Friday, July 3, 2026
Home Blog Page 730

Why This Colorado Doctor No Longer Believes Edibles Should Be For Sale

Talk to anyone who recently started experimenting with marijuana long enough, and eventually you’ll hit on the subject of edibles. Most everyone has at least one negative experience with edibles and it’s almost always for the same reasons—because you didn’t realize how much you ate, or you didn’t wait long enough for the effects to kick in before eating more. That, obviously, can cause problems.

Such observations fall in line with recent research out of Denver, which found that cannabis-related emergency room visits increased threefold after recreational marijuana was legalized. Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers studied the records of 9,973 patients who visited the University of Colorado Hospital emergency department between 2012 and 2016. They found that ER trips related to edibles increased 33 times from the previous amount prior to legalization.

RELATED: How Bioavailability Will Change The Marijuana Game

The study was in part inspired by the doctors’ own experiences, as they noticed “there were a lot of visits associated with edibles, even though they were not the predominant product used, and they seemed to be sicker compared to those who inhaled,” said Dr. Andrew Monte, the lead author of the study.

What’s interesting is the percentage of cannabis-related ER visits related to edibles and how much edibles constitute the sales of cannabis-related products sold in Colorado. From 2014 to 2016, edibles made up 0.32% of sales in Colorado while 10.7% UCHealth University of Colorado cannabis-related ER visits were due to edibles. Those who wind up in the hospital due to edibles report intoxication, anxiety, psychosis, cardiovascular symptoms, and acute panic attacks. These findings have made Monte reconsider his views on the sales of marijuana edibles.

RELATED: 4 Tips On Avoiding The ER Because You Got Too High

“While I’m a supporter of cannabis liberalization policy in general, having seen these data, and my own clinical experiences, I don’t think it should be available for recreational purposes,” he told Inverse.

The researchers were also clear in the limitations of their observational study. First is that patients who go to the emergency room “differ from the overall population of cannabis users, most of whom may use cannabis with no adverse effects.” Also, there was no way for them to know how much quantifiable THC or CBD was in the edibles taken by patients prior to their arrival.

Marijuana, Hemp, CBD Oil: Which of These Is Legal and Where?

Despite all the breakthrough in medicine and numerous scientific evidence that cannabis has vast potential in curing various disease, the US laws are still baffling and do not allow all cannabis-related products to be produced or consumed freely. Bearing in mind the recent discussions, approvals and prohibitions, it is no wonder one can get rather confused about what is legal and what can get you in jail. For this reason, let’s demystify the rules about marijuana, hemp, and CBD oil.

Let’s start with the good news first. In December 2018, president Trump has finally signed the agriculture bill which has made hemp production legal in all states. Hemp is actually the stem of the plant and has plenty of industrial purposes. Traditionally, its fibers have been used for making textiles, paper, and other products. Still, the legalization of hemp on the federal level has one huge possibility, and that is the opportunity of extracting substances from hemp which could be used for medical purposes. Apparently, such substances are extremely low in THC and CBD, but we should not get ahead of ourselves.

Hemp production is legal with the right permissions, but extracting substances from it such as THC and CBD differs from state to state – it’s definitely a grey area.

RELATED: Marijuana 101: A Beginner’s Guide To CBD Tincture

As for marijuana itself, you can fully enjoy it in these states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. Once again, that does not mean you can grow as much marijuana as you want in your backyard, or even buy as much as you wish. There are lots of rules and regulations, so it’s definitely worth asking around at the local council.

When it comes to health, almost two-thirds of the country support using marijuana or its products for medical purposes, but you should be wary of it, too. Marijuana has been known to battle lots of conditions and diseases, from “trivial” ones such as insomnia to the ones with a possible deadly outcome, such as cancer. Despite its excellent performance abilities, cannabis is still illegal on the federal level due to some powerful legalization opponents. Unfortunately, putting high revenues over people’s health is still a custom in today’s world, rather than a crime.

At the moment, you are allowed to obtain medical marijuana in 33 states. It normally takes you a prescription from a licensed physician to get your dose. However, it may happen that a state has legalized CBD oil only, but other cannabis forms are fully banned.

CBD is especially interesting this year, particularly due to the above-mentioned hemp farm bill. Hemp legislation should encourage CBD production, too. Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is a substance praised for its beneficial impacts on health without the “high” feeling, i.e. without hazardous implications.

RELATED: A Beginners Guide To Reading Marijuana Labels

The following states have some type of CBD legalized: Alabama, Wyoming, Georgia, Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Missouri. Nevertheless, not all of them approve of CBD oil, nor can you get a CBD treatment unless it has been approved for your disease in particular. In that respect, Georgia and Iowa are quite open-minded, so to say. Therefore, one always has to inquire what exact form of CBD is legal, and if can be prescribed in that particular state for a specific condition.

By the way, if you’re considering using marijuana in any way, do not even think about Idaho, Nebraska or South Dakota. All marijuana is illegal in these states, which can lead to serious consequences, regardless of the majority of states recognizing its good use.

Hopefully, we will soon witness more states accepting cannabis as an excellent health aid. The hemp farm bill is quite encouraging, so the federal legalization day should not be too far.

This story was originally published on Green Market Report. 

Why Intellectual Property Will Be A ‘Big Differentiator and Value Creator’ In Marijuana Business

In this interview from the 2019 Growth Conference, presented by Gravitas Securities Inc., SmallCapPower spoke with Paul Pedersen, the CEO of Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. (CSE:OILS).

Pedersen believes growing cannabis as a business is a ‘race to the bottom’, whereas their technology lead in extraction and purification of cannabis prepares them to take on the infused-products market when it opens up in October 2019.

RELATED: New Report: Extracts Barrelling Toward $8 Billion in 2022, Outpacing Flower Growth

Nextleaf Solutions is an extraction technology company that has developed a portfolio of issued and pending patents pertaining to the company’s unique, industrial-scale process of producing purified cannabinoid distillate, a tasteless, odourless cannabis concentrate best suited for infusing premium value-added products.

Nextleaf plans to commercialize its intellectual property portfolio by providing B2B processing services to licensed cultivators and supplying cannabis oil and extracts to qualified Canadian and international partners under the client’s own brands. Nextleaf has completed construction of its dedicated extraction and processing facility in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, in time for Canada’s legalization of edibles and other cannabis derivative products.

Watch the full interview below.

Tips On Sharing A Bed And Having A Sound Sleep!

Sharing your bed with someone is nice, providing intimacy and safety. Although many studies claim sleeping alone is best for your overall health and rest, most American adults choose to sacrifice their quality of sleep over the positive psychological effects of sharing your bed. Tips on sharing a bed and having a sound sleep!

You shouldn’t be forced to choose one or the other. There are ways of reaping the benefits of sleeping next to someone and having the rest your body needs. Here are four tips that can help you and your partner develop more functioning sleep habits:

Account for body temperature

https://giphy.com/gifs/mic-bed-sheets-making-the-Kj0A4nvdK4wpi

RELATED: When It Comes To Sleep, Quality Is Better Than Quantity

Different people prefer different levels of warmth and comfort. If your partner prefers a warmer bed, buy individual blankets or try using twin sized comforters. This solves blanket stealing, a very real and annoying problem, and it also allows each person to choose a comforter that’s better that’s heavier, warmer and better suited for their needs.

Size and consistency of your mattress

https://giphy.com/gifs/jordanfisher-mess-jordan-fisher-3o7aCUDSCDJLfJQYLu

If you’re a fussy sleeper, you need to have a mattress that adapts to your body, that has enough space for you to move around and that’s of your preferred consistency. Luckily, there’s tons of options. Foam and hybrid-foam mattresses provide motion isolation, so you won’t feel your partner’s movements or they don’t feel yours.

Create a bedtime routine

https://giphy.com/gifs/rose-byrne-neighbors-seth-rogan-10c6tt3YZlnWrm

RELATED: 5 Simple Ways To Get A Better Night’s Sleep

One of the perks of sleeping with someone is the fact that they can act as living reminders of your bedtime. Having a small chat before sleeping and conducting your general bedtime routine can make your body feel like it’s ready for bed, encouraging you to sleep instead of wasting your time doing something else.

Adapt to the problem

https://giphy.com/gifs/puppy-fall-bOmXDVQAR7gaY

If your bedtime is filled with problems, try to solve them in any way you can. Meet up with a specialist, use earplugs and look for possible solutions. “Prioritize sleep as a couple. Think of it as an investment in your relationship, because you really are a better partner as well as more productive and healthier and happier when you sleep better,” said Wendy Troxel in an interview with the New York Times.

Hope these tips on sharing a bed and having a sound sleep and a happy relationship!

Marijuana Could Treat Anxiety

A new Canadian observational study demonstrated the potential effectiveness where medical marijuana could treat anxiety. Almost half of the study’s participants were successfully able to quit using benzodiazepines after six months of medical marijuana treatment.

The study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, included 146 anxiety patients who were all taking some benzodiazepines, like Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium. Patients reported that they were better able to treat their symptoms using medical marijuana, and 45 percent of them were able to stop taking their anti-anxiety medications, some even sooner than that.

RELATED: Science: How Marijuana Works To Help Those With Multiple Sclerosis

Around 40 million Americans have an anxiety disorder (about 18.1% of the population), according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Medical marijuana could prove to be an effective treatment outside of addictive opioids for many Americans, says Dr. Michael Verboa, Chief Medical Officer of Alefia Health, the company that funded the study.

“The opioid crisis gets a lot of air time, but people don’t always realize that behind the [opioid] crisis is benzodiazepine addiction and overuse of antidepressants,” Dr. Verboa told Weedmaps. “By offering a safer alternative like cannabis, we can keep people away from addictive substances.”

This could be particularly valuable in modern times. According to a 2018 American Psychiatric Association (APA) poll, almost 40 percent of Americans reported feeling more anxious in 2018 than they did the year previous.

RELATED: Denver’s Youth Drug Education Is Turning Teens Away From Marijuana Use

Depression isn’t far behind, either. There are 16.2 million adults in the United States who suffer from depression, which makes up 6.7% of the population. It’s also been estimated that 15% of all adults will suffer from depression at some point in their lifetime. However, researchers have stressed more clinical research is necessary before patients completely give up traditional medicine and exclusively focus on medical marijuana.

“The study results are encouraging, and this work is concurrent with growing public interest in a rapidly developing Canadian cannabis market,” said lead author Chad Purcell in a press release. “We are advising the public to observe caution. The results do not suggest that cannabis should be used an alternative to conventional therapies. Our purpose is inspiring others to advance current cannabis understanding as we collect stronger efficacy and safety data that will lead to responsible policy and recommended practices for use.”

Here’s How Medical Marijuana Can Help With Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes itchy scaling of the skin. It typically affects the elbows, knees, and scalp, but any skin-covered place will do.

About 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. For most, it will manifest only in patches. But if it extends over more than five percent of your surface area, then you are among the one-in-five who have a severe case.

RELATED: Itchy? Medical Marijuana Can Help With Cases Both Severe And Minimal

There are many faces of psoriasis. Lesions may be slivery or fiery red, pussy or merely bloody, small or expansive in scale. Fingernails may or may not discolor, crumble, and detach. As many as a third of people with this condition will receive the bonus gift of psoriatic arthritis.

Genetically inherited, psoriasis is yet another trauma we receive from our parents, but its appearance tends to be triggered by physical or emotional stress.

During an outburst, T cells that normally protect us from bacterial incursions mistakenly begin to attack our own skin cells. As white blood cells rush into the fray, the blood vessels dilate, causing inflammation. The body then goes into overdrive to replace the dead and dying skin. New cells push up, as much as ten times faster than normal, accumulating on the surface in thick mounds of dead skin and white corpuscles, intertwined like the corpses of ice-zombies and men of the Night’s Watch strewn across the plains of the frozen North.

Because of cannabis’s well known anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, it’s a natch that it ought to have some ameliorating effect on the heartbreak of psoriasis. But the medical evidence is thin.

RELATED: These Are The Best CBD Products For Sleep

One of the most intriguing findings comes from a 2007 study that tested the effects of five different cannabinoids (including everybody’s favorites THC and CBD) on skin cells that were induced to hyper-productivity in vitro. All five cannabinoids inhibited proliferation. (That’s good news!) But here’s something that flouted all expectation: Blocking both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors had no effect on the outcome. In other words, the cannabinoids were operating by some means other than the two scientifically recognized pathways.

What that means is, however, still unknown.

Justin Bieber Is Now Sleeping In A Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber; Bethenny Frankel Called Ex Family ‘White Trash’

Justin Bieber is now sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber

The pop star, 25, showed fans his new nighttime routine on his Instagram Stories on Sunday, passing his phone off to his wife, Hailey Baldwin, 22, so she could document the “Sorry” singer catching some zzz’s inside his new portable hyperbaric therapy tube.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn’t typically used for treating depression, but according to Logan Poudel of Santa Fe Spring, California-based OxyHealth, it has been proven effective for use on sufferers of PTSD.

RELATED: That Time Duchess Kate Stopped At A Random Pub To Use The Toilet

“It increases the amount of oxygen in the body by double within an hour, which reduces inflammation in the body, including the muscles, joints and brain,” Poudel told Page Six. He added that while “it’s not detrimental” to spend the night inside one of the chambers, “there’s no medical benefit past two hours.”

“Often the people who sleep in them are NFL players,” Poudel continued. “It makes it painless to finally sleep once the pressure is formed. One hour in the unit at pressure is the equivalent of a three-hour nap. So those suffering insomnia due to PTSD or stress finally get to rest and decompress.”

Bethenny Frankel called ex family ‘white trash’

Bethenny Frankel once blasted her ex-husband as “white trash” — and doused him with water while he was sleeping, she admitted on the stand Monday.

The “Real Housewives of New York City” star acknowledged her role in her increasingly hostile relationship with Jason Hoppy.

The former couple continued living together at their Hudson Street condo after Frankel filed for divorce in January 2013.

“You called him white trash, correct?” probed Hoppy’s lawyer Robert Wallack on the fourth day of their child custody hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court.

“I think I called his family that,” she replied.

Wallack then made her read an old transcript from a 2014 hearing in the long-running case, when she testified that she called him “white trash” after he claimed to have found an “investor” to bankroll his divorce fight.

“You called him white trash?” Wallack repeated.

“Yes,” she finally admitted.

Frankel and Hoppy share joint custody of their 8-year-old daughter Bryn but the reality TV star is fighting for extra time with the girl, as well as sole decision-making power.

“I have tried everything to collaborate and work in the best interest of my daughter. What is best for Bryn is to have a rational person who is making good decisions,” she testified earlier in the day.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Describes The “Betrayal” She Felt After Being Fired From ‘The View’

According to USA Today, which obtained a copy of the memoir, Hasselbeck was absolutely devastated by the decision, and she described being “bent over” with “shock, asthma, and betrayal” in that moment. “I felt like the walls of the building were folding in on me,” she wrote in her book.

In “Point of View,” Hasselbeck detailed her 10 year tenure on The View, which she co-hosted from 2003 to 2013. However, in March 2013, things “had begun to feel unusual” around the set, and she had an inkling that changes were coming. Hasselbeck wrote that one day, a View producer and an ABC executive came to her office and informed her that the show was “going in a less political direction” — and as such, her contract would not be renewed for another season. “I could not breathe — literally, could not breathe,” she wrote of the moment, adding that she “asked permission” to grab her inhaler. “I was bent over — shock, asthma, and betrayal all stealing my wind.”

RELATED: Marie Kondo Says This One Thing Could Be Holding You Back From Love

Hasselbeck went on to say that she attempted to change ABC’s mind, but to no avail. “‘Was there something I could have done differently?’” she recalled asking. “‘Can I do something differently now? If you would just tell me, I would work on that — and make it better.’” The longtime host continued, “I kept asking, trying to figure out how to get it back, trying to get it all back.”

According to Hasselbeck, she spent an hour and a half “just sobbing” and attempting to convince the producer and the exec to reverse their decision. “‘I have come here and had babies and shared my heart,’” she recalled telling them. “‘I have done my work, and I just don’t understand. Why did you not tell me there was somehting I could have done better, so I could have done that?’ Blank stares met those anguished words.” She continued to explain her many emotions in that moment. “Feeling a dose of betrayal and a whopper of confusion, I felt like the walls of the building were folding in on me,” wrote Hasselbeck.

“Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom” is now available for purchase. Hasselbeck will also be appearing on The View today, Tuesday, March 26, to discuss her new memoir.

The 5 Most Famous Animals On Instagram You Should Follow

Instagram has multiple uses. You can shop on it, get regular updates from your friends, follow your favorite personalities and upload stories while showing off cute dog ears. It’s fun and addictive but it’s so much better when there are animals involved.

Instagram animal personalities are an entire subgenre of the social media platform. These guys are worth millions of dollars, with millions of followers and, best of all, never posting anything controversial. What you see is what you get with them: a cute photo with an adorable and even inspiring write-up underneath.

Time magazine compiled a list containing the best and most famous animals with Instagram accounts. Check out five of our favorites:

Doug the Pug

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Doug The Pug (@itsdougthepug) on

RELATED: Dogs Of Instagram: Labrador Retriever

With over 3.7 million followers, Doug the Pug is more famous than some well established celebrities and Instagram personalities. He tends to star in funny videos where he’s seen wearing adorable clothes, starring in altered versions of TV shows and modeling with famous humans. Pugs are naturally adorable and beloved by all, and Doug is the perfect embodiment of that.

Juniper the Fox

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by J U N I P E R & F I G (@juniperfoxx) on

Juniper has 2.7 million followers and is a fox. Literally. Juniper is a North American red fox born in captivity, incapable of living in the wild. The fox’s family also cares for other exotic rescues, making them well equipped of caring for a fox.

Pumpkin the Raccoon

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pumpkin The Raccoon (@pumpkintheraccoon) on

Pumpkin is another exotic animal rescue, adopted by her family when she fell out of a tree and landed in their backyard in the Bahamas. Pumpkin was nursed to health and remained in that household, becoming a great companion to two rescue dogs.

Jill the Squirrel

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jill The Squirrel (@this_girl_is_a_squirrel) on

RELATED: 5 Videos Of Cute Animals To Get You Through The Week

Jill the squirrel was a victim of the 2012 Hurricane Isaac. She was rescued by a family and is now six years old. She’s also a vegetarian and is extremely adorable and friendly, unlike any other squirrel I’ve ever seen on the street or on parks.

Reagan the Doodle

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Reagandoodle (@reagandoodle) on

Raegan is a labradoodle and he stands out from other Instagram dogs because he tends to be photographed while wearing human clothes, accompanied by an adorable little boy who matches most of his outfits. Reagan is less known that some of the other names on this list but he’s already released a few books and has developed a devoted fan base.

The Best CBD Products For Sleep

Cannabis is pretty good for sleep, but THC doesn’t always help everyone hit the pillow. If you are seeking better slumber, CBD could be the way to go. That is until we get the full rundown on CBN, the deteriorated form of THC, which is said to be even sleepier than all other cannabinoids but harder to produce.

CBD is plenty viable, and since it became federally…ignored…it’s much easier to obtain. What exactly does CBD do for sleep?

Consumer Reports says, “10 percent of Americans who reported trying CBD said they used it to help them sleep, and a majority of those people said it worked.” Sounds pretty excellent! But since CBD can also increase focus and wakefulness in the daytime, it’s good to get the dosage or method right.

RELATED: This Is Why Peppermint CBD Tinctures Are So Popular

One of the key ways that CBD can help you sleep, aside from its potential (but untested) effect on the body’s sleep regulating receptors, is its indirect but sleep aiding features—pain and anxiety assistance.

For now, the only way to figure it out is on your own. We love CBD for sleep, so here are three suggestions for CBD snooze boosters.

Dr. Kerklaan Natural CBD Sleep Cream ($65)

Photo by Danielle Guercio

Honestly this product is a bit miraculous. I only use it on my hands sometimes and still feel sleepier within moments of applying. This cream smells nice and light, nothing too pronounced that could distract or awaken you, and its melatonin and CBD dose is great for sore shoulders or just sniffing before you slip away to dreamland. A tiny dot goes a long way, which makes the price less of a concern.

New Highs 2000mg CBD Tincture ($215)

Photo by Danielle Guercio

The tincture route is always brilliant for fast sublingual dosing—or dropping in your nighttime tea. Internally dosing CBD for sleep may require a bit of extra oomph. Genevieve R. Moore PhD wrote for Foria Wellness that for sleep your best bet is, “Oral supplement a few hours before bedtime. Lower doses can energize while higher doses encourage sleep.”

RELATED: Now You Can Make Dispensary-Grade Cannabis Products At Home

This is why I go for super potent (and fresh to the market) New Highs CBD Tincture for help knocking out. It comes in much stronger doses than most of the entry level CBD out there, and so drop for drop you still get the control of a tincture but with the strength for slumber. A full spectrum and extra potent CBD oil is great for medical cannabis users, the Price per dose is much lower than with edible and inhalable CBD products.

Wink Purify CBD Sugar Scrub ($34)

Photo by Danielle Guercio

Nothing gets the body in sleepy mode like a fabulous bath or nice long shower. W!nk beauty knows that we crave unique CBD experiences that are seamlessly incorporated into our beauty routine, and their aromatherapeutic CBD Detox Scrub gives you improved circulation, the refreshing stimulation of a sugar scrub, and the added bonus of CBD to work on your muscles and mind while you soak after a good rubdown. Feeling extra spa-ced out? Add on a CBD sheet mask, with 25mg of inflammation reducing cannabinoids from full spectrum hemp oil.

Having different methods for nighttime CBD means when it’s time to get some sleep, you can scrub up, suds up, lotion up, or drop a little something under your tongue. Focus on deep breathing, clearing your mind, and let the cannabinoids do their thing—hopefully you’ll be asleep in no time.

Tipsy Shoppers Love To Buy Stuff On Amazon

Amazon and alcohol tend to result in stupid mistakes. We’ve all heard of these stories, maybe from a friend that had one too many drinks and ended up buying a big cat tree that takes up most of their living room, or from personal experience, when after a black out drunk incident mysterious packages started appearing at your doorstep. It is a thing, Tipsy shoppers love to buy stuff on Amazon and other sites.

Although these episodes tend to make us feel embarrassed and like we have an alcohol problem, they’re incredibly common. The Hustle conducted a survey on over 2,000 adults and concluded that each person spends around $444 dollars a year on drunk online purchases. Over 85 percent of these buys are conducted through Amazon. That’s a whole lot of money for a website that has over 100 million Prime members.

RELATED: Almost Half Of Millennials Would Prefer To Give Up Sex Instead Of Amazon

The survey shows that the second most visited site while drunk is Ebay (21 percent) and the third is Etsy (12 percent). It appears that drunk people really love to buy clothes and shoes, with the occasional splurge on music concerts and the like.

Luckily for everyone, only 20 percent of people end up regretting and returning their online drunk purchases. “To be honest, they’re almost always stupid buys, but the humor factor outweighs the stupidity,” explains The Hustle. Your friend may not love that cat tree but it’s still a pretty good story.

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.