Why is everyone talking about CBD and what are its benefits?

Oct 14 2022

Cannabidiol, more popularly known as CBD, is a chemical which is covered all too often in the media… but how familiar are we with what it actually is?

CBD oil has gained popularity over the past few years, especially for its holding in the world of health and wellness. CBD is well-known for its capabilities in controlling anxiety, relieving pain, stimulating appetite and treating other symptoms. To clarify, the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound which causes the sensation of being high.

On the other hand, CBD is not psychoactive and is often diluted with carrier oils such as coconut oil for eventual use in products such as food, drinks, supplements, skincare products and more. All cannabinoids act as messengers to our body’s receptors and help regulate pain, muscle control and inflammation, with evidence also showing that they can improve sleeping patterns and help with depression or anxiety.

Cannabis was made legal for recreational use in Malta after President George Vella signed the cannabis bill, making it into law back in December, making Malta the first country in the European Union to legalise cannabis for recreational use. From that point on, Malta’s market saw a sharp increase in products such as CBD oil, skin care & topicals, CBD vapes.

They also offer alternative products like cannabigerol (CBG) which helps fight inflammation, pain, nausea and works to slow the proliferation of cancer cells and cannabinol (CBN) which may contribute to one’s immune system and reduce pain. If you’re after these products, brands like Utoya have got you sorted on anything you may need and you can find them on their website https://utoya.eu/ and benefit from 15% off with code MALTADAILY.

This article was written in collaboration with 420.mt.

#MaltaDaily

Netflix’s $7 per month ad-plan to launch this November

Oct 14 2022

Netflix revealed on Thursday that a streaming plan with adverts will be introduced by November for around $7 a month in a move to bring in new subscribers.

The $6.99 cost for the ‘Basic with Ads’ plan is $3 less than Netflix’s lowest priced plan without commercials. It will only be available in 12 countries at first and then eventually extending out.

Users subscribing to the plan will see four to five minutes of advertising per hour, with newly released films having limited advertisement to ‘preserve the cinematic experience.’

However, around 5 to 10% of Netflix’s programming will be unavailable on the ad-supported alternative due to licensing restrictions. This comes as shares for the streaming giant went up 5.4% after the company stock had fallen 62% this year.

The ad-plan also comes despite years of avoiding the move by Netflix’s executives. Meanwhile, competitors such as Disney+ and HBO Max already have ad-supported options that cost less.

Netflix reported around 220.7 million paying subscribers as of June, which is a drop of nearly 1.2 million from the start of the same year of 2022. It will remain to be seen how this new service will impact viewership, with Netflix itself remaining conservative about such data as of yet.

#MaltaDaily

Wildlife populations declined by 70% in just 50 years…thanks to humans

Oct 14 2022

A new scientific assessment has revealed the earth’s wildlife populations declined by an average of 69% in just 50 years due to human interference.

The plunging populations are across the board, from oceans to rainforests, and have seen the populations declining on average by over two-thirds between 1970 and 2018.

According to the WWF and Zoological Society of London’s ‘Living Planet Report’, the figure stood at 68% two years ago. This dropped from 60% from four years prior, leading to scientists suggesting we’re currently living through the sixth mass extinction.

This would make it the largest loss of biodiversity since the dinosaur period – and it is being driven by us humans.

The Living Planet Index brings together a global analysis of 32,000 populations of 5,230 animal species to measure changes in their populations. Latin America and the Amazon region saw the largest decline in average wildlife population size – a 94% drop in 48 years.

Meanwhile, Africa had the second largest drop at 66%, followed by Asia and the Pacific with 55% and North America at 20%. Europe and Central Asia saw an 18% drop. The total loss would be akin to the human population of Europe, the Americas, Africa, Oceania and China disappearing.

The report’s 89 authors are urging world leaders to reach a new agreement at the Cop15 biodiversity summit in Canada this December. This would see carbon emissions being slashed to 1.5C this decade to put an end to the destruction.

#MaltaDaily

Over €2,200 raised for aspiring plumber whose tools were stolen

Oct 14 2022

After an aspiring plumber was robbed of €3,000 worth of tools just days before he was set to launch his business, the local community came together to help the man and his family get back on their feet.

Earlier this week, Times of Malta reported how Joseph Sant was left devastated after his van, which contained all of the essential and newly purchased tools, was found utterly empty.

The news saw many running to his aid, setting up a fundraiser and, as of time of this writing, raising upwards of €2,200. With a limit set at €3,000, it’s heart-warming to see the power kindness and charity can have in such a situation.

Joseph was a nursing aide, whilst also registering as a part-time self-employed worker as he wanted to improve the quality of life for his family living in Fgura.

The fundraiser was started by Norbert Vella, with a generous donation of €1,500 coming in via 71-year-old businessman Hugh Pace, Times of Malta revealed. As the family continues to receive more donations, you can contribute by donating to ‘Help the Sant family’ here.

#MaltaDaily