ST. LOUIS– The FBI is launching a new campaign to encourage the public to report hate crimes. The FBI will be posting ads around the area to raise awareness.

Here is where you can see some of the ads:

• Exterior of 16 Metro Buses
• Interior of 100 Metro Buses
• Digital billboards
• Light Rail Shelters

The FBI says messaging will also be on the radio, social media, and even on digital displays at gas pumps.

The message the FBI is trying to get across is if you are a victim or witness to anybody who has been victimized by actions of violence and it is due to someone’s ethnicity, race, gender, gender orientation, religion, disability, or another protected group, please report the crime.

The FBI says it is trying to raise public awareness because timing is crucial. Officials say reporting hate crimes online or hotline is the most direct and anonymous way to make a report.

You can report a hate crime online at www.tips.fbi.gov or at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Tony Khan loved professional wrestling so much growing up, he mapped storylines and wrote scripts for his own imaginary company. He had wrestlers as friends and friends who worked in wrestling. Oh, and he had money, enthusiasm and entrepreneurism, too.

The son of a billionaire, Khan decided being a squared circle fan wasn’t enough — he wanted to shake up the culture and pair his modern spin with an old-school flavor and in 2019, All Elite Wrestling was born.

“If you’ve seen other wrestling and said, ‘This isn’t for me,’ give AEW a chance,” the 38-year-old Khan said. “It’s a lot less likely to insult your intelligence than other shows out there.”

Yes, that’s a direct shot at WWE, the longtime industry leader that essentially stood alone for almost two decades as the preeminent force in American wrestling.

Not anymore.

Like the challenger chasing the champion, AEW has turned from plucky upstart into the talk of the pro wrestling world. Khan said AEW’s “All Out” pay-per-view earlier this month had more than 200,000 buys, its weekly “ Dynamite ” TV show on TNT routinely tops 1 million viewers — and has defeated WWE’s flagship “Raw” in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic — and Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Kenny Omega, Sting and a star-studded roster will set an AEW attendance record when more than 20,000 fans are expected Wednesday night to pack Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York for its “Grand Slam” card.

AEW has fans buzzing — who’s the next surprise superstar to debut!? — and put WWE on notice that it’s a major player for talent, bragging rights, ratings and revenue that countless other promotions have failed to capture. Khan runs it all behind the scenes, adding AEW to his other job titles with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, English soccer team Fulham FC and his business ventures. He writes and structures AEW programming — which includes four weekly shows and four pay-per-views each year — and those boyhood dreams of booking for a company have come true.

“I’ve found the company has gotten stronger the more I take on,” Khan said. “And I think the fans would agree with that. The really hardcore fans would actually really agree with that. The people who know, know the more hands-on I got about everything, the company has gotten a lot stronger.”

WWE isn’t going anywhere — not with billion-dollar TV contracts and a global reach that includes a roughly $50 million payout for a Saudi Arabia show — but some of its biggest stars are leaving for AEW and the promise of fat paychecks, a lighter work schedule and five-star matches without the “ entertainment ” aspects of performing.

Khan’s funding an AEW videogame, and Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, Rosario Dawson and Shaquille O’Neal are among the A-listers who have appeared or wrestled on TV.

And, Khan says, AEW has already turned a profit.

“Our TNT deal is very fair. I think we’ve performed at such a high level that we’ll justify a big increase on our next deal,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have their support. The timing of that deal was great, to get that in January 2020, that is a huge revenue stream for us.”

Khan talked with The Associated Press by phone about AEW’s future as the hottest wrestling promotion in the business. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

AP: Do you have WWE’s attention? Do you feel it might finally see AEW as true competition?

Khan: I’m a big wrestling fan and I would say, objectively, AEW is the hottest wrestling company right now. So many people who watch wrestling know that AEW’s gaining ground, AEW is hitting all-time highs. It’s helping us build new fans, it’s helping people want to take the leap and check the shows out. I’m sure other wrestling companies are paying attention to that. We have great relationships with a lot of wrestling companies that know what’s going on with AEW. I think if you work in the wrestling business, you’re following what we’re doing and the success we’re having. We’re catching a lot of eyeballs outside of the world of wrestling and mainstream attention, so you better believe in the world of wrestling people are paying very close attention to it.

AP: How did AEW come out of pandemic as a healthy company?

Khan: We made up a lot of market share in that time and really closed the gap between us and our competition. When we went back to packed arenas and got back to full capacity, and really now in recent months, have hit the stride we wanted to hit, we’re stronger than ever. Now all of a sudden we’re the ones who are the No. 1 wrestling show on cable. We went through nearly two years of “Dynamite,” we did 100 episodes and episode 101 was when we finally beat Raw. That was a big milestone for us. Just as important a milestone, was the number we hit, which was so strong, and just as important to us was to be No. 1 on cable for the third straight week.

AP: How can you keep such a loaded roster happy in the future?

Khan: I think that’s a good problem for any organization to have when you have a deep bench. We have a very deep bench right now. I try to rotate who wrestles on television and give TV time to different wrestlers so we have a lot of people with momentum and can switch out the matches and keep things fresh. I think that serves you well in sports, too, when you can rotate and rest people and give experience to young talent and develop people and also rest your veterans so they don’t have to go out and do it every single week.

AP: Have you been surprised by the star talent made available to AEW?

Khan: I had a lot of wrestlers that were very well-regarded in terms of the hardcore fans. But in terms of the very mainstream audience, not as many recognizable names, and I knew I’d have to really build that recognition. I didn’t expect somebody with so much recognition and as much experience wrestling on TV as Jon Moxley would become available so quickly. He has been such a great blessing for this company. He was a great champion through the pandemic. He’s still one of our most important stars today. I didn’t expect that at the time. Since then, absolutely. By making this a great home for wrestling and a place where wrestlers want to work, we’ve had so many people that want to come here, and have defected. It is more than I ever could have dreamed.

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South Korean survival drama show “Squid Game,” which premiered on Netflix on Sept. 17, is being accused of plagiarism by some online.

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead. 

About the series: Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk (“The Fortress,” “Miss Granny”), the nine-episode series tells the story of a group of characters risking their lives to win 45.6 billion won ($38.5 million) in a mysterious survival game.

• “Squid Game” stars actors Lee Jung-jae (“Il Mare,” “The Thieves”), Park Hae-soo (“Prison Playbook,” “Time to Hunt”) and model Jung Ho-yeon.
• The show’s plot follows the “Deadly Game” theme, a common trope used in popular media involving characters being forced to compete in a dangerous contest, often resulting in death.
• “Squid Game” has received positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, getting a collated 100% critics score and 89% audience score, as of this writing.   

Alleged “scene-stealer”: Some social media users have pointed out similarities between “Squid Game” and “As The Gods Will,” a popular 2014 Japanese film that also features deadly physical games.

그리고 오징어게임 일본작품 표절입니다 https://t.co/5kS1oZL5Su pic.twitter.com/rAfQEWXAm3

— 7 (@Fra77777777) September 19, 2021

• One Twitter user pointed out that the first game in both titles had the same rules and punishments for players. “As The Gods Will” used the Japanese game of “daruma” while “Squid Game” used “Red Light, Green Light,” which is also a children’s game played in Korea called “Hibiscus Flowers Have Bloomed.”
• In both games, one “seeker” faces the wall or a tree for a short period of time before suddenly turning around to catch any player that moves. In “Squid Game,” those caught moving were shot, while in “As The Gods Will” their heads exploded.
• The user posted images of similar scenes from the two films, including close-up shots of the giant dolls, the countdown clock and the scene where a character dove at the last second.
• Another game, which involved contestants hopping on glass tiles, was said to be inspired by the manga version of “As The Gods Will.”

Response to criticism: During the press conference for “Squid Game,” Hwang addressed the alleged similarities, saying he wrote the script a couple of years before “As The Gods Will,” which was created in the early 2010s, reported NME. 

• “It is true that [the first game is] similar, but after that, there aren’t any similarities,” he was quoted as saying. “I worked on [Squid Game in] 2008 and 2009, and at the time, the first game [had already been] fixed as ‘Red Light Green Light.’”
• The filmmaker added that while claiming ownership of the story was something he was hesitant about, “If I had to say it, I would say I did it first.” 
• In an interview with Korea Herald, he shared that he became fascinated with the survival genre after reading a lot of comics.  “With an attempt to create a Korean version, I started planning out the work in 2008 and finished the scenario in 2009.”
• He revealed that he was forced to shelve the script due to lack of interest until it was picked up as a Netflix series about a decade later.

Featured Image via Fra77777777

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The grim news everyone feared hit Tuesday — Gabby Petito’s death was a homicide.

“Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue confirmed the remains are those of Gabrielle Venora Petito, date of birth March 19, 1999,” the FBI field office in Denver announced on Twitter.

Petito was killed by another person, a coroner concluded while also confirming that the human remains found recently at a Wyoming national park were those of the 22-year-old woman who disappeared months after she set out on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend.

A cause of death was not divulged pending final autopsy results, officials said.

Her body was found Sunday near an undeveloped camping area in remote northern Wyoming along the border of Grand Teton National Park.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to search a swampy Florida preserve area near the home of Petito’s boyfriend. Police in North Port, Fla., said Tuesday morning that investigators have returned to the Carlton Reserve to look for Brian Laundrie, 23.

Investigators searched the 24,000-acre Florida nature preserve over the weekend without success. They focused on the area after Laundrie’s parents told police he may have gone there.

Authorities are using helicopters, drones, dogs and officers in all-terrain vehicles in their search for Laundrie. About 75% of the search area is underwater.

On Monday, the FBI went to Laundrie’s parents’ home in North Port and removed several boxes and towed away a car neighbors said Laundrie’s mother typically used.

Laundrie and Petito had been living with his parents at the North Port home before the road trip on which she died.

The young couple had set out in July in a converted van to visit national parks in the West. They got into a fight along the way, and Laundrie was alone when he returned in the van to his parents’ home Sept. 1, police said.

Laundrie has been named a person of interest in the case, but his whereabouts in recent days were unknown.

Petito’s father, Joseph, posted on social media an image of a broken heart above a picture of his daughter, with the message: “She touched the world.”

In an interview broadcast Monday on TV’s “Dr. Phil” show, Joseph Petito said Laundrie and his daughter had dated for 2 1/2 years, and Laundrie was “always respectful.” During the interview, which was recorded before his daughter’s body was found, Petito said the couple had taken a previous road trip to California in her car and there were no problems.

Joseph Petito said the family began worrying after several days without hearing from their daughter.

“We called Brian, we called the mom, we called the dad, we called the sister, we called every number that we could find,” Joseph Petito said. “No phone calls were picked up, no text messages were returned.”

Joseph Petito said he wants Laundrie to be held accountable for whatever part he played in his daughter’s disappearance, along with his family for protecting him.

“I hope they get what’s coming, and that includes his folks,” Joseph Petito said. “Because I’ll tell you, right now, they are just as complicit in my book.”

Soon after Ko Kieft had eight knockdown blocks of Colorado defenders in the Gophers’ dominating 30-0 victory Saturday, the U tight end tweeted out a startling selfie. It showed blood dripping from his nose, running down his face and into his thick beard.

The photo was presumed to have been taken after a shower in the visiting locker room at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., but it actually originated from a training camp practice in Minnesota in August. “It’s a picture, I think, all the guys kind of have and float around to each other, which is even better,” quarterback Tanner Morgan said.

For U players, that photo has become part inside joke, part homage to the way the sixth-year, primarily-blocking tight end goes about his business. “It’s just a mindset or a mentality kind of joke,” Morgan added. “This is the reality of who Ko is. The way that he plays the game of football, and over time you see it, it kind of makes you laugh. It’s who Ko is, but even in the practice when his nose was bleeding. He was still doing his thing, or in the game, when he gets a bloody nose or whatever it is. It’s no excuses. He is always going, playing … at 100 percent. Full tilt. It’s a pretty elite picture, I think.”

Kieft has tallied 23 knockdown blocks through three games this season, according to the U. He had a season-high nine pancakes against Ohio State in the season opener, including one that got the attention of former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.

“Good googly moogly Minnesota’s TE with an amazing pancake!!!!!!,” tweeted Schwartz, who played six years in the NFL, including 2012 with the Vikings. Schwartz included two wide-eyed emojis with a clip of Kieft driving a Buckeye backwards and sideways before throttling him into the turf.

Kieft, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, has begun to turn heads in the NFL draft community. Ryan Roberts of RiseNDraft.com tweeted: “Ko Kieft … might be the best blocking tight end in the 2022 NFL Draft class. Dude can overwhelm at the (point of attack).”

Kieft has a degree in kinesiology and is working on a masters in sports and exercise science, with a goal to be a strength coach someday. The last part might have to wait.

“I think he’s going to play in the NFL,” Fleck said on his KFAN radio show Tuesday. “People forget — you don’t have to go out there and catch 50 balls to do that. There is NFL teams looking for people that can do what he does. That’s literally put people on their backs over and over and over.”

Kieft has only six career receptions for 69 yards and one touchdown. His only catch this season came against the Buffaloes, a nifty 4-yard reception that went for a first down.

Kieft’s nosebleeds aren’t necessarily from contact on the field; he has a history of them due to his deviated septum. But they sure do look tough and fit in alongside his roommate, former U linebacker turned mixed martial arts fighter Bailey Schoenfelder, who is 2-0 in his nascent cage-fighting career.

Kieft feels rule and style changes have taken out some of the physical elements of the game, but he wants to keep that tough edge around. “(I) really try to bring that into my game, especially in run blocking,” he said. “It’s something that I enjoy, and it helps our offense a lot.”

The Gophers are 24th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 218 yards per game. They have kept plugging along after losing Big Ten running back of the year Mo Ibrahim to injury during the season opener. Minnesota will use seven or eight offensive linemen on a play and have had a O-lineman line up at fullback for an even bigger jumbo rushing package.

“He is really the attitude of this team,” Fleck said. “That is what you want to be able to have, put the ball down and let’s go. Ko Kieft is somebody who directly reflects it.”

Kieft’s catch against the Buffaloes came on second and 4 in the third quarter, he caught a pass after three yards and cut it upfield for the first down. It’s part of Kieft’s goal to be more of a “complete tight end” this season.

“Way more difficult than it looks,” Morgan shared. And the grab gave Kieft confidence, with Fleck sharing Kieft’s response: “He said, ‘Keep throwing me the ball.’ ” That could happen more this season, but Kieft’s real value is his dominating run blocking.

Morgan described Kieft succinctly after the Ohio State game: “Violent. I mean, he’s violent. He’s a guy that loves to play football.”

Posted: Sep 22, 2021 / 10:54 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 22, 2021 / 10:54 AM EDT

ALBABY COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Albany County Executive Dan McCoy provided the latest report on the county’s progress on vaccinations and controlling the spread of the coronavirus. 

As of Tuesday, it is reported that 71% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 65.1% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 82%. More information on vaccination rates can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here.

County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 28,158 to date, with 79 new positive cases identified since Tuesday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 82. Albany County’s most recent seven-day average of percent positive rates remained at 4.5% and the Capital Region’s average rate is now up to 4.0%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 12 reportedly had close contacts to positive cases, 61 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings.

Health officials say there are now 512 active cases in the county, down from 536 Tuesday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,064 from 1,119. So far 88,374 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 27,646 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 94 additional recoveries.

The County Executive reported that there were six new hospitalizations since Tuesday, and 39 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net decrease of one. There are currently ten patients in ICU’s, unchanged from Tuesday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 400 since the outbreak began.

Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (all offering Pfizer vaccine):

• Wednesday, September 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DePaula Auto Group

1101 Central Ave, Albany, NY

• Wednesday, September 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Shaker Middle School

475 Watervliet Shaker Road Latham, NY

Recreational cannabis use has gained popularity in recent decades, and one of the most celebrated and fun ways to consume it is, undoubtedly, through vaping. These cartridges come pre-filled with delta-8 THC oil for your pleasure.

Delta-8 THC cartridges are very easy to use — you can conveniently take a puff anywhere at any time of the day.  They are also disposable, making it fast and convenient to throw away an empty cartridge and clip in a new one.

These cartridges come in fantastic different flavors that you may not even know exist. And once you try them, you are sure to want more.

Top 3 Brands of THC Vape Carts on the Market

1. Exhale Wellness: Best & Strongest Overall
2. BudPop: Most Potent
3. Delta EXTRAX: Wide Variety of Flavors

When delta-8 THC cartridges first appeared on the scene, few people knew what they were. As people began to realize the difference between delta-8 and traditional marijuana (or delta-9 THC) and saw the benefits of delta-8, they wanted to experience it for themselves.

Are you thinking about which delta-8 cartridges to buy? It might be difficult to choose a brand from a sea of rivals, especially if you are a newcomer.

But, there is no need to worry, as we have the top five cartridges in the market that are sure not to disappoint. Each has been carefully examined and evaluated so we can present you with a list of some of the most recognized brands.

#1. Exhale Wellness: Best & Strongest Overall

Famous for their pleasant tangy flavors and the uplifting feeling, these Exhale Wellness cartridges top the list, and with good reason.

Exhale offers plant-based THC cartridges that both older and younger generations will enjoy. These cartridges are made of the best quality ingredients and are infused with the finest hemp extract available. All cartridges are organic and non-GMO, and Exhale utilizes CO2 extraction to ensure its products remain clean and uncontaminated.  The lack of synthetic additives in these cartridges will ensure you get the smoothest vaping experience. Exhale also publishes their third-party lab results on their website, so you can see the purity of their products for yourself.

Some flavors to try are Sour Diesel, Blackberry Kush, and Pineapple Express. New users will enjoy the burst of natural flavors Exhale infuses in their cartridges, while experienced connoisseurs will appreciate a refreshing update to their delta-8 vaping routine.

Exhale has a wide range of other products to choose from, like gummies, flower, edibles, disposables, pre-rolls, cigarettes, and concentrates. Any products sporting the Exhale logo are sure to be of premium quality.

Pros

• Clean CO2 extraction
• Third-party lab tested
• Smooth smoking experience
• No additives
• Naturally flavored
• No MCT, PG, VG, or PEG oil

Cons

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews portray Exhale’s THC cartridges to be effective and without major side effects. Users have also appreciated Exhale’s wide flavor range that is soothing and unique.  The cartridges are referred to as both affordable and travel-friendly, and some have also lauded the overall product quality, which helps enhance the entire experience.

Exhale is a wonderful option for a finer, gentler, and more aromatic encounter with delta-8 THC. We certainly have not been disappointed.

#2. BudPop: Most Potent

These delta-8 cartridges are a distinct set in their field. BudPop offers limited flavors right now (only Strawberry Gelato and Grape Runtz); however, the excellent taste of these cartridges makes up for the limited variety.  Popular among users for their concentrated form of THC with strain-specific terpenes, these cartridges deliver a great taste and make you feel good. They are also naturally flavored, which is another major reason they ranked second on our list of the top five delta-8 THC cartridges.

Outside of the excellent flavor, you can also be satisfied with the quality of the cartridge casing, as they are designed with stainless steel, which will keep your delta-8 oil from leaking.

These unique products also employ food-grade silicone in their construction. Since it is a non-reactive material, it aids in the prevention of contamination, and it also prevents toxic substances from harming the contents of the cartridge.

In addition, the universal cartridge size is compatible with the majority of 510 vape pens, and each cartridge also comes with 800mg of delta-8 THC oil.

For these reasons and more, BudPop’s cartridges are highly trusted in today’s commercial landscape.

Pros

• Tasty and effective
• Third-party lab tested
• Easily portable
• Exotic flavors

Cons

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews state this product was wonderful, gentle, and provides a nice hit. Users loved the consistent quality from BudPop and the reliable performance of these cartridges. They mention the flavor and scent being exceptionally good, too.

Many love the flavors and the euphoric yet mellow feeling of BudPop’s delta-8 cartridges.

#3. Delta EXTRAX: Wide Variety of Flavors

Demand for this brand’s delta-8 products is skyrocketing, as Delta EXTRAX vape carts are considered among the best in the market.

They are a brand that focuses only on delta-8 hemp extract products, and they are among the most well-liked brands on the market for their well-manufactured products. They demonstrate exceptional purity levels in their delta-8 by using some of the finest hemp available today.

Their taste is also unique among their competitors, including flavors such as Raspberry Kush, Banana Candy Kush, and Cali Orange Kush. Customer’s call Delta EXTRAX’s Blue Dream delta-8 cartridge fast-acting and say it helps bring out their creative side. This sativa-dominant hybrid is particularly good for users looking to relax and experience a smooth body high.

Pros

• Long-lasting effects
• All-natural ingredients
• Mood-elevating flavors
• Third-party lab tested
• Does not make you sluggish

Cons

• Not available in all states

Customer Reviews

Although there is no scientific evidence that proves delta-8 is effective for medicinal purposes, users have mentioned Delta EXTRAX’s delta-8 products aid with chronic pain and anxiety.

#4. Diamond CBD: Best Cartridge Mix

In today’s times, it is vital to find the right mix in cartridges. And with so many available, it might be tough to choose a reliable one.

These delta-8 carts by Diamond CBD are trustworthy and potent with a variety of delicious flavors, like Blue Dream, Strawberry Lemonade, and Mango Kush.

Diamond CBD utilizes a CO2 extraction method to produce only the best final product. No harsh chemicals are used during this process, which is why it is regarded as one of the finest and safest methods of extracting delta-8 THC. Diamond CBD is also known for producing the right mix of strains with great quality hemp. Furthermore, every product they make is sent to a third-party lab to verify its safety, potency, and purity.

The range they produce is impressive and draws a lot of customers, as they have almost everything you are looking for in a cartridge. However, make sure to keep products in a cool, dry area for optimum effects.

Pros

• Wide range of flavors
• No vitamin E acetate
• Great customer service
• Third-party lab tested
• Lab results available online

Cons

• Only orders over $100 are eligible for free shipping

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the cartridges from Diamond CBD for their quality, and they have also mentioned the brand’s website is easy to use and transparent in posting their lab results. Moreover, they offer great customer service, too.

#5. 3Chi: Most Preferred

3Chi’s cartridges are no-frills, down-to-earth, and elegantly designed goods, and they employ 3Chi’s unique combination of full-spectrum cannabinoids. Most of their goods are manufactured from GMO-free and natural hemp, and they use CO2 extraction technology and promote a natural manufacturing process. Furthermore, products are third-party lab tested to ensure safety and quality.

3Chi brings a fresh take to the delta-8 cartridge market by offering delta-8 focused blends.  Available in Calm, Focus, Happy, and Soothe, these blends are sure to give you the experience you are looking for in your delta-8 cartridges.

The vape carts on offer from 3Chi is the best value option and boasts over 1,300 favorable ratings. 3Chi is also famous for its one-of-a-kind feeling, which simultaneously awakens and calms you.

Pros

• Pure and natural
• Affordable
• THC-free
• Outstanding client service

Cons

• Orders are non-refundable

Customer Reviews

A majority of buyers reviewed 3Chi’s goods with positive anecdotes and responses, and most have claimed their cartridges are effective and powerful.

They have great potency, which is why these vape cartridges are popular among users. However, some buyers thought these cartridges were shorter-lasting than other brands.

Still, most consumers believe the euphoric experience produced by the cartridges is enjoyable and would suggest the product to other delta-8 THC cartridge consumers.

How Did We Choose the Best THC Cartridges?

There has been a surge of interest in delta-8 THC recently, and brands are rushing to capitalize on the market. Unfortunately, like all other products made from hemp, it is not always easy to come across the best delta-8 THC carts.

It is a challenge not to get tricked when quality control is a prevalent issue in the cannabis industry. From lab testing the quality of the products to the customer ratings, we have done a lot of the research for you.

Delta-8 users also have more to consider than just strain and flavor. So, here are some things you should consider to ensure you have the best delta-8 experience.

Legally, delta-8 products may not exceed 0.3% of delta-9 THC content. So, we have ensured all of the brands on our list follow this rule to prevent any risks to consumers. To avoid health or legal complications, check each brand’s reported delta-9 THC level.

The cannabis industry is filled with companies trying to promote their products by promising various results; therefore, it is very important to look at a company’s reputation while choosing a brand.

The reputation of a brand assures users of its legitimacy and its quality, and reviews are a perfect way to determine this. We have screened third-party websites, social media, product reviews, and official websites to find the most popular brands.

Experiences can differ with products, but a high reporting of positive experiences suggests the quality of the product is above average.

Brands need to be careful with their products and the ingredients they use to prevent doing harm to users. Manufacturing delta-8 carts is a delicate and sophisticated process, and the failure of a brand to maintain safe production could result in buyer injury or dissatisfaction.

Third-party lab testing and verification are necessary to assure customers of the safety of the brand’s products. Reports are often available on brand websites, and some even ship these reports with their product.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best THC Cartridges on the Market

Delta-8 THC is similar in chemical structure to delta-9 THC, but there are some distinct differences between the two. Delta-8 may produce the same benefits as delta-9, but it induces a milder high, making it less dangerous than its delta-9 counterpart. Like other cannabinoids, the fastest and most effective way to get high or experience benefits from delta-8 THC is to inhale it.

Some factors you need to consider before determining the right delta-8 THC cartridges for you include:

Again, third-party lab tests are the surest way to establish the quality of a brand’s delta-8 product. Lab results should have some indication of safety, potency, and efficacy of the given product and its ingredients. This can also help you differentiate between legitimate brands and inferior ones.

Lab reports are unbiased and give you accurate information, but you can also look at reviews online for buyer opinions of a brand.

Additives to products are not inherently bad, but customers want to know that what they buy is what they get. Some brands may use additives or cutting agents to reduce the amount of delta-8 in their products, which is not ideal.

Similarly, other companies also use sweeteners or unnatural flavorings that you should generally avoid for your health.

Delta-8 THC cartridges should typically be light pink or light yellow, and any other color may indicate the company has not filtered the cartridge properly. It can also mean they did not distill it correctly after isomerizing the delta-8 THC. Any other colors can indicate impurities in the delta-8, making the product a potential health risk.

So, only use cartridges with transparent casings, and avoid opaque ones. Cloudy or discolored cartridges also are not recommended.

Third-party testing and verification from unrelated labs are reliable sources of reassurance of the company’s legitimacy. Third-party labs have no investment in misrepresenting a brand’s lab results. So, if a brand does its product testing in-house, it is best to avoid this company, as they could alter the tests to trick customers.

Always check the ingredients to see if the product is pure. For instance, acidic precursors of cannabinoids, varinolic cannabinoids, and p-cymene terpenes might be hazardous to your health. Additionally, it is best to ensure the brand has not added any cannabinoids of low potency.

You will also want to check if the products have any diluents or additives. It is recommended to use cartridges containing only botanical or cannabis-derived terpenes as additives, if any.

These cartridges come in multiple different flavors, and some that are popular in the industry include Blue Dream, Mango Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, Grand Daddy Purp, Gelato, Strawberry Lemonade, Strawberry Banana, Green Crack, Lemon Haze, and Bubba Kush, among others. These flavors offer a variety of products used by people ranging from absolute beginners to regular users. In addition, there are also a lot of varieties in sizes and concentrations of these cartridges.

Furthermore, make sure you use these cartridges according to your tolerance. Start slow and increase the concentration or amount consumed according to how your body feels after.

The price of the product is one of the main factors you need to consider. However, in this particular industry, it holds more importance, as a low price can indicate low-quality products. Since this industry is prone to scams pertaining to the extraction of pure delta-8 THC, it is a valuable factor.

This means you will need to pick your cartridge wisely. There are various sizes and concentrations available in the market to help you determine price efficiency.

For example, a low concentration and small cartridge will cost less, but a larger and higher concentration cartridge will be more price efficient.

Another thing you need to remember when using these delta-8 THC cartridges is that they are harsher on your throat and lungs, so you should take smaller and shorter puffs in comparison to other products you might use.

Overall, take it slow and easy, and take the time for your body to get used to it.

FAQs: Delta-8 THC Cartridges

Q1. What Are Delta-8 THC Carts?

Delta-8 THC cartridges are typically made of delta-8 THC distillate oils and a mix of other cannabinoids and terpenes. High-quality delta-8 THC vape cartridges are made from natural ingredients, but some inferior brands may also introduce flavorings or fillers. However, it is recommended you not use these, as they are low-quality and may cause hazardous side effects.

Delta-8 cartridges are designed to be universally compatible with 510-threaded vape batteries, which are usually sold separately from cartridges.

Q2. How to Store Delta-8 Cartridges?

You should keep delta-8 carts in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, fire, and anything that emits heat or a lot of light. This is because sunlight and heat can break down chemical components in your cartridges.

In addition, do not refrigerate cartridges, as this will reduce their potency. Keeping your cartridges in a case or a box might be a good idea, and alway store your delta-8 THC carts at room temperature.

If the delta-8 THC cartridges crystallize, place them in a towel and let them hang out on a radiator for a few hours to readjust. As soon as the liquid is no longer crystallized, you can continue using the carts.

Q3. Do Delta-8 Cartridges Make You High?

Yes, delta-8 THC cartridges make you high, but their effects will be milder than consuming delta-9 THC. Also, consuming excessive delta-8 THC in the search of a stronger high is a bad idea.

If you find delta-8 THC simply is not giving you a proper high, take a short break from vaping. This may reset your tolerance for delta-8, making you feel pleasant when you use it in reasonable quantities. Resetting your tolerance will save you time and money, which will be a win-win situation for you.

Q4. What Is the Best Way to Consume Delta-8 THC?

Most people like enjoying the effects of delta-8 THC after using a vape cartridge. The absorption rate is highest when smoked and lowest when ingested (via gummy bears or edibles).  However, always choose the method that best suits your needs.

Q5. Do Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridges Help with Anxiety?

Products made out of delta-8 THC are not intended to treat or cure any diseases. They are meant only for recreational use and not as a replacement for conventional medication or treatment. However, some users suffering from anxiety and chronic pain have claimed delta-8 improved their symptoms.

Q6. What Are Some Precautions to Take When Consuming Delta-8 THC?

Do not drive or use heavy machinery while under the influence of delta-8 THC. It is also recommended you talk to your doctor before using delta-8 THC products to avoid health risks. In addition, you must be 21 years of age to buy and use any cannabinoid products, including gummies, edibles, vape pens, etc.

Q7. Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

The legality of delta-8 THC lies in a “grey” area according to federal laws. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, delta-8 THC is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. However, delta-8 remains illegal in some U.S. states.

For this reason, delta-8 THC is unavailable for purchase in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah.

So, before making a purchase, check to see if delta-8 THC is legal in the state you live in.

Q10. Will You Fail a Drug Test if You Vape Delta-8 THC?

Yes, you will fail a drug test after vaping delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC is the subdued version of delta-9 THC and will not last as long, but it can still make you fail a drug test. Most drug tests do not distinguish between legal delta-8 THC and regular marijuana. They will only detect THC, no matter what kind of THC you use or how different its effects are.

Conclusion

All of the top brands mentioned above provide customers with the best quality delta-8 cartridges and pleasure. So, do your own research and prepare to experience the best smoke of your life.

The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.

In the performing arts, tradition and innovation exist in creative tension. The dancer or opera maker who wants to contribute to their field had better know what has gone before. From an audience standpoint, a balanced diet includes plenty of “classic” work (however you define it) and brand-new creations. For this snapshot of the fall season in opera and dance, we went for a split-screen approach. It so happens that the events we chose fall into two camps: new operas, and dance concerts by longtime leaders of the field. That’s not to say there isn’t much older opera and contemporary dance to be had this fall, but our mix of iconic and iconoclastic should inspire you to start booking today.

Fire Shut Up in My Bones at the Metropolitan Opera (Sept 27–Oct 23)

The first Black composer has a premiere at the 138-year-old Met. It’s both a landmark and shamefully overdue, but still, let’s celebrate. Grammy Award–winning jazz musician and composer Terence Blanchard, with librettist Kasi Lemmons, has adapted New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow’s memoir about growing up poor and frustrated in Louisiana. A coming-of-age tale that touches on race, class, and sexuality, this promises to be an epic music-drama for our times. Acclaimed baritone Will Liverman plays the character based on Blow. 

Sun & Sea at BAM Fisher (Sept 15–26)

The weather is turning cooler, but BAM invites you to lounge on the beach under a hot sun. Created by composer Lina Lapelytė, librettist Vaiva Grainytė, and director/designer Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, this environmental spectacle uses 25 tons of sand and a couple dozen local volunteers to create the illusion of a beach where swimmers and sunbathers reflect (operatically) on their lives and the precarious state of the planet. For those who binged HBO’s vacationer satire The White Lotus, this innovative opera might be the escape you need.

Only an Octave Apart at St. Ann’s Warehouse (Sept 21–Oct 3)

If you haven’t heard Anthony Roth Costanzo live, you are missing a natural wonder of the opera world. Costanzo is a leading countertenor, possessed of a marvelously high, ethereal range. His partner in this event will be familiar to habitués of the alt-cabaret scene: iconic singer Justin Vivian Bond, whose vocal attack is more in the smoky-diva register. Together these unique artists compare pitches, repertoire, and personal stories in a campy theatrical concert. Opera, Costanzo notes, “has a wild lineage as both an interdisciplinary and popular, zeitgeist-driving form—not to mention one whose popularity was rooted in the sex-symbol status of castrated men.” Bring your opera glasses, kids! 

Twyla Now at New York City Center (Nov 17–21)

It was 48 years ago when choreographer Twyla Tharp premiered her first ballet at City Center. Since then, she has amassed a quirky, populist body of work that spans classical ballet, modern dance, Broadway musicals and work on film. Now Tharp returns to the beginning in this historic retrospective that brings together dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet. The program includes duets and two world premieres, as well as a corps of young dancers — who will carry on her legacy.

New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater (Sept 21–Oct 17)

You can be sure that the city’s finest ballet dancers have been getting back in shape (as if they ever weren’t) for a glorious return to the stage. The legendary New York City Ballet’s fall repertory over four weeks will include a lavish opening night gala, Classic NYCB, a program of Jerome Robbins’ Opus 19/The Dreamer Alexei Ratmansky’s Russian Seasons, and a world premiere pas de deux by Mauro Bigonzetti — the latter in honor of principal dancer Maria Kowroski’s final season with NYCB. Note: All performances will take place without intermission in order to maximize audience safety.

Deep Blue Sea at Park Avenue Armory (Sept 28–Oct 9)

The great choreographer Bill T. Jones returns to live performance for the first time in 15 years as the opening soloist in his latest work. It’s not exactly a spoiler to say this world premiere builds from there; eventually, 100 dancers enter to fill the Park Avenue Armory’s vast Wade Thompson Drill Hall. Danced to a vocal score by composer Nick Hallett that samples Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and passages from Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, Jones has described the work as highly personal. In it, his dancers metaphorically explore the dynamics of individual freedom versus group identity — certainly a timely topic.

Correction: A previous version of this article stated the Met was 141 years old, it has been corrected.