By Samantha Wahl
Following important cannabis news articles every day can be a real burn-out, we know. That’s why the Emerald rolls up a chronicle of the headiest news hits, and passes them to you at the end of each week. We Bring You: The Digital Dime.
The Mushrooms Will Touch You
You were right when you said those mushrooms made you understand the world better. A new study shows evidence of psychedelics influencing consumers’ connection with nature, Marijuana Moment reports. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health gathered information from over 600 users of magic mushrooms, LSD, mescaline, and more. Over the course of several years, the subjects reported more contact with nature upon using the drugs, as well as improved mental health. As the U.S. moves toward decriminalization, this scientific data could push legislation in the right direction.
Illinois Needs a Re-Up
Remember when we told you Illinois cannabis sales killed it on day one? They did so well, they ran out of weed. For Chicago, January always comes equipped with icy cold temperatures. By day four of legalization, people were starting to notice the chill as they waited in line, and needed a warm escape. As The Washington Post reported, dispensaries began to set up services much like modern hosting at restaurants–they would text customers when their weed was ready. This was all great, until there was no more pot. By day six, dispensaries had replenished their supplies, but the sheer volume of sales had them dry within three hours. Legalization is still new for many U.S. states, and there is much trial and error ahead regarding standards of operation. Small states with big populations, like Illinois, will surely have some organization to do.
Could Legalization Save Endangered Animals?
Illegal pot farms thrive on otherwise untouched land. This means protected areas like national parks. But before growth, the offenders must strip the greenery, deplete natural streams, and lay on the chemicals, all processes which contribute to killing wildlife. Ozo came up with a solution: legalize cannabis. Then, these growers can work from dedicated areas instead of national parks. Pesticides can be regulated for safety. Thankfully, the country is beginning to see some progress on the legalization front. The West Coast has it down pat, with the East Coast trailing alongside Michigan and Illinois. But cannabis will not be normalized until it’s legal nationwide. And until it’s normalized, illegal growers have all the more reason to sneak around.
More Pot Means More Sex
It’s just science. According to a new study, people have more sex when cannabis is legalized. Over the course of 14 years, test subject participants reported on their use before, during, and after the state medicalization process. Data showed an increase in sexual activity as soon as new pro-pot laws passed. While this is not the first study of its kind, this one provides an indisputable outcome: babies. There are more births in medicalized states. Scientists are chalking it up to, well, how good sex feels on weed. They think it could be increased sex drive, combined with pot’s aptitude for leading people to live in the moment. Anyone who’s ever combined sex with cannabis understands that it’s a pretty damn magical combination. It’s nice to have some cold, hard facts to back it up.
Comments