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Our Awesome 11 Marijuana Strains To Celebrate Space Travel

It seems the new administration will put a bigger focus on space – here are the perfect strains to celebration the exploration.

The new admisntration is poised to encourage expanded space travel. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight conducted in 1969, and now Blue Origin, Boeing SpaceX and more are working on  leaving the earth’s orbit normal. Civilians can now pay to be taking up and experience.

Not everyone can write the check, but here are our awesome 11 marijuana strains to celebrate space travel and take you out of this world.

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Space Race

A hybrid strain that combines relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. It’s gaining popularity for its unique branding and powerful effects, making it a standout in the cannabis market.

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Space Monkey

An indica-dominant strain (85% Indica/15% Sativa) known for its euphoric and focused effects. It features a fruity flavor profile derived from its parent strains, Gorilla Glue and Wookie #15.

Apollo 11

Celebrating the historic moon landing, this strain delivers strong cerebral effects that help alleviate stress and moderate pain.

an artist's rendering of a red planet in space

Apollo 13

This hybrid strain features energizing effects with an earthy scent, inspired by the famous space mission. Users report a euphoric experience that feels like a journey through space.

Cosmic Collision

A fusion of Cosmic Charlie and Piña Collision, this sativa strain offers pineapple-kiwi flavors and uplifting effects that enhance creativity.

Carl Sagan

Named after the famous astronomer, this strain provides balanced effects and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day of cosmic exploration.

Outer Space

A sativa known for its creative and energetic effects, Outer Space is said to make users feel uplifted and focused—ideal for those looking to explore their thoughts.

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Space Queen

This balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) is known for its euphoric high and ability to alleviate various ailments such as pain and anxiety.

Northern Lights

A classic indica strain that promotes relaxation and introspection, perfect for those looking to ponder the mysteries of space while enjoying a calming experience.

White Widow

This enduring strain provides cerebral stimulation without anxiety, suitable for contemplative moments or social gatherings under the stars.

Supernova

Known for its powerful effects and vibrant flavors, Supernova is ideal for those seeking an explosive experience that mirrors the wonders of the cosmos.

All You Can Eat Buffets Are Back In A Big Way

By 2021, people thought they were gone forever, but they have roared back bigger and better.

Las Vegas was the birthplace of the All You Can Eat Buffet. The concept grew and places like Golden Corral, Sizzler and more dotted the national landscape.  Not to be confused with cafeterias like Cleburne in Texas (founded in 1941) or Morrison’s in the Southeast (founded in 1920), the all-you-can-eat focused on value and quantity. The restaurant type struggled during Covid and many industry experts expected their demise, but All you can eat buffets are back in a big way.  From the “by the pound” places to sit down restaurants, customers have embraced them again…and sales are soaring.

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The all-you-can-eat buffet is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, evolving from its past reputation of low-quality, mass-produced food to a vibrant dining experience that emphasizes quality and sustainability. This revival can be attributed to several factors, including consumer demand.

a table full of plates of food

Today’s buffets are redefining the dining landscape by incorporating gourmet offerings and interactive experiences. Gone are the days of lukewarm trays filled with unidentifiable dishes; modern buffets feature live cooking stations where chefs prepare meals on-site, showcasing everything from sushi to seasonal farm-to-table dishes. This shift prioritizes quality over quantity, appealing to a more discerning clientele who values fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Outside of Seattle, WA Feast Buffet lets you make custom ramen and Harvest Buffet has a make your Mongolian Beef.

The economic climate has also played a significant role in the buffet’s comeback. With inflation affecting grocery and restaurant prices, buffets offer an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value. For a fixed price, diners can enjoy a wide variety of foods, making it an appealing choice amid rising costs of living. In 2022, the buffet industry generated approximately $5.5 billion, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year, as many establishments reopened post-pandemic.

A noteworthy trend among modern buffets is their commitment to sustainability. Many establishments are implementing practices that minimize food waste by creatively repurposing leftovers and sourcing ingredients from local farmers.

Buffets have regained their status as social hubs where families and friends gather to enjoy meals together. This communal aspect is particularly significant in many cultures, where dining is synonymous with connection and celebration. Buffets cater to diverse tastes, allowing diners to explore various cuisines in one sitting, which enhances the overall dining experience.

The resurgence of all-you-can-eat buffets is not merely a return to old habits but rather an evolution that embraces quality, sustainability, and community.

Should You Drink Water From The Bathroom Sink

Sometimes it is easier – but should you drink water from the bathroom?

The body needs water…and the lack of water can causes issues.  The right drinking water nourishes the body, but most don’t get what they need. While generally people don’t drink enough plan water, men tend to drink more water than women. Because it is easier, some people refill their glass/bottle at the easiest tap, but should you drink water from the bathroom sink? Drinking water regularly from the bathroom tap may seem like a convenient option, but it poses several health risks and hygiene concerns make it a bit sketchy.

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One of the primary reasons to avoid drinking bathroom water is the potential for contamination. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and other pathogens due to the high humidity and frequent use. The faucet itself can harbor germs, especially if it is not cleaned regularly. Additionally, bathroom plumbing may contain lead or other harmful substances, particularly in older homes where pipes have not been updated. Lead exposure can lead to serious health issues, including developmental problems in children and cardiovascular effects in adults.
Photo by Coco Images via Pexels

Bathrooms are often less hygienic than kitchens. Even if the water coming from the tap is treated and safe to drink, the surfaces around the sink are frequently touched by dirty hands. Items such as toothbrushes, soap dishes, and towels can also contribute to the spread of germs. When people wash their hands or flush toilets, splashes can contaminate the sink area, increasing the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria when drinking from the tap

The quality of water can vary significantly between different sources in a home. Kitchen taps generally draw from cleaner lines and may be subject to stricter regulations regarding water quality. In contrast, bathroom taps may not be as rigorously monitored or maintained. This inconsistency can lead to unexpected contaminants entering the water supply.

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Kitchen taps are typically cleaner and may offer better filtration options. If you are concerned about water quality, consider using a water filter that has been certified to remove contaminants.

Water is the key to life, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (a little under a gallon) of fluids a day for men and 11.5 cups (.7 gallons) of fluids a day for women.

 

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.

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