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Netflix Addiction Is Real And Clinics Are Addressing The Disease

Brendan Bures
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Netflix Addiction Is Real And Clinics Are Addressing The Disease

Look, we all have our vices. Going through life straight all the time would drive the strongest human insane. Sometimes you need a beer or chocolate chip cookie at the end of long, hard day. Or maybe you need to binge some mindless Netflix show to avoid reality for a few hours.

But one man in India is being treated in the Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) clinic in Bangalore as the first “Netflix addict” because he couldn’t control his vices. According to The Hindu, the 26-year-old man was binge-watching more than seven hours of Netflix movies and TV a day to escape the pressures and stress he felt being unemployed. The first thing he did upon waking in the morning was turn on the TV, and, well, things went downhill from there.

“Whenever his family pressurised him to earn a living, or when he saw his friends doing well, he would watch the shows on offer continuously. It was a method of escapism. He could forget about his problems, and he derived immense pleasure from it,” said Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, who heads the SHUT clinic.

The man previously escaped through gaming before turning to Netflix. His binge habits led to “eye strain, fatigue, and disturbed sleeping patterns,” writes The Hindu. To treat his addictions, doctors are giving him “therapy, prescribing relaxation exercises, and guiding him in his career.” According to The Print, the young man is also conducting five-minute deep-breathing exercises every hour to help lower his stress levels.

He’s also being given career counseling and traditional psychological counseling at the clinic to help keep his stress levels low as he moves back toward a normal life. Dr. Sharma said that the best way to avoid ending up in a situation like the young man’s is to be aware of when you’re using technology in an unhealthy manner.

While the World Health Organization declared gaming addiction a mental health disorder earlier this year, no such pronouncement has been made regarding streaming shows. However, scientists believe they share many similar characteristic in recognizing the addictive behavior and how to combat it.

“The best advice is to avoid the use of technology if it becomes a coping mechanism,” Dr. Sharma said.

On an earnings calls last year, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings commented on the addicting behavior induced by the streaming platform. He didn’t exactly condemn it, though.

“You know, think about it, when you watch a show from Netflix and you get addicted to it, you stay up late at night,” Hastings said. “You really—we’re competing with sleep, on the margin.”

Students Using Marijuana On Campus Are Jeopardizing Federal Funding

Mary Schumacher
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Students Using Marijuana On Campus Are Jeopardizing Federal Funding

College students smoking weed on campus is not a new phenomenon. What has changed is that weed has taken up a big spotlight, especially in states that have legalized. Whether the students know it or not, colleges and universities actually allowing the smoking of pot on campus could mean the loss of millions of dollars of federal funding for the institutions in question.

According to the 1989 Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, if federal drug laws are broken, schools could lose their funding.

Sure, it’s more than natural to cozy up in a circle of your best buds and, if you’re all 21 and live in a legal state, it would seem even more natural to spark up a jay or pass a vape pen or two around. But the millions of dollars at risk are what pays for student funding, among other things.

Vaughan Rees, the director of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at Harvard, told the Boston Globe, “Obviously, there’s inconsistency between states and federal laws in the states where marijuana is being both decriminalized and legalized.”

“This is why federal policies in particular about drug legalization are a bad idea, because then you’re led into these conflicts between state and federal policies that are just not resolvable,” said Jeffrey A. Miron, a Harvard economist who studies drug legalization. He told the Boston Globe that, obviously, the expulsion of a large amount of the student body is not the answer.

In the words of Lester Grinspoon, marijuana pioneer and emeritus of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, “We’ve been steeped in the alcohol model for so long, that if you’re an American, you drink. If they were going to use something, it should be cannabis, not alcohol. It’s safer, but it’s also a much more interesting high.”

There’s a lot of truth in the above statement, and though just as puffing on campus isn’t likely to slow down, keggers and drinking aren’t going anywhere fast either. Even though it’s found that in states that legalize marijuana have a dip in alcohol sales, college is a rite of passage involving many substances for many.

Tynan Jackson, a Harvard junior who doesn’t smoke because of asthma, said that cannabis use was prevalent at Harvard and that, “They receive federal funding so they have to institute this law, but how well they enforce it is really up to them. But they’re not going to put you in handcuffs if you have a blunt in your hand.”

Lana Del Rey Had The Most Intense Twitter Fight

Maria Loreto
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Lana Del Rey Had The Most Intense Twitter Fight

The worst way to have a fight nowadays is through social media because it basically guarantees that it’ll be immortalized forever, especially if you’re famous. Celebrities can take down their posts and pretend they didn’t say anything, but odds are someone will have already taken a screenshot of it, and the rest is history.

Lana Del Rey had the most intense Twitter fight with Azalea Banks! The singer left a comment on Kanye West’s last Instagram post, where he’s seen wearing a MAGA hat. The post was uploaded after West’s performance on “Saturday Night Live”, where he wore the hat and claimed that cast members had bullied him for it. He also wore a water bottle costume, and said that slavery wasn’t real.

In a classic Azealia Banks move, where she loves to get involved in drama, the rapper commented on Lana’s post and said that Del Rey was acting as a “typical white woman” who pretends to be an ally to minorities.

Banks went off on a six part Twitter thread rant where she said that Lana suffered from “selective outrage.” While Banks may have some valid points that she’d like to make, publicly denouncing another singer is never a good approach when it comes to discussing serious issues.

Del Rey took over a week to reply to Banks; when she did she tweeted that Banks knew her address, and that was free to say all of this to her face.

While Del Rey didn’t create a Twitter thread, she proceeded to tweet different things in regards to Banks, saying that the performer could’ve been the best rapper of all time if she hadn’t blown it and messed with the one person who’d had her back. We don’t know the details, but the tweets and accusations make it look like both singers knew each other and had some sort of friendly relationship.

You’d think that after all of this, both women would’ve vented and chilled out, but you’d be wrong. The fight kept going, on and on, with Banks making digs at Del Rey’s nose job, and with Del Rey claiming that Banks meds aren’t working.

Banks criticized Del Rey for messing with her mental health, calling it typical white woman behavior, and threatening to call her lawyer. Del Rey didn’t back down, and kept replying and saying that she wasn’t making threats, only promises.

For now, both women seem to have stopped tweeting; maybe their publicists called them and begged them to stop. Hopefully they’ll both get over this at some point. In the meantime, let’s hope they don’t run into each other at a party or something.

Why Is Washington State Banning Marijuana Gummies And Candies?

Mary Schumacher
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Why Is Washington State Banning Marijuana Gummies And Candies?

In a surprise move, Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board made the decision to reverse the approval of cannabis infused gummies and candies. Because they are “especially appealing to children,” the sweets will be taken off the market, leaving a giant dent in Washington state’s edibles market.

In Washington, edibles make up about 9 percent of the cannabis market and were expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of over 25 percent by 2022. In order to keep that momentum, it might be time to get even more creative with delectable doozies.

At a regular board meeting, the LACB told cannabis companies that “all production of hard candy, tarts, fruit chews, colorful chocolates, jellies and any gummy type products should cease” because they won’t be approved for sale any longer under the new regulations, going into effect January 1, 2019. Retail shops will still be able to sell such candies through April 3, 2019 or until their inventory has run dry.

What this could mean for other legalized states is yet to be seen. It could set a precedent that could impact dispensaries across the nation or it could be yet another experiment in ethics cropping up with this rather new marketplace. Cannabis has been legal in Washington for six years, but that’s still not a long time to have straightened out all the kinks.

The move is bound to devastate edible makers across the state. Because of the nature of cannabis’ federal scheduling, it’s not as if small business owners can get a bank loan to float through this shakedown. Countless dollars in equipment, molds, ingredients and time are to be lost and if there was never a plan B, perhaps businesses will be forced to fold.

It’s a sad moment, especially seeing as it seems logical that any cannabis user would keep medicated candies out of reach of children, but unfortunately, accidents do happen. This action by the LACB may seem drastic and unfair, but they are riding on the fact that there is child appeal to candies and that that appeal must be taken away from the cannabis realm.

Cannabis is a versatile plant that can be infused into many different things, so candies aren’t the be all end all, but they do have long shelf lives, popularity and effectiveness to tout and now the era of munching a couple gummies to elevate your headspace in Washington is coming to an end.

Canadian Sketch Comedy Pokes Fun At Marijuana Worries At US Border

Brendan Bures
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Canadian Sketch Comedy Pokes Fun At Marijuana Worries At US Border

You could say that anxiety around cannabis at the U.S.-Canada border is at an all-time high. People are getting banned for life from the United States for revealing any association with the cannabis industry. Admitting past drug use could also get you banned for life.

Trying to add some levity to the issue, the long-running Canadian sketch comedy show “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” poked fun at Canadians crossing the border.

The show focuses on four main archetypes of characters who may have trouble crossing: cannabis investors, recreational users, a start-up associate, and obviously stoned teenagers. In a fun twist, the border agent allows all of them to pass through because, “it’s not like Canadian weed lovers can do any more harm to Donald Trump’s America.”

Legal adult-use cannabis sales will start Oct. 17 in Canada.

Marijuana Legalization: 4 States To Watch In November

Mike Adams
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Marijuana Legalization: 4 States To Watch In November

The marijuana movement is expected to advance even further following the November election. Voters in a handful of states will decide on initiatives aimed at legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana. The outcome could have some interesting implications, as there is potential for legal weed to infiltrate more of the Midwestern states. Here are the four that will be determined in the midterm election next month.

Michigan

If this initiative is pushed through, which is expected, Michigan will become the first state in the Midwest to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The proposal would allow people 21 and older to purchase cannabis products from dispensaries in a manner similar to beer. Possession limits would be some of the highest in the country. Cannabis users would have the freedom to walk the streets with 2.5 ounces while keeping as much as 10 ounces at home. And when it comes to home cultivation, the offer is not too shabby – 12 plants for personal use. That’s a lot of weed!

Anyone under the age of 21 caught in possession of marijuana would be forced to pay a ticket. The only jail time possible in this situation is for those who continue to sell on the black market. But what about how pot will be taxed? All cannabis products will be subject to the state’s 6 percent sales tax. Another 10 percent would be imposed by retailers. This money will go to fund school and road projects.

Missouri

The Show-Me state has been working toward medical marijuana for some time. And when the voters finally get a chance to answer that question, three ballot measures make it to the final stretch, which could get confusing. Nevertheless, two of the medical marijuana proposals are designed to amend the state constitution. The third, also a medical marijuana offering, would provide a change to state law. Basically, the winning amendment will knock out all of the others – becoming the chosen medical marijuana law. What’s the difference in the proposals? It’s mostly an issue of taxes. One would apply a 4 percent tax to retail sales and distribute that money to military veterans. Another calls for a 15 percent tax, with funds being used for cancer research. The third indicates a 2 percent tax for veterans, addiction centers, and early childhood education.

North Dakota

The 701 is not messing around when it comes to marijuana reform. It was just two years ago that voters decided favorably on medical marijuana. Now, they are headed back to the polls next month to determine whether the state should end pot prohibition for adult use. It’s a fairly standard deal: The proposal would give people 21 and older the ability to possess, use and grow marijuana. There is also a provision calling for the immediate expungement of criminal records related to past marijuana crimes. Some 180,000 people stand to benefit from this inclusion. As far as taxes are concerned, cannabis products would be held to the state sales tax. No additional charges would be levied.

Utah

Voters will head to the polls in a matter of weeks to decide on medical marijuana. However, the outcome of the election may have little bearing. Last week, a “compromise” deal was hashed out between the Mormon church, lawmakers and cannabis advocates that is said to “guarantee” a medical marijuana program no matter how the election turns out. Some reports indicate the compromise was done to confuse the voting public and ultimately sabotage Proposition 2. If voters approved the language of the ballot measure, Governor Herbert would call a special session so the State Legislature can adopt the negotiated deal. If the voters reject it, legislative forces will start building a therapeutic cannabis program from scratch. But they are not legally bound to pass anything. If the compromise is put into place, it will create a completely state-run system.

Medical marijuana would be distributed by a handful of private companies and the health department. There would be bans on certain edible pot products, home cultivation, and smoking. The word on the street is that anyone in Utah who wants medical marijuana needs to vote in favor of Proposition 2. Otherwise, it all falls in the hands of lawmakers.

How High Can You Get? Space Weed Is On Its Way

Mary Schumacher
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How High Can You Get? Space Weed Is On Its Way

A microwave-sized box made by a company called Space Tango will soon be launched out of the atmosphere to become ground zero for cannabis experiments in space. The relatively small size is ideal, as there isn’t a lot of room to spare on the International Space Station, where the experiments will be conducted.

Space Tango’s CubeLab modules have already tested growing barley in zero gravity for Anheuser-Busch. The space barley results are still pending, but according to NASA the barley is being “evaluated for genetic alterations and morphological abnormalities.” Unlike the stress tests the barley seems to be going through, the science with the cannabis experiments is to see if growers can achieve greater control over cultivars if grown without the stress of gravity pulling down.

Kris Kimel of Space Tango said in an interview, “We’re trying to figure out here what’s the business now… For us, the model is looking at low earth orbit to actually develop and design applications for life on earth.” Could zero-gravity chambers here on Earth be the next wave of cannabis cultivation innovation? These space tests could lead almost anywhere.

There are two companies based out of Kentucky that focus on cannabis and hemp respectively that are conducting the experiments with Space Tango. Scientists on the ISS will grow and monitor the plants’ progress onboard. Who knows, perhaps growing in space is the ticket to our unlocking even more potential from the already miraculous plants.

In a statement, Kimel extrapolated, “Each time a new type of physics platform has been successfully harnessed such as electromagnetism, it has led to the exponential growth of new knowledge, benefits to humankind and capital formation. Using microgravity, we envision a future where many of the next breakthroughs in healthcare, plant biology and technology may well occur off the planet Earth.”

We knew we needed more cannabis research, but this is literally reaching for the stars. It will be interesting to see how hemp colas do without their branches being weighed down and with no tension against the flowers whatsoever. Perhaps granules of kief will encircle the plants, perhaps potency or fiber strength will occur, whatever the results, high minded individuals will be awaiting what happens with bated breath.

Jennifer Garner Moves On After Ben Affleck Divorce; Mariah Carey Accused Of Lip-Syncing Her Way Through AMAs

Naughty Gossip
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Jennifer Garner Moves On After Ben Affleck Divorce; Mariah Carey Accused Of Lip-Syncing Her Way Through AMAs

JENNIFER GARNER IS MOVING ON AFTER BEN AFFLECK DIVORCE

Though she finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck October 5, the Peppermint actress has already “started dating someone new,” a source says in the new issue of Us Weekly. “She’s ready to start the next phase of her life.” (She and Affleck announced their split in 2015 and officially filed for divorce in April 2017.)

Which, for the mom of Violet, 12, Seraphina, 9, and Samuel, 6, always means coparenting with her ex. “They’re on the same page with giving the kids the best possible life,” says the source. “They want to be the best coparents they can be.”

MARIAH CAREY ACCUSED OF LIP-SYNCING DURING AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS PERFORMANCE

Mariah Carey graced the stage at the American Music Awards on Tuesday for the first time since 2008 – and while the accomplished vocalist looked to be in peak form, the buzz circulating on social media was whether or not she was actually singing.

Draped in a bright pink gown with black trim, the “Obsessed” singer belted out her new single “With You” with incredible precision and drew both scorn and praise from Twitter users who reacted to her performance.

“Stop lipsyncing Mariah,” one user wrote, while another echoed her sentiments saying, “Mariah looks great but why is she lip syncing?!”

A rep for Carey said, “Wow we can’t even get through five minutes without someone trying to tear her down.”

PRIYANKA CHOPRA & NICK JONAS’ ‘WEDDING IS COMING SOON’

“The wedding is coming soon and they really want to blend wedding traditions from both of their cultures that are important to them,” the insider tells Us. “Priyanka is having a really good time planning the wedding because it’s a mix of Indian and American styles and customs, which she knows so much about.”

Adds the source: “When [Priyanka] met Nick, she was so taken by him. She says she loves the way he looks at her, the way he smiles and that he listens so well. They really are a great match.”

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Lead To Arthritis?

Maria Loreto
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Does Cracking Your Knuckles Lead To Arthritis?

There are a lot of people in the world who crack their knuckles and most of them have heard that it’s a really bad habit. Myths regarding knuckle cracking claim that it may deform your fingers and lead to arthritis. But is this fact or friction, er, fiction?

Dr. Donald Unger has been studying knuckles for over 50 years, cracking the knuckles of his left hand twice a day and leaving the ones on his right hand uncracked. In 1998, he published his findings in a medical journal and concluded that there’s not a substantial relationship between cracking your knuckles and developing arthritis (If you think this is silly, brace yourself, because he won an Ig Nobel Prize for this discovery.)

While the study didn’t include other test subjects and is highly subjective, a lot of people still wonder why knuckle cracking has such a bad rep and have conducted studies involving more test subjects.

In 2010, a study was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, surveying the hands of over 200 people. Twenty-percent claimed to crack their knuckles regularly and showed no difference from other participants. The study concluded that these subjects were not more likely to have arthritis when compared to the others.

According to Popular Science, the main reason why people believe that knuckle-cracking leads to arthritis is due to the sound your fingers make when you crack them. “Knuckle cracking is really annoying to the people who are not doing it. The people who are annoyed want it to stop, so they come up with a story that will dissuade the knuckle-cracker,” says doctor Kevin DeWeber, a sports and family medicine physician, who says he’s been cracking his knuckles his whole life.

So, now you know. Cracking your knuckles may really annoy your friends and worry your mom, but it’s a relatively safe activity. You no longer have to listen to their made up excuses.

Silicon Valley Wants To Invest In Marijuana, Not Juuls And Nicotine

Brendan Bures
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Silicon Valley Wants To Invest In Marijuana, Not Juuls And Nicotine

We don’t need to tell you that companies are investing in the cannabis industry. The topic has practically consumed all other cannabis-related news stories outside legalization efforts over the past few months. Stories like the rise and fall of various cannabis stocks, as well as companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi Co. flirting with the cannabis industry, have dominated the news cycle.

So you may not be surprised to hear a new investment sector is circling the cannabis industry — Silicon Valley. A New York Times feature broke down why Silicon Valley has drawn a moral line in the sand against Juul and other nicotine companies, and it basically has to do with  their advertising practices and a belief they target teenagers.

Via New York Times:

Some of those same investors, though, were open-minded about investing in start-ups focused on cannabis, which is now legal in California for recreational use. Many companies are positioning marijuana and CBD, a related compound that does not have psychoactive effect, as a wellness product for relaxation, anxiety relief, and even post-workout recovery. Cannabis start-ups have raised $1.1 billion in funding so far this year, nearly double last year’s total, according to CB Insights.

The Times cites Tusk Ventures investing in Eaze, the Uber-like start-up dedicated to cannabis deliveries. Another investor admitted he’s been evaluating CBD companies because he believes their product has clinical benefits.

Again, it isn’t that surprising that smart people want to invest in cannabis. Projections indicate the cannabis revenue will dramatically rise in the coming years. But it is interesting why they’re investing from these public statements. Silicon Valley wants to feel good in what it invests in. We guess cannabis seems like an obvious choice then.

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