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Meta’s Rule Change Still Hates On Cannabis

There is a big buzz about the dropping of fact checking and opening the door to increased online harassment on Meta they still stomp on marijuana

Dealing with fake or hateful information online can be annoying, but for some, it is much worse. Especially for kids who are still developing their coping skills. In fact, 26.5% of teens (aged 13 to 17) reported experiencing cyberbullying within the last 30 days. This marked an increase from 16.7% in 2016. Despite the increase, Meta announced a shift towards a “community notes” model where users can flag questionable content instead of relying solely on third-party fact-checkers.

However, this change does not extend to cannabis content, which remains heavily moderated and often blocked from search results. Cannabis-related content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, remains stringent despite recent updates to its content moderation policies. The company continues to categorize cannabis content as a “high severity violation,” which places it alongside issues like terrorism and fraud.

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Meta ended its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a user-driven model akin to Community Notes. Critics argue this will lead to an increase in misinformation and hate speech, as there will be less oversight on potentially harmful content. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that this change would likely result in more “bad stuff” circulating on its platforms.

Via Anton Petrus/Getty

And yet, the ongoing restrictions have made it difficult for cannabis advocates, news outlets, and businesses to share information or promote educational content about cannabis including medical marijuana. The American Medical Association, AARP, the Food and Drug Administration have all acknowledged the value of medical marijuana, but information on how it helps as been limited by Meta.

Many accounts related to cannabis advocacy have faced suspensions or limitations, further complicating efforts to engage with the public on legalization and reform issues.  Not only as medical marijuana benefiting millions, thousands of mom and pop business are being hurt by the policy.

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Meta’s policies reflect an outdated view of cannabis, lumping it together with more dangerous drugs without recognizing its legal status in many jurisdictions. This has led to accusations that Meta is missing an opportunity to support the evolving cannabis community and its businesses.  Interesting their harmful cannabis policy is now in line with their hateful content policy.

Can Marijuana Cause a Miscarriage

As time as evolved, parents have a better understanding about pregnancy.  Caffeine, cannabis, tobacco and more can have an impact.

In France, 20% of pregnant women smoke and depending on studies, the prevalence of alcohol use is at least 15%, yet they have lower infant mortality rates. Some of the reason could be the healthcare and support around expectant mothers, but some is general lifestyle. It is is called the French paradox. While no medical professional is advocating for bad habits while expecting, it happens.  Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol are on the avoid list, but can marijuana cause a miscarriage?

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The evidence is clear smoking, alcohol and caffeine can have an effect on the fetus. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, when consumed during pregnancy, can all have negative effects on a fetus, including potential for low birth weight, development delays, birth defects and even miscarriage. Alcohol poses the most significant risk due to its potential for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Pregnant Women With Depressions 3 Times As Likely to use Marijuana
Photo by Camylla Battani via Unsplash

Maternal use of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and caffeine were compared in a research study. The relationship between such usage and growth parameters of offspring followed up from birth to 12 and 24 months of age were examined. Of the soft drugs used, nicotine had the most pronounced effect. After adjustment for other relevant variables, nicotine use prior to and during pregnancy was negatively related to weight and head circumference at birth. Furthermore, third trimester nicotine use was a stronger predictor of decreased weight and head circumference at birth than was first trimester use. The results obtained are consistent with ponderal index (PI) literature suggesting a recovery of growth retardation in infants with a lowered PI. Average consumption of greater than one ounce of absolute alcohol per day was negatively related to birth weight and length. Neither cannabis nor caffeine use had a significant negative effect on any growth parameter.

The chemicals in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can pass through the placenta and affect the fetus’s development. This can lead to a variety of issues. Frequent cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. Cannabis use can impair neurodevelopment and increase the risk of abnormal neurological development in the fetus.

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A key factor is the amount consumed. Frequent cannabis use is linked to low birth weight babies. There is also an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.  Another concern is may impact the baby’s brain development or cause abnormal neurological development. Long term it may affect a child’s long-term learning and behavior. 

Studies are inconclusive about the association between marijuana use and miscarriage, but it is clear regular or heavy use can have an impact.

DEA Causes Another Delay In Marijuana Rescheduling

The actions of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have caused another delay in marijuana rescheduling – hurting thousands of mom and pop businesses.

While thousands of mom and pop business’s future hangs in the balance, the DEA causes another delay in marijuana rescheduling.  Ever since outgoing President Biden delayed starting the process, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been dragging their feet on any action. And now they have been ordered to delay to do some questionable actions. While the majority of the public believe it should be legalized and consumer usage has increased, even starting the California sober trend. The DEA and a few members of Congress have fought hard and long against science and public opinion.

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In response to a motion filed by cannabis advocates seeking to disqualify the DEA from its role as proponent of the proposed rule to reclassify cannabis, the agency asserted that there was no new evidence presented warranted reconsideration. The advocates, which include notable groups such as Village Farms International and Hemp for Victory, argue that the DEA has stacked the deck against them by selecting participants who oppose the proposed rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III. The DEA’s Chief Administrative Law Judge, John Mulrooney granted a request for leave to file an interlocutory appeal—canceling the scheduled January 21 merit-based hearing and staying the proceedings for at least three months. Mulrooney condemned the agency over its “unprecedented and astonishing” defiance of a key directive related to evidence it is seeking to use in upcoming hearings on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

The rescheduling process has been complicated by the DEA’s action, including a lack of clarity regarding participants in the hearing for proposed rule change. These complications have led some observers to express skepticism about the likelihood of successful rescheduling in light of recent political developments and the DEA resistance and administrative hurdles.

Despite these setbacks, there is still momentum behind the push to reschedule marijuana. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has previously concluded that cannabis does not meet the criteria for a Schedule I drug, citing credible scientific support for its medical use. The Food and Drug Administration concurred with the recommendation. This conclusion aligns with growing public sentiment favoring cannabis legalization and reform of its federal status.

As advocates and industry businesses continue to navigate this complex landscape, they remain hopeful ongoing discussions and potential legal challenges will ultimately lead to a more favorable outcome for cannabis rescheduling. The upcoming months will be critical as stakeholders await further developments in this evolving regulatory environment.

Soap Operas Reflect The Changing Status Of Cannabis

Soap opera reflect and influence opinions in unexpected ways.

Since they first appeared in 1949, they have captured the audience’s imagination. Whether nighttime or daytime they talesof sex, power, love, betrayal and more wooed viewers and kept them entertained. Daytime soap operas become addictive and up to the premier of streaming, a part of what the country thought.  And in so, soap operas reflect the changing status of cannabis. All My Children, One Life to Life, Days of our Lives, and more built legions of fans who grappled with some of the issues discussed openly in a comfortable setting. The approach to birth control, war, divorce, drug use, mixed relationships and more evolved and continues to reflect the current public opinion.  Almost 90% of the US believe cannabis should be legal in some form and AARP believes it has benefits.  And soap operas had a hand in the change.

Historically, soap operas have addressed various substances, including marijuana, often using them as plot devices to create dramatic tension. In the late 20th century, drug use was frequently depicted in exaggerated scenarios that highlighted the dangers of addiction and substance abuse. For instance, characters were shown experiencing dramatic consequences from drug use, such as overdoses or legal troubles, which served as cautionary tales for viewers. Often, sometime was slipped it and consumed unknowlying, leading them down a path of addiction and bad behavior. As cannabis become more popular, the marijuana become my accepted, like alcohol.

General Hosptail Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleston)

Soap operas played a role in acceptance of medical marijuana. In a General Hospital plot line, Dr. Patrick Drake included discussions about medical marijuana. The show has been known for addressing contemporary issues, and this particular plotline explored the benefits of marijuana for patients dealing with chronic pain and other medical conditions. The portrayal aimed to reflect real-life conversations surrounding the use of medical cannabis, showcasing its potential therapeutic effects in a dramatic context.
Recent studies indicate that nearly half of soap opera viewers recall instances of marijuana use within the shows they watch. This suggests that marijuana is becoming a normalized element of storytelling in this genre. The portrayal of marijuana in soap operas often reflects societal attitudes towards the drug, which have shifted significantly over the years due to changing laws and cultural perceptions.
On the show One Life to Live, the character Natalie Buchanan highlighted the struggles of patients seeking alternative treatments for their ailments, including the use of medical marijuana. This type of entertainment also made the discussion about cancer a topic to be discussed, not hidden.

All My Children's Phoebe Tyler portrayed by Ruth Warwick

Eventually, it become normalized. In fact, a couple of characters, one on Somerset and one on One Life TO Live, always looked stoned, but the writers never came out and said it.

 

Early pioneers in the industry become inadvertent advocates. Rather than do the conventional drug addiction plot, writer/creator Agnes Nixon decided she had to do something extra to make contact with young people home from school for the summer months. She had cameras go to the real life Odyssey House drug treatment center and film Craig/Levitt talking with real drug patients who discussed their own real addictions with great dramatic impact. The resulting blend of fact and fiction was revolutionary for TV

Marijuana’s portrayal in daytime soap operas serves not only as entertainment but also as a reflection of evolving societal attitudes toward drug use. As these shows continue to explore themes related to marijuana, they contribute to ongoing conversations about its implications for health and society.

Dolly Parton Expands Her Food Empire

Dolly is an icon, and a savvy investor – now she has moved into food and beverage in a big way.

Dolly Parton is a beloved icon, respected in the music industry and very popular. And despite her “aw shucks” personality, she is a very savvy business mogul. She has been an entertainment star for over 50 years starting with music and expanding into film. Revenue she generated from talent allowed her to build Dollywood in 1986 which expanded to include Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dream More Resort and dinner theaters.  They generate almost $2 billion in revenue. She has also expanded in the pet industry (Doggy Parton) and makeup (Dolly Beauty). Last year she expanded into food and this year, she has moved into wine. Yes, Dolly believes in rosé all day.

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Dolly Parton had her first success with Duncan Hines baking products. Now she has released her first wine, Dolly Wines California Chardonnay 2023, in the summer of 2024. Parton was involved in every aspect of the winemaking process, including taste, look, and feel. First out was a California Chardonnay. It is described as “a blend of white peach, sweet cream, and toasty oak for a perfectly balanced sweetness.” The wine is launching globally and it seems the US will have to wait for the rosé and prosecco. But considering the popularity of her other brands, she seems to be uncorking another success.
At the beginning of last year, she made a move into the industry in a much larger way. She announced her exclusive partnership with Conagra Brands, the parent company of Duncan Hines, to launch a new line of food products that will include frozen, refrigerated, grocery, and snack items inspired by traditional Southern comfort cuisine.

The food product line will feature a variety of items aimed at capturing the essence of down-home cooking. Among the initial offerings is the Buttermilk Pancake Mix, which marks Parton’s first venture into breakfast foods. This product is set to hit store shelves nationwide this winter, alongside an expanded range of baking mixes such as Chocolate Cake Mix and Blueberry Muffin Mix. The collaboration aims to inspire “special moments in the kitchen” by incorporating some of Parton’s favorite family recipes into these new products.

This partnership is seen as a strategic move for Conagra Brands, allowing them to enhance their presence in established categories while also tapping into new markets related to Southern cooking and comfort food. Tom McGough, COO of Conagra Brands, emphasized this collaboration provides an incredible opportunity for growth and aligns with the company’s goal of offering authentic and beloved food products. Lucy Brady, president of grocery and snacks at Conagra, expressed excitement about bringing Parton’s vision to life, stating her name and recipes will resonate with consumers across America. Sales continue to increase valdiating the partnership.

Of course, she is also a philanthropist. Her Imagination Library launched in 1995, this program provides free books to children from birth until they start school, distributing hundreds of millions of books globally. She has also been a big contributed to disaster relieve and medical research.

The Best Cocktails To Get You Through The Week

The new year is starting with a bang – here are some cocktails to take off the edge.

The new year is coming in hot – back to work policies, the LA fires, snowstorms and just having to work is killing the 2025 start buzz.  Now drinking your problems away isn’t a good or healthy solution, but sometimes a nip of something does help. January is already known as a bit of depressing month due to the post-holiday blues, cold weather, shorter daylight hours, and the potential for increased financial stress after the holiday spree. Here are the best cocktails to get you through the week.

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Paloma

What better way to start the year with a semi healthy drink. The Paloma with tequila and juice is somewhat healthy. Good tequila is low calorie, low body impact coupled with a big dose of vitamin C helps make the dark days a little brighter.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 4 ounces Grapefruit soda, chilled, to top
  • Pinch of salt
  • Garnish: lime wheel

Create

  1. Add the tequila, lime juice, and pinch of salt to the glass, and fill with ice.
  2. Top with grapefruit soda, and stir briefly and gently to combine.
  3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

The Spaghett

While beer drinking is down as people switch to California sober, it is still highly popular. Why  now merge it with a favorite (Aperol Spritz and beer) for a refreshing and low alcohol treat?  Try it, you will like it.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces light beer, such as Miller High Life
  • 1 ounce Campari

Create

  1. Take a big sip of chilled beer, about 1 ounce
  2. Pour campari into beer bottle
  3. Enjoy

Cucumber Cleanse

While friends talk about Dry January, Damp January, winter arc, and more – you can brag you are doing a cleanse. The lemon and cayenne juice cleanse is popular, you are just adding a lpersonal twist so it fits into happy hour or a tailgate. For the ginger syrup add 4 oz peeled while making simply syrup ginger and let it steep for 30 minutes.  Strain and use.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Absolut vodka
  • 3/4 ounce fresh cucumber juice
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 ounce ginger syrup
  • 1/4 ounce honey
  • 1 egg white
  • Dash of ground cayenne

Create

  1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry-shake (without ice) until frothy
  2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled
  3. Strain into a cocktail glass
  4. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cayenne

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Dirty Shirley

Like the actress, the Shirley Temple cocktail was sweet, wholesome and popular.  But why not have the adult version of the beverage to start the year out breaking the norms?

Ingredients

  • 2 ozs gin
  • 1/2 oz orange juice
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grenadine
  • Orange slice

Create

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shake with ice
  2. Shake vigorously
  3. Strain into martini glass
  4. Garnish orange slice

 

DoorDash Will Bring You THC

DoorDash announced they will be delivering hemp THC and CBD!

In exciting news to every busy or lazy person out there, DoorDash will bring you THC. Yes, the popular food delivery platform, has expanded its offerings to include hemp-derived products in select markets, marking a significant shift in the on-demand delivery landscape. As of January 9, 2025, customers of legal age can now order a variety of hemp-derived THC and CBD products directly to their doorstep. Hemp is gaining in popularity and starting to pop up in liquor and convenience stores.

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This new category includes items such as gummies, drinks, mints, chocolates, and honey sticks, all containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. The move comes in response to growing consumer demand for these products, with nearly 75% of adults aged 21-65 considering incorporating THC/ CBD products into their routine for relaxation and stress relief.

Photo by manish panghal via Unsplash

To access these products, eligible customers can simply select the CBD/THC tab in the DoorDash app, where they can browse and order from a selection of hemp-derived beverages, topicals, and edibles.

The company has implemented multiple safeguards, including electronic ID verification, to ensure that only customers of legal age can purchase these products. DoorDash is offering these products through various channels, including their own fulfillment platform, DashMart, as well as partnering with retailers like Total Wine & More and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. This expansion allows DoorDash to tap into a growing market while providing consumers with convenient access to products they desire for relaxation and enjoyment.
This move by DoorDash reflects a broader trend in the delivery industry, as companies explore new product categories to meet evolving consumer preferences. However, it’s crucial to understand that these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or efficacy.
As the market for hemp-derived products continues to grow, DoorDash’s entry into this space could potentially reshape the landscape of on-demand delivery services. It remains to be seen how this new offering will impact the company’s business and consumer behavior in the long term.

It’s important to note that while DoorDash is expanding into hemp-derived products, they are not delivering marijuana. The company is operating within the legal framework of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Several key marijuana beverage and edible companies like Wana Brands have rolled out hemp products to expand their selection and to available in most states.

What And Who Are Today’s Marijuana Prohibitionists

As a new federal administration starts to take place…who are the Prohibitionists against cannabis?

House Speaker Mike Johnson is one of the leading ones in the country along with Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) group. While prohibiting things have generally not gone well in the country, some people are hard core to restrict what others can do. These types have been around since the 14th century. The word prohibition originally meant “the act of prohibiting by authority”. The word prohibitionist was first recorded in 1830. A prohibitionist is a person who supports or advocates for prohibition, which is the act of officially not allowing something, especially the sale of alcohol in the the United States during the 1920s. So what and who are today’s marijuana prohibitionists?

Marijuana prohibitionists are individuals, organizations, and government entities that oppose the legalization and use of cannabis. They advocate for strict laws and enforcement against marijuana cultivation, possession, and consumption. While almost 90% of those of age in the in country support marijuana legalization, this minority feels they should be allowed to decide.

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The roots of marijuana prohibition in the United States can be traced back to the 1930s. Harry J. Anslinger, who headed the U.S. Treasury Department’s Narcotics Bureau from 1930 to 1962, played a pivotal role in criminalizing marijuana. Initially opposed to federal legislation against marijuana, Anslinger later capitalized on public fears and lobbied for the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.

So who are some of the marijuana prohibitionists today? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in a legal mess and they have broken protocol and possible laws n their approach to rescheduling cannabis. Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) are part of the same mess. Also the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drug Free America Foundation and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and the Heritage Foundation..  In elected office there is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Nebraska Attorney General Mike HIlgers, Senator Mitch McConnell and some of the new administration nominees.

Tactics used include lobbying against legalization bills with no factual information, supporting anti-cannabis public service announcements an advocating for maintaining marijuana’s Schedule I status.

As public opinion shifts and more states legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use, the influence of prohibitionists has waned. Except for a group of older, traditional law and policy makers. They continue to play a significant role in shaping drug policy debates at both state and federal levels.

How The LA Fires Will Effect Cannabis Crops

It is devastating to Los Angeles and everyone in and around it – and it is going to hurt small mom and pop businesses including those in cannabis.

Los Angeles is one of the pillars of the cannabis industry with one of the largest concentration of sales and some of the most important grows within 200 miles of downtown LA. And like the residents of the City of Angels, they are effected by the horrific fires which have suddenly engulfed the area. The Palisades Fire, the largest of four life-threatening wildfires currently wreaking havoc across the county, alone is expected to be the costliest wildfire in history, according to Daniel Swain, climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. It has burned more than 3,000 acres and numerous homes, businesses and landmarks in Pacific Palisades. But long term, it is going to damage the region. Here is how the LA fires will effect cannabis crops.

Wildfire smoke can have significant and complex effects on crops, including cannabis, with both negative and positive impacts depending on various factors. Smoke from wildfires primarily affects crops by reducing sunlight availability, which is crucial for photosynthesis.

This reduction in light can lead to stunted growth, lower yields, and decreased nutritional quality in many crops. For cannabis, smoke exposure can cause substantial crop losses, with some estimates suggesting potential statewide production losses exceeding 25% in a single year.

The impact of smoke on cannabis is particularly severe compared to other crops in California. Cannabis agriculture is geographically more threatened by wildfire than any other agricultural crop in the state. This vulnerability has led to significant economic losses, with potential damages estimated at $1.44 billion in 2020 and $970.04 million in 2021. Wildfire smoke can also increase ground-level ozone, which is harmful to both human health and crop growth. Ozone can damage plant tissue during respiration, affecting both corn and soybeans. In corn, this may lead to the remobilization of carbohydrates from stalks to satisfy grain fill requirements, potentially increasing the risk of weak stalks and lodging before harvest.
Another key issue is insurance. Jesse Redmond, Managing Director of Water Tower Research expressed his concern. “Wildfires highlight the ongoing insurance crisis within the cannabis industry. Due to the federal status of cannabis, many growers remain underinsured or entirely uninsured, leaving them without financial recourse in the event of crop or facility destruction” Redmond shared

The impact of smoke varies among different crops:

  • Cannabis: Highly susceptible to smoke damage, with significant economic losses reported.
  • Corn: More affected by light reduction than soybeans due to its C4 photosynthesis and higher light saturation point.
  • Potatoes: Can experience black flecking on recently emerged leaves.
  • Watermelons: May show premature chlorosis on older leaves and develop brown or black spots with white patches.
  • Squash and pumpkins: Can experience yellowing of older interior or crown leaves.

The damage from this fire will impact the lives, businesses and crops of the region for years to come.

Greenland And Cannabis

Here is the skinny on the world’s largest island’s approach to legal cannabis.

People are chatting about the country right now, but what Greenland and cannabis? It is the world’s largest island and ruled by the Danish King. It is a self-governing territory of Denmark, but remains politically tied to the European country especially around currency, defense and foreign affairs. In Denmark, recreational use of cannabis is illegal, but medical use is permitted through a pilot program that began in 2018. The sale and use of cannabis is also tolerated in the Freetown Christiania neighborhood of Copenhagen.  The government revealed they could be open to expanding into a legal market in late 2023.

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Greenland is part of a European monarchy but is closer to North America.  Their nearest neighbors to the west of them, Canada and the United States both have some form of legal marijuana for over 50% of their population. But there is a tough history with Greenland and cannabis. Currently, cannabis is illegal on the island and less than 20% of the country consumes.  Excessive alcohol use is a big concern in the country.

icebergs on body of water under blue and white sky at daytime

Greenland has had an issue with marijuana use abuse with young people and recently announced a bold move towards a progressive drug policy. They are Greenland is exploring innovative approaches to address youth cannabis use, signaling a potential shift towards more comprehensive strategies. This Arctic nation, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is now gaining attention for its forward-thinking approach.
Greenland’s government agency Allorfik has commissioned a groundbreaking project to explore effective service delivery models for combating youth cannabis use. This initiative demonstrates Greenland’s commitment to evidence-based solutions and public health-oriented approaches, rather than punitive measures that have proven ineffective in many parts of the world.

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Greenland’s efforts align with a growing global trend towards more nuanced and health-focused cannabis policies. As many countries and move towards legalization or decriminalization, there’s an increasing recognition of the need for thoughtful regulation and public health measures.

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