1. More People Use It Than You Think.

4.4% of the world’s population consume marijuana — about 190 million people — and .6% use it on a daily basis (22.5 million people). [source: pdf]

Image by Alexandra Moss

2. People have been using it forever.

Cannibis has been around for ages (at least since the stone ages). The earliest record of cannabis use dates back to China — the island of Taiwan. Tools unearthed in an ancient village bore a similarity to the kind of tools that were used to loosen cannabis fibers from their stems. [source]

3. It’s a multi-category drug.

Marijuana has the effect of a stimulant, depressant (much like alcohol), and hallucinogenic drug all at once. Stronger doses can even induce paranoia or strange visions. [source]

Image by Troy Holden

4. It might prevent cancer.

A study by researchers at California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute discovered that a compound called CBD, found in Cannabis sativa, can act as a form of therapy less toxic than chemotherapy, potentially stopping the spread of breast cancer. [source]

5. And…it might cause it.

A New Zealand study linked cannabis to lung cancer, reporting that one joint is “…equivalent to 20 cigarettes in terms of lung cancer risk.” A high-cannabis exposure group was found to have their “lung cancer risk [rise] by 5.7 times for patients who smoked more than a joint a day for 10 years, or two joints a day for 5 years, after adjusting for other variables, including cigarette smoking.” [source]

Editor’s note: Some studies have found no link. [source] Thanks to Reddit user argonaute for pointing this out.

6. Smoking it is the worst way to consume it.

Smoking marijuana – as opposed to consuming it orally, or vaporizing it — can cause respiratory problems (coughing, phlegm, wheezing) and may lead to lung disease in much the same way that tobacco can. [source]

Image by smokershighlife

7. It was once used as a Truth Serum.

In 1942, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) (the pre-CIA) used a cannabis concoction to interrogate enemy spies and prisoners of war. The drug, given the code name “TD,” would loosen the inhibitions and rational judgments of prisoners, thereby making it easier to obtain information from them. From the classified OSS Report: “TD appears to relax all inhibitions and to deaden the areas of the brain which govern an individual’s discretion and caution. . . . [G]enerally speaking, the reaction will be one of great loquacity and hilarity.” [source]

8. It’s the fourth biggest market in the U.S.

According to ABC News, marijuana is a top cash crop: “…at a value of $35.8 billion, [it] exceeds the combined value of corn ($23.3 billion) and wheat ($7.5 billion).” In 30 states, it’s among the top three crops, and the very top in 12. [source]

9. People Have Odd Ways of Growing It.

This is mostly to get around the sheer illegality of growing it at all: Hydroponics systems (using mineral nutrient solutions with water), cutting/cloning with water, using the Sea of Green or Screen of Green method with high densities of plants, and using artificial light are all advanced methods of growing the plant, particularly indoors.

Image by eggrole

10. You can be executed for possessing it.

In some countries in East Asia — known for their harsh drug penalties — recreational marijuana use can use to long-term imprisonment, or even death (as in Malaysia, where possession of over 200 grams can land you the death penalty by hanging.) [source]

11. It’s not really a gateway drug.

A 2010 University of New Hampshire study showed that race/ethnicity and employment status are better factors than prior marijuana use of predicting future illicit drug use. And, if you’re over age 21, the “gateway” effect pretty much dissolves (it applies mostly to teenage drug use.) [source]

Image by shorty_nz_2000

12. It’s legal in some US states…

Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, marijuana is federally illegal in the United States. Still, 15 states — Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Arizona, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, California, and Washington — all allow small doses for medicinal use. As of 2009, possession of under 1 ounce of the drug for personal use is no longer a criminal offence in Massachusetts. As of 2012, marijuana has been legalized in Washington and Colorado.

Source

13. And in some countries.

11 nations have decriminalized marijuana, including regions of North Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco), Europe (Germany and Belgium) and Latin America (Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia).

Image by themadpothead

14. You have “cannabinoid receptors” in your brain.

You have two, actually: CB1 and CB2. CB1 is responsible for helping activate the psychoactive effects of marijuana — that euphoric feeling — while CB2’s are found mostly in the immune system and are thought to be responsible for the therapeutic effects of taking the drug. [source]

15. The medicinal effects are substantial.

So, oddly enough, smoking it might be linked to lung cancer — but it has therapeutic effects as well. It’s been used to treat glaucoma, pain relief, and nausea. [source]

Image by KayVee.INC

About the Author: Tracy Arnold is a freelance writer for The Vapor Experts. The Vapor Experts was founded in 2005 with the goal of offering the finest available aromatherapy products on the market. On their site you can find Vapir Vaporizers as well as many other vaporizers.

March 4th, 2011: We have made some factual corrections based on user feedback and comments.

May 22, 2013: We have updated this article to reflect new laws and fixed two broken links. Thanks Martin!

[Thanks Menglu!]

Image by stargardener

Deciding on your future can be a daunting task, especially right out of high school. In fact, many people feel that the major that they choose in college will be the path that they are on for the rest of their lives. This can be an overwhelming prospect. It leads to many people not making a decision on a major for a long time. Luckily, this does not have to be the case.

By making a career choice early on, your schooling does not lock you out of everything else for the rest of your life. In fact, there are many people that choose one career path to start out with, and then, in the future, decide to make a change.

Charting one’s career path is something that many people find to be very helpful in planning their futures. Luckily, it does not have to be set in stone. You can change it as you need to, as you grow and change in your life. Though, having goals and ideas of what you want in your life is important.

Make Goals

One of the best ways to start is to make goals. Coming up with goals and time lines in different aspects of your life help out immensely. Knowing that you want to own your own home by the time you are 25, for example, will help you to break things down further.

To own your home, you need to have decent credit and a good job. Knowing these things in advance will help you achieve these goals. Some people chart only their large goals. Though this can work for some, it is best to break these goals down, as well. This will help you get to those goals a little easier.

Consider Career

As you are charting your future for yourself, keep in mind the type of career that you want to have. This will help you decide your major in school and what you need to do beyond it. College can be a stressful time, and knowing what you want from your life, both through school and after it, can help you get through that stressful time much easier.

Know Your Strengths

Take into account your talents and skills. Knowing what you enjoy doing, and what you are good at, can help you decide what you want to do with your life. If you know that you are not much of a leader, you will be able to understand that you probably shouldn’t be a manager of a large number of people. Knowing these things about yourself in advance is needed if you are going to make a path for your future.

If you find out that what you originally thought you wanted has changed, that’s fine. You can freely make changes to your plan, whether that plan was written down or just in your head. Understand that mapping your future tends to be a flexible and fluid thing. Many people have different ways of mapping their futures. How do you plan your life?

This post was written by Abraham Jackson, Jr. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abejaxjr.

It is difficult for any educator to prepare a college student for a world that does not exist yet. The world is constantly changing. What hard skills may be in demand now could become obsolete after a few years. Even the best college consultants may find this a challenge.

According to this recent report, CEOs, HR managers and recruiters are more interested in an applicant’s set of soft skills rather than their technical expertise. Here is a list of some of the most critical skills college students should have to improve their chances of getting employed after graduation.

1. Problem Solving

Complex problems are everywhere. As society and technology continue to develop, it becomes more important for employers to find applicants who are capable of solving real-world problems.

Being able to work independently with minimal supervision is also a highly desirable skill. It shows employers that the individual is willing to take initiative, take risks and learn from one’s mistakes. The goal is to find solutions that can help the business become more efficient and economical.

2. Creativity

With technology all around, people are constantly receiving stimulation. Everyone has the potential of being both a producer and a consumer of information. There are many ways to solve a problem. Having a high level of creativity allows people to use their imagination and think of creative ways of solving problems.

3. Critical thinking

Tasks that require a lot of cognitive and linear thinking are common in a number of industries. College students who are interested in working in these industries will need to develop their analytical skills to increase their chances of getting hired.

For employers, this particular skill involves having the ability to compare and evaluate information. Applicants must also show an ability to apply that lessons they have learned with minimal supervision.

Analytical thinkers can see the situation from many perspectives. They don’t just memorize information; rather, they understand how it fits in with other data. Such individuals are skilled in conceptualizing, organizing, classifying and sorting out the information.

4. Collaboration

Collaboration is no longer limited to physically working with people who are in the same space. Development of the Internet and technology presents people with more options of working together.

Millennials are seen as more social compared to previous generations. The digital age has offered them more ways of communicating and connecting with others. As businesses are now expanding their reach to other countries around the world, it has become more important for future graduates to learn how to utilize this technology to communicate and work with other people virtually.

5. Communication

The ability to communicate is no longer limited to face-to-face interactions or making phone calls. With more technological advancements, the younger generation of workers are expected to learn how to use alternative methods of communication including sending texts and emails, conducting video calls, and even writing blog posts online.

6. Attention

Distractions can come in many forms. As a result, more and more people are struggling to manage their time and set priorities. Employers want to see applicants who can show that they can stick to a project from start to finish.

For college students and recent graduates, this can be done by completing side projects. Even small projects can show your potential in focusing your attention and efforts on a single project. Seeing that a project is completed also demonstrates your ability to be responsible.

7. Grit

For many employers, the ability to stick it out even when faced with a lot of challenges is a key trait. A lot of entrepreneurs see the inability to move past obstacles as one of the major issues with millennial applicants. Employers want people who can remain calm, work under pressure and change directions when needed.

This concludes our list of highly desirable traits for college students. Students are advised to seek take advantage of consultation services in their respective schools to learn more about the changing market. Take note that this list of soft skills is also applicable to entry-level applicants and graduate students as well. Consulting services for graduate school students are also available to help prepare them for the workforce.

Author Bio: Brian Giroux is an experienced college admissions advisor and co-founder of Capital College Consulting. Brian is a Professional Member of Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA). Brian has worked with students from over 30 countries to help provide guidance through the US admissions process.

Photo by Amy McTigue

College is an exciting experience, but it also can be an incredibly stressful one. For millions of college students taking exams, making presentations to large lecture halls of their classmates, or even just dealing with a troublesome roommate, can be enough stress to cause a tension headache. Succeeding in college means dealing with stress effectively.

Before you can conquer your stress, you first have to identify what is causing it. Are you stressed because you are having a hard time getting your work done on time for classes? Or maybe your stress is directly related to taking exams which can determine a significant part of your semester grade. It could even be discomfort at the shared bathrooms that college dorms are known for. It can be just about any part of college classes or dorm life, or several parts.

Once you have identified why you feel stressed, you can begin to take steps toward either removing it or finding ways to mitigate the stress. Even if your stress is because of exams, you cannot eliminate them from your life. Instead it is important to manage your stress by catering to what you need to feel prepared and calm come exam time. Try getting to the exam room early so you have time to get comfortable in your seat, take out your calculator, pen, pencils, etc., before the exam starts, and take a few deep breaths.

If you are stressed during classes and exams because you feel unprepared, then it is important that you not only by ready for your courses but also feel prepared and collected. Make a checklist of your study plan for exams and check off each chapter, item, or other topic as you study it. Having visual proof that you are prepared is a quick way to reassure yourself that you will be happy and calm during the class itself.

Stress that is rooted in the social jumble that is living on campus, away from home for the first time, is also something that has to be mitigated. After all, living on campus offers a lot of great opportunities, but if you have an incompatible roommate then your stress level may be off the charts. Start by talking to your room mate, instead of playing passive aggressive games and resenting him or her. A quick conversation about whether you are willing to share the food in the fridge or your stereo can go a long way toward fixing your relationship.

If your relationship with your roommate is beyond repair, then it is time to make a move – literally. Talk to your college’s housing department about finding a new living arrangement, and remember, next year you can choose your own roommate.

Louise Baker ranks online programs for Zen College Life. She most recently wrote about getting a stenographer degree.

It seems that kids in college have a knack for wasting Mom and Dad’s money (or blowing every cent of a student loan meant to last all semester in the first week of classes). And it’s no wonder, considering that many kids in college are away from home and responsible for themselves (and their finances) for the first time in their lives, often with no preparation for such a cataclysmic event.

So is it your fault you’re driven to spend wastefully? Probably not. On the other hand, if you’re made aware of the potential areas that you might overspend, you have every opportunity to put a stop to the waste and stay on track financially. Here are a few areas to keep an eye on.

1. Parties. Okay, so with no parental supervision, it can be tempting to ditch out on homework and attend some of the many mixers happening all over campus. But that doesn’t mean you have to provide chips and dip for everyone. Keep the parties to a minimum and bring a token offering rather than take-out for the whole crew.

2. Eating out. You have a cafeteria and a meal plan for a reason: to keep you from spending all your money on the outrageous expense of eating out. So keep your wallet and your waistline intact by eating meals on campus, getting snacks at the grocery store (more cost-efficient than the vending machine), or even eating at home if your parents are nearby.

3. Spring break in Cabo. Or Baja. Or Cancun. Pretty much anywhere that has a resort and lots of booze. You might need a break by March, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to party it up out of state. Instead, get a few buddies and some brews (if you’re over 21) and head to a nearby camping spot for a fun vacay on the cheap.

4. Changing majors. By the time you get through GE, you should have a pretty good idea of what area you want to focus on. Use your time on campus to research different careers and talk to your counselor. That way you won’t find yourself a 6th-year senior with a huge debt and no idea of what you want a degree in.

5. Buying brand new. There’s no doubt that textbooks, study materials, software, and even dorm decorations cost a pretty penny. But you don’t have to buy everything new. You can save a lot by purchasing used textbooks (or checking them out from the campus library), searching for sites that offer student discounts on software, and checking out Craig’s list for dorm furnishing that are cheap or even free.

6. Texting galore. If your parents aren’t springing for your mobile plan (or they refuse to get you unlimited talk, text, and web options), you might find yourself in hot water when your cell phone bill shows up. Instead of owing your mobile provider your first-born child (or worse, having your service cancelled) man up and watch your usage (or spring for the additional cost of unlimited coverage).

7. Not saving. Extra money from your student loans is no excuse for a shopping spree. Save that money for later and you might just have the funding you need to fix your car, attend summer school, or sign up for the study abroad program you’ve been dreaming of.

Leon Harris writes for AdvanceMe, the nation’s leading merchant cash advance provider and credit card factoring company.

Worst Addition of a Rapper: P-Diddy (Mercedes-Benz – Welcome)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UOEw3PDh8zo

Best Addition of a Rapper: Eminem (Chrysler – Imported From Detroit)

Most Useless: Chevy Cruze Facebook Status Updates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUHDFafqykI&feature=player_embedded

Best Casting: Doritos Guy (The Best Part)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qRMMBXx3kqk#

Most Refreshing: Coca Cola: Border

Creepy As Hell: Sony Ericsson Xperia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M4lxuoGgbxs

Seriously? Fast Five (aka The Fast and the Furious 5)

Clearest Message: Cars.com – Go First

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xF47Kkk16VQ

Most Awesome Movie: James Bond + Indiana Jones + Iron Man Director = Cowboys & Aliens

Best: Volkswagen – The Force

Runner-up: Chevy Camaro – Miss Evelyn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TCaCNz0Vml8

Which ad was your favourite?

Be sure to check out our picks from 2009.

1. Obligations. Greek life will require some major commitments on your part. For one thing, you will likely have to devote several hours each week to house obligations such as gatherings, events, and charitable pursuits (not to mention “bouncing”…you’ll see). You will also be required to pay dues, the largest of which is the initiation fee, followed by payments each semester (on average, they can amount to several hundred dollars). If you simply don’t have the extra time or money, pledging may not be right for you.

2. Initiation. You’ve likely heard horror stories of hazing. Although campuses expressly prohibit any activities that could be harmful, dangerous, or illegal, it’s possible (even likely) that you will have to undergo something humiliating in order to join the brotherhood or sisterhood of your choice. When you think about it, it’s really no different than joining the military. Breaking people down and then building them up forms a strong bond of loyalty and understanding.

3. Living situation. If you don’t know where you’re going to live (dorms are small and apartments are expensive), joining a house could provide the ideal solution. You will be instantly thrown into a living situation that allows you to make friends while avoiding the largely freshmen population of the dorms.

4. Penchant for partying. This is one stereotype of fraternity and sorority life that is largely true. If you’re not much of a partier, the ongoing “mixers” could be a problem (although it could also serve to bring you out of your shell). On the other hand, plenty of students are there to study, so you likely won’t be alone in wanting some quiet time around the house once in a while. Just be aware that you will probably be required to attend some (if not all) house-sponsored events.

5. Inclusion. Joining the Greek system is a lifelong commitment, but it comes with a lot of perks. One of the best is that you become a member of a group, a brotherhood or sisterhood, that looks out for your best interests and provides you with relationships to last a lifetime. Plus, you can embrace a community spirit that may not be present in other campus clubs.

6. Networking. One of the main reasons many people consider a sorority or fraternity is for the potential to network. College is meant to prepare you for the real world, and by forming friendships with the future leaders of tomorrow, you may indeed meet someone (or several someones) with whom you can collaborate later on in professional or personal pursuits.

7. Philanthropy. Every Greek organization engages in philanthropic activities. If this is one reason you are considering joining, look into the interests of different organizations ahead of time to focus in on the house that best suits your altruistic leanings.

Leon Harris writes for Ask Deb, where you can find Wingstop Coupons, Dominos coupons and tons of other great deals on your favorite eating and shopping establishments.

It’s every student’s nightmare: you stay up till the crack of dawn cramming for an exam that’s worth a quarter of your final grade, but whoops! You forget to set your alarm clock and snooze right through it. As horrific as it may sound, this unfortunate scenario occurs more than you would think. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help salvage your grade if this were to ever happen to you. Here is what to do if you ever miss an exam:

Think-Fast. If you happen to wake up while your exam is taking place, the first thing you want to do is decide whether you have enough time to even take at least a portion of the exam. This is because it’s better to earn a 40 percent on an exam than a zero—seldom is it possible to recover from a zero, even if your other marks are high.

It may include you dashing across campus in your pajamas, but it will certainly be worth it. Take note that some professors have strict rules about attendance and test days. For example, some professors don’t allow their students to enter their classroom if a student is more than 15 minutes late for an exam. If this is the case or perhaps you live off campus and won’t be able to make it in enough time, your best bet would be to regain your composure and think about how you are going to explain this to your professor.

Beg. If you miss your exam entirely, the next thing you want to do is evaluate your relationship with your professor. Is it a good one? Do you attend class regularly and participate frequently? If you do not, chances are he or she will not have sympathy for you. But if you think you have a good standing with your prof, then it’s imperative that you schedule an immediate appointment with him or her.

Do not bombard your professor as he or she is walking out of class—profs are busy people and you’re more likely to get shot down if you catch them at a bad time. And do not e-mail your professor either—this is an easy way for you to get a direct, “that’s too bad.” So you want to schedule an appointment where you can explain yourself face-to-face. While you are explaining the mishap it’s important that you not only remain professional and calm, but that you are also honest.

Do not make up some elaborate fish tale of why you missed your exam (it might come to haunt you later). Rather, take responsibility for your actions, apologize, and request to take a makeup exam. If your request is denied, ask if there is an additional assignment or project that you can do that can help boost your grade. If he or she says no, ask how badly this zero will affect your final grade and if there is any chance that you can pass if you do extremely well in all of the other assignments.

To Drop or Not to Drop. If you leave your professor’s office feeling defeated because you have concluded that there is no way that you can pass the class, then you might want to consider dropping the course. It would be ill advised to do so immediately however—sometimes it’s a good idea for you to let your professor cool off before you ask again if there is anything you can do to pull up your grade up.

If you whole heartedly feel as though there is no chance that you can recover (even if you were to get straight 100s from here on out) then you might want to drop the course. A withdrawal might not look too pretty on transcripts, but an “F” is far worse if you are trying to apply for a graduate program later on.

This guest post is contributed by Vanessa Jones, who writes on the topics of dating sites. She welcomes your comments at her email: vanessa.jones42[at]gmail[dot]com.

CollegeCandy’s Guide to On-Campus Jobs

College Candy has a guide to five of the most useful college jobs including being a tutor, bartender, sports staff, and more.

Desk Job: […] If you can snag one of these jobs, you will be envied by ALL of your friends. Basically you are getting paid to do your homework.

[Also, here are 3 Jobs You Can Start While Still In College.]

the only advice in college

Nathan from How to Spell College says to sleep, cram, don’t cram, ask questions, be extroverted, and about ten more useful tips including:

stay true to yourself—but when something whispers in your ear that you might be wrong, don’t be afraid of listening to it: change a bit, experiment, balance.

Are You A Social Media Oversharer?

Christie, from College Candy, also gives some useful advice:

Personal hygiene is known as personal hygiene for a reason, and strangely enough, I don’t want to know when you’re hopping in the shower and curling your hair. And I really don’t know when you are feeling bloated; you don’t see me posting on your wall about how heavy my period may or may not be.