Cannavist Issue 15

Getting back to Nature

As word spreads about its benefits, the number of devotees to the CBD cause grows by the day. Of course, with this 'Green Rush' an army of companies have followed, eager to jump on the bandwagon.

Unfor tunately, in their rush to get in on the act, many have lost sight of what CBD is all about: Natural healing.

Nature in a bottle

That's why The Botanical Factory has stepped into the CBD marketplace with a real vigour. It's our aim -our mission -to reinforce the natural qualities of CBD and to ensure that we bring the true essence of CBD to our customers.

We passionately believe in the Power of Nature. We are wholly committed to bringing you as close as possible to the natural essence of this ancient and mystical power.

To do this, we are combining the old with the new. We're using the latest techniques to bring the purest form of this ancient therapy to you. We only create CBD products that adhere to the highest possible practice and standards.

How we do it

'CBD' is short for Cannabidiol, and our farms use the plant that possesses the highest concentration of CBD, Cannabis Sativa.

From plant to bottle, every step of our manufacturing process is transparent. For example, our farms provide a traceable serial number at every juncture which we routinely check to ensure the highest quality.

Why we're (coco) nuts about CBD

At The Botanical Factory we use MCT as a carrier oil. It's a high fat oil (packed with nutritional benefits) that we extract from organic coconuts. We specifically chose this golden-brown liquid because it's clear and odourless, unlike other brands. This means your CBD experience is pleasant and natural.

The real genius bit is this: CBD is fat-soluble so when it's mixed with MCT, the vital Cannabidiol doesn't get broken down and wasted in your gut - more of the CBD goodness reaches your bloodstream!

CO 2 Extraction: Get more of the good stuff to you CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to suck more of naturally occurring cannabinoids out of the raw hemp plant material. You get more of the good stuff, basically.

In a nutshell

As you've read, we think The Botanical Factory offers you a more natural experience. In today's world, where we must be sure that what we are consuming is the very best and from a trusted source, our CBD offers real peace-of-mind.

invite you to go to our website and check out our extensive range of CBDs. thebotanicalfactory.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR BEHIND THE SCENES

As a journalist and an editor, there are few things I love more than a juicy story…and in the wellness and cannabis industries, they are in no short supply.

From scientists decoding the emotions of pigs, to a virtual reality marijuana dispensary opening its doors in the Metaverse, there’s enough bizarre and potentially world-changing developments to keep any writer happy.

In this issue, we looked at the plant-powered feats of some seemingly superhuman athletes, including a meat-free mountaineer and an ultra-runner who went head-to-head with a Tesla.

We also marvelled at the strength and endurance of 57-year-old vegan Dr. Joe DeMarco, who demolished not one, but two world records for push-ups. However, these aren’t the only heroes who featured on the pages of this mighty magazine.

The highly anticipated trailer for Marvel’s cosmic blockbuster ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ recently dropped, bringing with it a new wellness icon.

In the clip, we see our titular hero attempt to swap out his mighty hammer for a life of peace and meditation, raising the question… does Thor also need time for

This publication and the products shown herein are intended for an 18+ audience. The comments and opinions given by contributors to this publication are not the views of the editor or magazine, unless otherwise stated. The products featured in this magazine are not sponsored, were included at the discretion of the editor / publisher and were not seen or altered by the suppliers in any way prior to publication. While every effort is made to respect editorial and advertising standards, The CANNAVIST cannot accept liability for issues raised or comments made by those featured in this magazine. Should you have a query about the content in this publication, email the editor: editor@cannavistmag.com

wellbeing?

To read more on this, check out our story ‘Hammering home the power of wellness’ later in this issue.

But sadly, it’s not all good news. While we’ve been celebrating the incredible achievements of vegan athletes, people around the world have been fighting for their health, privacy and emotional freedom. Advocates across the UK have been standing against new government plans to slap mandatory calorie counts on menus, claiming the move would be disastrous for the nation’s relationship with food.

There’s also been major international pushback against suggestions that Zoom may incorporate emotional AI software into its video conferencing service, with many calling it ‘invasive’ and ‘dystopian’.

For all this and more, continue on and enjoy this issue of The CANNAVIST Magazine.

Thank you and happy reading!

Patrick Griffin | Editor

JOURNALISTS

Editor Patrick Griffin

Deputy Editor Jordan Millar Journalist Oliver Smith

DESIGN

Head of Design Hayley Parker

Head Designer Amy Harrison Design Team Coordinator Lucy Booth

Graphic Designer Michelle Piovesan Design Support Anna Difusco

MARKETING

Marketing Director Katie Loomes Marketing Executives Carrie Strouther Alicia Snow-Simpson

Web Developer Kain Alden

FINANCE

Finance Director Kris Worton Finance Executive Rochelle Warsop

EVENTS

Events Director Abida Razaque Bus Manager Farooq ‘H’ Hussain Assistant Bus Manager Sid De Silva

SALES

Client Partnerships Manager

Stephen Culf

Sales Executive Baz Bassra Sales Executive Kirk Martin Sales Executive Giovanni De Pietro Sales Executive Peter Masters

DIRECTORS

Managing Director Pom Kaila Managing Director David Turner CEO Paul Caplin

4:20

CANNAVIST Editor Patrick Griffin has compiled these four pages containing twenty bite-sized cannabis, wellness and lifestyle stories from across the globe.

WE MUSK INVEST MORE IN PSYCHEDELICS

Tesla billionaire Elon Musk has been praised for endorsing psychedelics on Twitter.

WALK YOURSELF YOUNGER

Scientists have discovered a simple way to help you look 16 years younger…just walk more and keep the pace up.

Researchers from the University of Leicester found a clear link between walking quickly and biological age.

By studying the genes of 400,000 Brits, they concluded that regularly walking at more than 4mph can make you look and feel 16 years younger by the time you reach middle age.

See our story ‘One small step’ in the Culture section to discover some of the world’s most popular walking trails.

Musk tweeted: “Psychedelics and MDMA can make a real difference to mental health, especially for extreme depression and PTSD…we should take this seriously.”

American TV host Jim Cramer replied: “Tremendous love and awe for Elon Musk out here in SF. Just awe.”

Meanwhile podcaster Joe Rogan criticised US Customs agents for seizing cannabis, psilocybin and MDMA from American tourists returning home from Canada, saying ‘you should take all these drugs and rethink your life’.

THE VEGAN BURGER THAT ‘BLEEDS’

California-based Impossible Foods wants to introduce ‘bleeding’ meat-free burgers, made with genetically modified yeast, to the UK market.

The company needs regulatory approval to sell its flagship Impossible Burger in the UK and hopes this could be granted within a year.

The patties contain soy genes which have been implanted into genetically-engineered yeast to produce soy leghemoglobin which gives a meat-like colour, texture and flavour.

Soy leghemoglobin is approved for food use in the US, where the meat-free burgers have been sold since 2016.

UKRAINE MAY LEGALISE MED-CANN

The Ukraine government has backed moves to legalise medicinal cannabis, with the ongoing war with Russia being cited among the reasons.

Minister of Healthcare Viktor Liashko wrote on Facebook: “We understand

THE HEAL-TEA OPTION

Drinking green or black tea could help reduce your risk of dementia and cancer, according to new research.

Nutrition expert Professor Jonathan Hodgson said there was ‘growing evidence’ that just oneto-two cups a day could ‘significantly reduce’ the risk of vascular dementia.

Another expert, Dr Tim Bond from the Tea Advisory Panel, says that polyphenols found in tea may help reduce the risk of cancer because they protect against cell damage.

To read more about the potential health benefits of tea, see our feature ‘The A B Teas of Wellness’ in the Nutrition section.

THANKS A MILLION

The Thai government is handing out one million cannabis plants to homes across the country to mark the legalisation of the drug.

The legislation aims to promote commercial cultivation where people will be allowed to grow the medical plant after notifying their local authorities.

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he wanted cannabis plants to be grown like ‘household crops.’

However, government rules say the plants must be used exclusively for medicinal purposes.

A MASTER OF HAPPINESS

A US university has introduced a new master’s degree in Happiness Studies.

Centenary University in New Jersey said the course, which begins in September, is designed for mid-career business leaders who can apply learnt concepts to their work.

the negative effects of war on mental health. We understand the number of people who will need medical treatment due to this exposure and there is no time to wait.”

The proposed new law would allow patients with more than 50 conditions including cancer, chronic pain and PTSD, access to cannabis and would also encourage medical research into the plant.

According to the master’s program brochure, students will examine techniques of meditation, physical exercise, goal setting and different forms of journaling.

Professor Keith Morgen from Centenary University said: “There will be a need for people who have the scholarly training to think about, discuss and work on issues relevant to the human experience.”

A PLANT-BASED TREE-T FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

New data suggests that if the UK’s adult population went meat-free for two days a week, it would be equivalent to planting almost 14 billion trees.

German food-tech start-up GREENFORCE said just a relatively small switch to plant-based eating could reduce the UK’s annual greenhouse emissions by 291 million metric tonnes.

Plant-based strongman and GREENFORCE ambassador Patrik Baboumian

‘HAPPIER THAN EVER’ WITH VEGAN 02

The 02 Arena went meat-free for passionate vegan and climate activist Billie Eilish.

The Grammy award-winning singer hosted climate awareness event Overheated to coincide with the six nights of her ‘Happier Than Ever’ world tour hosted at the iconic London venue.

The June event featured activists, musicians and designers, who discussed the ‘climate crisis’ and talked about their work.

An O2 spokesperson said: “The venue has committed to going 100 percent vegan on all available food items for the six Billie Eilish shows.”

PLANT-BASED WARFARE

Increasing numbers of soldiers are opting for a plantbased diet and lifestyle according to the Vegan Society.

The charity says it has received ‘several complaints’ from Armed Forces personnel who want vegan-friendly meal options and boots.

A Vegan Society spokesperson said: “Employers are under a statutory duty to examine how their policies and practices might have a negative impact on vegan employees.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said it was looking to ‘diversify’ its food and clothing options.

VEGAN VOCALIST ROCKETS TO STARDOM

Anglo-Saxon kings – often depicted enjoying huge banquets with mountains of meat – may actually have lived mainly vegetarian lifestyles.

Cambridge University researchers said that the medieval monarchs and nobility of 1,600 years ago generally ate vegetarian food, including leeks and whole grains. The lavish feasts - which featured meats, fish, cheese, honey and ale – saw guests eat 4,000 calories in a single sitting, but the study concluded these were few and far between. Bioarchaeologist Dr Sam Leggett said: “I’ve found no evidence of people eating anything like this much animal protein on a regular basis.”

Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder has announced a 14-date UK and Ireland tour for 2023.

Ryder, 32, a former vegan juice bar owner from Essex, achieved the UK’s best Eurovision result in 25 years.

His catchy ‘Space Man’ song came second to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra which easily won with folk-rap hybrid ‘Stefania.’

Ryder’s 2023 tour to support his upcoming debut album ‘There’s Nothing But Space, Man!’ kicks off in Belfast on March 17 and ends in Brighton on April 5.

A new study suggests that a meat-free diet could help improve your memory…but it won’t help you sleep any better.

Birkbeck University researchers compared adults who followed pescatarian, vegan or vegetarian diets with those who eat meat to assess whether food choices affected

memory and sleep.

They found no relationship between food and sleep, but concluded that eating meat may impact on the ability to remember things.

When given memory tests, pescatarians and vegetarians performed best while meateaters came last.

Stressed workers taking time off due to crushing money worries cost the UK economy £2.5 billion a year, according to new research.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research says 13 million working days are lost annually with younger workers most badly affected –58 percent of under 34s have taken time off due to money worries.

Linda Whorlow, from Aegon UK, which commissioned the report, said: “This new analysis shows that, now more than ever, employers must take the financial wellbeing of their employees seriously.”

WHY I’M NOT SLEEPING WELL

THAT’S ONE STEREOTYPE THRONE OUT THE WINDOW

VISIT A NATIONAL PARK AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING

Canadian doctors are prescribing free passes to national parks and marine conservation areas so that patients can experience the healing power of nature.

Health care professionals say wandering around park trails, breathing in fresh air and connecting with nature can help with a huge array

of medical conditions.Dr Melissa Lem is the director of PaRx, Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program.

She said: “There’s almost no condition that nature isn’t good for, from diabetes to high blood pressure, ADHD in children, anxiety and depression.”

A MATTER OF PUBLIC OPINION PEDAL TO THE PLANT-BASED METAL

More than 55 per cent of Europeans support adult-use cannabis legislation, according to a major new report.

Thirty percent said they were interested in trying cannabis and a majority supported regulated cannabis shops, but youth cannabis use was one of the top concerns.

Around 9,000 people were surveyed for the Recreational Europe report - the first ever pan-European public opinion poll on cannabis legalisation.

Alastair Moore, founder of The Hanway Company which conducted the report, said: “Public opinion across Europe is now clearly in favour of legalising cannabis.”

EATING FOR THE PLANET

Diners are apparently more likely to choose plant-based foods if restaurant menus contain carbon footprint labels.

Researchers from the University of Würzburg found diners were more likely to make environmentally friendly, meat-free choices if

Three-quarters of British motorists want all animal products removed from new vehicles, according to a Vegan Society report on the future of cars.

Seven-out-of-ten said they would be interested in buying a car which was entirely animal-free, while almost half (44 percent) said it was unnecessary to use animal derivatives in cars.

Louisianna Waring from the Vegan Society said: “It is highly encouraging to see how many motorists would opt for a vegan model.”

menu items were clearly labelled as having ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ emissions.

They said: “If we want more climate-friendly restaurant visits, highlighting dish components on a menu can be really important.”

See our feature ‘Biting back at this ‘hopeless’ health initiative’ in the Nutrition section to hear about backlash over mandatory calorie counts on UK menus.

WE’RE NOT FINN-ISHED BEING HAPPY

Despite long, cold and dark winters, Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the fifth year running.

While many people feel miserable in winter, Visit Finland says the season is ideal for ‘skiing, skating and spotting the Northern Lights.’

Denmark came second in the World Happiness Report with Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands taking the remaining top five spots.

The Report, in its tenth year, is based on people’s own happiness assessments plus social and economic data averaged over three years.

HAPPINESS GROWS ON YOU

While Finland may be the world’s happiest country, you could boost your own personal happiness, no matter where you live…by taking up gardening.

A new survey concludes that tending plants or looking after a vegetable patch can give your wellbeing a boost.

The survey for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine found that 55 percent of gardeners said they were satisfied with their life, compared to just 39 percent of non-gardeners.

Editor Lucy Hall said: “Gardening and gardens play a vital role in promoting wellbeing and happiness.”

Check out our story ‘Make a house a...garden’ for more on this.

inflamed muscles, sore joints, and dry, cracked, itchy skin?

Problem Salved. This anti-inflammatory CBD-infused salve is just the thing to soothe your dry, irritated skin while the CBD goes to work on easing your joint pain and muscle inflammation, making Problem Salved the solution to bend Eucalyptus Peppermint, Chamomile Vanilla, Lavender, or Natural formulations.

…AND THE RESTLESSNESS WASHistory

Fixing your sleeping pattern and sorting out your snoozing can often feel an impossible challenge…but these restful tips may just help you catch some much-needed z’s.

Words: Jordan Millar

Whether you’re stuck with a chronic case of late-night overthinking or you’re struggling to find that perfect snoozing position, for many, trying to nod off can feel like an uphill battle.

Unfortunately, all those nights spent tossing and turning are bad news for your health, with a lack of rest knocking your concentration, lowering your sex drive and increasing your chances of drowsiness-induced accidents.

Sleep deprivation can even take a toll on your immune system, weakening your natural defenses and leaving you vulnerable to illness.

But, no matter how much you might want to, getting your body clock back on track is easier said than done and sorting out your slumber can often take some serious willpower.

To help you get some much-needed rest, here are some tips and tricks for winning back those 40 winks when counting sheep just isn’t enough.

We’ve all been there; you’re in bed, eyes locked on the clock and counting the hours since you settled in for the evening… once again you just can’t fall asleep.

Rise and shine…on time

For many, keeping to a consistent sleep schedule can do wonders in helping them get a good night’s rest. By waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, you can ‘re-program’ your body clock and make it easier to nod off. When setting your schedule, remember to give yourself seven to nine hours of sleep every day as this is the optimum amount of rest for the average adult.

We

like the sound of that

Many people turn to relaxing music or sounds as a way to stave off those restless nights, with some evidence showing that calming audio can encourage deeper sleep. There is a wide library of popular soothing sounds that can help you settle in for the night, with people listening to everything from rain to whispering to peaceful white noise as they try to doze off.

EDIT - AND THE REST-LESSNESS IS HISTORY

Keeping active during the day is often associated with a good night’s sleep, with exercise increasing the release of serotonin and sometimes even helping to boost quality of rest.

So, whether you prefer hiking, jogging, pumping iron or even yoga and meditation, working out could be a solution to those long nights.

Overthinking can have a major impact on your ability to doze off, distracting and preventing you from fully settling down. By taking some time to journal before bed, you can put all your thoughts to paper and clear your mind of any work worries, intrusive ideas and those ‘I can’t forget to…’ thoughts. It also allows you to reflect on your day and prepare for what lies ahead, potentially helping you feel calmer as you switch off for the night.

In this digital age, where we are almost always connected to a screen, the idea of putting our devices down for the night can seem insane.

However, if you’re struggling to get to sleep, it might be time to consider an unplugged hour at the end of the night. The blue-light emitted by phones, laptops and TVs has been shown to impact rest, so taking some time away from these devices could boost your chances of getting to sleep.

If you’ve tried all the tips on this list and still can’t seem to correct your sleeping pattern, your trouble dozing off may be a matter of comfort. Old mattresses and bedding can be responsible for a lack of sleep, making it difficult for people to find that sweet spot and melt into a night of dreams and relaxation. It’s recommended that you swap out your mattress every six to eight years and purchase new pillows every one to two, so if you’re still struggling to nod off, investing in a new sleeping set-up may be the solution.

W E ' R E T R A N S F O R M I N G T H E C B D I N D U S T R Y U S I N G T H E G R E E N H E A R T C B D T O K E N

PASS THE

-ERFISH

From cannabis to coffee to hallucinogenics, humans have long enjoyed using drugs… but we’re far from the only species in the world to partake.

Words: Jordan Millar

Even now, caffeine-addicted desk jockeys are upholding our recreational roots, guzzling down one too many coffees as they burn through stacks of paperwork.

However, humans aren’t the only species that has a penchant for the stronger stuff, with animals big and small also indulging in the occasional, or even routine, drug-use.

Whether it’s felines and their comical love for catnip, or bighorn sheep who risk life and limb for a taste of hallucinogenic lichen, it seems there’s more than a few members of the animal kingdom on the hunt for natural highs.

So, take a paws, put your feet up and unwind as we guide you through our list of drug-using wildlife and psychedelic pets.

Reindeer

When it comes to famous animals, it’s safe to say that reindeer are certainly near the top of the list.

But did you know that, alongside their top-billing in almost every Christmas story, they are also known for getting high on mushrooms?

Experts have observed the festive fauna seeking out and consuming hallucinogenic fungi before stumbling around and making some quite peculiar noises.

From the boozefuelled revelry of the roaring 20s to the psychedelic boom of the 60s, it’s fair to say that we are no strangers to drugs.

Cats

We’re all familiar with those hilarious YouTube clips and Instagram posts of moggies going crazy over catnip.

By releasing a chemical compound known as nepetalactone, the plant can send felines into an adorable frenzy or just make them drool and zone out…either way catnip is responsible for a library of funny viral videos.

Rough-Toothed Dolphins

Researchers have observed pods of rough-toothed dolphins ‘passing around’ pufferfish in an effort to make them excrete a lethal toxin, which some suggest they then use to get high.

Zoologist Rob Pilley, a producer for the BBC show ‘Spy in the Pod’ which documented this phenomenon, said dolphins would act ‘most peculiarly’ after gently chewing puffers.

He said: “It was the most extraordinary thing to see… they began hanging around with their noses at the surface, as if fascinated by their own reflection.”

Wallabies

There are bizarre reports of wallabies hopping the fences of Australian farms and getting high on legal opium poppies.

Some sources claim that the marsupials jump around, leaving real-life crop circles in their wake, before falling asleep in a cute and unusual drug-fuelled nap.

Shrews

No matter how impressive a drinker you may think you are, the tiny Malaysian pen-tailed tree shrew almost certainly has you beat.

Despite feeding on the nectar of the bertam palm tree – which has an alcohol content of around four percent – this mighty mini binge drinker never seems to get tipsy.

Scientists believe they can knock back so much alcohol – the equivalent of nine glasses of wine for a human – because their bodies are so efficient at processing ethanol…so we don’t recommend taking them on in a drinking contest.

,

STARS AND A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY

Could these new Star Wars-inspired wellness tools help turn the tide in the battle for better mental health?

Words: Oliver Smith

Between blaster fire, intergalactic beasts and lightning-fast space battles, it’s amazing that Jedi manage to stay so calm.

Let’s be honest, if any of us were being hunted down by an armour-clad, laser-wielding warlord who had the literal power to destroy planets…we’d likely lose our cool.

But how exactly do these ever-peaceful warriors stay so level-headed and what can we do to become masters of our own mental health?

Mindfulness app Headspace has set out to answer

those very questions, partnering with Lucasfilm to release a series of Star Wars-inspired content.

The bevy of meditation guides – designed to help people escape to ‘a restful galaxy’ – includes ‘playfully animated’ short breathing exercises with iconic characters like R2-D2, Chewbacca and BB-8.

There’s even a session that hails back to The Empire Strikes Back, with Grand Master Yoda levitating an X-wing as you inhale and lowering the ship into a Dagobah-style swamp on every exhale.

Headspace said: “The new content encourages members to turn inward and focus on breathing to help centre users in the moment, reduce stress and motivate greater concentration.”

It added that the exercises can be followed by novice and veteran meditators, allowing them to ‘set a mindful tone’ for the day.

The stress-relieving Star Wars content also features three 45-minute ‘sleepcasts’, which take listeners on ‘immersive’ space-hopping journeys as they settle down for the night.

Users can choose between touring the stars on a relaxing X-wing voyage, exploring the sun-dried – or rather suns-dried - landscape of Tatooine or taking in the history and solitude of the very first Jedi Temple.

Headspace said: “The three new sleepcasts provide a unique experience that will mentally transport

listeners to the Star Wars galaxy.

“Each features 360-audio and narrated story beats that describe the galactic destinations in rich, intimate detail.”

It added that the interstellar content could reduce stress, boost focus and promote better sleep, helping people find their ‘light side’ and achieve some of the main tenets of the jedi code…peace, serenity and harmony.

The mindfulness-fuelled Headspace and Lucasfilm collaboration was unveiled on May 4 – otherwise known as ‘May the force’ day – where fans around the globe celebrate all things Star Wars.

The new content encourages members to turn inward and focus on breathing reduce stress and motivate greater concentration.

TAKING A TRIP INTO

THEmind

Advocates and enthusiasts are getting psyched over Netflix’s new drug-defining docuseries ‘How to Change your Mind’.

Words: Oliver Smith

this important topic and

sharing their stories for the good of all.

Thanks to Netflix and Michael Pollan for shining a light on

for the courageous individuals

is promoting a major new four-part documentary on psychedelic drugs, which explores their potential in treating a wide range of mental health disorders.

‘How to Change your Mind’ is presented by awardwinning New York Times best-selling author Michael Pollan and has been adapted from his 2018 book of the same title.

Just the names of the drugs in question - LSD, MDMA, psilocybin and mescaline – spark fear and aversion for many, but others feel they should be used in mainstream medicine.

Pollan said: “We have all heard scary things about psychedelics…they scramble your chromosome, they cause you to hop off buildings, it was all terrifying.

“So, I took a look at the true effect of these substances and I was very surprised at what I found.”

The documentary explores whether more use should be made of the drugs to tackle mental health problems including OCD, PTSD, alcoholism and depression.

Pollan interviewed psychologists, scientists and gathered first-hand accounts from individuals suffering from PTSD and other mental illnesses.

Each episode focuses on one of the four drugs and highlights the positive aspects associated with them, complete with testimonies from people who use them to treat a range of conditions.

Since the trailer was released, there had been a vast amount of support on social media from people eager to find out what it is about.

After Netflix uploaded the trailer to YouTube, one comment from the SurvivorRevive channel said: “Psilocybin changed my life after many years of dealing with PTSD.

“I hope this treatment is made readily available for more folks in the future.”

Twitter user Payton Nyquvest said: “Thanks to Netflix and Michael Pollan for shining a light on this important topic and for the courageous individuals sharing their stories for the good of all.”

‘How to Change your Mind’ will be released on Netflix on July 12.

There has been an overwhelmingly warm response to the ‘How to Change your Mind’ trailer and this is a selection of some of the things that people are saying about the new documentary.

Scientists are forever trying to figure out if we are alone in the universe, how we can travel to the far reaches of space and – perhaps most curious of all –what would pigs say if they could talk?

And while we haven’t yet bumped into any intergalactic neighbours and most of us remain firmly planted on Earth, experts may have just cracked

the code on what pigs are feeling.

In a groundbreaking new study, European researchers have developed an algorithm that can translate the emotions of hogs based on their oinks, grunts and squeals.

A machine learning algorithm was fed more than 7,400 recordings from over 400 pigs to decipher whether they are feeling ‘happy, scared or somewhere in-between’, giving a better understanding of animal wellness.

Elodie Briefer, project co-leader and associate professor at the University of Copenhagen said: “There’s a clear difference in pig calls when we look at positive and negative situations.

For centuries, the greatest philosophers and brightest minds in human history have been plagued by seemingly impossible questions.

A team of European researchers is paving the way for improved animal wellness by analysing oinks and translating the emotions of pigs

Words: Jordan Millar

“With this study, we demonstrate that animal sounds provide great insight into their emotions… an important step towards improved welfare for livestock.”

The study – from the University of Copenhagen, the ETH Zurich and France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) – collected sounds from pigs at different stages of life.

It sampled vocal reactions to positive commercial situations like feeding, as well as negative stimuli such as fighting, isolation and slaughter.

The researchers also used experimental mock scenarios to provoke ‘more nuanced emotions’ and, when possible, recorded the pigs’ heart rates and

behaviour alongside their noises. Briefer said: “In the positive situations, the calls are far shorter, with minor fluctuations in amplitude… grunts, more specifically, begin high and gradually go lower in frequency.

“By training an algorithm to recognise these sounds, we can classify 92 percent of the calls to the correct emotion.”

Some are now suggesting that the system could eventually be used to understand the emotions of other mammals and Briefer said it now needs to be developed into an app to help farmers ‘improve the welfare of their animals’.

With this study, we demonstrate that animal sounds provide great insight into their emotions… an important step towards improved welfare for livestock.

Put on a happy face…

they may be watching

International human rights activists hit back at Zoom after reports the virtual communications juggernaut is considering using ‘dystopian’ emotion AI technology.

Words: Jordan Millar

Imagine if every time

signed into a video call, a computer scanned your face and logged every smile, frown and frustrated scowl.

Or if your boss had a play-byplay of your emotions and could discipline you every time an AI algorithm said you looked ‘bored’ or ‘distracted’ in a mandatory virtual meeting.

While it sounds like the plot of a sci-fi thriller, where privacy is a thing of the past and your every move is under constant watch, some warn this ‘dystopian’ future could be closer than we think.

After alarming reports emerged that communications giant Zoom was exploring ‘emotion AI’ for its video chatting platform, advocates raised the red flag. They claimed that tracking and analysing our feelings is a ‘violation of human rights’, urging the brand to ‘halt plans’ on the controversial feature.

And while this isn’t the first time that people have considered the idea of using AI to monitor people’s feelings, experts warned that emotional tracking on platforms like Zoom would be ‘intrusive and downright creepy’.

We get that you’re trying to improve your platform, but mining us for emotional data points doesn’t make the world a better place.

you

Lead by digital activist group Fight for the Future, critics accused the technology of being ‘inherently biased’, saying that it pulls from ‘misleading’ practices that judge people on their appearances.

In a message to Zoom, Fight for the Future said: “We get that you’re trying to improve your platform, but mining us for emotional data points doesn’t make the world a better place.

“This is your chance to be one of the good ones…make the right call and cancel this crummy surveillance feature.”

Fight for the Future has been joined by more than 25 other human rights organisations in its campaign to steer the brand away from emotion AI.

Together, the advocacy groups – which include the likes of Access Now and the Muslim Justice League – have sent an open letter to Zoom founder and CEO Eric Yuan.

The document claimed that the polorising AI technology was built on ‘pseudoscience’, saying that even ‘experts admit emotion analysis doesn’t work’.

It also highlighted that the feature could be wrongly repurposed by ‘snooping government authorities and malicious hackers’ and may put workers and students at risk of being punished if they don’t ‘express the right emotion’.

The open letter said: “Zoom claims to care about the happiness and security of its users, but this invasive technology says otherwise.

“As an industry leader, you can make it clear that this tech has no place in video communications…millions are counting on you to steward our virtual future.”

What is Emotion AI ?

Emotion AI is a technology that uses artificial intelligence to analyse human data – including

What do the experts think of Emotion

Daniel Leufer, Senior Policy Analyst,

Access Now

“Emotion recognition software has been shown again and again to be unscientific, simplistic rubbish that discriminates against marginalised groups, but even if it did work, it’s not something that has any place in our society.

“Our emotional states and innermost thoughts should be free from surveillance.”

Chip

Pitts, Chair,

Advocacy for Principled Action in Government

“Large and influential Big Tech companies like Zoom now wield enormous global power and with that power comes the responsibility to respect privacy, equality and other human

“But widespread deployment by Zoom of artificial intelligence for routine “emotion recognition” would be not only factually inaccurate, misleading, and deceptive, but also discriminatory, intrusive, and downright

Erik Brynjolfsson, Stanford University Professor and Director of the

Stanford Digital Economy Lab

“Just like we can understand speech and machines can communicate in speech, we also understand and communicate with humor and other kinds of emotions.

“Machines that can speak the language of emotions are going to have better, more effective interactions with us.

“It’s just something that wasn’t an option 20 or 30 years ago and now it’s on the table.”

We all need to take time for ourselves, to find a break from the stresses of day-to-day life…and allpowerful gods are no exception.

In the initial trailer for Marvel’s highly anticipated ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’, it appears the titular Norse powerhouse is trading his iconic hammer for some much needed me time.

The teaser kicks off with Thor – played by Hollywood superstar Chris Hemsworth – announcing his retirement and setting off on a journey of self-discovery.

He said: “These hands were once used for battle, now they are just humble tools for peace.

“I need to figure out exactly who I am; I want to choose my own path, live in the moment…my superhero-ing days are over.”

And as an emotional core for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) - seeing his home world destroyed and losing countless friends and family in the heat of battle - you can’t blame the character for throwing in the towel.

home HAMMERING THE POWER OF WELLNESS

Words:

The trailer also shows Thor calmly meditating atop a cliff, training his godly physique and strengthening his connections with a few familiar intergalactic faces.

However, it seems his search for self-discovery will be cut short, with the villain Gorr the God Butcher eventually forcing the self-proclaimed ‘strongest avenger’ back onto the battlefield.

Although we can’t lift his mythical hammer, nor can we go toe to toe with some of the most powerful beings in the universe, there are a few things we can take away from Thor’s journey of self-discovery.

Improving our own wellbeing and finding time for yourself can do wonders for your mental health and what better way to seek inner peace than by following the wellness routine of a god?

Here are just a few ways you can follow in Thor’s footsteps and improve your wellbeing.

Is Marvel’s ‘strongest avenger’ taking a break from the battlefield and entering a new phase of wellness?

Jordan Millar

All Images c Disney

MIGHTY MEDITATION

A pillar in the world of wellness, people have long used meditation to help them find balance and address the negativity in their lives.

It seems that even the god of thunder himself got the memo, as he spends some time meditating on a strange alien planet.

But there’s no need to worry, you don’t need to take your wellness sessions to the stars…instead, try setting yourself up in a quiet space at home or visiting a local dedicated studio.

WORKOUT,

If there’s one thing we all know about Thor – apart from his penchant for wielding legendary weapons – it’s his pure physical power.

And while you don’t need to withstand the force of a star or have regular punching matches with intergalactic champions, taking some time to work on your fitness can be beneficial to your physical and mental health.

Even going for regular walks or adding some light exercise to your weekly schedule can have a valuable effect on your overall wellbeing.

HE’S A FRIEND FROM WORK

The long awaited ‘Love and Thunder’ trailer brings back some of Thor’s old pals, showing the hero spending time with the Guardians of the Galaxy and fan favourite Korg.

Building and strengthening your relationships can play a huge role in your mental and emotional wellbeing, helping stave off loneliness and giving you an outlet to share your experiences.

If you’re hoping to take a page from Thor’s book and elevate your wellness, it might be worth reaching out to friends and reinforcing your most important relationships.

THIS

I LIKE IT. ANOTHER!

Some of us are willing to try just about anything to lose weight, so in this story we reveal which dangerous and potentially deadly crash diets and fat burning plans to avoid.

Words: Jordan Millar

And while shaving off a few of those stubborn winter pounds can do wonders to your health and happiness, the methods people use can sometimes be…questionable.

We’ve all been there; in the mad rush to tone up you see an advert for the latest ‘revolutionary weight loss plan’ or ‘get fit quick scheme’ and you think ‘what’s the worst thing that could happen?’.

But those crash diets and dangerous workout regimes can often do more harm than good, potentially putting your body – and holiday plans – in serious jeopardy.

So, to help you achieve your ideal summer look, without putting your health at risk, we’ve highlighted some of the fitness fads that you should steer clear of.

With summer finally upon us, many are scrambling to fix their diets, squeeze in a few last minute gym sessions and get their beach bodies in check.

The Tapeworm Diet

Arguably one of the most reckless and downright dangerous fad diets around, the tapeworm method is a stomach-turning tactic for losing weight.

It was believed that, by swallowing a pill containing a tapeworm egg, you could eat whatever you wanted without packing on the pounds, as the parasite would consume the calories.

But the tapeworm wouldn’t stop there, also feeding on all the essential nutrients that your body needs to survive.

With the pills now banned and the horrifying practice being shunned by health experts, we highly recommend you don’t give this diet a try.

The Baby Food Diet

We know body builders and experts say a good diet is key for getting in shape...but we’re pretty sure they mean protein and greens and NOT baby food.

This unusual diet comes in many variations, but the general rule is that you swap out a percentage of your daily meals for baby food.

This diet can put a major strain on your body, with the severe lack of calories and nutrients being a recipe for unwanted side effects and overeating.

The

HGC Diet

A combination of extreme calorie-cutting and drugs, this weight loss fad has been included on near enough every bad diet breakdown.

On the HGC plan, you are encouraged to consume just 500 calories per day – less than 25 percent of the recommended intake for men – while using daily human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) supplements.

However, research shows that the HCG hormone doesn’t help with weight loss and experts warn that cutting your daily calories so dramatically can starve your body of essential nutrients and lead to serious health problems.

The Cotton Ball Diet

In a potentially deadly effort to cut their calories, some people have turned to eating – that’s right –cotton balls.

By flavouring the cotton balls with juice before eating, it was believed that you could calm your appetite and encourage weight loss.

However, this bizarre dieting fad also comes with fatal consequences, potentially resulting in intestinal blockages, chocking and even malnutrition.

Social Media Fitness Challenges

While not all online workout challenges spell doom for your health, there have been some extreme trends over the years that pose a threat to mental and physical wellbeing.

Whether it’s the A4 paper challenge – which asked people to measure their waists against the width of paper – or the thigh gap hashtag, there are plenty

of trends giving people unrealistic expectations about how their bodies should look.

It’s important to remember that you should lose weight and get in shape at your own pace, instead of comparing your fitness journey to other people online.

Nutrition on-the-go NORWEGIAN BONE BROTH

Words:JordanMillar

Whetheryou’reaworkoutwizardorindulgeinonetomanysecondbreakfasts, whynottryyourhandatthisgruellingnewLordoftheRingsinspiredfitnesschallenge?

Many of us dream of being fantasy heroes; of donning our armour, sheathing our swords and setting out on a grand adventure.

And while there are sadly no dragons to slay or castles to defend, that’s not to say that your hopes of embarking on a daring quest can’t become a reality.

Combining ‘fitness and fantasy’, a new Lord of the Rings themed challenge allows brave participants to swim, cycle or walk in the footsteps of Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee.

Created by The Conqueror – which hosts a selection of online walking events – this Tolkien-esque trial takes place over five stages, each inspired by the heroic hobbit duo and their mission to destroy the One Ring.

The mammoth 660-mile trek follows a virtual map from The Shire to the volcanic plains of Mount Doom, making a few iconic and fan-favourite stops along the way.

The sections of the Lord of the Rings walking challenge – and their eye-watering distancesinclude:

· The Shire - 145mi (233km)

· The Fellowship - 98mi (157km) or 680mi (1,094km) when cycling.

· Mines of Moria - 40mi (64km)

· The Eye of Sauron - 95mi (153km) or 668mi (1,075km) when cycling

· Mount Doom - 282mi (454km)

As you advance on your perilous voyage across Middle Earth, the Conqueror app tracks your progress and rewards you with unique artwork and postcards that tie into Frodo and Samwise’s own story.

Participants also earn a real-world medal for every leg of the journey they complete and – much like in the films – can create a fellowship of like-minded adventurers to join them on their quest.

Adam El-Agez, CEO of The Conqueror Virtual Challenges, said: “We are really excited about our global Lord of the Rings Virtual Challenge Series.

“Everyone loves the iconic film trilogy and we wanted to take our community on an epic adventure as they take the One Ring to Mount Doom.”

He added: “It’s a real intersection between fitness and fantasy and we’re excited to immerse the fans into the world of Middle Earth.”

Along with encouraging people to get active, the Conqueror event is also fighting to protect the planet.

The brand has promised to plant a tree or prevent 10 plastic bottles from entering the ocean every time someone completes a stage of the challenge.

It said: “So far, we have planted 5,456,937 trees and stopped 3,978,800 plastic bottles from entering the ocean…just make sure to keep exercising, imagine what we can achieve as a community.”

It costs £39.99 to take part in just one section of the challenge or £159.95 to sign-up for all five stages of the virtual event.

Everyone loves the iconic film trilogy and we wanted to take our community on an epic adventure as they take the One Ring to Mount Doom.

MEAT-FREE SUPERHUMAN FEATS

From climbing Mount Everest to pushing the boundaries of the human body, these unrivalled athletes prove veganism a diet for champions.

Words: Oliver Smith

A vegan doctor has demolished two musclemelting Guinness World Records in a testament to the power of a plant-based diet.

Chiropractor Dr. Joe DeMarco performed 15,261 push ups in eight hours and then kept going for another four hours to complete 21,008.

The 57-year-old former bodybuilder spent months training for the gruelling challenge to raise money for an animal charity. He said: “I knew this was going to

be tough and because of my age, I had a lot of people who doubted I could do it…I never had any doubts.

“If you eat healthy and exercise, you can accomplish anything; age is just a number and we only get old because we let ourselves get old.”

DeMarco used bodyweight training, cardio and breathing techniques to get in shape for his attempt, doing thousands of push-ups a week and losing more than 22 pounds in the process.

However, the US-based doctor said

it was also his diet that played an important role in achieving in his record-breaking performance.

In an interview with Plant Based News, he said: “My nutrition was a huge part of my success; I never got run down or depleted, even during days when I was training for six or seven hours.

“I knew I was all set because I eat a 100 percent plant-based diet and have always avoided junk food and don’t drink alcohol.”

DeMarco added that he didn’t eat meat because of his ‘love of animals’, but also believes his

vegan diet provided ‘tremendous’ health benefits.

The fundraising challenge took place at MAC Fitness in Gloucester, USA and was streamed on DeMarco’s ‘OrcaMed Health’ YouTube Channel.

It raised more than $7,500 for no-kill organisation Cape Ann Animal Aid, which is dedicated to facilitating the ‘appropriate placement of adoptable animals’.

DeMarco said: “I always felt that even if I didn’t reach my push-up goal, the event was still going to be a big win because of all the donations.

Looking back on his marathon session, DeMarco said he tried to minimise his breaks, going two or three hours before taking his first five-minute rest.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing, with the fitness fanatic enduring spasms, cramps, nerves and a host of bodily pain as he pushed himself to the limit.

He said: “I just tried to stay in the moment and continue to focus on each breath and each push up…I

tried not to look at the clock to see how many hours I had.”

DeMarco added that ‘it was tough’ and by the end he couldn’t even lift his arms, but confirmed that he would be right back to training after taking a few well-deserved days off.

He is now in contact with Guinness about his attempt and is eagerly waiting for his new record to be confirmed.

The current records are 14,444 push ups in eight hours and 20,085 in twelve.

“To me, it was never about the push-ups and the Guinness Record…it was about fundraising.”

PROWESS.

ROBBIE BALENGER

In the ultimate test of endurance and human perseverance, this vegan ultra-runner went head-to-head with a Tesla Model 3.

Braving scorching heat and unforgiving terrain, he jogged more than 242 miles in an attempt to outlast the car’s driving range.

The Tesla made the mammoth journey in three days before running out of charge, with Balenger covering the same distance – plus an extra 100 feet for good measure – in an impressive 77 hours.

Ahead of the race, Balenger said: “As a plantbased athlete, I have two considerations when it comes to my diet…environmentalism and performance.

“Outlasting a Tesla will be the longest single effort I have undertaken; this excites me and terrifies me all at the same time, meaning I must be onto something good.”

PRAKRITI VARSHNEY

This 26-year-old fashion and graphic designer braved an eyewatering 69km journey to become the first known Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Enduring some of the harshest conditions in the world, Varshney reached the peak after five days of climbing and trekking.

After reaching the 8,849-metre-high peak, Varshney marked her victory by taking a celebratory video of herself and some of her team.

She later shared this alongside a heartfelt social media post where she told her followers she’d made it to the highest point on the planet.

Varshney wrote: “I did it guys, I reached the top of the world…it was absolutely the way I imagined it to be, really hard and raw, but I kept telling myself to live it all along the way.

“Thank you to my sherpa, Mingma Dorje for keeping me safe – he is a superhuman manand thank you mom and dad for making me rock solid and letting me live my dreams.”

The longstanding vegan already made a name for herself as a meat-free mountaineer after she climbed Nepal’s Ama Dablam in 2021.

HERE WE HIGHLIGHT TWO MORE VEGANS WHO’VE RECENTLY FLEXED THEIR NEAR SUPERHUMAN GRIT AND PHYSICAL

Push up champion Joe DeMarco isn’t alone in his plant-powered feats, with people around the world proving you don’t need meat to achieve great things.

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THE eas

A B WELLNESS

OF

Whether you prefer yours without sugar or take it with a half-gallon of milk, if there’s one thing us Brits are famous for…it’s tea.

However, despite our penchant for brewed beverages, the UK is far from the first nation in the world to recognise the awesome power of a good cuppa.

For thousands of years people across the globe have been drinking tea and enjoying the host of health benefits that come with it.

From green to black to herbal blends, this ancient favourite is a superior alternative to just about every sugary soda and pot of coffee out there, boasting a range of flavours and holistic perks.

But what exactly are the benefits of drinking tea and which ones should you incorporate into your daily diet?

To help you navigate through the sea of different brews and blends, we’ve created this handy guide to some of the top teas out there and what they can do for your wellbeing.

There’s nothing quite like a good cup of tea…but what kind of blends should you be drinking and what can they do to improve your wellbeing?

Words: Jordan Millar

Effective at promoting digestion, soothing stomach pain and easing nausea, this herbal hero is one of the most widely used teas on the planet.

It’s even believed that peppermint tea can help relieve tension-headaches and migraines.

This long-celebrated tea has been a popular natural remedy for thousands of years, being used as an anti-inflammatory and to potentially help reduce blood pressure.

There is also limited evidence to suggest that ginger tea may have a positive impact on weight loss.

If you’re struggling to doze off and counting sheep has done little to help, it may be worth adding chamomile to your daily line-up of herbal teas.

There’s some scientific evidence to suggest that this calming concoction can be beneficial in combatting insomnia and anxiety, as well as potentially promoting better heart health.

GREEN TEA

FENNEL TEA

Arguably one of the most powerful and widely used teas in the world, green tea is praised for its natural benefits.

Not only is it high in antioxidants, but there’s also evidence that it can help improve brain function and boost fat burning.

Originating in the Mediterranean, this popular herb is believed to possess an extensive roster of health benefits, helping with everything from encouraging sleep to improving your breath.

Some studies even suggest that fennel tea can help your body fight off infections, with the herb boasting impressive antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

brew

A FUN FACTS ABOUT TEA…

IMPOSTER!

Did you know that herbal teas – unlike green, black, white and oolong teadon’t technically count as ‘true teas’ as they don’t originate from the Camelli Sinensis plant?

IT’S A MATTER OF TIME

How long you steep your tea is crucial when making the perfect brew, with some sources recommending you leave it for anywhere between one and 10 minutes depending on the type of tea.

KEEP IT TO A MINIMUM

The average cup of plain tea contains just two calories, however, that number is sure to climb if you prefer your cuppa with a few ‘heaped’ spoons of sugar.

WE HOPE YOU’RE THIRSTY

The largest cup of tea currently on record – made by Global Village Dubaisits at an eye-watering 5,000 litres.

AN AGE-OLD TRADITION

People have been drinking tea for millennia, with the popular beverage’s history dating back almost 5,000 years to ancient China.

MAKE A HOUSE A… Garden?

Words: Oliver Smith

Environmental concerns and the need to cut household costs are leading to a massive upsurge of interest in gardening.

It doesn’t matter whether you have property with a sprawling garden or live in an urban apartment… everybody is getting in on the act. Many householders say spending time in the garden or tending to indoor plants is one of the most rewarding things they can do and a huge stress reliever.

But there calls to take things even further, as a UK ‘right to grow’ movement wants residents to be allowed to plant on local disused land or communal spaces.

The UK currently imports around £11bn of fruit and veg, but it has been estimated we could reduce this by 40 percent by using available green spaces to cultivate produce.

And while we currently have no laws to compel councils and private landowners to open up available land, there are many other options to grow at home…even if you are short for space. If you have no outdoor access at all, there are now ‘growbox’ fridges which use hydroponic technology to allow you to grow herbs and plants indoors.

There are also many apps and websites that follow, track and record a variety of plant health metrics to keep you in the know when growing.

Here are some we like:

With gardening literally growing in popularity, here are some tips you could use to cultivate plants both outdoors and indoors.

Planta

This app is probably the best overall growing companion system, as it allows you to log the different species of plants you have at home.

It will keep track of the differing light intensities of your room and monitor local weather to notify you on the right times to water your plants.

Advanced settings will help more experienced growers with instructions and reminders for fertilising, repotting and pruning.

Click and Grow Smart Garden

This easy-to-use device looks like a regular windowsill plant pot and requires virtually no effort from the grower.

It comes with its own ‘smart soil’ and various plant seed capsules, with a further 40 you can choose from on the website.

The only thing a grower must do is pop a capsule into the soil, fill up the water container to the required level, plug the pot into a power supply and watch their plants grow.

Balance

Potentially the most impressive tool for athome ‘gardening’, the ‘Balance’ is a plant cultivator home appliance that is sleek and small enough to fit into any modern kitchen.

The unit comes with pull-out drawers that contain seedling and sprout cavities for plants to germinate from and grow.

Even the drawers themselves can be taken out to allow more height for taller plants, which users can swap for different produce at any time.

Grow Planner

Gaining popularity recently, this app allows you to sketch your growing space on your phone or tablet by specifying the dimensions and choosing your selected crop from their 140-plus database.

The app even allows you to plan for more than one garden, helping individuals with crop rotations so they are never empty handed of produce.

Biting back at this ‘hopeless’ health initiative

Outrage sweeps the nation as the government’s latest obesity-busting policy ‘shames people into losing weight’ and could wreak havoc for those with eating disorders.

Words: Jordan Millar

Under the scheme, restaurants, cafés and other ‘out-of-home food businesses’ with more than 250 employees are required to openly display the data for customers.

Confusingly, diners can still request a regular menu…but restaurants don’t have to provide one.

Officials claimed the move would better inform people about the food and drink they order and would go far in helping them ‘achieve and maintain a healthier weight’.

However, while the new law aims to encourage diners to make better decisions, a chorus of activists, dieticians and experts warn it could pose a major threat to the nation’s relationship with food.

They stressed that widespread calorie labelling is not only ‘detrimental’ to the estimated 1.25 million people who already suffer with eating disorders in the UK, but could also put many more at risk of developing similar conditions.

Mental health advocate Hope Virgo said: “For so many people affected by eating disorders, restaurants will become even more toxic places…I honestly can’t believe this has happened.

“Since the legislation came into force,

I have been inundated with messages from people who have so much fear… not just for themselves, but for those around them too.”

Hope co-signed an open letter calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Sajid Javid to remove calories from children’s menus immediately and to consider the consequences of widespread mandatory labelling.

The letter claimed that the new policy’s ‘psychologically damaging’ focus on calorie counting and weight goes against strategies favoured by clinicians.

It highlighted evidence that 25 percent of people who restrict their food ‘go on to develop an eating disorder’, which could add to the £11.5 billion that these unhealthy eating behaviours cost the UK every year.

The letter also said that calorie labels give very little insight into nutritional value, instead ‘introducing guilt’ and creating an ‘unhealthy preoccupation with numbers’.

These concerns have been echoed by leading eating disorder charity Beat, which stressed the public shouldn’t be ‘shamed into losing weight’.

The group added that, while it ‘recognises the importance of addressing obesity’, the new government strategy could ‘make a challenging situation harder’ for people with eating disorders.

It said: “This approach is not acceptable…it reduces people’s weight to a matter of individual choice and ignores many of the complex factors involved.

“We will continue to call on the government to take an integrated public health approach to obesity and eating disorders, as well as to consult with experts – including people with lived experience – in all campaigns and legislation.”

Eateries in the UK must now list calories on their ‘menus, food labels and online delivery platforms’ as part of a controversial new government plan to tackle obesity.

We clearly have an obesity crisis in this country, but is forcing a calorie menu count going to help?

PROS CONS

Tips for diningout

In In a bid to help those with eating disorders navigate the new government mandated calorie labelling, charity Beat has unveiled it’s ‘support for eating out’.

The guidance contains tips for people with eating disorders and for aiding loved ones as they tackle the potential stresses of dining in an out-of-home setting.

Here are just a few key points from the comprehensive advice.

Be Prepared

Planning ahead before you venture out for a meal can help alleviate some of the stress you might face.

Beat recommends considering how you will get to the restaurant, what food will be available and knowing who is going with you as just a few things that can ‘lessen anxiety on the day’.

An Appetite for Something Bigger

Remember that it’s ‘okay to eat more’ than the people you are with; we all have different appetites at different times and you may be hungrier during a particular meal.

Offer a Rest Bite

If you are dining out with someone who has an eating disorder and notice they are struggling with the experience, you may want to offer to leave the table with them and give them a break from the stress of the situation.

Consider the Conversation

Designated Dining Buddy

It may be useful to sit beside someone you can look to for support during your dining out experience and letting them know ahead of time that you may need their help.

Matching Meals

Try creating a similar feeling to a ‘shared dinner at home’ by asking a friend or family member what they might order ahead of time and opting for the same thing as them.

Keep your Mind Off the Meal

When it comes to eating out, distraction can be a great tool to help reduce anxiety and potential stress.

Whether it’s using breathing exercises, bringing along something to keep your mind busy or just enjoying the conversation, there are plenty of ways to take your mind off the meal.

Steering the conversation away from unhelpful and potentially triggering topics like calorie counting can be beneficial if you’re dining out with people who have eating disorders.

For more tips on dining out with an eating disorder, or supporting friends and family members, check out the rest of the guidance listed on the Beat website.

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VEGAN WITH A CAPTIAL

New research revealed that the UK is at the top of the international vegan rankings and is home to the plant-based hub of the world.

Words: Jordan Millar

In a surprise victory, Brighton has been crowned the ‘vegan capital of the world’ for the first time ever. The iconic seaside city beat out plant-based powerhouses like Seattle and Berlin to secure its top spot in the global rankings.

Shockingly, this is the first time that neither Portland, US nor Bristol, UK walked away with the title.

The annual scoreboard – which is determined by international food

B

magazine Chef’s Pencil - used data from Google Trends to establish which cities are leading in veganism and which are falling short in the meat-free mission.

By tracking key phrases such as ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegan restaurants near me’, the online gastro publication was able to see how ‘hot’ plant-based searches were compared to everything else that people were looking for. The data also revealed that the UK

once again dominated the rankings for ‘most popular countries for veganism’, while Germany and Austria made up the rest of the podium at second and third.

The Chef’s Pencil data showed that searches for vegan-related terms seemed to be ‘losing steam’, although plant-based food sales were on the rise.

It also questioned whether people were choosing to become flexitarians instead of vegans, highlighting that some people believe the less restrictive lifestyle could be the ‘new niche movement going mainstream’.

The research cited Carlotte Lucas of the Good Food Institute Europe, who suggested the growing popularity of flexitarianism – a semi-vegetarian diet - could signal a major change in the way we view food.

She said: “With 40 percent of European meat eaters planning to eat less meat, it’s no longer only vegans and vegetarians who are recognising that every meal is an opportunity to eat more sustainably.”

It’s only natural that the ‘vegan capital of the world’ would have a host of meat-free restaurants to choose from…and with a reported 240

vegan and vegetarian-friendly eateries, Brighton doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re a casual day tripper looking for a place to eat, or on a pilgrimage to this year’s plant-based hub of the world, here are five of the top dining spots for you to check out.

Flower Burger

Home to the ‘original rainbow vegan burger’, this popular fast-food chain – which was first started in Milan in 2015 – wraps its burgers in a host of vibrant and colourful buns.

V360

If you fancy yourself a quintessential ice-cream as you stroll the seafront, a visit to V360 and its selection of vegan treats, snacks and pea proteinbased ‘Whippy’ should be at the top of your gastro itinerary.

Happy Maki

Balancing iconic east Asian cuisine with plant-based ingredients, this vegan eatery boasts a wide menu of sushi rolls, sides, sweet treats and more.

The Gardener Café

A part of ‘The Real Junk Food Project’ this pay-as-you-feel café wants to ‘feed bellies not bins’, using food that would have otherwise gone to landfills to create plant-based meals.

Beelzebab

Based in the Hope and Ruin pub, this quirky vegan eatery offers everything from doner to hotdogs to bar snacks and sides…the perfect grub for a night out with friends.

Relationships

I love your winning Smile

...and mindful face

Scientists find that people with ‘mindful’ faces score higher for a range of positive attributes than those with ‘nonmindful’ faces.

Words: Oliver Smith

Let’s face it…mindfulness is all the rage right now.

Not only does it allow you to be intensely aware of what you sense in the moment…but it could also make you a hit with a potential new partner.

Scientists have discovered that those

who have ‘mindful’ faces are more likely to be considered ‘attractive, competent and rational.’

But if you are unlucky enough to have a 'non-mindful' face, you stand a higher chance of being regarded as ‘stressed, neurotic, and immoral’.

Researchers from Cardiff University showed pairs of faces to participants in a study and asked them which ones they considered to be more mindful.

A second group was then asked to rate all of the faces for a series of positive and negative attributes, with the ‘mindful’ faces scoring higher for being attractive, competent and rational.

Mindfulness is an increasingly popular form of meditation which aims to increase overall wellbeing by reducing anxiety, stress and depression.

Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, said it allowed us to reconnect with the sensations our bodies experience to wake up to the ‘sights, sounds, smells and tastes’ of the present moment.

He said: “It might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs.

“An awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment is also an important part of mindfulness, which is about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly.”

Published in the Royal Society Open Science, the researchers wrote: “The results suggest that how people interpret mindfulness has important consequences and can be used to guide how mindfulness is implemented in response to global challenges.”

Professor Geoffrey Haddock, from

the School of Psychology at Cardiff University said: “Based on the paper, it would not be appropriate to say that engaging in mindfulness or meditation makes one more attractive.

“We do find that a target described as being mindful is evaluated more positively than someone described as less mindful.”

Gemma Griffith, from the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University said: “This study helps us to understand what impressions people might have about mindfulness.

“It might have implications of whether or not people are likely to engage in mindfulness practice themselves.”

The results suggest that how people interpret mindfulness has important consequences...

Giving love the green light

It’s hard not to be cautious when entering a new relationship, but these often overlooked ‘green flags’ could help you know when to give the go ahead on love.

Words: Jordan Millar

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Navigating the world of dating can feel like walking through a minefield, with many of us on the lookout for red flags whenever we meet a new love connection.

However, when you’re on high alert for signs to cut your losses and call it quits, it can be easy to forget about those ‘green flags’ signaling love that’s meant to last.

In fact, some experts believe that people can be ‘immune’ to recognising a good dating experience, convinced that their relationship will sooner or later turn sour.

Sally Baker, a senior therapist and author, said: “Some people tell themselves they are open to meeting the right person, when in reality nothing is further from the truth.

“They may be saying the right things and smiling in all the right places, but they are waiting and expecting disappointment at best and betrayal at worst.”

She highlighted that these people are often holding onto so much trauma from previous heartache, that they wouldn’t believe it if the ideal partner fell into their lap.

However, by understanding the green flags of dating and ‘owning’ their own positivity, even those serial love skeptics can start to learn when they’re with the right person.

Sally said: “Just like when new relationships cause us to feel red flags, if we have the right mindset, we can recognise the green flags coming our way too.

“It’s never really about who we meet, it’s about how we think, feel about ourselves and what we believe we deserve that sets the agenda in the dating game.”

To help you build a lasting love connection and separate the good from the bad when finding that special someone, here are just a few ‘green flags’ for you to keep in mind.

YOU BOTH WANT SIMILAR THINGS

There are few things worse than entering a relationship and falling head over heels, only to learn that you and your partner have completely different ideas about your life together.

Maybe they don’t want to get married but you’ve been planning your wedding since day one, or they’re hoping for plenty of kids but you never saw yourself as a parent.

Either way, discussing these things early and seeing where your dreams align is crucial and can give a good idea as to whether a relationship is heading in the right direction.

YOU CAN TRULY BE YOURSELF

You should never feel the need to hide your true self, especially around a significant other…and if you do, then it may be time to reevaluate your relationship.

That’s not to say that you won’t have habits your partner doesn’t like or that your personalities should match completely.

But a relationship should be a space of honesty, where both your similarities and differences can be openly discussed, accepted and celebrated.

Just like when new relationships cause us to feel red flags, if we have the right mindset, we can recognise the green flags coming our way too.

THEY ACTIVELY TAKE AN INTEREST

Asking questions about your life, listening to your dreams and trying to get involved with the things you enjoy are all signs that your significant other is in it for the long-haul.

And while they don’t have to enjoy every hobby, an ideal partner should at least support your passions and foster an environment of genuine care and interest.

YOU FEEL GOOD WHEN YOU’RE WITH THEM

It may seem obvious, but too often do we forget that we’re supposed to feel good when we spend time with that special someone.

You shouldn’t feel on edge, riddled with anxiety or constantly worried that you’ve said the wrong thing…afterall, love is supposed to be happy.

If your dates are filled with awkward silences and relentless stress, then it could be time to break things off, but if you can laugh and joke together then the chances of long-term love look good.

THEY SET ASIDE TIME TO BE WITH YOU

One sign of a promising love connection is that your partner actually makes an effort to spend time with you.

That doesn’t mean that you have to spend every waking moment together, but it’s normal for new-found lovebirds to want to be in each other’s company.

If they only call you up when they have nothing better to do or for a late night ‘rendezvous’, then your relationship may not be a priority for them.

THEY TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT

The way your partner acts around other people can be a great way to judge their character, so keep a keen eye on how they treat those outside of their social circle.

It may be best to end the relationship if they are quick to anger and rude, but if they’re kind and respectful, then it’s more likely that they are a genuinely nice person.

Culture

Staying green FROM BEHIND THE SCREEN

As worries over the climate-crisis worsen, many are changing their shopping habits to help save the planet… but how do you keep your online purchases eco-friendly?

Words: Oliver Smith

But at a time when our planet seems on the brink of catastrophe… many are looking to make a different kind of saving.

From avoiding products wrapped in plastic to steering clear of fast fashion, climate conscious shoppers across the globe are stepping up to protect the environment and change the way they splurge.

However, while it can be easy to make that eco-friendly switch when visiting brick-and-mortar stores, it seems far more difficult to stay sustainable when browsing the virtual marketplace.

Figuring out where to buy online is already a challenge, with a host of unsavoury sellers and nightmarish automated customer services giving shoppers unnecessary grief.

And when you add the carbon footprint of your order and the mountains of wasteful packaging used for seemingly every product, knowing where to spend your cash only gets tougher.

So, to alleviate some of the stress and help you make guilt-free digital purchases, we’ve highlighted just a few tips for staying green from behind the screen.

BULK YOUR ORDERS

Rather than buying a number of individual products from an online store, or making the same purchase once a month, it may be wise to group together your orders instead. Not only does this reduce the fuel needed to transport your items, but can also minimise the amount of waste packaging used in some cases as well.

It may even be worth reaching out to the seller directly and asking if they can ship all of your products in the same box or bag just to be sure.

AVOID RETURNING ITEMS

In the age of free returns and trials, it can be easy to get caught in a cycle of ordering products ‘just to try them’.

But every ill-fitting pair of jeans and ‘wear-for-one-night’ dress that you send back is only causing more harm to the planet.

And with five billion pounds of online shopping returns reportedly ending up as waste every year, it’s fair to say it’s a practice best avoided where possible.

SNIFF OUT SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES

One of the easiest ways to make your digital shopping sprees more eco-friendly, is by ordering from green sellers.

However, it’s not always

easy to find an environmentally friendly alternative to what you’re looking for…and not all of us have time to do the research.

Luckily, there are handy browser extensions like Beagle Button that help people find more sustainable versions of their favourite products.

Not to mention socially conscious search engines that pledge to do everything from plant trees to clean the ocean when people use them.

MAKE IT LOCAL

We’ve all heard that one guy who brags about ‘only buying fresh produce from the local market’…well he may be onto something.

If you try to limit your online purchases to local or even national sellers, you can massively reduce the footprint of your order.

Instead of being loaded onto a plane and flown overseas, your product may not even touch the inside of a delivery van before making it to your door.

You can do this by simply adjusting the search radius when you’re browsing for new buys or checking out dedicated webpages for nearby sellers.

Whether it’s buy one get one free on household essentials or half off that new TV you’ve been eyeing up… nobody can resist a good deal.

OUTDOOR adventures

In the first edition of our brand new CANNAVIST bucket list, we are looking at five of the most exhilarating outdoor adventures in the UK.

Words: Jordan Millar

Some will spend their afternoons sandwiched into crowded beer gardens, others will pack up a blanket and hunker down at the local park… but what if you’re on the hunt for something a little more exciting?

From braving the waves on a surfing getaway to scaling sheer rock faces along the Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of thrilling activities for you to try.

So, whether you’re the classic weekend explorer, or just hoping to spice up your summer, check out our list of five UK outdoor adventures that need to be on your bucket list.

WIND SURFING

Are you ready to ditch dry land and test out your sea legs in an afternoon of extreme water sports?

If so, hitting up one of the UK’s many prime wind surfing spots should definitely be at the top of your ‘must try’ list.

From the coast of Norfolk to the popular waters surrounding Hayling Island, there are plenty of places for you to harness the breeze and ride the waves – no matter your skill level.

ZIP LINING

If you’ve ever dreamt of zipping through the sky at high speed and watching the UK landscape fall behind you, then this high-wired hobby might just be for you.

With zipping locations scattered across the country, finding your way to a wire should be easy… the hard part will be mustering up the courage to hop in the harness and give it a go.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could even head to Wales to tackle the Zip World Velocity 2, which stretches more than 1,500 metres and clocks in at over 100 miles-per-hour –making it the longest in Europe and the fastest in the world.

CLIFF DIVING

What’s the point in having miles of picturesque and steep cliffs lining the coast of the UK if we don’t face the plunge and dive off every once in a while?

Whether you jump from a modest one metre ledge or push it to the limits and leap from an eye-watering 20 metres, an afternoon spent cliff jumping is sure to get your blood pumping.

And with instructors and enthusiast groups operating across the nation, aspiring divers can learn the right techniques to safely partake in this heart-racing extreme sport.

BOULDERING

Are you looking for a way to take your weekend adventures to new heights… why not head to one of the UK’s countless bouldering spots?

Unlike rock climbing, bouldering doesn’t ask you to scale intimidating cliff faces and doesn’t require you to use any ropes or expensive equipment.

Instead, you have to use balance, strength and problem solving to successfully navigate through a climbing route.

CAVING

If you’ve had your fill of wide-open spaces and don’t suffer with crippling claustrophobia, then the world of caving may be for you.

A unique addition to our picks of bucket list-worthy outdoor adventures, caving will see you exploring complex – and often cramped – tunnels and passageways.

You can even enjoy a host of natural underground wonders, from huge echoing chambers to hidden, rarely seen waterfalls.

Disclaimer: While these activities are exciting, they can also be incredibly dangerous and shouldn’t be attempted without proper instruction and preparation.

The CANNAVIST recommends you do your own research and consult professionals before trying anything on this list.

As Stranger Things-fever sweeps the planet, we ask which cast members are fighting for veganism when they’re not battling Demogorgons.

Words: Jordan Millar

“ The most important thing to me is that I’m helping the animals and the environment…I think a lot of people do it for health reasons but I consider that a bonus.”

Fans around the world enjoyed a long-awaited dose of Eggos, 80’s paraphernalia and dimension-hopping monsters as Stranger Things returned for its fourth installment.

Millions tuned in to catch up with the Hawkins gang – and a few new faces – as they once again unravelled the deadly mysteries of the upside down. Not to mention the valiant return of David Harbour as the beloved Detective Jim Hopper, who survived certain death at the end of season three and is now trapped in a brutal Russian prison.

The latest chapter of the hit Netflix original is being released in two parts, with volume one generating a record-breaking 335 million viewing hours in just seven days.

And with volume two set to continue that hot streak, it seems the show has earned an ‘Eleven’ out of ten with fans.

As we eagerly await the second helping of Stranger Things season four, we decided to look at what some of our favourite Hawkins heroes are doing to make a difference off-screen.

Here we break down just a few of the cast members who are supporting the meat-free mission and using their platforms to push forward the vegan and vegetarian message.

Stranger Things star and Hollywood icon Milly Bobby Brown has long had a connection with the world of veganism.

Not only did she launch her own cruelty-free beauty brand at just 15-years-old, but she’s also worked alongside footwear-titan Converse to create a vegan-friendly line of shoes.

Milly said her company – florence by mills – was inspired by many hours spent in makeup chairs and avoids things like parabens, sulfates and animal testing.

In an interview with Refinery29, she said: “I’m a vegetarian and was a vegetarian going into the process…the stuff we put on our skin should be like the food we eat; good, healthy and full of nutrients and good extracts.

“I started to get into beauty and makeup myself, but realised that there wasn’t a brand that would be beneficial to my skin…so I wanted to create something for everyone, something that was clean and totally vegan.”

Joining the show in season two, Sadie Sink and her ever sarcastic character Max Mayfield have made a lasting impression on fans.

However, it was on the set of The Glass Castle –where she starred alongside veteran vegan Woody Harrelson – that Sink truly embarked on her meatfree journey.

She explained that, after spending time with Harrelson and his family, she realised switching to a plant-based lifestyle wasn’t as hard as it appeared.

Sink said: “I was really inspired, so I decided to try it and did some research – mainly by watching documentaries – and realised it was the right thing to do…it was a really good decision and I’m very happy.”

The now 20-year-old actress went ‘cold turkey’ after learning about the reality of the egg and dairy industries, with animal welfare being a main driver for her meat-free lifestyle.

She said: “The most important thing to me is that I’m helping the animals and the environment…I think a lot of people do it for health reasons but I consider that a bonus.”

This article contains spoilers for seasons two, three and four of Stranger Things.

Noah Schnapp is adding his own sustainable twist to the world of food with vegan takes on popular treats…and not even his favourite snacks are safe.

The Stranger Things actor – who plays Will Byers on the show – launched his own vegan and palm oil-free alternative to Nutella, under the brand name ‘TBH’.

Schnapp admitted he was a longtime fan of ‘that’ chocolate hazelnut spread, calling it his ‘comfort food and breakfast staple’.

However, the star said he was ‘shocked’ when he learned about the environmental impact of palm oil – which he ‘couldn’t support’ - and the amount of sugar he was putting into his body. But he also ‘refused to imagine a world without his favourite snack’ and set to work creating the TBH brand, which is inspired by ‘honesty’ and sustainability.

The 17-year-old also recently announced a team-up between his company and bakery chain Sprinkles to release a limited-edition vegan cupcake.

Former chef turned Hollywood actor Matthew Modine – who plays the seemingly sinister and mysterious Dr. Brenner in Stranger Things – has a long history with veganism.

Not only has he spent the better part of two decades as a practicing vegan, but he has also passionately promoted the plant-based lifestyle.

Modine has even featured as one of People Magazine’s ‘Sexiest Men in the Kitchen’, where he talked about some of his top recipes including a meatless meatloaf and his favourite dessert…apple pie.

He said: “Chefs have gotten so good at making healthy sinful food, I think some vegan pastries are better than those with butter and sugar.”

In the past, Modine has used his social media presence to comment on vegan and environmental issues, even warning people to ‘stop eating cows’ if they want to save the Amazon rainforest.

He has even commented on plant-based literature endorsing Eric C. Lindstrom’s book ‘The Skeptical Vegan’.

In his recommendation, he said: “If you’re skeptical about a vegan lifestyle, Eric’s witty stories and personal anecdotes will make you a true believer.”

We all need our own space to relax and recharge, but how do you turn a fixerupper house or dreary flat into a wellness-inspiring sanctuary?

Words: Oliver Smith

We’ve all heard the saying ‘make a house a home’, but between a 40-hour work week and a limited budget, it can feel almost impossible to build your own utopia.

Instead, many of us are forced to keep those renter-unfriendly magnolia walls and secondhand furniture pieces that we promised ourselves we’d replace.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to stay that way; we don’t have to let our busy day-to-day lives or tight funds stop us from building spaces that we truly love.

Increasingly tenants and homeowners are incorporating mindfulness into their decorating, boosting the look of their indoor spaces – and their own wellness – with changes as simple as a new lick of paint.

And with décor-devotees from across the globe sharing their own creative designs online, there’s now a catalogue of practical – and cheap – ideas for you to use in your own home.

Check out The CANNAVIST’s ‘Wellness in the home’ Pinterest board to see some of our favourite mindfulness boosting ideas.

“Comfort is about mind and body, so aim to create an environment where you can completely unwind.”

Colour

Incorporating colour into our interiors can impact both our emotions and allow us to express ourselves.

And while everyone’s reaction to colour is completely unique, there are certain hues and tones that are closely linked with wellness.

For instance, deep shades of blue signify success and peace while lighter blues promote calmness, making them perfect for bringing a sense of relaxation to a room.

On the other hand, adding elements of yellow – which is often connected with joy, optimism and energy – to a space can really uplift your mood, whether that’s through a feature chair or a vibrant yellow wall.

I personally love using bold colours in social spaces and incorporating calming soft colours in bedrooms and bathrooms…the key is allowing yourself to experiment and figure out what works for you.

Clutter-Free

Whether it’s purging your wardrobe or finally emptying out that jam-packed junk drawer, there’s no better feeling than decluttering a space.

I’m a huge fan of organisational guru Marie Kondoespecially her book ‘The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up’ – whose tips and advice have long stuck with me.

Like many others, I struggle to concentrate when there’s too much mess, so making the most of storage solutions and giving things a home is massively important to me.

To keep your home looking neat and clutter-free, I recommend using things like tall shelving units and hidden storage in beds or footstools.

To learn more about transforming a house into a wellness sanctuary, we sat down with Alice Clarke of CGI interior design company Orbital Vision.

Here she highlights some of the key tenets homebuilders should consider when decorating their space.

Comfort

After the pandemic sentenced millions – if not billions – of people to two years indoors, many of our homes started to feel more like prisons.

Suddenly there was a huge uptick in comfort, with an increased demand for pillow-edged sofas, cloud couches and slouchy shapes …cloud couches are incredible by the way.

Many of us want to both relax and work in our space, meaning that our homes need to be comfortable and practical.

Comfort is about mind and body, so aim to create an environment where you can completely unwind.

Aesthetic comforts can also be incorporated through soft textures like cushions, throws or pouffes, or with hard furnishings such as tables, mirrors, and vases.

Lighting

Millions of people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with the lack of daylight during those dreary and dark winter months having a major hit on the nation’s mood.

Natural light creates a balanced and calming environment, improving overall wellness by boosting productivity, alertness and even our vitamin D levels.

To brighten up your home and make the most of the inconsistent British sunshine, try using linen curtains.

Incorporating lighter fabrics and furniture pieces can also help to keep a space bright and airy.

If your home doesn’t get much natural light, it may also be a good idea to invest in a sunrise alarm clock, which is perfect for bringing a burst of light to those dark rooms.

Biophilic Design

Biophilia is the idea that humans tend to seek connections with nature and other forms of life…think houseplants and pets.

Adding some greenery to your home - whether in relaxation and social spaces or in a dedicated office –allows us to satisfy that need to be amongst nature.

Many of us spend huge amounts of time indoors, so it’s important to incorporate as many plants as you can.

Not to mention that infusing our homes with nature links back to colour theory, with green representing positivity and growth.

Some of my favourite cheap and lower-maintenance plants include snake plants - mine has been with me for three years and counting - spider plants and cacti.

Alice Clarke: From interior designers to retailers and manufacturers, Alice and the Orbital Vision team create digital marketing assets for the furniture and interiors industry. Alice has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and is currently completing a diploma in Interior Design. She has always loved the world of art and interiors - hence her strong design background, which she uses alongside her organisation and problem-solving skills, in her role within the world of furniture.

GREEN COURSE SAVE E ARTH? Will this new

A new green-powered GCSE, which teaches students how to conserve the planet, has divided the nation.

Words: Jordan Millar

However, questions are being asked whether it is a genuine attempt to modernise the curriculum or just another soft subject designed to promote the green agenda.

The Natural History qualification comes after widespread campaigning for improved environmental education and is set to help students ‘gain a deeper knowledge’ of the world around them. And while the full syllabus has not been released, it promises to give young people the skills to pursue careers in the green sector, educating them in wildlife conservation, fieldwork and ‘sustainability issues’.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has praised the GCSE, highlighting that, although Britain is a ‘nation of nature lovers’, it’s also one of the most naturedepleted countries on the planet.

She said: “We owe it to young people to teach them about the riches of the world…so they can understand the scale of the loss we’re living through and be equipped with the necessary tools to reverse it.”

Bear Grylls, adventurer and TV personality, added that the course – which will launch in 2025 – would ‘inspire so many young people’ and is a ‘brilliant addition to the learning they

receive on climate education’. However, while the environmental community has marked the Natural History qualification as a major victory for the planet…others aren’t quite so convinced.

Writer Ross Clark, claimed that the course offered nothing to students that they don’t already learn through the existing curriculum, accusing it of diverting young people away from subjects that would ‘gain them access to the best universities’.

In a column for The Spectator, he wrote: “Whereas biology and geography are neutral subjects dedicated simply to understanding the world…the proposed natural history curriculum looks set to merge genuine study with green propaganda.

“We already have a generation of children traumatised into thinking that humans, if not the entire natural world, is doomed by climate change.”

Clark added: “This GCSE is the latest manifestation of the old Marxist trick of trying to advance your politics by drumming them into the impressionable young.”

While debates continue to rage on over the controversial GCSE, thousands have taken to social media to offer their opinion on the green curriculum.

Climate activists, celebrities and green-thinking politicians erupted into a virtual roar of celebration, at the announcement of a new nature-focused GCSE.

Anti Pro

“What a load of old rhubarb.”

Mike Grama | @Iromg

“Climate change GCSE?! What about a course that teaches young people financial literacy…wouldn’t that make a bit of sense?”

Nick Ferrari | @NickFerrariLBC

“Though a GCSE directly covering the relationship between humanity and the Earth is good, it's not what students need.

“Students need Climate Education woven into every subject. Not siloed into yet another subject that not all schools will deliver and not all students will choose.”

Teach the future @_TeachtheFuture

“A GCSE in natural history won’t be about educating children, but about training the next generation of green activists.”

Ross Clark | @RossjournoClark

“A positive step in the right direction. Well done to everyone who has campaigned so hard to make this a reality. This really is great news for the next generation.”

Julie Doherty | @juliedoh

“This GCSE is a great start and will engender a deeper understanding and love for the natural world, allowing pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.”

The Wildlife Trusts | @WildlifeTrusts

“I’ve been a keen supporter of this new Natural History GCSE – it will kindle a love of nature and an understanding which will help us restore biodiversity which is critical to tackling climate change and it will equip students for the many green jobs and skills we need.”

Rebecca Pow | @pow_rebecca

“I’m pleased to see growing focus on education around climate change for young people. Let’s continue to look for ways to speed and scale up the national green transition by making this kind of information accessible for individuals and communities.”

Emily Cox | @LBGAmbNorth

“So excited! Huge respect to fab curlewcalls whose tireless work made this happen - such a privilege to work with her. So many meetings & much lobbying! But now young people will learn more about natural world & be better equipped to restore it.”

Caroline Lucas | @CarolineLucas

Looking for a new way to enjoy nature, why not take a peek at our list of magnificent – and challenging – walking trails from around the world?

Words:

Oliver Smith

From the rich, flourishing forests of the US to the snow-capped mountains of Europe, the world is bursting with aweinspiring natural beauty.

And what better way to take in the sights and enjoy those sweeping and vibrant landscapes than with a relaxing hike?

Walking along some of the most stunning trails on earth can not only do wonders for your physical health, but it also gives you a prime view of the most gorgeous spaces on the planet.

Not to mention, that being amongst nature can do a world of good for your mental health as well, making you feel calmer and potentially triggering the release of feel-good hormones.

So, whether you’re a hiking hero or an excited new rookie, why not try slowing down and taking in the wonders of the planet at a walking pace?

To help you get started, we’ve highlighted some of the most extreme and impressive trails from across the globe for you to throw on your boots, grab your backpack and try to conquer.

NORTH AMERICA

Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming

Boasting tranquil lakes, fields of wildflowers and a host of breathtaking wildlife, this 40-mile stretch of American wilderness is a must-see for any experienced hiker.

It’s recommended that you set aside 3-5 days to tackle this scenic walking goliath and with so much to see and so many side-trails to explore, we’re more than certain you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

SOUTH AMERICA

Santa Cruz Trek, Peru

Another challenging but spectacular hiking trail, the Santa Cruz is a three-day trek through the Cordillera Blanca region of the Andes. This dynamic trail will take you past crisp blue glacial lakes, rocky valleys and imposing mountain peaks, with your highest elevation hitting more than 15,600 feet…we hope you don’t mind heights.

EUROPE

Jungfrau, Switzerland

Situated in the Alps - one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world - the Jungfrau sits as a beacon and a challenge to hikers around the world. The Alpine trek has a variety of routes, each of them varying in difficulty, duration and distance.

Not to mention that Jungfrau was reportedly part of the real-world inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle Earth, helping in the creation of iconic Lord of the Rings landmarks like Rivendell.

AFRICA

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Gates to Hell’, this scorching salt desert is definitely not for the faint hearted. As one of the hottest places on the planet, the Danakil Depression is home to the famous Erte Ale Volcano and one of just a few living lava lakes.

OCEANIA

Bouddi National Park, Australia

Sitting on the central coast of New South Wales, this unbeatable walking trail is arguably one of the best in Australia.

While it’s sadly one of the shortest on this list, Bouddi National Park’s beaches, bays and seemingly endless ocean views more than make up it.

Not to mention that, if you’re lucky, you may just see migrating whales from the comfort of the Gerrin Point Lookout.

ASIA

Limi Valley Trek, Nepal

This ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route boasts not only natural beauty, but also gives hikers a look at rarely seen local culture.

Against a striking mountainous backdrop, you can observe long surviving flora as well as wild horses, Himalayan bears, mountain eagles and a host of other wildlife.

Our first-ever Green Screenings was a colossal success, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the talented filmmakers who submitted their movies.

picked selection of short films gave an intimate look at everything from environmental consciousness to emotional turmoil.

Our virtual audience enjoyed stories by directors from around the world, with creators in Australia, the US and

more putting forward their films to be part of our inaugural festival.

Even though we were inundated with submissions, we sadly couldn’t feature every short movie; these are the six stand-out entries that were deservingly featured at the Green Screenings event.

Musician Jay deals with anxiety, online abuse and self-loathing while struggling to create a

internal conflict begin to appear and try to over-

The Unofficial Documentary

– Daniel Smedile

A satirical look at the celebrity documentaries that have saturated TV schedules and the home pages of our streaming services, Daniel Smedile

humble beginnings to his journey as a creative, hitting all the beats of those star-studded on-

A stop-motion animated short film about an adventurer stranded in the snow that gives a unlikely companion who, in her state of intoxica-

Against an ever-familiar backdrop, Springbound explores the nuances of connection and loneli-

Middle-aged Otto lives a monotonous life and as he struggles with loneliness and suffers from depression, he also seems to bury his true identity.

Iron Closet begins in the aftermath of Otto’s existential crisis, when he has already ended his own

Follow Otto on a journey through his afterlife… will he finally embrace his repressed true self in

Sent deep into the future to determine the extent of climate change, a man finds the situation exponentially worse.

Now he fights for his survival, for the survival of his family and the survival of Earth.

Not to worry if you missed our completely virtual film festival, as the short movies are still available to watch via ‘The CANNAVIST’ YouTube channel.

canFindingthetimetogetaway beanightmare,sowhy notaddsomeflavourtoyour onemuch-neededholidaywith ofthesequirkyAirbnbs?

We all deserve a break every now and then, but why not ditch the typical four-wall hotel room and kick your feet up somewhere a little more exciting?

The rise of apps like Airbnb means there’s no shortage of unique spots for you and your family to spend your holidays.

So, whether you’re looking for a renovated caravan or want to spend your vacation living in a treehouse paradise, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

And with more than four million hosts across the globe, travellers are now well and truly spoilt for choice no matter where they’re heading.

To give you an idea of just how many wild and wacky stays are up for grabs, we picked out our eight favourite unusual Airbnb’s in the UK.

YURT

BRIDGE OF EARN, PERTHSHIRE

Located in a picturesque farmhouse garden, this holiday spot is ideal for people in desperate need for a country getaway.

The yurt is beautifully designed, incorporating vibrant coloured cushions, a roaring wood stove and boho accents throughout.

Not to mention that this unique self-catered stay is just 45 minutes away from Edinburgh and an hour from Glasgow, so there’s plenty of options for you to head out on a city day trip.

THE FARLEY HANGER

BRAISHFIELD HAMPSHIRE

Are you an aviation enthusiast looking to incorporate your passion for planes into your holiday home?

If so, this renovated hangar may just be the perfect vacation spot for you, being situated on a private airstrip in the Hampshire countryside.

This stunning getaway features reclaimed wood and brass throughout and boasts all the modern appliances you’ll need for a relaxing stay.

THE SILO

SARN POWYS

This converted grain silo is one of the rarest and most dynamic holiday spaces available in the UK.

You’ll be greeted with a rustic and authentic exterior which is quickly replaced with modern and minimalistic decor as soon as you step through the door.

And with plenty of walking options, a breath-taking view of the valley and an onsite fire pit, this is the ideal local for people who want a one-of-a-kind stay.

TRICKERS MILL

WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK

This five-storey windmill has everything you need for the perfect romantic getaway with that special someone.

From the gorgeous spiral staircase to the striking wooden beams, this Airbnb offers a unique experience for those sweetheart travellers.

You can even climb to the top of this towering windmill for unbeatable views of the surrounding country topography.

BOATEL

MACHYNLLETH POWYS

Love the thought of spending the night on the ocean, but not quite mastered your sea legs? This Airbnb may just be the perfect option for you.

Don’t be mistaken, the Boatel certainly doesn’t offer the comfort and quality of an evening at Caesar’s Palace, but it has the charm and quirk to make up for it.

Perfect for nautical enthusiasts or people looking for some much-needed peace, this overturned boat is definitely a stay to throw on your bucket list.

HOBBIT HIDEAWAY

MORAY

SPEYSIDE Always fancied yourself a hobbit, or just want to know what it feels like to spend some time in Middle Earth?

Either way, this Tolkien-esque stay is the perfect destination for Lord of the Rings fans or those who just want a break from the pressures of modern living.

The Hideaway hut can accommodate up to six people and offers mountain views, a magical oval skylight and plenty of chances to reconnect with nature.

AIRSHIP 2

DRIMNIN THE HIGHLANDS

Looking as though it was pulled straight from outer space, the AirShip 2 lets travellers add a little sci-fi to their secluded Scottish retreat.

The strong metallic shell of the Airbnb houses a cosy and welcoming interior that, when paired with incredible views of the nearby water, makes for a great space to unwind.

And the fantastic dragonfly-style window allows the auburn morning sun to pour in on you and gently wake you up for a day of exploring and relaxation.

TREEHOUSE RETREAT

ELHAM KENT

If you’re looking to reclaim a little bit of childhood wonder, then why not spend your holiday suspended 20 feet in the air?

This Treehouse Retreat offers you the chance to do just that, with this rare vacation spot allowing you to get about as close to nature as possible.

The structure is made of entirely recycled timbers and is the perfect space for couples to enjoy a romantic weekend away…and above.

Business Corner

NEWS round up

Sit back and relax as we highlight some of the hottest international cannabis stories to make headlines in the past few months.

Words: Oliver Smith

R-E-S-P-HHC… FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO ME!

A TURNING POINT FOR US CANNABIS?

There’s growing optimism that cannabis could finally be legalised across the states after policymakers passed a ground-breaking new bill.

This is only the second time that the US House of Representatives has approved legislation to legalise cannabis at a federal level.

The bill is a near identical copy of its predecessor – the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE) – which previously fell short when it reached Senate.

Republican Jerry Nadler, who created the original MORE Act, stressed the move is ‘long overdue’, saying it would ‘reverse decades of failed federal policies’ on the criminalisation of cannabis.

He said: “For far too long, we have treated marijuana as a criminal justice problem, instead of as a matter of personal choice and public health.”

While politicians on both sides of America’s political divide have backed the pro-cannabis legislation, US President Joe Biden and his administration have yet to comment.

It seems as though a new cannabinoid rockets into popularity in the US every couple of months… but few have confused and challenged the public quite like HHC.

To help clear the fog and clue in all those marijuana-enthusiasts, we’ve answered some of the most pressing questions about the latest rising star in the world of cannabis.

What exactly is it?

HHC – or hexahydrocannabinol for all you science boffins – is a complicated cannabinoid that’s still largely a mystery to the public as it is so sparsely available.

This is because experts have to follow an intricate and sophisticated process to draw the trace amounts of naturallyoccurring HHC out of hemp plants.

Does it offer the same high?

While few have yet to try HHC, those who have reported a similar high to that of THC, with the cannabinoid stirring feelings of euphoria, an increased heart rate and a rise in body temperature.

A MAJOR MILESTONE

FOR CBD

The UK has become the first country in the world with a fully regulated CBD market after the Food Standards Agency finally released its selection of approved goods.

After more than a year of back and forth, the list outlines every CBD product that can be sold in the UK.

It works in conjunction with the EU’s Novel Foods regulation – which permitted the limited use of CBD extracts three years ago – creating an additional step before brands can gain market approval.

Emily Miles, Chief Executive Officer for the FSA said: “We wanted to publish the list so local authorities, retailers and consumers can make informed judgements about what they stock.”

The list has earned the support of some cannabis advocates, with Association for the Cannabinoids Industry (ACI) founder Steve Moore saying it ‘represents a major milestone’ for the nation’s CBD category.

He said: “It demonstrates the progress the sector has made to meet compliance requirements, creating greater regulatory certainty to increase levels of consumer trust, encourage investment and promote innovation.”

How potent is HHC?

Despite sharing many similarities with traditional THC, it’s estimated that HHC is just 80 percent as potent.

Is HHC legal in the UK?

Under the nation’s current regulations on cannabinoids, HHC is not approved for sale in the UK.

SCI-FI HIGH

The cannabis industry is growing increasingly digital, with US-company Kandy Girl setting up shop in the Metaverse.

Sounding like something plucked straight from a sci-fi movie, the brand purchased a plot of ‘cyber land’ for 3,850 MANA – a popular cryptocurrency –which was valued at an eye-watering $13,282 at the time of buying.

Shoppers can browse the digital dispensary, which is kitted out with a party rooftop, clothing store and NFT gallery, but will be redirected to the Kandy Girl site if they want to make a purchase.

The brand has since collaborated with cannabis-themed cryptocurrency Reefer Token to bring discounts to their metaverse shoppers.

THE GREEN TO CBD rush

Science-led brand Botanical Factory told us why CBD is a ‘force for good in the modern world’ and how it plans to reach the top spot in the industry.

Words: Jordan Millar

With the power of CBD – and the science to back it – the Botanical Factory has set out on a mission to change people’s lives.

Through education, transparency and a growing product list, the brand wants to ‘benefit minds, bodys and souls’.

We spoke to Botanical’s PR Manager David Gilbank to hear about the company’s journey so far and how it plans to continue its cannabis-fuelled mission.

What is Botanical Factory all about; what does it offer the public and what is the brand message and ethos?

There’s been this sort of green rush – not gold rush – in terms of the popularity of CBD over the past 10 years with the advent of softening legalisation.

However, in rushing to get in on it, I think a lot if companies have lost their way.

But we’re very much about reinforcing the natural, holistic and healing properties of CBD and using the very best products.

As you’ve said, there’s been this wave of people setting up shop in the burgeoning CBD market, so how do you get yourselves apart from the masses?

Beginning at the farms, we’re very transparent in every element of the manufacturing process and we only use the highest concentration of CBD.

Not to mention that we use MCT as a carrier oil to ensure the cannabidiol isn’t broken down and wasted in your gut.

In short, we are getting as much as we possibly can out of every step to make sure we get the best product to the end user.

Despite growing international acceptance of CBD products, there are still many who are unsure of the industry…what are you doing to ease this sceptisism?

Without fast-forwarding and actually seeing the benefits, how do you know you’re getting the right stuff when you buy CBD.

With us you can, because right from the plant in the soil we’re transparent, we provide a trail of breadcrumbs along the product journey that a lot of other people don’t supply.

How crucial is education around CBD for the Botanical Factory brand and how do you think open and honest information ties into the acceptance of the industry?

Whether you’re a new or experienced CBD user, I think we are all by and large aware of the benefits.

On our website, you can see those benefits are actually broken down…there’s a science-based analysis to everything we do.

What is Botanical Factory’s position on the market today and where does it want to be in the near future?

We’re not number one but, when it comes down to it, we are believers; we believe in the product and in CBD as a force for good in the modern world.

But we’re not blindly passionate, we have the science, we have the stuff behind it in terms of the manufacturing and I believe we can prove we have the best product.

Where did the name ‘Botanical Factory’ come from, what inspired this as your brand identity?

Cannabis has been part of the culture for thousands of years, there’s records of it from a millennia ago…it’s a part of human history.

We’re a factory, we manufacture and create…and I love that juxtaposition between botany – which is all about nature – and the factory – which is all about science.

Done right, the CBD sector can be massively profitable. But when you look beyond the financial reward, what is the biggest take away from the industry?

We’re doing right by people; we’re helping them with their health, with their nutrition and helping them lead better lives.

That’s what CBD is about and I think that’s the driving force…it’s very much about making a difference.

There are a number of new Botanical Factory products on the way, can you give us any insight on what these will be?

We’re casting a wide net down the line and will be releasing things like edibles, gummies, eye creams, beauty creams and even tea in the future.

What would you say to those people who don’t use CBD yet –either because they don’t trust the industry or don’t know about the products – to try and get them on side?

Check the science and be open-minded; it’s not just a guess and a drop of luck, there is actual research out there to say what the benefits are.

A lot of people are very closed-minded, but you should push the door a little and see what happens.

It might not be for you, but there’s hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of people who are enjoying it and they can’t all be wrong.

COMPANY Spotlight: HEMPSTRO

After solidifying themselves as one of the go to CBD businesses in the UK, Hempstro are setting their sights on a more eco-conscious future.

Words: Oliver Smith

Hempstro has a very interesting take on the whole issue of wellness and one which will resonate with many.

The company says: “Wellness isn’t just about us — it’s about living in a healthy way both within ourselves and in our relationship with the planet that’s our home.”

This is why Hempstro focuses on products that not only promote inner wellness, but it is also key that the production process uses techniques that are environmentally friendly.

Company director Bapander Singh is passionate about the wonders of cannabis and is a strong advocate for the plant, calling for a revisited look at the laws that the United Kingdom has had in place since the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.

He says having a regulated and taxed cannabis market would move it out of the hands of criminals, control the measurements of THC and remove the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids.

When starting out Hempstro, Bapander was keen on the company having a focus on environmental factors to keep its carbon output to a minimum.

The company only uses naturally-grown and 100 percent organic materials for everything from hemp and CBD products to the bamboo used for its reusable straws.

Hempstro’s flagship products are its CBD POD range, which was introduced because the team wanted to offer vaping to consumers, as it is the fastest way for people to consume cannabinoids.

After great success, Hempstro has since released the POD Vibe - packed with 500mg of CBD and flavoured with natural terpenes - which makes this new product a pleasure for vapers looking to add CBD to their routine.

When looking at packaging options, Hempstro wanted to be as sustainable as possible by using hemp instead of single use plastics.

The CBD vape pods are packed in reusable metal tins rather than cardboard packaging which gets thrown out.

Hempstro has recently incorporated a carbon neutral credit system - introduced by the UN - to receive benefits when the team offsets any carbon they produce.

For Hempstro, business is done mainly in their dispensaries and shops across the country, assisting all customers by talking to them about their aches and pains and what products could help.

Bapander told The CANNAVIST that ‘it’s all about the education’ when talking to people looking to use CBD for the first time and trying to get the best results for that individual.

And education is key, as the staff at Hempstro have been highly trained to help explain the endocannabinoid system and teach customers about their body and how CBD supports us.

Bapander also stressed the importance of ensuring all his staff are well-versed in regulations surrounding the sale of CBD products, so that they can give the very best information to customers.

Hempstro has even set up a Facebook group where customers can chat to fellow consumers about all things related to hemp, CBD, health and wellbeing.

Cannavist on Tour

CANNAVIST On TOUR

ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS EXPO

Fort Lauderdale. March 11-13, 2022

With booths sold out months in advance and thousands of attendees coming in from all over the US, this edition of Alt Pro Expo was an overwhelming success.

GROUND ZERO FOR TODAY’S INNOVATORS

The alternative industry is one of the fastest growing markets and is an open window for innovators in all sectors; whether wellness, cooking or even pet care.

But with many of these innovators seeking investors, the question now is, how do you bring together such a large and diverse industry under one roof?

That’s where Alternative Products Expo Fort Lauderdale set the bar.

A LIVE MARKETPLACE EXPERIENCE

The Alt Pro Expo Fort Lauderdale event - presented by 3Chi – featured an extensive exhibitors list, boasting names like Trinity Hemp, Valhalla, Laughing Buddha and many more.

As it strives to in all of its events, this leading show provided a highly dynamic space that played the catalyst to countless potential business connections.

Attendees, whether regular buyers or investors, had the chance to meet in person with hundreds of up-andcoming – as well as long-established - brand owners.

The event also provided a safe environment for visitors to sample products and make a more educated decision on whether it would be the right step for them.

CBD, Delta 8, Kratom, vapes, functional beverages, dietary supplements and mushrooms were just some of the many products available throughout the show.

A WORD FROM THE CO-FOUNDER

Jason Monti, Co-founder of Alternative Products Expo, said: “It’s important that we as a community lift each other up.

“Whether it’s consumers buying their favorite brand’s products, or investors shaking hands with small business owners looking to catapult their brands.

“We wanted to create a space where that’s not only possible, but also, an enjoyable experience.”

Alt Pro Expo is a globe-trotting event that recently touched down in Medellín, Colombia and is heading to Tampa, Florida between November 10-12 before returning to Fort Lauderdale in 2023.

CANNAVIST On TOUR

PLANT MEDICINE WEEK, Malta

VOICES FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICAL CANNABIS AND PSYCHEDELICS RECENTLY GATHERED IN MALTA FOR PLANT MEDICINE WEEK…HERE ARE JUST A FEW HIGHLIGHTS.

That’s the question Malta is trying to answer — and the results so far are looking pretty good.

In early-April, Malta hosted Plant Medicine Week, a gathering of leaders from the medical cannabis and psychedelic medicine industries.

The event took place from April 5-8 at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta, which is surrounded by spectacular architecture and the winding Maltese streets.

Inside the venue was the kind of top-quality conference that would make you think of some other long-established industries, not ‘alternative’ ones like cannabis or psychedelics.

With slick exhibition booths, expert panels on relevant industry topics and leaders in science and research, attendees were treated to a diverse look at the latest advances from the medical cannabis and psychedelics industries.

The line-ups of experts offered the audience a full range of industry topics, covering medical, legislation, business, regulatory, education and research.

Panels ranged from ‘Financing the European Cannabis Industry’ to ‘The Integration of Psychedelic Medicine into Mainstream Healthcare’.

And the expansive list of speakers – including names like Awakn Life Sciences’ Prof. David Nutt and Prof. Seracino Inglott of the Malta Medicine Authority - gave visitors an expert insight into a range of sectors.

The event was also backed by a host of forward-thinking sponsors, with brands like Mindbio Therapeutics and Zen Pharm helping uplift this internationally reaching show.

Not to mention cannabis brand Juicy Fields, which went the extra mile and hosted the closing afterparty in downtown Valletta.

Speaking on the future of Malta as a leader in these new industries, Microdose chair Richard Skaife said it has ‘shown itself to be an island of innovation and creation’.

Nicholas Spiteri of The MedCann World Forum added:

CAN A SMALL MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND NATION BECOME A HUB FOR THE BURGEONING PLANT MEDICINE INDUSTRY?

THE CBD SHOW / NATURAL PRODUCTS SHOW

APRIL 22-23, OLYMPIA LONDON

Words: Carrie Strouther

Spending a weekend in the heart of London is the perfect getaway, especially when you get to connect with old friends and new at The CBD Show.

This two-day event at Olympia London had more than 150 CBD brands exhibiting, so there was something for everyone.

Whether you were looking for a manufacturer, a white label specialist, some help with branding or just wanting to upgrade your current CBD stash, The CBD Show had all this and more.

The first day was dedicated to trade and was the perfect opportunity to make new connections with people across the industry.

The show was a great place for brands to meet with buyers and some of the big-name retailers in attendance included Boots, Harrods, Amazon and Marks and Spencer.

It was also good to see representatives from the National Health Service at the show.

Saturday was dedicated to consumers. It was lovely to see so many people taking in the sights of the Olympia London and the brands on offer to them. Some stands had delicious tasters available and visitors took full advantage of what was on offer.

Our team enjoyed trying an eclectic selection of CBD goodies, including a delicious soft drink from Little Rick and scrumptious gummies from Good 4 You CBD.

I particularly liked the interactive element of the CBPlus stand which featured a ‘one minute challenge’ where participants used a cross-trainer bike for 60 seconds. The person who lost the most calories won a gift bag filled with CBPlus goodies.

ROOR Papers allowed visitors to spin a wheel to win

a freebie…I loved this and it reminded me of a 90s TV game show.

There was so much to do, see and experience, that I wondered how I would fit everything into the two days.

On the first day, I was able to catch the Drug Science talk on ‘The Truth About Drugs’ which explored the use of medical cannabis and the conditions it is used to treat.

Towards the end of the event, I was able to catch the women’s panel, which explored the use of novel technology, new grassroots initiatives in the CBD industry and the role women play in the sector.

After a two-year event break, it was nice to reunite with some old friends and meet new brands who are shaking up the industry.

I was able to put faces to names I had only connected with via email or on social media. It was particularly good to meet the wonderful husband and wife team behind Happy Hemper CBD and the northern duo who make up Canax (formerly Mummy Gummies).

The CBD Show wasn’t the only event happening at the Olympia London that weekend.

The team also hosted The Natural Products Show, a show dedicated to products, brands and services that pride themselves on being natural and good for the planet.

From weekly flower delivery to meal prep and all-natural skincare, the show had something for everyone and blended well with the CBD brands on offer.

One brand which stood out for me was Meetini which handed out samples of their organic and ethically-sourced cocktails (and mocktails) in edible cups!

Although sceptical at first, the cup was surprisingly tasty, just like an ice cream cone.

Reviews

DON’T MISS

Dr. Kinsella CBD Skin range

HAPPY HEMPER CBD SUBSCRIPTION BOX

Words: Oliver Smith

I’m sure we’ve all been there; you head into the bathroom, grab your favourite bottle of CBD face cream, open it up and… empty.

Once again, you haven’t replenished your stock of CBD products and your daily routine is thrown out of whack.

I’m happy to admit that, whether I’ve been too busy with work or just plain forgot, I’ve been a culprit of this myself…but there may just be a solution.

The Happy Hemper Subscription Box is a brilliant way to keep your CBD supply topped up, not only sending you a fresh package every month, but also introducing you to a host of new, high-quality products.

Not to mention that it eliminates a lot of the stress for CBD newbies who don’t know which products to go for.

The first product I pulled out of the subscription box was the Green Stem CBD hand cream, packed with 100mg of CBD and three essential oils, sandalwood, lavender and jasmine.

The second was the 99.7 percent pure CBD lip balm from Honest Hemp, made with a firm candelilla wax and shea butter base that left my lips feeling smooth and moisturised.

My personal favourite were the CBD gummies from Orange County, which came in packs of 12 and boasted 17mg of CBD per gummy, perfect to take out on the go.

The final product in my subscription box were the Vitality CBD Infused Bath Salts, which made for a very calming and

rejuvenating Friday night.

After enjoying a soak in the bath for 30 minutes my body felt so relaxed, at ease and ready for bed.

I’d recommend the Happy Hemper

DO NOT AGE COLLECTION

Words: Oliver Smith

When this selection of products from Do Not Age hit my desk, I was quite taken aback.

Normally I’d be writing about the wonders of CBD, or reviewing the latest offerings from the world of veganism, but this was a whole new ball game…I have to admit, I was excited.

The packaging was boldly simple, boasting a clean and professional edge that matched the sleek identity of the brand.

And after dipping my toe into the power behind the products with a quick trip to Do Not Age’s easy to navigate website, I was off.

The first capsule pot I looked at was the Pure Hyaluronic Acid and though I wasn’t entirely familiar, I recognised the name from the labels of beauty products.

After I started using this product – which Do Not Age says can help with brain health and anti-aging - I noticed an overall improvement in my skin, with not a dry flake in sight.

The second product I looked at was the Pure TMG, which is supposed to be taken alongside the Pure NMN capsules.

As a runner, it was actually the Pure NMN that impressed me the most, with a noticeable improvement in my performance after I started taking the supplement.

I’m not sure if this was down to the product itself, but it was certainly nice to enjoy that extra boost either way.

But in the end, it was the Pure Berberine that left a lasting impression on me, with the product offering an unexpected visual change.

After looking at a sea of white supplements, it was a surprise to be met with a pack of bold yellow capsules.

I’m aware that the Do Not Age collection doesn’t end with these four products – with the brand even offering blue light glasses – and I would certainly be intrigued to see what the rest of the line has to offer.

Your muscles are the glue that keeps the pillars of your body together: so it’s pretty important to keep them topped up with energy, and to reduce the stress they face, as often as possible.

This helps us create the perfect formula to apply along those sore spots around your body, following a tough work-out, sports game, or for those pains that emanate after a hard day’s work. Wisp CBD Muscle cream is our number one selling topical.

Our CBD Muscle Cream targets specific areas, pulled or sore muscles, back pain, knots and helps repair damaged or dry skin. It’s completely absorbed into the skin in seconds, and begins to relieve pain as soon as it enters the body.

DR. KINSELLA SKIN: FACE CREAM, EYE SERUM AND GLOW OIL

Words: Carrie Strouther

There are seemingly thousands of skincare brands that have come and gone over the years, but new kid on the block, Dr. Kinsella Skin, looks like it’s here to stay.

With a leading aesthetics expert at the helm and a wealth of proven and powerful ingredients mixed in for good measure, this pioneering brand may have just changed my skincare routine for the better.

Using his 15 years of expertise, Dr. Martin Kinsella has released three new products, his rejuvenating face cream, eye cream and game-changing glow oil…and I have to say, I was impressed.

FACE CREAM

First things first, we have to talk about looks.

I have to say I love how simple and slick the packaging is for these products; a clean white background accented with gold tops and black text…perfect.

And when I opened the cream itself, I was pleasantly surprised by the refreshing and gentle scent.

As someone who suffers with an oily t-zone, I’m always a little sceptical before using new skin products, but all my worries washed away when I applied Dr. Kinsella’s face cream.

Not to mention that my face has felt more hydrated every day since applying this super lightweight cream.

EYE SERUM

I’ll admit, I was a complete eye serum novice before trying this product; I’d considered using them before but could never fully commit.

However, after trying the Dr. Kinsella eye serum, I’m happy to confirm that I’m a true convert.

Not only is it super lightweight – just like the face cream – but a little goes a long way with this serum, only needing one pump for both eyes.

GLOW OIL

Even after the first use of this divine oil, I felt that I had regained that outer glow that I’d lost after neglecting my skincare regime over a busy few weeks.

Applying the oil worked best for me at night, helping to brighten my skin and giving me a relaxing end-ofday boost.

GOOD4YOU CBD

Words: Oliver Smith

I’m always delighted when I have the opportunity to review a CBD product, especially when the company is a particular favourite of mine.

Good4You CBD was one of the first brands I came across when I started looking at the wonderful benefits that CBD can bring to your general wellbeing.

Their team have spent a lot of time and money looking around the world to search for the highest quality CBD on offer…and it certainly pays off.

In the box I received was their 1,000mg full spectrum CBD oil and their bumper 3,200mg gummy bear tub.

I started with the full spectrum oil, getting hints of the true herbal smell of the plant as soon as I opened the cap.

After dropping a pipet full of the CBD oil under my tongue, I sat and waited for the effects to kick in before I left for work.

Its true herbal flavour made it a delicious and sweet tincture; unlike the many products that leave a bitter aftertaste.

I noticed a big difference in my mornings after having the full spectrum oil, feeling a lot less bothered and irritated by problems that may arise during the day.

I made sure my expectations weren’t too high with the gummies that Good4You have on offer, as I feel CBD edibles can often leave a strange taste in your mouth.

However, these were the complete opposite, with each of these delicious treats packing 46mg of CBD - a serious punch indeed.

I will definitely be recommending both Good4You’s CBD oil and gummies to my friends and loved ones that want a troublefree introduction to the world of cannabis.

HEY JANE ACTIVE SUPER SEED FACE OIL

Whether it’s the biting cold air in winter or sweat brought on by blistering summer heat, it seems like I’m constantly fighting to keep my skin in check.

I’ve tried everything from soaps to creams, but in many cases they didn’t help brighten my skin and sometimes actually made it worse.

So, when I was given the chance to try Hey Jane’s Active Super Seed Face Oil, which uses the awesome power of CBD, I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only did those stubborn dry skin hotspots disappear, but those previously frequent outbreaks of redness were now few and far between.

Hey Jane claims their product gives the skin a healthy glow and while I’m certainly sceptical when it comes to promises from brands, even I can admit when I’m wrong.

On the other hand, my partner – who also suffers from regular bouts of dry skin – wasn’t a fan of this product.

She said it didn’t quite meet her expectations in terms of combatting blemishes and redness, but did acknowledge that it had a noticeable impact on my skin.

All in all, I was a big fan of the Hey Jane Active Super Seed Face Oil and think I may have finally found the key ingredient to my daily skin care routine.

iYTAL CBD CHEWING GUM MINT & EUCALYPTUS

I would say I am quite seasoned when it comes to CBD products, although, I have never had the pleasure of trying it in a gum before.

This offering from iYTAL CBD came in a compact and sleek flip-lid pack, that featured a bin compartment underneath for used gum to reduce the impact of litter on the street.

The sugar-free and vegan-friendly chewing gum came in a pack of 15 with each piece being infused with five milligrams of CBD.

After trying the first one, I knew I was going to be a fan and the instant fresh hit I got from the flavour was longlasting.

I really enjoyed the subtle tones of the eucalyptus, which really added to how refreshing the gum was.

I loved the packaging; not only did it fit great in both my rucksack and my back pocket, but it was also a very convenient way to get a little pick me up throughout the day.

GAIA'S HEMP AND OAT MILK

As someone who can’t consume milk, I’ve long been relegated to black coffees and off-putting dairy-free alternatives.

But with Gaia’s Hemp and Oat Milk at my side and in my mug, I can finally soften the bitter bite of my morning joe.

Not only is this offering from Gaia made with no dairy, soy or gluten, but it also seems to really care about its impact on the planet…which is always a big win in my book.

The brand makes use of the more environmentally friendly benefits of the ‘super plant’ that is hemp and is also committed to donating one percent of its profits to

‘causes that matter’.

I will admit that it took some time to get used to this product, as it was a new flavour for me and threw me off at the start.

But after using it in one of my eight daily coffees – I know, I consume way too much caffeine – this milk has really grown on me.

I will most definitely be returning to this product in the future and will likely recommend it to all my dairyavoidant friends as well.