Latest news with #cannabis
New York Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Is the Local Weed Store the New Place to Hang Out?
A cannabis dispensary might seem like an unlikely place to play mahjong, the Chinese tile game typically associated with older Asian and Jewish adults, but that's where Leah Flacco showed up on a recent Wednesday evening in Manhattan. The game has grown in popularity with younger generations, so at a table inside Alta Dispensary in NoLIta, Ms. Flacco, 36, shuffled and matched groups of tiles among friends and strangers. The event was one of a growing number taking place at New York's cannabis dispensaries, where retailers have been making space for people to socialize. 'We want more dispensaries to do these sorts of things,' Ms. Flacco, who works in financial technology, said. 'It's hard to make friends in this city.' From intimate classes to block parties, hosting events has given dispensaries in New York a way around rules limiting their ability to market their businesses. As many Americans choose to drink less alcohol and seek connection offline, the activities allow the sellers to offer places where people can gather. Dispensary owners also hope that some of the visitors will become customers and that the events will help their businesses gain acceptance among neighbors who might still hold negative views of cannabis. Meredith Nydam, 37, said she had invited her friends, including Ms. Flacco, to mahjong night because she wanted to do something other than a happy hour. 'I don't need to go to a bar,' Ms. Nydam said. 'I can come here.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Male infertility: 5 lifestyle factors that could be hurting your fertility
Medical experts are drawing attention to an often-overlooked aspect of reproductive health during World Infertility Awareness Month: male infertility. While discussions often center on female infertility, about one-third of infertility cases are related to male factors, according to ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel. "When we think about fertility, there's a lot of focus placed on females," says Patel. "But male issues can include problems with sperm volume or quality, congenital obstructions, infections, and various underlying medical conditions." Several common lifestyle factors can significantly impact male reproductive health. Recent research suggests marijuana use may be associated with impaired male fertility by decreasing sperm volume, affecting sperm morphology and disrupting hormone balance. Patel advises limiting cannabis use when trying to conceive. MORE: Amber Alert issued for missing Idaho teens linked to FLDS group Along with cannabis, alcohol consumption and smoking can be detrimental to fertility. Toxins from smoking, for instance, can directly damage sperm DNA. Physical health plays a crucial role too -- being overweight and having inadequate physical activity can negatively impact fertility. Even high stress levels can affect reproductive health, making stress management an essential consideration. "If you're trying to improve fertility, focus on eating a regular diet, exercising, managing stress, and reducing both cannabis and alcohol use," Patel recommended. "It's also important to have an open conversation with your doctor, especially if you're using substances for medical reasons." Speaking of health management, recent studies have revealed promising developments in other areas of medical science. Research has shown that medications prescribed for individuals with ADHS were associated with lower risks of self-harm and accidents, demonstrating the importance of proper medical treatment in overall safety and well-being. Additionally, for those looking to boost their cognitive function, a new study suggests that strategic power naps might be the answer. German researchers found that short afternoon naps were associated with enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity -- though Patel advises keeping these naps to 20 to 30 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Flower Expo Returns to Michigan and Illinois This Summer Following Blockbuster Northeast Event
Two-day cannabis trade events will connect brands, dispensaries, and budtenders for networking, product showcases, and business growth. Attendees engage in networking and enjoy interactive experiences at a Flower Expo event. LOS ANGELES, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flower Expo, a fast-growing B2B cannabis trade show series in the United States, is expanding its 2025 event schedule with the return of Flower Expo Michigan and a new two-day format for Flower Expo Illinois. Following a successful 2025 kickoff in Illinois on March 25 and its third annual event in Massachusetts on June 4-5 featuring over 100 exhibiting brands and 300 attending dispensaries—Flower Expo is building on its momentum with two Midwest events aimed at fostering industry growth and connection. Flower Expo Michigan will take place August 27-28, 2025, at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. Flower Expo Illinois is scheduled for September 23–24, 2025, at The Geraghty in Chicago. Each event will feature two distinct days: Day One focuses on connecting brands with dispensary buyers in a business-oriented environment, while Day Two is designed to engage budtenders through product education, networking, and immersive experiences. 'These upcoming events reflect our continued commitment to providing high-value opportunities for industry stakeholders,' said Jason Bello, CEO of Flower Expo. 'Both venues offer increased capacity, and we look forward to deepening relationships across these two influential markets.' Participating companies will include a mix of national and regional cannabis brands. Notable exhibitors will include STIIIZY, Kiva, MariMed, Wyld, Realeaf Botanicals, Kai Cannabis Co., Grön, and Fernway marking Fernway's debut in the Illinois market. Attendees can also expect panel discussions as part of the event's SESHES speaker series, which highlights thought leaders and emerging voices from across the cannabis supply chain. In addition to networking and deal-making, each event will feature food vendors, branded activations, and shaded outdoor consumption lounges, creating an atmosphere that blends business with community engagement. Exhibiting brands, like Cresco and Garden Society, showcase their products and connect with industry buyers at Flower Expo. The Midwest remains a vital region for the cannabis economy. According to publicly available state data, Michigan and Illinois generated an estimated $3.2 billion and $1.6 billion in legal cannabis sales, respectively, in 2024. Michigan continues to serve as one of the most mature and active cannabis markets in the U.S., while Illinois is among the fastest-growing. Exhibitor booths and sponsorship opportunities are available for licensed operators and ancillary service providers. Applications are now open for qualified dispensary buyers, budtenders, media professionals, and prospective SESHES speakers. General admission passes are available for non-exhibiting industry attendees. For full details on registration, programming, and participation, visit and About Flower ExpoFlower Expo is a leading business-to-business trade show series dedicated to advancing the cannabis industry through curated events, meaningful partnerships, and professional engagement. With a focus on innovation, access, and relationship-building, Flower Expo provides a streamlined platform for brands, buyers, and professionals to connect and grow. Media ContactFlower Expoops@ 524-4888https:// Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Six-year-old British boy is arrested on suspicion of DRUG SMUGGLING in Mauritius 'after £1.6million of cannabis is found in his luggage'
Airport officials swooped on a six-year-old British boy after £1.6million of cannabis was found in his luggage after arriving in Mauritius. The youngster was arrested alongside six other British citizens who had travelled to the tropical Indian Ocean island on Sunday. Customs officials at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport were stunned to discover 14 kilos of cannabis concealed in the young boy's bag and 17 kilos in luggage belonging to another individual. They have condemned the use of the child as a drugs mule as 'inhumane', according to The Sun. Altogether, 161 kilos of the drug were found hidden throughout several other suitcases. Eleven numbered Apple AirTags were also discovered, suggesting the operation may have been linked to an organised crime gang responsible for smuggling drugs from Europe to Mauritius. The six arrested British adults - all from Cambridgeshire - included Laura Kappen, 28, a bar worker from Orton Goldhay, Shannon Holness, 29, a caterer, from Bretton, Shona Campbell, 33, a cleaner from Standground, Lily Watson, a caterer from Peterborough and window fitter Patrick Wilsdon, 21, also from Peterborough. Romanian national, Florian Lisman, 38, a machine operator living in Huntingdon, was additionally arrested. The youngster has since returned to the UK with his father, who flew out to Mauritius to collect him. On Monday, the seven arrested men and women appeared in court in Mahébourg and remain in custody. The drugs were discovered as part of a joint operation between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) at the airport. Shocked relatives have said they 'can't believe what's happened' after being alerted to the arrests. Carly Wilsdon, mother of Patrick Wilsdon, said her son was 'vulnerable' and had only been abroad once before. It is believed he was offered a 'free holiday' to Mauritius. She said: 'He wouldn't have known what he was doing because he wouldn't get involved in drugs. 'The person who told them about this free holiday is one of his circle of friends but now he has disappeared.' The incident is the latest in a spate of British citizens arrested abroad accused of smuggling drugs, including former air stewardess Charlotte Lee, who was arrested in May in Sri Lanka, after £1.15million worth of cannabis was allegedly found in her luggage, and Bella May Culley, 18, who was intercepted by police in Georgia for allegedly smuggling cannabis. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting several British nationals who are detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.'
Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Telegraph
British six-year-old detained ‘for smuggling drugs into Mauritius'
A six-year-old British boy was detained in Mauritius after customs officials found 14 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside his suitcase. The child was stopped at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam airport alongside seven other people as they disembarked from a British Airways flight from Gatwick on Sunday, local media reported. The group was reportedly carrying more than 161 kilograms (355 pounds) of cannabis hidden in their luggage, with the stash valued at £1.6 million. Seven of the suspects were British, including the boy whose luggage reportedly contained 24 packages of drugs wrapped in clear cellophane. The eighth suspect was reported to be a Romanian living in Britain. Mauritian authorities described the use of the child's luggage to transport the drugs as 'outrageous and inhumane', adding 'this is one of the most revolting cases we have encountered in recent years'. Flown back to UK The boy, who was unaware of the contents of his bag, was reportedly flown back to the UK on Wednesday and is staying with his father. The suspects each carried Apple AirTags, which can be fixed to an item to track its location via an app, and up to £900 in cash. Apple trackers are thought to be used by international drug trafficking gangs to help smugglers keep tabs on their shipments. The authorities are reportedly treating the group as part of an organised crime network responsible for smuggling drugs from Europe to Mauritius. Le Mauricien, a local media outlet, reported that seven suspects were charged with drug trafficking and placed in custody. The adult suspects appeared at Mahebourg court on the island's south-eastern coast on Monday, with all remaining in pre-trial detention. Raids on hotels Authorities then carried out a series of targeted raids on hotels containing British nationals after police received a lead that more foreign passengers may have been transporting drugs, local media said. No further suspects were arrested at any of the three locations searched. A Foreign Office spokesman told The Sun newspaper: 'We are supporting several British nationals who are detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.'
