The U.S. Hemp Authority®(USHA), announced today a new partnership with Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety, Inc. (PJRSFSI) to bolster the hemp industry’s initiative to provide high standards, best practices, and self-regulation for hemp and hemp products like CBD. PJRFSI, a globally accredited certification body for numerous ISO and Food Safety Standards, including cannabis and hemp, will serve as USHA’s program manager, and act as a third-party certification body to ensure that USHA’s licensees are meeting the highest levels of quality and safety in their products.
USHA was established by the hemp industry in 2018 to provide consumers and retailers with confidence in hemp and hemp products like CBD. Hemp growers, processors and brand owners who comply with USHA’s rigorous Certification Program Standard, as verified by PJRSFI’s third party audit, are authorized to use USHA “Certified” seal in their advertising, marketing and product labeling. The seal gives consumers confidence that their products meet stringent safety and quality control manufacturing standards. Prevention magazine, a leading provider of trustworthy health information for over six decades, with more than two million readers, selected USHA for one of its 2019 Health Breakthrough Awards, billed as ten major medical innovations of the prior year.
“We are excited to work with PJRFSI and appreciate the deep experience they bring to the table,” said Marielle Weintraub, USHA President. “Given the lack of federal regulation, and consumer concern about the quality and safety of hemp products like CBD, we strive to promote safety and quality assurance, and PJRFSI will be an excellent partner in ensuring confidence in hemp farming, processing and products.”
Brett McMillen, Cannabis and Hemp Division Manager for PJRFSI, is also optimistic about the future: “So many positive things are coming down the pipeline for the hemp industry and we are honored to be on board with the USHA. The team at the USHA has been great to work with and the amount of knowledge and connection to the hemp industry they have is an amazing resource”.
An introductory webcast is planned for Wed, March 1st at 11AM EST to discuss the certification process and the hemp industry at large from members of the USHA and PJRFSI.Register hereto attend.
The news announced the death of another muse – this one for The Rolling Stones – but what is a Muse?
The news today is about the passing of Marianne Faithfull, an artist and muse to The Rolling Stones? But exactly what is a muse? The label gets tossed around? But what does it really mean? They are a source of inspiration, often associated with artistic creativity. In modern times, a muse can be a person who inspires an artist, writer, or musician, often through their presence, personality, or actions.
n ancient Greek mythology, the Muses were nine sister goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences. They were believed to inspire creativity and knowledge in various fields such as literature, music, and astronomy. The Muses were named Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania. In modern times, a muse can be a person who inspires an artist, writer, or musician, often through their presence, personality, or actions.
They have often faced challenges, particularly women overshadowed by the artists they inspire. Many muses sacrifice their own creative pursuits to support the careers of their partners, leading to a lack of recognition and autonomy. This dynamic often resulted in muses being seen more as sources of inspiration rather than as creative individuals in their own right. It also can mean the difference financially since the artist owns the right and the muses often has not percentage of earnings.
The pressure and effort to be a muse can also be draining and tough…sometimes leading the inspiration to a destruction pattern.
Many famous artists have had muses who inspired their work. For example, Pablo Picasso had several muses, including Françoise Gilot and Dora Maar, who were also his romantic partners. The relationship between an artist and their muse can be deeply personal and collaborative, as seen in the experiences of Zoya
Some of the great muses include:
Patti Boyd – Inspired songs by Eric Clapton (“Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight”) and George Harrison (“Something”)
The Hadid Sisters – Inspired songs by artists like The Weeknd and Zayn Malik
Amber Rose – Inspired Kanye West and other rappers
Rosanna Arquette – Inspired Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” and Toto’s “Rosanna”
Elle Macpherson – The original inspiration for Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”
Lisa Bonet – Inspired Lenny Kravitz’s “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over”
The Hadid Sisters – Inspired songs by artists like The Weeknd and Zayn Malik
Emilie Louise Flöge – Gustav Klimt’s life partner and muse, featured in his famous work The Kiss
Camille Claudel – A French sculptor and muse to Auguste Rodin, known for her own artistic talent
Gala Diakonova – The wife and muse of Salvador Dalí, often depicted in his surrealistic paintings
In the modern era, the role of the muse is being redefined. Social media platforms have democratized inspiration, allowing anyone to be a muse by sharing their creativity and experiences online. This shift has provided more opportunities for muses to express themselves and gain recognition as individuals.However, the pressures of maintaining a public image and the constant need for content creation can also lead to stress and pressure on modern muses.
It seems the news is rough at the moment – and then – boom – they move the DoomsDay Clock forward. Microdosing can help you move forward.
You are doing your best to have dry, chill January and the news, snow, fires and more are interrupting. This morning, out of the blue, there is more rough news. The Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, is a symbol representing humanity’s proximity to global catastrophe. Set annually by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, it considers threats like nuclear warfare, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Originally at 7 minutes to midnight, it has moved 25 times, with the farthest being 17 minutes in 1991. Today, the clock was set at 89 seconds to midnight . the closest the world has ever been to that marker, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Freaked out? Cannabis can get rid of the Doomsday Clock blues.
Changes and interruptions of routines along with a general anxious atmosphere. Stress can impact your physical and mental health in many ways. But for over 50% of Americans and all of Canadians, marijuana can help. Microdosing cannabis has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing mood and overall well-being. This practice involves consuming small, controlled amounts of cannabis, typically containing THC and CBD, to achieve subtle yet beneficial effects without experiencing an intense high.
One of the primary advantages of microdosing cannabis is its potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research suggests that low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, leading to reduced stress levels and improved mood23. By carefully managing the dosage, users may experience a sense of relaxation and emotional balance without the risk of increased anxiety that can sometimes occur with higher doses.
Microdosing cannabis may also contribute to better sleep patterns, which are crucial for maintaining a positive mood. Many users report that small amounts of cannabis can help induce deep, natural sleep without the grogginess often associated with larger doses or traditional sleep aids2. Improved sleep quality can lead to increased energy levels and a more optimistic outlook during waking hours.
Microdosing cannabis has also shown potential in enhancing focus and creativity14. This cognitive boost can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to improve their productivity and overall satisfaction in daily life. By promoting a clearer mind and increased concentration, microdosing may help users approach tasks with renewed enthusiasm and efficiency.
The practice of microdosing cannabis also offers a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to consumption. By using smaller amounts, individuals can experience the desired effects while conserving their supply and potentially reducing the risk of developing tolerance. It is also better than starting or increase drinking alcohol. It has spurred on the whole California sober movement.
As with any substance, it’s crucial to approach microdosing cannabis responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional, especially for those with pre-existing mental health conditions. When used mindfully, microdosing cannabis may offer a gentle yet effective way to support emotional well-being and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
He has a big audience and a huge voice with the administration – so what about Joe Rogan and marijuana?
In a surprising turn of events, hemp is starting to rival marijuana in sales, marking a significant shift in the cannabis industry landscape. As of 2025, the industrial hemp market has experienced explosive growth. Meanwhile, marijuana has acceptance by almost 90% of the country, but the 10% against it include leaders in DC. The small group seems to have blocked a path for profitably for thousands of mom and pop marijuana companies. Currently, it is unclear what the new administration will do with the rescheduling, SAFE Banking and more. But amid the chaos, hemp hums along ibeing carried in mainstream retailers like Total Wine and convience stores, allowing them access to large customer bases.
“Hemp is living the cannabis dream. No 280E tax or punitive state excise taxes exist, while direct-to-consumer sales and interstate commerce are allowed. Intoxicating hemp is being treated like a regular commodity, while cannabis remains in the penalty box.” shared Jesse Redmond, an executive at LEEF Holdings.
The surge in hemp’s popularity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the legalization of industrial hemp farming in many countries has opened up new opportunities for large-scale cultivation and production. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill paved the way for the cultivation and sale of hemp, separating it legally from marijuana by establishing a THC threshold of 0.3%.
Hemp’s versatility has been a key driver of its success. The plant offers a wide range of applications across various industries, including textiles, construction, packaging, and personal care. Moreover, the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products has fueled the growth of the hemp market, as hemp requires fewer resources to produce compared to other crops.
The rise of CBD products has also contributed significantly to hemp’s dominance. The wellness and pharmaceutical sectors have seen a surge in demand for hemp-derived CBD, further boosting the market. In fact, the top 10 best-selling THC beverage brands, many of which are hemp-based, represented 59% of all total cannabis drink sales in the year ending June 2024.
Daniel Shortt, one of the partners at the Seattle firm Salzhauer & Shortt shares “At this stage, it is anyone’s guess how the new administration is going to approach cannabis. The new president has sent mixed message about cannabis, but it is clearly not a priority for the next few months which could be good for the largely unregulated hemp-derivative market.
The new administration began before the cannabis rescheduling process concluded, and an administrative law judge has now paused that process for at least 90 days. With the future of federal reform so uncertain, it’s likely that hemp products will continue to be sold widely across the country under the 2018 Farm Bill, despite significant pushback at the state level—unless Congress amends the next version of the Farm Bill. The current version of the Farm Bill governs the production of hemp but does not specifically regulate the manufacture and distribution of hemp products. While the FDA has opposed these products, it has done little to enforce actions against them. It seems unlikely that halting the spread of hemp products will be a priority for new adminstration’s FDA.”