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Tracking Marijuana Consumption By Testing Sewage?

Terry Hacienda
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Tracking Marijuana Consumption By Testing Sewage?

How much cannabis are  Canadians consuming? It’s a tough question to answer, but a federal agency has come up with an innovative way to monitor consumption: Sewage.

Yes, Statistics Canada, the national government’s official bureau commissioned to collect and study data, has begun drug screening by monitoring what gets flushed down the toilet.

Six cities —Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Alberta; Vancouver and Surrey in British Columbia; and Halifax, Nova Scotia — have agreed to provide sewage samples from wastewater treatment plants. The agency hopes to collect drug-use data from nearly 25 percent of the country’s 36 million citizens.

Canada is not the first nation to adopt this unusual approach. Several countries in Europe sample wastewater as a way to measure drug usage.  New Zealand has been collecting data from sewage since last year, and Australia tests nearly half of its population’s wastewater for substance use.

According to an NPR report:

Researchers say it’s relatively straightforward to detect marijuana traces, such as tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Tests pick it up even in dilute wastewater. But there’s something more difficult: using the THC concentration in sewage to extrapolate back to the amount of pot consumed.

The sewage data collection will begin just months before the nation is expected to fully legalize cannabis from coast to coast. The data will provide the federal government with a clearer estimate of how much cannabis is being consumed.

“It’s really important to start with good baseline data,” said former Toronto police chief Bill Blair, who is now parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice.

Anthony Peluso, assistant director of Statistics Canada, agrees. “There are things like surveys and whatnot where people report frequency of use, but the consumption numbers weren’t quite as reliable as we would like them to be,” Peluso told NPR.

But Peluso says there will be some issues that need to be addressed. “The suburban users, are they peeing in the city but consuming in the suburbs?”

Science: A Few Doses Of Marijuana Can Tackle HIV Symptoms

Brea Mosley
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Science: A Few Doses Of Marijuana Can Tackle HIV Symptoms

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is transmitted through contact with blood, semen or vaginal fluids that have been infected. Often times, symptoms show up within a few weeks with flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue and sore throat among them. Eventually, the disease becomes asymptomatic as it evolves into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Now, research shows that cannabis has the ability to tackle some of HIV’s ugliest symptoms.

In a recent study from researchers at Louisiana State University, they proved that a few daily doses of cannabis’ super-ingredient THC, can have numerous positive effects in the animal model of HIV.

The scientists administered THC to four-, five- and six-year-old male rhesus monkeys over a 17-month period. These monkeys were SIV positive (SIV is the monkey version of HIV) and received the THC dosage twice a day.

The researchers noted that the dosages dramatically reduced damage to the immune tissue of the gut over the 17-month period. This is positive because another study showed that inflammation and gut leakage are some of the main side effects of people infected with HIV.

THC had another powerful effect: It was able to increase the amount of normal cells. THC targets CB2 receptors in the brain and these receptors harbor the cells that are connected to the brain. CB2 receptors respond to the healing aspects of THC, which include reducing swelling and pain sensitivity.

In this experiment, THC activated the CB2 receptors to build new cells (which form tissue) in the gut and these cells prevent the virus from peering through the cell walls.

So while HIV has the power to kill the cells that protect the linings of the gut, THC works to bring them back, stronger and healthier.

5 Ways To Catch An STD Without Having Sex

Maria Loreto
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5 Ways To Catch An STD Without Having Sex

STIs & STDs are diseases and infections contracted during sex. These can range from simple  to cure infections to more complicated problems like chlamydia and gonorrhea. They can be treated with antibiotics and drugs, but some of these viruses once inside your body will stay with you forever.Say hello to herpes!

But you don’t have to get busy to get an STD. Here are 5 ways in which you can catch an STI without even knowing about it:

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Beauty Salons

Beauty salons are warm and moisty, aka the perfect habitat for the bacteria and germs responsible for herpes and HPV to thrive. These viruses can pop up in different places of your body, so they’re very easy to transfer onto tanning and waxing beds. Decent salons should wipe and clean their beds regularly, so if you go to a good spot you’ll be fine. Probably. 

Brazilian waxes and STIs are also intimately related, even more when done in places where you know there’s a lot of bacteria.

Dry Humping

Skin to skin contact, even if there’s no penetration of any kind, can transmit some types of STIs like HPV, Herpes, Syphilis and others.

Beards

In rare cases, crabs, scabies and herpes bacteria can hide in beards, especially when this area has come in contact with infected genitals, becoming carriers for diseases. 

Sharing Razors

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You should never ever share razors because these can cut you easily and aid in passing on the infections and germs from the original user of the blade.  

Kissing

Cold sores in your mouth are a type of herpes that a large part of the population live with. Once you’ve contracted this virus, you’ll live with it forever, and your body will also become more vulnerable to other types of herpes, like HPV. 

By kissing someone with a cold sore, you’ll become a carrier of the virus and open yourself up to different and more complex types of bacteria. You can always check the mouth of the stranger you want to kiss, or question them throughly. That’s a sure way to scare them away.

This Is How Much The Cannabis Market Will Be Worth In 2030

Amy Hansen
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This Is How Much The Cannabis Market Will Be Worth In 2030

Whoa. According to a new report from investment firm Cowen, the national cannabis market could generate as much as $75 billion in gross annual sales by 2030. Their initial forecast predicted $50 billion by 2026, but now they’re saying that the market has already reached that number.

“As such, we are revising our forecasting methodology, including a higher per capita spending estimate,” states Cowen. They also mention that current estimates imply an annual spending of $1,500 year on marijuana, well ahead of their initial $1,000 forecast, which is why they upped their estimate by 25 percent.

Says Cowen:

Underpinning this estimate is proprietary analysis on binge drinking behavior, as well as the role that legal cannabis access has in terms of driving trial (measured by cannabis first use rates for 18+ consumers). This work builds on our prior assertions that cannabis acts as a substitute social lubricant for consumers. We believe this is the first time detailed state-level binge drinking statistics have been analyzed and juxtaposed against cannabis use, where we found that legal cannabis states (as of 2016) binge drink 13% fewer times per month than non-cannabis states.

The company’s new forecast reflects six major factors: binge drinking intensity variances, binge drinking volumes (binges per month), category spending, category retention, first use cannabis benchmarking and expanded opioid research.

Cowen believes that as more states legalize marijuana, cannabis will replace alcohol and, thus, binge-drinking rates.

As support continues to grow for marijuana legalization, Cowen says they expect to see ballot initiatives to legalize cannabis in both Michigan and Illinois in the upcoming November election. And that expanded access to Maine, Massachusetts and New Jersey could prompt other states in the Northeast to make changes as well.

For the company’s full report, including stocks they’re optimistic about, head here.

Your Guide To 4/20 Events From Coast-To-Coast

Danielle Guercio
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Your Guide To 4/20 Events From Coast-To-Coast

Cannabis culture is busting at the seams, becoming more mainstream than ever. Though mentioning April 20th gets its share of eye rolls, it’s a pretty universal day of celebration of the herb and for all of the people that love it.

Every year there are more and more events taking place on 4/20, and this year looks to be the biggest yet. We scoured the internet and that Facebook events page no one looks at for the coolest 4/20 happenings around the country. Underground or out in the sunshine, this is your one stop shop for everything from immersive performance art to music and meditation festivals.

Los Angeles

Magic Bus Experience is hosting a massive experience based gathering the entire weekend of 4/20. Ticket holders have access to pillow forts, creative experiences, mazes and more.

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Chef Rasta Kream is hosting a Four Twenty Food Sesh, with multiple medicated options. At $20 per ticket for four samples, you have three hours to experience some of LA’s coolest cannabis chefs and their cocktails, dishes and desserts.

Bay Area

Barbary Coast is hosting an all day speakeasy, where any purchase plus $1 brands you entry to the gathering of educational sessions and sample specials.

Join the Ganja Goddess Getaway in the Bay Area from 4/20-4/22 for a weekend of edibles, buffets, classes, yoga, hot tubs, and more.

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The Hood Incubator is being sponsored by some of the Bay’s biggest cannabis brands to pass out much needed relief supplies to homeless Oaklanders from 10am to 2pm at City Slicker Farms.

New York

One of New York’s best loved clubs, House of Yes, is hosting 420: A Ganjapalooza, and you should go if you are looking for the most unique experience you’re likely to find in NYC. Described as “An exploration into the experience of cannabis presented as a disjointed spectacular of entertainment,” we don’t recommend missing it.

On 4/21, you can do some hands on crafting with BreadxButta at Studio X. Guests get special 420 cocktails while making hand marbled fabrics. Email info@breadxbutta.com for tickets

The Prohibition Party, hosted by Viride and High Herstory is bringing comedy and mysterious cocktails to NYC on the high holiday. Visit Viride for more info and to join the Female and Cannabis Revolution.

New Brooklyn offering, the Sneaky Speakeasy, is having a special burlesque performance and the launch of Mama D’s Sneaky Treats. DM @_sneakytreats for information.

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Cheeba Treats, Herbs TV, and Buddy Bakes are hosting The Warm Up, a happy hour at a secret location with herbal infused finger foods and activities.

Colorado

Look for your local dispensary that stocks Keef Brands, who will be doing over 40 in-store events across Colorado on 4/20 & 4/21.

Portland

High 5 Tours 420 Adventure starts at 9am and takes you on a journey through Portland’s pot favorites, food truck paradise Cartopia, and even includes a beautiful waterfall!

Las Vegas

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Culture and Cannabis is hosting a music and art festival at Ferguson’s Downtown sponsored by Dope Magazine. From 3pm-9pm, there will be performances, Dj’s, and vendors.

Photo courtesy of Lyft

To promote safe consumption, Lyft has made a special code ‘CANNABISLV’ to grant users $4.20 off two rides, your designated driver on demand.

Evel Pie is where you need to go for your last call on 4/20, if you can make it to 4:20am, when the staff intends to send everyone off into the night with Afroman’s smoker classic “Because I got High”.

D.C.

National Cannabis Festival kicks off, with special demos from Dr. Chanda Macias and the CannaTank with judge Shanel Lindsay of Ardent Cannabis.

These are just a handful of what’s going on this year, and the consensus is that it’s time to bring our communities out into the sun for good.

Meghan Markle’s Nephew Is Developing A Cannabis Strain

Maria Loreto
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Meghan Markle’s Nephew Is Developing A Cannabis Strain

Megan Markle’s nephew is developing a cannabis strain.  Everyone knew there was a chance who family would cash in on her sudden fame being connected with the royal family.  But this is definitely something the royal family is not going to be chill with. The estranged nephew Tyler Dooley gave an interview a couple of weeks ago where he claimed that he was happy for Meghan Markle’s engagement to Prince Harry and that he wished her the best, even though he wasn’t invited to the wedding despite the fact they’re family and grew up together. He has no hard feelings at all.

RELATED: What Meghan Markle Did During Her Secret Trip To Chicago Last Week

Dooley decided the next best thing to being invited to Markle’s wedding was to be with her in spirit. A very high spirit. The Daily Mail reports that even though cannabis isn’t legal in Britain, Dooley is developing a potent strain that’ll be called Markle’s Sparkle. He claims that if Prince Harry and Meghan were to visit him in Grants Pass, Oregon, he’d be more than happy to offer them a sample. Come on guys, he really wants to go the wedding.

While Dooley claims that he doesn’t consume marijuana anymore, his entire family is involved in his business, with his mom doing their advertising. His company is called the Southern Oregon Cannabis Connection, and it began in 2015, back when marijuana was first legalized in Oregon. He now runs the company with two of his friends.

RELATED: Here’s How An Ontario Teen Got Invited To The Royal Wedding

Dooley said that even though England is behind on cannabis law, Markle grew up in California and has an American point of view on marijuana. He also said that “Prince Harry enjoys a good party,”  while reiterating that he’d be happy to show the couple around Oregon.

Player Says 9 Out Of 10 NFL Athletes Use Marijuana

Brendan Bures
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Player Says 9 Out Of 10 NFL Athletes Use Marijuana

It is popular and has medical benefits – and is the worst kept secret!

One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL’s is players use marijuana. Despite it increasing popularity, acceptence by the mainstream public and medical benefits, the NFL forbids it.  But Former tight end Martellus Bennett revealed on a past episode of the “Bleacher Report” podcast about use when hosts Chris Simms and Adam Lefkoe asked if over 70 percent of the league uses cannabis.

“I want to say about 89 percent,” Bennett said.

RELATED: Willis McGahee Joins Other Former NFL Pros In Marijuana Activism

One of the hosts was surprised by the number, as that indicates over four out of every five NFL players smoke marijuana. Bennett was then asked if he’s more surprised when a teammate doesn’t smoke weed. “Oh you don’t smoke, bro?” he replied.

Bennett explained how dangerous and addictive painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be—which is why more players now turn to marijuana. In fact it’s why former and current NFL players have advocated for the league to remove cannabis from its banned substances list.

RELATED: Gen Z’rs upending things including weed and voting

“There’s medical marijuana,” Bennett said. “So it’s like, there’s times of the year where your body just hurts so bad, but you don’t want to be popping pills all the time. There are anti-inflammatory drugs you take so long that they start to eat at your liver, kidneys and things like that. A human made that. God made weed.”

NFL players are only subject to testing for marijuana and other drugs of abuse from April through August. Once a player passes that test, he won’t be subject to another test until the following year.

WATCH: People Are Getting Fake Freckles Tattooed On Their Face

Amy Hansen
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WATCH: People Are Getting Fake Freckles Tattooed On Their Face

Is this part of the Meghan Markle effect? In December 2017, she made headlines after voicing her disappointment that Elle France photoshopped her freckles out of their cover.

Even before that incident, she told Allure: “To this day, my pet peeve is when my skin tone is changed and my freckles are airbrushed out of a photo shoot,” adding that her freckles are one of her favorite feature. “For all my freckle-faced friends out there, I will share with you something my dad told me when I was younger: ‘A face without freckles is a night without stars.’”

And now here we are, a time when people are intentionally getting freckles tattooed onto their faces to add another dimension of character.

Meet Bethany Woloski, a NYC cosmetic tattoo artist:

“I would say about a year and a half ago people started asking about them and it took me awhile to get on board,” she told INSIDER, adding that when she finally decided to try some, they turned out “really cute.”

She says she creates freckles where the sun would naturally hit your face—above the brows, the cheekbones, and the top of the nose. “And then I’ll kind of add a couple in between if the person wants.”

She says she avoids adding perfectly symmetrical freckles on her female clients because it would end up looking “like a doll with freckles stamped on her face.”

To apply the faux freckles, Woloski uses a “stick and poke” method, which is exactly what it sounds like, using a pigment that’s naturally broken down by your own body.

But she’s quick to remind people that even though they’re “freckles,” they are still tattoos that should be taken seriously. If it’s not done properly, by a professional, it could not only look terrible, it will potentially scar you.

Do they look real? Judge for yourself.

5 Companies That Have Incredible Office Perks

Amy Hansen
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5 Companies That Have Incredible Office Perks

How cool would it be to go to work every day, only to find that your office is less like a work space and more like one of those decked out “Real World” lofts?

Google is known for it’s exceptional employee perks, like free meals, free cooking classes, on-site gyms and massage therapists. And Facebook, crowned most desirable place to work by Glassdoor in 2017, offers free arcade games, free meals and snacks, an on-site barber shop, and even on-site dental and health care.

And now, Glassdoor has listed some of the 2018 companies that offer the best office perks (not to be confused with employee benefits, like paid vacation and paternity leave). Here are five of the best.

Genentech

This biotech company in San Francisco is, according to Glassdoor, “setting the gold standard when it comes to perks.” They offer shuttle services to their office, which offers on-site child care, car wash facilities, bicycle repair, haircut services, spa treatments and a full-service fitness center.

The Penny Hoarder

The personal finance website headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, was voted “the Coolest Office Space” by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, likely because of several things: a library that comes complete with a two-sided fireplace and T-Rex head mantle, according to Glassdoor.

There’s also a room for nursing mothers, a “quiet room” for twice-daily meditation sessions, and an indoor park that features “artificial turf flooring, company-branded yoga mats and beanbag chairs.” There’s also a coffee bar along with air hockey and shuffleboard tables.

Commvault

The data protection and information management software company has one of the coolest office perks at their headquarters in Tinton Falls, NJ: an in-office slide from the fourth to third floors. Also: ping-pong, foosball and pool tables, a fitness center, softball field, basketball court and walking trail, according to Glassdoor. And while the company offers unlimited PTO, why would you want to miss out on all this cool gear? Exactly.

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Procore Technologies

The best part of the office at this construction management company is its beachside locale in Southern California. If gazing out at calming  waves wasn’t enough, there’s also catered lunches, a dog-friendly office, a gym, and on-site massages and haircuts.

Acquia

Two words: nap room. No, make that three words: beer on tap. This Boston-based cloud company built their office to help motivate employees, which apparently includes snack-stocked kitchens,  foosball, air hockey, ping pong, PS3s, a gym and monthly on-site massages. This is in addition to the non-judgmental naps and beer.

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A Shocking Number Of Doctors On Board With New York Marijuana

Terry Hacienda
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A Shocking Number Of Doctors On Board With New York Marijuana

Doctors in New York overwhelmingly support medical marijuana, according to a recent survey. According to a study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 71 percent of NY physicians agree that cannabis should be a therapeutic option available to qualifying patients.

Researchers at New York University surveyed practicing physicians to examine their attitudes about medical marijuana. The study concluded 71 percent of said that cannabis ought to be legal for medical purposes, and 76 percent acknowledged having patients who reported using marijuana for symptomatic relief at some point in their lives. The study also revealed 84 percent believe that opioids posed greater risks to patients’ health than cannabis.

These New York results are similar to a 2014 nationwide survey of over 1,500 doctors conducted by WebMD. In that poll, a majority of physicians endorsed medical marijuana.

A total of 164 responses were analyzed in the New York survey. Physician participants were primarily located in New York City and surrounding areas. More than 75 percent reported having patients who used cannabis for symptom control, and 50 percent reported having patients who inquired about marijuana in the past year.

At 69 percent, pain was the most common symptom for which cannabis was recommended. A whopping 84 percent of the doctors say opioids have greater risks than cannabis.

The survey concludes:

Given that the majority of surveyed physicians support [medical marijuana] as an option for patients, few are registered and have adequate knowledge of [medical marijuana]. Although our study sample is small and geographically limited, our survey results highlight key physician issues that are likely applicable to practitioners in other states. Concerted efforts are needed at the federal, state, and academic levels to provide practitioners with evidence-based guidelines for the safe use of [medical marijuana].

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