Direct Economic Losses of the Chicago Bears’ Departure

If the Chicago Bears were to leave the city, the direct economic losses would be profound and multifaceted, impacting various sectors. Below are the primary areas where direct economic losses would be felt

1. Employment and Job Losses

Team and Stadium Staff

Coaches and Players

Staff employed directly by the Bears, including coaches, trainers, and players, would face immediate job loss. This not only affects their income but also has a ripple effect on local businesses they support.

Game Day Employees

Individuals working for the stadium, such as concession staff, maintenance workers, and event coordinators, would lose their jobs. Soldiers Field employs hundreds during the NFL season alone.

Auxiliary Employment

Local Businesses

Many businesses depend on game-day traffic. Restaurants, bars, merchandise shops, and transportation services rely on the influx of fans. With fewer or no games, these establishments would experience reduced sales, leading to further job losses.

2. Decline in Local and State Revenues

Tax Revenue

Ticket Sales and Concessions

The Bears generate substantial tax revenue for the city through ticket sales, merchandise, and food and beverage sales during games. These revenues would disappear if the team left, leading to significant financial shortfalls for local government operations.

Business Taxes

Local businesses that thrive on game-day revenues contribute significantly to sales tax collections. A loss in business would also diminish these tax receipts.

3. Tourist Expenditure Decline

Tourism Revenue

The Bears attract fans not only from the local area but also from outside Chicago, contributing to hotel bookings and tourism-related spending. Losing the team would diminish the city’s attractiveness as a sports tourism destination.

Events

Chicago often hosts events centered around the Bears, from fan meet-and-greets to NFL draft events. The absence would lead to fewer large gatherings, reducing hotel occupancy rates and spending in the hospitality industry.

4. Impact on Real Estate and Infrastructure

Property Values

Real Estate Market

Homes and businesses near Soldier Field might see a decline in property values due to reduced desirability without the Bears. The presence of a major NFL team can bolster local real estate markets, and losing that can reverse trends.

Infrastructure Investments

Stadium Development

Future infrastructure investments in and around Soldier Field may be abandoned, leading to missed opportunities for upgrades and new developments that further benefit the local economy.

5. Community and Cultural Impact

Reduced Civic Engagement

Loss of Community Identity

The Bears are not just a team; they represent Chicago’s culture and history. Their departure could lead to a decline in community pride and engagement, impacting local events and initiatives.

Social Events

Community Gatherings

The Sundays associated with Bears games include gatherings and communal experiences, fostering bonds in neighborhoods. The loss of this cultural aspect could have social ramifications for many residents.

Conclusion

The departure of the Chicago Bears would represent more than just the end of a sports team; it would lead to significant direct economic losses across employment, tax revenues, tourism, real estate, and community engagement. The long-lasting effects would reshape aspects of life in Chicago, presenting a challenge to local leaders and businesses interested in revitalizing the city’s economy.

Top 5 pathway and trails to ride your bike in Chicago Illinois

Top 5 pathway and trails to ride your bike near Chicago Illinois

If you have always wanted to be a cyclist, Chicago, Illinois, is the best place to chase your dream. Whether you are bored with your busy office schedule or want to spend some time on peaceful trails and pathways, we are going to suggest the top 5 options for cyclists in Chicago, Illinois. This article will talk about easily accessible, fun routes and semi-challenging trails to ride your bike.

Paddling on the quiet pathways and trails will make you fall in love with nature. For serenity of mind, there is no better activity than cycling at natural trails and pathways. Here are our top picks for pathway and trails to ride you’re bike in Chicago Illinois:

1.   Green Bay Trail

Length of the trail: 8.9 miles

How to access: Metra (UP-N) to Wilmette; Purple Line to Linden

This pathway was created thousands of years ago to connect Green Bay and Chicago. The intersection of Wilmette Avenue and Poplar Drive is the initial point of this cycling pathway. The major portion of this amazing trail is paved, and some part is covered with crushed limestone.

Buy here Our pick for best foldable bike

2.   Deer Grove Forest Preserve Trails

Length of the trail: 13.6 miles

How to access: Metra (UP-NW) to Palatine

If you love to ride between green fields and woods, this cycling trail for you. There are both types of cycling tracks. The paved portion of the trail covers 4 miles while the unpaved area is about 9.6 miles. Springtime offers the best cycling experience as you get to feel different birds closely.

3.   North Branch Trail System

Length of trail: 33.5 miles

How to access: Metra (MD-N) to Edgebrook

Hikers, skiers, and cyclists are now using this marvelous track, but this was originally built for small horseback riding games. Northwest Chicago is the initial point of the paved portion, and it goes on to Winnetka and Glencoe. There are several picnic areas and parking lots here.

4.   Busse Woods Trails

Length of track: 12.6 miles

How to access: Blue Line to Rosemont, connect to #600 or #606 Bus

This beautifully paved cycling track circles around the Busse Reservoir. This pathway is connected to Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg. There are limitless opportunities to have a great time with family or friends. Apart from cycling, you can enjoy canoes, motorboats, rowboats, and kayaking. You can also rent fishing equipment to enjoy fishing at this spot.

5.   North Shore Channel Trail

Track length: 6.7 miles

How to access: Brown Line to Rockwell

If you are a north sider looking for the alternative of Lakefront within the limits of the city, North Shore Channel Trail is the most suitable and recommended cycling path for you. The track begins from west Lincoln Square, in River Park to Green Bay Road and McCormick Boulevard.

A cycling trip at this track will get enough pictures for your Instagram profile. There are only a few dirt patches, and the remaining major part is paved.

By Whorehay Navarro

10 Best Places to shop for cannabis and products

10 best smoke shops in Chicago for cannabis, accessories, and tools

Illinois is the 11th state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. And you might wonder where you can purchase cannabis, accessories, or tools in Chicago. Well, you should know that there are 10 legal dispensaries in Chicago, along with 18 additional shops in the nearby suburbs. This means that any Illinois resident over 21 can purchase and have upon himself up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and no more than 500 milligrams of THC purchased from one of the licensed smoke shops. Read on to find out which are the ten best smoke shops in Chicago for cannabis, accessories, and tools.

1 MOCA

MOCA is one of the leading shops in Chicago, having a license for both medical and recreational weed products. You can find it at Logan Square, with two distinct entrances, one from Fullerton Ave. And another at Milwaukee Ave. MOCA distributes everything you might need, including top-notch cannabis and accessories.

2 Columbia Care

Also on Milwaukee Ave, Columbia Care is a premium cannabis shop you will find in several other states of the U.S. Here, you can purchase recreational cannabis, including flowers, edibles, topical, tinctures, pre-rolls, and accessories.

3. Dispensary 33

Dispensary 33 is a place where you can find both recreational and medical marijuana, located in Ravenswood. Customers say this is one of the most qualitative shops in Chicago, selling dry flower, pre-rolled joints, concentrates, edibles, vape pens & cartridges, sublinguals, topicals, etc.

4. Roots smoke & vapor

This smoke shop has two locations in Chicago, one on Milwaukee Ave and another on Sheridan Rd. It gets you to access a variety of products, accessories, and impressive loyalty programs and discounts.

5. Consume: Chicago

On Milwaukee Avenue, you will discover this stylish shop that sells both medical and recreational marijuana. They have a wide array of products displayed on their online menu, and you can purchase from them vaping products, CBD oil, edibles, and many more.

6. Sunnyside

Sunnyside is advertised as a unique shop, and you can find it on Clark Street. Many Chicago residents visit it for vapes, tinctures, or oral solutions, but you can definitely discover with them all sorts of marijuana products for both recreational and medical purposes.

7. Lakeview Smoke Shop

On North Clark Street in Chicago, you will find the Lakeview Smoke Shop. It is a rather intriguing place to visit, as it sells anything you might need for recreational use of marijuana. Vapes, edibles, and qualitative accessories are all available in this shop.

8. Lucky Smoke Shop

Lucky Smoke Shop is located on Milwaukee Avenue, and it is one of the few places open late at night. Their catalog of products includes e-liquids, glass accessories, and any recreational marijuana product you might think of.

9. Urban City Smoke Shop

On West Lawrence Avenue, you will find this smoke shop with a 5-star Google rating. Customers say they have one of the most impressive selections of recreational marijuana products, along with knowledgeable customer service. Besides, they sell additional tobacco products and accessories.

10. Chicago Vape & Smoke

This is one of the most popular smoke shops in Chicago, as it is one of the first ones opened on Sheridan Road. What started as a passion, ended up with a comprehensive shop for recreational marijuana and accessories.

So, these are some of the most popular smoke shops in Chicago. And since the state of Illinois legalized the use of recreational marijuana, you should consider visiting one of the places mentioned above. You will be amazed by the experience!

Health Benefits Of CBD For Women

5 Benefits of CBD Consumption For Women

It has been becoming clearer and clearer that CBD has benefits for everyone and it certainly has some important benefits for women. Here is a look at 5 of the benefits of CBD consumption for women.

You have to be a woman to fully understand how much premenstrual syndrome can disrupt a woman’s normal routine leaving them feeling sick, moody, and in pain. Consuming CBD at the first onset of PMS can help relieve many of the symptoms associated with this condition.

CBD Consumption Can Reduce PMS Symptoms

CBD interacts with the receptors in the Limbic system and helps to stabilize those mood swings. For women suffering from PMS having help regulating their mood is a huge relief. In addition, CBD can also relive painful cramps and backaches as well as aiding the digestive system thus preventing the bloating that often accompanies the onset of the menstrual cycle.

CBD Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Women

Today more than ever women feel like they have to do it all. They feel that they need to work a full-time job to help support the family, be a super mom to their kids, and keep an impeccable home as well as being a companion and lover to their husband. Trying to be everything to everybody can leave a woman feeling stressed and anxious. This stress and anxiety can cause many women to have difficulty sleeping and having reoccurring headaches and neck pain. 

Taking CBD can help to ease some of that stress and anxiety, relieve that headache and neck pain and even help women sleep better allowing them to not only be more productive, but to enjoy their life more.

CBD Can Ease the Symptoms of Menopause

Like PMS menopause can cause a number of issues for older women including pain, mood swing and disturbed sleep as well as bloating and sometimes depression. CBD consumption can help to reduce and even relieve many of the symptoms of menopause leaving women feeling healthier and happier. 

CBD consumption can reduce pain, help to stabilize your mood, and help relax you enough to get some quality sleep. It can also ease that bloated feeling. 

CBD Can Help Ease Digestive Problems

While both men and women can suffer from all different kinds of digestive issues women tend to suffer from these issues more often than men. Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramps, and inflammation are all symptoms of bowel problems that can leave women feeling less than best. The good news is that CBD consumption can actually ease most of these digestive problems by reducing inflammation and easing painful cramp. CBD can also aid in digestion and even help to regulate bowel movements.

CBD Can Ease the Pain and Swelling of Arthritis

Arthritis in another condition that both men and women suffer from, but women often seem to suffer from painful swelling more often than men do. CBD consumption can help to relieve both the inflammation and pain of arthritis allowing women to continue with more of their normal activities.

The benefits of CBD consumption for women can help women to live longer and healthier lives. 

By Whorehay Navarro

What if I get pulled over by CPD with weed in the car?

Know all About Storing and Carrying Marijuana in a Vehicle through Illinois

It is not a new piece of information to you that in Illinois, growing and consuming weed is legal. However, there are restrictions on the quantity one can buy and possess. People can still not grow marijuana abundantly in their yard, and there are restrictions on driving under the influence as well. 

Just like any other of the 50 states in the USA, Illinois is strict with its road traffic violation laws. This January 2020, both recreational and medicinal use of drugs has become legal. But in cities like Chicago or, for that matter, anywhere else in Illinois,there is an Implied Consent Law. In short, while you get the driving license from the state of Illinois, you agree to comply with the state laws and agree to give your samples of blood, urine, and breath in case they ask. This has lead to many people getting the DUI. 

People on getting a DUI complain that they were not ‘high’ when driving. In case the blood test reveals the presence of THC metabolites, you can still get DUI. However, the THC metabolites might be remaining in your blood even after 4 days. However, you will be getting a DUI for using marijuana. 

The Penalties in Detail• First Offense: If this is your first offense and you did not harm anybody, you will only get a Class A Misdemeanor charge. In short, your driving license will be in suspension for six months. • Criminal Charges and Fine: If you have driven around under the influence and have hurt people, you can expect a prison term of one year and a fine of up to $2,500. You will also lose your license for a minimum one-year suspension. • Charges for Possession in Car or Other Vehicle: In Chicago, for possessing a $50 fine is in place for the first offense, $100 for subsequent violations in the upcoming 30 days. In Chicago, it is still not legal to smoke or inject cannabis in vehicles or Chicago Transit Authority property, school grounds, and in other public places. 

How to Transport Cannabis in Chicago

Seal the package of cannabis and carry it in a package that is odor-proof and child-resistant. It should be reasonably inaccessible for anyone entering or driving the vehicle. You may keep it in the trunk of the car so that it is way out of reach in a cool corner to prevent any direct heat during hot summer rides. Take care of all of these aspects, and you can go ahead with weed consumption in Illinois without fear.

By whorehay Navarro

What happen if your pulled over in Illinois with weed in your car ?

Know all About Storing and Carrying Marijuana in a Vehicle through Illinois

It is not a new piece of information to you that in Illinois, growing and consuming weed is legal. However, there are Restrictions on the quantity one can buy and possess. People can still not grow marijuana abundantly in their yard, and there are restrictions on driving under the influence as well.

Just like any other of the 50 states in the USA, Illinois is strict with its road traffic violation laws. This January 2020, both recreational and medicinal use of drugs has become legal. But in cities like Chicago or, for that matter, anywhere else in Illinois,there is an Implied Consent Law. In short, while you get the driving license from the state of Illinois, you agree to comply with the state laws and agree to give your samples of blood, urine, and breath in case they ask. This has lead to many people getting the DUI.

People on getting a DUI complain that they were not ‘high’ when driving. In case the blood test reveals the presence of THC metabolites, you can still get DUI. However, the THC metabolites might be remaining in your blood even after 4 days. However, you will be getting a DUI for using marijuana.

The Penalties in Detail• First Offense: If this is your first offense and you did not harm anybody, you will only get a Class A Misdemeanor charge. In short, your driving license will be in suspension for six months. • Criminal Charges and Fine: If you have driven around under the influence and have hurt people, you can expect a prison term of one year and a fine of up to $2,500. You will also lose your license for a minimum one-year suspension. • Charges for Possession in Car or Other Vehicle: In Chicago, for possessing a $50 fine is in place for the first offense, $100 for subsequent violations in the upcoming 30 days. In Chicago, it is still not legal to smoke or inject cannabis in vehicles or Chicago Transit Authority property, school grounds, and in other public places.

How to Transport Cannabis in Chicago

Seal the package of cannabis and carry it in a package that is odor-proof and child-resistant. It should be reasonably inaccessible for anyone entering or driving the vehicle. You may keep it in the trunk of the car so that it is way out of reach in a cool corner to prevent any direct heat during hot summer rides. Take care of all of these aspects, and you can go ahead with weed consumption in Illinois without fear.

By Whorehay Navarro

What happens if CPD catches you with weed?

What happens to people under-21 in Chicago who gets caught with marijuana now that weed is legal for Recreational use?

Under the law of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, the use of Marijuana for recreational use is legalized in Chicago. As per the new law of January 1, 2020, the selling, possession, and cultivation of a small amount of cannabis are allowed under the law. Eligible patients can grow their own medical Marijuana.

What if Under-21 gets caught with Marijuana in Chicago?

Penalties for Underage Possession of Marijuana1. If a citizen under-21 is found with the possession of Marijuana is guilty of a civil law violation as outlined in paragraph (a) of Section 4 of the Cannabis Control Act” (Section 10-15(a)).2. If the victim is in the car or vehicle at the time of the offense, the Secretary of State may suspend or revoke the driving license of that person. Under Section 6-206 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the possession of Marijuana while driving a motor vehicle is the violation of Section 10-15(c).3. If parents knowingly allow the consumption of Marijuana for underage children, such parents may have to face a class-A misdemeanor. If the consumption of Marijuana by underage causes directly or indirectly body damage, then they can be charged with class 4 felony. (Section 10-15)).

You don’t need a law degree to understand the Marijuana laws in Chicago. If you are 21 years old or older than 21, you can possess 30 grams of Marijuana. You can consume Marijuana at your home or any specific place. The landlord or the owner of the building has the right to prohibit the use of Marijuana in his property.

These laws are only for 21 years old citizens or older than 21years. What if you are under-21 but still get caught with an amount of Marijuana? Now, as the possession of Marijuana is legalized, here are some important penalties that you might have to face.

Where can you not Possess Marijuana in Chicago?

• In the bus• On the grounds of secondary or primary school

• In the sealed vehicle where the consumption can cause harm

• Buildings that are used for social services

By whorehay Navarro

THE DANGERS OF SHARING VAPE PENS DUE TO CORONA VIRUS

There is no doubt that the use of vape pens is becoming extremely high, with about 2.5 million U.S. users. Of course, vaping has not been around long enough, but their potential health risks are already in the limelight, with about 450 reported cases of lung-related illnesses tied to vaping alone this year. Vaping involves inhaling a mix usually comprising flavors, water, nicotine, and solvents. On the after-effects, it compromises the lung heath, which puts the respiratory health at risk.

So what has vape pen sharing got to do with coronavirus?

The coronavirus is an infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and anything that will compromise your lung will definitely increase your risk of being susceptible. Generally, the virus is thought to spread through contacts. It could be between individuals who are about 6 feet away from each other or through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These droplets can land in the nose or mouth of people that are nearby and could possibly be inhaledinto the lungs through vape sharing.

Furthermore, it may be possible for someone to be infected with COVID-19 by touching an object or a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Considering these facts, Vape sharing may not be ideal. It is a lot of mouths going on one thing. Several people will also be holding just one vape pen at different places and times. When someone that is infected with COVID-19 shares their vape pen with an uninfected person(s) or vice versa, everyone in contact becomes a potential carrier. How easily this virus spread can vary from person-to-person. But the fact is that whenever the spread is sustained, it spreads continuously without stopping.

If there is a reason to quit vape sharing, I think here is another one. Forget that the vape pen will be cleaned with alcohol after each person’s use. This deadly virus can survive on surfaces or objects for about 24 hours. If you must smoke at this time, it is recommended you have your personal vape pen.

Now that weed is legal in Chicago can you grow your own weed plants ?

Growing Marijuana in Illinois and What You Need to Know

Illinois had a brand new year celebration as marijuana is now legal across Illinois, and this has directly influenced the number of growers too. Whether you are planning to grow recreational marijuana or medicinal weed, there are separate methods for the same.

Nearly, 21 units in Illinois are growing and selling marijuana and seeing a rise in the buyers like anything. From the time the weed started becoming available to the public, the demand has been tremendous in Chicago and the rest of Illinois. However, not many realize that growing marijuana and processing it before selling takes a few months. When Gov. J.B.Pritzkersigned the legalization bill to make weed legal, he also created a market with high business returns.

Limits on the Buyers

Buyers have to be adults 21 or more years of age and can only buy up to 5 grams of concentrate or 500 milligrams of infused products, including edibles. You may otherwise buy up to 30 grams of the flower of weed. Does that mean you can grow at home just like your carrots and tomatoes? Certainly not! The state has put forth a list of dos and don’ts on growing and usage of the weed.

Legalities in Growing Marijuana

The Department of Health website lists the qualifying medical conditions for which you may grow marijuana. In case you have any of these conditions, you can apply online or go to a dispensary and get cannabis. In case the patient is under-age, he can get cannabis infusion only by his guardian or parent. Get a cannabis card after applying for it online at the DPH website, and pay a fee for the same. However, you can grow only 5plants.

This said, even consumption of the weed by patients is under strict rules. You cannot administer weed or smoke weed in public places. Nevertheless, a patient with one of the diseases or conditions listed in the official site might take it in closed rooms or in exclusive tobacco bars where they allow it. 

Growing Weed and it’s Nitty Gritties

Special weed-growing facilities are available through Chicago, Rock Island, and Joliet. These produce weed complying with the laws of Illinois. Most of the plants in these facilities are clones of the main mother plant that the growers have grafted off. Using these cuttings and some dirt, they plant them in glasshouses in undisclosed locations. These plants receive light and the temperature to ensure the plant grows through the year.

Safety and Sanitation 

While the facility workers have to wear protective gear, cover their hair, and face, they also need to walk through anti-bacterial solutions before beginning their work. All of these measures are to ensure the plants don’t get any contamination. As the plants near the time of harvest, their buds start emitting a pungent odor. Whether you are in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois, go through the laws and the penalties before going for medicinal or recreational weed.

By whorehay Navarro

CBD sold at smokeshops vs THC

THC vs COD

As the legalized use of cannabis products and marijuana has been increasing, consumers are becoming more conscious about the selection of their options. Two basic types of cannabis products are cannabidiol (CBD) as well as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both of them are natural compounds that are most probably found in the plants of the Cannabis genus. In THC you will also encounter some intoxicating properties which are known as “high” feelings. Both of these compounds are known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system but both of them are having various effects.

Do you want to know the major difference between both of them? Here we will be having a comprehensive guide about what is the considerable difference between THC vs CBD to know the key differences between the two of them:

Chemical Structure: CBD vs. THC

Both of these compounds are having the same structure as chemicals and molecules. This is including 21 carbon atoms, with 30 hydrogen atoms, as well as 2 oxygen atoms. On a clinical basis, both of these compounds of THC and CBD are similar in favor of the body’s endocannabinoids. This will be letting them interact with the cannabinoid receptors

Psychoactive components: CBD vs. THC

Being similar in terms of chemical structures, THC and CBD is not having similar psychoactive effects. If we talk about CBD is it working as the nonpsychoactive compound as it will not be producing the “high” associated with the THC. THC will be binding with cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors inside the brain.

Medical benefits: CBD vs. THC

Now let’s talk about the medical differences between these two extracts!  THC and CBD both of them are customarily included with some major health benefits. Both of them will be providing excellent relief against any painful condition.  

CBD is responsible to deal with the below-mentioned health conditions seizures inflammationbody painpsychosis plus mental disordersinflammatory bowel diseasehigh migraineshigh depression

THC is used to deal with the below-mentioned body conditions:Extreme painmuscle spasticityglaucomahigh insomnialow level of appetite

CBD vs. THC: Side effects

Even though if you will take it in large doses, still the CBD weed is tolerated for your body! A few of the major side effects which you will experience through CBD are because of the drug-to-drug based interactions.

As regards the THC has been concerned, some of the common side effects of THC are as mentioned below:increased level of heart ratecoordination issue condition of dry mouthred eyesmemory loss

Final Verdict 

To sum up the whole discussion, according to recent rules, in some of the states, the use of both of these compounds is considered to be legal. There are quite a few more differences which you can emerge to notice in these two edibles on your body system. In THC you will also encounter some intoxicating properties which are known as “high” feelings. In some of the states, the use of CBD is not legal until and unless you are not above the age of 18.

By Whorehay Navarro