Culture

The 420 Holiday: Who’s It Actually For?

Published

9 months ago

April 22, 2024

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Cannabis’ journey toward legalization in the US is helpful in understanding the shift taking place around the 420 holiday. Although legal marijuana in the US owes an unpayable debt to San Francisco—to the struggles and the activists living in the city, those affected by AIDS and the counterculture warriors who laid the groundwork for the first legal cannabis in the nation—the historic relationship between cannabis and the “official” San Francisco, the civic leaders and the electeds, is at best uneasy and erratic.

https://cannabisnow.com/the-4-20-holiday-whos-it-actually-for/

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Canada

Justin Trudeau’s Long Involvement With Cannabis

Published

7 hours ago

January 6, 2025

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After 12 years as Prime Minister, he is stepping down…here is a look back on Justin Trudeau’s long involvement with cannabis.

Justin Trudeau’s journey with cannabis legalization in Canada is a story of personal experience, political conviction, and transformative policy-making. As the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s perspective on marijuana was shaped by a family incident involving his younger brother Michel. In 1998, Michel Trudeau was caught with marijuana during a traffic stop. Thanks to their father’s connections and resources, the charges were dropped.

This event highlighted the inequalities in Canada’s drug laws, where those with means could avoid consequences while others faced criminal records. Justin Trudeau later reflected on this, stating, “That’s one of the fundamental unfairnesses of this current system is that it affects different communities in a different way”.

Trudeau’s personal history with cannabis extends beyond family experiences. In 2013, he admitted to smoking marijuana at a dinner party in his Montreal home in 2008, after he had already been elected as a Member of Parliament. In a sign of changing norms,
the admission, while controversial, did not significantly impact his political career.

As Liberal Party leader, Trudeau campaigned on a platform of cannabis legalization during the 2015 federal election. His approach focused on regulation and harm reduction rather than economic benefits. Trudeau emphasized two main goals: minimizing underage access to marijuana and reducing criminal activity surrounding illegal marijuana trade.

After winning the election, Trudeau’s government took concrete steps towards legalization. In 2016, a task force was created to explore the issue. The following year, the Cannabis Act was introduced in Parliament, allowing for the sale and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for anyone over.

On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide. This move was seen as a bold reform, distinguishing Trudeau’s administration from previous governments. The legalization process wasn’t without challenges. Provinces were given significant responsibility for regulating sales, leading to some friction with the federal government .Additionally, Trudeau faced criticism from both supporters and opponents of legalization.

Following legalization, Trudeau’s government announced plans to create a simplified, free process for pardoning individuals with simple possession records. This move aimed to address the historical inequities in cannabis law enforcement.Trudeau’s approach to cannabis legalization reflects a combination of personal experience, pragmatic policy-making, and a commitment to social justice. By moving from prohibition to regulation, Canada under Trudeau’s leadership has embarked on a significant social and legal experiment, the results of which continue to unfold.

As Trudeau ends one chapter and starts another, he will continue to be a champion of cannabis.

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alcohol

Sherry Is Becoming A Thing Again

Published

8 hours ago

January 6, 2025

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Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry has now become a star in the craft cocktail scene.

Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry is becoming a thing again. From the fortified wine from Spain’s Jerez region, it is experiencing a renaissance in North America, particularly among younger consumers and wine enthusiasts. This resurgence is reshaping the perception of sherry and driving growth in the market.

The traditional image of sherry as a drink for older generations is rapidly changing. Young people in the US are increasingly embracing sherry, with consumption on the rise. This shift is particularly evident in the on-trade sector, where sherry’s popularity is growing in tandem with the increasing number of tapas bars and improved knowledge among sommeliers and restaurateurs.

The sherry wine market is showing promising signs of growth. Projections indicate a growth rate of 10.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to various factors, including the increasing popularity of sherry as an accompaniment to meals and its perceived health benefits.

While sweet sherries have long dominated the US market, there’s a growing interest in dry styles among younger consumers. This trend is part of a broader shift in consumption patterns, with drinkers becoming more adventurous and seeking out diverse flavor profiles. The movement towards dry sherries is seen as a positive development for the category’s long-term prospects.

Sherry’s versatility in food pairing is attracting attention from sommeliers and food enthusiasts. Plus, with the continued raise of craft beverage, sherry has been a rising star in cocktail scene, introducing it to a new audience of mixology enthusiasts.

The perceived health benefits of sherry is also buzzing as Gen Z and younger Millennials are switching to less harmful products. This gave rise to the California Sober movement. Sherry contains antioxidants called polyphenols that may help control cholesterol levels. Polyphenols may prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is associated with heart disease. Sherry may also increase the body’s production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is associated with longevity and a decreased risk of coronary artery disease.

If you want to try sherry, here are some tips. The correct way depends on the type: dry sherries like Fino and Manzanilla should be served chilled in a small glass, while sweeter sherries like Pedro Ximénez can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed;generally, a white wine glass is preferred to fully appreciate the flavors, and it’s best to serve sherry with food, particularly tapas for drier styles and richer dishes for sweeter options.

Chef Justin Khanna has worked in some of the top restaurants in the world and keeps his fingers are trends shared “Enjoying a well-made Sherry with food feels like spending time with most interesting person at a party. The versatility too makes it a stand-out as an ingredient in a cocktail, featured as part of a wine pairing in a tasting menu, or simply sipped over ice at the start of a meal. It’s high time that Sherry gets a rise in popularity, especially without the hefty price tag of other spirits.”

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california sober

Can Cannabis Help Your Dry January

Published

3 days ago

January 3, 2025

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Dry January is increasing popular, but can cannabis help make it not seem so long?

Since it premiered in 2013 in the UK, it has grown increasingly popular. It received a boast after the covid pandemic when alcohol consumption and sales increased exponentially. The trend has stuck around though, thanks to younger generations. Alcoholhelp.com says 35% of Gen-Z aged 21-24 practiced Dry January in 2024. While it is known alcohol it is not healthy, taking a 31 day break can be difficult. Can cannabis help your Dry January?

Cannabis can serve as an effective substitute for alcohol during the month, providing relaxation and social lubrication without the negative impacts associated with drinking. Many individuals find that cannabis helps them unwind after a long day, much like how they might have previously used alcohol. Oils, gummies, and vapes tend to be the healthiest options to avoid lung damage or extra pounds. Microdosing has become increasingly popular also.

The US Is About To Be Sandwiched Between Two Countries With Legal Weed — Is It Next? — Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images

For those experiencing alcohol cravings during Dry January, cannabis may help. It can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea, making the transition to sobriety more manageable. While some may worry you are trading bad habits, marijuana’s effect on the body is less damaging.

Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can offer a sense of relaxation similar to alcohol but without many of the adverse effects. It’s a natural way to de-stress and wind down, helping participants navigate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol..

Cannabis can enhance social interactions without the negative impacts of alcohol. Some strains can provide an energy boost and mental clarity, helping users navigate social events more comfortablyCannabis and hemp are great substitutes for house parties or on a Friday night. These products come in various flavors and can provide a refreshing experience without compromising on taste or effects.

The California Sober movement has become popular, especially among Gen Z. It recongizines marijuana is a healthier alternative to booze. Additionally, it is far less addictive than alcohol, with alcohol use potentially resulting in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, which is not observed with marijuana. As a sign of the benefits it brings, legal cannabis sales usually tend to spike in January.

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