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

What Happens If You Get Caught At Work Smoking In Chicago

legalization of marijuana in Illinois

In case if you have missed out, General Assembly of Illinois has approved a law to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana. So, if you are concerned with marijuana, then this can be a better opportunity for you to be in this budding industry.

Medical use of Marijuana in Illinois

Marijuana’s medical use was legalized about six years ago on January 1, 2014. This law allowed all the registered patients to get 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana from dispensaries the patients are going to specify during their application process every two weeks.

Illinois has legalized recreational marijuana

Law makers and Governor J.B. Pritzker were looking for ways to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois. With the midnight stroke on January 1, 2020, recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois officially. Illinois is now one of the only 11 states of the United States which have legalized recreational use of marijuana. This legalization became successful due to a push served by the campaign of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Now Illinois lets the stores sell recreational marijuana. However, licensed stores can sell this only. As per Chicago Tribune, there are 37 marijuana stores where you can buy marijuana for recreational purposes.

Legalization of marijuana in Chicago

Although existing marijuana dispensaries are preparing to sell adult use of marijuana, some municipalities have prohibited pot businesses, while some municipalities, including Chicago, have set some restrictions for this.

City council and Mayor in Chicago, have prohibited sales of marijuana in downtown and divided rest of the areas in 7 different zones with the maximum numbers of store which can sell recreational marijuana in each zone.

Marijuana zoning rule of Chicago also requires someone who is seeking to run a marijuana business in the areas of Chicago, reserved for a storefront to get a zoning change and a city permit. This would need approval from city council as well as give alderman recreational pot shops more oversight.

Rules for marijuana in Illinois

Although Illinois has legalized the use of marijuana, but there are some rules to follow for this. Here we are stating these essential rules to ensure you are doing this as per law:

  • You can buy and use marijuana in Illinois, only if you are 21 or above. Otherwise, you are not allowed to buy or possess marijuana at all.
  • All the marijuana which is sold in the dispensaries all across Illinois will be grown within the borders of state. This must be from one of the licensed cultivation centers of the state.
  • Do you want to grow marijuana on your own? Well, this option is available for registered medical marijuana only. While the limit for this is 5 per house only.
  • In case of supply is going to be short for marijuana in Illinois, then the patients of medical marijuana will get first dibs on marijuana.
  • You are not allowed to vape, smoke or consume marijuana at any public spot. This includes bars and restaurants too.

Work place rights in Illinois

The Workplace Rights Bureau is protecting and advancing employment rights for all the residents of Illinois, especially for most vulnerable state residents and immigrants. The bureau will investigate and litigate any case that is involving the violation of wage law according to which minimum wage pay in Illinois is $9.25 per hour or other significant employment practices.

If you need any further help in Chicago regards your workplace rights, then you can easily visit here. Make sure to know your employment laws to see what your rights are as an employee. This will undoubtedly help you to get help if you are being treated differently at the workplace.

Click to access 19996-Adult_Use_Cannabis_Legislation.pdf

By Whorehay Navarro

Can Weed Be Addictive ?

Does cannabis cause addiction?

When discussing addiction to cannabis, you must understand the two chemicals-THC and CBD. CBD is generally used for medicinal reasons and indirectly combines with specific receptors of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to deliver therapeutic outcomes.

Because of its healing properties, CBD is used to treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, inflammation, chronic pain and others. The best thing about CBD is that it has minimal side effects compared to conventional drugs, especially those that treat chronic diseases. CBD does not create a euphoric feeling that is typically associated with THC.

THC chemical, on the other hand, attaches itself directly to the ECS receptors and delivers a euphoric feeling. The compound is responsible for the high sensation that people experience after ingesting it. 

Another interesting aspect of THC is that it’s addictive. However, the addiction withdrawal symptoms from THC are not equivalent to those from drugs like opiates or liquor. THC withdrawal symptoms include anxiety sensation, irritability, mood swings and insomnia.

Hemp versus marijuana plants

Hemp and marijuana plants belong to the same family but belong to different species. What distinguishes the two plants is the amount of THC in each of them. Plants whose chemical composition is over 0.3 per cent are known as marijuana. On the other hand, those whose THC constituent is below 0.3 per cent are called hemp.

Because hemp has minimal THC, it’s unlikely to cause euphoric feelings. Additionally, what you need to note about hemp is that it’s loaded with CBD, which is useful in the treatment of multiple conditions. This explains why hemp products are approved in the US. The legalization of hemp products in the US emanates from the fact that CBD does not cause euphoric or addiction in the consumers.

The marijuana plant, however, has vast amounts of THC, which makes consumers feel high. Extensive use of marijuana can cause addiction and users may display withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and lack of sleep. This is the reason why federally, marijuana use is illegal in the US.

Conclusion 

What determines whether cannabis is addictive or not is the amount of THC in the plant. If you consume cannabis with THC composition exceeding 0.3 per cent, you’re likely to get high. Additionally, you may find yourself in addiction in case you consume THC for a long time. CBD, on the other hand, does not have addictive properties and is associated with therapeutic qualities.

By Whorehay Navarro

5 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN CHICAGO AFTER YOU SMOKE

5 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN CHICAGO

Since cannabis use is legal in Chicago, you can smoke it in your balcon or backyard freely. Smoking in the public is not allowed but Chicago police understand that smoking in the balcon or backyard causes no threat.

According to research, cannabis was confirmed to cause hunger. While under the influence of weed, the brain is switched to ‘hungry’ mode automatically. Weed smoking is also known to trigger hungry hormones. 

This has enhanced restaurant business in Chicago. Below are the best 5 places you can eat in Chicago after smoking.

Havana Grill

This is a Cuban restaurant located in 412 N Clark, River North area (Chicago). It is known to play live music and the prices are reasonably low. Havana consists of a warm management team that will ensure you are comfortable and the meals are in the desired state.

The payment options in this Havana are; Discover, AMEX, Dinner club, Visa or MasterCard. It offers Cuban coffees and desserts to compliment the Cuban-American Specialty drinks and cuisine.

Oriole

It is located in the neighborhood of West loop, 661 W. West walnut streets Chicago, where it offers a variety of delicious meals. The cost per person is $215.

Oriole has done well in all aspects capturing the attention of the press in many occasions. It is without doubt a good place to relax and take a meal after smoking.

Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30-9.30 pm. The payment options accepted include; Discover, AMEX, Visa and MasterCard

ALINEA

This is one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago located 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago. It was build 15 years ago and has undergone serious renovations recently to ensure the standards are maintained and everything is up to date. It has won James Beard award in the United States for the best services.

It has been praised worldwide for the best modern cuisine that enabled it rank well among other restaurants in the U.s. The prices are range from $165 to $385 for 12-16 course dinners.

Operation time is usually Monday to Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. The payment options accepted include; Discover, AMEX, Visa and MasterCard

Cilantro Taco House

This is a Mexican restaurant located in 3336 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago. Usually operational in all days from 11.00 am to 21.00 pm. it’s usually popular for online orders.

This is the best place to stop your tacos cravings at a cheaper cost. Unlike most of the restaurants at a price of $4 you can get your Tacos. Most of the meals are quite affordable.

Payment options accepted include; AMEX, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.

https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/cilantro-taco-house-3336-w-lawrence-ave-chicago/319874

BOKA

This is among the most affordable restaurants located in 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago about 1 mile from Lincoln Park Zoo. It was built in 2003 and the meal price is approximately $100.

It offers American cuisine, vegetarian friendly, Gluten free and Vegan options. Special meals like Grilled Spanish Octopus and Dry Aged Beef Tartar are also available.

Opening hour are Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5.00 pm to 10.00pm while on Friday and Saturday from 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm. Payment options accepted include Discover, MasterCard, Discover and Visa. 

By Whorehay navarro