2017 03 UK

FREE

THE CANNABIS NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

Issue 3 - 2017

11 AMSTERDAM

Exclusive! Interview with Hashishin Frenchy Cannoli

21 The Lost Art of Temple Balls

37 Dinamed: CBD dominant strains are coming

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

RRY SENSI-STAR DELAHAZE PANDORA BELLADONNA WAPPA ALL

Election 2017: Plan to legalise cannabis by LibDems Plans to legalise cannabis so it can be taxed and sold on the high street will be brought forward if the Liberal Democrats gain power.

The party will commit to creating a legal market for the production and sale of the substance in its manifesto, it confirmed, making it one of the first political parties to fight an election on a ticket of relaxing drug laws.

Cannabis would only be sold to people over 18 and sales would be strictly regulated under the new proposals, which could generate up to £1bn per year in tax revenues, the party predicts.

DINAMED CBD

The Lib Dems have long campaigned to legalise the drug, with former health minister Norman Lamb attempting to bring in a Bill last year to tackle what he called “a catastrophic failure” of the war on drugs.

Lib Dem candidate Julian Huppert, who is standing in Cambridge, said the current approach was “a disaster”, and was causing significant mental and physical harm for young people.

He said: “There are no age checks, and no controls on quality or strength. ‘Skunk’ is widespread and the only ID you need to buy it is a £20 note.

“Successive governments have ceded total control of a significant public health problem to organised crime.

“The honest and pragmatic response is to take responsibility for this situation and regulate the market.”

His concern was echoed by North Norfolk Lib Dem candidate Mr Lamb, who told the Press Association: “We are criminalising young people, people have no idea what they are buying so there is a major health risk.

“I am personally opposed to drugs and indeed to excessive alcohol consumption because of the health risks, and as a parent I absolutely want to discourage our adult sons from smoking or drinking or other harmful substances but the whole issue is what is the best way of dealing with this issue as the war on drugs has been a catastrophic failure.”

People in possession of cannabis currently face up to five years in prison, while the class B drug carries a 14-year sentence for supplying it.

Source: Press Association

PURPLE KUSH www.kannabia.es/en

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3 EDITORIAL

EXPERT COMMITTEE IN DISARRAY (AGAIN) In April of this year, discreet advertisements could be found in the drug use/misuse arena inviting applications for 11 vacant posts with The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). Just to be completely clear, that's 11 posts out of 24.

Losing almost half of your membership is a big event. It hasn't happened in quite some time, and there has been no coverage of it.

For those who don't know, the ACMD is a committee operated under the auspices of the UK Home Office. It was set up in 1971 under the Misuse of Drugs Act. What it does is pretty self explanatory, or at least it used to be.

At one time, the committee would be called upon to make recommendations regarding the UK drug laws. Occasionally, this would mean easing up on some drugs, but more often than not, it would involve the banning of more and more substances as they appeared on the black market, usually resulting in making a bad situation worse, but allowing successive governments to continue to spout the "hard on drugs" rhetoric.

This has been the case particularly over the past three or four years and culminated in The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, where once again, the government shot themselves in the foot.

In 2009, there was something of an upheaval in the ACMD as the (then) chairman, David Nutt, in an unprecedented show of common sense, suggested to the (then) Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, that cannabis was safer than alcohol and tobacco. For his outburst of pragmatic rationalism, Professor Nutt was dismissed. A number of the other members of the committee immediately resigned in protest.

Since then, the ACMD has been in a state of almost constant turmoil, with new personnel joining and leaving at a quite alarming rate. We know of a number of former committee members who joined with a genuine belief that they could make a difference, only to leave seriously disillusioned some time later.

*HQHWLFV bBlueberry x (Gorilla Glue x OG Kush).

The New Psychoactive Substances we've seen proliferating over the past decade have played their part in this, but at the very heart of the matter lies cannabis.

Flower Time: (non Auto) 8 weeks.

Back in 1971, what was actually known about cannabis was very little.

Everyone had an opinion about it, but that is not the same thing. In 2017, what we know about cannabis is actually quite a lot, and much of this directly contradicts the largely accepted wisdom of the 1970's and 1980's.

Plant Height: Medium, around 1.25 metres indoors.

2+ metres outdoors in good conditions.

Plant Yield Indoors: Well above average. 250+ gr in optimum conditions.

Plant Yield Outdoors: 500+ gr.

Taste/Aroma: Fresh tasting, with a fruity hint of Blueberry. Pine/fuel skunky aroma is present HVSHFLDOO\ LQ ZHOO FXUHG EXGV bb7KH EXGV DUH UHVLQRXV and release a tropical scent when squeezed. Sticky and with great bag appeal. Occasionally you will also get blue hues to the buds.

Effect: Great sit-down and trip-out weed. Strong, with a banging anti-anxiety feel good high. More suited to evening smoking than anything else, its a heavy hitter and too much can be difficult to recover IURP bb 7+& OHYHOV DQG HDVLHU WKDQ DYHUDJH indoor cultivation.

Seed bank: Dutch Passion

Glueberry O.G.

Harvest Month: (non Auto) October in the Northern Hemisphere or April in Southern Hemisphere.

And here is the problem the ACMD really have: most of the committee are intelligent people. Many of them are neuroscientists, neuropharmacologists, former researchers and so on. In short, experts in a field where the government are not.

They are being asked to continue to defend the indefensible. They are being asked to ignore or disregard an ever increasing body of new evidence that contradicts much of what was previously held to be true of cannabis, particularly around its role in addiction and as a cause of mental illness.

To give these ex committee members their due, they have decided that personal integrity and professional credibility are worth more to them than the dubious kudos attached to an association with a government department clearly lacking integrity and credibility, and they have voted with their feet.

Clearly drastic action is required here, but successive Home Secretaries prefer to continue burying their heads in the sand and overruling the recommendations of their own experts.

The real worry here is that government intransigence regarding weed means no self respecting scientist or expert will volunteer for a role on the ACMD, and that these places will be occupied instead by party liners and company men. Then what happens is that the Home Secretary points at a white wall and says "this is black", and they all agree.

That is a very worrying thought.

Dr John Dee In memory of Nick Sand (1941-2017)

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E-mail your entries to readers@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!

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EXPO

8

PRODUCT EARTH EXPO 2017, BIRMINGHAM, 2 & 3 SEPTEMBER 2017 Product Earth Expo 2017 will be located in the creative quarter of Birmingham City Centre, the industrial backdrop to the event is unique and will deliver an event like no other. Working closely with the venue management, the team have created 3 Exhibition Zones as well as a Central area for the Music Village to be installed.

Product Earth Expo is an Exhibition and Seminar in the first instance, aimed at educating and providing information to the Public on the latest Global developPHQWV ZLWKLQ WKH +HPS DQG &DQQDELV 0HGLFLQDO DQG 5HFUHDWLRQDO LQGXVWULHV 7KH 6HPLQDUV DUH KHOG WKURXJKRXW WKH ([KLELWLRQ DQG DUH DLPHG DW GH P\VWLI\LQJ WKH ODWHVW UHVHDUFK LQIRUPDWLRQ UHJDUGLQJ 0HGLFLQDO &DQQDELV HVSHFLDOO\ &%' with its recent global expanse. Leading experts from around the world will be explaining their latest research within this field including personal experiences of &%' XVDJH DQG LWV HIIHFW RQ WKHLU OLYHV 7KHUH ZLOO DOVR EH DQ RSHQ )RUXP ZKHUH attendees will get the chance to ask questions on the topics being discussed which in turn will ensure the right information is being given and taken away.

7KH 7UDGH ([KLELWLRQ ZLOO VKRZFDVH D ZLGH UDQJH RI SURGXFWV DVVRFLDWHG with the global industry and will include the chance to have first-hand information from the manufacturers and distributors about their prodXFWV /HDGLQJ 6HHG %DQNV +HPS &ORWKLQJ *ODVV 6PRNLQJ $FFHVVRULHV DQG 7DWWRRLQJ DUH MXVW VRPH RI WKH ([KLELWRUV DWWHQGLQJ ZLWK PDQ\ PRUH being added weekly.

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Product Earth Expo 2017 exercises a strict 18+ policy. All tickets will be sold online! www.productearthexpo.com

PRODUCT

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SEED BANKS

9

AUTO CRITICAL SOMA GREAT… FOR A GOOD REASON

A marvellous auto combining together perfection, potency and aroma. A fine-sized high yielding plant indeed, with several enormous resin-covered buds all over. Its heady fragrance will overwhelm your palate with fruity tastes.

TricomaTeam (tricomateam@gmail.com)

Advanced Seeds has impressed us again with yet another spectacular crossbreed made from Critical (Afghan x Skunk genetics), Somango

A specimen covered with trichomes.

(a mix made from Jack Herer and Big Skunk Korean) and Indica auto genetics. The final product is a fourth-generation midsized autoflowering plant with long and thick branches. Indoors its height reaches up to 80-100 cm. Final yield can easily reach 450 g/m2 under lamps. Outdoors the plant can grow up to a 1.5 m height. Harvest is at 70-80 days of germination. Buds are abundant, big and highly resinous and let out an intense and sweet tropical fruit aroma, with clearly perceivable Somango notes. When tasted, its intense smoke confirms all of these fruity notes of mango, peach and banana. Effect is strong and very intense, with 17% THC content. An influence of Critical is noticeable in its potent physical and mental effect. Feeling is pleasant, relaxing and cheerful. A plant to be enjoyed in good company.

Germination and growth

When you work with autos each day is important, you cannot extend the growing period if things are not running smoothly.

These strains have a limited lifetime and you need to exploit it to the maximum.

The central shoot.

Seeds germinate rapidly. In less than 48 hours, the ten seeds of Auto Critical Soma that we Flowering phase had placed between wet cloths had opened As plants were ready to move to the next their shell and the radicle was visible. In our flowering phase, at day fifteen of growth previously grown autos in pots of 7, 11 and 18 we replaced all 400 W metal halide lamps litres we could barely note any difference. By with 600 W sodium lamps. In view of their contrast these specimens were growing to a imminent fruiting, we delivered all the light considerable size and, for their full potential we could. When we saw the first pistils, we to be exploited, needed to be planted in pots of at least 18 litres. That is what we did. They were planted at a dept of less than one centimetre and placed under 400 W metal halide lamps and, after 24 hours, the early leaves appeared in a few plants. During the first weeks, we added a root booster to all. At day 10-12 we also started to gradually add a growth booster.

After a few days, they had grown like wildfire. Branch formation was uninterrupted with branches as long and thick as the central stem. Leaves were enormous and with an intense green colour. White and chunky roots A blanket of resin. jutted out of the holes at the bottom of pots showing they had permeated the whole substrate. When we noticed a couple washed the roots clean and changed feeding. of leaf tips curling up, we added Bactomatik Then flowering started. Branches stretched to six of the ten plants of the sample, to out and the last shoots appeared. Buds grew appraise the real effectiveness of this product. all over the plant and were all indistinctly Bactomatik is a mixture of bacteria living in large, on the plant tops and even below, with symbiosis with roots and benefiting the plant a high concentration of crystals – These plants by multiple mechanisms for an explosive let out a strong smell from the beginning growth and a superior yield. We applied it to the end of their lifecycle and you need to once during the vegetative phase. From day use filters. However, they are easy to grow two, the plants that were ‘lucky’ enough to and unproblematic. You will notice that, little be irrigated with this product started to by little, their huge leaves will turn yellow outperform the others significantly and some and fall down, which will disclose the size of flowers in their full glory. reached more than one metre.

In this phase too, we tried out another product manufactured by Agrobacterias, Bactobloom.

We applied it to the six plants to which we had already applied Bactomatik so as to check its effect in combination with it. Bactobloom is a powerful organic bacterium-based product that acts as a flower stimulator.

We applied it when the first pistils appeared. Growth was more marked in plants to which it was applied, despite the hardships that plants normally endure at this stage.

In addition, bud formation was improved and resin had increased in quantity. Similarly to the effects observed with Bactomatik, all treated plants gave a great yield.

Harvest

At day 75, we harvested approximately half of our grown plants and at day 85 the other half. In our view, these last plants were better, with denser and larger buds, a higher yield and a more complex taste and aroma. Most of the time, waiting a few extra days is better.

Tasting

This is the best part, always. And was even more so with this strain, which stands out for vary reasons and especially its aroma. If you only put your nose close to its flowers you will perceive a penetrating and captivating fragrance. If you keep this awesome smoke lingering on your palate, it will reveal its clear tropical notes. Your body and mind will then set off on a joyful and relaxing journey.

INTERVIEW

11

INTERVIEW WITH HASHISHIN FRENCHY CANNOLI MASTER OF HASH MAKING

2 pressed hash balls from the same batch of trim, again showing the dimensions in ripeness with in a batch. Working with trim is like a fruit tree to get different dimensions of ripeness each shake.

SSUK: Greetings Frenchy and thank you for taking the time to sit down with Soft Secrets. Can you tell the readers about how you got started with cannabis?

Bonjour, you are very welcome. I would first like to thank all of you at Soft Secrets being part of the effort to communicate facts around the benefits of cannabis.

I started like most European teenagers in the early 70s by smoking Hashish with a relatively small group of friends. Smoking cannabis was underground at that time; the Hippy PRYHPHQW ZDV UDJLQJ LQ &DOLIRUQLD but just taking root in Europe. I had been dreaming of traveling the world since my early childhood, and Hashish was most certainly the defining catalyst of my nomadic years.

What parts of the world has following your love for cannabis taken you over the years, also where are you living now?

In my twenties, I spent some time in North Africa, passed a year in Mexico, before discovering India,

Nepal and Pakistan. I met my wife in Nepal and she took me to 7KDLODQG WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV DQG -DSDQ 7KDW EHJDQ D SHULRG ZKHUH Ζ VSHQW many years passing the season in Northern India, the winters in Goa and the rest of the year wandering around Asia. I currently live in the 6DQ )UDQFLVFR %D\ DUHD RI &DOLIRUQLD in the USA.

Where did the name Frenchy Cannoli originate from?

Frenchy is a term of endearment for Frenchmen in most Englishspeaking countries. It is a practical nom de guerre, easy to remember and I do not have to spell it every WLPH Ζ DP DVNHG 7KH KDVKLVK FDQnoli was my trademark shape for a few years and the name just stuck.

You work with breeders and growers in California's Emerald triangle. Can you explain to the European readers what the genetics and breeding facilities are like out there?

by Stoney Tark

Freeze dried Cherry Cola patties that have been slightly pressed to validate the quality of melt.

7KH\ DUH +HLUORRP *HQHWLFV plants that are not quite what their ancestors were, the land races from producing countries; they have adapted to their new habitat and have been transformed over WKH \HDUV LQWR XQLTXH FXOWLYDUV 7KH breeding facilities in the Emerald 7ULDQJOH KDYH DOZD\V EHHQ RXWGRRU and the breeding done by many.

You simply made seeds for next season, part of every farmer’s life.

7KH EUHHGLQJ DQG JURZLQJ PRYHG indoor during the peak of the War RQ 'UXJV LQ &DOLIRUQLD DQG ODWHO\ most are done in greenhouses.

You don't really need fancy facilities to breed. You need talented breeders and awesome genetic material to work with. We have ERWK LQ &DOLIRUQLD

Can you tell us more about your time in India and Nepal and what is a hashishin?

Hashishin was the term used by my Afghani friends to define a master Hashish maker. For me, today, a Hashishin is a person who 7KH JHQHWLFV DUH VR XQLTXH WKDW dedicates his life to cannabis resin. they should be considered National India and Nepal were countries 7UHDVXUHV DQG Ζ DP QRW MRNLQJ with different cannabis resin cul-

tures. I had experienced Hashish in Europe before traveling to India but encountered a new form of resin collection at the feet of the +LPDOD\DV &KDUDV WHUULWRU\ 7KH resin is collected live on the plants at the peak of flowering instead of sieved from dried and cured plants, a very different experience at many levels. It is magical to collect resin on the palm of your hands from wild cannabis plants growing high in the Himalayan PRXQWDLQV 7KH VHDVRQV Ζ VSHQW collecting resin in Northern India, in Malana and the Parvati Valley were filled with wonder and absolute pleasure.

Can you explain what Aficionado is?

Aficionado is a Mendocino seed company that breeds highly exclusive designer cannabis cultivars XVLQJ (PHUDOG 7ULDQJOH KHLUORRP genetics. Each release is unique and produced in limited quantities.

I am their official Hashishin. My craft is the final expression of the quality they produce as breeders and farmers. I alone cannot create quality. I am dependent upon my

12

The dimensions of ripeness from the first wash to the last wash. Each row shown here represents one batch. On average we will wash one bag of trim 8-15 times.

Close up of freeze dried Cherry Cola patty with a corner that has been exposed to heat, to test the quality of the melt.

cannabis farmers like a winemaker RU D *UDQG &KHI

You offer classes to teach people to make the finest hashish. How long have you been doing that and what can readers do to find out more information?

I have been actively holding workshops for the past two years. I organize them monthly, mostly in &DOLIRUQLD KRZHYHU WKLV \HDU ZLOO be holding workshops in Barcelona as well. I announce the workshops through IG, and on the calendar page of my website www.frenchyFDQQROL FRP 7LFNHWV DUH DYDLODEOH for purchase through EventBrite.

What method of hash making is your preferred choice and when you make your hash, do you use fresh frozen or dry material?

I use a personalized ice-water siev-

ing method, and I have custommade tools as well. I work with fresh and dried material. I prefer my trim to be cured a minimum of three months and not simply dried.

I also never freeze plant material when I work with the live plant.

3ODQWV DUH FRPSRVHG RI RYHU water that is contained between cell walls. When water transforms LQWR LFH LW H[SDQGV LQ PDVV which can shatter the cell walls and create leaf matter contamination in the final hashish product.

What is your opinion on pressing bubble hash in regards to the drying out process? There are mixed views on pressing delaying the drying out process and the final taste of the hash…

I have smoked some amazing aged Hashish, and once smoked a PLQG EORZLQJ \HDU ROG &KDUDV temple ball in Nepal, and have

often personally experienced the transformation that happens to the resin during the first weeks after pressing to become a firm believer in the traditional methodologies that have stood the test of time, i.e. pressing is a critical and beneficial part of the hashmaking process. I have searched for the science behind traditional Hashish and I am amazed by the intuitive depth of our ancestor’s

extracting. I keep the wholeness of the resin head when I press loose resin heads into Hashish, and when I age it I bring the resin to a new dimension of quality and “beingness” for the lack of a better word, very much like what is done with grapes to make wine. An extract is like the juice extracted from a fruit - it holds the essence of the fruit but it has lost the nourishing wholeness of

THE ABOLITION OF CANNABIS PROHIBITION HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CHANGE THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY AND OF THE PLANET. knowledge. Scientific studies show pressed hashish offers a greater diversity in oxygenated terpenes than cannabis in the herb form.

50 new compounds from the monoterpene family are created in pressed hashish per one of the first comparative research studies done on the subject.

As a hash enthusiast, do you ever make extractions using solvents or are you strictly non-solvents?

As a Hashishin I do not extract.

I sieve using ice cold water as a medium to facilitate the process which is vastly different from

WKH SODQW 7R EH FOHDU Ȃ Ζ QHYHU XVH solvents of any kind.

On your website www.frenchycannoli.com you have a 'Resin Quality Scoring Sheet'. Can you break down for the extract enthusiasts just what that is?

7KLV VFRULQJ V\VWHP ZDV FUHDWHG to go beyond scoring quality solely based on the “melt” as is done in the U.S. Melt is most definitely an important part of what defines quality. It represents the ripeness of the resin or how much resin was formed inside the resin heads. I believe that the amount

13 of cannabinoids and terpenes and the width of their respective spectrums are important factors as well. Beyond the technical aspect of resin quality, we experience Hashish through our olfactory senses and palate; the smell, the taste, the intensity, the body and uniqueness of the resin should all be taken into consideration as dimensions of quality, very much again, like wine. I created the scoring criteria to reflect all of this.

As a master of hash making, what was the one strain that you worked with that made the best hash you have ever produced?

How could there be only one?

I have a few favorites like the Pinot Noir from Aficionado, the

Colorado is a weed haven.

What are the current laws there and is it still the canna utopia that was once thought of?

&RORUDGR ZDV WKH EUHDNLQJ ground of adult-use legalization.

7KH UHJXODWLRQV DUH FRQWLQXDOly adapting to the evolution of the industry as a legal market at the State level while trying to NHHS WKH )('V DW D GLVWDQFH DQG looking for a banking system. &RPLQJ RXW RI SURKLELWLRQ LV QRW an instant process.

What are you plans for the future and where can the readers discover your social media to follow your work?

I am creating a video of my Lost Art of the Hashishin workshop with a couple of young documen-

Pressed resin prior to shaping into tempe balls.

Black Lime from Mean Gene from Mendocino, the MK Ultra from 7+ 6HHGV 9RUWH[ DQG -LOO\ %HDQ IURP 7*$ Ζ ORYH WKH +D]H Ζ GR OLNH WKH &RRNLHV .XVK DQG 2* are often amazing. I love quality in all its diversity.

tary filmmakers from Brooklyn, 1< -DNH 5HPLQJWRQ DQG /DQFH Steagall. It will be posted for free DFFHVV WR P\ <RX7XEH FRP F )UHQFK\&DQQROL VLWH IRU HYHU\RQHȇV use. We hope to have this completed by this Fall.

Over your history in cannabis and watching the criminal law change, what is your perspective on the current movement and how will it change over the next 3 years in terms of full legalization?

I am also working on a book (or two), pushing my limits as a writer, while at the same time growing VORZO\ WKH )UHQFK\ &DQQROL EUDQG by producing only the highest quality Hashish.

&DQQDELV OHJDOL]DWLRQ LV KDSSHQing and it will not be stopped.

7KH DEROLWLRQ RI FDQQDELV SURhibition has the potential to change the future of humanity and of the planet depending on our approach to producing and farming a plant that is a unique medicine, the most consumed recreational drug in human history, and an agricultural product with limitless potential, a solution for renewable energy, deforestation and pollution.

Many readers at home are still under the impressions

F*CK

YOU GROWER

You can follow my work on Instagram @frenchycannoli. All my writings and the references used are available on my site: www.frenchycannoli.com

Thank you very much for your time and do you have any final messages you would like to say to our readers?

&DQQDELV LV WKH NH\ WR WKH IXWXUH of the planet. All of us that have been touched by the plant have become crusaders, we cannot be merely consumers anymore.

Share the knowledge of the plant’s benefits, share the love! #fortheloveoftheplant.

Keep on Growing

www.facebook.com/rqseeds | www.twitter.com/royalqueenseeds www.royalqueenseeds.com | info@royalqueenseeds.com

QUIZ

14

SOFT SECRETS

GROW QUIZ

7) Why did our great ancestors bury dead 14) What do you call it when an outdoor fish under their cannabis plants? grower forces the branches of his plants towards the ground?

A. To give them a decent burial B. The smell of rotten fish scares away creepy critters C. Dead fish makes for great fertilizer D. It was a shamanic rite

A. B. C. D.

LST (Low Stress Technique) SOG (Sea of Green technique) I call it outright crazy Topping the plants

8) When you accidentally damage your out- 15) Which line is the most truthful? door plant and a side branch snaps, what A. Afghan varieties are decked with deep should you do? green leaves 1) What time of the year plants receive the B. Haze varieties are very high in CBD A. Repair the branch with cello tape, so it can most light outdoors (in Europe)?

Author Stoney Tark

A. B. C. D.

January to March April to May June to July August to September

heal again B. Call the Ganjaman hotline C. Break off the branch and take your loss D. Trim all leaves of said branch and hope they grow back

C. Skunk varieties are not suited for outdoor grows D. CBD varieties flower as quick as autos

16) What stops the plants growing too tall outdoors?

2) If growing outdoors in Northern Europe, 9) Why do some outdoor plants display pur- A. Reduced feeding schedule will slow the growth down ple colors? which of these strains is best suited?

A. B. C. D.

Northern Lights Amnesia Haze Neville’s Haze Hawaiian Snow

A. These plants will be very high in CBD B. It means you are growing a purple strain C. It is a natural trait as a reaction to colder night temperatures D. The plants are ready to harvest at that exact point

B. Snapping the main stem, this reduces plant height C. Topping the plants will create a low bushy profile D. When the plant grows to a certain height, chop it in half and start again

3) When growing outdoors, why should you 17) If the fan leaves of an outdoor plant begin use perlite in your soil?

10) What is the best way to avoid mold to yellow and fall off during veg, what A. To stop insects spreading on your outdoor crop? does this mean?

B. Perlite will create air pockets as well as hold moisture C. Perlite is highly toxic and should not be used D. Mainly for nutrients as perlite is so mineral rich

A. B. C. D.

Mold is not really a problem Spray the buds with water Remove the infected flower and discard Spray plants with a heavy chemical pesticide

A. This is the plant's way of shedding leaves it thinks it will not need B. The plant has used up all of the available Nitrogen and is sucking it from the leaves C. The leaves will grow back and this is natural D. You should flush the plant and remove all nutrients

4) Which of these is a great way to stop snails and slugs eating plants ?

11) Which of these grow mediums has a A. Using copper wire as the slime reacts with the 18) Light deprivation is a technique used in microbial colony already present? copper wire greenhouses to do what?

A. Vermiculite B. Hope that the birds will eat them and pray the plants do not get eaten C. Using a strong fish mix in the medium D. Adding vermiculite

B. Worm humus C. Perlite D. Clay Balls

5) Cannabis plants grown outdoors in Southern 12) During the veg stage, what nutrient will Europe since April can be expected to start the plants need most to produce healthy flowering when? growth?

A. B. C. D.

Around August Around June Around November Around December

A. B. C. D.

Potassium Phosphorius Nitrogen Magnesium

A. Force the plants to flower B. Keep clones from not flowering C. Keep the plants in darkness for 48 hours after harvest D. A way to produce feminized seeds

19) Which of these strains would finish first when flowering outdoors in Northern Europe?

A. B. C. D.

Super Lemon Haze Northern Lights Haze Berry Power Plant

6) What does it mean when the weed of 13) During flowering, what nutrients do outdoor plants has a sharp taste to it? the plants require most to produce 20) What will you find usually in bone meal, worm castings manure and large buds?

A. It means you’re smoking a Sour variety wood ash?

B. It don’t mean jack shit C. It means you should quit smoking – death is around the corner D. The grower didn’t dry his buds properly

A. B. C. D.

Nitrogen and Boron Calcium and Copper Zinc and Magnesium Phosphorus and Potassium

A. B. C. D.

Phosphorus Potassium Nitrogen Calcium

That’s it! See answers on page 54.

AUTOMARIA II ® This plant reaches between 70 cm and 1m in an indoor set up, which makes it good for small cultivation spaces. Growth LV ULJRURXV DQG FRQVLVWHQW ZLWK VLJQLͤFDQW stretching of the stem and side branches, which allows for good bud development.

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17

GROW WITH STONEY TARK

TOP TIPS ON GROWING AUTOMATICS THIS SUMMER Automatic seeds are huge sellers and nowadays nearly anyone and everyone, has managed to grow or at least smoke some buds from an autoflower. To the surprise of most, the final flower in terms of flavour, potency and aroma are all as good as their predecessors. Here are my top tips on how you can get the most out of your automatic seeds and outdoor grow space this summer.

Stoney Tark

THE WAY TO GET HEAVY THICK BUDS IS TO SUPPLY THE MICROBES WITH HIGH LEVELS OF READY TO ABSORB CARBON AND KEEP THE ROOT ZONE HAPPY.

High grade buds are now easy to grow and the days of automatics being watered down has long gone.

PLANT MANY SEEDS

7KHUH DUH VRPH DXWRPDWLF VWUDLQV that will grow large abundant yields of high grade buds, whilst some strains despite the final quality being top notch, they can lack a heavy harvest and make some growers feel like they should have planted more than they initially thought. When it comes to automatics, I personally like to plant 3 in one large 20 litre pot and find this way as the plants grow evenly, one plant pot can look like a normal short cannabis plant in flower. It can be slightly demoralising after you harvest your plants and find the overall weight may not last you a month of daily smoking.

POT SIZE

7KH ELJJHU WKH SRW WKHQ WKH ELJJHU the plant, which cannot be more true when it comes to growing out DXWRPDWLF SODQWV 7KH DXWRPDWLF strains will naturally veg for 21 days before beginning to flower on their own accord, not dependant on the 0HULGLDQ &\FOH OLNH SKRWRWURSLF SODQWV

Selecting a great growing medium and choosing a final pot size of 20 litres is a good final pot to allow your plants to mature in. Growing in smaller pots will only ensure smaller plants with a smaller root base.

Using felt pots has massive advantages over standard plastic pots, yet if you cannot afford felt pots or 7KH DGYDQWDJH WR SODQWLQJ LQ manage to make your own, a large large pot is any onlookers will only pot with sufficient aeration will be see what looks like one cannabis just fine.

SODQW ZKHQ LW LV UHDOO\ WKUHH 7KLV point may seem irrelevant to most, WHEN TO WATER however if you are working with a When growing automatics outdoors, legal plant count or trying to work sometimes keeping on top of feedwith your countries laws on growing ing times can be a little bit more cannabis, this little trick can turn 3 difficult depending on how hot your plant pots into 9 vigorous automat- temperatures get. A good rule of thumb is to weigh the plant pots ics, or 5 pots into 15.

and get a feel for when the grow medium is at the lightest point. Now the grow medium will be dry and air ULFK 7RS IHHGLQJ XQWLO GULS WKURXJK or directly bottom feeding are two simple ways to re saturate your medium once dry, whilst understanding that air to the roots is a good thing.

feeds, whilst the bat guano feeds the microbial life and adds intense flavours to your flowers, while providing calcium and magnesium and many other micro elements. You should then focus on feeding primarily a carbon based mollas feed of fish emulsion and molasses, or seaweed and molasses.

GROWING MEDIUM

PLANT HEIGHT AND CAMOUFLAGE

You will want to select a medium that is well balanced in terms of all the plants needs, as well as considering aeration and water retention.

A great way to ensure I personally have a happy friendly organic mix is to add perlite, coco,worm humus and powdered bat guano (8-22-4) together into a smooth fine blend.

Many automatic varieties will grow around one metre tall with some strong side branching. Some automatic haze strains can surpass that and grow around 1.5 metres tall so this is one of the unique selling points when growing automatics.

A great way to camouflage your crop of autos is simply grow other plants 7KH ZRUP KXPXV LV ULFK LQ 1LWURJHQ EHWZHHQ DQG DURXQG WKHP 7U\ DQG Phosphorus and Potassium that will get over your fear that spiders and EH VORZO\ UHOHDVHG RYHU WLPH 7KH insects will eat your crop alive, so coco is an inert medium meaning it consider how other garden plants contains no nutrients and has excel- that most have taken zero notice of lent capillary action for retaining air, before can actually allow you to creZDWHU DQG PRLVWXUH 7KH SHUOLWH ZLOO ate a well camouflaged garden. I have produce air pockets as well as allow even bought plastic plants before and the medium to stay dry between placed them accordingly around my

18

A small home made polytunnel that has 9 Auto Kush in 15 litre fabric pots.

plants, to avoid helicopters or nosey neighbours seeing too much.

GROW FOR MONTHS AT A TIME

Molasses are basically the run off when they make sugar white so that thick black tar substance is packed full of carbohydrates. Effectively this is like a candy factory for the microbes that will be present in the grow medium and firmly attached WR FHOOV RI WKH URRWV 7KH ZD\ WR JHW heavy thick buds is to supply the microbes with high levels of ready to absorb carbon and keep the root zone happy.

One of my favourite things when it comes to automatics is that they can be grown for the majority of the year. In Southern Europe, automatics can be grown with good results from March until November. If you have 10 seeds, then experiment by planting 3 seeds every 2 months. So for example when April arrives plant 3 DQG KDUYHVW HDUO\ -XQH SODQW PRUH CHOOSE VARIETY LQ -XQH XQWLO KDUYHVW HDUO\ $XJXVW DQG If you have the luxury of conthen plant the final 3 during August sistent outdoor sunshine and are open minded enough to grow out until harvest early october. as many varieties as possible, By doing this method, it will make then you will be able to have a sure you have a good harvest of dif- strong menu of flavours, in the ferent strains every 70 days or less. FRPIRUW RI \RXU RZQ KRPH 7KHUH Also you will discover what time of will be a time of the year when the year produces the best plants the days are the longest and your and have a low key garden that is plants will get upto 14 hours of GD\OLJKW 7KLV FDQ EH D JRRG WLPH easy to maintain. to grow haze varieties as they will ADDING SIZE TO THOSE BUDS enjoy the extra hours during these Growing outdoors allows your medi- months to really excel and ripen to um to bake in the sun naturally and the best of their ability. Naturally force those roots to grow large and in growing automatic strains during search of food. If you have followed the different months will result in the organic mix that I mention above, inconsistent yields, however findyou can then feed your plants black- ing what strain is your favourite strap molasses available from most and works best where you live is health stores and supermarkets. the most important.

An example of how the final pot size will determine the overall size each of these automatic seedlings will grow. One is 15 litre and one is 25 litre and will produce different sized plants.

Gaining experience with automatics may not sound like a serious task, yet discovering what plants are most resistant to your environmental conditions plays a huge factor in powdery mildew, mould and general toughness of a plant's genetic. I would perVRQDOO\ UHFRPPHQG JURZLQJ 5R\DO Queen Seeds Auto AK47, Auto Skunk and Northern Light XXL Auto which is D FXS ZLQQHU 'LQDIHP 0RE\ 'LFN ;;O and Auto Kush, which I have recently written grow reports covering these strains and highly recommend.

and producing high grade buds with multiple flower sets.

AUTOMATIC SEEDS INDOORS

7KHUH DUH PDQ\ JURZHUV ZKR ZLOO grow automatic seeds indoors and get excellent results. Some growers who have a vegging room that is on for 16-18 hours per day, will add automatic seeds in this room with their other plants vegging. In some sense half of the vegging room now becomes the automatic flowering room.

If you are worried you will not have the best weather at first, you can 7KHUH ZLOO EH D GD\ ZLQGRZ ZKHUH begin to germinate and grow your you can train your automatic plants to automatics indoors. If it is in the grow, however there is only so much vegging room or even the floweryou can do before the plants focus ing room receiving 12 hours of light on growing flower sets. Pinching out and 12 hours of dark, the automatautomatics can be counterproduc- ics will continue to vegetate for the tive especially if you are growing first 3 weeks then flower afterwards.

Indica automatic hybrids. What I rec- 7KLV FDQ EH WKH SHUIHFW VWDUW IRU \RXU ommend is to take the time to tie plants and will help them on their way your plants down so the canopy will to success, especially if you are faced grow even, promoting as many main with challenging weather and insects. tops as possible.

I hope these tips help you really When this technique is done with get the most out of your automatic Sativa dominant automatics, the seeds and allow you to harvest high yields can be almost doubled if not grade organic buds, nearly all year trebled. By incorporating this meth- around. od to your garden, you can finish with plants that are as little as 45 cm Peace Out!

PLANT TRAINING

This grower installed a hose pipe with spray nozzles, to create an indoor water system for the automatics growing inside this polytunnel.

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21

THE LOST ART OF TEMPLE BALLS

A HASHISH MASTER AND HIS STUDENT EXPLORE THE PRESERVATION OF RESIN

By Frenchy Cannoli and The Dank Duchess

&KDUDV RU KDQG UROOHG UHVLQ LV WKH RULJLQDO FRQFHQWUDWH $OOXULQJ DQG aromatic, charas was born from the first contact between humanLW\ DQG WKH FDQQDELV SODQW DV D OD\HULQJ RI WKLV VWLFN\ 7+& ULFK substance is unavoidable when handling marijuana. Innovations in cannabis concentrates, utilizing newer methods of extraction such DV %+2 DQG &2 ZLOO VRRQ WUDQVIRUP WKH IDFH RI PRGHUQ GD\ PHGLcine. Still, the act of gently rubbing cannabis flowers will remain the easiest and most effective method of collecting fresh resin from wild plants at the peak of their life cycle and creations like the 7HPSOH %DOO ZLOO FRQWLQXH HOHYDWH ZKDW FRXOG EH FRQVWUXHG DV PHUH FROOHFWLRQ LQWR DQ DUWLVDQDO FUDIW 7KH SURFHVV RI FROOHFWLQJ OLYH resin in the palm of one’s hands is simple in its methodology, but

challenging in its implementation. While no longer widely-practiced, this method remains the sole cannabis resin collecting methodology in tropical countries with a humid climates like Bhutan, Nepal DQG 1RUWKHUQ ΖQGLD 7R FROOHFW UHVLQ WDNH WKH IDQ OHDYHV RII WKH

THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING LIVE RESIN IN THE PALM OF ONE’S HANDS IS SIMPLE IN ITS METHODOLOGY, BUT CHALLENGING IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION

22 plant and gently caress the flowers between your palms using a OLJKW EDFN DQG IRUWK UXEELQJ PRWLRQ 7KRURXJKO\ FOHDQ \RXU KDQGV of any leaf material after each flower and start again until a layer RI UHVLQ EXLOGV XS RQ \RXU SDOPV DQG ILQJHUV 7KHQ VQDS WKH VXEstance off your hands and voila! You have created hand-pressed UHVLQ 7KH IHHOLQJ RI WKH UHVLQ VORZO\ FROOHFWLQJ SODQW DIWHU SODQW LV a unique tactile communion and an unbelievable olfactory experiHQFH 7KHUH LV DQ LQGHVFULEDEOH LQWLPDF\ DQG FORVHQHVV WKDW LV ERUQ from such a synergy, a communion that goes beyond the plant and connects to the terroir that gave birth to the magic. But the relation between a master gatherer and the resin also extends beyond the realm of collecting. In tropical countries preservation and aging DUH HVVHQWLDO WR TXDOLW\ DQG ORQJHYLW\ 7R WKLV HQG D 5R\DO 1HSDOHVH 7HPSOH %DOO ZDV WKH XOWLPDWH PDQLIHVWDWLRQ RI UHVLQ RSWLPL]DWLRQ DQG SUHVHUYDWLRQ 7KH RULJLQV RI VXFK D FXWWLQJ HGJH DSSURDFK WR packaging and long-term conservation may never be discovered, EXW WKH DUW VKRXOG QRW EH ORVW 7KH 5R\DO 1HSDOHVH 7HPSOH %DOOV were stuff of mythology already in the late ’70s and early ’80s, a

fairytale for many and the Holy Grail of concentrates for a few.

Imagine a sphere of resin hand pressed to an absolutely unflawed dark and hard surface polished to a mirror-like quality — a ball that resembles more of a glossy stone or black marble rather than resin. Picture an outside protective layer of resin fused into a crust so perfect that it can stand the depredations of time and nurture the aging evolution at its core. Visualize cracking open a 10-year-old resin ball like you would break a big egg, the center revealing itself slowly in all its glorious creaminess. Envision a spicy tropical fruit cocktail with subtle earthy undertones taking over your olfactory senses as the resin breaks apart reluctantly exposing its dark red melted caviar like texture, the long contained aromas bursting out with an explosive force. Imagine creating such a wonder!

ENVISION A SPICY TROPICAL FRUIT COCKTAIL WITH SUBTLE EARTHY UNDERTONES

A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF THE TEMPLE BALL

By The Dank Duchess

Frenchy’s eyes twinkle as he tells me stories of hashish around the world and indulges in nostalgia as he details his rich experiHQFHV RI 0DODQD FUHDP DQG 1HSDOHVH 7HPSOH %DOOV :LWK WUXH 1HSDOHVH 7HPSOH %DOOV QR ORQJHU DQ\ZKHUH WR EH IRXQG Ζ FDQ only imagine the creamy inner goodness of which he spoke so lovingly. Perhaps I can create something for which he will be HTXDOO\ IRQG Ζ VWDUW ZLWK ZHOO GULHG -DK *RR UHVLQ NQRZQ IRU LWV potency and intense flavor. I place a thick glass bottle filled with boiling water on top of the resin, which has been wrapped in a plastic steam pouch. It begins to melt almost immediately. I can see the yellowish color of the resin darkening as the heads fuse together, as if becoming more saturated with life. It is tempting to hurry the process along, but the resin moves at its own pace.

I simply hold the glass bottle as a guide, slowly rolling it forward and turn the resin, gently rolling the bottle away from me.

Flipping it, I see that the resin has begun to melt on the other side as the heat has easily penetrated. I pick it up and squeeze softly through the plastic. It feels completely melted through.

With a swift flick of the wrist, I snap the plastic open and the DURPD RI SOXPS ULSH ZLOG EHUULHV ZDIWV XSZDUGV -DK *RRȇV GLUW\ EORQGH FRORU KDV WUDQVIRUPHG LQWR JROGHQ DPEHU 7KH UHVLQ gleams with oil and expectation. Its satiny surface reflects like a mirror. Folding the resin in half, I snap one side of the plastic; and then the other, grabbing the resin simultaneously. Folding it one more time, I notice that the interior of the resin has retained its pre-melted color and rather than holding firm, it separates like bread dough that is not fully kneaded. I place the resin between WKH SODVWLF DQG EHJLQ UROOLQJ WKH ERWWOH DJDLQ 7KLV WLPH WKH UHVLQ reacts even faster, spreading across the plastic as if running from WKH KHDW Ζ EHJLQ VKDSLQJ WKH -DK *RR KDVKLVK ZKHQ WKH HQWLUH UHVLQ VRIWHQV OLNH ZDUP PDUVKPDOORZV 5HPRYLQJ LW IURP WKH plastic, I fold the resin in my hand twice, feeling the warmth radiating through my palm, and enjoying the fruity and spicy scents that tickle my nostrils. Using my first two fingers and my thumb, I begin shaping the resin into a cube. I squeeze firmly and squeeze again, before rotating, repeating the cycle until there are no wrinkles on the surface. Squeezing has removed the air pockets, leaving a dense block with sunken concave sides. I start pushing the corners in slightly, massaging the hashish into a juicy dumpling. I clasp my palms together and slowly roll my palms back and forth.

After getting a rhythm going I pause every 10 seconds to look at the progress of the ball of hashish. It has become as smooth as

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24 an egg and a similar oval shape. I love touching the resin, but KDVKLVK PXVW QRW EH RYHUZRUNHG 7KH KDVKLVK LV DOPRVW UHDG\ and I roll faster smaller circles as it cools in my hand. Finally, it is D VKLPPHULQJ EDOO RI -DK *RR KDVKLVK ΖW KDV EHFRPH D WDXW VKLQ\ PDUEOH JOLPPHULQJ LQ WKH OLJKW 7UDGLWLRQDO\ 7HPSOH %DOOV ZHUH rolled on a ceramic plate creating an impenetrable crust. Now, it’s

RIWHQ OHIW ZLWK D VWDLQ VKHHU Ζ SODFH WKH 7HPSOH %DOO RQ D VKHHW of parchment paper. Oil continues to express itself more and it flattens on the bottom under its own weight. It is gorgeous and VPHOOV OLNH VKHHU KDSSLQHVV 7KLV LV QRW WKH SHUIHFW 7HPSOH %DOO RI Frenchy’s memory, but I hope with a bit of aging, my offering to him will warm his heart even more.

CANNABIS CONCENTRATES EXTRACTION’S RESIN RENAISSANCE THE BUZZ AROUND DABBING HAS FUELED A WHOLE NEW ERA OF POTENT MARIJUANA CONCENTRATES

By Greg Zeman

&HQWXULHV DIWHU ZHȇYH DOO WRNHG RXU ODVW ZKHQ KDVK KLVWRULDQV RI 5DWKHU WKDQ EHLQJ SXW RII E\ WKH PLQG EORZLQJ H[SHULHQFH Ζ ZDV LQWULJXHG the future trace the evolution of whatever fantastic extracts they’re I started buying wax instead of hash, but intuitively felt I wasn’t utilizing it LQJHVWLQJ WKH\ ZLOO EUHDN HYHU\WKLQJ GRZQ LQWR WKH %' DQG $' HUDV Ȃ to its full potential. %HIRUH 'DEV DQG $IWHU 'DEV I started experimenting with some early “wax pens,” which made for more 7KH VRFLDO EX]] DURXQG GDEELQJ KDV GRQH PRUH WKDQ LJQLWH QHZ LQWHU- convenient use but never quite captured my fancy. Loading them was a pain, est in the very old idea of extracting and concentrating cannabis com- they had battery issues and, on balance, were an over-complicated buzzkill.

SRXQGV 7KLV UHVLQ UHQDLVVDQFH KDV FUHDWHG D QHZ FXOWXUDO IUDPHZRUN for the categorization and consumption of concentrates.

And then I remembered how we used to smoke hash when I was in high school — hot knifing. We’d heat up steel knives in the coils of an 7KH HDUWK\ VSLFH DQG EDODQFHG HIIHFWV RI ZHOO FUDIWHG ȊIXOO VSHFWUXPȋ electric stove and press a chunk of hash between the eponymous hot hash will never go out of style. But if you haven’t waded past the icy knives, capturing the resulting smoke with a paper funnel or half of a shallows of traditional cold-water concentrates, there’s an uncharted two-liter plastic bottle. sea of exotic flavors and otherworldly sensations waiting for you to dive in and explore.

I asked a few people about hot knifing wax and they told me all about dabbing. I went to a local headshop, where the manager was happy to My “beat” is chasing the bleeding edge of a technological and cultural VHOO PH D FKHDS GDE ULJ DW D PDUNXS FRPSOHWH ZLWK DQ HTXDOO\ UHYROXWLRQ LQ FDQQDELV H[WUDFWLRQ 7KDQNIXOO\ VDPSOLQJ WKH PRVW SRZ- overpriced titanium nail and crummy butane torch. erful concentrates on the planet while doing it.

7KDW QLJKW Ζ H[FLWHGO\ WRRN P\ ILUVW GDE LQ FODVVLF ILUVW GDE IDVKLRQ ȃ As a result, I get regular opportunities to speak (and dab) with some off a red-hot titanium nail. of the finest minds in the industry, people who are changing the way the world approaches cannabis consumption. From elusive chemistry )DVW IRUZDUG WR ΖȇP WDNLQJ D ORZ WHPS GDE RI SXUH FU\VWDOOLQH majors hell-bent on perfecting the molecular isolation of liquid ter- 7+&$ UROOHG LQWR FOHDU JROG VKDWWHU Ζ IHDWKHU WKH FDUE FDS RQ WKH TXDUW] SHQHV DQG 7+&$ FU\VWDOV WR VHOI WDXJKW FORVHG ORRS DUWLVDQV ZKRȇYH glass banger until I’m satisfied with the size of my hit and blow a billowing mastered the art of making shatter that tastes like sweet fruit and cloud of terpy vapor at the computer screen as my lungs heave a sigh of looks like clear golden glass.

UHOLHI Ȃ P\ KRZ WLPHV KDYH FKDQJHG &DOLIRUQLD LV DZDVK LQ PRUH GDEEDEOH H[WUDFWV WKDQ Ζ FDQ HYHU KRSH to sample in a single lifetime, not that it stops me from trying. But it ZDVQȇW DOZD\V OLNH WKLV 7KH ILUVW WLPH Ζ WULHG DQ\ VRUW RI FRQFHQWUDWH that wasn’t bubble hash or traditional style hash oil was in the early ȇ V ȃ ZKHQHYHU WKH 9DSRU 5RRP LQ 6DQ )UDQFLVFR ILUVW VWDUWHG VHOOLQJ &2 ZD[ By that time I was smoking hash with my morning coffee, so one of WKH 95ȇV EXGWHQGHUV VXJJHVWHG WKH ZD[ RQ WKH GD\ LW DUULYHG +H GHILnitely warned me to take it easy on my first try, so my only excuse for what happened next is that I was young.

My plan, to the extent I ever had one in those days, was to try out the H[SHQVLYH ZD[ VWXII ULGH P\ ELNH WR WKH 5HG 9LF DQG FDWFK D PRYLH Eager to experience the full effect, I mashed a grape sized lump on top of a bowl of flowers and fired it up, taking the same sort of massive rip I normally did, completely ignoring the nice man’s perfectly sensible advice.

7KH H[SORVLYH FRXJKLQJ ILW WKDW IROORZHG ODVWHG DERXW ILYH PLQXWHV but the overwhelming physical and psychological effects lasted hours WKDW IHOW OLNH \HDUV 7KDW QLJKW ZKLFK Ζ VSHQW DORQH WHHWHULQJ RQ WKH razor edge of full-blown hallucination) wasn’t entirely unpleasant, but suffice to say I never made it to the movie theater.

25 So what’s the difference between shatter and wax? What about crumble and sugar?

3XWWLQJ DVLGH URVLQ DQG &2 H[WUDFWLRQ IRU WKH PRPHQW DOPRVW DOO the wax, crumble, shatter and so on you find for sale in states with dispensaries is made using solvents like butane.

One common catchall term for these solvent-based extracts is “BHO,” which stands for butane hash oil.

And while that term is imprecise, it’s useful for explaining how wax and shatter can be so chemically similar yet have such radically different physical characteristics.

One easy way to clear up a lot of the confusion surrounding the different types of “non-hash” extracts is to think about concentrates like candy.

0RVW FDQG\ VWDUWV RXW DV D VLPSOH EOHQG RI VXJDU\ V\UXSV 7KH GLIIHUence between a lollipop and a piece of taffy is largely the result of temperature during cooking. In the same way, the immediate result of running solvents through cannabis will always be some liquefied blend of extract and solvent, it’s what comes next that determines its final state.

So the same run that gets purged in a vacuum oven to make a shatter can be whipped over heat to make a wax. But the core method of extraction remains the same.

Some people adore what they perceive as higher terp levels in wax, others are fascinated by the golden clarity and hard candy stability of a great shatter. Many of these differences are superficial and a matter of preference. But however the concentrates are made, dabs are part RI FDQQDELVȇ IXWXUH 7KRVH RI XV ZKR KDYH WDVWHG DQG IHOW WKH LQFRPparable power of a good dab know there is no substitute.

These are excerpts from Ed Rosenthal’s newest book, This Bud’s for You. Available online at major book seller sites and also through edrosenthal.com

Wilma’s Lawn & Garden®

Let your plants shine!

The proper soil and nutrition are essential if you want to be able enjoy your plants and garden to the fullest. We therefore recommend our innovative new Cocolite substrates. This professional growing mediums are RHP approved and composed RI FRFR JULW FRFR ðEUHV FRFR FKLSV DQG SHUOLWH 7KH\âUH WKH LGHDO PL[ IRU WKH

FXOWLYDWLRQ RI IUXLW ñRZHUV YHJHWDEOHV DQG KRXVH SODQWV &RFROLWHV KDYH D KLJK FDSDFLW\ IRU DLU WR HQVXUH ODUJH R[\JHQ VXSSO\ DW WKH URRWV DQG DQ LGHDO ZDWHU distribution to promote water absorption by the roots. The Cocolite-11 is perfect for manual watering and the Cocolite-22 is perfect for automatic breeding methods.

B U S I N E S S .W I L M A S L A W N A N D G A R D E N . C O M / E N

26

STRAIN REPORT

CALAMITY JANE, A GREAT THC-RICH STRAIN Calamity Jane is one of the novel products of Buddha Seeds, an auto that could make the sales of the seed bank skyrocket for its ability compete evenly with other non-autoflowering strains available on the market, given its THC content above 20%. This percentage is neither an exaggeration nor an approximation, as Buddha Seeds checked it both internally and externally, in private labs and various organisations, and the results of all analyses invariably confirmed a THC level exceeding 20% in many specimens.

&DODPLW\ -DQH ZDV SURGXFHG E\ crossing premium strains of Buddha Seeds with the best genotypes of the Brothers Grimm Seeds, a US seed bank that created a number of legendary products back in the V 7KLV FKDUDFWHULVWLF LV DOVR behind its exclusivity, which makes &DODPLW\ -DQH D XQLTXH SODQW ZLWK D potent Sativa component.

7KH VDOLHQW FKDUDFWHULVWLFV RI WKLV auto include its very fast growth, its very large size and broad side branches, with awesome flowers growing chunky day after day and virtually exploding in the last weeks of growth, with buds covered by a fabulous resin blanket.

It is suitable for outdoor growing, and we recommend planting it directly into the soil in order to obtain results as soon as after 75 days, with a yield of 100 to 250 grams per plant. If, however, you do not have enough space available for soil planting and use pots placed on your balcony or terrace instead, beware prying eyes, as the plant size makes it hardly concealable!

7KH UHVXOWV RI &DODPLW\ -DQH indoors are also awesome with yields varying between 550 and 600 grams per square metre.

Buddha Seeds recommends delaying transplanting as much as possible in order to limit the size

RI &DODPLW\ -DQH VR WKDW JURZing cycle could be completed in 11-litre pots with a constant photoperiod of 20/4.

7KH &DODPLW\ -DQH DURPD LV YHU\ intense and penetrating and it is advisable to use carbon filters or anti-odour systems, especially if you have neighbours close to the place where plants are grown.

Buddha Seeds only markets good-quality and high-yielding seeds, with more than ten years of experience in cannabis genetic stabilisation and improvement and a clear concern for the development of autoflowering strains, which have earned it international recognition.

7KH VHHG EDQN FDWDORJXH IHDtures legendary autos that met Its effect will not fail to impress you, with a very positive response it is long-lasting and potent with a from cannabis growers, such as highly euphoric start that lingers on 'HLPRV RU 0DJQXP (YHQ VR for quite a while, and a very slow all strains are equally imporORZ 7KH ELJ VPDVK RI WKLV 86 UDVFDO tant for Buddha Seeds, as they will not cease to impress even your were developed with unswerving efforts and dedication. most picky friends.

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Peyote Cookies originates from the blend between Peyote Purple and our Legendary Cookies Kush.

This is a plant that is a vigorous hybrid, robust and easy to cultivate with dazzling ruby and purple colours.

Peyote Cookies has a very intense flavour of guava and earth, with nuances of vanilla and coffee. Its effect is powerful, relaxing and long lasting.

On all European orders over 100€ On all International orders over 200€

29

GROW WITH STONEY TARK

Grow Report

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS : ROYAL AK AUTO

This old school classic grows dark lush green and has a powerful musky aroma

I am a big fan of AK47 and the musky dank smell that comes with. so planting these seeds was like going back to my early days.

7KH VHHGV JHUPLQDWHG ILQH DQG DOO sprouted. after 7 days they are a vibrant green with a flexible white VWHP 7KH OHDYHV DUH ORQJ DQG WKLQ and compared to the others automatic strains growing, these leaves DUH WKH WKLQQHVW RI WKHP DOO 7KLV express some type of sativa trait in there which will come through later on I am sure. After 14 days of sunshine, the AK are growing quite tall DQG OXVK IDQ OHDYHV 7KH\ DUH JURZing a second set and also growing small side shoots just as fast. When I get a smell of the is plant there is D OLJKW PXVN\ SHSSHU\ VPHOO 7KLV plant is now 12cm tall and looks to want to grow tall.

7KHUH DUH PDQ\ VLGH EUDQFKHV forming and filling out the felt SRWV QLFHO\ 7KH OHDI LV VSUHDG RXW wide with serrated fingers pointing out and this plant really loves

Sex: Feminized autoflowering Genetics: Auto x AK47 Medium: Coco, Worm Humus, Perlite, Vermiculite Pot Size: 15 litre fabric air pot Nutrients: Biobizz Fish Mix, Ortega, GHE Ripen Growing: Outdoors June to mid August Yield: 83.3 g dry weight

WKH VXQVKLQH 7KH WUXQN LV JURZing thick and fast and producing long thin side branches, as I work the branches around each other so they all receive an equal amount RI OLJKW 7KH KHLJKW RI WKH SODQW LV nearly 31cm but this strain is growing taller than the Kush and the 1RUWKHUQ /LJKWV 5R\DO 6NXQN DQG $PQHVLD ;;/ 7KHUH LV DQ ROG VFKRRO peppery scent to this plant,which is not the smelliest but you can detect a fruity hash plant in there.

7KH 5R\DO $. KDV D UHDO SUHVHQFH in the greenhouse, as it grows lush JUHHQ DQG WDOOHU 7KH VLGH EUDQFKes are starting to catch up height wise with the other remaining tops, expecting this one to be one of the best producers out of the six strains I am growing.

After 35 days, the pre flowers are WKLFN DQG FXUO\ 7KH\ DUH VWDUWLQJ to slowly explode from the new growth tips and this looks like it will form buds all the way up the EUDQFKHV 7KH QHZHVW OHDYHV ORRN very healthy and vibrant and begin to push for trichomes production.

7KH IORZHUV WKDW DUH IRUPLQJ KDYH a silver grain look and the leaves are similar. 42 days in and the AK is really filling out and now can be measured at 66cm, with long VNLQQ\ VLGH EUDQFKHV 7KH VWHP LV getting thicker and wider as this strain starts to fill out for flowering, and there is no parts of this plant that I need to remove. All of the lowest parts seem to be bud-

A large producer which will grow tall with many flowers

ding as well as the top parts, as this can be a concern when growing with automatics.

but this old school gem sure delivers with a unique taste!

As the buds dry, the room absolutely stinks of an overpowering musky earthy aroma. When smoked the flavour is deep and has a spices pepper on the lips DQG WKH KLJK LV NQRFN RXW 7KH buds are very dark but silver in appearance due to being coated in UHVLQ 7KH EXGV DUH DFWXDOO\ GDUNHU and more silver looking compared to the buds that are on my coffee table. What I really love about this strain is the buds really stink and do not need much encouragement before filling your car or house ZLWK DQ RYHUZKHOPLQJ DURPD 7KH high can last for several hours and the stone can be pretty intense, especially if you smoke this strain in the morning then expect a day 7KH EXGV DUH D GDUN JUHHQ EXW of sleepy burning eyelids. An excelforming so much resin it is hard lent smoke for really getting the to not want to take these buds off munchies and for sleeping. an extract them as they are. On day 65, the final height is measur- Overall this is a great strain that ing in at 74cm and with a crowded produces a lot of high grade flowcanopy top so if you have small HUV 7KHVH SODQWV FDQ JURZ TXLWH space, becareful with this strain tall so be careful with this train as as she will keep growing in height. you can have a tall growing stink 7KLV VWUDLQ LV QHDUO\ RQH RI WKH bomb in no time! If you like the WDOOHVW QH[W WR WKH 0RE\ 'LFN ;;/ old school pungent smells and the and Amnesia XXL and I am very couch lock stone to accompany, LPSUHVVHG 7R QRZ VTXHH]H WKH then this strain is perfect for you. buds on the plant leaves a greasy I would recommend making sure black imprint on my finger as the you have friendly neighbours if aroma has become a sharp pep- growing many of these outdoors per musk. It may sound like a in the summer time as they can be bizarre aroma and flavour pallets quite overpowering.

7KLV VWUDLQ LV HQMR\LQJ WHPSV RI nearly 23 degrees and after 49 days of sunshine and warmth, this plant has a green and pink glow about it.

A very special strain and as it grows this lady looks tropical if that makes sense, very pointy serrated leaves DQG D VWURQJ XSSHU FDQRS\ 7KH buds are taller and the calyx are not small and round like the Kush but PRUH GHQVH 'D\ DQG Ζ DP JHWting the most pungent musky smells coming off this plant. When shaking the plant by the main stem, the greenhouse is filled with a musky earthy rotting aroma that smells like it will knock out anyone who will smoke this!

30

PUZZLE PAGE

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THE ONLY ORIGINAL AND GUARANTEED SEEDS FROM SWEET SEEDS® ARE THOSE SOLD IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING. C/ Dr. Nicasio Benlloch nº36-38 · 46015 · Valencia · Spain · +34 963 890 403 / +34 628 593 887 · WHOLESALERS: +34 963 473 730 / +34 963 404 289 · Fax +34 961 939 618 · info@sweetseeds.es Sale prohibited to people under 18 years old. Seed for coleccionist use exclusively. It´s ilegal to make them germinate. They´re not for agriculture purposes. Consult laws about cannabis aplied in your place of residence.

Sweet Seeds® will not be acountable for ilegal use of this seeds done by third parties.

32

GROW WITH JORGE CERVANTES

GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION The freestanding greenhouse offers the most flexibility in size and location. It can be built to take full advantage of the sun, but it does not retain heat well and can be expensive to keep warm. Numerous steps can be taken to minimize heating and cooling costs and environmental impact of maintenance. Many frame types and coverings are available in kits or raw materials. Coverings can also be easy to open for ventilation.

Several arches are erected and connected with individual pieces of PVC irrigation pipe secured with duct tape. A long, steel fencepost provides added stability. The hoop house is covered with plastic in the spring. When hot summertime weather arrives, the plastic is replaced with trellis netting.

7KHUH DUH DOVR D QXPEHU RI JRRG websites listed at the beginning of this chapter to help you choose the plan that works best for you.

For more information on types and prices, visit websites such as www.hoophouse.com.

top with a stay to add strength to the structure. A plastic skin is secured over the arches with tape or removable clamps. Ends can be closed or kept openat night for ventilation.

7KH RXWHU VNLQ FDQ EH PDQXDOO\ removed during hot weather and replaced during cool nights. Once Hoop houses are inexpensive, prac- the plants outgrow the plastic skin it WLFDO DQG HDV\ WR EXLOG 7KH\ FDQ is removed. It is replaced with a 15 be made to cover raised beds or cm plastic mesh that supports and EH FRQVWUXFWHG RQ IODW JURXQG 7KH\ trellises the plants as they grow.

FRQVLVW RI D VHULHV RI SDUDOOHO 39& plastic or more durable steel pipes Hoop greenhouses with removable arched over two points of anchor. plastic coverings work well when grow7KH DUFKHV DUH FRQQHFWHG DFURVV WKH LQJ PHGLXP WR ODUJH SODQWV 7KH SODVWLF

Hoop houses are inexpensive as well as quick and easy to set up. Plants can be moved in before or after a hoop house is set up. Once plants outgrow them, hoop-house structures turn into trellises to help support heavy flowering plants.

is removed when weather warms and is replaced with 15 cm plastic mesh that acts as a trellis to keep branches from breaking under the weight of buds.

with a foundation are also more perPDQHQW 5HJDUGOHVV RI WKH W\SH RI greenhouse you construct, it should be on flat ground and have easy access.

Hoop houses are inexpensive as well as quick and easy to set up. Plants can be moved in before or after a hoop house is set up. Once plants outgrow them, hoop-house structures turn into trellises to help support heavy flowering plants.

7KLV VHFWLRQ RI WKH FKDSWHU RQ JUHHQhouses discusses different construction options, touching on main points to consider. However, providing construction instructions with diagrams is beyond the scope of this book. For more specific information, type “greenhouse plans” into an Internet browser.

GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION

Both large and small greenhouses cost money, time, and space. Greenhouses

SIZE OF GREENHOUSE

7RWDO DUHD RI WKH JUHHQKRXVH LV determined by the number of plants

The black plastic is pulled over the PVC irrigation pipe frame of the greenhouse every afternoon to give the plants 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness to induce flowering.

33 you intend to grow and how long they will be in the ground or in pots.

7KH ORQJHU SODQWV JURZ WKH PRUH room they will need and the more problems that can occur. Induce plants to flower when they are 90 cm tall, and allow a minimum of 0.8 m2 for indica-dominant varieties and up to twice as much space for sativadominant varieties. Air circulation between plants can be a problem if plants become too big.

Large plants that are planted early in the season often outgrow the greenhouse, which requires that the outside skin of the greenhouse be removed so growth is not impaired.

Ample airspace is essential in greenhouses. At least half the space in a JUHHQKRXVH VKRXOG EH DLUVSDFH 7KLV space is necessary for air exchange, air circulation, and ventilation. Molds, mites, and insects become problems in greenhouses with inadequate airspace. As a general rule, plants Slide a 20-foot (6.1 m) piece of schedule 40, 0.075-inch (1.9 mm) PVC irrigation pipe over 2 opposing pieces of rebar 10 should take up about 0.33 to 0.5 feet (3 m) apart to form an arch. percent of the space in a greenhouse DQG DLU WR SHUFHQW 7KLV UDWLR Greenhouse walkway space is raised, flat, or sunken beds in the plants. Most all the principles that allows adequate air circulation.

LPSRUWDQW IRU HDV\ DFFHVV 7RR JUHHQKRXVH IORRU 'LUW IORRUV FDQ apply to outdoor growing apply to FRAMING many gardeners are surprised get muddy and are difficult to growing in a greenhouse, too.

Framing can be wood, bamboo, when it turns into “crawling room keep “clean.”

BENCHES metal, or plastic. Framing to spe- only!” Overgrown foliage in large cific dimensions and building with or small greenhouses cuts air cir- &RYHU PXGG\ IORRUV ZLWK VDZGXVW A greenhouse equipped with premade framed panels has the culation and promotes disease or straw. A wood, brick, or con- benches makes tending plants advantage of quick installation and pest attacks, as well as broken crete base around the bottom of much easier. Water catchment sysand breakdown for winter storage. IROLDJH 5RRP WR PRYH D ZKHHOEDU- the greenhouse adds stability to tems can also be set up to recycle nutrient solution. I like a greenBuild all structures using standard row in a large greenhouse is espe- the structure. house with tables because when dimensions for framed glass, plas- cially valuable when plants grow tic panels, and sheeting to get the beyond beds.

Planting in the earth floor of the plants are off the floor, they stay most from your materials and work greenhouse allows you to use warmer and are easier to access. more efficiently.

7KH IORRU RI WKH JUHHQKRXVH FDQ RUJDQLF PHWKRGV 7KH SODQWV FDQ- Airspace below benches can serve be covered with weed barrier not be moved easily, but they as storage area for containers and For example, a 2.4 m greenhouse cloth, gravel, bricks, or concrete. grow bigger and require less main- water reservoirs. Set up tables can be made with two 120 cm- Place a thermal blanket under tenance than container-grown along the length of the greenhouse ZLGH ILEHUJODVV SDQHOV &HQWHU floor covering to insulate from plants. Without containers, plants to make the best use of space. height depends on the level of cold ground. A Styrofoam base also retain a lower profile, but I Allow at least 91.4 cm between the eaves. Low-growing plants can in a small greenhouse keeps cold still like raised beds. Growing in tables and greenhouse walls to take an eave of 1.5 m; tall plants soil from cooling containers and Mother Earth is always better than accommodate plant growth and QHHG Ȃ P greenhouse. You can also make planting in pots when growing big provide for comfortable access.

This is an excerpt from chapter 11 “Greenhouses” from the Cannabis Encyclopedia (596 pages, 2,000+ color images, large A4 format) by Jorge Cervantes that is available everywhere in English. Spanish edition will be available January 2017. For more information please see Jorge´s website, www.marijuanagrowing.com.

34

REVIEW

THIS BUD’S FOR YOU A NEW BOOK BY ED ROSENTHAL

Sebastian Daniel “This Bud’s for You. Legal Marijuana: Selecting, Growing & Enjoying Cannabis” is a breath-taking celebration of the birth of legal marijuana.

7KHUHȇV QR QHHG WR LQWURGXFH (G 5RVHQWKDO KHUH Ȃ KH FRQWLEXWHV JUHDWO\ DV D ZULWHU WR DOPRVW HYHU\ LVVXH RI 6RIW 6HFUHWV 0DJD]LQH -XVW D TXLFN UHPLQGHU that in his more than forty years as the “guru of ganja,” he has written or edited over a dozen books on marijuana that have cumulatively sold more WKDQ D PLOOLRQ FRSLHV 7KLV PHDQV WKDW H[SHFWDWLRQV DQG KRSHV DUH DOZD\V high with his new publications. Ȋ7KLV %XGȇV IRU <RXȋ LV ILOOHG ZLWK WLSV DQG LGHDV IURP EUHHGHUV DV \RXȇG H[SHFW IURP D ERRN E\ 5RVHQWKDO (VSHFLDOO\ WKH VHFRQG SDUW RI WKH ERRN which is a survey of great new varieties that are commercially available WRGD\ LQFOXGLQJ QHZ VWUDLQV ZLWK KLJK OHYHOV RI &%' 0DQ\ QHZ QDPHV KHUH QHZ VWUDLQV QHZ FRPSDQLHV D QHZ JHQHUDWLRQ RI EUHHGHUV 7KH VHOHFWLRQV in the book are part of this new wave. %XW Ȋ7KLV %XGȇV IRU <RXȋ LV PXFK PRUH WKDQ \RXU W\SLFDO JURZ ERRN 7KH first section is a compilation of articles and essays by many authors covHULQJ D ZLGH UDQJH RI WRSLFV IURP WKH HPHUJLQJ &%' PDUNHW WR VFLHQWLILF H[WUDFWLRQ PHWKRGV 7KHUH LV D FKDSWHU ȋ:RPHQ LQ :HHGȋ DERXW WKH JURZing influence of good female energy in the cannabis industry. In “Styling DQ ΖQGXVWU\ȋ ZH PHHW DQRWKHU LQIOXHQWLDO ZRPDQ LQ WKH FDQQDEL] 5DQGL Ȃ WKH SKRWRJUDSKHU EHKLQG WKH OHQV DW 'HYLOV/HWWXFH3+ 5DQGL LV D PHGLcal marijuana patient and sees her work as a way to give back, since cannabis was able to help her so much. A former software engineer at a tech company, now she’s a true artist of marijuana photography redefining WKH GHVLJQ DHVWKHWLFV RI FDQQDELV DQG WDNLQJ LW LQWR WKH QHZ OHJDO HUD 7KLV means applying upscale marketing techniques, similar to the advertising campaign for a beautiful bottle of perfume. She truly puts her heart into KHU SLFWXUHV Ȃ WKHVH SKRWRV ZLOO EORZ \RXU PLQG DZD\ %HLQJ D KDVKLVK ORYHU Ζ ZDV KDSS\ WR UHDG Ȋ7KH /RVW $UW RI 7HPSOH %DOOVȋ DQG WKH FKDSWHUV DERXW QHZ SRZHUIXO H[WUDFWV -XVW OLNH GDEV were a seismic shi(f)t, marking the new era in hashish-making (see Ȋ *ORVVDU\ȋ DQG Ȋ&DQQDELV &RQFHQWUDWHV Ȃ ([WUDFWLRQȇV 5HVLQ 5HQDLVVDQFHȋ IRU PRUH LQWHUHVWLQJ GHWDLOV WKLV DQWKRORJ\ WDNHV FDQQDELV OLWHUDWXUH LQWR WKH VW FHQWXU\ 7DON DERXW WKH TXDOLW\ RI SKRWRJUDSK\ DQG SXEOLVKLQJ QRZDGD\V 7KH SKRWRV VKRZ RIWHQ LQ microscopic detail, the unbelieveable hues and elegant beauty of many strains of cannabis, of many kinds of hash and oil, of the liquid DPEHU DQG JROG RI FRQFHQWUDWHV 7KLV ERRN ORRNV VR JRRG \RX ZDQW to eat it like marijuana candy!

It’s often said that a good picture equals a thousand words and 5RVHQWKDOȇV QHZ book proves it.

Imagine Beauty and Knowledge rolled together, and you’ll have an idea how powerful this love bomb is.

7KLV ERRN OHWV you see what legal marijuana truly looks like Ȃ DQG LW ORRNV reallly good!

It gives us a JOLPSVH LQWR WKH EULJKW IXWXUH IRU FDQQDELV FRQQRLVVHXUV Ȃ D IXWXUH QRERG\ FDQ WDNH DZD\ IURP XV QRZ QRW HYHQ SUHVLGHQW 7UXPS +H FDQ RQO\ GHOD\ LW Ȃ EXW OHWȇV KRSH QRW

Ȋ7KLV %XGȇV IRU <RXȋ LV RQH RI WKH JUHDWHVW JLIWV IURP FDQQDELV DXWKRUV DQG publishers to the world at large. It has the potential to turn many heads, inspire many new growers, attract more believers to the cause, more fans RI 0DU\ -DQH (YHQ IDQDWLFV Ȃ LWȇV VXFK DQ DWWHQWLRQ JUDEEHU ΖQ EHWWHU WLPHV SUH 7UXPS LW FRXOG KDYH HDVLO\ KHOSHG EULQJ OHJDO PDULMXDQD DQG JDUGHQing into mainstream culture. It’s informative and well written, beautifully portrayed and illustrated, and professionally published. $V (G 5RVHQWKDO ZULWHV LQ WKH ΖQWURGXFWLRQ WKLV ERRN LV D FHOHEUDWLRQ RI DQ historical moment. We are witnessing the change from marijuana as pariah,

“THIS BUD’S FOR YOU” IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS FROM CANNABIS AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS TO THE WORLD AT LARGE. to enthusiasm for its medical potential, and ultimately the acceptance of its recreational use. In spite of fake news, propaganda, scare tactics, jailings, destruction of reputations and property, and the opposition of much of political and corporate culture, Marijuana Has Won the War. Ȋ7KLV %XGȇV IRU <RXȋ ZLOO EH VRZLQJ WKH SDUDGLVH VHHGV JOREDOO\ %LJ WLPH 7KLV ERRNȇV IRU \RX GHILQLWHO\

SEED BANKS

37

DINAMED: CBD DOMINANT STRAINS ARE COMING Dinamed has been a long awaited strain on the world cannabis scene.

Its offspring are invariably CBD-dominant. A minimum CBD:THC ratio of 10:1 and a high organoleptic quality were measured in the end product. Dinafem could have kept it secret to avoid plagiarism, but it decided to share it with the rest of the world for the benefit of patients who need it.

It all started with the germination and cultivation of a very high number of regular seeds of Dancehall. Dinafem’s main breeder, Professor OG, had purchased them directly from Jimi of Reggae Seeds, in a visit that was covered in our previous articles. All plants grown from these seeds were analysed by the Dinafem lab, which operated uninterruptedly, day and night, for the full week.

Most males contained around 2% of CBD, but there was one that peaked at 5%. This super-male was used in the pollination of one of the selected females with a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1, with CBD exceeding 19.5% and THC equal to less than 0.85%. These fema-

H. Madera les too stood out due to their size and smell. A batch of seeds were obtained from the crossbreed and were used by the bank for breeding purposes.

Selection made in grow rooms for the production of extracts During this season, two members of the Dinafem team, Captain Ozone and Mr. A, grew a crop for the in-house noprofit production of medical extracts to be administered to patients. Plants were taken care of and fertilised with this medical use in mind, which is why the team used ecological fertilisers, substrate-wash solutions, etc... As genetic base, they used their recently created CBD-dominant hybrid. Since this crop was not designed for bree-

The dried buds of Dinamed have an excellent appearance

ding purposes, they did not apply the intensive testing protocol. In any case, they realised that some specimens had a really outstanding quality and so they were tempted to make a selection of their favourites, while excluding hermaphrodite traits in the gene pool.

The common features of the selected plants were a remarkable taste and a need for minimum care and soft fertilisation. They were structured with a central shoot and rare lateral branches, all of these features were then handed down to their offspring. The crop was then tested and confirmed as CBD-dominant.

WE ARE NATURALLY INCLINED TOWARDS HELPING PEOPLE, THIS IS OUR VERY FIRST CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, BUT THERE WILL BE MORE

About this crop, Mr. A observes: “The original purpose was a medicinal plant crop, we never thought about breeding, but the results of tests made were indeed remarkable. Some specimen were really outstanding. We regretted having processed all the plants, which is why we went to the grow rooms and selected our favourites based on a purely intuitive criterion, we chiefly judged them on the basis of aspect, smell, resin and yield.

I remember they were very nice specimens, with purple tones and satisfactory sizes. The tests found very low THC levels, with an average CBD rate of 10 to 12%, CBD:THC ratios varied between 10:1, 15:1 and even 20:1”

by using seeds from the packs sold by Dinafem to consumers.

How the Dinamed strain was designed Ever since our first visit to Reggae Seeds, Professor OG has always confessed his intention to design a pure CBD strain for patients in need. The risk with regard to selling a pure CBD strain lies in the fact that they can be copied immediately. For instance, a few seasons ago, Dinafem introduced important improvements to its autos.

After only a few months, they were copied; competitors bred new strains Oil extracted from Dinamed for medicinal use

In order to solve this problem, Professor OG designed a CBDdominant strain with an average CBD content close to 10% rather than to 20%. This means that other seed banks could use it to breed a CBDdominant plant but no quality 1/1 hybrid since; in order to do so, a THC dominant strain needs to be crossed with another CBD-dominant plant with a nearly similar cannabidiol content. In other words, a CBD-dominant plant with roughly 10% CBD content should be crossed with another with roughly 10% THC content, for the average content of cannabinoids not to be very high.

On making this decision, Professor OG met with a problem. Hitherto, all CBD dominant females kept as mothers were meant for the breeding of 1/1 hybrids with the highest cannabinoid content. Consequently, CBD levels were around 20% and, for the project to be initiated, another massive selection was required that involved a few months of work. When he made the rest of his team aware of

The CBD market is skyrocketing, but quality genetics is missing

38 THIS NEW STRAIN OFFERS A DOMINANT CBD RATIO (CBD:THC) OF AROUND 10:1, WHILE HAVING EXCELLENT VALUES FOR ALL OTHER PARAMETERS

this problem, Captain Ozone and Mr. A remembered having kept mothers with medium CBD levels. Ultimately, they used these as a genetic base for the breeding of Dinamed.

In clones, the measured CBD levels were above 10%, or even 14% in specimens grown from seeds, while the measured THC level was around 0.5%, or 1% maximum in a few cases. For this reason, they declared a minimum CBD:THC ratio of 10/1.

Dinamed and corporate social responsibility When Dinamed was marketed, the seed bank did not merely intend to offer another strain or introduce another novel hybrid, its purpose was much more important, i.e. to help patients, even at the risk of encouraging other banks to copy its project. As Professor OG puts it: “When they use cannabis, pharmaceutical companies merely want to gain monopolies. They chiefly rely on profit-making criteria and overlook patients’ hardships, let alone the need to improve the genetic base of cannabis. Ever since the 1980s, through Mechoulam’s research papers, we known that CBD dominant strains can help people who are affected by severe diseases, such as childhood epilepsy, but little advances were made in the improvement of patients’ quality of life. If a seed bank can contribute to that improvement, this means it has a corporate social responsibility. I would have pangs of conscience if, despite my power to help children with epilepsy through my breeding work, I avoided doing so for the sake of my profits. We are aware they will copy us, but this is a risk worth running if this means helping children in need and we will also push the cannabis industry towards a virtuous direction. We are naturally inclined towards helping people, this is our very first contribution towards corporate social responsibility, but there will be more.”

In his objective to help patients, the professor received full backing from Dinafem. One of the bank’s founders, Pablo, explained: “20 years ago, when we set out to build a cannabis business, the medicinal aspect was not part of our goals. There were customers saying they used cannabis for medical purposes but I could not understand them. Next, I heard further stories from more and more people and I became convinced about the medicinal properties of cannabis. For instance, when Professor OG decided to breed and market a CBD-dominant strain, I had just met a father whose son was suffering from the Dravet syndrome. He told me his son had several attacks during the day and each of these could potentially be the last

Dinamed tends to form a nice central shoot

opportunity to see him alive. I have a son of similar age and felt empathy when I heard this story. In one of our exhibitions, I later met a Canadian aged 27 who was affected by epilepsy and said he no longer needed to take pills after using cannabis. We earned some money from our sales of seeds. Now that the therapeutic market is opening up and we see Dinamed structure

there are no suitable seeds on the market, even if we are not targeting profits, we have a moral obligation to market these pure CBD seeds for them to be safely used.”

Dinamed is, first and foremost, a challenge; it means giving a proper genetic base to the newborn CBD industr y. As Professor OG

observed: “Over the last few years, medicinal cannabis, i.e. the most appreciated side of the cannabis industry, has grown significantly.

Patients worldwide need CBD, but Epidiolex is no solution, this is just a very expensive treatment and out of many patients’ reach. As for CBD oils currently on the market, many of these products are of low quality, have inadequate concentrations and even traces of solvents and other contaminants. CBD will help people in many respects, ranging from medical/pharmaceutical use through cosmetic applications to recreational use. The CBD industry is growing more and more and, based on the most recent estimates, it is worth billions of euros.

Concurrently, we are faced with the great paradox that the availability of quality CBD-dominant seeds is quite poor, but seeds are the real base of the cannabis industry.”

Conclusions The emergence of Dinamed on the market implies a great change in the medicinal cannabis segment, this new strain offers a dominant CBD ratio (CBD:THC) of around 10:1, while having excellent values for all other parameters. Those who need a CBD dominant strain can now already grow it without needing additional tests, as CBD dominance has fully stabilised in the offspring.

This will allow patients to access high quality CBD and make extracts, whose effects will be even better than those obtained with CBD oils extracted from industrial hemp. It will also have recreational applications. For instance, in Switzerland, sales of flowers high in CBD have skyrocketed – their taste is good and they have a soft effect, which a few consumers prefer to that of THC. Professor OG is normally quite humble and avoids any self-celebration, but about Dinamed he is quite sure: “I can guarantee it is the best option for a patient who needs a CBD-dominant strain and has no time or means to analyse it. What is more, it is a quality plant in many respects, as its parents were selected based on such criteria as smell, taste and aspect.”

40

SEED BANKS

Everything you should know about the new Cristal Candy Auto® Recently Sweet Seeds® celebrated its 11th anniversary on the cannabis scene and, similarly to the previous year, there will be many surprises on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and in cannabis forums, where the bank has its own sub-forum. Do not miss checking its wall on a daily basis, which shows contests and much news shared directly from its new blog. The promotional packs of 3 seeds + 1 for free or 5 +2 for Jaypp free are still on sale and new plants – including CBD rich strains – will soon be introduced.

In recent years, Sweet Seeds® carried out an exhaustive plant selection and testing activity to create a rich catalogue where all growers can find their favourite marihuana strains. As one of the leading seed banks worldwide, each new launch is a challenge that the I+D+I team of Sweet Seeds® are eager to win. As you can imagine, many parameters come into play when a new genotype has to be assessed for it to be found fit for distribution.

Next, individual tastes and preferences are also considered but, generally speaking, the best contribution that a breeder makes when a new strain is introduced is to find a balance between all of these parameters.

For a strain to be simple to grow and suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, have a high germination rate and vigour, produce high yields and have excellent effects and taste, Sweet Seeds® relies on a large team of breeders, whose task is to find new genotypes and improve them, and ultimately help growers obtain excellent results. It is not by chance that they are the best award-winning bank in Spain.

Concurrently with this anniversary, as a central part of this report, the bank now announces and offers for sale one of the many brand new products that were designed for 2017. The time has come to present the fresh new Crystal Candy Auto® (SWS61).

In my opinion, Sweet Seeds® has again created a high-yielding auto-flowering strain with a character of its own and a great flavour that will soon give a lot to talk about. Based on the results obtained in my growing experience, I think many of you will agree with me.

Indoor growing

When I write diaries in several cannabis forums, I try to describe how I grow plants in the best possible way, for readers to be able to compare results. When I write an article on a new strain I do exactly the same, I describe the full process that starts from opening a seed pack, for the full methodology to be clearly outlined. An important part of this process is to respect plants because they deserve to have a decent and pleasant life.

The love you give to plants will be returned with an extra benefit.

In this case, however, the beginning was not so easy with the 6 seeds of Crystal Candy Auto® that I had soaked; their germination coincided with a lack of soil that a friend of mine was supposed to supply from his home stock. For 10 days, these seeds were left without a single compost pot. As many of you, greedy growers, know only too well, delaying the transplanting of a recently germinated auto seed always bears consequences, as it affects the final size of the plant and, ultimately, production. This amount of time is crucial; around the 4th week, autos significantly slow down their growth and start to flower.

Fortunately, the 6 seeds were still alive when my friend finally returned with the soil, and I rushed to plant the seeds on a decent substrate, in pots that were suitably sized for the light cycle and output they were going to receive – in this case 600W of sodium light and a cycle of 20 hours of light and 4 of darkness from germination to harvest.

My grow tent was equipped with a permanently running air intake and extraction system, two middle fans and a fan heater coupled with a thermostat that switched it on when the temperature fell below 18ºC. I recommend keeping temperature stable between 18ºC and 28ºC, with moderate humidity between 40 and 80%, for plants to find the right conditions for nourishment and growth. As their growth coincided with the rainy period of autumn, humidity remained stable without any need to increase it.

The air pots used measured 20 and 10 litres. I purposefully used two sizes to check any variations between plants and decide which of the two sizes was better for the future. Normally, I prefer 20 litre pots because they are easier to manage. Air pots have side openings, which help dry the substrate earlier. With smaller pots, irrigation is more frequent and harvested quantities larger. Despite this, I prefer bigger pots, which make a grower’s life easier, even at the cost of smaller yields.

For autos, I use the same type of substrate (earth) as I do for any other cannabis strains, for nutrients to be sufficiently supplied during the first four or five weeks. I also recommend using an organic booster to favour the growth of roots and flowers.

A sweet crush

Using an organic root booster makes the plant root system develop well enough to absorb nutrients and keep the plant healthy in all of its parts.

Next, an organic flower booster should be used when the plant has reached a certain size and the first pistils appear (showing that flowering has begun). In my grow tent, I started using a flower booster around day 28, when the first flower shoots had appeared. At this time, the height of plants was around 35 cm. So, despite the initial delay, I could not complain at all.

This new auto derives from a cross of the latest photoperiod plant that was presented by Sweet Seeds® in 2016, Crystal Candy® (SWS58), with an auto with similar aromatic tones, Sweet Special Auto (SWS35).

All plants were extremely healthy and there was no need to add anything to irrigation, except a flower booster in the next 2 weeks.

This was the only main fertiliser I used, as all other nutrients needed by Crystal Candy Auto® were taken from the soil. The most severe troubles were experienced between week six and seven, as a few plants – especially those that exceeded 60 cm in height – required additional nutrition. What is more, for seeds that had been planted in small pots, plants rapidly exhausted the available nutrients. If this happens, you can easily add a flowering fertiliser. In general, plants also need calcium and magnesium supplements at this stage, but in my case this was unnecessary, I simply administered 2 watering cycles with a flowering fertiliser

Whenever a new strain performs well, in terms of positive growing response and a well-balanced taste and effect, I cannot avoid recommending it to my friends. I am saying this while tasting a good vapour mist of Crystal Candy Auto® that I harvested a little under one month ago and I can confirm that each day that passes I like it more and more. It is one of those strains that can be fully enjoyed during its growth and consumption.

Mixing both genotypes produced a very aromatic large-sized plant with a compact structure, thick flowers and full of trichomes. Its effect is very clear, leaning to the Sativa-hybrid side. It can be harvested at 8 weeks after germination and has a very vigorous and fast growth, with several side branches and a large central shoot. Its aroma and taste are really appreciated among those who love plants with fruity, sweet and exotic notes.

You will definitely have a crush on it.

41 to explode into a profusion of pistils. I deliberately avoided saturating the substrate with fertilisers of various types, which left plants healthy and stainless. Perhaps the only shortfall was a limited growth during this week, but I cannot complain about results. After all, in an indoor crop lit by 600 W, effective light had made the plants grow up to 60 cm measured from the tip of plants, indeed a perfect size.

Given their growth, I think this strain can easily shape its branches while growing. Perhaps you could try Low Stress Training (LST) or any other types of non-aggressive training techniques to allow the plant to balance its side branches with its central shoot. The results will probably surprise you.

and plants always remained very healthy, with shiny leaves and big bunches of flowers.

When a plant does not need nutrition, adding more causes salts to be accumulated, which in turn prevents the full absorption of nutrients. If you look at the pictures I took, you will realise that plants were not starving and buds had grown amazingly. In any case, the flowering fertiliser I used was totally organic.

Crystal Candy Auto® produces big central and lateral buds. When it starts flowering, it is a real show stopper, with an astonishing production of pistils

and crystals, and all leaves surrounding buds full of trichomes. You’ll be tempted to put your nose inside to smell it until it is soiled by sticky resin.

At the end of week 7, plants had reached their final height – averaging 60 cm among the 6 specimens. The plants in 20 litre pots had grown stouter and with very heavy side branches.

However, the plants in 10 litre pots were even taller, some of them above 70 cm. At each irrigation cycle, the difference in flower formation was conspicuous in both pot sizes. The organic flower booster used at the highest dosage and the vigour of Crystal Candy Auto® caused buds

Plants were harvested at 60 days. But before doing so, I shot a video and took some pictures, which will both be posted on the website, together with the pictures shown in this article. I could not weigh the quantity I harvested, but I think it was very close to one gram/watt.

Buds have a wild, syrupy fragrance, with many ripe and low-acid fruit notes calling to mind melon or strawberry. Their aroma is so complex that you will want to keep your nose close to the buds for long enough until you are able to decipher it. You will easily imagine how tasty they become after some ripening. This is what my colleagues call “Iberian chorizo”, meaning good marihuana.

For this article I left a couple of good buds to ripen thoroughly. Then I put one in a vaporiser

to taste the mouth-filling, potent freshness of Crystal Candy Auto®. It stands out for its ripe fruit notes – halfway between sweet and acid.

The effect is remarkable, creative and clear after a while.

Then I rolled the second bud in a joint, which I have just smoked. Now, as you can imagine, nothing compares to the pure taste of vapour, but with my several years of experience as a smoker, I can definitely say the best way to assess weed is in a joint, as you can make better comparisons with other strains. Vaporised cannabis is always very fresh and full in your mouth, but not all weeds are equally good when you roll them in a piece of paper and light them up. This one is excellent and rich in aromatic tones, it will fill your lungs and its aftertaste is quite complex.

I hope you will enjoy this strain as much as I do, and decide to give it a try for your next growing experience; this Sweet Seeds® masterpiece is definitely worth it!

Crystal Candy Auto®

Strain SWS61 Indoor yield: 400-600 g/m2 Outdoor yield: 50-300 g/plant Indoor/outdoor harvest time: 8 weeks after germination Height: 70-130 cm Thank you for reading and sweet harvests!

SHOP REVIEW

42

NOT JUST REALLY, REALLY, REALLY FRESH SEA AIR

facilities. From elegant sea-side hotels to cheap B&B’s near Hunter’s &RIIHHVKRS ΖWȇV JUHDW WR HQMR\ WKH fresh sea air after breakfast, before heading back to Amsterdam.

HUNTER’S IS NOT FOR PUSSIES

Hunter’s story started in 1985, in the famous Warmoesstraat.

However, it didn’t start with coffee, but with a dog. Here, at this famous spot near the Wallen, among all the pussycats, a dog named Hunter marked its territory with a well-placed pee against a ID©DGH 7KH GRJȇV RZQHU GHFLGHG that this was as good a spot as any to mark the birth of the first +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS 7KHVH GD\V the territory of Hunter’s has grown out to the extent that you can find the famous logo with the dog everywhere in Amsterdam.

HUNT THEM ALL

Amsterdam is well known for its beautiful canals. Indeed, it’s often called the Venice of the North, and for good reason. But did you know that as of recently Amsterdam too is situated near the sea? The Dutch call it Zandvoort aan Zee, but we call it Amsterdam Beach. Not in the last place because of the establishment of Hunter’s Coffeeshop here.

This is the place to take a fresh breath of sea air and afterward hang out on the beach. No doubt the fresh sea air at Hunter’s Coffeeshop will have a positive impact on you too.

AMSTERDAM IS A BEACH

Amsterdam Beach is the ideal place to go if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Using public transport, Amsterdam Beach is right around the corner. And from the moment you’re there, it’s all about enjoying.

7KH VXQ WKH VHD WKH EHDFK DQG sea air. Not all skies are equal DQG MXVW OLNH WKH IDPRXV 'XWFK painters are known for their great skies, Amsterdam Beach is famous for its great, fresh sea air. Some long for a light breeze, others love a stormy wind. At +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS LQ =DQGYRRUW you’ll find it all, whatever wind force you like.

BLOW YOUR MIND

In addition to fresh sea air, Amsterdam Beach offers much more. Especially activities that get even better when accompanied by a IUHVK VHD EUHH]H 7DNH VXUILQJ WKLV is the perfect spot to fly over the waves. Or better even, kite surfing.

7KH IHHOLQJ WKDW \RXȇUH DERXW WR fly, with your head in the clouds.

Indescribable. Paying a visit to +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS DW $PVWHUGDP Beach will definitely blow your mind.

Of course you can also choose to let all this pass you by and relax on a beach chair, in the dunes or float around in the sea. Ultimate relaxing, with a fresh breeze in your face. It doesn’t get any better.

DANCE LIKE THE WIND

It goes without saying that it’s not just the fresh sea wind that PDNHV +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS VXFK D renowned name. Each Hunter’s has its own atmosphere and specialty.

7KHUH DUH QR OHVV WKDQ HLJKW EUDQFKHV in and around Amsterdam. From the famous Warmoesstraat in the city centre, to an easily accessible branch at the highway in Amsterdam 1RRUG 7KHUH LV HYHQ D +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS LQ +DDUOHP PHDQLQJ you can even visit Hunter’s when you’re on your way to the beach LQ %ORHPHQGDDO DDQ =HH $QG QRZ WKHUHȇV HYHQ D +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS at Amsterdam Beach. So make your visit to Amsterdam complete and YLVLW DOO +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRSV RU DV we like to say it: Hunt them all.

In the dusk of evening, when a chill breeze is rising from the sea, it’s time to party. It just so happens that Want to know more about Hunter’s?

Amsterdam Beach is the ideal place Visit www.hunters-coffeeshop.com WR SDUW\ WRR 7KDQNV WR WKH IUHVK VHD or follow Hunter’s on Facebook. wind there’s always someone wanting to party. From small to large events.

From relaxed tunes to pumping beats.

Hunter’s I Almost all of the beach pavilions have Warmoesstraat 24 D '- DQG ZKHQHYHU WKHUHȇV HYHQ WKH 1012JD Amsterdam slightest breeze, there’s a party going Hunter’s III on everywhere. It’s no coincidence that Papaverweg 2 Amsterdam is the capital of dance music, 1032 KH Amsterdam so there are also plenty of opportunities to dance at Amsterdam Beach.

Hunter’s IV

SPEED IS WHAT YOU NEED

Speed lovers are also guaranteed to find something to their liking at +XQWHUȇV &RIIHHVKRS 7KH =DQGYRRUW circuit is a great trip. Of course you may enjoy the various races, but you may DOVR WDNH WR WKH ZKHHO \RXUVHOI &KHFN out circuitzandvoort.nl for all the events and information on racing yourself.

We however warn you in advance: the circuit is situated near Hunter’s &RIIHHVKRS QHDU $PVWHUGDP %HDFK so watch out for the fresh sea wind.

If you have the feeling that the wind is too strong, and you’ve enjoyed it too much, then it’s good to know that there are plenty of accommodation

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INTERVIEW

45

CANNABIS IN HOLLAND INTERVIEW WITH A TRUE DUTCH BREEDER

By Stoney Tark As an original pioneer of the seed game and legitimate High Times Cannabis Cup winner and ex coffeeshop owner, SSUK asks Jaap Louwerier, owner and breeder of Homegrown Fantaseeds, about his personal experiences about the cannabis scene then, genetics and the evolution of the canna culture.

tional genetics including his own hybrids to me. I also got different clones from various types of plants. I worked again together ZLWK +HQN RI 'XWFK 3DVVLRQ XQWLO our working relationship together ended in 2001, when the first female seeds came around.

-/ Ζ VWDUWHG EUHHGLQJ IRU WKH ILUVW time when I was 14 years old, I took care of the first plants IRU 'XWFK 3DVVLRQ +HQN RZQHU DQG IRXQGHU RI '3 Ȃ HG XVHG to be my brother in law and at that point cannabis was not well known so walking around with 10 plants in a paper shopper bag was ok. My parents were not that happy at the end of the summer, when we had huge plants in the back garden of my parents house.

become like any other industry.

We just used to be pioneers on this matter. We were always looking and breeding trying to find and preserve the best genetics, that was the main goal for us.

As soon as the companies started to bulk produce seeds and everyone was able to freely buy them, the difference for the public was gone. It came down on good marketing skills instead of ZKR KDV WKH EHVW RI WKH EHVW 7KH Kush varieties from the beginning were really nice interesting varieWLHV 7KH HDUO\ .XVKHV EURXJKW their special flavor pallet to the JHQHWLFV *LUO 6FRXW &RRNLHV LV D cool name and it became a hype, now everyone is using the name &RRNLHV MXVW OLNH WKH &KHHVH

What do you think these days of the explosion in seed banks SSUK: Jaap, can you explain and with the new trends with your history in Amsterdam Cookies and Kush? and how you became involved It think our whole industry has with breeding cannabis?

What were the genetics you were working with like, as there is so much debate between who had the best genetics and when. What can you tell us?

When I started Homegrown Fantaseeds in the summer of 1997, I was in the lucky position that I was running a coffee shop and that good old school genetics were around. It started with a Swiss client who loved the weed we had and wanted the seeds. More or less at the same time Wernard from Positronics came around and sold his tradi-

Do you think much of the original real deal Dutch genetics are still around or have they been pushed out due to commercial value?

Our genetics are still around, there is a small group of growers that really do their best to maintain old school genetics.

The legendary Cheese is now a household name (Photo by Dinafem).

Was CBD a big thing in Amsterdam when you were at the peak of breeding?

habit of smoking has dramatically changed. Now I go for lighter products and I smoke less than I used to do.

No not at all, people were looking for a good smoke, nice taste, good high, good stoned, good Did you ever work with a EX]] DQG ZKDW QRW 7KHUH ZDV certain strain and knew it was never a strain on the menu that the one? <HV ZKHQ ZH JRW WKH &KHHVH LQ ZDV &%' ULFK I knew this was smashing and we What are your top 3 strains and were right. With many other seed do you still smoke what you companies copying the strain, we were smoking way back then? knew we were right. We were not the Over the years the strains I liked originator of the strain as originally the best of our varieties were it came from England. However, we &KHHVH &+ &DUDPHOOD DQG were the first who created the seeds Blue Haze. I still have the seeds with this strain. From that point it and the genetics but my overall was available for everyone.

46

OPINION

ELECTION PROMISES Unless they've been living in caves for the past couple of months, everyone in the UK is completely aware of the fact that we're about to have a general election. Yes. Another one.

I'm not going to bang on here about all the usual stuff - media bias, corrupt establishment, etc - as goodness knows, we've got all of that coming at us from the moment we open our eyes at the moment.

No, let's instead focus upon a specific issue, namely the reform of the cannabis laws.

Personally, I would have thought that this would have been a sure fire way of getting a substantial part of the electorate to put an "X" in the box next to your name (particularly those in the politically disengaged 18 to 24 year old group, 57% of whom didn't bother to vote in the last general election), but weirdly, as yet none of the major players have really said much about the matter at all. In fact, nothing, in most cases.

The Labour lot have had absolutely zilch to say on the matter of drug policy in their manifesto. This is perhaps because (if one believes the right wing tabloids regarding the Labour leader, Mr Corbyn and his supposedly ultra leftist leanings), being stoned/high is unproductive and gets in the way of the revolution.

It's been very difficult indeed to find anything regarding what the Conservatives think of the matter this time around. That said, as Prime Minister Theresa May has recently made it clear that she is a firm believer in all the "cannabis as gateway to heroin" nonsense, we probably shouldn't expect any positive change to come from that direction.

As far as the other UK parties are concerned...

The Greens are all for reforming the drug laws, but they appear to get in a bit of a tangle regarding the difference legalisation and decriminalisation. And while I rather like the Greens in principle, let's face it, it's unlikely that they will ever be in a position to implement change; unless they find themselves holding the balance of power or whatever.

At least the Greens are consistent, though. What is

Index of ads Name

Page

Advanced Seeds

16

Juicy Joint the

44

Amsterdam Seed Center

27

Kannabia Seeds

1

Atami

48

Kera International

33

Barney's Farm

28

Kosmic Kitchen

43

Step forward the Liberal Democrats. Yes, weed for over 18's, albeit of restricted THC content, blah, blah.

These characters could promise everyone in the country free beer and cake forever, and it wouldn't make any difference as nobody trusts them. At all.

Bud Season

44

London Seed Centre

1

Buddha Seeds

10

Mama Editions

43

Dinafem Seeds

1

Mycologics

44

Dinafem Seeds

47

NPK Technology

44

What about UKIP? Nothing: they've gone and what they say is irrelevant.

Dr. Underground

41

Paradise Seeds

1

Dutch Passion

23

Paradise Seeds

15

The big player here in Scotland, of course, is the SNP. They've made some (as yet fairly vague) commitments to medical cannabis, which is okay as far as it goes, but is a bummer for all the recreational users. A number of people apparently "in the know" suggest that a green light for medical cannabis in Scotland would initiate a domino effect resulting in legal recreational use pretty quickly.

However, as drug policy is run by Westminster, don't expect to see any change before independence.

And now is not the time to get into that...

Ed Rosenthal

20

Pax

44

Exotic Seed

39

Procare

44

Gea Seeds

1

Royal Queen Seeds

13

Gen 200

44

Stanford Hydroponics

1

Genofarm

39

Sweet Seeds

1

Hesi

2

Sweet Seeds

19

Humboldt Seed Organization

4

Sweet Seeds

31

Hunter's Coffeeshop

7

UK Personal Cannabis Cup

44

Hy-pro

35

Vision Seeds

43

Jorge Cervantes

36

Wilma's Lawn & Garden

25

problematic for me are those political opportunists (yes, I know: that pretty much describes all of them) who throw all sorts into their manifestos as a cynical (and pretty desperate) ploy to grab a few votes.

Which leaves us none the wiser as to where weed might be headed after this election.

The country is apparently broke. One would therefore assume that the sheer amount of potential tax income, plus all of the knock on effects (ease the strain on the NHS, jobs created, emptier prisons, police time freed up and all the rest) would make this an appealing prospect. But apparently not.

In an uncharacteristically downbeat ending to this column, I'm forced to say that - as far as political change is concerned - the immediate future of weed isn't looking too bright. http://volteface.me/labour-manifesto-launchesdrug-policy-remains-missing/ http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/theresarefuses-consider-legalising-cannabis-10428612 http://volteface.me/lib-dem-manifesto-promiseregulated-cannabis-market/ Dr Dee

ANSWERS to the Growers Quiz from page 14: 1.

2.

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4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

C A B A A D C A C C

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Colofon Soft Secrets is published by Discover Publisher BV P.O.Box 362, 5460 AJ, Veghel, Netherlands Telephone: +31-(0)73-5498112 E-mail: info@softsecrets.nl Web: www.softsecrets.com Editor: Cliff Cremer Contributors: Ed Rosenthal, Jorge Cervantes, Dr. John Dee, Sativa Diva, Stoney Tark, Kali Mist, Robert B., Mr. Jose and others Comics: Jim Stewart Editorial adress: readers@softsecrets.nl Advertisements: E-mail: info@softsecrets.nl A word from the publisher: Soft Secrets is published in: The Netherlands (Highlife), Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Poland, Czech Republic, Chile and Argentina.

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.

The publisher has endeavored to reach all copyright holders of photos and/or images. Those who still believe they are entitled to these rights may contact the publisher.

Next issue out: August 4, 2017

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