Mexico's recent ban on the sale of vapes is expected to create a lucrative opportunity for drug cartels, according to Fortune. The ban, which does not extend to the use of electronic cigarettes, went into effect earlier this month. Experts believe organized crime groups will capitalize on the prohibition.
Prior to the ban, Mexico's vape market was worth $1.5 billion. One store owner in northern Mexico recounted an experience in early 2022, before the ban, when a drug cartel seized their business. "They don't come asking whether you want to (give them your business) or not, they come telling you what's about to happen," the owner, now living in the United States, told Fortune on the condition of anonymity. The cartel abducted two employees, blindfolded them, and demanded to speak with their bosses before taking over the store and restricting sales to online channels outside the state.
In other news, a recent article in Ars Technica discussed the trend of microdosing psychedelic drugs like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD. The article noted that while some seek mood and energy boosts from microdosing, a cup of coffee may provide better results for depression treatment.
MIT Technology Review reported on the growing influence of "Vitalism," a movement of longevity enthusiasts who believe death is humanity's core problem and are working to find treatments to slow or reverse aging. Founded by Adam Gries and Nathan Cheng, Vitalism aims to influence policy and open access to experimental drugs.
Wired highlighted Onnit's Instant Melatonin Spray as a convenient sleep aid. A reviewer noted the spray, available in lavender and mint flavors, is sweetened with stevia and offers an alternative to traditional melatonin supplements.
Hacker News published an article titled "Outsourcing Thinking," which explored the potential cognitive consequences of relying on large language models (LLMs). The author suggested that outsourcing tasks to AI could deprive individuals of cognitive skills.
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