Vanderbilt University researchers are partnering with the Chinese government and a large volunteer organization to test combination methods for reducing 
the spread of HIV -- the AIDS virus -- among gay men in China.
Thirty years into the global HIV pandemic, it is apparent that no single strategy will stop the spread of the virus. However, a growing number of interventions are yielding promising results, including knowledge of HIV status, use of condoms, needle exchanges and other behavioral risk reductions. Combining these interventions into packages tailored to specific populations might have a significant impact on prevention.
The study will develop and pilot test a package of Test and Link-to-Care (TLC)-based interventions in Beijing.
“If found to be successful, TLC will provide us with additional means to prevent HIV by reducing an individual’s level of infectiousness to others,” said Sten Vermund, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH). “We expect this method will reduce transmission and save lives.”
Vermund is principal investigator of the study, which is supported by a four-year, $2 million Methods for Prevention Packages Program (MP3) grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Han-Zhu Qian, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine in the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center and a VIGH faculty member, will be the program director.
Qian will work with the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention in China, the China Centers for Disease Control, and the Chaoyang Chinese AIDS Volunteer Group, which provides outreach, education and testing services to 50,000 HIV-positive gay men.
The study will use a series of short text messages and social networking to reach out to gay men, the largest population of HIV-positive individuals in China, to encourage them to get tested. Those who test positive for HIV will be linked to clinics or programs for care and to receive antiretroviral treatment, which potentially can reduce their risk of infecting others.
The University of Connecticut and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine also will participate in the study, which if successful, will lead to a multi-site, randomized clinical trial involving up to a dozen Chinese cities.
The Best Cannabis Edibles for 2023
These extremely popular products have hit mainstream markets across the country and are setting sales records. Some of the strongest edibles can reach 30 mg of THC but remember to check the labeling because not all edibles are created equal. Some edibles have THC while others are marketed as having CBD.
You can purchase THC and CBD in the form of tinctures, gummies, chocolates, and even ready-to-drink cocktails and beverages. Remember, THC is what gets you high, and CBD can help with relaxation and calmness. What’s more, the edible flavors are endless. I’m by no means an expert but I did try out a couple of products just to see how effective they are. For the record, I wasn’t using them to get high throughout the day–okay, there was this one time my friend gave me an edible while we were out, but that’s another story. I actually have a difficult time sleeping through the night and the thought of continually taking sleeping pills, or products like Zzzquil, where you wake up in a foggy mess, isn’t appealing.
I want something that is going to put me to sleep, keep me asleep, and wake me up feeling rested and refreshed. The best type of edible products for me is those that put you to sleep. In case you weren’t aware, there are edibles out there that can get you high, feel good, and relaxed. Others are made specifically for relaxation, sleep, or even anxiety.
Dad Grass
Photo courtesy of Dad Grass
Dad Grass CBD Tincture
The Dad Grass brand has several product forms but the one I tried was the tincture. With the tincture and dropper, you simply place drops under your tongue about 30 minutes before bed. It’s made using 100% organic hemp flower grown in the U.S., and doesn’t include any herbicides, pesticides, or additives.
It does have a high dose of CBD and CBN (slightly psychoactive) but I found that the grassy smell and flavor didn’t make me high. Rather, it gave me a calming feeling and I felt relaxed enough to fall asleep. It has a grassy smell and the flavor is what you would expect to taste like; grassy and slightly bitter. It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s a passing moment and not completely horrible to taste.
Really, the hardest part was placing it under your tongue for 30 seconds. You immediately begin to salivate and your instinct is to swallow. I don’t know how effective it is to do this, so I tried swallowing it immediately as well as placing it sublingually. To be honest, I don’t know if I could tell the difference. Further testing is required.
Pros
Easy Application
High CBD
Cons
Grassy Flavor
Incredibles
Photo courtesy of Incredibles
Incredibles S'mores Bar 100mg THC
For me, this was the best type of edible because it had a bit more kick to it due to the added THC. The packaging says 100 mg of THC but really each square is 10 mg each with 10 squares of chocolate. The S’mores Infused Edibles solves two problems at once. Chocolatey snack for the sweet tooth and sleep-inducing qualities from the THC. Usually, you can take half a square to a full square to figure out which dosage works best for you.
One square a night right before bed and you’re good to go (to sleep). They do offer several other options with THC and some with a combination of THC and CBD for added effect. I’m not a huge fan of S’mores but in chocolate bar form, they were pretty good.
I always say I’m not a sweets kind of person but then they show me chocolate and I’m a goner. The packaging is childproof and funny. They make the jokes like Boom. Roasted. At least I hope it’s a joke because that’s what I take it at. You’re high Clairee…Anyway, they have several types of edible products to choose from like hard candies, gummies, and sours. The downside is that you’re paying a lot for 10 squares of chocolate mixed with THC. Definitely not a deal breaker but for a month’s supply, that could add up.
Pros
Taste Great
THC Based
Cons
Pricey
What to Consider When Buying Edibles
Type of Relief
The first thing on your list should be what you want out of your edible. If you’re looking for a feel-good high, then THC is. If you’re wanting to relax and calm your mind without the high feeling, then CBD (and possibly CBN) is where it’s at. However, there are options for THC and CBD giving you the best of both worlds.
Ingredients
It goes without saying but you should always choose all-natural products with no additives, preservatives, or chemicals. THC and CBD should be derived from U.S.-based ingredients. However, even some of the best cannabis edibles will have added sugar and flavorings, it’s unavoidable but the base products themselves should be free of harmful chemicals.
Lab Tested
Sometimes it’s hard to tell but the THC, CBD, and CBN ingredients should be lab-tested. When a product is lab-tested, they ensure it’s free of chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants. They can also verify the potency of the product you’re about to consume.
Flavor and Potency
Luckily, you can find THC and CBD in just about any flavor and potency level. You need to know what your tolerance level is and adjust accordingly. Too little of a dosage will be ineffective and too high of a dosage can be a serious issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What edibles are best for beginners?
This depends on the product you are going to eat but it’s always a good idea to start small, like 5 mg of THC. With CBD, you can start with a higher dosage because it’s not as psychoactive as THC. Once you are comfortable with this, you can adjust according to your needs.
Do edibles give you a hangover?
Edibles don’t typically cause hangover-like symptoms but that’s not to say they can’t. Cannabis stays in your body much longer than alcohol does and it can sometimes feel like you have a hangover. If this happens, you should definitely cut back on your dosage or just take a break from edibles.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
- THC, also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This is what gives you the “high” feeling and is mind-altering.
- CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant, is not addictive, and is used for more medicinal applications. It does not contain THC so, therefore, is not mind-altering.
How long does it take for edibles to kick in?
Edibles can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours to kick in. Also, ingesting THC or CBD is much more potent and longer lasting.
Final Thoughts
Having the best cannabis edibles comes down to personal preference and needs. I use them for their sleep-inducing qualities. I am perfectly fine using edibles made with CBD, THC, or a combination as long as I can sleep and sleep well! Now that cannabis is legal in over 20 states and territories, you can find a dispensary that offers a variety of products. There is nothing wrong with cannabis and its use; the stigma it once had is thankfully diminishing however, as with any substance, partake responsibly.
National Margarita Day
The Skinniest Margarita
The Skinniest Margarita
Photo by LALO
This margarita was created by Soho House Austin which opened in 2021. It uses LALO tequila, which is additive-free and represents what tequila was truly supposed to taste like. LALO is named after Co-Founder and Maestro Tequilero Eduardo "Lalo" González. Eduardo is the grandson of Don Julio González, of Don Julio Tequila fame. He and Founding Partner David R. Carbillido wanted to bring tequila back to its roots and nothing but a pure blanco tequila. Thus, LALO was born.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces LALO
- 1/2 ounce Ferrand Dry Curacao
- 1 ounce hand-squeezed lime juice
- Garnish with dehydrated lime wheel
Directions
- Place all ingredients into a glass filled with ice
- Stir
- Garnish
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Daisy Margarita
Daisy Margarita
Photo courtesy of Pink House Alchemy
This isn't a tequila you add your ingredients to but rather it's ingredients you add to your tequila. Pink House Alchemy makes all sorts of shrubs, syrups, and kits so you can just sit back and whip up the cocktails and enjoy. Each bottle is handcrafted and made with the best ingredients around. The combinations of flavors are perfect for experimenting with.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce pH Pineapple Rosemary Shrub
- 0.75 ounce pH Herbalicious Syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
Directions
- Shake or stir
- Strain into a glass over ice, rimmed with rosemary salt
- Enjoy!
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Blanco Luxury Margarita
Blanco Margarita
Photo courtesy of Don Julio
We're not sure there isn't a person alive that doesn't know Don Julio, especially since we just mentioned his grandson! They have an impressive line of tequila expressions anyone would be happy to have in their collection. This recipe features the blanco tequila which is probably our go-to tequilas for margaritas. They also have Reposado, Añejo, 70 Cristalino, 1942, and many more. We would recommend going down the line and seeing which is your favorite. maybe even try making an old-fashioned or drinking it straight, sophisticated-like.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces of Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- 0.75 ounces fresh lime
- 0.50 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar
- Lime wedge
Directions
- Combine Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup/agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
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Fresh Citrus Margarita
Fresh Citrus Margarita
Photo courtesy of Mezcal Amaras
Even though this is mezcal, it's all about the margarita. It doesn't have to be tequila, it could be tequila-like. Mezcal is a very close relative of tequila. It's a bit more earthy with a bit more of a bite but it works. It's also made from blue agave, but not restricted to just blue agave like tequila, but just about any species of agave. The process is similar but the flavor is distinct.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Mezcal Amarás Espadín
- 1 ounce Rosemary syrup
- 0.5 ounce Lemon juice
- 0.5 ounce Orange liqueur
- Grapefruit ice cream
- Garnish: Rosemary sprig
Shaker Method
- Add rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and Mezcal Amarás Espadín to your shaker.
- Place ice and shake it well.
Build Method
- Add a scoop of grapefruit ice cream in a margarita glass, pour the mixture, and decorate with a sprig of rosemary.
The margarita is a cocktail that has evolved over the years; it's fresh and bright at the same time making it one of my favorites. For this cocktail, I wanted to respect the citrus and freshness by using Amarás Espadín as the base. Triple Sec, fresh lemon, and the refreshing grapefruit sorbet add three distinct layers of citrus. This cocktail evolves as you are enjoying it - as the sorbet combines with the cocktail, you experience different flavors and textures
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Smoked Blood Orange Margarita
Smoked Blood Orange Margarita
Photo courtesy of Stundenglass
So, here we have another ingredient-forward margarita. You can use your favorite mezcal and combine the ingredients but to really finish it off, you need the Stündenglass Beverage Infuser to really get that smoke flavor in your drink. Not only will this impress your friends, but it looks pretty darn awesome if you ask us.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of your favorite mezcal
- 1 ounce blood orange juice
- 0.5 ounce lime juice
- 0.5 ounce rosemary simple syrup
- dry rosemary to smoke
Directions
- Rim the glass with Chamoy (it can be found in any Mexican market or store)
- Add the ingredients one by one in the shaker
- Add ice to fill the shaker
- Shake for 30 seconds
- Place your favorite ice shape int eh glass
- Strain content from shaker into glass
- Top with a dry blood orange slice
- Smoke with dry Rosemary using Stündengalss Beverage Infuser
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Spicy Manarita
Spicy Manarita
Photo courtesy of Teremana
Who doesn't love The Rock, Dwayne Johnson? Of course you know they'd have to have a margarita that was as sweet but just as tough as the man himself. The Spicy Manarita has the sweet, spicy, and smooth taste of a reposado tequila and the heat will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Teremana Reposado
- 0.75 ounce Lime Juice
- 0.5 ounce Agave Nectar
- 2 Jalapeño Slices (remove seeds)
Directions
- Muddle jalapeño in shaker.
- Add Teremana, Lime Juice & Agave Nectar.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain and serve over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice.
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Turn and Burn
The Turn and Burn Margarita
Photo courtesy of Casa Don Ramón
Don Ramón produces three collections of tequila, the Punta Diamante, Platinium, and the Limited Edition featuring Plata, Añejo, and Extra Añejo in a Swarovski crystal-embellished bottle. As with most, if not all tequila, Don Ramón is from the highlands of Jalisco Mexico, and is made of 100% pure Blue Agave.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ouncesTequila Don Ramón Platinium Plata
- 1.5 ounces Grapefruit Juice
- 1 ounce Lime Juice
- 0.75 ounce Agave Syrup
- 1 Pinch Smoked Salt
- 2 Sprigs Lemon Thyme (Garnish)
- Charred Grapefruit (Garnish)
Directions
- Combine tequila, fruit juices, agave, salt, and one sprig of lemon thyme in a shaking tin with ice.
- Shake, strain, and pour the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a charred grapefruit slice and a fresh sprig of lemon thyme.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Cocktail Gummy Bears
Cocktail Gummy Bear
Photo by Grand Velas Los Cabos
Okay, okay. Technically NOT a margarita but they accompany your margarita while visiting AAA 5-Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos Resort in Mexico. They come in two flavors Hibiscus Mezcalita with chili salt or Piña Colada. They seem to be complimentary upon check-in, poolside, and well, check-out.
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Handblown Glass Tumblers
Handblown Glass Tumblers
Photo courtesy of Bespoke Post
If you're wondering what to put all these margaritas in, don't worry. You can put them in a margarita glass, a coupe glass, a pitcher, or these wonderfully handblown glass tumblers. Cocktails fit perfectly in them. They're comfortable to hold, easy to drink from and look beautiful while on display. And if your husband is clumsy and knocks one over and it shatters on the floor, never fear, they come in a set of two so you will always have a drink. He may not but then, he shouldn't have broken the glass. Pick some up now!