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Hunter Biden, The Marijuana Movement, And The 2nd Amendment

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2023

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Hunter Biden reached a plea agreement with federal authorities in which he will plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his taxes. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend probation, while a separate gun charge will probably be dismissed if he meets conditions in a pretrial diversion program. Federal law says if you have a marijuana conviction, you can’t have a gun, but it is being challenged in court. Could Hunter Biden be the new face for pro-Second Amendment advocates?

The legal marijuana industry was worth $28 billion in 2022, with an expectation to rise in 2023. Currently, 23 states have recreational and 40 have medical with over 48 million Americans consuming cannabis annually. It is becoming a big business with mainstream companies like Constellation, Miracle Grow, AmeriGas and other either investing, partnering or being a vendor to the multi-billion dollar industry.

Federal law says if you USE marijuana, you are prohibited from owning a gun. This means if you have medical marijuana or in a legal state, you can lose your gun control rights for consuming, not selling or committing a crime, just having an edible every so often. This includes medical marijuana. To be clear, you can use alcohol and own a gun, you could be drinking a beer when you buy a gun.

Unfortunately for the Department of Justice (DOJ), the rule is being challenged again and again in regional courts. Case relied on U.S. Supreme Court precedent finding any firearm restrictions must be consistent with the historical 1791 context of the Second Amendment’s ratification. Last June, the Supreme Court undid decades of lower-court jurisprudence about the Second Amendment. In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen

Most recently, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has delivered a win to an El Paso resident who was convicted of separate charges for possessing and transferring a firearm in 2021 while admitting to being a cannabis consumer. Judge Cardone granted a motion for reconsideration of the case and later dismissed the charges.

Second Amendment advocates while open to marijuana, have not reached a consensus on whether to support gun rights for those who use hard drugs, according to Joseph Greenlee, the director of constitutional studies at the pro-Second Amendment Firearms Policy Coalition. Greenlee, whose group argued on the plaintiff’s side in Range v. Attorney General, said his group believes that people who use marijuana shouldn’t be banned from buying guns.

A Right-Leaning Supreme Court Won't Impede Cannabis Reform, Legal Experts Say — Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm via Unsplash

Given the conflicting rulings in the lower courts, the Supreme Court may one day have to resolve the statute’s constitutionality. Hunter Biden’s high profile and the years long discussion around the charges will, not doubt, be pulled into the discussion of the law.

how the court’s conservative majority would view the issue. Jacob Charles, a professor at Pepperdine’s Caruso School of Law who studies gun laws, said that Justice Samuel Alito could be particularly ambivalent.

“I could see him going either way,” Charles said, “obviously in favor of gun rights, but also in favor of strong law enforcement.”

Currently, the two tiered system of justice is difficult for the general population and those suffering for medical marijuana, a proven medical benefit.

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The Best Cocktails To Welcome Spring

Published

1 week ago

March 21, 2025

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The darkness of winter is slipping away and bright, warm spring has arrived – and here is the perfect cocktail to toast it’s return!

It always seems winter is the longest season, but now warm weather, longer days, and the blooming of plants have arrived. Here are the best cocktails to welcome spring. Migrating birds return to their base and plants began to reemerge. And while the weather can be a bit wacky, the promise of a fun summer is right around the corner. Fun fact, more babies are born during spring. Many families gain an additional member during this period, making spring officially the season of babies. All this give multiple reasons to toast with something refreshing.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey

Why not give a refreshing classic cocktail a spring twist by making it even more light and refreshing? The refreshing cocktail of gin, lime juice, and soda water, originated in Washington, D.C. in the late 1880s and was named after Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey who frequented Shoemaker’s bar. The addition of lavender provides a little flair for the taste buds.

Ingredients

3 ounces gin
4 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
4 ounces seltzer water
2 sprigs lavender
2 wedges of lemon

Create

Pour gin, lemon juice, and honey over ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well
Strain into two glasses filled with ice
Top with seltzer
Garnish each glass with a sprig of lavender and a slice of lemon

The Desert Bird

You can hear the birds chirping as they emerge or return from winter. This sweet-yet-bitter drink celebrates the return with a treat for the mouth. You can use either mezcal or tequila for equal results. Or do a taste test.

Ingredients

1.5 ounces bacanora, mezcal, or tequila
.75 ounces pineapple gum (or simple syrup mixed with equal parts pineapple juice)
.50 ounces Campari
.50 ounces fresh lime juice
1 pinch salt
1 sprig mint, for garnish

Create

Combine all the ingredients together in a shaker
Strain over ice into glass
Serve with mint leaf

The Spring Bloom

With this cocktail, reflect the spring like atmosphere outside with a beverage in a glass. Combing the flavors of spring over ice with vodka will be a floral bouquet for your mouth!

1 ¹/₂ ounces vodka
³/₄ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
¹/₂ ounce honey syrup
3 ounces soda water
1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
1 pinch lavender salt (for garnish)

Create

Combine vodka, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ice in a shaker
Shake 30-40 seconds
Strain the mixture into a glass with fresh ice
Top off with soda water
Give it a swirl with the sprig of fresh rosemary
Finish with a pinch of lavender salt

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Kentucky Spire

While the Kentucky Derby is still a couple of months away, you can still celebrate with a good bourbon. This drinks adds a layering of flavors to allow you to kick back and take in the moment.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Bourbon
2 oz Lemonade
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Lemon zest for garnish

Create

Add ice to a lowball glass
Add lemonade and cranberry juice and stir with spoon
Add bourbon and stir until thoroughly mixed
Garnish with a lemon zest

Sweet Tea Smash

This drink will give you a little extra energy to enjoy the longer evenings. Tea is the second most caffeinated drink after coffee, so use this for a pick up on enjoyable spring evenings.

Ingredients

1 oz bourbon
1 oz iced tea
4 Mint leaves
2 Lemon wedges
1 tsp simple syrup
Mint sprig for garnish

Create

In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves and lemon wedges
Add bourbon, tea, simple syrup, and ice to cocktail shaker
Shake until chilled, roughly 20 seconds
Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig

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How Cannabis Can Help You During Lent

Published

3 weeks ago

March 5, 2025

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Even a planned sacrifice can use a little help, here is how marijuana can help you during Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. This time is observed in many Christian traditions, including Catholic, Lutheran, Moravian, Anglican, United Protestant, and Orthodox. It is usually a 40-day period, which echoes the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The time is thought to symbolize testing, trial, and renewal. In addition to donating time, talent and treasure along with self reflection, the true believer believes you should give us something you love. For some it is wine or alcohol, for others it could be more.Here is how cannabis can help you during Lent.

RELAETD: Is GERD Helped By Cannabis

Cannabis use during Lent, a traditional Christian period of fasting and spiritual reflection, is a complex and controversial topic requiring careful consideration. While some may view cannabis as incompatible with Lenten practices, others argue it can potentially aid in spiritual growth and personal reflection when used mindfully. Done correctly, it can help you reach your goals.

Studies suggest cannabis can be used as a replacement for alcohol and can improve overall health. It offers a range of benefits for those seeking to reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption. CBD and THC drops are becoming popular substitutes, providing natural relaxation without the negative side effects associated with drinking. Unlike alcohol, which can lead to dehydration, impaired judgment, and potential long-term health risks, cannabis promotes relaxation and improved sleep quality without causing hangovers.

Studies suggest cannabis may help individuals maintain alcohol abstinence, with some patients reporting it as an effective substitute. The trend of replacing alcohol with cannabis is growing, with daily cannabis use surpassing daily alcohol use in the United States for the first time. Cannabis-infused beverages are also on the rise, offering a diverse range of options for those looking to socialize without alcohol.

In addition, many adherents of Lent are older, and a key benefit of cannabis is relief. For those dealing with chronic pain or anxiety, cannabis may offer relief without breaking Lenten commitments to abstain from other substances. Medical marijuana users have reported significant improvements in quality of life, pain levels, and overall functioning. This could allow individuals to focus more deeply on their spiritual practices without being hindered by physical discomfort.

Part of the sacrifice is to reflect on the spiritual journey. Cannabis can promote introspection and heightened awareness, which aligns with Lenten goals of self-examination and spiritual growth. However, it’s crucial to approach this mindfully and avoid using cannabis as an escape or distraction from the purpose of Lent.

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The Best Easy Super Bowl Cocktails

Published

1 month ago

February 13, 2025

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Ready to get your game on with these Super Bowl cocktails?

It is the finale to the football season and a good chunk of the population tunes in to watch the Super Bowl. Alone, with a few friends or a full on party…it is a festive occasions (at least until the 4th quarter in a tight game) and people enjoy a beverage. The Super Bowl is a drinking day for most viewers. As you settle into the 59th annual game, try the best Super Bowl cocktails.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Creole Bloody Mary

In a nod to the host city New Orleans, a Creole Bloody Mary is the best to pre-func and get right to start watching the game! This is a flavorful way to start the day.

Ingredients

3/4 cup vodka
4-1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4-6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
Salt and black pepper
Celery for garnish

Create

Fill shaker with ice
Combine vodka, juices, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and hot sauce in shaker
Strain and pour in a tall glass with ice
Garnish with celery stick

Super Bowl Julep

The nice thing about the Super Bowl is you can enjoy day drinking. While a Mint Julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby, it is refreshing enough for morning football drinking. Plus it is good for the throat after all the cheering.

Ingredients

4 sprigs of mint
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of water
2 oz. bourbon
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Create

Muddle the mint, the sugar and the water in a cup
Add the bourbon and stir gently
Fill a glass to the top with finely crushed ice, add the julep mix and garnish with mint

FYI, an ounce of mint simple syrup can be substituted for the mint/sugar/water mixture

Perfect Stormy

Why not combine the classic beer with the cocktail. Mix it up and enjoy this drink…rich in flavor and filling enough you don’t have too many over the course of the game.

2 oz amber rum

1 oz egg white

1 oz fresh lime juice

¾ oz ginger simple syrup

3 dashes Scrappy’s lime bitters

4 oz light beer

Glass: Highball tumbler/Collins glas

Create

Dry shake all ingredients except the beer
Add ice and shake
Double strain into a collins glass with ice
Top up with beer

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Gatorade Margarita

Everyone knows hydration is important when plays sports. It is also important for fans, especially if they are celebrating. Gatorade is part of the football culture, dive in with this take on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

1/4 cup blue sanding sugar
1/4 cup kosher salt
One 20-ounce bottle blue sports drink, such as Cool Blue Gatorade ®, chilled
1 cup thawed frozen limeade concentrate
1 cup silver tequila
1/3 cup blue curacao
Fresh orange slices, for serving

Create

Mix the sugar and salt in a shallow dish
Wet the rims of 4 to 6 rocks glasses with water and then dip in the sugar-salt mixture to coat
Combine the sports drink, limeade concentrate, tequila and blue curacao in a large pitcher and stir
Fill the rocks glasses with ice
Pour the margarita into the glass
Garnish each with an orange slice

Fourth Quarter Rum Countdown

When the fourth quarter hits, it can be a focus time, keep it simple with this classic drink. Quick to prepare, refreshing to drink and the soda is a little caffeine boost after tailgating.

Ingredients