Page 666 – The Fresh Toast

Tips For Working Out In The Summer Heat

Maria Loreto

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July 16, 2019

With the onset of summer, there are many places that experience really hot weather, which is great for several reasons, but also creates a new set of problems. Among the many perks of summer, outdoor workouts are some of the most enjoyed. They’re (more or less) fun, cleansing and physically demanding. While these exercises tend to require more effort, which results in more burned calories, they also demand far more attention and hydration.

Here are five things you should know about working out in this type of weather.

Know the symptoms of heat stroke

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The symptoms of heat exhaustion are many, with nausea, profuse sweating, thirst, light headedness and rapid breathing being among the easiest ones to spot. Aside from making you feel awful, heat stroke can lead to organ failure and complications when left unattended. Prevent this by finding shelter and cooling your body if you’re working out in the sun and begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above.

Avoid the hottest time of day for your workout

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If you’re working out outdoors, avoid the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is usually when the sun is at its peak. If you want to take advantage of the sunlight and the warm weather, experts recommend completing your workouts early ing morning. If it’s too hot (over 89 degrees), it might be best to skip it or to workout indoors.

Stay hydrated

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It’s always important to stay hydrated while doing anything physical. When it’s hot out, it’s even more important to drink water and to keep your potassium and sodium levels in check. This means that you should also monitor what you eat and avoid having diuretics like coffee and alcohol before your work out.

Wear loose and comfortable clothing

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While working out with uncomfortable clothes is always a pain, when it’s hot out it transforms into something unbearable. Be prepared and wear your best and most comfortable clothes. You don’t want to be pulling your underwear as you’re worrying over drinking water and trying to find shelter from the sun.

Monitor your electrolyte and salt intake

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Part of maintaining yourself hydrated means that you’ll have to monitor your electrolyte and salt levels. Focus on eating healthily and in having a drink of water every 15 minutes of your workout, even if you’re not thirsty. Don’t overdo it, because you’ll feel sick, but don’t underestimate the heat.

Jay-Z Has Parenting Advice For Harry And Meghan

Patricia Wallace

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July 16, 2019

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Jay-Z Has Parenting Advice For Harry And Meghan

What happens when two pairs of pop culture royalty come together? They talk about their kids, of course. And Jay-Z has parenting advice for Harry and Meghan.

That’s what happened When Harry Met…Beyonce and Jay-Z over the weekend at the London premiere of The Lion King. Conversation between the couples naturally shifted to baby Archie, whom Beyonce described as “so beautiful” to new mom Meghan Markle.

According to PEOPLE, at one point during the mutual fawning, Prince Harry revealed that Archie had recently mastered lifting his neck up.

Harry also said Archie is “not so little anymore” as he looked at Meghan, who we can only assume nodded in agreement, while thinking to herself, “he didn’t feel little while I was carrying him in my stomach for 9 months, either!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6YJvGF9wK/

With Jay-Z and Beyoncé having three kids of their own — 7-year-old Blue Ivy and 2-year-old twins Rumi and Sir — the rapper was eager to share some advice to the royal couple.

“The best advice I can give you, always find some time for yourself,” he told them.

And when Harry inquired about where their twins were during their mom’s big movie premier, Beyoncé’s replied, “We left them at home. They would loved to have been here.”

When the two couples departed, Beyoncé said to reporters, “They are so sweet.” And Jay-Z has parenting advice for Harry and Meghan, and we guess a ton more about dealing with the public.

The Sad Reason Marijuana Research Hasn’t Exploded In Canada

Brendan Bures

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July 16, 2019

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The Sad Reason Marijuana Research Hasn’t Exploded In Canada

Around this time last year excited whispers descended north of the border. They emanated from laboratories, universities, and research centers across Canada. If you heard these hushed murmurs—perhaps in the New York Times, WIRED UK, this publication, and even The South China Morning Post—they all told the same story. Canada was poised to become world leaders in marijuana research and scientists throughout The Great White North were thrilled to participate.

Unfortunately, a passing year can make all the difference. CTV News reports that Canadian scientists are currently mired in a Borgesian complex of pending bureaucratic approval and applications. Academics must first attain a research license in Canada prior to starting research, but only 65 new licenses successfully made it through the system since Canada legalized marijuana Oct. 17. In addition, 350 existing research licenses must transition from previous legislation to the new Cannabis Act, causing delays in research.

Health Canada told CTV “there have been challenges in processing times for new research license applications.” Those are words many marijuana researchers throughout Canada understand. Another 250 research license applications also sit in varying levels of review process, with no stated timetable for their conclusion.

“Some people don’t even try because it’s so difficult,” Simon Fraser University PhD candidate Bertrand Sager told CTV.

According to Sager, Health Canada outlines numerous requirements for license approval. Some of these requirements “seems to be geared towards R and D on cannabis products, which is not what we’re doing.” They include physical security and “appropriate” storage measures, detailed “tracking of the inventory, production, and destruction of cannabis,” and more.

“Research licences are intended to provide a mechanism to authorize otherwise prohibited activities with cannabis for the purpose of research,” Health Canada said in a statement, but could not explain what “prohibited activates” researchers were participating in when cannabis was recreationally legal nationwide.

Fraser intended to study the effects cannabis use has on drivers, but has seen his plans continuously delayed. The goal was to create a driving replica that would track the reactions of test subjects to various stimuli in a controlled environment. Though the test would have remained in a lab with no actual driving taking place, Sager’s team has been unable to start research despite applying for a research license ahead of legalization.

“It’s very frustrating because when we heard rumors cannabis would be legalized we began designing the study because we wanted to be among the first out the door,” Sager said.

For now, it appears the narrative of Canada becoming a marijuana research epicenter has yet to realize. And it probably won’t be realized until Canada streamlines the process for Canadian researchers. When that might happen is anyone’s guess.

Why The NFL Will ‘Eventually Catch Up’ On Marijuana, According To Ricky Williams

Brendan Bures

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July 15, 2019

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Why The NFL Will ‘Eventually Catch Up’ On Marijuana, According To Ricky Williams

Times have changed for the way the NFL powers-that-be view marijuana. In May, the NFL and NFL Players Association announced it would study using cannabis as a pain management tool for athletes. It marked a stark departure from cannabis trailblazer Ricky Williams’ playing days, but the former running back is encouraged by the slow shift in perspective.

At SportsCon2019 in Dallas this past weekend, Williams was asked about how the NFL is handling cannabis in the Legalization era. While the NFL’s announcement of its new cannabis study is a start, he believes the NFL “is eventually going to catch up” to the general public’s view of marijuana.

“Most of the time I’m up here, I’m asked a question about marijuana. Any big corporation kind of has to be behind the times,” Williams said via ProFootballTalk. “It’s public opinion, and I think public opinion has started to shift that the NFL is obviously talking about it in the public. I just think our whole country has come a long way in the past 15 years.

“The fact that before I was shunned and considered a pariah, and now ESPN invites me to talk about cannabis on television,” he added. “We’re moving forward, and I think the NFL is eventually going to catch up.”

Williams’ stint in the NFL ranged from 1999 to 2011 where he racked up more than 10,000 rushing yards, though he was suspended at various points for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Since his retirement, Williams has embraced his role as cannabis advocate and launched his own line of marijuana products with his “Real Wellness” brand.

Players using marijuana is expected to be discussed in the NFL’s upcoming CBA negotiations. Perhaps Ricky Williams should be invited as an expert opinion on the benefits of professional athletes using cannabis to sustain their careers. Though stigma haunted him early on for his open marijuana use, he’s certainly found success now.

Selfie Craze In Toxic Lake Alarms Authorities

Maria Loreto

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July 15, 2019

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Selfie Craze In Toxic Lake Alarms Authorities

Influencers and almost everyone with a phone in their pocket has some interest in photography. We all want to document our memories and take beautiful images, maybe even have some of them go viral. Of course, this is easier said than done, which is why some people have decided to take selfies submerged in unnaturally blue and polluted waters.

Bloomberg reports that police from the Russian city of Novosibirsk have had to increase the security on the Siberian Maldives toxic reservoir because tourists are sneaking in to take pictures of the artificial lake.

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The water obtains its striking turquoise color due to the chemical ash residue it contains, which is generated by the adjacent power station. Despite these dangers, tourists have hired photographers to conduct wedding photoshoots and a guy even entered the reservoir to take a picture atop a unicorn float.

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The Siberian Generating Company released a statement explaining how bad of an idea this is, listing all the contaminants that are present in the water. They explain that the lake is man made and that even if it’s not poisonous, it is a “high alkaline environment” that can cause reactions on the skin. The deep blue color is due to the presence of calcium salts and oxides from various metals, which you don’t want to have on you. They also say that the bottom of the lake is very muddy, and that exiting it alone is dangerous and almost impossible.

Aside from warning people, the company will also implement a 24 hour security detail who will hopefully prevent intruders from sneaking in.

Where Do Federal Agencies Stand On CBD

Nathalie Bougenies

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July 15, 2019

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In the past few weeks, many opinions on the sale, marketing and transportation of hemp and hemp-derived CBD-infused (“Hemp-CBD”) products have been released by federal agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”), and the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”). While we have written on these agency policies individually, we thought it would be helpful to recap these opinions under one blog post. So where do federal agencies stand on CBD?

FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Since the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA has expressly opined that the sale and marketing of CBD-infused food and dietary supplement in interstate commerce is unlawful because CBD has already been approved as a drug, and thus, cannot be concurrently sold or marketed as a food or dietary supplement. Nevertheless, the substantial public interest in accessing CBD in food and dietary supplements has forced the FDA to explore potential regulatory pathways for the lawful marketing of these products.

On May 31, the agency held a public meetingthat offered CBD stakeholders a platform to share feedback and experiences and provided the agency with information related to the cannabis-derived compound. In addition, the agency created a working group that is evaluating the regulatory frameworks for non-drug uses of CBD. The agency anticipates updating the public about its progress later this summer.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

On May 28, 2018, the USDA issued a non-binding opinion letter in which the agency explained, in part, that states and Native American tribes may not prohibit the interstate transportation or shipping of hemp or hemp products lawfully produced under the 2014 Farm Bill. Specifically, the USDA reasoned that state and tribe interference is prohibited pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides that “[n]othing in this sections prohibits the production of hemp in a State or the territory of an Indian tribe, for which a state or Tribal plan is not approved under this section, if the production of hemp is in accordance with [. . .] other Federal laws [i.e., the 2014 Farm Bill]” (Emphasis added). Note that while the USDA letter is non-binding, this agency policy strongly supports the position that states and tribes should not interfere with lawfully grown and processed hemp shipments.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

In March the USPS released guidance on mailing Hemp-CBD products, which it clarified at the beginning of June. Pursuant to its most recent guidelines, the USPS authorizes the mailing of Hemp-CBD products so long as (1) the products contain no more than 0.3 percent THC; (2) the mailer complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to hemp production, processing, distribution and sale; and (3) the mailer retains records establishing compliance with such laws, for no less than 2 year after the date of mailing.

The second prong suggests that mailing Hemp-CBD food and dietary supplement would not be lawfully mailable given that these products violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (i.e., the laws enforced by the FDA); however, this issue has yet to be administratively litigated or clarified by the USPS.

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Back in May, we wrote about the confusing guidelines issued by the TSA on traveling with CBD-infused products. Shortly after our post was published, the agency revised its website, which now provide that:

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. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.)” (Emphasis added).

On its face, this policy suggests that the TSA will authorize travelers to carry any CBD-infused product that meets the federal THC concentration limit of 0.3 percent, even if the product is deemed unlawful by the FDA. However, travelers should understand that traveling with these products remains risky for two reasons: (1) “[t]he final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint”; and (2) if it unclear how TSA would test products to verify their THC content. As far as we know, the TSA’s testing procedure is solely geared towards determining whether THC is present, not to measure its exact concentration.

To conclude, while the USDA, the USPS, and the TSA have all released guidelines that seem to legalize the transportation and shipping of Hemp-CBD products, these policies are drafted too broadly to completely shield carriers, mailers and travelers from enforcement actions. We anticipate – and sincerely hope – that the transportation of these products will become clearer and easier once the FDA implements a regulatory framework for their sale and marketing.

Nathalie Bougenies is an attorney at Harris Bricken and this article was originally published on the Canna Law Blog.

Which NBA Coach Rolls The Best Blunts

Brendan Bures

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July 15, 2019

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If you don’t know by now, let me be the first to tell you — NBA players smoke weed. Just last month, former NBA player and current cannabis entrepreneur Al Harrington said, “some of the best players on my teams were self-medicating all the time,” which taught him you could consume marijuana and remain productive.

Nick Young, the man of many internet memes, was recently asked by a radio host who in the NBA has the best blunt rolling skills in the league. While Young may have seen the last of his playing days, he certainly is still connected within the NBA. Which explains why Young didn’t want to snitch on any current players, as the NBA’s substance abuse policy currently prohibits the use of marijuana.

So instead Damon Bruce of 95.7 The Game’s “The Damon Bruce Show” amended his question. Which former player is the best blunt roller in the NBA, he instead asked.

“Probably Steve Kerr,” Young responded, while letting out a mischievous laugh.

Swaggy P admits Steve Kerr has rolls the best blunt in the NBA. 🤣👀

(via @957thegame) pic.twitter.com/kRxnKWDPxS

— Chris Montano (@gswchris) July 11, 2019

This is a clever response because a) the league will never reprimand Kerr for this and b) Kerr is on the record of trying medical marijuana previously. The Golden State Warriors coach used cannabis following back pain after two surgeries.

“I’m not a pot person. It doesn’t agree with me. I tried it a few times, and it did not agree with me at all. So I’m not the expert on this stuff. But I do know this: If you’re an NFL player, in particular, and you got lot of pain, I don’t think there’s any question that pot is better for your body than Vicodin,” Kerr said back in 2016. “And yet, athletes everywhere are prescribed Vicodin like it’s Vitamin C, like it’s no big deal. And there’s like this perception in our country that over-the-counter drugs are fine but pot is bad. Now, I think that’s changing.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently revealed the league has explored players using cannabis as an alternative pain management tool, though he admits it’s a “complicated issue.”

“When we change our policy we have to be really careful because we’re clearly sending a message to young people,” Silver said. “Just like with alcohol, you have to teach young people how to use a substance appropriately and responsibly so it doesn’t overwhelm your life. It’s a complicated issue.”

Prince Harry’s Snub For Archie’s Christening

Patricia Wallace

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July 15, 2019

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Prince Harry’s Snub For Archie’s Christening

Family events can be trying, especially large ones carrying emotion, big birthdays, weddings, funerals and baby events. They should be a time to pull people together and strengthen the family bond, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. Even with the British Royal family. People are quietly surprised about Prince Harry’s snub for Archie’s christening.

Only true royal watchers would notice the absence of one of Harry’s uncles at baby Archie’s christening on July 6. Only 25 guests were invited to the ceremony, but a major player was not in attendance: Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer.

While Meghan and Harry paid tribute to Diana by invitig her sisters (even Kate Middleton paid tribute by wearing a pair of Princess Di’s old earrings), her brother was visibly absence. And there’s a good reason.

Is The Federal Government Finally Serious About Marijuana Research

Brendan Bures

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July 15, 2019

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Is The Federal Government Finally Serious About Marijuana Research

A long-gestating back-and-forth between scientists, cannabis advocates, and legislators has been the paucity of marijuana research. Lawmakers at the state and federal level have both referenced a lack of scientific literature around medical cannabis as reason not to push through reform. That happened just this year when Texas expanded its medical marijuana program but refused to post-traumatic stress disorder as a qualifying condition. There wasn’t enough research available, Texas legislators claimed, to support marijuana’s efficacy in treating PTSD.

Of course, those same legislators failed to mention just why there isn’t enough medical marijuana research in America. (They also politely declined a rider provision that would’ve provided funding for that same research they were requesting, which makes you question if these people place the proper value on research they say they do.) Many scientists have complained the marijuana provided by the federal government to conduct research is of poor quality. And due to the drug’s illegal classification at the federal level, many universities have steered clear of cannabis, fearing they’d lose federal grants if they did.

Now, the U.S. government is at least responding to one of those requests. In an email to the Associated Press, the National Institute of Drug Abuse announced plans to grow the largest crop of research marijuana in five years. Heeding scientists’ requests, the crops will match the quality found at many dispensaries. NIDA will also grow marijuana with varying levels of THC and CBD content, including high-THC and high-CBD strains, so that scientists can more closely analyze the effects of these cannabinoids.

However, the plants will be grown at the University of Mississippi, which maintains the exclusive license by the federal government to grow research marijuana. Scientists and legislators have urged the government to expand the number of growers nationwide, as the samples provided for research have been moldly and stored in freezers for several years.

Though the US Drug Enforcement Agency created an application to expand its list of farmers, the government organization has not responded to dozens of applications. Rep. Matthew Gaetz (R-FL) has persistently urged Congress to act on the issue, but to no avail. In addition, the Scottsdale Research Institute in Arizona requested via the US Court of Appeals an order for the DEA to process these applications, though that effort has similarly gotten nowhere.

“We are still working through the process and those applications remain under review,” DEA spokeswoman Katherine Pfaff told the AP in an email.

Whether the new increases in available cannabis to research is a sign the federal government is finally serious about the issue remains to be seen. Let’s just hope these samples aren’t as moldy as the last ones.

This Week’s Music, Beyonce, Billie Eilish And Ed Sheeran

Maria Loreto

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July 14, 2019

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This Week’s Music, Beyonce, Billie Eilish And Ed Sheeran

This Week’s Music is a weekly column that discusses the week’s best, worst, and most interesting songs. We try to select songs of different artists and genres to keep things interesting and to please a variety of music fans.

This week’s song selections include Beyonce’s contribution to The Lion King soundtrack, Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber’s collaboration and Ed Sheeran’s latest summer song. Check them out!

Soundtrack

Beyoncé – Spirit

Beyoncé, the only living person who could make the lines “Your destiny is coming close stand up and fight” work, gives it her all for this new addition into the Lion King canon. While I can’t help but question the existence of a live action version of the Disney classic, “Spirit” is an inspired song, not taking too many cues from the original soundtrack and giving Beyoncé plenty of room to shine and to make the song her own. No matter what happens with the movie, at least we got this song out of it.

Pop

Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber – Bad Guy

Billie Eilish is a life long Justin Bieber super fan, highlighted by the single’s official photo, which shows her wearing some sort of tutu and standing in front of a dozen different Bieber posters. Eilish is a Belieber, if you will. Remixing a little bit of the sounds of the original track and adding some new lyrics that paint Bieber as the titular Bad Guy, the song is still fun, but it adds nothing new except perhaps some cringe. At least Eilish’s childhood dream came true.

Pop

Ed Sheeran & Travis Scott – Antisocial

Ed Sheeran has two types of songs; the fun ones and the cheesy ones. “Antisocial” is thankfully part of the first group, with Sheeran displaying his rapping skills and having tons of fun. Even if “Antisocial” isn’t great, you can’t help but catch some of the joy and euphoria it induces, with help of an always versatile and welcome Travis Scott. Expect to hear this song many many times before the end of summer. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Tips For Working Out In The Summer Heat

Know the symptoms of heat stroke

Avoid the hottest time of day for your workout

Stay hydrated

Wear loose and comfortable clothing

Monitor your electrolyte and salt intake

Jay-Z Has Parenting Advice For Harry And Meghan

The Sad Reason Marijuana Research Hasn’t Exploded In Canada

Why The NFL Will ‘Eventually Catch Up’ On Marijuana, According To Ricky Williams

Selfie Craze In Toxic Lake Alarms Authorities

Where Do Federal Agencies Stand On CBD

FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Which NBA Coach Rolls The Best Blunts

Prince Harry’s Snub For Archie’s Christening

Is The Federal Government Finally Serious About Marijuana Research

This Week’s Music, Beyonce, Billie Eilish And Ed Sheeran

Soundtrack

Pop

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