In this issue:
A look at innova-
tions in the industry
today ›› 26
FROM THE EDITOR 3
Co
So, what else are we losing? What known. The dosing should begin with the medication; it is much longer-acting who tend not be satisfied by tinctures
causes the paranoia associated with _ of a dropper of the tincture placed and much more ‘narcotizing’. Tinctures are are often patients who wish to get more
some Cannabis use? When is it really under the tongue. The fluid should be dose-able and predictable. ‘stoned’, or ‘narcotized’. Even many of
best to harvest a plant? These and brushed throughout your mouth with these patients will be satisfied using
hundreds of other questions can only your tongue. Before swallowing the SSUSA: better than smoking? tinctures, as we get better at re-instill-
be answered by careful study of the tincture, one needs to take ten deep DF: Smoking can certainly be used to treat ing the terpenes after extraction.
plant’s genetics, and control of its breaths. Slowly, in through your mouth, a patient’s symptoms but there is lung
growing environment. Various stresses and then slowly exhale through your irritation (not cancer or COPD). The little SSUSA: what percentage of your
can affect the expression of various nose. I would suggest waiting 30 min- hairs or cilia in our airways are partially, patients is using tinctures?
genes and change how the genetics utes to see the peak effect from this but reversibly, paralyzed by Cannabis and DF: I would estimate that 30 – 40 %
is morphologically expressed. I could initial dose. I would then add another _ hence the chronic cough. However, cough of patients will use them from time to
on for days. We have many more ques- dropper full and repeat. Most patients and irritation aside, the primary advan- time, and perhaps 20% use the tinc-
tions than answers. There are some require between _ and a full dropper tage of tinctures over smoking is that tures exclusively.
questions we know HOW to answer and full. Soon, however, as every tincture with smoking, dosing is impossible and
many questions where we don’t even has a stated 5 mg THC or CBD dose, we the effect on symptoms becomes a wild SSUSA: who is currently making the
know where/how to start. My view of will have very exact dosing by mg. up- and down curve; with tinctures it is tinctures?
Cannabis research would be to have much smoother. DF: A large number of small manufactur-
non-investment money be donated to SSUSA: how many doctors are using ers, in their kitchens. This must change.
a research organization that will begin this method? SSUSA: what are the best ailments to
obtaining these answers. I would love DF: I think very, very few doctors are use tinctures for? Why? SSUSA: where do you see the tincture
to be involved with that team. educating patients on this method. To DF: Tinctures are just one form of application going in the near future/
a large extent it is simply that not many Cannabis delivery to the patient. Any long-term future?
SSUSA: how do you determine dosage? physicians even know about tinctures. illness where Cannabis is effective, it is DF: I believe it will be the next aspirin,
DF: To begin with, let me clearly state that I Additionally, most tinctures are made very effective. In my opinion, using the tinc- Tylenol and cold medicines wrapped
am just referring to dosing using Cannabis poorly, not tested and are inconsistent. ture for pretty much any ailment where together while also being used for anxie-
tinctures. With puffs of smoke, puffs from I try educating patients and physicians Cannabis is helpful is still the best way to ty, mood disorders, insomnia, etc. In other
a vaporizer and certainly with edibles, about the use of tinctures as much as pos- medicate the patient. Tinctures are com- words, I believe that Cannabis tinctures
dosing is very difficult and needs to be sible. I also believe some physicians are monly used for pain, anxiety, insomnia are the largest new medical market to
started very slowly; I mean very slowly scared that it is illegal to discuss this with and nausea. Rich-CBD tinctures will be come along. It will be both supported by
and adjusted. For those of you interested patients. That is just not the case. effective in many areas of cancer treat- ‘pharma’ as well as the medical Cannabis
in dosing with edibles please be well ment and most likely it will be in tincture world, or ‘non-pharma’.
hydrated and try _ of a dose, and wait a SSUSA: why are tinctures better than form. So, if Cannabis works, the tinctures
full two hours to assess the effect. Drink edibles? will work as well, if not better. SSUSA: what else is on the horizon?
some more fluids and try another _ and DF: Edibles require eating a lot of wasted Anything new?
again wait a full two hours. You will get a calories and dosing in edibles is very poor. SSUSA: who are the best candidates for DF: The most exciting new development
reasonable dose in this manner. The patient’s liver metabolizes the edible tinctures? on the horizon is out of UCSF under an
as it goes from the stomach into the DF: Any patient who wishes to benefit NIH grant. We are seeing incredible anti-
With a good tincture, the amount of bloodstream. This change moves the OH from Cannabis will benefit from tinc- breast cancer effects from CBD. This is
THC/CBD and terpenes is generally group and entirely changes the nature of tures. The primary group of patients something to stay tuned for.
SMUGGLER’S STORIES 7
his ice cream pushcarts for the tourist
BOBBY TUNA'S TALE OF SMUGGLING AND CAPTIVITY season. Luke ran a concessions business
and needed a place to store his trail-
Likely one of the most-covered smugglers THE DEA ACCUSED THE BLACK TUNA GANG OF SMUGGLING
with regards to the media, Platshorn and
his cohorts represent the severity and BETWEEN ONE- AND THREE-MILLION TONS OF PRIMO
often ridiculous nature of Cannabis sen-
tences in the US. The Black Tuna Gang, a COLOMBIAN GANJA INTO THE US
moniker applied erroneously by the DEA,
could be viewed as the very first casualties showman, crowds of several hundred would later come in handy. His pal
of the emerging War on Drugs. people would gather to hear him pitch Captain Crunch knew someone with
the latest blender or no-run hosiery. It 1,500 lb. loads of Colombian weed
THE AUTHOR AT THE OFFICES OF
Platshorn and his childhood friend Robert was at the 1976 Wisconsin State Fair that were being smuggled into Florida
THE DYNAMIC READING INSTITUTE, Meinster (another member of the South where his initial connection with the through the Everglades. Robert and
LONDON, 1968 St. Gang, naturally) were sentenced to smuggling game surfaced. Robby were to become partners with
more than 108 years between them. the supplier and find customers to
Originally, 64 of those years were meant While contemplating a return to the whom they could offload each ship-
for Platshorn. After serving nearly 29 years University of Miami to pursue a law ment. Posh canal houses presented the
in various levels of the Federal correc- degree, Platshorn met a fellow barker perfect unloading spots, with their pri-
tion system, Robert was finally freed on called Cool Hand Luke. Luke knew that vate house-adjacent docks for yachts
April 1st, 2008. Perhaps the most famous Platshorn owned the Ice Cream Factory and semi-discrete settings among the
first-time, non-violent Cannabis offender on South St., where he also housed wealthy and disinterested.
in the history of the War on Drugs, the
alleged ringleader was released to a half-
way house with no money, no job and
very little surviving family or friends.
Start seeds indoors at least two weeks Marijuana is a very tolerant plant, which
in advance to have them ready to can do well under a wide variety of condi-
move outside. When starting from tions, both indoors and out. An outdoor
seed, germinate at least twice the temperate grow can be spectacular, pro-
number of seeds as plants desired for ductive and save kilowatts of electricity
harvest, as a little under half tend to over an indoor grow.
be male. To avoid investing too much
time and energy into male plants, once If you are blessed with a circumstance that
established, clones taken from the will allow outdoor gardening, be thankful.
outdoor plant can be sexed indoors to It is a wonderful way to grow, as long as
learn gender. An alternative is to start you can do it in peace.
GROWING VEGETABLES ALONGSIDE MARI- with feminized seeds, which will all be
JUANA CAN PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS TREATS female. Sprouts should be kept moist, Peace, love and puka shells,
but not too wet. Grubbycup
10 STRAIN AWARDS
There is plenty of debate surrounding chemical vs. organic methods to react differently in combination with Advantages and
of cultivation. Many organic gardeners argue that plants cultivated different compounds. Disadvantages
One of the main advantages of using
using naturally-sourced ingredients make for healthier plants that Likewise a small cup (250ml) of urine adds organic tea as a source of fertilizer in the
display a more extensive arrangement of essential oils at harvest. extra nitrogen to the tea (if required). garden is visible in healthier, more robust
Urine is sterile when produced; although plants. Growers using chemical applica-
Others argue that organic methods of cultivation are simply less it acts as an accelerator when it comes in tions often require additional chemical
stressful on the planet. by lazystrain contact with foreign bacteria. This further supplements to provide their plants with
aids the fermentation process. just the correct sources of micro-nutrients.
A well-balanced organic tea, on the other
In this issue of Soft Secrets USA, we shall organic home-grower. Many stores offer The resulting tea is applied liberally to hand, provides all the nutritional require-
take an alternative look at producing what at first seems like a vast array of the base of plants when still young. Note: ments needed for healthy growth.
organic fertilizers (or ‘teas’) using natural ingredients, including guano, seaweed urine containing contraceptives and ster-
ingredients. The aim of any organic tea extract, worm casts and even ready- oids should never be used in organic tea, One of the main disadvantages of organic
is to produce a well-balanced base of made ‘organic’ solutions. since they contain hormones that may tea is that the preparation time requires
nutrients which, when applied to soil sub- affect plant growth and the health of more input than simply pouring nutrients
strates, is made freely available to plants. Guano is usually the first ingredient many the consumer. This is especially important out of a plastic bottle into a watering
Organic cultivation is, therefore, the pro- tea makers will discover. Guano is the dried when crops are consumed as ‘medibles’! can. Another disadvantage is the space
cess of feeding the soil beneath – not or fossilized remains of bat or sea bird required to ferment organic tea, in a buck-
the plant itself – with all the nutritional manure. Rich in essential nutrients, each Wild Organic Tea et of water, with an air stone. Plus, of
requirements needed to further sustain guano comes with its own NPK reading to Wild organic tea is the cheapest and most course, the often unpleasant smell that
plant growth. indicate the strength of the nitrogen, phos- natural way to produce a reliable source some teas generate as the most beneficial
phorus and potassium level. For example, of organic fertilizer. Nature is full of use- bacteria become active.
Cultivating Healthy Bacteria a guano labeled 10-2-2 is suitable for the ful wild plants and minerals just waiting
The basic principle behind any organic tea vegetative stages of growth; while, in con- to be brewed. Nettles, for example, are a Enjoy!
recipe is that EVERYTHING on earth (unless trast, a guano labeled 0-3-7 is more suited great source of nitrogen (N) and iron (Fe)
sterile) is surrounded by bacteria. As things to the later stages of flowering. and make perfect teas for the vegetative
decay, the more these bacteria start to stages of growth. NETTLE TEA
work. Some of these bacteria are more Organic Guano Tea
beneficial to soil and plant life than oth- The following recipe has been tried and Burdock is a reliable source of trace ele-
ers. In making organic tea in water, we are tested over many years in various gardens. ments including calcium (Ca) and mag-
therefore aiming to cultivate a small ‘micro- The guano used is usually quite strong, so nesium (Mg). Added to a bucket of warm
herd’ of beneficial bacteria. This is achieved only a small teaspoon of sea bird guano water, the leaves of both wild plants fer-
by using natural ingredients already cov- and a large tablespoon of Kenyan or ment into a thick soup in only a few
ered in micro-bacteria and by enhancing Peruvian bat guano is added to each gal- days. The soup can then be sieved and
the environment surrounding the bacteria lon bucket of warm water. Depending on sprayed onto the leaves of plants to pro-
so that they can rapidly multiply. season and visible signs in the plants’ well- mote healthy growth, or applied directly
being, then the quantities may change. as a base-feed.
The bacteria we are dealing with here are
‘aerobic’, meaning they need oxygen to Next, a small splash (5ml) of seaweed Another natural substance that can be
survive. This is provided by an air stone in extract and a tablespoon of honey, maple added to organic teas to increase the
a bucket or by hand-stirring the bucket of syrup or sugar is added to the bucket as a levels of phosphorous (P) and potassium
water twice daily. The bacteria also require carbohydrate. This aids fermentation. The (K) during the flowering stages of growth
a source of carbohydrate to feed on. This is bucket is stirred twice daily and kept at a include charcoal and wood ash. Likewise, NETTLES MAKE A NUTRITIOUS
provided by a basic source of sugar, such temperature of 70°F (20°C). This helps the worm castings and mole-hill soil are also
ORGANIC FERTILIZER
as honey, molasses or cane sugar. Once natural bacteria generate at an even rate. excellent sources of free organic minerals.
situated in a warm environment the con- Both can be added to any organic tea at
tents of the bucket of water then slowly The tea is ready within 7-14 days. To add any time of year, without any fear of over-
start to ferment. some extra depth to organic tea during fertilization. When fresh, both are mineral
vegetative stages of growth, a large table- rich in trace elements and contain a pleth-
Store Bought ‘Organic’ Tea spoon of wood ash is added to promote ora of additional natural bacteria that are
Today most DIY depots, garden nurser- root growth. This is something still being known to donate beneficial properties to
ies and specialist stores cater to the experimented with, since guano is known soil life and, in turn, plant life.
13
Now that the weather has gotten warmer, lots of folks are starting up their outdoor gardens. Many people do this by germinating
their seeds indoors first, and allowing the seedlings to grow into small plants before their transition to an outdoor climate.
Since the US is such a large country with that these alter their pH- and EC levels
stark climate and elevation changes, it is and have even burned their seedlings;
essential that you choose the best strain you must obtain specific product details
for your outdoor environment. Medical at your local garden center or grow shop.
patients should be especially stringent
with their standards, as the correct vari- Small Plant Pots
ety can be the perfect therapy for their If you are already have a flower or vegetable
ailment; however, the wrong strain may garden, you may re-use your small (3” x 3”)
worsen their medical condition. pots if they are washed and rinsed thor-
oughly (to prevent disease and infestation).
Once you have decided which variety to Seedling soil is available at most garden cent-
grow, there are a few different methods ers and is specifically used to prevent nutri-
that you can use to successfully germi- ent burn on the tender new shoots. Normal
nate the seeds. Those of you with regular growing soil often has too much food for the
gardening experience (tomatoes, herbs, seedlings, which can not only burn them
etc.) will find that some of the gardening but also occasionally spoils young plants
techniques that you already know will be by deterring them from spreading copious
sufficient. PLASTIC-WRAPPED ROCKWOOL CUBES HELP TO KEEP roots in search of nutrition.
YOUNG ROOTS SUPPLIED WITH MOISTURE
Before you place the seeds into the germi- For more information, ask questions at your
nating medium, make sure you first soak local grow shop or plant nursery. Plenty
them in a glass of water for around 24 of Cannabis grow books are also available
hours. When the seeds sink to the bottom online. Experiment to find out which meth-
of the glass, they should be placed in your od best suits your gardening needs.
chosen medium.
Rockwool Cubes
Rockwool cubes are found more readily
within the hydroponic growing commu- PELLETS ARE AN EASY WAY TO KEEP A STRONG SEEDLING LEADS
nity, as it is a preferred substrate for some TRACK OF SEEDLINGS AND PROTECT NEW ROOTS TO A HEALTHY ADULT PLANT
hydro systems. One benefit of these cubes
is that they protect the delicate seedlings
as they emerge, sometimes allowing for
a better success rate. Downsides include
the fact that rockwool doesn’t really bio-
degrade (think: fiberglass made out of
molten rock), nor does the plastic in which
many of the cubes are wrapped.
Peat Pots
Peat pots are a more natural alternative
to rockwool, as they are often made of
organic materials. Moisture holds rela-
tively well and the peat pots may be filled
with your choice of seedling soil. Trays of
peat pots are handy for organized germi-
nation, after which each seedling is cut
apart from the rest when it is transplanted
for the first time.
Seed Pellets
Pellets are bullet-shaped vessels into
which your soaked seeds are inserted.
These may be purchased dry or already
soaked, occasionally with a nutrient or IF YOUR ROOT SYSTEM IS HEALTHY, IT WILL LOOK SOMETHING LIKE THIS
hormone solution. Some growers report
14
THE EVOLUTION OF THE LEGAL STATUS OF CANNABIS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Looking Glass
would like to close down the whole
Most here in NL grow to supplement a low Cannabis scene, imagining we’ll all sud-
income: single mothers, the unemployed denly stop smoking weed. In reality
and people with chronic illness unable to this will simply push everything under-
afford coffeeshop prices. I started growing ground and into the hands of criminals
when I became sick and had to undergo
chemotherapy. Medicinal weed was $16
a gram, good coffee shop $10, so I decid-
ed to grow my own. Over the following
years the plant supported and eventu-
ally helped to heal me. Tending garden
brought me peace in a difficult time and I
dream of doing it again, but without fear
of arrest. Most growers would love to pay
tax; it would be a small price for doing
Amsterdam is a small city with a big name. The epicenter of the something we love.
Cannabis world, it is a place we all want to visit at least once in our Amsterdam has unique living libraries
lives. In the hearts of the American tokers it holds a special place. In containing hundreds of varieties of the IVO OPSTELTEN, THE J. E.
darker times, when the plant was demonized in the U.S; Amsterdam Cannabis plant that one day could benefit HOOVER OF HOLLAND
mankind. Should they be discovered by
shone like a beacon of freedom and hope of how things might be. the police they’d be destroyed and that
would be a crime against nature. who are willing to sell you anything.
Up until now the city has always displayed a tolerant policy toward Until now the Dutch had such a good
Now, I may sound like disgruntled aging reputation for getting it right with the
the plant. There was a time when the hash and weed prices were hippie, but I’ve done my time, unjustly drug scene. What happened?
given out over Dutch radio each morning. Dealers would gather in a spending years in a shithole prison for
cafe behind Dam Square to test each other's samples and listen to the love of a plant. Remember, when the I have been a Cannabis user for over forty
US government was busy persecuting its years, run a business, traveled the world
prices of the day. Just like the stock market around the corner, it had Cannabis growers, the Dutch held firm, and still don’t have a brain that looks like
its own gold standard called 'NPL': a variety of black Pakistani border giving refuge to those fleeing its unjust a fried egg.
prison terms. Now the growers of Holland
hash that never varied in quality or supply. Against this, the value of and all the people here who care for the Send the Dutch government an email and
everything else was measured. By O’Riodon plant need a little support. We want to tell them how it should be or you’re not
enjoy the same freedoms that seem to coming to visit! The Minister of Justice
The city had every kind of Cannabis is becoming so dangerous to grow that be opening up for you. It’s so ironic that would be a good start.
you could imagine. From the odd kilo eventually only real criminals will do it. our roles have been reversed and now we
of exotic hash smuggled in by travelers The latest maneuver is to close the grow have become the persecuted. Email: info@vvd.nl
to multi-ton loads that were eventu- shops. It smacks of hypocrisy to me.
ally exported across Europe, it all passed
through Amsterdam. This business Previous governments aren’t entirely to
generated lots of money for the Dutch blame for the situation. Continuous pres-
economy. The coffee shops flourished, sure from the US over the years has
creating a unique form of tourism that prevented the Dutch authorities from
brought in even more money. People acting positively at a time when it would
came in droves from all over the world have made a difference. Instead they
to enjoy the Dutch 'Cannabis experi- did nothing, allowing the production
ence'. Getting a light for your joint from a and distribution to fall into the hands of
policeman in the Vondel Park was a tour- organized criminals who use their profits
ist ritual. Legalization would have been to finance weapons and people smug-
the next logical step, celebrating it as a gling. In the eyes of the law it is with
gift, but then from across the Atlantic these people that the honest growers of
THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE HASH AND WEED PRICES COFFEE SHOPS COULD DISAPPEAR
WERE GIVEN OUT OVER DUTCH RADIO EACH MORNING
came a hail of criticism. The Dutch gov- Holland are associated. It’s true we are
ernment at the time was forced to back- 'legally' allowed to grow five plants, but
track and begin the slow dismantling of you can’t use lights and it rains a lot in
our free alternative lifestyle. Holland; you also can’t legally feed, clip
or give them any kind of attention. If they
So when you come to visit Holland these do flower and are visible from the street,
days for your Cannabis experience; the there’s still a chance that the police will
liberal freedom you’re experiencing is show up and confiscate them.
purely superficial, a ghost of what it once
was. Sure we still have coffee shops and So, it is with a sense of irony that we look
they’ll sell you some of the best weed to the US and see growers over there
in the world, but where does it come producing crops without the constant
from? Criminals! That’s what the govern- threat of arrest and confiscation. Getting
ment terms the growers. On one hand busted here is a life-changing experience;
they allow the sale of Cannabis, benefiting it's financially devastating and leaves you
from the business and taxes it generates; with a criminal record. So there are lots of
and on the other, authorities hunt and nice people you’ll never ever get to meet, SMALL-TIME GROWERS SUFFER
persecute the people who produce it. It because they’re banned from America.
17
You think you've seen it before, but you haven't. The Slider System
series of 'paper-less cigarette' hand-blown glass tubes presents by far
the most modern and functional re-design of a known smoking prod-
uct. Placing Second for Best Glass at the 2010 High Times Medical
Cannabis Cup in San Francisco, each piece is individually crafted by
the artists at the Home Blown Glass company, suiting all tastes and
levels of consumption. Gone are the days of hacking and choking over
a bowl of well-grown ganja, as the Slider delivers a smooth, efficient
and effective hit with each and every toke. The Sativa Diva
Paper-less blunts and cigarettes have which I faithfully grew and passed on were, prices [ranged] from free to half Luckily, the strong survive, and a combina-
been on the market for decades but to as many people as I could. By 1997 the black market value.” tion of Fred's passion for both glassblow-
they never really caught on; that is, until I was caretaker for over 50 people with ing and helping patients led to the crea-
Fred of Home Blown Glass decided to every thing from AIDS, cancer, chronic However, the dream of helping peo- tion of his company. “Within two months
ple with affordable, natural medicine I had turned my hobby into Home Blown
“AFTER SEVERAL YEARS [OF] MANUFACTURING BOWLS turned into a nightmare when Fred was Glass. We were lucky in our state that
busted for cultivation. He recalls, “Even 'paraphernalia' is [considered] multi-use
AND TRADITIONAL PIPES, THE INEXPENSIVE FOREIGN though I obtained a Cannabis dealer's items and not... illegal unless used with
license from [my home] state, I was illegal substances.”
PRODUCTS BEGAN FLOODING THE MARKET.... THIS WORRY unable to use it in my defense after a
commercial supplier turned me in to Freedom was not wasted on Fred, as he
WAS A CATALYST IN US RETHINKING A 1970'S DESIGN.” stay out of jail. I [had been sitting] on went straight to work researching the
my couch reading a book on contem- glass market and ]trying to figure out
put countless hours into comparing pain, MS, depression, alcoholism, glau- porary glassblowing when the officers... exactly what was missing. “After several
old designs and brainstorming ways to coma, etc. Considering the destitute broke through my front door, nearly years [of] manufacturing bowls and tra-
improve upon them. Eventually he deliv- state in which many of these people shooting my dogs in the process.” ditional pipes, the inexpensive foreign
ered the perfect alternative to paper-
rolled joints for even those who perhaps
aren't usually into glass. Easy to use and
even easier to clean, the Slider is one of
those cool gadgets that every smoker
should have. Fred shared his story, and
that of the genesis of my now-favorite
piece of glass, with Soft Secrets USA.
of whether or not to continue use. It is my intention to clarify these Studies that concentrate solely on the
muddy waters, where possible. by Kali Mist effects during pregnancy of Cannabis
CANNABIS-USING WOMEN WHO use through methods other than smok-
BECOME PREGNANT FACE A TOUGH ing are apparently non-existent, and
reduction in growth rate averaged out The available Cannabis itself may be much needed. There is a shocking
CHOICE, WITH LITTLE TO GUIDE THEM
at around 0.49 oz. per week. Tobacco, of poor quality or grown with poten- scarcity of research from recent years.
on the other hand, slowed growth by tially harmful chemicals. Even in the The increasing prevalence of Cannabis
Cannabis use is most prevalent in the approximately 0.14 oz. per week.
18-25 year age range – also the demo- EXISTING STUDIES MAY BE INHERENTLY FLAWED AS
graphic that is most likely to reproduce. As deprivation of oxygen to the devel-
In the USA, around 15% of the population oping fetus's brain is considered to be THEY ASSESS CANNABIS USE THROUGH SMOKING ONLY
are regular users, and of these, 3% are a major factor for low birth weight,
pregnant. With medical Cannabis being perhaps the difference here could even Netherlands, where retail sales of being prescribed by doctors as a uni-
used long-term for many chronic condi- be explained simply: Cannabis users Cannabis are tolerated but wholesale versal panacea for all manner of ail-
tions, the issue of its safety for expectant tend to inhale more deeply, and for distribution and cultivation is not, these ments cannot continue without con-
mothers demands attention. longer, therefore depriving the brain factors must be considered. firmation of its safety. From an ethical
of oxygen for longer than a cigarette perspective, conducting incomplete
It is easy to assume the worst about smoker. Levels of carboxyhemoglobin In a locality where Cannabis use is tra- clinical trials on any new medicine
Cannabis use during pregnancy, as with (formed when carbon monoxide reacts ditional, users are generally from across would imply full responsibility on the
all unfamiliar medications. However, while with hemoglobin in the blood) are five the social spectrum so economic disad- part of the medical profession if anoth-
there may well be women out there who times higher after smoking Cannabis vantages will have less effect on sub- er scandal of Thalidomide proportions
– consciously or otherwise – put their than after smoking tobacco. jects and, therefore, results. This argu- then occurred. Even if all future tri-
unborn children at risk from continued als proved its benevolence, Cannabis
exposure to known harmful substances, requires further scrutiny.
we can't assume this is a brush with which
to tar weed users. Most women can't com- At this stage, there is little definite con-
fortably continue their use of a medica- clusion that can be drawn, save that
tion through pregnancy while uncertain smoking Cannabis is likely the most
of its safety. It is proving to be a tough unsafe way to medicate; and that while
choice to make for many. Cannabis use may bring many benefits
to the mother, the harm that it could
Existing studies may be inherently do the developing fetus may outweigh
flawed as they assess use through them. With patients for whom medi-
smoking only. While research concludes cation is a necessity, there is no clear
that the effects of smoking Cannabis way to decide on whether to continue
and tobacco are disparate (recent news their Cannabis use or to switch to an
suggests that Cannabis smoke may in alternative pharmaceutical. For many
fact exert a 'protective' action on the the initial clincher will remain: that
lungs), it is irresponsible to suggest Cannabis is a non-invasive drug with
SMOKING CANNABIS THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY LEADS TO A
that smoking any substance is entirely far fewer side effects than many. For
beneficial to health. Studies should LOWER AVERAGE BIRTH WEIGHT, STUDIES HAVE SUGGESTED these women, to simply use as little
differentiate between the effects of of it as possible (ideally in tea form, or
smoking Cannabis while pregnant, and vaporized) would surely be the advis-
those of alternative techniques such as This study concludes that the effects ment may be borne out by Dr. Melanie able way to avoid the potential for
vaporizing or ingesting orally. of smoking marijuana are indeed det- Dreher's work in Jamaica during the adverse effects occurring.
rimental to the developing baby – but 1990s on Cannabis-using mothers and
Arguments against consuming the question of whether cannabinoids their children. Long-term studies con-
Cannabis during pregnancy include themselves play a part in these findings ducted on development of children
results of research conducted last remains unanswered. Other factors must exposed to Cannabis in utero found no
year by the Erasmus University of also be taken into consideration, such evidence of inferiority to the children
Rotterdam, which states that babies as socioeconomic status of the mother, of non-Cannabis using mothers; in fact,
the former group showed fewer signs
MOST WOMEN CAN'T COMFORTABLY CONTINUE THEIR of stress-related anxiety, and better
organizational skills. Significantly, her
USE OF A MEDICATION THROUGH PREGNANCY WHILE research does not solely concentrate on
smokers but also users of Cannabis 'tea'.
UNCERTAIN OF ITS SAFETY
Her research also highlights the
born to Cannabis-using mothers tend her level of general health and stress importance of Cannabis to expectant
to have below-average cranial cir- and prevalent cultural attitudes towards mothers as a remedy for nausea, not
cumference and birth weight. It was Cannabis in the location of study. In uniquely: there are many references in THE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS TEA,
discovered that Cannabis, when used a country where Cannabis is illegal or medical literature to this application. WHILE NOT YET STUDIED SEPARATELY,
only in early pregnancy, slowed fetal frowned upon, users are often more likely Mothers reported increased appetite
ARE BELIEVED TO BE FAR MORE BEN-
growth by around 0.39 oz. per week. If to be of lower social status and subject to and mood stability. Cannabis was also
use continued throughout pregnancy, stress-inducing economic disadvantages. considered helpful in treatment of EFICIAL THAN THOSE OF SMOKING
ORGANIC CULTIVATION 21
at many garden centers. Garden centers
are also a valuable resource for knowledge
Ken Unger
tence is also ten years to life with no
hope of probation or parole.
example of one of America's drug war prisoners – a severely If you would like to donate and support
In 2002, Ed Rosenthal was facing a
injured US Navy veteran (with no prior record) charged with Ken Unger with his legal battle, find 20 year sentence for mass-cultivating
'felony possession with the intent to distribute' the Cannabis he out more about his case or discover the Cannabis. The jury convicted him, as
stories of other victims of the US war they were forbidden from hearing that
so desperately needed for his own therapy. The Sativa Diva on drugs, please contact Green Aid or
check out their site at www.Green-Aid.
Ed was hired by the City of Oakland, CA
Location: Granada. Year: 1983. ant knows that person [sic] who cultivate com. Add a Green Aid banner to your to handle the cultivation and manage-
Serviceman Ken Unger receives a blow marijuana will distribute marijuana they website to help spread the word about ment thereof for local dispensaries.
to the head from a 50-ton crane hook. produce for others for profit.” America's 'green prisoners'. According to Angela Bacca, the other
The resulting injuries include pain, two
half of Green Aid, Rosenthal was sen-
herniated discs in his back, muscle Unger never sold any of his medicine. Ken says, “The thing I find hardest to
spasms, weakness and numbness in This is one aspect of the medi-weed believe is the state is OK with me being tenced to “a day in jail with credit for
his legs. Six coronary stents hold open industry that Cannabis foes don't seem a morphine addict, but a small grow of time served. Ed appealed it anyway
the arteries in his heart and he received to understand: people are sick and medical marijuana is out of the question. because he doesn't believe he is a felon.”
an arterial bypass in one leg. As is to dying. The last thing an ailing medical So seeking relief is illegal?”
Since then, Ed and Angela have been
be expected, depression has presented patient will likely do is to give away or
itself as an extension of his symptoms, sell the only thing that works for them. angela@green-aid.com hand-selecting cases to support through
and the ensuing weakness from the Ken Unger was no exception. legal action and fundraisers.
injuries and subsequent treatments GREEN AID
have lead to diabetes. Under Missouri law, Ken is prohibited 484 Lake Park Ave. #172 She adds, “Ed's trial is responsible for
from claiming medical use in order to Oakland, CA 94610
After serving his country in the Navy, at help his court case. Not only will no 1-888-271-7674
the New York Times taking the quotes
the price of his health, Ken Unger was sympathy for the ill and injured be lev- off of 'medical marijuana' in print.”
ultimately deemed unemployable by the ied, but since it is illegal in Missouri to
VA (United States Department of Veterans cultivate Cannabis (for any reason), the
Affairs) in St. Louis, MO. medical defense will not hold water.
Unlike many other states these days – If Unger were to take a plea he would be
perhaps most notably CA, CO, AZ, NJ and subject to five years' probation, includ-
RI – Missouri holds true to the archaic anti- ing drug testing. This means that he
Cannabis laws that still clog our prison sys- would be forced to revert back to the
Some 'pioneers' already began talking to avoid the frequent light bulb changes
about and introducing this new type necessary with incandescent lighting.
of lights – including their functionality
regarding our valuable crops – a few years The first of my five experiments took
ago. LED grow lights are nothing new to place in the summer. This trial already
the industry; the only reason their arrival demonstrated an unheard-of, almost uto-
on the Cannabis scene has been delayed pian possibility for indoor growing; that
until now is that they have never pro- is, cultivating during the summer season
duced a sufficient yield so far. The amount (although with a lower yield) as room tem-
of light obtained with the available watts perature near the lamp's glass rises by just
was always significantly less than that one degree. This can also be considered, INITIAL BLOOMING (AFTER TWO WEEKS)
achieved with sodium lights. But LED effi- at least in part, its Achilles heel.
ciency at this time is competitive and will
no doubt keep increasing. The fact that this type of lighting doesn’t
need reflectors – as its opening angle over
Do LED grow lights work? 120 degrees is very small – represents yet
The best way to discover how something again both an advantage and an incon-
works is to try it yourself, which is why I venience. On one hand, this allows an
purchased a few LED screens a year and important savings in light and wall reflect-
a half ago and began experimenting. For ing materials; on the other, if we only use
me, the easiest way to ascertain their a single unit, it needs to be turned up in
effectiveness was a comparison with the order to illuminate everything, and this
SOG (sea of green) I have used multiple is where problems arise. Turning the LED
times in the past. Thus, in the same way lights up too high means losing their main
as I've described before in Soft Secrets advantages: the ability to move them
Spain – but modifying the 600 watts of an close to the plants, and the fact that they
electrical ballast with two LED units of 120 give off a large amount of light without
watts each that include a range of flower- burning their leaves.
ing – I created my first SOP (sea of purple)
– which is the name I have taken the The farther these lights are kept from
liberty of baptizing this type of cultivation the plants, the more their effective-
with. But let’s start from the beginning… ness is drastically reduced. The solution,
however, is simple: it is much more CORRECT BUD FORMATION
When you turn on an LED lamp, the first effective to use several low-wattage
surprise is the large amount of visible light units, well-distributed and placed close Their perfect green shade is aided, dur- develop just as usual (except your light
it gives out, (not to mention how quickly it to the plants, rather than a single huge, ing the entire flowering period, by mov- bill will be more reasonable). As the days
starts working) as it immediately reaches high-wattage unit six feet away. This is ing the light closer without needing to go by, the plants form open and resinous
full power. One advantage is that the extremely important advice. raise the temperature. flowers whose qualities are already well-
entire system is integrated and doesn’t developed. The absence of heat seems to
require external ballasts or complex oper- Among the various differences result- They defend themselves very well dur- better maintain the flowers’ organoleptic
ations. It is a practical system, heats up ing from growing with LED lights, the ing the vegetative phase, giving excellent properties. Thus, LEDs can be considered
more than enough and its initial duration most noticeable is that the plants usu- results as regards taking root and main- a successful form of lighting during the
without losses is excellent, allowing us ally do not show deficiencies or spots. taining mother plants with very few watts. summer, also for mini- and mother plants.
This is a lifesaver during the summer or
for growers who don’t have much space Problems begin when using them during
available for mothers. We will speak of this the winter. After years of being accus-
factor in more detail in future issues. tomed to using incandescent lighting
as heaters, we no longer have those
As far as fertilizing goes, standards of necessary degrees. Low temperatures
care vary slightly. In the case of low tem- affect the plants’ weaker parts: their
peratures plants need to be watered less roots, which tend to atrophy and the
frequently; therefore, watering them less, pots are impossible to dry for weeks.
we must make sure to adjust the slightly This fact cannot be ignored, because if it
higher EC parameters in order to be able becomes necessary to use extra heating
to provide the same amount of nour- equipment (such as a radiator, air condi-
ishment (although we water them less tioning or anything that consumes a lot
frequently). of energy) it will have all been in vain,
since paying for the electricity required
Are they useful for blooming? by the air conditioning will cancel out
The plants begin blooming correctly, with what we otherwise save. For those whose
an internodal distance that I wouldn’t crop isn’t much bigger than a few cubic
hesitate to describe as better than the feet, the ideal solution is to combine
one achieved with HPS. This shows us both types of lighting. This way you will
that the plant doesn’t go to seed needing enjoy a much more efficient synergy
HEALTHY AND REGULAR CLONES more light, nor does it grow more slowly that achieves both the temperature of
in a different photo period – in fact, things sodium lights and the yield of LEDs.
25
When I did this during the winter, when- Should I change over to LEDs? lamps are much more complete, com- Nowadays, several companies offer
ever the plants aligned between the two This subject has already created much bining the spectrum with more effi- LED grow lights, especially online. New
types of lights were able to choose which controversy on the web and in the cient LEDs. Also, and most importantly, models and combinations become
way to bend their leaves, it was invariably sector’s press, with many critics who we now know what to expect and what available every day, so I won’t recom-
towards the LEDs. I think this fact is signifi- keep mentioning that 'they’ve been not to expect. Prices have come down mend any particular brands – what’s
cant enough on its own. told' that LED grow lights don’t work and will continue to do so. useful today might be ancient history
for the flowering period. This is unde- tomorrow. What I can say, however, is
What sort of yield can we hope for? niable, but there is an explanation. The more creative growers can learn to that most lights sold on eBay are very
I was very pleasantly surprised; my first When the first models were being pub- build their own lights; there are many low quality, and are not even useful
SOP allowed me to exceed the gram/ licized, they came with false data, in excellent online tutorials that show how for cutting; in fact, they are of hardly
watt ratio, which rarely happens with excess of actual performance. Some to assemble them with the desired dis- any use at all. But a widespread and
HPS, especially without CO2. My aver- people even declared a 90-watt lamp tribution and wattage. Currently, many general ignorance ensures their con-
age was about 440 grams per three to be superior to a 600-watt lamp (no observations give reliable, non-manipu- tinued popularity on the market, which
square feet, using twenty-five select- comment). These high expectations lated results – and growers who obtain is a pity because – given the tendency
ed clones and 240 watts; afterward I inevitably worked against LEDs; people good results with sodium lamps actu- to generalize – this contributes to the
expanded to three units and, with bet- who bought these expensive models – ally work more efficiently with LEDs. Those poor reputation of LEDs.
ter light distribution, have managed which also lacked a sufficient spectrum who have already begun to or usually
to slightly improve my ratio. Therefore to work correctly – found themselves have problems harvesting their crop cor- We need to try and find out where to
the efficiency of LED grow lights is with very poor results. Thus, the first rectly, on the other hand, find their mis- obtain tried and tested (and guaranteed)
extremely interesting, provided that generation of ground breakers suffered takes magnified. Carelessness makes it models. And to stop expecting to earn
cultivation is performed properly. quite a disappointment; but now these easy to stunt a plant’s growth. without investing.
Pros
- Low consumption
- Durability without losses
- Heat up instantly
- Very effective
- Possibility of growing in the summer
and in limited spaces
Cons
- High price
- Necessity of raising temperatures dur-
ing the winter
- Hard to know which brands are more
efficient
- Several units needed for correct distri-
SOP – 'SEA OF PURPLE' CLONE HARVESTED UNDER LED GROW LIGHTS bution
26 HEMP TECH
annual hemp fairs and Cannabis aware-
ness demonstrations. It is important to
A LOOK AT INNOVATIONS IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY stress the significance of the ongoing
policy of openness and transparency in
the hemp industry, which over the years
has led to a general perception in the
What's Happening
Netherlands and throughout Europe of
hemp products as safe, ecologically-
sound and indeed fashionable.
From initial establishment of a small 140- THIS PHOTO CLEARLY SHOWS THE TIGHTLY-PACKED STEMS WITH NO
acre plot in 1994, HempFlax currently pro- A MATURING OILSEED CANNABIS PLANT LATERAL BRANCHING THAT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF FIBER CROPS.
duces 5,900 acres of fiber hemp every
27
importing hemp into the country makes it The level of support for legalization is
nonviable as a construction industry norm. informed and widespread, despite the
government's repeated attempts to mis-
However, the publication by the construe this. After the North Dakota
University of Connecticut in October appeals, in a perfect example of the ongo-
2010 of research into hemp as a poten- ing policy to place marijuana and hemp
tial bio-fuel source has caused great into one blanket category, Tom Riley of
excitement in the pro-hemp lobby. the White House Office on National Drug
Dependence on fossil fuels is one of our Policy is quoted as saying:
biggest issues in this current economic
climate, and any new developments in "Let's not be naive... the pro-dope people
this area cannot be ignored. This factor have been pushing hemp for 20 years
may well prove decisive in any forth- because they know that if they can have
coming debate over this issue. hemp fields, then they can have mari-
juana fields. It's... stoner logic."
THE HEMPFLAX FACTORY, GRONINGEN By now, the USA is one of the few remain-
ing countries worldwide not to have legis- But the pro-hemp sentiment extends far
lated in favor of hemp. Since the infamous beyond the ranks of the unfairly-depicted,
media campaign perpetrated by Hearst but nonetheless powerful pro-marijua-
and DuPont and supported by Harry J. na 'stoner' lobby. The farming lobby is
Anslinger in the 1930s, the US government increasingly vocal, as are environmental
has chosen to perpetuate the deliberate groups such as the Resource Conservative
ambiguity regarding the two very sepa- Alliance, the Body Shop and Rainforest
rate industries, relying on dangerously Action Network, in slowly aiding pub-
flawed reasoning. For example, the oft- lic recognition of hemp in its own right.
cited argument that hemp fields would Given our current economic instability,
provide natural camouflage for drug crops rapidly dwindling fossil fuel reserves and
is easily debunked: hemp fields are grown
with no discrimination between male and
female plants, unlike drug crops, where to
ensure seedless flowers the males must be
pulled. Not only would the females pro-
duce seed, instantly reducing the crop's
HEMPFLAX HARVEST TIME, WITH SPECIALLY- value, but the seed itself would produce
flowers far lower in THC than the mother.
MODIFIED COMBINATION HARVESTERS
Therefore to ban the production of hemp
on the basis of perceived similarity to mari-
juana is and always has been fundamen- THE USA'S FIRST HEMP HOUSE, IN
tally contradictory. ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
In recent years you have had an impres- various Cannabis competitions where
sive series of prizes credited to your they live. Often we do not even know
record. In fact, thanks to the entries who they are. Every time one of our vari-
from various Spanish growers you eties wins a prize we feel very honored,
have even won more than any other so thanks again, champions!
seed bank, and this year too there
have been more awards bestowed Although you have been around for a
upon Sweet Seeds. What are your most decent amount of time your seed bank
honored plants, and to what do you has only recently taken the interna-
think they owe their success? tional market by storm. What is behind
Sweet Seeds is delighted with the this sudden international expansion?
recognition and the success achieved We assumed that our success in Spain
by our varieties both in Spain and was a visiting card with which our dis-
abroad. We have not been in exist- tributors could present us to other mar-
ence as a seed bank all that long, so kets. In the last two years we have made
at this moment it is the varieties that a huge publicity offensive at an inter-
we have in our range that have won national level, in order to increase our
What is your take on the issue of stabil- The stems of Cannabis plants are not
ity? Do think it is more important that designed to be alive for so long, and with
plants are homogenous or that you can plants that are three- or four years old the
choose from various options? stems begin to rot quite easily, or they
For us a variety is stable when the indi- become infected with mold. Keeping a
viduals that form a population keep the bonsai Cannabis plant alive for longer
characteristics that define a variety in than four years is really difficult.
future generations. We describe a seed
generation or population as stable when These days we no longer work with bon-
there is no variation in the characteristics sai plants; we prefer to keep our mothers
of the individual plants that come from it. strong and healthy, and replace them
The famous F1 seeds, for example, consist after a maximum of six months with new
of a population or generation of stable young clones.
seeds, but there are no stable varieties
A HARVEST OF CREAM CARAMEL
because the following generations that Which of your plants are you most
ensue are not. proud of, in the sense that most of its
potential has been realized?
The most extreme example of a stable fact the only genetic difference between regular and feminized seed; or we work To be honest, that is a question that is
generation or population - that is to say populations of regular seed and popula- in a breeding program starting with only not easy to answer. It is just like asking a
100% stability of all characteristics – is a tions of feminized seed is that those from female plants. We figure it is better to father which of his children is his favorite,
population in which the individual plants the feminized seed have no males among complete the feminized program without or which one he is most proud of. But
are clones of the same mother. In this them. Because they have been grown the use of males, since by doing so we anyway, we can say of our first varieties
example every plant is an identical copy from a seed, plants from feminized seed avoid the probability of surprises at the that they are now at a point where there is
of each other and we should find no indi- are usually more productive, with better end of the program, in the response to the nothing left to improve. I mean the varie-
vidual variation. aroma and are more stable than clones sex conversion technique. ties that were mentioned at the beginning
from a strongly selected mother of the of this interview, the quality of which is
However, those of you who have grown same variety that had been raised from These days more and more attention not just recognized by ourselves, but by
plants from the same mother will have regular seed. is paid to bonsai plants. When we the Cannabis scene. Although there may
noticed that there are always a couple first met, which must be more than still be room for improvement in one
of plants among them that are higher How do you select your mother plants? ten years ago, you already had bon- of those varieties, it is very difficult to
than the rest; that some get sick while If you begin from seed, are they femin- sai plants of three- or four years old. say something has really achieved all the
the rest remain healthy, root a cou- ized or regular seeds? Can you briefly explain the experi- development it is capable of.
ple of days earlier than the others or For the selection of the mother plants ments; say something about the sys-
yield more – while they were all iden- for a breeding program it is important tem that you used for making bonsai Among our more recent varieties there
tical clones of the same mother. The that as well as the selection for excep- plants and what the most important are indeed a few with the possibility of
differences or variations were caused tional structural, agronomic, organolep- problems were that were encoun- more improvement. Sweet Cheese, Snow
by environmental factors, such as cli- tic (taste and aromas) and chemotypic tered during the process? Fruit, Speed Devil, Fast Bud and Big Devil,
mate or growing medium; and not by (quantity and variety of cannabinoids) The bonsai plants were a nice experiment for example, were still under development
genetic differences, ultimately, if we’re qualities, you are also sure that the that came about in an almost spontane- in 2010, and in early 2011 there will be
talking about clones. So you must not plants have no hermaphroditic tenden- ous manner when we tried to keep moth- improved versions added to our range.
confuse the environmental factors with cies, and that they lend themselves to er plants as small as possible – mainly
for reasons of space-saving – so that we Can you recommend a sativa and an
could provide the mothers in our grow indica to us?
space with enough light. The longer you As a sativa I’d recommend the Jack 47 for
try to keep your plants small by taking everyone who loves strong sensations,
cuttings and snipping branches, the more a lovely incense aroma and a potent,
the stems age and fatten. After a couple euphoric effect. For an indica I would go
of months the soft tissue begins to harden for the Cream Caramel, with its unbeliev-
into wood, making them start to resemble ably sweet aroma with earthy tones and a
bonsais, although the process is not liter- super relaxed effect.
ally a bonsai technique: though the leaves
do get a bit smaller, you don’t get real Which varieties from your catalog do you
miniature leaves, which is what you get reckon are best suited to medicinal use?
AN OLD BLUEBERRY MOTHER with real bonsai trees. Normally medicinal users give the nod to
31
varieties with a strong indica proportion, Seeds genetics and represent a leap for-
which have a high level of THC – the most ward in quality when compared to the
important medically active constituent auto-flowering varieties currently avail-
- and with sufficient CBD to compensate able. It is a new generation that smells
for the euphoric psychedelic effects of better, creates more resin hairs, grows
the THC. For that kind of user, Cream higher and develops more side branches.
Caramel, S.A.D. or Mohan Ram are the They look more like non-auto-flowering
most suitable. But you also have medici- feminized varieties than we’re used to.
nal users who prefer the more sativa-ish
varieties. For them, Ice Cool, Sweet Tai or Many breeders are at the moment busy
Psicodelicia are very effective. hybridizing auto-flowering varieties
with their best mothers, so the auto-
Nowadays you also have feminized flowering varieties will only get bet-
auto-flowering varieties in your range. ter. Sweet Seeds has also worked hard
How do you tackle that challenge? to improve the quality of Speed Devil
We believed right from the beginning in #2, Fast Bud #2 and Big Devil #2, the
auto-flowering genetics and think that three auto-flowering varieties in our
in the future these will only increase in THE SWEET SEEDS SHOP catalog, and the results of this work too
importance. Auto-flowering varieties have will become visible in the beginning of
been occupying us enormously in recent 2011, when they become available.
years; there is more and more demand rooms – especially thanks to their short at creating, from our classic varieties, femi-
for these sort of genetics because they cycle and acceptable quality. nized auto-flowering seed. The first results Can you tell us, out of all your experi-
have a number of advantages when com- from these projects will start to become ence of growing, one key piece of grow-
pared with regular varieties: first of all Do you think that the auto-flowering available in early 2011. The first varieties ing advice?
their speed, discretion and the opportu- varieties in the coming year will be that will see the light will be S.A.D. auto, Let’s not forget that that Cannabis is a
nity of getting more harvests from outside better? How far can improvements con- Cream Caramel auto and Jack 47 auto. It magical plant that since time immemorial
growing each year, even in the spring. In tinue to be made, do you think, and is our intention that in the foreseeable has evolved through the actions of man,
the meantime, auto-flowering varieties how many years will it be before we get future we will make and offer auto-flower- and that still she rewards richly the care
have finally achieved sufficient quality; to see the final results? ing versions of all the varieties in our cata- and attention we humans lavish upon her.
thanks to which many growers are choos- At Sweet Seeds we have already been log. The new auto-flowering varieties will
ing them for growing in their indoor grow working for two years on projects aimed be hybridized and improved with Sweet » www.sweetseeds.es
P.s. Check out the pic “One love, one Soft Secrets” :)
Luv Ya All :P
G.
E-mail:
kristie@softsecrets.nl
PACO
HOMER J
Great example of a simple plant in a simple pot. Natural SILVIA, VALENCIA
lighting is free, and plants love it. What every household Wonderful example of a proper
can have when reason takes the day and growers are Nice looking colas, if you trim off the lower limbs on the plant pair of panties. It looks like you
allowed to come out into the open. You are on your that don’t produce well, you will find that the top gets bigger. have enough room to let the plants
own on figuring out how to get beautiful women to run Her lower limbs are fine just the way they are. It also looks like get a bit bigger, or to grow more a
around topless in polka dot panties though. you have more space for another couple of plants if you chose. bit closer together.
Smuggler’s Tales 33
Morocco Bound
eous indignation of the innocent. Sharing
a small cell with five others didn’t help
and that’s not counting the bad food,
bed bugs and constant threat of sexual
assault. The Consul’s next visit found him
a lot more compliant.
a neat little block, was the extra ten grams Now Cannabis smugglers seemed to be
of hash. Within an hour he reached the blessed with a guardian angel that watch-
police road block, a permanent fixture on es over them. As long as you run good
the road to prevent smuggling. Smoking a hash and do it with a good heart, you’ll
joint and making no effort to conceal the (hopefully) be protected.
hash, the police arrested him immediately.
The normal procedure at this point was to A guardian angel was definitely present
offer a bribe; but our genius didn’t, even the when the Consul came to visit a few
refusing to do so when the police sug- days later. He’d spoken to a lawyer and
gested it. The police had no alternative but apparently the story of the police plant-
to really arrest him and so they did. With a ing hashish to extract a bribe was com-
police escort he and the camper were driv- mon practice in Morocco. The judge was
In a world of drug financed terrorism and blood-thirsty cartels, it’s en down to the nearest large town, which sympathetic and there was a reasonable
was Fez, and to the main police station. chance of a dismissal, but it would take
hard to imagine a time when it wasn’t about the money, but sim- time. As an afterthought he mentioned
ply having a few kilos of something primo sitting on your kitchen The Fez police suggested once again that the camper and the request to ship it.
table.Some of the craziest scams were hatched late in the night the whole thing could be cleared up with He was going on leave in a few days and
a little exchange of cash; again he refused, would be happy to drive the camper back
over a toke or two and a beer. Most died like vampires in the morn- accusing the arresting officers of plant- for him. Crossing borders wouldn’t be a
ing light, but some got further and then you heard about them ing the hash on him. The next day he problem because he had a diplomatic
repeated his story in front of a judge and passport. Our little genius’s heart did a
when they were busted. A few succeeded, despite enormous odds, was remanded for trial and taken to the somersault; this was beyond his wildest
and I’d like tell you about one of them. By O’Riodon local prison. At this point the Consul from dreams. Of course the Consul could drive
his home country came to visit. He was it back; our friend would be very grateful...
For this we have to go back to the late prepared camper, he passed the village to surprised he hadn’t paid the bribe and he even offered to pay for the gas.
'60s, a far more liberal time. Morocco a farm deep in the mountains. By first light suggested he do so right away and save
was just starting to produce its first the camper was hidden from prying eyes, himself a lot of trouble. To the Consul’s A week later the camper, with its con-
good hashish. Only a few years prior an and preparation of the hundred kilos it amazement he refused. cealed load of 100 kilos, turned into the
American had shown the farmers how was to carry was already under way. driveway of his house. His girlfriend was
to process their kif into quality hash; Before the Consul departed our friend there to receive it and took a photo-
now loads of it were crossing the straits Ketama is in an area of the Atlas Mountains asked him one thing: could he take graph to capture the moment. She then
of Gibraltar on their way north. At first allowed to grow Cannabis by royal char- possession of the camper and arrange flew down to Morocco with the money
the Spanish Customs seemed unaware ter, and has been so for hundreds of years. its shipment home? The Consul agreed to get him out. It took a day’s work and
of the volume of traffic passing under Export is strictly forbidden and punish- and said he would return in a couple three fat envelopes before he walked
their noses, but they soon wised up. The ments for doing so are severe. This did not of days with the necessary paperwork. out the prison gates. That night they
southern Spanish ports became some of bother our genius; within a few days he Meantime, he should engage a lawyer were on plane home; it took a month
the hottest in Europe, at their peak aver- was ready to go. A hundred kilos of the and prepare for trial. but he had pulled it off.
aging a couple of big busts a day. It took finest 'Zero-Zero' had been pressed up
real genius to pass through unmolested. and all but ten grams had been welded Now, by this point you may have guessed It’s a great story and shows initiative, but
into the framework of the camper. our little genius’s ploy to get the load unfortunately he told it to me in the exer-
One such genius crossed into Morocco shipped to his home country by the cise yard of a Spanish prison three years
and arrived late at night in the mountain The following day he drove down the embassy, but this took time and Moroccan later, after getting ten years for a couple
village of Ketama, a place with a reputa- mountain on one of the only two roads prisons are notoriously bad. As the days of hundred kilos in a sailboat. Sometimes
tion for good hashish. Driving a specially- out. On the seat beside him, pressed into passed it was hard to keep up the right- it’s your time to get busted.
http://www.cannabis-seeds-bank.co.uk/
44 MUSIC REVIEWS
By Kaz Peet
Africa Hi-Tech ’93 Million Miles’ Compilation ‘Generation Bass ETANA’S REGAL COUNTENANCE, UNCOMPRO-
WARP RECORDS Presents: Transnational Dubstep’ MISING MESSAGES OF SELF-EMPOWERMENT AND
Africa Hi-Tech, the powerhouse production com- SIX DEGREES RECORDS THE LYRICAL DEPTH OF HER SONGS ARE PROVING
bination of Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek, are ‘Transnational Dubstep’ is the first major com- TO BE A CHALLENGE TO THE DOMINANT PERCEP-
set to release their debut album this May. pilation to document the fusion of dubstep TION OF FEMALE ARTISTS’ IMAGES AND IDENTI-
and global roots music. Conceptualized and TIES. ENGENDERING REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES
Released by Warp following the two digi-dance- compiled by co-owner/editor and the driving IN JAMAICAN POPULAR MUSIC, ETANA IS THE JILL
hall releases ‘Blen’ and the ‘HiTecherous EP’, the force behind SCOTT OF THE REGGAE WORLD.
11-track album sees the two producers develop the Generation
their “love for all things progressive within music, Bass blog, DJ
whilst acknowledging that the roots of much Umb in coop-
of today’s popular music can be traced directly eration with
back to Africa.” Six Degrees Beats Antique ‘Blind Threshold’
Records, the ANTIQUE RECORDS
Having started working on the project when album pulls Growing like wildfire under the canopy of live electonica
they found themselves, by coincidence, living together some and world roots music comes a masterful merge of modern
in Australia, the album takes in the wealth of of the most technology, live instrumentation and seductive perfor-
experience both artists have (Pritchard as part of exciting new producers in electronic music, mance, built of brass bands and glitch, string quartets and
Global Communications/Harmonic 313; Spacek who are incorporating sounds from around dubstep: the musical trio Beats Antique.
as a notable contributor to Dilla’s work and the the planet with the bass bin shaking thump
Spacek outfit), which sees them explore Detroit of dubstep. Since the group’s inception from the eclectic under-
techno, classic soul and Jamaican dancehall as ground of San Francisco’s performance art scene, Beats
expertly captured on the excellent lead single BY UTILIZING INFLUENCES FROM CUMBIA Antique has been notorious for making it nearly impos-
‘Out In the Streets’. TO BALKAN; CHINESE TO INDIAN; MIDDLE sible to sit still. They meld their mediums as attentively as
EASTERN TO JAPANESE, THE SONGS ON THIS they fuse the cultures that inspire their sound.
’93 MILLION MILES’ IS AN UNFLINCHINGLY UNIQUE COLLECTION REPRESENT THE CUT-
AMBITIOUS PRODUCT OF INTERNATION- TING EDGE VANGUARD OF A WHOLE NEW ALL SELF-PRODUCED AND COMPOSED, THE TRIO
AL GLOBETROTTING THAT CARVES A NEW ELECTRONIC SUB-GENRE THAT IS READY TO CREATES A UNIQUE COLLAGE: AN ANIMALISTIC, RAW
FAULT LINE INTO THE RAPIDLY EXPAND- CAPTURE THE EARS AND IMAGINATIONS OF MUSICAL EVENT THAT BLURS THE LINES BETWEEN
ING TERRAIN OF BASS DRIVEN MUSIC. LISTENERS WORLD-WIDE. THE PROVOCATIVE, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE ARTIS-
TIC; WHILE STILL MAINTAINING AN ALLEGIANCE TO
This 15 track hand picked compilation features THE MUSES OF CLASS AND BEAUTY.
established producers like the Midval Punditz
and the Bandish Project, while introducing With this, their third album, Beats Antique is best imag-
breaking talent from the bass music commu- ined as an innovative creature built from the cumulative
nity: including Engine Earz, Alexis K, Jajuoka heritage of the world’s music chasing its tail. However
Soundsystem, Knowa Knowone, Shem and vivid that image, when a
many more to a wider audience. marching band groove crash-
es into bluesy folk chords,
‘Transnational Dubstep’ is the flashpoint where the only to be accompanied by
ever-evolving bass music genre collides with the electronic beats and Middle
global music continuum. Eastern melodies, you’ll still
be surprised.
BOOK REVIEW 45
Grubbycup's Simple Hydroponics
Potential hydroponic gardeners can Hydroponics is a starter primer on hydro- Grubbycup is obviously passionate The booklet also touches on environ-
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color pages illustrate concepts includ- beginner – the person a little hesitant Photo: Debi Davis
Written by international gardening author ing artificial lighting, media choices and to take that leap of faith and try hydro-
Grubbycup Stash, Grubbycup's Simple basic nutrition. ponic gardening.
46 WE WANT YOU / INDEX OF ADS / COLOFON
regular Soft Secrets USA contributor? Do Green Door the 48 Editorial adress:
you have a fluent pen and green fingers? E-mail: kristie@softsecrets.nl
Hemcy 43
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we’ll get in touch.
A word from the publisher:
To the chagrin of the US Federal Government,
almost half of the states have embarked on a
process of relative liberalization towards the
use of Cannabis, and Cannabis activists are
engaged in broadening this progression. Some
townships, mayors and police chiefs – on a
local level – now actively support a ‘compassion
club’ distribution system as a way of separating
recreational stoners from the people who legiti-
mately need therapeutic help, simultaneously
decreasing the number of unnecessary arrests.
Whether they are finding their way to the local
medical distribution point or growing for per-
sonal stash, Cannabis users are a menace to no
one and are causing no discernible social prob-
lem. Some politicians, and even more non-users
than ever, are calling for the outright legali-
zation of marijuana. Taxpayers are frustrated
with funding the incarceration of first-time,
non-violent drug offenders (read: pot smokers)
as well as the social toll that high numbers of
imprisonment brings to some towns and neigh-
borhoods. Now we must be patient and see how
the debate develops during a period of relative
peace between both sides.
In the meantime, the publisher hopes Soft
Secrets will expose the positive aspects of the
normalization of Cannabis use to the public,
and is excited to offer a forum to both pro-
and anti-legalization advocates. Soft Secrets
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endorsement is being made for the illicit use
or production of Cannabis. Soft Secrets does not
advocate breaking any laws, whether local-,
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Nothing from this publication may be copied
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