Latest news with #edibles
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Huge heart attack risk linked to dirty habit that thousands of Australians are doing daily
A new study suggests that regularly smoking cannabis or consuming edibles may increase the risk of heart attack. The team from the University of California San Francisco who made the find warns it is 'more evidence cannabis use is not benign.' In the new study, researchers found people who smoked marijuana or took edibles at least three times a week had damage to their blood vessels, which are vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients from the heart to every organ and tissue. Their blood vessels worked half as well compared to those who never used cannabis. This causes blood vessels to constrict, raising the risk of blood clots, which can lead to coronary artery disease, heart attacks and stroke. While recent studies have linked cannabis smoking to heart disease, the new report is one of the first to show heart damage from edibles containing THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Matthew Springer, study co-author and professor of medicine at UCSF, told CNN: 'We're looking at a window in the future, showing the early changes that may explain why smoking marijuana has been linked to later heart disease.' The warning comes as the number of Australians using cannabis continues to rise. Daily cannabis use in Australia increased from 14 per cent in 2019 to 18 per cent in 2022–2023, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Among Australians who used cannabis in the past 12 months, the largest proportion - 32 per cent - used it only once or twice a year, while approximately one in seven - or 14 per cent - used it every day. Cannabis continues to be the most widely used illicit drug in Australia, with 11.5% of people reporting recent use in 2022–2023. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes one in every four deaths in Australia. In 2021, it was the underlying cause of 42,700 deaths, representing 25 per cent of all deaths that year, according tho the heart foundation. On average, one Australian dies from CVD every 12 minutes, which amounts to 118 deaths each day.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
The best fruits and vegetables to plant in June – according to an expert
As spring blooms fade, June offers the perfect opportunity to sow the seeds for a bountiful autumn harvest. Whether you have a small urban balcony or a large country plot, there are a variety of fast-growing crops and summer staples that can be planted now for enjoyment later in the year. Leafy greens and late-season courgettes are among the many options to consider. By June, the soil is warm and the risk of frost has passed, making it an excellent window to plant tender crops outdoors. 'June is a good time to plant out the last of the tender crops, such as courgettes and squashes, with successional sowing of beetroot, lettuce and radish,' says Joe Lotfhouse, the edibles and nursery team leader at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. 'These are very good to fill any gaps you may have in your vegetable bed.' Quick-turnaround vegetables like radishes and lettuce can mature in as little as four to six weeks. Successional sowing of fast growers like beetroot means you can maintain a steady supply throughout the summer. 'I always do a second sowing of beans in June, planting them directly into the beds and there are a number of other vegetables that can be planted this month, such as celeriac and celery,' says Mr Lofthouse. Longer-term harvests like celery and celeriac benefit from this warmer planting window, although they will need consistent watering to thrive. And don't forget climbers like runner or French beans, which can still be sown directly into beds or large containers and will yield abundantly by late summer. Good options for beginner gardeners If you're new to gardening, the key is to keep it manageable. Stick to crops that grow quickly and don't require much fuss. 'I would suggest starting small and only growing what you like to eat,' says Mr Lofthouse. 'Buying vegetable plants from a garden centre is a good option to start with as they will have a root system ready to be transferred into your vegetable garden. Root veg such as beetroots, turnips and radish are very easy to grow.' As well as these, herbs are a great low-maintenance option for smaller spaces, as they can often be grown in pots or window boxes. 'Sowing brassicas – cruciferous vegetables – such as broccoli direct into a bed in rows is also a good option,' explains Mr Lofthouse. 'Once they are large enough to handle, dig up and plant into their final position.' Brassicas like broccoli, kale and cauliflower can be started from seed this month too – just keep an eye out for slugs, which love nibbling on young plants. You can also companion plant with marigolds to deter pests organically. The gardening techniques you should be changing Heat and water stress are two major pitfalls for summer planting. 'Avoid planting at the hottest part of the day,' advises Mr Lotfhouse. 'I prefer to plant early morning or in the evening when it is a bit cooler. 'If sowing directly, I would always water the drills before seed sowing, or water the planting holes before planting, especially for crops like courgettes, squash and cucumbers, which require a lot of water.' Watering the plants and soil thoroughly before and after sowing helps keep the plant nourished, and mulching around young plants can help retain moisture. 'I would also recommend growing bolt-resistant varieties, as crops tend to bolt [prematurely go to seed] if under stress by warm, dry conditions,' explains Mr Lofthouse. 'It is best to avoid planting fruit in June as they would require a lot of water.' For leafy greens like spinach or coriander, look for bolt-resistant varieties, which are bred to withstand hot weather without prematurely flowering. And while fruits like strawberries are best planted earlier in the year or in autumn, focus now on crops that will mature before the first frost. The best plants for small spaces If you don't have much space to try out gardening, don't be discouraged. Many crops thrive in pots or window boxes, as long as they receive enough sunlight and consistent watering. 'Most veg and fruit can be grown in containers, although in June onwards they will require a lot of watering,' explains Mr Lofthouse. 'Herbs are good to grow in containers as they require less water. I also like to grow carrots and salad leaves in containers.' Salad leaves, spring onions, dwarf carrots and patio tomatoes are ideal for containers and can be harvested in stages. Herbs like thyme, parsley and chives are particularly suited to pot life and can be snipped as needed, offering fresh flavour at your fingertips. It's best to use multipurpose compost and opt for terracotta or glazed ceramic pots, which help retain moisture better than plastic. Overwintering plants to consider at this stage Mr Lofthouse says it is best to think long-term by planting overwintering crops now. Winter brassicas such as sprouts, winter cabbage and kale need a head start during the warmer months to establish strong roots before temperatures drop. 'June is a good time of the year to plant out winter brassicas,' says Mr Lofthouse. 'I like to sow leeks into a seedbed outdoors and harvest baby leeks throughout the winter.' Sow your brassicas in a seedbed or small nursery area, then transplant once the seedlings are sturdy. Leeks sown now can be harvested young or left to mature until early spring. Try and keep their rows weed-free and mound soil around their bases to encourage long white stems. Mistakes to avoid when planting later in the season There are a couple of common mistakes you should try and avoid when planting later in the season. 'The biggest mistakes are planting and then not watering, or growing a large amount of one vegetable and not being able to eat it all,' says Mr Lofthouse. 'The plants will bolt.' It's easy to get carried away with sowing, but think practically – how much of one vegetable will you really eat? Avoid food waste and plant in small, manageable batches with succession sowing in mind to keep your harvest spread out.
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘Trips Ahoy!': Transit police warn of illicit edibles that resemble popular snack brands
Two men caught with illegal cannabis products, including edibles packaged to resemble popular snack food brands, have pleaded guilty to criminal charges, according to Metro Vancouver Transit Police. The pair were arrested outside of Main Street-Science World SkyTrain Station in 2023 after officers observed what they believed to be street-level drug transactions. A search of the men yielded six kilograms of 'marijuana and various marijuana products' as well as smaller quantities of hard drugs, dozens of packs of contraband cigarettes and roughly $2,000 in cash, a statement from MVTP said. 'Among the marijuana products seized by Transit Police were edibles that were packaged to look like popular candy brands that may, at first glance, be mistaken for the benign confection,' the statement continued. Photos of the seized edibles show names like 'Double Stuff Stoneo,' 'Stoney Patch Kids,' and 'Trips Ahoy!' 'Unregulated cannabis that mimics candy is particularly dangerous and can cause serious harm to an unknowing consumer,' an MVTP spokesperson said. Stephen McLellan, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of possession for the purpose of selling cannabis. Jayson Hoang, 34, was found guilty of the same offence.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
11 Chicago-area elementary students hospitalized after eating THC-laced edibles
Eleven elementary school students have been hospitalized after consuming THC -laced edibles, according to Chicago officials. Ambulances and police officers rushed to attend Fort Dearborn Elementary School, on S. Throop St. in Brainerd, Chicago, at around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday after receiving calls that over a dozen students had consumed an unknown substance and started to feel unwell, according to school principal Kimberly Porter and Chicago police. When authorities arrived, 22 students were confirmed to have ingested the substance, which was later identified as marijuana edibles containing THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Police said that of the 22 students who took the drug, 11 needed medical treatment, CBS News reported. The students affected were allegedly all sixth-graders who fell ill after a classmate brought cookies into the school that were unknowingly laced with THC. WGN9 reports that the sick children, aged 11 to 14, were taken to an area hospital and were said to be in good or fair condition. One parent told the channel that her godson nearly ate one of the cookies, explaining that "He just said he tasted the cookie, and it didn't taste right. So, he spit it out, and that was it. I don't think it was packaged or anything," said Trianna Jones. In the email sent to parents, Porter wrote: 'We believe our community member may have ingested the unknown substance in the form of 'edibles,' which are food or drinks that are made with cannabis or other prohibited substances.' "Prohibited substances of any kind are not allowed at our school, and we encourage you to take this opportunity to have a conversation with your child about the health risks associated with consuming edibles, and to remind them not to accept food if they do not know where it came from." One concerned parent, Ethel Allen, told CBS: "I really would like to know where they actually got the products from, ' adding, 'because it's not easily accessible like you can just go to the corner store and they're going to give it to a child, so it has to be an adult somewhere involved." Ora Knowles, whose nephew attends Fort Dearborn, said she was shocked that someone was able to smuggle the contraband items into the school. Chicago police are believed to be investigating the incident.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
These are the fruit and vegetables you should plant in the garden next month
Hopefully, you're enjoying the fruits of your spring gardening by now. But what about the future? June offers a prime opportunity to prepare for a bountiful autumn harvest. From leafy greens to late-season courgettes, now is the perfect time to sow a mix of fast-growing crops and summer staples. Whether your garden is a compact urban balcony or a sprawling country plot, there's something you can plant now to enjoy later. The best fruits and vegetables to start planting from June onwards By June, the soil is warm and the risk of frost has passed, making it an excellent window to plant tender crops outdoors. 'June is a good time to plant out the last of the tender crops, such as courgettes and squashes, with successional sowing of beetroot, lettuce and radish,' says edibles and nursery team leader at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Joe Lofthouse. 'These are very good to fill any gaps you may have in your vegetable bed.' Quick-turnaround vegetables like radishes and lettuce can mature in as little as four to six weeks. Successional sowing of fast growers like beetroot means you can maintain a steady supply throughout the summer. 'I always do a second sowing of beans in June, planting them directly into the beds and there are a number of other vegetables that can be planted this month, such as celeriac and celery,' says Lofthouse. Longer-term harvests like celery and celeriac benefit from this warmer planting window, although they'll need consistent watering to thrive. And don't forget climbers like runner or French beans, which can still be sown directly into beds or large containers and will yield abundantly by late summer. Good options for beginner gardeners If you're new to gardening, the key is to keep it manageable. Stick to crops that grow quickly and don't require much fuss. 'I would suggest starting small and only growing what you like to eat,' says Lofthouse. 'Buying vegetable plants from a garden centre is a good option to start with as they will have a root system ready to be transferred into your vegetable garden. Root veg such as beetroots, turnips and radish are very easy to grow.' As well as these, herbs are a great low-maintenance option for smaller spaces, as they can often be grown in pots or window boxes. 'Sowing brassicas – cruciferous vegetables – such as broccoli direct into a bed in rows is also a good option,' explains Lofthouse. 'Once they are large enough to handle, dig up and plant into their final position.' Brassicas like broccoli, kale and cauliflower can be started from seed this month too – just keep an eye out for slugs, which love nibbling on young plants. You can also companion plant with marigolds to deter pests organically. The gardening techniques you should be changing Heat and water stress are two major pitfalls for summer planting. 'Avoid planting at the hottest part of the day,' advises Lotfhouse, 'I prefer to plant early morning or in the evening when it is a bit cooler. 'If sowing directly, I would always water the drills before seed sowing, or water the planting holes before planting, especially for crops like courgettes, squash and cucumbers, which require a lot of water.' Watering the plants and soil thoroughly before and after sowing helps keep the plant nourished, and mulching around young plants can help retain moisture. 'I would also recommend growing bolt-resistant varieties, as crops tend to bolt [prematurely go to seed] if under stress by warm, dry conditions,' explains Lofthouse. 'It is best to avoid planting fruit in June as they would require a lot of water.' For leafy greens like spinach or coriander, look for bolt-resistant varieties, which are bred to withstand hot weather without prematurely flowering. And while fruits like strawberries are best planted earlier in the year or in autumn, focus now on crops that will mature before the first frost. The best plants for small spaces If you don't have much space to try out gardening – don't be discouraged. Many crops thrive in pots or window boxes, as long as they receive enough sunlight and consistent watering. 'Most veg and fruit can be grown in containers, although in June onwards they will require a lot of watering,' explains Lofthouse. 'Herbs are good to grow in containers as they require less water. I also like to grow carrots and salad leaves in containers.' Salad leaves, spring onions, dwarf carrots and patio tomatoes are ideal for containers and can be harvested in stages. Herbs like thyme, parsley and chives are particularly suited to pot life and can be snipped as needed, offering fresh flavour at your fingertips. It's best to use multipurpose compost and opt for terracotta or glazed ceramic pots, which help retain moisture better than plastic. Overwintering plants to consider at this stage Lofthouse says it's best to think long-term by planting overwintering crops now. Winter brassicas such as sprouts, winter cabbage and kale need a head start during the warmer months to establish strong roots before temperatures drop. 'June is a good time of the year to plant out winter brassicas,' says Lofthouse. 'I like to sow leeks into a seedbed outdoors and harvest baby leeks throughout the winter.' Sow your brassicas in a seedbed or small nursery area, then transplant once the seedlings are sturdy. Leeks sown now can be harvested young or left to mature until early spring. Try and keep their rows weed-free and mound soil around their bases to encourage long white stems. Mistakes to avoid when planting later in the season There are a couple of common mistakes you should try and avoid when planting later in the season. 'The biggest mistakes are planting and then not watering, or growing a large amount of one vegetable and not being able to eat it all,' says Lofthouse, 'the plants will bolt.' It's easy to get carried away with sowing, but think practically – how much of one vegetable will you really eat? Avoid food waste and plant in small, manageable batches with succession sowing in mind to keep your harvest spread out.
