Why is Weed Illegal in Some States of the US?

Why is Weed Illegal in Some States of the US?

Weed is illegal in most countries due to various reasons. In the United States, laws differ from state to state. So one might ask where is marijuana legal in the US? Let's dig into the facts about weed, and have a look at its status in all the states of the US.

Why is weed (marijuana) illegal
Weed, also known as marijuana, had always been legal since the hemp plant had been discovered. The hemp plant Cannabis sativa is not only used to produce marijuana, but also used for a number of other products, like incense, cloth, rope, woven fabric, etc.

The first marijuana Law was enacted at Jamestown Colony, Virginia, in 1619. Under this law, farmers had been ordered to grow Indian hemp seed compulsorily, and failing to do so, one could be jailed. It was not because hemp was used to produce marijuana, but for essential war requirements like rope. The plant was not known for its recreational drug until the early 1900s.

History of Weed in the US

When weed was legal all around, the plant was used for a number of purposes. Even medical practitioners used it to provide pain relief to patients. There were many researches conducted during the 19th century that prompted the British and the US to undertake a stand on its legalization.

During the International Opium Convention in 1928, America too sent its delegates to attend the meeting. Here, they were introduced to several testimonies that proved that marijuana made people go insane, commit murder, and even die due to overdose. This made the United States stop all export of Indian hemp to any country. This agreement led to a fall of the production of weed in the US.

During the same period, during the revolution in Mexico in 1910, there was an increase in the influx of Mexicans. It was seen that many Mexicans smoked marijuana and brought along the plant to America. Thus, California passed the first state law that banned 'preparation of hemp, or loco weed'. Soon, other states followed suit, and passed the marijuana prohibition law. These states included Wyoming (1915), Texas (1919), Iowa (1923), Nevada (1923), Oregon (1923), Washington (1923), Arkansas (1923), and Nebraska (1927).

With many other factors playing a role, the Roosevelt administration signed the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937. Under this law, any person who sold the drug had to pay a tax. If the tax was not paid, he had to pay a hefty fine, and even serve prison time. But, the US government did not want the tax money, and simply made weed illegal in America.
Reasons Behind Weed Being Illegal

The first reason that lead to making weed illegal in the US was its classification as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. This was because, it was perceived that once a person uses marijuana regularly, he turns into a 'pothead' that is addicted to the drug. The second reason was that, there were no accepted medical uses of marijuana. The benefits of medical use, as claimed by people for weed legalization, had not been accepted on a national level.

Weed has been linked with narcotics like heroin and morphine, and therefore, thought as a 'gateway drug'. Many hippies and other social outcast have been known to use marijuana. This led to making marijuana illegal, as these people were thought to have a criminal streak. Marijuana has been associated with increasing insane behavior. Also, people who advocated weed legalization did not present a stronger case to change the laws.

Nevertheless, in recent times, weed has been legalized on various levels in different states in the US. Some states allow its use for medicinal purposes only, while others also allow certain amounts for recreational use, while the rest consider it illegal

Legalizing Weed Pros and Cons

Legalizing Weed Pros and Cons

The debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana has both sides quoting legalizing weed pros and cons. In this article, we take a look at what the points put forward by both sides are and how it affects weed legalization the country.

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Pro and con of legalizing weed
Before moving on to understand what are the different pros and cons of legalizing weed, it is important to know what weed is and why weed is illegal. Weed or marijuana is the blossom of the Cannabis plant which is dried and consumed for recreational and medical purposes. In some places, consumption of marijuana is also considered spiritually enhancing. The blossom of the cannabis plant which is also used to make animal food, medicine, and for rope making, has psychoactive and physiologically active chemical compounds that can elate the mind. Before the 20th century, weed or marijuana was not regulated but with linkage to violence and crime due to research studies, arguments against marijuana grew and it was declared illegal.

There are many pros and cons of legalizing marijuana but slowly the cons stated against legalizing weed are being questioned. Almost thirteen states in the US allow use of marijuana for medical purposes. Weed legalization in California, one of those states that can benefit largely revenue wise if the crop is legalized, has been debated for a while now. While the preposition was rejected by voters when the referendum was put up for vote in 2010, backers are suggesting another campaign in 2012. If this preposition is passed then it would allow citizens above the age of 21 to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. It may also include a clause that would allow citizens to grow plants in a plot of size five feet by five feet. Now let us take a look at the many pros and cons of legalizing weed that are generally debated during such a debate.

Pros of Legalizing Weed

Of the many pros and cons that are put forward by both sides, one of the most stated pros of legalizing cannabis is the revenue that this crop creates and the money that would be saved on enforcement. But this is just one of the advantages of legalizing marijuana. Let us take a look at the benefits of making this blossom legal.

Many people often state the fact that using weed is only as harmful as using tobacco or consumption of alcohol, which are both legal. If you look at both these cases then marijuana should also be made legal.
According to studies and proven results, there are many medical uses of marijuana including benefits in patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, and AIDS.
Like mentioned earlier, a large amount of money spent on preventing illegal trade in marijuana could be saved if it is legalized and regulated. Estimates show that this figure could be somewhere around USD 8 billion. Also legalizing weed would result in a decrease in illegal activities surrounding trade in this drug.
More than 700,000 arrests in weed related cases are for possession and legalization would mean easing the pressure on the criminal justice system. This would mean that more serious cases could be tried and lead to convictions.
One of the pros that is oft stated is that legalizing it would ensure that the freedom of choice is not intruded upon.
In California, a movement to legalize could create a revenue that according to estimates, could surpass USD 14 billion. This is just the revenue from sales. Legalizing weed would result in a new source of revenue that could also ease the economic problems the country is facing.

Cons of Legalizing Weed

The case against legalization of weed has been building for several years now and despite many people questioning the harmful effects of weed and launching campaigns for legalization, there are many social and law enforcement reasons that has led to such strong protests against legalizing weed.

One of the harmful effects of weed is that if used for a long period of time, it can have a severe effect on a person's health and their general well-being.
Several studies have shown that users who started off using marijuana moved on to using harder and more harmful drugs like heroin and cocaine. Children between the ages of 12 to 17 who use weed are eighty five times more likely to use cocaine.
Several opponents of the process of legalization of marijuana also state that many of the people involved in the buying and selling of weed are likely to be involved in other criminal activities. Also it is not a good idea for it to come across to the world in general that law enforcement agencies in the country are supportive of drug use.
To a large extent smoking of marijuana is considered an immoral, socially debilitating activity that needs to be kept under control. This is one of the main reasons that is taken into consideration by lawmakers.
Marijuana's effect on the brain is also often quoted with prolonged use causing hallucinations, psychotic behavior, paranoia, impairment of motor ability, increase in mood swings, etc.

There are many pros and cons but due to the sheer strength of arguments that both sides put forward it is difficult to reach a conclusion and the debate remains a continuous one. Despite the revenue that legalizing weed can generate, the process of weed legalization in California and other states remains largely

Harmful Effects of Weed

Harmful Effects of Weed

Marijuana, which is also referred to as pot, grass, or weed, is one of the most commonly abused drug. The following Buzzle write-up provides information on the harmful effects of weed.

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Marijuana is made from the dried leaves, flowers, stem, or seeds of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Weed is mostly smoked in joints (hand-rolled cigarettes), bongs (pipes), or blunts (cigars that are filled with marijuana after they are emptied of tobacco). It is the presence of a psychoactive substance or cannabinoid called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) that is responsible for the mood-altering effects which are felt after smoking pot. THC gets absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes of smoking pot, thereby causing acute effects that may include feeling of euphoria, calmness, heightened senses, increased appetite, etc. The intensity of the effects might vary, depending on the potency of weed, which in turn is determined by the THC content. The level of THC in marijuana depends on the following:

➞ Strain or variety of the plant
➞ Part of the plant that is used
➞ Growing conditions
➞ Preparation and storage

It is believed that the strains that are currently being used are far more potent. This could be due to the use of flowers or buds, as they contain a larger amount of THC than the leaves or stem. The average THC potency has seen a rise from less than 1% in the 1970s to as high as 13%.

Statistics on Marijuana Use
Marijuana is categorized as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Schedule I drugs are defined as substances that have a high potential for abuse, with a lack of accepted safety for its use, and no currently proven medical purpose. In the United States, the sale, possession, and use of marijuana is a federal crime. However, some of the states have decriminalized marijuana, legalizing its use for medicinal purposes to some extent. Colorado and Washington are the only states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, whereas many states have legalized it for medical purposes.

However, one of the major cause of concern is the high incidence of the use or abuse of marijuana in teenagers for getting high or stoned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this trend is due to the changing perceptions about the risks associated with the use of marijuana.

Here are some statistics by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

➞ There has been a 50% increase in the number of daily marijuana smokers among those aged 12 and above.
➞ There has been a 20% increase in marijuana smoking among girls aged 12 - 17 since 2007.
➞ There has been a 12% increase in the use of weed among people in the age group of 18 to 25 years.
➞ The study revealed a 25% increase in past month marijuana use in those aged 12 and above.
➞ The perception of harm about smoking marijuana once a month has fallen almost 30% since 2007.
➞ According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2012, about 6.5% of 8th graders, 17% of 10th graders, and 22.9% of 12th graders had used marijuana in the month before the survey.
➞ Not many consider marijuana to be addictive. However, studies by NIDA reveal that about 9 percent of people who use weed become dependent on it. The number increases to about one in six among those who start using it at a young age, and to 25 to 50 percent among daily users.

Effects of Weed
The THC content in street pot is way higher than what it used to be. Though a small amount of THC can help the user reap medicinal benefits, using street pot that has a high THC content for recreational purposes could give rise to certain issues. The immediate effects of weed are due to the absorption of TCH, which has mood-altering properties. Marijuana users are likely to experience:

➞ Altered perception
➞ Difficulty concentrating
➞ Heightened senses
➞ Relaxation or calmness
➞ Mild paranoia
➞ Increased heart rate
➞ Slow reaction time
➞ Increased appetite
➞ Confusion
➞ Problems with balance or coordination
➞ Random thinking
➞ Short-term memory loss

The intensity with which the effects are experienced would vary, depending on the potency, as well as dose of weed. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, heavy or chronic users could develop an amotivational syndrome, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

➞ Decreased drive and ambition
➞ Shortened attention span
➞ Poor judgment
➞ High distractibility
➞ Impaired communication skills
➞ Diminished effectiveness in interpersonal situations

According to NIDA, if taken in large amounts, marijuana might cause confusion, restlessness, hallucinations, anxiety, altered perception, euphoria, etc. The user may have impaired coordination, and face difficulty in remembering things and thinking clearly. For this reason, users must never drive or operate machines under the influence of weed.

The long-term effects may include decreased concentration, memory-related problems, decreased motivation, increased risk of respiratory ailments, etc. The psychological effects might be more pronounced in case of people who are predisposed to depression or other psychological problems.

A 2012 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who started smoking before the age of 18 showed a greater decline in IQ and cognitive functioning than people who started taking it as adults. Those who smoked pot more than four times a week as teenagers, and continued its use as adults experienced an 8-point IQ drop. It is believed that the harmful effects are likely to be more pronounced in young users.

Organizations such as NIDA point towards the adverse effects of marijuana for all, especially for those who start taking pot at a younger age, and continue to do so. Though marijuana does seem to offer certain health benefits, and its supporters stress on the need to legalize marijuana for treatment of certain conditions, studies need to be conducted to understand the risks associated with the long-term use of weed. Though it becomes extremely hard to discourage people from smoking pot due to the lack of consensus on its effects, there's no denying the fact that it is increasingly being used for recreational purposes by the teenagers. Keeping the possibility of marijuana abuse in mind, organizations must provide substantial scientific evidence to warn people against the potential health risks associated with its use

How to Get Weed Out of Your System

How to Get Weed Out of Your System

Smoked up and need to know how to get weed out of your system? Read the following article for more details on the same.

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You tried it and you were proud you did it ...You didn't really resist. The high was legendary. Got you excited and shrilly. You were taken up by everyone cheering your shrill laughter and you smoked one joint after the other. A small thought did not make way into your head back then―the blood test on Monday. And even though all the after effects have long gone, the weed (marijuana), it still sits comfortably in your system. Now what? Now you'll want to know how to get that weed out. Ways and tips for doing just that will follow.

Getting the Weed Out

Weed is bad for you. Really is. You see, weed contains the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) chemical which causes you to experience the 'high'. This chemical needs to be removed from the body 'cause it can get stored in the fatty tissues. Thankfully, there are ways of cleansing your system of the same. Here are some of the best ones.

Water
Water into the system, weed out of it. Simple. Water is known to flush out toxins from the body and it has a similar effect on the THC chemical. Drinking about 8 gallons of water will help to replenish your system and get you to urinate frequently. Urinating is a good thing at this point because it ensures that the weed is eliminated slowly but surely. Be consistent at it and do this for over a week for best results.

Exercise
It seems like the solution to everything is exercising, doesn't it? It is. For a reason, it works! The THC chemical is stored in the fatty tissues so if you attack those tissues and burn them off, it means that you'll be automatically getting rid of weed from your system. Get in some cardio exercises to work up a sweat and wear layers of clothing so that you sweat more. This will mean that you're flushing out the weed faster.

Diet Changes
This is important, cut out all the high sugar, high fat, high salt foods. All these foods will only add more and more layers of fat, thus cutting into the task of eliminating the weed from your system. Switching over to raw fruits and vegetables instead, will require the system to cut into the fat reserves for energy, thereby eliminating the fat layers that are acting as reserves for the weed. Include as many salads and natural foods as you possibly can. Eat smaller meals so that the metabolism never dips and that ensures burning off more fat.

Along with that, try including certain juices as well. Juices that are seen to be most effective are cranberry juice, grape juice, and apple juice. These act as a diuretic and help you urinate often.

Steaming
Going into the steam room for a hot and heavy sweating session is a guaranteed way of getting you to sweat, and that is exactly what we need to do right now. Sweating, as has been said earlier, will help release all the toxin build up in the body and thus eliminate the weed.

There are certain specialized weed detox kits that have been formulated as well. You could even try taking these natural forms of clearing your body off the weed.

P.S.- It has to be made perfectly clear that the writer does not endorse the intake of weed.

Now that you know how to go about getting the weed off your body, clear your system soon and have a clean break from the weed drive

How Long Does Weed Stay in your System?

How Long Does Weed Stay in your System?

If you are nearing a drug test and want to know how long does weed stay in your system, so that you can come out clean, this article will tell you all about it! Read on...

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"I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?" ~ Willie Nelson

I guess this is the favorite quote of all the weed lovers across the globe! Oh, by the way, marijuana is also known as weed, herb grass, and even pot! No matter what you call it, or how much you enjoy getting high using the 'gift of God', the fact is that it remains in your system for a very very long time, and you can easily get caught in a drug test. Of course, there are many ways by which you can try to 'cheat the test', but sadly, the drug testing can detect that too, unless luck favors you! So, if you are wondering if the weed that you smoked last night, or even last week, is still there in your system or not, then you will have to read further to get some unexpected answers!

How Long Does it Take to be Clean?

The question appears to be very simple, isn't it? I mean we are just looking for the number of days that takes to get the weed out of the system completely, right? No, unfortunately the answer is not as simple as it seems. There are many factors that you need to take into consideration while answering the question, 'how long does weed stay in your system?' These factors include,

The frequency of smoking weed.
The rate of metabolism.
The overall health and body weight.
Tolerance level towards the toxin.

Whenever you smoke weed, it ends up getting stored in the fat cells of your body, including the brain, liver, or kidneys; which are by far the most important organs of the body! Weed contains a chemical known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a fat soluble chemical and tends to get stored in the blood and the major organs... forever! In fact, THC is also stored in your hair follicles and always remains there until you chop your hair off! When a drug test is done to detect the presence of weed in your system, the test actually detects the presence of 9-carboxy-THC which is nothing but a by-product of THC after it has been metabolized! If you are aware of the effects of marijuana in your system, then you would know that it is very difficult to determine the actual time of consumption of weed, and when exactly its effects in the body started! Therefore, professionals use an estimate which is referred to as the 'half life' to determine how long does weed stay in your system. Mentioned below are the different normal time period (half life), which takes to get rid of weed from your system.

Occasional Smoker: 10 days
Regular Smoker: Up to 45 days
Constant Smoker: Up to 90 days!

Now that seems like a long time!! If you have a lot of fat in your body, then the THC will stay for a longer time!

How Long Does Weed Stay in Your Blood?

As mentioned earlier, it is the THC that actually ends up getting stored in the fat cells of the body and therefore the actual question should be, 'how long does THC stay in your blood?' The time period varies from 3-90 days and the result depends upon your usage. A person who has never smoked weed before would take just 3-5 days to clean up. A person who smokes one a week would have up to 10 days and so on. So the more often you smoke weed, the more time you will take for the THC to become undetectable in your drug test. So, let us say that you are a regular smoker of weed and have waited for 45-90 days to clear the test, if you smoke weed again after the test is done, you will again have to wait for 45-90 days! So the lesser you smoke, the better it is. If you need help with quitting, this article on how to quit smoking weed will prove to be helpful!

There are many people who claim that by drinking lots of water, herbal tea, cranberry juice, and by using detox kits, one can pass the drug test and come out clean. Well, the drug tests are not that easy to fool! There is usually a urine test or a blood test, that is used to detect the presence of weed in your system. Most people drink lots of water and other liquids to dilute the urine. But do you know that the urine shows a certain range of excreted metabolites. If the range is not within the usual, then the sample is further tested and diluted urine is marked as a direct fail as an attempt to 'fool the test'! In case of blood tests, the presence of weed can be traced even after 6 months! Also, do you have any idea how long does weed stay in your hair?!!! The THC will get accumulated in your hair follicles which are growing while you smoked weed. If that hair is still present in your head, the THC can be easily detected, even if you smoked weed 10 years ago! Scary, isn't it? This could be one of the reasons why most weed smokers shave off their heads or go for chopped haircuts! So, if you smoke weed and have long hair, knowing how to get weed out of your system would be helpful!

Think for how long can you deal with the trouble of getting caught in a drug test and keep worrying about the aftereffects of smoking weed? It all depends on you! As of now, my advice to you would be this: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and try to get rid of the fat in your body. You see, THC tends to store itself in your fat cells. The more fat you have in your body, the longer it will take for you to clean up your system, and the higher are the chances for you to fail the test. Exercise on a daily basis, go for runs and swims. Drink lots of water and juices, preferably the ones made with berries. Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Drinking fluids will flush out the THC from your system, and the working out will help burn the body fat which has stored THC. Depending on your body fat and the frequency of smoking, you need to invest the appropriate amount of time in these activities and then take the test to have fair chances of coming out

Why is Weed Illegal in Some States of the US?

Why is Weed Illegal in Some States of the US?

Weed is illegal in most countries due to various reasons. In the United States, laws differ from state to state. So one might ask where is marijuana legal in the US? Let's dig into the facts about weed, and have a look at its status in all the states of the US.

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Why is weed (marijuana) illegal
Weed, also known as marijuana, had always been legal since the hemp plant had been discovered. The hemp plant Cannabis sativa is not only used to produce marijuana, but also used for a number of other products, like incense, cloth, rope, woven fabric, etc.

The first marijuana Law was enacted at Jamestown Colony, Virginia, in 1619. Under this law, farmers had been ordered to grow Indian hemp seed compulsorily, and failing to do so, one could be jailed. It was not because hemp was used to produce marijuana, but for essential war requirements like rope. The plant was not known for its recreational drug until the early 1900s

10 Most Poisonous Plants on Earth you Need to Stay Away From

 
Mother Nature is mysterious; at times it is benevolent like real mother but some other times it gets as tough as it can get. Life is beautiful and in order to protect it, nature has developed a defence mechanism into all living beings. Some of the living species have developed a defence system, which is vicious enough to prey and kill when needed.

Generally speaking everybody is scared of spiders and poisonous snakes, but little do they know that there are beautiful looking plants and flowers that can be as poisonous as snakes or spiders, it is reported that there are more than 100,000 people who get affected by poisonous plants every year. Following are some of the most dangerous plants that you need to stay away from.

1. Wisteria

These are beautiful looking purple flowers that originate from Japan, some parts of USA and China. The Wisteria trees are strong enough and can get as tall as 30 ft. and have a circumference as large as 60 ft. While the flowers on it look quite charming, it is believed that whole plant is quite toxic; consuming any part of the shrub can cause the following:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever and diarrhoea.

The medication however is simple and you will be fine taking some anti-nausea medication.

2. Rosary Pea

This is a perennial plant that usually twins around trees to a height of 20 ft. The plant is characterized by 1.5 inch long pods that are pea-shaped and they normally split open to reveal red seeds. The plant’s seeds are extremely toxic. Actually, a single seed can produce adequate poison to kill a human. The seeds produce abrin, which is among the most powerful poisons known to man. Symptoms of poisoning include:

• Fever
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Hyper-excitability
• Diarrhoea, colic, salivation and vomiting.

3. Oleander

This is a Phanerophyte shrub that with a stem that grows up to 13 ft. The plant’s flowers are calyx densely glandular in the inside and the pods are reddish-brown. The plant is distributed in the following areas: deserts and extreme deserts, semi-steppe shrub-lands, shrub-lands and Mediterranean woodlands. The flowers, seeds, leaves, latex, bark and roots are all poisonous. Consumption of any of the stated parts may lead to

• Decreased and/or irregular pulse rate
• Aberrant colour vision
• Drowsiness and fatigue,
• Abdominal cramps and vomiting.

4. European Yew

This is one of the oldest trees in Europe. The plant is normally slow growing and they can grow up to 132 ft. tall. The plant’s leaves are dark-green and they are flat and narrow. All sections of the plant are particularly toxic except the aril. The plant’s toxicity increases significantly when dried. Consuming the venomous sections of the plant can cause:

• Cardiac arrest
• Circulation impairment
• Difficulty in breathing
• Convulsions, muscle tremors, and accelerated heart rate.

5. Lucky Nut

This is a beautiful evergreen plant that originates from tropical America. The plant grows up to 23 ft. and it flowers all year round. All parts of the shrub are toxic because of the presence of the cardiac glucosides, which the body selectively concentrates in the heart muscle. Of all the parts, the seed kernels are known to contain the highest concentration of poisons. The ingestion of the plant parts causes:

• Numb burning in the mouth as well as throat
• Diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,
• Dizziness and dilated pupils
• Irregular heartbeat and heart failure.

6. Aconite

These are dark-blue flowers with straight and tall stems. The plant itself originates from the mountainous areas of Europe, such as Switzerland. The plant favours moist environments of the alpine meadows. The most poisonous sections of the plant are the roots, particularly the roots of the European Aconitum napellus. Victims of this plant’s poison do present a combination of gastro-intestinal, cardiovascular and neurological effects. General symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness and numbness of the face
• Ventricular ectopic and sinus tachycardia
• Abdominal and chest pain
• Vomiting and hypotension to mention a few.

7. Castor Bean

The castor bean plant originates from East and Northeast Africa to the Middle East. The plant grows from 3 to 30 ft. tall. The plant has distinctive leaves, which are usually 4 to 30 inches wide. The round fruit is covered with soft bristles with tick-shaped seeds referred to as beans. The seed coats contain lethal toxin referred to as ricin, which is one of the most poisonous compounds known to man. Ingestion of the poisonous parts causes:

• Severe bleeding lesions in the intestines and stomach
• Severe bleeding lesions in the oesophagus and mouth.

8. Cestrum

These are small shrubs and trees that originate from Central and South America. The plant bears greenish white flowers and white berries. When unripe, the plant’s berries produce solanine. The above mentioned release damages the lining of the digestive tract and depresses the central nervous system when ingested. Solanine poisoning causes:

• Diarrhoea, headache, vomiting and nausea.
• Hallucinations and disorientation
• Irritability, restlessness, and reddening of the face.

9. Chinaberry

The Chinaberry originates from tropical Asia. The plant grows up to 60 ft. tall with wide spreading branches. The fruits are golden ½ inch balls, which hang from the plant throughout the fall and winter. The seeds normally taste sour and nauseating. All parts of the plant alkaloids. The plant contain unknown toxin that damages the human digestive system when any part of the plant is ingested. The fruit is predominantly poisonous, but the roots, flowers, bark and leaves are potentially toxic. When ingested, the poison causes:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• And intense vomiting.

As poisoning progress, the victim may experience dilated pupils, and may be unable to talk.

10. Hemlock

This plant is a member of the parsley family and it grows to a height of 2 to 6 ft. The plant mostly grows in moist waste areas and has a root stalk that resembles a sweet potato. The stem is hollow and coarsely spotted with red splashing. The leaves are large and wide spreading. The flowers and leaves of the plant can easily be mistaken for those of carrots and parsnips. When ingested, poison hemlock can cause:

• Excessive salivation
• Nervousness, weak pulse, dilated pupils, tremors, weakness and headache
• Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

In Conclusion

Many poisonous plants look like their edible counterparts. For instance, poison hemlock appears similar to wild carrot. Your best chance of avoiding poisonous plants is to be able to identify such plants with absolute certainty by using the aforementioned information

Top 10 Most Beautiful Women in the World

The 10 most beautiful women in the world for this year are not just a pretty face. They encompass femininity while still being strong. They are sexy, popular and incredibly successful from all walks of life. Some came from successful families while others were self made. Check out this list of the top 10 most beautiful women from around the world.

1. Deepika Padukone

She is not only one of the most beautiful women in the world but also one of the best paid Bollywood actresses in the world. She is considered both sexy and stylish in her home country of India. Not only does she have a stunning smile but she’s a busy savvy lady also. With her endorsements with many products such as Tissot, Vogue seeing eye glasses and Pepsi to name a few. Everyone wants this beauty representing their brand.

2. Candice Swanepoel

Candice was born in 1988 and is  South African. She is most known for being one of  the angel of Victoria’s Secret. She sits top on the list for her thick golden blond tendrils and perfect 10 body. It’s unanimous too because she was also 10th on the highest earning models of last year according to Forbes. FHM and Maxim also included her their sexiest and hottest lists.

3. Taylor Swift

This American born stunner is not only beautiful on the inside but on the outside. She has successfully branded herself to be one of the most loved ladies in show biz. She expresses her personal experiences in songs that all girls and women can identify with. She is also extremely giving to her fans. Her accomplishments are many including seven Grammy Awards. Her song writing has also been honoured by many of the top song writing associations such as Nashville Songwriters and the Songwriters. She has also had 130 million of her singles downloaded, making her one of the top five artists with the biggest sales. The nice things about Taylor is her success lies with so many things, not just her obvious beauty. She’s a great roll model for females and her inner beauty emanates outwards.

4. Katherine Elizabeth Upton

Born in Michigan, this American beauty hit the scene fast. Kate Upton really is one of the most beautiful women on the planet. Vivacious curves and stunning eyes make this Sports Illustrated model stand out in a crowd. She was named the sexiest woman on the planet by People. Branded as a modern fashion model with curves that kill, she sits high on many lists for sexiest and most beautiful. Kate knew from a young age that modelling was her calling, she was right.

5. Shailene Woodley

Most noted for her role in “Divergent”, this young star is breaking through the Hollywood scene fast and hard. She is considered the face of the future and the new definition of beauty. She has also received quite a few rewards for the short amount of time she’s been on the scene. Awards from the Sundance festival for her independent films as well as a Golden Globe nomination. This young star is just beginning and you can expect to see much more from her in the future.

6. Charlize Theron

This South African born beauty was an only child and was raised on a farm. She is Afrikaner (Dutch, German and French). The 40 year old actress stumbled into fame and a series of events lead her to making it in Hollywood. Thanks to the support from her mom (after having to give up the dream of being a ballerina), Charlize got on a one way flight to LA. She struggled in the beginning and it was the manager at the motel she stayed at that offered to be her manager. A star was born. She now manages and African Outreach Program and is one of the most successful ladies in Hollywood.

7. Alexandra Daddario

Alexandra Anna Daddario is a 29 year old American born actress and model. She blew fans away as the daughter of “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter in the film San Andreas. No longer a co-star, she is making her name known while showing everyone she’s more than a pretty face. She is a talented musician too. She was the actress featured in Imagine Dragon’s video “Radioactive” where she tried to save the underground puppet-fighting ring. She’s cool like that!

8. Cate Blanchett

This Australian beauty is a rare beauty and she consistently makes “beautiful women” lists from various magazine every year. She is a gentle beauty and a talented actress who also directs theatre plays in Melbourne. At 46 (the same age as J-Lo by the way), she still has a stunning youth and beauty to her. Along with being beautiful, she has received many rewards including Emmy’s and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

9. Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya’s career began when she entered into the Miss World pageant in 1994 which she won. This got her into the Bollywood movie industry. The 41 year old Bollywood star is one of the most successful females and celebrities in India today. Prior to winning the pageant, she did a few modelling assignments and television commercials. She persevered and found her success. She has received countless awards in India as well as worldwide. The media often dubs her as the most beautiful woman in the world.

10. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is inarguably the sexiest woman alive and always on a list for being one of the most beautiful women in the world. She started her career at a young age and is a model, actress and singer. She started as a child actor in movies such as The Horse Whisperer. She eventually went on to play in Woody Allen movies which allowed her to show her talents at an early age. She is not only named most sexy and most beautiful by many different magazines but she’s got unlimited talent

Top 17 Dirtiest Cities in The World

For the first time ever, more than half of the world’s population is living in cities. However, only 12% of these people are exposed to levels of airborne particle pollution that meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, these cities can be found in Canada and Iceland. Meanwhile, half of the planet’s mega-cities and their inhabitants are exposed to air pollution 2.5 times the WHO guidelines, with many places getting worse rather than improving. Over the past century and a half, carbon dioxide emissions have risen, and there are reports that more that 200 million people have become ill as a direct result of air pollution. In 2012 alone, it’s thought 3.7 million people died prematurely due to air pollution.

Whether it’s in Europe, North America, Africa or Asia, air pollution can have many devastating affects ranging from acid rain to heart disease. In an attempt to combat these issues by raising awareness, WHO studied more than 1,600 cities between 2008 and 2013 to compile a list of the world’s dirtiest cities. Mercer also compiles a Health And Sanitation list annually, which ranks every city in the world according to their cleanliness.

Delhi, India

Like most cities on this list, Delhi has become synonymous with smog due to industry and traffic, which have combined to create incredibly high levels of particulate matter including carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and metal compounds.

Patna, India

Patna is the second largest city in eastern India with an estimated population of 1.68 million people. Patna is a crucial location for agricultural trade like grain, sugarcane, sesame and rice, leading to heavy amounts of traffic.

Addis Ababa, Ethopia

In 2014, Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa was given a Health And Sanitation Index of 37.9, particularly due it’s high levels of water pollution which have caused many infants’ deaths.

Gwalior, India

One of the largest cities in central India, Gwalior is surrounded by three industrial and commercial areas: Sitholi, Banmore and Malanpur. The air pollution seems to culminate in Gwalior, leading to high levels of toxins.

Raipur, India

Over the years, Raipur has transformed into a crucial commercial and industrial area for India, supplying coal, power, steel and aluminum for the whole country.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City has a particular disadvantage when it comes to air pollution as mountains surround the city, causing the smog to constantly coat the countries’ capital. Mercer’s report – which gave Mexico City a 37.7 rating – said that unhealthy ozone emissions were constant throughout the year, causing major concern.

Karachi, Pakistan

Though there appears to be lack of sanitation and clean water, it’s rich in air pollution. Vehicle emissions from cars, rickshaws and buses combined with industrial areas and the burning of garbage has earned Karachi its position on this list.

Peshawar, Pakistan

Like Karachi, Peshawar’s air pollution is due to vehicle emissions as well as industrial emissions, including brick kiln.

Port au Prince, Haiti

As the main port and business center of Haiti it’s no surprise Port au Prince is dealing with pollution issues. Many suggest that the high levels of air pollution may also be due to a lack of control enforced by the government.

Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Situated in the Pothohar region of northern Punjab, Rawalpindi is evolving swiftly. Home to textile mills and an increasing number of vehicles, the air pollution has risen dramatically in the last few decades.

Khorramabad, Iran

Khorramabad, in Lorestan Province, is the epitome of agricultural industry in Iran. In 2012, the health ministry reported 80,000 deaths were caused by pollution across Iran alone.

Antananarivo, Madagascar

When considering Madagascar, many would never even associate the lush paradise as polluted. However, the countries capital Antananarivo is frighteningly polluted due to industrialization and deforestation.

Mumbai, India

Mercer gave Mumbai a score of 38.2, leaving much to be desired from one of the world’s flourishing economic hubs. As more people arrive from the country and industries pop up all over the place, pollution has coated the city. Fortunately, the local officials are working on strategies to control the worrying levels of air pollution.

Ahmadabad, India

Although Ahmadabad is becoming an increasingly successful and important city, the price has been a sharp rise in air pollution. The city is a crucial economic and industrial area for India as it is the second largest producer of cotton, meaning many more factories are being built.

Lucknow, India

Uttar Pradesh’s capital city Lucknow is a particularly polluted area as the combination of poor transport infrastructure and increasing numbers of vehicles has exacerbated the problem infinitely.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Home to more than 15 million people, Dhaka is extremely crowded. The local government is reportedly finding it difficult to deal with the pollution that often follows large populations and their vehicles. There is also a lot of water pollution caused by commercial pesticides.

Baku, Azerbaijan

With a Health And Sanitation score of just 27.6, Azerbaijan’s capital city Baku is Mercer’s dirtiest city. Oil drilling and shipping have lead to worryingly high levels of air pollution, and because the country relies heavily on those activities it’s unlikely they will change anytime soon.

20 Different Types of Kisses and What They Actually Mean

A kiss can mean so many things depending on what type of kiss it is and who it’s coming from. A kiss can be one of the most magical experiences of your life. Every kiss offers a special connection to the other person, whether it’s a kiss of friendship, passion or a warm greeting, it gives out strong vibes. Kisses are not just reserved solely for the face and there’s plenty of places where a kiss on the body is welcomed. It is said that a kiss is the expression of our souls which is why there are so many options to choose from. You will kiss your lover much differently than that of a dear friend. Here are some of the different types of kisses and what they mean.

1.The Forehead Kiss

A kiss on the forehead is a gentle expression of admiration. Usually it is a kiss of friendship or a starter kiss for something for romantic later.

2. Kiss on the Hand

This is when you grasp a persons hand with your fingers gently and kiss the back of the palm. It’s a chivalrous move and one that shows your admiration and passion for someone.

3. The Eskimo Kiss

When two noses rub up against each other and move back and forth. It’s affectionate and often given from a parent to their child. The Eskimo Kiss is believed to be the romantic option for those who live in cold climates, otherwise there’s risk of lips getting stuck together.

4. The French Kiss

The French Kiss involves plenty of tongue action and mastery. While not easy to master, it derives from passion, romance and desire so part of the trick is to just go with your emotions.

5. Single Lip Kiss

A subtle single lip kiss is where you suck and sandwich their lip between yours at the same time. This is a suggestive kiss that lets the reciprocate know that you are very into them.

6. Earlobe Kiss

This all encompassing kiss is targeting an erogenous zone for most so it’s kind of a big deal. You accomplish this by gently kissing or nibbling the ear on the earlobes. Known to be one of the most romantic and intimate kisses between lovers.

7. Butterfly Kiss

When two people get so close to each others face while they kiss that their eyelashes connect. This kind of kiss and it’s intimate gesture is for those madly infatuated or in love with each other.

8. The Spiderman Kiss

Perhaps this sensual kiss was in the mix before Spiderman came out with the epic kiss scene. Spidey is upside down and Mary Jane is standing right side up. This is less risky when doing horizontally on the couch or bed and is a kiss of passion between lovers.

9. The Lingering Kiss

A lingering kiss entails a lot of lip to lip kissing for long periods of time. It’s full of intense emotion and passion and is often reserved for new love.

10. The Cheek Kiss

A short peck on the cheek, often in combination with a hand on the arm or a half embrace. It’s meanings are dependent on where you are in the world. For some cultures, it’s a hello or goodbye.
11. “Leave a Mark” Kiss

Also known as the lipstick kiss where a girl puts lipstick on and kisses her partner on the cheek, neck or lips. This leaves a mark and is usually just a playful gesture.
12. Secret Message Kiss
This is when lovers send an erotic messages while french kissing so others don’t know about it. It’s for two people that are very close to each other.

13. Lizard Kiss

This is where the tongue rapidly goes in and out of the mouth in quick strokes. It’s a passionate kiss for lovers that are hot and heavy into each other.

14. The Air Kiss

Air Kisses can be seen in old french movies in greetings. It’s done by giving out a “Mwaah” in the air beside someone’s cheek. Sometimes it’s done on both cheeks depending on what country you’re in. It’s popular among celebs and can also be seen within family and friends. It’s a non romantic, friendly gesture.

15. Kiss of an Angel

This is a gentle kiss on someone’s eyelids and is a sweet gesture between two people that deeply love each other. A mother can do it to her child or a husband can do it to his wife.

16. Seductive Kiss

This is where you bit an open mouth that’s much like a subtle French kiss (less tongue though). A kiss to win someone’s heart and seduce them. It will make anyone’s knees weak.

17. The Bite and Nibble

Subtle bites and nibbles on certain parts of a person’s facial features such as the nose, cheeks, chin and eventually a kiss is planted on the neck. Deeply sensual kiss that is spontaneous between lovers and exudes intimacy and eroticism.

18. The Jaw Kiss

A kiss that is gentle and yet incredibly sensual as you kiss your partner’s jaw. This kiss is for those that are already intimate and very close to each other.

19. The Vampire Kiss
A deep sexy kiss on the neck that includes sucking and a bit of biting. For lovers in an intimate setting.

20. The Big Tease

A kiss that can last for hours and perhaps what John Mayer had in mind when he wrote “Your Body is a Wonderland.” You tease your partner while getting to explore their body with your lips starting from the forehead and making your way all the way down. One would say this is a very invested method of foreplay and dedicated to lovers.