Latest news with #ReeferMadness
Axios
3 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
MAGA rails against "pothead" culture as Trump weighs weed reform
Prominent MAGA leaders are urging President Trump to back off his plans to review federal restrictions on marijuana, warning of a one-way ticket to societal ruin. Why it matters: Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug would open the door to expanded research and deliver a major boost to the legal cannabis industry, which is currently constrained by a patchwork of state laws. As a Schedule 1 drug, marijuana is grouped alongside heroin and LSD as "drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." But many of Trump's allies are vehemently opposed to easing federal restrictions — portraying marijuana as a gateway to a smelly, lazy, dirty society. Driving the news: Trump confirmed reports that he was considering reclassifying marijuana in the next few weeks, though he seemed torn between medical benefits and other side effects. "Medical, for pain and various things, I've heard some pretty good things, but for other things, I've heard some pretty bad things," he told reporters Monday. Trump also said in 2024 that he would vote for a Florida amendment that would legalize marijuana throughout the state. The amendment ultimately failed. What they're saying: MAGA luminaries sounded the alarm after the Wall Street Journal reported on Trump's discussions with the cannabis industry — which has donated millions to his political groups — about possible reclassification. "No country of potheads has ever thrived, or ever achieved anything at all. Every city that legalized it became an even bigger sh*thole basically overnight," The Daily Wire's Matt Walsh posted. "America deserves better, our kids deserve better, I don't want to have to be smelling weed anytime I take my kids anywhere in a city or a national park," MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec said on his podcast Monday. Between the lines: The criticisms may echo old-school "Reefer Madness" rhetoric, but they also offer a revealing window into how MAGA defines virtue, masculinity and the "ideal" society. MAGA is fixated on "Western civilization," casting the U.S. as the successor to ancient European civilizations who built historic empires on the foundation of hard work, meritocracy and the rule of law. It also has a rigid definition of masculinity and traditional gender roles, with men as stoic breadwinners who reject indulgence in favor of a relentless grind. In that context, the image of a bong-ripping couch potato is un-American — a departure from the whiskey-and-cigar era of 1950s mad men that MAGA reveres. The intrigue: There are partisan connotations too. Weed is the "liberal intoxicant of choice," while tobacco and alcohol are more conservative-coded, argues podcaster Michael Knowles. "We're all for cultivating virtue, either stoic or Christian, but it doesn't mean we don't like pleasure. It's just that we prefer traditional pleasures," Knowles told Axios. "The left is more comfortable just kind of vegging out, but they should not be, because sloth is bad for the individual and for society," he added. Reality check: Those broad characterizations and stereotypes aren't grounded in data. Both substances can be abused. The other side: Not all of MAGA is on the same page. For a movement with a strong libertarian streak and deep skepticism of Big Pharma, reclassifying marijuana has clear appeal — especially as a non-traditional treatment for PTSD and other medical conditions.
Business Insider
19-06-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
Gen Z is ditching alcohol, but their weed habit may be risky for their health, too
Gen Z may be cutting back on booze, but could still be facing serious health risks from their new drug of choice. Cannabis use has been steadily growing in recent years, and Gallup polls suggest it's catching on most with Americans aged 18 to 34. At the same time, 20-somethings are spending less time and money than ever in bars and liquor stores (and worrying alcohol industry leaders), in part because of a growing movement of health-consciousness. Sinking alcohol sales in recent years have coincided with a renewed focus on the health risks of drinking, including the link between any amount of alcohol use and cancer. With an outpouring of products like THC-infused seltzers, mocktails, and tinctures that offer a buzz without the hangover, the cannabis industry is capitalizing on dwindling interest in alcohol. These alternatives cater to young people who are sober-curious, drinking less without abstaining completely, or " Cali sober," giving up alcohol while still consuming cannabis. However, emerging research suggests alternatives like cannabis aren't risk-free either Using cannabis may double your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, according to a large study published June 17 in the journal Heart. Researchers from the University of Toulouse looked at data from 24 studies, including about 200 million people primarily between ages 19 and 59, to see how cannabis use affected health over time. They found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of heart attack, and a 20% higher risk of stroke, compared to peers who didn't use. A striking number of these patients who were hospitalized for heart problems are young and did not have a prior history of related medical issues or risk factors, the study's senior author Émilie Jouanjus, associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Toulouse, told CNN. Edibles may not be risk-free, either. Previous research found that ingesting THC, the active ingredient in cannabis linked to the sensation of being high, is linked to cellular dysfunction, which increases risks to heart health, even if you don't smoke it. The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that although cannabis isn't the outsize threat presented during the "Reefer Madness" era, it has significant health risks, and scientists are urging more caution from consumers. An editorial published alongside the most recent study calls for a closer look at regulation of the emerging cannabis market, including warning labels similar to those on cigarettes. "Regulation is focused on establishing the legal market with woeful neglect of minimizing health risks," the authors wrote. "Specifically, cannabis should be treated like tobacco: not criminalized but discouraged."
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Mundelein home to latest example of evolving cannabis industry; ‘If moms are using it, it's legitimate'
A few weeks ago, representatives of Terrabis stood before the Mundelein Village Board discussing their proposal to turn a former bank building into their newest cannabis shop location. The board members were deciding whether or not to give a thumbs-up to the company to move ahead with more planning. The company's co-founders had backgrounds in the corporate world of McDonald's and Insomnia Cookies, and their shop's design looked closer to a new fast-food restaurant than a drug store. As the trustees shared their views, two voiced their opposition, with one noting its proximity to a playground. When Trustee Kara Lambert spoke, she said that as a mother she has reservations about cannabis. But, with a shrug, Lambert said she didn't consider the proposed shop as much different from a bar, and gave it a thumbs up. The scene was an example of how different the cannabis industry and its perception have become since its legalization in states across the country, including Illinois in 2019. Today, executives with backgrounds in corporate America pitch sleek stores to local boards who, as Lambert and her fellow trustees showed, largely support such businesses moving forward, hesitations driven by motherly instincts notwithstanding. According to Richard Miller, an emeritus professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, perceptions related to marijuana have changed repeatedly throughout history. Cannabis goes back beyond recorded history, he said, and had an 'enormous number' of medical benefits in ancient times. But, the public perception of cannabis in the U.S. would change drastically in the 20th century, becoming illegal in the late 1930s, he said. It was later taken up by the counterculture movement in the 1960s, along with psychedelics, and the administration of President Richard Nixon labeled it as a Schedule I drug in 1971, putting it in the same category as heroin and LSD. It was 'completely demonized,' Miller said, and made out to be 'absolutely dangerous,' potentially even fatal. He pointed to the film 'Reefer Madness,' a 1936 anti-marijuana movie that he said shows the level of paranoia around marijuana at the time. 'It's just completely bonkers,' he said. Miller and Ashlee Humphreys, a professor at Northwestern University who studies the legitimization process for industries, both noted that cannabis use was used to stigmatize marginalized communities, including people of color, immigrants and low-income individuals. But in the decades since, perceptions have shifted, Humphreys said. 'We've seen that change,' she said. 'The stigma with marijuana use is really just not as present as it was even 20 or 30 years ago.' The real turning point in the perception of cannabis can be credited, or blamed, on mothers, Humphreys said. 'I think when it went over to moms, that was the new test,' she said. 'If moms are using it, it's legitimate.' Since its legalization in Colorado, Humphreys said she's seen it grow from a 'niche industry' into a 'big business.' Today, there's a 'critical mass' of states that have legalized cannabis. In the early days, the industry was run by enthusiasts, young entrepreneurs and small businesses, she said. Now, as seen with the Mundelein proposal, the people getting involved come from the business world because there's good money to be made. Aleks Glass, director of product for Spark'd, which runs several cannabis shops throughout Illinois, said the industry has become a legitimate career option for some. It's seen steep growth in recent years, with a rise in dispensaries and the types of products being sold. He admitted it is a 'crowded spot' in some ways. Humphreys said that in Illinois, cannabis is generally accepted and well on its way to legitimacy, and both the consumers and the product types have expanded in recent years. Instead of smoking, there's been a rise in gummies, patches and other methods of ingestion. Groups who have never tried cannabis before are also giving it a go. 'It's really just a broadening of the market, where you have consumable products that are perhaps more appealing to a broader audience, and you have also a broader audience who's willing to try cannabis,' she said. The retail spaces have changed to match. 'Many of the retail stores where we did our research, they look like Apple stores,' Humphreys said. 'They're really modeled on just normal, legitimate businesses. You can see that not only in the product, but also in retailing.' One example in Lake County is the Spark'd cannabis shop in Winthrop Harbor. The interior is full of light, with colorful decorations and high-tech touch-screens for purchasing a range of products. A decorated patio area offers board games and a place to relax. It sits only a few minutes from the Wisconsin state border, and store manager Jennifer Cruz said she sees the difference between Illinois and Wisconsin buyers. 'They're always so nervous,' she noted. But today's cannabis businesses are a far cry from 'hitting up a guy you meet in an alleyway,' Cruz said, laughing. 'You know exactly what it is you're getting, and it's such a nice, easy experience.' Cruz sees the 'broader audience' Humphreys talked about every day, including some of her former grade school teachers, grandparents and even police officers. 'People have that idea of what the typical stoner is, but truthfully that doesn't exist,' Cruz said. 'It's really fun to see all these different people come in and interact, that you wouldn't think would normally have interactions with each other.' Cannabis branding today is far friendlier, associating with wellness and mindfulness, Humphreys said. But she cautioned that some of the branding can be a little too friendly, such as with marijuana candies that could confuse young children. 'It's growing, and that's a good thing for the industry … but I think people in the industry should also be cautious about exactly how they're growing and trying to see ahead in terms of obstacles,' she said. Glass also shared some concerns about the industry at large. He feels there is a lack of regulation for some products being sold at gas stations and grocery stores. 'I think more consistent education the industry can provide to the consumers is the next step for creating a more equitable industry for both employees and consumers,' he said. The shift could open up real medical breakthroughs in any number of areas. Miller pointed to a 2017 report from the National Academy of Sciences that discusses the wide-ranging claims about the effects of different chemicals from cannabis. He cautioned that there is plenty of false information also circulating, but noted several generally accepted claims, such as its potential to inhibit emesis sickness in cancer patients and help some patients with pain. Various chemicals come from cannabis, with the most commonly discussed being THC. It's only 'the tip of the iceberg,' Miller argued, of 'a whole world of cannabis molecules.' But any in-depth research into the medical aspects of cannabis is complicated by the fact that it's still illegal at the federal level, cutting off grant funding, he said. 'Most are in a kind of gray area,' Miller said. 'It's difficult because it's been hard to do clinical trials with cannabis, which are considered to be the gold standard of what the medical profession accepts.' That gray area means doctors aren't getting training related to cannabis in school, despite the potential benefits it could provide to some patients. 'Most people go to their doctor … and say, 'Should I take some cannabis?'' Miller said. 'The doctor has no freaking idea what to tell them, because they don't know anything about it. The normal medical profession, like the doctors you go and see every day, has very little idea what to make of cannabis at all.' There are risks to consider, Miller said. People can react to drugs differently, including marijuana. And much like with drinking, driving while intoxicated is dangerous. Miller also recounted stories of people he's known who had bad trips. 'They didn't die or anything like that, but there are dangers,' he said. 'And if you decide you're going to sit in your dungeon and do nothing but smoke 24 hours a day, there's probably some dependency that can occur.' For now, it's still an arena full of both misleading information and untapped potential, but Miller predicted cannabis will one day be 'a much wider aspect of medicine,' and he expects the larger pharmaceutical companies to step in at some point.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Emerging Markets Report: A Milestone for Mycelium
Underreported D.E.A. Letter and Policy Position Could be a Game Changer for Mushroom Enthusiasts An Emerging Markets Sponsored Commentary ORLANDO, Fla., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Emerging Market Report we are comprised of a team of veteran journalists, authors, former stock brokers, financial professionals, and unabashed opportunists who all come together to publish these tidy missives on our client profiles. We are constantly searching for impactful news that could be gamechangers for the Companies we cover. And we sure missed a big did just about everybody else. That big piece could be a major catalyst for Hypha Labs (OTCQB: FUNI) which makes the first at-home and commercial patent-pending mushroom ingredient maker of its kind. The elevator pitch is that Hypha Labs is to mushrooms as the clever Keurig was, is, to coffee. Massive potential disruptor in a massive market. Hypha's story is already a game changer as it is going to allow the soccer mom at home to make her preferred mushroom ingredient in a simple eight-day cycle. Pop in a cartridge, scan the bar code, wait eight days and enjoy the magic of the privacy, no more growing 'shrooms in animal feces. But the mushroom industry is a decade or more behind the Emancipation of Cannabis. That cannabis revolution has almost completely come already with weed available most everywhere and a reasonable expectation that the government will change the arcane way it is classified/scheduled at the federal cannabis movement started simply enough; some vocal folk argued the medicinal benefits AND the economic benefits to states that would listen and states started to go green. Once a few states implemented pro-Cannabis legislation they provided good working test market examples for other states to see that there wasn't a new filming of Reefer Madness on the streets and there were indeed many a cannabis driven dollar going into the state coffers that could be used for things like better schools and roads. I've buried the lead here but then again, it's been buried for a long, long time. Don't kill the the buried bombshell: The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) appears to have taken a firm position that mycelium is ok to ship across state lines, although there are three states which currently don't allow mycelium to be shipped across state lines. Mycelium is the inactive root-like structure which later becomes a mushroom when it begins to fruit, which is what happens when it is fed nutrients. That's pretty good news if you're a company like Hypha Labs that will ship mycelium across eligible state lines once the retail roll-out of the Micropearls machine goes live. As described, Hypha sends you mycelium and based on your desires and a little A.I. you set your eight day harvest to whatever mushroom crop you're feelin'. Here are two sources for the D.E.A.'s position, which of course, come from cannabis sources who know what this means for the mushroom. One has an actual letter from the D.E.A. to the inquiring attorney way down at the bottom of the page. Read on either headline to read the coverage:DEA CONFIRMS PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOM SPORES ARE LEGAL DEA Confirms That Psychedelic Mushroom Spores Are Federally Legal Prior To Germination (DEA letter at the bottom.) What is absolutely bizarre is we can find ZERO national news coverage other than these industry blogs. And we are good at means you are among the very few who knows about the milestone moment for mycelium and mushrooms and what an absolute gamechanger it is for Hypha Labs and their magical Micropearls. As this article was being prepared for release, breaking news from New Mexico warrants mention. The state's governor has signed a bill allowing for psilocybin use in the state. As indicated in this release from Hypha, this is a massive step forward to acceptance and a rapidly expanding market for Hypha Lab's revolutionary Micro Pearls device. More on Hypha here. We intend to cover Hypha Labs for the next couple months at minimum and to closely track their development and execution of their business model. If you see what we see, we suggest you add the ticker 'FUNI' to your watchlist and take a moment to review the Company's Investor Presentation at the following link: About The Emerging Markets Report:The Emerging Markets Report is owned and operated by Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC), a syndicate of investor relations consultants representing years of experience. Our network consists of stockbrokers, investment bankers, fund managers, and institutions that actively seek opportunities in the micro and small-cap equity markets. For more informative reports such as this, please sign up at Must Read OTC Markets/SEC policy on stock promotion and investor protection Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below. We may purchase Securities of the Profiled Company prior to their securities becoming publicly traded, which we may later sell publicly before, during or after our dissemination of the Information, and make profits therefrom. EMC does not verify or endorse any medical claims for any of its client companies. The Company's external Investor Relations firm, Integrity Media Inc, has contributed significantly to this report and holds or is owed six-million shares through a current or previous service agreement. EMC has been paid $50,000 by Hypha Labs on its own behalf for various marketing services including this report. EMC does not independently verify any of the content linked to this editorial. Please see our full disclaimer. For media inquiries, please contact Maggie Caraway at maggie@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Emerging Markets Report: A Milestone for Mycelium
Underreported D.E.A. Letter and Policy Position Could be a Game Changer for Mushroom Enthusiasts An Emerging Markets Sponsored Commentary ORLANDO, Fla., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Emerging Market Report we are comprised of a team of veteran journalists, authors, former stock brokers, financial professionals, and unabashed opportunists who all come together to publish these tidy missives on our client profiles. We are constantly searching for impactful news that could be gamechangers for the Companies we cover. And we sure missed a big piece. So did just about everybody else. That big piece could be a major catalyst for Hypha Labs (OTCQB: FUNI) which makes the first at-home and commercial patent-pending mushroom ingredient maker of its kind. The elevator pitch is that Hypha Labs is to mushrooms as the clever Keurig was, is, to coffee. Massive potential disruptor in a massive market. Hypha's story is already a game changer as it is going to allow the soccer mom at home to make her preferred mushroom ingredient in a simple eight-day cycle. Pop in a cartridge, scan the bar code, wait eight days and enjoy the magic of the mushroom. Total privacy, no more growing 'shrooms in animal feces. But the mushroom industry is a decade or more behind the Emancipation of Cannabis. That cannabis revolution has almost completely come already with weed available most everywhere and a reasonable expectation that the government will change the arcane way it is classified/scheduled at the federal level. The cannabis movement started simply enough; some vocal folk argued the medicinal benefits AND the economic benefits to states that would listen and states started to go green. Once a few states implemented pro-Cannabis legislation they provided good working test market examples for other states to see that there wasn't a new filming of Reefer Madness on the streets and there were indeed many a cannabis driven dollar going into the state coffers that could be used for things like better schools and roads. I've buried the lead here but then again, it's been buried for a long, long time. Don't kill the messenger. Here's the buried bombshell: The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) appears to have taken a firm position that mycelium is ok to ship across state lines, although there are three states which currently don't allow mycelium to be shipped across state lines. Mycelium is the inactive root-like structure which later becomes a mushroom when it begins to fruit, which is what happens when it is fed nutrients. That's pretty good news if you're a company like Hypha Labs that will ship mycelium across eligible state lines once the retail roll-out of the Micropearls machine goes live. As described, Hypha sends you mycelium and based on your desires and a little A.I. you set your eight day harvest to whatever mushroom crop you're feelin'. Here are two sources for the D.E.A.'s position, which of course, come from cannabis sources who know what this means for the mushroom. One has an actual letter from the D.E.A. to the inquiring attorney way down at the bottom of the page. Read that. Click on either headline to read the coverage: DEA CONFIRMS PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOM SPORES ARE LEGAL DEA Confirms That Psychedelic Mushroom Spores Are Federally Legal Prior To Germination (DEA letter at the bottom.) What is absolutely bizarre is we can find ZERO national news coverage other than these industry blogs. And we are good at Googling. This means you are among the very few who knows about the milestone moment for mycelium and mushrooms and what an absolute gamechanger it is for Hypha Labs and their magical Micropearls. Editor's Note:As this article was being prepared for release, breaking news from New Mexico warrants mention. The state's governor has signed a bill allowing for psilocybin use in the state. As indicatedin this release from Hypha, this is a massive step forward to acceptance and a rapidly expanding market for Hypha Lab's revolutionary Micro Pearls device. More on Hypha here. We intend to cover Hypha Labs for the next couple months at minimum and to closely track their development and execution of their business model. If you see what we see, we suggest you add the ticker 'FUNI' to your watchlist and take a moment to review the Company's Investor Presentation at the following link: About The Emerging Markets Report: The Emerging Markets Report is owned and operated by Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC), a syndicate of investor relations consultants representing years of experience. Our network consists of stockbrokers, investment bankers, fund managers, and institutions that actively seek opportunities in the micro and small-cap equity markets. For more informative reports such as this, please sign up at Must Read OTC Markets/SEC policy on stock promotion and investor protection Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below. We may purchase Securities of the Profiled Company prior to their securities becoming publicly traded, which we may later sell publicly before, during or after our dissemination of the Information, and make profits therefrom. EMC does not verify or endorse any medical claims for any of its client companies. The Company's external Investor Relations firm, Integrity Media Inc, has contributed significantly to this report and holds or is owed six-million shares through a current or previous service agreement. EMC has been paid $50,000 by Hypha Labs on its own behalf for various marketing services including this report. EMC does not independently verify any of the content linked to this editorial. Please see our full disclaimer. For media inquiries, please contact Maggie Caraway at [email protected]
