8 Things You Should Know About the Legality of Hemp-Derived CBD Oil

We know that cannabis is legal in almost half of all states now. But what does that tell you about hemp-derived CBD oil?

Cannabidiol, or CBD as it’s more commonly known, is the purported “non-psychoactive” component of cannabis and the counterpart to THC, aka the stuff that gets you high. As more research is done on CBD, professionals have found a litany of health benefits ranging from pain relief to help with anxiety and depression.

Despite these amazing findings, many are still skeptical of what cannabis-derived CBD oil does to the user. As of right now, even though it doesn’t get you high, cannabis-derived CBD is subject to the same state laws as any other form of cannabis.

Luckily, there is another kind of CBD. Hemp-derived CBD oil is here and it’s federally legal, so you can get it anywhere and use it anywhere. In this post, we’re going to tell you 8 things that you should know about the legality of hemp-derived CBD oil before you try it.

There’s nothing to be afraid of, but like anything, you should know all the facts before you dive into hemp-derived CBD head first. Let’s get started.

1. The 2018 Farm Bill

In 2018, something called the Farm Bill was passed and it changed everything for hemp products, including hemp-derived CBD. It effectively removed and hemp products from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), making it a part of agriculture, unlike marijuana.

This is huge because now hemp-derived CBD oil can be grown, made, and sold federally. It’s not quite that simple, as we’ll find out. There are still going to be heavy regulations by the FDA, but it’s a huge window for the CBD oil industry to start developing more products.

2. Hemp-Derived CBD Is DEA OK

What seemed like seconds after the Farm Bill was ratified, the DEA clarified that it would not be regulating any hemp products, notably hemp-derived CBD.

Basically, DEA staff and field agents are under guidance to find and eradicate illicit substances from our communities. With the passing of the Farm Bill, the DEA further clarified that cannabinoids themselves are not illegal and it is dependent on the source of the cannabinoid, either cannabis or hemp.

Since hemp was removed from the CSA, the DEA has withdrawn.

3. The Dividing Line

The dividing line determining what is or isn’t an illicit source has always been a bit of a source of confusion. The magic number for this dividing line has now been set at 0.3%.

That is, 0.3% THC. If the substance’s THC level is below 0.3%, then it is completely legal. Hemp products fall under this number, so they’re in the clear. Cannabis plants vary wildly, but most contain higher than 0.3%, so they remain federally illegal according to the CSA.

4. There’s Always Been a Gray Area

Pre-Farm Bill, there was a sort of gray area when it came to zero THC CBD products. Hemp-derived CBD had more of an image issue than was it actually illegal. Because of that, different states had different regulations on CBD oil and other products.

There were extremely friendly states, friendly states, not-so-friendly states, and gray area states. The friendliest states had explicit laws allowing the sale of industrial hemp-derived products. The least friendly states had no explicit laws against it, but previous actions denounced the sale of hemp products.

As you can plainly see, the grey areas lay in the fact that most states didn’t really have any regulations in place for hemp-derived products like CBD oil. These gray area states didn’t have any real prohibitions, but there were exemptions in the law to argue against the legality of hemp-derived CBD oils, etc.

This is why the Farm Bill was and is so important. It cleared up all of the uncertainty that state law had with hemp products and removed it from their hands altogether.

5. The FDA’s Involvement

The US Food and Drug Administration has a bit of a problematic stance on CBD oil and products like it post-Farm Bill. Their stance is that CBD cannot be marketed as or within foods or dietary supplements. There’s a rather lengthy backstory to this stance.

Basically, they stated that because a product containing CBD was approved as a drug and public clinical trials were conducted on CBD as a drug prior to the Farm Bill, nothing containing CBD can be marketed as a food or supplement.

6. Hemp Is Now an Agricultural Commodity

Since hemp is federally legal, it is now recognized as an agricultural commodity like apples, wheat, or corn. As such, it will be subject to government regulations like any other crop, but farmers are rejoicing at this new opportunity.

Specifically, Kentucky-based farmers looking for a tobacco replacement are starting to see hemp and CBD-oil as a potential saving grace.

The ability to grow and harvest hemp and distribute it to companies that extract the CBD oils from it to make new CBD products is surely going to be great for local economies. Companies like Highland Pharms and Bluebird Botanicals are at the top of the hemp-derived CBD oil market.

7. World Health Organization

The WHO has been a great proponent of hemp-derived CBD. In a statement released in a November 2017 report, the WHO deemed CBD to have “no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

They also went on to say that “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile” and “there is no evidence of recreation use of CBD or any public health-related problems.”

There’s been too much evidence of good for CBD to be outlawed any longer. Countless studies have shown that it supports the body’s overall wellness, promotes cognitive health, reduces inflammation, and promotes better sleep.

8. Cannabis-Derived CBD May Be Next

As we begin to see the widespread production and distribution of hemp-derived CBD and the continued state legalization of cannabis, it’s hard to imagine that more varieties of CBD oil won’t be available in the coming years.

For now, however, since cannabis contains higher than 0.3% THC levels, cannabis-derived CBD will remain federally outlawed. There is hope for the future though.

Try Out Hemp-Derived CBD Oil for Yourself

If you suffer from anxiety, depression, muscle cramps, or lack of sleep, try out hemp-derived CBD today and see how it can help you. The Farm Bill has made it available to us country-wide and the WHO has deemed it to have a good safety profile.

Now that the gray area is gone, you can use hemp-derived CBD oil to your heart’s content.

4 weeks ago Drug Attorneys No comment

Court Ordered Rehab: Everything you Need to Know

The decision by a judge and subsequent prosecution depends on the crimes committed by a victim. In a drug-related case, the judge and prosecution might decide to send the defendant to rehab with a view of changing the life of the victim. A court-ordered rehab (check it out) incorporates a mandatory rehabilitation which is given as an order by the judge emanating from alcohol or drug addiction. The decision is usually in lieu of incarceration which may not have assisted the victim in recovering from the addiction. The people convicted in such cases are mostly under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, which leads them to commit minor crimes. Therefore, their judgment may be impaired thus ending up in a court of law.

Basically, court ordered treatment occurs when the crime committed by the accused is minor and may not be appropriate to rule on prosecution or incarceration. The objective of this form of rehabilitation is to ensure that the offenders do not graduate into other serious crimes and therefore they get a chance to change their behaviors.

Before undertaking the order, screening is undertaken by the police or rehabilitation officials to determine the level of addiction. Symptoms such as the victim being unable to control their actions, suffering from health issues emanating from drug dependence, and using drugs every day qualifies the person to be undertaken to an emergency court ordered rehab.

How to get there

Courts make a determination that a prison sentence may be an inappropriate option for a victim. A person qualifies for a court mandated rehab if the crime that the defendant committed was not violent in nature. The victim only needs to undergo rehabilitation to sober up and regain their right minds. Additionally, if the crime that the victim committed emanated from their dependence on drugs, the judge will give a court ordered rehab. The judge may also foresee that ordering the victim to rehabilitation would be the best option as this would help them reduce their dependence on drugs. In such a situation, the person automatically qualifies for a court appointed rehab. Consequently, a victim that qualifies for probation can be ordered for rehabilitation.

Advantages of Court Ordered Rehab

People have the notion that this form of rehabilitation is forced. However, research shows that court ordered treatment for substance abusers is as effective as the voluntary forms of rehabilitation. The effectiveness of this form of rehab depends on the person. The advantage of this rehab is that even though there is low motivation at first, the victim develops interest as the desire for the drugs fades. This ultimately leads to a situation whereby a victim’s rate of abstinence, re-arrest, and employment are similar to those that undergo voluntary rehabilitation. This court ordered rehab helps people to change and focus on positive things in life as opposed to abusing drugs.

Court ordered rehab is a method that the department of justice uses to help people change their lives. In lieu of giving them years in incarceration, it is better to take them to rehabilitation. However, this depends on whether their crimes were violent and their overall behavior. Ultimately, the method can change behavior applied positively and embrace the outcome.

1 month ago Drug Attorneys , Laws No comment

Where Vaping Is Illegal: 5 Vape Laws You Should Know About

Vaping has quickly become a trending activity. In fact, one in 20 people in the U.S now use vape pens, e-cigarettes, vape machines, etc.

However, before you whip out your vape pen, do you actually know the vape laws of your area? This is especially important if you’re traveling and are in an unfamiliar place. The last thing you want to do is get arrest or fined for something you believed to be perfectly legal!

Unfortunately, vape laws don’t vary from country to country, they vary state to state, province to province, city to city. No matter where you’re at, make sure you’re 100% certain of the local vape laws and regulations before you risk legal trouble!

Keep reading to get a better idea.

Vape Laws and Regulations You Should Know About Pertaining to Your Area

We know how exciting it is to learn more about new vape stores in unfamiliar areas. New flavors and products are part of what makes traveling fun. However, before you get too excited, you need to make sure you’re operating within the confines of the law.

The following points are the most important and easy-to-follow vape laws and regulations you need to concern yourself with. The internet is a vast world of knowledge where you can easily research a new area before you visit. It also wouldn’t hurt to bone-up on your current location either, just to be safe!

1. Indoor and Outdoor Public Usage

What is the vape laws concerning public usage? Is it allowed in private indoor and outdoor spaces or in public areas as well?

If it’s illegal indoors, are there exceptions, such as in bars or clubs? Can you smoke in open outdoor spaces such as parks or parking lots? What about in a private car while in a public parking lot?

These are important answers to know before your next vape!

2. Vape Content

Depending on your state, vaping may be legal as long as you’re not using a banned substance, such as THC or CBD. This can be difficult to regulate, but you’re better safe than sorry.

However, there are some states, such as Oregon and California where medical and recreational marijuana use is legal. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s legal to use it in public.

3. Legal Purchase and Possession Age

Surprisingly, the legal purchase age of vape products varies from state to state, regardless of the vape oil used. Some states allow people who are 18 to buy and possess vaping paraphernalia while others limit it to people who are 21 or older.

You must abide by the vape laws of the state you are currently in. Where you bought your vape oils or vape pen is irrelevant if you’re carrying it illegally now.

4. Airport Usage

Interestingly, airports operate slightly outside of the vape laws and regulations of the state they’re in. If it’s illegal in the state, then it’s illegal in that state’s airport.

However, public usage regulations may vary, as many airports have specific areas set aside for travelers to smoke and vape. It’s not reasonable to ask them to wait for the entire span of their trip to smoke or vape again, yet, they can’t exactly head outside of secure areas either.

5. Signage

Finally, as a vape enthusiast, you have to pay attention to more than just the areas vape laws. Many places of business may ban vaping on the premises, even in cities where it is otherwise perfectly legal.

Just like cigarette smokers, vapers must adhere to standards set by businesses and property owners.

Be Smart and Enjoy Where You Can

Remember, vaping legally isn’t always a given. Pay attention to local vape laws and regulations and play by the rules. Sneaking a vape in isn’t worth a hefty fine or worse!

Enjoy your vaping where you can and be patient where you can’t! Remember to research new areas ahead of time to save yourself frustration and disappointment!

Good luck!

2 months ago Drug Attorneys , Marijuana Legalization No comment

On benefits and prescribed medical cannabis? You should hire a SSA Attorney today!

Across the US, an increasing number of states are legalizing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC ). As of June 2019, 11 states have legalized THC for recreational purposes and a further 31 have legalized it for medical use.

Despite this, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled narcotic under Federal law. This essentially means it is still illegal nationally regardless of the state you’re living in.

In spite of it being illegal on a country-wide level, doctors in states pro-medical cannabis states are continuing to prescribe cannabis for a variety of mental and physical illnesses.

Medical cannabis can have serious implications for those who suffer from severe disabilities. This is because the use of cannabis, even if prescribed by a doctor, can make one ineligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis is a broad term for any medicines that contain compounds from the Cannabis-Sativa plant. It is believed to have several therapeutic applications.

Medical cannabis comes in many forms such as tinctures, drop and oils. It is also common for a doctor to approve a medical device such as a cannabis vaporizer that has been approved for medical use.

The Cannabis Sativa plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids that each have their own individual effect on the human body. THC is possibly the most infamous.  It is this compound that makes users feel ‘high’ and is the cannabinoid responsible for the entire plant being illegal. however, other compounds such as CBD have no psychoactive effects and an increasing amount of research suggests it can treat a variety of ailments including :

•       Alzheimer’s disease
•       Appetite loss
•       Cancer
•       Crohn’s disease
•       Eating disorders such as anorexia
•       Epilepsy
•       Glaucoma
•       Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
•       Multiple sclerosis
•       Muscle spasms
•       Nausea
•       Pain
•       Wasting syndrome (cachexia)

In 2016, medical cannabis has featured regularly in the news due to a specially formulated version of the drug being used successfully to treat children with a severe form of epilepsy.

Since then, the drug, better known as Epidiolex, has been approved by both the US and UK governments for people with hard to treat epilepsy.

How can medical cannabis affect my SSDI benefits?

As a general rule, the (SSA) Social Security Administration can deny benefits to applicants who abuse drugs or alcohol.

The SSA is a federal agency and acts according to federal law so has to consider medical cannabis an illegal drug, even if you live in a state where it is legal and it is prescribed by a doctor.

Typically the SSA will deny any benefit claims if they have reason to believe that the use of the drug or alcohol is a detriment to your well-being.

It is also worth noting that the SSA will deny any applicant who uses cannabis recreationally as this is deemed illegal activity and therefore falls under abuse.

As a result, it is imperative that anyone with a prescription for medical cannabis consult with an attorney before applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

A lawyer well versed in the Social Security Administration is the best place to calculate the risks of being denied an SSDI claim and can work with your doctor to ensure that you can successfully build a case that your cannabis use aids your disability and general well-being.

2 months ago Dog Bite Lawyer , Drug Attorneys , Laws , Marijuana Legalization No comment

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog? A Complete Guide

You look at the forecast and see thunder. Your mind immediately goes to a sleepless night, comforting your anxious-meltdown pooch into the wee hours of the morning. Not again.

But did you know there’s an alternative? CBD is the new shining star in alternative therapies for humans, but your furry friends can reap just as much of the same benefits!

That’s right: your anxiety-stricken dog can benefit greatly from CBD. Not only that, dogs dealing with pain from an injury, cancer treatment, or old age have been found to benefit from regular dosing of CDB as well.

Sound good? You might be wondering, “Ok, but how much CBD oil should I give my dog?”.

Before you grab that expensive bottle of CBD and start dumping it into your dog’s food, make sure to do your research on proper dosage so that your pup can reap the most benefit, and you’re using it most efficiently.

Here’s a guide on CBD dosing for pets!

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

First, it’s important to understand the exact dosage for your dog because one CBD pet product might have a vastly different amount from another. Don’t rely on a product package and just guess!

CBD is typically measured in milligrams (mg) and the amount you need to give your dog with depending on your dog’s weight, age, and their personal sensitivity to it. It will take some trial and error before you hit the jackpot. Some pets have more of fewer receptors for CBD than others, so even the same breed of dogs at the same weight might need different doses.

“This sounds way too complicated”, you might be thinking. The good news is that overdosing your dog on CBD is very hard to do, especially since CBD oil contains no THC so your dog will not experience a “high”. Therefore, it’s a low-risk thing to experiment with for a few weeks.

At most, too high a dose of CBD will likely cause lethargy and potentially mild diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to back off on the dose and start small, gradually upping the dose until you notice the most benefit.

As a general rule of thumb, the number of milligrams your dog will need can fall into a weight category. For a 15 lb dog, for example, it’s recommended to dose at 4-5 mg of CBD a day, given 2-4 times daily.

Try this CDB dosage for dogs calculator if you need some more help figuring out the perfect dose for your dog!

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve answered the basic, nagging question “how much CBD oil should I give my dog?”, you can be on the path to peace of mind for both you and your furry friend.

Finding the perfect dose for your dog’s ailment might take some time and trial and error, but the benefits that he/she might gain from CBD will make all the effort worth it.

Try CBD for your pet today!

3 months ago Drug Attorneys , DUI Lawyers , DWI , DWI Attorney No comment

Follow these four tips for finding a DUI lawyer

Have you ever been pulled over and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or drug? Of course, this can be very problematic and embarrassing, mostly if you’re with family and friends. Also, not to mention the setback it would cause to your reputation at your workplace. Usually, before a police officer arrests you, he/she will believe that you must have taken some amount of alcohol.

Nevertheless, before the court can convict you, there must be proof that you had a drink. Furthermore, many things can come to play in this scenario. The officers may most likely put you through several intoxication tests. These tests include the National Field Sobriety Tests, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, and more. Though these test may not be very accurate if they administer it, you can’t avoid them. Therefore, you need a good DUI lawyer to fight your case. It’s important not to go for a random lawyer but one with lots of experience and proficiency — one who would expose and uncover the reliability of the said tests.

Nevertheless, there are important basic tips in finding a good DUI lawyer, and we shall be discussing it shortly.

Follow these four tips for finding a DUI lawyer

• Experience and expertise

Gone are those days when you need just a random lawyer handling your case. It’s important to note that every lawyer has their areas of jurisdiction. Therefore it will be of great advantage to contract a lawyer with lots of experience and expertise in DUI cases. More so, a good DUI lawyer knows your right and how to look into the case to your favor. Most certainly, they will be familiar with the kind of arguments which the prosecutor will bring forth in the court. A DUI case could be very complex, but not with an experienced DUI lawyer.

• Do a research

Knowledge, as we say, is power. Therefore, it is very important, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Researching for a good DUI lawyer would give you an edge over the prosecutors.  Also, it will save your reputation, time, and resources. You need a good DUI lawyer that would listen to you and has good knowledge about your case. Searching for one could be a bit tedious, but it’s worth it. It’s a good thing we now have the internet and social media platforms for easy access to information. Also, it will be a good idea to get lawyers who your friends and family members recommend. Maybe, they’ve seen the lawyer in the past handling successful DUI cases.

• Arrange a one on one meeting

When the decision of choosing a DUI lawyer faces you, it is important to schedule a one on one meeting. Meet with your potential lawyer gives you the best chance to evaluate if he’s the best fit for your case. Also, it will enable you to find out his personality and determine if you can work with him. In the course of this meeting, it’s also important to find out the number of DUI cases he has won. This will help build your confidence and help you make the right decision.  Furthermore, you have the opportunity to ask questions concerning how he intends to go about the case. All of these interrogations and findings would help you to determine if he can handle your case and if you should hire him.

• Examine the attorneys on your list

At this point, what matters is going for only the best. To examine the best attorney entails you to look further to the ethical record of the lawyer. Also, it would be most beneficial to contact a lawyer who’s familiar with the legal settings of the court. A local lawyer would have visited the court severally and would be preferable. More so, the judges and prosecutors would be acquainted with the lawyer. After observations and interrogations, you would have concluded the best representative to handle your case. Lastly, you need to go for an attorney that is affordable and can suit your budget.

Conclusion

The choice of selecting the best attorney is the first step that would either make you win or lose your case. Following the four basic tips above would enable you to find the best attorney for any DUI case. However, if you’re confused about getting a good DUI attorney, you can find a good one here. We can take up your DUI case at an affordable fee.  We are happy to share your testimonies and satisfaction.

4 months ago Drug Attorneys , DUI Lawyers , DWI , DWI Attorney No comment

The DWI Charges and Penalties You Can Expect for Drunk Driving

Were you recently arrested for a DWI?

You are probably feeling a little embarrassed, and if you spent a night behind bars, you might have experienced an evening you’ll never forget.

Unfortunately, self-recognizance and a sleepless night is rarely the only penalty for Driving While Intoxicated.

In the months and sometimes years following DWI charges there will undoubtedly be plenty of disruption in your life.

Besides all of the court dates and other scheduling, you could face fines and court costs well over $10000 and in some states a minimum of 10 days in jail for your first offense.

If you have recently been charged, here are the DWI charges and penalties you can expect for drunk driving.

Lost License

Every state in the country will put severe restrictions on your ability to drive a car after a DUI.

Typically, your physical driver’s license is revoked after your arrest.  In the days, weeks and months that follow you may be able to get a hardship license to continue driving back and forth to work, court and medical appointments.

So, long as it is your first offense, you should be able to regain your driving privileges within 60-90 days, but it could be as much as a year.

A DWI defense attorney will help you arrange for a minimal amount of disruption to your life, but you should expect some serious driving restrictions for sure.

Court Costs

While the fines associated with drunk driving can be as little as $500, there will also be court costs, including paying for your lovely night in the slammer.

Expect to pay somewhere between $2500 and $10k in fines and costs before your case is resolved.

Of course, navigating the legal system with the help of a professional may end up costing less even including legal fees.

Insurance Costs

In addition to the penalties and fees that the court will charge you, prepare to have your insurance premiums raise a good deal.

Your car insurance company will consider a DWI to be equal to or greater than a reckless driving ticket.

Prepare to have your rates doubled, or even tripled and to be dropped entirely from your carrier in some cases.

Plenty of Lost time

Expect to take a good deal of time away from your regular schedule to deal with a DWI.

There will probably be multiple court dates to deal with, and every jurisdiction has a different process for dealing with a driver convicted of a DWI.

Chances are you can expect a multiple-day course in safe driving and alcohol abuse.

If you don’t have to spend any more time in jail, you will almost certainly have to do some community service as well.

What To Expect with Your DWI Charges

As you can see, if convicted of a DWI you can expect lost money, lost time and loss of freedom.

DWI charges can result in the most restrictions of all non-felonies.

However, by using this resource for finding an expert, you may be able to avoid some or all of the costs and penalties mentioned above.

5 months ago Drug Attorneys , DUI Lawyers , DWI , DWI Attorney No comment

Driving Under the Influence: 6 Reasons Never Ever to Do It

You have been aware that driving under the influence is one of the worst things you could do, but still every now and then you succumb to the pressure and have “one more for the road”. In order to finally make yourself quit that dangerous habit of yours (yes, if it happened more than once, it is already a habit, mind you), carry on reading why exactly it is absolutely abominable to drive under the influence.

It’s your fault

First of all, face the fact that if you find yourself in the middle of a car accident, you will be pronounced guilty despite following all the traffic rules (apart from the one about not taking alcohol). Even if you’ve got the tiniest trace of liquor in your body, you will be declared as a driving hazard and the main culprit. The driver who actually caused the accident and was completely sober will have it much easier regardless of the offence. In the eyes of the law, you’ll always be the guilty one.

Impaired vision

You may think you’re perfectly able to drive because your vision isn’t blurred, but that is hardly a reliable indicator of your state. Excessive alcohol consumption affects how you estimate the distance between the vehicles, and sometimes it will be difficult to control your eye movement as well. What is more, your peripheral vision will be impaired, too.

Slow reactions

Have you ever seen an athlete compete after they’ve been drinking? Of course not. One of the reasons is that motor skills are suffering. Your eye, hand and foot coordination will not be of the desired level, so you’d better call a taxi in that case.

Bad concentration

Drinking and driving seriously messes with your good judgment. Your ability to concentrate will deteriorate, which has delayed decision making as a consequence. A similar thing happens if one is driving under the influence of cannabis. It takes longer to press the brake or to track your own speed because you’re subconsciously dilly-dallying. However, one wrong decision is all it takes for an accident to occur.

Costly mistake

If all of the above seems a bit far-fetched, as you keep convincing yourself it never happens to you, how do you feel about paying a fortune for a couple of shots? Because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing if you drive under the influence. Having worked hard to buy your ride, would you so willingly give it all up? Not to mention when you are forced to pay for the repairs of another driver. In addition, even if it’s just a minor scratch that money could’ve been spent in a much better way.

Guilt factor

You may serve your sentence and be set free. You may buy a new car or fix everything and make it look as good as new. However, how comfortable would you be living with the fact that you’re sheer irresponsibility caused death? The feeling of guilt does not disappear just because your punishment is over, nor does the pain for losing someone. By DIU you’re risking everybody’s lives. In case you’re living in a small environment, you can expect your reputation to crumble and to be constantly reminded of your crime. Essentially, that is exactly what DUI is – a serious crime.

Finally, post traumatic stress is something you can expect to struggle with if you’re driving causes any kind of an incident.

Hopefully, we have deterred you enough from drinking and driving. In this regard, it’s much, much better to be safe than sorry.

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