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The Seattle Times Endorses Cannabis As Tool In Opioid Fight

Terry Hacienda
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The Seattle Times Endorses Cannabis As Tool In Opioid Fight

In another case of common sense, The Seattle Times endorses cannabis as a tool in opioid fight. The largest newspaper in the Pacific Northwest region, took a direct shot at the Trump administration’s attempt to revive the failed war on drugs. In an editorial headlined “Feds, don’t fight pot — enlist it in the opioid war,” the family-owned paper urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse course on his anti-marijuana crusade.

The editorial board wrote that Sessions’ “veiled threat toward states with legal marijuana might actually hinder America’s ability to solve the nation’s real drug problem: The opioid crisis.”

Washington citizens voted in 2012 to legalize recreational cannabis and the state has had a lucrative retail industry for nearly five years. Since legalization, more than $740 million in tax revenue has been added to the state’s coffers.

Related: Jeff Sessions Remains Deeply Concerned About Legal Weed

But it’s not the added tax revenue that provoked the 10-time Pulitzer Prize-winning paper to write the editorial. The critical issue is the worsening opioid addiction epidemic spreading across the nation.

According to the editorial:

Two new studies suggest that when medical marijuana is legally and easily available, patients may be more likely to turn to pot instead of highly addictive opioids to treat their pain.

One of the studies found that in states with medical cannabis dispensaries, there was a 14 percent reduction in the number of opioid prescriptions among Medicare patients, who are typically 65 or older.

The other study examined Medicaid data and found similar results, suggesting that loosening marijuana laws may lower the use of prescription opioids among this primarily low-income population. The researchers found that states that legalized medical pot had roughly a 6 percent lower rate of prescribing opioids compared to states that outlawed marijuana.

This is not the first time the Times editorial board has been critical of Sessions and his “good people don’t smoke marijuana” belief system. Earlier this year, when the controversial attorney general announced his cannabis crackdown, the Times wrote: “We know Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a small, backward-looking man with even smaller, more backward-looking ideas, but what was the thinking behind his new federal crackdown on legal marijuana? Punish the blue states?”

Related: Jeff Sessions Rescinds Cole Memo, Launches Crackdown On Marijuana

The times cited a Pew Research Center survey revealing that 61 percent of Americans favor legalizing cannabis.

Elon Musk Claims A.I. Could Be An Immoral Dictator

Maria Loreto
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Elon Musk Claims A.I. Could Be An Immoral Dictator

Tesla kingpin Elon Musk is a genius, but he’s also prone to saying crazy things that always end up in headlines. Such as the fact that artificial intelligence (A.I.) would cause World War 3, and that the technology behind it was one of humanity’s greatest threats. He doesn’t like A.I.. 

Musk recently made an appearance on Chris Paine’s latest documentary, “Do You Trust This Computer,” where he talks about A.I. and how dangerous the technology could be for humanity. His exact words were that A.I. could lead to an “immoral dictator from which we could never escape.”

The documentary explores the dark side of A.I. and the immediacy of it, something that Musk has been concerned with since A.I. began to pop up everywhere.

According to Mashable, Musk claims that A.I. technology could be used by authoritarian governments in order to create something that could outlast individuals and political parties and that could lead to permanent structures of oppression. While his ideas sound a little over dramatic, they’re not that far off base.

China and Russia’s technological developments have been leaning towards the creepy side of things, with the former using algorithms to mess with other governments, and the latter planning to launch a monitoring system that will allow them to keep a tab on their citizens.

You can learn more about “Do You Trust This Computer” by watching the trailer below. 

Trump Capitulates: State Marijuana Laws Are Safe

Terry Hacienda
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Trump Capitulates: State Marijuana Laws Are Safe

In an apparent swipe at embattled Attorney General Jeff Sessions, President Trump agreed on Friday to protect states’ marijuana laws from federal interference. Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado announced that he had struck a deal with the president after a three-month of a blockade on US Dept. of Justice nominees.

The agreement is a major victory for the nine states that have legalized recreational cannabis and the 29 states with medical marijuana programs. It also signals yet another defeat for longtime drug warrior Sessions, who rescinded Obama-era policies to protect states’ rights.

In exchange for Trump’s agreement, Gardner will end his blockade of nominees. Gardner began his legislative blockage in January after Sessions’ federal overreach.

Gardner’s full statement reads:

“Since the campaign, President Trump has consistently supported states’ rights to decide for themselves how best to approach marijuana. Late Wednesday, I received a commitment from the President that the Department of Justice’s rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorado’s legal marijuana industry. Furthermore, President Trump has assured me that he will support a federalism-based legislative solution to fix this states’ rights issue once and for all.

“Because of these commitments, I have informed the Administration that I will be lifting my remaining holds on Department of Justice nominees. My colleagues and I are continuing to work diligently on a bipartisan legislative solution that can pass Congress and head to the President’s desk to deliver on his campaign position.”

Marc Short, the White House’s director of legislative affairs told the Washington Post — which broke the news  — that Trump “does respect Colorado’s right to decide for themselves how to best approach this issue” regarding cannabis regulation.

“Clearly, we’ve expressed our frustration with the delay with a lot of our nominees and feel that too often, senators hijack a nominee for a policy solution,” Short told the Post. “So we’re reluctant to reward that sort of behavior. But at the same time, we’re anxious to get our team at the Department of Justice.”

Did Rats In Argentina Gobble Up Half A Ton Of Marijuana

Terry Hacienda
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Did Rats In Argentina Gobble Up Half A Ton Of Marijuana

It sounds like a juicy plotline from a third-rate horror flick: A swarm of Argentine rats chew their way through a wall in a police station’s evidence room and eat nearly half a ton of weed. But, alas, it’s just a tall tale from the cops.

According to two Argentine newspapers —  Pilar de Todos and Clarín  — 540 kilos (1,190 pounds) of marijuana vanished from police inventory in the city of Pilar last year. The police officers responsible needed to come up with an airtight story. One of them came up with the least plausible explanation possible: The rats ate it.

After an internal investigation, the eight officers were fired after four of the stuck to the fabrication in a court of law.

RELATED: Argentina Legalizes Cannabis Oil And Other Marijuana Derivatives For Medical Use

“Professionals from the UBA [University of Buenos Aires] explained that rodents can not confuse the drug with food and that, if a large group had ingested it, many bodies should have been found in the warehouse,” judicial sources said.

The officers stand accused of not having fulfilled the responsibility of guarding evidence (in total, six tons of marijuana was in the evidence room). They are ordered to appear before the court next month.

Growing, using or selling marijuana is illegal in Argentina. But the nation decriminalized possessing small amounts nine years ago. Last April, Argentina legalized medical marijuana. The law established a regulatory framework that enables scientific and medical marijuana research while providing marijuana to qualifying patients free of charge.

But cultivating cannabis remains an offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison when intended for commercial purposes, and up to two years if the authorities deem it is for personal use.

Florida Judge Rules Tampa’s Strip Club King Can Home Grow Marijuana

Brendan Bures
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Florida Judge Rules Tampa’s Strip Club King Can Home Grow Marijuana

A Florida judge ruled Wednesday that Joe Redner, Tampa’s strip club king, has the legal right to grow marijuana for medical purposes. Though Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers emphasized this only applies to Redner, a 77-year-old stage 4 lung cancer survivor and registered medical marijuana patient, it could open the floodgates for similar cases. The Florida Department of Health has already filed an appeal.

As a “qualifying patient,” Gievers ruled, Redner possesses a constitutional right to own a live marijuana plant. Previously, the health department had stated that everyone is barred from growing their own cannabis plants, including qualifying medical patients.

“Under Florida law, Plantiff Redner is entitled to possess, grow and use marijuana for juicing, soley for the purpose of his emulsifying the biomass he needs for the juicing protocol recommended by his physician,” Gievers stated in her ruling. (In the document, the word “solely” is bolded and underlined.)

“The court also finds…that the Florida Department of Health has been, and continues to be non-compliant with the Florida constitutional requirements.” Until the department stops “violating its constitutional duty and mandated presumptive regulation, the evidence clearly demonstrates that Redner is entitled to follow the recommendations of his certified physician under Florida law,” Gievers added, which is a reference to the 2016 constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 that legalized medical marijuana.

Gievers’ ruling legitimizes complaints leveraged against the state’s health department from numerous medical patients. We’ve reported along the way just how Florida’s medical marijuana programs have failed patients. From individuals not receiving their medical cannabis ID cards for months at a time to nefarious clinics taking advantage of patients inexperienced with the drug, it’s been dark for medical marijuana in the Sunshine State. Redner’s attorney Luke Lirot told the Tampa Bay Times Gievers was right “castigate the health department for being a barrier to medicine.”

However, the health department’s appeal places a stay on Gievers’ ruling. That means Redner will remain banned from growing medical marijuana for his personal use. The appeal likely won’t be heard until late this year or early 2019.

“I filed this lawsuit because I couldn’t have survived cancer without medical marijuana. It’s not just a miracle drug—it’s a miracle plant, and the State keeps standing in the way of patients getting their medicine,” Redner told Florida Politics.

“…A mom who’s using low THC cannabis to control her child’s seizures can stick a plant in the ground and make her baby’s medicine for around 30 bucks a month if she can grow her own,” he added. “And 71 percent of us voted for an amendment that clearly gives her that right. This ruling is a victory for the patients of Florida.”

Meghan Markle’s Pre-Wedding Diet And Workout Routine

Maria Loreto
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Meghan Markle’s Pre-Wedding Diet And Workout Routine

The royal wedding will be broadcast across the globe, which means the pressure is on when it comes to the royals looking their best.

Prince Harry has reportedly lost 10 pounds and has quit smoking ahead of the wedding. When it comes to Meghan Markle, things have been a little easier since she’s been leading a publicly healthy lifestyle throughout most of her public career. She did run a semi-famous lifestyle blog called The Tig. 

According to Harper’s Bazaar, Markle mainly eats a plant based diet that’s still flexible and allows her to indulge on the weekends. She says that “It’s all about balance,” especially since she exercises like crazy. “Because I work out the way I do, I don’t ever want to feel deprived. I feel that the second you do that is when you start to binge on things. It’s not a diet; it’s lifestyle eating.”

Markle claims that even though she loves carbs and wine, she enjoys these things in moderation, stocking her fridge with healthy snacks and veggies. She also loves to cook, which is great for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing your weight.

When it comes to fitness, she’s always worked out a lot, practicing Yoga and running, which she calls her “moving meditation,” that allows her to “get out of her head.” Markle also practices Megaformer pilates, which are a crazy intense work out that shapes your body really fast.

Celebrities Are Banned From Doing This With Cannabis In Canada

Terry Hacienda
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Celebrities Are Banned From Doing This With Cannabis In Canada

In the United States, famous entertainers ranging from Tommy Chong to Willie Nelson, Whoopie Goldberg and Melissa Etheridge are hawking cannabis products. But in Canada, celebrity endorsements will be outlawed.

“I’m the most recognizable pot head, probably, in the world,” Chong told “CNNMoney.” But the native Canadian won’t be able to lend his image to help sell products, according to Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief and point person for the nation’s cannabis policies:

The law is explicit and clear, that celebrity endorsement, lifestyle advertising is not allowed with cannabis

Blair’s warning might be news to Canadian celebrities such as the quirky actors starring in “The Trailer Park Boys” or members of the band The Tragically Hip. And just recently, KISS frontman Gene Simmons joined a Canadian cannabis firm. According to Global News in Canada, “established companies will undoubtedly be trying to find ways to get around those rules as more and more celebrities link their names to Canadian pot.”

But Blair insists the Canadian cannabis industry will be free of stars. “It’s not the government’s intention to promote the use of this drug, he Blair. “We are not allowing the heavy marketing that we’ve seen with other products, alcohol for example, and so there will be severe restrictions on things like celebrity endorsement and [company] sponsorship.” Canada is scheduled to legalize marijuana nationally this summer.

In the US, it appears every celebrity who tokes is lining up an endorsement deal. “Legalization has opened the doors to all the celebrity branding,” according to longtime cannabis journalist Steve Bloom, who runs Celebstoner.com. “It’s not surprising that all the most likely celebrities are jumping aboard.”

It’s clear that celebrities see the green rush as another way to extend their brand outside of the entertainment industry. According to New Frontier, a cannabis research firm, the US cannabis market will hit $23 billion in 2o2o.

Boehner’s Cannabis Flip-Flop: Is It A Money Grab Or Is It Legit?

Terry Hacienda
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Boehner’s Cannabis Flip-Flop: Is It A Money Grab Or Is It Legit?

Former House Speaker John Boehner’s flip-flop on marijuana reform might rank up there with the all-time doozies. After Boehner’s shocking announcement on Wednesday that his “thinking on cannabis has evolved,” advocates on both sides of the cannabis argument remain dubious of his real intention.

After years of fierce opposition to cannabis legalization, the conservative Republican son of a bar owner tweeted that will join the Board of Advisors of Acreage Holdings, a multi-state cannabis company. “I’m convinced de-scheduling the drug is needed so we can do research, help our veterans, and reverse the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities,” he wrote on Twitter.

Was it a change of heart? Or merely an opportunity to fatten his wallet? Deb Haaland, a candidate for a Congressional seat in New Mexico, thinks it is the latter:

“John Boehner announced he was joining a marijuana investing firm after years of opposing legalization, and years of supporting mass arrests in communities of color for marijuana possession and sale. Millions of black, Latino, and Native American people across America are currently sitting in prison or jail on marijuana charges — and millions more are barred from affordable housing, educational opportunities, and jobs because of a criminal record for marijuana.

“Men like John Boehner who have allowed horrific injustices to occur to our communities should not be allowed to make a dime from this industry until every American in jail for marijuana is freed and their records are wiped clean. For too long, our criminal justice system has used the criminalization of marijuana to oppress communities of color, which is why I will fight for federal legalization the moment I get to Congress.”

Haaland, who would be the first Native American congresswoman in history if elected, is not alone in her suspicion. Comedian/actor Mak McKinney tweeted:

And actress Cynthia Nixon, who is running for governor of New York, also accused Boehner of cashing in on the green rush:

But Erik Altieri, executive director of NORML, the nation’s largest and oldest marijuana reform group, welcomed Boehner. “John Boehner’s evolution on marijuana legalization mirrors that of both the American public in general and Republicans specifically. Recent polling finds that over 60 percent of Americans support adult use marijuana legalization and, for the first time, this percentage includes a majority of self-identified Republicans,” Altieri said.

“Allowing states the flexibility and autonomy to set their own marijuana regulatory policies is consistent with conservatives’ long-held respect for the Tenth Amendment, as well as with the party’s recent embracing of populism,” Altieri added. “Regardless of motive, former Speaker Boehner is still held in high regard by a large percentage of the GOP membership and voter base. We look forward to his voice joining the growing chorus calling for an end to cannabis criminalization. Anything that expedites the ability for patients to access this safe and reliable treatment alternative and that facilitates an end to the practice of arresting otherwise law-abiding citizens for the possession of a plant should be welcomed with open arms.”

The Marijuana Policy Project, another large cannabis advocacy group concurred with NORML. “Politicians have traditionally lagged behind the people on this issue, so it is wonderful to see one so adamantly opposed to legalization reversing course like this,” said Morgan Fox, MPPs director of communication.

But Kevin Sabet, a longtime opponent of marijuana legalization, questioned Boehner’s motives:

Regardless of his motivation, Boehner joins the majority of Americans who believe marijuana should be legal. According to the latest Gallup survey, 64 percent of Americans, including a majority of both Republicans and Democrats, want to legalize it. In 1969, one year after Boehner graduated from high school, only 12 percent were in favor of legalization.

As Fox News personality Geraldo Rivera says, the time are a changin’:

 

Scott Pruitt Thinks EPA Logo Looks Like Marijuana

Amy Hansen
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Scott Pruitt Thinks EPA Logo Looks Like Marijuana

Our nation’s 14th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has asked to have the EPA’s logo replaced because he think it looks a little too much like a marijuana plant.

The EPA’s log contains a flower and four leaves, representing all forms of environmental aspects: water, land, air and climate. But all Scott Pruitt sees is weed.

This nugget of information was revealed after Pruitt asked that a The revelation was part of a story about Pruitt’s alleged demands to change the EPA’s “challenge coin,” a small keepsake medallion of military origin. He wanted to make it bigger and without the EPA logo.

Related: Are Kilos Of Legal Marijuana Being Diverted To Illegal States?

According to the New York Times: “Mr. Pruitt instead wanted the coin to feature some combination of symbols more reflective of himself and the Trump administration. Among the possibilities: a buffalo, to evoke Mr. Pruitt’s native Oklahoma, and a Bible verse to reflect his faith.”

Other ideas included using the Great Seal of the United States — a design similar to the presidential seal — and putting Mr. Pruitt’s name around the rim in large letters, according to a now retired EPA employee.

https://twitter.com/natemcdermott/status/984175275385741313

Pruitt’s anti-marijuana stance is no secret. When he was the AG of Oklahoma, he sued Colorado alleging the state’s recreational marijuana industry (approved by voters in 2012) could be harmful to neighboring states by “draining their treasuries, and placing stress on their criminal justice systems.”

Related: This University’s Attempt To Ban Pro-Marijuana Shirts Backfired Spectacularly

He was also accused of sabotaging a medical marijuana ballot initiative in Oklahoma to make sure it was rejected by voters.

This One Trick Can Help You Achieve Better Orgasms

Maria Loreto
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This One Trick Can Help You Achieve Better Orgasms

Being naked while wearing socks is not a good look. At all. It’s an un-rockable look, no matter how cool your socks are or how many hours you spend in the gym. But socks might help you achieve orgasms more easily, at least according to a new study.

Elite Daily reports that there are people out there who like to keep their socks on during sex., which is a travesty, but whatever. These people feel like socks provide warmth and help them have better orgasms. Research conducted by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands studied 13 heterosexual couples between the ages of 19 and 49 as part of an experiment involving how men and women achieve orgasm. During these tests, couples had to stimulate each other while a researcher looked at their brain waves. Clearly, this was a very European study.

On the first run, only half of the couples managed to orgasm. Maybe it was the controlled environment, or the fact that the couples had some Peeping Toms, but researchers decided to give socks to the women to make them feel more comfortable. Surprisingly, there was a 30 percent increase in orgasms.

Researchers believe that socks facilitate orgasms because they make women feel safer, giving them coziness and warmth. Socks also help dilate the blood vessels in your feet, allowing for better blood flow.

Maybe there’s some relationship between wearing socks and having orgasms, or maybe the women from the study achieved orgasms because they’d been going at it for a while. Either way, if you’re having trouble with your orgasms, socks could provide an answer for you. You won’t look cool, but you’ll feel good.

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