Latest news with #cannabiscommunity
Health Line
10-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What to Know About Smoking Cannabis Stems
The negligible amount of THC in stems isn't worth the unpleasant effects and risks to your lungs that come with smoking. These are wild times, so it's not that weird that you're looking at your bowl of stems and contemplating smoking them. Waste not, want not, right? As nice as it is to reduce waste and be resourceful, smoking stems isn't the solution. For starters, they don't contain much THC If stems are all you have left, then you've already smoked the good stuff. Stems contain almost no THC. What little may be in there doesn't even come close to being enough to produce a high. Smoking them can also lead to some uncomfortable side effects Inhaling smoke harms your lungs. It doesn't matter if it's bud, seed, tobacco, or burning wood. Toxins and carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) are released from the combustion of materials, even stems. This damages your lungs and increases your risk for cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Smoke effects aside, smoking stems can cause: headache sore throat coughing It'll also taste like you're smoking wood chips. Some people on Reddit and other forums who admit to having smoked weed stems also reported uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea and abdominal pain. What about smoking the seeds? Nope. You shouldn't smoke those either. Cannabis seeds aren't going to get you high, no matter how many you crush and smoke. There's just not enough THC in the seeds to produce any effects. Lighting them up will create a lot of snap, crackle, and pop. The acrid smoke will irritate your throat and damage your lungs like other smoke. But that's about it. You don't necessarily have to throw them out, though Stems and seeds aren't worth smoking, but that doesn't mean they're entirely useless. You may be able to use lingering stems and seeds. Exactly whatyou can do with them depends on how many you have. If you just have a few seeds kicking around, you could plant them and try growing your own stash (if you live in an area where this is permitted, of course). Do you have an abundance of stems and seeds to play with? You might consider eating them. Here are some ways to make them appetizing. Brew some stem tea Bake the stems on a baking sheet for 45 minutes at 225°F (107°C). When done, let the stems cool, and then grind them up. Put your ground stems in a tea diffuser and let them steep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you don't have a diffuser, you can steep your ground stems in a pot of boiling water and then place a coffee filter over your mug and pour so it strains your brew. Make stem butter Bake your stems in the oven at 225°F (107°C) for 45 minutes and let them cool before grinding. Place some butter in a pan and melt over low heat. Once the butter's completely melted, add the ground stems and let simmer for around 30 minutes, stirring often. Cheesecloth works best to strain it. Secure the cheesecloth over a glass jar with a rubber band, and slowly pour the butter over the cloth. Let the butter cool, and voilà — stem butter! The bottom line Smoking weed stems and seeds won't do much other than give you a wicked headache. It's also pretty harsh on your lungs. That said, they're not a total waste, either. You can use them if you get a little creative. Keep in mind that cannabis can be addictive for some people. If you think you might have a problem, there are a few places you can turn to for guidance or help. Here are some options:
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Area 52 Named #1 Best THC Gummies by Oregon Observer
Las Vegas, NV, July 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a crowded cannabis edibles market, Area 52 has taken the lead as the benchmark for quality. In its extensive 2025 review, The Oregon Observer named Area 52's THC gummies the best on the market-an accolade that reflects much more than just high potency. It's recognition of a brand dedicated to delivering a truly elevated, holistic cannabis experience. While other brands focus on gimmicks like "fast-acting" formulas or high THC content, Area 52 rises above with a science-driven, full-spectrum approach that emphasizes consistent, enjoyable results every Area 52's THC Gummies Are Ranked #1 What made Area 52 stand out? A commitment to quality, transparency, and user-centered formulas. Rather than relying solely on THC levels, Area 52 creates products designed to enhance both mind and body through synergistic ingredients and carefully refined blends. 1. Next-Level Formulations While most companies stick to single-compound Delta-9 THC, Area 52 incorporates a groundbreaking blend of cannabinoids (Delta-9, Delta-8, CBD), functional mushrooms, and custom terpene profiles. This layered approach creates a unique entourage effect-delivering deeper, longer-lasting results that isolated compounds can't match. 2. Unmatched Purity & Third-Party Testing Many brands advertise lab-tested products, but Area 52 goes much further. Every batch is rigorously tested by an independent laboratory for: Accurate cannabinoid potency Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium) Over 60 banned pesticides & herbicides Residual solvents Harmful microbes (e.g., E. coli, salmonella, mold) This guarantees you're consuming something not just potent-but safe, clean, and transparent. 3. 60-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee We back our #1 ranking with a 60-day, no-questions-asked refund policy-double the industry standard. If our gummies don't exceed your expectations, you'll get your money back. Simple as that. [Read more than 10,000 real customer reviews here] A Look Inside Area 52's Award-Winning THC Gummy Collection Each formula is designed with a specific user goal in mind-from stress relief to introspective journeys. Full-Spectrum UFO Gummies - The All-Around Champion Best For: A smooth, balanced high with mental clarity Formula: Delta-9 THC with CBD, CBN, and CBG, plus terpenes to enhance the body-mind balance Why It's Unique: Offers the full-bodied "entourage effect" thanks to real full-spectrum cannabinoids-not just THC alone UFO MAX Gummies - For Seasoned Users Best For: Cannabis veterans looking for deep relaxation or a total mental reset Formula: Triple-strength Delta-9 blend with enhanced actives designed for potency without paranoia Why It's Unique: Engineered for powerful effects that are controlled and predictable Delta-8 Gummies - Clear, Calm, and Creative Best For: Stress relief, mild euphoria, and social engagement without fog or couch-lock Formula: Clean, hemp-derived Delta-8 Why It's Unique: A gentler experience than Delta-9, ideal for newcomers or daytime use Magic Pluto Mushroom Gummies - Consciousness Expansion Best For: Creativity, introspection, and elevating your state of mind Formula: THC combined with nootropic mushrooms and visionary herbs Why It's Unique: A one-of-a-kind experience blending cannabinoids and ancient plant wisdom How to Choose the Best THC Gummies Based on Your Goals Choosing the right gummy is about more than THC levels. Here's how to find your perfect match: Identify your goal: Are you looking to relax, feel creative, sleep better, or explore consciousness? Choose a formula built around that outcome-not just the strongest one. Review lab reports: The best brands provide full-panel Certificates of Analysis (COAs), proving their gummies are clean, safe, and accurately dosed. Look for synergy: Great gummies include a mix of cannabinoids and terpenes, not just THC. Area 52 goes a step further with additions like functional mushrooms and adaptogens. Check the ingredients: Choose gummies with natural, fruit-based ingredients, pectin (not gelatin), and no high-fructose corn syrup. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How are Area 52's gummies better than brands like Exhale Wellness?A: While brands like Exhale offer simple Delta-9 options, Area 52 creates full-spectrum, multi-ingredient formulas designed for more personalized, reliable effects. Add in more thorough lab testing and a 60-day guarantee, and the difference is clear. Q: Are these THC gummies legal?A: Yes. All Area 52 products are hemp-derived and meet federal guidelines (less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight), in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. However, check your state laws for specific restrictions. Q: How long do the effects last?A: Effects typically begin 60-90 minutes after ingestion and peak around hours 2-3. Depending on your metabolism and product choice, the experience can last 4 to 8 hours. Q: Can I use Area 52 gummies for better sleep?A: Absolutely. Many customers report improved relaxation and sleep, especially with our Full-Spectrum UFO and Delta-8 products, which include calming cannabinoids like CBD and CBN. Q: What if I'm not satisfied?A: Our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee ensures that if you don't love your experience, simply reach out for a full refund. No stress, no catch. Final Thoughts: A New Standard Has Been Set in Cannabis Edibles Earning the title of "Best THC Gummies of 2025" wasn't by chance-it's the result of years of research, customer-focused design, and a quality-first philosophy. Whether you're looking for something mild and clear-headed, powerfully euphoric, or spiritually expansive, Area 52 offers a level of experience unmatched in the current market. [Click here to read reviews of our award-winning THC gummies - backed by our 60-Day Risk-Free Guarantee.] In a crowded cannabis edibles market, Area 52 has taken the lead as the benchmark for quality. In its extensive 2025 review, The Oregon Observer named Area 52's THC gummies the best on the market-an accolade that reflects much more than just high potency. It's recognition of a brand dedicated to delivering a truly elevated, holistic cannabis experience. While other brands focus on gimmicks like "fast-acting" formulas or high THC content, Area 52 rises above with a science-driven, full-spectrum approach that emphasizes consistent, enjoyable results every time. Why Area 52's THC Gummies Are Ranked #1 What made Area 52 stand out? A commitment to quality, transparency, and user-centered formulas. Rather than relying solely on THC levels, Area 52 creates products designed to enhance both mind and body through synergistic ingredients and carefully refined blends. 1. Next-Level Formulations While most companies stick to single-compound Delta-9 THC, Area 52 incorporates a groundbreaking blend of cannabinoids (Delta-9, Delta-8, CBD), functional mushrooms, and custom terpene profiles. This layered approach creates a unique entourage effect-delivering deeper, longer-lasting results that isolated compounds can't match. 2. Unmatched Purity & Third-Party Testing Many brands advertise lab-tested products, but Area 52 goes much further. Every batch is rigorously tested by an independent laboratory for: Accurate cannabinoid potency Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium) Over 60 banned pesticides & herbicides Residual solvents Harmful microbes (e.g., E. coli, salmonella, mold) This guarantees you're consuming something not just potent-but safe, clean, and transparent. 3. 60-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee We back our #1 ranking with a 60-day, no-questions-asked refund policy-double the industry standard. If our gummies don't exceed your expectations, you'll get your money back. Simple as that. [Read more than 10,000 real customer reviews here] A Look Inside Area 52's Award-Winning THC Gummy Collection Each formula is designed with a specific user goal in mind-from stress relief to introspective journeys. Full-Spectrum UFO Gummies - The All-Around Champion Best For: A smooth, balanced high with mental clarity Formula: Delta-9 THC with CBD, CBN, and CBG, plus terpenes to enhance the body-mind balance Why It's Unique: Offers the full-bodied "entourage effect" thanks to real full-spectrum cannabinoids-not just THC alone UFO MAX Gummies - For Seasoned Users Best For: Cannabis veterans looking for deep relaxation or a total mental reset Formula: Triple-strength Delta-9 blend with enhanced actives designed for potency without paranoia Why It's Unique: Engineered for powerful effects that are controlled and predictable Delta-8 Gummies - Clear, Calm, and Creative Best For: Stress relief, mild euphoria, and social engagement without fog or couch-lock Formula: Clean, hemp-derived Delta-8 Why It's Unique: A gentler experience than Delta-9, ideal for newcomers or daytime use Magic Pluto Mushroom Gummies - Consciousness Expansion Best For: Creativity, introspection, and elevating your state of mind Formula: THC combined with nootropic mushrooms and visionary herbs Why It's Unique: A one-of-a-kind experience blending cannabinoids and ancient plant wisdom How to Choose the Best THC Gummies Based on Your Goals Choosing the right gummy is about more than THC levels. Here's how to find your perfect match: Identify your goal: Are you looking to relax, feel creative, sleep better, or explore consciousness? Choose a formula built around that outcome-not just the strongest one. Review lab reports: The best brands provide full-panel Certificates of Analysis (COAs), proving their gummies are clean, safe, and accurately dosed. Look for synergy: Great gummies include a mix of cannabinoids and terpenes, not just THC. Area 52 goes a step further with additions like functional mushrooms and adaptogens. Check the ingredients: Choose gummies with natural, fruit-based ingredients, pectin (not gelatin), and no high-fructose corn syrup. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How are Area 52's gummies better than brands like Exhale Wellness?A: While brands like Exhale offer simple Delta-9 options, Area 52 creates full-spectrum, multi-ingredient formulas designed for more personalized, reliable effects. Add in more thorough lab testing and a 60-day guarantee, and the difference is clear. Q: Are these THC gummies legal?A: Yes. All Area 52 products are hemp-derived and meet federal guidelines (less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight), in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. However, check your state laws for specific restrictions. Q: How long do the effects last?A: Effects typically begin 60-90 minutes after ingestion and peak around hours 2-3. Depending on your metabolism and product choice, the experience can last 4 to 8 hours. Q: Can I use Area 52 gummies for better sleep?A: Absolutely. Many customers report improved relaxation and sleep, especially with our Full-Spectrum UFO and Delta-8 products, which include calming cannabinoids like CBD and CBN. Q: What if I'm not satisfied?A: Our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee ensures that if you don't love your experience, simply reach out for a full refund. No stress, no catch. Final Thoughts: A New Standard Has Been Set in Cannabis Edibles Earning the title of "Best THC Gummies of 2025" wasn't by chance-it's the result of years of research, customer-focused design, and a quality-first philosophy. Whether you're looking for something mild and clear-headed, powerfully euphoric, or spiritually expansive, Area 52 offers a level of experience unmatched in the current market. [Click here to read reviews of our award-winning THC gummies - backed by our 60-Day Risk-Free Guarantee.] CONTACT: Area 52 ufo@ 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
Mail & Guardian
04-06-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
From Jan Smuts to Gareth Prince: The struggle for the liberation of cannabis continues
The South African Human Rights Commission's discussions with the Rastafari and cannabis communities raised its concerns about stories of systematic and personal violations. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy As Africa Month ends, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) wishes to draw attention to a key struggle for African self-determination, remembering and 're-membering'. That struggle is the struggle for the full liberation of cannabis. Cannabis is a plant which has been used by indigenous South African people in medicinal and spiritual practices for centuries. The struggle for the right to grow, trade and use cannabis can thus be seen as a decolonial one — to reclaim and re-legitimise indigenous knowledge systems, African religion, spirituality and self-determination. The struggle has continued throughout South Africa's democratic dispensation. On 7 March 2025, the minister of health gazetted a new regulation banning cannabis and hemp foodstuffs under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972. After widespread contestation and backlash over the constitutionality of the regulations, the minister withdrew them three weeks later. These regulations came unexpectedly, while the Rastafari and cannabis communities were waiting for the draft regulations, which would bring into effect the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024, from the justice department. The regulation by the minister came exactly a 100 years after cannabis was classified as a controlled drug in 1925 at the Geneva Opium Convention. The classification resulted from a proposal by colonial regimes, including South Africa. Prime minister Jan Smuts was a leading sponsor at the League of Nations, placing cannabis in the same category as cocaine. Cannabis communities thus considered the withdrawn regulations as continued disenfranchisement and suppression of cannabis communities. Less than two weeks prior to the gazetting of the regulation, on 26 February 2025, the SAHRC convened a meeting with other chapter 9 institutions, government departments, civil society and members of the Rastafari community from all nine provinces — the Rights of the Rastafari Roundtable. The Rastafari National Council was also represented. This provided a space for the Rastafari and other cannabis communities to engage in dialogue, to be heard, to affirm their dignity and to find solutions to the structural challenges they experience. The roundtable was precipitated by the SAHRC's discussions with the Rastafari community throughout 2024 where it was troubled by the stories of the systematic and personal violations experienced by this community. Through these sessions emerged accounts of discrimination, criminalisation and persecution — not only because of their cultivation and use of cannabis but because of the general lack of recognition for Rastafari as a community deserving of respect, protection and equal standing in society. The experience of advocate Gareth Prince is one of the better-known examples of the Rastafari struggle. In 1998, the Cape Law Society refused Prince's application to be admitted as an attorney because of his criminal record for possessing cannabis, thereby stripping him of his right to work and earn a livelihood from his profession. Prince is still unemployed and believes members of the Rastafari community are treated as 'third-class citizens' in South Africa. Prince's experience is a reality for almost all Rastafari. At community discussions and the roundtable, Rastafari parents informed the SAHRC of the humiliation at being searched by police officers in front of their children. They believe that their visible Rastafari appearance renders them easy targets for police officials, which amounts to racial and cultural profiling. They endure marital discord when they disagree with their partners on the decision to cut their children's dreadlocks, so that they can be accepted in certain schools, and due to the overt and subtle discrimination against and bullying of Rastafari children. They shared stories of living under precarious employment conditions as they endure regular drug testing by employers because of their visible Rastafari identity and appearance. They suffer unlawful searches of their homes, expulsion from schools, medical neglect at health facilities and social stigmatisation. One Rastafari delegate at the roundtable asked the government stakeholders represented: '… To what extent have your institutions decolonised and transformed? Because, from where I'm sitting, and from your presentations, you are part and parcel of the colonial legacy … because the laws that you are implementing are not the laws that represent us.' They wondered why other religious communities' marriage ceremonies were recognised by the state, but theirs were not. They wondered why their religion, with its African origins, was frowned upon by fellow Africans in an African state. They conveyed their sense of voicelessness in South Africa's democratic culture because they choose not to engage in protest action. They felt 'unseen' and 'unhuman' and carried a heavy sense of non-belonging — pariahs, even under the new dispensation. The unfair discrimination against the Rastafari community and their social position as a marginalised group has largely been left out of the popular discourse about equality and transformation in South Africa's body politic. And yet, the Rastafari community continues to experience some of the worst violations of constitutional rights, including their rights to equality, religion, culture, dignity, health and education. The gazetting of the foodstuffs regulations is an example of the exclusion of the Rastafari from the democratic processes of decision-making in matters that affect them, and is a continuation of paternalistic colonial and apartheid attitudes to this community, and the cannabis plant. Despite a 2018 constitutional court judgment which decriminalised private cannabis use by adults, as well as and the signing into law of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024, the Rastafari continue to be arrested for cannabis-related crimes. Police officials conduct these arrests in violation of an August 2023 South African Police Service directive pausing cannabis-related arrests, issued by the national commissioner of police. The Cannabis Act only allows for arrests for dealing in cannabis, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect dealing. Yet, the complaints received by the SAHRC from the Rastafari community suggest that most arrests are still for private possession and use. Because of a lack of regulations from the justice department, which would specify quantities, the definition of 'dealing' has been left to the discretion of individual police officials. Because of the continuing structural and systemic human rights violations which have left the Rastafari community unrecognised, vulnerable, marginalised and criminalised, the office of commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi, at the SAHRC's head office, has designated the Rastafari as one of its two priority communities. The office aims to continue being a partner to the Rastafari and other cannabis communities, to help them regain their human rights. To bring the Rastafari, and other cannabis communities, into the fold of South African society, the state should be more proactive in recognising them as a legitimate community that requires similar protections and measures of redress to other previously disadvantaged and marginalised communities. This includes ceasing all cannabis-related arrests, prohibiting discrimination against children with dreadlocks in private and public schools and expunging all criminal records for persons who have been convicted of cannabis-related crimes. It is imperative that the justice department urgently develops clear and precise regulations on the use and possession of cannabis, including quantities, to guide both cannabis users and the criminal justice cluster. While having been at the forefront of the fight for the decriminalisation of cannabis, members of the Rastafari community feel excluded from the recent rapid commercialisation of the plant. They report that the licensing process is too bureaucratic and expensive, creating artificial barriers to their participation in the formal cannabis economy. In the meantime, 'cannabis shops' are mushrooming in many urban centres, despite their existence in a legal grey area. These and other concerns will be taken forward by the SAHRC in partnership with the Rastafari community and other stakeholders. One such initiative was held on 13 March where SAHRC commissioners Sandra Selokela Makoasha and Philile Ntuli hosted a roundtable specifically for Rastafari women, to provide a safe space for expression and discussion of their specific experiences as a result of their multi-fold identity and intersecting social position as Rastafari, women, wives, mothers, caregivers, workers and cannabis producers and traders. But all interventions such as these, by state and non-state actors, will be rendered ineffective as long as the broader South African society continues to stigmatise and discriminate against the Rastafari. From Jan Smuts to Gareth Prince, the struggle against state overreach and for the valorisation of indigenous cultures and practices continues. Tshepo Madlingozi is a commissioner responsible for anti-racism, education and equality at the South African Human Rights Commission and Naleli Morojele is a research adviser at the commission.
