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Vegas Weed Museum Will Feature Hunter S. Thompson

Brendan Bures
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Vegas Weed Museum Will Feature Hunter S. Thompson

While casino power players in Las Vegas continue opposing cannabis in Sin City every chance they get, the rest of the town appears earnest to embrace the plant. In fact, Las Vegas is home to Cannabition, an immersive marijuana-themed art museum touted as the first of its kind. They unveiled its first major exhibit this week and it doesn’t disappoint, though, it might inspire some old-school fear and loathing. Yes, the Vegas weed museum will feature Hunter S. Thompson, the icon marijuanja figure.

Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic 1973 Chevrolet Caprice “Red Shark” convertible arrived in Vegas ahead of Cannabition’s opening later this month. Referenced in Thompson’s landmark book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas he’d “rented off a lot on the Sunset Strip,” the car became a symbol of the gonzo journalist’s rebellious spirit and brash attitude.

Two decades following the release of the book, Thompson’s close friend bought him his own “Red Shark” to cruise around in. Before being donated to Cannabition by Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson, the car had been parked at Owl Farm, his gonzo compound in Woody Creek, Colorado where the journalist lived from 1969 until his death. Thompson’s personal “Red Shark” also appeared in the film adaption of Fear and Loathing, which starred Johnny Depp as Thompson.

“I continue Hunter’s work by bringing awareness of marijuana laws that target minorities and destroy families all over this country for possession of this plant,” Anita told Forbes. “The ‘Red Shark’ is a symbol of our journey together as active citizens to stop putting responsible smokers in jail. Cannabition is also doing this work in a way that is fun and informative for guests.”

Never-before-seen photos and home videos will also appear alongside the exhibit. The “Red Shark” will be just one of the more than 20 “unique monumental art pieces” displayed in Cannabition. Visitors to the art museum will also witness “the world’s largest bong, a nine-foot-tall 420 installation and a slide that ends into a pool of foam ‘nugs’,” according to Forbes.

“Cannabition was born out of a natural progression of dedicated work to become an innovator of socialized cannabis. But since that’s not a reality yet, this idea was the next best opportunity to give visitors to the tourism capital of the world,” Cannabition Founder JJ Walker told Forbes. “We want to open the minds of the curious and pay homage to the plant and people who have redefined its role in society. Our hope is to inspire a new era of cannabis enthusiasts and experiences.”

Lyft Offers $50K Of Ride Credit As First Dispensaries Prepare To Open In Massachusetts

Amy Hansen
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Lyft Offers $50K Of Ride Credit As First Dispensaries Prepare To Open In Massachusetts

In an effort to help curb impaired driving in Massachusetts, Lyft is teaming up with the state’s Chiefs of Police Association and Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition to promote sobriety behind the wheel.

It’s part of a larger campaign by the state to warn people about the potentially fatal dangers of driving while high, now that recreational weed is legal in Massachusetts. The state’s “drive sober” push includes this PSA:

Says Lyft, “With recreational marijuana dispensaries opening in Massachusetts, we’re doing our part to combat intoxicated driving by committing $50,000 in ride credit to people in Massachusetts who pledge not to drive intoxicated.”

Anyone who pledges on social media to not drive high will receive $4.20 in fare credits.

“Impaired drivers risk irreparable harm to both themselves and those they share the road with. As recreational marijuana dispensaries open in Massachusetts, remember to plan ahead before consuming cannabis. Lyft is a great way to get a responsible ride home,” said Chief Mark Leahy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

Law enforcement officials are reportedly still trying to figure out how to test for people’s impairment level. And according to WBUR, last year, the state’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled field sobriety tests can’t be used to determine if someone is high or not.

Major Richard Ball, a commanding officer with Massachusetts State Police, told WBUR that for now, it’s important that people are educated enough to not get behind the wheel.

“We’ll do the best we can to make sure that we follow the protocols that we’re supposed to follow,” he said. “But we’re trying to get the message out to say: ‘Understand that you can’t smoke a joint and jump in your car and drive.’ It’s illegal and it’s dangerous.”

DEA Jeopardizing Marijuana-Related Veteran PTSD Studies

Brendan Bures
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DEA Jeopardizing Marijuana-Related Veteran PTSD Studies

Cannabis researchers need product to conduct their research. That sentiment might seem obvious, but don’t tell the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Back in the final months of Barack Obama’s presidency, they announced it would license more growers to supply marijuana for scientific research. Of course turns out the DEA jeopardizing marijuana-related veteran PTSD studies, sentencing the Americans who served to a longer time of hell from the ailment.

More than two years have passed, and scientists are still waiting on the DEA to issue those licenses. Dr. Sue Sisley is acting as principal investigator for a landmark study on the effects marijuana has on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Along with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, Sisley fought for years to attain federal approval to begin the study.

Sisley and her team’s research have been underway for a year now, but their development could be in jeopardy, thank to bureaucratic roadblocks.

“Until the DEA licenses other growers for research, we’ll continue to be stuck in limbo, not able to do what the medical community has been demanding,” Sisley told Stars and Stripes.

Via Stars and Stripes:

The National Institute on Drug Abuse – the only federally approved source for marijuana – is providing marijuana for the study now. However, NIDA, a government research institute, is allowed only to provide marijuana for academic research, not commercial sales, which would be necessary for the next phase of the study, said Brad Burge, communications director for MAPS.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires Phase 3 trials to be conducted with the same product that would be commercially available if the trials proved marijuana safely and effectively treated PTSD.

According to Sisley, there’s really no “study drug” to conduct Phase 3 trials for marijuana-related research. Last week eight Senators, five Democrats and three Republicans, sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking to finalize their decision on the licenses. The Senators added in the letter they knew 26 applications had been filed. They asked for a decision by Aug. 10, which has now passed and still no word.

“Our nation’s need for meaningful, federally sanctioned research is critical,” the Senators wrote in the letter. “Research and medical communities should have access to research-grade materials to answer questions around marijuana’s efficacy and potential impacts, both positive and adverse. Finalizing the review of applications for marijuana manufacturing will assist in doing just that.”

Woman Fired For Consuming Cannabis After Work Is Not Going Down Without A Fight

Nicole Skrobin
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Woman Fired For Consuming Cannabis After Work Is Not Going Down Without A Fight

Do you know how many people consume cannabis in the United States? Although the cannabis plant isn’t federally legal here, it’s medically and/or recreationally legal in select states. According to 2017 findings, there are close to 40 million cannabis consumers in North America, which equates to about 22 percent of all worldwide cannabis users. Out of the U.S. states that have recreationally legalized cannabis, Massachusetts is one of them. Although cannabis can be legally consumed for recreational purposes in Massachusetts, this is not to say that state employers won’t fire their employees for this personal choice. Bernadette Coughlin is one individual who lost her job because she tested positive for cannabis on a drug test after she had a work accident.

Background Of Bernadette Coughlin’s Work Accident And Lost Job

Bernadette Coughlin is a 55-year-old woman who occasionally consumes cannabis in her free time, which is perfectly legal in Massachusetts. One day at work, Coughlin experienced a fall in the hospital kitchen where she worked day in and day out. After her fall, Coughlin’s employer required her to take a drug test, which then led to Coughlin getting fired this past May. Since Coughlin’s drug test revealed that cannabis was in her system, her employer wasn’t willing to reason with her even though she consumed cannabis after her work shift ended.

On the other hand, if Coughlin decided to consume another drug like alcohol or tobacco, the story would end very differently. Unfortunately, as a result of the fall Coughlin experienced at work, she broke her arm, and she had to undergo physical therapy. The termination from her job was life-altering to say the least, especially because Coughlin lost both her benefits and her salary.

Initially, Coughlin thought she’d continue her job at Sodexo hospital until she retired. However, life had different plans for her. Now, Coughlin has embarked on the job hunt, and she’s a bi tuneasy and anxious about the employer who will hire her next, which is what most of us would probably feel like if we were in her position.

Coughlin’s Continuing Fight Against Her Employer—Sodexo

Moreover, after Coughlin was fired, she fought back by persistently pleading with Massachusetts lawmakers to fix the state’s issue with their cannabis laws. Even though cannabis usage is legal in Massachusetts, numerous employers in the state and other states have severe rules in place regarding cannabis consumption. Coughlin’s fight didn’t stop there though. For example, she and her husband spent time flooding state official’s offices with numerous emails and phone calls.

In addition, currently, Coughlin has a pending arbitration claim against Sodexo, which is the multinational corporation she worked for. According to Coughlin’s lawyer, her case is partially centered on whether Sodexo violated her privacy via drug-testing her an entire week after her fall. Also, there was no evidence that indicated Coughlin being impaired while on the job.

Then, on Tuesday, July 3, Coughlin and her husband met up with Steve Hoffman, chairman of Massachusetts’s Cannabis Control Commission. Hoffman expressed that he feels bad for the situation Coughlin is in. Unfortunately, though, under Massachusetts law, employers have the right to restrict recreational cannabis usage. Hoffman also went on to mention that protections for employees is a key aspect that Massachusetts legislature should consider moving forward.

Other Individuals Who Were Also Fired For Cannabis Consumption

Sadly, Coughlin isn’t the only person who was fired due to her personal choice of legally consuming cannabis. For example, in 2010, a Colorado customer service employee who worked for a satellite TV provider was fired from his job after testing positive for cannabis. However, he possessed a state registered medical cannabis card, and he was still fired. Then, in 2015, an Oregon television anchor was fired based on similar circumstances.

Although Massachusetts state laws provide some employee protections for individuals who are medical cannabis cardholders, this didn’t do any good for Bernadette Coughlin.

Attempted Bills To Fix This Issue

On another note, there are several people in office who are motivated to help people like Coughlin and others with similar situations. For example, state Senator, Barbara L’Italien mentioned that it’s essential for lawmakers to figure out a solution to this issue. She went even further by pushing for an amendment to be added onto an opioid bill. If it passed, it would’ve given legal protections to individuals like Coughlin and others who were in similar situations. Unfortunately, though, the amendment that L’Italien proposed didn’t pass through the stages it needed to.

However, a bipartisan bill is in the works, and specifically in the House of Representatives. The bill would forbid federal agencies from refuting or terminating civil servant employees in U.S. states where cannabis has been legalized. However, this bipartisan bill would only provide protections for federal employees. Not only is this ironic because cannabis is a federally illegal substance, but it’s also unfair and unequal.

Aside from this bill, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Corey Gardner worked together to introduce a bill that would force the U.S. federal government to respect and honor state cannabis laws. However, both the bipartisan and non-bipartisan bills wouldn’t completely protect individuals like Coughlin.

Coughlin’s Workers’ Compensation Claim

Originally, Coughlin thought Sodexo would challenge her workers’ compensation claim. However, after a Boston Globe story was released about this situation back in June, Coughlin received a check. This means that workers’ compensation will cover a portion of Coughlin’s lost wages and medical costs due to her fall. With time, Coughlin will most likely get a new job offer, especially due to the experience she has. But, it may be a while before she gets herself back to where she was before her fall.

What would you do if you were in Bernadette Coughlin’s situation? Would you fight back too and stand up for your rights? Let us know in the comments.

Meme Of The Week: Kim Kardashian In Her Underwear Can Be Photoshopped Into Any Scenario

Maria Loreto
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Meme Of The Week: Kim Kardashian In Her Underwear Can Be Photoshopped Into Any Scenario

Nothing rattles and unites the internet more than a Kim Kardashian meme. Her crying memes are always welcome and can be used for a variety of situations. There was also the time earlier this year when, for some reason, people decided to photoshop Kim into a really large and fit version of herself known as Gym Kardashian or Swole Kim. It was amazing.

Now, thanks to an image uploaded to Kim’s Instagram account, people from all over the internet have united once more and created a new meme where she’s seen doing all sorts of activities while wearing her underwear and shoes. She’s also striking the world’s most awkward pose.

The picture above is an advertisement for Kanye’s new shoes. Despite the fact that the shoes are really famous and make an appearance in the image, what struck a chord with people is the fact that Kim is in her underwear, that she’s in bed, and that she also has this pose that’s completely unrelated to the freaking shoes. Who came up with this strange idea that’s begging to be memed forever?

With the most embarrassing memes comes the opportunity to display tons of creativity, and that’s what the internet did. Below, you’ll see Kim partaking in dozens of different activities that include running a marathon, spending some time with the toys from Toy Story, playing Twister, and more. Check it out:

Congressman Attempts To End Marijuana Testing For Federal Employees

Mike Adams
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Congressman Attempts To End Marijuana Testing For Federal Employees

Since the majority of Congress seems hell-bent on rotting on Capitol Hill before ever legalizing marijuana at the federal level, the pro-pot lawmakers that make up this political sideshow and dumb circus are being forced to try and make changes to national drug policy a baby step at a time. The most recent attempt comes in the form of legislation designed to prevent federal agencies from testing employees for marijuana.

The “Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under States Laws Act,” which was introduced by Representatives Charlie Crist of Florida and Drew Ferguson of Georgia, is intended to prevent military veterans who use marijuana for medicinal purposes from being rejected from federal employment based solely on a positive result for THC. A clean test for marijuana and other drugs is a “condition of employment” with the federal government since the implementation of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program.

But this decades old rule has prevented some of those who serve our country from being considered for gainful employment. The federal government is one of the leading job providers for the veteran community. And with more of these men and women turning to medical marijuana to combat conditions ranging from PTSD to chronic pain, more will likely find themselves rejected based on their medicine of choice.

“Medical marijuana is an issue of compassion, and in the veterans’ community, access is even more important as more and more veterans are turning to cannabis to address chronic pain and PTSD. At the same time, the federal government is the largest employer of veterans; however, private cannabis use even in states that have legalized medical marijuana is prohibited in these positions,” Representative Crist told those in attendance of a press conference. “Our bipartisan bill would protect federal employment for those in compliance with their state’s cannabis laws. Because our veterans shouldn’t have to choose between treatment options or job opportunities.”

If the bill goes the distance, which is highly unlikely, veterans “whose residence is in a State where that individual’s private use of marijuana is not prohibited, who is tested under a drug testing program of any Executive agency without probable cause to believe that the individual is under the influence of marijuana… and, in the case of an individual whose use of marijuana was for medical purposes, who is able to provide documentation attesting to the lawful nature of such use under the law of the State, may not, based solely on such positive test, be denied employment at an Executive agency.”

The bill has been sent to the U.S House Committee on Oversight and Government for consideration.

Why Is Legalized Cannabis In California Not Meeting Expectations?

Mary Schumacher
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Why Is Legalized Cannabis In California Not Meeting Expectations?

California’s legal adult use market is around eight months old. With California being the fifth largest economy in the world, revenue predictions were set proportionately high, but unfortunately, if first quarter numbers are any indication, they’re not going to be met. In fact, right now sales are hovering right around 50 percent under forecast.

Eaze just published a report titled, “The High Cost of Illegal Cannabis.” In it, they found that while people generally want to buy their cannabis legally, the high prices and taxes are keeping a good deal of them in the black market. All results from the report were based on responses from nearly 1,500 cannabis consumers.

What Eaze found was that a 5 percent decrease in state taxes on cannabis would bring 23 percent of the population currently scoring from the illicit market into the legal one. The Fresh Toast asked Eaze Head of Policy Research, Peter Gigante, who they really wanted to have paying attention to these statistics and why.

“We know policymakers will continue to work in support of a legal, sustainable cannabis industry and we hope this Eaze Insights report will highlight avenues for them to do so,” Gigante explained, “California regulations that lead to high cost, highly taxed products deter many consumers from the legal cannabis market. Even a small decrease in the current tax rate could have a major impact on the long term survival of legal retailers.”

It may seem like a small percentage, but the results of the study were clear that nearly 1 in 4 people who currently buy outside of the legal market would switch over to buying from dispensaries with the 5 percent decrease. And if the decrease meant the increase that the Insights report suggests, then despite the drop, more tax revenue, and revenue period, would be coming in.

A problem that also arises from the black market is that anyone going there to obtain more affordable weed is thus missing out on their product being tested for pesticides, molds and other contaminants. But what does one say to the people who insist that, well, we’ve been smoking it for X amount of years now without lab testing, why make it a priority now?

Gigante looked at the question optimistically, “As the industry continues to grow in size and sophistication, consumers increasingly see cannabis products the same as any other consumer goods. Consumers evaluate based on the same standards and expect the highest quality for the lowest price, as they would for any other product.”

So in other words, pot is becoming a common commodity and as Eaze pointed out, their biggest takeaway from conducting the report was, “the rapid rate at which the normalization of cannabis continues. Cannabis consumers have long been interested in factors like price, safe access, quality and convenience, but our research also shows the wellness component is a new major factor. This is where the legal market can compete with the illicit market, as long as we create an environment where legal retailers are able to survive.”

And that’s the real deal. Retailers, compassionate care facilities, growers, distributors and bud tenders alike, all need to thrive in order to make this industry one that continues to provide an ever growing job market, with opportunities to advance and to literally grow – not to mention create tax revenue to be used for our schools, peace officers and social programs. Right now California cannabis sales may be slower than predicted, but as the right changes are put gently in place, hope flies high.

The Rewards Of Becoming A Cannabis Doctor

Mary Schumacher
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The Rewards Of Becoming A Cannabis Doctor

Even as cannabis has come up through the ranks of medicinal use since the 1990s in current times — and truly long, long before as well — it is not yet a focal point in most med schools’ curriculums. This is likely part of the cause of why many primary care physicians are not inclined to discuss marijuana treatment options with their patients.

As more and more states legalize and as we learn about the health benefits that exist within the cannabis plant, the need for doctors who focus on cannabis based treatments is rising quickly. Not only so that patients can get their recommendations to obtain cannabis, but because people look to their doctors for medical guidance and need useful information.

Physicians should remember this: An obstacle that arises is pot’s Schedule I status. It means that research in the U.S. is limited and thus studying the cannabis plant becomes tedious, far from impossible, but still requires a lot of good research. But as a doctor, you’re used to studying, right? So what else is required to become a THC PhD?

Networking is the key in the lock of information as to what it really entails to become a medical marijuana focused physician. Find doctors who have already gone done that route, talk to new cannabis doctors and ones with established practices. Talk to doctors whose primary focus is marijuana and ones who also are simply willing to talk about cannabis like any other treatment option. And especially, talk to your patients, they want to talk to you.

Compassion is the biggest requirement to becoming a pot doc and is also one of its biggest rewards. Watching a person who hasn’t been able to put on weight start to eat is a miracle. Veterans leave opiates behind; children cease or slow severe seizure disorder, chemotherapy patients feel a whole lot better and seniors reap benefits from arthritis to sleep disorders to Alzheimer’s. Plus, the lack of harmful side effects leaves no murky area in which to reconsider your advice.

Treating someone and seeing them benefit from a plant, which does have the side effect of uplifting to the spirit, is a reward in itself. Find out what requirements are necessary in your state to become certified to recommend cannabis to your patients. There are a few steps, but the reach of your care will be multiplied 10-fold by the addition of medical cannabis to your physician’s store of treatment options.

Everything You Need To Know About Vaping Marijuana

Terry Hacienda
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Everything You Need To Know About Vaping Marijuana

Joints. Bongs. Pipes. Matches. Lighters. Forget about ’em. Let’s vape instead.

Vaporizers have become the ubiquitous gadget for the modern-day cannabis enthusiast.

What is vaporization? Simply, it is a method of activating raw plant matter without combustion. In other words, get high without fire. You inhale vapor, not smoke.

For most cannabis enthusiasts – especially beginners – vaporizers allow for a milder, easier-to-control high compared to smoking. Added bonus: No smoke!

Vaporizers have been around for decades, but the trend has take off in the last decade or so. As the benefits of vaporization have become known, the variety of devices has been increasing.

Which vaporizer fits into your lifestyle? Do you want to vape on the go or in the comfort of your home? Do you want to buy flower (herb) or concentrate (oil)? Let’s review the options:

Portable Or Stationary?

It seems you can’t walk down the street these days without seeing someone using the ubiquitous vape pen. These handy, low-cost devices are ideal for the on-the-go commuter or those wanting a few puffs throughout the day. Vape pens contain a concentrated oil that heats up just enough to create a thin, wispy vapor.

If you prefer using dried herb (flower), consider vaping devices such as the Firefly 2 or the Pax a try. These units are not as easy to use as the vape pens, and the price may shock those on a tight budget. But for some enthusiasts, there is nothing better than vaping herb rather than oil.

If you plan on vaping primarily at home, consider buying a pricier stationary unit. Brands such as the Volcano, VapeXhale Cloud EVO and the Herblizer are great plug-in vaporizers for home use, but are not portable enough for on-the-go vaping.

Herb Or Oil?

Personal preference is the key here. Oil-based vape pens are everywhere for a reason: portability, price, and availability. But for some of us, vaping ground-up herb provides a tastier experience. My suggestion: Try a vape pen first to see if it suits your needs. After a few months, you may want to try something another device.

Conduction Or Convection?

Conduction vaporizers are generally less expensive and easier to maintain. The vapor is released as a result of the low heat from the heating element.

Convection vaporizers push hot air from the heating element through the herb, releasing vapor without direct contact. These devices (the high-end Volcano, for example) are pricey, but are considered more effective in releasing the cannabinoids.

There is no standard way to vaporize. If you choose this method to enjoy your cannabis, take the time to find the form factor best suited to your personal needs. It’s your chance to find the perfect cannabis tool. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends.

My advice: Start with a vape pen and see how it works for you. Vape pens are generally the most economical way to experiment. But you may soon be “graduating” to higher end devices in order to enhance your enjoyment.

Photo by: www.vaping360.com 

Olympian Tara Lipinski Says This Food Was Her Secret Skating Weapon

Maria Loreto
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Olympian Tara Lipinski Says This Food Was Her Secret Skating Weapon

Tara Lipinsky won a gold medal in the 1998 Olympics. She was the first figure skater to win a U.S. championship at the age of 14, and remained one of the world’s best for many years after. According to her, the secret to her success has always been pasta. Sort of.

In an interview with Bustle, Lipinsky discussed her love for pasta, how it reminded her of her family, and why she associates the dish with competitions and comfort. “I can eat that meal every day. I think since I grew up training in ice skating, and it was carb-loading that gave me energy all the time, it became a comfort food. Before competitions too, it was my competition meal, so I think that’s another reason why I like it so much,” she said.

Lipinski clarifies that she’s not very particular with her pasta; she loves all styles equally, no matter the sauce. “Penne, spaghetti, linguine, or even a sort of ravioli, with arrabbiata sauce, tomato sauce, vodka sauce, pesto… I can eat that meal every day.”

She says that even though she’s not a great cook and doesn’t get to prepare meals that often, it’s one of the dishes she enjoys preparing the most. “I don’t cook that much, so I don’t make pasta at home that often; I wish I actually cooked more, but I’m traveling so much.”

A post shared by Maneet Chauhan (@maneetchauhan) on

Lipinski is currently co-hosting the Food Network’s “Wedding Cake Championship” along with Olympian and fellow figure skater Johnny Wier. The pair has worked together over the years on the Olympics’ programming, commentating for the figure skating segments. During the 2017 Olympics, the audience enjoyed Weir and Lipinski’s commentary and relationship so much that the pair quickly became everyone’s favorite part of the competition.

If you don’t have cable, you can watch “Wedding Cake Championship” online.

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