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Meta's Threads, a text-based social media platform created by former Facebook employees, appears to have a bias against cannabis and psychedelics, aiming to safeguard its users from these substances. The platform, regarded as a potential rival to Twitter and a source of contention between Twitter owner Elon Musk and Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has gained immense popularity with over 10 million downloads, surpassing ChatGPT's record for the fastest growth to one million users. However, concerns have been raised about Threads' drug content flagging system, which seems to inaccurately identify substances as potentially problematic. When users search for terms such as marijuana, psychedelics, or fentanyl, they are met with a stern warning highlighting the association with drug sales and the potential harm caused by illicit drug trade, along with its illegality in most countries. The platform offers a "get help" option, directing users to seek assistance through confidential treatment referrals, prevention, and recovery support. Users are encouraged to visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website or proceed with their search. Furthermore, warnings are triggered by other drug-related terms like MDMA, peyote, Vicodin, Percocet, Adderall, Xanax, meth, heroin, and DMT. However, when it comes to terms related to alcohol and tobacco such as beer, cigarettes, or liquor, the platform does not provide similar guidance or resources.

Calls are being made to end cannabis testing in the military as recruitment numbers continue to decline. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would lift the military's ban on marijuana, with the aim of attracting more recruits. "Our military is currently facing an unprecedented crisis in recruitment and retention," stated Gaetz. "I don't believe that previous cannabis use should disqualify Americans from enlisting in the armed forces. We should embrace those who are willing to serve our country." Currently, despite its legal status in certain states, cannabis use is prohibited for military personnel and recruits. However, there has been a significant increase in positive cannabis tests among recruits in 2022 compared to 2020, according to The New York Times. Advocates argue that it is time for the military to update its policies and align with the changing attitudes towards cannabis. They point out that medical marijuana is legal in 38 states and Washington D.C., while recreational marijuana is legal in 22 states and D.C. Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, emphasizes that recruits should not be penalized for using cannabis before enlisting, especially when it is legal in many states. She highlights the discrepancy in treatment between service members and civilians in states where cannabis is legal. However, critics raise concerns about the impact of cannabis use on military performance. While advocates clarify that they do not condone cannabis use while on duty, they argue that reasonable regulations, similar to those for alcohol, can be put in place to ensure responsible use. Given the recruitment crisis currently faced by the military, advocates argue that it is essential to reconsider the exclusion of potential recruits and the discharge of service members due to cannabis use. They emphasize the need for every capable volunteer in the military during these challenging times.

The U.S. Secret Service is currently investigating the discovery of cocaine in the White House. According to preliminary field tests, a white substance found at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue tested positive for cocaine, as reported by The Guardian. Instances of this notorious "white powder" substance, which is not snow, often occur in places where authorities, whether governmental or parental, are likely to take issue. This time, it was found in the Executive Mansion. It should be noted that the alleged cocaine was found in a reference library accessible to tour groups, not in a specific West Wing office, indicating that it was likely brought in by a daring or foolish tourist rather than someone within the federal government. President Joe Biden was not present at the White House during the discovery, as he was at Camp David, a retreat for presidents located in Maryland's wooded area. The President and First Lady Jill Biden returned to the White House shortly after the finding, following an elevated security alert and a brief evacuation. The Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed an investigation into how the substance entered the White House, clarifying that it did not pose a threat. Another official involved in the investigation stated that the quantity found was minimal, suggesting that it was intended for personal use rather than distribution. This lends credibility to the theory that a tourist decided to indulge in cocaine while inside the White House, despite the obvious risks involved. While this incident may seem unprecedented, civilians using their visits to the White House as opportunities for drug use is not unheard of. British actor Erkan Mustafa admitted to using cocaine and cannabis while visiting the presidential residence during first lady Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign. The "War on Drugs" became a more significant aspect of federal law enforcement efforts during Ronald Reagan's presidency, partially fueled by Nancy's privately funded campaign to educate children about the dangers of drug use. Considering this historical context, it's difficult to be overly critical of Mustafa's actions at the time, although it is strongly discouraged for anyone to attempt such behavior due to legal consequences.

Santa Barbara County in California is considering a strict measure that could have severe consequences for cannabis farms. The county's Board of Supervisors has given initial approval to a law that would force the closure of any cannabis business if they are more than 30 days late in paying their taxes. This measure has raised concerns among some officials who liken it to a "death penalty" due to the absence of exceptions or leniency for non-payment. While the amendment passed unanimously in a first reading, it still requires a second vote later in the month to become law. Two board members expressed reservations about the harsh penalties imposed by the amendment. Supervisor Steve Lavagnino initially opposed the measure, viewing it as an excessively severe approach to tax collection. However, he was convinced to vote in favor after clarifications were made regarding a 30-day grace period for tax payments. Under this provision, cannabis companies would have until the 30th day after the due date to pay their taxes. If the payment is made on the 31st day or later, their license would be revoked. Santa Barbara County is home to a significant cannabis farming industry, rivaling Humboldt County in Northern California in terms of cannabis production. The issue of tax payments has become a major concern for the cannabis industry across the state. Many businesses in the cannabis supply chain are grappling with substantial debts, and numerous cannabis stores missed important tax deadlines for state taxes this year. Santa Barbara County currently imposes a 4% tax on cannabis cultivators' business revenue, payable quarterly. The county has encountered difficulties in collecting taxes from these businesses. According to Brittany Odermann, deputy county executive officer, the existing county law allows pot farms to postpone their quarterly tax payments indefinitely, with some farmers paying their taxes nearly a year late. To address this issue, the proposed law would automatically revoke the business license of any cannabis company that is more than 30 days late on a quarterly tax bill. The measure offers no exceptions, even for businesses in good standing otherwise. Supervisor Das Williams, although voting in favor of the measure, expressed concerns during the meeting that the severe penalties for late payments would likely lead to the closure of most companies. He argued that such strict standards are not followed in other industries and would risk many people losing their jobs. The amendment is set to undergo a final vote next week, and if approved, it will take effect on August 10.

Marta Vinhas, an industry veteran with over 18 years of experience in the textile sector, is on a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry by prioritizing sustainability. Recognizing the detrimental impact of the fashion industry on the planet, Marta has turned to hemp as a solution. Through her brand Sensihemp, she is reintroducing hemp to Portugal, combining design and innovation to create eco-friendly clothing and accessories. The fashion industry is notorious for its pollution and harmful practices. It contributes 4% of greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of industrial water pollution worldwide. Sensihemp aims to build an innovative ecosystem within the textile industry by rethinking the way clothes are designed, made, and consumed. The brand offers a wide range of products, including textiles, cosmetics, and footwear, all based on hemp fibers. Sensihemp takes pride in working locally and preserving traditional techniques. Marta collaborates with Portuguese craftsmen and seamstresses, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a circular economy. The brand employs low-impact methods like natural dyeing, using plants, roots, and minerals, to avoid harmful chemicals and minimize water usage. Hemp plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Its cultivation regenerates soil, absorbs carbon dioxide, and requires no herbicides or pesticides. Compared to other natural fibers, hemp produces a higher yield per hectare. However, implementing hemp on a large scale requires technological advancements and careful evaluation of its environmental impact. Marta's dedication to sustainability and innovation has earned Sensihemp recognition on the global stage. The brand received an international award for its 'Onion Plus' T-Shirt, which is dyed using onion skins. Sensihemp was also selected for the Worth Partnership Project of the European Commission and showcased at Milan Design Week. As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny, movements like Fashion Revolution have emerged to demand a safer, fairer, and more transparent industry. The movement was born out of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh in 2013, where thousands of workers lost their lives due to unsafe working conditions. Fashion Revolution strives to influence policies and hold brands accountable for their labor and environmental practices. Sensihemp, under the visionary leadership of Marta Vinhas, represents a new wave of sustainable fashion. By embracing hemp and promoting ethical practices, Sensihemp is leading the way towards a greener and more responsible fashion industry. Marta's mission to rethink the entire process of clothing design, production, and consumption inspires us to consider the impact of our fashion choices and work towards a better future.

Wrigley, the renowned manufacturer of Skittles candies, has reached a settlement in a trademark dispute with a cannabis company over the use of the name "ZKITTLEZ." The lawsuit accused the company of infringing upon Skittles' trademark by marketing cannabis-related products under a similar name. This resolution marks an important milestone in protecting the brand's integrity and intellectual property rights. The settlement, which is still subject to court approval, includes several key provisions. The cannabis company, known as Terphogz LLC, has agreed to cease using Skittles, Zkittlez, or any similar terms when promoting and selling cannabis-related products. Additionally, slogans such as "Taste the Z Train" and "Taste the Strain Bro" that bear resemblance to Skittles' iconic slogan, "Taste the Rainbow," will no longer be used. To further align with the settlement terms, Terphogz has agreed to relinquish ownership of the domain name zkittlez.com. However, they may continue using the letter "Z" provided it does not cause confusion among consumers. While the details of the settlement remain confidential, this agreement demonstrates Wrigley's commitment to protecting its intellectual property and the reputation it has built over several decades. By taking legal action, Wrigley aimed to preserve the positive association and goodwill that the Skittles brand has garnered among consumers. This is not the first time Wrigley has pursued legal action to safeguard its trademarks. In the past, the company has filed lawsuits against other brands for similar infringements, including cases involving Life Savers and Starburst. These efforts emphasize the company's proactive approach in defending its intellectual property and maintaining the distinctiveness of its beloved candy brands. The Wm Wrigley Jr Co v Terphogz LLC case, currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under case number 21-02357, signifies a significant step in resolving the trademark dispute between the parties. Once the court approves the settlement, it will solidify the terms and protect the Skittles brand from unauthorized use and potential dilution. In conclusion, the settlement between Wrigley and Terphogz LLC signifies the resolution of a trademark dispute over the use of the "ZKITTLEZ" name for cannabis-related products. This outcome reflects Wrigley's commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights and maintaining the integrity of the Skittles brand. As the legal process progresses and court approval is obtained, both companies can move forward with their respective endeavors, respecting the boundaries outlined in the settlement agreement.

Maryland has officially started selling recreational cannabis on July 1st, with around 100 authorized dispensaries catering to adult customers. These dispensaries have converted their licenses from medical to recreational sales. Adults aged 21 and above can possess limited amounts of cannabis products and purchase them from dispensaries, with a 9% sales tax applied. Maryland's move comes after more than five years of medical marijuana sales and sets it apart from neighboring states. The state aims to issue more licenses in the future, focusing on equity for minority- and women-owned businesses. The launch of recreational sales presents a significant economic opportunity and may influence cannabis policies at both state and federal levels.

Around 90% of cannabis farms in California are currently dealing with a serious problem: a harmful pathogen that can ruin the value of their crops, rendering them worthless. However, there is some good news on the horizon for these struggling farmers. Scientists have recently made a promising discovery involving a purple-colored strain of cannabis that seems to possess the ability to combat the widespread plant disease known as hop-latent viroid (HLVd). This disease causes damage to cannabis plants and significantly diminishes their value by reducing the production of important compounds like THC. A group of scientists from Medicinal Genomics, a company based in Massachusetts, unintentionally stumbled upon this finding when they noticed that one of their cannabis plants exhibited partial resistance to HLVd. Interestingly, they also observed that the plant turned purple as it fought off the disease. Occasionally, cannabis plants can exhibit colors other than green due to genetic or environmental factors, including shades of red, blue, and purple. Purple varieties have long been highly regarded in the cannabis community, with sought-after strains like Granddaddy Purple, Mendocino Purps, and Purple Haze. Kevin McKernan, the chief science officer at Medicinal Genomics, shared these findings at a conference in Florida, stating that the purple plant displayed a significantly stronger purple hue compared to a genetically identical plant that hadn't been exposed to the viroid. While the reason behind this phenomenon remains unknown, it is speculated to be an immune response. However, the increased purple coloring was not observed to the same extent in the control plant that was not infected with the viroid. At the same conference, Zamir K. Punja, a Canadian professor of plant biology, emphasized the severity of HLVd as a "major threat" to cannabis farms. His research has shown that infected plants can experience a 40% reduction in THC yield, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) afflict millions of people worldwide, causing chronic inflammation and debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss. While conventional treatments offer limited relief, a glimmer of hope emerges from the realm of medicinal cannabis as a potential alternative. Although scientific evidence is still evolving, studies and real-world experiences suggest that cannabis may provide much-needed symptom relief for those grappling with IBD. A recent survey conducted at an IBD clinic by the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine unveiled encouraging results regarding the use of medicinal cannabis in IBD treatment. More than one-third of the 162 surveyed patients reported utilizing medical cannabis, with the majority reporting improvements in symptoms and an enhanced quality of life. In fact, a significant percentage of participants expressed their willingness to recommend cannabis to others with IBD, attesting to its perceived benefits. Supporting evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in addressing IBD-related symptoms can also be found in earlier studies. In one notable observational study conducted in Israel, a small group of patients with Crohn's disease reported positive outcomes after incorporating medical cannabis into their treatment regimen. The majority of the participants experienced varying levels of symptom relief, providing further grounds for exploration. Despite these promising findings, it is important to acknowledge that many healthcare professionals still lack knowledge and understanding of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for IBD. A survey of gastroenterologists revealed their limited awareness of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, highlighting the need for further education and training in this area. Initiatives such as the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society aim to bridge this knowledge gap by offering resources and support for healthcare professionals interested in incorporating medicinal cannabis into their practice. While the scientific community continues to explore the potential of medicinal cannabis in IBD treatment, patients and healthcare providers must navigate this emerging field with caution. It is essential to consult with medical professionals knowledgeable in cannabis therapy and to consider potential side effects and interactions with other medications. As further research unfolds, continued dialogue and collaboration between patients, healthcare providers, and researchers will be vital in harnessing the full potential of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Florida's Attorney General, Ashley Moody, opposes the legalization of marijuana in the state. She believes the ballot language is misleading and lacks clear information. Moody is concerned about the federal illegality of marijuana and disputes the notion of increased competition and lower prices. She also worries about the Department of Health's ability to regulate the drug adequately. If legalization proceeds and Governor Ron DeSantis runs for president, both marijuana and DeSantis could be on the ballot. The proposal allows recreational use of marijuana for adults and has support from Truelieve, but faces opposition from groups like the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Drug Free America Foundation. DeSantis' stance on marijuana has been inconsistent despite his recent statement against its legalization.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for the legalization of medical marijuana, emphasizing its potential benefits for individuals suffering from the psychological and physical tolls of the country's conflict with Russia. By acknowledging the profound impact of war-related trauma, the president believes that medical cannabis could serve as a therapeutic tool, offering relief and support to those in need. We must finally fairly legalize cannabis-based medicines for all those who need them, with appropriate scientific research and controlled Ukrainian production. - Volodymyr Zelensky With this endorsement, Ukraine joins the growing global movement recognizing the potential of medical marijuana in addressing the challenges faced by war veterans and individuals affected by conflict-induced trauma.

The NBA has officially eliminated marijuana from its list of banned substances and has opened the doors for players to invest in cannabis companies. This decision represents a notable shift in the NBA's stance on marijuana, recognizing the changing perceptions surrounding the plant. Going forward, NBA players will no longer face penalties for marijuana use, and they will have the freedom to explore investment opportunities within the thriving cannabis industry. This development reflects the broader trend of relaxing cannabis regulations and acknowledges the potential benefits and economic prospects associated with marijuana.