WeedLife News Network

When a pink glow lit up the evening sky above an Australian town on Wednesday, local woman Tammy Szumowski wondered if the apocalypse had arrived.

Summer heat is finally here, and whether you love the hot weather or are already counting down the days until fall, we all have to navigate it together. Here are three tips for cannabis users trying to make it through and stay cool.

Only you, says Smokey

Where there's smoke, there's fire, and where there's fire there can be wildfire. According to the National Interagency Fire Center and AccuWeather, smoking is the fifth-leading cause of wildfire on Forest Service lands since 2006. The last thing this region needs is to see any more of our beautiful forest burned to a crisp, and the last thing you should want is to be responsible for it the next time that inevitably happens.

If you're thinking our exceptionally wet spring will dampen the fire season this year, think again. On April 8, back when it was still cold and rainy, a brush fire on the West Plains forced evacuations. The spark? A man smoking THC oil. If you're going to be stoned in nature this summer, smoke before you go.

Protect your meltable edibles

If you ever left a candy bar in a car as a kid, you know exactly what this section is about. Chocolate and gummy edibles will start to melt around 90 degrees, a temperature the Spokane region will continue hitting all summer. Which means it's not just the hot car to be vigilant about. Anywhere outside, even in the shade, your edibles could melt, as could indoor spaces without air conditioning. Fortunately, melted edibles will remain edible after a few hours in the heat, and it won't do anything to their potency. However, longer term exposure to heat or higher temperatures, like being left in a hot car all day long, can affect the flavor and, over time, the edible's edibility itself.

Cold smoke

There's iced coffee and iced tea, so why not iced smoke? On sweltering days like those we've been having, there's no good reason to subject yourself to the pain of a big, hot bong rip. Head shops, dispensaries and even some convenience stores around the region sell ice catcher bongs, which allow users to drop a few ice cubes down the neck to cool the smoke as it is being inhaled.

In 2019, the environmental company Re Waste estimated that between 12.7 and 14.1 million pounds of plastic from cannabis packaging ended up in landfills between October 2018 and August 2019.

Since cannabis became legal in Canada, sustainability still leaves room for improvement, mitigating the millions of pounds of plastic packaging that legal marijuana produces every year. (Benzinga)

According to reporting by Leafly, in 2018—the first year of cannabis legalization in Canada—solid black plastic containers were the most visible containers on the market. Additionally, several brands have opted to package their cannabis products in fancy-looking but non-recyclable packaging.

Also, jars, which are common for selling flowers, take decades to decompose, which pump toxins into the soil and eventually make their way into the nearest ocean. It is difficult to quantify the market plastic waste problem, but the overall impact has been negative.

In 2019, the environmental company Re Waste estimated that “between 5.8 and 6.4 million kilograms (or between 12.7 and 14.1 million pounds) of plastic from cannabis packaging ended up in landfills between October 2018 and August 2019.”

“Plastic waste and the cannabis industry tend to go hand in hand, but our specialized process works to mitigate the impact of this plastic waste on the environment,” Re Waste said on its website.

Several ancient societies burned hemp during funeral ceremonies. What better way to part with the dead than by getting hella faded?

Nowadays people tend to associate the cannabis plant with Mexico, and for good reason. For decades, narcos smuggled their harvests into the United States and Europe. Along with California, Mexico is known to produce some of the finest cannabis in the world. The states of Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Sonora, and Durango—where the largest farms are located—all have climates that are perfect for cultivating cannabis: year-round temperature ranging between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with cool, long nights and low humidity.

But long before cannabis was introduced to—and became synonymous with—the New World, it was being cultivated in the lands of Central Asia. Initially, though, the cannabis or hemp plant was grown not for its leaves but for its stems, which could be processed into a strong and durable rope.

Excavations reveal that humans have been using hemp rope since the Neolithic age. The earliest evidence for burning cannabis, meanwhile, dates back to 3,500 BC, and is attributed to the Kurgans of modern-day Romania. This Proto-Indo-European tribe probably burned the plant as part of their rituals and ceremonies, a practice that spread eastward as its practitioners migrated. Why the Kurgans burned cannabis is difficult to say. They may well have discovered the plant’s psychoactive properties by accident, only to find that the smoke heightened their connection with all things spiritual.

The earliest evidence for smoking cannabis comes from the Pamir Mountains in western China. There, in 2500-year-old tombs, researchers discovered THC residue inside the burners of charred pipes that were probably used for funerary rites. (Similar pipes, dated to the 12th century BC, were later found in Ethiopia, left there by a separate culture). These devices, compared to pyres, would have yielded a much stronger high. Given their placement inside a crypt, however, it’s safe to say they were used only ceremonially, not recreationally. 

Some scholars have argued that cannabis was an important ingredient of soma, a ritual drink concocted by the Vedic Indo-Aryans of northern India. Described in the Rigveda, a collection of ancient Sanskrit hymns, soma was made by extracting juice from an unknown plant. When taken in small doses, soma was reported to induce a feeling of euphoria. In higher doses, it caused people to see hallucinations and lose their sense of time. All three of these effects have been ascribed to cannabis, but even if cannabis was not the main ingredient of soma, it may have been combined with psychedelics such as psilocybin, a.k.a. magic mushrooms.

Even though pot shops are seemingly on every corner of the city and despite the opening of a nice space to light one up at Exhibition Place, cannabis tourism is not yet much of a thing in Toronto.

Though Toronto has gone from just 12 legal cannabis shops at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to close to 500 now, according to a recent New York Times story, and though it’s true that there are things like personalized tours and cooking classes themed around marijuana for eager tourists who favour bud, these aren’t exactly high times, according to those in the know.

Destination Toronto told the Sun that they’ve only received a couple of inquires in the past four years about cannabis tourism in Toronto.

Cannabis Carnival recently opened and will continue for the rest of the summer at Exhibition Place. It’s a 600,000-square-foot outdoor smoking area for cannabis at Grand Bizarre Supper Club.

George Smitherman, president and CEO of the Cannabis Council of Canada, recently told reporters that the Cannabis Carnival space will start the “normalization of cannabis culture.

“There will be more opportunities. There will be more of these opportunities with edibles, drinks and the food evolution of the cannabis consumption culture,” Smitherman said.

As more states and cities decriminalize and legalize marijuana, the number of kids accidentally ingesting cannabis products has doubled, and in some areas quadrupled -- That’s according to a recent study in the U.S. and Canada.

7News’ Adrianna Hopkins talked to a pediatrician about what parents should know.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers says each year they get around 3000 calls for help over this issue, and they believe a lot of cases aren’t reported.

First things first, Dr. Caleb Ward with Children’s National Hospital says every family should have the Poison Control number posted in plain sight for themselves, caregivers, grandparents, and babysitters. That’s your first call if you think your child has eaten an edible.

Other advice:

Here’s what happens to a kid who’s eaten a cannabis product:

Unconfirmed reports on social media indicated the Grammy winner had been arrested at a Stockholm nightclub.

Rumours that surfaced on social media earlier this week that Drake had been arrested in Sweden on cannabis charges are false, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Members of the Canadian rapper’s team confirmed to the publication that Drake was in his hotel in Stockholm and had not been arrested.

Previous unconfirmed reports indicated the Grammy winner had been arrested at a local nightclub on cannabis charges. Following that speculation, #FreeDrake began to trend on Twitter, according to XXL.

Drake, who released his seventh studio album last month, arrived in the county earlier this week.

Cannabis remains illegal in Sweden for recreational purposes. The penalties for drug offences in the country depend on factors such as the amount of the substance and its perceived dangerousness, according to a report from the Nordic Welfare Centre.

Do you want to have better sex with cannabis? Join the Smoke and Poke dating site to know more and get connected.

People love to discuss cannabis and sex, and that’s where Smoke and Poke comes in.

Cannabis used during sex is often thought of as an aphrodisiac. There is evidence to suggest that it can have positive effects on sexual intimacy.

Usually, many people report feeling more relaxed and sensual after using cannabis, which can lead to improved sexual experiences. There is also additional scientific evidence to back up these claims. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that nearly 65% of men who used cannabis before sex reported improved erectile function. Another study found that women who used cannabis before sex were likely to reach a more satisfying climax than those who didn’t use the drug. 

A dating platform for cannabis lovers

Do you ever smoke and get aroused? Sitting at home stoned af wondering if there is someone else nearby feeling the same way? With smokeandpoke. com, you can finally find locals in your area that feel the same way you do. Try live video chat with people to make sure they are who they say they are; or you can trade pics, if you are too stoned to talk.

You can always browse the online profiles and email people you may want to meet, and/or smoke with later. If you have ever been interested in cannabis and sex, you should consider joining smokeandpoke. com. Smoke and poke offers a safe and welcoming environment for singles and couples to meet and connect.

Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will make his octagon return at UFC 278 on August 20 against former title challenger Paulo Costa.

The 37-year old hasn't fought since July 2019, but plans to jump right back in the mix with a win over the No. 5 ranked Costa. His preparation for the upcoming bout is interesting. Rockhold uses marijuana and mushrooms to get 'hyper focused.'

"I use marijuana to kind of isolate. I don't get any need or want to go do other things. It just kind of isolates me and hyper focuses me on my goal and just being on a one-track mind," Rockhold told Submission Radio.

"Then I tried mushrooms and it enhances my focus within that space."

Rockhold revealed that he uses mushrooms several times a week. He did the interview while smoking a joint.

"Four days a week. I don't know. Everyday. I don't know. I take them when I run. I used them post-training. I use them for cardiovascular. Kind of focus train," Rockhold said.

Some precautions and tips for smoking or sipping in soaring temps.

Record heat events are starting to become the norm these days. Much of the US has already experienced multiple heat waves, and summer has only just begun. When the weather gets oppressively hot, there is not much you can do to improve the situation other than to stay hydrated, and if you consume cannabis, maybe get high and hope for a breeze.

Enjoying some quality THC on a particularly hot day can certainly improve your mood, even if it can't make it cooler. There may even be some physical benefits to getting high on a hot day. But there are some precautions and considerations to think about when you decide to get high and embrace the soaring temperatures. Here are five things to remember about marijuana during these brutal summer heat waves.

1. Don't let your edibles melt

Edibles are great for all sorts of occasions. Long plane rides, might nights and days in nature can often be improved by a gummy or piece or THC chocolate. It is important to remember, however, that these products can easily melt and perish in the heat, and extreme heat can render them almost useless.

"I recommend tinctures and flower as they won't quickly break down in high heat," cannabis educator Emma Chasen told MedMen. When you do purchase edibles, make sure you store them somewhere safe, and only take out what you need during the hot months.

2. Summer heat can weaken your weed

Just like with edibles, all your weed needs to be stored properly in these extreme temperatures. Remember to store your weed in a cool dark place, especially if you are an infrequent user or like to buy in bulk. As we have previously reported, sunlight can break down and weaken the product and heat can induce moisture and cause mold.

With dozens of states passing some form of cannabis legislation in the past decade, more people than ever are using marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes. According to recent research, regular cannabis use has a minimal effect on a user’s physical health. The study adds to the growing body of research on how marijuana affects pulmonary, cardiovascular and other biological functions. Since federal law has made it virtually impossible for researchers to study cannabis for the past few decades, most of the research on the effects of regular cannabis use is quite new. This recent study, whose findings were reported in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence journal, sought to investigate the effect of regular (once a week) cannabis use on physical health. The results indicated that the plant didn’t have detrimental effects. The research involved data from roughly 300 pairs of twins which was sourced from the University of Colorado Boulder’s “Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan Behavioural Development and Cognitive Aging” study. This is an ongoing study of cognitive aging in twins from infancy to adulthood to determine how different influences in childhood and adulthood affect cognitive functioning. The researchers specifically tracked factors that influence declines, maintenance or boosts in cognitive abilities. Jessica Megan Ross, the study’s lead researcher, and her team looked at how these factors affected dizygotic twins, who share 50% of their genes, and monozygotic twins, who share 100% of their genes. They also drew data from a larger study that has been assessing twins and siblings on a yearly basis from birth into early adulthood.

After analyzing the data, the researchers  found that the increased use of marijuana during adolescence wasn’t necessarily associated with reduced physical activity or exercise in adulthood. Furthermore, they found that increased use of cannabis as an adult isn’t necessarily associated with regular appetite loss either.

Comparing data between siblings showed that the frequent use of cannabis as a teen was associated with less exercise in adulthood.

However, the comparison of the pairs of monozygotic twins revealed that regular cannabis use in adulthood was associated with a lower resting heart rate, suggesting shared family factors could be responsible for the association between adolescent cannabis use and infrequent exercise in adulthood.

The researchers concluded that there was a minimal connection between using cannabis once a week and negative physical health outcomes for adults aged 25 to 35. They also noted that this didn’t apply to adolescents and adults who used cannabis more than once a week.

Sources told Rolling Stone that there are guns, bullets and cannabis on the property

Rolling Stone is reporting that sources are concerned that conditions on a farm owned by U.S. actor Ezra Miller may not be safe for three children staying there.

The children and their 25-year-old mother are reportedly currently residing on the Vermont farm, which Rolling Stone notes the children’s father and two other sources with knowledge of the situation find concerning.

The publication was told by two sources that there are unattended guns on-site and one incident cited by one source involved a one-year-old child picking up a loose bullet and putting it into her mouth.

In an interview with the publication, the mother reported that firearms were for self-defence purposes and were stored in areas of the home where the children don’t go. She further noted she had a violent and abusive ex, which the father denies, and that the farm offered a healing and safe place for the children.

The two sources further alleged that there had been frequent and heavy cannabis use in front of the children, with Rolling Stone reporting that there also appears to be “a sizable cannabis farm on Miller’s property.”

Here are some precautions and considerations to think about when you decide to get high and embrace the soaring temperatures.

Record heat events are starting to become the norm these days. Much of the US has already experienced multiple heat waves, and summer has only just begun. When the weather gets oppressively hot, there is not much you can do to improve the situation other than to stay hydrated, and if you consume cannabis, maybe get high and hope for a breeze. 

Enjoying some quality THC on a particularly hot day can certainly improve your mood, even if it can’t make it cooler. There may even be some physical benefits to getting high on a hot day. But there are some precautions and considerations to think about when you decide to get high and embrace the soaring temperatures. Here are five things to remember about marijuana during these brutal summer heat waves.

1. Don’t let your edibles melt

Edibles are great for all sorts of occasions. Long plane rides, might nights and days in nature can often be improved by a gummy or piece or THC chocolate. It is important to remember, however, that these products can easily melt and perish in the heat, and extreme heat can render them almost useless. 

“I recommend tinctures and flower as they won’t quickly break down in high heat,” cannabis educator Emma Chasen told MedMen. When you do purchase edibles, make sure you store them somewhere safe, and only take out what you need during the hot months.

2. Summer heat can weaken your weed

Just like with edibles, all your weed needs to be stored properly in these extreme temperatures. Remember to store your weed in a cool dark place, especially if you are an infrequent user or like to buy in bulk. As we have previously reported, sunlight can break down and weaken the product and heat can induce moisture and cause mold.

NBA forward Montrezl Harrell faces felony drug trafficking charges after Kentucky state troopers discovered three pounds of cannabis in a vehicle he was driving last month.

NBA forward Montrezl Harrell is facing felony drug charges after police discovered three pounds of weed during a traffic stop in Kentucky last month. Harrell, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets, was scheduled to appear in court to answer the charges filed in Madison County, Kentucky on Monday but the arraignment hearing has been delayed until next month, court records show.

According to a police report cited by the Charlotte Observer, Harrell was driving a rented 2020 Honda Pilot southbound on I-75 on the morning of May 12 when he was pulled over by a Kentucky state trooper for following too closely behind the vehicle in front of him. In the report, Trooper Jesse Owens wrote that after stopping Harrell’s vehicle, he “observed” the odor of marijuana. The citation also notes that Harrell “admitted to being in possession of marijuana and produced a small amount from his sweatpants.” Law enforcement officers then searched the vehicle Harrell was driving. During the search, the trooper discovered “three pounds of marijuana in vacuum sealed bags” in a backpack that was found on the back seat of the vehicle, according to the traffic citation.

Harrell has been charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana. Under Kentucky state law, possession of more than eight ounces but less than five pounds of marijuana is classified as a Class D felony for the first offense. Those convicted of the charge are subject to a sentence of one to five years behind bars and a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Charlotte Hornets have declined to comment on Harrell’s case, according to multiple media reports.

8-Year NBA career

Harrell, a North Carolina native, is in his eighth season with the NBA. He played NCAA Division 1 college basketball in Kentucky for the University of Louisville Cardinals, where he averaged 11.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game. As a freshman, he played on the Cardinals’ 2013 national championship team, although the title was later taken away by the league for NCAA violations.

Oklahoma Smokes are rolled with hemp flowers, so they’re completely free of both nicotine and tobacco. This organically grown hemp is rich in CBD and provides a tasty and satisfying smoke. It’s nearly identical to a traditional cigarette, but it contains no tobacco, nicotine, or other additives.

These hemp cigarettes are shown to be an effective quitting aid, particularly when used in conjunction with other aids like nicotine patches or gum. And Oklahoma Smokes runs its hemp through an extensive laboratory testing process that ensures each cig is free of pesticides and other chemicals.

One of the hardest parts about quitting smoking is losing the muscle memory that accompanies the regular ritual of a cigarette. With Oklahoma Smokes, you can ditch nicotine without ditching the ritual, and you might find those cravings grow a little less intense and frequent over time until you’re ready to quit altogether. So, click here to learn more!

Joe Rogan,  a cannabis and psychedelics advocate was not pleased about the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CPB) recent seizure of a shipment containing marijuana, psilocybin and MDMA from a private vehicle. Popular for his often controversial views on the Joe Rogan Experience, the podcaster publicly slammed the agency after it posted a tweet boasting the seizure from the vehicle of two 30-year-olds returning home from vacation in Canada. “The narcotic substances field-tested positive for the presence of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, marijuana, and psilocybin,” the CBP reported.

The car didn’t pass the first inspection and was sent for the secondary inspection for further checking. The CPB tweeted photos of mushrooms in front of a canister and another with pills looking like ecstasy.

Even though marijuana is legal both in Canada and New York State, taking it across international borders is illegal. The situation got more complicated when other substances were found in the vehicle, such as “ecstasy, marijuana, and psilocybin mushrooms in raw form and infused in a chocolate bar.”

Nevertheless, Rogan seems to think that current drug laws make no sense and that it should not be up to lawmakers to decide what substances are legal. He tweeted some advice to the CPB.

Champlain Port Director Steven Bronson had a different opinion, stating “Our CBP Officers continue to remain dedicated and vigilant, successfully intercepting these illegal substances. I am proud of their enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of our communities.”

Snoop Dogg smokes so much weed, it’s worth the cost of hiring a full-time blunt roller. The Long Beach rapper appeared on The Howard Stern Show alongside actor and fellow weed enthusiast Seth Rogen in October 2019, where he revealed he pays someone up to $50,000 a year to roll blunts for him.

“I don’t have time,” Snoop explained.

“The muthafucka rolls them and puts them in the package. Timing – that muthafucka’s timing is impeccable. That’s his J-O-B, his occupation. On his resumé, it says, ‘What do you do?’ ‘I’m a blunt roller. P-B-R – professional blunt roller. If you’re great at something I need, I’m hiring you.”

He continued, “That’s somewhere between $40,000 and $50,000 a year. Free weed, muthafucking all paid expenses. Everything free I get, he gets. I go get some free clothes, I give him some.”

Levels for THC and CBG were increased by 17 per cent and 25 per cent more, respectively.

Researchers from the University of Jerusalem have managed to manipulate the number of cannabinoids within a cannabis plant.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the research increased the plant’s THC level to 20 per cent more, something that could help create new strains with more medicinal power and to help boost crop yields.

The researchers were led by Professor Alexander Vainstein and managed to increase a variety of cannabinoid levels, including for THC and cannabigerol (CBG), which were increased by 17 per cent more and 25 per cent more, respectively.

Researchers were also reportedly able to increase increase the ratio of terpenes ⁠— aromatic elements within the plant linked to euphoric and strong medicinal effects ⁠— by 20 per cent to 30 per cent.

Per investigators, the goal of the study was to “intervene in the biochemical pathways in the cannabis plant” to manipulate the production of active substances.

Researchers asked 145 couples in which a least one of the partners used cannabis to share how regularly they used it and how satisfied they are with their relationships.

Cannabis might have more to do with your love life than you think, according to a new study that examined its associations with couple functioning.

Researchers from Rutgers University and Mount Holyoke College may be on to something. They found that marijuana users appear to present more negative behaviors as they approach managing conflict with their partners.

Moreover, those who use cannabis seemed to be less aware of an unhealthy relationship, as per the results published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

“We looked at different indicators of relationship functioning: how satisfied and committed people felt about their relationship, their behavior, and physiology during a laboratory-based conflict interaction and their perceptions about their conflict discussion and relationship afterward,” said study author Jessica Salvatore, an associate professor in the department of psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Now’s the time to enjoy warm weather, time outside, and new experiences, whether that be through summer jobs, internships, travel or reconnecting with friends. In the midst of summer fun, don’t forget to keep yourself safe. Follow these six tips to have a great time.

1) Hydrate often

If you’ll be spending time doing outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, or camping it is especially important to have lots of drinking water with you. And if you choose to drink alcohol, balancing with water is essential. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it is easy to become dehydrated. This is especially true if you are spending time outside in the sun and sweating. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water before and while drinking alcohol. Try switching between alcoholic and non-alcohol beverages. You may find it helpful to bring Gatorade or a similar hydration booster with you.

2) Prevent heat exposure

Before going outside, check the heat advisory for the day. Limit time outdoors during extreme temperatures. If you feel overheated, weak or dizzy, get to a cooler area immediately.

3) Be aware of your surroundings

If you are anticipating drinking enough that you would not drive home, you should also avoid potentially dangerous situations such as pools, open water, rooftops and fire pits. Alcohol impacts your motor skills, balance, and decision making. When both your balance and decision making are impaired, these fun recreation areas can quickly turn hazardous. No one wants to end the night with a chipped tooth, concussion or worse.

4) Be responsible around the water

You should always swim with at least one buddy; and avoid drinking alcohol before and during water activities. For the same reasons drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous, drinking and boating is perhaps even more so. It requires significant concentration to take a boat in and out of the water and to navigate trailers, ramps, buoys, and more. The slippery decks and movement on a boat can add to the effects of alcohol-induced imbalance. Depending on the location of the boat, it can be difficult to get help in the event of an emergency.

Did you know? Nebraska has BUI laws – Boating Under the Influence. Similar to driving, it is illegal to operate a motorboat in Nebraska with a BAC of .08 or more. If you plan to drink while boating, appoint a “Designated Boater” for the day.