The Ongoing Debate about Medical Marijuana

Health & Fitness

Marijuana continues to be classed as a controlled substance, not just in this country but in many others as well. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is Schedule I substance, which means it has no medical use and has a high potential for abuse. However, various studies now suggest that this is incorrect, and that cannabis does in fact have medical uses. The debate has been raging on this for a long time, although it seems that the “pro cannabis” side is winning. This is shown, for instance, in how easy it now is to find marijuana delivery Los Angeles companies.  So what are the arguments for both sides of the debate?

Arguments for Marijuana

  1. It is a natural substance that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. We know that organic and natural products are better for us, and marijuana is essentially a natural herb and therefore better than synthetic substances.
  2. There have been numerous reports that THC, the active component in cannabis, is beneficial in the reduction of chronic pain, particularly in cancer patients. Additionally, THC helps to lower feelings of nausea and vomiting that chemotherapy patients often experience. Other studies have shown benefits for people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, that it is antipsychotic, and that it can help prevent glaucoma.
  3. The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is an organization in this country that has received a wealth of support from prominent doctors and medical professionals, including the American College of Physicians, who are campaigning for a re-evaluation of the classification of cannabis.
  4. Many countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Austria, Spain, Finland, and Israel, have legalized it when provided on prescription. Several states in this country have also followed that example.

Arguments Against Marijuana

  1. There is not a lot of data available on how efficient it is, and how safe it is. There have been no peer reviewed studies on the safety of cannabis in particular. It must be proven to be both safer and more effective than existing medical substances if it is to be accepted.
  2. It contains various unknown chemical components. It is not possible to truly know what the right dosage is for different uses, and different varieties of plants. Furthermore, cultivators are increasing the potency of their plants.
  3. It has the potential for abuse. Cannabis has long been a recreational drug, and can therefore be abused as well.
  4. There needs to be a safer delivery system. Smoking marijuana means that it goes against anti-smoking regulations, and that patients are also exposed to the dangers of smoking.
  5. It doesn’t cure illnesses, but only alleviates the symptoms.

It is unlikely that there will be a complete agreement on this debate any time soon. However, what seems to weigh in favor of the “pro” camp, is that people who have used cannabis have felt better. This, above all else, should drive policy – the fact that people’s quality of life is improved.

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The World’s Best Places for Wildlife Photography

Travel

Wildlife photography is an art in its own right. Some people, like Michael Palin and David Attenborough, seem born into it. Others, like Elvis Dzebic, grow into it. All of them have one thing in common, however, which is that they know where to go for the best shots. So if you fancy yourself a bit of a wildlife photographer, and you have some money to travel, where should you go?

  1. Bristol Zoo Gardens

At Bristol Zoo Gardens in the United Kingdom, you can get up close to some 450 different species of animals from all over the world. Additionally, you can learn a lot about the different animals by attending the expert talks. In the summer, there is huge festival and music event, allowing you to take shots of the perhaps this planet’s wildest animal of all: the human.

  1. Ranthambore National Park

This park in India is one of the country’s most famous attraction for tourists interested in wildlife. In fact, thousands of photographers flock here every year. Do make sure you know what the opening times are, as they change depending on the season. Essentially, you can only enter the park when there is daylight.

  1. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park in South Africa is perhaps the best known wildlife park in the world. It is absolutely huge and you can see countless animals in their natural environment. Because this park is so big, it is recommended that you go for a few days, and there is plenty of accommodation available for you to do that. Plus, the guides are very well-trained, so they can tell you exactly where to go and at what time to get the best pictures.

  1. Jasper National Park

Canada’s Jasper National Park is the country’s largest rocky mountain park and you will be able to take some truly unique snaps there, focusing specifically on local wildlife in its natural environment. Again, it is a huge park and spending a few days there is the best option. You can travel into the park using a variety of different means, including horse riding. July and August are peak season, but it is open all year long.

  1. Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo in Australia is the second oldest in the country, and it is home to around 1,800 different animals, including many endangered ones. Between 10.30am and 2.30pm, you can tag along with a guided tour, so that you can see it all.

It can be difficult to decide just where you want to go for the best wildlife photography. You need to think about exactly what it is that you want. If you are most interested in knowing for a fact that you will be able to see animals, then a zoo is perfect for you. If you want to risk not seeing anything but, if you do, catch a truly unique shot, then national parks may be the better option. Either way, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

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Skyrocket Your Sales with Business Text Messages

Business Tech

The number of people with cellphones is almost uncountable. We live with mobile communication all around us now. And if you own a business, you need to find yourself a business SMS solution if you are to benefit from all of this. So how can you benefit from this process the most?

Use an SMS Webform that Customers Can Opt In to

If you want to grow your customers, but you don’t want to spam them, then an opt in form is a necessity. This means that people give you their consent to be contacted first. By providing an opt in form, you build trust among your customers, and it is far more likely that they will read your message.

Tell Customers How Often You Will SMS Them

If you tell your customers from the word go how often you will message them, they will feel more respected, which in turn builds brand trust and loyalty. If you message your customers too often, they are likely to block your number. But be honest and upfront, and stick to your promises, and they are likely to remain engaged.

Promote with Media Links

The great thing about cellphones is that they are linked to the internet. Hence, you can add links to videos, images, promotions, and so on to your SMS messages, and make sure your customers remain interested in what you are doing.

Provide an Opt Out Option

Make sure that your customers always know exactly how they can opt out of the SMS messages at a later stage. You can add this to each message you sent, but since you are limited in characters, it is better to make this very clear on your web form.

Make Sure You Are Effective with Your Time

Do not send text messages first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night because you most likely will be wasting your time. If you have customers from all over the country, you may have to create groups based on their time zones so that they receive messages at the appropriate time. Also make sure that you do not promote items that won’t be available for another month. Teasers are good, but not that long in advance.

Provide Mobile Coupons in Your Physical Store

Make sure that you have mobile coupons available on your premises to attract more people to sign up for the service. Offer them a first order discount for signing up, for instance, and make sure the coupon has a QR code on it to make it easy for people to leave their details.

Make the Messages Personalized

Even though you will be sending the same message to lots of people, you should personalize it as much as possible. Your opt in form should have, for instance, included your customers first and last name. Using that as a macro in your SMS message, so that each individual receives a message that is actually addressed to them, can make a huge difference in terms of how positively the message is received.

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Reasons Why India is the Perfect Destination for a ‘Coming of Age’ Trip

Travel

It’s becoming a common trend for young high school graduates to take some time off before continuing their academic career. Many choose to use this time to see the world and experience different cultures. India is the perfect place to travel to if you want to wow your senses, and potentially make a difference too.

Visas and Other Paperwork

For many gap year travelers, this may be their first solo traveling experience, and the learning begins well before takeoff. Since this is probably the first experience the young adult has with securing his or her own visa India makes a great starter destination that doesn’t ask its visitors to jump through too many hoops. The process for securing a tourist visa for India is simple, and in many cases the application can be processed online. You can easily find all info on the Indian Visa application form.

A Sensory Experience

When I first traveled to India as a seventeen year old, what struck me the most was that India was just so different, and my senses almost couldn’t keep up with all that there was to see, smell, taste and hear. The country has a smell of its own that for me was really hard to ignore or forget, and the cities are just flooded with bright colors, market stalls, fast moving tuk-tuks, rickshaws, motorcycles, cars, busses and even cows. There are people everywhere!

Food in India is just as striking and different as everything else. From teas to curries, flavors are strong and warm and spiced. Each region will have its own delicacies and flavors, but each dish is sure to tingle your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

As a tourist, your ears are wide open, constantly listening to voices of passerby’s, beggars, and stallholders hoping to sell their goods. Horns are honking, cowbells are rattling, music is playing… and through your ears your heart and brain are being filled by this priceless experience.

Even after a train ride into the countryside, your senses are still going wild with all there is to see, smell, hear and taste. The smallest villages are no exception to India’s spirituality, and they feature temples adorned with colorful plants and paint. Communities burn their trash just outside of their villages so a smokey smell seems to linger in most all areas, and the people will approach tourists openly and kindly.

Related: Urban ladders mission: to beautify homes in India

Making a Difference

During my coming of age trip to India, I had the opportunity to work with a local United World College to help build schools in small rural villages, and I also helped collect and dispose of trash. These are just two examples, but there are countless charity programs that are looking for young volunteers to help with tasks big and small.

For young fresh minds hoping to see more of the world, India is an ideal travel destination. Straightforward visa processes, and the potential to make a difference in the lives of the locals are great incentives. And more importantly, I believe that the way in which India explodes the senses and opens the mind is something truly valuable.

You might also enjoy: 10 Underrated Travel Destinations

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Buying for These Things Will Boost Your Mood!

Auto Health & Fitness Shopping

Science has proven that shopping can lift up your spirits. In a recent survey by TNS Global on behalf of Ebates.com, around 52 percent of respondents said they’ve engaged in “retail therapy,” the act of shopping and spending to improve one’s mood. Shopping for many people can be like a mini-mental vacation, and this has been consistent for both men and women. So if you are feeling down, here are some purchases that can lift your mood:

Small Purchase – A Song Download

Music has positive physical and mental effects on our bodies. As we listen, music works on the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling blood pressure and heartbeat, as well as the limbic system, which is responsible for feelings and emotions. A review of 23 studies in 2009 involving almost 1,500 people found music helped to reduce blood pressure, and anxiety in heart disease patients. Music can benefit psychological wellbeing, too. Research from the University of Missouri found that upbeat music can have a very positive effect on our wellbeing. And, you feel better even if you are listening to sad music. So for the price of a music download (less than 99 cents) you can feel great while singing along with your favorite song.

Medium Purchase – A Dog

Ask a dog owner, if having a dog is worth it, and you will almost always get a resounding yes. Ask them why, and you will hear that having them around makes the owner happy. The social support provided by pets is comparable to that from a fellow family member. One of the reasons for these happy feelings is that dogs fulfill the basic human need to touch. Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression. Dogs can instill a greater sense of self-worth and self-esteem in their owners. They make the perfect companion and lift your mood.

Big Purchase – A Car

Buying a car seems like a long way to go to improve your mood, but think of it as making a big purchase once to have mood lifter for many years. Driving is an awesome experience. Once you develop the automatic, intuitive way of switching indicator lights, interchanging clutch/brake/accelerator pedals so smoothly you barely notice it yourself; listening to the revs on the edge of your conscious to know when to switch gears; master the traffic rules and how to use them to your advantage and the way traffic flows; you become a part of a single organism that is the car with the driver, with your hands and legs becoming extensions of its gears and axles, making the complex mechanism fulfill its transportation task impeccably.

Your see hear and feel everything and fly along the road without a care in the world. This is the thrill you can get from driving a car and why it is so good at lifting your mood. The great part of it, is that you do not need to purchase a high-priced brand new Mercedes, you can buy a used Ford car and get these same feelings. So make the purchase and feel great about it.

So next time you are feeling down, don’t feel bad about wanting to spend your way out of it. Retail therapy purchases are overwhelmingly beneficial at leading to mood boosts with no regrets or guilt.

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4 Tips in Shopping for That Next Vehicle

Auto

If you’ve purchased a new car or truck in the past, you certainly know how nervous a time that can be.

Unless you are rather well off financially, you will more than likely end up making car payments. As such, the rate of interest you will pay of course varies, along with factoring in how much money you put down at the initial signing. Always be on top of your financial well-being (see more below) before signing any new vehicle paperwork.

There is also the possibility that you will be one of those unfortunate consumers who ends up driving off the lot with a lemon.

Although most consumers end up getting the new car or truck they want, one that ultimately serves them for many years to come, some unfortunate individuals are stuck with a disaster.

So, how can you go about doing everything correctly in shopping for that next vehicle?

Related: Safest cars and trucks

Be That Informed Consumer

When it comes to increasing your odds of getting the best vehicle at the best value, it all starts with being an informed consumer.

Tip #1- Know the basics

In order to put yourself in the best situation when buying a new car or truck, be sure to know about as much as possible regarding the vehicle you’re interested in. Things like what kind of fuel efficiency it gets, how it is rated in terms of safety, and whether or not you need all the bells and whistles that come with it. With a simple Google search, you can oftentimes find out that kind of information and much more, so use the Internet to your advantage.

Tip #2 – Know the dealer

Unless you have your heart set on dealing with one car dealership only, you will likely visit a number of them. Prior to making your rounds, do some background searches on the dealers themselves. This gives you an advantage in knowing what to expect before you even walk in. When looking to buy a new Honda, be that educated consumer when you start to discuss new vehicles and prices.

Turn to Family and Friends

Tip #3 – Know how others faired

There is a good chance that some outside family members and/or friends have purchased new vehicles within the last couple of years. As a result, lean on them for their experiences, especially the ones that were quite positive. In doing so, they could steer you to a particular dealership where first-rate service is the norm. You might even end up securing a little discount when you mention one’s name to a salesperson. By knowing one or more people who successfully purchased vehicles from a specific dealership, that dealer may want to keep the customer pipeline running, thereby offering new customers a better deal.

Tip #4 – Know your limits

Finally, the last thing you want to do is get in over your head financially. If you do that, you could end up dealing with financial headaches for years to come. Before you set foot in the dealership, sit down and crunch the financial numbers, seeing where you are best-served in buying your next new vehicle. Lastly, see what kinds of deals might be available depending on the time of year you go car shopping. If you wait to certain times of the year, you may find dealers wanting to move certain inventory off their lots, giving you a great opportunity.

Buying that next new car or truck shouldn’t be an experience that sends shivers down your spine.

With some research and a smart head on your shoulders, you can drive off with the best possible vehicle today.

You might also enjoy: Tips for buying a used car

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What is GVM and How Does it Affect your Driving?

Auto

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the total weight of the vehicle, which includes all the passengers, the luggage and equipment, and even the fuel. This will be very different to the actual weight of the vehicle itself, and if you go overboard with the accessories, you could be adding so much extra weight that stability becomes an issue. All Australian vehicles will have both the gross weight of the vehicle (as sold) and the GVM, which would be displayed in Tonnes and kilogrammes.

Know your GVM

If you’ve just purchased the truck, then you do not need to concern yourself with the GVM, but if you are planning lots of heavy duty add ons, then the weight of your truck is likely to significantly increase. Improved suspension help when driving a heavy vehicle, and if you are in WA, check out http://www.westcoastsuspension.com.au/, who are experts in off road suspension for every environment.

Related: Could 2017 be a record year for auto sales?

Stay Within the Weight Limits

The vehicle manufacturer will have extensively tested the truck, and would know the safe limits of gross weight, which should never be exceeded for obvious reasons. If you are driving a truck that is close to the maximum weight, upgrading the suspension is essential, and West Coast Suspensions are the ideal people to talk to.

Weight Distribution

The handling of a vehicle will be much better if the weight has been evenly distributed, and generally, heavier objects should be centrally located, and the lower the better, as stability will be affected if you attach heavy objects to the roof rack. If, for example, you are carrying a lot of camping equipment, make sure it is correctly tied down, and also that it is as aerodynamic as possible. Waterproof rubber covers can be tailor made to give roof contents a dry base, even in the heaviest of rain, and try to keep things balanced, with not too much weight at one end, or on one side.

Weighbridges

These are everywhere and if your vehicle is fully loaded and ready for an extended trip into the wilderness, spend a few dollars and find out the exact weight of the fully loaded truck, and this will give you peace of mind, knowing that the GVM is within the limits.

Sluggish Response

If your truck is overloaded, the handling will become sluggish, and this will put extra strain on your suspension and chassis, along with much more work for the braking system, and if you have to negotiate any steep inclines, the weight of the vehicle is critical. Momentum increases with more weight, and this means you need more distance to effectively stop the vehicle, and if you feel the handling is not what it should be, consult a suspension expert, who can recommend a suitable upgrade.

The gross vehicle mass is something that should never be exceeded, and with evenly balancing the extra weight, your ride will always be solid and reliable. If you are in any doubt about this, talk to an expert, who can make sure everything is as it should be.

You might also enjoy: Things you should be excited about when buying a new car

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Top Reasons To Use A Chat Line

Love

Are you currently on the dating market? If so, you’ll quickly realize that there is an abundance of ways to find a date. You can easily go online and find love on a dating website, but that isn’t always effective. Or, you could remain old fashioned and find someone in person. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to find a partner in a much easier manner? Wouldn’t you like to feel safer when meeting someone for the first time? Here are a few reasons to try a chat line from the experts at Chatline Connect.

Amazing Conversation

The main reason for using a chat line is the fact that it’ll give you the ability to have amazing conversations with others. Whether you wish to chat with someone nearby or faraway, you can guarantee that you’ll find someone interesting and passionate. That individual will keep you talking and talking for hours on end. You’ll experience far greater intimacy than what you would from a simple online chat. Over the phone, you can ask questions rapidly and get the answers even quicker. This ensures a better conversation, while simultaneously allowing you to learn more about the individual in question.

One of the top reasons to use a chat line: you may meet your person you've been searching for

Anonymous And Safe

Another thing to remember is that chatting on a phone line is totally safe. With this type of arrangement, you will be able to remain in control of your safety and anonymity. You will not have to disclose your name and personal information until you’re absolutely ready to do so. And more importantly, the chat line will allow you to feel out the candidate on the other side of the phone. When you finally feel comfortable with this individual, you can open up your heart and agree to meet in person.

No Photograph Needed

The Internet has made people far more superficial. When attempting to date online, the first picture you post will make it or break it. And, a lot of men and women do not like the idea of showing their picture to millions of people around the world. By using a chat line, you will be able to completely avoid this dilemma. Instead of creating a picture profile, you will be able to create an audio profile. This will give you the ability to tell others about yourself and your interests. By using this type of platform, you can guarantee that the dater will actually like you for you!

Fun For Everyone

At the end of the day, chat lines can be tons of fun for everyone involved. Whether you’re a man or woman, you can rest assured knowing you’ll easily be able to find someone fun and interesting to chat with. In fact, this type of platform can be enormously advantageous for everyone! You do not have to be a dater in order to take full advantage of a chat line. Just log on whenever you feel like it and spend hours and hours chatting with someone totally unique and interesting.

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Benefits Of Facial Serum

Health & Fitness Shopping

What would you do if you could reverse the signs of aging? What if you could apply a special serum to your face and look younger in no time? Well, it’s not only possible but within reach, if you know where to look. TimelessHA is a company dedicated to providing the best anti-aging creams and serums for your face so you can look fabulous at any age. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then take a look at some of our Timeless anti-aging serums and see what they can do for you.

Ferulic Acid Serum

One of the biggest reasons that our skin shows signs of aging is that it’s exposed to the elements on a daily basis. Sun is the most important factor as it will cause your skin to lose elasticity and firmness over time. To help prevent this from happening, ferulic acid will help boost your collagen and keep your skin intact. This product uses various natural ingredients, including high levels of Vitamin C, which helps reverse aging.

Matrixyl 3000

As far as getting rid of wrinkles, this is a fantastic way to do it. This compound has been shown to improve collagen synthesis up to 350% in lab settings, so it can do wonders for your skin. Even if you already have wrinkles, our unique formula will help reduce their visibility and make you look years younger in just a few weeks. Overall, Matrixyl 3000 is far better than the alternative Retin-A.

Hyaluronic Acid

At TimelessHA, we know that this acid is a major component in the fight against aging. Hyaluronic Acid is a crucial ingredient that retains moisture at a remarkable rate. In fact, in lab settings, Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000% of its weight in water. We provide it in concentrated doses to revitalize your skin, and we add it to our Matrixyl solution to improve your overall results. You’ll notice a remarkable difference as soon as you put this serum on your skin.

No matter which product you choose, all of our Timeless anti-aging serums are proven to be effective and long lasting. Now you can look as old as you feel.

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Vehicular Vigor – Things to Get Excited about When Buying a New Car

Auto Shopping

So, you’re buying a car! Whether it’s your first time or your fifth time, buying a car is an extremely exciting time. It means independence, ticking of an adult life goal, as well as that brand new car smell! Read on to discover what things you should be excited about – and what you should be wary of – next time you purchase a car.

  1. First timers

After your home, a car is one of the best necessary, albeit expensive, big ticket items that you will spend money on. Therefore, it’s worth putting the adequate amount of research into what you’re going to buy. If it’s your first time buying a car, you will have a few other considerations to think about.

For example, what is your budget?

Plus, don’t forget to factor in registration and insurance! As well as this, you need to establish whether you can actually drive the vehicle you are going to purchase on your current license. Do you have a manual or automatic license, and how many passengers can you legally drive? Lastly, your first car should be a safe and easy to drive car, especially as you are just starting out in your car owning journey.

  1. New or used?

No matter what type of car you decide to buy – new, used or perhaps even demo – you need to ensure you enlist a reliable dealer, such as Cars and Co. Let’s dissect these types of car options one by one.

Firstly, one of the most appealing things about buying a brand new car is that you can choose exactly the make, colour and model that you want. There is no compromise. However, you are going to be paying more than with the other options.

Secondly, a used car makes a lot of sense, especially for first time car buyers.

This is because a second hand car will stretch your budget much further, meaning you will usually get a better quality car for the amount of money you spend. If you’re still undecided on whether to purchase a new or used car, perhaps you should consider purchasing a demonstrator. There is the potential to save a lot of money and value in a demo car, which is the car that customers take for test drives.

  1. The buying process

The buying process is certainly exciting, however it does need to be treated with the appropriate care. Firstly, you need to research the car options you’re after, gathering all appropriate knowledge you need. Next, you should create a list of the exact car you want, as well as all the accessories and add-ons that you deem necessary.

From this point, you need to compare this list with your actual budget to see what you can actually afford. Then, you’ll be able to investigate your financing options in order to get a realistic quote and have an idea of your car buying timeline.

  1. Important considerations

Just before you go throwing your hand earned cash down on a vehicle, it’s imperative that you remember a number of important considerations. For example, ensure that you compare all models of the car that you are keen on buying. Usually, they will vary in safety, luxury, reliability and running costs. No matter your preference, safety is the one aspect that you should not compromise on.

Always aim for a 5-star safety rating when buying a car.

Next, you’ll think about whether you want to buy an automatic or a manual car. This will depend on your license as well as personal preference.

Lastly, if you have the budget for it, you can consider some lifestyle features. For instance, do you need space for outdoors items such as sports equipment or camping gear? Perhaps a good sound system is paramount for you? Think about what lifestyle features you may want and, if you can afford them, talk to your car dealer about purchasing a model that incorporates these.

With some adequate planning, buying a car can be a relatively painless and seamless process. If you stick to these 4 tips, not only will you be excited about the right things when buying a car, but you will understand the important things you need to consider, also. Good luck!

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