2011 06 UK by SoftSecrets

FREE 18+ For adults only. Soft Secrets is published six times a year by Discover Publisher BV Netherlands

JORGE CERVANTES ON TV!

A NEW ENEMY FOR CANNABIS: BROOMRAPE!!!

With his DVD on cannabis growing and then with his website, he’s always been at the forefront of any and every development, and his exhaustive The Cannabis Bible is the book that made him a leader in the field: by now Jorge Cervantes could retire to a life of comfort, not to mention luxury. But this man certainly doesn’t enjoy peace and quiet: now that his YouTube channel

And it’s back! We’re talking about hemp broomrape (Orobanche ramosa). This detestable little plant hadn’t been reported in the Netherlands since 1928, but last September, after around a century, it reappeared in the Botanical Gardens of Utrecht. Hemp broomrape is an annual weed that can be between 15 and 50 cm high; its seeds are activated by an element taken from the roots of the parasitized plant, and it can retain the ability to germinate for years. Once it sprouts, the plant does its best to find a host, preferably the roots of a hemp plant, although it has no objection to tobacco or tomato plants. Hemp broomrape encompasses the hemp roots and starts sucking water and nutritional substances. Will nature manage to win where the war against drugs has so far failed?

young ladies are not an everyday sight on a US street, the Fair’s major attraction was its “215 Area” – an outdoor lounge right in front of Oakland’s Town Hall, where consumers with a valid medical prescription were able to peacefully enjoy their medicine in public.

In this issue:

Nitro hash ›› 17 INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEWART, CREATOR OF GANJAMAN The skinny little flake called Ganjaman is a real Superhero. You either love him or hate him. We at Soft Secrets love him. With the publication of the 200th comic for Soft Secrets, we thought it high time to interview the creator of the little green hero, the Scottish ex-punk Jim Stewart. ››

Issue 6 - 2011

has become a global success, Jorge’s videos, which have always been very informative, have become quite easy to find. Now it’s time to take the next step with his own TV channel: http:// www.jorgecervantes.tv. It’s a lively as well as interactive website; visitors can post messages and photographs, there are quizzes and contests, previews of new DVDs coming out, product reviews and interviews with some of the greatest international names in the field. In other words, the site is a must see for any and every cannabis fan!

ELEVEN TONS OF FUEL In mid-July, troops from the Peruvian anti-drug police DIRANDRO put out quite a spark. A certain Soriano Herrera

THE ANTI COCAINE VACCINE

OAKLAND “HASH” IT In a way, Oakland has been the capital of the pro cannabis movement in the United States for the past fifteen years, and so the city was a logical choice to host the very first International Cannabis and Hemp Expo, which took place on 2nd- 4th September. Although topless

Haro, arrested for arson using eleven tons of green fuel, was, according to the police, identified as one of the leaders who control the several hectares of cannabis plantations that have recently been discovered around the port city of Chimbote.

The pharmaceutical industry really tries everything to protect us from cocaine, as we can tell by the recent discovery of a vaccine that neutralizes the enjoyable sensation of sniffing cocaine. A single treatment is enough to never again feel the substance’s effects. The vaccine combines a deactivated cocaine molecule and a deactivated cholera molecule; once it enters the organism, the cholera molecule activates the immune system, which Continues on page 3

3 Continued from front page

prising conclusion that children born to families who grow cannabis are healthier and less prone to drug use than children who are only exposed to house plants at home. We hope this conclusion reaches the authorities loud and clear, considering how, more and more often, custody is being taken away from parents convicted for growing cannabis. Even Joseph Lightfoot (see photo), who grows his plants for personal and medicinal use, risks losing his children to the authorities.

SMOKING LEAVES YOU THINNER reacts immediately to the foreign element. The immune system “learns its lesson” after this treatment, and keeps neutralizing cocaine molecules. This discovery was described as a major development for treating addiction, but also indicates worrisome prospects of a fight against drugs that are much less dangerous (such as cannabis, of course).

GROWERS’ CHILDREN ARE HEALTHIER

Sex: Genetics : Flowering: Outdoor Harvest: Height: Yield:

Feminized 60% Sativa, 40% Indica 8 to 9 weeks Beginning of October Medium (but large outdoors) 400 - 500 Gr/m2

Kaya 47 is in the same family as the legendary AK-47. It has been selected for its rapid flowering cycle, larger than usual yield, and extreme resin production! With a stellar bud to leaf ration, potent smell, and recognizable features from it’s ancestors (Colombian, Mexican, Thai & Afghani). Kaya 47 is a wonderful Cannabis variety. Its full potential is reached indoors where the right balance between quality and quantity can be controlled. Its structure makes ideal for small spaces, usually developing one large main bud with moderate secondary buds. Photo: Advanced Seeds

Kaya 47

Researchers from the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children have come to the sur-

Comparing health statistics from various sources, French researchers at the LouisMourier hospital in Colombes found that regular marijuana smokers are less likely to suffer from weight problems and clinical obesity. And it gets better: the more you smoke, the less weight you gain. Around 25% of non-smokers are overweight, while the rate drops to 16% for smokers, and 14% for regular smokers. This result is considered an enigma by researchers: usually, smoking doesn’t prompt people to be physically active, and smokers are prone to the “munchies”, which should have the opposite effect.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Kaya 47 Readers Letters Products Cannafest 2011, Prague Grow tents Cultiva, Vienna Nitro Hasj In the Rif mountains Led lights Book review Cannabis quality control, USA Skuff Problem with parsley Jorge Cervantes Column dr. Dee Ask Ed Medicinal Marihuana Jim Stewart Mushrooms & Fungi Weeds The origins of cannabis

3 5 8 12 15 16 17 22 25 28 30 33 35 38 44 45 53 57 60 62 67

PAGE 3 GIRL DEAR SOFT SECRETS PRODUCT FLASH PHOTO REPORT INDOOR GROWING A BRIT’S PERSPECTIVE REVOLUTIONARY NEW METHOD! TRAVEL REPORT WHY THEY WORK READ FOR YOU REPORT DIY REPORT GROW WITH JORGE CERVANTES OPINION ED ROSENTHAL BACKGROUND INTERVIEW REPORT INSIGHT BACKGROUND

5 Readers Stuff

Attention Readers! Fancy a FREE packet of FEMINISED seeds from DINAFEM? Then send us a picture of your grow room or best cannabis plant, including a visible copy of Soft Secrets, and we’ll send you 3 seeds. Should your photo happen to feature your beautiful wife or girlfriend wearing a sexy microbikini or super hot lingerie, you will receive 6 seeds. Photo of the Month will even receive 9 prime quality feminised seeds. With compliments of Soft Secrets and DINAFEM! E-mail your entries to SSUK@softsecrets.nl. NOTE: All entries are handled with the utmost discretion. We don’t publish out of focus pics, and we don’t like photos of plants in veg stage. It’s fat buds & sweet babes we want to see!

E-mail: SSUK@softsecrets.nl

Dear Soft Secrets... These Cheesy Dicks due to no fault of their own didn’t recieve all of the normal love and attention that I would usually put in, so it was no real surprise when the yield was not as good as I’m used to! Although when dried and in the rizla it was by far one of the strongest and sweetest tasting bud that I’ve come across in a long time. BIG thanks to Soft Secrets for all your help, tips and advice.. couldn’t do it without you!Many Thanks from a Happy Reader Dear reader, when you’re happy, we’re happy too. And when you show off your wife like that, we’re all happy campers! Thanks for sharing.

Hi Soft Secrets, this is my first grow. It is a AK48 that is in it’s fifth week, it is in soil, under a HPS 400 I have been feeding it with vita-link A and B . I have found your paper a great help and I look forward to see what you think bert of England ps keep up the good work! I hope to hear from you soon This is a nice and healthy looking plant.AK48 is an Ice x Jock Horror cross from Nirvana that is reported to finish in 7 to 9 weeks. Be patient and true, and you should have some nice smoke to show for it.

A grow we did at a friends house. Dutch Passion - The Ultimate, Plagron Royalty Mix soil, Canna terra nutrients, Canna boost & Canna PK13/14, 1x 600w mh - veg. 2x 600w hps – flower 4 plants. 30 and 1/2 oz total ANONYMOUS Very well grown!

6 Hi there, this is my first grow under 600w system on bio - bizz nutes in soil. I grew four plants of Power Plant and if I had only gotten an ounce I would of been happy but to my joy I got 474 g dried bud ! Thought it would of been harder. Love the magazine even though it is sometimes hard to find over here in Ireland, The magazine has been a great help with my study years leading up to this grow . I with my hand to my heart will get you tits in the next grow photo! That’s a growers promise! Keep up the great work and god bless your open minded country! IRISHMAN PAZ DA GROWER

High to Soft Secrets & friends! We grew Dame Blance from The Flying Dutchman & Diesel by Seedism. We used just about the full House & Garden range & will never use anyother nutes after the results we gor from H&G! Peace & Light, THE PSYCHOTROPIC KIDS, DIRTY LEEDS FROM A STAUNCH READER IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Thanks Dirty Lads, those babes are ready for the chop!

MADE IN THE UK

PLUS

READERS LETTERS / PRODUCT FLASH

Thought i’d send you a few pics of my little AK-47 autos and Power Plant.The AK’s were grown in my home made flood and drain system. I was more than happy when in 57 days from seed they gave me a touch over 85grams dry!! The Power Plant was grown in plant magic soil using all there nutritions from start to finish. Both started of under a 300watt CFL then moved to under a 600watt HPS for flowering. Hope you like the look of them coz I sure liked smokin um!! SOMEONE OUT THERE NT

During a nice little weekend in Amsterdam my fella got a bit spend happy in some of the Head Shops, you have to admit, some of his bongs are looking good! Oh yeah.. But really we would like something else on our bed.

One nice thing about homemade systems, is that they can be tailored to your needs.85 grams in 57 days gives you a grams per day (GPD) of almost a gram and a half per day. One way this information can be useful, is to compare your consumption to your production. In this case, you could smoke a gram and a half per day, and as long as your garden keeps producing at that level or better, you’ll never run out. A very happy looking Power Plant, well grown.

HESI SUPERVIT Your plants will truly become “super fit” with this HESI product, a concentrate of 15 vitamins and 10 amino acids, vital substances for all living beings. Plants need them for many reasons, for example for leaf synthesis and growth and flowering hormones. HESI SuperVit improves photosynthesis and makes your plant healthier, more stress-resistant and stronger during the growth period. HESI SuperVit also aids the plant’s growth and flowering, allowing it to develop stronger flowers and top shoots. HESI SuperVit accelerates your plant’s cell turnover. The product belongs to HESI’s well-known BOOSTER line. HESI SuperVit is so concentrated that it’s extremely economical to use: one drop every 4.5 litres of water is sufficient to irrigate! You can add HESI SuperVit to your plant’s nutrients for the entire life cycle, and it’s suitable for any cultivation method (soil, hydroponic, coco). HESI SuperVit is available in the following formats: - 10 ml, enough for 650 l of water - 50 ml for 3250 l - 100 ml for 6500 l - 500 ml for 32500 l Spoil your plants with HESI SuperVit: healthier and stronger than ever! Hesi Plantenvoeding BV, Landgraaf NL, www.hesi.nl

PRODUCT FLASH NFT-AQUA SUPERMIX

B’CUZZ 1-COMPONENT

Mineral fertilizer

Atami has included especially for calcium rich substrates the B’cuzz 1-Component nutrition in their assortment for quite a while. This is a professional bio mineral nutrition with a sophisticated balanced NPK ratio. The 1-Component nutrition contains yellow iron chelate which provides the plant to absorb the nutrients to the max, besides this it doesn’t contain any ballast substances. The relatively high NPK ratio will result in a nutrient which is easy to combine with boosters and stimulators. You can use the 1-Component nutrition the entire life cycle, it will support the flowering phase and also provides a healthy medium. In other words an ideal nutrition that is easy in use, applicable on various types of calcium rich substrates and also economical in use.

NFT-Aqua SuperMix is a one component bio-mineral fertilizer especially developed for systems that do not make use of any substrates. Nutrients for growing and flowering, and A/B are combined within one product which makes cultivating very easy. This fertilizer consists of : - macro elements such as NO3, NH4, NH2, SO4, P, K, Ca, Mg and Si. - chelated micro elements such as Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu and Mo - vitalising organic extracts. All of the elements mentioned above are 100% pure, of an organic origin, and free of any profuse ingredients. Therefore, this fertilizer is absorbed directly, and a low EC will suffice which is important for cultivating in systems that do not make use of substrates. NFT-Aqua SuperMix actively stimulates the root development, prevents dehydration, and provides as a complete fertilizer not only for growing but also for flowering. Apply a supplement of PK 13-14 as Superbloomer during the flowering period. In spite of the application of chelates (chelated micro elements) which makes this fertilizer virtually pH-independent, it could be necessary to adjust the pH (preferably with phosphoric acid) in extreme cases. A pH-value of 5.8 (5.5-6.5) is recommended. (check the pH-meter once a month with the proper pH tester) In order to minimize the chance of the forming of excess material out of tap water, it is recommended to clean the vessel once a week. Make sure that it is clean because when one plant is affected by fungi, viruses, or root-eating insects it will not take long before the entire crop is affected. Therefore, it is essential to apply sufficient BN-Zym and TML, in order to prevent possible problems or to control the situation. In areas with a low calcium-value (soft water) Ca 15 should be added. When the recommended nutrients are used, a TOP result is secured. DOSAGE: continuously mix in 400-500 ml. per 100 litres of water. In the first week of the growth a small dosage suffices. Build up from 200 ml. to 400 ml. during that period. From the second week, the maximum dosage should be applied. www.bionova.nl

www.atami.com

ATA COCO MAX Atami has designed the ATA Coco Max nutrient range especially for growers who want to grow easily and swiftly but still expect a good end result. The Ata Coco Max range is the base of fine growing results on coconut, it’s a professional and fast working nutrition combined with additives which together provide a stable and biological equilibrium of the coconut substrate. Also the entire range contains all the necessary fertilizers for an optimum growth and flowering pattern. The speciality of the Ata Coco Max nutrition are the moderated P and K values, because of this quality you can combine the nutrient excellent with PK additives. www.atami.com

From just plain simple to highly sophisticated, all Bio Nova ways are incredibly effective.

You decide which way to grow!

Would you like to grow things, but lack a green thumb? No problem! Use The Basic Way and be overwhelmed by the success of your effortless input! Are you a passionate grower who wants high quality? Use The Dedicated Way of growing, it will blow your mind! Or are you that perfectionist, who knows exactly what he is doing and why? The Professional Way will be your path to ultimate satisfaction!

www.bionova.nl | Distributors United Kingdom: Mariner Packaging Company Ltd. - Progrow Scotland

Your green companion in every way!

EVENTS

Cannafest 2011, Prague Three days of cold weather, fun and toking! The second edition of Cannafest in the Czech capital of Prague was a huge success. Cannafest is now the largest event in the cannabis industry in the Czech Republic, attracting smokers, growers and industry people from all corners of Europe. Soft Secrets of course was there as well. Here’s a quick impression.

IT WAS A PACKED HOUSE FOR 3 DAYS IN A ROW

SPANISH COMPANIES LIKE SWEET SEEDS ARE CONQUERING EUROPE IN A RAPID PACE!

BIOBIZZ’ FAMOUS SMOKEBUBBLE

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS’ LOVELY HOSTESS

BIONOVA ATTENDED WITH A HUGE BOOTH: BUSI-

WAS WORTHY OF OUR SEED

NESS IS GOING WELL IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC!

BUSTY BABES ALL AROUND: THE SOFT

PARADISE SEEDS: STILL GOING

SECRETS CREW REALLY FELT AT HOME

STRONG AFTER ALL THESE YEARS..

ANYONE FOR A BITE..? OR A LICK, MAYBE?

AT NIGHT SOFT SECRETS HELD THEIR OWN MISS BIKINI CONTEST.

Paradise Seeds: top quality since 1986 Luuc, founder of Paradise Seeds, was already extremely interested in genetics in 1986. Now, 25 years later, that same impulse is what leads Paradise Seeds. An extraordinary catalogue containing several prize-winning genetics has helped the Amsterdam grafter win an important place in the seed grower division. Think of Sensi Star, Jacky White, Dutch Dragon or Nebula – and you’re talking about gold. But even the Paradise Seeds varieties that haven’t (yet) been awarded any prizes will surely astonish you! Luuc, an old school craftsman, could easily be called “old master” by those who don’t yet know the secrets of the cannabis plant. He, more than anyone, knows that it takes years to develop an interesting new strain. It’s no coincidence that Luuc still takes care of the pollination of feminised seeds personally. Paradise Seeds, with its 21 varieties, boasts an excellent selection. The collection consists both of popular “classics” and more recent acquisitions, oﬀering ﬁnal products in a rich range of colours, scents and – why not? – medical properties. The simple fact that a seed producer has been at the top for so long is a guarantee that you’re dealing with the real deal: cannabis fans for other cannabis fans, not ex shopkeepers suffering from gold fever. Do you want proof? Check out the grow forums or take a look at the extraordinary prizes you find at Paradise Seeds. Paradise Seeds varieties have won

cannabis competitions year after year, all over the world, winning more than thirty first prizes. From Sensi Star, “superlative indica” to battle horse Delahaze, which is not only a spectacular producer, but flowers rapidly without giving up the unique qualities typical of a Haze.

Internet: www.paradise-seeds.com Tel: 0031 (0)20-6795422 E-mail: info@paradise-seeds.com

Paradise Seeds is always present at hemp fairs, and not only to promote the company; it’s a good way of keeping in touch with the people at the centre of it all, who represent market demand. Pandora, a tremendous autoﬂowering plant, is a perfect example of a strain that became famous thanks to popular demand. The company already has several new projects to its name, both autoﬂowering and “normal” feminised. Paradise is always greener on the other side, and Paradise Seeds reviews now… Paradise Seeds takes its From the Delahaze forum review (2nd Prize mission more seri- Cannabis Cup 2008, 2nd Prize Cannabis Chamously than ever. pions Cup Spain 2008): A strain that needs no words! IF YOU HAVE NOT And that mission GROWN DELAHAZE - YOU ARE MISSING OUT BIG TIME!! is accomplished Delahaze is a must grow... HUGE yielder and a top only when a user drawer smoke! sits back on the couch after a high From the Wappa forum review (no award): with a wide smile Frosted Trichome covered lime green goodness on his or her face sparkling delicate and powerful. Smell not a lot until exclaiming: “Wow, broken up-then a acrid diesel yet sweet pine smell – it’s fantastic!” delicious! Stoney baloney! No drive on this! Blissful feeling, can feel strong THC levels in the frontal lobe area – well being is good.

Amsterdam Seed Center picks champions The Amsterdam Seed Center, with its shop in the heart of Amsterdam and its online shop with the same name, brings clarity to the current chaos of the seed market. These Amsterdam Dutchmen include some of the world’s most prestigious grafters in their catalogue. Buying seeds shouldn’t be a risk, according to them, but is mainly a question of trust. Never betraying someone’s trust is a point of honour for the Amsterdam Seed Center. Their main goal is not simply to satisfy their client. Their main goal is reached only when their client reaches seventh heaven.

Privada, Positronics, DNA Seeds, Dynafem, Vulkania. These names are also linked to all the guarantees and services that can be expected from a serious company. You can also count on the fact that the Amsterdam Seed Center oﬀers the same services for all their varieties. The seed’s quality, freshness and vitality are guaranteed, because the entire collection is stored in air-conditioned containers at optimum temperature and humidity, in the most professional way possible.

At the Amsterdam Seed Center, you’ll always find straightforward agreements and an alwaysDealing in cannabis seeds has become a more and replenished warehouse, so as to avoid the risk of more savage market in the past few years. Many so-called growers have never even running out of stock. Aside from standard packaging, professionals will always find seen a cannabis plant. Cannabis is sold for ridiculously low prices and the same nothe appropriate occasion for their requirements. You won’t have to wait for days for name seeds are sold by mass producers under invented names. Expectations regardan answer to an email or phone call; you’ll be assisted promptly and competently, ing service, expertise and the assurance that your order is actually posted are often whether you’re ordering three seeds or many. You can choose between any available not met. Aside from the authentic genetics behind all sophisticated names, the only payment option: Paypal, credit card, Ideal, bank transfer, Western Union and even solution is to trust to chance. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to know what genetics cash in an envelope, like old times. is hidden behind a cannabis seed. In other words, the cents you save on a packet of Delivery is super fast: a payment made today corresponds to posting tomorrow. seeds could become an expensive mistake. You can choose between recorded or standard delivery. For larger orders, we always use recorded delivery, free of The Amsterdam Seed Center is good news for anyone who charge. All clients can choose to receive an email with reconsiders safety to be more important than a “deal”. Here ceipt of delivery. Of course, our services continue even after you will find only reliable genetics from the best and most you’ve received your order: we always take complaints or famous growers in the world. It’s not easy to choose from questions seriously, even after the deal is done. And, most the selection offered, which comprises about 500 of the Gravenstraat 12, 1012 NM Amsterdam importantly of all: at the Amsterdam Seed Center you know best varieties. An agreement with the producers: Paradise The Netherlands what you’re buying, you’ll never be unpleasantly surprised Tel: 0031 (0)20 7371597 Seeds, Serious Seeds, Resin Seeds, Dutch Passion, Reserva Internet: www.amsterdamseedcenter.com and programmes are always respected. E-mail: info@amsterdamseedcenter.com

GROW IT YOURSELF

Pitch Your Tent! Go into any decent hydro shop in the UK these days and you will usually be faced with a variety of grow tents in different shapes and sizes. If you’re new to indoor gardening and have wondered about the benefits of a grow tent and what type of grow they’re suitable for, read on… Put simply, a grow tent is a portable room in which a light and fan / filter unit can be hung above the plants. Historically, many growers created their own ‘room within a room’ by putting together a simple wooden frame and fixing reflective sheeting (either white or silver) to the walls, floor and ceiling. The grow tent follows this concept, but is easier and quicker to put together, is light proof and waterproof, and can be easily dismantled and hidden away inbetween grows. Grow tents create a semi-sealed environment that use negative pressure to prevent the smell of your crop from escaping. Negative pressure is where the amount of air being moved out of the tent is greater than the amount of air being moved in. Provided the extraction fan is constantly on, the only way the ‘smelly air’ can leave the tent is through the filter and fan. Regarding extraction, it’s always a good idea to upscale your fan and filter size. For example, if a 5 inch extraction is sufficient for your grow tent, then

Not sure if a grow tent is for you? Here are a few examples of tent set-ups… The Closet Percy Grower – for the smoker looking to keep trips to the dealer to a minimum, but with little space to spare for an indoor garden; a small, 80cm x 80cm, grow tent offers the ideal environment for around 4 or 5 plants. This size of set up can be easily hidden away in the corner of a bedroom, ideal for a small scale, covert grow op. With a bit of experience, you could pull 7-8 ounces a grow from this space. The equipment can be kept simple. A basic 250 watt lamp with a euro reflector will take care of the lighting duties, it’s not necessary to invest in an expensive reflector to direct light onto the plants; in a tent of that size there is nowhere for the light to escape. A 5 inch fan and filter will easily be able to handle the extraction and air exchange requirements of an 80cm x 80cm tent space and there is no need to use an additional fan for the air intake, the passive intakes in the tent will suffice. Growers that would prefer a hydro set up in their small tent have a decent amount of systems to choose from; a small Gro-Tank 205 is the choice for NFT, a Wilma 4, Flo-Gro or Waterfarm are the

… THE ONLY WAY THE ‘SMELLY AIR’ CAN LEAVE THE TENT IS THROUGH THE FILTER AND FAN go for a 6 inch set-up. This way you can use a speed controller to run the larger fan at around two-thirds capacity which will reduce the amount of noise that the fan makes. Also, having the extra power in reserve, allows you to increase the air exchange during the warmer summer months and keep growing all year round.

drip irrigation options and small Ebb and Flood systems are also available for that tent size. Any of these options will help to increase yields and cut down on growing times, allowing you to get more crops in per year. The small tent can be used to propagate, grow and then dry your crop, very handy

BEAUTIFUL CROPS IN A SMALL TENT SET UP if you do not have the space to set up a separate propagation and drying area. The Domestic Producer – for the grower looking for a continuous production line that guarantees a decent size yield, providing some smoke for themselves and some surplus for the bank; a two tent set up is the way forward. Ideally, a propagation tent and a main tent. A propagation tent offers a compact environment for bringing on seeds or cuttings. Most good propagation tents are supplied with shelving, on which several propagators can be placed, and are large enough to house a big T5 propagation light unit. Young plants are brought on in this tent and then transferred into the main growing tent. A 2.4m x 1.2m tent offers enough space to pull some serious yield, but is still compact enough to fit into most spare bedrooms, lofts or basements. 2x 600 watt lighting units will cover that amount of space without the need for air cooling. If you’re feeling adventurous

go for 2x 1000 watts, but be prepared to increase the size of your extraction fan or buy some air cooled shades in order to cope with the additional heat. An 8 inch fan and filter will handle the air exchange; an additional fan for the air intake can be an optional extra for the warmer summer months (if they happen!). Once the plants are mature and harvest time is 3 to 4 weeks away, it is time to fire up the propagation tent again. Plant your seeds or root your cuttings at this time and you’ll have young plants potted up and ready to transplant into the main tent as soon as the main crop is harvested. This crop can then be dried on the shelves in the propagation tent. Hey presto; a continuous production line! The Commercial Producer – there are now several tent sizes available for the large scale grower and more and more commercial producers are opting for multiple large tent set ups. The benefits are clear to see; keeping plants in the same room, but within multiple sealed units, reduces the risk of pests or disease spreading through the entire crop, it also allows heat to be vented out of each unit into different areas, which reduces the heat signature of the grow. A 2.4m x 2.4m tent is a popular size for commercial set ups. A 10 inch extraction kit will handle the air exchange and will need to be coupled with a 6 inch fan for the air intake.

SILVER INTERIOR GROW TENT

4x 600 watt lamps will provide light coverage. For similar coverage and less heat output, try 2x 1000 watt lamps on light movers. These motorised movers operate on a rail that is fixed onto the cross members of the tent roof and slowly track the lamp from one side of the tent FOR QUIETER RUNNING, OVER-SPEC YOUR FAN AND to the other. A lower power consumpFILTER AND INVEST IN A SPEED CONTROLLER tion and less heat output per unit, is a major plus point in multiple tent set ups.

EVENTS

Cultiva: A British Perspective

By Little Lebowski

ucts on display, and there is a plasma tv with a video showing the cuttings being taken and transplanted to cubes. Then there is a massive walk in vault that has racking on every wall and there are just trays and trays of cuttings in the racking. It’s mind blowing! Lou: You just walk in, have a read of the ‘menu’, choose the cuttings you want and they advise you on bringing them on and then off you go. It’s crazy.

The Austrian trade show has always been a special event in the industry calendar; it’s professionally run, is in a beautiful venue and always attracts some beautiful ladies!

Lou: Yeah, the Manchester show was good. I did a decent bit of business off the back of that weekend. Customers were coming in and asking for the new products that they had seen.

Soft Secrets caught up with Lou, owner of a hydro shop in the north of England, and Andy, his friend and best customer, and got their opinions on the trade show, the growing trends in Austria… and the ladies!

SS: So you think that trade shows work? Lou: Definitely, it’s always good that the growers can meet and interact with the manufacturers. It’s good for the manufacturers because they get feedback first hand and they get the opportunity to promote their products face to face. I’ve certainly had customers come into the shop and buy a product because a manufacturer had taken the time to explain it to them.

SSUK: Hi guys, what do you think of the show? Andy: Really good, we’ve been here for two days now and I’ve been really impressed with the quality of the show. The venue is pretty amazing (Cultiva is held in the Hotel Pyramide, a giant glass pyramid on the outskirts of the city) and I think, because of that, all of the exhibitors step their game up. There’re some really good looking booths here and a good mix of the seed banks, head products and growing gear. Lou: I think it’s really smart. Everything is very clean and professional and it’s good that there is no smoking in the venue; I find it can get a bit intense when a trade show is filled up with smoke. You can always nip outside for a cheeky joint… we have! Andy: It reminds me a bit of the Manchester show, because it feels very clean and there is a nice atmosphere.

SS: Have you seen any interesting products at this show? Lou: I’ve seen a couple of lighting products that I’m going to order samples of when I get back in the shop. Andy: Picked up a few packs of seeds to try… I’ve certainly seen some interesting girls walking about the place! Lou: Oh yeah! There’re plenty of them about… in nice tight cat suits! SS: Glad you like them! How does the scene in Austria compare to the UK? Lou: From what I’ve seen, there seems to be growing on all kinds of scale going on here which is similar to the UK. There also seems to be a similar mix of hydro, soil and coco growing. One of the main differ-

ences is the size of the big retailers here. We went to Grow City this morning and that was amazing. SS: Describe Grow City to the readers back in the UK. Lou: It’s like a showroom for cannabis growing! It’s a big, big warehouse with really professional displays of tents, lights, extraction kit, seeds – everything you need under one roof really. I reckon that we should have more shops like it back home; big, clean and professional. It would really help to legitimise the industry in the UK. Andy: It’s the way its laid out and displayed that is different to the UK shops, it looks like the manufacturers have really invested in the displays that they have set up there and I think they have seminars there for the customers. Some of the displays are pretty incredible, with plasma screen tv’s and actual dope plants being grown with the products on display. Lou: That’s another thing that is different to the UK. There are cannabis plants openly on display in the shops… you wouldn’t get away with that back home. Andy: You can even buy cuttings over here; we went to that shop called Flowery Fields. SS: Describe Flowery Fields for us. Andy: It’s a big warehouse with a shop at the front of it, you walk in and there are a few mother plants and grow prod-

SS: Do you ever think they’ll do it in the UK? Lou: Hahah! No chance! SS: Why not? Lou: I think it’s just too big a leap from where we are now, decriminalising possession and small grows would be a start, but I think we’re miles away from that too. Andy: We’ve got a bit of issue that we’ve got a culture of excess; you’ve only got to drive round any UK city centre on a Friday or Saturday night to see that, loads of wrecked people stumbling around. If they legalised growing a certain number of plants, I reckon a minority of people would just take the piss with it and the then the UK media would be all over it. The Daily Mail would go nuts for it! Lou: We can dream though. SS: What do you think of the laws across Europe? Andy: It seems that some of the eastern countries are really progressive with their attitude towards dope, Czech Republic especially. Obviously Spain is massive for it as well now that it’s decriminalised. I’ve heard Holland is toughening up though. Lou: Would be a shame if they closed the coffee shops down, especially as we’re only an hour’s plane ride from Amsterdam! Andy: There’re some nice ladies there too! SS: Cheers guys!

HASHISH REPORT

Nitrohash Here we are again with another article on nitrohash, a method for making hashish with liquid nitrogen that allows the trichomes to maintain all their qualities. This time, we explain how to produce nitrohash with better accessories. J. Searcher In our 2010 issue 6, Soft Secrets introduced the Nitrohash technique, discovered by the great “hashman” Juanito Manoverde, a genuine resin expert whose travels all over the world have enabled him to master all possible techniques, traditional or modern. At the time, the nitrohash technique was just beginning to be developed, but now

we are able to present a much more advanced system, although the basic principles remain the same. Juan Manoverde’s inspiration for nitrohash began with liquid nitrogen in the kitchen. The main advantage of nitrofreezing is that foods maintain their properties – flavour, smell, vitamin con-

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SECOND ROUND OF EXPERIMENTING WITH NITROHASH: LIQUID NITROGEN CYLINDER, METALLIC TUBE CONTAINER, 00 WORK TABLE AND SUPER FILTER MESH

FILL THE TUBE WITH CHOPPED MATERIAL

PLACE IT IN THE NITROGEN CYLINDER

tents – much better. You could say that, on a scale from worse to best, we have: traditional refrigerator freezing, professional ultra-freezing like the large fishing boats use and, finally, nitrofreezing, a system so rapid and effective that the specimens are barely affected. This is why nitro-freezing is often used in several sectors, from preserving egg cells or blood samples, to medicine or haute cuisine.

Acquiring and storing nitrogen Before purchasing liquid nitrogen, make sure you have a type-approved container, because nitrogen freezes so rapidly that it can ruin non-specific materials, causing serious accidents. Finding the proper container is actually more difficult than buying and transporting nitrogen; the best option

is to look for tanks on the second hand market. The ideal container for our purpose is a wide neck container, like those used to preserve livestock semen or laboratory samples. These containers have their own evaporation system, which is necessary to keep the tank stable, avoiding explosions. Once the tank is full, the nitrogen must be used as soon as possible, because it consumes itself progressively. Once you’ve obtained your container, all you have to do is have it filled at supply points you should find in any major city. As you don’t want to keep anything permanently, it’s not necessary to keep filling your tank, as long as you have it ready the day you’re planning to prepare your nitrohash. Of course, this is not the case for other aspects of cannabis culture; for example, refilling can be useful for seed banks, to preserve fertile and viable pollen for a long time. In this case, you need two tanks: one for the nitrofrozen pollen and an extra one in which to transport more nitrogen to refill the first tank. As the second tank is only needed in certain moments, you can also use it to make nitrohash from the plant remains left over after you’ve produced your seeds. A grow shop might also be interested in acquiring a nitrogen tank, and then renting it to customers who just need it for a limited period of time.

Handling and precautions When handling liquid nitrogen, common sense is as necessary as on many other occasions in life. If handled with minimum precautions, liquid nitrogen is not dangerous at all, but you have to take it very seriously because, if handled irresponsibly, liquid nitrogen can cause burns and other serious accidents. You should never come into physical CLOSE THE CYLINDER contact with liquid nitrogen, because of the danger of burns; always wear gloves when moving your container of vegetable material in and out of the nitrogen tank. You need good-quality gloves, because regular work gloves aren’t enough protection against burns; use motorcycle gloves or another type of thick gloves. And, while it’s dangerous to touch nitrogen with your hands, it’s much more dangerous if a sensitive area like your eyes gets splashed. Nitrogen tanks like the one used in this article have an inside basket in which REMOVE THE TUBE AFTER 2 MINUTES the samples are placed, hanging over the nitrogen. Make sure your hands never pass the lines marked by the basket, to avoid coming into contact with liquid nitrogen. And don’t even think about playing with it or tossing it to the ground, no matter how fun it is to see it give off smoke. There have been many cases of damage from inhalation when large quantities of liquid nitrogen have spilled. Also, bear in mind that evaporating nitrogen diminishes the concentration of breathable oxygen, so we advise against working EMPTY IT OVER THE 75 MESH with liquid nitrogen in small or poorly ventilated spaces.

SHAKING A FEW TIMES RESULTS IN THE VEGETABLE MATERIAL IS COMPLETELY FROZEN

AN EXQUISITE NITROHASH

THE VEGETABLE MATERIAL CAN BE RUPTURED

TRICHOMES COVER YOUR HAND AS SOON

SLIGHTLY BEFORE SHAKING AGAIN

AS YOU TOUCH THE FROZEN BUDS

If imprudence or bad luck should cause an accident with serious burns, you should rinse the affected area with water immediately and seek medical help. However, take care to avoid a similar situation.

Basic technique In our previous article, we already spoke of the basic technique for obtaining nitrohash. Here is what you do: introduce a small drum like the Hashmaker in a nitrogen cylinder, wait two minutes for it to freeze, remove it, shake it and voilà! Prime quality nitrohash. The simplicity and effectiveness of this method are amazing; the trichomes isolate almost right away.

also be used in a basic way to obtain hashish with dry extraction; all you have to do is cover the Work Table and its plant remains in plastic and shake slightly to obtain some great hashish. If you have buds, there’s no need to beat them, just move them delicately from one side of the mesh to the other, so the best trichomes are released without being damaged. Buds treated with this method usually seem thoroughly manicured rather than beaten. The nitrohash method is similar to dry extraction, with the peculiarity that the nitrofrozen plant remains deposit themselves along the mesh; later, you must proceed to move them or, better yet, to cover them with plastic and beat slightly.

PLACE THE VEGETABLE MATERIAL IN THE TUBE AGAIN

SHAKE AGAIN, OVER THE 120 MESH

The Super filter Mesh consists of a series of metallic meshes that can be used for any type of extraction: ice-water extraction, dry extraction or nitrofreezing – the quickest and most effective method of all. Using the Super filter mesh for icewater extraction greatly simplifies the method, because these metallic meshes fit very easily over the ice cubes, with no need to tie them to your wrist like with other types of meshes. Dry extraction is also very easy: all you have to do is place the frozen vegetable material on top of the mesh you want to use, position the lower metallic zipper below it and then close the lid. When you shake the compound, the resin separates easily, leaving you with an excellent dry extraction.

Nitrofreezing the vegetable material during the dry extraction method gives noticeably better results: better results, more quantity in less time. The Super filter mesh is available in several different formats: from the three-mesh format to the superior format with three filter meshes and nine work meshes. In this case, the experiment was carried out using the upper part, which consists of 9 filter meshes; several tests were made with different sizes, and the conclusion was the best meshes for nitrohash are the size 75 and the size 120. The results obtained with these sizes are faster, better quality and more quantity and.

The problem with this method is that appliances such as the Hashmaker aren’t designed to be used like this, so the plastic zippers end up breaking; also, you can only process a small amount of material each time.

Leftover materials To overcome these drawbacks, Juan Manoverde experimented for a long time with several modern methods for obtaining resin, choosing the Work Table and the Super filter mesh methods because of their quality. He also had a custom receptacle for nitrofreezing vegetable material PROCEED TO WORK ON THE 00 WORK TABLE made for himself. The 00 Work Table is a filter mesh drawn across a wooden frame, invented for activities such as limbing, fine manicuring or bud selection, because the mesh saves the trichomes that separate from the vegetable material from being lost; the trichomes are deposited on a lower tray and, when the job is done, you can collect a high-quality hash. The 00 Work Table is already used by several Dutch coffee shops, who obtain THE 00 WORK TABLE, ALONG WITH THE some extra hash by pocketing some CYLINDER FOR OPENING AND CLOSING samples left on this work table. It can

THE TUBE IS MORE AND MORE FROZEN EACH TIME

19 Assembly line

YOU CAN COLLECT NITROHASH FROM THE 00 WORK TABLE, TOO

A GOOD 00 FROM THE 00 WORK TABLE

When several friends with plant remains get together, you can combine all the above-mentioned methods to work in a sort of assembly line. First of all, the plant mass needs to be prepared. Make sure it’s completely dry before you start, and don’t keep it in the freezer, to avoid unnecessary dampness. If the buds are swollen, limb them and chop them lightly; if, on the other hand, you have the remains of a manicure and small buds, you can process them directly. If you plan to work on different qualities, you need different containers in order to preserve them separately. As this method is still at the experimental stage, the best thing is to go from worst to best – that is, perform tests on manicure remains and then use the buds with the mesh or separation method that turns out to be the best considering your availability of conditions and materials. Introduce the vegetable material in the cylinder-shaped metallic tube, leaving it for two minutes. The tube has to have a simple closing that doesn’t interfere with opening it, and it should also have an upper handle , which makes it easier to insert into the nitrogen cylinder. It’s very important that the tube be slightly smaller than the cylinder’s interior space so you won’t have a problem closing it; a good idea is to practice with a cardboard prototype before making the final model. When you remove the tube, it’s already frozen. Empty it over the 75 mesh, using a rod to remove the material. Cover the compound and shake it vigorously (you can even hit it against the floor several times) to obtain a highquality result. The next step is to freeze it again and repeat the procedure with the 120 mesh. After, transfer the plant

COLLECTING NITROHASH FROM THE 00 WORK TABLE

remains to the 00 Work Table, moving them from one side to the other with your hands. Once you’ve done all this, place them to the side, to use what’s left with an ice-water extraction in the Super filter mesh. This way, you obtain three different qualities of nitrofrozen material, as well as what you obtain with the last ice-water extraction. Although it’s already been passed with the 75 Super filter mesh and then the 120 mesh, when the plant mass arrives at the 00 Work Table to be shaken, it still yields a lot of material, although its quality is halfway between nitrofreezing and dry extraction, because during the transfer from the 120 metallic mesh to the work table, its temperature decreases. You have to make sure to shake it well before it gets to room temperature. When you’ve been using the metal container for a while, moving it in and out of the nitrogen freezer, the temperature keeps decreasing and a thick layer of frost forms around it. This is perfect, because it improves the result of the plant mass freezing.

Drying and preserving With both nitrofreezing and unfreezing, the process is rapid and there is no humidity involved, so there is almost no need to dry your compound. However, drying allows it to expel any remaining humidity there might be. Furthermore, the powder format is perfect for preservation. All you need to do to work a piece is homogeneously apply pressure and heat to your resin. Wrap your piece in several sheets of plastic and paper, then apply a moderate amount of pressure and heat, for example with a bottle of hot water or an iron at minimum temperature.

Advantages Nitrohash presents an oily structure, it almost amalgamates on its own, the pull is quite clean and tasty, with an intense effect. Furthermore, nitrofreezing doesn’t leave any type of toxic residue, so there’s no chance of toxic traces or damage to its taste or aroma, which might happen when you produce oil with gas. Hashish obtained with dry extraction has nothing on hashish obtained with nitrofreezing, much “greasier” even at a glance.

DIFFERENT QUALITIES OBTAINED WITH SUPER FILTER MESH NETTING

EXAMPLE OF ASSEMBLY LINE WORK. CLOSE UP, GRINDING BUDS AND SHAKING WITH SUPER FILTER MESH; BACKGROUND, WORKING WITH THE 00 WORK TABLE

Obtaining resins through nitro-freezing brings us to a much higher level of quality compared to the other methods used so far. There are fewer impurities compared to dry production, as the vegetable material is hardly beaten. The advantage compared to ice-water production is that the trichomes neither get wet nor remain damp, nor do they need drying – this means that the cannabinoids are preserved much better. Terpenes are also preserved much better – traditionally considered responsible for taste and aroma, nowadays JAR OF NITROHASH OBTAINED ON THE 00 WORK TABLE experts are beginning to think they might also be connected to the effect.

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TRAVEL

Moroccan Hash, Gun Battles and the Revolution by the Red One

The 2009 harvest seizures couldn’t have come at a worse time for another farming family on the edge of the Rif. In summer 2008 Abdul, the old man of the family, broke his leg in a fall on the mountain; he’d needed an expensive operation that the family had been able to pay for courtesy of the previous years pot profits. After his operation the doctors put him on strong painkillers, these came with side-effects though, so the doctors prescribed him more expensive chemical medication to combat his nausea...

Let’s talk about politics and economics, Riffian ganja politics and economics to be precise. If you don’t already know, the people of the Rif mountains in Morocco produce more than sixty per cent of the worlds hash, but, like a few other economies of the day, the ganja economy of the Rif has taken a bit of a battering over the last couple of years. Stories of army-orchestrated crop slashings, crop confiscations, and running gun battles between Riffians and the Moroccan state authorities have been doing the rounds, so SSUK have put on their hiking boots and wandered up into them there mountains to see if we can find out what the Ketama has been going on...

Mohammed VI himself. At the end of the debate it was decided that the laws of Ketama would be honoured but the elements of the trade that were spilling over the Ketamese borders would be policed with zero tolerance.

Rewind to the end of 2008: with Morocco keen to join Mediterranean free trade agreements and, potentially, Euroland, they have to be seen to be responding to pressure that the EU and US apply with respect to clamping down on the

Then came the first wave of the great repression, harvest time 2009...

Mustafa was a small-time farmer who lived just outside the province of Ketama in a small agricultural village. The first time we met he was welldressed, fit, healthy, relaxed and proudly selling some of the finest hash on the planet, his own Paki/Afghan combination. His four kids were in school, the kitchen cupboards were stocked and the family was being looked after.

“The King, the army and the police, they come into the mountains and confiscate all our hash crop, everything, they pay

STORIES OF ARMY-ORCHESTRATED CROP SLASHINGS, CROP CONFISCATIONS, AND RUNNING GUN BATTLES pot trade. The trouble with this is that the laws that give the Ketamese people the right to grow cannabis are royal laws (circa. 1950s) as opposed to governmental laws. This means the government can’t throw its weight behind any clamp down without the say-so and support of the current king, Mohammed VI; and he’ll be responsible for starting a separatist war in the Rif if he dishonours his predecessor’s word and outlaws cannabis farming. So, legally and politically, it’s a bit of a sticky situation. Anyhow, in order to deal with the issue transparently and to let the Moroccan nation know what was going to happen, the issue was debated live on TV in a series of debates chaired by

us compensation and burn all the plants, people go crazy... I cannot work on the farm anymore, if they come again then I go to jail, my village still runs the farm but this year we have no more quality like last time, I can still get you Mustafa quality but not for same price...” Mustafa’s clothes were looking old, he hadn’t shaved for a week or so and the stress of hustling was written all over his face. “Money is difficult now, I take my daughter out of school. If you want good quality I can get it for you, how much you want? Twenty dirham a gram...”

“They take all our crops, todo. Compensation small, we need money for [my fathers] medication. Doctors no good, they make sickness and now we pay mucho dinero to make doctors sickness good. If we grow food is not much for money, now no hashish? Is crazy my friend, crazy - this is the Rif mountains, this is Ketama, why they say we no Ketama? Government line on map is stupid, is wrong. Next year I grow hash anyway, 600 plants for this field, I must to

look after my father and my family, but if police come... Insh’allah.” These actions of the state had been expected though, and, as drug purges go, this one had been relatively civilised so, despite all their bluster and troubles, the families weren’t too fazed by all the drama - they’d survive, it wasn’t the first time something like this had happened to them. Then, something totally unexpected happened the following spring - planting season 2010. Totally unannounced, the cops and the army went up into the mountains of Ketama; they started arresting farmers who were planting new crops, they slashed and burnt any plants that were already growing and they raided hash stashes. It went off. The Riffians took up their guns, swords and daggers and fought to keep the cops and the army off their land for, sometimes, days and nights at a time. Mustafa gave us a glimpse of what was going on with this story...

23 “One of my good customers, he want some hashish, good Mustafa quality so I have to go other village. In the daytime is dangerous with the police on the roads so I go by taxi en la noche, the taxi he take me near to the village then I have to follow goat tracks. I hear guns - pow, pow! bang, bang! I go to my brothers house but my brother fight with police for three days and three nights - the police want to stop the hashish but this is no good, is against the Kings law, but he stay quiet, where is the King? We want to speak with the King again, tell him to come to the mountains and speak with us if he wants

we were coming from and then he told us to hand it over - he knew we had some. We gave him our ball and he laughed, “is that it?” he say to us, then he say he have to confiscate it. We were so upset but we made a joke with him and in the end he let us pay him twenty euros and twenty per cent of our hash - Moroccan police are not so bad if you know how to deal with them.” Harvest time 2010 was pretty much a repeat of the previous year in so much that farms on the outer fringes of Ketama were getting turned over again - crop slashings and confisca-

THE KING, THE ARMY AND THE POLICE, THEY COME INTO THE MOUNTAINS AND CONFISCATE ALL OUR HASH CROP peace... Yesterday I no sleep, but today I have good quality, you want the Mustafa quality? We still have the good quality in the mountain - twenty dirham a gram...” Other people were starting to get a bit panicky now with the spring time raids... “Prices go up next year, maybe this is the end of hashish - if is the end of hashish then is the end of tourism, maybe this is the end of our lives!” is how one distressed soul put it to us. But what was really going on? Most people first thought that the repression was to pacify the Western politicians and to grab a few headlines, this happens every five or six years to some extent but this time the government were pushing a lot harder - why were the royal laws being violated? Why were the Ketamese being punished for European tastes and demands? Were the authorities trying to guage how far the locals could be pushed before they fought back? If they were, then they got their answer very quickly. Regardless of the motivations and methods of the clampdown, the spring 2010 purge had two major effects: a lot of the planting was delayed until the last possible moment so the crop was late, the 2010 crop was also a small one, despite being a great year for growing in climatic terms. All this had other knock-on effects throughout Morocco and Europe as well; a list includes the familiar dent in supply and availability, a rise in the cost and, worst of all, a sharp rise in the quantity of adulterated product on the market. Morad, from Casablanca, told us about the lengths he and his friends had to go to sort themselves out with a bit of decent smoke: “The hash in Casa was terrible last year, so bad, so much henna; it was so bad me and five of my friends drove to Ketama to get some good stuff, but no one trusted us! They’re so paranoid! I swear sometimes it’s easier for foreigners to buy hash in Ketama than it is for Moroccans. We had such a difficult time, after ten days we had maybe twenty grams of good quality hashish but we had to go home again. When we were driving home we get stopped by the police; he asked us where we were from and where

tions were par for the course but it has to be said that we didn’t hear of any farms being targeted two years running. It also seems that the 2010 harvest clampdown was less intense than the previous years - word is that the infa-red satellite imaging of the Rif shows exactly how much weed is being grown in the mountains so the authorities would have been well aware that their spring time raids had had their desired effect for the year. Then the Arab world erupted, and the revolutionary fervour swept right the way across North Africa to the Maghreb. Keeping control of the cities and policing the demonstrations and protests in Morocco has proved to be a full time job for the authorities in 2011. The Riffian farmers were quick to realise what this meant - less cops and resources on their mountainous turf… Having already been revolutionised by the previous couple of years, the farmers took to the streets as well - weekly protests are still taking place across Morocco, and they are dominating the time and resources of the state authorities, so, in a dramatic turn-around, the state forces have been pushed on to their back foot and the Rif mountains are, once again, loaded with a bumper crop - some say it’s the biggest ever. Add to this the fact that so many different varieties are now being grown in the Rif, the 2011 crop is looking like it could be the biggest and most diverse crop ever produced - so, if you like your Moroccan hash clean, cheap and honest then the 2011/2012 smoking season should be a good one! There’s also a very valuable lesson we can all learn from what’s been going on in the Rif over the last few years; if we’re not protesting about the current repressions of the state they’ll just busy themselves by repressing other parts of our lives these days governments are getting so arrogant and invasive we have to protest just to maintain the status quo. When you wake up in a fascist dictatorial state and you’ve spent your whole life watching the world evolve on your TV with a cup of tea in your hand you’ve got no one to blame but yourself. Recent events in the Rif are about so much more than hash, it’s all about the freedom to live as a human being. Fight the power. Peace.

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INDOOR GROWING

7-colour LED’s – why they work By Supaponic

Plants, like most land-based life forms, need the correct spectrum of light to allow the process of photosynthesis and uptake of CO2 (one of the basic building blocks for life). They also need good humidity (high humidity opens the stomata, which is the pore in the leaf through which the CO2 enters the plant and Oxygen exits). Humidity is not to be confused with condensation, which is generally bad for the plants and causes mold and other problems. The plant also requires water and nutrients.

PAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) is a measure of the available light to stimulate photosynthesis within a given spectrum. It’s measured or expressed using PPFD umol/M2/s. If the light (of the correct spectrum) was water contained in a watering can, you could pour it out of the spout very quickly into a small area if you do not use a rose on the end. However, if you attach a rose to the spout, you can pour the same amount of fluid out of the can in the same time, but over a greater given area. Light is measured in this way using PPFD, as it looks at the speed and quantity of the delivery of the light, whilst considering the spectrum and the area covered.

LUX is a measure of “brightness” in a given area and Lumens are a measure lux over a 1M2. Spectrum requirements differ by species, but most herbaceous plants require light in the blue and red area’s of the spectrum. Lux places different weighting to different parts of the spectrum, as related to the human perception of light. Lux is most heavily biased towards 555nm, which is green in appearance (the area of the spectrum in which humans see the best). Unlike humans, plants do not require green light, which is why most of the green is bounced back at your retina by the plant when you look at it. Watts are an equally bad way of measuring light as Lux and Lumens are. It’s just a simple measurement of expressing the energy consumption of a given lamp or device etc. It does not tell you how much of the energy is being converted to something useful, just that the amount of “load” it will place on a given circuit. The only way to realistically compare one crop with another is by looking at the yield per watt/per meter, but even this method ignores all the other variables that relate to it, like ambient temperature and background CO2 and humidity levels. For this reason, the argument around the use of 3w LED’s or 1w LED’s is a bit of a red herring, the wattage will dictate the

When the photon flux (light radiation intensity) reaches the highest point (also called the light saturation point), plants have the quickest carbon dioxide exchange speed (carbon dioxide taken in and oxygen/moisture released).

intensity at the point of generation, not at the leaf surface, where it matters. That said, 3w light arrays are cheaper to manufacture and for this reason, the market is moving towards them. Unlike LUX and Lumens (which have a direct relationship to the human perception of brightness), PPFD umol/M2/s is an abbreviation of Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density by unit per meter per second. This measure looks at the spectrum from the perspective of the plant and measures the volume of the light provided by the light source, over a given space and instant in time. PPFD is a measure of light quantum (photon quantity) of photo-

synthetically active radiation (light energy of an appropriate spectrum, which reaches the surface of the plant, in a given time and over a given area). Plants speed of photosynthesis depends on the light quantum absorbed by the plants. Photosynthesis depends in part on the ability of the stomata to exchange CO2 for Oxygen. You can think of the stomata as the plants mouth for the consumption of CO2, which is stimulated to open by the light landing on the leaf surface. Whereas the roots are the plants mouth for the consumption of nutrients. PPFD is a measure of the availability of the correct food (light spectrum) in a moment in time and over a fixed area of the plants foliage.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a material required for photosynthesis as the plant uses it to build cells, be they leaf, flower, root or stem cells. These elements of the plant all require CO2 to make them happen and light drives the rate at which this can take place. For example, the light saturation point for many common herbal plants is around 1512 umol/M2/s). When it reaches this point it’s at its maximum carbon dioxide exchange rate. This means the plants grow bigger, faster. LED’s have always been good at getting the right spectrum out, but they were really bad (until now!) at getting the light they produced to the plant. They couldn’t penetrate the space in front of them and get to the plants leaf surface to make a real difference. Now the latest generation of LED’s contain lamps that will penetrate to

26 Tent Size by PPFD Requirement

7-Colour LED lamp selection matrix

Size

cm2

PPFD umol

Qty

PPFD umol

40x40

1600

242

1 x 90w

430

60x60

3600

544

80x80

6400

968

90x90

8100

1225

10000

1512

100x100

Qty

PPFD umol

1 x 234w

741

Qty

1 x 312w 3x 90w

PPFD umol

988

1290 2 x 234w

1482

120x120

14400

2177

3 x 234w

2223

2 x312w

1976

150x150

22500

3402

4 x 234w

2964

3 x 312w

2964

120x240

28800

4355

6 x 234w

4446

5 x 312w

4940

240x240

57600

8709

12 x 234w

8892

9 x 312w

8892

300x300

90000

13608

18 x 234w

13338

14 x 312w

13832

300x150

45000

6804

9 x 234w

6669

7 x 312w

6916

2M and produce a 7-colour spectrum that is perfect for your plants to thrive in. Pink or purple in appearance, these lights do not waste energy producing spectrum your plants can’t use or don’t really need (like green). In order to get the best results from the new generation of LED lights they have to be used correctly. The PPFD umol/M2/s of a good quality 234w (78x3w) 7-colour light is around 756 PPFD umol/M2/s each. If you use two of these lights in 1M2 tent, you will be producing enough of the correct light to produce 100% of the plants maximum photosynthesis rate (all things being equal, like temperature and other environmental variables). See fig 1. for details of PPFD umol/ M2/s plant needs by tent size for a guide to light selection and quantity required. Please note the matrix gives alternatives, so a 1.2m x 1.2m tent needs 2177 PPFD and could take either 3 x 234w (2223 PPFD) or 2 x 312w (1976 PPFD). The best option would be 3 x 234w for light spread (getting the light to the top of the plants foliage over the whole surface area), although it would be marginally more expensive at the point of purchase. REMEMBER not all LED’s are the same, check the specification of the lights you are considering before you buy them or ask the retailer for advice.

Used correctly you can easily expect to exceed like for like HPS grown crops. The HPS system will also cause significant issues around environmental control as a result of heat and high transpiration rate (sweating) of the plants,

leading to nutrient burn and shock. The PPFD umol/M2/s of the LED’s is complemented by the reduced stress the plants feel, the lack of fan noise (from the fans going at full tilt, trying to get the heat of the HPS out the

room), the reduced nutrient and water requirements of the plants. More easily controlled CO2 systems and humidity controls. You can also expect 20-80% energy saving (depending on the amount of lamps and what they are compared against (HPS or CFL etc.)). LED’s have had some rightly deserved bad press in the past, but that was because the lamps were not at a stage of development that would deliver on the high expectations the market had. Often they were not used correctly. This should no longer be the case as repeated tests have demonstrated, it’s a matter of changing what you do and how you do it, this way the technology delivers, rather than disappoints! The future of the LED is assured, growers will feel and see the benefits and the plants will yield the results we all want. The truth is out there.

BOOK REVIEW

Cannabis Indica: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S FINEST MARIJUANA STRAINS S.T. Oner and Green Candy Press have collected photos and information on 100 indica dominant cannabis strains for Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains. The book starts with a nicely written dedication that acknowledges the men and women that have stood up for, and bred marijuana cultivars. A few pages from Greg Green describe what indicas are, and how they differ from sativas. Then it continues though it’s dizzying array of descriptions and photos. The strains are arranged in alphabetical order starting with “Adonai Kush” by Shiloh Massive, and ending with “Zombie Virus” by OGA seeds. The pages are formatted with the name and information about the strain on the left hand page, with a nice full page photo of a bud on the right. Repeat one hundred times. The next variety is just a page turn away. It is no surprise that classic and well known strains are included, such as Northern Lights, Lowryder, and Mendo Purp. However, it was a very nice surprise to find many “real world” cultivars represented. Strains grown and developed by smaller breeders from around the world are featured as well. For example, “Pennsylvania Purple” is an US East Coast variety, I’ve only tried it once, but I thought it was nice. Since it isn’t a commercial strain, it wouldn’t be included in a book that just sold its pages to the highest bidder. It is nice to see some credit going to the lesser known men and women who are working hard to improve the quality of available smoke. I really appreciated the amount of parentage information included with several of the varieties. This can really be helpful when picking out new strains and finding ones that you may want to try if given

the chance. I had not heard of “Dready Berry” (page 70) before, but even without trying it, I would be willing to bet that I would like it based on the information included on its page. I now know that it is a Blueberry and White Widow cross. I also know that personally, I like Blue Widow, Berry White, White Berry, and pretty much every decently grown Blueberry x White Widow I’ve tried. So chances are better than fair I’d like Dready Berry as well. I also like Blueberry x White Rhino crosses, so I’d probably also like “Blue Rhino”(shown on page 30). Knowing what strains are in the lineage can help select the ones that may be right for your taste. Afghani and Skunk varieties are well suited for vipers with a taste for more savory notes. The book is a nice collection of strains with photos and information about each. Flip through it to find varieties to add to your wish list, learn about some of the current strains available today, or just drool over the nice bud porn.

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“CALIFORNIA LAB RESEARCHES “ONE SAMPLE AT A TIME...”

Cannabis Quality Control Despite that fact that many people choose to use Cannabis as a natural alternative to other recreational drugs or prescription pharmaceuticals, not much can be done to regulate the quality of said products. Until now, that is. Sativa Diva

Recently SSUSA caught up with Wilson Linker of Steep Hill Cannabis Analysis Laboratory. Located in Oakland, CA since 2008, Steep Hill not only tests the local Cannabis supply for mold, pesticides and other toxins but also offers official medical Cannabis laboratory certification, known as SafeCannabis™. So what sets Steep Hill apart from other testing facilities? “We are dedi-

“We use USP61 method fungal and yeast detection, and we follow the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) guidelines for contamination levels. Some California Cannabis labs employ a visible mold inspection; we plate an actual sample, in agar. “Most labs in California use only one method or one instrument; we use GCMS, HPLC – and we are working on

WE ARE A REFERENCE LABORATORY AND WE WILL CONDUCT ANY ANALYSIS THE CLIENT WANTS cated to exploring faster, safer, more efficient methods. We’re the first and most trusted Cannabis analysis lab in California,” says Wilson. This lab is also unique in their attention to detail and open-mindedness towards the research they do, both evident in their scientific processes.

new detection instruments. The GC (gas chromatograph) uses heat and gases to analyze the Cannabis. The HPLC (high performance/pressure liquid chromatograph) uses solvents in polarity to separate the cannabinoids.” “We use the GC for testing anything that is to be combusted (burned) because it

MOLD SAMPLES ARE PLATED ON AGAR TO ENSURE ACCURATE RESULTS

ANNARAE GRABSTEIN, CEO OF STEEP HILL LAB

uses heat to analyze the product; anything that is to be applied topically or eaten is run through the HPLC, because it does not destroy – or decarboxylate – the THC acid.” Wilson reveals why Steep Hill thoroughly researches multiple methods of consumption: “Basically, we are a reference laboratory and we will conduct any analysis the client wants. We don’t prefer any methodology or instrumentation – we just have more instruments than any other lab, and we offer more flexibility.”

With a burgeoning medical Cannabis industry, CA is the perfect location for Steep Hill, although someday they hope to expand into neighboring pro-weed states – and even internationally. “In California we’re lucky to have the Patient Provider system, so we can certify the growers’ products (before they go into the dispensary) with our SafeCannabis™ packaging program. “We are a discreet company, and we understand the need for discretion in the industry. We are more than

31 happy to promote our clients – or not – depending on their desires. They come in and give us their doctors’ recommendations; we verify that they are legal to transport Cannabis in California. We complete an analysis for them, and then they take their

the GC. “The highest THC numbers consistently have come from people who use very high tech – but organic – methods. The actual cannabinoids seem to respond to organic methods, or ‘New Age organics’, shall we say? You know, this isn’t just ‘throw it into the dirt in the yard.’”

Unlike other Cannabis research facilities worldwide Steep Hill is accessible to the public, creating an unusually large database. Thus far the lab has tested over 20,000 samples (beginning in late 2007) and discovered over 25 strains of high CBD (cannabidiol) Cannabis. The folks at Steep Hill also seize opportunities to maintain a proactive, visual

get to meet the team. So growers, you’ve been warned: let’s keep the green clean from now on, okay? Finally, after all of these years, conscientious Cannabis consumers (in CA, at least) have access to people who will happily test their products for signs of either quality or contamination. “‘True activism is a science’ is

UNLIKE OTHER CANNABIS RESEARCH FACILITIES WORLDWIDE STEEP HILL IS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC role in their local community. “We try to get a booth at every major event. We do community clean-ups – we cleaned up a San Jose park with a group of our clients and patients recently, as a community project.

OVER 20,000 SAMPLES HAVE ALREADY BEEN TESTED

“We test for all the High Times Cannabis Cups – we’re the official tester – and we’re going to continue to do that.” This means that if you visit the Cup in Amsterdam this November, you might

one of the things we say here,” Wilson informs me, “and true activism is selfregulation. What we do is an extended form of activism; we believe that regulating this industry is going to speed up the process towards legalization and give more people access to this wonderful plant.” Photos courtesy of Steep Hill Lab www.steephilllab.com

products to the dispensaries. We’ll also take the products straight from the dispensary and do the analysis – we’ve worked with both models.” Steep Hill only requires a small amount of product for testing: two grams of bud, one gram for concentrates (hash/hash oil), and one serving size for edibles. The product is carefully packaged and sealed with Steep Hill’s own technology. “The SafeCannabis™ certification was started in November 2010 and involves a screening for quantitation of cannabinoids, total fungal and yeast count – and an analysis for the major pesticides in the Cannabis industry. “It’s also coupled with a standardized packaging program, a Mylar® bag with a nitrogen-enriched environment that

SOME OF THE HIGHEST [CANNABINOID] NUMBERS WE SEE COME FROM THE FINEST ORGANIC PRODUCTS

THE LAB IS THE OFFICIAL TESTER FOR MANY CANNABIS COMPETITIONS

keeps the product up to two years. The bag blocks light; it is Mylar® but it does have a clear window for viewing so it still needs to be stored in a dark place. Light and oxygen degrade THC into CBN. We also equip each grower with sealed sample bags so the purchasers can open and smell a sealed unit without opening the full unit. “Some of the highest [cannabinoid] numbers we see come from the finest organic products. Organic is a sign of quality in our minds, but we don’t take an official stance for or against any sort of cultivation method.” Steep Hill has found THC ranging from two- to just above twenty-four percent on

SAFECANNABIS™ CERTIFICATION AND PACKAGING

HASH REPORT

The Joy of Skuff by Percy Grower

Rummaging around in the loft the other day I came across a bag of forgotten leaf trimmings. At first glance they didn’t look like much but on closer inspection there were in fact plenty of visible glands on the leaves. It got me thinking about the whole process of making hash and how, as a grower if you’re not already doing it you really should. It makes sense in so many ways. Firstly, (as Ed Rosenthal’s classic book puts it,) you’re turning ‘trash to stash’. The logic of making use of as much of the plant as possible speaks for itself. After all, it’s taken considerable care to get your plants through their lives, not to mention the personal risk to your liberty. When you’re only growing a small amount of plants for your own use you want to be getting every available gram at harvest time. Keeping plant numbers down always makes sense when arguing the self-sufficiency defence and it’s also worth remembering that the Police have a habit of weighing whole plants, root-ball and all sometimes, to come up with outrageous sounding amounts of cannabis for one person.

and it’s ideal for using up unwanted leaf trimmings. Unlike bubble hash the dry hash is ready to smoke right away and is in no danger of it going mouldy. To make your dry hash you need a screen with a mesh of around 120 microns. This will allow all the glands on the leaf to fall through, leaving behind the majority of other plant matter. Several companies produce an automated ‘tumbler’ which is usually a drum made if 110 micron mesh fabric stretched around the barrel contained in a plastic box, where the detached glands are collected. Of course these take any manual effort out of the process and are ideal for getting through large amounts of plant matter. However, if it is only small amounts you are collecting the automated tumbler works out to be a pretty expensive option when a simple flat screen can be just as effective. Flat hash making screens used to be fairly

widely available but a quick internet search showed that getting hold of one these days may not be so easy. You may need to make your own using a screen stretched over a frame or box or similar. Art supply shops can be a good option for getting silk screen used for screen printing. Be aware that they grade the mesh size in T – threads per inch - and not microns, so for example 48T is the same as 135 microns and this is probably the best one to use. But the good news is that’s the only bit of kit you need. Because you are manually rubbing the leaf it is possible to get different grades of hash with just one screen. A first quick light rub will produce a fine, light sandy hash similar to un-pressed Moroccan ‘pollen’. The more the plant matter is agitated over the screen the more contaminant is likely to fall through. Subsequent grades will be progressively greener as more plant matter gets busted up small enough to fall through the screen. If you want the highest grade possible do a light rub first and keep it separate. Keep the leaf in the freezer until the last minute as this will help detach the glands by making them brittle. It is always worth giving it a second rub as you’ll be surprised at how much more you can collect.

With this in mind turning a few hundred grams of leaf trimmings, which the Police and Courts would view as exactly the same as prime buds, into less than ounce of high grade hash is well worthwhile. If they want to consider all parts of the plant as equal it is wise to keep only the bit you want i.e. the cannabinoid rich glands and not the green leaf. This way you reduce the amount of cannabis in your possesTRIM LEAF ON SCREEN sion by around 90-95% without sacrificing any of the part that gets you high. This is certainly true for leaf trimmings that were otherwise destined for the bin but may not be so true of your best buds, which have an appeal of their own. Skuff, shake, pollen – all of these are terms for ‘dry’ hash; that is glands that are detached from the plant matter using dry leaf or buds rubbed over a screen as opposed to bubble hash which is done using ice, water and two or more filter screens, or charas-style hash that is directly hand-rubbed from buds. The differences in the processes give the hash very different properties and each has its own SEPARATED GLAND COLLECTED UNDER THE SCEEN benefits and drawbacks. Of all the methods making Skuff is by far the quickest, simplest and cleanest way to get your very own high-grade. As we have mentioned the value and appeal of top buds means that it is unlikely that home growers would start making hand-rubbed hash in the Indian tradition where whole fields of (relatively) low strength plants are rubbed to make sticky black hash. This is arguably the oldest and simplest form of hash making but is not so practical for the home grower. Making dry hash, Moroccan-style, on the other hand is almost as easy and will CLOSE-UP 1ST GRADE UNPRESSED probably give a more refined product,

When making bubble hash in a seven stage filter system you collect all of the available glands and little or no contaminant at all. If you rubbed the same material over the dry screen you would undoubtedly collect a larger pile of ‘hash’ but the extra will be contaminant rather than gland. This is not such bad a thing. After all, the contaminant is just bits of plant that gets smoked with bud usually, to some extent anyway. Usually dry hash retains more of the flavour of the original plant than bubble hash, presumably because of the small amount of plant matter that remains in it. One other possible advantage is that dry hash, especially when it has only been cold pressed, burns better in a spliff with tobacco than dense, sticky, pressed hash, not to mention being easier to crumble in. I’m sure all self-sufficient growers have times when supplies run short and this is when that forgotten bag of crummy looking leaf becomes a pure gift because in no time at all you’ve got a nice piece of high grade pollen in your tin and the world doesn’t seem so bad any more after all. Happy Hashmaking!

1ST GRADE

LOWER GRADE - NOTE VISIBLE CONTAMINANT

COLD PRESSED DRY HASH

REPORT

New Dangerous Drug: Parsley This is not the Onion News or an April’s Fool joke. The year 2011 will be remembered in Russia as the time when parsley got banned. Well, almost. Lately, quite a few Eastern European media have reported the sensational news: parsley is now prohibited in Russia! But only a few bothered to explain that it was a part of a funny and thoughtprovoking political happening. Head of the Russian Federal Service “Rospotrebnadzor“ Gennady Oniszczenko (responsible for “supervision of the sphere of consumer protection and people’s well-being”), half-jokingly, half seriously suggested the banning of parsley and a few other popular herbs and spices. He informed the public that they also contain trace amounts of banned substances. For example, seeds and fruits of parsley contain certain dangerous narcotic substances which can cause hallucinations and intoxication. Oniszczenko did so in order to provoke a discussion about the shortcomings of current drug laws and the possible decriminalization of cannabis. This story was repeated for a couple of days in many Eastern European newspapers and websites, even on major TV stations. However, it never really made its way to the Western media. It vanished as quickly as it appeared. The Russian government simply withdrew the information and effectively silenced the unruly officials. A few days later all one could find in the Internet on the subject was that it all had been a mistake and an error in translation. However, Doctor Yevgeny Brune , a Russian Federation official from the Ministry of Health, explained to the media earlier that, despite the ban, parsley is unlikely to disappear from grocery stores. “There is no intention to punish all parsley growers,” Brune (fortunately, a psychiatrist by profes-

sion) explained patiently. “But there is an exception: if it can be proved that the parsley was grown in order to sell drugs, the case will go to court.” Critically, he added: “ It can be difficult to prove, but maybe there is a way.” Some Russian officials noted that a ban on the sale of parsley would make no sense. To have a narcotic effect, a large number of parsley seeds is required, bagfuls. Brune said that over a hundred thousand species of plants containing some prohibited substance are described in scientific literature . Among them are many popular foods. “This is an unrealistic battle, because after each ban the drug mafia will invent something else,” said a noted Russian psychiatrist. “I think the real problem is this need to reduce demand for drugs and psychoactive substances.” This year has been a particularly hot season for dangerous vegetables in the media. After the invasion of Spanish killer cucumbers came the new “evil weed” parsley. “Next will be bananas,” Internet users comment on the forums. “Damn, that tasty broth with parsley will be gone for ever.” Commentators visualize gangs of parsley-hungry junkies devastating urban gardens and terrorizing neighborhoods.

One may say this is typical Russian humor. They even have a phrase describing such an event: “It is both scary and funny at the same time.” In the West, however, after the recent assassination by the European Parliament on medicinal plants and dietary supplements, such information is taken seriously – and no one is laughing. We have been following for too many years the frightening medical techno-thriller and consumers’ struggle for free access to benign and healing herbs. Recently, even vitamins have become a new target, so why not parsley? Society has been forcefed the information that, without visiting a doctor and getting a prescription, soon no one will be able to buy such “dangerous” products as vitamins or herbs. It is all part of the strategy of the pharmaceutical giants who want to restrict access to natural (and for them, unprofitable) remedies. Also, no one is about to laugh when someone close to him goes to prison for another popular herb: cannabis. Once, in New York’s clubs, police undercover agents sold oregano, encouraging people to buy it with the assurance that it was marijuana - then arrested their customers for “bad intentions”. So, next time

Sebastian Daniel

you get arrested for “something green”, don’t complain; you can take comfort in the thought that it is not parsley or oregano yet. The world is still a tolerant place. It can always be worse. The case for the legality of parsley and similar inventions from the lab of Nature is explained in most countries around the world by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. During the conference of the United Nations prior to its declaration, even the delegation of “drug warriors” from the U.S. concluded that it is pointless to attempt to control or ban biological materials containing psychotropic substances. For example, it is clearly written that the Peyote cactus, Psilocybin mushrooms, or the plant Mimosa hostilis are not controlled; it is only their main active ingredients – mescaline, psilocybin and DMT – that are banned. In most countries affiliated to the United Nations Organization, however, two plants are banned: cannabis and coca leaves (both, incidentally, as equally dangerous and toxic as parsley – but with incomparably greater medicinal properties). The reason for this is that many banned substances are present in a great number of living organisms and plants, even animals (e.g. frogs). Nay, there are some (like DMT) which are present in the human brain! (Then again, a case for removing some brains might indeed be argued….) It would be rather difficult for the government to ban them all, or for the police to confiscate them. Prohibition could mean the extinction of species which could then have unpredictable biological effects. Besides, as parsley shows us, even some spices and foods contain banned substances, so that using them at the dinnertable would expose the whole family to the threat of a prison sentence. UN Guidelines on this issue should be respected by all its members. Abandoning the fight against evil parsley is a step in the right direction.

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MONSTER PLANTS By Jorge Cervantes // Photos Humboldtlocal

AREA The photos are plants in northern California, but there are a large number of giant plants throughout the state, and there are many in Oregon, which has a slightly cooler climate.

year, after two years and a good selection, the new genetics will already be accustomed to your microclimate. It is also important to consider genetic resistance to fungi.

CULTURE TIME The important thing is to grow long, of 8-10 months. The weather can be a little bad or cold. In this case must be protected with plastic greenhouse. Large plants can be grown almost everywhere in Argentina. Viva las pampas!

GENETIC The most important factor when choosing the most favorable genetic giants is to have plants that are accustomed to local microclimate. What would I do there in Argentina is to find a good genetic makeup of a good bank (no matter whether it’s sativa or indica but above all that well to the outside), a genetic mix with local and cultivate Argentina for six ormore generations to adapt to the microclimate. If we consider that in cultures outside in Argentina we can have three harvests a

For giant plants should be planted and grown for a long time, about 8, 9 or 10 months, because it takes a long time to grow so much.

EARLY STAGES Giant plants can be obtained either from cuttings and seeds, always taking care that silver is female. It begins growing in small pots and transplant are making as they develop. With 4 or 5 transplants in a month or month and a half, the plant should have a meter or more.The time of transplant is when intertwined roots and bases and sides of the container, which hint at the plant is a slower growth and greater distance intermodal. It is essential to plant them as soon as possible in July or August, to give 8 to 10 months, so for the first time the plants will grow in winter. So

it is important or grow them indoors, or outdoors to build a greenhouse to protect them from cold temperatures and strong winds. In the latter case, when the amount of light per day is not sufficient to grow the plants, should

be completed daylight hours adding some lamps. You only need low power lights (40-60w) so it will not flourish. If planted in time, rising temperatures and daylight hours increase with the arrival of spring, our plants will have a meter high and we can transplant them to the final floor container or withdraw the benefit of the greenhouse.

MEGA CONTAINERS Despite what many imagine, growing giant plants do not necessarily require on solid ground. While there are good

39 soils rich in nutrients, if we adjust the composition of the substrate to which desire is more simple to do in containers, where possible the largest, between 900 and 1400 liters in volume and a meter or meter and diameter. It is important that the container is a porous material that allows passage of air. The other option is to dig a well on such measures and there make the mix, but it is much more complex. When near the spring, weather permitting, it is time to move the plant to the final mega container. It is very important that the substrate container is not less than 13 º C. Normally it is not necessary to control the temperature of the substrate, but crops located far south and very cold climates, can be controlled with an electrical resistance inside the container. You can also place the containers on pallets, so they are not touching the ground and thus generates a layer of air between them acts as an insulator.

SUBSTRATE The choice of substrate depends on the direction one chooses to follow. In the case of chemical use, just put together a good basic substrate and applying the formula chosen for each month or week, because there will always be sucking the chemical and soil life is in the process. But if you choose the course organic soil life is essential, there is no movement under the earth, biological motion. One option for long-term cultures is a good substrate is to build organic compost, manure, organic amendments (such as vermicompost), perlite and vermiculite, plus you can add a handful of blood meal, bone meal, straw and seaweed meal. For example, the plant cover of this issue was grown organically, with a good initial mixing, and is added only two handfuls of bat guano in the fourth month.

IRRIGATION Normally watered once every two days, with about 90 liters of water per plant, when they are large. But that depends on the sun, wind, weather in general. And also the amount of calcium and magnesium containing the substrate, as these elements make the plant transpire less water. To maintain soil moisture can be put over a layer of mulch made from decaying leaves or freshly cut grass. It is advisable to water at the beginning of the day when the soil an inch below the surface is dry, and always keep in mind that during the flowering plants need more water. Applies to drip irrigation or hose. Try not to bring in cans / buckets, heavy and too much work. Try to use clean water with low salt, low ppm to 300 ppm.

INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF HOLDING A good way to support the branches when they grow up is at the time of transplanting to the final container, placed around the circular structure ground wire (not oxide) of a meter in

40 diameter and two high. Many growers, instead of using a stable structure, we are getting from 3 to 20 clubs to hold the branches, but this is very complicated and takes much more work placement and maintenance. Make everything as simple as possible takes less work and the result is usually better.

and buds and remain supported by it. If during the first stage we use greenhouses, we can use the same structure (no clear plastic covering) to hold the first network. Then, when the branches stand out enough of it, put a second external network. The use of two networks over very difficult to harvest.

NETWORKS OF CONTAINMENT

PRUNING

As plants grow, add two layers of networks with holes of approximately 15cm2 so they can spend the branches

To accomplish great outdoor plants, pruning is recommended but not much (and I mean not much) more in

those cases where the plant is cut to stop growing for a while. Pruning is often used apical (cutting the outbreak of the tips of branches), as the plant recover faster and this accelerates the overall growth. It is best to give a round fare to get more sun, which does not happen much when they have the typical form of Pine. If necessary, we

can go bending the branches to adapt the plant to the way we want.

HARVEST The optimum point of harvest is when 50% of the trichomes is creamy translucent color, but if you want a more body, you have to wait until most of the trichomes are amber again. At the time of harvesting giant plants, it is best to harvest progressive (ideally in the morning), removing the first layer of half a meter of buds, then the second and so on until the 3 or 4th harvest, with a difference one or two weeks between each. Thus we get the lower buds to grow more, are made thicker and giving more production, not for nothing the last to be harvested are often the best. Giant plants properly cultivated, like them the photos, can produce 54 kilos if you cut the whole plant at once. But by progressive harvests and reduce labor intensity manicure, you can increase production up to 90 kilos per plant? (That is, you can harvest up to 60 percent more per plant). I thank my friend Humboldtlocal! Check out the first of the series, Jorge Cervantes’ Cannabis Expeditions DVD ($14.95) and see regular uploads on medical gardens at www.jorgecervantes.tv!

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I N O

OPINION / BOOK REVIEW

A CASE OF CUTTING OFF YOUR NOSE TO SPITE YOUR FACE?

The proposed reforms to Dutch cannabis laws So we read recently (October 8th 2011) that the Dutch Government are making moves to reclassify high potency cannabis. And on top of this, there appear to be plans afoot to prohibit tourists from using coffee shops, full stop. While there’s a clear connection in subject matter here, I find it rather odd that both stories have been reported as one story in a lot of the British press. One could argue that the reclassification story is about public health, and as such we’d say there’s definitely a case to be made for doing this depending on whether one buys into the “high potency weed causes psychosis and other health problems” argument or the “high potency weed possibly causes psychosis and other health problems” one. As is so often the case with this sort of thing, there is no clear or definitive answer. That said, there is a definite and growing consensus among the weed using community that cannabis really is becoming too strong. This in itself wouldn’t be so much of a problem but for the fact that it’s proving progressively more difficult to find strains that don’t incapacitate the user for a number of

hours after ingestion. I’d like to add my voice to these and say that I welcome an upper THC content limit that’ll make getting stoned a more pleasant experience. At the moment, it’s like wanting to drink nice wine but finding that everywhere only sells whisky. People, this move is potentially a good thing with a number of benefits. Most obvious of these being that the possibility of psychosis is being addressed. Our one quibble is that making the limit voluntary rather than forced would have been preferable, however, we understand that voluntary or self-regulation isn’t always an option, particularly for an industry that isn’t really legal but isn’t really illegal either. The banning tourists from coffee shops proposal is, however, quite a different matter and I’m rather at a loss to see exactly who is going to benefit from such a move (other than a bunch of puritanical killjoys; and frankly, even for them this smacks of cutting off the nose to spite the face). I’ve been to Holland a number of times both for work and for holidays. I’ve been to Amsterdam and to Utrecht; both very different places and with nowhere really com-

parable in the UK beyond the fact that one is a huge urban conurbation and one is a quiet, quaint university town. Perhaps we could say that they compare to London and Cambridge, but with dope. At the risk of sounding like a Philistine, once I’d been to look at the Rembrandts and the other Old Masters and taken a quick whirl around the (pretty tacky) Torture and Sex museums I was kind of at a loss. Perhaps it’s just me, but there really isn’t an awful lot else to do in Amsterdam if you’re not looking to either get stoned or pay to have sex with someone (and let it be noted that I’ve got absolutely no interest in the dubious thrills of the latter of these). Whether the right wingers like it or not, dope and sex, sex and dope are what Holland generally and Amsterdam specifically has become synonymous with in the mind of non-Dutch nationals, and that’s why so many tourists visit. Certainly that’s why so many British people visit, and Germans (though perhaps the less said about them the better). Presumably, there are people already looking for loopholes in the proposed changes. Or possibly the police are just going to turn a blind eye (as usual)? If the new law is actually introduced and if it’s properly enforced then we predict the death of the Dutch economy. However, the conservatives can rest easy in the knowledge that, while they may be about to destroy a big part of the local and national economy, they’ve stuck to their principles. dimethyltryptamine777@hotmail.com

Happy Buds – Ed Rosenthal Ed Rosenthal and crew have put together over 80 situational strain selections and an assortment of helpful tips for this fun gift sized book. For this venture he’s teamed up with Anna Foster and Mamakind, two lovely ladies that are well versed in cannabis consumption.

Different strains of cannabis have different effects when smoked. Indicas tend have a “couchlock” or “stoned” effect, and sativas often have a more “cerebral” or “head” high. Although the exact reasons behind this are not well understood, the differing levels of THC, CBD and other trace differ-

ences between strains makes some better for sitting around watching movies with, and some better for smoking right before a walk or jog in the woods. To help the reader make informed choices as to what to smoke when, Happy Buds breaks down suggestions into ten broad chapters. The chapter names are descriptive of the activities that the suggested strains are well suited for. Turn to “Blues Busting” to raise spirits, “”Night Out” for partying, and “Hittin’ the Sack” for relaxing and unwinding. Waking and baking with an uplifting joint can help your day start well, but choosing something too relaxing can result in a day that starts in the afternoon. This book advises on what sort of morning weed to look for so you can still get your day started. Each chapters is broken down into specific recommendations for specific activities like “Getting it on Buds”, and “Blissful Buds”. For each activity, a few strains are suggested, and each strain has a brief description to accompany it. Sprinkled throughout the book are tips and hints that give practical advice. Knowing to roll joints at home before you leave for a party is a lesson many have learned the hard way. Recipes for tasty delights such as Budderscotch

by Grubbycup

sauce and Ed Rosenthal’s “Iced Ask Ed-puccino” add flavor. Suggested stoner activities include an art project roach clip and lavender sachets. Either would make for a simple but entertaining impaired crafting afternoon. I fully intend on trying a couple of the suggestions listed under the Cinco de Mayo tip personally, as they sound like my kind of tacos. The list of movies to watch under the influence, included a lot of movies I had seen, and a couple I haven’t yet, but plan on watching. Instructions are included on how making shoe hash can help take some of the sting out of hours of working while standing or walking. For those interested in locating seeds for the strains listed, in the back of the book is the website information for seedbanks that carry the strains mentioned. Overall it’s a light fun book, with lots of pretty pictures, chock full of simple ideas to try. It has a very laid back and easy going vibe to it, mandalas, manifestation boards, yoga poses and all. A nice choice for a coffee table book for friends to flip through while joints are rolled and pipes are packed. Peace, love and puka shells, Grubbycup

Ed Rosenthal is recognized worldwide as a leading authority on marijuana. In his 30-plus years as America’s “guru of ganja” he has written or edited more than a dozen books about marijuana cultivation and social policy that cumulatively have sold over one million. His first book, Marijuana Grower’s Guide, is the only title on marijuana cultivation to be reviewed by The New York Times Book Review. After almost two decades, his Ask Ed advice column continues to answer questions on all matters of marijuana from readers around the world.

NOSTALGIA FOR OLD VARIETIES

BOTRYTIS SPORES

When I was a kid growing up in the 70’s there were many really great and tasty varieties of weed that I never see anymore and have not seen for decades. We used to get Gold And Red Columbian, Jamaican, Panama Red and Acapulco Gold and other imports. I realize What has happened to these strains? Today I never see the tasty stuff from the good old days. Gold had such a great flavor. JODY

The buds of my plants were attacked by grey mold, Botrytis cinerea. I tore every thing down today. Should I throw away the plywood or can I soak it in bleach solution and then paint with anti fungal paint to reuse it? DIABLOW

The imported land-race varieties have disappeared from the American market. Part of the reason is that suppliers found it safer to grow herb domestically than to try and import it. Each country has its own story. Thailand, famous for its “Thai Stick”, had its pot trail cut with the end of the Vietnam War. For years after, Sticks were available domestically. But an anti-drug policy over the last 20 years has stopped even remote hill tribes from much cultivation. In Colombia, the lure and profit of the cocaine trade killed the pot industry. Why pack tons of bulk when it’s worth the same as a few kilograms of powder? However, there is hope. Recently a few dispensaries in the San Francisco Bay area began offering homegrown “Colombian” and “Acapulco Gold” grown from seeds collected decades ago. Jamaican kali weed has been hybridized with or abandoned in favor of the new commercial varieties in its native country. However, collectors have hoarded seeds in refrigerators and freezers where they remain viable. There are probably seeds stored in America of all the landraces that graced this country. Now it’s just a matter of them out of the hiding places and getting them grown.

Watering the plants. The 26 plants in this garden were growing in raised beds 200cm x 60cm deep.

Botrytis cinera is a fungus that causes both root and bud rot. It produces conida, short-lived asexual spores that bud off appendages that grow out on the surface of the organism. They also produce sclerotia, spores which can stay dormant for a long time and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. B. cineria spores are in the air everywhere so it would be difficult to try to remove them totally from your environment. One way to reduce their numbers is to use a UVC air sterilizer, which kills spores passing through its air channel. The rots caused by B. Cinerea can be considered environmental diseases because breakouts occur mostly when humidity is high and under anaerobic conditions that weaken plants and leave them vulnerable to attack. The best way to control bud rot is to lower the humidity. It rarely attacks when the humidity is 50% or lower. It also prefers temperatures between 150 and 210. You can lower the humidity using a dehumidifier regulated by a humidistat and by keeping the temperature above 210 during the dark period in the last two weeks of flowering. Sterilizing the room is not a bad idea. I prefer hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which breaks down into water and oxygen, rather than bleach. Bleach evaporates into chlorine gas, which is a mild poison at household concentrations. Using fungicidal paint is also a good practice.

46 DARKNESS BEFORE FLOWERING

SOFT FLOWER FORCING

I am have been vegging for 5 weeks under continuous light using T-5 fluorescents. What is the right length of darkness is before I go to 12 on and 12 off to induce flowering? I’ve heard anywhere from 24-72 hrs of darkness. What do you think? TOM

I am planning on growing indoors using 18/6 for vegetative, then 12/12 for flowering. However, I feel that this is unnatural. Have you experimented with a slower photoperiod transition? Is it beneficial? THE KID

Providing plants with a long dark period promotes the change from vegetative stage to flowering. Although I have not done any controlled experiments using this technique. I have observed that a prolonged dark period of 24-36 hours decreases the time it takes a plant to begin flowering. While it usually takes plants 7-10 days to produce the first stigmas, when given a 36 hour dark period the time is shortened to 5-7 days.

First, marijuana grows fastest vegetatively when the light is left on continuously. If you were to start lowering the light cycle by 20 minutes a day so that it decreases by two hours 20 minutes a week the plants would be induced to flower when the uninterrupted dark cycle reached between 9 and 11 hours, depending on the variety. To find out the exact number of hours required, count back about 8 days from you first sight of stigma growth.

NO FLOWER CLUSTERS

As you lower the number of hours of light the plant has less energy to grow, so the plant slows growth before it is induced to flower. It is best to switch from continuous light to flower forcing using 11-12 hours dark and 13-12 hours on.

My plant has been budding for 6 few weeks. It usually ripens in 8 weeks. It is full of white hairs (stigmas) but its not clustering like it should. My grow room temp gets up to 380. Could that be the cause of my plant’s problems? What can I do to have some kind of harvest? TYRONE Yes. When the temperature of the leaf surface reaches 350 it stops photosynthesizing and transpires water to lower its temperature. Temperature also affects flower structure. High temperature, especially, under low CO2 and moderate, rather than high light, promotes lanky growth rather than cluster formation. Lower the temperature to about 26-290 to promote better bud formation during the next few weeks of flowering.

EXTENDED LIGHT PERIOD FOR FLOWERING Could you explain your theory of extending the light period during flowering? Does it mean that the plants receive fewer hours of darkness during each dark period? I tried that and the plants didn’t flower well. DION

FLOWERING TEMPERATURE I have am using three 600 watt air-cooled lights over a 122 x 244 cm 4’ x 8’ table. The air is CO2 (carbon dioxide) enriched to 1500 PPM. I keep the temperature at 280 820 during the lit period and let it drop to 210 700 during the dark period. A friend told me I should drop the temp down to 230 740 during the lit period during the last 10 days of flowering. Should I do this? Will it stress my plants? GONZO 1969 Your friend is correct. With the temperature at 280 the plant can efficiently utilize the light and CO2. In fact you could raise the temperature a little higher, to 290, which will increase growth slightly. Terpene production increases dramatically during the last week of flowering. The terpenes, the odor molecules, are volatile at low temperatures so they evaporate much quicker at 290 than at 230. To preserve them keep the temperature down during flowering and throughout the drying/curing process.

Plants flower based on the number of hours of darkness that they receive. Varieties vary in the critical time period, but most require only 11 hours or less of darkness to initiate flowering. I was suggesting that the 11 hour dark period be preserved. However my theory is that the lit period can be lengthened. For instance if the plants were under a regimen of 11-off, 15-on, they would have a 26, rather than 24 hour light cycle. This might be inconvenient to you as a human since the cycle is moving two hours slower than day length, so it is always changing.

TRACK USES

Remember that light fuels growth. Under 12/12 the cycle plants receive light 50% of the time. Under 11-off, 13-on the garden receives light 54% of the time, which is an 8% increase. Under 11/15 the light is on 57% of the time, an increase of 14% as compared with 12/12.

Right now you are providing about 288 watts per square meter. Indica plants require a minimum of 500 watts per square meter, or a total of about 4500 watts. The deficit here is 1500 watts. You could use 4 400-watt lamps or two or three 600 watt lamps.

Ripening time will be delayed by about 8% because of the lengthened day length. An 8 week (56 day) ripening plant will require an extra 4 days. However the yield will increase about 14 %. This becomes more significant as a percentage when the plants pre-flowering time is taken into account.

Sativa-indica hybrids require about 666 watts per square meter or about 6000 watts for the entire area. With the 2600 watts of lights that are presently being used, there is a deficit of 3400 watts. Another 6 600-watt lamps are required to light the area properly for these varieties.

Does using a track change the amount of watts per square meter that you need to provide? I have a 3x3 meter grow area and have 3 600-watt HPS lamps and 2 400watt MH lamps. Each is on its own track. Is this enough light or should I use more? ED

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First evolution of the Fast Bud geQHWLFV $XWRÀ RZHULQJ VWUDLQ RI JRRG yield with big buds with plenty aromatic resine. New strain more productive and aromatic. It produces very strong and plenty lateral brances, that reach a height between 40 and 90 cm. Strong effect and sweet aromas with exotics shades coming from its Diesel legacy. $XWRÀ RZHULQJ RI YHU\ IDVW À RZHULQJ

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tems because each diode emits light in an unusually narrow spectrum. The minerals used to make it determine LED fixtures the spectrum are more expens the diode emits. HID lamps emit ive than HID lights, most of but they save their light in spectrums that money in the long run: are not very useful to the plant. With LEDs, UÊ LED lamps fixtures can be design use less than ed to provide half the plants the electricity with exactly of HIDs per the spectrum unit that they need of PAR light for maximum produced. At growth. $.10 a kilowatt, LEDs By tailoring will save $215 the diodes’ per light specyear when compa trum to plant requirements, red to the cost LEDs can be of running a more efficien 1000w HID t PAR produc twelve ers. HPS lamps hours a day. deliver more total light per watt of input, UÊ LEDs last but LEDs are longer than HID twice as efficien bulbs. UÊ LEDs need t in PAR light per watt little to no as HPS lamps. cooling That means equipment, a 200w LED lamp in contrast can be substit to HIDs uted for a that require 400w HPS lamp, air or water and the 300w cooling, LED lamps ventilation system can be substit uted for 600w s, or air condiHPS lamps. tioners. The first genera tions of LED lamps did not emit an intense -enough light LEDs are powere to support either d by either a active vegetat transformer or a ive growth or flowering, but digital driver. modern fixtures Transformers are similar to , which use higher-capacit old-style magne y diodes, have tic ballasts for HID units; solved those early proble they use more ms. energy than digital contro llers and produc Higher quality systems use mostly e heat that may need to light along with red be dissipated. SYSTEM some blue.DRIP This is a small S OUTDOO consid Just RS eration as any other produc with compared to Drip irrigati t, manufacturers the heat HPS on is a 90% more lamps produc standards differ. A efficient e, which has method’ of few manufacturers delivering water to be vented LEDs are convenient LED lamps emit . to add to plants green light NASA virtually no heat, outhighly efficient light use because they are lightweight thanthe has shown doors other metho so they producers, and emit far to be be placed very ds. That is can with plants, and e less HPS lamps. They are much highereffectiv close to the garden than floodin amber is also small, so they are easy heat than g an area using are not encum and sometimes Stealth LED™ grow to install. The added. Most a hose, bered with tubes light manufacturersor overhead for air or reduces energy consumpti has a 50,000 hour lifetime and include a fewspraying. The result iswater cooling, white light emitter heavy ventila more water deliver systems by 60-70%. on as compared with HPS or MH s in their units. tion, ed to the root or any of the other zone than These diodes actuall problems or other waterin any y emit a combin inconvenienc of HID lamps. es ation of red, g system. Drip irrigati green, and blue on other spectrums,has which benefits that make it useful.Light from of a 1000w HID bine to appear LEDs can be is easy tocomIt system install, easy to white. White LEDs emit very little . combined lights help design andwith heat to both supply An advantage is in-HPS and MH lamps, so expens to the plants. The light and can be placed very close ive. useful wavele of using a combin there is no spreads at a 120° angle. reason to scrap ngths for the tion of HPS plants and soften afrom Maxx Power has your digital Drip system and LED lights the eerie purple a built in digital driver This LED HID lamp. s use pressu Adding LEDs is that you tors the power going can ensure that that monire from color generated by to your other public water the to the combination you are providi lights increas adjusts accordingly to the bulbs 100 times a second and es the amoun ng all the - spectrums of red andsystem, gravity or a pump blue light. Luckily t of light deliver ensure that maximum to deliver that plants need water output is being , the spectru achieved. ed to the garto thrive. If m range is where it is wsanted.den. For instance, more HID lamps usually wider Spaa garden using than the bandghetti lines tap rather than a 400w used, that is guar- off a main deliverHPS can be increas LEDs are anteed for each they y that line add ed is to the equiva PAR light, but connected to emitter. lent of increas 600 watts using the water source most of the 120 | MARIJ e is in the yellow 100 watts of LEDs. emitter on the . An UANA GROW ER’S HANDB other end of spectrum. AddAdding ing 300 watts of For O Oeven K distribution the spaghe red and blue LEDs creates ti line contro , use tLEDs instead the equivalent ls the rate at water through its porous a water soaker hose, which “leaks” increases PAR light, but which water material. flows. not in the yellow spectrum. As with other plumbing system eastern U.S., s there are all kinds and other areas, MARIJUANA of accessories GROWER’S H there may be A N to no need to irrigate DBOOK | 121 deal with problems that plants at all or may be encoun to use it as plants just a supplem tered by or gardens. Some ent to natural sources. of these are garIn areas where dens located there is a summe on different levels, remote drought such r gardens and as parts of southe different size rn Europe varying and the North plants with American west, water needs. The plants can irrigation fertilize is required or be the plants will d using a fertilize die. r siphon placed Outdoor plants in the water line. and gardens can be irrigated using Irrigation system a hose that fills s vary tremen a trough in reservoir, using dously their complexity a gravity powere resulting from d canal they that delivers the tasks are designed water to a group to accomplish. of plants or most efficien Store bought kits tly using a drip are suitable system. for most backOverhead waterin yard gardens. Even simpler g is very ineffici is the pinhole because of loss ent pail or bag irrigation. to evaporation A container is and the with shotgun approa filled water. The water ch of deliver ing water in slowly drips areas where there to the desired area throug are no crop roots. h small holes Once pierced the plants are drilled or flowering, overhe into the reservo ir. ad water slowly It delivers water is dangerous to the buds to the plant so which are susthat little is lost. ceptible to attack by mold when moisture is present. thrive under those specifi c conditions. Indica plants Thus, in any developed in season, no matter central weathe 292 | MARIJ what the U A N A Asia G R O Wbetwee the r, some plants E R ’ S H An and 35th latitud N D B O O 25th will do better K where the weathe es, others. than r is changeable. Drought one year may Indicas, includi be followed by ng Kush varietie cloudy, rainy or sunny weathe s, have broad genera r. For the popula l characteristic tion to early, s: they mature continue, the MARIJUANA have compact plant group GROWER’S short branch needed different individ es and wide, short leaves uals that survive which are dark and even someti green, mes tinged purple . Their buds are

| 293

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8-9

49 WATERING TIME Is it better to water in the beginning of the light cycle or at the end of it just before dark? KRISTI The roots use much more water during the light period, when they are photosynthesizing. So the roots should be resupplied shortly before or after the light cycle begins. By supplying it at this time the roots will have a plentiful supply when they require it the most. When containers are watered at the end of the light period the water winds up saturating the lower third of the container or it drains out before it is used.

NEEM OIL IN FLOWERING How long after the last application of neem should I wait before harvesting? TIM Outdoors, neem oil evaporates and is destroyed by UV light over a week or less. Even so it does leave an odor for several weeks since some of it is absorbed by the leaf. For this reason outdoors neem should not be used for a month before harvest.

Three plants were placed in each 2.5m wide raised bed. Using three plants increased the yield of each be by increasing the density of the canopy.

Indoors, HPS lamps and MH lamps with glass covers emit no UV light so the oil is not dissipated completely. For this reason it should not be sprayed on buds, and any leaves that are sprayed should not be used for smoking. The leaves can be used in preparations made using water such as bubble hash.

FAR RED LIGHT SPRAY

POSSIBLE ALLERGY

How long should I spray the garden with far red light during dark period? What percentage of far red light to total watts should I run? RIDLE

I am worrying about my throat, I decided to make myself a bhang, so I followed a recipe and the effect was real. So far so good, 45 minutes after ingestion, a slow powerful high began. No problems for about half an hour when I stated feeling what I imagine is an asthma-like sensation, shortness of breath. I have read that THC helps dilate the lungs. So what caused this? Is it an allergy? MATTHEW B Several other people have communicated to me that they have no problem when smoking marijuana but have unpleasant results when they eat it. These range from panic attacks, to flushing, breathing problems and extreme fatigue. While some of these problems may be dose related, if they happen repeatedly it is probably an allergy. My deduction is that it has to do with the way the body processes the two methods of use, ingestion and inhalation. With ingestion the THC is processed in the system to a slightly different version- 11-Hydroxy-Delta-9 THC often referred to as 11-OH-THC or 11-Hydroxy is psychoactive but has effects qualitatively different than THC (Delta-9 THC) THC enters the goes directly from the smoke stream to the lungs to the bloodstream when marijuana is smoked, vaporized or used sublingually as a tincture.

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Be careful before eating a marijuana product next time. Take a small amount to make sure it doesn’t have an adverse effect. If it does stay away from the irritant, and don’t try to indulge in edibles.

Far-red light has a spectrum of 730 nm. It has the unique property of spurring induction of the dark period by changing the dimer chemical, phytochrome. Phytochrome is a dimer (has two states). In the presence of red light (680nm) it prevents flowering. When the light is absent the chemical changes slightly over a twohour period to a state that induces flowering. When this chemistry continues for a long enough period daily for about a week flowering is induced. Usually it requires between 9 and 11 hours of dark period, depending on variety. Far-red light hastens this process, turning phytochrome to its inducing flowering state as soon as it hits the leaf surface. The importance of this is that it reduces the dark time needed to induce flowering by 1.5 hours. Instead of inducing flowering using 12-12 or 11 off-13 on, the result would be 10.5 off-13.5 on or 9.5 off 14.5 on. The plant is spending a higher proportion of time under light, which gives it more energy and material to ripen. It doesn’t ripen much faster, but the bud grows larger. The 730 nm light must touch light the entire plant. Imagine that you were spraying water and you must reach the whole plant. Only you are “spraying” with light. The light must cover each part of the plant part for only a fraction of a second. Use an LED with a range around 730nm so that it is the only spectrum that the plants receive. It should be used shortly after the dark period begins or shortly after dusk.

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50 LIGHTING REGIMEN What is the light ratio that plants need in the vegetative state? MARCELLA To grow the fastest and most vigorously plants can use light continuously (24/0) during vegetative. They will still grow vigorously, but not as quickly if the light regimen is reduced as low as 18 hours daily (18/6). When early season-fast maturing plants are grown using only 16 hours or less light they may slow down because of ambiguous flower signaling. To prevent this break up the dark cycle with a short period of light. This light break which interrupts the dark period prevents the plants from being triggered into flowering.

GAS WATER HEATER I have a gas hot water heater in my grow room. Can I disconnect the exhaust and let it vent into the room? Is there any toxic gas released from the vent pipe? THANKS Close-up of the three plants growing together.

Modern water heaters are clean burners of natural gas or propane. They emit water vapor carbon dioxide (CO2) and heat.

LONG-TERM SEED STORAGE

If you are not using CO2 the intermittent burst of gas will increase growth and yield. The amount of enrichment and resulting growth depends on hot water usage when the lights are on, since marijuana does not use CO2 during the dark period.

I wish to prepare freshly picked seeds for storage for a few years. Must the seeds be dried slowly then put into a glass or metal airtight container with silica gel packets and put in the door of the refrigerator? KINGPIN Exactly. For indefinite storage keep the seeds frozen.

EQUATORIAL CULTIVATION I live in the Caribbean where we have 12/12 pretty much all year round. It varies by about 45 minutes depending on what time of year it is. Is this an issue growing outdoors? KYLE Varieties such as indicas and indica-sativa hybrids will immediately start to flower after they are placed under the 12/12 light regimen. The only way to stop these varieties from flowering is by interrupting the dark period each evening with a blast of light for a few moments. Warm white fluorescents red LEDs and HPS lamps all emit a suitable spectrum of red light, which resets the phytochrome to a non-flowering state. All parts of the plants must receive the light so they don’t receive a long enough continuously dark period that would trigger them to flower. If you planted indicas and indica hybrids without breaking the dark period daily with light the plants would start to flower shortly after germination, would remain small and would develop small buds.

While home hot water heaters provide CO2 intermittently, when the hot water is being used, the heat and water vapor that are part of the package should also be taken into account. If you are already using a CO2 generator the gas from the water heater is easily incorporated into the system. Gardeners using CO2 tanks can also incorporate the gas bursts into their program, although they may find the extra heat and moisture inconvenient, especially if the room uses closed system air conditioning rather than ventilation.

AUTOFLOWER NOT FLOWERING I have some autoflowering plants growing. They are in the 7th week but there are no flowers. I am running the lights 24/0. The advice the seedbank the seeds come from is that autoflowers need a dark period. However, I was under the impression the autoflower perk was that they could be run 24/0 throughout. MATT The autoflowering plants you are growing are hybrids of ruderalis and standard indicas and sativas. They have the ruderalis autoflowering characteristics but they are modified a bit by interbreeding. he seedbank suggests that the plants work best with a dark period. Take their advice. They have experience with the variety and they want you to be successful in your endeavor. Once the plants get a dark period of 4 to five hours they will begin to flower.

Sativa-indica hybrids and sativas will resist flowering for a while as they grow into large plants or will flower s bit as they grow. They are preferred varieties for equatorial latitudes.

CFL UVB LIGHT Is a Reptisun 10.0 UVB CFL enough light for a 121 x 242 cm 4’x 8’ garden? If not, how many would you suggest? STEPHEN R.F. The 10.0 UVB is 18 watts and is a high UVB emitter. It uses quartz glass, which allows the UVB to pass freely. I have recommended up to 100 watts per square meter from “deep bronzing” sun tan lamps. The lamp that you are thinking of using uses 26 watts. I would spread the light over an area of .33 square meters. It will require 24 of these lamps to cover the space. The problem with straight fluorescent lamps is that they use a 100-watt ballast and a 180cm fixture. However 180 cm fixtures aren’t available commercially so you must construct your own from parts that are easily purchased. Metal halide sunlamps are also available.

Wide view of the garden shows that each plant had plenty of room to catch the sun. Each plant received sunlight from top to bottom.

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53 THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA MOVEMENT:

Breaking the Law to Save Lives In most countries, using hemp is prohibited even for medical purposes. Self-medication with cannabis has brought a great number of normally law-abiding citizens into conflict with the legal system. Patients often feel compelled to engage in a political struggle for not only their lives or health, but for their freedom as well. People often become criminals merely for obtaining their needed medicine. Willingly or not, they sometimes become known as civil rights activists and freedom fighters. The international fight to get the sick and dying access to medically approved cannabis has been Author: Sebastian Daniel going on for many decades now. Robert Randall was the first legal medical marijuana patient in the U.S. since cannabis prohibition began in 1937. At 25 years of age he was told he would be blind before he turned 30; he kept his eyesight, however, thanks to marijuana until he died of AIDS 28 years later. Forced to break the law to save his eyesight, Bob sued the federal government to obtain legal access to marijuana and won, then continued to work on behalf of other patients. Randall convinced the judge that he would have to break the law, for marijuana kept him from going blind. In 1976, D.C. Superior Court Judge James A. Washington ruled that the patient had established a defense of medical necessity. Unfortunately, the federal program providing legal cannabis medicine to patients was soon closed down by the government. Randall was an inspiration to countless other medical freedom fighters around the world. Keith Stroup, executive director of NORML called him “the father of the medical marijuana movement.” By 2011, medical marijuana has become legal in 15 states. The drug is commonly prescribed for glaucoma, nausea, poor appetite, and pain.

Robert Randall and Alice O’Leary in their book Marijuana Rx: The Patients’ Fight For Medicinal Pot describe the situation of medical marijuana users in the USA in harsh words: bureaucrats are willing to arrest, jail, blind, cripple and even kill seriously ill people to maintain “the consistent message” of “zero tolerance” and fight “the evil weed”. There is also a cult of synthesis: only drugs invented and owned by large companies are welcome; any natural medicine that is easy to grow at little or no cost but cannot be patented, threatens the corporate monopoly. For example, a synthetic anti-vomiting drug used by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may even cost $600 a dose, usually $1500 a day. By comparison, marijuana controls vomiting better and costs 50 cents a day. The authors conclude that the American people are starting to realize their government is increasingly anti-democratic and much too often run by liars and crooks. In the 1970s and 1980s two-thirds of the States legislatively mandated that marijuana had medical value, but the unelected drug warriors in Washington blocked

these popular state efforts. The Attorney General threatened to arrest any doctor who dared to even mention marijuana’s medical use with a patient. The government also proposed a ban on any and all research into the prohibited plant’s potential benefits. Despite all the propaganda, harsh laws, suppressions and denials by governments, patients have discovered hemp’s healing powers for themselves and used it, trusting their own intuition, folk tradition, or gossip. Only recently have various independent experts started to notice that the masses were right in their judgment about this famed but illegal folk remedy. David R. Ford says in his book Marijuana: Not Guilty As Charged that falsely instilling fear into the hearts of citizens is immoral,

while withholding medical marijuana from patients is criminal. It is hypocritical to ban this relatively harmless drug, which has never caused one death, and leave dangerous drugs like alcohol and nicotine legal. Ford notes that in the US, physicians can prescribe about 50,000 drugs, many of which can cause death or seriously bad side effects. Yet they cannot prescribe nontoxic cannabis preparations. Ford suggests that many of the crusaders for the antimarijuana war may have honestly concluded that marijuana is the evil they have been brainwashed into believing it to be, as few people could be so heartless intentionally. As Stanley Milgram, a Yale psychologist and an expert on issues of civil obedience, has written, ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process. Franklin C. “Lyn” Nofziger, former deputy chairman of the Republican National Committee and a White House advisor during the Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan presidencies, supports the medical marijuana movement. In his opinion a doctor should have every possible medication in his arsenal. If doctors can prescribe morphine and other addictive drugs, it makes no sense to deny marijuana to sick and dying people. Some politicians have begun to realize that it seems cruel and unusual to the public to treat the sick and dying as if they were drug cartel kingpins. Moreover, it is a complete waste of taxpayer money. Polls have shown that 80% of Americans support marijuana for medicinal purposes (2002 Time/CNN survey). Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States, states that often the government is only moved to reform by the civil disobedience of organized citizens. A hundred years ago ending child labor, granting women’s rights, stopping racist segrega-

54 tion, creating an eight-hour work day, or accepting the right to organize were radical ideas to many Americans. Today, medical freedom fighters are causing a similar social upheaval. Physicians often express the opinion that the war on drugs has become a war on doctors and patients. The target is easy compared to underground criminal empire warlords. The DEA has maliciously investigated and prosecuted thousands of physicians in the name of the war on drugs. And it is doctors who have been on the frontiers of this war since the very beginning: one of the few reasonable voices of doubt during the 1937 committee hearing on marijuana came from the American Medical Association (AMA). Their Legislative Counsel, William Woodward, offered compelling testimony before Congress begging them not to pass the bill. Woodward criticized the way the word “marihuana” had been used to deliberately conflate and confuse the medical and industrial hemp communities and asked why the bill had been prepared in secret for two years without any warning to the profession. Later his statement was ignored and forgotten: the act for prohibiting marijuana was passed. Woodward said no medical man would identify this bill with a medicine until he read it through, because marijuana is not a drug, but simply a name given cannabis. The AMA defended cannabis in 1937 and still does today. In 2009 the AMA officially asked the federal government to review the status of cannabis in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The biggest medical association in America has once again acknowledged the medical benefits of marijuana and its component cannabinoids. Many American physicians continue to recommend marijuana to their patients even though by doing so they are running the risk of being imprisoned or ruining their careers. Doctor John P. Morgan, professor of pharmacology at the City University of New York, has expressed the belief that the government’s purpose in regulating medicine is to protect patients from toxicity. Marijuana, though, has no overdose level.

Doctor Morgan is also a board member of NORML. Another distinguished NORML board member is Professor Kary Mullis, 1993 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. NORML has helped cannabis to become recognized and accepted as medicine by state laws, a huge success that did not come easily. In 1972, NORML filed a petition with the government to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule II so that doctors could prescribe it as a medicine. Finally, in 1988 the DEA responded when their own Administrative Law Judge Francis Young concluded in a 69-page ruling: “ ...in strict medical terms, marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume.” After 2 years of hearings, DEA rejected their own judge’s recommendation.

Doctor Lester Grinspoon, author of “Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine” points out that a mountain of evidence coming from thousands of patients is being ignored, while controlled clinical trials are discouraged. Anecdotal evidence was accepted as part of medical knowledge till the second half of the 20th century and the invention of modern scientific methodology like double blind studies. However, large double blind studies are almost impossible to conduct because of the law. To cite only one example, it took Dr. Donald Abrams 4 years to receive permission to study marijuana’s effects on AIDS-related neuropathic pain.

Despite evidence that cannabis is useful in treating both major and lesser diseases, the DEA under federal law continues to arrest patients and caregivers, even in states that have tried to legally protect marijuana under their own state laws. Doctors feel threatened for even discussing marijuana with their patients. The sick, the crippled, and the dying are usually confronted with guns during raids and arrests. They are sometimes shot and killed, often sentenced to many years behind bars. Some patients have attempted suicide, unable to live without their medication. Victims of cancer, AIDS, or stroke testify that marijuana had the power to bring them back literally from the edge of death. Glaucoma sufferers are petrified of going blind with-

out their medicine. Patients too often must take the risk of losing their rights, freedom, property, and children, just for using the safest drug known to medical science. Many die in prison deprived of their medicine, as is often the case with cancer or AIDS patients. They are allowed to use morphine, but not cannabis. Sick people of all walks of life fear incarceration because of the medicine they use. The sick and the dying feel that the prohibition of medical marijuana is the greatest social injustice in history of mankind; one desperate patient said that their tragedy and pain are comparable only to the crucifixion of Christ.

This is still the harsh reality of the medical marijuana underground in many countries around the world. Patients have lost their case in the US Supreme Court; in 2005 an amendment to stop the arrests of medical marijuana patients was also defeated in Congress. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance with “no medical value”, the most restrictive category, which also includes heroin. Drugs like methamphetamine have enough medicinal value to be classified as Schedule II narcotics. Marijuana, under federal law, is a more serious narcotic than crack cocaine. European countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy have undertaken efforts to explore the benefits of cannabis for medical purposes. In the Netherlands, since 2003, cannabis can be obtained in pharmacies, and a government center of medical cannabis has been founded. In 2007 Germany allowed its first medical marijuana patient (a multiple sclerosis sufferer) to legally buy medical grade marijuana. In 2008 the Supreme Court in the Czech Republic decided in favour of growing cannabis destined for medical applications. In 2009 at Prague’s Lichtenstein Palace, during the 16th gala evening of the Czech Government Committee for People with Disabilities presided over by the Prime Minister, and consisting of, among others, several ministers, an official prize was awarded to the Konopí Je Lék (Cannabis Cures) organization for a web page devoted to old and new applications of Cannabis in medicine. The Czech Minister of Health Care Dana Jurásková promised not only to participate in a public debate on the issue, but also to support the introduction of phytotherapy to the Czech health care system, provided the results were promising. The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Petr Šimerka presented the President of the KJL Dušan Dvořák with the award, signed by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Jan Fischer. Dušan Dvořák once faced a five-year sentence for cultivation of over 800 marijuana plants.

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INTERVIEW GLASGOW PUNK TURNED STONER ARTIST

Jim Stewart SOFT SECRETS’ VERY OWN GANJAMAN

By Jules Marshall

Hashish to the rescue! When I was about 15 I was given my first eighth of gold seal (soft black hash) in the hope that I’d get off the glue. It worked. I remember seeing some graffiti saying “Give hash a bash” back on a wall near my old school. I think it opened my eyes to a lot of stuff; things seemed brighter with the dope. Everything seemed great and I got the giggles a lot. At those times me my brother and our mates were drinking alcohol with the dope, so we had the odd whitey (i.e. we got sick). We also indulged in magic mushrooms. They were strange times. I finally got a job when I left school and I stopped reading comics. I was now a Yoker Toker, as we called ourselves, and proud of the fact. But in the years that followed I was to be caught three times with this controlled substance and fined substantially. I never paid any fines so I went to jail without passing Go. I had £5,000 in fines at one point - my past was catching up on me. But eventually I was clean of those debts.

Inspirational Freak Brothers FOR THE 200TH SOFT SECRETS STRIP, JIM GATHERED ALL HIS SUPER WEED HEROES TOGETHER IN ONE FRAME

I was born in Glasgow in a place called Anderson in 1965. There were seven of us in a top floor, two-roomed crumbling tenement block. I was the middle of the five kids, and we were brought up as Catholics. When I was about six or seven, a teacher at my school had a bundle of American comics in a drawer. Amongst the comics was a science fiction one called Weird Wonder Tales. It had three stories in it. The cover had a big grey monster being chained by aliens, drawn by a now dead artist called Gil Kane. The story, called Mr Morgan’s Monster, was drawn by Jack Kirby (also deceased). It blew my young mind. The colourful life-like drawings and bizarre story lines were like nothing I’d ever seen before. I think those comics had been aimed at an older audience. The others in the drawer were tame superhero stuff.

GANJAMAN HAS A SIMPLE MESSAGE – ONE WE CAN ALL RELATE TO

I became addicted to these American comics. I got a wee job delivering big bags of potatoes, which helped me fund my addiction. But the colour comics in the drawer I’d read had been imported from the USA and were almost impossible to find, so I had to make do with British black & white reprints.

Around ‘86 I saw my first Freak Brothers comic; it was great to see comics about dope. I laughed my ass off. In my spare time I would try and write my own wee FB stories – in fact, I’d really got the drawing bug and did murals on walls as well.

Then in 1994 I got married and quit dope (under protest). There wasn’t really any decent stuff about anymore, just crappy soap bar. That same year I heard Gilbert Shelton the cartoonist of the Freak Brothers was coming to Glasgow, so I went to see him. He was a really cool guy, and inspired by this meeting I created the astounding Ganjaman in ‘95 and I did some A5 photocopied comics. They seemed to sell well, mostly to friends though local shops in the Glasgow area also sold them for me for a small cut of the price. I also sold them at comic conventions and marts. The stories were 22 pages long and since I was married with a daughter and had a full time job they took a while to draw. I was doing one a year, I missed dope and started smoking it again while I created the comics - much to the horror of my (now ex-) wife.

The Birth of Northern Lightz Around ‘98 I went to a Glasgow Cartoonist Club event called SCAMM and met a cartoonist called Dave (spliffer) Alexander. He loved the Freak Brothers too so we talked of doing a dope anthology, and in ‘99 Northern Lightz was born. In this comic I could draw smaller stories, not just of Ganjaman, and actually get them printed on newsprint paper. In issue 4 I introduced the Z-men more dopey superheroes.

White Punks on Glue Finally, the ceiling fell on us one rainy night, and when I was 13 we moved to a place called Yoker in the West end of Glasgow. Punk was in full swing and my brother bought Never Mind the Bollocks by the Sex Pistols, we dyed our hair and pierced our ears with safety pins. And I picked up my first glue bag. Addicted again. Everyone in the area was sniffin’ it; maybe it was peer pressure. It was either that or smack, which a lot of my new school buddies had taken up. Needles never appealed to me even though Sid Vicious was my hero at the time. I wore Doc Martins and pyjamas to school, and was finally expelled for shitting in a teacher’s drawer (he had punched me outside the school gates and I had to get my revenge somehow). I got sent to a school in Drumchapel. I knew no one there and I felt like an outcast. I was fighting nearly every day, the pupils were mostly all Mods, and I was the only glue-sniffing punk in the school. The glue sniffing ended up getting me into a lot of trouble. I stopped going to school and went instead to abandoned factories and got buzzed off my face.

ADULTS ONLY; WHAT PART OF THAT DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND, DAILY MAIL?

58 Chong sent me a friend request on Facebook. That was kinda cool. I did a Ganjaman and Cheech and Chong teamup a while back. Maybe he’d seen it.

Branching Out Other media besides comics? I had a few paintings in galleries, and there’s two life-size cut outs of Ganjaman out there somewhere. There’s been some t-shirts done, there’s a brill Soft Secrets t-shirt with Ganjaman on the back available from their site, I think. I did some badges and some one-off Free the Weed t-shirts. I just need someone to give me a load of money to do some more. There’s a Facebook Ganjaman page and there’s links to other sites I run on there. Any distributors out there wanting copies can contact me at: jimstewart65@googlemail.com OUR ARTIST, BARELY HIDDEN BY HIS HERBS OF INSPIRATION

We each put up our own hard-earned cash to print Northern Lightz, and we drew what we liked with no one to tell us off. It was a great learning experience and we sold them all over Britain. We couldn’t quite get them into America because of the subject matter.

Moral Outrage In 2003, I did an American-size Ganjaman comic (the same size as a Freak Brothers volume). The story was called Tar Wars and I got Alan Grant to co-write it. But it was slammed in the national newspapers, saying I was a disgrace and that my comics didn’t show the real damage marijuana can do. It was a woman called Gail McCann of Mothers Against Drugs (I ain’t making this up). The villain of the story was called Dr Bong. He has iron lungs and hates smokers and the tobacco industry, so he breaks into factories and poisons the tobacco with zombie weed; whoever smokes it becomes a flesh eating zombie. He’s also a toker and will try to free the weed by hook or by crook. I made the character up when my lung collapsed and I was in hospital for three weeks. When I got out the same thing happened to my wee mum, and there was a girl across from her bed who had both lungs collapse. Her face was as white as a ghost. Apparently this is a common problem for smokers.

Jim joins the SSUK Crew Around that same year I heard Soft Secrets was looking for a new cartoon, so I did some 3-panel strips and sent them to our esteemed editor, and now I’m on my 200th strip. Things went a bit sour at Northern Lightz and I sold my shares and left to do my new dope anthology in 2008 called Ganjaman Presents, with artists like Gilbert Shelton, Bryan Talbot, Hunt Emerson , Dave Alexander and the late great Pudsy Morris. I’m working on issue 3 now.

For the rest, not much has changed. I still get wasted when I can, and still have

to keep an eye out for the police when I score my weed. I find it ridiculous that a natural plant that has so many beneficial uses for mankind can still be illegal. It’s OK to go out to the pub and burn your liver out or smoke cigarettes till you cough your lungs up but smoke a wee joint in the comfort of your own home and you’re a lawbreaker. The drug laws are a dire disgrace; tokers get treated worse than smack heads in the UK. If we get caught with dope we’re fined or if you’re a persistent user, given a jail term. You can get 14 years for cultivation, while smack heads are put on a free methadone programme there’s like a queue of 20 anytime I pass a chemist. Where’s the justice in that? It’s just hash! I need a spliff - my blood is boiling at the thought of it. Anyway, drawing the Ganjaman strips is my payback. Being paid to draw them is just an added bonus. Long live soft secrets!

I first drew Marihuana Girl as a team member of the z-men. I liked drawing her so I did five two-pagers of the zonked men. They all ran in Soft Secrets. In the Ganjaman Tar Wars comic I teamed up her and Hash-man and called them the Three Hemp Champions. They seemed like a great trio. I started using her in the SS strips because I needed some characters to beef them up a bit. I’ve drawn her a lot since then, and that skirt can take ages to draw, even if there’s not much of it. In Northern Lightz I’d make new dopey characters up every issue. Ganjarella was one of my favourites since I’d watched Barbarella a lot of times. I’m not sure how many characters I’ve made up; I’m constantly thinking up new superheroes with ganja powers. The latest team I’m working on is called the League Of Amazing Dope Empowered Dudes, or LOADED for short. They’ll appear in GMP 3.

Tools of the Trade I can get an idea looking at a newspaper, or from TV - even sometimes in a dream. I keep a pad and pencil by my bed, although if it doesn’t stick in my head then it wasn’t worth keeping in the first place. I have a drawing table and all my tools of the trade are all in one place. I like to have a few spliffs rolled for when I take a break (and I take a lot of breaks). I have a few toker mates who throw me an idea; I’ll usually give them a wee mention if I use it. I’ve had one guest writer since doing the mini strips, a guy called John McShane. He’s not a toker but he knows how these strips work. Gilbert Shelton is my biggest inspiration when I draw Ganjaman; the Green One wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t read that first Freak Brothers comic. I got permission to use the FBs and another character from Gilbert’s early underground days called Wonder Warthog. That story is running in Ganjaman Presents 2-3. Cheech and Chong are also a big influence on me. I was surprised when Tommy

JIM’S FIRST AND STILL OUR FAVOURITE GREEN SUPERHERO – AND THAT INCLUDES YOU, HULK

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MAGIC MUSHROOMS varieties of mushrooms and toadstools therefore flower at different times in the year which is another positive means of identification. The majority of fungi species in the UK flower from spring to autumn, although many species can still be observed in mild winters.

Fungi by Lazystrain

Fungi (the plural of fungus) are fundamental to life on Earth and the way we live and grow as human beings. Likewise the study of fungi is of great importance to the Gardener and the Home Grower. The study of fungi is called Mycology (practised by Mycologists). As a science it stems from the branches of Biology and often sits beside the umbrella of Botany in teaching. However, unlike plants which photosynthesise in order to obtain carbon compounds, fungi source carbon from surrounding materials as they grow. In 1969 R. Whittaker then reclassified such organisms into a kingdom of their own as Fungi. LECCINUM DURIUSCULUM - SLATE BOLETE Like plants all fungi are listed according to the Linnaeus system which uses Latin names to identify the Genus species and in some cases the cultivar of a particular variety. Likewise common names are also used by amateurs and hobbyists as a means of recognition. The use of Latin names is however especially important when trying to identify similar species of fungi from the same family group or Genus. Even more important when the fruits of a presumably edible species are intended for dinner or lunch. For this reason this report will not cover edible, hallucinogenic, non edible or non hallucinogenic mushrooms varieties specifically.

Mycella Mycella (the plural of mycelium) are the vegetative bodies of fungal spores. Mycelium colonise carbon rich materials including decaying plants, trees, roots, and soils. As mycelium multiply they string together to form filaments called hypha. These hypha can travel long distances away from the initial source of the fungal spore. As the hypha travel they release enzymes which breakdown organic compounds and then transport nutrients and minerals back towards the fungal body. Each strain of mycelium is specific to a specific host material. For example the mycelium of the fungi Leccinum

duriusculum (common name Slate Bolete) only grows within range of the tree roots of Populus (common name Poplar). Likewise the fungi Auricularia auricula judae (common name Jelly Ear or Jew’s Ear) typically grows on the wood of old elder. The hypha of several fungi are often visible under decaying materials including old logs and pine needles at any time of the year. Mycella inhabits the decaying in the natural world. Due to its unique role in the process of decomposition Mycelium are therefore fundamental to all life on the planet. Depending on Genus and species many mycella lay dormant and will appear as little more than tiny white specks of powder in soil for much of the year. As environmental and atmospheric conditions become more suitable, the mycelium spring into action and start to throw out webs of white filaments in search of nutrients. Once enough nutrients have been gathered the fungi then thinks about flowering and reproduction.

Mushrooms and Toadstools Mushrooms (and Toadstools) are the flowering or fruiting bodies of Mycella. As environmental and atmospheric conditions become ideal each specific variety of fungi starts to generate fruiting bodies in order to reproduce. Different

Initially the mushroom is first generated by the mycelium which pushes out a mass of hypha. This then morphs into a button with a stipe (stalk) beneath it. As the mushroom expands the mycelium converts carbon compounds into glucose

ural defence mechanism ensures that certain fragile species of fungi reproduce successfully. Such chemical compounds are often so complex that the mother branch of Biology often finds it perplexing to keep up with. Because of the close relation between trees and fungi the pursuit of Mycology therefore rests upon the shoulders of the Arboriculturalists (the tree people), Soil Scientists (the earth people), and Botanists (the flower people) and but a few Mycologists themselves.

LECCINUM DURIUSCULUM - SLATE BOLETE

compounds to produce chitin. The chitin combined with water provides the fruiting body with stability in the stipe and the cap (top) as the mushroom forms. At which point the fruiting body develops gills beneath the cap, inside which fungal spores are produced.

Fungal Spores As environmental and atmospheric conditions peak the cap of the mushroom matures and fungal spores are released. Unlike plant pollen which is sexual and requires male and female gametes in order to reproduce, fungal spores are a-sexual and do not need partnering in order to reproduce active offspring. As a result fungal spores can be found almost everywhere moist on the planet. The ability for specific fungal spore to colonise new areas however depends on the availability of host materials.

The toxicity of fungi in fact extends well beyond the comic book image of Amanita muscaria (common name Fly Agaric) or the more moderately trippy afternoon Psilocybe semilanceata (common name Liberty Cap). Certain species of fungi including Amanita pantherina var. pantherina (common name Panther Cap) are so deadly there is no treatment or cure once ingested! Other fungal spores release uncontrollable mycelium which deters other fungi from growing. In the most extreme cases this mycelium invades soils so that no other plant, other than the host plant can life! Wherever possible, leave footprints and take photos!

Luckily most species of fungi are specific to a host material, where they can grow safely. Likewise the spore of many fungi are too delicate and fragile to persist within any location for more than a few days. Otherwise certain fungal spores may hibernate for months, perhaps years , just waiting for the right conditions to set anchor and develop mycelium, hypha, mushrooms, and spore themselves. Fungal spores are normally carried into new locations by the wind, rainfall, and clumsy mammals. In this way individual species of fungi are able to explore and colonise new areas quickly.

Toxicity

DRYADS SADDLE

One remarkable fact about fungi is their ability to produce some of the most toxic chemicals, often with mind altering effects for the animals (and humans) that consume them. This nat-

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HORTICULTURE unwanted plant species from the garden in favour of weaker ones.

Domesticated Species The majority of the plants we grow in the garden today have been domesticated originally from weed species by humans. Moreover many domesticated plants have, via selective breeding, lost their ability to grow wild as weeds in their natural environment. Several domesticated plant species do however still retain their ability to grow feral if allowed to do so. However the longevity and survival rate of domesticated plant species, especially surrounding urban environs, is often short lived.

Weeds by Lazystrain

In this issue of Soft Secrets we shall take a closer look at the subject of ‘Weeds’. Unlike other plants which are usually grouped together into families or Genus, the weeds are grouped together into non-related plant groups by horticulturalists. Most simply, a ‘weed’ can be described as ‘a plant which grows in the places that other plants disdain’. Many of these ‘unwanted plant species’ , as we shall discover, are often the most invasive and sometimes most productive plants in the garden. Those plants which farmers and gardeners often seek to eradicate and/or remove from society completely. Here we shall firstly discuss the character of weed species in contrast to domesticated plants. Secondly we shall look into peoples perceptions of ‘weeds’ within

ly those plants that have learnt how to best propagate themselves in nature. This involves both a plants efficiency in the ability to multiply in order to produce offspring, and its ability to further distribute its offspring over otherwise unpopulated areas. Certain weed species rely extensively on their invasive underground roots or rhizomes as a means of propagation, while other weeds rely completely on invasive methods of seed dispersal.

The ‘survival factor’ found within all wild species of plant has been purposely bred out of most domesticated species. This occurred as plants were managed into uniformed lines for farms, parks and ROADSIDE WEED gardens. This in turn created a whole gene-pool of domesticated plants which cannot survive without human ity involved in the distribution of certain intervention. Most fruits and vegetables fall into this category since they noweeds is part of their natural history. longer survive in their wild state and Many weed species have evolved to pro- rarely grow feral when placed in compeduce seeds that are more durable and tition with truly wild plants. vigorous then their domesticated counter-parts. Interestingly, from a scientific One reason for the inability of domestiperspective, most weed species also pro- cated plants to grow wild is usually relatvide a much richer density of habitat to ed to the reasons they were initially cultisupport native fauna than their domes- vated. For example, those domesticated tic cousins. This is an important factor species which are grown purely for the to consider when aiming to eradicate production of their leaves, roots, fruits

As annual weeds grow their main purpose in life is to procreate and produce seeds. Some weeds invest their energy into producing only a few seeds per flower, while others may produce millions of seeds per plant. Once a weed has invested its energy into seed production it must next devise a means of spreading its seeds as

OUTSIDE OF A HORTICULTURAL CONTEXT, THE WORD ‘WEED’ ONLY REALLY MEANS ONE THING – CANNABIS society and the reasons why Cannabis has been prescribed the title of ‘weed’. Finally we shall compare Wild Cannabis in relation to the Domesticated Cannabis people cultivate and smoke.

Weed Species All plants stem in origin from wild species. Likewise every plant species on the planet has its own preferred environment where it likes to live. While people have learnt to assimilate certain plant species towards domesticated environments the majority of plants found on the planet are the weeds. Many of these weed species have evolved over millions of years to adapt themselves towards a variety of different environments as a means of survival. To fully understand the nature of weeds it is therefore important to understand the basics behind their botany. All weeds have the ability to invade otherwise vacant spaces of land for several bio-mechanical reasons. This relates to each individual weeds’ morphology and metabolism. The method via which weeds are propagated is also critical to their means of survival. Weeds are general-

far and as wide (or as close and as local) as possible so that its offspring can live. This is especially important with annual weed species which only naturally live for one season. Many weed seeds do however lay dormant for many years until conditions are suitable for germination. As individual weed species colonise new areas of land their capacity to produce offspring increases. In this way a single seed carried by the weather, bird, beast or human may grow on to ‘mother/farther’ a whole population of plants in the future. The majority of weeds are in fact just as typical and as adaptable as their ancestor were in their ability to produce offspring in the same area. This is perhaps the real key to the weeds survival and success. The real fascination for Botanists is the means via which certain weed species have, since the introduction of humans, tailored their seed distribution techniques towards specific environments. This is especially the case within urban habitats where weed species can be studied and appreciated against an otherwise sterile background. The complexity and ingenu-

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65 in spring and seeds in late autumn. After which the plant dies back into winter and the seeds are deposited in wet ground. Here the male and female seeds sit until the following spring, when the whole cycle starts again.

DANDELION SEED HEAD

and flowers, do not expend as much energy into seed production as their ancestors did. This ultimately produces weaker seeds (if/when seeds are aloud to form). Another reason why domesticated varieties grow weaker than their wild ancestors is because of the controlled environments in which they are kept. The watering down of domesticated species ultimately has a trickle down effect; whereby once strong and healthy weedspecies start to loose their ‘survival factor’ within a managed setting. Without carefully observation domesticated plant species are further liable to loose the natural vigour they once possessed as they become standardized with excessive in-breeding. This in turn leads many botanists to believe that the natural chemical content of many of the domesticated plants we consume as humans have already started to diminish. One of the questions we can explore as canna-culturalists is whether or not Cannabis has become less of a ‘weed species’ during the process of its domestication? Before doing so however we shall briefly discuss some of the reasons why Cannabis is considered a ‘weed’ species.

The point were Cannabis became a “Weed” was at the point it became unwanted within society. Today there are well over one hundred plant species in the UK alone which are classified as weeds. Throughout history these plants where often recognised for their culinary, medicinal or holistic use. Unfortunately today via the process of industrialization and urbanization too many people have lost contact with the plants their ancestors held knowledge about. Gradually weed species were replaced by domesticated plants and proceeding generations inherited the ideology of ‘gardening’ instead of ‘foraging’ for medicine and foodstuffs.

and Nebraska and yokel farmers called the unwanted plant species “Weed”. The name stuck like hashish does to a rolling paper in summer and the ‘anti-marijuana brigade’ in the USA moved in on the term. After which the general public started calling marijuana weed instead.

Wild Cannabis Today Wild Cannabis still exists in a few places on earth. The mountains of Buhtan, India, and Nepal, are usually the first places that mystically spring to mind. However there are a few other unknown places where Cannabis still happily grows wild. Some of these are feral varieties of Cannabis from recent imports, while others grow completely wild in a natural state often with ancestry dating back hundreds of years. For example in Dorset, the quaint little county by the sea in southern England, Cannabis plants grow completely wild

animal fodder in winter, textile and rope material, the seeds were also collected for the manufacture of candles and soap. Unlike domesticated varieties of Cannabis these wild ‘hemp’ varieties were however devoid of the THC substance that gets people high or stoned. This lead the earliest breeders (in Asia perhaps 10,000 years ago) to experiment and source the most potent varieties of Cannabis to smoke. The only way the culture of smoking could progress further was via domestication.

Domesticated Cannabis Unlike its wilder cousins, Domesticated Cannabis has always been well kept, well feed, and carefully homed. ‘Well-fed’ literally means to be watered or fed from the well. With regular watering domesticated Cannabis crops grew faster, with more health and vigour, than their wild siblings on the edge of the village. Some weeds were more manageable, more reliable, or more productive than other

Many ancient species, got lost during this mindless process. Most notably those plant species that no-longer fitted in with the machinery of industrialized societies, as well as those which prevented capitalist systems from making money. Such plants were first restricted in their growth, and later specifically targeted as social outcasts. Gradually social-engineers drew up a list of weed-species that botanists held in disfavour. Somewhere at the top of the list sat the genus ‘Cannabis’ - a weed that grows in the places that other plants (and humans) disdain. The feral nature of even domesticated varieties of Cannabis, as a weed species, means that many varieties take root as seeds in areas of even poorly cultivated ground. Providing the ecological conditions surrounding the cannabis seed is suitable for survival, then cannabis acts like any other weed species. Hemp Farmers in the USA were acutely aware of this as Cannabis sativa grew feral (like barley) in their fields - several seasons after planting. This is because unlike many other cultivated crops the seeds of Cannabis (and barley) have retained much of their survival instinct. As a result of mismanagement Cannabis sativa grew wild in hedges, in Kentucky

ANNUAL MEADOW GRASS AN INVASIVE WEED in the hedges. The origins of which date back to the King Henry(s) (I – V). One of which decreed that all farmers in the borough must grow Hemp / Cannabis for the production of rope; to defeat the nations they were then quarrelling against (the Spanish and French). They seed of which grew feral in proceeding seasons and ultimately established itself to become part of the Native Wild Flora of Britain. Cannabis ruderalis (the base stock of all auto-flowering varieties) has been growing wild in Russia and Siberia for centuries. Other than being a valuable wild source of

weeds. The seeds of which were always kept for the next season or the season after. Gradually these weeds became the domesticated varieties of Cannabis that people recognise today. Arguably the strongest and most efficient of all the ‘weed’ species on the planet, in its ability to propagate, colonise new areas, and hibernate for several years, in both a wild outdoor state and indoors in a domesticated setting, is Cannabis sativa/indica. Hopefully human-nature can be more kind towards Cannabis as a weed species in future.

Weed (also known as Cannabis) Outside of a horticultural context, the word ‘weed’ only really means one thing – Cannabis. As we have already discovered the word ‘weed’ is a derogatory term that seeks to highlight the existence of an unwanted plant species in society. Cannabis belongs to one of the most adaptable family groups and has arguably been a ‘weed’ ever since seed baring plants first inhabited the planet. To place things into perspective, as a wild plant species, Cannabis sativa has outlived the dinosaurs, the doomsday book, the dodo, and was a weed before humans were chimpanzees. Unless napalm strikes every valley of the Himalayas, Central Africa, Southern Europe and San Francisco, then sure thing is Cannabis sativa will probably still be growing wild as a weed species long after humans are extinct. As an annual weed species Cannabis sativa naturally grows

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CANNABIS HISTORY

The Origins of Cultivation by lazystrain

The Reason WHY people cultivate cannabis and have incorporated the plant into their material culture is a mystery linked to our inquisitive nature as human beings. As humans evolved so we learnt how to adapt; either ourselves towards plants, or plants towards ourselves, so that a balance between ourselves and nature could peacefully co-exist. Throughout all periods of history Cannabis has accompanied communities of people on their journey through the world. Gradually

The secondary method of seed dispersal in cannabis is animal. Several species of bird and mammal will happily feed on cannabis seed, flowers, and stalks. Whilst in a hungry hurry to gobble down as many seeds or flowers as possible, some seeds may not be cracked by the birds beak or teeth of cows. These whole seeds are indigestible and are deposited later in a new location by the bird or beast. Thirdly humans have purposely collected the seeds of cannabis and carefully saved

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT PEOPLE FIRST DOMESTICATED PLANTS FROM WILD CULTIGENS DURING THE LATE/ NEW STONE AGE OR NEOLITHIC PERIOD APPROXIMATELY 30,000 – 20,000 YEARS AGO as humans became domesticated, so they slowly domesticated cannabis as an annual crop that they could exploit and harvest to its full potential.

Origins of Cultivation It is estimated that People first domesticated plants from wild cultigens during the late/new Stone Age or Neolithic Period approximately 30,000 – 20,000 years ago. The exact origins of Cannabis Cultivation are however unexplained by archaeology; mainly because material evidence to support the cultivation of crops by the earliest proto-farming communities is limited. It is however excepted that that as / when people began to settle in one location, as opposed to leading a hunter-gathering lifestyle, that they domesticated certain plant species from the wild. Alongside barley, rice, emmer, einkorn, and wheat, cannabis sativa was cultivated by several sedentary communities for its textile, fuel, nutritional, and shamanic properties – as well as being a reliable source of fodder (feed) for the then recently domesticated goat/sheep and cattle. As these proto-farming communities traveled from valley to valley , area to area, in search new agricultural land to borrow, the seeds of their cultivation became feral and then wild again in the following seasons. Cannabis had cunningly tricked people into being another one of its many methods of seed dispersal.

Seed Dispersal Seed Dispersal is the means via which annual species of plants naturally propagate. Seeds can be dispersed in a number of ways. In Cannabis the primary method of seed dispersal is via the elements of weather (wind, rain, frost, and snowfall). As seeds ripen they naturally fall to the ground, where rainfall, even if minor, will lodge the seed into a comfortable position to settle down and overwinter in.

them to eat or cultivate the following season. People soon discovered that seeds of good parents grew into good plants with good seeds. By selecting the most desirable genetic characteristics in each season, proto-farmers where unknowingly the first cannabis breeders. Cannabis had evolved to such a pinnacle in its evolution that it could now add humans to its list of methods of seed dispersal.

Cannabis - sativa and indica Geographically, as yet, there is no determinable way of telling if cannabis moved up-hill or down-hill in its progression – by elements of weather, bird, beast, or people. What is known is that Cannabis populated new ecological niches and specific geographical locations which where suited toward its growth or cultivation which allowed the plant to evolve. Typically Cannabis indica plants come from highland altitudes, they grow shorter and smaller than there sativa cousins from the more heavily populated lowlands which grow taller and bigger. To date no-one knows if these specific differences were natural or the result of domestication. Traditionally Cannabis indica is (in the majority) cultivated in many regions where varieties of Cannabis sativa often grow feral in the same location. In contrast however, within tropical regions where Cannabis sativa is cultivated feral populations of Cannabis indica are often absent from the botanical record. This circumstantial evidence suggests that Cannabis sativa was first domesticated in the settled lowlands and cultivated towards a standard of plant that could later be cultivated more easily in the exposed uplands. In which case Cannabis indica was selectively bred towards the fastest seed-baring plants, which finished before the onset of winter frosts. This then allowed a new species of Cannabis (now called Cannabis indica) to evolve and develop its own identity in the mountains.

Early Farming Early methods of farming were a case of trial and error or seeing what worked in that location. In this respect little has changed between prehistoric and modern day methods of farming. The point of interest for the archaeobotanist is the moment of transition from collecting seeds (as foodstuffs) from wild plants and collecting seeds from plants that had been purposely cultivated the previous season. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that hunter-gathering communities were “managing” the wild landscape and its natural resources prior to the complete domestication of such plant species. We know this because of the remains of slash-and-burn methods of farming, from early forestry and the remains of early livestock grazing, which all support this theory. At some magical moment in the development of the neolithic hunter-gather, either some seeds were spilt and observed in location the following season, or perhaps an elder member of the community who could no longer forage over long distances planted some seeds they’d collected at home. As a result a

new society of agrarian communities slowly developed into what we understand today as “farming”. The presence of sheep/goat where important to proto-farming communities for several reasons. Primarily cattle were used to graze areas of scrub-land into forest clearings, which once tilled made ideal farm land. The other reason cattle were important was for the manure they produced, which when scattered on the land provided a rich source of nutrients for mono-crops. As these animals escaped their captives and compounds, they deposited the seeds of their last eaten meals in new locations, thus further aiding seed dispersal and feral populations of cannabis.

Feral Plants A feral plant is a species that has reverted back to a semi-wild state following a period of domestication. Alternatively a domesticated plant is a wild species that has been maintained and managed by people. It is possible that early farming communities managed cannabis in its wild-state, removing female or male plants from wild populations – with the intention of isolating male plants for use

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69 in textiles and rope-making and isolating female plants for the production of essential oils and seeds.

the world. At this time Shiva was bathing in the River Ganges and Ganga became entwined within his hair. While bathing an enemy of Shiva shot him with an arrow. Upon reaching the waters edge Shiva removed the arrow and where his blood fell on the ground the plant Ganja (cannabis) grew. Or so the legend grows.

The feral nature of Cannabis, to revert back to a semi-wild state, arguably demonstrates that landrace species of cannabis although semi-domesticated, aren’t too distant from their truly wild cousins. Much debate surrounding the existence of wild and feral species of cananbis in nature however continues.

The Sadhu (or holy saints) of India have smoked Ganja ever since the days of Shiva as a means of direct meditative attainment and connection with the spirit or self. We also know that Ganja was incorporated into other religious festivals as a cooling drink called ‘Bang Lassi’. Lassi is a type of milkshake, although it may not contain milk. The Bang or Ganja element is said to produce a first sedative, then meditative effects and is still consumed religiously in India today.

Cannabis Domestication Cannabis naturally sheds its seeds in autumn. When left to its own devices these seeds fall to the ground and grow in situ the following season. At the point when these seeds were collected and safely stored and sown out the following season to an organized system of planting, then cannabis was domesticated.

Another group of neolithic peoples that drank cannabis were the Beaker People – so called because each member of the community had their own drinking vessel of beaker. Each beaker holds a ‘fishbone’ or ‘cannabis leaf’ design (depending on interpretation) and cord made from hemp was used to make further impressions on each beaker during their making. Archaeology indicates that these beakers were used in communal ceremonies in the UK, were a mixture of mead (fermented honey), herbs, and possibly cannabis was consumed in large enough quantities to warrant every member of the tribe holding their own cup in communion.

The domestication of species including cannabis allowed communities of people and populations of plants to exist beyond their natural range. Many valleys and hill-tops where reclaimed from nature during this period as woodland fell to axe and fire – new pastures where opened out as arable farmland and cannabis found its niche – often on the edges of urban environments. Many proto-farming communities did not completely abandon their hunter-gathering traditions and opted for a semi-nomadic lifestyle instead. As the neolithic period unfolded societies slowly became more sedentary with the addition of permanent housing, managed fields, law, order, and religion as we understand it today. Religious movements particularly helped to distribute the seeds of many crops including Cannabis into some of the most remote regions of the world during this time – wild savage places including the UK.

Textile Cannabis Today cannabis sativa can be used to produce cordage, rope, cloth, and paper. We

is quite possible that many megalithic monuments, including the Pyramids and Stonehenge were constructed with the use of rope pulleys made from the stems of cannabis during the Neolithic.

Cannabis Foodstuffs To place debate into perspective the peoples of Nepal have been harvesting cannabis for the past 10,000 years in its wild, feral, and domesticated state as a major foodstuff. Cannabis seeds are known to hold proteins, amino acids, omega oils, and fiber. Although devoid of psychoac-

ANOTHER GROUP OF NEOLITHIC PEOPLES THAT DRANK CANNABIS WERE THE BEAKER PEOPLE – SO CALLED BECAUSE EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY HAD THEIR OWN DRINKING VESSEL OF BEAKER know our ancestors cultivated cannabis for the purpose of textiles, because some archaeological evidence survives. In the majority of cases however because cannabis is a plant material much evidence of its everyday use during the Neolithic period does not survive the archaeological record. In this case, then anthropology looks towards present day examples where credible correlation can be drawn between theory and practice. Prior to the invention of synthetic fibers, then hemp fiber procured from cannabis sativa was the strongest and most reliable textile material available to make ropes from for sailing and building. It

tive properties cannabis seeds provide many of the nutritional requirements needed for human survival. Moreover cannabis is one of the few crops that can be cultivated at high altitudes due to its high metabolism.

be reliably traded with other farming communities to produce constant results in the field.

Cannabis Medicine Meanwhile clandestine monks, high in their mountain monasteries, were cultivating cannabis for its medicinal qualities (as well as religious sacrament). By combining individual plants with other individuals, sourced from different geographical locations, monks where able to isolate beneficial qualities and medicines from cannabis. This medicine is held within the cannabiniods and terpines of the plant itself. Neolithic herbalists isolated the medicine of cannabis much in the same way as the hashish maker does today. Once collected the natural oils of the plant could then be administered as medicine to travelers and pilgrims. Cannabis was used in hot and cold compresses, dressings, tinctures, ointments, cookery as well as in incense or directly inhaled throughout the neolithic period across several continents of the world.

As cannabis gained its notoriety as a reliable resource, so the value of its worth as a trade commodity increased. The fibers, flowers, seeds, and extracted oils could be traded across local and longrange distances and presented at market places and trade fares. As proto-farmers discovered the seed crops available to them, a new agrarian revolution unfolded with the potential for consistent trading to exist between otherwise waring neighbors. While new horizons saw the silhouette of cannabis sativa against their skylines, the first farmers-markets for cannabis seeds opened their stalls and the trade in cannabis seeds has been steadily growing ever since.

During the neolithic period cannabis was used as a spiritual, meditative, and communal aid by several tribes, groups, and communities.

Gradually as distant traders in the North converged with traders from the South, and as East met West, the gene-pools of specific varieties of cannabis became intermingled, as the germ-plasm from one remote valley met with the germplasm of the next, cannabis and its culture was propelled by trade and the prospect of getting high. Many textile varieties of cannabis, including the origins of Cannabis ruderalis (now found in Russia) were developed during the neolithic period as were some of the strongest Uzbek and Afghan varieties we most fondly associate with hashish today.

The use of ‘Ganja’ in India is an ancient practice with its roots twisted in the folklore of Ganga, Shiva, and the River Ganges. The River Ganges came into being when the Goddess Ganga gave nourishment to

Meanwhile, to place things back into perspective, Cannabis sativa, its culture, and seed trade would not reach the shoreline of the Americas until some 10,000 years later.

Cannabis Spirituality Since it takes a whole season to produce seed crops outdoors early cannabis farmers learnt how to select seeds from the most productive plants as seed donors. Slowly dominant traits were discontinued each season in favor of recessive traits, until all the plants in the field in each season grew the same. At which point the seeds of specific cannabis varieties could

Cannabis Trade

70 IT’S NOT A LITTLE BLACK BOOK The Chinese don’t approve of Western “weaknesses”, and consider drugs to be amongst the worst vices. In fact, they have recently banned The Little Black Book of Marijuana, a book published in Hong Kong on American commission, which tells the history of marijuana in 20,000 words. The book was supposed to be published by

CANNABIS NEWS / INDEX OF ADS / COLOFON grower Moonunit. MBS is a 60% Indica, 40% Sativa hybrid, with “ancestors” such as Deep Chunk, Zoid Fuel and C-99. Moonunit describes this new type as a fast-growing plant with a high yield. It ranges in colour from green to purple to black, which gives it good bag appeal. According to the grower, its medical qualities are especially interesting.

ENGLISH LIBERALS AND THE LIBERAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS The English Liberal Democrats believe that it’s time to legalize all drugs. According to the party, the current legislation is not only ineffective and disastrous, but also downright harmful, since it mainly targets the more impoverished and isolated parts of society. The current sentence for drug dealers

a Chinese publishing company, but the authorities have banned it for good. Even if hardly anyone knows English in China and the book will never be sold, it was considered too controversial just for its physical presence on Chinese territory.

POLICE CAUGHT SNIFFING remains in the reform proposal. This doesn’t mean that the Lib Dems see drug use as totally innocent from now on, but that the party is against arrests and monetary sanctions, as it believes that it’s much more sensible to organise mandatory therapy for user. Out of the frying pan, into the fire…

Next year, one out of three New South Wales (Australia) policemen will be subjected to a drug test. This year, the number of tests performed on volunteers in uniform rose from 2,000 to 5,000. The decision to resort to even more severe measures stems from a regrettable incident where three policemen were caught taking cocaine. “There’s no room for drugs on the Australian police force”, a spokesperson declared.

BONG HITS 4 JESUS

MIND, BODY, SOUL

When the torchbearers travelled the streets of Salt Lake City prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics, a student named Joseph Frederick was waiting for them by the roadside holding a banner with the cheerful message “BONG HITS 4 JESUS”. The principal of Frederick’s school destroyed the banner right away and Frederick was expelled, but the case actually reached the Supreme Court, the highest level of American justice. The book Bong Hits for Jesus describes the mass hysteria caused by this incident, which went on to become a years-long legal nightmare, culminating in a conviction for the ex student, accused of propaganda in favour of drugs. According to its author, James Foster, this is a perfect example of how the war against drugs destroys freedom of expression, a pillar of the United States Constitution.

The fame of Australian growers is rapidly growing thanks to fantastic new types of cannabis amongst which, according to US news, the novelty that most stands out is the MBS (an acronym for Mind, Body, Soul), created by renowned

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Soft Secrets is published by Discover Publisher BV P.O.Box 362, 5460 AJ, Veghel, Netherlands Telephone: +31-(0)73-5498112 Fax: +31-(0)73-5479732 E-mail: uk@softsecrets.nl Editor: Cliff Cremer Contributors: Ed Rosenthal, Jorge Cervantes, Jules Marshall, Lazystrain, Dr. John Dee, Grubbycup, Little Lebowski, The Professor, The Red One, Kaz Peet, Smokedout and others Translations: Jules Marshall Comics: Jim Stewart Editorial adress: Soft Secrets, P.O. Box 17250, 1001 JG, Amsterdam, Holland, E-mail: ssuk@softsecrets.nl Advertisements: James Telephone: +44 (0)751-4273810 E-mail: james@softsecrets.nl A word from the publisher: The UK government has embarked on a process of relative liberalisation towards the use of cannabis, and cannabis activists are engaged in broadening this engagement. Several local councils and police chiefs now actively support a Dutch-style coffeeshop system as a way of separating soft and hard drugs, as it has proven to do in Holland. Whether they are finding their way to new coffeeshops or growing for their personal supply, cannabis users are a menace to no one, and are causing no discernable social problem. Some politicians and commentators are calling for the outright legalisation of marihuana. Let’s wait and see how the debate develops during a period of relative peace between all sides of the argument. In the meantime, the publisher hopes Soft Secrets will show the public a positive side to the normalisation of cannabis use, and is anxious to offer a forum to both pro- and anti-legalisation advocates. This assumes that the publisher does not necessarily agree with everything that appears in articles and advertisements. The publisher therefore distances himself explicitly from published statements or images that might give the impression that an endorsement is being made for the use or production of cannabis. Nothing from this publication may be copied or reproduced in any format without prior permission from the publisher and other copyright holders. The publisher is not responsible for the content and/or point of view of advertisements. The editors take no responsibility for unsolicited submissions.

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