EN 2022 02 by SoftSecrets

THE CANNABIS NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

4 NEW VARIETIES PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES

www.softsecrets.com | Issue 2 - 2022 18+ For adults only. Soft Secrets is published six times a year by Discover Publisher BV Netherlands

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Europe should follow Malta's example on cannabis reform, says minister Malta’s new cannabis rules should serve as a model for other European states of how to end the unnecessary prosecution of low-level drug users and strike a blow against organised crime, according to the minister responsible for the law, Owen Bonnici. Bonnici, a former justice minister and now minister for equality, research and innovation, told Euronews that the new law, passed by the Maltese parliament in December 2021, prevented recreational users from being dragged through the courts or tribunal process for possession of small amounts of cannabis. But it also allows for users and, eventually, non-profit organisations to grow cannabis plants and distribute it to other smokers via cannabis associations, meaning they no longer have to source the drug via the black market and put money into the pockets of international criminal gangs. Malta’s law allows users to carry seven grams of the drug and store up to 50 grams at home, making it the first EU state to legalise cannabis. German Chancellor Olof Scholz is in favour of legalisation but the country’s new government has not set a time limit on the reforms. Although the Netherlands is world-famous for the availability of

cannabis, it remains illegal for individuals to sell or possess it and the "coffee shops" that are licensed to sell it have to buy their product in bulk on the black market, incentivising criminals that grow and traffic it. A number of European states, including Italy, Spain, Belgium and Ireland, have done away with prison sentences for marijuana possession, but in 14 of 28 European states -- including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria -- minor cannabis possession can still lead to jail time. Even in European states where cannabis has been “decriminalised”, meaning that those caught with small amounts of the product are not be arrested, users still need to buy the drug from dealers. “It is useless to say you can have five grams but then at the same time do not provide a safe and regularised route from where to obtain cannabis,” Bonnici said. “You can’t do one and not the other. You have to do them both or do nothing. Doing nothing wasn’t an option.” Bonnici, who suffered from asthma as a child, has never smoked cannabis but prior to being elected to government was a lawyer and, as such, saw first-hand how low-level cannabis users are dragged through the courts.

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Once he became an MP, he was regularly confronted by people that had lost their jobs or livelihoods after being convicted for possession of marijuana or for cultivating a personal amount of the drug at home. Malta’s cannabis law has been criticised by church groups and NGOs and was opposed by the opposition Nationalist Party (PN) but on February 6 Bernard Grech, PN leader, said that if elected in Malta’s upcoming election he would not seek to repeal it. One recent poll suggested that only one in five Maltese voters supported legalisation. But like other recent reforms pushed through by Malta’s Labour government, including on civil partnerships and on gay couples adopting, Bonnici does not believe that opposition or unpopularity should deter the government from doing what is right. “I know very respected gentlemen and women who made a fantastic career out of their lives and they use cannabis recreationally. I believe that through this reform we are giving dignity to a lot of people who are looked upon as if they are criminals when they are not criminals,” he said. Source: EuroNews

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MIMOSA EVO:

A TRIUMPH OF STRAIN EVOLUTION WITH BARNEY'S FARM

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ADVANCED’ BALCONY GROWING - VEGETATIVE STAGE THE FIRST 9 WEEKS

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CLONE AND SEEDLING ROOMS

WITH JORGE CERVANTES

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8 TOP TIPS FOR GROWING OUTDOORS IN SPRING WITH STONEY TARK

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SWEET AMNESIA HAZE XL AUTO®

PRODUCT

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NEWS

SPANNABIS RETURNS! Two years ago, I was in Barcelona preparing for Spannabis when COVID changed the world forever. I was ushered back to the hotel by the Spanish police clearing the streets of Barcelona. I was rushed back to the UK just before flights started to shut down, so I was very excited to find out that Spannabis 2022 was 100%. However, with restrictions on travel, COVID fallout, England now officially out of the EU, the Russians invaded Ukraine and a potential nuclear war around the corner, was Spannabis 2022 going to live up to everyone’s enormous expectations? If I’m frank, I thought that after such a big break since the last show and the rumours that High Times had brought the event for a reported $7 million, they would pull out all the stops. I was expecting them to put a show on like no other—a cannabis sector show of the likes the world had never seen before. The three day fair that stretched from the 11th to the 13th

saw 280 international exhibitors and 3,900+ professional guests, promising three unforgettable days. But with travel restrictions in effect and it raining on every day of the event, it was evident that it wasn’t going to be as busy as usual. The Sun eventually came out Sunday afternoon, and the party soon started outside as it usually does on all three days. It was a good solid show, but nothing new, almost a carbon copy of the previous event. I was left wanting more. I honestly think that the travel restrictions and the uncertainty in Ukraine put a lot of the big international names off. Don’t get me wrong. All the big companies were there. Still, usually, the CEOs and directors of those companies also come (which makes it a bit more exciting). However, most of them did not show this year. That is a lot of key industry figures that would normally consider Spannabis a not to miss event. The Rain didn’t bother me, but I think it put a lot of locals off, and that showed in

the numbers. A usually back to back, busy, exciting event seemed flat without the numbers there. Suppose Spannabis wants to take the industry and its events to the next level, they have to change it up. It needs to get bigger and better each year. This is the first year that the show has not done that.

I get that this is in the majority due to current world events. But why not make sure that this was going to be a show to end all shows and that if people didn’t come, they would miss a point in history. Something that I feel the previous Spannabis shows have achieved. (RH)

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BARNEY’S FARM STRAIN STORY Words & Pics: Green Born Identity – G.B.I.

Mimosa Evo A triumph of strain evolution doesn’t stop: while Mimosa Evo buds are supposed to have a THC count of already tremendous 24-26% on the average, most spectactular 30% shall be achievable for experienced growers! Inside the plants need 65-70 days of flowering to produce their big resin-drenched buds and finish them. Outside they are able to go strong as well: Standing 200-220 cm tall, the plants’ maturity sets in as early as at the beginning of October, providing a possibly record-breaking yield of up to more than two kilos per plant. Other good news for cultivators is that Mimosa Evo is fairly easy to grow, on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5, Barney’s rates it at 2. The strain’s mightily strong effect delivers on both sides of the spectrum, being energetic and euphoriant but at the same time also relaxing. That’s why Mimosa Evo, despite its utterly strong potency, is considered a good daytime smoke by Barney’s – well, one mustn’t necessarily smoke a whole fat doobie in broad daylight, particularly not if complex demanding tasks have to be performed.

Mr. Knolle gets the new strain stunner from Barney’s Farm started

Already studded with an impressive amount of strain jewels, 2020 saw another prominent addition to Barney’s Farm’s Cali Collection: Mimosa Evo appeared on the green scene. Bred by Symbiotic Genetics from Clementine and Purple Punch, the Mimosa strain has risen to prominence in the USA. Barney’s Farm’s Mimosa version is an enhanced one though, kind of supercharged, that’s why they’ve fittingly called it “Evo” which stands for evolution: With Barney’s own Orange Punch genetics, Mimosa was amalgamated into a new mega-strain! Which is of a super fruity nature as both parental plants are bursting with citrus

aroma so that Mimosa Evo comes with a likewise huge load of citrusy terpenes, yielding a tropical taste with notes of orange and lemon, blended with a bit of berryliciousness. Scent-wise, this variety serves an exotic cornucopia full of tangerines and other tropical fruits. But this indicadominant (60%) cultivar is not only a horn of plenty in terms of aroma, the same is true for its yield which can amount to bountiful 700 g/m2 indoors, with Mimosa Evo under optimum conditions even being able to notch up its performance and push the harvest boundaries further. Looking at its potency, the chain of superlatives

Mr. Knolle was super keen to grow this new strain stunner from Barney’s Farm and got two feminised seeds going. Unsurprisingly, they germinated in the best manner possible - after less than three days, the two seedlings started their above-ground growth. In the 3.5 weeks veg stage determined by Mr. Knolle, pretty lock-step they grew into stocky plants with a good scaffold of branches and medium wide green shade leaves. When the flowering phase was triggered, the two Mimosa Evos stood at 28 and 30 cm in height.

A very early generous resin shower and beautiful purple red colouring They delivered a quick response to the clock switch from 18/6 to 12/12 as soon as six days later, Mr. Knolle detected female preflowering. The flowering process continued at a fast pace, after 2.5 weeks of flowering, the two plants were bestrewn with thick knobbly “rosebuds” that promised a rich bloomage. Five weeks had passed

when Mr. Knolle stared at numerous young buds that were already looking strikingly frosty at that early point, covered by a densely woven trichome carpet. “If this early generous resin shower is going to continue like this, these two plants will easily range among the most resinous plants ever grown in my closet”, supposed Mr. Knolle. There also was a sweet scent in the air already, unmistakably citrusy, indeed, early pronouncing a lovely orange character. Another cause of joy was the fact that after flowering had kicked into full gear, both the flower leaves and shade leaves – some in their entirety, some in parts started to become purple red, whereas calyxes remained green. The stem elongation factor was about 2 during the first four weeks of flowering so that the plants had meanwhile arrived at heights of approximately 60 cm.

An overwhelming resin festival with bulky buds and a fantastic aroma potpourri In the second half of flowering, the Mimosa Evo blooming show was becoming really spectactular as an abundance of resin was literally pouring out of the buds now that were getting thicker and juicier every day, with prodigious sugary trichome layers piling up, until in the end that extreme resin production culminated in a view reminding of snow-covered mountains – mountains from which, wonderfully contrasting, purple red leaves were sticking out, likewise full of resin glands. Even the smallest of buds in the lower parts of the plants displayed such exorbitant trichome formations. Said a totally stoked Mr. Knolle, “yee-haw! Mimosa Evo really offers one of the most trichome-rich visions I’ve ever witnessed, what an overwhelming resin festival. And then it even comes wrapped in a beautiful jazzy red garment, a real visual mind-blower! That immense resin coating of course airs an accordingly intense tropical fruit fragrance, you’d almost think these flowers have been spritzed with organic “Primavera” citrus spray because this intriguing aroma potpourri has it all – orange, tangerine, grapefruit and lemon. When

9 Such a fresh and fruity orange flavour with a slight lemon twist Mr. Knolle had never tasted with a cannabis strain, and that kind of tingly exotic taste continued to dwell on the palate. Much as the flavour was a feast for the senses, the effect was another staggering contribution to this – after a few hits, Mr. Knolle felt as if a bubble full of endorphin had bursted in his head, releasing nothing than euphoria that flooded his brain cells. It was that beloved feeling of utmost elation, of being on the bright side of life and supercharged with positive energy and serenity.

he harvested them, those bulky fully ripe buds were engorged with resin production, super dense and hard. Having remained absolutely uniform until the very end, the two Mimosa Evos had gained final heights of 65 and 68 cm.

me mentally travel to a beach bar in the tropics where I get served a fresh fizzy sweet citrusy cocktail – even more than I had expected, Mimosa Evo has proven to be an exotic fruit bomb that bewitches the senses.”

Heavenly fragrant dry buds like straight from a best of buds book

The smoke test: His taste buds do the hula hoop dance, an endorphin bubble bursts in his head

Weighing the dried and cured buds a couple of weeks later, Mr. Knolle read generous harvest rewards of 77 and 82 grams off the scale. He was blown away by the look of the final product: “these are some heavenly super fat nuggets that with their bombastic trichome encrustations are looking like iced. Could come straight from a best of buds book! Dried, they now have a different - but likewise attractive - colour appearance, looking partly blueish.

Glowing with excitement, Mr. Knolle rolled his first test spliff, with about half a gram of Mimosa Evo mixed with a bit of tobacco. He pulled it past his nostrils with relish and noticed that this was a sort of marijuana strain that even has an unlit joint smell like one aromatic fruit stalk. Then he got the “tropical wads of smoke” going… the dense, albeit silky soft smoke appeared as creamy as a coconut shake to him and just like that went down smooth.

When I close my eyes and put my nose into a jar with these magic flowers, terpenes in abundance are bursting out of it… such is the intensity that it makes

The Mimosa Evo weed ignited a true flavour fireworks in his mouth that whirled around his taste buds and made them do the hula hoop dance!

strain descriptions and get enthused by them, but another to witness then that they not only become true but far exceed one’s high expectations. This breathtaking strain is a little wonder of nature, must be some kind of breeding sorcery done by Barney’s! At least it’s a triumph of strain evolution. Now I cannot wait to test the next variety from this seed bank... I think I’ll get started next week.”

Green Born Identity – G.B.I.

Impossible to rest on the couch any longer in that state of mind… he leaped to his feet and spontaneously went for a bike ride through the burgeoning spring nature which gave him wonderful sensory impressions and a strong feeling of mental balance. En route he took a rest, happily smoked the second half of the spliff and felt another euphoric rush radiate throughout his mind and body which made him ride home full of vim and vigour.

The final verdict Mr. Knolle’s final verdict: “Mimosa Evo was Barney’s Farm’s strain premiere in my grow room, and a most impressive one it was! It’s one thing to read terrific

Cultivation data: Genetics

Mimosa Evo (Clementine x Purple Punch)

Vegetative stage

3.5 weeks (after germination)

Flowering stage

66 + 69 days / 65-70 days in general

Medium

Plagron Light Mix soil, 10 litre pots

6.4-6.7

1.2–1.8 mS

Light

3x SANlight S4W, 1x SANlight S2W

Temperature

20-28°C

Air humidity

40-60%

Watering

by hand

Fertilisation

Organic Bloom Liquid from Green Buzz Liquids

Additives/stimulants

More Roots, Humin Säure Plus, Big Fruits, Fast Buds and Clean Fruits from Green Buzz Liquids

Tools

CleanLight Pro for mould prevention

Height

65 + 68 cm

Yield

77 + 82 g

CRYPTOCURRENCIES by sudestfam@protonmail.com

NFTs - HOW TO GROW VIRTUAL CANNABIS AND EARN MONEY THROUGH PLAY In recent months, a new phenomenon has gained popularity in the world of cryptocurrencies. It is called NFT, which stands for Non Fungible Token, a mix of technology between digital assets and certificates of ownership. The most sensational case, which has attracted the attention of the global media, is an artwork offered by a major auction house at a price of over €60 million, paving the way for this new technology.

sectors such as fashion, music, sport and of course cannabis, where they are having great success. This technology makes it possible to check the authenticity of an object and reconstruct its history starting from when it was created. WHO DOES NOT WISH A WARRANTY ON WHAT THEY ARE SMOKING? In the cannabis sector, the use of NFTs and, consequently, blockchain technology is a powerful solution to the problem of authenticity of cannabis strains, which has always beset those in the sector, from breeders through growers to end consumers, for years. By tokenising an object, such as a packet of seeds, a clone of

an end to this nightmare. Some seeds banks have already started offering batches of seeds linked to NFT technology through which information about the genetics can be consulted to verify authenticity. Other producers are working on offering unique or limited-edition strains, perhaps associated with artworks, to give their creations more originality. Generating NFTs also brings monetary benefits as the uniqueness of an item attracts the interest of many people who are willing to pay more than others to get it. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT GROWING VIRTUAL MARIJUANA AND MAYBE MAKING MONEY FROM IT? In the last year, many platforms have

a flower card, which corresponds to a plant, you return to Flowerpatch to start planting. Each strain has its own characteristics as to how it should be grown, for example in soil or hydroponics. The most skilled growers or breeders who cultivate the best plants can earn more flowers, which can be resold like any NFT to the highest bidder. GROW HOUSE is a cannabis NFT game that differs from other farming games mainly because of its educational approach to decentralised finance, cannabis and cryptocurrencies. The objective of the platform is the creation of Cannaverse, a term derived from Metaverse, a collective virtual space born from the convergence of physical reality and a virtual space. Cannaverse provides a wide range of

WHAT ARE NFTS? NFTs are digital ownership certificates for tangible and intangible assets registered on a blockchain, i.e. a ‘ledger’ shared on the web. Let us analyse now what NFT, ‘Non-Fungible Token’, means to better understand what we are talking about. A token is a set of digital information registered on a blockchain that confers rights on a certain object, while the term non-fungible means an asset that has unique characteristics and therefore cannot be exchanged with or replaced by another one. For example, in the world of art, artists save their works in digital format, each file corresponds to a binary code string, which is compressed into an even smaller code called ‘hash’ through a process called ‘hashing’. This hash is then recorded on a blockchain, thus making the information it contains unchangeable, traceable and decentralised. When artists sell their works, they basically transfer the hash containing the data of their works, the rights to use them and a link to the virtual artwork. In some cases, NFTs are also accompanied by physical objects signed by the author. WHAT MAKES NFTS SO INTERESTING? The enthusiasm for this technology has exploded especially in the area of 2.0 collecting, where the most famous examples are CryptoPunks , i.e. a collection of 10,000 pixellated smiley faces with unique features, purchasable with Ethereum units, the cost of this artwork amounted to just a few euros at its inception, but has since then raised to several millions. The use of NFTs is not only confined to the field of art, but extends to

Photos are courtesy of Marco Verch. a particular strain or a packet of cannabis, all the information about it is recorded on a blockchain. We have seen all this before. Skilled growers have seen several years of hard work spent in breeding and selecting genetics stolen by petty people who later claim authorship on them, and consumers have often been duped by unscrupulous traders. NFTs put

emerged offering video games that use NFTs as a game tool. Flowerpatch and GROW HOUSE are two examples of what can be found online. The first one is a farming game where players are virtual marijuana growers; to start playing you need a ‘metamask wallet’ with which you can buy ‘flower cards’ in Ethers from the website opensea.io, which is a portal dedicated to the sale of NFTs. Once you have purchased

tools that not only allow you to earn cryptocurrencies by cultivating virtual cannabis, but also offer the possibility of interacting between players, thus creating real communities and involving brands in the sector.

Get ready, because the NFT revolution is just beginning!

SHOP

2022:

TERRA AQUATICA TAKES OFF Terra Aquatica is now operating independently after a five-year transition period, a step-by-step process during which it broke away from the history of the original US company. The first step was to choose a new identity: the name, logo, and colours that have been rolled out on labels and other media are the result of a communal, enthusiastic thought process by the company’s employees, to best symbolise their areas of work: global specialists in hydroponics, in line with the company’s historic heritage; they are however also pioneers in and developers of the best range of organic products available on the market today, a field in which the company now intends to assert its presence. The company is maintaining a steady course: in product excellence! The labels and names may have changed, but the bottles still contain the same recipes: for example, the Flora Series, now called Tripart,

developed by Cal Hermann at the end of the 1980s and tested by W. Texier; or even Pro Organic, a complete fertiliser developed in France which when used in soil represents an ultra-concentrated version of the nutritional benefits, while in water, it marks a real revolution, that was the subject of a patent filing in 2005. The company is proud of its complete range of simple, durable and robust systems, which combine proven technologies (the water circulation system invented by Lawrence Brooke still forms part of the CultiMate series, formerly called Aquafarm and Waterfarm) with more recent innovations, such as the solar panel which can also be fitted to their small urban garden for terraces and balconies (Ebb&Grow). In line with the ecological approach which underpins closed-circuit hydroponics, a significant part of the range is manufactured in Terra Aquatica’s premises using a

recycled, non-toxic and stable plastic which is also infinitely recyclable. Terra Aquatica therefore represents the very latest step in a story which started in the 1980s in Northern California, with the collaboration of Lawrence Brooke, the founder of General Hydroponics US, Cal Hermann, an ex-NASA water chemistry specialist, William Texier and Noucetta Kehdi, his wife, who founded the first commercial hydroponics farm and popularised a more family-oriented version using the “Family Farm” concept. This is a very American story, about a “hobby”, about enthusiasts who gave birth to a multinational to meet the needs of a phenomenal, growing market, having discovered and popularised the possibilities offered by indoor cultivation (in terms of yield, nutritional quality, and cost savings!). The company exported itself to Europe in 1994, and, once established in the French Department of Gers, the quality of its pro-

ducts ensured it a position on the European market. Today, Terra Aquatica has gotten into its stride, a “young” company which has shed its Californian roots. With its enthusiastic team and tools to get the job done, it is equipping itself for the European manufacture of products which were previously imported from the USA: NovaMax (formerly FloraNova) and DryPart (previously, the Maxi Series). The company also has a research area, a glasshouse more than 1000 m² in size where it intends to develop its future innovations, be it the continuous improvement of its existing products, or entirely new recipes. Driven by its commitments, the company intends to continue to offer the best products and services to its customers, be it the loyal customer base that has supported it during its transformation, or newcomers who only know it under its new identity!

CBD

www.trufflymade.com Telephone: + 36 20 579 3521

trufflymade

THE BUD DIARIES By Rich Hamilton

OREOZ Every issue, Rich Hamilton shares an extract from his bud diaries" with us. This month we have a strain named after a snack that deserves a place in the "Biscuit Hall of Fame". Oreoz. STRAIN Oreoz, also known as "Oreo Cookies" and "Oreos," is a potent hybrid that is super popular thanks to its creamy on-trend "cookie" based genetics and robust THC levels.

GENETICS Cultivated by "Brummie Boys" and wrapped up in some of the coolest packaging in the UK. Designed by the graffiti artist TEMPO 33 TWC. Oreoz is an Indica dominant (60%40% ) hybrid. Its genetic parentage is Cookies' n'' cream and Secret Weapon. The latter might not be very well known, but it should be considering the amount of trichome frosting it produces. The result of this cross breeding is a trichome rich strain with an average THC content that rarely tests below 22%.

GROW INFO Oreoz plant has a flowering time of 65 days, and it is best done indoors. When cultivated correctly, there will be lumpy and dense, bright green buds with deep amber glittering trichomes coating. It is an easy strain to grow for beginners, and in terms of yield, you can expect to get in the region of 18oz per Metre square.

FLOWER Oreoz has dense neon green buds that are longer, uneven, and moderate in size. Look closely, and you will see deep purple undertones highlighted by lively flowing amber hairs. It is easy to miss

the finer details of this bud; however, blanketing these stunning buds is a thick layer of crystal trichomes.

ODOUR Complex and sweet, Oreoz is reminiscent of Amsterdam coffeeshops. There are notes of dark chocolate, coffee and wood wrapped up in a skunky, piney blanket. The range of terpenes in this strain means there is something to please everyone. The smell is lusciously heavy. It reminds me of Chocolope or Bubba Kush.

CONSUMED I smoked this excellent bud with the Birmingham graffiti legend who designs the packaging, TEMPO 33. His trademark brace face stickers, Black and white bill posts and artworks adorn every city corner, including the new mylar packets from The Brummie Boys. So, to smoke it with the man himself was a complete honour. Smoking good weed with good people is a beautiful luxury in life which shouldn't be taken lightly. We smoked

Oreoz in unbleached, king-size rizla with a hand-rolled card roach, lit with a standard clipper. We smoked out the back of a Birmingham art gallery on a fresh, bright February day in the middle of the afternoon, telling war stories from years past and enjoying the weed. A great afternoon smoke up that I will look back on for many years to come.

TASTE It couldn't have a name like Oreoz without some creamy vanilla. As with the smell, however, Oreoz's deep, nutty, chocolate and coffee notes combine, giving an overall roasted flavour that is both smoky and sweet. Think of having smores around a campfire with hints of diesel and chocolate.

STONE The effect of this hybrid begins with the quick onset of a heavy head rush. This soon evolves into swells of exhilaration combined with weighty relaxation of the entire body. The high is relaxing and long-lasting. The potency of Oreoz

almost guarantees an episode of "couch-lock" on your first try. Short sessions can bring productive highs, making you calm and stress-free, rather than tired. Beware, however, as the munchies are pretty much unavoidable! Try treating this strain more like hash, and it should be more manageable. Its moderately high 22-33% average THC level makes Oreoz excellent for medicinal users. If you are new to medicating with cannabis or have low tolerance, approach with caution, as this will knock your socks off! Oreoz is great for those who need relief from loss of appetite, chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, chronic stress, etc. It is also recommended for treating the symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

If you're looking for an intense high, that's not too overpowering. This might be the one for you. A long-lasting hit that will have you going back for more just minutes after the smoke clears.

OUTDOOR GROWING Bosterix

‘ADVANCED’ BALCONY GROWING - VEGETATIVE STAGE (PART ONE) The first 9 weeks

This is the first of a series of four articles about growing marijuana on the balcony with Advanced Nutrients.

and July, if you use a highly fertilised soil, you will need no growth fertiliser, or you will only need a very low dose of it at week 5 from transplant in order to supplement the fertiliser quantity still left in the soil. On the other hand, with a poorly fertilised soil, you will have to fertilise more frequently.

Since its foundation more than a decade ago in Canada, Advanced Nutrients has become specialised in advanced fertilisers for marijuana growing. Their fertiliser lines can be classified into two groups based on their origin: organic (or natural) and bio-mineral, aimed at obtaining the highest yields in indoor crops.

Feeding off the cotyledons.

This article is about the organic line, which allows you to obtain a high-quality final product that is easier to use, comparatively cheap and preserves all the original aromas and flavours of all the strains you grow. Should we opt for a better flavour and effect or a maximum

as it is best suited to outdoor needs and conditions. With Advanced Nutrients, as with all fertiliser brands, preparing the substrate is crucial. If you start with a bad substrate, even with a very good fertiliser you will not obtain the

high-quality seeds and fertilisers in a mediocre or low-quality substrate. The quality potting soils sold in growshops contain fertiliser for two to six weeks. This must be taken into account since, if you are going to plant autoflowering seeds, you will not need to transplant your seedlings. However, if you are growing photodependent (i.e., non-autoflowering) plants, whether regular or feminised, you will need to transplant them at least three times during their vegetative (i.e., growth) phase. During the 17 weeks of the plant growth period, between April

The early days in a greenhouse. yield? For the home grower, the former is always better. Go for the highest quality of marijuana! It is better to plant one or two more plants, with the best quality, than choose more yield at the expense of a great flavour and a clean effect. For outdoor growing, instead, a higher yield should be sought without overlooking the need for the highest quality level. For balcony cultivation, the organic line is the most recommended,

expected results. That is why it is always very important to start with good quality soil. Try to find a substrate that is easy to moisten and drains excess water away when watering. To that end, it is always a good idea to add some coconut fibre and perlite to the soils normally sold in growshops. Do not be sparing in the use of soil, which is a cost you will only incur once. Indeed, if the substrate turns out to be bad, this will backlash on the whole crop. It makes no sense to use

A light soil.

It all depends on how you prefer to grow and the type of plant you are growing. If you like to be in control of the overall crop and of how your plants develop, we recommend using lightly fertilised soil. If, on the other hand, you do not have time, know your grown strain well and are sure it will develop safely with a high amount of fertiliser, you can use a prefertilised soil for 6 weeks, and just feed good quality water. In any case, during the first weeks of growth, you should always choose a substrate with little fertiliser, as the seedlings will merely feed off the cotyledons. In my crop, I preferred a soil with a low amount of light fertiliser for the whole cultivation. The first time, i.e., for the first transplants, I mixed it with a third of coconut, so that the seedlings’ roots could develop better. I also added a quantity of mycorrhizae and trichoderma, which I then increased at each transplant, as they protect the roots from moulds and soil pathogens,

17 improve the absorption of nutrients and promote root development. The best time to grow on the balcony starts in late March or April, when the lowest temperature begins to be above 10ºC. If you want plants to grow well and yield efficiently, this is the right time to germinate. If you want smaller, more discreet plants, instead, wait a few weeks longer. I normally start growing them using small pots and a greenhouse and, after a few weeks, I move them to 10 first, and then 30 litre pots. During the first few weeks of growth, their roots develop well. However, just consider that there is much soil and not much root ball, which means that the water you feed can be absorbed slowly, and you should not water them a lot to prevent disrupting the plants’ development. Watering should be done every so often to avoid over-wetting the substrate and forming puddles, as the soil will ultimately become caked and the plants suffer from oxygen deficiency, stunted growth and, in extreme cases, yellowing.

Cultivez au soleil.

For this growing stage, you will need: 1 litre of Iguana Grow, which will be useful for the whole growing period. 1 litre of Ancient Earth and Sensizym, to be used during the whole growing and flowering periods. The base (read, complete) fertiliser suitable for the first growth stage is Iguana Grow, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as micronutrients, vitamins and amino acids. It is 100% organic and natural and is also among products with the highest percentage of biological mass on the market. Iguana Grow, like all the fertilisers used in crops of this type, has been awarded

Fertilisers used in the first weeks.

an OIM certificate from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which certifies Organic Input Materials to be used for the cultivation of certified organic products. As an additive, you can use Ancient Earth, which contains humic and fulvic acids obtained from leonardite, an organic matter that still has to complete its mineralisation process. The humic and fulvic acids contained in Ancient Earth increase the permeability of the cell membrane, which in turn increases the absorption of water as well as of macro and micronutrients. It acts as a natural chelate with important micro-elements such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc. Ancient Earth also has buffering functions in the substrate, i.e., it buffers any pH change in the substrate for the benefit of plant growth. Usually, I also add Sensizym, which is among Advanced Nutrients’ flagship products, with more than 80 enzymes. Sensizym converts dead roots into nutrients and sugars ready to be absorbed by plants. It breaks down salts that accumulate in the soil, regenerates the substrate environment, and prevents rotting and the appearance of moulds and soil pathogens. It also contributes to the formation of new roots. With Sensizym, plants grow in a healthy substrate, resulting in increased growth and vigour and, therefore, higher yields. Specimens are healthier and more resistant. Just consider that Sensizym has a maximum 18-month shelf life, so it is advisable to check the expiry date on the package and, once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator for it to retain its properties. The first fertilisation cycles should be made when the fertiliser left in the soil is running out. If you start growing with a light soil, you will have to wait a week and a half or two weeks before fertilising. With a normal pre-fertilised soil, instead, wait two or three weeks. A soil that has been pre-fertilised for 6 weeks is not recommended for seedlings. Start with low doses of Iguana Grow and Ancient Earth and gradually increase

them over the next weeks, when the plant grows bigger. I prepare the fertiliser with osmosed water reconstituted with calcium and magnesium at 0.5 mS, since, where I live, tap water is very hard and unusable for growing quality cannabis. For this reason, I use an EC (Electro Conductivity) meter. First, I fill a bucket with reconstituted water, add Iguana Grow, stir well and add Ancient Earth, then I mix and water. I start with a small amount of fertiliser, 5ml of Iguana Grow and 5ml of Ancient Earth for every 10 litres of water, and gradually increase to 20ml of each. I apply the enzymes at the beginning; i.e., for every 5 cycles with fertiliser, I apply one cycle with enzymes. Later on, as growth progresses and during flowering, I apply enzymes more often. The dose of Sensizym that I apply is 20 ml per 10 litres of base water. I only add the fertiliser once per week and whenever required. It is unnecessary to water frequently at the beginning of growth, since, at springtime, the substrate stays wet for longer, the mild climate does not cause much water evaporation as normally happens in summer, and plants and their root balls are still small. You should always fertilise according to the needs of your plants and never according to a table. What you should be interested in is nourishing your plants correctly, so the main thing to do is observation, forget about tables! Tables are no golden rule, they are merely provided to show what optimum conditions are in indoor crops. That is why it is better to use lower doses of fertiliser outdoors, as optimum conditions for plants are hard to achieve in an outdoor crop and even less so on a balcony. In optimum conditions, your plants will grow to their full potential, but will also require more nutrients and additives.

Soil, coco and perlite for a good start.

On the other hand, for plants grown on balconies in non-optimum conditions – such as fewer hours of sunshine, a pot that overheats due to the soil heat, etc. – exceeding with fertiliser and additive doses may affect the flavour and quality of your marijuana in addition to increasing costs. Be aware that, if light is lacking or the temperature is too hot, more fertiliser will be of no use; quite the reverse, the plants will probably require less fertiliser, because conditions are worse they will not develop to their full potential. You should start with a small amount of fertiliser and then increase it in order to achieve correct nutrition, rather than the known fertilisation limit, because that would be too much. If plants are green and do not show any deficiencies, they need no fertiliser. So be patient. During this phase, birds are the pests to be avoided the first place. When a seed has just sprouted, birds will be attracted to the cotyledons, those rounded false leaves, and to the first pair of newly formed leaves and eat them. Keep your newly germinated seedlings in a greenhouse until they grow more. During these months, leaf miners and thrips also turn up outdoors on balconies. Coloured sticky traps and neem-based biopesticides are usually effective in this case, but if plants are totally plagued, pyrethrin will help you get rid of thrips. At this growth stage, plants do not require much attention. On the other hand, the overall input costs – including substrate, fertilisers and seeds – are the highest of the year, so it is a good idea to save money beforehand rather than make ends meet at the end of the month or neglect the plants. In the next issue, we will cover the final stage of growth, when our purpose as growers is to get the best flowering of our marijuana plants.

GROW WITH JORGE CERVANTES Jorge Cervantes jorge@marijuanagrowing.com

SEED AND SEEDLING ROOM fragile root system and are unable to withstand much wind. Air that moves a little and is not stagnant is perfect. Water: Give germinating seeds and small seedlings distilled water or water with very low (<100 ppm) of dissolved solids and a pH between 6.0-7.0 for best results. Nutrients: No nutrients are necessary for the first few weeks of growth. Some growers start fertilizing with a very mild nutrient solution after the third week of growth. Growing medium: Transplant germinated seeds into a fine soil or soilless mix made for seedlings. These mixes hold a little more moisture to compensate for smaller growing containers, and the consistency allows roots to penetrate easily. Or transplant into preformed root cubes – Easy Plugs, Ellepots, Jiffy®, Oasis®, rockwool, etc. Use cubes that have similar water-holding-ability as the growing medium they will be transplanted into.

Seedlings need less light. You can grow them near a window or under artificial lights.

Size and siting: A seedling room is usually small and can be as simple as an enclosed box with ventilation and adequate light. Unless you are growing vast quantities of seedlings, a small area is all that is needed. Avoid growing seedlings on a countertop in the bedroom, garage and protected corner of the garden room. These locations have their own climates – temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting, etc. Seedlings will have to conform to this climate and often get a poor start in life. Seeds and seedlings are most fragile and vulnerable during their first few weeks of life. A slow start could haunt them all the way to harvest. Lighting: Seeds need darkness to germinate. Provide them with warmth, humidity and air only. Once seeds are planted in a growing medium and

sprout through the soil, they need low levels of light. A fluorescent lamp or indirect sunlight is all they need for the first week after sprouting through the soil. Increase light levels to filtered sunlight or move the fluorescent lamp a little closer. You can add a low-wattage CFL bulb too. Set timer to 16-hour days and 8-hour nights to promote more females and fewer males for regular seed varieties. This is a tip I got from Henk at Dutch Passion. Set timer to 18-hour days and 6-hour nights for feminized varieties. Set timer to 20-hour days and 4-hour nights for auto-flowering varieties. Temperature: Seeds sprout best in a temperature range from 21 to 29

degrees C. Warmer temperatures within this range usually speed sprouting. I like to keep temperatures at the ideal 25 degrees C. Seedlings grow best within a 18-21 degree C temperature range. Increasing bottom heat 1-2 degrees C speeds root growth. Humidity: High humidity (90-100 percent) is necessary to moisten the outer shell and activate hormones inside. Supply this humidity with a moist paper towel or similar material. Room humidity can be as low as 40-60 percent, but the moisture will evaporate quickly from the paper towel. Note: Seeds also need air, so do not soak them in water for more than 24 hours. Air ventilation and circulation should be minimal during germination and seedling growth. Seedlings have a tiny

Containers: Small seed containers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across and 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) deep with a drainage hole are great if starting many seeds. Seedlings must be watered daily so growing medium does not dry out. Grow in 4-inch (10 cm) pots if growing a few seedlings. Transplant germinated seeds into deep cell ((3 x 9 inches) 7-23 cm)) containers if you plan to transplant seedlings into Mother Earth outdoors or in a greenhouse. Diseases and Pests: Damping-off rots seedlings at the soil line. Slugs, snails, and chewing insects are the main pests that attack seedlings. Seeds do not carry diseases, but once germinated, diseases and pests can attack. Dip seedlings in a sterilizing solution when transplating.

CLONE ROOM

T-5 fluorescent tubes are fading away and being replaced by LED fixtures.

Select clones: Read “Purchasing and Selecting Clones” or take and grow your own clones. Read “Clones and Cloning” in chapter ten, Mothers and Clones.

CFL, LED lighting and ambient or highly filtered sunlight is all clones need to carry on life processes until they grow a strong root system.

Size and siting: A small clone room is necessary for small home gardens, but a big room is a must to produce many clones on a regular basis. A small setup can be as simple as an enclosed area with ventilation and adequate light. Large dedicated rooms are a must for serious clone production.

Once they have developed a strong root system, clones can utilize more intense light. After transplant shock has passed clones can process light necessary for vegetative growth.

You can section off a small portion of a vegetative or mother room to stick clones. The small separate area requires temperature, humidity, air circulation and ventilation and lighting control. Clones are most susceptible to drying out, disease and pests from the instant they are cut until they have developed a strong root system.

Temperature: Clones root best in a temperature range from 24-27 degrees C. Warmer air temperatures may not speed rooting. Keep temperatures at the ideal 26 degrees C for best results. As with seedlings, increasing bottom heat 1-2 degrees C speeds root growth.

As with seedlings, a slow start now can plague clones all the way to harvest. Lighting: Clones need low levels of light to survive while they are striking roots. Fluorescent lamps, low levels of

Set light timer to 18-hour days and 6-hour nights

Humidity: High humidity (85-95 percent) is necessary for the first couple of days after cutting and sticking clones. Place clones in a humidity tent or humidity-controlled room. They can handle lower humidity (70-85 percent) after the first 3-4 days because they are more acclimated to the environment.

Note: Clones need a little air circulation and ventilation. Usually a humidity dome with at least two adjustable vents located on either side supplies enough natural airflow to be sufficient. Water: Give rooting clones distilled water or water with very low (<100 ppm) of dissolved solids and a pH between 6.0-7.0 for best results. Nutrients: Clones do not need any nutrients until after they are transplanted. Some growers start fertilizing with a very mild nutrient solution just before transplanting. Growing medium: Stick clones into into Ellepots or Easyplugs or into preformed root cubes – Jiffy®, rockwool, etc. You can also use fine soil or soilless mix that holds a little more moisture and plenty of air. The substrate must have plenty of air for clones to grow a strong root system. Use cubes that have similar waterholding-ability as the growing medium

clones will be transplanted into. Containers: Small seed containers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across and 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) deep with a drainage hole are great if taking many clones. Keep an eye on the medium, do not let it dry out and be careful to not overwater. Grow in 4-inch (10 cm) pots if growing a few clones. Take clones or transplant into deep cell ((3 x 9 inches) 7 x 20 cm)) containers if you plan to move them into Mother Earth outdoors or into a greenhouse. Diseases and Pests: Diseases such as powdery mildew and damping-off are the two main pathogens that attack clones. Mother plants with powdery mildew pass it on to clones. Dampingoff is typically the result of an overly moist growing medium. Dip clones in a sterilizing solution when transplating. Any diseases and pests mother plants have are passed on to clones. Always start with clean diseaseand pest-free mothers.

This an excerpt from the new digital Edition unpublished 6th Edition of Marijuana Horticulture (AKA the Bible) by Jorge Cervantes. The new digital edition will be available as this spring, 2022. Jorge is very excited about the new digital edition because you will be able to contribute to the digital book.

GROW WITH STONEY TARK By Stoney Tark

8 TOP TIPS FOR GROWING OUTDOORS IN SPRING here is to use copper wire and place it around the tops of your pots, or on the ground next to your plants. Slugs and snails will be repelled by the copper and will not bother your plants anymore. Pint sized plastic cups are also an excellent way to cover the delicate seedlings during night time from insects.

Tip #6: Companion Plants Most growers would frown at the idea of growing any other plants apart from Cannabis outdoors, however there are multiple benefits associated with companion plants. Not only do these plants offer stealth and some level of camouflage, they also repel insects and produce terpenes that will protect the plants. Our tip here is to go to your local garden centre and buy Basil. Parsley, Garlic, Sunflower, Lavender, Chamomile, Dill, Mint, and Coriander.

Tip #7: Watering Times

Tip#1: Face the Sun The sun will always set facing South, meaning that if you can keep your outdoor plants in a location where they are South facing, then you will be able to provide the most direct light possible. Over the seasons the sun will shift height in the sky as the days become longer, so our top tip here is to establish the final location and plant directly into the ground or use a big pot.

Tip #2: Use Large Pots There are many advantages to repotting smaller-sized Cannabis plants that have become root bound in their containers, however allowing a seedling to grow directly into a large-sized pot such as a 25L or 50L pot can be much more practical. Starting off with a nutrient-rich soil blend

and giving the seedlings a chance to dig their roots as far down as possible early on, will produce very large-sized plants. Our tip here is that the bigger the pot, then the bigger the plant will become!

Tip #3: The Cold Nights Growing Cannabis plants outdoors can be challenging especially during the cold and frigid nights that some growers can experience. Cold temperatures can stunt the growth of a plant and cause nutrients to be locked out. Our tip here is to bring the plants inside at nights and keep them in darkness until the next day. Alternately, use a greenhouse with a heater for the first few months until the night time temperatures are much warmer.

Tip #4: Autos Work Great!

If you have had bad experiences growing outdoors for the full year and find it more trouble than it is worth, then maybe give auto flowering strains a try. As autos are not dependant on a set light regime to trigger flowering, it is possible to grow a batch of autos outdoors every 3 months give or take. Our top tip here is to grow your phototrophic plants, but also have a batch of autos that you can harvest every 90 days or so. This will put the fun back into outdoor growing and allow you to never be short of buds.

Tip #5: Insect Protection Finding your plants half eaten and chewed up by insects can be soul destroying. With no signs of the pest, knowing how to prevent the same thing happening again can be a stressful situation. Our top tip

Understanding the balance between dry and wet periods when feeding your Cannabis plants, can make a huge difference in the way the roots form. The roots of any plant will search out for air pockets and space to enter and access available nutrients. The more chance the seedlings have to anchor their roots down and really establish themselves at the base of the pots, the better. Our tip here is to only water when your growing medium is totally dry and only use small amounts of nutrient solution at first.

Tip #8: Foliar Feeding When your seedlings are young and getting used to the outdoor environment, a great way to keep plant health optimal and allow the roots to really push out, is to add a foliar feeding regime in. Our top tip here is to use a very mild solution of seaweed at 2ml per litre, as a great way to provide nutrition and keep the leaves waxy and able to retain plenty of water.

Good Luck with your outdoor crop this year!

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GROW REPORT WITH STONEY TARK By Stoney Tark

HOW TO CONTROL TALL PLANTS IN FLOWER If you are new to growing Cannabis indoors, then you may have experienced plants that once started flowering grew out of control. This can often result in tall, lanky, and low producing plants that show signs of stress and lack of vigour and essence. In this article we explain how to control your canopy during the vegetative stage of 18/6 to prevent excessively tall mature plants, allowing you to produce the best indoor buds. Understanding The Stretch Cannabis is an apical dominance plant which means that it will have a tendency to grow upwards with one main central top. This is evident when plants are left alone to grow naturally, with indica and indica dominant hybrids stretching almost twice in size and sativa dominant varieties growing as tall as 3-4 times their original height prior to flowering. The growth hormone naturally produced inside the Cannabis plants is named auxin and can easily be disrupted, causing the growth structure and canopy to totally change. Below are several plant training methods that when applied at the correct times, will save an indoor and outdoor grower lots of space, time, and a headache, The Different Training Techniques This female plant is 4 weeks into 12/12 and is fully stretched now.

Internodal spacing will determine how tall plants can stretch.

1) Topping or Pinching Topping is one of the easiest ways to manipulate the canopy and growth structure of your Cannabis plants. It involves removing the top growth shoot and allowing the two smaller axillary shoots to become the highest point of the plant. As a result, the growth hormone Auxin is disrupted and the plant will now focus its energy on the two new primary growth sites. This process can be repeated multiple times until there is a very large and bushy top canopy and when applied to sativa strains can dramatically reduce the final height. Top Tip: Be Careful topping indica dominant plants with large-sized fan leaves early on. 2) Tying Plants Down This method requires a grower to be more hands on and to gently tie certain parts of the vegetative plant down. The goal is to trick the plant so the lower parts which become the highest grow in place as the new primary top-growth sites. As the plants are able to grow back up within 3 days, the result is a canopy that is symmetrical and even height. What were once the smaller and lower shoots that are normally less productive when flowering, now grow upwards and become the main canopy. It is advised to use string, elastic,

or metal wire to tie plants down. Top Tip: When tying down, use a material such as string that can be easily cut away in the event of an emergency. 3) Using Screens If you really want to take your canopy control to the next level, then either building a net screen or buying one from the local grow shop, is the proper way to do so. This method also known as Screen of Green or SCROG, is much more demanding in terms of vegetative time, plant training and working the canopy through the net in a symmetrical format to provide light to every growth site. Normally a grower will use a screen on one or two large-sized plants, with the intention of harvesting the same amount of dry flower as a room filled with smaller plants and grown as a Sea of Green or SOG. Top Tip: Be prepared to spend at least 4-6 weeks under 18/6 if using a screen. 4) Snapping Stems Many old-school growers refer to this technique as super-cropping, and involves a high-stress technique to manipulate the hard wood structure of the branches. The benefits of this type of training are to purposely snap and break the inner cell walls of the branches, and to allow them to set in place the same way a broken bone would mend itself. It is best to apply super-cropping to more mature plants that display hardwood stems and will be able to recover from the temporary trauma of being strategically snapped. When performed correctly however, will result in much more resilient, and stronger plants than before, as well as reducing the final height prior to switching to 12/12. Top Tip: Only apply this technique to mature and hardwood growth. The Conclusion: On the basis that you can apply any of the techniques during the 18/6 cycle, then you will be able to significantly reduce the stretch of your Cannabis plants. Plant training also allows you to become more hands with your Cannabis plants and costs nothing.

GROW REPORT

Auto Banana Blaze GROWN IN COLD CLIMATES Dutch Passion's Auto Banana Blaze is a high yielding indica autoflowering strain that takes around 75-80 days to develop from seed to harvest in a 30-litre pot filled with a 50/50 mix of light compost with coco fibre and under 200W (California Lightworks) LED lights. It was grown in a grow-box kept in an unheated garage, and the temperature remained cool throughout its growth, typically between 16 and 22ºC; however, during a cold snap just before harvest, temperature dropped briefly to 10-15ºC. This contributed to a beautiful and unusual 'red wave' as the harvest approached. Despite the adverse temperature, this hardy Afghani Kush plant managed to carry on well, yielding just over 100g of dried buds. AUTO BANANA BLAZE WITHSTOOD THE COLDEST TEMPERATURES LIKE A CHAMPION Auto Banana Blaze has rare Afghani genetics with a unique sweet and creamy banana flavour - to be noticed more when burnt than when vaporised. Like most Dutch Passion autos, you can expect a heavy dominant central bloom surrounded by 1-2 dozen wellproportioned side blooms. Despite being grown in a 50/50 mix of coco fibre and nutrient-poor light compost, the plant could be fed only with plain water and BioTabs (slowrelease organic nutrients) throughout its entire lifetime, which greatly simplified cultivation. In addition. air pots were used to achieve high levels of root aeration so that plants could thrive under LED lights. The only difficulty encountered during cultivation was a concerning drop in temperature just before harvest. However, by then, Auto Banana Blaze had already developed a heavy structure and a few dozen generously sized flowers.

AUTO BANANA BLAZE: SUPER-RESINOUS, TERPINOLENE-RICH BUDS IN INTENSE COLOURS

"Overall, the aroma, smell, taste and effect of Auto Banana Blaze make for a great user experience. My friends have absolutely loved rolling joints with its buds; the effect is really

powerful, happy, social and joyful. One of my best crops ever on several levels. Don't smoke too much or it will knock you down and lock you to the couch!"

For its terpene profile made up by almost 30% of the rare compound terpinolene, the plant's buds had a rich aroma, which fully delighted the grower: “The terpenes in Auto Banana Blaze were absolutely amazing. Think of traditional Afghani Kush pungency with a unique fruity banana touch. I wanted to discover how this was possible, so we ran a professional lab test. Whenever a lab test shows that terpinolene, a rare compound, is present, you can be confident that the result is going to be special. Normally, only 1 in 10 strains has terpinolene, but this Auto Banana Blaze had it as the dominant terpene! For me, this just confirms what a special autoflowering strain Auto Banana Blaze really is. Its aroma is fantastic, its colours are awesome and the final appearance is the best that can be obtained. Its effect is extremely relaxing and exceptionally pleasant. Auto Banana Blaze is a fast-acting, stress-relieving indica. Its high is enormously rewarding and lasts long - I have rarely been happier and more satisfied at the end of a harvest! My friends loved its unique red buds and its powerful anti-anxiety Kush effects. As soon as the jar was opened, they queued up to enjoy its taste and aroma."

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The end result was a great looking home-grown auto with a rich yield. Auto Banana Blaze grew under 200W LED lights and flourished as a bushy, resinous autoflowering indica. The flowers turned into hard, compact nuggets with a unique charm. A rare banana flavour and gorgeous red colouration made this a truly memorable growing experience. Some final remarks from the grower:

Strain

Auto Banana Blaze

Genetics

Banana Blaze X Auto Mazar

Grow Box

90x120cm grow tent

Pot

30-litre air pot

Substrate

Terra light mix with coco fibre in a proportion of 50/50

Lighting

California Lightworks 200W ‘Solar System 275’

Temperature

16ºC – 22ºC on average (with drops to 10-15 ºC)

Humidity

40% to 80% relative humidity between watering periods

Fertilisers

BioTabs Starterskit (Mycotrex, Startrex, Silicium Flash, Bactrex, BioTabs)

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Sweet Amnesia Haze XL Auto®

THE GENTLE GIANT FROM SWEET SEEDS® When a grower needs to maximize production in the shortest time possible, the extra-large autoflowering genetic line from Sweet Seeds® is probably the best option, whether indoors or outdoors. This time for my outdoor grow operation I needed to harvest in just 2 months and it was the only crop that I could do this outdoor season. Looking for a good yield, amazing aromas and an uplifting effect, my choice was Sweet Amnesia Haze XL Auto® (SWS57). Due to personal limitations, I had to harvest by the end of June. So I sprouted 4 seeds by the 24th of April, meaning

that the plants would flower between the end of May and the end of June, probably the best time of the year to grow autoflowering strains outdoors as the plants end up getting the days of the year with more hours of sun. After the 4 seeds germinated, I placed them in small 200 ml cups, under a 18w CFL light just for the first 5 days. Then I transplanted them directly to their final pots of 18 litres and started to leave them outside for some nice sunbaths. They responded very well and kept growing at a very good rhythm. Sweet Amnesia Haze XL Auto® is a very special Sativa. From my experience with

this strain in my indoor area, I can say that it is probably the easiest mostly Sativa strain for indoor growing. Not only the plants are very easy to control, without any sort of excessive stretching, but they are also ready to harvest in a very short time and the stems are strong enough to hold the resinous compact buds in the second half of flowering. All in all, this beauty is an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor growing. In my outdoor space they reached to around 15 cm by the 12th day from germination. The 4 plants had to deal with a couple of windy days, which allowed

them to strengthen their stems. At day 20 they already had a lot of branches, ready to start stretching. The internodal space was not as short as I’m used to get but this is not so important when growing a fast strain outdoors. If the stems are strong enough to hold the buds, that’s all that counts. The leaves showed a very healthy green colour and revealed the Sativa dominance. Even with a cloudy week by mid April, they kept developing as real champions. As I used a good soil mix, rich in nutrients and some extra N from worm humus and P from bat guano powder, I only started

25 pure Sativa dankness in my hands. Almost enough for my consumption until the end of the year. The effect was great in all of the 4 plants. Sweet Amnesia Haze XL Auto® allows for uplifting highs with a lot of energy and creativity. Ideal for an active lifestyle, sports and for hanging out with friends. If you have the chance of growing this strain, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And, if you enjoy it, don’t forget to try the other extra large autoflowering strains from the Sweet Seeds® genetic collection.

using liquid fertilizers when the plants celebrated their first month of life. As this coincided with the start of flowering I first gave them half a dose of vegetative fertilizer to give them enough Nitrogen for the stretch stage and 2 days later, when I watered them again, they were fed with a full dose of flowering fertilizer. And they got the message. As the sun was very strong by then, they were able to process and metabolize all the nutrients very fast. I had to water them every 2 days and, sometimes, they even needed a daily watering for optimal hydration. By the 10th of June, with around 45 days from germination, the flowers were already taking form and the first aromas started to become noticeable. Sweet Amnesia Haze XL Auto® features a very pleasant, yet complex and deep, aroma of incense, with sweet, pungent shades, and hints of lemon, wood and nuts. At this point, only the citric hints of lemon were noticeable, but it was a very pleasant and delightful fragrance. This was when I stopped using fertilizers and flushed the soil a couple of times with about 12 liters of water per plant.

About 60 days after the appearance of the cotyledons, the 4 plants were ready to harvest with outstandingly resinous buds. Each plant produced between 7 and 10 buds with a good caliber. When I harvested them, the other aromas were quite present, with nice notes of wood and nuts and an impressive musky undertone inherited from one of its ancestors, the classic S.A.D. Sweet Afgani Delicious Auto®

(SWS24), the strain used to introduce the autoflowering trait in this Amnesia Haze selection. The famous Amnesia Haze clone known as “Cordobesa” was the other parental used to develop this fourth-generation autoflowering strain. The plants ended up with around 90-100 cm of height. After 12 days of drying and 15 days of curing, I had 480 grams of

HIGH CUISINE WITH BETTY GREEN By Betty Green

BETTYS' PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BAD BOY! This is a recipe that I tried once at a diner in New York (stoned, of course). It's easy to see why everyone was going crazy for banana bread during lockdown! It's such a good comfort food. It has everything, the sweet, the savoury, the fruity, the comfort of carbs, a little crunch in the topping. It was soooo good and hit every munchie desire I had. When I got home, I had to try it for myself. It took me a few tries to replicate it in all its glory as I pretty much just inhaled it when I had initially tried it!

140g Two 140g 1 tsp Two

dosage required caster sugar large eggs, beaten self-raising flour baking powder very ripe bananas, mashed

INGREDIENTS FOR THE TOPPINGS 1 tbsp of peanut butter 1/2 a chopped banana A handful of candied sunflower seeds or chopped nuts Maple Syrup Mango Coulis

I finally cracked it, though and then I decided that instead of eating it after getting high, why not try and put the high IN the munchie!! Think like the ethos of a Kinder egg...chocolate AND a toy!! (other chocolate branded eggs are available). A two in one combo! The perfect banana bread should be sweet and moist. Dry is not an option, and this

Method Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

one definitely ticks all the boxes. And here it is, the fruits of my "ultimate munchie" labours... "Bettys' Peanut Butter Banana Bad Boy"

small sieved amount of the 140g flour. Sieve in the remaining flour, 1 tsp baking powder and two thoroughly mashed bananas.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BANANA BREAD (SERVES 8) 140g butter, softened, replace regular butter with cannabutter to the personal

Pour the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for roughly 50 mins. Check the loaf every 5 minutes from 40 mins onward. Insert a skewer in the centre. If it comes out clean, then your loaf is ready.

Grease a 2lb loaf tin—Line the sides and base with baking parchment. Mix 140g softened butter/ cannabutter and 140g caster sugar until well combined. Slowly add two large beaten eggs with a

Allow to cool in the tin for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack. This dish is best served when the banana bread is still warm. Either serve it up fresh or store it in an airtight container and warm gently on the rack in the middle of the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding your toppings. No more than 2-3 minutes, though and only use low heat. You are not looking to toast it. Warm gently in the oven for 2-3 minutes if not fresh. Spread a thick layer of peanut butter add slices of banana. Sprinkle candied seeds or nuts. I like sunflower seeds, but candied cashews or pecans work excellently too. Drizzle with as much maple syrup as you desire.

Finish with a top drizzle of tangy mango coulis. Again, I like the tang of the mango against the sweet syrup and the peanut butter salt, but you can swap this out for whatever your preference. I know I have said it before, but I will repeat it again for those at the back. Cannabis Edibles will offer you a very different high from smoking or vaping. It is a much more intense high that will last for longer. If you are new to edibles or have low tolerance, I recommend only swapping out a teaspoon of regular butter for cannabutter per serving of the banana bread. It is better to start slow and low than go too hard, too quick and live to regret it. So now that's the Health and safety out of the way, go forth and bake and enjoy the results! Until next time.

CANNABIS By Rich Hamilton

SNOOP EXPANDS

HIS WEED EMPIRE re-addressed in the now-legal industry, having experienced both sides of the system. "For the government to allow us to make money from it and not go to jail is some cool shit, but I just feel like they've got to really go back and release everybody that's in jail [for] marijuana if you're going to make it legal. Imagine if drug dealers were able to position themselves [in today's industry]. They would stand to gain a lot of money. It's so hard for Black men, it's hard for people with criminal records to get licensed, to get dispensaries. They put so many different hurdles in front of us to where it becomes like an industry that's not for us. Still, we do all the promoting of it, buying it and making it what it is." Snoop also marvels at how far the weed industry has come.

As well as being a West Coast Rap legend, Snoop's name is almost synonymous with all things weed. Rather than try and shake the label off, it is something he is proud of and that he has used to his advantage to great success in the USA and Canada. However, he is now looking to move into the European cannabis industry. The new German coalition government has pledged to move toward legalising recreational cannabis use within four years. The move would give Germany's legal cannabis sector a super boost. This would be very lucrative as it is already Europe's most significant market in terms of medical cannabis consumption. Germany is one of the only countries where patients can get medical cannabis for free. So, it is predicted to account for more than half of the continent's entire medical cannabis use until 2024. Of course, Snoop Dogg isn't the type to miss out on a weed-related opportunity, having previously invested in the Portuguese based company AceCann in 2021. However, the rap OG's Venture Capitalist firm, Casa

Verde, has just written its biggest cheque ever and is leading a $15m round of investment into "Cansativa". This is a Frankfurt-based cannabis distribution platform that now stocks German pharmacies. Cansativa already holds a strong position in the legal market. They allow German pharmacies to purchase medical-grade cannabis easily whilst taking care of the supply chain and logistics. The startup is so confident that it even refers to itself as the "Amazon of cannabis". Snoop may have built up an image of being a laidback full-on stoner, having once admitted in a 2012 Reddit thread to smoking as many as 81 blunts a day! But nothing could be further from the truth. The savvy weed icon and entrepreneur has his finger well and truly on the pulse. As well as being one of the stars of the most watched tv shows of the year, The Super Bowl LVI Pepsi Halftime Show, where he openly (and legally) smoked a blunt before going on stage. In recent years, Snoop has landed a slew of non-

cannabis sponsorships and commercial spots across the US and Europe. He has worked with top brands such as Corona, Dunkin' Donuts, Tostitos, Moneysupermarket, and Just Eat. The last of which he was reportedly paid a staggering 5.3 million pounds for! Snoop unveiled his first foray into the cannabis industry in 2015 with the cannabis line "Leafs by Snoop in Colorado". From there, things have expanded rapidly. His media company "Merry Jane" went on to launch a CBD e-commerce platform, and he also co-founded Casa Verde Capital. Snoops investment fund has built a portfolio estimated to be worth $200 million. The power he has as an industry figurehead is not to be underestimated. He even convinced right-wing billionaire Charles Koch to back a coalition for federal marijuana legalisation in 2021. Snoop hasn't forgotten his roots either. As well as lobbying for federal legalisation, he also regularly advocates for the balance of social justice to be

"I wish it had changed 15 years ago when they took me to jail for it. It's amazing that people I can smoke with now [are the ones] that would have told on me or sent me to jail. Now we have cool conversations over a joint or a blunt." "Any time you have a couple of people smoking, they're never hostile or angry. I'm glad that we can see something different. As far as me being on the forefront and pushing, for a long time, I was on the wrong side and now I'm on the right side. Being able to have a network and having a television show, I am showing the fun and the hustle of it all." Although he has made himself very rich in the process, Snoop's authenticity and background allow him to be taken seriously. And not just be seen as another celebrity looking to cash in on "The Green Rush", Snoop puts it best in his own words "This is all I know. From the first time you heard me on a song, that's all I've been pushing. So, it's not a political move. It just sounds like it's political, but it's never political. It's just the voice of the people. Sometimes they can't speak, so it's my job to speak for them".

MEDIA By Rich Hamilton

SOFT SECRETS HERE IS SOFT SECRETS MEDIA RUN DOWN OF WHAT TO WATCH LISTEN AND READ THIS MONTH.

WATCHPINEAPPLE EXPRESS A modern-day stoner cult classic from 2008. Dale Denton's (Seth Rogen) love of the notorious 'Pineapple Express' strain may prove deadly when after witnessing a murder, he drops his roach in a panic. After realising that the tropical strain may be traced back to them, Dale and his dealer Saul (James Franco) go on the run whilst being chased by a drug lord (Gary Cole) and a corrupt cop (Rosie Perez). Pineapple Express changed the buddy stoner comedy genre forever when first released 14 years ago. Up to this point, stoner comedies were defined as Harold & Kumar movies or Cheech and Chong. Pineapple express is different because although it does play up to "stoner antics"

and the stupid stuff people do while high. It relies less on this stereotype and exaggeration of "the stoner" character. Ultimately, the fact that the main characters Dale and Saul smoke a lot of

weed is nothing more than a jumping-off point to a broader conversation about legalisation. Smoking weed may get them into trouble at specific points in the film. Still, it does not get them into as much trouble as the illegal distribution of cannabis, associated criminal enterprises, and the police do. To put it simply, the film shows perfectly that the criminalisation of cannabis is just stupid! Pineapple Express is a lot funnier if you're as high as the characters when you watch it. Why not get your favourite strain in (Pineapple Express if you can find it!) and some great munchies and enjoy some modern stoner cinema.

READMR JOSE

information on cannabis how to set up your grow room. Detailed information on lighting, ventilation, irrigation, and current grow systems. You will be shown how to grow from seed to harvest, including autoflowering strains. Which problems can arise and how to solve them.

Suppose you are looking for the best information and knowledge about cannabis. You can't go wrong with a book by Mr José. An industry veteran who has been growing weed since the early '90s, Mr José currently lives and works in the Czech Republic as an author and grower in an experimental cannabis growing facility. Mr José has been publishing books and articles about cannabis growing since 2010.

In addition, you will read about several techniques on how to improve your harvests and how to grow organically. Everything is written clearly and understandably in this updated edition of Mr Josés' original book.

He regularly collaborates with several cannabis magazines across Europe, including Soft Secrets. His book has been translated into six languages. With credentials like that, you are in safe hands to learn everything you need to know about growing cannabis. "How To Grow Cannabis Indoors 2.0" contains essential information for amateur and professional growers.

The Hydro Chronicle is a podcast hosted by UK Hydro expert and veteran Rich Hamilton. Rich is a passionate industry veteran with four grow books under his

Inside this book, you will discover information that has been compiled from more than twenty years of growing experience. This includes essential

LISTENTHE HYDROCHRONICLE PODCAST

belt and more projects in the pipeline. He is also a prolific industry writer and content provider who writes for industry magazines worldwide. A regular on the international trade show circuit, Rich is at the top of his game regarding the latest trends and tech in the growing game. This first season of the Hydrochronicle features a wide array of guests from the international indoor growing and cannabis community, talking about topics in a laid back, relaxed fashion. Guests include activists, entrepreneurs, industry insiders, brand legends and authors. Season one is now available on Itunes or wherever you get your podcasts. The Hydro Chronicle aims to bridge the gap between the experts, brands, and hobbyist growers through a relaxed and open conversation about the many issues related to the indoor growing world and beyond. Rich Hamilton gets the interviews with Guests who are integral parts of all corners of the canna industry. This podcast is an informative kind of show. This podcast is a great listen whilst chilling out and smoking solo and will leave you with a wealth of new knowledge after every episode.

30 COLOFON Soft Secrets is published by Discover Publisher BV Galvaniweg 11, 5482 TN Schijndel, Netherlands Telephone: +31-(0)73-5498112 E-mail: info@softsecrets.nl Web: www.softsecrets.com Editor: Cliff Cremer Contributors: Jorge Cervantes, Stoney Tark, Rich Hamilton, Mr. Jose, Green Born Identity (G.B.I.), Betty Green, TricomaTeam, Tommy L. Gomez, Fabrizio Dentini and others. Comics: Jim Stewart Photography: iStock Editorial adress: readers@softsecrets.nl Advertisements: E-mail: info@softsecrets.nl A word from the publisher: Soft Secrets is a bi-monthly free magazine which is published in The Netherlands (called Highlife), Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Poland, Czech Republic and Chile. World wide there is a process going on of relative liberalisation towards the use of cannabis, be it for medicinal or recreational purposes. Several countries

legalised cannabis as a way of separating soft and hard drugs, as it has proven to do in Holland. Other countries legalised the use of medicinal cannabis, including the right to grow cannabis plants for one’s own use. The publisher wants to highlight the process of normalisation of cannabis use. 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 and/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 editor takes no responsibility for unsollicited 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:

INDEX OF ADS Name

Page

Advanced Hydroponics

Cyco-Hortitec

of Holland

Le Salon du CBD

Advanced Nutrients

London Seed Centre

Advanced Nutrients

Nasha Genetics

Advanced Seeds

Paradise Seeds

Amsterdam Seed Center

Paradise Seeds

Aquabella

RQS

Atami

Seedstockers

Barney's Souvenirs

Sweet CBD

Barney's Souvenirs

Sweet Seeds

Cervantes

Truffly Made

June 30 2022

Come visit the new Soft Secrets website! On our new website it is even easier to find articles you like. So sit back, relax and find all you want to know about the world of cannabis on the new softsecrets.com.

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