Culture

Subtle Signs Your Dog Is Depressed

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2023

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Just like their human counterparts, dogs can get down in the dumps for a variety of reasons. But detecting depression in a pet isn’t always easy. Does a longer than usual nap or increased appetite mean your animal friend needs professional help? What about other changes in behavior? There are subtle signs your dog is depressed.

INSIDER talked with dog behaviorist Nick Jones, MA, about what causes depression in dogs and how you can spot it. Changes in routine spark many depressed episodes, whether that be time spent in a kennel, a new home, or the death of a caregiver. According to Jones, other changes in a dog’s routine can also lead to a state of feeling unsettled. “These might include a change in the owners’ working routine or new and quite different rules being put in place,” he says.

Change in appetite

If your dog is eating less or more, this could be a sign of increased stress levels.

“Dogs can be like people – some will eat less when under stress and some will eat more. Some dogs are so food driven that you may not see a change in its appetite,” Jones explained.

Licking

Much like humans will fidget with objects when they’re stressed out, dogs may lick themselves a ton. Jones says excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety or stress, as dogs will often use licking as a soothing technique. If you’re certain your dog is licking its paws for some other reason than it has something stuck in its paw, you might want to consult a vet.

Lethargy

If your dog is no longer psyched about going for walks, play dates or chasing after a toy, it may be depressed. Says Jones, “A dog that is reluctant to leave the home could indicate that all is not well either on a physical or emotional level. One would normally expect a dog to be less enthusiastic when in a depressed state.”

Change in sleep patterns

“If the dog is in a stressed state and displaying signs of anxiety such as whining or howling in the owner’s absence say, then the dog will often not sleep during that period,” said Jones.

On the flip side, if a dog is getting too much sleep, it could also mean that your pooch is sad. Just like humans, sometimes when a dog isn’t feeling life, they just want to pull the covers over their head and sleep their days away. “I have seen some dogs that are mourning for the loss of a loved one be quite subdued and sleep more than would be expected,” Jones said.

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Change in behavior

If you notice your dog is acting strange, perhaps behaving oddly or picking up bad habits all of the sudden, it may be a sign of depression.

“It is possible that a dog may develop new and unwanted behavior routines such as pacing, circling, or obsessive behaviors such as shadow or light chasing,” Jones told INSIDER. A sad dog may also disregard previously learned (preferred) behavioral patters.

Jones says whatever the unusual behavior your dog is expressing, the best thing you can do is comfort them, make sure their needs are met, and create a schedule. “Maintaining a leadership-based style with the dog regardless of recent changes can help a great deal in my experience, as a routine provides emotional security.”

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AARP

A New Cannabis Christmas Tradition For Santa

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

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He is known for working hard and this new tradition is helps him relax. Why not give Santa this special treat at Christmas?

A new holiday tradition is taking root in regions where cannabis is legal: leaving cannabis-infused treats for Santa Claus. This twist on the classic milk and cookies is gaining popularity among adults who want to add a festive and relaxing touch to their Christmas celebrations. As cannabis legalization spreads, more people are incorporating it into their holiday rituals. Instead of the traditional glass of milk and plate of cookies, some households are opting to leave Santa a special treat that might help him unwind during his busy night of gift-giving.

The tradition may have originated with the feast of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity. Children would leave food and drink for St. Nicholas and his attendants on December 6, and in exchange, they would receive gifts. Over time, this tradition evolved into leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus. The new playful adaptation of a beloved custom reflects changing attitudes towards cannabis and its increasing acceptance in mainstream culture. In fact, BDSA, a leading analytics firm which covers cannabis, shared over 50% of people who use marijuana has had an edible. In fast, even the AARP has embraced medical marijuana since so many of their members are using it for a variety of issues.

Cannabis-infused edibles, particularly cookies, are a popular choice for this new tradition. These treats not only provide a tasty snack for Santa but also offer a potential moment of relaxation during his hectic Christmas Eve journey. However, it’s crucial to remember that these treats are strictly for adult consumption and should be kept safely out of reach of children and pets.

For those interested in trying this new tradition, here’s a recipe for Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Santa (and other adults) might enjoy:

Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups flour
1 cup cannabutter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
Red and green sprinkles (optional)

Create:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper
In a large bowl, cream together the cannabutter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hemp hearts, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms
Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie
If desired, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This new tradition of leaving cannabis treats for Santa adds a modern twist to holiday celebrations in areas where it’s legal. Make sure they are accessible to adults only. Have a merry holiday.

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Cannabis

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

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Before Santa Claus, there was cannabis…the history of cannabis and Christmas.

Today’s Christmas is a spectacular affair with music, gifts, lights, and weeks of buildup. The history of the holiday has involved thanks to Coco-cola, the Catholic church and the retail industry. But in the beginning, cannabis has a history with Christmas. T’was teh time before Christmas and all through the lands, marijuana was accepted and part of the plan.

Long before Christianity, various cultures celebrated winter festivals around the time of the winter solstice. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a popular holiday honoring the god Saturn, initially observed on December 17th but later extended to last up to a week, ending on December 23rd. This festival involved role reversals between masters and slaves, feasting, and general merrymaking. Another significant Roman festival was Sol Invictus, dedicated to the “Unconquered Sun.” Emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the feast of Sol Invictus in 274 CE, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar.

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Cannabis played a significant role in ancient pagan winter celebrations, particularly during the winter solstice and Yuletide festivities. These traditions, which predate Christmas, incorporated cannabis in various ways. It was part of a nine-herb blend to smudge homes and stables. This practice was believed to ward off evil spirits and calm the gods during the 12 Raw Nights”(December 25 to January 6 – today, the 12 days of Christmas), when the Wild Hunt was said to occur. It was also seen as one of the sacred plants used to symbolize the return of green life after winter. Evergreens and other plants were brought into homes to represent rebirth and the coming of spring.

And some ancient pagans used cannabis to enhance their spiritual experiences during winter solstice celebrations. The psychoactive properties of the plant helped deepen connections with nature and the changing seasons.

Some scholars believe early Christians adopted the date of December 25th to make their faith more appealing to pagans. However, this theory is contested. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th appears in the Philocalian Calendar from 354 CE. Interestingly, the Donatists, a group of Christians opposed to any pagan compromise, seem to have been among the first to celebrate Christ’s birth on this date around 312 CE.

Cannabis contributed to creating a green, jolly, and festive atmosphere during the darkest days of the year. Its use in rituals and celebrations helped mark the transition from darkness to light as the days began to grow longer after the solstice. Today, in over 50% of the population, marijuana will again help bring a little chill and joy to the season.

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3 Wise Men

Three Wise Men Give Marijuana Strain Gift Suggestions

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.

The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.

Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.

One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.

Beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts under a festive tree with glowing lights.

Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.

Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.

Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.

Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.

Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.

If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.

Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.

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