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Guide to vaping your marijuana

Portable marijuana baking devices have become more popular and safer in recent years.

marijuana
Christian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

More than a year ago, severe confinement began after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and people were told to stay home, forcing many to adapt their lifestyles to the comfort of their homes.

Increased subscriptions to streaming platforms -streaming-home meal delivery service, the purchase of electronics such as tabletsThe need for entertainment, smartphones and video game consoles to satiate the need for entertainment also moved into homes.

Among the new devices, which could be categorized as accessories, there has been an increase in the production and sale of "dry leaf vaporizers" as an alternative to the combustion of a marijuana cigarette.

Unlike the mouthpieces with extracts obtained from cannabis for 510 threaded batteries, the "dry leaf vaporizers" work directly with the traditional dehydrated herb previously ground in a grinder to bake them in these devices that have small ceramic chambers that reach high temperatures not only to release the essences of the same, but to heat the air that serves as a vehicle to make vaporizations and extract, in a progressive way, the same properties of marijuana without paying the high costs of the nozzles with extracts.

Casual cannabis users had as an easy option the use of pipes or papers -sheets- to smoke and thus subject the dried marijuana to a combustion process, like the traditional tobacco cigarette, which causes carbon monoxide consumption in both cases due to the burning of the dried herb and, in its case, the paper in which it was wrapped.

Smoke from marijuana combustion can cause illnesses such as chronic and acute bronchitis - according to the WHO's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse; however, the WHO has been able to conclude that smoking cannabis does not cause COPD.

Cannabis use had been on the WHO's Schedule IV since 1961, believing the plant "contained harmful substances" similar to those produced by cocaine or heroin; however, this changed in 2019 when the international body declared that medical marijuana and CBD pose no health concerns.

To minimise any health impact, cannabis users transferred their habit to these devices - many times smaller than smartphones - that raise the temperature of the cannabis inside a ceramic chamber, obtaining, in most cases, better results than if it is burned in the traditional way with a pipe or smoking paper.

This is largely because the active ingredients of marijuana do not disintegrate as quickly in the baking process, since the user can choose the temperature at which to heat the cannabis that previously underwent a combustion process in which the plant's active substances were instantly burned. In addition, these devices eliminate one hundred percent of the adverse effects of combustion and, therefore, the unintentional consumption of carbon monoxide than with the traditional cigarette.

Over the past few years, I have been able to transfer my cannabis experience from the pipe to the vaporizer with consistently favourable results. Most importantly, the adverse effects I used to experience during the aggressive combustion process have completely disappeared, the most noticeable being throat irritation, tachycardia and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrhythmia - suddenly varying heart rate from 50 to 160 beats per minute. Which, on many occasions, led me to discuss the impact on my health with my cardiologist and my psychiatrist, who ended up advising me to stop taking it until rigorous medical tests were completed.

While a bad experience with marijuana use in any form is not indicative of future experiences, a repetition of bad experiences can discourage the consumer and leave them with a wrong opinion that affects the reputation of the plant and stigmatizes marijuana use.

Depending on the portability of the device, you'll be able to heat dried marijuana herb; however, temperatures range from 140°C to 225°C - 284°F to 437°F - but even though higher temperatures produce more vapor, that may not be the right experience.

For reference, combustion begins at 232 °C or 450 °F, a common temperature when a cigarette is consumed by fire; that is, lighting a marijuana cigarette or lighting the herb from a pipe burns the components of marijuana faster.

Sites like https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ indicate that THC begins to evaporate at a temperature of 157 °C or 314 °F. THC is where the psychotropic effects of marijuana are found, the euphoria begins, the happy part of the herb that makes its users laugh and it is also the cannabinoid responsible for increasing appetite, alertness is heightened. Marijuana users should make sure that in order to get a good amount of this cannabinoid, the variation of weed should be high in THC; however, you can try any variation of the plant and get good results.

Staying within 180°C - 356°F - would ensure the full experience of the marijuana baking process through a vaporizer and the ideal temperature for a THC-rich, CBD-rich vapor.

CBD volatilizes at 160 °C and 180 °C - 320 °F and 356 °F -. This cannabinoid produces no psychoactive effects; instead, it provides relaxing and calming effects that control the effects of THC; its concentrate contains analgesic properties; it also has antioxidant effects and, as it blocks CB1 receptors, it has benefits that slow down the degenerative process of neurons. Vapour at this temperature should not irritate the throat.

Sites like https://vaping360.com/ suggest that, for first-time marijuana users, you can gradually increase the temperature to 177°C and 204°C - 350°F and 400°F - an average of 190°C - 374°F - if you want to go straight to the maximum effects of cannabis - both THC and CBD. While the vapor is denser, it is also hotter, which causes a slight throat hit.

Site humidity is also a factor to consider especially in these portable devices; in dry climates there may not be enough moisture in the air to transport the cannabinoids that are released from the weed - whether baked or smoked. Humid climates - such as those near the sea or during the rainy season - suggest a higher concentration of water in the air that serves as an easy vehicle for THC and CBD molecules; this is why water-based tabletop pipes -bongs- are preferred for fixed site consumption without the negative effects of combustion; however, the humidity of an enclosed site can be quickly raised with an ultrasonic humidifier.

While dry herb vaporizers are not a new concept, they have become portable to the point of becoming an accessory that, depending on its rechargeable battery - as any mobile device does - can offer two to four sessions below 200°C (392°F).

Some vaporizers can be found online under the name "herbal aromatherapy" in unregulated markets. Some contain metal capsules that can be reused for more than one session instead of filling the ceramic chamber directly, making them very discreet, as you can reserve the capsules with marijuana and leave the vaporizer empty; others have interchangeable plastic mouthpieces for a glass one for a cleaner taste of marijuana; the more sophisticated ones may have bubblers to cool the steam with water in sessions where the temperature can be very hot.

Newer vaporizers can feature wireless charging, touch buttons and OLED displays to be precise with the desired temperature. For the most part, they prevent the device from overheating, and if the trip gets too deep, the vaporizer can automatically shut off after a few minutes of non-use.

All have safety mechanisms so that they cannot be activated by accident; in addition, their ceramic construction, refillable metal capsules and glass nozzles make these devices hygienic and very easy to clean and, to make sure they are completely germ-free, place them in a UV-C or ultraviolet light disinfectant box.

U.S. BETS ON PLANET, SEEKS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE FOOTPRINT TO 50% BY 2030. U.S. Bets on Planet, Seeks to Reduce Greenhouse Footprint to 50% by 2030

Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360].

U.S. President Joseph Biden is betting on the planet and its sustainability. During the opening of the Climate Summit that takes place virtually, the president announced an ambitious plan that seeks to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52 percent by 2030.

 At the summit, which includes 40 world leaders, Biden pledged that the United States would reduce its emissions by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

However, it is still unclear how the goal will be achieved, since the U.S. is the second country that generates more greenhouse gases in the world, only behind China.

In his opening speech at the summit, which will end Friday, Biden explained the vision he has for the United States, with a direction towards a green economy, where climate change will be a key issue in all sectors, and even the generation of jobs for the working class will be in renewable sectors.

"That's where we're headed as a nation, and that's what we can do if we take steps to build an economy that is not only more prosperous, but also healthier, fairer and cleaner for the entire planet," Biden said.

He added that the goal for 2050 is for the United States to have zero net greenhouse gas emissions. The most ambitious goal that has ever been given in environmental matters.

"These steps will bring the U.S. economy to net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest," the U.S. president said.

Undoubtedly, the measures and actions are part of Biden's commitment since his election campaign, where he said he wanted to work with other countries to find joint solutions to global problems.

To commit the country to achieving those figures, the president said they were arrived at after lengthy consultations with government agencies, scientists, industry representatives, governors, mayors and environmental researchers.

In the past, during Barack Obama's administration, the then president pledged to reduce emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025, so the figure of 50 to 52 percent is a very significant advance, an action that other countries see with good eyes, while for others, it will be a high bar to reach.

Undoubtedly, the declaration will encourage other countries to join such ambitious plans, as several industries are already betting and moving towards new products with the "label" of sustainability ahead.

In his Earth Day speech, Biden said no nation can solve the climate change crisis alone and that major economies in particular must step up to the plate.

Redwood City Calls for Participation in Annual Spring Cleanup 2021

Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360].

The Redwood City Pride and Beautification Committee will host its annual spring cleanup event during Earth Week 2021, which runs April 19-24, where people are encouraged to beautify an area of their choice by picking up trash individually, or in groups living in a single household.

Logistical support and supplies, including gloves, bags and litter pickers, will be available for this purpose from Public Works Services.

Officials encourage event participants to post their cleanup photos on social media throughout the week using #EarthWeekRWC. 

Photos will be posted on the Pride and Beautification website, and as an added incentive, participants will be offered a reusable grocery bag or a set of reusable straws - while supplies last.

How to participate

People can choose one day - or all - during Earth Week to clean up trash in their neighborhood with their household or social "bubble".

You are allowed to bring your own buckets, bags, gloves or dustpans, reusable water bottles and sunscreen to pick up trash. 

"If you need gloves, bags or trash pickups for your team, contact Public Works at (650) 780-7464 to schedule a pickup time," the city says in a statement.

She also suggests designating bags for recycling and bags for trash, recording how many bags your team collects and taking a group photo, then emailing the number of bags, the photo and the most unusual items the group collected to vsherman@redwoodcity.org.

"Post your photos on social media using #EarthWeekRWC so we can share them!".

In conjunction with spring cleanup, there will be a free compost giveaway available to all Redwood City residents on Saturday, April 24 at Public Works Services. 

Borrowed supplies may be returned to Public Works on Saturday during the compost draw.

Earth Day raises awareness of COVID-19 pandemic

planet earth
Cristian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

Earth Day -officially International Mother Earth Day-, is a celebration held on April 22nd and this year marks 50 years since its first commemoration, initiated in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness around the world on issues such as overpopulation of planet Earth, rising levels of pollution, preservation of the biosphere, and what can be done to reverse global warming.

It was not until 1972, in Stockholm, where the Earth Summit was held for the first time, where world leaders were urged to foresee actions to preserve natural resources such as water, as well as guidelines to help preserve the Earth's flora and fauna.

And, since 2009, the United Nations (UN) officially established April 22 as International Mother Earth Day, which aims to raise awareness about human interaction with nature in order to preserve the planet Earth from the threat of global warming and climate change.

It is an effort made by different organizations and institutions around the world to point out the importance and responsibility of human beings to live in harmony with the rest of the species -animals and plants- and, with this, to avoid their extinction.

This year, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human behavior will be discussed and how traffic habits have changed in different parts of the world that, thanks to the confinement, gave a momentary respite to planet Earth in terms of air quality, pollution -including auditory pollution-, the reproduction of endangered species and the preservation of habitats due to the absence of tourism.

The UN points out that, since the 1970s, there had not been a decrease in the alteration of ecosystems; however, it stressed that, since 50 years ago, the planet Earth has been degraded by more than 30 percent.

Senate passes bill against racism of Asian people

proposed law
Cristian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press P360.

Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, introduced a bill in March aimed at speeding up hate crimes prosecutions of ethnic Americans in response to the growing violence in the United States against the Asian-American community.

The bill passed with 94 votes in favor and 1 vote against. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, was the one who opposed the bill.

The legislation covers the digital spectrum, where it will also force authorities to investigate hate speech on the Internet.

Additionally, it will compel institutions to disseminate information on awareness raising against discriminatory and racist practices against ethnodiverse communities in the US.

The law is expected to direct the attorney general and the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on how to mitigate racist and discriminatory language used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic, such as in previous speeches where former President Donald Trump referred to the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus as "the China virus.

The process for the bill to move forward remains in the hands of the House Judiciary Committee. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said it would receive a floor vote. The House and Senate will ultimately have to reconcile the bill with a similar bill in New York, pushed by Grace Meng, to pass a single version that can be signed by President Joe Biden.

Peninsula Clean Energy to fund electric vehicle charging ports in Redwood City

Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

San Mateo's official electric provider, Peninsula Clean Energy will provide up to $248,000 to the county to install 124 electric vehicle charging ports in a new local government parking structure.

The funding is the first, and will likely remain one of the largest for any single project, under Peninsula Clean Energy's EV Ready program, which aims to install 3,500 charging ports in San Mateo County over the next four years.

So said the energy company, who said that the 124 electric vehicle charging ports will be available to county employees, and it is possible that in the future also will be available to the general public during evenings and weekends.

The above, he said, as part of the new parking structure at the county's government center in Redwood City, which is expected to be open this fall.

The structure, he said, is built to incorporate next-generation green design and technology, including the ability to install potentially hundreds more electric vehicle chargers, thanks to the technical and other assistance Peninsula Clean Energy has provided.

"The county is committed to achieving carbon neutrality of its operations by 2035," said David Canepa, chairman of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.

"The installation of electric vehicle chargers is one of many investments that will need to be made to transition our vehicles from polluting gas to clean electric vehicles. The partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy is helping the county achieve deep emissions reductions," he added.

Through a press release, Jan Pepper, executive director of Peninsula Clean Energy, explained that "this is a fantastic example of public agency leadership and just one example of the potential for electric vehicle charging deployment in San Mateo County."

"Electrifying our vehicles is critical to reducing our transportation-related emissions and our broader mission to mitigate harmful climate change," he said.

Newsom takes action on drought conditions in California

Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360].

After much of western California experienced drought conditions for the second consecutive year, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday ordered state agencies to take immediate steps to strengthen drought resiliency.

During a speech this morning, he also called on agencies to prepare for impacts on communities, businesses and ecosystems if dry conditions extend into a third year.

The governor also proclaimed a regional drought emergency for the Russian River basin in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, where reservoirs are at historic lows after two critically dry years.

In that regard, it was felt that accelerated action may be needed to protect public health, safety and the environment.

"California faces a very familiar reality in drought conditions, and we know the importance of acting early to anticipate and mitigate the most severe impacts where possible," said Governor Newsom.

He also noted that climate change is intensifying both the frequency and severity of dry periods.

"This "new normal" gives urgency to building drought resilience in regions across the state and preparing for what could be a prolonged drought on our doorstep," the governor added.

The governor noted that such drought conditions can lead to degradation of water quality, fallowing of productive farmland, setback of vulnerable and rural communities through loss of jobs and more lasting recoveries.

As well as significant impacts on tribal, commercial and recreational salmon fisheries, limited access to traditional fisheries, loss of aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, and ecosystem impacts.

In that regard, Governor Newsom directed state agencies to partner with local districts, water districts and local utilities to make all Californians aware of the drought, and encourage actions to reduce water use by promoting the Department of Water Resources' "Save Our Water" campaign - https://saveourwater.com- and other water conservation programs.

Similarly, he directed that to continue coordination with partners across the State for the potential for prolonged drought impacts, the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Food and Agriculture will work with regional and local governments, including groundwater sustainability agencies.

This, he said, to identify watersheds, communities, public water systems and ecosystems that may require coordinated state and local actions to address problems resulting from continued drought conditions, ensure water is available, and protect people, natural resources and economic activity.

In the proclamation, Newsom said that, to continue partnership and coordination with California Native tribes, state agencies will commit to consult, collaborate and communicate with California Native American tribes to assist them in preparing for and responding to drought conditions on tribal lands and potential impacts to cultural and traditional resources within ancestral lands.

He added that, to prioritize drought response and preparedness resources, agencies should accelerate funding for water supply improvement, as well as funding for water supply improvement, water conservation or species conservation projects.

Wanted home to adopt golden pheasant in San Mateo

golden pheasant
Bay City News [BCN]. Peninsula 360 Press [P360].

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA staff are looking to place a golden pheasant for adoption after it was found as a stray in San Mateo.

PHS/SPCA rescue personnel brought the adult male bird to their shelter after a Good Samaritan reported that a bird in his front yard was injured and unable to fly.

An examination showed that the bird was missing most of its tail feathers and that several of its primary wing feathers were broken, preventing it from flying.

Judging by his injuries, they believe he may have been attacked by another animal, but managed to escape.

"A golden pheasant is an extremely rare animal for our shelter, and it's actually very exciting to have such a beautiful bird available for adoption," said PHS/SPCA Communications Director Buffy Martin Tarbox.
They called the golden pheasant Lord Pheatheringtoninspired by the popular TV series Bridgerton.

Since arriving at the shelter on April 13, no one has come forward to claim the golden pheasant, so PHS/SPCA is putting him up for adoption.

Although Lord Pheatherington's age is unknown, the golden pheasant is looking for a new home that includes an outdoor, predator-proof, fully-covered enclosure to feel safe.

Persons interested in meeting Lord Pheatherington may call PHS/SPCA at (650) 340-7022.

Drinking coffee reduces risk of death by 44 percent, study finds

Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

A study conducted by the Spanish University Miguel Hernandez de Elche -UMH- suggests that daily consumption of more than two cups of coffee a day reduces by 44 percent the risk of death from all medical causes, including cancer.

The document published in the journal Nutrients, refers that moderate consumption of this drink, particularly that with caffeine is associated with lower mortality, according to the analysis of 1,567 people over 20 years, with data collected during six, 12 and 18 years, in a community of Valencia in southwestern Spain.

The conclusions of the study also revealed that "coffee consumption could be promoted as part of a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle", however, more long-term studies should be conducted to collect information on the amount and type of coffee, which would provide valuable information on its beneficial effects.

The research carried out indicated that 78 percent of the adult Valencian population drinks coffee daily and that its regular consumption is significantly associated with lower mortality from all causes and mortality from cancer.

Participants provided information about their diet, health status and lifestyle, as well as their coffee consumption, which were thoroughly analyzed.

Meanwhile, the vital status and cause of death of the participants was verified from the National Death Index of the Valencian Community, according to a statement from the UMH.

The results showed that, as a benchmark for total mortality among non-coffee drinkers, those who drank up to one cup of coffee a day had a 27 percent lower risk of death, and those who drank more than one cup a day -- 2 to 6.5 cups every 24 hours -- had a 44 percent lower risk.

Notably, in the case of cancer mortality, those who drank more than one cup of coffee had a 59 percent lower risk of dying from cancer than non-drinkers.

Meanwhile, in the case of cardiovascular diseases, a lower risk was also observed, although this was not really significant.

Alex Padilla seeks citizenship for undocumented workers

key workers
Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360].

For Senator Alex Padilla, millions of immigrants, who have become essential workers, deserve U.S. citizenship, because, thanks to them, communities can stay healthy and the economy keeps moving, at the cost of putting their own health and that of their families at risk, so achieving immigration reform "is personal".

The first Latino to represent the state of California in the U.S. Senate said, "So I think it's time that we honor them in their work and in their service, with more than just our words.

During a briefing held by Ethnic Media Services, the federal official detailed that there are more than five million essential workers - as defined and recognized by the federal government - "but one of those five million frontline workers are not just immigrants, but undocumented immigrants."

And is that, he asserted that those essential workers, despite the pain and risk continued to work every day to help put food on the tables of everyone in the country. "They have helped us.

In that sense, he noted that all those essential workers who labor in hospitals, restaurants, homes and offices, "have earned the opportunity to become citizens of the United States, a country that improves every day thanks to their work and their contributions, in the most extreme circumstances.

"These workers remind me of my own parents. As I mentioned, my father worked as a cook and my mother cleaned houses. She was a domestic worker. And those job classifications are considered essential workers today, so we owe them dignity, respect and a path to citizenship," she added.

"Yes. It's personal for me. But it's also in the best interest of our nation. We are at a pivotal moment in our nation's history as we begin to rebuild the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Senator Padilla said that, for him, relief for COVID-19 is not only addressing health impacts, but also rebuilding the economy in a more inclusive way, which would mean granting frontline workers a pathway to citizenship.

"We know it's also a strategic and key way to stimulate economic recovery and that's why this past week, along with Congressman Joaquin Castro, we sent a letter to President Biden urging him to include this piece of legislation, the pathway to citizenship for essential workers as part of his infrastructure package."

In that sense, he referred that according to a 2016 study by the Center for American Progress, undocumented workers contribute $4.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP, in addition to contributing an estimated $11.7 billion in state and local taxes, in addition to other contributions.

He added that future labor force growth, which at less than 1.0 percent per year is very slow by historical standards, will be covered by immigrants and their children.

"And so, I firmly believe that we can't just rely on the people who work hard to keep our nation afloat and keep our community safe in times of crisis and then turn our backs on them as soon as the pandemic is over. That would be a mistake.

"I know we can no longer ignore the contribution of the more than 11 million people who have been living in this country in the shadows, but who work and pay taxes. They, too, deserve a path to citizenship. So I look forward to helping the president move forward with a comprehensive immigration reform package," he added.

And, he said, in terms of public support, we are in a race against time to pass immigration reform because of the political calendar.

"We're in a race against time because of the political calendar... I've learned that the closer we get to the next election, Republican members are going to want to go beyond their comfort zones in supporting immigration reform. I hope to get as much as we can as soon as we can before we get too close to the manager of the 2022 election cycle."

On the other hand, the senator said he was disappointed by President Joseph Biden's announcement not to increase the cap on refugee admissions, yet, he said, more resources have been put at the border for all the families and unaccompanied minors who are arriving from the south.

"We have added capacity, immigration judges and facilities to house asylum seekers humanely and process them expeditiously, but we are in a transition and our job is to hold the administration accountable for these improvements, and we hope that the ability of asylum seekers to apply from their home countries can be restored so they don't have to make that long, expensive and often dangerous trip to the border."

Armed violence, how to stop it?

Gun violence is at an all-time high and continues to grow. In that sense, Senator Padilla explained that one of the reasons why there are no gun reforms is due to filibustering or obstructionism.

"This is another reason why the filibuster, at a minimum, should be reformed. If it were eliminated, a lot of common-sense measures could move forward," he said of it.

"It's increasingly dramatic to see incidents escalate...So we have a lot of work to do, but I think there are models for reforming specific local law enforcement policies and practices carried out by police departments," he abounded.

In that sense, he said he is eager to continue the conversation in the Senate and in Congress about improving the training and education of police departments, the relationship between the police and the community, as well as having non-police personnel, who often know better how to deal with and respond to situations where a police officer is not the best option.

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