Page 9 – The Fresh Toast

The Lit Backstory To This Cocktail

Anthony Washington

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September 5, 2025

Not only is it fresh and delicious – it is a pioneering cocktail

When you are deciding on a drink, you have plenty of options, but the cool backstory to this cocktail can make you want to have a sip. When you order a Hanky Panky, you’re not just enjoying a balanced blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca—you’re tasting a slice of cocktail history shaped by one of the most important women in bartending: Ada “Coley” Coleman.

The Hanky Panky was created in the early 1900s at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, a glamorous destination for high society and global trendsetters. Coleman, who began her bartending career in the 1890s, eventually rose to become head bartender at the Savoy’s American Bar. The appointment made her one of the very first female bartenders in a luxury establishment—a groundbreaking achievement at a time when cocktail culture was still a male-dominated world.

The story goes the Hanky Panky was invented for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a well-known actor of the time. He wanted something “with a bit of punch,” so Coleman went back to her mixing glass. She experimented with flavors until she hit on a mix of gin, vermouth, and a dash of Fernet-Branca, an Italian amaro known for its bitter and herbal complexity. When Hawtrey tried it, he exclaimed, “By Jove! That’s the real hanky panky!” The name stuck—and so did the cocktail.

Unlike sweeter drinks of the era, the Hanky Panky delivered layers of intrigue. The gin’s crispness mingled with the vermouth’s rounded sweetness, while the Fernet added a bitter, bracing edge making it feel daring and modern. For cocktail fans today—especially Millennials and Gen Z who love a craft experience—the drink hits a sweet spot of being both vintage and refreshingly different.

Classic Hanky Panky Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ oz London Dry gin
1 ½ oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Fernet-Branca

Create

Fill a mixing glass with ice
Add gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca
Stir until well chilled
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Garnish with an orange twist

This simple three-ingredient recipe captures Ada Coleman’s original creation—a timeless balance of bold, bitter, and smooth.

But beyond the glass, the Hanky Panky represents a milestone in hospitality history. Coleman wasn’t just a novelty behind the bar—she was a star mixologist who built a loyal following of celebrities, artists, and royals. She paved the way for generations of women to be seen not only as bartenders but as innovators and tastemakers in the cocktail world.

Today, the Hanky Panky enjoys a comeback in speakeasies, craft cocktail lounges, and even TikTok recipe videos. Young drinkers are rediscovering classic cocktails with personality, and this one delivers both flavor and a feminist backstory. Ordering it isn’t just about enjoying a drink—it’s about raising a glass to the woman who made history by refusing to be boxed in.

So next time you see a Hanky Panky on the menu, try one. You’ll be tasting more than just a cocktail—you’ll be celebrating Ada Coleman’s legacy, one sip at a time.

Cannabis Not A Part Of Crime Ridden Cities

Terry Hacienda

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September 3, 2025

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Cannabis Not A Part Of Crime Ridden Cities

Crime in cities are a hot topic with the public right now – cannabis is not part of the problem

Currently, crime ridden cities having the national guard arrive in cities at the request of the current administration. But as it turns out, cannabis not a part of crime ridden cities. For years, critics of marijuana legalization have warned opening dispensaries and decriminalizing marijuana would send crime rates soaring. But new data and research show a different story: the U.S. cities struggling with the highest levels of violent crime are not experiencing those problems because of legal cannabis.

According to recent FBI and local crime data, cities such as St. Louis, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Memphis, Tennessee; and Cleveland, Ohio rank among the highest in violent crime per capita. Several of these states now allow recreational or medical cannabis. Michigan legalized marijuana in 2018, Missouri in 2022, and Maryland in 2023. Despite fears, legalization has not fueled crime spikes in these urban centers. Instead, researchers point to systemic issues such as poverty, education gaps, and opioid trafficking as the true drivers of urban violence.

Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Stringer/Getty Images

National studies from institutions including the Cato Institute and peer-reviewed journals support this finding. Analyses of crime rates before and after legalization show violent crime typically stays flat or even declines slightly once legal cannabis markets are established. In some border states, legalization has helped reduce illicit drug trafficking, which historically contributed to organized crime.

Property crimes tell a similar story. While dispensaries—often forced to operate as cash-heavy businesses due to federal banking restrictions—may attract occasional theft, these incidents are rare and not enough to sway overall crime rates. In fact, some research suggests a regulated, taxed cannabis market reduces illicit street dealing and violence can accompany it.

Local law enforcement in legalized states have also acknowledged marijuana enforcement is no longer a priority, allowing police resources to focus on more serious crimes. This shift has not only eased pressure on the court system but also helped reduce unnecessary confrontations between communities and police.

What explains the persistently high crime rates in certain cities? Experts consistently highlight deep-rooted economic inequality, underfunded schools, limited job opportunities, and the devastating toll of opioids and fentanyl. These structural issues far outweigh any influence cannabis legalization could have.

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, with 24 states now allowing recreational use, the evidence is clear: legal marijuana does not drive urban crime. Instead, it provides new tax revenues, reduces black market activity, and creates jobs. For cities struggling with crime, the solutions lie in economic development, education, and public health—not rolling back cannabis reform.

Legal cannabis is here to stay, and it is not the villain behind America’s toughest crime statistics. The real work is addressing the social and economic conditions fuel violence, while allowing cannabis to contribute positively to communities across the country.

Unexpected Cannabis Help For The Military

Terry Hacienda

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September 3, 2025

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Unexpected Cannabis Help For The Military

The military and marijuana have had a long history – now members of the GOP are trying to help the services with a change

From Vietnam to PTSD, marijuana has been part of the armed services. Traditionalists have waged war on the green plant, but now there is unexpected cannabis help for the military. As recruitment numbers continue to shrink, a wave of Republican lawmakers are championing bold reforms to modernize military enlistment—starting with cannabis policy. Their aim? Make the armed forces more accessible to young Americans who’ve legally used marijuana in their daily lives.

RELATED: Cannabis Can Help PTSD

At the center of this push is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who introduced an amendment to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would ban marijuana testing for enlistment or officer commissioning. Gaetz argues prior cannabis use should not exclude willing Americans from serving their country, especially amid a recruitment and retention crisis. Nearly 33% more recruits tested positive for marijuana in 2022 compared to 2020. Gaetz has long been one of Congress’s most vocal supporters of cannabis reform, frequently backing measures to decriminalize or normalize its use on both state and federal levels.

New York Vets — Photo by skeeze via Pixabay

This isn’t Gaetz’s only effort: other GOP lawmakers are pushing parallel reforms. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) proposed allowing service members to use federally legal CBD products, while the Congressional Cannabis Caucus—co-chaired by R and D members—has introduced amendments to empower VA doctors to advise medical cannabis treatment for veterans in legal states.

Meanwhile, the House Armed Services Committee, led by Republicans, advanced a medical cannabis “pilot program” amendment authored by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas). This program would allow the Department of Defense to study cannabis’s health effects on veterans with PTSD, depression, and pain—alongside psychedelics research like MDMA and psilocybin trials.

Why now? With medical marijuana legal in 38 states and recreational use legal in 24, many potential recruits are being filtered out by outdated drug policies—despite evidence those granted waivers perform on par with other soldiers.

On Reddit, the sentiment is candid:

“This proposed change would eliminate marijuana testing at time of enlistment/commissioning. Seems like a reasonable change to help recruiting.”

For millennials who’ve grown up in a patchwork of legalization, these reforms feel sensible, overdue, and inclusive—a recalibration of military policy to reflect modern societal norms.

Still, it’s worth noting: none of these proposals are yet law. While some reforms have advanced in committee, they haven’t all made it to the House floor, let alone passed both chambers.

In sum, a growing cohort of GOP lawmakers is signaling prior use of cannabis should not disqualify military service, flipping the script on recruitment rules and embracing a more inclusive future.

The Rise Of The Pickle Flavor

Sarah Johns

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September 2, 2025

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The flavor is everywhere—from KFC and Sonic menus to pickle martinis and lemonade. The tangy trend continues as a cultural favorite

It has quietly gone from quirky novelty to cultural obsession, here is the story of the rise of the pickle flavor. Over the past few years, grocery aisles, fast-food menus, and cocktail bars have all jumped on the briny bandwagon. What once lived in jars at the back of the fridge is now showing up in sodas, slushies, biscuits, and martinis—and the appetite isn’t slowing.

A recent global trend study found 63% of consumers hold a positive sentiment toward pickle flavor, a striking number for something was once considered divisive. The approval rating has given food and beverage companies confidence to launch bolder, more adventurous pickle-inspired products, knowing consumers aren’t just willing but eager to try them.

At its core, pickle flavor is a blend of tangy vinegar, fresh dill, garlic, and a touch of salt. It delivers a punchy brightness cutting through rich or fatty foods, while the herbal dill notes give it freshness. The combination explains its broad appeal: it satisfies cravings for something salty, sour, and refreshing at the same time. It also offers nostalgia, reminding people of homemade deli sandwiches, summer picnics, and even Southern fried chicken.

Big brands are leading the charge in keeping pickle front and center. Earlier this year, KFC Canada launched a limited-time Pickled Menu including crispy chicken sandwiches with pickle sauce, pickle-seasoned fries, pickle chips, and even the polarizing but buzzworthy Pickle Pepsi. Online reactions dubbed it “one of the best drops of the year,” proving there’s real excitement for these tangy twists.

Meanwhile, Sonic teamed up with Grillo’s Pickles to create its Big Dill Meal, which features burgers layered with pickle toppings, sides dusted with pickle seasoning, and a bright green Picklerita Slush. To top it off, the chain leaned into pickle culture with pickle-scented merchandise, making the flavor more of a lifestyle than a limited-time promotion.

Bars and restaurants are also experimenting. Pickle juice has become a darling ingredient behind the counter, used in pickle martinis, pickle margaritas, and even pickle micheladas. The briny liquid works like citrus—balancing sweetness and rounding out alcohol with acidity. Bartenders say it’s particularly appealing to younger drinkers who are searching for playful, Instagram-ready twists on classics.

“Spicy really had its mainstream moment on menus and in CPG from 2012-2022, fueled by similar trends of shifting tastes, adventurous globalization and social media attention. The market saturation of “spicy” leaves room for pickle flavors to offer another, less extreme option – many forget that Tabasco’s first ingredient on the bottle is distilled vinegar! A pickle’s acidic, salty and vegetal flavors also play incredibly well with nearly all dietary preferences including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Unlike other seasonal favorites, the preservation process of pickles leads to year-round availability that consumers can continuously crave and confidently count on ordering.” shares famed chef and YouTuber Justin Khanna

The list of new pickle-flavored creations keeps growing. Among the most talked about:

Pickle Pepsi (KFC)
Pickle chips and fries (KFC)
Big Dill Burger and Picklerita Slush (Sonic + Grillo’s Pickles)
Pickle martinis and margaritas (various cocktail bars)
Pickle lemonade (making waves online)
Pickle biscuits (a Southern home-baking trend)
Celebrity-branded pickles, like Pamela Anderson’s artisanal line infused with rose petals and pink peppercorn

While some food trends fade as quickly as they rise, pickle flavor shows no signs of disappearing. With widespread consumer approval, constant reinvention, and both mass-market and artisanal players embracing it, pickle is proving to be more than a fad. Instead, it’s becoming a modern flavor staple—one bridging comfort, creativity, and just enough shock value to keep people curious.

The Latest On Medical Marijuana And Migraines

Amy Hansen

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September 2, 2025

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They can destroy a day in seconds…but can marijuana help with migraines?

They can upend sometimes day when they arrive and devastate lives over the long term…so what is the latest on medical marijuana and migraines? A wave of fresh research is casting new light on the potential of medical marijuana as a treatment for migraines, the debilitating neurological condition affecting about 15% of people globally, or nearly 1 billion individuals. In the U.S., the lifetime incidence stands at roughly 43% for women and 18% for men.

Migraine recognition remains crucial for timely intervention. Classic signs include a pulsating, moderate-to-severe headache, typically unilateral, often accompanied by nausea, and hypersensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). Attacks may last from 4 to 72 hours, and many sufferers go through prodromal symptoms—mood changes, fatigue, or neck pain—before the headache phase.

In a landmark placebo-controlled clinical trial presented at the 2025 American Headache Society Annual Meeting, researchers at UC San Diego demonstrated vaporizing a precise mixture of 6% THC and 11% CBD leads to significant migraine relief:

67.2% of participants experienced pain relief within 2 hours, compared to ~46.6% receiving placebo.
34.5% reached complete pain freedom, versus 15.5% with placebo.
Benefits were sustained for 24 hours for pain relief, and 48 hours for relief from their most bothersome symptoms, including light or sound sensitivity.

Investigators highlighted the importance of controlled, infrequent dosing—limiting use to under 10 times per month—to avoid medication overuse headaches (MOH) and reduce risks of psychoactive effects.

A systematic review covering nearly 2,000 migraine patients revealed medical cannabis reduced monthly headache frequency from 10.4 to 4.6 days—a remarkable ~56% drop. It also alleviated associated nausea and vomiting, with effects comparable to amitriptyline in reducing frequency (~40%).

Survey-based studies echo these findings:

In one registry, patients reported inhaled cannabis halved migraine severity, though effectiveness waned over time.
Another review confirmed medical marijuana significantly reduces both the length and frequency of migraines, with no severe adverse events noted (cannabisclinicians.org).

Despite promising outcomes, more research is needed. A retrospective study found cannabis use increased the prevalence of medication overuse headache (MOH)—patients using cannabis were nearly 6 times more likely to develop MOH compared to non-users. Mild side effects—such as drowsiness, lightheadedness, or cognitive blips—occurred in up to 43.75% of users, particularly with oral forms.

Turns Out This Habit Is Both Healthy And Planet Friendly

Anthony Washington

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September 2, 2025

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Turns Out This Habit Is Both Healthy And Planet Friendly

Some think it is disgusting, but turns out it is actually helpful and planet friendly

The 5 second rule, doggy kisses, shower in the morning or evening….all of these habits generate healthy debates about the pros and cons. Another habit is the source of debates, declarations of “ick” and more – but turns out this habit is both healthy and planet friendly. It’s a question sparking debate in households and locker rooms alike: is urinating in the shower a harmless shortcut or a bad habit best avoided? The answer, it turns out, lies somewhere between hygiene science and water conservation math.

Toilets are thirsty machines. A standard flush uses about 1.6 gallons of water, and older models can send three to five gallons down the drain. Advocates for “eco-peeing” point out a single person who chooses to relieve themselves in the shower once a day could save more than 500 gallons of water each year. This is roughly the same as skipping two weeks’ worth of laundry.

When students at the University of East Anglia in the U.K. ran the numbers as part of their “Go With the Flow” campaign, they found if all 15,000 students participated, the water saved annually could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool more than two dozen times.

But is it safe? Fresh urine from healthy individuals is mostly water with trace amounts of urea and salts. For decades it was assumed to be sterile. Newer research, however, shows urine carries small amounts of bacteria, even in people without infections. This means the old “clean as water” claim doesn’t hold up.

Still, doctors generally agree peeing in your own shower poses little risk, especially when water is running and the drain is clear. The Cleveland Clinic notes for most healthy people, the practice is not unhygienic as long as showers are cleaned regularly.

The bigger concern isn’t shower urination but new fads spreading online. Social media has amplified so-called “urine therapy” trends, where some users claim drinking urine or applying it to skin can boost immunity or act as a natural cleanser. Health professionals warn these practices are unsafe and unproven, potentially exposing people to harmful bacteria and toxins the body has intentionally excreted. Far from being a health booster, using urine this way can actually raise the risk of infection and skin irritation.

So is it eco-friendly? Yes, in a small but real way. Is it unhygienic? Generally no, assuming you’re healthy and the shower drains well. But is it worth making a daily habit? It depends on your comfort level and your doctor’s advice.

In the end, the shower-pee debate illustrates the trade-offs of modern sustainability: saving water may mean breaking taboos, but even small personal choices can add up when millions of people are involved.

Hacks For Guys To Start The Week Strong

Sarah Johns

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August 25, 2025

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The last Mondays of the summer are especially hard. Kickstart your week with fresh hacks to be more productive and positive

For Gen Z and Millennial men, the start of the work week have long carried a reputation as the dreaded restart button. But with burnout, hustle culture, and digital overload shaping modern life, a strong start isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating momentum for the whole week. The right habits can turn Mondays into a launchpad instead of a drag. Here are the best hacks for guys to start the week strong.

Before diving into emails, texts, and social feeds, take 60 minutes offline. That first hour is prime time for setting tone and focus. Studies show delaying screen use reduces stress and boosts mental clarity, making it easier to handle whatever Monday throws at you.

Oversized to-do lists can make Mondays feel impossible. Instead, pick two meaningful tasks: hit the gym, finish a small work project, or cook a healthy meal. Achieving early wins creates momentum and makes the day feel manageable.

Music shapes mood—and Mondays need energy. Build a soundtrack that pumps you up, or try a podcast that inspires instead of drains. Whether it’s Kendrick Lamar, The Strokes, or a high-energy DJ set, sound can shift your headspace from sluggish to unstoppable.

Even a ten-minute walk or quick body-weight workout can lift dopamine and endorphins. Movement combats the grogginess that often sets in after a slow weekend and primes your brain for focus.

Mondays don’t need elaborate routines. A cold shower, journaling for five minutes, or making a nutrient-dense breakfast are grounding rituals gives structure and stability. Consistency beats complexity.

Instead of isolating in work mode, connect with friends or colleagues. A quick group text, shared voice note, or even a funny meme exchange builds camaraderie and helps reframe Mondays as a collective start—not a solo slog.

Gen Z and Millennials are rethinking the old “I hate Mondays” mindset. Reframing it as a fresh start—new opportunities, new ideas, new chances—shifts perspective from dread to possibility.

For those who responsibly use cannabis, a microdose edible or vape can ease stress and support creativity. But moderation is key: think balance, not escape.

Mondays don’t have to suck. With the right mindset and a few intentional habits, Gen Z and Millennial men can transform the hardest day of the week into the most empowering one.

A Little Cannabis Can Help You Dance

Sarah Johns

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August 22, 2025

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Need a little help and courage to break out on the dance floor – what about your friend marijuana

Sometimes the only thing standing between you and the dance floor is a little self-consciousness. For generations, people have turned to music, movement, and a splash of liquid courage to losen up. But today, Gen Z and millennials are discovering a little cannabis can help you dance. In small doses, it’s helping people find their groove without a messy hangover the next day.

Think of it as the modern update to the classic dance montage. Remember Kevin Bacon in Footloose (1984) kicking off his shoes and defying a no-dancing town ordinance? His rebel energy was all about freedom, joy, and shaking loose the rules. The same spirit is alive today, only now it often comes with a puff instead of a punch.

t’s not just a Gen Z trend either. Millennials who grew up watching Saturday-night dance shows like Solid Gold or tuning into the funky moves of Soul Train know dancing isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Cannabis can help tap into the flow, making your body follow the beat instead of overthinking the steps.

Researchers are starting to explore the connection between cannabis and movement. While too much can make you sluggish, consumers report small amounts heighten sensory awareness and make music feel deeper, almost physical. It’s why some DJs and party planners are experimenting with cannabis-friendly dance events, where wellness and rhythm replace the chaos of all-night clubbing.

For many, the benefits go beyond just having fun. Dancing with the help of cannabis can ease social anxiety, provide a sense of belonging, and even offer a workout that feels less like exercise and more like celebration. After all, who needs a treadmill when you can laugh with friends while dancing for an hour straight?

The cannabis-and-dancing trend isn’t about getting high and wild—it’s about reclaiming joy in movement. It’s about taking inspiration from Footloose, throwing on your sneakers, maybe queuing up an old Soul Train line, and realizing dance is medicine for the spirit.

So next time you’re invited to a wedding reception, a house party, or just tempted to crank up Spotify in your living room, consider a little cannabis might be the secret to feeling free on the dance floor. Like Kevin Bacon proved, sometimes you just have to let the music lead the way.

The Best And Easy Savory And Spicy Cocktails

Anthony Washington

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August 22, 2025

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The Best And Easy Savory And Spicy Cocktails

The cocktail scene is heating up with the demand for savory and spicy cocktails

When it comes to cocktails, younger drinkers are embracing bold, adventurous flavors. Sweet and fruity concoctions may always have their place, but a growing trend among millennials is leaning into spicy and savory cocktails—drinks with heat, depth, and a touch of umami. These cocktails are not only exciting to drink, they’re also surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

Here are the best and easy savory and spicy cocktails to bring the fire and flavor to your next happy hour.

Spicy Gin & Tonic with Jalapeño and Cucumber

This cocktail takes the classic G&T and gives it a spicy, refreshing upgrade. Jalapeño slices add heat while cucumber balances with crisp coolness.

Ingredients

2 oz gin
4 oz tonic water
2 cucumber slices
2 jalapeño slices
Lime wedge for garnish

Create

Muddle cucumber and jalapeño lightly
Add gin then top with tonic
Garnish with lime

Smoky Bourbon & Chipotle Sour

Bourbon’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the smokiness of chipotle, creating a complex cocktail with a little kick.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
Dash of chipotle hot sauce

Create

Combine ingredients in cocktail mixer
Shake with ice
Strain into a rocks glass
Garnish with a lemon peel

Spicy Tequila Paloma

The Paloma is Mexico’s beloved grapefruit-and-tequila cocktail, but adding chili salt and jalapeño takes it to the next level.

Ingredients

2 oz tequila blanco
3 oz grapefruit soda (or juice + soda water)
½ oz lime juice
2 jalapeño slices
Chili salt rim

Create

Rim a glass with chili salt
Add tequila, lime, and jalapeño
Top with grapefruit soda

Savory Rum Michelada

Borrowing from the beer-based Michelada, this twist swaps in light rum for a unique savory cocktail with tropical depth.

Ingredients

2 oz light rum
4 oz tomato juice
½ oz lime juice
2 dashes hot sauce
1 dash soy sauce

Create

Mix ingredients with ice in a tall glass
Gently stir
Garnish with lime and chili powder

Chili Mango Vodka Smash

This vodka cocktail blends sweet mango with fiery chili, creating a drink that’s tropical, savory, and refreshing all at once. It’s a modern, Instagram-worthy favorite.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz simple syrup (or agave)
3 chunks fresh mango (or 2 oz mango puree)
2 slices fresh red chili or jalapeño

Create

Muddle mango and chili
Shake with vodka, lime, and syrup
Strain into a rocks glass over ice
Garnish with chili slice

Spicy and savory cocktails are having their moment, fueled by millennial tastes for adventure and flavor diversity. Whether you’re into gin, vodka, bourbon, tequila, or rum, these easy recipes are proof you don’t need a speakeasy to enjoy mixology magic at home.

Lawsuit Continues New York’s Chaotic Cannabis Rollout

Terry Hacienda

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August 21, 2025

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NYC cannabis dispensaries, exposing New York’s troubled two-year rollout and threatening businesses.

The state and city just seems to struggle in rolling out marijuana, now a lawsuit continues New York’s chaotic cannabis rollout. A dozen high-profile cannabis dispensaries in NYC have taken the state to court after regulators admitted they botched a key zoning rule—one which could shutter or displace over 150 legal shops, many backed by social-equity entrepreneurs. Already the state has struggle with over 1,700 unlicensed dispensaries.

Since New York launched its adult-use cannabis program roughly three years ago, licensed dispensaries were told to stay 500 feet away from schools, as measured from their entrances. But in July, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) quietly switched to the legally mandated method—measuring from the school property line. The reinterpretation retroactively rendered around 60 open shops, an additional 40 ready-to-open stores, and nearly 50 applicants out of compliance overnight.

Enter the lawsuit. Filed on August 15 in Albany’s Supreme Court, the coalition—including Housing Works Cannabis Co., The Cannabis Place, and others—demands the state halt enforcement, deem their locations legal under the original standard, and stop threatening license renewals and leased spaces.

For many plaintiffs, this isn’t just legalese—it’s existential. The majority are BIPOC, women, veterans, and equity program beneficiaries who invested six or seven-figure sums expecting stability. Osbert Orduna of Queens’ The Cannabis Place noted many of them built out stores, hired staff, signed long-term leases, and only now face ruin through no fault of their own.

OCM’s acting director, Felicia Reid, has apologized, labeling the error and its impacts serious, and pointed regulators toward lawmakers for a fix. Governor Kathy Hochul has also vowed not to penalize licensees for the agency’s goof and encourages legislators to “grandfather in” existing stores once Albany reconvenes in January.

Supporters warn of broader fallout: small-business collapse, loss of trust, and a slide back to illicit markets. One industry critic blasted the mismanagement as the latest episode in a dimly lit rollout—marked by stalled licensing, uneven oversight, and surging unlicensed dispensaries.

As New York’s legal cannabis industry stumbles again, the lawsuit lays bare the frail infrastructure behind legalization. For millennial consumers and budding entrepreneurs alike, the saga spells caution: if you’re banking your future on bureaucratic stability, you might want to double-check the fine print—especially when it comes to how you measure school safety.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

The Lit Backstory To This Cocktail

Not only is it fresh and delicious – it is a pioneering cocktail

Classic Hanky Panky Recipe

Cannabis Not A Part Of Crime Ridden Cities

Crime in cities are a hot topic with the public right now – cannabis is not part of the problem

Unexpected Cannabis Help For The Military

The military and marijuana have had a long history – now members of the GOP are trying to help the services with a change

“This proposed change would eliminate marijuana testing at time of enlistment/commissioning. Seems like a reasonable change to help recruiting.”

The Rise Of The Pickle Flavor

The flavor is everywhere—from KFC and Sonic menus to pickle martinis and lemonade. The tangy trend continues as a cultural favorite

The Latest On Medical Marijuana And Migraines

They can destroy a day in seconds…but can marijuana help with migraines?

Turns Out This Habit Is Both Healthy And Planet Friendly

Some think it is disgusting, but turns out it is actually helpful and planet friendly

Hacks For Guys To Start The Week Strong

The last Mondays of the summer are especially hard. Kickstart your week with fresh hacks to be more productive and positive

A Little Cannabis Can Help You Dance

Need a little help and courage to break out on the dance floor – what about your friend marijuana

The Best And Easy Savory And Spicy Cocktails

The cocktail scene is heating up with the demand for savory and spicy cocktails

Spicy Gin & Tonic with Jalapeño and Cucumber

Smoky Bourbon & Chipotle Sour

Spicy Tequila Paloma

Savory Rum Michelada

Chili Mango Vodka Smash

Lawsuit Continues New York’s Chaotic Cannabis Rollout

NYC cannabis dispensaries, exposing New York’s troubled two-year rollout and threatening businesses.

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