Can You Legally Buy Cannabis Seeds Online?

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People who are just starting out in their cannabis growing journey are often concerned about the many legalities surrounding the growing of cannabis. Cannabis has developed something of a bad reputation in recent times. This bad reputation is arguably partly to blame for the development of the bad reputation which has left so many people concerned about getting involved with growing their very own cannabis for their own medicinal or recreational use.

Don’t make the mistake of getting on the wrong side of your law with your cannabis growing! Start out right and follow our simple guide to staying within the law—especially when it comes to buying cannabis seeds online.

Why You Might Want to Buy Cannabis Seeds Online

There are many different reasons as to why you might want to buy your cannabis seeds online, instead of buying them in a local store.

Discretion and Privacy

For a start, buying cannabis seeds online usually comes with far more discretion than going into a store. Many people who are just getting started with their cannabis growing experience will want to keep their new hobby a secret, at least to start with—partially because of the poor reputation that cannabis has developed in recent times.

Buying seeds online is a great way for people to keep their cannabis growing a little bit quieter. Online shopping means that you won’t have to publicly go out to buy your seeds, and seeds are always delivered in discreet packaging that does not hint at the contents as well; this all helps to protect your privacy and discretion. For people who are particularly concerned about discretion, seeds can also be delivered in specialized “extra discreet” packaging such as in a shirt or a wallet.

Greater Strain Selection

When it comes to choosing the ideal cannabis seeds for your needs and setup, having a good selection of strains to choose between can be highly beneficial. While most cannabis seed stores and dispensaries will offer a good choice of strains for people to consider, they simply cannot rival the incredible selection that is found online.

Online seed banks can offer as many as thousands of different strains for people to choose between. These strains will vary in their yields, heights, flavors, THC content and purpose, and many other different factors. This can be important if you’re trying to calculate how long will cannabis stay in your system. These online seed banks often offer strains from many different seed breeders, too, further helping to increase the amount of choice that you can have.

This incredible selection is essential for anyone looking to find the perfect seeds for their needs, and so many people want to order their seeds online for this very reason.

Can I Legally Purchase Marijuna Seeds Online?

The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Indeed, it is perfectly legal for you to buy your marijuana seeds online—provided that you live in one of a select number of states (for United States residents) or countries (for European residents).

In The States

If you live in the United States and want to buy marijuana seeds online, you need to check that doing so is legal in your state. Many people make the mistake of assuming that, because one state does or doesn’t allow people to buy cannabis seeds online, the same rules will apply to every state; in fact, some states allow you to buy online cannabis seeds, while others do not allow you to buy cannabis seeds online. Even in states that have legalized the use of cannabis, the rules can be highly variable; as such, always do your research and check if your state allows cannabis seed sales online.

In The UK

In the UK, it is entirely legal to buy cannabis seeds online. However, there is a catch—while you can buy the seeds online without breaking any rules, the act of actually germinating the seeds that you have purchased is illegal; the same is the case for people who have purchased cannabis seeds “with intent” for growing and germinating these seeds.

In Europe

The rules surrounding the purchase of cannabis seeds online can vary wildly throughout the different European countries. If you live in Europe, it is thus important that you try to make sense of the many different rules before buying cannabis seeds online.

Germany, for example, is in a rather tricky position: cannabis seeds are not covered by the German Narcotics Act, however, the sale of cannabis seeds in the country is also illegal. The difference is that if you buy cannabis seeds online, you are actually operating on the right side of the law—provided that the seeds come from a country outside of Germany.

Spain, by contrast, is a great country for people looking to grow cannabis seeds. Cannabis seeds can be legally purchased online in the majority of Spanish regions and can be grown and germinated for personal use only.

Cannabis seeds can also be purchased legally online for people living in Italy, who are perfectly entitled to invest in seeds (due to the fact that they are considered to be cultivation equipment). However, these seeds cannot be legally germinated, and if it is suspected that your intention is to do so then you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

In the Netherlands, people are able to buy seeds under a special “tolerance policy”, although these seeds can only be germinated in small quantities for personal use. This is similar to how the French see the buying of cannabis seeds online; in France, seeds can be purchased online from other countries, so long as they are not shown in a favorable light and are not grown.

In Summary

There are a number of different reasons as to why you might want to grow your own cannabis, but it is always important to stay within the rules of the law when doing so. There are many different legalities that must be followed when growing cannabis, and failing to do so will often result in you getting in trouble for something that you really didn’t need to worry about.

Six Bathroom Trends to adopt for 2020

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Revamping a bathroom is not as simple as one might think. Most of the time, one would need to engage contractors to change the tiles, install the tapware and lighting, etc. As such, renovating a bathroom can be a serious business and should not be taken lightly. That being said, it helps a great deal to plan ahead. After all, what harm can that do?

With that, we got you covered with a list of the most modern and popular designs that are worth keeping in mind. It does not matter whether you are still drafting your plan or are already prepared to strip your bathroom down to its bare walls; these trends are sure to elevate your bathroom and keep them looking trendy and aesthetic for years to come.  

Striking Marble

We all know the wonders that tiles can bring to a space, but have you ever imagined how majestic and luxurious a whole room of marbled walls can be? Just think, having a marble accent wall that complements your vanity of choice or even being surrounded by marble from floor-to-ceiling! I’ll bet you are already excited to include a beautiful marble design in your bathroom!

According to top designers around the world, it is important, when picking your marble, to look at the colors, veining, and design of your marble. These features, if they are dramatic, can give your bathroom a more textured-finish and make it look less static and much more appealing. The key to the rising trend of having marble in your bathroom design is to pick stones that are one-of-a-kind and foreign to make it a feature in your space. 

Black Surfaces

Having a black feature wall or floor can bring about a myriad of benefits to your bathroom. Following the current trend, black tiles can and should be used like neutral-colored ones as it makes your space feel brand-new and contemporary. What’s more? It beautifully complements sophisticated metal components like a brass shower-head or gold tapware. 

For some who refuse to forego white walls, you can still achieve a similar vibe by going black in connecting walls. The sharp difference between black and white is not only suitable for any style of home, but it also brings depth to the design which makes a room perceptively bigger. 

Relaxing Feels

It is safe to say that most of us want our bathrooms to be a safe-haven where we can fully relax and enjoy our time so that we can feel recharged to face the daily stressors of our lives once again. Just imagine those luxurious shining tapware, open-ceiling showers, and vintage bathtubs… 

Speaking of bathtubs, they can magically transform your bathroom to a spa right in your home. Its rounded edges balance out the straight and sharp lines in the bathroom while being a visually appealing centerpiece for your space.  To make it even more attention-grabbing and impressive, a statement lamp can be installed above the tub. You can buy commercial grab bars for your bathroom online.

For plant lovers out there, designers suggest not just adding bathing necessities but also greeneries around the centerpiece to further give the bathroom a peaceful feel. For instance, there are a variety of plants that can flourish due to the humid bathroom air while cleaning the air inside the room itself. 

Colorful Tiles

Sure, white tiles are the safe option, but if you want your bathroom to be a feature in your home, do not be afraid to experiment with colors and textures for your tiles. Try blending patterns, colors, florals, tones, and mix textures like terrazzo, multi-motif tiles, and abstract displays. This is the time to be creative with your tiles because more and more people are expanding their range of choices and becoming more daring with their design picks. In fact, more and more people are using their choice of tiles as a way of expressing themselves.

Powder Rooms with a Dazzling Flair

The powder room is a place to try that design that you always wanted but never dared to in the other parts of your house. Feel free to try that design you saw on Instagram or Pinterest in the powder room because there is no better place in your home that is as low-risk as this; given that it is a relatively small space and little time is spent in there. In fact, the powder room is the perfect place to create amazing and eye-catching designs as it is where guests will visit often. 

Take the chance to introduce a playful wallpaper or explore using strong colors and motifs in the powder room. Designers suggest that you can embrace a darker palette to create a moody vibe. Furthermore, you can also combine various patterned tiles that might seem contrasting, to leave an impression on viewers. 

Showers With The Best Of Both Worlds

There is a rising preference for bathrooms to have showers fitted with both overhead or wall-mounted showerheads along with hand-held ones. 

Showering should be an experience that turns your senses on, and having a range of choices to shower can do just that. You can use more than one type of showerhead for a gentle showering experience, much like standing in the rain, except you are getting cleaner. And for the icing on the cake, you can invest in some high-technology devices that let you command the strength of the water as well as the water temperature in preparation for the perfect bathing experience for you each time you take a bath. 

For those who wish to take “the best of both worlds” a step further, it is also an increasingly popular choice to have a separate shower along with a freestanding tub. The combination of these is sure to meet your demands of a beautiful yet relaxing spa-like bathroom right in your home. You can enjoy both an energizing bath in the day and a slow, comforting one night. If this is not the best way to relax, we don’t know what is!

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of these bathroom trends, go design the perfect bathroom for your home. Be sure to include all the much-needed features in your bathroom as well for maximum comfort; things like getting radiators for the bathroom will greatly improve your showering experience so be sure to check them out and all the best designing the bathroom of your dreams! 

 

Belmont’s Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Closing Indefinitely

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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, is closing to the general public indefinitely, Garden officials announced today. The Garden reduced its workforce to those required for minimal maintenance and to keep in place nominal operations.

“Over the last several weeks, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has experienced financial difficulties due to responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have explored many options, but unfortunately, to ensure the Garden remains a viable community asset that continues to instill a love of nature and its beauty in the future, we have made the painful decision to reduce our workforce,” said Executive Director Patrick Larkin. “We hope to reopen again in the when the situation turns around. Our leadership and Board of Directors is working on a way forward with the rapidly changing circumstances.”

The Garden’s staff of 52 has now been reduced to nine people.

In any other year at this time, Garden staff would be welcoming school groups and adult learners, planting annuals for spring and summer, and preparing for numerous events. All that has been put on hold as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Garden had been making plans to open its popular Chinese Lantern Festival at the end of August, but it now appears it will have to be delayed. Garden officials said that production of the show takes about six months, so it is working with the show’s producer to set a new date. Those who have purchased tickets can reschedule those tickets after a new date is set.

The late Daniel J. Stowe began to develop the Garden in southeastern Gaston County in the early 1990s, setting aside land he began acquiring before World War II. In 1999 the Garden opened its immaculate Visitor Pavilion and a dozen acres of manicured Gardens. By 2003 it had become one of the region’s most popular wedding venues, hosting nearly 100 weddings each year. In 2008, the Garden opened its 8,000-square-foot Orchid Conservatory and in 2014 Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Children’s Garden. The Garden attracts more than 100,000 people annually.

University City Businesses Sourcing Thousands of Masks for Atrium Health During Pandemic

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Atrium Health University City will receive 599 boxes of protective gear, thanks to the concern and urgency of local business leaders.

The hospital is building vital inventory to protect doctors, nurses and other care providers who are on the front lines with patients. With the support of Jane Wu, board member for University City Partners and developer in University City as President of Panorama Holdings, the connections made through University City Partners, leadership of Restore Global and the generosity of partners in China, Atrium Health will receive 50,000 surgical masks, over 10,000 N95 and N98 respirators, 300,000 gloves, 3,000 goggles and 800 full protection coverage suits to help protect their front line staff caring for COVID-19 patients.

When the virus was at peak in China, Jane, originally from China and connected to a business group in the country, reached out to see if she could help the Chinese healthcare team. They were in need of masks and Jane learned about protective gear through her relationship with Bill Leonard, Facility Executive of Atrium Health University City and fellow board member of University City Partners. Working through several connections and logistics partners, Jane sourced masks to share with China and import fees were waived upon arrival.

When things were stabilized in China and the pandemic began to spread across the globe to the U.S., Jane felt compelled to do something for North Carolina and the local community. She circled back to Bill Leonard to inquire about the hospital’s needs. Jane offered to help supply masks to Atrium Health University City. Bill immediately accepted her offer of help. Jane reached out to her Chinese contacts to see if they had any masks remaining. They had some to spare and shipped them back to Charlotte. Jane also reached out to other partners and charities in China to see if they could help to source additional masks and other supplies.

With swift and generous support, Jane has helped raise more than $200,000 to purchase the masks, protective gear and other care supplies. Direct support came from Restore Global, which helped with logistics, shipping and 300,000 gloves.

In addition to supporting Charlotte, Jane is working to identify supplies for hospitals in high impacted states like New York and California. This sort of urgency, innovation and collaboration is exactly what we need in this time and I imagine your readers or viewers would find this of great interest and inspiration.

NC Governor Signs New Order To Prohibit Utilities From Cutting Service Or Charging Late Fees

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The Governor of North Carolina has just signed NC Executive Order No. 124, which prohibits utility companies from shutting off any services in North Carolina due to non payment for the next 60 days.

The new order also encourages all companies, including banks, not to charge overdraft fees, late fees, and other penalties during this time of crisis.

Landlords are also strongly encouraged to delay any evictions that are already entered in the court system and to avoid filing any new evictions during this time.

You can read the full Order here, or read a series of frequently asked questions and answers about the Order here.

People Now Smuggling Visitors Through Police Checkpoints Onto Closed NC Beaches

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Given that the weather has been perfect, kids are off school, and many people are currently not working, there’s a greater demand than ever to go to the beach.

However, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, North Carolina’s legendary Outer Banks beach communities have just passed some of the steepest restrictions in our state, completely banning all visitors and non-resident property owners from entering the area.

 

These new restrictions have caused rule breakers to get creative – even turning to smuggling to make some extra cash and skirt the law.

At least one person on Craigslist is now offering to sneak wannabe beach goers through the roadblocks and police checkpoints into the famed beaches of the Outer Banks.

After receiving several tips from community members who saw the post, The Kitty Hawk police department research the Craigslist ad and determined that it was, in fact, legitimate.

In a Facebook post they wrote:

“Well, we have truly moved beyond the absurd and ridiculous. We have researched it and yes this appears to be a valid post on Craigslist. Really folks?!? We even responded but have yet to receive a reply to our request for a price quote. Let’s not make it any more dangerous for those hard working law enforcement officers at the checkpoints. Not to mention everyone else’s safety and health.

Common sense is a valuable gift during this trying time.”

Toilet Paper Alternative Creating Serious Sewer Problems in California

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Over recent weeks, the world has found itself in an unprecedented situation with a global pandemic sweeping the planet. This has naturally caused widespread alarm and anxiety, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of infections, tens of thousands of deaths – and mass panic buying in the supermarkets.

One of the things that people in California and cities across the world are now having a problem with is being able to get their hands on toilet paper. For some reason, this was among the first things to go flying off the shelves and finding toilet paper available these days is like gold dust. Of course, for those who cannot find any toilet paper, extreme measures are necessary, and some have been turning to unusual alternatives. However, some of these are causing massive issues when it comes to the sewer systems.

The Need to Bag and Not Flush

With current social distancing regulations in place, finding a professional to deal with anything from damp basement walls to blocked pipes will be a problem. When it comes to the latter, many people are at risk of blocking their pipes because of the types of materials they are flushing down the loo in the absence of toilet paper. In addition, they are putting the sewer systems at risk, which could then create another huge problem for their communities. 

One of the major issues in California during the Covid-19 situation is that many people have now taken to tearing up old t-shirts and using them in place of toilet paper. While this may seem like an imaginative solution, residents are being warned to remember that t-shirts are not designed to be flushed in the same way as toilet paper. Many people are using t-shirt pieces and then flushing them down the toilets, and this is already creating huge problems for the sewer systems. 

People are also flushing other toilet roll alternatives down the toilet including baby wipes and other materials. It is important to remember that not only do these items cause a massive issue when they are flushed but the huge numbers of people that are doing it are making a bad situation even worse. It is resulting in pipe blockages in people’s homes as well as major sewer problems that could end up affecting entire communities. 

Importance of Being Careful

Officials have pointed out that this growing trend has already created huge issues, and if it continues, the problems will continue to get worse. While some people may have no option but to use alternatives to toilet paper in the current situation, it is very important for them to be mindful about how they dispose of the materials.

Rather than flushing materials such as ripped t-shirts and wipes down the toilet, people should be using the trash in order to dispose of them. This will help to ensure they do not end up with blocked pipes, which can be expensive and difficult to sort out. In addition, it will help to reduce the risks to sewer systems. 

10 Common Questions You Need to Ask Your OB/GYN

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Pregnancy is a wonderful but also difficult and scary time for women, especially when taking into account the various changes a pregnant woman has to go through just to bring new life into this world.

This is especially true if this is the first pregnancy and you have little to no idea what this chapter of your life will entail. Because of this, you may have plenty of questions you want to ask your OB/GYN – so many that you don’t even know where to begin.

To help you give some semblance of order to your questions and reduce the associated overwhelming feeling, here are some of the top questions you should ask your OB/GYN during your prenatal appointments.

  1. How often do I need to visit my OB/GYN for prenatal appointments?

Regular visits to your OB/GYN is important, especially during the last few weeks of your pregnancy. However, this can vary, depending on your condition and whether or not your case is a delicate one. Just make sure to stick to the schedule assigned by your doctor, even when it’s difficult to do so. 

Regular prenatal appointments are necessary to ensure that the whole process goes as smoothly as possible. This will prevent complications from happening as your OB/GYN can monitor your condition and reduce the chances of having problems throughout the entire experience.

Prenatal appointments will also allow you to see how well your baby is developing – an event that can be extremely exciting, especially when it comes to first-time mothers. 

  1. What kind of lifestyle changes do I need to make to ensure a safe pregnancy?

Your body will undergo many changes during this time and this entails making some lifestyle changes to adapt to your situation. To know what kind of changes you need to make, you need to consult your OB/GYN.

He or she will be able to tell you the necessary changes you need to undergo to adapt and ensure your baby’s development goes well.

  1. What kind of changes should I expect during this time?

Another common question many women have is what are the changes they can expect during this chapter of their lives. Learning what the various changes you can expect while carrying a child will allow you to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and be more well-informed and equipped to handle the said changes.

  1. What are the common complications pregnant women experience?

Another important question is knowing about the risks or complications you may encounter during this time are. You should also ask what can cause these complications so you may know what you need to avoid to reduce the chances of encountering these complications.

  1. Do I need to take prenatal supplements?

Prenatal supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy. Ideally, these should come from the food you eat, but this can prove to be difficult which is why some doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins. However, this will depend on your OB/GYN so it’s best to ask him or her before adding it to your routine.

  1. Are there common medications that I should avoid?

“Since medications can have side effects and they vary from case to case, doctors usually advise pregnant women to not take anything without a go signal from them. Because the effects may vary, consulting your OB/GYN is something you should do, especially if you have maintenance medication,”cautions Dr.Stavros S, an OBGyn specialist at Doctorspring. He adds,”Their access to your history and their continuous monitoring of your condition will allow them to prescribe the right medication for your needs and advise you on what you should do.”

  1. What food do I need to avoid eating during this time?

Certain food has effects on our bodies, especially during delicate times such as pregnancies. Therefore, to avoid experiencing complications, it’s best if you ask your OB/GYN if there are certain foods that you need to avoid while pregnant.

Your doctor may restrict some food or drinks that may affect the development of your baby.

  1. Is it safe to be intimate with my partner during this time?

Depending on how sensitive your pregnancy is, your doctor may prohibit you from engaging in intercourse with your partner during this time altogether. However, if your pregnancy isn’t delicate, your OB/GYN may allow you to be intimate with your partner but with certain conditions and only until a certain time.

  1. Is it safe for me to travel while pregnant?

Similar to the previous question, this will depend on your case. Some pregnancies are more delicate than others and doctors might order bed rest to avoid complications during the pregnancy. 

As for air travel, airlines have their policies regarding this, often prohibiting pregnant women in their third trimester from traveling as this will place too much stress on them. However, this is up to the discretion of both the airline and your doctor.

  1. How often should I see my OB/GYN after giving birth?

Like with prenatal appointments, postnatal visits to your OB/GYN is necessary to ensure that everything is well after giving birth. However, this will depend on the discretion of your doctor on how often and whether or not it’s needed.

Aside from your OB/GYN, you will need to see a pediatrician as well to ensure your baby is doing well and their growth and development are as it should be.

Final Thoughts

Consulting with your OB/GYN will not just allow you to receive the answers to your questions but it will also allow you to prepare accordingly and ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible and that your baby is healthy and well during this time as well as after you give birth. 

Just make sure to listen well to the instructions of your doctor as this will ensure your baby’s proper growth and development as well as your safety and well-being during this wonderful yet difficult time. 

Employees At 2 Charlotte Lowes Stores Have Tested Positive For COVID-19

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Lowes Home Improvement has just confirmed that employees at 2 separate Charlotte locations have tested positive for COVID-19.

One of the infected employees works at the Lowes in South Charlotte off Ballantyne Commons Parkway, and the other infected employee works at the Northlake location off Perimeter Parkway.

In a statement, Lowe’s said that the employees have now been quarantined and the company will be supporting them during the recovery process.

“The well-being of our associates and customers is Lowe’s priority. The stores remain open, and we continue to take extra steps to clean the store beyond our daily cleaning protocols. In an abundance of caution, associates who had worked closely with either individual over a period of time have been put on a paid leave.”

Mecklenburg County now has a total of 420 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

It’s more important than ever to closely follow our county and our state’s Stay at Home Orders and if you do need to go shopping, make sure to social distance, don’t touch your face, and wash your hands as often as possible.

North Carolina Just Announced Increased Benefits To Ensure Food Access For All Families

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In order to better help North Carolina families received enough food during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has just announced it will be increasing benefits for March 2020 and April 2020 to current Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) recipients across our state.

“People need to be able to feed their families while also practicing good social distancing and following the governor’s stay at home order. This will help families make fewer trips to the grocery store and help protect themselves and those in their communities from getting sick,” commented NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

All families that currently or will soon receive any FNS benefits will now receive the maximum amount allowed for March 2020 and April 2020 for their household size. For example, a family of four would be eligible to receive a total of $646 for each of the two months regardless of their usual benefit amount. The increase is subject to the following guidelines:

  • Households that have already received the maximum amount for their household size will not receive the temporary increase.
  • The household size will not include ineligible or disqualified members.
  • Households that were ineligible in either March 2020 or April 2020 will not receive a temporary increase for the month(s) they were ineligible.

Approximately 360,000 households will begin receiving the temporary increased benefit on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card on April 1 and April 22. They will be randomly generated and staggered every other workday until all eligible households have received their temporary increase.

Recipients will continue to receive their regular benefits and should be aware they will receive two separate payments for March and two for April.

To check availability of benefits families should:

  • Call 1-888-622-7328.
  • Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click on More Information under EBT Cardholders.
  • Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, NCDHHS has also received approval to extend FNS certification periods so that beneficiaries don’t have to visit county Social Services offices to qualify for continued services.

In addition, with many businesses closing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents are being temporarily and partially suspended. All eligible beneficiaries are being notified of this change.

Questions about the emergency supplements and the FNS program should be directed to the EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141.

Families and individuals who do not currently receive benefits can apply online with ePass.