar cast lead by Cary Grant give a thoughtful, fun, and old fashioned take on the spirit. The snowball fight is great and you will find yourself smiling.

Miracle on 34th Street

The honesty, insight, and love from a kid tugs at your heart and also ignites your faith in Santa Claus. The 1947 original is the one to watch. A young Natalie Wood plays it perfect with the desire to believe. And who would think a government agency could be the good guy?

Love Actually

The music alone makes it worth watching the movie. This popular film captures multiple plot-lines involved relationships and the holiday spirit. From Hugh Grant dancing to the the infamous drum scene…you will laugh and cry and find yourself enjoying a guilty pleasure. The additional unexpected lesson to this is to think hard when you date someone with whom you work.

The Holiday

Who needs Hallmark holiday movies when you have Cameron Diaz? In her review for USA Today, Claudia Puig found The Holiday “is a rare chick flick/romantic comedy which, despite its overt sentimentality and fairy-tale premise, doesn’t feel cloyingly sweet.” Fits in perfectly with eggnog, Christmas cookies and your favorite ornaments.

Hopefully these 5 heartwarming holiday movies to restore your holiday spirit work!

How Cannabis Alters Your Perception Of Time

Mary Schumacher

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December 21, 2023

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It can be 5 minutes or two hours when consuming, you just can’t tell. Here is how cannabis alters your perception of time

When you crack and relax and maybe consume some marijuana, it seems times stands still. THC does play a little bit of a mind trip which accounts for some of the stereotyped “spaciness” associated with being high and keeps us in our heads (and in the moment). Why does it happen? Well here is how cannabis alters your perception of time.

The Fresh Toast – If you have consumed, you always wonderful about it, so now here is how cannabis alters your perception of time.

Of course, as with any mind altering substance, cannabis affects different people differently, but for the most part, marijuana slows down our perception of time to the point where we’re enjoying and noticing everything around us right in the moment. Artists often rely on this phenomenon to create more work in a session or feel more in tune with their art.

All in all, cannabis is an enhancement drug if nothing else. It enhances the taste of food, the feelings we experience both in our heads and in our bodies, funny situations, and so much more. All of this is tied to the exaggerated slow-motion that allows us to appreciate what’s going on in our immediate sphere.

Have you ever taken a dab and gotten the “wah wahs?” It’s when your head feels like a balloon and all you hear is “wah, wah, wah” and perhaps a few whooshes, like something out of a Charlie Brown cartoon. This is when time perhaps slows down the most, as a very strong high is kicking in and taking it up a notch.

Though there hasn’t been many studies on the subject, the ones conducted show, no matter the dosage, those who’ve used cannabis perceive time at a slower rate. When asked to estimate how much time has passed, someone stoned will inevitably overshoot it.

In the study, “Acute Effects of THC on Time Perception in Frequent and Infrequent Cannabis Users,” the subjective effects of cannabis on its tokers was measured using performance based, time estimation tasks. It states, “Congruent with the reported subjective slowing of time under the influence of cannabis, individuals given cannabinoids consistently overestimate duration in time estimation tasks… Consequently, cannabis smokers’ perception of external time passing more slowly is consistent with internal, subjective time passing more quickly.”

THC affects the part of our brain in charge of time perception, hence we perceive slower time when stoned. In summary, cannabis consumers experience this effect because the body’s internal clock is sped up,

What To Know About The Winter Solstice

Anthony Washington

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December 20, 2023

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For the Northern Hemisphere, especially the northern Northern, it is a dark, cold day – and the turning point of light…Winter Solstice is upon us.

The Winter Solstice is upon us. The Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice falls on December 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST. South of the Equator, this same moment marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Solstices occur at the same time around the world, but their local times vary with time zones. But whether you are in Tirupattur, India or Mobile, Alabama, it is an ancient and scientific key moment. For the Southern hemisphere, summer is about to begin and for the Northern, winter – and is the shortest day of the year.

If you are in

Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year. Here are few celebrations

Soyal is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies and rituals include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas, protective spirits from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other rituals.

The Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. It marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra. Families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and pomegranates and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun.

Even Antarctica gets its share of solstice celebration, thanks to the researchers staying there over the long, dangerously cold season. While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the most daylight hours, in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating Midwinter. Festivities include special meals, films, and sometimes even handmade gifts.

St. Lucia’s Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Scandinavia around the time of the winter solstice. Although it is now meant to honor St. Lucia, a Christian martyr, it has been incorporated with earlier Norse solstice traditions, such as lighting fires to ward off spirits during the longest night. Girls dress up in white gowns with red sashes and wear wreaths of candles on their heads in honor of St. Lucia.

Top four ways most people celebrate winter solstice: drinking, complaining about lack of light, consuming cannabis, and prepping for the holiday season.

Too Much Sexting Is Bad For Your Relationship

Amy Hansen

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December 20, 2023

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In the early 2000s, sexting hit the scene. The combo of sex and texting become highly popular and sending photos become a core part. In 2023, around 77% of respondents aged 19 years and older have sent a sext, whilst around 88% received a sext. A little sexting in a relationship can keep things spicy, especially when it comes to long distance courtship. But, if you don’t play your cards right, those very same texts can backfire and bring your relationship down with it. There is, according to research, such thing as too much virtual dirty talk.

The Fresh Toast – More people do it than you can imagine, but too much sexting is bad for your relationship

“Hyper-sexters,” as they’re called, are the worst offenders. And while they may be the most sexually satisfied, according to a new study from the University of Alberta, the romantic relationships of these horny texters suffer in other ways.

https://giphy.com/gifs/amy-schumer-ek7HMg9iHExBm

Researchers surveyed 615 Canadian and American adults, all in relationships, about their sexting habits. The analyses revealed 4 distinct groups of sexters: non-sexters (71.5 percent), word-only sexters (14.5 percent), frequent sexters (8.5 percent), and hyper sexters (5.5 percent). Researchers then compared these groups on several factors that would indicate well-being and technology-related behaviors.

According to the study:

Frequent and hyper sexters reported greater sexual satisfaction but were not significantly different from non-sexters or word-only sexters in relationship satisfaction. Further, frequent and hyper sexters scored more poorly on other relationship variables (i.e., attachment security, commitment, ambivalence, and conflict) than non-sexters or word-only sexters and showed greater media and pornography viewing, technoference in face-to-face interactions with their partner, and infidelity-related behaviors on social media.

The study’s lead authoer, Adam Galovan, said sexting doesn’t seem to be a feature of a healthy relationship,” and that “My interpretation is that the sexters are focusing more on the sexual part of their relationship and may be neglecting other areas.”

In other words, using a removed form of communication to replace actual face-to-face interaction isn’t exactly a recipe for a healthy, nurturing relationship.

Said Galovan:

These folks want to get to the end goal — a good relationship — without doing the hard work of talking, listening, and spending quality time together. It’s the instant gratification culture — we want it now. But it’s what you do to get to that goal that actually defines a good relationship.

Previous research has found sexting is quite prolific in society, “with 58 percent of college students admitting they’ve sent at least one sext, and 62 percent saying they’ve received one.” And what could be a red flag for both partners, men were more likely to sext with a casual partner, while women preferred to do it with someone they were exclusive with.

If you’re in a healthy relationship where trust has been established, go forth and sext. But just make sure to give just as much attention to all the other aspects of your relationship. Sexting can’t replace the heartfelt stuff.

How To Get The Most Out Of Cannabis For Chronic Pain

Mary Schumacher

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December 20, 2023

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How To Get The Most Out Of Cannabis For Chronic Pain

An estimated 20.9% of Canadian and US adults live in chronic pain – and constantly search for a little relief….here is how to maximize help

Over 20.9% of Canadian and Us adults (51.6 million persons) experience chronic pain with 6.9% (17.1 million persons) experienced high-impact chronic pain. When suffering, it becomes the focus of the day and consuming an incredible amount of time and focus. Medical marijuana can help – here is how to get hte most out of cannabis for chronic pain.

Cancer patients, people living with nerve damage, back injuries and other types of chronic pain also run into this problem on the pharmaceutical side of things; the problem being that if you continue to increase your dosage of narcotic pain killers, they simply become killers. But this is not the case with cannabis.

Eat A Mango

The terpenes in mangoes seem to love to play with the terpenes in cannabis, prolonging the effects of marijuana and keeping them elevated for longer periods of time as well. The mango can be eaten before or after the sesh for the desired effects, but close in timing.

If You’re Ingesting Your Medicine, Eat Something Fatty

THC binds to fat cells and is fat soluble, which is why if you don’t have a hummingbird’s metabolism it’s harder to pass a drug test. But it’s also why if yo u have a slice of toast with butter in your stomach, you’re giving the cannabinoids more fat to cling to and spread throughout your system.

Donald Trump — Photo by Flickr user ebruli

Combine Ingesting Cannabis With Using Topicals

Whether salve, cream or lotion, topicals provide excellent relief of surface area aches and pains, sore, tense muscles especially. Rub them in thoroughly with warm hands and feel parts of the pain melt away.

Breaking That Routine

If you are a consummate smoker, you may have a method laid out that does you just fine and that you may even swear by. Breaking that routine, using a different piece to smoke out of and even switching rooms can all result in more efficient smoking sessions.

smoking from pipe exposes you to more germs than a toilet seat — Photo by Bill Oxford/Getty Images

Remember To Inhale Deeply

Hold it in for those important few seconds whenever possible. Breathing it in to your lungs as much as you can will definitely give you a boost, especially if you’ve gotten a little lax on your smoking techniques.

Living in chronic pain is never going to be easy, but it can be improved greatly by cannabis and even cannabis can be improved for pain relieving effects. Enjoy your mango and let the cannabis ease your pain the natural way.

Study Reinforces Marijuana’s Power To Treat PTSD

Brendan Bures

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December 19, 2023

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Study Reinforces Marijuana’s Power To Treat PTSD

Soldiers are required to go above and beyond, and sometimes it leaves a long term mark. Medical marijuana is a clear benefit for PTSD

There seems to be bi-partisian support for medical marijuana to be an aide in treating PTSD. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act was introduced during summer for Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, the legislation would require the VA to examine how the plant affects sleep, agitation, mortality and hospital readmissions. It was is critical as it healthcare professionals, veterans and counselors give the nod it is a benefit for those in need.

Science is finally backing up these opinions. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology looked at the patient history of 24,000 Canadians using 2012 Statistics Canada data. Researchers were interested in exploring how cannabis could affects those living with PTSD, specifically with regards to suicide and depression. Living with PTSD sharply increases the risk of depression and suicide in patients unless, researchers discovered, they consume marijuana.

“We know with limited effective treatment options for PTSD, many patients take to medicating with cannabis to alleviate their symptoms,” lead author Stephanie Lake told Global News. “However, until now, there has been no population-level data to suggest cannabis might have a possible therapeutic role in the course of PTSD. These findings offer those patients seeking treatment options some promise.”

cannabinoids — Photo by lalesh aldarwish via Pexels

In the more than 24,000 participants, researchers found 420 Canadians who’d been clinically diagnosed with PTSD. About 28% (106 individuals) of those living with PTSD reported using cannabis in the past year. Only 11% of respondents undiagnosed with PTSD reported cannabis usage. Non-users were seven times more likely to have experienced a recent major depressive episode and had a 4.7% higher chance of contemplating suicide, compared to non-cannabis users who didn’t suffer from PTSD. Among cannabis users, the study did not find a connection between PTSD and depression or suicide.

Official VA statistics reports about 10-20% of veterans live with PTSD, depending on the service era in which they participated. But the organization’s National Suicide Report paints a starker picture — suicide rates are increasing for both veterans and non-veterans. About 20 veterans commit suicide each day, according to the report.

While more research is necessary, as Lake and her team said, this study points to how cannabis might assist those living with PTSD.

The Best Winter Ales To Usher In The Cold Weather

Jacob Uitti

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December 19, 2023

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The Best Winter Ales To Usher In The Cold Weather

The holiday season and winter weather is upon us. If you are a beer aficionado, now is the time to consider to something more adapted to the dropping temperatures. Maybe something which warms you from the inside out. Belgian brewers have a long tradition of making stronger, darker and sweeter ales for drinking during the cold winter months. They are also often flavoured with spices and other seasonal ingredients such as ginger and cinnamon.

Fremont Brewing Bourbon Abominable Winter Ale and Winter Ales

Two for the price of one brewery! The Bonfire ale warms your belly with a dark mild hop recipe, while the Winter Ale (formerly known as Abominable Ale), a barrel-aged version of the brewery’s winter ale, is robust and rich, complimented with caramel and vanilla notes. Fremont is a northwest treasure

Deschutes Jubelale

A deep, dark winter ale with joyous imprints of toffee, cocoa and dried fruit, this seasonal pleases craft beer nerds and their unsuspecting families alike. Perfect for setting out on a big dining table for your big dining family.

Sierra Nevada Celebration

This Chico, CA brewery does things a little different when it comes to the winter season. Their holiday beer, first brewed in 1981 (everything from the 80’s is good, right?), is a hop-forward concoction with citrus and pine aromas stemming from the bright west coast hops the brewery is famous for utilizing.

Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale

Anchor’s Christmas ale is spicy with a lovely malt spine. Anchor is know for capturing the mood and this ale is good for those 4pm sunsets.

Ninkasi Sleigh’r

One of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular holiday beers, this brewery (named after the Sumerian goddess of beer) produces a hopped winter beer that pairs well with duck and candied yams. You can practically hear the jingling bells of Santa’s ride shaking away as you sip.

Athletic Brewing Co. Lodge Life Non-alcoholic Ale

A stout-inspired campfire brew crafted with cinnamon, vanilla and cacao nibs. It has a smoked malt undertone and light hint of s’mores that make it deliciously decadent yet easy to drink. With roasty aromatics and a full-bodied pour, it’s reminiscent of nights by the fire with hearty brews in hand.

Sam Adams Holiday White Ale

This is perfect when you want to slip a bit of classic holiday cheer. It is crisp and zesty, with holiday flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dusting of orange peel.

Maui Coconut Hiwa Porter

Nothing says the holidays quite like a beer brewed in Hawaii. For some, the holidays means traveling to warm weather destinations. For others it just means drinking beers from them. And Maui Brewing’s dark porter uses the ingredient the island may be most famous for: coconuts! So, replace the chestnuts roasting on an open fire with the gift from the thriving island’s palm trees.

Mele Kalikimake with the best ales to usher in the cold weather and the holidays!

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Marijuana Makes For A Great Last Minute Gift

Not everyone is on top of the present exchange thing – and sometimes you are facing the deadline and need something fast – we have a few ideas.

Data Suggests Cannabis Is A New Holiday Tradition

Once it was something you had to go outside since you “forgot something in the car” – but now it has totally mainstreamed

What Are The REAL 12 Days Of Christmas

You know the song – but do you know when it starts or finishes and why? What are the real 12 days of Christmas?

5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Christmas is all around, but for some, the holiday spirit is elusive. Here are are some films to help reignite the spirit, bring a smile and maybe even a tear or two.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Bishop’s Wife

Miracle on 34th Street

Love Actually

The Holiday

How Cannabis Alters Your Perception Of Time

It can be 5 minutes or two hours when consuming, you just can’t tell. Here is how cannabis alters your perception of time

What To Know About The Winter Solstice

For the Northern Hemisphere, especially the northern Northern, it is a dark, cold day – and the turning point of light…Winter Solstice is upon us.

Too Much Sexting Is Bad For Your Relationship

How To Get The Most Out Of Cannabis For Chronic Pain

An estimated 20.9% of Canadian and US adults live in chronic pain – and constantly search for a little relief….here is how to maximize help

Eat A Mango

If You’re Ingesting Your Medicine, Eat Something Fatty

Combine Ingesting Cannabis With Using Topicals

Breaking That Routine

Remember To Inhale Deeply

Study Reinforces Marijuana’s Power To Treat PTSD

Soldiers are required to go above and beyond, and sometimes it leaves a long term mark. Medical marijuana is a clear benefit for PTSD

The Best Winter Ales To Usher In The Cold Weather

Fremont Brewing Bourbon Abominable Winter Ale and Winter Ales

Deschutes Jubelale

Sierra Nevada Celebration

Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale

Ninkasi Sleigh’r

Athletic Brewing Co. Lodge Life Non-alcoholic Ale

Sam Adams Holiday White Ale

Maui Coconut Hiwa Porter

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