Culture

Notting Hill Carnival 2023: A Smoker’s Guide

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2023

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In the heart of West London, Notting Hill Carnival is the world’s 2nd largest event of this kind. It bounced back from Covid with a bang last year, with up to 2 million attendees. Read on to get excited about the festival and pick up some smoking tips in preparation. This annual knees-up is steeped in history, the weekend is alive with rhythm, and perfectly showcases London’s Caribbean heritage, artistic expression and community spirit. Let’s learn more about it.

History of Notting Hill Carnival

Any Londoner will have the August Bank Holiday weekend marked down in their calendar for Carni: it’s just what you do. Grammy award-winning DJ, Max Jones, says:

“Nothing says summer to me more than Notting Hill Carnival“

I couldn’t agree more. I remember from the age of 16 getting the train to London to be sure to catch a day of this magical weekend. The last taste of freedom before students go back to school or uni. The last big weekend of summer before I get back to my desk and pray for Christmas. As the sun-kissed (fingers crossed!) streets of Notting Hill come alive with an explosion of color, rhythm, and laughter, a powerful sense of unity envelops the city, transcending boundaries and celebrating the kaleidoscope of human experiences.

The roots of the Notting Hill Carnival stretch back to the mid-20th century, a time marked by cultural exchanges and migration waves that transformed London’s landscape. In the late 1950s, the Caribbean population in Britain began to flourish, and with it came a desire to celebrate their vibrant traditions. The first Carnival, initially known as the “Caribbean Carnival,” emerged in 1959 as a response to the prevailing racial tensions and prejudices that clouded the social fabric of the time. There was growing violence against immigrants and in response activists from the West-Indian community responded with love and showings of pride in their culture, going on to form one of the most significant cultural events of modern Britain.

Over the years, the Carnival evolved, embracing a myriad of cultures and influences that contributed to its remarkable tapestry. It soon became a platform for the Caribbean population to showcase their music, dance, food and artistry. As the Carnival gained momentum, it began to weave its threads into the fabric of London’s identity, becoming a beacon of diversity and inclusion.

It’s so much a part of London culture now that it’s grown to be 11 x bigger than Glastonbury Festival!

What’s it Like?

Masquerade

At the carnival’s core lies the art of masquerade: a captivating display of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. Elaborate costumes, adorned with intricate details and vibrant colours, take centre stage as ravers don masks to become become living, breathing works of art. Masquerade is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a reflection of personal and collective identity, a canvas upon which stories, histories, and dreams are painted for all to see.

***Have you ever wanted to try Amanita Muscaria gummies? Now you finally can!***

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Cannabis

Mixed Messages From The Feds About Cannabis

Published

2 days ago

March 28, 2025

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The federal administration is all over the board around fed cannabis policy…and millions of patients are worried.

The industry employees over 440,000 workers at all lives and is driven in a large part by mom and pop businesses. Millions use medical marijuana for health issues ranging from chronic pain to sleep. But there are mixed messages from the feds about cannabis, and people are very worried. The federal government’s stance on marijuana has become increasingly complex, as recent developments show conflicting approaches to the drug’s potential benefits and risks. On one hand, there’s a push for research into medical marijuana for veterans, while on the other, a campaign against cannabis use is being launched.

The juxtaposition of initiatives highlights the federal government’s inconsistent approach to marijuana policy. While some departments are exploring the potential benefits of cannabis, others are actively working to discourage its use. This dichotomy is further exemplified by ongoing legislative efforts. For instance, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) has reintroduced the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients in states where it’s legal. Meanwhile, documents from an ongoing lawsuit suggest that the DEA may have weighted the marijuana rescheduling process to ensure rejection of moving the drug from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military members. This initiative, driven by congressional efforts, aims to explore MDMA’s effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) expressed pride in this development, stating that it could be a “game-changer” for service members battling these combat-related injuries.

Additionally, a bipartisan effort in Congress has been pushing for VA research on medical marijuana for PTSD and other conditions affecting veterans. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, introduced in both the Senate and House, would mandate studies on how cannabis affects the use of addictive medications and impacts various health outcomes for veterans.

In stark contrast to these research initiatives, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has partnered with an anti-cannabis nonprofit to launch a social media campaign targeting young people. The campaign, set to run ahead of April 20 (4/20), aims to “flood” Instagram with anti-cannabis content. The DEA is offering monetary incentives to students for creating and posting anti-THC videos, with payments ranging from $25 to $50 depending on the type of content produced.

This approach has raised eyebrows, as it seems to contradict the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana across the United States. Critics argue that such campaigns may be out of touch with current societal trends and scientific understanding of cannabis.

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Cannabis

How Hemp Helps You Sleep

Published

2 days ago

March 28, 2025

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Not everyone has access to marijuana to help them sleep – good news, hemp is available.

it’s estimated 50 to 70 million Canadian and American adults experience sleep disorders or disturbances, and about one-third of adults don’t regularly get the recommended amount. Hemp has emerged as a promising natural remedy for those seeking better sleep. With its calming properties and potential to address various sleep-related issues, hemp-derived products are gaining popularity among individuals looking to improve their rest. Here is how hemp helps you sleep.

RELATED: Mike Johnson And Marijuana

Hemp contains several compounds contributing to better sleep quality. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of hemp, has shown potential in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can often interfere with a good night’s rest. Studies suggest that CBD may help individuals fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night.

When formulated and used properly, preliminary research and user reports suggest that hemp gummies improve subjective sleep quality. Users of quality hemp sleep gummies report feeling more rested, a better quality of sleep and fewer awakenings in the night. However, clinical research has shown that over consumption of THC negatively impacts the quality of sleep, especially with long term use.

Wana Brands has launched a hemp sleeping product nationally, Mike Hennesy, Vice President of Innovation shared the following about how it works. Naturally hemp-derived sleep gummies contain the same cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and THC as cannabis or marijuana. These ingredients interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and sleep-wake cycles. For example, CBD may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, CBN can relieve discomfort and reduce awakenings, while THC can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, especially at low doses. Together, they may help ease the mind and body into a sleep-ready state.

The best sleep products don’t rely on just one cannabinoid like CBN but instead use a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other sleep-supporting ingredients such as melatonin. This is because the reasons for sleeplessness are multifaceted, and include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, chronic, pain and anxiety. Each ingredient targets different root causes as well as synergizes with the other cannabinoids and terpenes for the best night sleep.

Longer lasting formulations can actually help reduce awakenings in the night. CBN has been shown in recent research to reduce the number of times you wake up in the night. Combined with other cannabinoids they can synergize to reduce discomfort and anxiety helping consumers stay asleep.

If you do wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep products including CBD and CBG to reduce middle of the night anxiety and racing thoughts that can keep us awake, and they have only 1mg of THC so you wake up refreshed and not high in the morning.

For most people, hemp-derived cannabinoids are considered safe and non-intoxicating, with a low risk of dependence. When THC is included in small amounts, it can produce mild effects and can help us fall asleep faster. It generally poses a minimal risk when used in moderation, but there is a potential for dependence if overused, just like with any sleep aid. Adverse events are far more prevalent in pharmaceutical and even over the counter sleep aids than with hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The key is responsible use, including starting with a low dose and taking breaks when needed. If you rely on it every night at high doses, your body may adjust, and it can be habitual. But when used in moderation and with a well-balanced formula, cannabis can be a sustainable part of a healthy sleep routine.

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Burgundy

This Wine Issue Is Becoming More Common

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2025

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Wine is one of the popular drinks in the world,

Roughly 75% of adults worldwide drink wine, with a significant portion consuming it regularly, and the US wine market sees a substantial number of people drinking wine and refining their taste. In fact, mearly half of adults (44%) drink at least a couple of glasses per week. But this wine issue is becoming more common, Charles Rice, Executive Director of the Wine Education Council shares the following.

Imagine attending a wine tasting, only to discover an unpleasant surprise with one of the bottle. It is bitter and even a little medicinal; it is starting and upsets the balance of the really brings down the whole room and spoils what could have been a lovely evening. This uninvited guest is called ‘smoke taint’ and it a direct result of the increase in wildfires affecting many of the world’s top wine-growing regions. Let’s pour ourselves a glass and explore how this unwanted visitor is crashing the party and what the industry is doing to air out the room.

Smoke taint is like a bad hangover for grapes—it leaves them feeling a bit burned. When wildfires rage nearby, mature and growing grapes absorb volatile compounds, imparting an ashy, smoky flavor to the wine. It’s not just a surface issue: these compounds penetrate deep, forming glycosides that release their smokiness during fermentation. The result? Wines that taste more like a campfire or a doctor’s office than a sophisticated vintage. It’s a “grape” big disappointment!

Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are fueling longer and more intense fire seasons. This means more frequent and severe wildfires, especially in regions like California, Oregon, and Australia—some of the world’s top wine-producing areas. The impact is twofold: not only do fires directly damage vineyards, but the smoke also compromises grape quality, leaving winemakers feeling crushed. It’s a drain on their passion, and their profits.

Fortunately, researchers are working tirelessly to find ways to put a cork in the problem and coming up with some innovative solutions. Synthetic materials called ‘molecularly imprinted polymers’ can selectively remove smoky compounds from wine without stripping away desirable flavors and aromas. Activated carbon has been shown to be effective but can also remove some of the good stuff. It’s akin to using a broad-spectrum filter that catches both the smoke and some of the wine’s natural charm. Interestingly, producing sparkling wine from smoke-affected grapes is another creative workaround. The carbonation process can mask some of the smoky flavors, turning a potential loss into a bubbly opportunity.

Smoke taint is undoubtedly uninvited guest when it comes to wine in the age of climate change, but the wine industry is not going to complain too much about sour grapes. With innovative solutions and a dash of creativity, winemakers are finding ways to keep the party going. So, the next time you sip a glass of wine, remember the uninvited guest that might have been there, but thanks to science and ingenuity, didn’t ruin the party.

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