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Futurama, the beloved animated series created by Matt Groening, has returned with a new season on Hulu, much to the delight of its dedicated fan base. Known for its futuristic setting, quirky humor, and clever satirical commentary, the show has never shied away from exploring a wide range of topical issues, including drugs and cannabis. As we dive into the latest season, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit five memorable moments from past episodes where Futurama playfully alluded to drugs and the cannabis culture. 1 Universe 420 and Cannabis Culture — "The Farnsworth Parabox" S5, E10 In "The Farnsworth Parabox," the Planet Express crew encounters a parallel universe referred to as "Universe 420," a playful nod to the cannabis culture where "420" is associated with marijuana use. In this universe, the crew meets their stoner counterparts, humorously indulging in activities stereotypically linked to marijuana enthusiasts. The episode playfully explores parallel universes while incorporating humor and satire related to cannabis culture. It's one of the episodes in Futurama where drugs, particularly marijuana, are directly referenced, showcasing the show's clever blend of pop culture references and imaginative storytelling. 2 Werecar's 'Oil' Addiction — "The Honking" S2, E18 In "The Honking," Bender becomes a werecar, a shape-shifting robotic vehicle that becomes homicidal at night. The twist lies in the revelation that the werecar's violent tendencies are triggered when it runs out of "oil." The term "oil" humorously hints at the notion of substance addiction and dependency, cleverly drawing parallels to the effects of psychedelic substances that can induce altered states of consciousness. The episode's exploration of the werecar's 'oil' addiction adds a mind-bending element to the storyline, providing a quirky take on the theme of altered consciousness. 3 Fishy Joe's 'Secret Ingredient' — "The Problem with Popplers" S2, E15 When the Planet Express crew discovers a delectable new snack called "popplers," they find out that these treats are actually the offspring of the Omicronians' species. Fishy Joe, the owner of a fast-food restaurant, is caught adding a "secret ingredient" to the food, humorously implying that it could be drugs or some questionable substance to make the popplers more addictive. This satirical take on the fast-food industry and its use of additives adds another layer of comedic critique to the episode. 4 Bender's Campaign Promise for Hemp Legalization — "A Head in the Polls" S2, E3 In "A Head in the Polls," Bender takes an unexpected plunge into politics and runs for the position of Earth's president. During his campaign, he delivers a memorable speech, promising to lower taxes and notably, to legalize "hemp." This reference to the cannabis plant, particularly industrial hemp, adds a humorous touch to his political platform. The mention of legalizing hemp in Bender's speech cleverly satirizes political promises and brings attention to issues surrounding drug policy. As with many instances in Futurama, cannabis-related themes are lightheartedly integrated into the storyline, showcasing the show's ability to blend humor and social commentary seamlessly. 5 Hallucinations from the Space Whale — "Möbius Dick" S7, E21 In "Möbius Dick," the crew encounters a colossal space whale that induces vivid hallucinations in anyone who looks into its eye. The psychedelic-like experiences and surreal visuals caused by the space whale's influence add a mind-bending element to the storyline. This episode playfully delves into themes related to altered states of consciousness and surreal experiences, demonstrating Futurama's ability to explore such ideas in a whimsical and entertaining manner.

With marijuana becoming legal in more places, canine officers trained to detect cannabis are retiring. They cannot be retrained for other tasks, so departments are replacing them with dual-trained dogs for patrol and drug detection, costing around $12,000 each. While some police departments seek grants to cover the expenses, smaller agencies may struggle financially to get new dogs. There are also concerns about the reliability of drug-detecting dogs, as some studies show false positives during searches. As canine officers retire due to marijuana legalization, law enforcement agencies have a chance to rethink their drug detection strategies. Balancing effective practices with evolving laws is crucial as marijuana legalization continues to spread. Departments must reevaluate their methods, ensuring both human and canine officers have the right tools and training for unbiased and accurate searches. The retirement of these loyal canine officers reminds us of the challenges faced by law enforcement, urging agencies to refine their practices for a fair and just society.

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised serious concerns about the impact of cannabis use on young people. The study, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, analyzed nearly 540,000 cases of hospitalizations among individuals under the age of 25 due to complications from cannabis use. The findings revealed a troubling trend of increased cannabis-related emergency department visits among kids, teenagers, and young adults between 2019 and 2022. One of the most alarming aspects of the study was the noticeable rise in cannabis-related emergency department visits among children under the age of ten. This development has raised questions about the potential dangers of marijuana consumption among very young children and the need for heightened awareness among parents and caregivers. The study also pointed out that while more than 90% of cannabis-related hospital trips occurred in the oldest age group (ages 15 to 24), there were significant increases in younger kids' cases as well. Before the pandemic, children under 10 visiting emergency departments due to cannabis consumption happened around 18 to 23 times a week, on average. However, during the pandemic, this figure surged to as high as 71.5 weekly cannabis-related emergency department visits. The reasons behind this increase in cannabis-related youth emergency visits were not explicitly identified in the study. However, the report proposed several possible causes, including the use of cannabis as a coping mechanism for pandemic-related stressors and the higher availability of highly concentrated THC products. During challenging times, such as the pandemic, substance use may be resorted to as a way to deal with increased stress and anxiety, especially among those already struggling with substance use disorders. Additionally, the study highlighted the impact of edible marijuana consumption on young children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's alert in June 2022 warned about the accidental ingestion of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by children. Edible THC products resembling popular food brands led to cases of mistaken ingestion and adverse effects such as hallucinations, increased heart rate, and vomiting. To address these concerning trends, the study recommended implementing evidence-based substance-use prevention programs tailored to the needs of youth during the pandemic. It also stressed the importance of adults safely and securely storing cannabis products out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. The study's findings underscore the need for increased education and awareness regarding the potential risks of cannabis use among young people. Moreover, it calls for targeted efforts to address the root causes behind the rise in emergency department visits and to ensure the safety and well-being of the younger population in relation to cannabis consumption.

Missouri has been averaging around $4 million in daily marijuana sales since the opening of its adult-use market in February. In June, the state witnessed a record-breaking $121.2 million in cannabis purchases. The adult-use market has surpassed the medical marijuana program in terms of sales, as the latter has gradually declined since retailers began serving adult consumers. Since February, when retailers opened under a voter-approved legalization law, Missouri has generated $592.3 million in sales of recreational and medical cannabis products. In total, over $1.2 billion worth of legal marijuana has been sold since 2020, as reported by the state's Department of Health and Senior Services's Division of Cannabis Regulation. The adult-use market has resulted in the creation of 16,271 direct jobs, an increase from 8,571 jobs at the same time last year, according to MoCannTrade, the industry association. The state governor recently signed legislation aimed at providing banks with more information about cannabis business licensees, with the intention of encouraging them to work with the industry despite federal prohibition. Missouri has been conducting outreach events to inform the public about upcoming cannabis microbusiness licenses that will be approved through a lottery system. However, there are concerns among advocates that the lottery structure may inadvertently exclude social equity applicants. Several other states have also experienced record-high marijuana sales.

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) delivered a passionate speech on the House floor, praising the FDA's recent guidance on psychedelics research. She called for more studies to explore the therapeutic benefits of marijuana for treating conditions like PTSD, which commonly affect veterans. As a doctor, former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, and a 24-year U.S. Army veteran, Miller-Meeks emphasized the urgent need to address the mental, emotional, and physical health of her constituents and fellow veterans. She highlighted the potential of psychedelic drugs and cannabis to offer effective treatments, reducing reliance on opioids. “The new FDA guidance presents considerations for designing clinical trials for psychedelic drugs, which will give patients and their doctors increased access to effective treatments rather than alternatives, such as opioids. That is why I introduced the Veterans Care Act to allow the VA to research the effectiveness of using medical cannabis for chronic mental and physical pain” she said. The FDA's guidance was prompted by a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Miller-Meeks, alongside Reps. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), advocating research into developing psychedelic medicines. The agency's release of non-binding guidelines was met with applause from the congresswoman and her colleagues, including the co-chairs of the congressional psychedelics caucus. Miller-Meeks also discussed her bill, the Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research, and Effectiveness (CARE) Act, aimed at researching medical cannabis for chronic mental and physical pain in veterans. Her commitment to exploring breakthrough therapies is evident through roundtables held in the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee, which she chairs. In her call to action, Miller-Meeks urged support for innovative research approaches to benefit the well-being of heroic veterans. As cannabis and psychedelics policy progress, there is growing recognition of alternative treatments for veterans' health, offering hope for improved care in the future.

Maryland has joined the growing list of states that have legalized recreational cannabis, and the results are impressive. In just one week, the state raked in more than $20.9 million in sales, with half of that coming from recreational users. This is not only good news for the cannabis industry, but also for the communities that have suffered from the war on drugs. A 9 percent tax on recreational sales will go to a fund that aims to repair the damage done by cannabis prohibition, such as investing in education, health care, and social justice. This is a commendable initiative that other states should follow. But Maryland is not stopping there. The state has a vision to make cannabis a billion-dollar industry by 2025, and to ensure that the benefits are shared by those who have been marginalized by the drug war. Starting in 2024, the state will issue licenses to social equity applicants, who are people who live in areas or have personal experience with the harms of cannabis prohibition. This will create opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for those who need it most. Maryland’s approach to cannabis legalization is a model for other states to emulate. It shows that cannabis can be a source of revenue, job creation, and social justice, if done right. It also shows that the public is ready to embrace cannabis as a legal and safe substance, and to end the stigma and criminalization that have plagued it for decades. Maryland has made history with its cannabis legalization, and we hope to see more states follow its lead.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced a new advertising policy for CBD and related products, allowing CBD ads on Meta platforms. The updated policy aims to allow people to discover and learn about these products on their platforms. “Effective today, we are renaming our advertising policy Hemp & Related Products to CBD & Related Products and allowing the promotion of legally permissible, non-ingestible CBD in the U.S., with some restrictions.” In addition, advertisers no longer require written permission to run ads for hemp products that do not contain CBD or more than 0.3% THC. However, these ads must comply with local laws, industry codes, and guidelines. Additionally, the new policy allows for educational, advocacy, and public service announcement ads related to CBD, as long as no prohibited products are offered for sale. It's important to note that the policy still prohibits ads promoting THC products or cannabis products with psychoactive components. “Advertisers can only run ads that promote or offer the sale of CBD products that don’t contain more than 0.3% THC” To run ads promoting CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, advertisers must be certified with Legitscript, obtain written permission from Meta, and comply with applicable local laws, industry codes, and guidelines. Ads targeting individuals under 18 years of age are not allowed, and CBD ads are currently restricted to the United States. It's worth mentioning that the new policy does not affect Meta's existing policy on Prescription Drugs. Advertisers of prescription drugs must continue to comply with the specific guidelines in place for those products. Overall, Meta's updated advertising policy reflects the company's efforts to create a more inclusive environment for CBD and related products on its platforms. The policy changes aim to strike a balance between allowing promotion and education while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

Germany's government has released a draft bill to push the legalization of cannabis, marking the first step towards dismantling prohibition policies. The proposed legislation focuses on the first pillar of a two-pillar model and allows adults aged 18 and above to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and cultivate three plants for personal use. However, consuming cannabis near individuals under 18 or in certain public areas remains prohibited. The draft bill also introduces the concept of cannabis growers' associations, which can have up to 500 members and supply them with a specified amount of cannabis per day or month. The associations are prohibited from advertising or sponsoring their activities. The significant change in the draft bill is the removal of cannabis from narcotics laws, providing more flexibility for the medical cannabis industry. The second pillar of the legalization model, which involves regional pilot projects with commercial supply chains, will be published in the second half of 2023 after review by the European Commission.

Nike is pushing the boundaries of its general release lineup with innovative materials. The latest addition is the Nike Dunk Low, featuring a bold combination of hemp and suede. Departing from the traditional leather construction, this upcoming silhouette showcases pistachio-treated suede overlays that beautifully complement the intricately stitched hemp base layer and cream-colored tongue. Hemp is an eco-friendly material, serving as a sustainable and greener alternative to traditional materials like leather. It requires less water and fewer pesticides for growth and its fast-growing nature enables efficient crop rotation, reducing soil degradation. Its use in products promotes a circular economy, as it is biodegradable and can be recycled into various materials. By incorporating hemp into their designs, companies like Nike demonstrate a commitment to utilizing eco-friendly materials and reducing their carbon footprint in the fashion industry.

Shopkeepers in Barcelona's old city are expressing their concerns over the increasing number of CBD shops that they claim are operating under the guise of florists to bypass strict zoning regulations. Over 100 "weed shops" have appeared throughout the city, with a notable concentration in the tourist-favored Ciutat Vella district. Within the past six years, an astounding 118 new "florists" have sprung up in Ciutat Vella, compared to just 21 in the rest of Barcelona. The Barcelona Florists' Association has stated its lack of awareness regarding such a surge in flower-selling businesses, as the number of traditional florists in the city has remained steady for years. The issue lies in the suspicion that these seemingly innocent florist establishments are actually fronts for selling cannabis paraphernalia. It is estimated that as many as 250 weed shops exist in Barcelona, offering products such as bongs, hookahs, cannabis seeds, and CBD oil. The Barcelona Shopkeepers' Association, known as Barna Centre, alleges that these shops not only sell legal CBD products but also illegal items with significant levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. They are urging local authorities to implement a specific licensing system for weed shops to prevent them from masquerading as florists. Barna Centre believes that these deceptive practices, along with the fact that some shops have taken over premises left vacant due to pandemic-related closures, are tarnishing Barcelona's image.

Cannabis lovers have a new reason to celebrate on July 10th, as the industry promotes the date as a “hashish holiday” for fans of cannabis concentrates. The unofficial holiday, known as “710” or “Oil Day”, is a tribute to the various forms of cannabis oils, waxes, resins, and dabs that can be consumed by vaping or heating. The origin of the term “710” comes from the fact that, when turned upside down, it spells “OIL”, a common name for cannabis extracts. The first 710 celebrations were held in 2012, with a 7/10 Cup event that showcased different types of cannabis oils and extracts. Since then, the popularity of cannabis concentrates has grown, especially in states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. Cannabis concentrates are products that have been processed to extract the cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, from the plant material. They can have higher potency and purity than dried flowers, and can offer faster and stronger effects for users. Some medical marijuana patients prefer cannabis concentrates for their rapid relief of symptoms. However, not everyone is comfortable with cannabis concentrates, as they can be seen as intimidating or dangerous. The process of making cannabis oils and extracts can involve flammable solvents, such as butane, which can pose a risk of explosion or contamination. The method of consuming cannabis concentrates, known as dabbing, can also involve a blowtorch and a high-temperature surface, which can look scary or harmful. Fortunately, the cannabis industry has been improving the safety and quality of cannabis concentrates, with better regulations and standards. There are also more options for users who want to try cannabis concentrates, such as solventless extracts, such as rosin, or vaporizers that do not require a torch. With more education and awareness, the stigma around cannabis concentrates can be reduced. If you are a fan of cannabis concentrates, happy Oil Day! Enjoy your dabs! If you are not into them, that’s okay! Happy Dab Day anyway! Whatever you do, be safe and have fun!

With the legalization of marijuana in various states across the U.S., employers have been hesitant to discuss cannabis in the workplace. However, considering the increasing prevalence of cannabis use, employers need to consider its implications for their workforce. According to New Frontier Data, 94% of U.S. adults reside in states where medical cannabis is legal, and over half of them live in states where both medical and recreational use is allowed. This intersection of recreational activities and professional life has resulted in a significant number of employees admitting to using marijuana during work hours, with more than 1 in 5 employees acknowledging such usage. Additionally, over 13% of people report using marijuana at work more than once a month, as reported by the American Addiction Centers. Employers face the challenge of balancing the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use due to federal regulations. Despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in some states, confusion and stigma surrounding its use at work persist. However, implementing suitable programs can effectively support and protect those who use cannabis. It is important to provide guidance and knowledge to address concerns related to accessing and understanding cannabis. Supporting responsible cannabis use does not mean advocating its use, similar to how companies offer smoking cessation programs despite having fewer smokers than cannabis users. Individuals prescribed medicinal marijuana may face difficulties in communicating their treatment plans to employers. Bridging this gap and offering guidance is crucial, given the significant portion of cannabis expenditure dedicated to medicinal purposes. Additionally, employees who use cannabis recreationally and responsibly may have concerns about random drug tests or potential judgment when seeking help. Programs focused on responsible cannabis use provide guidelines, access to clinicians, and support for individuals. Employers should treat cannabis use like other health and wellness initiatives and educate themselves to eliminate taboos. It is important to differentiate between cannabis use and impairment on the job, as employers have successfully managed similar issues with controlled substances in the past.