Page 8 – The Fresh Toast

Cannabis Offers A Little Help For IBS Sufferers

Amy Hansen

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March 24, 2026

New research and patient experiences highlight cannabis as a potential tool for easing IBS symptoms and improving daily life.

It is miserable – seeping into every aspect of a person’s life. But the good is cannabis offers a little help for IBS sufferers. IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, affects an estimated 10–15 percent of adults worldwide. The condition is marked by a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. While not life-threatening, IBS can significantly impact quality of life, leading many patients to explore alternative therapies when traditional treatments fall short.

In recent years, cannabis has emerged as one such alternative. Scientists believe the plant’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system may play a key role in digestive health. This system helps regulate functions like appetite, pain sensation, mood, and gastrointestinal motility. Compounds found in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, interact with cannabinoid receptors in the gut, potentially reducing inflammation and calming muscle spasms.

For IBS sufferers, these effects could translate into real relief. Some studies suggest cannabis may help decrease abdominal pain and improve stool consistency by slowing gut motility. Others point to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit patients whose symptoms are linked to low-grade inflammation in the digestive tract.

Patient testimonials further support these findings. Many individuals report cannabis helps reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, while also easing anxiety—a known trigger for IBS symptoms. The connection between the gut and brain, often called the “gut-brain axis,” means managing stress can be just as important as addressing physical symptoms.

Experts have some caution cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different strains and formulations can produce varying effects. Products higher in CBD are often favored for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Meanwhile, small amounts of THC may help with pain and appetite, but higher doses could worsen anxiety in some users

Medical professionals also emphasize the importance of responsible use. While cannabis is increasingly legal across many states, it remains essential for patients to consult with healthcare providers before incorporating it into their treatment plan. Factors such as dosage, method of consumption, and potential interactions with other medications should all be carefully considered.

Despite these considerations, the momentum behind cannabis as a complementary therapy for IBS continues to build. As research expands and stigma fades, more patients and physicians are beginning to view it as a viable option for managing a condition that has long been difficult to treat.

For those living with IBS, cannabis may not be a cure—but it could offer a new pathway to comfort, control, and a better quality of life.

Study Shows Legal Cannabis Reduces Crime

Terry Hacienda

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March 24, 2026

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Study Shows Legal Cannabis Reduces Crime

New multi-university research finds cannabis legalization linked to reduced violent and property crime over time.

A growing body of evidence is challenging one of the most persistent narratives in drug policy: legal cannabis leads to increased crime. Recently, researchers from the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology, Barnard College, National Chengchi University, and Longwood University tested this and the study shows legal cannabis reduces crime. Their findings indicate law approved marijuana—both medical and recreational—is associated with measurable reductions in certain types of crime.

Published in the journal Economic Modelling, the study examined crime data across all 50 states, leveraging the staggered rollout of cannabis legalization laws to identify trends over time. The researchers used advanced statistical modeling to isolate the effects of legalization from other variables, offering one of the more comprehensive looks at the issue to date.

Results revealed a nuanced but compelling pattern. Medical cannabis legalization was associated with reductions in property crime, while recreational legalization correlated with declines in violent crime. As the authors noted, “medical legalization reduces property crime, while recreational legalization reduces violent crime.”

Importantly, the study found these effects are not immediate. Instead, they emerge gradually, often becoming more pronounced several years after legalization takes effect. This lag suggests the societal and economic adjustments tied to legal cannabis—such as regulated markets replacing illicit ones—take time to fully influence crime dynamics.

Researchers also emphasized earlier concerns about cannabis legalization leading to spikes in property crime were not supported when more robust modeling techniques were applied. After accounting for state-specific trends, any apparent increases in crime became statistically insignificant.

The implications are significant. Legal cannabis markets may reduce crime by undercutting illegal drug trade, reallocating law enforcement resources, and stabilizing certain underground economic activities. These findings align with broader criminology theories suggesting regulation can diminish black market incentives and related criminal behavior.

Despite this growing evidence, some politicians and public figures continue to claim cannabis legalization fuels crime. These assertions often rely on selective data or fail to account for the more sophisticated analyses now available. The persistence of this narrative highlights a widening gap between political rhetoric and empirical research.

Critics of legalization have historically warned of increased violence, disorder, and social harm. Yet studies like this one suggest such fears may be overstated—or in some cases, entirely unfounded. In fact, by shifting cannabis from an illicit to a regulated market, legalization may help reduce the very criminal activity opponents fear.

As more states and countries consider cannabis reform, the conversation is increasingly being shaped by data rather than ideology. While no policy is without trade-offs, the latest research provides a clearer picture: legal cannabis is not a driver of crime, and in many cases, it may be part of the solution.

For policymakers, the message is clear. Decisions about cannabis should be guided by rigorous evidence, not outdated assumptions.

Is The WNBA Opening The Door For Cannabis In Sports

Anthony Washington

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March 23, 2026

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Is the WNBA opening the door for cannabis in sports as player policies shift and cultural attitudes evolve across leagues

The WNBA is entering a defining new era—one reflecting both the league’s growth and shifting cultural attitudes in the greater population and in professional sports. Is the WNBA opening the door for cannabis in sports?

Founded in 1996 and launching play in 1997, the WNBA was created as a counterpart to the NBA, offering a national stage for women’s professional basketball. Over nearly three decades, the league has evolved from a modest startup into a major force in global sports, marked by rising television ratings, expanded media deals, and a new generation of star athletes. Recent agreements valued in the billions and plans for expansion underscore how far the league has come from its early years of financial uncertainty and limited exposure.

Men’s basketball has had 80 seasons, but was the women’s league approaches its 30th season, it is making headlines in sports. It is leading the path on cannabis policy reform.

As part of a newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement (CBA) approved in 2026, the WNBA has agreed in principle to eliminate marijuana testing for players—a major shift from its historically strict stance. This change aligns the league with other major professional sports organizations, including the NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball, all of which have relaxed cannabis restrictions in recent years amid widespread legalization and changing public opinion.

Previously, the WNBA maintained year-round testing for THC, with penalties ranging from treatment referrals to suspensions for repeat violations. The proposed elimination of testing signals a broader philosophical shift—one recognizing cannabis as less of a performance-enhancing drug and more as part of a modern wellness and recovery conversation among athletes.

The move also reflects player advocacy. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association has been instrumental in pushing for progressive labor reforms, and the new seven-year CBA—running through 2032—includes not only economic gains but also quality-of-life improvements for players. In many ways, cannabis policy reform is part of a larger trend: athletes demanding autonomy over their bodies and careers.

This cultural and regulatory shift comes at a time when the league itself is enjoying unprecedented momentum on the court.

The Seattle Storm captured this year’s WNBA championship, reinforcing their status as one of the league’s premier franchises. With a history of success and a strong roster, the Storm’s latest title underscores the competitive depth and growing national appeal of the league. Their victory also highlights the WNBA’s continued ability to produce compelling narratives and championship-caliber basketball as it enters this new chapter.

Taken together, the WNBA’s evolving cannabis policy and on-court success represent a league both modernizing and thriving. By embracing progressive reforms while maintaining elite competition, the WNBA is not only opening the door for cannabis in sports—it is helping redefine what professionalism, health, and player empowerment look like in the 21st century.

As other leagues watch closely, the WNBA may once again prove to be ahead of the curve.

Cannabis Strains For Your Modern Personality Type

Sarah Johns

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March 23, 2026

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Cannabis Strains For Your Modern Personality Type

As identity evolves beyond introvert and extrovert, cannabis culture is adapting with strains tailored to how people truly connect, recharge, and engage in modern social life.

In an era where identity and self-awareness are driving cultural conversations, a new personality label has entered the mainstream: the “otrovert.” While cannabis consumers have long aligned strains with moods and occasions, a growing trend now connects cannabis preferences with evolving personality types—including introverts, extroverts, and now otroverts. But what about cannabis strains for your modern personality type?

Coined by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski in 2025, the term “otrovert” describes individuals who feel a persistent sense of “otherness” in group settings, even when socially capable and well-liked. Rather than seeking belonging in large groups, otroverts often prefer deep, one-on-one connections and independent thinking.

This concept has gained traction in lifestyle and psychology media over the past year, reflecting a broader cultural shift away from rigid personality binaries. Unlike introverts or extroverts—who are defined by how they gain energy—otroverts are defined more by how they relate to social identity and group belonging.

As cannabis culture becomes more personalized, this nuanced understanding of personality is shaping how consumers choose strains—not just for effects, but for how those effects align with their social preferences.

Introverts, who recharge through solitude and introspection, tend to gravitate toward strains enhancing creativity, relaxation, and solo activities. These individuals often prefer low-stimulation environments and meaningful internal experiences.

Strains like Pineapple Express are frequently recommended for introverts because they offer a balanced, uplifting effect without overwhelming intensity. Such strains can support activities like writing, art, or simply unwinding at home—aligning with the introvert’s preference for controlled, personal environments.

Indica-dominant or hybrid strains with calming terpene profiles (like myrcene or caryophyllene) are also popular, as they promote relaxation without forcing social engagement.

Extroverts, by contrast, draw energy from social interaction and thrive in dynamic environments. For these consumers, cannabis strains enhancing mood, conversation, and energy are ideal.

Sour Diesel, for example, is often cited as a top choice for extroverts due to its uplifting and energetic effects helping keep conversations flowing. These strains typically lean sativa or sativa-dominant, delivering cerebral stimulation and a sense of euphoria suited for parties, gatherings, and social settings.

For extroverts, cannabis is less about introspection and more about amplification—turning good social moments into memorable ones.

Otroverts occupy a unique middle ground—but not in the way ambiverts do. Rather than balancing social and solitary energy, otroverts often seek depth over breadth in their interactions. They may attend social events but feel more comfortable engaging in meaningful, one-on-one conversations.

For this group, the ideal cannabis strains are those encouraging clarity, emotional openness, and calm without overstimulation. Balanced hybrids—offering mild euphoria with grounding effects—are often best suited.

Strains with terpene profiles support focus and mood stability, such as limonene paired with softer sedative notes, can help otroverts navigate social spaces without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. The goal is not to energize the room or retreat from it, but to engage selectively and authentically.

RELATED: THC Gummies, Cookies And Chocolate Hit Differently

The rise of the otrovert reflects a broader evolution in how people understand themselves—and how they tailor experiences like cannabis consumption. While personality labels remain fluid and overlapping, they offer a useful lens for matching strains to lifestyle.

As cannabis legalization expands and product variety grows, expect this trend to deepen. The future of cannabis isn’t just about THC percentages or indica versus sativa—it’s about aligning the experience with who you are, whether an introvert, extrovert, or something entirely new.

What If Your Next High Was Designed By AI

Anthony Washington

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March 20, 2026

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From THC percentages to precision-tailored experiences, artificial intelligence is reshaping how consumers discover, buy, and feel cannabis.

What if your next high was designed by AI — down to the mood, flavor, and duration? The idea is arriving faster than many expected. As cannabis continues its shift from counterculture to consumer product, artificial intelligence is quietly becoming the industry’s most powerful new tool. And it’s not about growing better plants — it’s about engineering better experiences.

For decades, cannabis purchasing has been guided by a familiar question: What strain should I buy? Indica or sativa? High THC or low? But the framework is quickly breaking down. Consumers are learning THC percentage alone doesn’t reliably predict how a product will feel. The same 25% THC flower can energize one person and sedate another.

Enter AI-driven personalization.

New platforms are using machine learning to recommend cannabis products based on individual preferences, desired moods, and even biological factors. Instead of guessing, users answer questions about how they want to feel — relaxed, creative, focused — and AI systems match them with specific terpene profiles and cannabinoid combinations likely to produce the effect.

Companies like Jointly, Strainprint, Releaf App, and Budist are using AI and data analytics to recommend cannabis products with a level of personalization the industry has never seen before.

Instead of relying on generic categories or in-store guesswork, these platforms allow users to log experiences, track mood changes, and set goals such as better sleep, reduced anxiety, or increased focus. Over time, their algorithms analyze patterns across thousands — in some cases millions — of data points to identify which products and terpene profiles are most likely to deliver a desired effect for a specific individual.

These platforms are not just suggesting strains; they are translating individual intent into curated experiences. Whether someone is looking to unwind after work, boost creativity, or improve sleep, AI systems can map those goals to specific combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes. This marks a fundamental shift away from THC obsession toward terpene-driven outcomes.

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds responsible for flavor and scent, are increasingly understood to play a major role in shaping the cannabis experience. AI models can now analyze thousands of user-reported experiences alongside chemical data to predict how compounds like myrcene, limonene, and pinene may influence mood, energy, and duration. The result is a more nuanced, consistent approach to consumption — and the rise of what many are calling “personalized highs.”

Inside dispensaries, this transformation is already underway. “Smart dispensary” systems are emerging, where digital kiosks or mobile apps act as AI-powered budtenders. These systems don’t just display menus; they guide consumers through a dynamic decision-making process. Each interaction refines future recommendations, creating a feedback loop becoming more accurate over time.

The experience starts to feel familiar — and not by accident. Cannabis is beginning to resemble a platform-driven industry, closer to Spotify than alcohol. Instead of choosing from static options, consumers engage with an evolving ecosystem learning their preferences and adapts accordingly. Today’s purchase informs tomorrow’s recommendation, making each experience more personalized than the last.

But this level of customization comes with important questions, particularly around data privacy.

To deliver precise recommendations, AI-powered platforms must collect sensitive information — including mood patterns, consumption habits, and potentially even health or biometric data. While this enables better outcomes, it also creates a new category of consumer data lacking clear safeguards. Who owns this information? How is it stored, and who can access it?

For an industry still navigating legalization and regulation, these questions are far from settled.

Still, the momentum behind AI in cannabis is undeniable. As consumers move away from trial-and-error purchasing and toward predictable, tailored experiences, technology is filling the gap. The guesswork is disappearing, replaced by algorithmic insight.

The next evolution of cannabis won’t just be about what you buy — it will be about how intelligently it was chosen for you.

And in that world, the question is no longer “What strain should I get?” It’s “What do I want to feel?”

Is The Sober Movement Facing A Cannabis Crisis

Amy Hansen

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March 20, 2026

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From mocktails to microdosing, sobriety is no longer one definition — and cannabis is the fault line.

It was supposed to unite people — instead, is the sober movement facing a cannabis crisis?

What began as a cultural reset around alcohol is now evolving into something more complex. The original “sober curious” wave encouraged people to rethink their relationship with drinking, cutting back without necessarily embracing full abstinence. But in 2026, the once-cohesive movement is splitting into two distinct camps: those pursuing “clean sober” lifestyles with zero substances, and a fast-growing group embracing what is often called “California sober,” where cannabis replaces or complements alcohol.

At the center of this divide is a simple question with complicated implications: can cannabis fit into a wellness-focused life?

The rise of cannabis-friendly sobriety

For many consumers, especially younger adults, the answer is increasingly yes. Cannabis is being reframed not as a vice, but as a tool — one supporting relaxation, socialization, and even mental health when used intentionally. The explosion of low-dose THC beverages, fast-acting edibles, and microdosing products is accelerating this shift.

Unlike traditional drinking culture, which often revolves around excess, cannabis use in these circles tends to emphasize control. A 2.5 mg THC seltzer or a carefully measured edible is marketed less as an escape and more as an enhancement — a way to take the edge off without the hangover, calories, or long-term health concerns associated with alcohol.

This has led to the rise of cannabis-friendly social spaces, from infused beverage bars to private events where alcohol is optional or entirely absent. For many, especially Gen Z and younger millennials, “going out” no longer automatically means drinking. Instead, it’s about curating an experience — one aligning with personal wellness goals while still allowing for connection and fun.

The backlash: wellness influencers and recovery communities push back

Not everyone is on board. As cannabis becomes more integrated into sober-curious culture, tensions are rising — particularly among wellness influencers and members of the recovery community.

Critics argue cannabis-inclusive sobriety muddies the definition of being sober, potentially undermining the progress of those recovering from substance use disorders. For individuals in recovery, abstinence is often non-negotiable, and the normalization of cannabis can feel like a step backward.

Meanwhile, parts of the wellness industry — long associated with clean living, mindfulness, and purity — are grappling with their own contradictions. While some influencers openly embrace cannabis as plant-based medicine, others reject it outright, lumping it into the same category as alcohol or other intoxicants.

This has created a cultural fault line. On one side are those who see cannabis as compatible with a balanced, intentional lifestyle. On the other are those who believe true wellness requires complete sobriety.

What bars, brands, and dating culture are doing about it

As the divide grows, businesses and social platforms are adapting quickly.

Bars and restaurants are expanding their non-alcoholic offerings, but increasingly, including cannabis-infused options where legal. Some venues now offer dual menus — one for alcohol, one for THC beverages — allowing patrons to choose their experience without stigma.

Brands are also leaning into the ambiguity. Many position their products as “social lubricants” for a new kind of nightlife, one prioritizing moderation and personalization. The messaging is subtle but clear: you don’t have to drink to belong, and you don’t have to abstain completely either.

Even dating culture is shifting. Profiles increasingly specify preferences like “sober,” “social drinker,” or “420-friendly,” reflecting a growing awareness the substance choices are tied to identity and compatibility. For some, cannabis use is a dealbreaker; for others, it’s a shared lifestyle.

Is cannabis the new social third space?

As the sober curious movement continues to evolve, cannabis is emerging as a kind of middle ground — a “third space” between drinking and full abstinence.

Whether it ultimately bridges the gap or deepens the divide remains to be seen. What is clear is the definition of sobriety is no longer fixed. It’s being rewritten in real time, shaped by shifting attitudes toward health, identity, and what it means to feel good.

In that sense, the fragmentation of the sober curious movement may not be a failure at all. It may simply reflect a broader truth: wellness, like sobriety itself, is no longer one-size-fits-all.

Rand Paul Is A Champion Of Legal Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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March 18, 2026

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Rand Paul Is A Champion Of Legal Cannabis

The unexpected conservative voice helping push cannabis reform into the American mainstream.

He has been all over the news today with his harsh criticism of DHS nominee Markwayne Mullins. He has carved out a distinctive role in Washington as one of the more salty Republican voices. And Rand Paul is a champion of legal cannabis which puts him squarely in line with the public opinion. In a political landscape where marijuana policy has often divided along partisan lines, Paul’s libertarian-leaning philosophy has led him to advocate for a less restrictive federal approach, putting him at odds with some in his own party while earning cautious praise from reform advocates.

The Kentucky senator, first elected in 2010, is the son of former congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul, whose influence is evident in his emphasis on limited government and individual liberty. The philosophy has shaped Rand Paul’s approach to a variety of issues, including criminal justice reform and healthcare, and has informed his stance on cannabis policy. He has repeatedly argued states should have the right to determine their own marijuana laws without federal interference.

Paul’s legislative record reflects a mix of principled stands and political controversy. On the positive side, he has co-sponsored bipartisan efforts such as the CARERS Act, which aimed to expand access to medical marijuana, particularly for veterans and patients with serious conditions. He has also supported measures to ease research restrictions, acknowledging cannabis has potential medical benefits which remain underexplored due to federal limitations.

Rand Paul Is A Champion Of Cannabis — Photo by uschools/Getty Images

In addition, Paul has backed reforms aligning with broader criminal justice changes, including reducing penalties for non-violent drug offenses. His support for hemp legalization, which ultimately became part of the 2018 Farm Bill, helped open the door to a booming industry in states like Kentucky, where farmers have sought alternatives to declining tobacco markets.

However, Paul’s Senate career has not been without criticism. He has at times been accused of inconsistency, particularly when balancing his libertarian ideals with party loyalty. Critics argue while he champions state rights on cannabis, he has taken more traditional conservative positions on other federal powers. Additionally, his broader Senate record—marked by filibusters, budget standoffs, and opposition to certain bipartisan compromises—has drawn both admiration and frustration from colleagues.

Still, his willingness to cross party lines on cannabis has made him a key figure in the evolving debate. Alongside lawmakers from both parties, Paul has helped shift the conversation from prohibition to regulation, medical access, and economic opportunity. His advocacy has also highlighted the potential benefits for veterans dealing with chronic pain and PTSD, an issue resonating strongly across the political spectrum.

The impact of voices like Rand Paul’s can be significant. As public opinion continues to move in favor of legalization, having support from Republican senators helps legitimize reform efforts and increases the likelihood of federal action. Cannabis policy reform remains a complex issue, involving banking regulations, criminal justice, public health, and interstate commerce. Lawmakers willing to engage across ideological lines are often the ones who move the needle.

In that sense, Rand Paul’s role as a champion of cannabis reform underscores a broader shift in American politics. Whether driven by libertarian principles, economic opportunity, or changing public attitudes, his stance illustrates how the issue is no longer confined to one party or ideology—and how it could ultimately reshape federal policy in the years ahead.

Americans Lighten Up About Marijuana While Judging Everything Else

Sarah Johns

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March 17, 2026

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Americans Lighten Up About Marijuana While Judging Everything Else

A new Pew Research poll reveals how marijuana stacks up against alcohol, gambling, porn and divorce in America’s evolving moral code

If morality was a school cafeteria, cannabis would no longer be stuck at the “loser” table. It seems lately, Americans lighten up about marijuana while judging everything else. According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, Americans are increasingly relaxed about marijuana use—especially when compared to behaviors like gambling, pornography, and even drinking alcohol.

The findings, drawn from a 25-country study conducted in 2025, show the U.S. taking a notably chill stance on cannabis. Just 23% of Americans say using marijuana is morally unacceptable, placing it among the more widely accepted behaviors surveyed.

That puts cannabis in interesting company. Gambling, often seen as a vice, fares slightly worse—29% of Americans consider it morally wrong—but still lands in a similar “mostly tolerated” category. Meanwhile, drinking alcohol—long woven into social life—generates mixed feelings globally, with shifting attitudes over time but no clear moral consensus.

And then there’s pornography. Here, Americans suddenly rediscover their moral compass. In the U.S., 58% of women and 47% of men say viewing pornography is morally wrong, highlighting a significant gender divide and a much stronger level of disapproval than cannabis receives.

A new Pew Research poll reveals how marijuana stacks up against alcohol, gambling, porn and divorce in America’s evolving moral code — Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

Divorce, on the other hand, has quietly become one of the least controversial behaviors in modern society. Across most countries surveyed, two-thirds or more of adults say it is either morally acceptable or not a moral issue at all. In other words, ending a marriage is widely seen as more morally neutral than lighting up a joint once was.

What makes cannabis especially fascinating is not just its acceptance—but how quickly perceptions have shifted. Historically stigmatized and criminalized, marijuana is now viewed by many Americans through a practical, even compassionate lens. The rise of medical cannabis has played a major role in reshaping opinions, with patients using it to manage chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and the side effects of cancer treatments.

This medical context softens moral judgment. For many, cannabis is no longer about rebellion—it’s about relief. The shift helps explain why Americans are among the least likely globally to view marijuana use as morally wrong.

Still, morality in America remains anything but simple. The Pew data suggests people are selective in their judgments. Extramarital affairs, for example, are overwhelmingly condemned, with about 9 in 10 Americans calling them morally wrong. Yet on issues like cannabis and gambling, attitudes are far more permissive.

Age, education, and religion also shape these views. Older adults and those who say religion is very important in their lives are more likely to see marijuana—and other behaviors—as morally unacceptable. At the same time, younger and more educated Americans tend to take a more relaxed approach.

Perhaps the most entertaining takeaway is this: Americans may disagree on a lot, but they’ve quietly reached a kind of moral compromise. You can get divorced, place a bet, or even use cannabis—and many will shrug. But scroll the wrong website or cheat on your spouse, and suddenly the judgment comes rushing back.

In the evolving hierarchy of American morality, cannabis isn’t leading the parade—but it’s no longer hiding in the shadows either.

The Crazy Stuff People Believe!!

Amy Hansen

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March 16, 2026

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From chocolate milk myths to historical mix-ups, surveys reveal the surprising and sometimes funny crazy things people believe.

Misinformation, myths and simple misunderstandings have always been part of human history. But in an era of social media, viral memes and endless information streams, the strange things believed can spread faster and reach more people than ever before.k it is hard to fathom sometimes the crazy stuff people believe.

Polls and surveys over the past few decades have revealed a surprising number of Americans hold beliefs historians, scientists and researchers consider clearly incorrect. Some of these beliefs are humorous, others are puzzling, and a few reveal how easily misinformation can shape public understanding.

One of the most widely cited examples comes from a survey conducted by the research organization Barna Group. When respondents were asked about basic religious knowledge, roughly one in ten Americans reportedly believed Joan of Arc was the wife of Noah. In reality, the two figures are separated by thousands of years. Noah is a biblical figure associated with the ancient story of the ark and the great flood, while Joan of Arc was a teenage military leader in 15th-century France.

Food myths can be just as surprising. A survey by the dairy organization Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy found about seven percent of Americans believed chocolate milk comes from brown cows. The statistic quickly went viral online, but it also illustrated how many people have only a vague understanding of how everyday foods are produced.

Other surveys have revealed similar misunderstandings. A significant number of people believe cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, even though decades of medical research have found no evidence linking the habit to joint disease. Another persistent belief is swallowing gum will cause it to remain in your stomach for seven years, when in reality the body simply passes it through the digestive system like most indigestible materials.

Misconceptions about space and science also remain common. Surveys have found some people believe the Sun revolves around the Earth, an idea largely settled centuries ago following the work of astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei. Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting a heliocentric solar system, the misunderstanding still appears in occasional polling data.

History is another frequent victim of misinformation. Some people believe the pyramids were built by aliens rather than ancient Egyptians, while others think figures like George Washington had wooden teeth. In reality, Washington’s dentures were made from a combination of materials including ivory, gold and human teeth, but not wood.

Even modern technology has its share of myths. A common rumor claims 5G cellular networks can control minds or cause widespread illness, despite repeated scientific studies showing no credible evidence for those claims.

Researchers who study misinformation say these beliefs do not necessarily mean people are unintelligent. Instead, they often reflect how humans process information. People tend to remember unusual stories, repeat ideas they hear frequently and trust information aligning with their existing worldview.

In recent years, educators and media organizations have placed greater emphasis on improving media literacy. The goal is to help people evaluate sources, understand evidence and recognize when a viral claim might not be accurate.

The strange things people believe can sometimes be amusing, but they also serve as a reminder of how important critical thinking remains. In a world where information spreads instantly, the difference between fact and fiction can depend on whether people take a moment to question what they are hearing.

This Jazz Legend Was A Big Fan Of Cannabis

Anthony Washington

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March 16, 2026

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This jazz legend was a big fan of cannabis, and his groundbreaking music reshaped American culture.

Few musicians shaped American music as profoundly, but did you know this jazz legend was a big fan of cannabis. Louis Armstrong was known for his unmistakable gravelly voice, brilliant trumpet playing, and larger-than-life personality. He helped transform jazz from a regional style into a global art form. Along the way, he also became one of the most famous early public figures to openly embrace cannabis, which he affectionately called “gage.”

Born in 1901 in New Orleans, Armstrong grew up in poverty in a rough neighborhood known as “Back o’ Town.” Music became both an escape and a path forward. After being sent to a reform school as a child, Armstrong learned to play the cornet in the institution’s band, an experience that set him on a lifelong musical journey. By the early 1920s he was performing professionally, eventually joining the influential bands led by King Oliver in Chicago.

Armstrong quickly distinguished himself from other musicians of the era. In the early days of jazz, the music emphasized collective improvisation, where multiple instruments improvised simultaneously. Armstrong revolutionized the genre by elevating the importance of the soloist. His groundbreaking recordings with his groups, the Hot Five and Hot Seven in the mid-1920s, demonstrated a dazzling ability to improvise melodic trumpet solos with precision, emotion and swing. These recordings are widely credited with shifting jazz toward a more solo-driven art form and influencing generations of musicians.

Armstrong also helped popularize scat singing, a vocal improvisation technique in which the singer uses nonsensical syllables instead of lyrics. His 1926 recording of “Heebie Jeebies” became one of the most famous early examples of the style and helped cement his reputation as both an innovative instrumentalist and vocalist.

As his career expanded through the 1930s, 1940s and beyond, Armstrong became an international star. His warm personality and musical brilliance made him one of the first Black entertainers to achieve widespread global fame. Songs like “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!,” and “La Vie En Rose” turned him into a household name, while his tours across Europe, Asia and Africa helped introduce jazz to audiences worldwide.

But Armstrong’s life offstage was just as colorful. Throughout much of his adult life, he was an enthusiastic supporter of cannabis. At a time when marijuana was increasingly criminalized in the United States, Armstrong openly praised it. He believed it helped him relax, think creatively and connect with fellow musicians.

In fact, Armstrong was arrested for cannabis possession in 1930 while touring in Los Angeles. The arrest briefly landed him in jail, though the experience did little to dampen his affection for the plant. In later interviews and letters, Armstrong frequently spoke fondly of marijuana, describing it as something which brought people together and enhanced the musical atmosphere among jazz performers.

Armstrong often referred to cannabis as “gage,” a term common among jazz musicians of the era. Many performers in the jazz community saw marijuana as part of the creative culture surrounding late-night jam sessions and touring life. For Armstrong, it was simply another part of the rhythm of life.

Despite occasional controversy, Armstrong’s musical legacy remains unmatched. His innovations reshaped jazz, influenced virtually every trumpet player who followed, and helped bring improvisational music into the mainstream. More than half a century after his death in 1971, Louis Armstrong is still remembered not only as one of the greatest musicians in history, but also as a cultural pioneer who lived life on his own terms.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Cannabis Offers A Little Help For IBS Sufferers

New research and patient experiences highlight cannabis as a potential tool for easing IBS symptoms and improving daily life.

Study Shows Legal Cannabis Reduces Crime

New multi-university research finds cannabis legalization linked to reduced violent and property crime over time.

Is The WNBA Opening The Door For Cannabis In Sports

Is the WNBA opening the door for cannabis in sports as player policies shift and cultural attitudes evolve across leagues

Cannabis Strains For Your Modern Personality Type

As identity evolves beyond introvert and extrovert, cannabis culture is adapting with strains tailored to how people truly connect, recharge, and engage in modern social life.

What If Your Next High Was Designed By AI

From THC percentages to precision-tailored experiences, artificial intelligence is reshaping how consumers discover, buy, and feel cannabis.

Is The Sober Movement Facing A Cannabis Crisis

From mocktails to microdosing, sobriety is no longer one definition — and cannabis is the fault line.

Rand Paul Is A Champion Of Legal Cannabis

The unexpected conservative voice helping push cannabis reform into the American mainstream.

Americans Lighten Up About Marijuana While Judging Everything Else

A new Pew Research poll reveals how marijuana stacks up against alcohol, gambling, porn and divorce in America’s evolving moral code

The Crazy Stuff People Believe!!

From chocolate milk myths to historical mix-ups, surveys reveal the surprising and sometimes funny crazy things people believe.

This Jazz Legend Was A Big Fan Of Cannabis

This jazz legend was a big fan of cannabis, and his groundbreaking music reshaped American culture.

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