A poll by NuggMD on 755 regular cannabis consumers reveals that 59% would vote for a U.S. presidential candidate supporting pro-cannabis policies, irrespective of party affiliation. The poll indicates a slight preference for the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden over the Republican Party and Donald Trump, with 38% believing Democrats have better ideas for the country. Cannabis policy is important to voters, but not the sole issue, with 47% considering it one of several issues. The poll also suggests that candidates' understanding of cannabis markets and culture is crucial for effective legislation, with 88% of respondents emphasizing this need. Age is seen as a factor, with 69% believing younger candidates would better understand cannabis-related matters. The poll reflects that while cannabis is not a top priority, it is a relevant factor for voters alongside other issues.

Charlotte’s Web is being sued for allegedly recording and transcribing website visitors' private conversations without consent, violating California privacy laws. The lawsuit, filed by Lillian Jurdi, claims the company used a third-party chatbot service, Ochatbot, for these actions. The plaintiff seeks damages and class action status, with potential damages exceeding $5 million. Charlotte’s Web has faced similar lawsuits in the past regarding the marketing of their products.

A report warns of imminent famine in North Gaza, with severe food crises expected to spread, potentially affecting half of Gaza's population if the conflict continues. The UN and EU have criticized Israel for exacerbating the situation, with Israel's reluctance to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza eroding its global standing. Experts suggest that international action, such as halting arms sales, could pressure Israel. The Israeli government's policies, including a blockade since 2007, have led to high poverty and food insecurity in Gaza. The international community's failure to act against Israel's policies is seen as complicity in the humanitarian crisis.

Germany's federal parliament, the Bundestag, has passed legislation to legalize recreational cannabis for personal use, making it the third EU country to do so. The law allows possession of up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home, cultivation of up to three plants, and the establishment of cannabis social clubs. The Bundesrat will examine the bill, but its consent is not binding. The legalization aims to combat the black market and protect public health, but does not include retail sales, which could have generated significant tax revenue and jobs. Germany plans to launch a pilot program for controlled sales and use the experience to prompt EU debate on legal cannabis markets.

Florida GOP Senate lawmakers have passed a bill to cap THC levels in adult-use marijuana products as a preemptive measure before a November ballot initiative on legalization. The bill, SPB 7050, limits smokeable marijuana to 30% THC, concentrates and vaporizers to 60%, and edibles to 200 milligrams per package with a 10 milligram limit per serving. If Governor Ron DeSantis signs it, Florida would join Connecticut and Vermont in imposing such caps. The bill is in anticipation of a potential

Barcelona's City Council is considering stricter regulations on cannabis social clubs, which could lead to their closure. Deputy Mayor Albert Batlle has expressed a strong stance against these clubs, and recent inspections by the Guàrdia Urbana indicate a shift from previous tolerance policies. The clubs, which operate in a legal gray area and serve millions of users and tourists, have been under threat since 2014, and despite a regulation known as 'La Rosa Verda' being overturned by the Spanish Supreme Court in 2021, they have continued to operate under a 'private social club' license. The current unified stance of the city council suggests a more serious effort to restrict or shut down these clubs.

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, primarily targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have disrupted global trade and rerouted over 100 cargo ships away from the Suez Canal. These attacks have increased fuel costs, impacted Egypt's revenue from shipping tolls, and heightened risks for vessels approaching the Suez Canal. The US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to counter these activities, but its effectiveness is questionable. The Houthis, armed and trained by Iran, have broader objectives, including leveraging negotiations with Saudi Arabia and enhancing their regional profile. The situation complicates Yemen's internal politics and the US's policy towards Yemen, as the Houthis maintain distinct political objectives focused on northern Yemen.

Ukraine's Parliament has legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal, industrial, and scientific purposes, with 248 MPs voting in favor. The law, which excludes recreational use, aims to provide treatment options for conditions such as PTSD, which has become prevalent due to the ongoing war with Russia. The supply chain for medical cannabis will be strictly regulated, requiring electronic prescriptions and GMP-certified production. Over two million Ukrainians could benefit, with potential growth due to the conflict's mental health impact. The law will take effect six months after promulgation, with implementation details pending.

Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 led to a series of events escalating tensions in the Middle East, with over 1,400 people killed. Israel's retaliation included bombings in Gaza, killing over 3,000 Palestinians, and plans for a ground invasion. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened due to Israeli actions, including a blockade and an evacuation order. The bombing of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital on October 17 caused hundreds of deaths, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other. U.S. President Joe Biden supports Israel's claim that Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible. Despite international outcry, Israel's ground invasion seems imminent, aiming to dismantle Hamas's presence. The conflict's escalation could involve Hezbollah and potentially Iran, with Arab countries and the U.S. seeking to prevent further regional spillover. The future of Gaza and its population remains uncertain, with a severe humanitarian crisis expected.

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, entering through the Gaza Strip and conducting raids inside Israeli settlements, resulting in deaths, injuries, and hostages. The attack coincided with a significant Jewish holiday and the anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war and a mass army mobilization, with Israel responding with airstrikes on Gaza. International reactions varied, with the U.N. expressing concern, the White House condemning the attacks, and Iran supporting the Palestinian cause. The situation remains fluid with ongoing developments.

Armita Geravand, an Iranian teenager, is in critical condition after an alleged confrontation with Tehran metro agents over the hijab law, reminiscent of Mahsa Amini's case. Authorities deny the allegations, while rights groups demand transparency. Iran's parliament passed a stricter hijab law amid the anniversary of Amini's death. In Ankara, a Kurdish militant group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack, the first in years, leading to Turkish air raids against PKK bases. Iraqi Christian leaders seek an international probe into a deadly wedding fire, highlighting the plight of Iraq's dwindling Christian population. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced his bid for a third term amid economic challenges and protests.

The Netherlands is set to officially launch a pilot program in December to legalize the sale of adult-use cannabis. The program, which has been delayed since Senate approval in 2019, will start on December 15 and involve cities like Breda and Tilburg. The initiative aims to transition coffee shops from illegal suppliers to two official cannabis growers. The 'wietexperiment' will last four years and may include ten cities. The program's outcomes could influence the cannabis industry in the Netherlands and the EU, with Germany also moving towards legalization.

Square has partnered with Jane Technologies to enter the Canadian cannabis market, starting with authorized sellers in Ontario. The collaboration will allow dispensaries to integrate Square's point of sale with Jane's online ordering platform, offering real-time product updates and online sales capabilities. The Canadian cannabis market, which generated $3.5 billion in sales last year, is expected to grow further. The partnership reflects the maturation of the cannabis industry in Canada and Square's decade-long presence in the Canadian market. Despite the potential for similar partnerships in the U.S., federal regulations currently limit such opportunities.

Riad Salameh, the former Governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, left his position after 30 years amidst a crippled economy and his tarnished reputation as the face of Lebanon's financial crisis. He and his associates are under investigation in Lebanon and at least six European countries for misappropriating public funds and are subject to arrest warrants in France and Germany. The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have imposed sanctions on Salameh for his corrupt actions. Lebanese experts believe the sanctions serve as a symbolic punishment and a message to the political establishment, while also drawing global attention to the corruption affecting the Lebanese state. Despite the sanctions, Salameh's movements are restricted, but he has not been extradited due to Lebanese law.

New Jersey is allocating a portion of its legal marijuana sales revenue to fund violence prevention programs. Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that $5 million of the $15 million available in grants for community organizations will come from the state's Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund. This fund invests in communities most affected by marijuana prohibition. Since 2021, New Jersey has contributed $40 million to support Community-Based Violence Intervention initiatives. The state began sales of recreational marijuana on April 21, 2022, and has seen significant sales growth, with a 46% increase in recreational sales from April to June 2022.

Intense fighting erupted in Ain al-Hilweh, Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, between 29 July and 2 August, resulting in at least 12 deaths and the displacement of 2,000 people. The violence began with an assassination attempt on Islamist militant Mahmoud Khalil and escalated into full-blown clashes between Fatah-affiliated forces and Islamist militants. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the camp's governance remains complex, with various factions vying for control. Political figures and factions, including Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Hamas, have called for calm. The camp's strategic location and the presence of multiple armed groups, some with ties to Lebanese entities, add to the tension. Experts highlight the camp's importance for Palestinian factions and the challenges of disarmament, given the involvement of Lebanese actors and the reluctance of groups like Hezbollah to disarm.

Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's central bank, Banque de Liban, is under investigation for financial crimes and is wanted by Interpol. His monetary policies, along with government corruption, have led to an economic crisis in Lebanon characterized by falling growth, currency devaluation, banking sector collapse, and widespread poverty. Salameh allegedly transferred public funds to Europe for personal gain. The central bank's lack of transparency and governance has been criticized, and the Lebanese population has suffered as a result, with many falling into poverty. Despite the need for reforms and an IMF aid package, the future remains uncertain as the parliament is stalled with presidential selections.

A New York State Supreme Court judge has temporarily halted the issuance of new dispensary licenses in response to a lawsuit by four veterans. The lawsuit challenges the Conditional Adult-Use Cannabis Retail Dispensary program, claiming it violates the 2019 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act by not prioritizing service-disabled veterans. The Office of Cannabis Management and the Cannabis Control Board have issued 463 licenses under the social equity program, but the injunction will delay further licensing and operational approvals until a hearing on August 11. The CAURD program aims to prioritize social equity applicants, but has faced legal challenges and issues, including a lack of funding for the program and difficulties in securing real estate for dispensaries by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Philip Morris is set to acquire Israeli company Syqe Medical for up to $650 million, contingent on FDA approval of Syqe's cannabis inhaler. Syqe, known for its metered-dose inhaler for medical cannabis, has been funded with $83 million over eight years and launched its product in 2019 in Israel and Australia. The acquisition through Philip Morris' subsidiary Vectura is part of a broader trend of tobacco companies investing in the cannabis industry, with other players like Imperial Brands and Altria Group also making significant investments.

Turkish President Erdogan has agreed to submit Sweden's NATO membership bid to Turkey's parliament, with the timing of accession yet to be decided. Erdogan's decision follows assurances from Sweden on handling PKK supporters. While Finland's NATO membership was ratified by Ankara, Sweden's was delayed due to protests and Quran burning by far-right activists. Erdogan warned that ratification might not occur before Turkey's parliament recesses until October 1. Turkey's bid to join the EU is also highlighted, using Sweden's NATO entry as leverage. Meanwhile, Israeli protesters rallied against judicial system reforms, migrants in Tunisia faced harsh conditions, and Hezbollah warned of action in response to an Israeli attack. Syria reopened the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for humanitarian aid after a Security Council stalemate.

In Lebanon, amidst an economic crisis, hookah smoking remains an affordable and popular social activity, while cigar smoking has become a luxury for the wealthy, highlighting the wealth gap. Hookah, or narghile, is enjoyed by various demographics, with cafes and shops catering to the demand. Despite the economic downturn, the hookah segment has grown, with molasses production more than doubling from 2020 to 2022. Conversely, cigars have become a status symbol, with Lebanon reported as the world's biggest spenders on cigars in 2022. The luxury appeal of cigars persists, with some consumers spending hundreds of dollars monthly. The Tobacco and Tobacco Inventory Department's figures show stable cigarette smoking rates but a significant increase in hookah smokers.

The Israeli army conducted its largest raid on the West Bank since 2005, resulting in the deaths of 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier in Jenin. The operation, criticized by the UN as collective punishment, was part of a more aggressive military response indicated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the raid, Palestinian militants fired rockets toward Israel, which were intercepted, and Israel responded with airstrikes in Gaza. The residents of Jenin began recovery efforts amidst the destruction. Concurrently, a car-ramming and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv wounded seven people, with Hamas claiming responsibility.

The Wagner Group's rebellion against the Russian state could impact its established military, business, and political networks in the Middle East and Africa. The group, under Yevgeny Prigozhin, faces sanctions for its activities in regions such as Libya, Syria, and Sudan. Wagner has supported Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar and has been involved in Syria fighting alongside Bashar al-Assad's forces. In Sudan, it has been accused of various operations, including gold mining and suppressing protests. The U.S. Treasury Department recently sanctioned UAE entities linked to Wagner. Additionally, the U.N. General Assembly approved a body to investigate missing persons in Syria, and Iran sued Canada at the ICJ over alleged violation of state immunity. The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee called for an ICC investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes in Palestinian territories.

The article discusses the prevalence of insomnia in the United Kingdom and the United States, affecting around 16 million and 70 million people respectively. It describes the symptoms of insomnia, which include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, feeling tired upon waking, and an inability to nap during the day despite fatigue. The article suggests that not all insomnia is the same, implying that there are variations in how individuals experience the condition. The title of the article suggests that it will also cover how cannabis may aid in alleviating insomnia, although the provided text does not elaborate on this.