More than a year into cannabis legalization in New Jersey, people say they’re noticing the smell of cannabis — but most aren’t bothered by it, according to a new poll. The survey also shows that far more people believe driving under the influence of alcohol to be “very dangerous” than say the same about getting behind the wheel after consuming marijuana.
About half of adults in the state report having smelled marijuana from a neighboring house or apartment, according to the poll from Stockton University’s Hughes Center for Public Policy. But more respondents said they think the right to use legal marijuana in one’s own home (31 percent) is more important than the right not to have to smell cannabis being used by a neighbor (16 percent).
Nearly half of participants (46 percent) said they thought the two rights were equally important.
Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
People aren’t smelling cannabis all the time, of course: 14 percent said they smelled it coming from a neighbor often, 15 percent said it happened sometimes and 21 percent said it was rare. Another 49 percent said they never smell neighbors’ cannabis consumption.
Meanwhile 57 percent of New Jersey adults said they’ve smelled marijuana in public places either often (28 percent) or sometimes (29 percent). A third (32 percent) said they smell it rarely in public, while just 9 percent said they never have.
“Not much thought was given to the issue of the smell of marijuana becoming part of the public landscape in New Jersey,” John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Center, said in a Wednesday press release about the survey. “There are hardly any places to legally consume these products, so people are lighting up in parks, at festivals, in parking lots and on the street.”
Of all respondents, 90 percent said they were able to identify the smell of cannabis. And a majority (52 percent) said it doesn’t bother them at all. Another 19 percent said it bothers them “a great deal” while 28 percent said it bothers them somewhat.
While the new survey captures a snapshot of New Jerseyans’ experience since legalization, the report is silent on the degree to which residents smelled or were bothered by cannabis use prior to legalization.
Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
Views on some questions varied considerably based on whether or not a person had consumed cannabis products in the past year. Among people who had, for example, 55 percent felt that the right to use legal marijuana in one’s home outweighed a neighbor’s right to not have to smell it in theirs. Among people who didn’t consume marijuana, just 21 percent felt that way.
Strong majorities of both groups, however—75 percent of cannabis consumers and 91 percent of nonusers—agreed that driving while high is dangerous. And most (52 percent and 81 percent of consumers and nonconsumers, respectively) believe it’s important to have a roadside test to determine a driver’s level of impairment.
The development of a roadside drug test was more important to Republicans, 62 percent of whom said it was very important compared to 42 percent of Democrats and 45 percent of independents.
Of all respondents, 39 percent said they knew somebody who has driven while under the influence of marijuana, and 56 percent said they did not.
Respondents seemed to feel that cannabis presents less of a danger than driving drunk. Fifty-one percent of respondents said driving while high on marijuana is extremely dangerous, while 90 percent said that of drunk driving.
Froonjian said in Stockton’s press release that driving under the influence of any substance “is a bad idea that causes accidents,” adding that responsible users “must avoid driving while high on weed.”
Commissioner Krista Nash, co-chair of the panel’s Public Engagement and Education Committee, said during a press conference on Wednesday that members’ “top priority is the safety, health, and well-being of all New Jerseyans—whether they are cannabis consumers or not.”
The state recently awarded $12 million in grant money to 48 licensed cannabis operators to help them start and expand their businesses, part of an effort to remove barriers to entry to the legal industry, especially among people from communities disproportionately harmed by the drug war.
The are portrayed as sweet, kind and fun, but what’s up with them downing people like jello shooters?
The open waters are full of potential dangers including sharks, jellyfish, people on jet skis and more….but there is a new one recently which is surprising everyone. Why do whales keep swallowing people. The chance of a whale swallowing you is smaller than winning the Powerball, but it is happening…and science isn’t quite sure why.
There have been a few extraordinary incidents where people have been swallowed by whales, sparking both fascination and concern. These events, though extremely rare, have garnered significant attention due to their unusual nature. Such incidents are rare because whales generally do not target humans as prey. Humpback whales, for example, feed on small fish and plankton using baleen, making it physically impossible for them to swallow a human whole.
In the last couple of days, a humpback whale briefly swallowed a 24-year-old kayaker last Saturday during a father-son excursion out on the icy waters around Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. After being spat out of the whale, the son swam towards his dad’s pack raft and holds onto it as they pull away.
Another documented case is Michael Packard, a lobster diver from Massachusetts. In June 2021, Packard was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale while diving off the coast of Provincetown. He managed to survive with minor injuries, including soft tissue damage and a dislocated knee. Experts believe that poor visibility and the whale’s feeding behavior likely contributed to this accidental encounter.
Two girls were swallowed by a humpback whale while kayaking in California. The whale spat them out after a few seconds, highlighting the accidental nature of such incidents.
In addition, Since 2020, orcas off the Iberian Peninsula have been attacking sailboats, with at least three vessels sunk and hundreds damaged. These coordinated attacks typically involve orcas targeting the rudder, often approaching from the stern. Scientists believe that a traumatic event, possibly involving a female orca named White Gladis, may have triggered this behavior, which is then imitated by other orcas. Theories suggest the attacks could be for hunting practice or revenge. Despite the incidents, no human fatalities have been reported, but sailors are increasingly concerned about safety in these waters.
Whales, particularly humpbacks, feed by lunging through the water with their mouths wide open to engulf schools of fish. If something lies directly in their path, they might not always detect or avoid it in time. This feeding behavior, combined with factors like poor visibility, can lead to accidental encounters with humans. So it is always good to be clear of you environment and what type of wildlife frequent the area.
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.
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.
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
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.
As people ages, the body develops more issues…marijuana can help pause or manage some of the problems.
Marijuana is helping this over 65 to continue living their best life. Cannabis has become an increasingly popular treatment option for older adults who often suffer from chronic health conditions. These conditions include chronic pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, and various neurological symptoms. In fact, the staid AARP has began helping their membership unlock the benefits of marijuana to improve day to day existence. This move is allowing boomers to travel, play and have fun with friends and family.
From chronic pain to troubles sleeping, consumed in the right doses, marijana can be beneficial. One of the areas it can help is in intimacy. The benefits of the green plant can help some seniors with sex by reducing pain and distraction. Cannabis-infused topicals can help with pain from arthritis, stiffness, or injuries. It can help people get out of their heads and be more present with their partners, giving more focus and in the moment allowing things to flow better. And like food and music, marijuana can increase sensitivity to touch and enhance sensory perception. While it isn’t approved for erectile dysfunction, it can remove other barriers.
Medical marijuana is effective in managing chronic pain, which is common among older adults. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of participants experience pain relief when using medical marijuana. It can help manage symptoms associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and neuropathy.
Many older adults use cannabis to alleviate sleep disturbances. Research indicates that a substantial number of users report improved sleep quality. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression, providing relief for mental health concerns that are prevalent in this age group.
One of the significant benefits observed is the reduction in opioid use among older adults. Studies have shown that many participants decrease their reliance on opioid pain medications after starting medical marijuana treatment.
Gen Z tends to use cannabis to relief anxiety and feel happier. The plant releases dopamine, which is one of the sources of happiness. Dosing is a key factor to hitting the right spot.
Despite the promising results, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in older adults. More randomized, controlled studies are needed to fully understand its benefits and risks. Additionally, concerns about cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use highlight the need for cautious use and monitoring in older adults.