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Matthew Gaetz To Democrats: Get Over Trump And Focus On Marijuana Reform

Congressman Matthew Gaetz (R-FL) is both a conservative squarely in Donald Trump’s camp and one of the loudest politicians supporting cannabis reform at a federal level. A dichotomy that might be at odds with one another at times, but does explain some of Gaetz’s recent comments at a House Judiciary Meeting.

As Marijuana Moment first reported, Gaetz believes his Democratic colleagues have good ideas around cannabis reforms, but they’re too distracted by investigations and allegations around if Trump did not obstruct justice and collude with Russia.

RELATED: What In The Hell Is Texas Doing With Medical Marijuana And Decriminalization?

“There are some really good ideas that my Democratic colleagues have once they get to acceptance on the ‘no Russia collusion’ thing,” he said.

The hearing regarded Attorney General William Barr, who refused to comply and release the full report prepared by Special Counsel Robert Mueller that detailed Russian interference in the 2016 Election. Gaetz alleged the meeting wasn’t about Barr, the report, or Russian interference. Instead Democrats just wanted to impeach Trump. This, in Gaetz’s estimation, was a distraction from pushing through positive bipartisan legislation, including measures around cannabis reform.

For example, Rep. Eric Caswell (D-CA) has “great ideas to unlock potential cures with medical cannabis reform,” Gaetz said. “But we’re not doing any of those things.”

RELATED: Where Do These 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidates Stand on Marijuana?

“And by the way, I’ve got a bunch of my friends on the other side of the aisle lowkey wish that their actual bills that would impact the lives of Americans would get heard instead of this garbage,” he also added.

You should also know that Gaetz made these comments just one day after news that votes on two bills around medical marijuana and military veterans were canceled. The chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee announced those votes would be re-scheduled for a cannabis-centric hearing at a later time.

Cannabis Rosé Could Be Your Summer

No one liked rosé until everyone did. Pink colored wine used to be like the third Hemsworth brother that no one remembered (his name is Luke). Now, rosé is marketed as the “it” drink of summer, and even the cannabis industry is trying to reap some of the benefits.

As any seasoned day drinker will tell you, there’s something special about drinking this wine when it’s hot out.

RELATED: Are CBD-Infused Alcohol Beverages Legal?

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Thrillist credits rosé’s rapid rise in popularity to Instagram, which gave the drink a boost unlike any other marketing scheme. Influencers like “The Fat Jew” and Instagram account “Yes Way Rosé” created sleek and delicious products that succeeded in painting the drink as the perfect companion to summer activities.

“White wine is more frequently associated with fish and housewives, while reds are tied to date nights and steak dinners. Rosé, instead, is more frequently paired with day drinking and a life where bills are just pieces of scrap paper you pass off to your accountant each month,” explains Thrillist. Rosé captures the vibe of summer and a carefree lifestyle unlike any other drink in recent memory.

RELATED: This Mexican Canna-Punch Is The Only Cinco De Mayo Drink You Need

This year, cannabis infused sparkling Rosé was introduced, adding a new dimension to the rosé experience. Let’s see if products like this one are here to stay and if rosé extends its summer reign for a few more years.

A rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some of the color from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. It may be the oldest known type of wine, as it is the most straightforward to make with the skin contact method. The pink color can range from a pale “onionskin” orange to a vivid near-purple, depending on the grape varieties used and winemaking techniques. Usually, the wine is labelled rosé in French, Portuguese, and English-speaking countries, rosado in Spanish, or rosato in Italian.

 

Denver Decriminalizes Magic Mushrooms In Game-Changing Vote

In a move that could have a far-ranging impact the medicinal application and cultural understanding of psychedelics, Denver voters decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms this week with the narrowest of margins. While the vote won’t be certified until May 16, Denver will become the first city in the United States to decriminalize psychedelic “magic” mushrooms.

Though the ballot initiative seemed like a failed effort for the city Tuesday, the vote made a stunning comeback when Denver officials released the final vote counts. A thin majority of 50.56% was enough to approve Ordinance 301. According to the Denver Post, that translates to 89,320 votes in favor with 87,341 against, which amounts to a 1,979 margin.

RELATED: Here’s How Marijuana Is Helping Keep Denver Safe

“It’s been one hell of a 21 and a half hours,” Initiative 301 campaign manager Kevin Matthews told the Post. “If these results hold, this is an example of the absurd comedy of the great metaphor. Against all odds, we prevailed. This is what happens when a small team of dedicated and passionate people unite under a single idea to create change.”

While the vote doesn’t legalize psilocybin mushrooms, it does effectively prevent police from prosecuting or arresting adults for possessing them. In essence, the measure instructs police to look the other way regarding mushrooms. This does not preclude any and all penalties on mushrooms, however. Buying or selling mushrooms would remain illegal, though the official ballot language allows locals to grow the fungus for personal usage.

Denver serves as trailblazer yet again for what is an aspiring movement across the country. Johns Hopkins University recommended magic mushrooms be rescheduled from a Schedule I drug, while actions by the FDA suggest the psychedelic could be a legal medicine by 2021. Oregon, meanwhile, aims to legalize mushrooms in the 2020 Election.

5 Bizarre Sexual Dealbreakers

Reddit is a good website with a devoted community, but it’s also the place to find weird stuff. From crazy TV show and movie theories, to peoples’ deepest and darkest secrets, you can bet that you’ll find whatever it is you’re looking for on Reddit. TO prove the point, here are 5 bizarre sexual dealbreakers.

Sex threads on Reddit are particularly interesting. If you decide to go down that rabbit hole, they can easily consume hours of your time because of their entertainment value. Obviously, someone had to create a thread with over 17,000 comments discussing the lines people are unable to cross when it comes to sex. Started by Redditor anadventurousguy, the epic thread includes all kinds of deal-breakers, ranging from rather innocent ones, to the ones that will make you question every stranger you ever meet again. Ever.

Dog play?

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RELATED: Survey: Nearly Half Of Us Would Rather Have A Clean House Than Sex

“Maybe a bit late but who cares, once a girl asked me to bring my dog but when i asked what for she said that she wanted him to join us. Never got anywhere near her,” said one user. Maybe the girl just wanted to hang out with this person’s dog, innocently, and it was all a big misunderstanding?

Someone who’s turned on by STDs

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“I was once told by someone that they have a sexual fantasy of getting an STD. Big goodbye.” People were quick to comment on this post, explaining that this is a fetish where they call themselves bug chasers.

This guy with a really low bar

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“Probably when she doesn’t dress up as waluigi or danny devito.” I want to know more about this story, but at the same time, I don’t.

DJ Khaled’s enduring legacy

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RELATED: 5 Quirky Dealbreakers In Dating

“When their ideas about women’s pleasure are the same as DJ Khalid’s.” Who would’ve thought DJ Khaled would be remembered for that very unfortunate comment?

Poor oral health

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“A dirty tongue. You can be the hottest person in the world but if you open your mouth and your tongue is white or yellow or brown, I’m instantly turned off. Brush your tongues people!” While I agree with this post wholeheartedly, the level of specificity makes me think that this person has experienced some pretty awful sexual encounters.

So now you know 5 bizarre sexual dealbreakers.

Are CBD-Infused Alcohol Beverages Legal

The recent wave of crackdowns on cannabidiol (“CBD”)-infused alcohol beverages has further exacerbated public confusion regarding the legal status of the cannabis plant’s non-psychoactive compound.

This post provides an overview of the regulatory framework of alcoholic beverages, including pre-manufactured industrial hemp-infused drinks and “homemade” alcoholic drinks infused with CBD oil or extracts.

Pre-Manufactured Alcohol Beverages Infused with Hemp

As we previously explained, alcoholic beverages are regulated by federal and state laws. Cannabis is heavily regulated at the state level but unlike alcohol, it is—for the most part—strictly prohibited under federal law. However, one variety of cannabis, hemp, was recently legalized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 Farm Bill”), which removed that particular crop from the definition of “Marihuana” under the Controlled Substance Act (“CSA”). Consequently, hemp is allowed in the formulation of alcohol beverages so long as the product meets specific criteria imposed by federal and state alcohol regulatory bodies.

RELATED: DEA Confirms It Cannot Regulate All Parts Of The Cannabis Plant

The formulation of hemp-infused alcoholic drinks is regulated by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) as well as by state liquor control agencies in states where the production and sale of hemp-infused drinks is allowed. Indeed, in its latest FAQ’s (which pre-dates the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill), the TTB declared it understood the 2014 Farm Bill to only authorize the use of hemp in the production of alcoholic beverage products for sale within limited state-sanctioned pilot programs.

However, in the same FAQ’s, the TTB explained that before it approves a formulation, it consults with the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to determine whether a hemp ingredient is safe for consumption and whether its use is lawful under the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (“FD&CA”). As we previously explained, the FDA currently deems the use of hemp-CBD-infused foods and drinks as unlawful because CBD has been approved in the treatment of epilepsy (Epidiolex); and therefore, can only be used as a drug. As such, the FDA has refused to recognize hemp-CBD as a safe food additive, which means it would treat hemp-CBD infused alcoholic beverages as unlawful under the FD&CA.

RELATED: Going Postal: USPS Provides Guidance On Mailing Hemp-CBD

Consequently, alcoholic beverages derived from parts of the hemp plant that do not contain CBD, such as hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein and hemp seed oil, grown pursuant to a state pilot program that allows the commercial sale of these products, seem to be the only hemp-infused beverages eligible for TTB approval at the moment.

Drinks Infused with CBD Oil or Extracts

The alcoholic beverages recently banned from state bars and restaurants consisted of pre-manufactured alcohol beverages to which CBD oil or extract was later added. Unlike manufactured alcohol beverages, alcoholic drinks sold in bars and restaurants are directly regulated by state liquor control boards and state departments of health, which are free to defer to and adopt FDA regulations.

Although the FDA has limited its enforcement actions against CBD-infused products by sending warning letters, state agencies have begun confiscating those products, pursuant to FDA guidelines that categorize CBD as unsafe food additives. As I previously explained, food additives must receive FDA pre-market approval to be deemed safe for human consumption. However, given the FDA’s current position on CBD-infused products, such approval has yet to be granted.

RELATED: FDA Issues More Guidance On CBD Products

Because these “homemade” CBD-infused alcoholic drinks are devoid of TTB and FDA market approval, it is understandable that they be banned from local restaurants and bars as they pose a potential threat to health and safety.

So as of now, only TTB-approved hemp-infused alcohol beverages seem to be legal and officially “safe” for human consumption. And to be honest, we don’t know of any that have been approved. That said, this is an incredibly fast-evolving area of law and policy, and we have seen a dramatic escalation of interest in this space ever the past year.

For more information on this issue, feel free to contact our team of hemp and CBD experts.

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

Pornhub Reveals Most Popular ‘Avengers’ Character Searches

Avengers: Endgame’s influence has no limits. Toppling world box office records and prompting superhero hater James Cameron to send out a congratulatory tweet, it seems like the franchise has done all it can in order to completely permeate pop culture.  To show you how popular it is with adults, Pornhub reveals most popular Avengers character searches.  It will be curious to see who gets a spin off movie.

RELATED: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ And ‘Game Of Thrones’ Highlight How Crazy People Get Over Spoilers

Pornhub released some stats on their trends and searches, showing that Avengers characters began to have some influence over their website starting April 16. Searches peaked on April 26, the day of the film’s release, with an increase of 5,188% in searches. For comparison purposes, last year during Infinity War‘s release there was an increase of 300%. It looks like the end of the Avengers franchise sparked a little more than just nostalgia.

Unsurprisingly, the first two spots of the list were occupied by female superheroes, with the first one being Captain Marvel and the second one being Black Widow. These two are followed by Spider-Man, who must have some curious porn, and Hulk, a puzzling choice but also, not really. People are freaky.

Since the beginning of the year, sex and gender discussions have surrounded the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU is looking to cast a gay actor for a lead role in The Eternals, and Endgame was the first film of the franchise to introduce an openly gay character – a move that was heavily criticized online. The film was also the first that spent a significant amount of time praising Captain America’s butt.

RELATED: Someone Made Marvel Avenger Sex Toys

The release of Captain Marvel also opened the door for more discussions on representation, receiving praise for it’s focus on female relationships and giving fans plenty of room to speculate over Carol Danvers’ sexuality. Adding fuel to the fire was her haircut in Endgame.

No matter people’s thirst and readings on Marvel characters, for the time being, they’re going to have to settle for porn spoofs. Pornhub is more than happy to oblige.

Prince Harry Is Shunning This Major Royal Tradition To Give His Kid A ‘Normal’ Life

As seventh in line for the throne, Baby Sussex, whose name was announced yesterday as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, is entitled to be called Earl of Dumbarton. But because his dad wants his son to have a chance at a “normal” life, little Archie won’t be getting a title.

For those who thought the son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would be given the title of Prince, that was never in the cards due to an old-timey law that is still in effect. The law goes way way back to King George V’s 1917 decree that states only the eldest son of the Prince of Wales’s oldest son (William) is entitled to be called His Royal Highness and a Prince. And that honor goes to George.

RELATED: Will Meghan And Harry’s Baby Be A Prince Or Princess?

However, this rule could be changed at the snap of the Queen’s fingers because she has the power to issue her newest grandchild a title if she feels like it. But, that’s not happening.

Royal expert Victoria Arbiter told Fox News:

“He’s going to be simply known as Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. That gives him a greater chance of a normal life. Who knows what the future holds because one day his grandfather will be king. But it just takes the pressure off. There’s not so much expectation. He gets to be normal.”

“Master” is nothing to sneeze at. And it certainly doesn’t sound “normal”. But his parents get points for recognizing that a lot of responsibility comes with a proper royal title.

5 Important Questions To Ask When You First Start Dating Someone

Getting to know someone takes time and effort. Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable with strangers and potential romantic partners is not easy, but it’s the only way to make meaningful connections.

Since dating is a stressful topic for many, it should be approached with levity and fun. If you’re interested in obtaining a long term relationship from dating apps and first dates, there are some questions that should be asked. Here are five topics you should touch on whenever you’re starting to date someone new.

What are their interests and hobbies?

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RELATED: 4 Essential Tips For Sharing Nudes

This question is great for a first date, since it’s simple and non-invasive. Although you can learn someone’s hobbies and interests through their dating profile or their description from friends, it’s important to ask this question directly and listen to what they say. Your date’s passions and interests will let you know if their are worth pursuing and if you like them, which is what matters most.

Get to know their goals

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Asking your date about their goals and prospects is way more interesting than asking them about their jobs, which can at times prompt awkward answers and existential crises. While your date’s job is important, it’s also good to show interest in what they love and makes them happy.

Ask them about their siblings and family

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Asking your date about their siblings and family is a fun and harmless way of getting them to know them on a deeper level, catching a glimpse of their childhood.

What are their deal breakers?

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RELATED: Survey: Nearly Half Of Us Would Rather Have A Clean House Than Sex

Once you’ve established a connection and you know the basic things about them, preferably after a couple of dates, you should get to know their deal breakers and the things they can’t tolerate when dating someone new. This is something that must be approached early but not too early, since you don’t want to be freaky.

What do they want out of a relationship?

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Last but not least, asking your date what they want out of relationships is something that should be approached sooner rather than later, especially if it turns out that both of you had different interests and expectations all along.

Songwriters Hall Of Fame To Honor Justin Timberlake; Radio Host Fired Over Racist Tweet About Royal Baby

Songwriters Hall Of Fame To Honor Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake will be recognized for his success as a songwriter next month.

The pop star and former *NSYNC member will be presented with the Contemporary Icon Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 50th annual induction in New York on June 13, per a report published Wednesday (May 8) by the Associated Press.

Timberlake is the second person to receive the distinction, which credits a “songwriter-artist who has attained an iconic status in pop culture.” Lady Gaga accepted the inaugural honor in 2015.

Over the course of his 25-plus-year career, the 10-time Grammy-winning musician has written and co-written a myriad as timeless hits. In his tenure with the boy band, Timberlake lent his pen to bops like “Pop” and “Girlfriend” to slow-burning ballads like “Gone,” as well as solo singles “SexyBack,” “Cry Me a River,” “Mirrors,” “Rock Your Body,” “Suit & Tie,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

Other Class of 2019 Songwriters Hall inductees includes music heavyweights Dallas Austin, Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin, and Cat Stevens.

The star-studded celebration is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. (Get more details here.)

In other JT-related news, it appears the artist is back in the studio this week working on new music. His latest and fifth studio project, Man of the Woods, released in February 2018.

Racist Tweet about Meghan Markle’s baby leads to broadcaster’s dismissal

Via Fox News:

Danny Baker was fired over a tweet of a photo of a couple holding hands along with a chimpanzee in a suit and wrote, ‘Royal Baby leaves hospital.’ Baker was joking about Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s new baby boy; he has deleted the tweet.

BBC broadcaster Danny Baker was fired from BBC Radio 5 Live due to his “stupid unthinking gag” regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s newborn son, the news organization announced Thursday.

Baker, 61, tweeted a photo of a couple holding hands along with a chimpanzee in a suit and wrote, “Royal Baby leaves hospital.” Markle’s mother is African American. The tweet has since been deleted.

“Once again. Sincere apologies for the stupid unthinking gag pic earlier. Was supposed to be joke about Royals vs circus animals in posh clothes but interpreted as about monkeys & race, so rightly deleted. Royal watching not my forte. Also, guessing it was my turn in the barrel,” he wrote.

Later, Baker tweeted, “Just got fired from BBC Radio 5 Live. For the record – it was red sauce. Always.”

The BBC wrote in a statement that the broadcaster’s tweet “goes against the values we as a station aim to embody.”

“Danny’s a brilliant broadcaster but will no longer be presenting a weekly show with us,’ the BBC said in a statement, calling the tweet a “serious error of judgement.”

Baker attacked the network in a follow-up tweet.

“The call to fire me from BBC Radio 5 Live was a masterclass of pompous faux-gravity. Took a tone that said I actually meant that ridiculous tweet and the BBC must uphold blah blah blah. Literally threw me under the bus. Could hear the suits knees knocking. #F—em,” he wrote.

The One Reason Chelsea Handler Will Never Recommend A Marijuana Facial

Chelsea Handler is a true convert of the cannabis movement. Since last year, the comedienne hasn’t stopped talking about her love and support for the plant. “It changed my life and made things a little more tolerable and a little bit easier,” she told the Vancouver Sun.

But that open and honest attitude around marijuana made for one awkward facial appointment, as she relayed on a recent episode of “The Late Late Show with James Corden”. Handler’s esthetician thought the comedian would be into a marijuana facial without asking if she wanted to try it first.

RELATED: Chelsea Handler Can’t Stop Discussing Cannabis, Microdosing And Edibles

“She put it on my face assuming I’d be into it. It was 11 o’clock in the morning. I went home and thought, ‘I gotta lay down.’ And I don’t take naps,” she said.

“Then I woke up and thought, ‘I gotta go back to bed.’ I was not right for three days.”

Handler, who also told the story in her new book, Life Will Be The Death of Me: … And You Too!, was surprised by her reaction, based on her previous drug experience.

RELATED: Chelsea Handler Is Getting Into The Marijuana Business

“There’s something about putting it in your pores that I don’t recommend to people. Because I have a high tolerance. You’ve seen me on any drug and I can handle it,” she gestured to Corden. “But when it gets in your pores it’s a different bodily reaction. It takes over.”

You can watch the full interview above.

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