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Curaleaf Creates Another Cannabis Industry Behemoth

Earlier this year, Curaleaf dispensary in Western New Jersey became the biggest on the east coast. Said growth means that the pot shop is now capable of serving 1,000 patients a day. The expansion of New Jersey’s medical marijuana laws played a big role in Curaleaf’s successful move into being a super dispensary. Now, Curaleaf is in the process of building the largest cultivation greenhouse on the east coast.

Clearly, this isn’t going to be your typical greenhouse; at 100,000-square-feet, the expansive lot will attempt to meet the rapidly growing demand for medical marijuana. When the MMJ law was expanded, it wasn’t just dispensaries that got bigger, it was the list of qualifying conditions being lengthened that made way for a blossoming economy.

There’s been talk in the NJ State Senate about having a legalization bill approved by Labor Day, some talk by January 1, 2019, but one thing’s for certain: when it does come down the pike, we’re going to need big dispensaries and grow operations the size of Curaleaf’s new venture to keep up with buku demand.

Another reason for the success that Curaleaf is enjoying is due to the extras they put into helping cannabis patients. For people who now qualify under the expanded medical law, but don’t know where to start, Curaleaf helps to find a certified medical provider. They also walk anyone with questions through the nuances of cannabis, from how to take it to strains and their different effects on different people.

All Curaleaf cannabis is lab tested and are of pharmaceutical grade purity. A giant greenhouse like the one in the works could end up having challenges in maintaining quality and lab grade cannabis, but only if it is sterilized to the  point of an industrialized flower factory. As all good cannabis enthusiasts know, cannabis grown with love is just better.

If passion is an indicator of love for the plant, then there shouldn’t be too much to worry about with quality control. In fact, this proposed largest cannabis greenhouse on the east coast is an extremely exciting prospect. Dispensaries have been having trouble keeping up with demand for medicine since the program added qualifying conditions and streamlined the card holding practice.

Kudos to Curaleaf on soon literally breaking new ground and getting ready to supply the Garden State with quantities of cannabis it can clearly use. For this cannabis company and the state it’s situated in, the future looks bright indeed.

Pornhub Will Caption Videos For Those With Hearing Loss

You can chalk this up as either another publicity stunt or an actual service geared to those with accessibility issues. Pornhub will caption videos for those with hearing loss.

As Engadget reported, Pornhub will provide “descriptive and interpretative text” aimed at those unable “to hear the video’s original audio.” This service will be added to more than 1,000 videos and touch various genres on the platform.

In addition, it will allow its viewers determine emotional shifts in the video and who is speaking at any given time. Non-dialog sounds pertinent to the storyline or scene will also be included.

While other streaming platforms typically utilize an algorithmic system to caption videos, Pornhub will hand-caption their content. This move represents the other angle of the company’s accessibility efforts. Previously Pornhub launched videos that provided audio description for those suffering from sight loss.

Engadget actually checked if anyone watched those videos and reported that “several of them had around a million views.” So the market’s there. People want to consume adult content and Pornhub is willing to help them achieve that goal.

Pornhub was founded by web developer Matt Keezer as a website within the company Interhub, and launched on 25 May 2007.The website allows visitors to view pornographic videos from a number of categories, including professional and amateur pornography. Users can share videos on social media websites and leave “like” or “dislike” votes. Users may also optionally register a free Pornhub account, which additionally allows them to post comments, download videos and add videos to their favourites, as well as upload videos themselves. Videos can be flagged if they contain content which violates the website’s terms of service.[19]

In March 2010, the company was purchased by MindGeek. As part of MindGeek, Pornhub makes up one of several pornographic websites in the company’s “Pornhub Network”, alongside YouPorn, RedTube, and others. Though not the most popular pornographic website, Pornhub is the single largest such website on the internet, hosting more videos than any similar site, often in the top 20 sites along with Yahoo, Google, Amazon and more.

Pornhub will caption videos for those with hearing loss is another way for them to engage their audience.

Why The ‘Poison Squad’ Of 1902 Is The Creepiest Supper Club Ever

People did a lot of crazy shit 100 years ago.  But volunteering to eat poison has to top the list. It sounds like a Quentin Tarantino film, but back in 1902, a thing called the Poison Squad existed; a 12-man group whose sole purpose was to consume poisonous preservatives in food. You know, just your common pantry staples, like borax, formaldehyde and salicylic acid.

Atlas Obscura details the coveted job of this short-lived (no pun intended) society. It started in 1902, when a chemist named Harvey Wiley offered members free rent and prestige to live out his twisted experiments:

As the Poison Squad ate meats and consumed drinks laced with increasing amounts of suspected poisons at their fine dining table, the public fell in love with their cause. Journalists breathlessly reported on their trials of these “young men of perfect physique and health.” Offensive yet popular minstrel shows added poison squad songs to their repertoire. Consumers across the country suddenly grew concerned about the safety of what they’d been eating.

It took five years and the death of one of the members before Wiley concluded that the scary food additives were hurting people.

In 1905, he teamed up with a woman named Alice Lakey to form the Pure Food Committee. Together, they helped pass the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, which paved the way for today’s Food and Drug Administration.

Under the Pure Food and Drug Act, “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs or medicines, and liquors” was prohibited.

Any food or drug product sold in the United States now had to include all its ingredients, including a percentage of narcotics if relevant, on the label for the consumer.

Atlas Obscura notes that between 1912 and 1930, Wiley lead the household and food product testing labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute, which still exist today.

Next time you enjoy a Twinkie, you know who to thank.

These Soothing Products Will Help Dogs Battle Anxiety

In the U.S., the Fourth of July is a widely-celebrated holiday, and no matter where you celebrate, fireworks are almost always involved. As aesthetically appealing as fireworks are, the cost of them is astronomical. Not to mention, the loud noises of fireworks significantly startle and frighten many animals including dogs, deer, squirrels, and others. In particular, dogs who suffer from PTSD and anxiety often get triggered by the consistently loud noises. If you’re a pet owner and/or know someone who is, there are certain soothing products that can help dogs battle anxiety and terror caused by loud noises.

Costly Fourth Of July Traditions

Many people enjoy the Fourth of July because it’s an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. However, there are other popular attractions that interest people including numerous firework shows as well as fireworks individuals light up on their own. As of 2014, each year for the Fourth of July, the expected total for consumer sales of fireworks in the U.S. totals in at $675 million. This figure represents an increase of $13 million as compared to 2013. Although people enjoy lighting off fireworks each year, animals have quite the opposite experience.

Animals’ Experience With Loud Noises

Countless animals including dogs are often afraid of fireworks, but fortunately, there are certain products that can be used to help dogs and other animals combat anxiety caused by Fourth of July fireworks. The products listed below can be very useful around this time of the year whether you’re a pet owner or know someone who is.

Soothing Products to Help Dogs Combat Anxiety

Physical Gear

Over time, different products have been released onto the market, which help soothe anxiety and stress animals feel on holidays like the Fourth of July. One useful product is a tucked-in heavy blanket. Generally, heavy blankets help soothe humans and animals because of the comfort it provides. The feeling is similar to a friendly hug that makes a significant difference when one is frightened or anxious.

RELATED: 10 Types Of Marijuana That Will Make The Fireworks Even Better

Similarly, another product that can reduce dogs’ anxiety is a “Big Hug Anxiety Jacket.” These jackets are specially made for anxious dogs, especially around the time of July 4th. The jackets apply a certain amount of pressure, which helps swaddle and calm dogs during stressful, anxious, and fearful experiences like firework shows. Also, a “Shed Defender Dog Onesie” is another option. The pressure it delivers to animals substantially helps calm and soothe their anxiety, and this specific onesie can help keep dog hair off clothing, furniture, and car interiors. Rather than using physical jackets though, some dog owners rather place specially made earmuffs on their dogs’ ears to protect their hearing from loud firework sounds.

Edible Food-based Treats

In addition, calm cookies that contain Cannabidiol have been found to be useful in reducing anxiety. The cannabinoid’s natural anti-anxiety properties do their job to soothe both high stress and anxiety. These calming dog treats don’t contain any THC, therefore, after dogs consume them, they won’t feel high, but rather, their anxiety and nerves will most likely disappear.

If pet owners don’t want to give their dog a CBD-based treat, there are other treats to choose from. For instance, “Take it easy treats” could be used, which are made with natural ingredients that evoke calming and soothing effects.

On the same note, “Pawlife Calming Treats” or chill pills are commonly used. These flavorful treats contain calming yet natural ingredients, which work to keep dogs relaxed during loud firework noises. As a result, pet owners can relax too knowing that their dog(s) won’t freak out or panic. Similarly, “HomeoPet” could be used, which is comprised of a blend of homeopathic ingredients that are designed to combat animal anxiety due to firework noises.

Specially-made Dog Collars

Sometimes, if dogs are outside during firework shows whether it’s intentional or non-intentional, they can get easily startled and anxious. This may lead to them running away to escape the loud noises and the panic they feel. If for some reason a dog is outside while these noises occur, a GPS collar can be used to ensure that if they run off, the owners can easily find them. Also, pet owners can purchase a calming collar for their dogs. These collars are specially made with natural essential oils, and they help deliver calming support due to stress-related behaviors.

RELATED: Independence Day: 5 Red, White & Blue Marijuana Edibles

Although the Fourth of July is a fun celebratory holiday for most people, firework shows and lighting off fireworks can significantly impact animals’ well-being including countless dogs. If you want to ensure that your pet(s) are safe, stress-free, and calm, try purchasing any of the products mentioned above to give them the peace they deserve.

The Future Of Recreational Cannabis In New Jersey ‘Rounding The Corner’

It’s been well over 100 days and Gov. Phil Murphy still hasn’t managed to legalize marijuana. It was a big part of his campaign rhetoric, but it was also a big part of his budget. Just recently, he had a projected $60 million in tax revenue mapped out with a January 1 start, but the budget that went through in June contained nothing of the sort.

This is not due to a lack of a bill, which would make more sense and be all the more frustrating, but it simply boils down to Murphy and others overshooting a timeline. There just wasn’t enough initial support in the state senate to pass a recreational cannabis bill.

Senate president Steve Sweeney (D) Gloucester had encouraging words for cannabis enthusiasts across the state, however. He said that lawmakers are “rounding the corner on marijuana” and said that he and the speaker were committed to a goal of having the marijuana bills settled by the end of this summer.

Sweeney also said that “now that the budget’s out of the way” that they should be able to focus on the issue of recreational cannabis without all the background noise. Sen. Joe Vitale, (D) Middlesex was completely opposed to the bill proposal that combined expanding medical and creating recreational at the same time, but he is now reportedly in talks with other senators and there is hope that he can be brought around on the legalization issue.

Though Murphy hasn’t been able to legalize weed yet, he did expand the medical marijuana program to the point that existing cannabis dispensaries are having trouble keeping up with demand for the herb. This could be an issue for legalization going forward, as it would be a relatively simple fix to have recreational sales in the existing medical dispensaries, but not if there isn’t enough marijuana to go around.

For the legalization argument, it does help that NJ’s neighbors are either onboard or discussing cannabis legalization, recreationally or medically. New York state, now long overdue to be at the cutting edge of this industry, has yet to legalize. But it’s a hot topic and probably coming down the pike. Just like we’ve seen with Jersey’s turn, it will just a matter of time and diligence.

Jennifer Aniston Is Dating Again: ‘It’s Very Hush-Hush’; Oprah Worried About Upstaging Meghan Markle At Royal Wedding

Nearly five months after she and Justin Theroux announced their plans to call it quits on their two-and-a half-year marriage, Aniston is dating again — and, insiders reveal, she’s being wooed by two men! “It’s very hush-hush,” says a confidant, adding that neither is an actor. The first contender, says another source, is a tech titan introduced to Aniston by a close friend. “He recently split from his wife and is trying to win over Jen,” confides the source.

The second, says another confidant, “is an industry creative she met when they started working on a project together several months ago.” The fact that neither is Aniston’s usual type only adds to the allure for the actress — and her tight-knit circle of girlfriends. “Jen’s group is excited that she’s dating again,” says an Aniston insider. “They can hardly keep it a secret when they’re so happy to see Jen moving on.”

Oprah Worried About Upstaging Meghan Markle At Royal Wedding

Winfrey told British Vogue, she realized the cream-colored Stella McCartney dress she’d commissioned “looked white, not cream” in photos.

“I Googled, ‘Can you wear white to a wedding? Answer: ‘No, don’t risk it,’” the 64-year-old media mogul told the magazine.

Winfrey relayed her fear of committing a serious fashion faux pas to McCartney, who “worked round the clock” to remake the same dress in pale pink in time for the big day.

Winfrey said the royal wedding “left me feeling that anything is possible through the power of love. Reverend Curry was right!”

THC-Infused Popsicles Will Make Your Summer

There’s nothing better than a popsicle when facing the sweltering heat of summer. And what a better way to eat one than when it’s infused with THC?

One of the best things about legal marijuana is the variety of products that exist in the U.S. Now that people don’t have to worry over the legality of their work, they’re allowed to create interesting and delicious ways of consuming cannabis. The Green Solution, one of Colorado’s largest cannabis dispensaries, becomes one of the first to take advantage of legal cannabis and summer, pairing both and selling THC popsicles starting this month.

These popsicles are available in two flavors—Cherry and Grape—and are perfect for your 4th of July barbecue, or for laying at home because you’re too afraid of leaving your house and melting. As an incentive, The Green Solution will be selling popsicles for a penny on 4th of July only, so be prepared for a bit of a line on their 15 Colorado locations. Regular prices will be $2.45.

Via TGS Colorado:

A great choice if you need to stabilize your mood, reduce stress or alleviate pain. We always strive to create the best tasting products with the most accurate dosage, and our Cherry Icicles are no exception. Juicy berry and cherry flavor, followed by a relaxing high. Recommended for anyone who desires the potent effects of an Indica, but does not feel the urge to smoke. Our infused Icicles are available in 10mg doses. Icicles are Vegan!”

The Green Solution explained that their popsicles are infused with indica THC in order to provide uplifting and relaxing results that pair perfectly with outdoor activities and daytime consumption. Because who wants to smoke when it’s 90 degrees out?

Is Legal Cannabis The New Bitcoin?

Investors who have missed the boat on opportunities that have made others stinking rich in the past do not want to miss catching the first wave of legal marijuana. With Canada on the verge of launching its fully legal marijuana market in October, cannabis stocks in the northern nation have made tremendous gains. So much, in fact, financial experts are calling cannabis the next bitcoin, according to Newsweek.

“I believe the incredible tailwinds blowing at legal marijuana’s back make it so the opportunity here is much like the one internet stocks offered in 1994 … or the one bitcoin offered in 2015,” wrote Matt McCall, founder and president of Penn Financial Group, in his multi-part series on cashing in on the cannabis explosion. “If you missed the opportunity to make 50 times your money in internet stocks … or if you missed out on the opportunity to make 50 times your money in bitcoin, you’re going to want to know how to play weed.”

Last year, following the promise of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to legalize marijuana nationwide, Canada’s cannabis stocks experienced substantial growth, becoming the best performing stock in the country. Those investors that got in on the ground floor of leading publicly traded companies, like Canopy Growth and Aurora Cannabis, “easily reaped Bitcoin-like returns,” according to a report from Global News.

Some of the latest data shows that “smokeable marijuana” will generate in upwards of around $5 billion in Canada once the industry is off its leash. But that market will swell to the vicinity of $22 billion once the edibles sector is allowed to join in the fun later in 2019. Canopy, which is presently working with brewing giant Constellation Brands to create a line of THC-infused beverages “for the world market, including the U.S,” is worth an estimated $6.7 billion. Analysts predict its value will increase on the heels of Canada’s national marijuana trade.

But this doesn’t mean that investors should just start throwing money at just any old weed stock. A large majority of them will fail, says Allan Gregory, a professor of economics at Queen’s University. “Every marijuana stock is going to fall … the losers will outweigh the winners,” he said.

Still, there could be some snags because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. The situation has already caused some problems in Uruguay, the first nation to go fully legal, with U.S. banks refusing to do business with its financial institutions connected to legal weed. The same could happen with respect to Canada. Although it is possible the reaction will be different this time around.

New Report Claims iOS And Android Apps Are Misusing Sensitive Data

Recently, users have begun to question apps that store their private and most sensitive data. While most of them understand that this is a requirement for the app to function properly, scandals regarding the misuse of data keep popping up, each one more concerning than the last. It’s become the norm for us to second guess whether we should download an app or not.

Mashable reports that Firebase, a popular cloud-based back-end platform owned by Google, has thousands of users information stored on unsecured databases that could be accessed by anyone with relative ease.

Appthority, a mobile security company, looked into 2.7 million apps on iOS and Android. Around 3,000 of these apps stored their data on unsecured databases, leaving sensitive information up for grabs. This data includes users’ GPS locations, IDs and passwords, financial transaction records, and more. More than 100 million individual records were involved in the breach.

Appthority’s report claims that Firebase’s databases are not protected by firewall or authentication systems; in fact, a hacker would only need to add “/j.son” to the link of the database name to access the desired information.

The list of affected apps has not been released to the public, but Appthority has contacted Google and the affected apps so they could take the necessary steps in order to protect their users. The affected apps reportedly serve a variety of purposes including messaging, health, and financial advice.

Google contacted Mashable refuting Appthority’s report, claiming that they take security seriously and that the mobile security company painted the situation incorrectly.

Via Mashable:

Google takes security very, very seriously. We work hard every day to encourage developers to observe best practices. We publish a full guide on security Realtime Database data here. If developers allow public access to their database, we show a warning in the Firebase admin console that tells developers when they’ve turned off security rules impacting their Firebase databases and that they are at risk for leaking data (see screen capture attached). Back in December 2017, we sent emails to all insecure projects with directions on how to turn security rules back on.

For further reference, Appthority originally incorrectly painted the situation as a Firebase vulnerability after educational discussions with the Firebase team their press release and supporting blog post were been updated to make it clear that Firebase DOES secure data by default.”

Appthority’s study joins a long list of situations where companies appear to show little concern for the security of their users, misusing data and putting their customers in potentially dangerous situations.

5 Hotels That Allow You To Consume Marijuana

Legalization and normalization of cannabis is spreading faster than naysayers can contain it, and this is partially due to cannabis’ effects on the economy of the states it’s sold in, as well as visitors experiencing their programs. As this plant becomes as common as a cup of coffee, will it be tolerated in public spaces?

Down the road, there will certainly be innovative businesses catering to cannabis consumers specifically, but for now, it’s really up to each individual business and the laws of their locale. If you’re looking to be a cannabis tourist, you naturally want somewhere safe to toke, considering many cities and states have public use fines.

Related: Standard Hotels Will Soon Be Stocking Something Surprising In Mini Bars

For your reference and enjoyment, here are some spots that allow consumption.

Geyser Peak Ranch, Geyserville, California

Kirby Hock, owner of Geyser Peak Ranch, let us know precisely why he allows cannabis at his property: “We’ve noticed the stereotype of the cannabis consumer is so far from reality. Our friends and guests are not the people who have traditionally been depicted as stoners. In fact, most consumers of cannabis are nothing like the stereotype. They are professionals, contributing members of society and oftentimes very health and wellness-conscious. In addition, we attract guests who appreciate and understand that true luxury withstands the test of time. When you’re at the ranch, time stands still. Now, imagine that feeling paired with cannabis. It’s quite magical!”

If only more spaces took this attitude. For a combination of wine country accessibility with rugged California mountain scenery, choose Geyser Peak and check out their ultra-hip retreats.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bid6ga4FB6h/

Hicksville Trailer Palace, Joshua Tree, California

Among the first to allow and advertise free use of cannabis (outdoors only for combustion), Hicksville became a haven for people looking to explore the land of Coachella without, well, Coachella. With beautiful desert views and amazing artistic amenities, Hicksville is a must see if you’re on the road between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiOAe7CAa81/?tagged=hicksvilletrailerpalace

The Standard Hotels, Downtown L.A. and West Hollywood, CA

A big splash was made when The Standard partnered with CBD product purveyor The Lord Jones. As a guest of their properties, you can shop right off the minbar. That’s not only groundbreaking, it’s the way it should be. As for their fancy rooms, we’d probably stick to vapes and edibles only.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiV5lnonV7o/?hl=en

Coral Cove, Little Bay, Jamaica

This off the beaten trail spot in Westmoreland parish provides you with everything you could want from a trip to Jamaica. Snorkeling, white sands, huge buds…it’s all here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeiZ_PdlOf4/?hl=en&taken-by=coralcovecannabis

Rockhouse Hotel, West End Negril, Jamaica

Private, sexy, and just the right amount of poppin, Rockhouse is an amazing hotel right on the cliffs of Negril, Jamaica known for their stark infinity pool sunsets and authentic Jamaican specialties at Pushcart Restaurant. The above ‘Now Smoking’ sign says it all. If you need more beach time, their sister property Skylark is brand spankin’ new and ready for the Instagram photos of your dreams just down the road. The parent company does much in the local community, stocking and supporting schools and libraries through their Rockhouse Foundation, through which a donation can win you a free stay during their yearly raffle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkVI2BCn7Hi

 

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