Cannabis Culture Awards ››

Cannabis Culture Awards 2012

the Cannabis Culture awards are Conferred to those who have “distinguished themselves in the struggle for aCCeptanCe of Cannabis in all of its forms, working to ensure that this extraordinary plant has a future where it is fully utilized and a history that is fully known.” Buddy Kush

Times are changing. While several European nations are realizing that drug policies need to change, one of the founders of a tolerant approach to drug use (most specifically our favorite green plant) is making a 180-degree turn, progressively establishing an increasingly repressive policy: the Netherlands. While many thought that the extravagant claims of the Dutch government would eventually by dispelled by the lack of rational thought behind it, we were wrong.

The plan to close coffeeshop doors to non-Dutch residents is in place. It is now active in the southern part of the country and is scheduled to go nationwide as of January, 2013. It seems the majority of smokers will simply turn towards growing their own. It is sad that think that these people will now have to risk legal prosecution simply in order to avoid having to use the low quality and potentially dangerous products that will readily be available... back on the street.

Despite this gloomy turn of events, there are a few who have decided to celebrate the achievements taking place over the last few years. There are those who, through their achievements, have helped shift the misinformation and irrationality surrounding the use of Cannabis, or drugs in general. In order to celebrate this, Amsterdam’s Hash Marihuana and Hemp Museum (founded by Ben Dronkers) has organized the Cannabis Culture Awards.

This honor was previously known as the Cannabis Cultuurprijs, awarded to Cannabis pioneers including former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt, responsible for the Dutch tolerant stance; Ed Rosenthal; Eagle Bill, inventor of the ‘Shake and Vape’; Dutch poet Simon Vinkenoog, Dr. Hans-Georg Behr and Jack Herer. All these honorees have had an impact upon how we view and use the Cannabis plant.

This year, the awards were presented via two major events. The first took place in the stunning Bethaniënklooster monastery in Amsterdam on April 26th; the second occurred in Barcelona, Spain on May 9th in the beautifully refurbished Palau Mornau, now home to the brand new Hemp Museum Gallery.

It was former winner Dries van Agt who opened the first act with a speech, in which he openly attacked the repressive approach taken by the government, labeling it “devastative nonsense.” He then awarded the first accolade to Dutch psychiatrist Frederick Polak, MD, tireless activist and an authority in the field of drug use. Dr. Polak naturally expressed his gratitude for the award, but quickly expressed his frustration with the political direction taken by the authorities, claiming the recent fall of the Dutch government would hopefully “lead to the termination of the new rules for coffeeshops and the so-called ‘weed pass’”.

The second award was bestowed upon the Global Commission on Drug Policy, represented by many former heads of state (including Ernesto Zedillo, former president of Mexico, and Kofi Annan, former secretary general of the United Nations) for publishing the report War on Drugs in June, 2011. The prize was accepted by Thorvald Stoltenberg, former Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs in Norway, and one of the moving forces behind the changes in approach to drugs in Norway. “Hope is almost as important as life itself,” he concluded after accepting the award.

Sir Richard Branson, entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, accepted the award on behalf of the Global Commission on Drug Policy during the Barcelona ceremony. Despite not having been able to stay at the ceremony for long, Sir Branson took the time to be led through the

AWARD WINNERS WITH BEN DRONKERS IN AMSTERDAM (PHOTO: CLAUDIO) museum by Ben Dronkers himself before being presented the award. Following a question from the crowd, he clarified that he disagreed with the recent tactics employed in Holland: “I will get in touch with the commission to make sure we put out a statement, a very strong statement, saying how big of a mistake it was.”

Lester Grinspoon, Professor Emeritus from Harvard University, was also awarded a Cannabis Culture Award. He was unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health but a video conference was shown in which he accepted his award, thanking the Dronkers family for preserving Cannabis genetics through their seed bank, Sensi Seeds, and emphasizing the importance this plant has as a medical resource.

Another award was granted to Todd McCormick (American activist, author and photographer) by the co-founder of Cañamo magazine, Moisés López, for his efforts in countering misinformation and striving for the recognition of medical Cannabis. He gave a heart-felt speech in which he called for Cannabis supporters to get out of their comfort zones and step up to push the movement further along. He also congratulated Ben Dronkers on his Museum and his work in allowing people to learn about the Cannabis plant’s past, present and future.

The final distinction was awarded to Spanish Cannabis activist Fernanda de La Figuera – the first person to be acquitted for Cannabis cultivation in Spain – who later became involved in regulating Cannabis laws by founding and taking part in diverse European initiatives, including the F.A.C. and ENCOD (European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies). She was loudly applauded when she was presented the award, clearly supported by the attending crowd. She explained the necessity of social clubs in Spain and the importance of helping people obtain the medicine they need.

The Cannabis Culture Awards were a clear message to the world stating that, despite the misinformation and concealment still restricting people’s ability to access and learn about the Cannabis plant, there are still those activists whose dedication and efforts will allow for progress and a greater understanding to prevail.

The only question remaining is, will you do your part?

answering beginner’s questions that you’re too ashamed to ask...

in this installment of the Weed 101 series – an introductory column aimed at educating less-experienced smokers and growers – we reveal the differences between smoking, vaporizing, consuming, or topically applying Cannabis as a medicine.

Sativa Diva

It’s nearly impossible to watch American television without becoming inundated by prescription drug commercials. After being regularly subjected to the various worrying claims of the actors, it’s not surprising that many people are so easily convinced to alter their body chemistry by swallowing piles of pills. With sixteen states having adopted some form of propot legislation (at press time, Connecticut was attempting to become the seventeenth), it’s obvious that the general public is curious about this non-chemical alternative, having been fed so much disinformation about the plant. Therefore it is imperative that new medi-weed patients become as informed as possible.

In spite of its herbal nature, it is important to consult your doctor(s) or other medical practitioners before introducing any medication into your system. However, as Cannabis has been subjected to so much stigma and repression in the US, many medical professionals are still either unwilling – or unable – to responsibly and effectively dispense information along with the medi-weed prescriptions. The following is intended as a rough guide to the differences between the three major methods of medicating with Cannabis.

Consumption (eating, drinking, tinctures, etc.):

Eating a Cannabis-infused food product, savory or sweet, tends to impart a relaxed, sedated effect, as consumed cannabinoids are metabolized in a different way than when inhaling the substance. This feeling may take anywhere from twenty minutes to two hours to kick in, regardless of your level of experience, frequency of use – or whether weed or hash was used in its production. Patients seeking an indica-style ‘down’ effect usually benefit from consumed Cannabis, minus the negative consequences associated with smoking.

If you want to eat some weed, baked goods are not your only option. Cooking oils, butter, tinctures, sodas and other drinks, spreads, and much more are available these days; often your local dispensary (or local hippie) will be able to provide at least one of these smoking alternatives. While the non-smoking approach is preferable for health reasons, some ailments are actually better treated with metabolized weed rather than inhaled. The downside to this application is that dosage is often arbitrary, and the time from consumption to onset of effect is unpredictable – even seasoned users find that the same dosage of the same cake, for example, takes different amounts of time to work and imparts varying strength of effect each time they eat it.

One exception to the delayed-effect rule may be tinctures. Offered in various forms, including sublingual (‘under the tongue’) drops, sprays, oils, etc., tinctures are sometimes faster-acting, as they consists of a solution of cannabinoids dissolved in alcohol and generally absorb directly into the body via mucous membranes.

GLASS BONGS AND PIPES ARE LESS SAFE THAN VAPORIZERS (© SHUTTERSTOCK)

Inhalation (smoking, vaporizing):

Inhaling cannabinoids, either through smoking or vaporizing, would appear to be preferable to smoking. In many cases the relatively immediate action of Cannabis being absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream delivers better therapy to those suffering from certain ailments, such as asthma, nausea or glaucoma. In the case of nausea sufferers – specifically chemo or AIDS wasting syndrome/cachexia patients – medicating with Cannabis is necessary in order to lower pain levels and stimulate appetite. Many prescription drugs actually work better when taken with food (obviously you should consult your doctor or pill instructions); however, if someone is debilitated by nausea, they are often unable to eat for days. In such cases, a ‘space’ cake or other ‘medible’ will not necessarily help, since the patient is unable to eat anyway.

Inhaling weed, hash, hash oil, ‘budder’, etc. is preferable in a vaporizer, which heats the product to the melting point of the active substances, the cannabinoids. As the temperature is not high enough to trigger combustion – unless the product is over-vaporized or the temperature is set too high – the trichomes are heated to the point where they burst, turning from liquid to vapor. The patient only inhales the helpful cannabinoids, which are all released at slightly different temperatures, forgoing the harmful carcinogens, smoke and other contaminants. Vaporizers generally impart a high, happy feeling, whereas smokers receive the more intended effect of the original strain: high/energized from sativas and hazes, and stoned/relaxed from the indicas.

Smoking should be considered a ‘last resort’; some patients are either unaware of the positive attributes of a vaporizer, unable to purchase one, or simply incapable of making certain models or methods work properly due to the constraints of their illness. If your ailment requires inhaled cannabinoids and vaporizing is not an option, bongs (water pipes), pipes, screens and other smoking paraphernalia should be glass – not plastic, wood, metal, etc. Joint smokers must be mindful of the contents of their rolling papers, filter tips, and any mixing ingredients, whether tobacco or herbal tobacco alternatives. Even the butane sucked from your lighter through the joint or bong should be considered. All smokers should do their best to source responsibly-grown, organic products. Many test labs are springing up in pro-pot states, particularly in California, so these days it’s actually possible to find out if you’re smoking high quality weed free of contaminants, or commercially produced garbage.

Topical Application (tinctures, hash oil, creams, lotions, poultices, etc.):

Perhaps the least-known approach to Cannabis as medicine is through topical application. Rick Simpson famously advocates this method, popularized through his website (www.phoenixtears.ca), which involves applying high-grade hash oil externally to ailments such as skin cancer, while supplementing it or treating other diseases internally by eating small doses of the product.

Lotions, creams and tinctures containing cannabinoids also tend to have a similar effect to topical anesthetics, lending to a less painful recovery period for burns, blisters, etc. For thousands of year, hemp flowers (and sometimes leaf material) has been pounded into poultices, mixed with other helpful and healing herbs and applied directly to the skin. Psoriasis, eczema – and even herpes – have been treated via this method, capitalizing on hemp’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well as others.

Do some research – you may find that an alternative Cannabis consumption method may be right for you, and help you even more.

WHAT ExACTLy IS IN THAT JOINT? (© SHUTTERSTOCK)

HASH OIL IS EFFECTIVE INTERNALLy OR ExTERNALLy (PHOTO: RyAN BUSHBy [HIGHINBC])

Mutant Mary Jane Kali Mist

the weird and wonderful

No, we’re not referring to GMO weed, although that’s worthy of scrutiny – but for different reasons. These mutants are merely the strange anomalies that seem to recur through various different breeding and selection practices, and in many cases there is no clear cause for their appearance. There are a handful – which various breeders across the world have attested to inadvertently stumbling upon – that have become relatively well-known, and occasionally established as strains in their own right. These include the creeper, hugeupright, whorled phyllotaxy, variegated, and web-leafed phenotypes, but no doubt there are a lot of others out there still to be found – or yet to evolve. Ducksfoot ‘webbed’ Cannabis, developed by an elusive Australian breeder known as Wally Duck, is a classic example of a random mutation that has been cultivated into a true-breeding strain; when grown from seed all individuals exhibit the webbed phenotype, although there can be variation in cannabinoid content, bud structure and yield. Ducksfoot is mostly sativa – although web-leafed indica strains have also been established – and efforts to grow it anywhere but outdoors in a sub-tropical or tropical location have proven disappointing. However, the seeds are no longer available and there are fears that the breeding program has stopped. The large, splayed leaves closely resemble the feet of an aquatic bird, and are not immediately recognizable as Cannabis. The webbed trait is controlled by a recessive gene: it requires two copies of the allele to express, and if crossed with an ordinary compound-pinnate variety the Ducksfoot will produce non-webbed and webbed offspring in an approximate three-to-one ratio. It is unclear where the first webbed Cannabis genetics originated – although there have been several Hawaiian examples over the years, usually more on the indica side of the spectrum. There are many indicas that exhibit a slight degree of webbing, particularly in very wideleafed varieties, but entirely fused leaves are much more unusual. Other interesting leaf mutations can also occur, and breeders are paying close attention to them all for their potential in stealth growing. The Australian Bastard Cannabis (ABC) – sometimes known as Dizzy, depending upon the breeder – is another true-breeding example, which apparently originated somewhere near Sydney. The local growers who discovered wild populations of this apparently established mutation colloquially dubbed it ‘mongy weed’. This singular plant has an appearance unlike any other form of Cannabis: the leaves are non-serrated, succulent and usually no greater than two inches in length, the overall structure is short and shrub-like, and the smell the growing plant gives off is faint. Although the original strain is thought to be mutated ditch-weed with low cannabinoid content, efforts to cross it with more potent varieties have been occasionally successful. It has the added advantage of being extremely frost-resistant, and displays little of the hermaphroditism common in inbred wild populations. The trait is recessive: crosses have yielded mostly ‘normallooking’ plants, but the few F2 offspring that exhibit the trait have produced quality pot with a spicy taste and a euphoric sativa high. This is definitely a type of Cannabis to look out for in the near future, as it was discovered relatively recently and research is ongoing. Another mutation that is of much interest to stealth gardeners is the creeper (or ‘vine’) phenotype – although it is possible to train most ordinary Cannabis plants to follow a similar growth pattern. Specimens typically grow upright at first; upon reaching a maximum of one meter or so in height, the main branches begin to bend strongly downward until they reach the ground. These branches may even form roots along points of contact with moist and mulch-y soils, which can boost the plant’s productivity and eventual yield. When flowering begins, the buds grow back up towards the light as normal, and usually become large, airy structures reminiscent of Thai or southern Indian strains. Creeper phenotypes almost always occur in cultivated sativas, due to their great height and abundant branching, and usually have large leaves with long, thin leaflets. This mutation is highly sought after by growers who have height limitations, and as well as its stealth advantages one can usually expect a high yield due to the extra roots and increased supply of nutrients to the buds. Very little is known about the circumstances that lead to creeper mutations in Cannabis, and it is believed that it is not strain-specific. The huge upright phenotype is another mutation that mostly occurs in cultivated populations, usually as a result of hybridization between certain indica and sativa varieties. There is very little information on this phenomenon, but it is thought to be most common in North American populations. The structure of the plant is very similar to the Hindu Kush, with a tall, straight central stalk and a Christmas-tree shape, but the height is closer to that of the largest tropical sativas, at up to 13 feet tall. This mutation appears to be non-specific in origin, and a great deal more research is needed. But hybrid vigor is far from unknown, and it appears this may be merely one particular example of this phenomenon. Extreme examples of hybrid vigor may occur as a result of polyploidy, rather than a specific set of gigantismcontrolling genes – unlike dwarfism, which is a genetic trait that has been stabilized into true-breeding varieties on numerous occasions. Cannabis is normally diploid (i.e., it possesses two full sets of chromosomes); polyploid plants possess extra chromosome sets, and often exhibit greater size and yield potential than their diploid counterparts. However, polyploid individuals usually cannot be crossed with diploid varieties (most are in fact sterile). If polyploid individuals are crossed together, subsequent generations will usually revert to diploid. Therefore, despite much initial furor surrounding their discovery, interest in breeding circles has somewhat waned. This is also due to the fact that polyploidy is an apparently random mutation, and the only way to artificially induce it involves the use of the toxic chemical colchicine, a tricyclic alkaloid that inhibits mitosis. Usually, a healthy cell undergoing mitosis splits its chromosomes into two exact copies before dividing entirely; if colchicine is introduced at the point immediately before total division it will prevent it from occurring. The cell will remain undivided, with two full chromosome sets. However, plants treated in this manner do not all end up polyploid – the few that do are often sickly and non-viable. There is speculation that the Australian Bastard Cannabis was actually the result of a colchicine experiment gone wrong, but there is no hard evidence. Furthermore there is little evidence to demonstrate beyond doubt that polyploidy is even a greatly desirable condition for Cannabis; while polyploids of other plant species such

DUCKSFOOT LEAF SHOWING THE WEBBED CHARACTERISTIC (MAHONy) EARLy ATTEMPTS TO STABILIZE THE ‘MONGy WEED’ (SPICE BROS)

THE ABC CAN BECOME qUITE POTENT IF HANDLED CORRECTLy (SPICE BROS)

as wheat, oats and tobacco have exhibited increased vigor, quality and yield, it is not the case for all plant species.

However, there are reports of naturally-occurring (and even some artificial) Cannabis polyploids growing up to be large, beautiful and high-yielding plants, and we may well unlock the secrets to the process at some point. Another mutation, often mistaken for polyploidy, is whorled phyllotaxy. This comparatively common mutation is not due to complete chromosome doubling as a result of arrested mitosis, but rather is controlled by variations of a gene or group of genes. ‘Phyllotaxy’ refers to the arrangement of leaves on the stem: Cannabis begins life with decussate (opposite and perpendicular) phyllotaxy, developing into an alternate pattern with the onset of flowering. A LEAF DIVIDED ALMOST PERFECTLy By VARIEGATION (PREZDEV)

Perhaps the most striking mutation to occur in Cannabis is variegation, where the genes that control chlorophyll production do not fully express, and the buds and leaves develop streaks and patches of pure white, due pot, although it is generally accepted that yields are low, and growth slow. successful grows shows that demand for such genetics would be high.

BEAUTIFUL VARIEGATED VANILLUNA FROM DJ SHORT (DJ SHORT/ ATTITUDE SEEDBANK)

AN ExAMPLE OF WHORLED PHyLLOTAxy (RABID)

A whorled pattern refers to an arrangement of three or more leaves on each internode rather than the usual two; usually a triple or ‘trilateral’ pattern (erroneously termed ‘trifoliate’, whereas this term applies to a compound leaf with three leaflets), with the three leaves arranged at equal 120-degree angles around the stem, although fourleafed patterns have been observed. Whorled plants usually occur randomly and often revert back to decussate on attempts to achieve true-breeding to the lack of pigment. Lack of chlorophyll prevents photosynthesis, so fully-albino Cannabis specimens with dual faulty or ‘switched off’ copies of the gene that controls its production do not usually survive long, although they do occur. Those that have one working copy of the gene can exhibit stunning patterning – even leaves that are exactly divided along the length, half white, half green.

It is thought that variegated Cannabis

It IS UncleAr where the fIrSt webbed cAnnAbIS genetIcS orIgInAted – AlthoUgh there hAve been SeverAl hAwAIIAn exAmpleS over the yeArS.

strains – although there are claims that stable strains are in the pipeline. There is no apparent consensus on whether whorled phyllotaxy is good or bad, but breeders generally accept that it is usually unlikely to hinder the plants, and most will probably end up male. Some claim higher yields from whorled female plants, due to the extra bud sites and increased ability to photosynthesize, but this is purely anecdotal. is generally not as potent or highyielding as fully green varieties, due to its reduced ability to photosynthesize. However, there has been some success with breeding programs, and there are a few seed strains available today (such as some from DJ Short) that will produce a percentage of variegated specimens. There are growers out there who will testify as to the amazing quality of their variegated Although there may be exceptions, variegation in plants mostly occurs as a result of cytoplasmic inheritance, which differs from normal chromosomal inheritance. The cytoplasm of the cell contains its own set of extra-chromosomal genes, which do not adhere to the rules of Mendelian The list of known Cannabis mutations does not end here: purpling, crinkled leaves, conjoined twins, buds that grow on fan-leaves... whether spontaneous or artificially-induced, these mutations testify as to the astonishing variability of this unique species. There are many potential uses for mutated

creeper phenotypeS AlmoSt AlwAyS occUr In cUltIvAted SAtIvAS, dUe to theIr greAt heIght And AbUndAnt brAnchIng.

inheritance as chromosomes do. In normal reproduction of Cannabis, the male parent provides just a nucleus to the zygote (the newly fused sperm and ovum), and the female parent provides the remaining needed genetic material, including the cytoplasm itself. For this reason variegated genetics are passed down by the mother only; male pollen from variegated plants will not replicate the trait in their offspring.

To add further complexity, seeds taken from the female plant will exhibit traits according to where on the plant they are found. Seeds from all-white sections produce white, non-viable plants, seeds from the green section are normal, and seeds from variegated sections gave varied results: some normal, some white, some variegated. It is unclear if variegation in Cannabis is cytoplasmic, but the fact that available strains claim around 15% variegated plants gives credence to the theory. It is clear that further research needs to be done, and it is ongoing – the excitement generated by the few strains, beyond those for stealth growing and increased yield, and as we learn more about their nature and occurrence we will simultaneously learn much about what they can do for us from a medical and recreational viewpoint.

Breeders seeking to artificially induce mutations must exercise caution, as we could inadvertently create undesirables that will spread and dominate our existing strains. This is unlikely, as most true mutations have been unable to spread far on their own; however, the speed at which we have seen temperate indicas invading the sativa-growing regions since their introduction shows that we must take steps to limit genetic overlap in the wild. Limiting such experimentation to an indoor setting is the responsible option, and breeding for traits rather than forcing them to appear with chemical use is kinder to the plant. That said, good luck to the mad scientists among our readers – now let’s see what else we can come up with.

Big Low (Automatic)

Maui Waui

Kali Mist

A PRIME BUD OF MAUI WAUI (© NICKEL BAG OF FUNK) CANNABIS IS ABUNDANT IN HAWAII’S FERTILE COUNTRySIDE (© TODD HUFFMAN)

Maui Waui (or Wowie, Wowi) is a famous sativa strain from Hawaii, established over the centuries after the initial introduction of Cannabis to the islands by European or East Asian sailors. Since commencing in 1979, aggressive air eradication programs by the DEA have brought many landrace strains to the brink of extinction, and the existing breeding stock of the Maui is becoming so small that the health and viability of the gene pool is rapidly depleting. Hawaii consistently ranks in the top five US states for total eradication, with 97,333 plants reportedly destroyed in 2010.

The Maui is very well established in seed banks worldwide, and numerous crosses are available, but existing stock will only last for so long before the strain begins to fade from the seed catalogs due to lack of fresh and reliable genetics – unless decisive efforts are made to establish long-term breeding programs away from the DEA threat.

A tall, leggy sativa, the Maui has long been the basis for indoor crosses due to its straight, sparsely-branched central stalks (which allow for dense growth and formation of huge central colas) and its ability to flourish in a sea-of-green regimen. It is a high-yielding plant, with a loose, airy bud structure and a dense coating of small, sparkling crystals. It is relatively short-flowering for such a sativa-dominant strain, and can easily be harvested in nine to ten weeks.

Due to the tropical climate of Hawaii, the Maui can happily withstand high temperatures and humidity. If left to grow unhindered outdoors, it will develop into tall, graceful plants that may require some staking and tying to prevent topheavy branches from bending under their own weight. The variety is also fairly resistant to pests and stress. The flavor contains elements of citrus and pine, and is smooth and cool on the throat.

Unfortunately, despite its many positive attributes, the Maui Waui genetics are less highly prized than many others due to their relatively low potency, and as such it is possible that the required efforts to preserve the genetic lineage may not be made. However, there is a growing trend among Cannabis users to seek out strains that are not as overwhelmingly powerful as many of the current commercial favorites, and efforts are being made to re-establish the disappearing strains of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations; if this trend continues, there may well be renewed interest in strains like the Maui.

mega worm from plagron

Powerful worm humus with a new name...

Plagron has a comprehensive range of additives. These UNIVERSAL products can be used with all substrates and can be combined with all fertilizers from Plagron. One of these unique additives is Mega Worm.

This additive recently got a new name and new packaging. Mega Worm, formerly ‘Worm Humus’, is a natural soil improver based on composted plant remains. It creates optimum balance in the soil so the plant can grow and flower profusely. Mega Worm has a very high organic content: it contains a quantity of trace elements, enzymes and minerals, like mycorrhiza and Trichoderma, which protect and feed the plant.

Distinguishing Manure

Mega Worm provides a rapid germination of seeds, a strong root development, increases resistance and stimulates growth. Formerly, Mega Worm was only available in the famous green bag. Now it is available in purple pots of one liter, buckets of five liters and bags of twenty-five liters. Plagron has grown because of the worm manure. Our worm humus still stands because of the extensive analyses we perform on the nutrition of worms. We only select the best manure.

Pass it on!

More information can be found on our new website, www.plagron.com. Here you will find loads of information on Plagron products and growing in general. The info on Plagron products will be easy to find on this site, giving you useful tips, showing you our related products and FAqs for each product. This is an interactive website, where one grower gets to meet the other, and can share his/her experience or opinion on Plagron products with other growers – exactly how our slogan ‘pass it on’ is meant to be. Keep a close eye on our website for the latest news and developments of our products and for growing in general. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for extra tips and tricks (Facebook.com/Plagron). Of course you can also contact our service desk via

servicedesk@plagron.com.

Ice

“weed pass Can smoke my ass”

Jan Sennema / Translation: Sativa Diva / Photo Credit: Photos by High Life

on friday, april 20th, at exactly twenty minutes past four, a curious phenomenon was observed in amsterdam’s town hall. as the minutes ticked away, dense smoke from hundreds of joints combined to create an unmistakable smoke signal that must have been visible all the way to the hague.

Why twenty minutes past four? Because we’ve adopted the US code for smoking dope, 420. The number refers to the time that the American universities and high school students take a break from learning for a relaxing reefer. As the tradition has grown in America so has it in the Netherlands, as at twenty past four in parks and universities Dutch stoners (and expats) gather together to smoke a joint. These events are often called ‘smokeouts’.

Thanks to initiator Peter Lunk, the Netherlands has now joined this beautiful tradition of a globally-connected celebration on 4/20, although this year it was decided to approach the 2012 smokeout as a sort of a flash-mob. Interested parties gathered at half past two in Amsterdam’s city center to await the announcement of the exact location of the smokeout. The impetus was showing the authorities that Cannabis users are not going to swallow the ‘weed pass’.

There were many foreign activists and pro-pot pundits among the nearly one thousand participants. Brits, Belgians, Germans and Americans followed the original protest vibe, sharing their opinions on the new, discriminatory coffee shop policies. “Weed pass can smoke my ass,” stated one protestor’s sign. Udo, a civilized German fortysomething, had traveled a few hundred miles to Amsterdam to state his message: “Keep the Dutch values, tolerance.” The boys and girls from coffeeshop Far Out in Dedemsvaart let there be no misunderstanding, as they declared, “Down with that thing!” And there were joints, many joints, in all sorts of varieties. All in all, a very successful event.