Halloween is upon us and it’s time to get spooky and, for those who love the greener side of life, a little baked.
Halloween, the spookiest time of the year, is not only for the ghouls and goblins but also for those who enjoy a little herbal enhancement in their celebrations. For the cannabis enthusiasts, or as they might call it, ‘Halloweed’, navigating the Halloween festivities can be a delightful and epic adventure. From creative costume ideas, to snacks that satisfy the munchies, to horror film recommendations to social event ideas – here are 10 top tips for a stoner on Halloween.
Halloween & Cannabis
For those who are inexperienced in the beautiful romance that is Halloween and cannabis, you might be confused why these two things go so well together. Well, ‘Halloweed’ is not a term that I’ve simply made up – it’s a well-established seasonal choice. Spooky chills and weed seem to go hand in hand for several reasons, creating a unique and enjoyable combination for many enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that some of the great horror films – such as Scream or other slashers – are highly popular in the stoner community. What could be better than enjoying a joint and watching a scary movie? What could be better than quelling your munchies with some halloween candy? What could be better than having some friends over and sharing a bong as you tell your spookiest stories? Well, Daily Trojan writes:
“Cannabis is known for its ability to heighten sensory perceptions, resulting in richer tastes and louder sounds which can potentially cause side effects of paranoia. While undesirable for many (and there are strains that can minimize feelings of anxiety), cannabis just might be the perfect boost for Halloween thrill-seekers.”
But why does Halloween and cannabis go so well together? Here’s a few potential reasons:
Creative Expression
Halloween is a celebration of creativity and self-expression through costumes and decorations. The altered state of consciousness induced by cannabis can lead to unique and imaginative costume ideas and decorations, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the creative aspects of Halloween.
Relaxation
Halloween, especially for adults, can be a hectic time with preparations, social gatherings, and the potential for a random devil or murderer to knock on their door any minute to demand some treats. Cannabis, known for its relaxation and stress-relief properties, can help individuals unwind and enjoy the festivities in a more laid-back way.
Social
Cannabis has a reputation for creating positive social interactions. For those who partake, it can break down social barriers, encourage laughter, and create a more relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking forward to some halloween parties, but don’t necessarily want to drink, cannabis could be the perfect alternative.
10 Top Tips for A Stoner’s Halloween
So, with all this in mind, here are our 10 top tips for stoner’s this Halloween season. Some of these you may have thought of, others may be new to you. Most importantly, however, ensure you enjoy your stoner Halloween.
1 – Costumes
If you’re going to be enjoying cannabis this Halloween, then allow your brain to run wild. Weed is known to boost imagination, so why not elevate your costume game? Sometimes costumes can seem a little embarrassing, especially as you get older, but use the cannabis-induced confidence to really have fun with it. You could even use the stoner theme as inspiration. Whether you go for the classic ‘stoner’ look with tie-dye and oversized glasses, or a famous icon from a stoner movie, try being creative. You might be surprised what your weed brain comes up with.
2- Pumpkin Bong
You may have tried apple bongs, you may have tried a watermelon bong, but how about a pumpkin bong? It might sound ridiculous, and in many ways it is, but this Halloween could be your chance to give it a proper go. Turn pumpkin carving into a high art form by incorporating your love for cannabis. Like any fruit or vegetable, the design of the bong remains the same, you just need to try it at a bigger size (pumpkins are usually a lot bigger than apples of course). So get some friends over, get a carving knife, and give it a go. Weed Maps writes:
“Pumpkin bongs work just like any other bong. You light the weed on one end, suck in air through the other, and voila — a cloud of water-filtered smoke arrives ready to get you high… the most important decision you’ll make is the size of your pumpkin. Get an extra-large pumpkin if you’re looking to get extra-high and a small pumpkin if you’re looking for a few petite rips.”
3 – Cannabis Edibles
Whether you’re planning on having a social event, or just sitting at home alone, having some cannabis edible halloween treats is an absolute must. You can elevate the traditional Halloween candy spread by incorporating cannabis-infused edibles. From gummies to chocolates, the options are vast. Of course be mindful of dosages, and perhaps label your goodies with their THC content to ensure everyone has a good time without going overboard. Also, it probably goes without saying, but make sure you don’t accidentally hand some of these ‘special’ treats to any young trick or treaters.
4 – Halloween Hemp Decorations
If you want to truly combine halloween and cannabis this year, why not get involved in some arts and crafts by embracing the hemp aesthetic? Hemp-based materials are environmentally friendly, as well as obviously coming from the cannabis plant. Consider incorporating hemp-based materials into your decorations, from tablecloths to banners. You can even make your own cannabis leaf garlands using hemp twine. True cannabis lovers don’t just smoke weed, they also love everything that the plant can make.
5 – Chill-Out Space
Having a perfect chill-out space is basically an essential at Halloween. Especially if you’re planning to reach ultimate levels of relaxation.Create a designated chill-out space for those who want to relax and enjoy Halloween. Deck it out with comfy cushions, blankets, and perhaps some ambient lighting. Provide an assortment of smoking devices, whether it’s a bong, pipe, joint, or a dry herb vaporizer. You can even set the mood with ghostly green lighting. Green bulbs or LED lights can transform any space into a cannabis-friendly Halloween haven. Then, get some nice music on and have a TV nearby with a great array of horror films.
6 – Horror Films
Speaking of horror films, make sure you have a good selection of these for when you want to enjoy some spook. Being high can make scary films even funner to watch, so you don’t want to miss a trick. There are plenty of great movies out there, but for me I would suggest 5. The Ring, Hereditary, Midsummar, Get Out or The Shining. These films give you a bit of everything: psychological, gore and jump scares. What more do you need? Whichever films you decide to watch, make sure you have a pillow to hide behind if it all gets a bit too much. Cannabis can increase the feeling of fear afterall.
7 – Psychedelic Playlist
Music and cannabis go hand in hand. Having a playlist – or a few – to whack out whenever the mood strikes is key. There’s two ways you can do this. You can either curate a Halloween playlist that enhances the experience for the horror-lovers out there. Or, you can Include tracks that are not only festive but also complement the mellow mood you’re aiming for. Classic stoner tunes, reggae vibes, or even some trippy electronic beats can create the perfect sonic backdrop for a Halloweed celebration. Think Jimi Hendrix, think Bob Marley, think Bob Dylan, think funk and soul.
8 – Cannabis-Themed Games
This might sound a little confusing: what’s a cannabis-themed game? Well, when you think about it, there are actually a lot. So keep the good times rolling, and be creative. From marijuana bingo to cannabis trivia, infusing your party with games that reflect your passion can be very entertaining. You can even write a list of weed-themed quiz questions, get into teams, and see who wins. Just make sure everyone’s on the same wavelength, and perhaps have a stash of weed prizes (or munchies) for the winners.
9 – Horror Stories
Halloween wouldn’t be halloween without scary stories. Dim the lights, get some candles, and get everyone into a circle. Everyone can enjoy their cannabis as they listen to each person’s scariest story. They can be fictional, they can be real, it doesn’t matter. Either way, they have to be really really scary. Horror films are spooky, but there’s nothing quite like a true tale of fear. Plus, with a quiet room, and THC in your system, those stories will probably seem even scarier than normal.
10 – Halloween Walk
Nature is known to be elevated in the eye of a stoner. Suddenly the flowers are more colourful, the air purer and the smells more pungent. But what about a night time halloween walk? Suddenly, the howls of wolves are heard, the smells of blood, the sounds of potential distant screams. Of course, in reality, there’s probably no danger at all. But it’s sometimes fun to go for a little haunted walk on halloween, with a joint in hand, and see if you can enjoy the spookiness.
Conclusion
Halloween and cannabis go perfectly hand in hand, so make sure you’re prepared for an ideal stoner experience. Halloween is a time to celebrate the things that bring joy, excitement and spook into our lives, and for many, that includes the calming embrace of cannabis. Whether you’re hosting a Halloweed gathering or simply enjoying a laid-back night in, these tips can help elevate your experience this year. Remember to embrace the spirit of the season, share the love, and most importantly, have a spooktacular Halloweed!
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Love it or hate it – April Fool’s Day is here to stay…and here is the history behind this unique tradition
From Britain to India, it is a popular day of pranks, laughs and silliness. From Google to Burger King has participated and some people spend endless hours planning the perfect joke. But what is the history behind April Fool’s Day? It is celebrated annually on April 1, is a global tradition marked by pranks and jokes. Despite its widespread popularity, the origins of this playful holiday remain uncertain, with several theories tracing its roots to different historical events and cultural practices.
Both April Fools’ Day and Día de Los Inocentes mark days when people play practical jokes on one another. April Fools’ Day is primarily celebrated in English-speaking countries, while Día de Los Inocentes is more widely marked in Spanish-speaking countries. A key way Día de Los Inocentes differs from April Fools’ Day is it celebrated on December 28th every year
Some of the most famous April Fool’s pranks include The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest, where the BBC broadcast a segment showing peasants harvesting spaghetti from trees in Switzerland. Another notable prank was when radio station KGB-FM in San Diego announced that the Space Shuttle was landing at a local airport, drawing over 1,000 people. Google has also been known for its annual April Fool’s jokes, such as the “Hyper Text Coffee Pot Control Protocol”. Additionally, brands like Pornhub have participated with humorous site name changes, such as “Cornhub” and “Hornhub”
One popular theory links April Fool’s Day to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, initiated by Pope Gregory XIII. Before this change, many European countries followed the Julian calendar, where the new year began around late March or early April. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year date were mocked as “April fools,” giving rise to the holiday’s name and customs.
Another theory suggests that April Fool’s Day may have originated from ancient spring festivals such as Rome’s Hilaria or India’s Holi. Hilaria, celebrated in late March, involved games, disguises, and mockery of neighbors, while Holi featured playful pranks and joyous festivities marking the arrival of spring.
The first definitive reference to April Fool’s Day comes from a 1561 Flemish poem by Eduard de Dene. In this humorous tale, a nobleman sends his servant on absurd errands for nonexistent items, a prank still known as a “fool’s errand.” This poem solidifies April Fool’s Day as an established tradition by the late Middle Ages.
In France, the day became known as poisson d’avril (“April fish”), where children would pin paper fish on unsuspecting friends’ backs. This tradition symbolizes gullibility, likening victims to young fish easily caught.
By the 18th century, April Fool’s Day had spread across Europe and North America. In Scotland, it evolved into “Gowkie Day,” where people were sent on wild goose chases. The following day, “Tailie Day,” involved pranks like pinning “kick me” signs on others. Media outlets also began participating in the holiday by publishing fake headlines and stories—a tradition that continues today.
While the exact origin remains debated, April Fool’s Day thrives as an opportunity for lighthearted fun worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring laughter and mischief into everyday life, transcending cultural boundaries and historical uncertainties.
When sick or sad, people gravitate to comfort food – but does it make a difference?
Everyone gets down, stressed or just in a mood, and a number of people wants something to make them feel good. Comfort food is a go to indulgence which lifts the spirts. In North America, some top comfort foods include pot roast, lasagna, chocolate, ice cream and cookies….around the world it includes rice, yogurt, pizza, ramen, and boeuf bourguignon. It is an excuse to enjoy favorite flavors, but does comfort food actually help?
The answer is nuanced, as comfort foods can provide both emotional relief and potential drawbacks depending on the individual and circumstances. Comfort food has been shown to improve mood temporarily, especially for emotional eaters. Studies suggest that the palatability of food plays a significant role in mood enhancement, with tastier foods providing greater comfort during moments of sadness or stress. Emotional eaters often experience satisfaction and mood improvement after consuming comfort food, while non-emotional eaters may not derive the same benefit, particularly under stress. Additionally, comfort foods can evoke nostalgia and positive memories, acting as social surrogates that remind individuals of meaningful connections and moments of belonging.
From a physiological perspective, consuming sweet and fatty comfort foods can release dopamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to pleasure and mood elevation. This process can dampen stress responses in the body by reducing cortisol levels and activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, these effects are often short-lived and may lead to unhealthy eating habits if relied upon excessively.
While comfort foods can provide immediate emotional relief, they may also contribute to negative health outcomes if consumed excessively. High-calorie comfort foods rich in sugar and fat are associated with weight gain, metabolic risks, and increased likelihood of depression over time. This creates a feedback loop where individuals turn to unhealthy food to combat stress but experience worsening mental health as a result.
Interestingly, studies show that healthy alternatives like fruits and vegetables can offer similar mood-boosting benefits without the health risks associated with traditional comfort foods. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids or dark chocolate in moderation can also enhance mood while supporting overall health. Social aspects of eating—such as sharing meals with loved ones—can amplify the emotional benefits of food without overindulgence.
States are starting to scramble with looming budget deficients, but marijuana is a boon to some – especially one state.
The new federal administration is revamping how the government operates. With Doge, they are changing agencies and reducing services and support of states, which has left budget deficients in many. But some states have legal marijana and it has been a boon, for like alcohol…people are still consuming. States who are fully legal are making more money on weed than booze and this state’s cannabis revenue keeps pouring in. Missouri, the show me state, is being shown unexpected revenue.
“Due to a strong cannabis market and effective, efficient regulation of that market,” Amy Moore, director of the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, told The Independent this week, “the funds available for the ultimate beneficiaries of the cannabis regulatory program continue to outpace expectations.”
Funds will help veterans and other key projects. The other benefit is as seen in data from legal states, teen use is down so it frees up some other funds. Legal states are seeing benefits from legal cannabis including lower teen use and crime reduction.
States with legal cannabis are experiencing a significant boost in tax revenue, surpassing those generated by alcohol sales. This trend highlights the economic benefits of marijuana legalization, as cannabis markets expand and mature.
In California, cannabis excise taxes have consistently outperformed alcohol-related taxes, bringing in over double the revenue. Colorado has seen even more striking results, with marijuana tax revenues totaling seven times those of alcohol. Similarly, Massachusetts has collected more tax revenue from marijuana than alcohol since fiscal year 2021, marking a notable shift in state finances.
Nationally, legal cannabis states generated nearly $3 billion in excise taxes on marijuana in 2021—20% more than alcohol taxes. By 2024, total adult-use cannabis tax revenue exceeded $20 billion, with states like Illinois and Washington reporting record-breaking contributions. Illinois alone collected $451.9 million from cannabis taxes in fiscal year 2022—one-and-a-half times the revenue from alcohol.
The funds are being put to good use. States like Illinois are channeling marijuana tax dollars into mental health services and community programs, while Colorado has invested nearly $500 million into public education. California has allocated millions to nonprofits addressing the impacts of the war on drugs.
This growing revenue stream underscores the potential of cannabis legalization to support vital public services and bolster state economies. As more states embrace regulated marijuana markets, the financial benefits are expected to continue flourishing.