Fashion

Why 2020 Is a Banner Year for Drug Decriminalization—And What It Means For Public Health

With new states legalizing recreational cannabis and Oregon decriminalizing all drugs, America is embracing a new way of managing drug-use that is focused more on rehabilitation and less on incarceration….

For those of us who came of age in the 1980s and 1990s, anti-drug messaging was a constant. There were the PSAs with stars like Ally Sheedy, Kirk Cameron, and Pee-wee Herman delivering dramatic monologues slipped into our after-school specials (many of which had their own anti-drug messaging; one about angel dust, starring Helen Hunt, remains imprinted in my brain. Then there was the endless D.A.R.E. merchandise; the “this is your brain on drugs” fried egg commercial; and, of course, the earnest speeches by Nancy Reagan, a figurehead in the failure that was the racist war on drugs. The message was simple and always the same: just say no.

This week, with the passage of key drug-related measures in a diverse swath of states, it’s become clear that the majority of Americans are more than ready to just say yes. Arizona, Montana, and New Jersey all voted to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes; in Mississippi, the passing of initiative 65 will establish a medical cannabis program. South Dakota became the first state to simultaneously legalize recreational and medical cannabis; in DC, the use of entheogenic plants (aka shrooms) has been decriminalized. In Oregon, a pair of groundbreaking measures passed with broad support—110 will decriminalize all drugs (including heroin and cocaine, when in possession of small amounts) and 109 will legalize access to psilocybin for medicinal purposes. “These victories definitely send a message about what Americans in this country want,” says Kassandra Frederique, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, about the seismic shift in public perception and a shift toward legalization that is widely bipartisan. “It signifies that this isn’t a red state issue or a blue state issue, it’s a common sense issue,” adds Hadas Alterman, a partner at Plant Medicine Law Group, a newly launched firm whose mission is to expand equitable access to plant medicine.

Evolving from criminalization to a more public health-focused approach certainly feels like a move rooted in common sense, particularly in the U.S. where drug possession is the most arrested offense. “For too long we’ve accepted jails and prisons as stand-ins for health services, despite years of data showing us that this approach just furthers the circumstances that lead someone to problematic drug use,” says Frederique. “Decriminalization approaches [like Oregon’s Measure 110] turn that on its head by removing the harm of the criminal justice system and providing connection to services that address the full range of people’s needs, whether that be evidence-informed treatment, harm reduction, housing, employment, or other health resources.” In Oregon, the connection between decriminalization and public health improvement is direct: As Vox explains, money saved from law enforcement and incarceration costs will go towards a new drug addiction treatment program overseen by the Oregon Health Authority.

These decriminalization measures also address another major roadblock for those seeking help: stigma. “The public health-based approach of decriminalization centers human dignity and connection,” says Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, policy and advocacy director at MAPS, an organization focused on developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics, including cannabis. “In contrast, decades of a global war on drugs built on a punishment-based paradigm of criminal justice have led to sharp rises in drug-related deaths, problematic substance abuse, drug contamination and adulteration, and the strength of drug cartels.”

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Fashion

Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

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But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

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Fashion

Kai Cenat Powers Up The BAPE By KidSuper Collection, Bringing Bold Streetwear Vision to Life

The collaboration between BAPE by KidSuper and Kai Cenat has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the streetwear world. Released on April 12, the BAPE by KidSuper collection represents a blend of BAPE’s iconic style from Japan with the vibrant, energetic vibe of KidSuper, which has its roots in Brooklyn. This partnership is particularly significant for KidSuper’s founder, Colm Dillane, who started his journey selling handmade t-shirts outside BAPE stores. Now, he’s a key creative partner with the legendary brand. What sets this collection apart is its deep connection to culture.

Social media star Kai Cenat plays a major role in promoting the collection, bringing a youthful energy that perfectly matches the spirit of the collaboration. The release captures a mix of past influences and modern style, appealing directly to today’s trend-conscious audience. The first look at the collection was revealed during Paris Fashion Week at KidSuper’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, titled “From a Place I Have Never Been.” This wasn’t just a typical fashion show; it was an immersive experience featuring oversized clothing, bright colors, and a comic-inspired theme celebrating youth, memories, and imagination. These ideas are reflected in every piece of the collection, from graphic t-shirts to special sneakers, jackets, and clogs, making each item feel like a unique piece of art.

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The design and packaging of the collection are also very creative, enhancing the overall experience. The packaging, inspired by comic books, ensures that this collection is a celebration of a special moment in streetwear history. Raystar, who also participated in the show, infused his own creative energy into the project, adding another level of excitement to this already iconic partnership. In a time when collaborations are common, the BAPE by KidSuper collection stands out by tapping into the core of street culture and creativity. It’s a collection that many collectors and trendsetters are going to want to have.

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