Israeli Study Shows Marijuana May Relieve Autism Symptoms

Mike Adams

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February 5, 2019

Israeli Study Shows Marijuana May Relieve Autism Symptoms

The scientific community has struggled to gain a solid understanding of children suffering from autism. Since this condition affects every child differently, no blanket treatment option has yet been developed to give doctors are starting point when dealing with these type of patients. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that cannabis might be part of the solution—similar to how it is for epilepsy—yet American researchers have been hindered from digging deeper into the possible benefits.

But all is not lost. Scientists in Israel appear to have uncovered definitive proof that medical marijuana can help autistic kids deal with the worst of their symptoms and live a better quality of life.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Soroka University Medical Center have found that cannabis oil is an effective remedy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a condition characterized by a number of social and behavioral issues. The latest study, which was published in Scientific Reports, finds that many of the symptoms related to this condition, including tics, depression and rage attacks, were diminished in patients after receiving cannabis oil.

“Overall, more than 80% of the parents reported significant or moderate improvement in their child,” lead study author Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider said in a statement.

In a matter of six months, 30 percent of patients reported substantial improvement, while more than 53 percent showed improvements at moderate levels. Only 15 percent did not respond favorably to cannabis oil therapy, the study shows. A further breakdown shows that around 40 percent were able to shower and dress themselves post-treatment. What’s more is nearly 30 percent of patients reported having better sleep, and there was close to a 10 percent increase in their ability to concentrate.

So, what ratio of cannabis oil were patients given to provide these results?

The study indicates that most were given a mixture of 30 percent cannabidiol (CBD)—the non-intoxicating compound of the cannabis plant—and 1.5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the chemical that provides the high. Some studies have shown that the combination of the plant’s two primary components can provide better results than CBD alone.

Still, researchers believe more work needs to be done before they have a solid grasp of how this treatment can help ADS patients.

“While this study suggests that cannabis treatment is safe and can improve ASD symptoms and improve ASD patient’s quality of life, we believe that double-blind placebo-controlled trials are crucial for a better understanding of the cannabis effect on ASD patients,” said Dr. Victor Novak, who also worked on the study.

It should be noted that that the cannabis oil used in this study was derived from the cannabis plant and is not the hemp-based product sold in shopping malls, truck stops and convenience stores all across the United States.

Taylor Swift Now On Scientology’s Most Wanted List; Ben Affleck And Lindsay Shookus Back Spending Time Together

Naughty Gossip

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February 5, 2019

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Taylor Swift Now On Scientology’s Most Wanted List!

“The church would be thrilled to have someone like Taylor with her massive fan base to attract new, younger members,” an insider told RadarOnline.com.

The “Bad Blood” singer, 29, recently recorded a video message for one of the church’s most prominent celebrity members — actress Elisabeth Moss of TV’s Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale.

“Taylor was responding to an interview Elisabeth had given where she said that she listens to Taylor’s music in her dressing room,” a source said.

“When she viewed the video, Elisabeth’s face lit up like a Christmas tree and she sent a message to Taylor saying, ‘Taylor, I’m free to hang out anytime!’”

Now, pals of the pop star are concerned Elisabeth will try to use the newfound friendship to convince Taylor to join Scientology.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMEPfRlu5C/

Ben Affleck and Lindsay Shookus are back spending time together

BACK ON? Nearly six months after their split, Ben Affleck and Lindsay Shookus are back spending time together.

“They’ve struck up a friendship again and are spending time together,” a source tells PEOPLE of the Triple Frontier star, 46 and Saturday Night Live producer, 38.

Another insider adds that while the exes are indeed talking again, both are more focused on their respective careers and families vs. rekindling a full-blown romance.

Kate Beckinsale isn’t ‘looking to get serious’ with Pete Davidson, okay?

Girls just wanna have fun — and nobody knows that better than Kate Beckinsale! On Friday, the 45-year-old actress supported Pete Davidson at his stand-up comedy show in Los Angeles. Though the pair left the venue hand-in-hand and headed back to Davidson’s Santa Monica hotel together, a source close to Beckinsale says her relationship with the Saturday Night Live star, 25, is not likely to go any further — due in part to her failed marriage with Len Wiseman.

“Kate’s not looking to get serious with someone. She was really hurt after her marriage with Len ended,” the source told PEOPLE. “She wants to have fun with guys and date around. She loves the attention from the younger men she dates.”

“It makes her feel good about herself too,” the insider added. “She doesn’t care what people think.”

Davidson is not the first younger man to catch Beckinsale’s attention in the wake of her divorce with Wiseman. Over the summer, the actress was linked to 23-year-old comedian and actor Matt Rife. The duo eventually called it quits after two months of dating. Then in November 2018, Beckinsale started dating 30-year-old British actor and comedian Jack Whitehall. The pair, who have a 15-year age gap, were spotted showing some PDA at a karaoke bar in Los Angeles, partying and kissing at a candle-lit booth.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtXPvDgBo5O/

7 Daily Habits That Can Help You Become More Successful

Maria Loreto

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February 5, 2019

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7 Daily Habits That Can Help You Become More Successful

Being a successful and organized human sounds wonderful on paper but in practice is a much more complicated concept to define. While there are days when you feel like you can do anything (go to the gym, have three productive meetings and finish all your work before 6 p.m.) there are others that are more much challenging.

Although there is no instant path to success, there are daily habits you can adopt and absorb over time, helping you be more efficient and productive on all aspects of your life. Inc.com compiled a list of daily habits from successful people of all professions; check out some of our favorites.

Work out first thing in the morning

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Exercising is good for you and can help you get motivated for the rest of your day. Going to the gym or doing whatever it is you do for exercise forces you to wake up earlier and get a rush of endorphins before you go to work.

Clean your inbox over the weekend

Checking and replying emails consumes a lot of time that can be used to do other things. By checking your email over the weekend and preparing your replies for Monday, you’ll save up time and reply to coworkers and friends with a better and fresher perspective.

Try to learn something when you first wake up

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Reading the news can be exhausting, but it can also become a learning experience. As you read and go through your favorite news outlets, try to look into the terms and topics that you’re not acquainted with. “There is something very energizing to me about starting the day with this mindset of curiosity–of learning something completely new or broadening my perspective on an issue or concept,” says Jonathan Cherki, founder and CEO of ContentSquare.

Read a chapter of a book or an article once a day

Reading provides tons of benefits, helping you become a better writer, speaker, and obtaining a better understanding of the world.

Use to-do lists

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To-do lists are a great way of keeping yourself organized and maintaining your goals accounted for. These lists make tasks seem less daunting and also allow you to organize and shuffle around your priorities depending on how pressing each task is.

Create weekly goals

Make realistic lists every Sunday about the goals you want to get through each week. “The 30 minutes this takes on a Sunday helps me manage my time and hit the ground running on Monday,” says Dave Evans, founder and CEO of Fictiv.

Keep a detailed calendar

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Calendars allow you to keep track of your engagements and they can also be kept for posterity, giving you a 360 view of your month or year. This habit can help you visualize your accomplishments and progress while also helping you stay on top of your responsibilities.

MedMen Faces New Lawsuit From Former CFO James Parker

Debra Borchardt

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February 5, 2019

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MedMen Faces New Lawsuit From Former CFO James Parker

MedMen Enterprises Inc. (MMNFF) is facing a new lawsuit from the company’s former Chief Financial Officer James Parker. Parker filed his case on January 29 in the Superior Court of California in the County of Los Angeles claiming wrongful termination for an undetermined amount of damages.

MedMen spokesman Daniel Yi said that the company was unable to respond to the filing because it had not been officially served, but would do so once that happened.

“These are baseless claims and we’ll defend ourselves vigorously in court,” Yi said.

Parker resigned from the company in November less than a year after the company began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange following a reverse take over. It’s highly unusual for a company to experience a change at this level so quickly after becoming a publicly traded company. At the time, Jim Miller, who was the Vice President of accounting was appointed as the interim CFO and then in December MedMen named Michael Kramer as its official CFO. Kramer worked previously in senior jobs for retailers such as Apple Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21.

The Allegations

The allegations are harsh. Parker says that he had to “choose between complying with his fiduciary duty to the company and its shareholders or turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to improper and unlawful behavior, he had been constructively and wrongfully terminated without cause and in violation of public policy.”

Parker claims MedMen went behind his back to begin searching for a new CFO and diminished his authority within the company. He also complained that the company instructed him to make payments that he questioned.

“Plaintiff was ordered to spend several millions of company dollars on such items as 24-hour armed Executive Protection (security) for the CEO, President, and their families, high-tech safe rooms and security systems for their new houses, personal drivers, private jets (often with friends and family along for the ride), luxury hotels, special order pearl white Escalades for the CEO (and another car for his family), a custom $160,000 Tesla SUV demanded by the President, tens of thousands of dollars apiece on multiple extravagant custom conference room tables, and placing CEO Bierman’s personal therapist and marriage counselor on staff fulltime as a ‘performance improvement expert’ at a pay rate in excess of $300,000 a year.”

Parker alleges that Bierman and President Andrew Modlin engaged in inappropriate name-calling.

“Mr. Parker was forced to tolerate being ridiculed by CEO Bierman and President Modlin for the way Plaintiff dressed (not hip enough to satisfy the Founders’ millennial culture); being called ‘fat and sloppy’; being called a ‘pussy-bitch;’ having his office diminished in size; assigned to a shared a parking space with his executive assistant while less senior VP’s and Administrative Assistants had their own exclusive spots; subjected to hearing CEO Bierman’s racially inappropriate reference to Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson as a ‘midget negro’ and the CEO’s characterizations of cannabis social equity programs as ‘reparations;’ CEO Bierman’s references to a representative of the Drug Policy Alliance as a ‘fat, black lesbian;’ CEO Bierman’s and President Modlin referring to women in conflict with them as ‘cunts’ and those with different ideas or perspectives as being ‘retarded;’.”

Parker also made serious securities violation claims saying:

“Ordering Plaintiff to wire hundreds of thousands of public dollars to a ‘consultant’ in Canada to ‘buy up our stock when it is under attack'”
“Ordering Plaintiff to pay prohibited success fees to unlicensed broker-dealers for various fundraising efforts, under the semblance of ‘consulting agreements’”
“The CEO and President not being fully transparent about non-arm’s length deals with numerous related parties (including Pharmacann and Captor Capital)”
“The CEO and President failing to publicly disclose all Named Executive Officers and other Material Officer compensation packages (in violation of Canadian National Instrument Form 51-102 F6 which requires that the compensation of the CEO, CFO and next three highest-paid executives be publicly disclosed)”

Parker also claims that Bierman and Modlin have continued to treat the company as if it were still a private company and not one owned publicly by shareholders.

“Plaintiff having to deal with all of the resulting cultural fallout at the company; relegated to using his personal American Express card to fund company purchases ranging from $150,000-$250,000 a week because CEO Bierman and President Modlin, and Defendant could not obtain credit cards with high enough limits since MM Enterprises was in the cannabis industry”

MedMen Claims Performance Issues

Within the case, Parker included emails from Andrew Modlin suggesting the company was unhappy with Parker’s performance leading to his ouster.

“You have engaged in other serious neglect in the performance of your duties and you have willfully and repeatedly failed and refused to perform your duties,” Modlin wrote. “We will be providing you with a more detailed description of your performance deficiencies shortly as well as a plan for curing those deficiencies.”

In another email stated in the case, Modlin added, “We are taking the time to thoughtfully memorialize the myriad well-documented deficiencies in your performance so that both you and MedMen can understand what is expected of you in your very well compensated position. Given the amount of your base salary, the annual bonus available to you, and the value of the equity grants given to you, MedMen has every right to expect you to perform your job duties admirably. ”

Damages

Parker was being paid $750,000 a year and if he was terminated without cause he would receive $2.2 million. In addition to other lump sum payments and unvested stock options. However, the filing states that damages would be determined in court.

Other Lawsuits

MedMen is facing another lawsuit. Brent Cox and Omar Mangalji founders of The Inception Companies founders (through an affiliated entity – MMMG-MC, Inc. – that holds a significant stake in MedMen’s management company MMMG, LLC) filed a complaint against Adam Bierman; Andrew Modlin and various MedMen Enterprises (OTC: MMNFF) entities for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. A Los Angeles Superior Court though denied a request from the plaintiffs for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction and giving the company a slight early victory.

However, similar to Parkers claims that Bierman and Modlin are self-dealing when it comes to the company, Cox and Mangali also stated, “MedMen veneer is a complex web of interconnected subsidiary entities, virtually all of which are directly managed, directed, controlled, and owned by BIERMAN and MODLIN, and all of which always pursue the best interests of BIERMAN and MODLIN, rather than the best interests of any stakeholder or entity. It is that perverse interconnectedness and rampant, brazen self -dealing that renders the actions of BIERMAN and MODLIN, and of the Entity Defendants, unlawful.”

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report.

Why A Canadian NHL Team is Suing Snoop Dogg’s Marijuana Company

Brendan Bures

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February 5, 2019

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Why A Canadian NHL Team is Suing Snoop Dogg’s Marijuana Company

Shared interests usually bring people together, but in the case of Snoop Dogg vs. one Canadian hockey team, the opposite is true. A similarity in logos and names have caused the Toronto Maple Leafs to sue Snoop Dogg’s Leafs by Snoop, according to the Independent.

In a lawsuit filed in the U.S., the Toronto hockey team alleges it has a trademark on the word “leaf” and the maple leaf pattern that comprises their logo. The Maple Leafs allege the “unusual spelling of Leafs could lead to confusion,” wrote in their opposition.

“The similarity between the marks is exacerbated by the design elements of the LEAFS BY SNOOP Mark,” reads the lawsuit. “As shown below, Applicant’s design mark uses a white font enclosed within a wide-shaped leaf with three large segments at the top of the mark, a design echoing and highly similar to the MAPLE LEAFS’ design marks.”

Seriously? One is a Cannabis Leaf and the other is a Maple Leaf. #MapleLeafs #SnoopDogg pic.twitter.com/HtQ1VcB6HJ

— Tobias (@Hellquisttri) January 31, 2019

Even though Snoop Dogg’s artistic catalogue is resplendent in odd spellings—look no further than his name—the Maple Leafs insist their long-standing association with the spelling takes precedent.

“Over 90 years ago, the Maple Leafs adopted as one of their key brand names the trademark LEAFS. They have used their LEAFS mark in United States commerce since 1927. The LEAFS mark reflects a highly unusual and distinctive spelling, since the plural of the English language word “leaf” is usually presented as “leaves,” not “leafs.”

For what it’s worth, the design team behind Leafs by Snoop insinuates the branding has much more to do with California than Canada. Pentagram, the design team in question, writes on its website the goal was “to establish a brand that avoided clichés for a more sophisticated image that would still represent fun and a good time.”

“The identity centers on an iconic marijuana leaf playfully constructed of jewel-like facets, accompanied by elegant packaging that is layered with laid-back California cool,” Pentagram added.

5 Simple, Stress-Free Date Ideas For Valentine’s Day

Maria Loreto

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February 5, 2019

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5 Simple, Stress-Free Date Ideas For Valentine’s Day

Being single on Valentine’s Day sucks but being in a relationship also comes with its own set of issues, mainly what you’ll be doing in the much anticipated holiday. Booking a trip or simply having drinks and dinner on February 14 can quickly grow complicated, especially if you didn’t make plans in advance. In order to avoid last minute scrambles and a potential fight with your boyfriend or girlfriend, make sure to come up with a solid plan before Valentine’s Day.

Here are 5 Valentine’s Day date ideas that can help you make your celebrations more memorable:

Dinner at a nice place

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Although dinner for two on Valentine’s Day sounds a little been there done that, clichés are clichés for a reason, right? A romantic dinner is certainly the easiest option if you have some time to make a reservation and you’re willing to spend the money. There are dozens of restaurants that have special menus for the night, offering packages and providing live entertainment. Do your research and you’ll surely find something that will make your boyfriend or girlfriend really happy.

Couples massage

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Couples massages are intimate, special and different than what most people do on Valentine’s Day. It’s a good plan for someone who’s been in a relationship for a while and is looking to try something new.

Ice skating

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Ice skating is great and a good excuse to hold hands, which is a great option for a first date or a new relationship. This plan fits neatly with the winter and perfectly romantic for those who aren’t looking to spend hundreds of dollars on a night out.

A memorable present

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Gifts for Valentine’s Day depend on the couple. While some like to take it easy on this date, gifting each other flowers or cupcakes, other couples go for more expensive items like jewelry and clothes. Figure out what works best for your relationship, whether it’s a necklace with their initial on it or a matching set of underwear, and surprise them with something that celebrates the spirit of the holiday.

A fun class

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Depending on where you live, there are all sorts of classes for painting and cooking, ranging in prices and times. An amateur painting class or learning how to make chocolate can be a fun and low key activity that’ll be fondly remembered for years to come.

New Alaskan Pilot Program Will Offer Banking Services To Weed Businesses

Nicole Skrobin

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February 5, 2019

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New Alaskan Pilot Program Will Offer Banking Services To Weed Businesses

Alaska—a beautifully scenic state that isn’t highly populated despite it having more coastline than any other U.S. state combined. Besides Alaska being known for its plethora of wild animals and breathtaking nature, it’s also known as a cool state that offers adults the opportunity to purchase, consume, and grow recreational cannabis. In 2014, Alaskan voters approved of recreational cannabis, and since then, various dispensaries and pot shops have brought in millions of dollars in revenue.

Despite Alaska’s rapidly growing cannabis industry, no major banks nor credit card processors are willing to get involved. However, Anchorage-based Credit Union 1 saw a unique opportunity, which led to the development of a special pilot program for certain Alaskan cannabis businesses to participate in. What does this program consist of exactly, which companies qualify as participants, and will this become a trend in the U.S. cannabis industry?

Inefficacy of Cash-only Systems

While cannabis contains numerous medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits, the plant remains a Schedule I illegal substance in America. For decades, various federally regulated banks have turned their backs on cannabis businesses throughout America and in other countries. As a result, currently, the majority of American cannabis companies operate on a cash-only system. Since major banks are unwilling to work with these types of businesses, what other options are there besides exchanging only cash?

Although cannabis legalization changes have progressed over the years, countless dispensaries, pot shops, and collectives are still operating with cash-only systems. Unfortunately, this has led to Alaska enduring a serious “cash crisis” because an overflow of it has been handled between cannabis businesses, owners, and customers for several years thus resulting in too much cash making its way onto the streets. To combat this crisis, James Wileman, Credit Union 1’s CEO became even more motivated to get his company’s pilot program underway.

Furthermore, there are safety concerns with cash-only transactions plus several other risks associated with this outdated system. However, Credit Union 1’s pilot program can make a positive difference, especially by lessening various risks caused by an all-cash cannabis industry. This will not only benefit numerous dispensaries, but also the state of Alaska.

According to Cecilia Jefferson, a manager of Dankorage Dispensary, cashless transactions will be safer, simpler, and more convenient for customers and various dispensary employees.

“A lot of our vendors and cultivators have the same problems,” she said in a statement. “It would be safer for us and our customers to carry around credit or debit cards, but everything is cash, cash, cash.”

Benefits, Qualifiers, and Duration

In November of last year, Credit Union 1 informed people about their new pilot program that’ll offer financial services to different state-approved marijuana-related businesses (MRBs). The $1 billion-asset financial institution surprised countless people by making such a bold move, especially one that other credit unions and federal banks have yet to do.

It wasn’t until recently that Credit Union 1 decided to get involved in Alaska’s cannabis industry to make a real impact. Due to its unique pilot program, a handful of state-licensed Alaskan cannabis dispensaries will be permitted to open legitimate bank accounts. According to Credit Union 1 representatives, the operation of their new pilot program isn’t meant to suggest any specific moral or political stance on cannabis usage. Instead, it’s meant to help underserved cannabis businesses and eliminate an overflow of cash on the streets of Alaska.

Thus far, the size of the pilot program and its duration hasn’t been released to the public yet. In the very beginning of the program though, only a few Alaskan MRBs will be given the opportunity to participate. However, the only MRBs that can be served are those that are state-approved and operate legally. Also, each participating cannabis business must endure monitoring by the credit union’s compliance team. The intention of this is to make sure that all parts of each business remain legal. If everything goes as planned though, it’s likely that more MRBs will be accepted and served by the credit union in the near future.

“When it comes to our members, we always seek to meet the financial needs of those we serve without judgment or prejudice—and as a state-chartered credit union that only serves Alaskans, we are in the best position to provide this service for MRBs,” Credit Union 1 said in a statement.

According to Wileman, the pilot program will most likely start in the first half of this year. Then, after the program runs for about six months, Credit Union 1 will determine whether they’ll offer their services to all Alaskan MRBs or not.

The Future of Marijuana Banking Services

Once Credit Union 1’s pilot program goes into effect, Alaska will certainly benefit, especially because less time would be spent by the state’s tax division agency counting cash. Whereas, Alaskan residents would likely benefit in the long-run due to the convenience and safety of cashless transactions.

Although Credit Union 1’s pilot program isn’t underway yet, other U.S. states will be watching to see how it plays out. Based on how successful the pilot program will be, it’s probable that similar programs will be implemented in other regions soon.

World Health Organization Recommends Rescheduling Marijuana

Mike Adams

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February 4, 2019

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World Health Organization Recommends Rescheduling Marijuana

There could come a day soon when the cannabis plant and its derivatives are no longer part of the international drug treaties.

Just last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that all components of marijuana—THC and CBD—be removed entirely from it Schedule IV classification—the most restrictive drug category of the 1961 convention.

For decades the plant has been wrapped up in international drug control conventions as one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. A decision to move forward with no restrictions would eliminate any cause to enforce prohibition laws in most parts of the planet. In fact, it could give the United States government the ammunition it needs to move forward with legalizing at the national level.

Interestingly, WHO ’s recommendation was not expected to come in 2019.

Last year, there was a great deal of hope that WHO would endorse amending drug treaties to at least put cannabis in a less restrictive classification. But the agency complained that it needed more time to sort through the details before it could make a decision.

Many cannabis advocates argued that this dragging-of-the-feet was just a ploy to continue sandbagging the global marijuana movement and perhaps even sabotage a vote on the issue when it comes up this March at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

“The fact that the recommendations weren’t made today as expected could mean that when the time comes to decide what to do with the recommendations in March, it will be easier for certain countries to argue that they didn’t have enough time to review the inputs to have a position, possibly delaying the process once again,” Bruno Javier Faraone Machado, permanent representative of Uruguay to the United Nations, said in a December interview with Marijuana Business Daily.

Further reports supported these claims.

In fact, an article published earlier this month by Cannabis Wire suggested that a representative for the agency believed that the recommendation would not come until sometime in 2020. A delay of this magnitude would have been problematic, as a full endorsement is needed to even give the issue of eliminating marijuana from the confines of international drug law a fair shot at being approved.

Then out of the clear blue sky, WHO not only came through with its recommendation but it was one that was the best case scenario for cannabis reform advocates all over the world—a full deschedule.

Although the positive report doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the cannabis plant will be scratched from international drug laws—this is not the first time WHO has published a favorable cannabis report—it provides it with a clear path to bigger and better opportunities in the world of research and commerce.

Of course, some countries, like China and Russia, are expected to reject the recommendations made by WHO, but there is hope that there will be enough positive support with world leaders to usher in the kind of reform necessary to legitimize the plant.

The Weed Brands Establishing Themselves As The Biggest Names In Cannabis

Danielle Guercio

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February 4, 2019

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The Weed Brands Establishing Themselves As The Biggest Names In Cannabis

It’s no surprise that the adult-use industry is undergoing a near constant state of change. Until legalization is global and things settle around the world, regulations, trends and markets are always going to be in flux, but we can start to see some patterns turning up. We may not be in the final phase of construction, but the bigger players are already becoming clear.

From award winners to the most ubiquitous, it’s hard not to notice that name recognition is beginning to take hold, and it could be an indicator of future national trends or what the marketplace could look like on a larger scale. Edibles, flower, vapes and even experiences are starting to distinguish themselves in legal states and customers are becoming more specific in their tastes.

Next time you’re in the dispensary, you’ll feel a bit more equipped to choose between these bigger brands. Some are taking after the top brands in fashion and food and beverage with bold looks and social media presence, others are letting their influence on the shelves speak for itself, but all are making dank products that are laying the ground level of cannabis commerce that will influence everything to come.

Dixie

This is among the biggest brands in cannabis today, and they’re in two countries, extremely rare in this new world. With sub brands and various product lines to mold to the regs in each place of operation, Dixie is known for their topicals, pet products, and CBD line most of all. Available in Colorado, Nevada, Maryland, and California, Dixie will be expanding to Latin America a few more states in 2019. Top selling products include their Sour Smash Gummies and Synergy Releif Balm. After 10 years in business, they’ve won edible awards, and with over 100 products the reach is only expanding.

THC Design

Photo: Danielle Guercio

Weed billboards still give this New Yorker a thrill, and when in LA, broadly advertised and widely sold THC Design is the go-to for super fragrant buds and prerolls. Known for their Forbidden Fruit strain, this iconic molecule logo is being seen all over Southern California, but with the reach of their co-fonder’s YouTube Growing show, Grow Girl, it’s likely that THCD will go national some day.

Keef Brands

It’s so exciting to see cannabis multinational companies. Known for their cola, Keef brands operates in the US and Jamaica, and they’re dropping pax pods, edibles, and disposable vapes in states like Colorado, California, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, and Puerto Rico. Another award winning operation, Keef Brands has won Best Edible at the Cannabis Cup, one of the biggest weed contests in the world, as well as best vape pen in the Colorado Cannabis Cup, and Best Edible in the THC Championship. With so much already happening, we’re going to see much more from Keef Brands in the coming years.

Sherbinskis

The bright orange hue that represents Sherbinskis cannabis— known by anyone with an Instagram account— is no random choice. The deep connotations with luxury brand Hermès are even more striking when viewing their intense green bud posts/ Sherbinskis is a NorCal brand, but its reach is global thanks to social media. In a post Fyre Festival world, we know just how potent this power is. Watch out for future Sherbinskis drops in lifestyle and cannabis, the demand for their products should be the driving force that gets them in shops the world over some day.

These 10 Celebs Shamelessly Love Weed More Than You

Ashlee Nolan

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February 4, 2019

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These 10 Celebs Shamelessly Love Weed More Than You

Who says celebs aren’t just like us? As cannabis gradually becomes recreationally legal and socially acceptable, more celebrities have openly professed their love for the plant. Here are ten celebs who shamelessly indulge in a little smoke sesh from time to time (or all the time).

Rihanna

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jan 28, 2017 at 9:54am PST

If you check out RiRi’s Instagram page loaded with blunt-smoking selfies, you can see the singer is no stranger to ganja. She’s even been spotted rolling a blunt on her bodyguard’s head at Coachella.

Pete Davidson

Pete Davidson is “flagrant” about his weed use, as he stated in a live stand-up in Boston on NYE. The Saturday Night Live star is very vocal about his use of weed to manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease and borderline personality disorder.

Miley Cyrus

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on Jan 21, 2019 at 3:43pm PST

In the past, Miley has said “I think weed in the best drug on Earth.” She brazenly smoked a joint onstage at MTV’s European Music Awards and even sold 24k gold rolling papers as merch for her Bangerz tour. Despite a hiatus from toking back in 2017, Miley is apparently smoking again thanks to her mom.

Kevin Smith

Since being turned on to smoking weed by Seth Rogen, Kevin Smith has developed a weed-themed sitcom and a cannabis line inspired by the characters Jay and Silent Bob in Clerks. He’s even said that his doctor credits the joint he smoked shortly before for he suffered a massive heart attack for keeping him calm and ultimately saving his life.

Lady Gaga

During a 2012 live performance in Amsterdam, Lady Gaga smoked a joint onstage after it was thrown to her from the crowd and she stated that she loved “wondrous marijuana,” because it helped her cut down on drinking. Apparently she also smoked a ton of joints in front of Beyoncé and nearly gave her, “like, a panic attack.”

Sir Patrick Stewart

The iconic actor Sir Patrick Stewart recently revealed that he uses marijuana daily to treat the symptoms of his arthritis. The actor also serves on the Advisory Board of the U.K.-based Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies company, established in 2017 to develop cannabinoid-based medicines, in which Snoop Dogg invested $10 million this past summer.

Seth Rogen

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A post shared by Seth (@sethrogen) on Apr 20, 2018 at 10:59am PDT

In an interview with Vulture, Seth Rogen said smoking weed makes him “willing to work” and staves off the drudgery of his work days. In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Rogen said he smoked a joint in director Steven Spielberg’s face during their conversation because he had just lit it and didn’t want to put it out. He says this incident is why Spielberg won’t work with him.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman has always been open about her love for marijuana. At the 2014 Emmy Awards, Silverman openly displayed the weed pen she was carrying bag after E!’s “Clutch Cam” host Giuliana Rancic took her bag out of her hands and started going through it. She grabbed it before Rancic could find it and said, “This is my pot. It’s, um, liquid pot.”

Ricky Williams

Former Heisman Trophy winner and Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams abruptly retired from the NFL in 2004, at the start of his fifth season, after he failed his third league-mandated drug test for marijuana. Since then, he’s redefined himself as a sort of cannabis healer and announced the launch of his own cannabis brand last Spring.

Wiz Khalifa

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A post shared by Wiz Khalifa (@wizkhalifa) on Oct 14, 2018 at 12:09pm PDT

Wiz might be the most shameless stoner of them all. The rapper and weed connoisseur has his own strain called Khalifa Kush, his own line of papers, and a “dab bar” and “weed wall” in his mansion.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Work out first thing in the morning

Clean your inbox over the weekend

Try to learn something when you first wake up

Read a chapter of a book or an article once a day

Use to-do lists

Create weekly goals

Keep a detailed calendar

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