Monday, December 22, 2025
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No Workers’ Comp For Widow Because Late Husband Had Weed In His System

A Colorado family is currently being denied half of their late patriarch’s workers’ compensation benefits because legal marijuana was found in his system after he died.

Adam Lee worked as an electrician at the Loveland Ski Area ski and snowboarding resort. Unfortunately, in December of 2017, in the course of his duties, Lee was fatally crushed under a ski escalator conveyor belt, called, The Magic Carpet, while trying to fix an apparent malfunction. After Lee was stuck, which subsequently caused the Magic Carpet  to stop, it was restarted and repeatedly run — seven times in all — with Lee still trapped underneath.

Under 2016 Colorado Revised Statutes’ title eight — Labor and Industry: Workers’ Compensation and Related Provisions, Limitation on payments – use of controlled substances, outlines that workers compensation may be reduced if the use of a controlled substance contributed to the cause of the accident.

Specifically, “Non-medical benefits otherwise payable to an injured worker are reduced fifty percent where the injury results from the presence in the worker’s system, during working hours, of controlled substances, that are not medically prescribed.”

The coroner’s toxicology report stated that Lee had 41 nanograms per milliliter of tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) in his system; however, it does not specify if the marijuana he consumed was medical or recreational, or if he was high or inebriated while at work, before the tragic accident.

THC usually stays in a user’s system for an average of 30 days (depending on a user’s unique metabolism, and other factors, such as diet and exercise.).

It is reasonable to speculate whether the magic carpet’s original mechanical failure, and it’s repetitive operation while Mr. Lee was tragically trapped underneath it, caused his untimely demise, rather than the THC in his system.

It is unknown at this time if his widow and the mother of his three children, Mrs. Erika Lee, plans to sue the manufacturer of the Magic Carpet or Loveland Ski Area, which operates it.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lee is devastated. Compounding her grief and loss, her late husband’s workers’ compensation agency, Pinnacol decided to reduce the benefits she is entitled to by half — a loss of income of approximately $800 per month — per title eight.

Mrs. Lee is appealing their decision. An upcoming hearing before an administrative law judge is scheduled.

“I’m scared, and I have no idea how we are going to make it,” Mrs. Lee said during an exclusive interview with Denver’s KMGH-TV. “We don’t know if we will get any money at all, so I’m just looking at right now just how to survive. I am very frustrated with the system.”

Half Of Women Prefer To Spend Time With Their Dog Than Other People

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It’s hard to define the love we have for our pets. But Purina did their best to put a percentage behind those feelings, specifically pertaining to dogs, with their 2018 Pets and People Survey.

Nearly all of the more than 1,000 dog owners surveyed (95 percent) said they considered their dog as a member of the family.

Other key findings: 62 percent said their dog helps them de-stress after a long day at work, and 55 percent believe their dog provides emotional comfort after receiving bad news.

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The survey also found dogs have been the wingman for 15 percent of men who want to pick up chicks, while half of women surveyed said they preferred time with their dog over time with their partner…or any other family member, for that matter.

Among Millennials age 18 to 34 years old, more than half (56 percent) said they have purchased birthday cakes for their dogs, and 77 percent said they feed their dogs before they feed themselves.

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Who’s a good boy?

This Roomba Knockoff Can Be Hacked Into A Home Security Device

There’s this paranoia that surrounds in-home smart appliances, but most of the time these fears have no basis in reality. While those who hate technology may say, “I told you so” every time an Alexa laughs without a prompt, most people don’t care about these things, placing more value in the positive things that the device provides. But sometimes these fears have some sort of basis, leading to devices that could seriously violate your privacy.

It was reported that Diqee Camera Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, a Chinese Roomba knock-off, has some serious vulnerabilities that could give hackers the opportunity to turn your vacuum cleaner into an in-home surveillance device. Since the vacuum cleaner comes equipped with wi-fi and an HD 360 camera, the fears of being monitored are very plausible.

According to TechCruch, this vulnerability can give a hacker access to your devices’ camera by having your vacuum cleaner’s MAC address.

“Like any other IoT device, these robot vacuum cleaners could be marshalled into a botnet for DDoS attacks, but that’s not even the worst-case scenario, at least for owners. Since the vacuum has Wi-Fi, a webcam with night vision, and smartphone-controlled navigation, an attacker could secretly spy on the owner and even use the vacuum as a ‘microphone on wheels’ for maximum surveillance potential.” Leigh Anne Galloway, cybersecurity lead at Positive Technologies, tells TechCrunch.

So, you know, be careful with what you purchase. It’s okay to trust technology and to be optimistic for the future, but it’s also important to buy devices from companies you trust, which hopefully have a good track record. And even then, you can never be too sure.

What I Eat: Chris Ballew

For the man who made the phrase “millions of peaches” internationally known, he certainly came around to the idea of eating homegrown and healthy later in life.

Chris Ballew, the singer/songwriter for the band The Presidents of the United States of America, who also fronts his Seattle-based kids rock band, Caspar Babypants, says when he thinks of how he used to eat before gigs on tour in the 90’s, he cringes.

“I ate terribly,” he sighs. “I drank beer a lot, ate white starchy foods – tons of pizza.”

As a result of the unbalanced diet, Ballew says he had physical breakdowns and terrible eczema and that he slept poorly and got sick regularly. “I didn’t put two and two together,” he says, “and no Western doctor did for me either.”

caspar babypants
Photo by Brian Kasnyik

Ballew, who frequents an Emerald City naturopath, has mostly cut out wheat, dairy, eggs and sugar.

“But I still rock a CHEESEBURGER every once in a while! Or a sweaty 7-11 microwave burrito late at night,” he admits when asked about his preferred vice.

The Presidents don’t tour nearly as much as they used to – though they’re known to headline the occasional arena – so Ballew spends much of his time writing, recording and performing his Caspar Babypants songs. And because his audience is filled with families and children, he often plays gigs early in the day. But what does he eat before them?

“My breakfasts are a big deal,” he says. “I love a bowl of cereal with fruit – it’s a good fiber hit, a good energy hit. I’m not too big into the eggy, cheesy complicated breakfasts.”

And it’s clear Ballew has done his research as to why.

“The delivery system for vaccines,” he explains, “includes egg whites. So almost everybody who’s received vaccines is in some degree intolerant to eggs.”

And after the gig?

“I love a ginormous lunch,” he says. “Sometimes I go to the local PCC Co-cop and get an entire chicken and just dive in. I’m all about meat and vegetables and quinoa.”

It doesn’t take Ballew long (or much arm twisting) to admit that if he were to pick one food item that people would change in their diets, it would be America’s over dependence on sugar.

“I think sugar should be criminalized,” he says. “And taxed heavily. Just like tobacco. I think the sugar issue is just about to break like tobacco did in the 70’s – sugar is just killing us, it’s killing us. If I were a more radical person I would firebomb cupcake places.”

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Giant Florida Medical Marijuana Facility Suddenly Shut Down

Missing a food safety inspection deadline is the reason Surterra, one of Florida’s largest medical marijuana treatment centers, has been forced to stop producing new items.

The plant, which operates eight locations across in the state, failed to comply with the requirement, which requires that medical marijuana treatment centers complete  third-party inspections in the first year to ensure “good manufacturing practices,” according to the Miami Herald, which reported on the potential missed deadline last week, when it stated that “about half of the 13 Florida businesses allowed to grow, process and sell medical marijuana could be suspended from processing cannabis because of a little-noticed deadline in state law requiring food safety inspections — even though edible forms cannot be sold in the state.”

In letters sent July 6, the Department of Health said it would be enforcing the provision that requires businesses to complete certification within the first year of getting licensed. If they don’t comply, they must immediately halt production. In a statement, company spokeswoman Kim Hawkes said:

Surterra will comply with all of the regulations set forth by the Department of Health in order to ensure that Floridians continue to receive the safest, most naturally derived treatments to enable health and well-being, as recommended by a doctor. We are going above and beyond simply ensuring good manufacturing practices and are pursuing American’s For Safe Access’ [ASA] Patient Focused Certification Program, which is a standard that is superior to what is currently required by Florida statute.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the inspection requirement went unnoticed or ignored by some businesses because they misconstrued it as part of the statute’s guidelines on edible medical marijuana. The Department of Health has still not cemented rules pertaining to edible forms.

Medical Marijuana Protects Against Strokes, Study Finds

Strokes kill 140,000 Americans each year and nearly 800,000 suffer from an attack. But a promising study suggests that cannabis may lower a person’s risk of having a stroke.

The research, conducted at the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas and published in the journal, “Neuropsychopharmacology,” found marijuana improves oxygen and blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of clots that cause a brain attack.

Dr. Francesca Filbey, the lead researcher and her team have discovered that the “primary psychoactive ingredient present in cannabis —tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — relaxes arterial walls resulting in lower blood pressure and increased blood flow to tissues.”

The research team also claim that frequent cannabis consumers have the lowest risk for stroke because of their extremely efficient brain blood flow.

While the reason for the brain changes related to chronic marijuana use is unclear, Filbey said that these changes may reflect underlying differences in brain tissue metabolic rate.

“Past marijuana research has shown changes in cognitive functions such as memory and executive functioning. Our study seeks to understand the possible neurophysiological mechanisms that may drive these cognitive changes,” said Filbey, who is also Bert Moore Chair in BrainHealth and head of the cognitive neuroscience program in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

The study consisted of 74 cannabis users and 101 nonusers matched for age and IQ. All users reported at least 5,000 usages over their lifetime and daily use for 60 days leading up to the study. Participants were required to refrain from cannabis for 72 hours before the study to eliminate acute effects of the drug. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and THC metabolite levels were measured using urinalysis.

Filbey and her team found that cannabis users showed “higher global oxygen extraction fraction and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen” compared to nonusers. Also, blood flow in the putamen — an area of the brain associated with reward learning and habit formation — was found to be greater in users than nonusers.

Increased blood flow in the putamen may either reflect the capacity of THC to dilate blood vessels or the development of additional circulatory pathways.

“Currently, cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug. As it becomes more widely legalized, understanding neurophysiological alterations and its effects on the brain’s health and performance are becoming increasingly relevant,” Filbey said.

10 Types Of Marijuana That Will Help Suppress Your Appetite

Know that there are multiple ways to consume marijuana, you can eat or drink it, rub it into your skin, vape, smoke and much more.

Marijuana provides stress relief, helps out in social situations and makes your creativity bloom, it’s the world’s most versatile plant, offering a kick to almost all activities. One of its major drawbacks (sometimes) is the increase of appetite, commonly known as the munchies, which can also be great, but not to your waistline. Lucky for you, we found 10 types of marijuana and are munchie free and will suppress your appetite.

Know that there are multiple ways to consume marijuana, you can eat or drink it, rub it into your skin, vape, smoke and much more. Ask the budtenders at your local dispensary which products have the strains listed and then pick how you want to put it into your body.

Here are 10 types of marijuana you can consume for when you want to rein in that hungry monster that lives inside all of us:

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Durban Poison

This pure sativa comes with energizing and uplifting effects, offering the best results for when you need to stay productive and have to seize the day. It’s also earthy and sweet, with a pine smell that’s crazy good.

XJ-13

This hybrid strain offers euphoric buzz that’s perfect for stimulating great conversations and your creativity. It’s also great for newbies who don’t want to deal with paranoia, producing a super relaxing high.

Blue Dream

This hybrid is among the most famous strains in California and for good reasons, inducing cerebral stimulation and full body relaxation. Its great for people who are suffering with depression, pain or other ailments that require high THC content.

Doug’s Varin

Providing a high that’s short and sweet, this sativa strain contains a lot of THCV, which gives you a burst of energy while suppresses your appetite. Doug’s Varin is great to consume before a short activity that requires focus, providing that extra kick and supply of energy.

Jack The Ripper

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This type of marijuana provides an intense and longlasting stimulating effect that can be super fun and energizing.

Power Plant

With a sharp, peppery taste and a pungent smell, Power Plant will give you a clear headed although intense buzz, making you happy and igniting your creativity.

Medihaze

This plant comes with serious uplifting effects and some really delicious smells, combining the scents of pine, mint and spices. It’s also great for relieving pain, anxiety and inflammation.  

Harle-Tsu

This new strain will give you pain and inflammation relief without any psychoactivity, providing no paranoia or anxiety.

Cannatonic

This type of marijuana produces a brief high that’s super relaxing and uplifiting. It’s also great for treating migraines, anxiety and any type of physical or muscular pain.

Red Congolese

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Very popular in California, this type of sativa will give you a weightless euphoria while at the same time helping you focus and giving you mental clarity. It’s also great for treating nausea and tension.

Katy Perry Called Pope This And More

Pope Francis has apparently left quite an impression on pop star Katy Perry.

The American singer-songwriter, who met the pope in April, told Vogue Australia that she’s a “big fan” of Francis.

“It’s a combination of compassion, humility, sternness and refusal,” Perry said in a wide-ranging interview published Wednesday. “He is rebel ― a rebel for Jesus.”

Perry said she appreciated the pope’s love of animals, and that he took the name of her favorite saint, Francis of Assisi. She also said she admires that he sticks to his vow of poverty, even at the Vatican.

Kate And William’s Secret Vacation

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are believed to be enjoying their first holiday as a family of five in Mustique. While no photographic proof has surfaced, Twitter is rife with comments that the royals have headed to the Caribbean. According to royal blogger Tea Time with the Cambridges, the family were spotted arriving at St Lucia airport, where they then boarded a private plane to their next destination – the small island of Mustique. Kate’s family, the Middletons, were also spotted. Kensington Palace has declined to comment.

Mustique, which is a favourite with royalty and celebrities alike, is extremely exclusive. It has around 100 luxury villas and operates a no-fly zone over the area, which would be perfect for the Cambridges and their young children. The royals would be able to soak up the sun and enjoy some relaxed, carefree downtime away from the public eye.

It’s not clear which of the Middletons have joined the party, but Kate’s parents Carole and Michael are likely to be in Mustique too, as is Kate’s younger sister Pippa, who may be enjoying a babymoon with her husband James Matthews ahead of the arrival of their first child. The group also have extra reason to celebrate – not only would the Cambridges be marking their first holiday as a family of five, but William and Kate’s son Prince George is turning five on Sunday.

Meme Of The Week: Young Cardi B Is The Sassy Response For Every Occasion

Cardi B took over the world  last year with a couple of amazing songs and collaborations with singers, and an enviable attitude and personality. With a combination of sassiness and hilarity, Cardi B gave us millions of reaction gifs and phrases that lend themselves to almost every situation.

A photo of 5-year-old Cardi, who simultaneously looks adorable and like she’s judging you, is her latest viral offering that lends itself perfectly for a meme, with people attaching different phrases on it while putting the image on different scenarios.

Most of these memes start with the phrase “My mommy says,” followed by a situation that’s funny and eerily reminiscent of your childhood. You may find yourself identifying with Cardi – if you were an annoying kid – or remembering someone who was just like her.

Yaaaa annoying for this ?????Leave five year old Belcalis alone ??

A post shared by Cardi B Official IG (@iamcardib) on

???????too funny cause i was a smart ass like this ???

A post shared by Cardi B Official IG (@iamcardib) on

Other versions of these memes take things further by photoshopping Cardi in different spots and giving the jokes more ammo.

Even Offset accepts the charm of the Cardi B meme and wears it proudly.

How Marijuana’s THCA Can Effectively Treat Your Worst Pain

Following is a conversation with Erin Green of Edibles by E regarding her unique edibles made with THCA.

First off, what prompted you to try CBD tinctures?
In December 2015, I underwent a back surgery and by March 2016, I was diagnosed with chronic pain and Fibromyalgia. Doctors prescribed the usual opiates for my symptoms: Norco, Percocet, and a few others. Then the memories of people in my life and the memories of their heartbreaking battles with opiate addiction came crashing down on me. A friend suggested that I use a CBD tincture to try and relieve my pain and hopefully replace the opiates. The CBD tincture that I ended up with was not the most palatable concoction but when is medicine supposed to be enjoyable?

Why did you switch to using THC?
I heard it was good for sleep. Fibromyalgia is notorious for insomnia and I’m no exception. And the THC worked. It got me to a place I could stop taking Ambien. And it was helping with my pain and it lessened the symptoms but I felt chronically high which I don’t want on a daily basis. I want to be a productive person and relate to other people and being high every day wasn’t making that very easy for me.

Photos courtesy of Edibles by E

I decided to not decarboxylate the THC first and just use the cannabis as is and without heat. I read that the psychoactive effects aren’t active unless heat is applied or unless you decarboxylate the cannabis first. Turned out that I still got relief from the cannabis without feeling the psychoactive effects. I later learned this is the cannabinoid called THCA.

How do you use THCA to treat your pain?
I use THCA during the day to help relieve my symptoms and my pain without being high. I use THC at night to also relieve pain and to help with sleep. Both cannabinoids have properties that are medically beneficial. Through my research though I do believe that THCA is a more powerful anti-inflammatory.

Surprisingly THCA is one of the stronger cannabinoids, for reasons I have yet to figure out, CBD is the only non-psychoactive cannabinoids marketed by the cannabis industry.  This is basically the reason Edibles by E was created. It felt like it was my duty to see to it that THCA was offered to people like me so at least they have this choice. It didn’t feel right to keep this information to myself.

Explain the products that you offer.
Some of our edibles come in both cannabinoids and are  low dose, allowing patients to accurately dose with the option of a psychoactive or non-psychoactive medication. We offer delicious truffle cakes in double chocolate or lemon chiffon, we created the Honey Shot which is cannabis infused flavored honey in a pipette (tube with a plunger) so you can get every drop plus a pipette cap in case you want to wait and save it for later. We also have our green apple and spearmint sublingual mints. Sublingual is a melt in your mouth delivery system so the effects are quicker than the ordinary edible that gets processed through the stomach and liver. These mints or lozenges are lower dosed and great for microdosing and for those new to cannabis.

Photos courtesy of Edibles by E

The most recent product we have out on the market is the ready to go easy vape. This is intended for people who are curious about vaping and also for those older people like my 70-year-old aunt who was letting her three grandchildren’s life choices stress her out so bad I couldn’t take it. I introduced her to our stylish and easy to use vape pen and she’s doing great now. She self medicates and doesn’t have to charge it or worry about a button to push or a cartridge to buy and it’s just classy enough that she called and asked me for one for her friend.

What are your future plans?
Terpenes have been my latest research project. They are what gives most natural elements the smells you’re used to like lavender and lemons and cloves. If you squeeze the leaves of the pine tree and you got a drop of liquid this would be a terpene. Along with aroma, terpenes also give you taste and when it comes to cannabis the terpenes combined with THC can offer certain medicinal benefits as well.  Our next product will be our new vape pen “Fullfilled.”  This will be ready to  and easy to use just like our current vape pen however instead of reintroducing terpenes to create the original strain of the cannabis oil we will add nine particular terpenes that we researched to create a perfect blended formula to give you the best flavors and aromas and to also work with the oil to add terrific medicinal  benefits.

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