6 Cannabis Strains To Make You Feel Talkative And Social
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Some people find that weed helps them through a social setting. There are certain strains that can loosen your tongue and let the words flow. If you think cannabis can help you come out of your shell, here are 6 strains we would really recommend trying.
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Some people find it doesn't suit them; that it gives them an anxious or nervous energy that increases their paranoia, not soothe it. Others find that cannabis is actually directly helpful for social anxiety. There may be cases where cannabis can help people with autism, ADHD, depression, or some other condition that is interfering with their social life.
Everyone has to pace themselves with a strain that suits them. There is a helpful tip for remembering the distinction between indica and sativa strains of cannabis. Indicas tend to produce relaxing effects for staying "in", whereas sativas are for going out. Many strains are hybrids that blend the two properties. Typically, sativa qualities are uplifting and stimulating. Sativas can bring a euphoric sense of excitement that helps the mind flow better for creative work. It can also reduce inhibitions to the point where one can talk more fluidly.
Social anxiety affects everyone differently. There are some who find themselves more self-conscious while high. Others struggle to make sober conversation, and find themselves more willing to engage when they care less about the direction of the conversation. For these people, cannabis can help lift their mood and make them more talkative. It is worth experimenting with for yourself! Below, we have collated six strains available right now that could be just what you need for this.
BANANA
Californian genetics are celebrated throughout the world, and Banana stands as testament to why. The iconic OG Kush brings a lot of powerful indica genetics to any hybrid. Here it has been bred with a banana-flavoured strain to produce a sativa-dominant hybrid. With THC content recorded between 23–30%, Banana makes for one whopper high. The effects are sure to boost one's mindset to a delightful place, while you enjoy the sweet, tropical taste with hints of citrus and spice. The sativa high lands smoothly into an indica sensation of relaxation, making your night out run at a steady pace. Grow some for yourself and see the impressive yields after 9 weeks of flowering. It can yield up to 400g/m² indoors, and over twice as much per plant outdoors.
Super Lemon Haze is a prized addition to Zamnesia's catalogue from our friends at Green House Seeds. Famous around the world for running some of the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam, they pride themselves on breeding the best, prize-winning strains to boot. Super Lemon Haze quickly became famous for its crazy yields when cultivated outdoors. This plant grows very tall when given the space, yielding up to 1.2 kilograms of bud! Even indoors, it can yield an impressive 800g/m². If you grow some yourself, expect a strong citrus smell with hints of pink grapefruit and spicy incense. The effects Super Lemon Haze brings to the table feel like an indica calm at first, but then the rocket of its sativa genetics takes off. Its parents are Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze, which are formidable sativas in their own right. The buzz will be epic, knowing its THC content typically hits the 19–20% range.
Unrelated to any other substance, Green Crack is actually one of the most flavourful strains cannabis has to offer. This plant boasts a fruity aroma leaning toward exotic fruits like mango and pineapple. The sweetness of its flavour is distinctive, as is its vivid balance between the colours green and orange. The buds themselves are frosted with trichomes, holding the plant's bountiful THC content of around 18%. Green Crack owes its genetics to Skunk #1 and an Afghani landrace. The Skunk genetics give it an impressively quick flowering time of 60–65 days. Those pure Kush genetics from the mountains of Afghanistan endow this hybrid with significant indica dominance. It still earns its place on our list for an incredible combination of sensations—namely, the face-tingling, cerebral high of a sativa and the relaxing sense of wellbeing the best indicas deliver.
Blue Dream is a popular choice among weed connoisseurs looking to socialise. In fact, for a time, it was the best-selling strain in the dispensaries of Colorado. This sativa-dominant hybrid has undoubtedly boosted many moods with the smooth calm it brings before a tipsy high sets in. The intoxication should soothe any physical discomfort and leave you feeling more relaxed. The playful mindset that ensues should make you more open to having fun. The sativa effects will certainly counteract any indica feelings of lethargy. Although the plant may look more indica, we are talking about a THC content of around 22% here. The sativa power of parent plant Haze will prevail. The indica parent Blueberry provides the delicious fruit flavour.
Did our lemon-flavoured option sound appealing to you? Did our Kush hybrid option sound appealing to you? Hold on to your good sense as we present a strain that will capture both in one. Lemon Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that really demonstrates high-quality genetics even just from how it looks. The sweet, lemon citrus flavour suggested by the name comes across from the plant's colour. The buds tend to have a groovy yellow-golden tinge. This strain really is gold when it comes to stress relief. Lemon Kush is particularly suited for dealing with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The happy, euphoric high is perfect for creative play and socialising with friends. Get thinking and get talking with a robust Kush hybrid and the eponymous delight of its flavour.
Ending our list with something a little different is the pleasant surprise of Cannatonic. This has a much lower THC content than the other strains on our list—around 5–6%. Yet, it is matched by a CBD content of at least 6%, but ranging as high as 17%. With Cannatonic, you are guaranteed at least a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, if not a greater CBD content. This is wonderful for appreciating the anti-anxiety effects of CBD, as well as its other health benefits. With a solid amount of CBD interacting with a moderate THC content, this strain will serve you well. It will not get you as high as other strains, but this could be a huge advantage depending on your social situation. You don't want to numb yourself to your surroundings. You could approach socialising relatively sober, but with the soothing effects of CBD taking the edge off. It really is worth trying this strain, if just for its rich citrus flavour with an earthy musk.
Written by: Val Watts Val Watts is not talented enough to be Reggie Watts and not zen enough to be Alan Watts. But he does what he can writing about cannabis from the Emerald Isle. He hopes some day the green will be accepted everywhere so he loves researching and visiting the places it is.
Energizers, or stimulants, are psychoactive drugs that create a temporary improvement to cognitive and/or physical function. For example, common sensations include alertness, extra bursts of energy and wakefulness. For this reason they are often referred to as “uppers”.
The majority of stimulants work by interacting with the central and peripheral nervous system, each substance having a different signature effect. Some stimulants also cause euphoria, with makes it a euphoriant. There are many legal and widely available stimulants available, with nicotine and caffeine being the most common.
Nicotine
Thanks to the tobacco industry and the historical fashionable significance of smoking, nicotine is one of the most used stimulants in the world. It has very little medicinal value, but a large chunk of the world have come to both physically and mentally rely on it to relax and stimulate. Nicotine works by releasing neurotransmitters and hormones, which in turn produces the enhancement of concentration and alertness.
Caffeine
Caffeine is hands down the most used stimulant on the globe. It‘s the everyday fuel that keeps businesses running, and individuals buzzing along the day. Caffeine‘s most common form is in coffee, but it can also be found in energy drinks and caffeine pills as well as many other products. It naturally appears in a number of plants, most notably in Tea, Guarana and Yerba Mate. Caffeine creates a feeling of increased energy and alertness. Due to its unprecedented popularity, there is a constant stream of research being done into the effects of caffeine - with many varying and contradictory positives and negatives of its long term use being found.
Feeling energetic and alive is fundamental to lead life to its fullest. Money comes and goes, circumstances change, but the potential of our body and creative mind is the only thing you can rely on. But building and maintaining solid physical and mental stamina is a delicate balance, and if you feel tired or exhausted, have trouble getting up, or staying awake, there‘s a lot you can do. A few simple steps can make a big change.
Step 1: Sleep more
Simply sleeping more is such an obvious thing to do, yet it‘s also one of the harder things to actually put into practice. If you‘re used to stay up late and can‘t sleep out, there‘s naturally a sleep deficiency going to develop.
You sure know how sleep deprivation makes you feel messed up, but there‘s actually a number of studies that show exactly how bad it is. One study shows that under six hours of sleep you become more depressed and anxious. Also, it makes you sad and less attractive to the other sex - and it makes you chose an unhealthy diet.
So, try this: In the next 2 weeks, get at least 6-8 hours of rest each night.
There‘s a good chance it won‘t be easy to fall asleep earlier than you‘re used to. Specially, if there‘s anxiety-issues, or other stresses going on, falling asleep and maintaing rest can be tricky. In such cases, sleep-promoting herbs can do wonders:
The temptation is big to just go on another coffee binge. We‘ve gotten very used to short bursts of energy, delivered by sugar, caffeine, tobacco and synthetic uppers. But quick stimulants will leave you feeling depleted over time, as the energy is not replenished. Caffeine is the world‘s most popular psychoactive drug, but over time leads to adrenal exhaustion, as it overtaxes the system. This is quite a challenge, but to restore a natural energy balance, you have to cut out the caffeine - or at least reduce to a minimum.
Step 3: Re-vitalise with Herbs
Here‘s where herbal tonics really shine, along with the adaptogenic herbs. As the name implies, adaptogenic herbs adapt to the needs of the body, but more precisely they restore normal function of a system. There are many herbs in this category, and some naturally fit one person better than another. Prominent herbs in this class are:
Medicinal mushrooms are also very valuable for this process; Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lions Mane and more. Since there‘s such a wide range of tonic herbs, it‘s best to try out a few different ones and stick with what feel best for you.
A herb that deserves special mentioning is Rhodiola Rosea, this herb is often used in fatigue conditions and has strongly stimulating properties. It has been touted as a remedy for the stresses of the 21st century; fatigue, mental fog, and mild depression. Rhodiola is a strong acting herb that has been used traditionally for centuries in nordic countries.
It is important to take herbs over a period of time, as their effect gradually builds up.
Step 4: Nourish the Nervous System
There is indeed a connection between the saying „to have nerves of steel“ and the actual nervous system, which is the great connector of our body. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is a delicate system that not only links every organ, but also connects the physiological and psychological aspects. Overstimulation and stress take a toll on the CNS and literally makes us feel thin nerved, worn out and depleted.
In western herbalism, nervine herbs are used to attune the nervous system. Of these, nervine tonics in particular tend to strengthen and rebuild the CNS. Herbs in this category:
Over time, the regular use of a selection of these herbs can contribute to a healthy nervous system. But restoring lost balance encompasses more than just herbs, namely changes in lifestyle, bodywork, spiritual practices and most importantly - determination.
Caution: This information is not intended to replace medical advice and all material is for informational purposes only. No warranty whatsoever is made that any information is accurate. Review any information with your health care provider.
Top 10 Natural Ways to Stay Energized
With the pressures of modern society, many people have come to rely on strong stimulants such as caffeine, to get themselves through the day and elevate both energy and mood. Whilst this is not harmful in short run, over a period of time too much coffee and other stimulants can make you feel run down and out of energy, but that energy makes all the difference. When energised, days can be productive and meaningful; when exhausted it‘s like a slow motion endurance test.
The following ten points outline ways in which it is possible to boost natural energy levels, helping to feel more active and to elevate the mood.
1. Sleep
Without a doubt, one of the most important things to stay naturally energised is to maintain a healthy sleep regime.
The first tip is to have a consistent sleeping schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. It may be tempting to go to bed later at the weekends and stay in bed longer in the mornings, but have a set timeframe can work wonders for your energy levels. There is also a general consensus that 6-8 hours sleep is what should be aimed for.
If possible, consider using a dawn simulation alarm clock. These are alarm clocks that have a light on them and gradually begin to light up half an hour before you wake. This simulation of dawn signals to your biological clock that it is nearly time to wake up, allowing bodily processes to slowly start up before you actually wake. This results in often feeling wide awake when the alarm sound actually goes off. It is a much more peaceful and healthy way to wake then a sudden loud noise in the dark that jolts you into action – often leaving you feeling groggy and half asleep.
Once awake it is important to get out of bed straight away. This movement further tells the body that it is time to get up and active. If a dawn simulator has been used then melatonin should be fairly suppressed within the body, allowing it to further energise itself for the day.
Melatonin in a chemical regulated by light. It is a chemical that makes us feel sleepy and is our way of telling us it is time to lie down and recharge. Light suppresses it, so if you wake up in the dark you will find it much harder to get into action. For this reason light is a very important part of maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. By ensuring you get as much light as you can during the day you will ensure melatonin production is suppressed, helping you feel energised; whereas keeping light to a minimum before sleep will encourage the body to produce it and drift off.
2. A healthy diet
Food is one of the finer things in life and enjoyed by many, but for some it may be the wrong things that are enjoyed too much. It is completely natural, we have an instinctive drive to seek out fatty foods as a survival technique. What our instincts do not take into account is that the human race is much less active as a whole compared to a few thousand years ago. This natural drive for fatty foods is further enhanced by the fast-food industry, whose food is full of preservatives and flavourings. The effects of all of this can have us feeling lethargic and demotivated.
The preservatives and chemicals that can be found in many of today’s foods can also effect mood. By steering clear of them, and eating fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits, and nuts. It is also worth noting that some fat is good to for a healthy balanced diet, but it is finding that balance that is key. Not only does this cleanse the body of these preservatives, elevating mood, but also helps us feel more energised and active. Also, maintaining a healthy diet has further health implications into many other areas of health and wellbeing.
A good way to restart a clogged digestive system is through a juice fast. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are a fantastic method to clean out the intestine, and deliver much needed enzymes and vitamins to our body.
Store bought, bottled juices are all pasteurised, as most countries don‘t allow the sale of raw products such as fresh juice. But the heat destroys the enzymes that make juice so healthy in the first place. This is why store bought juice doesn‘t compare with fresh, homemade juice. Also, greens and vegetables contain more nutritional value than fruits, although the latter tastes sweeter and contains more sugars. A mix of fruits and greens is often the healthiest and tastiest combination.
When it comes to juicers, make sure to get a slow mastication juicer, not one of those high speed turbo juicers. The speed of the blade oxidises much of the juice before it‘s even in your cup.
3. Avoid a stimulant cycle
Stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, tobacco and alcohol give only momentary boosts of energy without actually „nourishing Qi“, as the Chinese would say. This means that their use only releases stored up energy, without replenishing and nourishing new energy. It‘s life on borrowed time, as when the stimulants run out, there is no natural energy to pick up the slack.
The crash between the levels of this temporary energy to the levels of natural energy can cause a psychological dependence on them to see the day through. Not only this, but stimulants blunt the effectiveness of some hormones, making it much harder to maintain natural energy. By reducing the use of strong stimulants to a minimum, or staying away from them, it is possible to build up natural energy levels, maintaining a much better feeling of health.
4. Exercise daily
Exercising daily is not only good for your physical health, it can create an enormous sense of wellbeing when done regularly. Preforming regular exercise increases the production of both serotonin and dopamine, often making the experience not only feel rewarding, but also having positive long term effects on the mood.
Exercise does not need to be intensive or long; whatever fits into your schedule can help the body feel much more energised. Be it marital arts, a long walk, a jog round the block or even a few sit ups and push ups. Recent findings suggest that just 7 minutes a day of exercise can have a positive effect – there are many apps available on smartphones now that can help you go through this daily regime in the comfort of your own home, helping to keep you motivated.
5. Water - Stay hydrated
Our bodies are made up of 65% water on average (this can vary a lot person to person). Just 3% dehydration has shown to hinder brain functioning, making us feel fatigued and unresponsive. For this reason it is extremely important to stay hydrated. The U.S. National Research Council suggests that we should drink 1ml of water for ever calorie we ingest, meaning the average person should be consuming 2-3 litres of water a day to stay healthy and energised.
6. Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can be used to energise, calm and centre the mind. The peace they can bring is a perfect way to help regulate mood, get extra oxygen to the brain and induce a feeling of control. It is through this control and extra oxygen that can make one feel energised. The breathing exercises can be anything from full on meditation and diaphragmatic breathing techniques such as breath of fire and alternate nostril breathing, to simply sitting down for a few minutes, closing your eyes and concentrating on regulating a set deep breathing pattern.
7. Yoga and meditation
Following on from point 6, yoga postures and sitting meditation can be used to calm, reduce stress and create focus and clarity. As part of a regular regime, hey can help elevate mood and make one feel much more energised. There are hundreds of techniques, all varying in how advanced they are. A very simple technique is to sit down take any breathing exercise, close your eyes and count on every inhalation, clearing your mind of all other thoughts. You will find that your mind begins to relax and your body feels revitalised.
8. Herbs and supplements
There are many herbs and supplements out there that can be used to boost natural energy levels, herbs and supplements that do not rely on caffeine or quick sugar rushes.
A good few examples of herbal remedies that energise and nourish are Betel nut, Kola nut and Ginkgo biloba. These herbs all have natural energy boosting qualities as well as acting to improve the mood. The large benefit is that as they work in tandem with your natural energy, they do not cause a crash or psychological dependence the way some stimulants do.
Supplements can also be used to keep the body a well-oiled machine, maintaining a healthy and active brain. Good examples of this are hemp oil or flax oil supplements that contain Omega oils and other fatty acids that are essential to the regulation of the mood. Another good example is vitamin B6, which is used by the body to maintain and regulate brain function. By ensuring your body has all of the vitamins, minerals and natural chemicals it needs, you are much more likely to maintain a natural level of energy.
9. Take a break
The human attention span only really lasts a few hours, after this energy and will for the task at hand will begin to wane. Take a break from what you are doing every few hours for 5 minutes or so. Take a quick walk, get some fresh air and change what you were doing. This change will help you feel refreshed and reenergised when you go back to your task. The same applies for longer periods of time. That‘s why holidays increase productivity so much.
10. One day juice fasts
As mentioned above, juicing is a great way to clean out the system and provide fresh nutrition. One particular spin on this is the one day juice fast. The idea is that you spend one day a week consuming nothing but fresh juice. It rids the body of toxins, promoting a sense of wellbeing and it gives the digestive organs a much needed braek. It‘s a good idea to break the juice fast with a light meal the first day, as to ease back in again. By doing this once a week, the body gets into a rhythm and becomes more and more efficient at flushing toxins and waste.
Named after the Greek goddess of love - Aphrodite - an aphrodisiac is any substance that stimulates and increases sexual desire and pleasure. Many foods and drinks fall under this category, and have been used as such throughout history. Certain herbal preparations have shown to stimulate our libido the strongest.
Aphrodisiacs work through many mechanisms, some are better understood, and others less. On a physical level, one common mechanism of some aphrodisiacs is to increase the circulation of blood throughout our system, which naturally benefits the sexual organs. Other aphrodisiacs work on a hormonal level. Some imitate naturally occurring hormones, and others trigger our body to produce more sex hormones.
Aphrodisiacs can be divided into three main groups. These are food, herbal and synthetic aphrodisiacs. The following is a small overview:
Aphrodisiac Foods
Food-based aphrodisiacs rely on their gastronomical effects to enhance sexual drive and pleasure. In modern times, research has identified a number of active chemical constituents and nutrients contained within food that naturally increase our libido with long term use.
In past times, food aphrodisiacs were not really based on what we would call scientific today. Many traditional and folklore food aphrodisiacs were thought to be so because of the way they looked, or because of some mythological or spiritual story. While many foods indeed show aphrodisiac qualities, many were not more than a placebo, increasing sex drive though the force of belief.
Examples: Oysters / Bananas / Asparagus / Figs
Herbal Aphrodisiacs
Herbal aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years. Many cultures and traditions preserved knowledge about pleasure inducing and enhancing shrubs and herbs. They held great cultural significance and are still in use all over the world.
Unlike many foods, herbal aphrodisiacs have a more distinct chemical makeup, often containing alkaloids that strongly influence human behaviour. As such, many herbs have been used in traditional medicinal systems such as the Indian Ayurveda or the Traditional Chinese Medcine. The old Taoists of China were particularly renowned for their profound knowledge about aphrodisiacs.
These are man-made pills such as Viagra, synthesised scents and pheromones. Often, they are the product of chemical isolation of a single active constituent, often based on herbal aphrodisiacs. With erectile dysfunction problems spreading, more drugs are being developed to address this specific issue. The most popular synthetic ED drug is Viagra, which has gained widespread cultural significance since its introduction in 1998.
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, has inspired many a love story throughout human history. She is well known for the love she shared with those who came into contact with here, enchanting them into lust and wonder. It is only fitting then, that substances used by humans to fill themselves with this lust be named after her.
There are two main theological stories of how Aphrodite came to be. The most famous was portrayed in Hesiod's Theogony, in which it is told that she was born when Cronus cut off Uranus' genitals and threw them into the sea. The foam created by the genitals gave birth to Aphrodite (her name translates to foam-arisen). Hesiod wrote how the genitals “were carried over the sea a long time, and white foam arose from the immortal flesh; with it grew a girl. This scene was portrayed in the famous painting “The Birth Of Venus” in which Aphrodite’s journey to shore riding a giant scallop's shell was illustrated.
Maybe somewhat less epic is the second account of her birth states how she was simply the daughter of Zeus, the king of gods, and Dione, who is seen by some as his wife.
Aphrodite is said to be the image of a perfect woman, her beauty and lust were unbearable - to the point were many of the other Gods feared they would fall for her and be plunged into war with each other in an attempt to win her for themselves. For this reason, legend tells how Zeus wed her to Hephaestus, the god of smiting, craftsmanship, fire and volcanoes, as he was ugly and deformed – thereby neutralising any threat. However, this did not stop Aphrodite from sharing her lust. She was said to have taken many lovers, both gods and men. As a result other beings were thought to be born of her love.
As the symbol of passion, love and lust, she is the perfect patron for those looking to gain a boost to their libido, and is the reason these sexual stimulating foods, drinks and drugs are named as they are – aphrodisiacs.
The history of aphrodisiacs
To many, the word aphrodisiacs is unequivocally linked to oysters. While indeed they are said to stimulate our passion, they are by far not the only food to do so. In fact, many foods and herbs throughout the world have an effect on our libido. Considering the sheer amount of stimulating herbs, spread out all over the world, it is safe to assume that aphrodisiacs have been used since the dawn of mankind.
Have you ever found yourself attracted to the natural aroma of a person, or have you ever smelt one of their old shirts and thought of them? It is highly likely that pheromones are what‘s getting you going. Prior to modern society, it would have been our natural scent and smell that acted as an aphrodisiac, which is also the one of the purposes of perfumes. Before the invention of soaps and perfumes, extracts and oils, the natural body odor of a person would be one of the ways to assess sexual potential of a partner. Our natural odors contain pheromones; these are chemicals that trigger primal responses by members of the same species that inhale them. It is the sex pheromones present within our natural musk that our ancient ancestors would have partly relied on to get their significant other in the mood.
It is worth noting, there is no point going unwashed thinking it will get you a date, you will encounter limited success, to say the least. Nowadays, fragrances and cleanliness have been heavily advertised, and thus seen as desirable. It is also worth mentioning that pheromones are odourless and are not detectable by the human sense of smell; what you smell on an unwashed person is sweat and dirt. It is the unfortunate case though that pheromones are washed away with this when you clean, so it is hard to have one without the other. Saying this, you can still produce pheromones whilst clean, they just won't be present in the amounts our unwashed ancestors had.
The magic of perfumes
It was around the time of Ancient Egypt that we know humans begun to take this concept of smell as attractive one step further - by developing perfumes. Cleopatra, the Egyptian ruler was said to have used perfumes made from bear grease and other ingredients to seduce her lovers. The ancient Romans were so large on the use of perfume to elicit sexual desire that they were reported to go through 2,800 tons of frankincense and 550 tons of myrrh a year. Other ingredients they used were the dried marrow of human bones, menstrual blood and parts of other animals – doesn’t sound to appealing really! These are of course, just a few examples, similar aphrodisiacs would have been found throughout the rest of the world as civilization and understanding developed.
It was also around this time era that theories on how foods could act as an aphrodisiac began to develop. The Roman physician Galen wrote how erections, fertility, lust and potency were caused by “wind”, and that by eating gassy food, (food that causes flatulence), you could restore the wind to your body and sort out all of your sexual problems. Today, aphrodisiacs are seen by most as something that inspires lust, but back then, both desire and sexual function were lumped together – as gas would solve them all. This belief was widely held all the way up until the 18th century.
The notion that smell acts as an aphrodisiac is something that is heavily marketed by our capitalist society. Industry first took the notion in 1882, when the perfume called “Fougere Royal” was released. It was supposed to be used by men to attract women, and the notion that perfumes are sexy still persists to this day.
Boost Your Sex Life
Everybody wants it - everybody does it - and let's face it, we need it: SEX. While it is not the solution to all problems in a relationship, it can help prevent problems. A sexually AND in everyday life satisfied partner is a happy partner. Here's what Zamnesia recommends:
Hug it out
It's a fact that a 20-60 second hug triggers the release of oxytocin, a so called bonding hormone, providing a sense of emotional binding to your partner. Furthermore is it important how you deal with each other outside the bedroom. Holding hands, kissing and any other physical intimacy you share, will increase the anticipation of sex.
Share your sexual dreams with your partner
Your biggest sex organ is your brain and a lack of mental stimulation can easily ruin your intercourse. Talk about it - or read out loud an erotic book together, play roles, introduce sex toys to your mattress sport or recapitulate a special sexual adventure you shared - use your brain.
Never get tired of or too tired for sex
Don't spend the whole afternoon surfing the web or posting and reading at Facebook nor let your partner do or you (or both of you) will not be in proper mental condition for mutually satisfying sexual activities when the bedtime comes.
Sex has an economic value - appreciate it! Besides being free and fun it's a perfect stress reliever. Use sex to restore intimacy and a sense of rejuvenation, it will make your bond much stronger.
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep and lack of sex go hand in hand. To gain energy and alertness for the next day, you need sufficient rest and what could be better than sex when you wake up, mentally relaxed and full of fresh drive. This power gradually degrades over the day and when you are tired and exhausted, your sex drive will be truncated. Fatigue lowers the testosterone level and has a negative impact on the libido.
Touch
A tender touch raises the oxytocin level, a hormone that increases intimacy and decreases the cortisol level, the hormone of chronic stress. In a highly demanding and at times depressing world, the comforting and caressing touch of a lover can make one's prospects and mood much brighter. Touch each other throughout the day and your sexual relationship will benefit from it.
Share your desires
Your partner can not read your mind, no matter how close you feel. The intercourse will be the most satisfying when your partner knows your desires and predilections and the ability to openly and honestly express these sexual desires is the key to the most intense and sensual intimacy.
Laugh More
Sex is fun, so don't be too serious. A good method to keep sex from getting boring is to sometimes try something potentially clumsy or precarious. And what's healthier than a good laugh with the one you love?
Make Eye Contact
More than 80% of the perception is done through the eyes and is the initial communication method humans have and is a vital tool to create intimacy. During sexual activity, eye contact can shift an OK experience to a WOW! experience.
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Magic Truffles - Information
WHAT ARE MAGIC TRUFFLES?
Magic truffles, also called "Philosopher's stone" and Nuggets of Wisdom, aren't actually truffles, but sclerotia of Psilocybe mushrooms. Sclerotia are mycelium thickenings growing underground and are part of the fungus, just as the fruiting bodies that appear above the ground.
The interesting part: The sclerotium of a fungus contains the same ingredients as those detected in the fruiting body. Thus the so called magic truffles are fully valid carrier of the entheogenic molecules psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin/norbaeocystin.
But not all species of the genus Psilocybe form sclerotia. This characteristic was first discovered in Psilocybe Mexicana. Psilocybe Tampanensis and Psilocybe Atlantis have a habit of forming sclerotia as well, but magic truffles are not generally known by their generic name, but rather as Sclerotia Tampanensis, Sclerotia Mexicana etc.
Moreover, some Panaeolus species that also contain psilocybin, for example, Panaeolus cyanescens, also form sclerotia, but not in such an exuberant form, as it is the case with the Psilocybe species. Through the dedicated efforts of some fans over the years a small number of new breeds has been established, with most them originating in the Netherlands, such as Psilocybe Mokum (Mokum = Syn. Amsterdam), Psilocybe Utopia, Psilocybe Hollandia, and Valhalla.
Sclerotia
CONSUMING MAGIC TRUFFLES EVERY DAY?
This question can be answered with a no. Firstly, it is not advisable to take psychedelic substances daily or even close to on a daily basis. Secondly, psilocybin and psilocin quickly form a significant tolerance, on the second day much more material has to be taken than on the first day. As of the third day, the tolerance level of the molecules in the body will be so high that a reasonable experience can hardly be achieved. After three to four days of abstinence from psilocybin, the organism is able to metabolize the whole dose again.
Information About the Zamnesia Smartshop
Welcome to the most comprehensive smartshop in the cosmos. At Zamnesia, we stock everything the wandering psychonaut might need. Derived from Mother Nature herself, our incredible range of products has the ability to alter the mind in weird yet wonderful ways.
Start browsing the full assortment of products at the top of this page; or, if you are new to the smartshop category, you can use the table of contents below to find out what each product group has to offer. A realm of low prices, quality products, and infinite possibilities await:
Used for centuries by shamans, spiritual gurus, and naturalists the world over, herbs and seeds boast one quality modern day medication cannot match—the most comprehensive collection of user reviews on the planet! Harness the diverse toolset of Mother Nature with our range of seeds, grow kits, powdered extracts, and raw herbs. Give your physical and spiritual being an herbal kick with an exotic selection that won’t leave you high and dry.
Whatever you do to relax, let Zamnesia give you a helping hand. Our chilled out selection of tinctures, extracts, dried herbs, and natural supplements will let you leave the stress of modern life behind. By helping your brain shift down a few gears, it is possible to transport the mind to a place of complete zen without hampering productivity. Put your faith in medicinal herbs backed by centuries of user testament.
VAPE HERBS
If you want to say "hello" to the mellow or go fast and focus; if you want to increase peace in your downtime, but have limitless abilities during the day; if luxurious sensuality is what you seek, then seek no further: vaping herbs deliver a more intense effect than teas or tinctures. Seeking intense effects is an appropriate response to an intense world.
Some herbs can lull you into dreamland then invite you down the lucid rabbit hole, if deep sleep and dreams are what you seek. Others can ignite an irrepressible lust greater than love potions of old. And a number instill a bubbling enthusiasm for the day ahead. Zamnesia has a comprehensive range of high-quality vape herbs from impeccable organic sources.
How many times has a vivid dream had a lasting effect the following morning? By utilising dream herbs, it is possible to tap into secret arts known only to African and American natives. That was until Zamnesia bought together raw herbs, extracts, and seeds all with a singular purpose in mind—inducing vivid and lucid dreaming. More than that, many of our extracts and supplements can also be used to tackle insomnia, a common condition in today's "always connected" society.
DRUG TESTS
Drugs can be used to unlock areas of the mind previously untapped, or subject us to sensory experiences that broaden spiritual horizons. The majority can also be used safely, as long as you know your drug of choice doesn't contain any nasty surprises. Our drug testing kits cater to numerous substances, and can provide results in minutes. Moreover, we also offer several self-testing kits. These are ideal for finding out what elements remain in your system before someone else does.
The "holy sage" can provide some of the most profound and life-affirming experiences any psychonaut will ever go through. Salvia (Salvia divinorum) is the world’s most powerful natural psychedelic, and now, thanks to our range of salvia extracts, it can be your most powerful psychedelic too. As a dried leaf, the spiritual plant can be chewed, but not swallowed, for a mellow experience. Or, if you want to elevate your journey through the cosmos, we have a range of extracts in varying concentrations. Pick the one that's best suited to you and strap in.
KRATOM
Popular throughout Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) can be either mellow or energetic depending on the variety and amount consumed. If you want a natural way to relax at the end of a tough day, then try kratom Bali. If, however, you want to ramp up your energy levels and feel invigorated, choose kratom Thai. Both are available as an extract or a resin, and come in a range of concentrations. Our complete kratom lineup will let you experience everything the plant has to offer.
Responsible for inspiring creatives the world over, the mescaline cactus also has a long and rich history in Latin American shamanic culture. Now you can tap into the intense visual effects of the peyote (Lophophora williamsii), San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi), and Peruvian torch (Echinopsis peruviana) cactus varieties. We offer a range of cuttings, seeds, and cultivation kits, all of which will easily allow you to grow your own mescaline cactus at home. Keep them as an ornament, or harvest the flesh for its spiritual power—the choice is yours.
KANNA
Favoured initially by prehistoric hunter-gatherers, kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is known for its mind-altering properties. Although our daily challenges may have changed since primitive times, the need to alleviate our mood and broaden our minds has not. Kanna can help you do just that, without the risk of feeling hungover the next day. The herb can be utilised as an extract, smart liquid, supplement, or grown from one of our seed packs. Never be without, thanks to Zamnesia!
Put your faith in mother nature, and she will restore the vigour needed to go all night long. Thanks to a diverse mix of herbs, tinctures and supplements, our aphrodisiacs are all natural and designed for both men and women. Even though the body is willing, sometimes the mind lacks the energy and motivation needed to give your partner full attention. Fight back against the perils of an always-connected society by switching your phone off, and turning your senses on.
ENERGIZERS
Kick-start the day with our diverse collection of natural energizers and stimulants. Whether you put your faith in ancient remedies or opt for modern supplements based on traditional herbs, the result is the same—a revitalised feeling that lets you take on the day. Browse a range of dried herbs, supplements and liquid extracts all designed to give you a burst of cognitive or physical function. Beat the grind and feel invigorated by using our energizers as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Cultivating magic mushrooms at home has always been somewhat of a challenge. As our understanding of magic mushrooms and the science behind their cultivation has grown, so has our ability to craft them at home.
Supa Gro is the very first and only company to offer 100% Pure Mycelium grow kits that are as easy as set-it-and-forget-it. By using only high-quality natural ingredients, Supa Gro mycelium kits produce the highest quality magic mushrooms. With a Supa Gro 100% Mycelium magic mushroom grow kit, all you need is the growbox, the included bag and two paperclips. Cultivating mushrooms has never been this simple.
HEALTHY MYCELIUM
The secret of Supa Gro's success is their use of high-quality mycelium. Mycelium is derived from the Greek, which means “more than one.” It is a reference to the individual thread-like body of a fungus. It is this fungal spore that grows into magic mushrooms. The cap formation that is usually associated with mushrooms is actually the blooming flower of the organism. Much like plants, mushroom blooms are seasonal. When the mushroom flowers, the underside of the cap is rich with fungal spores that are dropped, picked up by the wind, and spread to new environments. This is the mushroom's cycle of life.
Mycelium requires a medium to thrive, much like the root system of a plant requires soil. Supa Gro uses a blend of the highest quality grains available which provides a solid nutrient base. Depending on the season, Supa Gro uses a different mixture of grains to simulate the natural environment of the mycelium all year round. Supa Gro developed a simple system that focused on creating healthy mycelium, this approach resulted in a simple technique of cultivation that yields big harvests without any unwanted hassles.
VIDEO: SUPA GRO - ANYONE CAN DO IT
All of Supa Gro's 100% mycelium mushroom grow kits are prepared in the same manner. When you receive your kit, it will include your growbox with mycelium, one venting holes growbag, and two paperclips. That's all you will need to grow quality magic mushrooms at home. Before you get started, make sure your preparation area is clean and you are gloved up to avoid contamination. Take the lid off of the growbox. There's no need to add any water. Supa Gro mushroom do not need to be soaked before your first flush.
Next you're going to place the growbox into the ventilated bag with the venting holes up. Fold the top of the bag over and clasp the fold in place with the two paperclips. Make sure the venting holes are unobstructed for maximum ventilation. All you have to do now is place the closed bag into a clean bright space, avoiding direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will push your temperatures outside the desired range of 18 to 28 degrees C. If you can, keep your growbox temperatures as close to 23 degrees C as you can.
Mushrooms will begin to appear within a few days. When they do, you'll want to start spraying clean water onto the inside the bag, making sure to avoid wetting your mushrooms or substrate. Within one to two weeks, your mushroom's will open their hats, indicating they are ready for harvest. Pick your mushrooms as soon as you can. Waiting too long will cause your substrate to turn black. Once you've harvested your mushrooms, fill your growbox with water and place the lid back on it. Store it in your refrigerator for 12 hours before taking the lid back off and pouring out the excess water. Once you've done that you're free to repeat the process until the substrate runs out.
BEST SELLING PRODUCTS
Supa Gro offers over 20 varieties of 100% pure mycelium, all cultivated using the same simple method. Supa Gro magic mushroom grow kits ship worldwide and can provide as many as five flushes per growbox. All of Supa Gro's grow kits are made from the same high-quality ingredients including fresh mineral-rich water and high-quality seasonal grains. While all of Supa Gro's products benefit from care that goes into manufacturing, some of their products are hard for them to keep in stock. Some of their best sellers include:
Supa Gro Hawaiian – Also known as PES Hawaiian, known to produce large fleshy caps. Often this grow kit will produce fruits larger than 30cm. Supa Gro Hawaiian is definitely a favourite among cultivators everywhere.
Supa Gro Mexican – The Mexican grow kit is the most famous and widely known exotic mushroom kit. Known as the “Flesh of the Gods” by the ancient South American shaman who first consumed these in rituals, this Mexican variety of magic mushroom will take you on a journey to the highest heights.
Supa Gro Albino A+ - Albino A+, aka AA+is a mutation of the original A strain that has reduced pigment as opposed to being a true albino. Albino A+ grow best in a sub-tropical climate. These take a little longer to for caps to bloom, so it is recommended that these kits be used by experienced growers only.
Supa Gro Golden Teacher - Golden Teacher has been popular since its inception in the late 1980s. Dubbed Golden Teacher for the colour of its caps, your kit comes with 1200ml mycelium that will produce four to five batches of magic mushrooms.
Supa Gro Cambodian - The Cambodian mycelium grow kit is perfect for those new to mushroom cultivation. These mushrooms were first found near the Angkor Wat temple, a short distance from the Mekong Delta in Southeast Asia.
Other strains from Supa Gro include Extreme XL, McKenaii, White Lightning, Koh Samui, and Panama. Each strain crafted by Supa Gro is made from the same high-quality components and are specifically designed to induce a different experience.
Supa Gro has been producing high quality, easy-to-use grow kits since 2009 and have garnered a reputation for quality and reliability.
Information about Rare Dankness
Rare Dankness work with a global network of top-shelf breeders and growers with the goal of developing and working with some of the most sought after and highly regarded genetics.
Founded in 2010 after years of collecting, preserving, and experimenting with a variety of strains, Rare Dankness' collection spans three decades of work and displays some of the highest quality genetics in the world. They create their superior strains by complementing potent female genetics with that of superior males.
Originally based in Colorado, but later expanding to Europe, where they produce seeds in Spain, Rare Dankness offers the highest calibre of genetics to the medicinal cannabis community.
PACKAGING OF RARE DANKNESS
Rare Dankness offers simple and discreet packaging in a little black box, stamped with their unmistakable logo. Seeds come in a useful plastic vial for storage. When you open the box, you will find the seeds tucked away nicely alongside a removable card displaying useful information about the strain you have purchased, including a picture of what your finished bud should look like, and information about the plant, such as its name, flowering time and strength.
AWARDS
Rare Dankness produces potent and strong cannabis strains, so it is no surprise to see they have won awards. Their extraordinary multiple award-winners include:
Ghost Train Haze
AWARDS
Annual winner of High Times Strongest Strains On Earth
2013, High Times Cannabis Cup. 2nd Medical Sativa
2014, High Times Cannabis Cup US, Sativa Winner
A cross between the Original Ghost OG and the Nevil's Wreck. This is a multiple award-winning strain with stunning sugary trichomes and a hard-hitting amplified high. Ghost Train Haze packs a punch with a sour and hazy flavour and aroma. Considered one of their most popular creations, GTH number one tested at over 25% THC. With a flowering period of 65–80 days, Ghost Train Haze is available in both regular and feminized form.
Moonshine Haze
AWARD
2011 High Times Cannabis Cup Sativa Winner
Moonshine Haze is a hybrid, which comes from the mother of the slightly Afghani-dominant Soma Seeds collection from 2005–2009. It is a cross between Amnesia Haze and Nevil's Wreck. A pungent Haze strain with a fruity kick. Moonshine Haze produces superb creative and productive highs. 70+ days flowering time.
Tangerine Trainwreck Haze
AWARD
Winner of High Times Cannabis Cup
This is a profit-yielding strain with red-haired, orange buds. The sativa-dominant Tangerine Trainwreck Haze is said to reek of tangerines and haze mixed with the stench of Trainwreck. Her lineage includes Tangerine Haze and Nevil's Wreck. She is said to absolutely fill any canopy space. 70+ days flowering time.
Star Killer OG
AWARDS
2017 Social Media Cannabis Cup, 3rd Medical Hybrid Flower
2016 Social Media Cannabis Cup, 3rd Hybrid
Winner of the High Times Cannabis Cup
Winner of the Oregon Grower's Cup
A powerful medical strain with uses encompassing pain relief, insomnia, chemotherapy, gastrointestinal issues, AIDS and PTSD. The Starkiller OG produces dense, purple-hued buds covered in trichomes. It is a startling cross between the Skywalker OG Kush and RD #2.
The indica-dominant Starkiller OG is said to flourish both indoors and out, but doesn't like high temperatures or pH very much. Medium to high yields expected. 60–70 days flowering time.
Scott's OG
AWARD
Winner of the Michigan Grower's Cup
Scott's OG is a strain available in both regular and feminized form. Producing great yields with resinous flowers, it is a strong and potent mix of lemon and kush. Created by crossing Triangle Kush with Rare Dankness #1. 50–65 days flowering time.
Rug Burn OG
AWARD
2012, High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd Hybrid
Rug Burn OG is a potent strain with an extremely pungent sour taste and uplifting high. Great for the newbie grower. It is a cross between Ghost OG and Rare Dankness #1 with a flowering time of 50–65 days
Information TGA Subcool
A skilled group of medical growers wanted their own legitimate selection of exceptional cannabis that didn't have, didn't have, didn't have the hype associated with so many seed companies today. Subcool wanted to develop a range of medical marijuana whose respected status relied on quality and a gangsta rep, not marketing. That's why they don't sell seeds and only produce great product.
Crunching the grow data from an open source breeding program that enlisted the experience of thousands of growers worldwide led to the selection of the best genetics available.
In 2001 thirty seven distinct hybrids of high end superb recreational and therapeutic cannabis were released. Globally tested by discerning medical users the reputation of these strains are guaranteed by effect not slick advertising.
There are a number of names names in the Subcool range that have become synonymous with great ganja for the medical and recreational enthusiast. Putting their rep where their philosophy is has seen TGA Subcool seeds receive a number of awards from an ardent cannabis community.
PACKAGING of TGA Subcool
Subcool seeds are presented in a graphic covered foldout cardboard matchbook style package with seed ID on the back. A stoppered glass vial cleverly concealed in the fold holds your seeds. If you don't use all your seeds the vial is super efficient for longterm storage, but be sure to remember where you store it because it is very tiny. Don't lose the stopper!
SOME WORLD CLASS SUBCOOL FAVOURITES
Years of breeding experience are evident in the prolific range of cannabis species available by Subcool at TGA genetics. Consistent quality and strengths across distinctively varied cannabis species shows a replete understanding of the art of growing top shelf contemporary marijuana.
Jack the Ripper
Jack the Ripper-is the flagship haze hybrid whose spear shaped colas look and smell like they have been dipped in lemon sherbet. A troubles free grow this sativa dominant hybrid is an analgesic of the first order. It is one of those tricksy plants that looks quite average, but packs a slow-mo punch that flicks all the right switches. Although never having won a prize this strain has a prize winning lineage and a solid underground rep with growers loving the short 8 week flowering period. Outcrossing a Jacks Cleaner female with a Spacequeen male before backcrossing to the JCf1 is at the heart of this 70% sativa/30%indica quick growing hybrid.
Vortex
Vortex-is juicily sativa dominant with uplifting and pain relieving therapeutic effects. It deservedly won High Times best medical sativa in 2010 and has been world class for ten years having been in High Times top ten strains in 2007. This Apollo-13 x Space Queen, 80%sativa/20%indica hybrid might not have huge yields and may not be super stable but its effects make it a must for any connoisseurs collection. The lineage of this strain is unquestioned with illustrious grandparents like Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights.
Agent Orange
Agent Orange-is a 50/50 hybrid that seems to languish until the last few weeks of flowering when an incredible rush of resinous weight is accumulated and yields skyrocket. Dried and cured to perfection the high limonene content and distinctive citrus flavours almost fizz on the tongue. Even trimming can be overwhelming with sinus stinging volatile compounds quickly filling the air. A three way cross between a NorCal Orange Skunk, a Jacks Cleaner and a Space Queen this plant can get to over three metres outdoors. Even the fussiest of indoor growers will be impressed with yields from well topped and trained bushses after 55 days of flowering. Third for the Sativa Cup at the2012, 420 IC Growers Cup and still going strong Agent Orange is quickly becoming a contemporary classic.
Professor Chaos
Professor Chaos-one parent, Mad Scientist, deservedly won back-to-back 1st Place Overall in the 2011 and 2012 Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards. The other parent, Jack the Ripper, is an underground legend. If you need off the couch pain relief, then you will appreciate the smiling mental mind buzz and analgesic properties of this delicious hybrid. Chronic pain sufferers will be delighted at having energy once more with Professor Chaos kicking lethargy out the back door. A giddy lineage of the greatest names in cannabis breeding has produced a sativa dominant marijuana strain with get up and go for those who need organic anodynes to make it through the day.
The boys at Mendo Dope grow Subcool seeds and their trees are super dope, dope.
QUALITY THROUGH AND THROUGH
Subcool not only produce some amazing cannabis they also have a distinctive flare for design. Receiving a second place for best booth at the 2013 SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup and a third in NorCal that same year. When you have pride in and enjoy doing what you do it shows in the high quality of product and presentation that you gift to the world. Subcool fronts with quality and class where results speak for themselves.
INFORMATION ABOUT SENSATION SEEDS
What happens when you mix a Dutch coffee shop owner with a grower with deep roots in cannabis culture and a passion for cultivation and development? Sensation Seeds! Combining 30 years of experience, they offer heaps of knowledge and ability within the industry to develop world premium strains.
Sensation Seeds believe that growers around the world should have access to high-quality seeds that can be grown with confidence. Their seeds are carefully selected in order to provide customers with high-quality strains. They specialise in feminized, auto flowering and CBD cannabis seeds that are coveted powerful strains, some of the stickiest strains available from across the world. Landrace, hybrids and many more.
Although they are fresh on the market, Sensation Seeds already provide 16 various established strains that have already proven their worth with a variety of awards. Their ultimate goal is to ensure a successful harvest for all their customers, guaranteeing that their profits will be invested in developing the best products.
PACKAGING OF SENSATION SEEDS
Sensation Seeds provide packaging that is high ly imperviable and built to last. Each pack provides five seeds and data about the strain: including a barcode you can scan for more detail.
AWARDS OF SENSATION SEEDS
Sensation Seeds have already earned themselves a multitude of highly-regarded awards with their powerful strains. With awards for almost every strain they produce, from High Times Cannabis Cups to a variety of award shows. We'll outline some of their most competitive and successful strains.
AMNESIA HAZE
- 2004, High Times Cannabis Cup
- 2006, High Times Cannabis Cup
Earthy with flavours of citrus and lemon, Amnesia haze provides a long-lasting energetic and euphoric buzz, slowly transforming into a strong stoned feeling. The genetics of this strain come from Jamaican Landrace and South Asian strains and the original flavours are clear with its mix of haze, lemon and spice.
As well as its special flavour and scent offering it the title of "queen of the Dutch coffee shops", the success of amnesia comes from its attractive yields. It grows at a moderate size between 1-1.4 meters. She yields dense buds coated in resin. She enjoys hot weather if grown outdoors, and may require a greenhouse due to a lengthy flowering period. With a fabulous pest and mould resistance, this feminized Amnesia Haze is a fantastic addition to your collection.
OG Kush
- 2011, High Times Cannabis Cup
Weighing in with the highest THC content at the High Times Cannabis Cup (Denver 2013) at 24.04 percent, exhibiting a huge variety of phenotypes. This feminized OG Kush is an indica dominant strain, ideal for stress relief. With its pine and woody scent and sour lemon flavour, this strain has become a favourite among many specialists, experts as well as Hollywood celebrities.
A fast maturing plant with a moderate size, this feminized OG Kush doesn't require much attention but creates buds packed with resin, so stinky you will probably need an anti-odour filter. A brilliant indoor plant that grows well alongside SOG. This tropical plant will enjoys greenhouses and Mediterranean climate outdoors.
A powerfully cerebral and physical high with aromatic hints of diesel, berries and citrus. This potent bud is ideal for relaxation and rest.
WHITE WIDOW
- 1995, Cannabis Cup
- 1998, Cannabis Cup
- 2002, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2003, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2004, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2006, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2007, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2008, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2010, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2011, HighLife Hemp Fair
- 2012, Highlife Cup
- 2014, Highlife Cup
- 2015, Highlife Cup
An indica-dominant strain developed from a White Widow Elite clone of 1997. White Widow has been a hit since its discovery, with buds coated in crystals. She provides a powerful buzz that enhances creativity and conversation.
An absolute ideal for first time growers, she has a very floral bittersweet aroma which flows into the flavour along with a fruity aftertaste. A very physical high, great for relaxation, stress relief, muscle tension and insomnia - among others. A very consistent and classic feminized strain that is guaranteed to be a favourite for many growers.
Feminized:
A hardy plant that is remarkably easy to grow, with a swift flowering period of nine weeks. She produces densely packed buds filled with resin. The feminized White Widow grows well in cold climates such as northern Europe. She can mature to a height of up to 1 meter indoors, and can grow almost twice as tall outside. It can produce 56-65g for each plant if Grown indoors or 450-500g per square meter underneath a 600W light, while yields of up to 950g are not seldom when planted outside.
Autoflower:
With dark green leaves dusted in a dense coating of resin, this White Widow produces dense and highly resinous buds. It may well be important to support the plant to protect it from toppling during the late flowering phase. Expect around 75 days of development from seed to bud, ideal for a grower with little time. This White Widow almost imitates the Orginal White Widow but tends to develop a little smaller with a considerably stronger, long-lasting body high and stoned effect. A perfect strain for medicinal use.
Expect a plentiful harvest with this one, with 600g/m² after about seven weeks of blossoming indoors and a gram of dried bud per centimetre when grown outdoors, while it grows up to 80cm. Expect it to grow well in any climate assuming the temperature doesn't drop below 10°C.
NORTHERN LIGHT
- 1992, Cannabis Cup
- 1993, Cannabis Cup
- 1994, Cannabis Cup
- 2005, Highlife BCN
A potent autoflowering indica. These feminized seeds breed short, healthy plants with a considerable harvest. Reaching heights of 90cm up 120cm. Yields of up to 200g have been possible outdoors in Spain, while indoors 90g is not seldom. With refreshing citrus flavour offering a physically and psychologically relaxing and creative high, this is an autoflowering twist on a classic medicinal strain.
Northern Light was originally bred in the 70s in the USA using Afghani genetics. One of the most popular strains around, it later came to Holland where it became a staple for indoor growing. Over the years it has undergone much breeding and various growing techniques. Sensation Seeds provides an ideal mix of old and new, combining the fantastic flavour and scent of the original with the short flowering ability of the new, capable of achieving its entire growth cycle with a single photoperiod.
AK-47
- 1994, Cannabis Cup
- 1996, Cannabis Cup
- 1999, High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd sativa
- 2003, High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd indica
- 2010, Treating Yourself Expo, 1st sativa
- 2011, High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd Hybrid
A multi-award winning strain with some of the highest THC contents of its time. AK-47 combines genetics from Mexico, Columbia, Afghan and Thailand, bringing together a complex variety of effects and flavours. This is a powerful indica hybrid that provides a soothing, relaxed high with a long-lasting cerebral and creative buzz, with compliments of its sativa traits.
An incredibly musky, earthy strain with a spicy aroma, and a flavour much stronger than the smell. She grows with compact resinous buds and reddish hairs. This hybrid is ideal for indoor growing such as hydroponic or soil. AK-47 grows to around 1 meter and produces a very pungent smell - so express caution when cultivating!
Information About Vaporizers
Vaporizers have become a must-have accessory for cannabis connoisseurs across the globe.
At the Zamnesia Vapor Shop, we dedicate ourselves to stocking the best-selling vaporizers from the most reliable manufacturers, including Volcano, FireFly, Arizer, and plenty more.
Whether you’re after an easy-to-use portable vape or a sophisticated desktop model, we guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for right here. We also stock a variety of accessories, as well as spare parts for most of our models.
So, what are you waiting for? To order your next vape or accessories, start browsing our shop today. For more information about vaporizers, how they work and some of our top-selling products, keep reading.
WHAT ARE VAPORIZERS AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Vaporizers are devices used to extract compounds from dried plant matter, concentrates, or e-liquids without combusting them, offering a healthier alternative to traditional forms of enjoying cannabis, tobacco or other smokeable herbs.
Vaporizers come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, ranging from desktop models to discreet portable devices. At Zamnesia we stock both portable and desktop vapes, which are showcased further down this page.
Vaporizers work on the principles of convective or conductive heating.
Convective vaporizers work by heating the air around the product in the chamber to a point where the compounds in the product start converting into vapor.
Conductive vaporizers, on the other hand, work by heating a surface and then placing the desired product on top of that surface (similar to a dab rig). Conductive vaporizers usually need to be shaken during use to avoid burning the product.
PORTABLE VS. DESKTOP VAPORIZERS
At Zamnesia, we stock a wide variety of desktop and portable vapes.
Portable vaporizers are ideal for users who plan to vaporize on the go. They are designed with mobility in mind and will easily fit into a backpack, purse, or even your pocket.
Portable vapes are super easy to use and usually lack the complex controls and settings of their desktop counterparts. This will make for a super simple and fast way of vaporizing on the go but also means you’ll have limited control over temperature or other aspects of the vaporizer functionality.
Desktop vaporizers, on the other hand, are not designed to be used on the go. These are complex pieces of technology that generally come with sophisticated temperature controls, large chambers, and a variety of intake accessories, such as balloons, whips, or water pipe extensions.
Desktop vapes usually need to be plugged directly into a power source. With a strong, stable power connection, these vapes are able to produce bigger vapor, making them ideal for vape aficionados or longer sessions with multiple people.
There are a variety of benefits to vaping, including numerous health benefits.
Because vaporizers don’t actually combust any plant material, they expose users to far less chemical than traditional smoking methods.
While most cannabis connoisseurs are quick to defend their favourite pastime and claim that smoking cannabis is far less harmful than smoking cigarettes, that isn’t actually the case.
Numerous studies have shown that inhaling cannabis smoke from a joint, blunt, bong, or dab rig exposes smokers to similar health risks associated with cigarette smoking. This is because marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke.
In fact, a 2008 study found that cannabis smoke actually contains higher concentrations of chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide than cigarette smoke.
A 1988 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine also found that cannabis smoke contained up to 3 times more tar than tobacco smoke and that smoking cannabis was related to a 5-fold increase in blood carboxyhemoglobin levels in users.
The main reason why smoking (both cannabis, tobacco, or other smokeable herbs) is so detrimental to our health is because it involves combustion. Whenever dried plant matter is burned (be it tobacco, cannabis, or some fancy herbal mix you found in a headshop), it produces thousands of chemicals in the smoke, many of which are highly toxic and/or carcinogenic.
By inhaling smoke from a joint or cigarette, you are directly exposing your body to this harmful chemical cocktail.
By using a vaporizer, you're able to consume cannabis, tobacco, or any other dried smokeable herbs without exposing your body to the health risk associated with smoking.
There are other benefits to vaping apart from the health benefits we touched on above. These include:
• Stronger doses: A study by California NORML and MAPS found that vaporizers can convert approximately 46% of available THC into vapor, while the average joint converts less than 25% of THC to smoke.
•More flavors: Many of the delicate terpenes found in cannabis, tobacco, or other plant material burn at relatively low temperatures. By using a vaporizer, you’re able to appreciate the more subtle flavors of your “smoke” that are usually whisked away by combustion.
•Less Smoke: Vaporizing doesn’t produce thick, clingy smoke like a joint or cigarette. Instead, the vapor produced usually disappears within a few seconds without leaving behind any noticeable smells.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TEMPERATURE
The most important aspect of vaporizing is temperature: If your vaporizer is set too high you risk combusting your material; if it is set too low you won’t be able to release the desired compounds from whatever it is you’re vaping.
In an article by Leaf Science, Dr. Arno Hazekamp, medical cannabis researcher and Head of Research at Bedrocan BV in the Netherlands, suggests that 210° C is the ideal temperature for vaporizing cannabis. At this temperature, you’re able to release most of the compounds from your weed without actually burning it.
The ideal temperature for vaporizing varies for other substances like tobacco (125-150° C) or herbal mixtures. For a detailed list of vaporizing temperatures, click here.
FIND YOUR PERFECT VAPORIZER TODAY
At Zamnesia, we stock a wide variety of both portable and desktop vaporizers. Below are some of our best-selling models. For more of our top vaporizers, check our top 10 vape list here.
When choosing a vaporizer, it’s important you keep your personal preferences in mind.
If you lead a busy lifestyle and want a reliable tool that you can use practically anywhere, we suggest you check out some of the portable vapes we featured above.
On the other hand, if you like the ritual of vaporizing in your own home and want to hold long sessions with your friends as well as experiment with temperature and different intake methods, consider checking out a desktop model.
Whichever you choose, we guarantee we’ll have the perfect vaporizer for you. So, get browsing and place your order today.
Zamnesia is your one-stop shop for headshop goods. With hundreds of products spread across several major categories, you are sure to find the product you need at a competitive price. Every item in our Headshop includes a detailed description, key product information, and high-resolution pictures, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Start browsing the full assortment of products at the top of this page, or to read more about what each category has to offer, refer to our table of contents:
Used since the 16th century, rolling papers form the backbone of the headshop industry. However, over the years, the humble rolling paper has transformed into a range of papers of differing sizes, materials, and patterns, alongside several options for filters and rolling tips. If you still haven’t come to grips with the art of rolling, you can also find rolling machines and pre-rolled cones to keep the good times rollin’—no matter your skill level.
Don’t risk losing your cool, your papers, or your grinder by investing in our fantastic selection of rolling trays. With a variety of shapes and styles, we even have premium options with added high-tech features for the ultimate rolling experience. Stay organised with a rolling tray for every situation.
Grinders are a fundamental necessity—you cannot fit giant buds inside a tightly rolled joint. With that in mind, we have a grinder designed to suit every budget, with metal, plastic, acrylic and more available. Even if you want a grinder simply for the look, rather than the function, our range of novelty grinders has been curated just for you.
LIGHTERS
It wouldn’t be called “420 blaze it” unless you had something to spark up with. Lighters may come and go, but our complete selection will keep you blazing long into the night. Alongside the standard clipper lighter, you will find numerous replacement parts and some high-tech heating solutions via plasma and turbo lighters.
Throw in a few novelty lighters, and not only will you be the most sought-after person at the party, but you’ll be the coolest too—“It’s lit”, no matter the situation.
Keep things understated with our modest yet effective range of glass, wood, and Italian clay chillums. Available in several designs, they are the low-key smoking apparatus for stoners on-the-move. Taking design functionality one step further, weed pipes are the mainstay of any smoker’s arsenal. Constructed using metal, glass, wood, or soapstone, there is guaranteed to be a pipe to suit your needs.
Finally, we have a wide array of bongs and shishas to complete your smoking apparatus lineup. With glass, acrylic, ceramic, and novelty bongs alongside several necessary spare parts and accessories, keeping your pipe or bong in optimal condition is simple.
DABBING
By superheating cannabis concentrate, it is possible to inhale a vapor that is several times more potent than cannabis flower. The only downside is the need for several unique accessories and tools to complement the experience. Thankfully, Zamnesia has your dabbing needs covered—both now and as the art of dabbing evolves. We stock dabbing conversion kits for regular water bongs, high-temperature lighters, blowtorches, and a comprehensive range of additional accessories. With both nail and skillet designs catered to, you can embrace the dabbing revolution!
Dank doesn’t mean dirty, and that is why Zamnesia has scoured the market for the best cleaning products the cannabis industry has to offer. Given the non-water-soluble nature of cannabinoids, the residue can build up in bongs, bowls, vaporizers, and just about anything else you use to smoke.
To combat sticky utensils, you will find cleaning fluid, brushes, sanitising solutions and a whole host of tools to clean any smoking apparatus you can think of. Savour every last toke by keeping equipment as fresh as the day you first bought it.
PROPAGATION
Give your cannabis seeds or clones the best start in life by choosing from our catalogue of propagation accessories. During its life cycle, cannabis will go through several stages, with each requiring a slightly different approach or fertiliser. All manner of solutions can be found in our propagation category to take you from seed to harvest. Moreover, by supporting young seedlings, and promoting a healthy root system, the chances of producing fat, juicy buds improve significantly.
An oft-overlooked aspect of cannabis growing are the benefits provided by companion plants. Not only can they help keep pests at bay, but they can be used as a means of masking aroma and concealing your marijuana from prying eyes. Combine those advantages with the fact that many companion plants can be used in the kitchen, or enjoyed in their own aesthetic right, and you’d be silly not to give them a try. Essential for outdoor growers, make companion plants part of your next cultivation project.
AFTER HARVEST
It is easy to assume that once cannabis has reached the flowering stage, the hard work is over. On the contrary, taking the appropriate steps after harvest can transform average weed into incredible, top-shelf cannabis. Don’t waste a single bud with our fantastic range of pruning and trimming utensils, curing jars, filters, extractors, and storage solutions. Don’t stumble on the final hurdle—instead, browse our complete catalogue of after harvest accessories.
Don’t make calculating the amount of weed you have a guessing game. Instead, whether you are on the giving or receiving end, invest in our selection of scales. Stocking the most accurate digital scales on the market, each is capable of weighing cannabis to sub-gram amounts. Stay organised and keep track of your stash with Zamnesia’s range of digital scales and accessories.
STASH GEAR
Whatever the reason (or person), sometimes we want somewhere safe and secure to store our weed. At Zamnesia, we have a solution to fit nearly all circumstances with a range of discreet storage devices that will keep your stash from prying eyes, but won’t compromise its quality. It could be something as simple as zip-seal bags, or a more elaborate solution via our range of multipurpose stash gear. The choice is yours!
Whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned homebrewer, we have a full range of homebrew kits designed for all levels of experience. Brew as little or as much as you want all from the comfort of your own home thanks to starter kits, essential ingredients, brewing accessories and more. With complete guides to brewing also available at Zamnesia, there has never been a better time to develop a new hobby. If you are already experienced in the art of brewing, expand your skills with our diverse selection of continental beers.
Information about CBD
At Zamnesia, we understand that cannabis is more than just a plant that gets you “high.” Thanks to new research, our society is finally beginning to explore the many different properties of this plant and understand the important role it can play in medicine, cosmetics, and even nutrition.
Our CBD Shop stores a wide variety of CBD-rich products, including everything from oils and capsules to skin care products, soaps, edibles, and vaporizer liquids.
We pride ourselves on providing our customers with only the highest quality products. Hence, we only work with trusted manufacturers who share a similar commitment to quality, such as Cibdol, Endoca, Medi Hemp, and others.
For a full selection of our products, start browsing our shop today. For more information about what CBD is, how it works, and what it’s used for, keep reading.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main active compounds (also known as cannabinoids) found in cannabis, accounting for roughly 40% of the plant's extract.
Cannabis contains at least 113 different cannabinoids, all of which interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system whenever we smoke, vaporize, or ingest cannabis.
Some of the other major compounds found in cannabis (apart from CBD) include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, responsible for producing the psychoactive effects of cannabis), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabicyclol (CBL).
THE BENEFITS OF CBD
New research proves that the cannabinoids found in cannabis have a variety of medical properties. Below we’ll explore some of the most common medicinal uses of CBD.
While no clinical trial or medical study is without limitations, these studies (and many others) show that CBD shows a lot of promise in the treatment of a variety of conditions.
For more information about the medical properties of this cannabinoid, we suggest searching for papers on PubMed.
CBD AND EPILEPSY
Studies suggest that CBD can help to reduce the intensity and occurrence of seizures in patients suffering from various forms of treatment-resistant epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, for example.
In December 2015, Orrin Devinsky, a neurologist at New York University Langone Medical Center, and his colleagues published results from their studies of the effects of CBD on epilepsy patients in The Lancet Neurology journal.
The researchers treated 162 patients suffering from treatment-resistant epilepsy with an extract of 99 percent cannabidiol and monitored them for 12 weeks. The patients received the extract along with their regular medication and the test was open-label, meaning everyone knew what they were getting.
The researchers found that CBD treatment reduced motor seizures by 36.5%, while 2% of patients became completely seizure free.
The study did note that 79% of patients reported some side effects such as sleepiness, diarrhoea, and fatigue, but only 3% of patients decided to drop out from the study due to the adverse effects.
However, the research provides solid evidence that CBD serves as a relatively safe treatment for epilepsy.
Another study, published in Epilepsia in 2016, investigated the effects of CBD in patients suffering from refractory seizures in tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disease which most commonly manifests itself neurologically as epilepsy.
After a period of 1 month, patients began receiving an initial dose of 5mg of CBD per kilo of bodyweight per day. This dose was then increased on a weekly basis by a further 5mg per kilo of bodyweight per day, if tolerated by the patients.
The researchers then monitored weekly seizure frequencies, percent change in seizure frequencies, and responder rates during the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th month of treatment.
The results of the study showed that CBD reduced seizures in patients suffering from epilepsy by up to 69% within 3 months of treatment.
CBD AND FIBROMYALGIA/PAIN
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by musculoskeletal pain in various parts of the body and is often accompanied by fatigue, as well as sleep, memory, and mood issues, as well as other types of chronic pain.
According to Mayo Clinic, researchers believe that fibromyalgia affects the way our brains process pain signals and therefore amplify painful sensations.
There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, and treatment generally just consists of treatment management with certain medications (such as antidepressants, anti-seizure medication, opioids, and others), and some therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy, mind-body therapy, and exercise).
Another study published in the journal Pain in 2007 trialled the effectiveness of Sativex (a cannabis spray containing THC and CBD in an almost 1:1 ratio) in the treatment of neuropathic pain and allodynia.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design trial lasted five weeks and included 125 participants, 63 who received Sativex and 62 who received a placebo. All patients remained on their existing stable analgesia.
The study provided clear evidence that the patients who received Sativex experienced a notable reduction in pain intensity. The study also noted that sedative and gastrointestinal side effects were more common by patients on active medication.
CBD AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system, affecting the flow of information in the brain and between the brain and the body.
There is no known cause of MS to date, and the symptoms of the disease vary greatly depending on which part of the nervous system is affected. Hence, people with MS can suffer from both physical issues (like weakness, fatigue, spasms, and pain) as well as mental conditions (such as anxiety, unstable moods, and depression).
Recent research suggests that medical cannabis containing CBD can alleviate some of the symptoms of MS.
A set of guidelines for complementary and alternative treatments for multiple sclerosis, published by the American Academy of Neurology in 2014, studied the following four types of medical cannabis and their ability to aid in the treatment of MS:
Oral cannabis extract (OCE).
Synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Oromucosal cannabinoid spray, an oral cannabis spray.
Smoked cannabis.
The guidelines state that there is strong evidence that oral cannabis extract containing both THC and CBD lessens patients’ reported symptoms of spasticity, as well as the pain caused by spasticity.
The guidelines also state that there is moderate evidence that oral cannabis spray like Sativex can reduce a patient’s reported symptoms of spasticity, pain caused by spasticity, and frequent urination.
OTHER USES OF CBD
Thanks to the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in various parts around the world and the changing attitudes toward cannabis in our society, researchers now have the possibility to study cannabis and its many components (including CBD) to better understand how we can use this plant in the future.
There is still a lot to be learnt about cannabis and CBD, but some research suggests it may also be central in treating conditions such as:
Eating disorders
Schizophrenia
Addiction
Diabetes
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Insomnia
SAFETY OF CBD TREATMENTS
CBD and medication containing CBD or other cannabinoids can cause some adverse effects, including drowsiness/tiredness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and others.
According to the guidelines published by the American Academy of Neurology (mentioned above) raises particular concern for the potential for medicinal cannabis to cause psychological problems, especially medications that contain psychoactive cannabinoids like THC (such as Sativex).
As with any treatment, it is important to work closely with your doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of CBD to help you treat/manage your condition.
TYPES OF CBD
At the Zamnesia CBD Shop, we stock CBD in a variety of forms. Here are some of the products available on our site:
CBD OIL
CBD oil is available on our site is produced using vegetable oils such as olive oil. The oils come in a variety of strengths (ranging between 2.5% and 15% CBD) and can be administered with a simple dropper.
All the oils on our site are completely natural. Cibdol is our best-selling line of CBD oil and is made from organically grown plants in Europe. It contains only trace amounts of THC, making it a great option for people looking for a pure CBD treatment and meaning it can be shipped to many countries across the globe.
Capsules are ideal for patients looking to use CBD in a tasteless and odourless form. All the capsules available on our site come in standardised concentrations, making it extra easy to manage dosage.
Some of the CBD capsules we stock include Endoca Raw Hemp Oil Capsules, Medi Hemp Oil Capsules, and more...
CBD cosmetics include body lotions, hand creams, salves, balms, and much more. These products are THC-free and are made using only natural ingredients and CBD from organically grown hemp. All the products available through our store are PH-adjusted, meaning they are suitable for all skin types.View Product
CBD EDIBLES
Our edibles include a complex blend that combines all the nutritional properties of hemp and high-quality, concentrated CBD. Both our Endoca Cannabis Crystals and chewing gums make for a quick, discreet, and delicious way to ensure you get a solid dose of CBD, no matter where you are.
One of the main concerns with medical cannabis is how it is administered. By smoking cannabis in a bong or joint, you’re directly exposing your body to highly toxic smoke and only reaping a fraction of the plant’s medicinal compounds.
By using a vaporizer, you’re able to heat your cannabis to the exact temperature needed to extract it’s most important compounds without actually combusting any of it. In turn, you get a stronger, more concentrated dose whenever you medicate and also avoid the health risks of inhaling smoke.
From vaporizers to smart liquids, crystals, and cartridges, our CBD store stocks everything you need to start vaporizing. All the products available through this store are CBD dominant.
All of the CBD products we stock are legal in the Netherlands. CBD is also legal in a variety of other countries, for medical purposes as well as cosmetic use or for use as a nutritional supplement.
For exact details on the legality of CBD in your area, be sure to contact your local authority.
ORDER CBD TODAY
Are you ready to start using CBD? Whether as a nutritional supplement, a cosmetic product, or a treatment for a serious medical condition, we guarantee we’ll have the right product on hand for you.
Remember, always consult a qualified professional before trying any of these products. All the content on our site is purely for informational purposes.
Information about House of the Great Gardener
Not only do they work with some of the highest quality genetics around that are fortunate enough to have come their way, The House of The Great Gardener are known to produce their own genetic lines, finding exciting and valuable new combinations throughout their journey. With a quality control policy that ensures a high ranking medicine to suit the needs of their customers and patients, and more than a decade of experience in identifying and breeding the most powerful medicinal strains, this team of perfectionists are sure to impress even the pickiest connoisseurs.
PACKAGING House of the Great Gardener
House of the Great Gardener provides a neat and simple packaging solution with a single folded sleeve containing all the information you need about your strain on the inside, including whether it is feminised, flowering time, variety and genetic origin. The seeds are stored in a rigid plastic vial for optimal preservation.
AWARDS House of the Great Gardener
BARBARA BUD
• 2014, Treating Yourself Expo, 1st place Solventless Extract• • 2014, Legends of Hash. 3rd place • 2014, High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place Neder Hash Dry Sift • 2014, Dab-A-Doo Amsterdam, 2nd place • 2014, Karma Cup Toronto, 2nd place • 2015, Dab-A-Doo Barcelona, 2nd place Non-solvent • 2015, Expogrow Irun, 2nd place Resin • 2015, Dab-A-Doo Amsterdam, 2nd Non-Solvent • 2016, Dab-A-Doo Barcelona, 3rd place Rosin • 2016, Legends Barcelona, 3rd place Dry Sift • 2016, Elite Cup Barcelona (We Flowers), 2nd place Non-Solvent • 2016, Elite Cup Barcelona (We Flowers), 2nd place Non-Solvent
A stunning cross between Shishkaberry and Afghani, Barbara Bud is hailed as a heavyweight champion. Not only is she a fast flowering and hardy plant that works well in many environments. Her fragrant and fruity buds become absolutely coated in sugary trichomes, making her ideal for producing some very potent hash.
Sativa/indica: sativa/ indica
Seed type: feminized and regular
Flowering time: 7 weeks
GG1
• 2015, Karma Cup Toronto, 3rd place Solventless • 2015, Expogrow Irun, 3rd place Resin
Previously known as Afghani, GG1 is a highly medicinal indica with a rich musky fragrance and a very smooth flavour. GG1 produces high yielding and resinous buds with an average THC content of 16%, ideal for easing pain. She grows with the structure of a pine tree and has a very short flowering time.
Sativa/indica: indica
Seed type: feminized or regular
Flowering time: 8 weeks
JEAN GUY
• 2016, Bio Cup Canada, 1st place People's Choice Rosin
• 2016, Bio Cup Cannabis, 3rd place Rosin
This legendary sativa plant has an incredible THC content of 25%, resulting in a pungent skunk and citrus smell and euphoric, hard-hitting head highs. Featured in the first ever cannabis advert in the New York Times, Jean Guy is an extraordinary feminized strain producing thick branches covered in fleshy colas.
Sativa/indica: hybrid - sativa:indica - 60:40
Seed type: feminized
Flowering time: 10 weeks
Information about Élite Seeds
Elite Seeds was founded in 2007 with the aim of creating new cannabis varieties carrying the most sought after characteristics, effects, and aromas. Today, this seed bank is known for the scientific analytical methods used in breeding its strains, leading to consistent amounts of cannabinoids and other natural active components in all its genetics.
INFORMATION ON ELITE SEEDS
The Elite Seeds breeders soon understood the importance of certifying the exact potential quantity of cannabinoids for each different genetic. Their own process of breeding and cross-breeding strains has always been focused on obtaining precise and consistent levels of active compounds.
As a consequence of Elite Seeds’ working method, its selection of cannabis seeds is split into two families: the THC varieties with their very strong psychoactive effects and the CDB strains with a lucid, tolerable, and medicinal effect. Therefore, the customer is able not just to choose between a citrus sativa, or a sweet indica, but also to decide how the effects should manifest.
Elite Seeds specialists conduct research and analysis on the cannabinoid content in their strains using HPLC technologies in their laboratory at the University of Valencia. This method guarantees on a scientific basis the content quantity and stability of all distributed varieties.
PACKAGING
Elite Seeds’ products are packed in original metal boxes with keychain. This packaging is really cool, and their opacity provides the ideal protection for an optimal conservation of seeds over time.
THC RICH STRAINS
La Rica THC
This strain has received numerous awards. It is exceptionally flavourful and has a unique fruity aroma. A combination of melon and strawberry flavour anticipates its strong indica effect. This is a strain that relaxes the body and pleases the mind. Its large trichomes have huge heads and are very resinous. It is a medium size plant, wide and branched with hard and compact buds. Its THC content reaches 20%.
Llimonet Haze THC
This strain is a treat for the senses with its incense and citrus flavours, and its buds full of sticky resin. Llimonet Haze grows strong and vigorous outdoor, encouraging the use of netting techniques, pruning or weights on the branches to reduce its size. It is highly resistant to all kinds of pests, especially to powdery mildew, botrytis and other fungi. This strain has a THC content of 19%.
Mota Khan Afghana
This is an exceptional Afghan indica, full of flavour from the region of Mazar-e Sharif. It has a sweet, spicy flavour with a touch of liquor. When smoked, it leaves a white, thick and heavy trace just as the best hash does. Mota Khan Afghana has a relaxing effect which helps recover from physical stress and fatigue, and it also increases sensitivity to music and digression. This plant has a very wide structure, woody branches and a short intermodal distance. Its THC content reaches 18,5%
La Katana
This strain is a new cross between Critical and Llimonet. Its buds are hard and incredibly thick, reaching the size of a 2-litre bottle. Growers often show pictures of enormous buds wondering whether this size was normal for this genetic. The answer is yes, it is normal. La Katana is not just about her size, anyway. Her delicious Haze and lemon flavour, and her nice 18,5% THC will satisfy the most demanding stoner.
Banana Joint
Its name comes from a banana flavour that floods the palate and remains in the mouth for a long time. This strain has been created for connoisseurs and will delight smokers with a "sweet tooth". Its calming indica effect is similar to hash, placing a smile on the user’s face. Banana Joint has an average yield, but its excellent taste and its respectable 17% THC make up for it.
CBD RICH STRAINS
Llimonet Haze – Classic CBD
This CBD strain has thick flowers developing a special aroma of citrus and incense. It is highly resistant to pests, diseases and fungi such as powdery mildew. People who wish to enjoy a stimulating effect without altering their perception will find this strain perfect to perform all kinds of activities. The main difference between this variety and its THC version stays in the extreme lucidity of its effect, while preserving the feeling of euphoria inherited for the sativa genetics. CBD 9% - THC 9%.
La Rica - Autoflowering CBD
This is the autoflowering, high-CBD version of the famous La Rica genetics, with all her fruity aromas and taste. It’s a medium-sized plant with a wide structure and thick, woody branches. Its buds are very voluminous, hard and compact. La Rica - Autoflowering CBD has a fast life cycle and it can be ready for harvest in about eight weeks from germination. A tasty and quick CBD strain with CBD up to 11% and THC at 9%.
Llimonet Haze - Autoflowering CBD
This autoflowering, high CBD version can quickly grow to a medium or tall size, and it takes just nine weeks to complete its life cycle. It is resistant to pests and diseases, and it has shown to be very strong at low temperatures. This autoflowering strain preserves all the aromas and taste of the classic Llimonet, producing up to 8% CBD and 7% THC.
Amnesia Ultra CBD
An awarded high-THC Amnesia strain had its bloom time shortenedand was then crossed with a CBD strain. The result is a high CBD photoperiodic variety with no hallucinogen or tachycardic effect. A high yielding sativa with a scent of classic Haze that is ready for harvest in September. Its CBD content reaches 11%, while THC is up to 9,5%.
Tobacco/Weed Pipes: Metal, Glass, Wood, and More!
At Zamnesia, we stock hundreds of pipes available in a variety of materials and styles. From simple glass models that easily fit in your pocket to long, elegant wooden pipes that are perfect for a session with friends, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in our online shop.
As with all of our products, we only work with respected manufacturers who take pride in their work. Hence, you can rest assured that all the pipes you’ll find in our store are of the highest quality.
For more information on the origins of pipe smoking, tips on how to clean/smoke a pipe, and details about some of our featured products, keep reading. Otherwise, start browsing our store and place your order today.
ORIGINS OF PIPE SMOKING
Pipe smoking has been around for thousands of years, and is often regarded as the oldest form of traditional smoking. While pipes are most commonly used to smoke tobacco, they can also be used to smoke a variety of recreational drugs, such as cannabis.
A variety of Native American cultures followed pipe smoking traditions long before the arrival of European colonialism. For many of these cultures, smoking tobacco or herbal mixes was a ceremonial process and was often done using special ceremonial pipes. The “peace pipe” is arguably the most well-known ceremonial pipe used by Native Americans, although there were many others.
Some tobacco cultivation sites in Mexico date back to roughly 1400–1000 BCE. When Europeans arrived in the Americas, tobacco was exported back home, where it was smoked in pipes, snuffed, and chewed. At this time, tobacco was also being smoked through water pipes in China, Persia, and along the Silk Road.
By 1700, tobacco had become a major industry in Europe.
However, pipe smoking wasn’t just unique to Native Americans. Archaeological evidence suggests that other ancient cultures also used pipes to smoke psychoactive substances like cannabis and opium.
In 2013, for example, archaeologists excavated a kurgan (an ancient type of burial mound) in Russia created by the Scythians, a fierce group of nomads who inhabited large parts of the central Eurasian steppes between the 9th and 1st century BCE.
The excavations unearthed 2400-year-old water pipes (similar to bongs) used by the Scythians to smoke cannabis and opium.
In China, pipes were also used to smoke madak, a mixture of tobacco and opium in the 19th century.
WHY USE A PIPE?
People choose to smoke out of pipes for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is for pleasure.
Tobacco pipes are often made to be used with higher-grade tobacco than what is used to make cigarettes. This tobacco boasts complex flavours and aromas, making for an extremely pleasurable smoking experience (much like the tobacco in a cigar).
Some tobacco smokers also claim that smoking through a pipe is healthier than smoking cigarettes, but there is no evidence to support these claims.
If you prefer to smoke other substances, such as cannabis, you may also turn to a pipe for a number of reasons.
Some of the reasons why you may want to consider using a cannabis pipe:
Super portable: Most cannabis pipes will easily fit into a pocket, purse, or bag. Some pipes can even be dismantled, making them even easier to transport.
Discreet: Small cannabis pipes tend to produce a lot less smoke than joints, blunts, or bongs. In doing so, they also tend to produce less odour, making them ideal for anyone looking to smoke discreetly.
Simple to use: Weed pipes are super easy to prepare. Forget about the tedious process of rolling a joint or blunt or preparing a bong. With a pipe, simply pack your bowl, light up, and you’re ready to go.
Great in groups or solo: Pipes come in all shapes and sizes. Smaller models are great for smoking on your own, allowing you to use less cannabis and avoid the hassle of having to roll a joint or blunt. Bigger pipes, on the other hand, can be great for group sessions.
HOW TO SMOKE A PIPE?
Smoking a pipe is super simple. Here are the basic instructions to get you started:
Prepare your smoke. Whether it’s tobacco, cannabis, or an herbal mix, you’ll want to make sure it’s not too dry (as the smoke will be harsher on your throat) and not too fine to avoid any smaller particles from entering the pipe, and subsequently your mouth
Pack your bowl. Similar to when smoking a bong, fill your pipe bowl to just under the brim. Avoid packing it too tight as it may be hard to draw, but also avoid packing it too lightly as some of the particles are more likely to enter the stem of the pipe.
Light up. Use a match or lighter to light your pipe. Be sure to keep the flame from actually touching the substance in your bowl, and make sure to light all parts of the bowl evenly. Take a few puffs while lighting until your substance is bright red. Avoid charring your smoke too much as it’ll lose some of its flavour.
HOW TO CLEAN A PIPE?
Ever been ready to sit down for a smoke only to find your pipe tastes dirty or is completely clogged? To make your smoking experience as enjoyable as possible, always make sure to regularly clean your pipes. Here some basic instructions for doing so:
Add some cleaning solution to a Ziplock bag. Feel free to use a homemade solution such as a vinegar/baking soda or rubbing alcohol/salt mix.
Put your pipe inside the Ziplock bag and let it sit for a few hours. If your pipe is dismountable, take it apart and ash each piece separately first for best results.
Shake the bag vigorously to remove as much of the built-up resin inside. Depending on how dirty your pipe is, you may want to repeat steps 1 and 2 numerous times.
Use a pipe cleaner to scrape off any remaining resin or particles that weren’t removed in the last step.
Rinse your pipe and let it dry completely before using it.
At Zamnesia, we stock a wide variety of pipes designed to smoke cannabis, tobacco, smokable herbal mixes, and much more.
We stock everything from everyday pipes made of metal, glass, wood, and acrylic to more sophisticated pipes such as the meerschaum and soapstone models.
Discover The Power Of Psychedelics With Mushroom Grow Kits From Zamnesia
Whether it was the spiritual enlightenment bestowed upon us by Zammy himself, or just the desire to produce the best psychedelic products on the market, you can trust Zamnesia’s mushroom grow kits to take you on a voyage across the cosmos. Each grow kit contains everything you need to cultivate premium psilocybin mushrooms from the comfort of your own home.
Our dedicated Shroomshop has everything you need to master one of nature’s most enlightening psychedelics. Our grow kits feature carefully selected species of Psilocybe cubensis, each with their own unique qualities. Professionally prepared with simple to follow instructions, each kit is ready in just a few weeks and requires very little maintenance.
If you want to try one of our premium mushroom grow kits, but are not sure where to start, keep reading for some of our highlighted products. If you are eager to get started and want to learn more about the intricacies of mushroom cultivation, the precautions needed, and the steps required to obtain multiple flushes, head to our Zamnesia blog for more information.
GET YOUR ZAMNESIA MUSHROOM GROW KITS TODAY
Regardless of whether you are a newly initiated psychonaut or a seasoned home cultivator, we have a fantastic selection of grow kits to suit all spiritual desires. Guaranteed to develop the freshest mushrooms, each grow kit comes with fully colonised rye cakes, perlite, and a layer of vermiculite (casing layer). All you need to do is prepare the kit and maintain daily with a light spray of water.
Grow Kit B+
The perfect starting point, our Grow Kit B+ develops an excellent bounty of psilocybin mushrooms. If you want to feel a radiating sense of positivity, B+ is the perfect grow kit to try. With many specimens reaching over 30cm in height, you won’t be disappointed with the visual treat they provide, both before and after consuming them.
Maybe you don’t know which kit to choose, or you like the excitement of surprises. Either way, let the seasoned spiritualists at Zamnesia pick your next grow kit for you! We will select a random cubensis variety from our high-quality selection, and you won’t find out what you are cultivating until it gets to your door! Expand your mind and your options with the Grow Kit Choice.
Temperature plays a vital role in the successful colonisation of mycelium. Although placing your mushroom grow kit in a warm, slightly humid area is entirely sufficient, our Infrared Mushroom Heat Mat can help speed up colonisation. Fully compatible with all Zamnesia grow kits, the Infrared Mushroom Heat Mat gives you greater control over the fruiting of your prized cubensis.
To browse the full range of Zamnesia mushroom grow kits, including cultivation accessories, check out the Zamnesia Shroomshop now and place your order today.
Weed Grinders: Metal, Plastic, Acrylic, And More
Grinders are a vital accessory for any smoker. At Zamnesia, we stock a variety of high-quality grinders capable of crushing through any herb.
From rustic wooden models to flashy novelty items, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect grinder to add to your collection in our Head Shop.
To browse our full collection, check out the subcategories above. For more information on why to use a grinder, how to clean one, and more, keep reading.
WHY USE A GRINDER?
Whether you prefer to smoke (either in form of a joint/blunt or through a pipe or bong), vaporize, or make edibles, a grinder will allow you to break up your flowers, making it easier for the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds to be released from the plant.
Some grinders also come with a kief sieve, allowing you to create and store highly concentrated kief every time you grind.
How fine or coarse your weed depends on your preferred way of smoking (or vaporizing) and your personal preferences. If you’re planning on using a bong or pipe, you’ll generally want to leave your weed a little more coarse to avoid sucking any smaller pieces through the bowl.
HOW TO CLEAN A GRINDER?
Cleaning your grinder is important in order to ensure it works effectively. Be sure to clean your grinder regularly using the following set of instructions:
Empty the contents of your grinder into a plastic container. Slightly tap the grinder to remove as much of the contents as possible.
Next, use a dry toothbrush or a special grinder cleaning tool to remove any smaller particles that may get stuck in some of the crevices inside the grinder.
Finally, Use a q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove any stubborn particles, then air dry your grinder completely before using it again.
ORDER YOUR GRINDER TODAY
Ready to add one of our killer grinders to your inventory? Browse our store for more products and info and place your order today.
A nice bong is a necessity for almost any smoker. If you're looking to add a new water pipe to your collection, whether it's a novelty item or a simplistic glass piece, we guarantee we have something for you.
Our Headshop stocks a wealth of bongs in a wide variety of materials, including glass, acrylic, ceramic, metal, and much more. We also stock high-quality novelty bongs and a variety of accessories and spare parts.
We are strongly committed to providing our customers with the best materials to enhance their smoking experience. Hence, we only stock products from the best manufacturers in the industry.
If you're ready to start browsing, use the subcategories above to find what you're looking for. Alternatively, keep reading for more information about bongs, their history, and much more.
HISTORY OF BONGS
Bongs have been around for centuries.
In 2013, archaeologists excavated a kurgan (an ancient type of burial mound) in Russia created by the Scythians, a fierce group of nomads who inhabited large parts of the central Eurasian steppes between the 9th and 1st century BC.
Bongs were also used in Persia, along the Silk Road, and in China during the 16th century to smoke tobacco, and were even popular among royalty, such as Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi, who was even buried with at least three water pipes.
In many parts of Asia, such as Vietnam and Thailand, people still use bamboo bongs to smoke tobacco today.
HOW DO BONGS WORK?
The bongs you’ll find on our site can be quite innovative, complete with various chambers of different sizes and a bunch of accessories such as uniquely shaped bowls, attachments designed to be used with oils and other concentrates, and much more.
While all of these accessories have a different effect on the overall smoking experience, all water pipes essentially work the same way, using a bowl, stem, and water chamber to produce smoke.
After the bowl has been packed with a smokable substance and water has been added to the bong’s main chamber, the substance is lit and smoke is drawn down the stem, filtered through the water, and inhaled out of the mouthpiece.
There are plenty of reasons why some smokers prefer to use a bong over dry pipes, cigarettes, joints, or blunts.
Some simply prefer the process, while others claim that bongs produce a smoother smoke. This may be true, seeing as the water helps to cool the smoke before it enters the smoker’s lungs.
Many smokers claim that the water is able to filter out more harmful chemicals than other filters. This may be true when smoking cannabis, as joints and blunts are often smoked without a filter. However, studies comparing tobacco smoke from cigarettes and water pipes have shown that both forms of smoking can have negative effects.
Despite the fact that water pipes have existed for thousands of years, there is a significant lack of research comparing this form of smoking with others.
HOW TO SMOKE A BONG
Smokers who have never experimented with a bong might feel a bit intimidated the first time they lay their eyes/hands on one. However, the process is actually quite simple.
Here are the basic steps on how to smoke a bong:
Make sure you clean your bong before each use.
Fill your bong with water via the mouthpiece until the stem is covered with roughly 2cm of water. Avoid overfilling your bong as it may splash in your face and cause a mess. Add ice to the water for a smoother smoke.
Pack the bowl with your preferred smoking substance. Make sure the bowl is packed tightly to just under the brim, and that your substance is not chopped too finely, otherwise it may get sucked through the bowl and down the stem. Also, avoid clogging your bowl by overpacking it.
Place your mouth on top of the chamber, making sure your lips are inside the mouthpiece. Lightly press your face against the mouthpiece to stop any of the smoke from escaping.
Light your substance and suck in air through your mouth simultaneously. The water should bubble and the chamber should start to fill with smoke. Once the substance is bright red (or “cherried”), remove the flame to avoid charring it. Keep drawing in air until the chamber is filled with the desired amount of smoke.
When you’re ready to inhale, remove the stem from the bong and draw the remaining smoke into your lungs.
NOTE: Some bongs have a “carb hole” instead of a removable stem. This is a small hole either beside the stem or at the back of the chamber. As you light your substance and start to draw smoke into the chamber, be sure to block that hole with your finger to stop any smoke from escaping.
Once you’re ready to inhale the smoke, remove your finger from the carb and enjoy.
HOW TO CLEAN A BONG
Nothing ruins a good smoke like a dirty bong. Below are some simple instructions to help you keep your water pipes nice and clean.
Dismantle the bong. This will allow you to wash each piece individually.
Rinse each individual piece of your bong with hot water and let them all dry.
Start by cleaning the main chamber. Fill a bucket with a simple cleaning solution (such as a mix of vinegar and baking soda), place the chamber inside, and gently scrub with a sponge or cloth that won’t scratch the material. Rinse the chamber and repeat if necessary.
Repeat step 3 for each piece of your bong. To clean any small areas of the bong, such as the stem, the bowl, and any extra chambers, we suggest using the **Black Leaf Pipe Cleaners available through our store.
Once you’re finished, make sure you rinse all pieces of the bong with hot water to remove any of the cleaning solution. Then set the pieces aside to dry completely before reassembling your bong.
NOTE: For best results when cleaning your bong, we suggest using the Bong Master Cleaner solution available through our store. Simply mix 1–2 tablespoons inside your chamber with hot water, wait 5 minutes, rinse, and you’re done.
TYPES OF BONGS
The bongs in our store are divided into 4 categories; glass, acrylic, ceramic, and novelty bongs.
Smart Seeds - Grow Natural Psychedelics And Ancient Aphrodisiacs At Home
When we think of psychedelics, LSD, magic mushrooms or DMT come to mind, but the world of natural psychedelics is so much more diverse and has a lot more of mind-altering substances to offer. It's these substances that the ancient cultures and tribes used for spiritual ceremonies or profound insights into existence. Nowadays, these powerful plants aren't hard to come by anymore, in fact, it was never so easy to find them and grow them at your home.
Zamnesia offers a wide and ever-expanding range of so-called smart seeds. Whether you want to grow and use a specific cactus, cultivate your own tobacco or some kind of natural aphrodisiac - you can browse our shop and find something that suits your needs. Mighty seeds of Mother Nature are at your hands to grow at home. Check out our variety of smart seeds once in a while to see what is available.
In this article, we dive deeper into different smart seeds and educate about their origins, their use and effects. We also inform you about how to grow these seeds for the best results. Let's have a look!
CACTUS SEEDS
BOLIVIAN TORCH
Bolivian Torch (Echinopsis lageniformis) is a psychedelic cactus from Bolivia, South America. It is very similar to the San Pedro cactus in its appearance but has fewer and wider ribs. Just like the San Pedro cactus, the Bolivian Torch contains a multitude of psychoactive alkaloids, like the strong psychedelic compound mescaline.
In its natural environment in the hot and humid climate of Bolivia, the Bolivian Torch can reach heights of up to 4.5 meters. With our fresh seeds, you can now grow this holy cactus easily at home. Once the seeds germinate, they only need very little water, only watering it when the soil has dried out. For optimal results, you should keep the conditions of growth moist and well ventilated. You will achieve the best outcome with cactus potting and soil mixes that are commonly available in gardening stores. The Bolivian Torch will grow into a green, columnar cactus with beautiful and fragrant flowers.
This cactus is considered as holy and therefore plays an important role in shamanistic rituals. It has a long history in such religious and spiritual rituals in South America. The contained psychoactive compounds, especially mescaline, alter the mind and bring the user powerful visions.
PERUVIAN TORCH
The Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis peruviana) is another hallucinogenic cactus that has its origins in South America. It also contains mescaline.
It is a fast-growing cactus that grows on the western hillsides of the Andes in Peru. You can find it there in altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. With our fresh seeds, you can watch the cactus grow into an impressive and columnar plant. The Peruvian Torch will normally germinate after 10-14 days. Once sprouted, you need to keep the conditions of growth warm and dry. Be sure to give it as much direct sunlight as possible. For the best results, we recommend a commonly available, slightly acidic, cactus potting mix.
Like the other holy cacti of South America, the Peruvian Torch contains numerous alkaloids, including the psychoactive mescaline. You will get a strong, mind-bending experience with hallucinations. This lets the cactus play an important part in shamanistic and religious rituals.
PEYOTE
It is a fascinating hobby to watch a Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) cactus grow.
Peyote is native to Mexico and the South of America, so it prefers a very dry climate with plenty of sun. It grows best in a mineral-rich soil. For this special type of cactus, it has proven best to use a soil mix that consists of 50% sand, 25% grit or bims and 25% normal potting soil. Your Peyote will thrive in a minimum temperature of 10°C and a lot of direct sunlight. At the end, you will gaze at a pale green cactus with pink and white flowers. What's best, we provide you with a detailed and easy instruction of how to grow your own Peyote that comes together with the seeds.
Peyote contains more than 50 alkaloids, including the strong psychoactive compound mescaline. The intake of the cactus can induce effects similar to LSD or psilocybin that last up to 10 or 12 hours. It can trigger deep, metaphysical and spiritual introspection and insight. During the trip you will further see rich visuals or experience auditory effects. That is why Peyote is widely used in ceremonial rituals as a sacred medicine.
SAN PEDRO
San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) is another cactus that for centuries played an important in the shamanistic cultures of Bolivia, South America. Like the above-mentioned cacti, it is considered as holy.
The cactus is really easy to grow with our fresh seeds. It loves a peat-based special soil for cacti and succulents that you can find in any well-sorted gardening store. San Pedro needs very high humidity for the best germination results. After the seeds sprout, ensure a good air circulation and ventilation to prevent mould. The growing environment should be warm and shaded. It is really important to keep the soil moist during germination and early growth. In the end, San Pedro will be a columnar, green cactus with white flowers.
Like with all the South American sacred cacti, San Pedro contains psychoactive substances, notably mescaline. It is widely popular as a ceremonial plant. Shamans use it to cure diseases including alcoholism and madness. They further use the induced mind-altered state to make prophecies.
TOBACCO SEEDS
AZTEC TOBACCO, AKA MAPACHO
Aztec Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) is also known as Mapacho. It is a wild tobacco plant from the south of Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula. It sets itself apart from other tobacco plant with its strength.
Mapacho is a great, aromatic plant to grow. Although it likes a hot, subtropical climate, you can grow it in colder climates without problems. The plant grows fast and easily and can reach heights of 2 meters. It will develop nice yellow flowers. It is recommended to plant your seeds in a sandy and nuturious soil and use deep pots. This way, the Aztec Tobacco will grow long roots that lead to optimal results. If your climate is warm enough, you can also plant the seeds directly into the soil. The soil has to be kept moist, and the plant needs plenty of sunlight. Our fresh seeds ensure a quick germination and the best growth.
Before you can use the tobacco, you have to cure it after harvest. This is done by hanging the leaves to dry in the sun or use a closed room with indirect heat for several weeks.
The Mapacho is so strong that it contains up to twenty times more nicotine than normal tobacco. It is very aromatic and can be used to roll your own cigarettes or cigars with an extra nicotine kick. The Aztec Tobacco is even used by shamans as an ingredient in the psychedelic brew Ayahuasca. The dried tobacco leaves can be ground and used as a snuff, too. In some parts of South America, the leaves are soaked in water and then sniffed which is called "singado".
TOBACCO
When Christopher Columbus discovered America, he discovered a plant the natives called Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The peoples of the New World had the habit of smoking it and blow the tobacco smoke out of their noses while having a good time. Today, tobacco is consumed all over the globe.
Tobacco loves warm and average temperatures around 20-30°C. It is best planted in soil that doesn't have high levels of nitrogen. Our fresh seeds ensure a good germination rate and optimal growth.
Tobacco is smoked for its relaxing and energising effect on the body it can have. Nevertheless, it can also make a wonderful ornamental plant with its big, fleshy leaves and pink flowers.
OTHER SEEDS
MORNING GLORY
Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor) has a long history as a mighty hallucinogen. The seeds contain the natural tryptamine Lysergic Acid Amide which has a similar effect to LSD. That is why some psychonauts use it as an alternative.
In contrast to the above-mentioned smart seeds, morning glory seeds are not aimed at being planted and grown into a plant. These seeds can induce powerful trips when they are consumed. But keep in mind that the effects are usually accompanied by nausea and other unwanted physical trouble, so you should consume them on an empty stomach. Don't eat 4-6 hours before you take morning glory seeds! Also, prepare for a trip that can last up to 10 hours so keep yuur schedule for the day clear.
For a light dosage, take 1.5-3g which is about 50-100 seeds. A medium-strength dosage is 3-6g which is equal to 100-250 seeds. The most potent effect is achieved with 10g which corresponds to 400 seeds of morning glory. You can eat the seeds raw or grind them and soak them in water for half an hour. After that, you can strain the mix through a filter and drink it. Some say that you can reduce the negative side effects by soaking the seeds in water for 3-4 days and remove the white, forming substance. Also, change the water frequently.
Morning glory is a powerful psychedelic that induces heavy, mind-altering effects so don't drive or operate any machinery after you consumed it. Don't take it if you suffer from conditions like depression, anxiety or other psychological illnesses. Never take it together with alcohol or MAO inhibitors.
MA HUANG
Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) grows in parts of north-eastern China, Russia and Mongolia where it is known for its medicinal properties for millennia. The indigenous peoples from these regions use the plant since 5000 years for therapeutic uses.
To grow Ma Huang is not very difficult and you don't need any special expertise. You can germinate the seeds indoors or outdoors in moderate temperatures. But the plant likes it on the warmer side with lots of sun. It is best to grow Ma Huang indoors if you live in countries with colder climates like the UK. Our fresh seeds will make for a troubleless grow.
The dried leaves of Ma Huang are a natural stimulant and energizer. They also have appetite-suppressing properties. The effect it induces has lately become very popular in the West where people use it to reduce their appetite or as a natural way to keep them energised. You can easily make a tea with the dried leaves of Ma Huang.
KHAT
Khat (Catha edulis) or "Flower of Paradise" is very popular all across the Arabian Peninsula and in some parts of Africa. It is an evergreen shrub.
Regardless of some saying, Khat is not too difficult to cultivate. Our fresh seeds ensure an optimal germination rate and success with growing Khat. If you consider some key elements when growing Khat, then you will be rewarded with a helpful plant. You can plant the seeds in a cactus soil mix, vermiculite, perlite or a mix of these. As long as the potting mix is well drained, then you are on the safe side. This is important because the seedlings are pretty sensitive to mould. Khat prefers a rather warm and sunny place but don't put it in direct sunlight. Only water the plant when the soil is dry. The seeds will sprout within a week, and once the seedlings gain a height of 5-10cm, you can repot them.
The leaves of Khat can be chewed and cause a slight euphoria and excitement - like you would expect from the "Flower of Paradise". The effect is very uplifting and can be described as a weaker amphetamine. It lasts about 2 hours and fades away into a state of slight depression.
SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND
Although these smart seeds are easy to grow and therefore easy to come by, it is worth noting that we are dealing with mighty psychedelic substances here for the most part. The powerful and strong psychedelic cacti are nothing for inexperienced consumers. Please, only take these if you are an experienced psychonaut that knows what they are doing. If you are a psychedelic novice, be sure to start with a beginners dose and work your way up to the desired effect.
Seeds like morning glory can induce heavy side effects so be aware and use our recommended dosages and helpful tips. Tobacco is consumed all over the world but, as we all know, is extremely dangerous for your health and carcinogenic. Remember: The dose makes the poison! Take all things in moderation and carefully!
Information About Spore Prints
HOW TO GROW MAGIC MUSHROOMS FROM SPORE PRINTS
Growing magic mushrooms from spore prints is an easy way to have an unlimited supply of magic mushrooms all year round.
Whether you have purchased a commercial spore print or you already know how to make your own, these quick teks will make sure you produce the highest quality and quantity of the mushrooms of your choice. Cleanliness cannot be stressed enough. There are millions of species of airborne spores that can destroy mushrooms, yet thrive in the same conditions as them.
Cut off the mushroom stalk and place cap gills down on the paper.
Cover cap with glass.
Leave overnight.
This step must be done quickly to reduce exposure to pathogens. Remove the glass and lift up the mushroom cap. You will see that the gills have released their treasure of spores overnight. There will be a mushroom print on the paper.
Immediately fold the paper over the print.
Place the folded package into a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator.
PREPARING SYRINGES FOR INOCULATION
What you will need:
Pot
Clean water
Glass
Iso alcohol
Foil
Spore print
The sterilised syringe
Bring the water to a boil over a high flame.
Let the water boil for ten minutes.
While the water is boiling, clean the glass thoroughly with iso alcohol.
Make a foil lid to snugly fit the glass.
Squirt the water from the syringe into the sink.
Draw up 10ml of water and squirt into the glass.
Immediately cover with the foil lid.
Re-sterilise syringe cap.
Refill syringe with boiling water and recap.
Let the water in the glass cool.
Remove the spore print from the refrigerator. Carefully unfold and tap the spores into the cooled water in the glass.
Uncap syringe and immediately draw the spore-laden water into the barrel.
Recap and refrigerate.
Your syringe is now ready to inoculate a substrate and grow more mushrooms! Multiply volume as needed. However, 10ml will inoculate 10x250ml containers of substrate. Please refer to our user-friendly PF-Tek to learn how to grow high-quality mushrooms at home.
The Ultimate Mescaline Cactus Guide
Welcome to our ultimate guide on mescaline. Below you will find details on exactly what mescaline is, which cacti it can be found in, its effects, how it is used and how to extract it - among other things. To start with, let's have a look at the contents overview.
With mescaline cacti is simply meant, cactus species that produce and contain the psychedelic drug mescaline. Known by manifold ethnographic work, the mescaline cacti Peyote and San Pedro have both become famous as inebriation and ritual plants, as well as medicinal plants worldwide. If we were to propose the existence of these two types deals with the mescaline cacti, however, we'd wrongly believe in a huge mistake. For there are, besides the two known representatives, a whole series of other cactus plants containing mescaline. And partly in large quantities.
WHAT IS MESCALINE?
Mescaline is a psychedelic compound found in a number of cactus species. Scientifically known as 3, 4, 5 trimethoxyphenethylamine, mescaline is a naturally occurring alkaloid of the phenethylamine family. Its hallucinogenic and mind friendly effects are similar to those of LSD, psilocybin, and DMT.
Mescaline containing plants have been used by indigenous people all over Mexico and South and Central America for thousands of years. Mescaline has a high affinity for the serotonin 5HT receptors in the brain and causes excitation of neurones in the frontal lobe. Why these phenomena cause hallucinations is unknown. However, it has been traditionally used by native peoples to uplifting and positive personal and social effect.
It is known that serotonin is a "happy" compound that occurs naturally in the human brain. Most modern psychotherapeutic drugs prescribed for depression affect the serotonin system in some way. It makes sense then that the positive effects of mescaline lasts for weeks after the central hallucinogenic experience. A general feeling of ease and calm with very little internal mental chatter invariably follows. There is also a connected sense of beauty with the natural world for an extended period after. Colours remain bright, especially reds and greens, and anxiety becomes a bemusing memory.
Mescaline was the first of the psychedelics to be isolated. In 1896 Arthur Heffter extracted mescaline from peyote and tested it on himself. Investigation showed that affects can be felt at 100mg, but 350 mg is needed for a psychotropic experience.
Mescaline is ingested and absorbed in the intestinal tract, which is why it takes some time to kick in. Extractions work much faster than consuming cactus chips or teas, and are far less nauseating.
It is impossible to become addicted to mescaline. Evolution has built in an anti-addiction feature. If it is taken for more than four or five days in a row, it simply stops working. Doing bigger and bigger doses is just a big fat waste of time.
VIDEO: The Origin Of Our Mescaline Cacti
TYPES OF MESCALINE CACTUS
There are a number of alkaloid-containing cacti. For our purposes here, we are going to concentrate on those that contain mescaline as the prominent active compound. In other cacti, the alkaloids are in far too tiny concentrations to be active at comfortable ingestion rates. Having to drink five litres of cactus tea or eat four kilos of cactus would certainly be a trial.
Cactus containing mescaline do so at a reasonable enough concentration for ingestion to not be so challenging. Peyote leads the way for active alkaloid concentrations at between 1 - 6% of dried weight. The 1% is more likely in general. The Trichocereus family (San Pedro and Peruvian Torch cacti) has between 0.3 - 1.3%. With either species, it is usually trial and error with dosing that determines strength on a plant to plant basis.
Zamnesia has several types of mescaline cacti for sale via our Smartshop, but we have chosen to highlight our three best sellers in the paragraphs below.
#1 PEYOTE
Peyote, or Lophophora Williamsii, is certainly the most well-known of the mescaline containing cacti. It has appeared in literature and movies alike and is recognised for what it is globally. Drug culture or not.
Peyote is a slow growing button type cactus. It is greenish blue sometimes greyish green. Rather than spines, it has tufts of "wool" sprouting from regularly spaced aureole. It grows wild from central Mexico to northern Texas and has been used by indigenous peoples since the pre-Colombian era. An average dried button about 2cm in diameter weighs about two grams. It would take 6 - 10 of these buttons to get the desired effects.
Peyote flowers with an often solitary, but sometimes multiples of pleasingly symmetrical pink petalled flowers. They have bright yellow and saffron anthers that contain pollen. The flowers appear between March and May and are surprisingly crisp and firm for something that appears so delicate. Propagation is by seed once they have formed inside the fruit after being pollinated. Buttons can be broken off and left to dry slightly and be potted on scar down. Left to its own devices peyote will happily, albeit slowly, spread and spread.
#2 SAN PEDRO
San Pedro or Trichocereus pachinoi (Echinopsis pachinoi) has become a star in its own right with a number of strains available. Their fast growing nature has seen San Pedro cacti become very popular in the last decade.
San Pedro is a columnar type cactus that grows in clumps. It has 7 - 9 ridges along which grow aureole containing clusters of small spines. A well-buttressed column can grow to four metres and contain a substantial amount of mescaline. They propagate by seed, spreading from the base with new growth or pups, and can even sprout new plants from felled columns. Left unattended, San Pedro can spread considerably - especially when columns break and several pups spring up along its length.
During seasonal full moons, the night blooming San Pedro produces large, showy white flowers the size of dinner plates. First, large flower pods appear on their own stalk. Then, some nights later, often unexpectedly, the flowers burst open. This show lasts two nights before the flowers die back to the fruiting body.
#3 PERUVIAN TORCH
Peruvian Torch, or Trichocereus Peruvianis, is distinguished by its long spines that fade from base to tip in the colours of wildfire. These spines are ridiculously sharp and pierce the skin with no warning prick at all. Just straight in. Far sharper than a hypodermic. Keep out of reach of children.
Peruvian Torch grows so similarly to San Pedro that it does not need its own description. It is mainly set apart because the effects are noticeably more intense and deeper in context than San Pedro. It has a more generous girth and is grey-green in the flesh rather than dark green. It grows at a similar rate under the same conditions as other cacti in this genus.
CLOSE COUSINS
Trichocereus:
Bridgesii
Cuzcoensis
Fulvinanus
Macrogonus
Taquimbalensis
Terschekii
Validus
Werdermannianu
Most are distinguished by individual spine arrangements and overall stature. Some are thin with very prominent ridges. Others are chubby, and the ridges are less noticeable. Some have small aureole with many tiny spines. Some have well-spaced aureole with large needles. In all cases, care must be taken as every species is very, very sharp. All, however, give their own nuanced interpretation of the mescaline fuelled psychedelic experience.
How To Dose Mescaline Cacti Properly
Mescaline is a psychedelic substance that can be found in a variety of sacred cacti, including Peyote (Lophophora williamsii), the San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi), and the Peruvian Torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana). It is important to know that finding the right dosage of mescaline for a trip isn’t always straightforward, since there are numerous variables to consider. Here is all the information you need to know about mescaline cacti and how to dose them properly.
The effects of mescaline are comparable to those of LSD and mushrooms. It is not uncommon for psychonauts to consider their experiences and visions during a mescaline trip as deeply profound and life-altering.
HOW MUCH MESCALINE DO YOU NEED FOR A PSYCHEDELIC TRIP?
Mescaline is normally taken in the form of a powder, pill, or liquid. An effective dosage for a psychedelic trip can vary. In most cases, users take between 200–500 milligrams of mescaline at a time if they want to experience a moderate to strong trip. Once ingested, the effects of mescaline will normally set in after 1–2 hours.
Given that dosage is contingent on many factors, we cannot offer a silver bullet value for everyone. Individuals can and will react differently to the same dosage. What is just enough for one person may be too much for another.
Likewise, mescaline dosages that you find listed on the web are often based on mid-sized plants with average potency. However, the mescaline content and therefore potency of mescaline cacti can vary greatly. This can depend on the age of the cactus, where the plant is coming from, and even the season it was harvested. For instance, cacti harvested in winter can be more potent than those harvested in summer. Keep these things in mind and always start with low dosages at first. Gradually experiment from there, so you can find what works best for you.
HOW TO DOSE PEYOTE
Keep the above cautions in mind when looking to find your ideal dosage for the peyote cactus. On average, 27g of dried peyote or 125g of fresh cactus will make for about 300mg of mescaline.
In case you are not weighing a dry or a fresh plant, but instead measure by “buttons” (with each button measuring 2.5cm in diameter), you will need 8–10 buttons for the same dose, either dried or fresh.
HOW TO DOSE COLUMNAR CACTI
Besides the Peyote cactus, columnar mescaline cacti such as San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi), Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis peruviana), and Bolivian Torch (Echinopsis lageniformis), along with some lesser-known mescaline cacti such as the Trichocereus macrogonus, have long played important roles for healing and spiritual purposes in Middle and South America. Columnar cacti all have one very specific growing trait in common: they grow tall and straight, like a column. Hence the name.
Traditionally, columnar cacti are measured by length for determining the right dose for a mescaline trip. On the other hand, recommendations such as “a piece the length of your forearm, from elbow to knuckle” do not take into account their diameter, which makes this way of measuring rather inaccurate for dosing. After all, it is the volume of the cactus that determines the total mescaline content, and not just the length. That being said, a cactus piece about 25–30cm long with a thickness of 5–8cm normally makes for an average dose.
If you are weighing cacti instead of measuring, 100g of fresh columnar cactus contains, on average, 120mg of mescaline, which means you’d require anywhere from 170–420g of cactus to get about 200–500mg of mescaline. Know that the skins of these cacti hold most of the mescaline, so one should remove as little of it as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE WHEN DOSING COLUMNAR CACTI
What we mentioned earlier about the varied strength of peyote and other hallucinogenic cacti is true for columnar cacti as well, like the San Pedro cactus. A recent precise chromatographic measurement of six different samples of San Pedro found that their mescaline content ranged from 1.09–23.75μg per mg of dried material. In other words, their potency can vary substantially!
Keep these considerations in mind when you want to go on a psychedelic journey with mescaline cacti. Remember, it’s always better to start with a lower dosage first, which you can always gradually increase later.
THE MESCALINE EXPERIENCE
Each species provides a quantitatively different experience to pure mescaline. Differing alkaloid profiles that exist in each species give nuance and character to the individual experience. The enthusiastic mescaline consumer will soon find particular plants that flick all their switches in just the right way. These friends can be propagated and enjoyed for a whole lifetime.
"The ether was wearing off. The acid was long gone. But the mescaline was running strong. Good mescaline comes on slow. The first hour is all waiting. Then about halfway through the second hour, you start cursing the creep who burned you because nothing's happening. And then - ZANG!" Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Hunter S Thompson.
And that's how it goes. Extractions can come on faster, but eating dehydrated chips or drinking a reduction will take some time. An hour at least, sometimes four. Mescaline is absorbed in the intestinal tract. This is why it is good to fast before a mescaline session. A clean digestive tract means the consumed material is digested faster.
In the early stages, there are physical nudges and visual teasers. Gentle waves of perceptual shifts surprise and delight. Colours and sounds intensify. Natural living things take on halos. Water and sky fill with fractally receding polygons. Intense body loads come and go in waves. From crushingly hot to light and cool, the anticipation is agonisingly beautiful.
If you have been drinking teas or reductions, you are going to be purging about now. Really go with it. You will barf right up out of your boots. It is a lavishly cleansing experience. Physically intense for sure. Throwing up in that "trying to turn yourself inside out way" can be absolutely exhausting. However once done you will be floating in a multiverse of oneness with everything. Here, colours fluoresce, and a sense of languid serenity that cannot be supplanted reigns supreme. In this temporary alternate universe, all is well and conversation is easy.
The dolls house effect is common. Where objects can appear hyper coloured and flat or two-dimensional. The visual landscape may alter. Perspectives can ebb and flow, and pulsating tracings and other pleasing effects will last for many hours. Some types of cactus may only slightly alter the open eye surroundings, but put on a bright, surreal light show behind closed eyes. The movie screen of your mind becomes awash with colours and arrangements that would make Dr. Mandelbrot proud.
Feelings intensify as the hours progress. It is in this subconscious state that mescaline imparts the teachings. Mescaline, as with other psychedelics, speaks to the subconscious mind in a fundamental universal code. Once the central hallucinogenic experience is over, a refreshed and relaxed literal mind can interpret these subconscious messages for use in the real world. On other occasions, it can be damn good fun. Mescaline and concerts or social situations go hand in hand. Light shows become alive, and the music is five dimensional. Conversations glide effortlessly, and you really do see the beauty in all people.
Is it possible to have a bad trip with mescaline? Depends on what you call bad. Set and context play their important role as with other hallucinogens. State of mind entering the process plays a big part and mescaline is a master emotional amplifier. Sometimes, if you are not in the right frame of mind, it can give you a full emotional kicking. As such, should you consider the use of mescaline, it should be done somewhere you feel comfortable and safe, with someone watching over you. Large public events are not recommended for first-time users for this reason.
THE DIFFERENCES IN EFFECTS
Weight for weight, peyote has a more profound effect than the Trichocereus family. Peyote also has a more trippy aspect to the experience with a chronic body load. Hallucinations can be jarring and resemble LSD and thought processes will be in full flow.
San Pedro offers heightened visual perception and mental flow. The physical pressure is not as intense as Peyote or Peruvian Torch, and although very intense in nature, it is not as jarring and more welcoming. Like a warm, welcoming hug from an ethereal giant. Uplifting and soothing, calming and joyous, San Pedro feels very natural. Even at the hallucinatory peak, there is a flow with which it is easy to go.
Peruvian Torch has a body load equal to that of peyote. The effects are very intense. An invisible hand clutches you by the soul and drags you down the rabbit hole, ready or not. Not necessarily super hallucinogenic, but very, very intense. Peruvian Torch feels very ceremonial, and it demands you move. It is good to have friends around and dance, dance, and dance.
TRADITIONAL CACTUS CONCOCTIONS
What you will need:
Cactus of your choice. 6 - 10 2cm peyote buttons per person or 30cm of columnar cactus per person.
A juiced lemon per person
Several litres of water depending on how many people are partaking.
Large pot or cauldron.
Large stirring spoon.
Step one: Take your chosen cacti and being extremely aware of spines slice the ridges away from the woody heart. Peyote requires less vigilance in the spine department.
Step two: Chop up the flesh into manageable pieces.
Step three: Using a blender or food processor whisk the cactus flesh with water and the lemon juice into a bright green and gooey cactus slurry. Pour into cauldron or large pot. Repeat until all the cactus is used.
Step four: Over the lowest flame possible stir the mix until it reduces by half. Get some tunes organised as this can take some time.
Step five: Refill the pot with water and continue to stir and reduce the concoction.
Step six: Once reduced again, but before going too thick to drink, your brew is ready for consumption.
Note: Don't scorch the mixture - it becomes unbearably foul and impossible to drink. A ceramic slow cooker can be used rather than a pot and flame. Just leave the lid off so evaporation can occur and check regularly.
Handy hint: Chilling this brew makes it more bearable to drink. Even drop a few ice cubes in there. Salt helps control the taste as well. Plain salty chips as a side really help.
BASIC MESCALINE TEA
What you will need:
Water
Dried and pulverised cactus of your choice.
Juice of one lemon per serve.
Saucepan or pot
Step one: Mix together all ingredients over a low flame until reduced.
Step two: Add more water and reduce slightly again
Step three: Strain and consume.
HOW TO EXTRACT MESCALINE
This is a food-safe extraction for mescaline acetate. There will be no acids or strong alkalies to deal with. The final result can be safely ingested. Many other beneficial alkaloids are left in this recipe making the experience more complete.
What you will need:
100 - 300 grams of dried and pulverised cactus of your choice
25g per 100g/cactus of standard builders lime (hydrated lime)
300ml per 100g/cactus of pure d-limonene. Some hardware stores stock this. It is easily available online and is not flagged in any way
25ml white vinegar per 100ml of d-limonene
Glass jars
Stainless steel or glass bowls
Plain clear water. Pre-measured bottled water is ideal. Each ring on a 600ml bottle of water is 100ml so they have a builtin measurer for future reference.
Rubber gloves. D-limonene can give a rash type burn if spilt on the skin and left for over half an hour. Wash off immediaely with soap and warm water.
Dish for evaporating.
Step one: Mix together 25g of builders lime per 100g of dried and pulverised cactus.
Step two: Slowly stir in clean water. The ideal consistency is a fluffy stiff putty. The lime aerates the mix considerably and absorbs a substantial amount of water. In fact, this will take a surprising amount of water. You have gone too far if the green fluffy putty collapses and a layer of water is on top. You will only ever do this once, it is an easy lesson learned. The mix can still be used, but there can be excess mucosa that needs to be strained.
Step three: Cover and leave to stand for at least six hours. Overnight is fine just make sure the mix can't dry out.
Step four: Wearing rubber gloves stir in 300ml of d-limonene per 100g of dried cactus. Be sure to break up the lumps and clumps, so it is a cactus and d-limonene smoothy. Leave to stand overnight.
Step five: Wearing gloves again, strain the mix through an old t-shirt or sarong. Anything with a reasonably fine weave. Set fluid aside.
Step six: Repeat steps four and five at least three times with the same cactus pulp. This makes sure that every delicious alkaloid is removed.
Step seven: If you have a heavy layer of mucosa in the strained mix you will need to separate the two. A gravy separating jug is ideal. The d-limonene can easily be decanted away.
Step eight: In glass jars, add 25ml of white vinegar per 100ml of d-limonene and shake vigorously. Leave to stand until the vinegar separates (vinegar on the bottom, d-limonene on the top) then agitate vigorously once more. Agitate and leave to rest several times.
Step nine: Use gravy separating jug to separate the vinegar and the d-limonene. With the d-limonene, repeat step eight two more times. Put vinegar in an evaporating tray.
Step ten: Evaporate the vinegar in a low 80°C oven until a sticky dark, dark, orange layer is left. This can be scraped up with a blade and used immediately. Simply wash down with a beverage of your choice.
OTHER PSYCHOACTIVE CACTI
There are many different psychoactive cacti. Out of 70 species, currently, about 300 cactus plants are known to include the psychoactive agents. And it does not always necessarily have to be mescaline. There are a variety of other psychoactive compounds detectable in the cacti or their detection is still pending. For the most part, the substances of the plants are actually not yet researched.
For example, we know through ethnobotanical research about Epithelantha micromeris and its fruits, the Chilitos, that are consumed by Indians, together with the psychoactive mini cactus for doping purposes, because they act as stimulants. Earlier on we talked about the Doñana cactus Coryphantha macromeris. Some cacti contain caffeine, such as Harrissia adscendens, Leocereus bahiensis and Cereus jamacaru (contains mescaline as well). Other fairly well known psychoactive cacti are Ariocarpus species with their numerous phenethylamines, which are regarded as "maddening drugs," the bishops' mitres, of those their operating principles are still unknown, the Opuntia, which contain many substances etc. Echinocereus triglochidiatus shall even contain the potent psychedelics 5-MeO-DMT. Many cacti can also be used for therapeutic purposes, a good number of cactus plants are edible. Cacti are versatile ethnobotanical plants.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE DOÑANA CACTUS?
A cactus often mentioned in connection with Peyote and San Pedro, is the Doñana or Dona-Ana cactus Coryphantha macromeris. It is called Mulato, also belongs to the indigenous sacred plants and is used for entheogenic purposes. It does not contain mescaline, but Macromerin and other (psychoactive) phenethylamines. Macromerin induces effects similar to mescaline, only weaker.
FAKE PEYOTE?
The term Fake Peyote does not mean faked cacti are sold. Fake Peyote is an indigenous term for plants that act and/or are used alike Peyote. This must, though, not contain mescaline, but can definitely house other substances. For instance, many species of these cacti Mammillaria, Ariocarpus, Obregonia, Aztekium, Pelecyphora and Turbinicarpus, but also non-cacti plants, for example, a Tillandsia species, various ragwort species and many more.
THROUGH THE JUNGLE OF NAMES
Dealing with the botanical naming is not always easy. It is generally like that, but especially with the cacti, it is a real back and forth This is partly because there is no binding recognized system, so to speak, but each cook cooks his own soup. San Pedro and his relatives were until recently still listed under the generic name Trichocereus, but now they belong to the Echinopsis genus. Formerly they were grouped to the Cereus genus. And off you go to the confusion: The mescaline containing Pterocereen are suddenly available as Stenocereus and the also psychoactive agent housing Dolichothele genus has been completely moved to the Mammillaria genus. Further examples could be added arbitrarily.
The researchers and users will be facing a problem then. What if, for example, one has the old, long common nomenclature in mind, but the commerce is already working with the new one? What if the situation was reversed? Without brand new cacti guide or detailed knowledge of the current situation, you are often in a fix. But it gets even more complicated. Even when it comes to the diversity of a species, there is disagreement: for example, with the Lophophora (Peyote) genus. Some claim there is only the species of Lophophora Williamsii with its varieties Lutea and Williamsii, others opinion are, that in addition to that, there are, apart from the Williamsii, at least the species of Lophophora Fricii, Lophophora Diffusa and Lophophora JourDiana. However, the botany of the plant is divided the most rational - all species and varieties contain mescaline and other phenethylamines.
GROW YOUR OWN CACTI
GROWING CACTI FROM SEED
All mescaline cacti can be grown from seed. The corresponding seed is available in both gardening and ethnobotanical stores. Cactus seeds are placed on the potting soil and perhaps covered with some sand. This is done for mould prevention. Then moisturize well and keep in greenhouse climate, for example, with a small propagator.
The seeds germinate more or less rapidly, depending on the type and are afterwards, as stable seedlings, set and transplanted into separate pots. Now we have to be patient. Gradually the cacti will grow and develop from seedlings to plants. The cacti want to be watered regularly, but not excessively. Whenever the substrate is dry. However, this can vary from cactus to cactus. Furthermore, they need one thing: light. Therefore, they have to be kept on the window sill or, in the summer, even outdoors.
With a clean knife, simply cut a piece of a cactus, let the surface dry out completely and then just put the cuttings in the growing medium. At the vascular bundles, it will develop the new rootlets and thrive and grow as an independent.
Some cacti form kindles which are offshoots that can easily be detached from the mother plant and further cultivated. With most cacti, the vegetative propagation is a real breeze.
GROWING CACTI FROM CUTTINGS
Kicking off with a cactus cutting is a great way to get a head start on the growing process. Find out how to grow cacti from cuttings with our easy How-To Guide:
The Easy Guide To Cultivating Mescaline Cactus Cuttings
WHEN YOUR CACTUS CUTTING ARRIVES
Congratulations, your cactus cutting has arrived. When you first inspect it, don’t freak out if you see the odd blemish. Trichos and lots of other cactus species bruise pretty easily. Occasionally, your mescaline cactus cutting might arrive with a few visible black spots. This is bruising. Not signs of rot. A rotted cactus will feel extra soft and usually oozes from rotted sections that appear as orange/black discoloured patches. Black spots from bruising will scar and heal in a few weeks to a few months. Should you discover actual rotting flesh, you must carefully cut the section away.
The base of the cactus cutting should be dry to the touch and well-calloused. Fresh, green, wet cuttings simply will not root. The bottom of your cactus must not be moist. If the bottom of the cutting is damp for any reason, it’s trouble. You need to put a moist cutting in a low-humidity, shaded area for about a week to dry it out completely. Dryness will encourage roots to emerge in search of nutrients.
SOIL MIX FOR YOUR CACTUS
You can mix your own medium, but there really is no need. It’s far more convenient to pick up a bag of pre-fertilised ornamental cactus soil from the local garden centre. Using sand or perlite as a standalone substrate is not recommended. Although, many cactus growers favour a very well-draining and highly aerated soil with 50% perlite added. Amending store bought cactus soil with 50% perlite might sound like a lot, but for rooting a young cutting, it is an ideal medium.
ROOTING YOUR CACTUS
Rooting a cactus cutting is relatively easy. After you have premixed your substrate, you are ready to introduce your cactus cutting to its new home. Do not water the soil. Not a drop. Again, contrary to rooting most other plant species, cacti require a dry medium. At most, you can lightly mist the soil with a sprayer. Cacti don’t absorb water through the skin, so don’t worry if some of the mist makes contact with the cactus flesh.
Be careful not to bury the cutting too deep. Use your fingers to scoop out about 5cm deep into the container and plant your cutting vertically. Larger cuttings can go 10cm deep. Most growers will use a small pot until the cactus matures, then pot-up to a larger container. We will explain how to repot a little later.
LIGHTING AND WATERING
After you plant your cutting, you need to place it in a dry spot out of direct sunlight. For the next 3-4 weeks, you will need to play the waiting game and be patient until your shaded infant cutting takes root. You can check for root development by gently brushing away soil and pulling up the cutting a bit from the pot. Another couple weeks of patience may be required if your cutting has not rooted yet.
Watering needs to be applied with a “less is more” mentality. Once the cutting has rooted, you can think about watering. Regular weekly feeds should be a small volume of water/nutrient solution; less regular monthly watering can be a larger volume feed. Never should the soil be saturated. Excess moisture will cause rot.
A rooted cutting is ready to receive sunlight. If possible, try to get them started at temps in the lower 20’s Celsius until they mature some. A red-hot baking summer day is not the best time to give your cutting its first day of sunshine.
TEMPERATURE
Cacti thrive in higher temperatures typically between 20-35°C during the daytime, and above 15°C at night. However, cuttings should be rooted in temperatures closer to the lower end of the scale until they mature. Dry conditions are favoured by Peyote and San Pedro, although San Pedro is a little more tolerant to humidity as it originates in the Andes. Indoors, San Pedro cuttings are some of the fastest rooting and growing cacti. A greenhouse can also make a perfect cactus habitat. Some can grow as much as 50cm per season if you treat them right.
Contrary to most other plant species, cacti don’t require much nitrogen. In fact, they do not require much fertiliser at all. What nutrients you do feed need to be in the correct ratio for optimal growth. An N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio of 7-40-6 is recommended. Alternatively, 1-7-6 fertilisers are also popular amongst cactus cultivators.
HOW TO REPOT YOUR MESCALINE CACTUS
Repotting or transplanting a cactus is simple. After a few months, your cuttings may become root bound. This means they need more space for the cactus to continue growing. Fill a larger container with cactus potting soil and make a hole deep enough for the small container to fit. Remove the cactus from the small container by pushing gently from the base and lifting the whole medium and root mass all in one. This is pretty easy once the soil is really dry (and if you use a small plastic container to start your cutting). Then, transfer the cutting to the hole in the larger container.
HOW TO SUPPORT A LARGE CUTTING
Large cuttings that are 50-60cm need support. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple process. Bamboo stakes or redwood garden stakes used by vegetable farmers are readily available and the perfect cactus supports. Set two stakes vertically in the soil, one to the left and one to the right of the cactus. Then, use gardening twine to create a tense support line on two sides of the cactus. This should help larger cuttings stay upright.
Information About Vape Herbs
Vape herbs can be an interesting alternative or addition to what you are normally vaping. Vape herbs can be the perfect alternative for tobacco and can have many benefits. If you’re curious to learn more about herbs for vaping, along with their various purposes and benefits, here is some helpful information.
WHAT ARE VAPE HERBS?
There is a whole range of vapable herbs that can provide us with a host of beneficial properties. Some of them have psychoactive effects, others have therapeutic and/or medicinal properties. Technically, vaping herbs is a form of aromatherapy. Many herbs used for this purpose have a long history in numerous cultures. The big advantage of vaping herbs is that you won’t breathe in the toxic byproducts linked to smoking.
Mildly buzzing Damiana, sedating Valerian, tranquilizing Passionflower, or calming Lemon Balm. Just several legal herbs of the wide range of vape herbs.
There are quite a lot of herbs used for vaping, some more familiar than others. Many of these are used to ease stress and anxiety, induce sleep, elevate mood, and uplift depressing feelings. They may also help with digestive problems, relaxing your body, and relieving nausea and headaches. Vape herbs are said to aid in combating the flu, lung infections, severe colds, and sore throats, as they have some potent antibacterial and antibiotic effects. So, there really is a vape herb for every condition and every consumer. Some of them are even more powerful when combined in a unique blend.
BENEFITS OF VAPE HERBS
There are many herbs that you can vape for different purposes, where each herb provides its own distinct benefits. Along with effects than can be healing, relaxing, uplifting, or even slightly psychoactive, some herbs are multipurpose in their action. For instance, an herb may be used to boost energy, but may also be used as a powerful aphrodisiac. As is the case with cannabis, vape herbs work because of the varied substances they contain—their unique combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. When you vape herbs, these compounds become active and readily available, so they can provide an effect on your body and mind.
The benefits of herbs for medicinal and recreational purposes have been known since antiquity. The apothecaries of the ancient Chinese, Romans, and Greeks were stocked with a wide assortment of different herbs. They were made into powders and tinctures for treating various health conditions, and enjoyed popular use as energy boosters, aphrodisiacs, sedatives, and relaxants. To this day, herbal medicine still plays an important role in traditional medicine in Asia and other parts of the world.
As varied as the many types of herbs are, so too are their specific effects and benefits. Some herbs, such as chamomile, have a calming effect that helps to subdue nervousness and anxiety. Other herbs, like black tea or maca root, have just the opposite effect; they can provide you with a much-needed boost of energy, improving your physical endurance or helping you focus on important tasks. And lastly, there are the many herbs that provide therapeutic and healing effects for an array of different physiological conditions. You can use these herbs for the relief of pain and inflammation, to ward off illness, or to enjoy the many overall health benefits their chemical constituents provide. Here is a selection of recommended vaping herbs, along with their main purposes.
Relaxation
Did you know that even our early ancestors the Neanderthals used herbs as medicine? These early humans may have used herbs to treat wounds, and perhaps even to increase their endurance while hunting as well. Whether our cave-dwelling ancestors used herbs to calm down and relax we don’t know for sure, but given that life in prehistoric times sure came with a whole lot of challenges—aka what we today call stress—this wouldn’t be all too surprising either.
What we do know for sure is that in later times, herbs with relaxing and calming effects became among the most popular. The calming and sedative effects of herbs such as passionflower, hops, chamomile, and lavender have helped people with sleeping troubles, anxiety, and nervous tension all throughout history. They were widely used as natural sleeping aids, or for when people needed some relaxing time-out from their strenuous daily routines. What’s more, these herbal stress-killers work just as well today as they did back then.
A hectic lifestyle that all-too-often doesn’t allow us to sit back and relax can lead to stress and mood disorders. Millions of people suffer from anxiety and depression, and doctors are just too eager to prescribe pharmaceuticals that most of the time come with considerable side effects.
Herbs such as passionflower, St John’s wort, yerba mate, and wild lettuce can lift your mood and help wash stress away, and they do so with little risk for addiction and considerably fewer adverse side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts.
One of the most popular uses for herbs all throughout history is as a natural energy booster. This should not come as too much of a surprise; before the advent of modern technology, days were mostly dedicated to hard work with very little rest in between. Natural energy boosters such as kola nut, maca, and yerba mate provided people with a welcome boost to help them in their demanding daily lives. Hunters and gatherers enjoyed these herbs for the endurance it gave them on their long journeys away from home.
Today, you can also enjoy the energy-boosting effect of these herbs. They can help you get a refreshing start in the morning, and over that dreaded slump in the afternoon.
Painkillers are the most widely consumed medications today. Millions of people take them every day to find relief from chronic pains such as arthritis, muscle pain, headaches, and migraines. Yet, even the popular over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen are known to cause serious side effects, with patients who frequently take these medicines risking liver dysfunction and gastrointestinal problems.
Although herbs should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medicine (always ask your doctor when in doubt), pain-relieving herbs such as wild lettuce, yerba mate, blue lotus, and lavender make a great supplement to an existing pain management regimen. Many times, the pain-relieving effect of these herbs can effectively help with minor aches such as muscle pain, headaches, and migraines.
Good overall health starts with a healthy digestive system. The reason for this is that our digestive system supports the proper functioning of the organs in our body. When the digestive tract has it easier carrying away waste and toxins, the body has more time for other important functions; plus, it doesn’t need to hold on to harmful substances that could have a negative impact on your health.
Herbs such as green tea, thyme, and lemon balm sustain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that actively support our body’s natural detoxification process. Some also have astringent and stimulating effects that help speed up digestion, actively support the mucous in our intestines, and relax the muscles in the stomach to help with gas and bloating.
The joys of a fulfilling love life are another domain for vapable herbs. Millennia ago, the blue lotus was a popular aphrodisiac among the Ancient Egyptians who used the plant to raise libido and sexual desire. Herbs such as kola nut, damiana, and maca root often combine several beneficial effects that make them excellent “pleasure boosters”. They provide energy and stamina, and stimulate the senses with a mild euphoric effect: the perfect combination for long, passionate nights!
If you're reading this, you are probably one of those people who enjoys cannabis to achieve a good night’s sleep; but it doesn’t always have to be cannabis if you want some herbal assistance at getting some shut-eye.
Fortunately, there are a good number of different plants available for this purpose. Although not all their effects are the same, they can each help you if you have problems falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night. Hops, lavender, catnip, chamomile, peppermint, damiana, lemon balm, St John’s wort, and valerian all have relaxing effects that makes them great choices for a nighttime vape. Some of these herbs also help with anxiety—which is often a cause of sleeping problems—or they relieve muscle tension.
Many scientific studies exploring the medicinal benefits of cannabis are being published these days, but cannabis isn’t the only herb that you can vape for medicinal purposes. You can find many herbs that offer equal or even greater benefits than that of cannabis. These herbs make a great alternative to THC and CBD for those with restricted access, and they offer their own distinct characteristics that make them special in their own right.
To enhance your overall lifestyle, look into the therapeutic qualities of gunpowder tea, lemon balm, St John’s wort, passionflower, and lavender. These herbs are loaded not only with a plethora of valuable compounds that support good health and disease prevention; thanks to their unique aromas and flavours, vaping these herbs will also make for a highly enjoyable experience!
To make use of the full potential of your vape herbs, there are some things you should consider. First of all, you should be sure of the quality of the herb you want to use. If you feel certain that you are using a quality product that's free from pesticides and other harmful stuff, then it is time to explore the world of vape herbs.
Make sure you inform yourself about the exact temperatures the herbs should be vaped at because they all have different ranges that unleash their full effect. This way, you also avoid combusting your precious herbs.
Your herbs should be dry, but not too dry. If they crumble to dust in your hands, they are too dry. For the best vaping experience, they always should contain a little moisture. On the other hand, they shouldn't feel wet or moist to the touch.
If you don't already possess one, buy a grinder. You have to make sure your herbs are ground well before you pack them into the chamber of your vaporizer. This ensures that the heat is transferred efficiently through the plant material.
Of course, you should get a quality vaporizer with good vapor production and degree-accurate temperature settings. Also, clean and maintain your device for best results. Always inhale slowly to avoid blockages in the mouthpiece and cooling of the chamber.
Kanna, also known as channa and kougoed, is the dried and/or fermented plant matter of the Sceletium tortuosum plant. It can be found growing wild in the cape regions of South Africa, and has been used as a traditional tribal medicine for centuries. Whilst only occurring naturally in South Africa, kanna is an easy-to-grow plant that can be cultivated pretty much anywhere, as long as it is taken indoors when it gets too cold.
Interested in its medicinal potential, the plant is currently being investigated by pharmaceutical companies, some of whom have been granted certain rights by the South African government. Kanna could potentially be sold as an over-the-counter medicine in the future.
Kanna's traditional use has been as a mood elevator and for the reduction of stress and anxiety. This has led to its wider use in Western countries as an antidepressant. Its antidepressant qualities stem from its natural ability to mimic the SSRI mechanism, suppressing serotonin reuptake. This has positioned kanna as a potential alternative for those seeking natural ways to elevate their mood.
It should be noted that kanna has been used to treat acute forms of depression and anxiety, as opposed to being taken as a regular, daily supplement.
Traditionally, kanna is taken by chewing on the dried plant matter and swallowing the saliva. However, it is also possible to make it into teas and tinctures, as well as smoke it or use it as a snuff.
Whilst not hallucinogenic or psychedelic, many believe that kanna can enhance and potentiate the effect of other psychoactive substances, such as cannabis. There is no scientific backing to this, only anecdotal reports.
Kanna is on the rise. In the quest for a healthy lifestyle, alternative and safe ways to help keep stress, anxiety, and depression in check become more important. Kanna has shown promising qualities in these regards, and is often recommended by herbal practitioners as a supplement to aid episodes of stress—complemented by a healthy and active lifestyle.
History of Kanna
Hunter-gatherers, who lived in what is today known as South Africa, used the plant for well over 1000 years. It was mainly used to calm fear and depression of warriors returning from battle, today known as post-traumatic stress disorder. The use of a plant named channa or kanna was documented over 225 years ago, reporting that the Hottentots used it as a vision inducing drug. The root was chewed, causing their animal spirits to awaken, their eyes to gleam, and their faces to display joy and laughter. Even the simplest circumstances would make them giggle, and their brains were full of enjoyable ideas. Overdoses caused loss of consciousness and delirium.
Kanna is also a name for the eland antelope, a holy animal widely featured in South African rock art. When the Dutch arrived in South Africa, they referred to the kanna plant as "kougoed", meaning "something good to chew". The idiom name kanna is nowadays applied to Mesembryanthemum: M. expansum and M. tortuosum, but the plant itself has never been definitively identified. The alkaloid-containing roots, leaves, and stems of those species are smoked and chewed in the outback of South Africa and cause a sedative effect, eventually leading to laziness. Over two dozen Mesembryanthemum species are known to contain alkaloids.
In 1662, a trader and explorer named Jan van Riebeeck started to trade with local tribes for it, after he found out about the effects of kanna on distressed and stressed persons. The Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, Willem Adriaan Van der Stel noted in 1685 that natives would travel far to obtain the best samples and pay high prices.
Barely known by Westerners in the past, kanna is now becoming an alternative treatment. Today, with the widespread problems of depression and anxiety in Western society, the demand for Sceletium tortuosum as a safe and effective natural medicine is reaching new heights.
Kanna Effects
Sceletium tortuosum can help enhance mood, decrease anxiety, stimulate or sedate, and suppress appetite, but the effects of kanna vary greatly with the method and amount of ingestion. Kanna can be smoked, sniffed, chewed, ingested in gel-caps, or made into a brew or tincture.
One fact beforehand: No matter whoever might claim it is, kanna is NOT hallucinogenic and no adverse effects have been documented.
Here is what you can really expect after using Sceletium tortuosum:
Depending on the method of ingestion and dosage, you will begin experiencing stimulation, a boost in energy, appetite suppression, tingling sensations, and a general sense of well-being. In high doses, narcotic sedation, pleasant muscle relaxation, mood elevation, mental relaxation, analgesia, euphoria, and enhanced empathy are reported. Only very few users reported side effects such as nausea, headache, anxiety, and insomnia, but those side effects usually occur at very high doses.
Using kanna in combination with cannabis increases the effects of the latter, which also prevents a hard come-down from the kanna kick, whereas the appetite-suppressing property of kanna alleviates the “munchies”.
Kanna Uses & Dosage
The dried plant material is traditionally chewed and the juices swallowed, but it is also used to make teas and tinctures, inhaled as a snuff, or smoked. The Hottentot and Bushmen tribes of South Africa sometimes add other herbs to it.
You will have to find out which method of ingestion works best for you—and it is always a good idea to start with a mild dose. While some may feel only slight effects, others with a low tolerance might already be on their mental tip-toes.
1. Sub-lingual/Chewing
This is the traditional way of ingesting kanna and refers to fermented leaves, stems, and roots. The plant material is chewed for an extended period of time, sometimes throughout the whole day.
Dosage:
Mild: 100-200mg
Medium: 200-400mg
Strong: 400-600mg
Extra strong: 600-1000mg
Duration: Main effects last for 1–2 hours, then fade out over another 1–2 hours.
Effects: General intoxication, euphoria.
2. Insufflation
The die-hard way of ingesting kanna. The material should be finely ground for snorting. This method is said to be one of the most efficient ways to ingest kanna, but has a big drawback—it is not a pleasant method and repeated kanna snorting can lead to nose-bleeding, itching, and blockage.
Dosage:
Mild: 25-50mg
Medium: 50-100mg
Strong: 100-250mg
Extra strong: 250-500mg
Duration: Effects come on within minutes and stay at their peak for 20–60 minutes before slowly fading over another 20–60 minutes.
Effects: The euphoria is much more pronounced with insufflation; analgesic effects less so.
3. Smoking
Dry, powdered (fine or rough), or shredded kanna plant material can, just like any other herb, be smoked. The smoke of kanna is described as sweet in flavour and not harsh on the lungs or throat.
Dosage:
Mild: 50-100mg
Medium: 100-250mg
Strong: 250-400mg
Extra strong: 400-500mg
Duration: First effects felt within seconds to a minute. Main effects peak for 30–60 minutes, then taper off over 60–90 minutes.
Effects: The onset of the effects may be characterised by head rushes and slightly jittery feelings of "butterflies in the stomach", followed by a relaxed, spacey feeling. Euphoria is more pronounced with smoking, analgesic effects less so.
4. Oral ingestion
Kanna plant matter can be eaten by chewing over a long period time and then swallowing, or it can be made into a tea, which reportedly tastes like green tea, only worse.
Duration: The effects can take as long as 90 minutes to come on, but the experience is also much longer and can last for 4–5 hours.
Effects: Higher doses have more pronounced sedative, narcotic, and analgesic properties.
Information About Kratom
Psychoactive supplement kratom is edging its way from obscurity to prominence: kratom bars have popped up across the Western world as more and more people are turning to kratom powder and kratom tea.
But what is kratom? Is “kratom high” a thing? What are kratom’s side effects? And is there any danger in consuming it?
We’ll explore all these questions and more in the coming sections.
WHAT IS KRATOM?
Kratom comes from a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves contain alkaloids that mimic the effects of opiates. It’s been used since ancient times to treat such conditions as diabetes, diarrhoea, chronic pain, and fevers.
The pharmacology of kratom is still mysterious. It contains over 20 bioavailable alkaloids, but it's not clear how these produce the signature kratom effects. The situation might be comparable to that of cannabis, where the synergy of various chemical constituents culminates in the substance’s characteristic effects.
In the past, alkaloid mitragynine was thought to be the dominant force responsible for kratom’s psychoactive effects. These days, researchers are more likely to point to 7-hydroxymitragynine. 7-hydroxymitragynine has a wide range of effects: it acts on mu opioid receptors (as nicotine, alcohol, and morphine do), kappa opioid receptors (as salvia does), 5-HT2A serotonergic receptors (as LSD and psilocybin do), and alpha2-adrenergic receptors (as some non-stimulant ADHD medication does).
None of these pathways would be sufficient to account for kratom’s stimulant effects, so other alkaloids must contribute to this phenomenon.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF KRATOM?
Kratom is said to help with a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, opiate withdrawal, chronic pain, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and diarrhoea. Some use kratom for the high itself—they view it as a “plant teacher” that can guide them to be more sociable, sexually engaged, and to fully experience life. Because of its stimulating effects, many also use it as a work aid.
The kratom high kicks in 15–20 minutes after ingestion and tends to last for 2–5 hours. It’s useful to keep some water handy as kratom is known to cause thirst. At lower doses (under 3 grams), kratom tends to produce feelings of high energy, stimulation, high sociability, and elevated mood.
At moderate doses (3–5 grams), kratom tends to be more relaxing, with users experiencing decreased sensitivity to emotional and physical pain, increased appreciation of music, and sedative effects. At higher doses (above 5 grams), users may experience dream-like sensations, mild visuals, increased empathy, and sexual arousal. Higher doses tend to last longer.
Kratom may cause nausea. If this takes place, drink some water and it will eventually pass. Users are advised not to drive on kratom.
Side effects from kratom tend to occur with regular use, and can include liver problems, hypotension, seizures, darkened skin, hair loss, thyroid problems, abdominal pain, and memory issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take kratom. Kratom is also addictive and produces withdrawal effects similar to those of opiates, though far less severe. It’s worth noting that depending on the source, kratom may be adulterated with fentanyl or other drugs. Kratom users are advised to limit their use to once weekly. “Kratom daily” is not a good strategy.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF KRATOM
As with cannabis, kratom comes in a variety of strains, all with varying effects. Each strain contains a variation on kratom’s major and minor alkaloids, producing related but varied experiences. Contrary to popular belief, strains of kratom are not primarily differentiated by colour.
MAENG DA
One of the most popular is Maeng Da, which hails mainly from Thailand. It can be red, green, or white in colour, and is known for being stimulating, long-lasting, and for inducing talkativeness. Maeng Da also has a reputation for being a nootropic—that is, for improving mental abilities, not just providing stimulation. It’s also known to produce euphoria.
Green Malay comes from Malaysia, and as you might have guessed, is green in colour. At low doses, it fights pain and stimulates energy, while at high doses it’s more sedating. Green Malay is noted for its effectiveness at treating bone-related issues and migraines, and for enhancing athletic performance.
BORNEO KRATOM
Borneo Kratom is known for being a particularly powerful form of kratom, and also an especially sedating one. It’s prized for its effectiveness at soothing anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Borneo Kratom can be green, red, or white.
RED INDO KRATOM
Another prominent strain is Red Indo Kratom. It’s the most “opiate-like” strain and is effective at fighting pain. It’s known for its relaxing effects, helping the muscles to loosen up and the to mind clear after a long day. While Red Indo Kratom is definitely on the sedating side, it tends to still leave users functional—if you’re looking for something to calm you down while leaving you active and alert, Red Indo is the way to go.
RED BALI KRATOM
If you’re looking for a balanced kratom strain, you’ve come to the right place. Red Bali Kratom is known for providing a calm energy boost, while still effectively killing pain. It improves mood, adding a sweet, happy glow to whatever day you choose to take it.
HOW TO CONSUME KRATOM
Kratom can be consumed in a few different ways. One of the most popular ways to consume kratom is with food. Kratom has an unpleasant taste, so mixing it with food, or chasing it with a drink, is a great way to get it down. Sweet, strong flavours counteract the taste. Chocolate milk is said to be especially effective.
Another excellent method is by taking kratom in softgel capsules - it allows you to both measure out your dose precisely, and avoid the unpleasant taste. The traditional approach is to chew fresh kratom leaves. Historically, Southeast Asian farmers would spend whole days working with kratom leaves in their mouths. If you have access to fresh kratom, you may want to follow in their footsteps.
Smoking kratom leaf is not recommended as it’s hard to smoke enough to experience any kind of effects. Some users extract kratom into a resin that can then be smoked.
DOSAGE
In the world of kratom, under 3 grams of dried leaf is considered to be a low dose. You generally don’t want to go below half a gram as this dose is unlikely to be psychoactive. 3–5 grams of dried leaf is considered a moderate dose, and over 5 grams is considered a high dose. We recommend you don’t exceed 8 grams.
LEGALITY OF KRATOM
Kratom exists in a system of patchwork legality. It’s criminalised in the UK under the Psychoactive Substances Act, and is controlled in various EU states like Sweden and Denmark. It’s also illegal in Thailand, Myanmar, Israel, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, kratom is legal federally, though various states have passed legislation to control it. You can find out here whether kratom is legal where you live.
Kratom is an enigmatic plant, offering a wide array of benefits, intriguing effects, and possible drawbacks. If it calls to you, give it a try, keeping an open mind and a healthy sense of caution.
Information About ACE Seeds
A.C.E. Seeds prides themselves on producing the highest quality cannabis genetics. They take the study of the plant's genetic, medicinal, and cultural history very seriously. Biodiversity is not just important for ecological reasons; appreciating the diversity of cannabis has allowed A.C.E. Seeds to identify new and exciting combinations for growers of all experience levels. Their breeding of different landraces has produced some unique, knockout strains. Furthermore, the team at A.C.E. regularly publishes cannabinoid and terpene analyses of the seeds in their catalogue to ensure consistency and transparency. Time for you to explore the seeds on offer from breeders who care about excellence.
Packaging Ace Seeds
Seeds from the A.C.E. bank are cared for throughout every step of the process. It is vital that seeds are not damaged in transit. They must also be kept at a consistent temperature of 4ºC in order to be viable. A.C.E. Seeds is conscious of their environmental impact and the safety of the seeds. Their technological solution is a cardboard casing that keeps seeds from physical harm and moderates their temperature.
A.C.E. Seeds blister packs are offered in quantities of 3 seeds.
Ace Seeds Awards
A.C.E. Seeds also has a track record in competitive growing. Cultivation competitions are starting to emerge worldwide, and A.C.E. has been making their quality known via the numerous awards they have collected over the years. Some examples of award-winning genetics include:
Orient Express
Awards:
2nd place Best Sativa, Arizona Medical Cannabis Industry Awards, 2013
Vietnam Black is a very powerful sativa strain; combine it with the indica China Yunnan, and you have a really impressive hybrid called Orient Express. Combining these two classics of the Far East results in a balanced high, with genetics skewing towards sativa. Within eight to ten weeks, it will bloom with the overpowering smell of a rainforest. The subtle floral details in its rich aroma accompany an energising, euphoric high that banishes fatigue. Clear the head with a sensuous taste of the humid rainforests of Southeast Asia. Bring the experience home with a resilient strain that’s been known to grow even in cold regions of Europe.
This strain was named for its unbelievable purple colour. This is the result of crossbreeding two very purple strains for this spectacular hybrid; the African sativa Malawi gives a sizzling cerebral high, while the Pakistani Chitral Kush is one of the world’s most powerful and sweetly aromatic indicas. Their effects have combined in Violeta, a 60% indica-dominant strain with a smooth, balanced high. Flavour notes excite with a balsamic aroma tinged with sweet berries and fruit. This pleasing smoke is easy to achieve with such a stable plant. Adaptable to indoor and outdoor growing, this plant will flower over just two months.
Rapé (pronounced ha-pay) is a shamanic medicine that has been used by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin for thousands of years. The preparation of powdered herbs plays an important role in their tribal culture and history. We want to take a closer look at rapé, including how to use it, and its effects and benefits.
WHAT IS RAPÉ?
Rapé is a complex mix of various medicinal plants of the Amazon, with the main ingredient being Nicotiana rustica, a strong tobacco that is 20 times more potent than Nicotiana tabacum.
Rapé can have a stimulating and psychoactive effect, depending on what plants are used to make it. Taken during shamanistic ceremonies, it can bring on profound experiences. The shaman consider rapé to be sacred. They take it for prayer rituals to call upon the forces of nature for healing and curing purposes, and to receive the blessings of the rainforest. It is believed that indigenous tribes in South America have used tobacco for various purposes as far back as the Mayan civilization.
INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE RAPÉ
The main ingredient in rapé is Nicotiana rustica, but the preparation is normally infused with other finely-ground plant materials or alkaline ashes. These may include tonka bean, cinnamon, camphor, banana peel, and other materials. Some rapé preparations contain hallucinogenic plants such as macambo, anadenanthera, chacruna, virola, and others. Shamanic tribes will normally keep the exact ingredients of their rapé a secret.
THE HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF RAPÉ
The first official Western accounts of tobacco use coincide with the Western rediscovery of America in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. He was the first European to see indigenous people on the newly discovered continent using wild tobacco as a snuff. However, the use of tobacco goes back even further. It is believed that indigenous peoples of South America had already used tobacco for 5,000 years as a snuff or smoke to cure diseases.
THE BENEFITS & EFFECTS OF RAPÉ
Among the tribes of South America, rapé is used for various ceremonial purposes, from initiation rites to drinking festivals, for social and for medicinal purposes alike. Some tribes are known to use it regularly after meals. The particular effects of rapé will vary depending on occasion and the full list of ingredients involved in its preparation.
The pulverised rapé powder, which is normally blown up into one’s nostrils by another person with a pipe, causes an intense effect that opens up the mind, releasing physical, emotional, and spiritual illnesses. The high nicotine content in the mix has a stimulating effect and releases hormones such as epinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine, leading to increased clarity and heightened awareness.
The healers of the rainforest use rapé to rebalance their energies and to connect with their higher selves and the universe. The rapé ritual is also regarded as a way to cleanse and detoxify the body. The snuff causes a release of mucus and bacteria that aids in fighting inflammation and various illnesses.
Some speculate that rapé might help with decalcification of the pineal gland, which could potentially make it effective to prevent Alzheimer’s disease; although, research into this topic is still in the early stages.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR RAPÉ EXPERIENCE
Your rapé experience will depend on the rapé blend you are taking. Some rapé preparations may only induce a mild experience, such as if you were to drink a strong cup of coffee. Other rapé preparations, depending on the plants used, can make for a powerful, long-lasting, psychedelic experience.
Most of the time, when you take rapé, there will be some side effects that you should be prepared for. Since the mixture is blown up your nose, your nose will start running and mucus from your sinuses will be cleared out. To prevent the mucus from back-dripping into your throat, you should lean forward to allow it to release freely. This will help prevent you from gagging or vomiting as a result. Even then, vomiting from rapé is considered normal and is seen as a tenet of its purification abilities. You don’t need to feel ashamed about it, just know what to expect.
Aside from vomiting and a runny nose, when you consume rapé, it can also cause you to take multiple trips to the bathroom. Similar to drinking a lot of coffee and smoking cigarettes, rapé can trigger bowel movements. So don’t be surprised if you feel like “having to go” rather urgently shortly afterwards.
THE RAPÉ RITUAL: HOW TO USE IT
The traditional way of taking rapé involves two people. Your rapé ritual partner uses a bamboo or bone pipe (called “Tepi” in Brazil) to blow the mix into both of your nostrils. Another type of pipe, named “Kuripe” is for self-application. The Kuripe has a V-shape and connects your mouth and your nose so you can blow the mix up your nose yourself.
In traditional shamanistic practice, the person blowing the rapé is an experienced tribe member or shaman that, together with the plant mixture, will send his spirit into the receiving person. The rapé-giver is sharing himself and empowering the receiver. This is according to shamanic tradition where the healing energy of the breath (“soplada”) plays a very important role.
Whether it’s easier to use a Tepi pipe or a Kurip is open to debate. For inexperienced users, having the partner administrate makes the second blow into the other nostril easier. Indeed, the first blow can be overwhelming for some. Then again, a Kuripe for self-administering can give you more control over your rapé experience. What’s important is that you blow the powder into both nostrils to ensure a balanced flow of energies.
HOW TO DOSE RAPÉ
The optimal dose for rapé will depend on your tolerance and the particular mix you are using. For a start, we recommended a pea-sized dose for each of your nostrils. After some experimentation, you can increase or decrease the dosage to find what works best for you.
When you self-administer, first make sure you are familiar with how to use the Kuripe pipe. Start out with half a pea-sized amount and put it on the nasal end of the pipe. With the nasal end up in your nose, blow the mix using the mouth end of the pipe. Again, some experimentation will help you discover whether shorter and more intense, or longer and gentler blows work better. Don’t forget to switch to your other nostril after you blow into the first one.
As with most hallucinogens and other types of transformative substances, set and setting can make all the difference when taking rapé.
TAKING RAPÉ: THE IMPORTANCE OF SET AND SETTING
Indigenous tribes normally have a different attitude than Westerners when it comes to psychedelic substances. Rapé is considered a holy sacrament and prayer. They understand that the plants can teach them and cure them, and therefore, they treat them with respect and honour.
Just like the shaman do in the rainforest, we recommend using this substance in an environment that honours the plants and the practice. With the help of some incense and relaxing music, you can create just the right meditative atmosphere for your rapé ritual.
Also, know that when the tribes of the Amazonian basin take rapé, there is most often an intention behind it. Shaman may use rapé in hopes of curing an illness, or to seek clarity and guidance. Focus on your own intentions before you start with your session.
After the experience, you may feel overwhelmed. Hence, you should allow yourself some time to become grounded once again. Sit with your eyes closed, and breathe slowly so you can regain focus.
WHAT HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY AFTER USING RAPÉ?
Taking rapé will normally induce a strong bodily response with snot and mucus being expelled from your nose and throat. You may even vomit. But see this purge of fluids as a natural way to expel wastes and negative energies. Just allow these things to happen naturally. To help with releasing mucus, you can hold one nostril closed with your finger and empty the other with a strong blow of air. When you do this a few times after taking rapé, you will notice that breathing will be easier with each time.
At some point, mucus mixed with rapé may back-drip into your throat. When this happens, don’t swallow, but just pull it up into your mouth and spit the mixture out. Just like vomiting, this is part of the natural cleansing process from taking rapé; embrace it and don’t be embarrassed!
Sometimes, it can happen that you may feel a little unwell after taking rapé. If this occurs, it is likely that you are dehydrated from the purging and vomiting. Drink some water or fruit juice and lie down for a few moments to allow your body to rehydrate.
Information About Happy Caps
WHAT ARE HAPPY CAPS?
Ancient lore and the lab come together in Happy Caps. They have been formulated in a number of ways to suit the mood. They can get you on your feet and ready to party, coming into your mind with a sunny “Hello!” They can fill you with ecstasy and energy for the whole night on the trance floor. They can ease you down, if you want to get mellow and surf a day-glo rainbow. They can lubricate the social fabric and fill a space with joy.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Ancient medicines have been herbs and their extracts since before written history. There is archaeological evidence, that our early pre-human and early human evolutionary ancestors had knowledge of the power of botany. Traditional Chinese Medicine in particular has been using naturally occurring remedies and recreational substances for thousands of years. It came to its peak during the reign of the Yellow Emperor. By then there was a keen understanding of medicine and anatomy and they totally knew how to trip balls. All courtesy of nature.
Traditional medicines more often suffer the ridicule of Western science. Any positive results being considered classic examples of the power of the placebo effect. Even so, nature provides many powerful substances. There are psychedelic alkaloids, that are beyond reproach, when it comes to their effect on human beings. So powerful in fact, that their possession can get you into a lot of trouble with the law.
IT’S SCIENCE, DUDE
Modern chemistry isolates and concentrates the active ingredients in plants and compounds from other biological and non-biological sources. These concentrated compounds make up a substantial part of the industrial pharmacopeia. If they can be synthesized, then the naturally occuring blueprint is mimicked. They are then produced on an industrial scale, like aspirin. If they cannot be synthesized, then the source needs to be cultivated much like vaccines and antibiotics. Also on a large scale.
Chemists of the modern era also isolated the active ingredients in many psychedelic drugs. Mescaline was the first psychedelic to be synthesized. It has since been followed over the decades by a literally mind-bending menu of compounds. Now in the digital age, designer drugs use tricks of chemistry to change the signature of illegal substances. They are then produced on demand in labs. Substances that behave in a similar way to illegal drugs yet are not illegal, by absolute definition.
THE HAPPY CAP REVOLUTION
Between the apothecary and the pharmacy lies an energy and attitude-boosted world. A balanced place where herbal power and science concentrated extracts meet. When the two disciplines are combined, the result is a potent range of substances. Each one created to augment the human experience. If you want to dance yourself into a trance tonight or get an energy boost, because last night you danced yourself into a trance, there is a custom compound designed for your physical and mental needs.
SOME DETAILS
Do not take more than two of any Happy Cap in a 24 hour period.
Happy Caps are vegetarian and contain a balanced array of beneficial compounds.
Happy Caps contain only natural compounds.
Feel the power of the effects of natural herbs like guarana, rhodeola rosea, kanna and horny goat weed.
Notice the lab tweak from L-tyrosine, theobromine, bioperine and E959.
About Dream Herbs
WHAT IS LUCID DREAMING?
Lucid dreaming, where the dreamer can consciously observe and control their dreams, has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. Tibetan Buddhists have explored their own ritualistic form of lucid dreaming called “Dream Yoga” for millennia. Shaman in many cultures use lucid dreaming as a way to connect with the spirit world to gain new insight and inspiration, and for healing purposes.
But you don’t need to be a Tibetan monk or a shaman to take advantage of lucid dreaming. Lucid dreams can be beneficial for personal growth, or they can simply be whole lot of fun to experience.
EXPLORE THE EXCITING DREAM WORLD
The dream world is infinite because there are no laws or limitations. In your dreams, you can do anything you want. You can fly over cities like a superhero, you can fight like a ninja, you can visit the future and the past and do a million other exciting things.
While self-awareness is not a usual tenet of dreaming, lucid dreams are like an alternate form of reality. We can see, hear, feel, taste, and explore this exciting dimension while we are fully aware and conscious, just as in real life.
WHAT ARE DREAM HERBS?
Most people know about lucid dreaming or may have heard about it, but not everyone can easily practice it. The skill of lucid dreaming is normally something that needs to be learned. Then again, some things can help us with going on our nightly adventures. Dream herbs are an easy and practical way to achieve this!
Dream herbs belong to a group of entheogens known as “oneirogens” (from the Greek oneiros meaning “dream” and gen meaning “creating”). They can help us create and enhance dream-like states of consciousness. If you are interested in lucid dreaming but have difficulties with it, dream herbs may be what finally unlocks the experience for you.
USE OF DREAM HERBS AMONGST DIFFERENT CULTURES
Humans have used oneirogens throughout history for lucid dreaming, prophetic divination, and for out-of-body experiences. Many dream herbs come from Africa where people see dreams differently than we do in the West. Throughout Africa, dreams and religion are closely linked. The appearance of an ancestor in one’s dream is considered a significant experience; the ancestor’s message can be a guide for healing, a prophecy, or simply help to influence everyday decisions.
Dreams have also played an important role for Native Americans. Together with practices such as meditation, prayer, and fasting, healers used dream herbs when they were seeking guidance from the spirit world. They used dreams to select the names for newborns and to get the blessing of nature spirits for their hunts.
The use of dream herbs was particularly common in now-Mexico. Tribes such as the Chontal Indians in Oaxaca used various substances to help them lucid dream and recall their dreams upon waking. Among these substances were magic mushrooms, Salvia divinorum, and the dream-inducing Calea zacatechichi.
Native tribes in the Americas still use these types of plants, herbs, and roots before they go to bed so they can dream. Nahuatl Indians use an unidentified species of Salvia named Xiouit. Bacana is another dream-inducing plant that is used by the Tarahumara Indians.
BENEFITS OF LUCID DREAMING
Lucid dreams can be viewed in a number of different ways. While they can indeed present an intriguing and exhilarating “hobby” that is fun and enjoyable, they can also represent much more than that. Lucid dreaming provides opportunities for personal development and growth, as well as reflection and meditation.
Since there are no limits to what you can do in your dreams, they can also be the place to practice real-life activities. You can use your dreams to work on athletic routines, to get creative inspiration, or gather knowledge for your studies. And last but not least, lucid dreams can be the ideal “safe space” to help you with anxiety. Remember that lucid dreams can feel as real as real life, which makes them excellent training grounds where you can take on your fears and phobias.
IS LUCID DREAMING SAFE?
Considering people have been lucid dreaming since the dawn of civilisation, there is nothing inherently dangerous about the activity. With that said, those new to the concept may be startled by the occurrence of sleep paralysis. Essentially, what happens is that our body protects us during REM sleep when we dream, so we’re unable to move. This is obviously a good thing to happen since falling off the bed or knocking your partner unconscious during a dream would be a rather unpleasant alternative. As a result, dreamers may on occasion wake up still being “paralysed”, an experience that understandably scares some people. Experienced lucid dreamers know that sleep paralysis, should it ever happen, is entirely normal and will cause no harm.
In fact, lucid dreamers often taking advantage of the peculiar state between waking and sleeping. In this time where we are between two worlds, our mind is fully awake but we may hallucinate and see or hear things from our dreams. This can be unsettling if it happens to someone who doesn’t know what’s going on. However, just as with sleep paralysis, know there is no real danger.
TYPES OF DREAM HERBS
Most dream herbs come from Africa or Latin/South America, with many of them being known and used for thousands of years. Some herbs like the African Dream Root (Silene capensis) may be considered as an effective sleeping aid so you can wake up refreshed in the morning. Others, like Calea Zacatechichi from Mexico, are better known for their ability to bring on vivid and lucid dreams. Some dream herbs like the Devil’s Claw are also used in traditional medicine for treating pain and inflammation.
For best results with your lucid dreams, you may want to experiment with various dream herbs to see which one provides you with the best results!
Information About Kalashnikov Seeds
Kalashnikov Seeds has specialized in crossbreeding AK-47 clones. For their creations they have access to the best landraces from across the world, including strains from Russia, China and Afghanistan.
Although the guys at Kalashnikov Seeds are breeding for more than 15 years now, their first market appearance here in Europe was in 2013. Because of the outstanding quality of their strains it didn’t take long until they were competing with many well-known European seed banks and managed to establish themselves as the top Russian seed brand. Now, Kalashnikov Seeds are looking to expand even further.
The range of superb strains by Kalashnikov Seeds include feminized and autoflowering strains and now their latest speciality, Express Strains. Express varieties like their AK Kush Express, Kalashnikov Express, White Critical Express and many more stand out because of their particular short flowering period compared to their feminized originals while not being actual autoflowers. This makes Kalashnikov Seeds’ Express Strains unique on the seeds market!
Information About Bomb Seeds
HISTORY OF BOMB SEEDS
Bomb Seeds lights the fuse of a grower’s imagination and blows away the competition with their breeding and selection process. They take pride in crossing classic strains the cannabis community has grown to love, and combining them with potent and highly desired Bomb Seeds genetics. They grow for quality, quantity, potency, and efficient flowering time. Bomb Seeds has a wide variety of strains ranging from indicas and sativas to autoflowering genetics.
Grown organically in the Netherlands where conditions are stringently regulated, each seed is hand-selected for quality before shipping out to the buyer. This gives Bomb Seeds the assurance that genetic consistency is in every seed sold. Their seeds are the freshest around, thanks to being kept in a humidity-controlled refrigerator that remains at a consistent 6–8°C.
BOMB SEEDS PACKAGING
Bomb Seeds cannabis seeds come in a well-designed blister pack. Each packet comes with easy-to-read details on the strain, plus expectations and product resources. Each purchased seed can be viewed through a clear packaging window to excite the buyer about the explosion of quality plants soon to be grown. Seeds can be purchased in packages of 5 feminized seeds at Zamnesia.
Dabbing: Read All About It!
What is Dabbing?
The use of cannabis concentrates is not really something new, but there is new hype forming around new types of concentrates—dabs. These substances appear in numerous forms and commonly go by names such as oil, wax, budder, BHO, or shatter. Interest in dabbing has grown significantly, especially in regions where cannabis is legal. Dispensaries now boast an equally impressive array of dabs as they do flowers.
2012 is often viewed as the year where concentrates really took off, and have since continued their ascent to dominance. Some say this is a quantum leap forward in stoner evolution, and that dabbing is a healthier alternative to smoking a bowl or blunt because you don't inhale the butane from the lighter or smoke from the leafy material—just the vapour from the concentrate.
But with each passing month, the controversy around dabbing grows in kind. Some admonishers point out the potential dangers of the new concentrates, mentioning the hazards involved in both making and enjoying them. In terms of their production, some concentrates are created via highly flammable chemical solvents like butane. When it comes to the dabbing process itself, some believe that the intense-looking nature of the dab rig and blowtorch will put-off the mainstream from continuing to support cannabis.
Others warn about the oxides of the metal nails and skillets, but these are usually made of titanium, which can be found in many food and cosmetic products. And although it does oxidise, it is no real hazard because the water in the rig filters almost 100% of it.
So, what is the dabbing experience like? As soon as the concentrate hits the hot surface, it vaporises quickly and the vapour is inhaled. Depending on the concentrate, one long, hard hit can feel as if you’ve had an entire blunt in one puff, which means dabbing is not for newbies and should be approached with caution. A sativa-dominant extract will trigger an incredible head high that will prepare you to take on the day, whereas a dab of some strong indica can send you to bed in a matter of minutes.
HISTORY OF DABBING
Hash is an archaic form of "concentrated cannabis" and is as old as the use of cannabis itself. But the THC level and strength are in no way comparable to the concentrates of today. Along with how it has assimilated itself in such a short time, it is a bit of a mystery where, when, and who invented the dab.
Alas, the first archived article about it was published by Cannabis Culture in 2005, and according to that, the first "dabs" were, in fact, being smoked as early on as the ‘60s.
By that time, modern methods to extract cannabinoids involved alcohol, chloroform, butane, and other solvents, and the outcome was traded as "honey oil", "red oil", "jelly-butane hash", or similarly named concoctions. The purity and cannabinoid levels were usually higher than those of hash, but the concentrates were often polluted by solvent residues. Not to mention, the process of producing extracts with chemical solvents was quite dangerous.
According to BudderKing, “budder" is the outcome of ten years of research, and its roots lie in the production of liquid cannabis oil or “honey oil”. He and his colleagues in Surrey, British Columbia took honey oil manufacturing to a new level when they created a product named "glass". BudderKing explained that "It was a refined oil that was manufactured in a multi-step process that involved alcohol... we then took it further and it hardened into something that had the look and feel of amber. We liked it because it was extremely strong and much easier to smoke than oil".
Some prominent people in the medical marijuana industry state that the first time they ever heard of such high-octane concentrates was around the summer of 2010. They also suppose that concentrates first took form in the United States, either in Northern California or Colorado. From there, dabs began to spread like wildfire, picking up momentum particularly in the areas in and around Denver and Boulder, CO.
In 2012, the process of manufacturing concentrates became much more industrialised and prominent amongst growers, and at the High Times Cannabis Cup of the same year. There were actually more people smoking concentrates than marijuana at the event, and in excessive amounts. The debate on whether dabbing is healthier than traditional methods of cannabis intake continues to be tossed back and forth. Only time will reveal the intricacies of this issue. But one thing’s for sure; for the time being, concentrates are king.
HOW ARE DABS MADE?
First off, let's get this straight: Strictly speaking, hash is a "dab"—but one with a much lower cannabinoid percentage than the next-gen dabs we mentioned above. One of the main differences between the substances lies in the manufacturing process.
Basically, the process of producing budder, shatter, BHO, and the like usually involves stuffing cannabis buds into a tube, then running a liquid chemical solvent through it. The solvent "washes" the cannabinoids out of the plant material and eventually drips out of the tube, where it forms a liquid stream in the colour of, well, urine. This liquid is collected in a glass dish (the best material to allow for easy cleansing) and gently warmed to remove the excess solvent. The result is a cannabinoid-rich dab. The quality of the dab depends on several circumstances, but the most important variables are the feedstock and the quality of solvent used.
DON'T DO THIS AT HOME!
We are talking about producing dabs; but before you even think about it, read about it, talk to people who have done it before (successfully!), and be cautious! The chemicals involved can have fatal effects! Butane is highly combustible, and careless use can cause an explosion, whereas CO₂ in high concentrations can cause death by suffocation. Bottom line: Get wise before you try it, and stick with smoking dabs instead of making your own if you have no 100% secure setup.
Chillums: Read All About It!
A typical chillum (or chilam or Shillum) is a straight, conical pipe. Traditionally, chillums are made of clay, stone, or wood, and have been used by the sadhus (holy men) in India and by Hindu monks in the Himalayan area since at least the 18th century to smoke opium, cannabis, and other narcotics and herbs. However, there have been discoveries of old chillums in South Africa as well, so the true origin of the chillum is unknown.
In India, smoking, or even owning a chillum was traditionally limited to male users, and was mainly practiced in the rural areas of northern India. When they lit the chillum, they would touch their forehead with the piece and say, “Boom Shankar”. This was to invite Shiva and the other gods to come smoke the chillum with them.
A chillum was usually passed around, and this made it especially important for the early hippie movement and their feeling of being "one" or part of a "family" in the ‘60s. At the same time, stoners returning from trips to the Indian subcontinent brought chillums back home as souvenirs, and the relatively easy way of smoking and cleaning them added to their popularity.
Side note: Allegedly, the natives of America passed their chillums around anti-clockwise; it is said they wiped their—pardon me—ass with their left hand, and would therefore never touch a chillum with that hand. So instead, they would always pass it to their right.
Today, or better said since the 1990s, the use of chillums has declined due to all the high-end smoking paraphernalia on the market. And there are actually more chillums produced in Italy than India, but older consumers of the hippie scene still stick to this archaic and very direct way of smoking and sharing cannabis. Even the Rastafarians use chillums in their rituals—and miss the “correct” date by just one day with one of them! They celebrate their Grounation Day on April 21st—D'OH! No 420, but still a good day to have a jointly smoke. But I digress...
There are crazy variations of chillums—people are inventive and carve disposable organic carrot and radish chillums (cool idea by the way, it adds some interesting flavour to the smoke), and some others make art out of their chillum creation.
Darrel "Pipeman" Mortimer, a street artist from San Francisco, has made almost 10,000 chillums since 1970, personally signing and selling each one of them. Ain't that dedication?
Many people in the stoner community also call the downstem of a bong a "chillum". Bong chillums are usually made of glass or some kind of stainless metal.
Information about Mr. Nice
Mr Nice Seed Bankis one of the most respected seed banks in the world. Its founders are among the pioneers of cannabis breeding. You can find all their knowledge and passion in both the potent old school strains and the newly awarded hybrids.
In April 2016 Howard Marks, alias Mr. Nice, left this world. He was one of the first pioneers of today’s “regulated” cannabis business, and he left us with a rich inheritance of unique cannabis strains. After being imprisoned in the United States for smuggling, he founded in 1990 the Mr. Nice Seed Bank together with other two notorious breeders, Scott Blakey “Shantibaba” and Neville Schoenmaker. All cannabis strains bred by Mr Nice Seed Bank actually incorporate the talents and the huge wealth of experience of their breeders, resulting in a large amount of international awards.
Today, Mr. Nice Seed Bank still owns the original genetics which were saved from the Dutch authorities’ repression in 1995, and then saved again from the shutdown forced by a Swiss Prosecutor in 2003. Thanks to the actual owner Scott Blakey, the spirit and the smiles of his friend Mr. Nice still live today in both the old school and the new descendant strains. Preserving genetics and biodiversity has always been Shantibaba’s and Mr. Nice Seeds Bank’s philosophy, reflected in today’s precious cannabis seeds such asLights 5,Super Silver Haze,White Widow, White Rhino and White Shark, to name a few.
Mr Nice Seed Bank produces all its seeds in its own controlled breeding research laboratories and has always interacted with the growers who work with its strains to help getting the most of them and increase the shared knowledge. Shantibaba is also committed in spreading information about medical cannabis genetics and cultivation techniques. His company is today involved in theCBD Crewproject for the research on high-cannabidiol strains. Zamnesia offers you some excellent strains from the Mr. Nice Seed Bank which will all make you smile.
PACKAGING MR. NICE SEEDS
Mr. Nice Seeds' special sealed packaging keeps cannabis seeds protected from impacts and humidity. This packaging solution allows cannabis seeds to be safely shipped around the world. It contains xx seeds and it is not resealable in order to guarantee seeds’ origin.
Awards
Since the foundation of this company, original strains fromMr. Nice Seed Bankstarted to win the most important international awards. Year after year and all around the world, a lot of connoisseurs have recognised in these breeders’ varieties all the traits that make exceptional cannabis. Here is a selection of all the Mr. Nice Seed Bank strains that won a prize at cannabis contests.
CRITICAL MASS
Awards:
• 2008, Copa Highlife BCN 2008 - Yervagüena for Critical Mass • 2008, Highlife Planta del año 2008 - Mr Nice Seeds for Critical Mass • 2008, Copa de la Marihuana de Madrid, 2nd prize • 2007, Marijo Taxpalketa, 2nd prize outdoor • 2006, Copa de la Marihuana de Madrid, 3rd prize
A robust cross between an ancient Afghani and the notorious Skunk #1 gave birth to an excellent version of an old breed. This is a high yield strain for commercial farmers and outdoor crops. The heavy Afghani pedigree makes you expect a yield indoors around 650-750g/m² with a flowering time of 45/55 days. Outdoors you can harvest 500-600g of heavy flowers per plant. Critical Mass needs you to keep the humidity under control because her exceptionally compact flowers can attract mould. With this precaution she will greatly reward both the inexperienced and the professional grower.
Mr. Nice’s Black Widow is a classic blend of two old school genetics. One is an original South Indian Indica and the other a native Brazilian sativa. This strain has a potential huge resin production which requires from 8 to 10 weeks of flowering indoors. Even amateur breeders can expect yields of 350-450g/m², and 300-400 g/plant outdoors.
• 1997, High Times Cup, 1st prize Hydro Cup • 1998, Cannabis Cup, 1st prize Cannabis Cup • 1999, Cannabis Cup, 1st prize Cannabis Cup
This is a legendary crossing that’s still delighting connoisseurs. Breeders Neville and Shantibaba put together a family of 25% Skunk with 25% Northern lights, and 50% Haze. This strain might require an experienced grower to express all its genetic potential. When properly grown, Super Silver Haze results in a highly valued final product. Yields can surpass 450-550 g/m² indoor with 8-10 weeks of flowering, while 500g/plant outdoor are easily obtained.
• 1998, High Times Magazine, Bio Cup This strain used to be kept private for a few years. Now she is available with a genetic composition of Haze crossed with Widow Brazilian sativa and a South India crossed with Haze. Indoors, expect it to be ready. She can satisfy both the inexperienced grower and the advanced cultivator with yields of more than 450-550g/m² in 60-70 days.
Pyramid Seedsis a highly regarded Spanish Seedbank that offers a comprehensive line of feminized and autoflowering seeds to both commercial and home growers. To ensure the highest level of quality, this team only uses the best stock in their breeding programs, including rock-solid strains likeWhite Widow,AK-47and Black Domina as well as more obscure landrace varieties from nearby Granada. Armed with proven genetics, Pyramid Seeds spares no effort in creating their new hybrids, and only the ones that past muster make the cut for public sale.
The team at Pyramid Seeds is always up for a good time, and they certainly enjoy their work, but they're dead serious when it comes to quality. Each and every feminized and autoflowering seed is a product of an extensive process that includes careful refinement and testing across several generations before it can be deemed ready for release. A panel of true cannabis experts selects each variety for not only yield, flavour and power but also ease of cultivation. Best of all, Pyramid Seeds never cuts a corner, and they still manage to set their prices extremely low. You won't find this kind of quality at this price point anywhere else.
Pyramid Seeds provides their customers with some of the most reliable stats in the business. If they say a specific seed will perform in a certain way, you can depend on that information as long as you provide your cannabis seeds with an environment where they can thrive. To make sure their numbers are spot on, Pyramid Seeds tests their strains over and over again, both before and after their initial release. They recommend at least a 600 watt HPS or equivalent lighting indoors and advise that outdoor growers may not get the same results as the Pyramid testers if they don't have the benefit of a long summer with plenty of direct sunlight. You have to admire their honesty!
PACKAGING PYRAMID SEEDS
Pyramid Seeds spares no effort during the breeding and testing process, so it only makes sense that they would put the same amount of thought into protecting their feminized seeds from damage and humidity changes during transit. They carefully inspect each seed for maturity and defects before sealing them in sturdy plastic tubing that fits inside premium cardstock that proudly displays their brand.
Once opened, Pyramid's packaging not resealable. If you're not going to plant all your seeds at once, be prepared with an alternative container or seal the packet back up with a piece of tape so you don't lose your extra seeds before you're ready to use them.
All Pyramid Seeds products are available in packs of 5 seeds, but for 2016, Pyramid is adding bonus seeds and an instant-win scratcher to every pack while supplies last.
Awards Pyramid Seeds
Pyramid Seedshas been so busy perfecting and testing their extensive line of premium genetics that they haven't had a lot of time to spend at the Cups, but that's rapidly changing. You can usually find their booth at most Spannabis events and they sometimes put in an appearance at other European cannabis festivals if their tight schedule permits. However, any lack of shining trophies doesn't mean they don't have some of the finest feminized and fully autoflowering seeds Spain has to offer. In fact, Tutankhamon is so popular, we can hardly keep them in stock!
Here are Pyramid's award winners as well as some of their other popular strains:
NEFERTITI
Awards:
• Spannabis 2007, 1st Place Best Hydro Strain, Under the Name "Black Hemp" • Catalonia Cup 2008, 2nd Place • Catalonia Cup 2010, 3rd Place Best Hashish Strain
Gifted with an extremely strong 22% THC level, Nefertiti is a consistent crowd-pleaser that includes a double whammy of proven genetics from both White Widow and Black Widow. This 75% Sativa has a pleasant flavour that's filled with Haze and a delightfully up effect that's guaranteed to plaster a smile on even the grumpiest face. If you're a dab fan, you'll really appreciate this premium strain: she's weight down with an extra-heavy coating of gooey resin.
• Spannabis 2007, 1st Place Best Hydro Strain, Under the Name "Black Hemp" • Catalonia Cup 2008, 2nd Place • Catalonia Cup 2010, 3rd Place Best Hashish Strain
Auto Nefertiti didn't technically win those awards, but she stays so true to Original Nefertiti that we think she deserves the same credit as her high-achieving mother. This fully autoflowering hybrid has a generous 19% THC rating, which compares well with the photoperiod version, and she definitely wins in the speed category. Auto Nefertiti can be ready for harvest in as little as 63 days from germination while still delivering the same good looks and Haze flavour you'd expect from any breed carrying this name.
• Spannabis 2011, Highest THC Level Available as Proven by Energy Control Testing
Pyramid Seeds only promises 23% THC to growers who give Tutankhamon a try, but during independent testing by Energy Control at the 2011 Spannabis festival, a sample of this super-potent strain measured in at an astounding 33% THC, making it the most potent cannabis seed available for sale by anyone at that time. Ever since, this has been one of Pyramid Seeds' best-sellers. Genetically, Tutankhamon is a very special AK-47 phenotype with a fruity flavour, long-lasting highs and a nice, 60-day finish.
If photoperiod Tutankhamon is Pyramid's most potent feminized seed, Auto Tutankhamon must be their strongest AutoFem. Ready in just 49 days from germination, this special AK-47 phenotype was barely impacted by the addition of Pyramid's best Ruderalis. She delivers massive amounts of crystal-coated buds with a 20% THC rating. Auto Tutankhamon has a fresh, fruity flavour and a powerful high that'll lift your mood for hours thanks to her strong Sativa lean.
Pyramid's Super Hash has a sweet, hashy flavour that shines through whether you enjoy your herb in flower or concentrated form. With a 55-day finish, this 100% feminized seed is a favourite with growers who are looking for a straightforward strain that consistently delivers superior yields in very little time. The bud quality is nearly perfect: large, resin-drenched buds with a thick layer of frost that extends all the way from the sugar leaves to the biggest fans.
Like all autoflowering hybrids bred by Pyramid Seeds, Auto Super Hash retains all of the best traits from the original strain while bringing the finish down to a very fast 56 days from germination. Auto Super Hash is very potent for an AutoFem, promising high THC and CBD levels for a strong, long-lasting physical stone, and she has an extract-friendly resin profile just like her photoperiod mom. Under strong indoor lighting, growers should expect a very satisfying harvest made up of larger than average buds.
This 90% Indica is an extremely relaxing, Northern Lights X Black Domina cross with near-narcotic, medical-grade power. Not only does the THC reach a full 19%, but Anesthesia also has a nice 1.9% CBD level that only deepens the pleasant physical stone. This is another Pyramid Seeds original that literally oozes with resin, and if you're looking for a new mother, Anesthesia is a great choice. She's a fast growing bush that clones well. Once sexually mature, this strain can be ready for harvest in just 50 days.
By taking genetics from Northern Lights and Black Domina then adding just the right amount of premium Ruderalis, Pyramid Seeds was able to automate their ever-popular Anesthesia strain with very little compromise. Auto Anesthesia still has a rich, acid-sweet flavour, a deeply relaxing body stone and a high resin content. The terpene profile is exceptionally complex, but the amazing part about this AutoFem is her finish: Auto Anesthesia will be ready for harvest just 49 days after germination on average.
Nirvana Seeds is world famous for selling only the best cannabis seeds at very affordable prices, including both classic strains and completely original new hybrids. They officially opened their Dutch seed shop in 1995, but the founder had been working with cannabis seeds for well over a decade by then. He first got his hands dirty at the original Positronics Shop in Amsterdam back in the 1980s. That's where he first developed a love of cannabis and was inspired to open his own store.
After Positronics closed down, he traveled around the world for a few years, learning new ways to breed, experimenting with different grow techniques and picking up new genetics with every stop. Soon, he found himself back in Amsterdam and it felt like a natural next step to open Nirvana Seeds.
This name is particularly apt since the entire staff, right down to the newest part-timer, are a colourful bunch, and the place just oozes with mellow vibes from the time they open until well after they close for the night. If you're in the 'Dam, you have to stop in and hang out for a while. But be careful—they might just convince you to move there permanently.
Mellow they may be, but lazy they are not. This innovative canna-company doesn't just sell some of the most popular cannabis seeds on the planet, they also offer their customers the finest nutrients and soils you can find in The Netherlands or anywhere else. Plus, they've even developed an entire line of hemp products including wine, beer, liqueur, vinegar and iced tea.
To try most of those products, you'll have to actually walk into their shop near Nieuwmarkt Square, but you can pick up a pack of their legendary cannabis seeds online with just a few clicks of your mouse. What could be easier?
PACKAGING NIRVANA SEEDS
Nirvana Seeds seals their cannabis seeds in protective tubing before placing them in an unmistakable packet bearing an image of a seated Buddha deep in meditation.
Every seed is carefully inspected before packing to ensure ripeness, freshness and longevity. Keep your seeds safely inside the original packaging until you're ready to use them and always store them properly to ensure their viability for as long as possible. If you order more seeds than you'll use at one time, returned any unused beans to their original packet and reseal it with tape, or place them in an alternative storage container until you're ready to use them.
Nirvana Seeds come in packs of 5 feminized or autoflowering seeds and packs of 10 regular seeds. Pick up a pack or two today and soon you too will be able to reach a pure state of bliss, also known as Nirvana.
AWARDS NIRVANA SEEDS
Even before Nirvana Seeds was a gleam in their founder's eye, he had acquired years of experience working in several of the most respected grow shops in Amsterdam. Call it an unfair advantage or a smart move, but those years positioned Nirvana Seeds to be a leading force and a frequent winner at Europe's most competitive events including the High Times Cannabis Cup, the Highlife Hemp Fair and Expogrow.
Today, Nirvana offers a full line of superior genetics including regular, feminized and autoflowering seeds. Let's take a closer look at some of their championship lines.
ICE
Awards:
Cannabis Cup 1998, Winner
Copa de Asturias, 1st Prize for Best Smell
Short for Indica Crystal Extreme, ICE lives up to her name with one of the thickest layers of frosty resin you'll find on any strain at Nirvana Seeds. That makes her a favourite for extract fans, but everyone will appreciate her heavy, couchlocking stone and mentholated, pine-sol aroma whether they're into dabs or dried flowers. ICE is a high yielder inside or out, in soil or hydro, and she absolutely loves SOG.
A proven super-cropper, Master Kush was actually bred inside an Amsterdam high-rise as part of a super-secret breeding project, but this covert operation resulted in one of the most infamous strains ever released to a weed-hungry public. Today, Master Kush is highly sought after due to her small size, enourmous yields, smooth piney aroma and balanced highs. The effects start off incredibly happy and up before they melt into a pleasant body stone.
As a Haze #1 X Northern Lights F1 hybrid, Sterling Haze is still mostly Sativa, but she's been refined and perfected for indoor growers. She's a tall, elegant beauty, but her long branches will be covered in dense, neon-green buds that are firm to the touch instead of the usual fluffy Haze flowers. Sterling Haze does need a little more effort and much more time to finish that most cannabis seeds recommended for indoors, but the energetic head highs are more than worth it.
Chrystal kept Northern Lights love of indoor gardens and high bud to leaf ratio for easy trims and added White Widows exquisite resin content. The aroma is a curiously pleasant pine-sol/kerosene blend that lingers in the air long after the instant head highs send your mind soaring to new heights. This strain delivers high yields of top-quality buds to growers of all experience levels.
Amsterdam Genetics is one seedbank that’s really turning heads in the industry.
Started by the owner of the infamous Boerejongens coffeeshops in Amsterdam, this seedbank is receiving global attention as the creator of some of the most sought after strains available today, including White Choco, AK-47, AK OG Kush, and many more.
Amsterdam Genetics was founded by Mariska, one of the leading female entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Mariska first discovered her passion for cannabis when she started working at a coffeeshop in Amsterdam during her university studies.
When she was ready to make a definitive career choice, the decision was easy.
“I literally took the Yellow Pages and my finger landed on a company specializing in nutrients for cannabis. Thus my adventure began. I learned all about the breeding, growing, and harvesting process, from the clone until the harvest,” Mariska said in an interview with Leafly.
A few years later, after learning the ropes about all things cannabis, Mariska bought her first coffeeshop, which would become the first Boerejongens in Amsterdam.
Today, Mariska owns 3 separate Boerejongens as well as Amsterdam Genetics.
Her stores are renowned for challenging many of the preconceived prejudices many people have about Amsterdam’s coffeeshops. They boast beautiful marble counters, hardwood floors, and, most importantly, professional staff with expert knowledge about their products.
For a quick tour of one of the Boerejongens stores, check out this video.
Video: Boerejongens Coffeeshop
For Mariska, this is all about offering professional, reliable service to her customers.
“The shady image that some people still wrongly associate with coffeeshops disappears very quickly if I start talking.Too many people don’t get that a coffeeshop is just a store. Apart from the backdoor problem, you can compare it to a wine shop,” she said.
All Boerejongens staff are expected to take up to 3 3 continuing education courses every year in order to stay up-to-date about their products and the latest developments in the industry.
“We want sommeliers behind the counter,” said Mariska.
Amsterdam Genetics’ success started with the White Choco, a powerful hybrid cross between White Russian and Chocolope.
The strain boasts a powerful, uplifting cerebral buzz that is designed to leave users feeling creative and productive. At the same time, it offers some nice physical relaxation that’s far from overwhelming.
Mariska soon began branching out into hash production and saw huge success.
Her White Choco block has was so popular that Amsterdam Genetics’ couldn’t meet customer demand. But, being a true entrepreneur, Mariska quickly took production to Morocco, the world’s hash capital.
Today, Amsterdam Genetics’ White Choco Block Hash is regarded some of the finest in the country, while their Tangerine G13 block hash and Kosher Tangie block won first and second prize in the hash category at this year’s Highlife Cannabis Cup.
All of their hash products are made using traditional dry sieving methods, and only use the first sieve to ensure the highest possible quality. Finally, their hash is pressed while warm, giving it a beautiful deep golden colour.
If you’re dying to get your hands on some of these strains, you’re in luck. All of Amsterdam Genetics’ most popular seeds are available through Zamnesia Follow the link below to start browsing our stock and get the highest quality seeds delivered direct to your door.
For more information about Amsterdam Genetics and their impact on the cannabis industry, check out this blog article.
Packaging Amsterdam Genetics
Amsterdam Genetics is focused on professionalism and quality, both of which shine through with their packaging.
All seeds come packaged in a resealable plastic ziplock bag to protect the seeds during shipping. The pack also comes complete with moisture beads to ensure the seeds are kept at maximum humidity levels throughout.
All Amsterdam Genetics packages also come with expert instructions on how to care, store, germinate, and plant your seeds. To top things off, all customers also get a pack of custom-designed matches.
All Amsterdam Genetics strains are packed and shipped discreetly, taking into account all factors that may jeopardize your privacy.
Specials Amsterdam Genetics
Amsterdam Genetics is behind some of the most sought after strains currently available. Scroll down for a quick look at some of their biggest stars.
To order your Amsterdam Genetics’ seeds for these strains and many more, start browsing Zamnesia today.
For more info about Amsterdam genetics, click here.
WHITE CHOCO
White Choco is, without a doubt, Amsterdam Genetics’ most sought after strain.
A 50-50 cross between White Russian and Chocolope, this strain produces very uplifting effects and boasts exceptional aromas and flavours. The strain can be grown both indoor and outdoors. Indoor plants will grow between 120-150cm and produce yields of about 400g per plant. Outdoor plants, on the other hand, will flourish, growing over 300cm tall and producing yields of over 600g per plant. Flowering time for White Choco plants is 9 weeks. While that is a little longer than some other strains, the end product is well worth the wait. White Choco buds boast a delicious aroma with hints of chocolate, spice, and sweet undertones. It is cherished for producing very uplifting effects that leave users feeling creative and productive, while also producing mellow physical relaxation.
This is another of Amsterdam Genetics’ best selling strains. As a indica-dominant hybrid between AK-47 and OG Kush, it is known to produce a very strong physical buzz.
Similar to White Choco, AK OG Kush has a flowering time of roughly 9 weeks and is known to flourish outdoors. Depending on conditions, indoor plants usually reach between 120-150cm tall and produce yields of about 400g per plant. Outdoor plants will grow to about 250cm and produce yields of up to 600g per plant.
AK OG Kush buds are very resinous and boast a pungent spicy aroma with earthy undertones. This strain produces very strong physical effects, thanks to its high THC content (roughly 22%). When used medicinally, this strain may help to relieve pain and insomnia. At the same time, it’ll leave you feeling happy, and very relaxed.
AK-47 is a classic strain that any home grower should be looking to have in their garden. Using the best Colombian, Mexican, and Afghani landrace genetics, Amsterdam Genetics have created a powerful hybrid with long lasting effects.
This strain has a flowering time of roughly 8-9 weeks. Indoor plants will grow between 120-150cm and produce yields of roughly 500g per plant. Outdoor plants, on the other hand, will grow upwards of 200cm and produce similar yields, making it ideal for indoor growth.
AK-47 buds are very beautiful, featuring a frosty layer of crystals and a healthy sprinkle of bright red pistils. They boast a delicious, pungent aroma with both sweet and spicy notes.
With an average THC content of about 20%, this strain produces very long lasting effects of happiness, euphoria, and relaxation.
Kosher Choco Kush is a s cross between Amsterdam Genetics’ White Choco and Kosher Kush strains. A 50-50 hybrid, it produces long lasting euphoria and promises great yields.
These plants usually flower within 8-9 weeks and are perfectly suited for indoor growth. Indoor plants usually reach heights of 100-150cm and produce yields of 450-500g per plant. Outdoor plants usually grow between 200-250cm and produce yields of 400-500g. Kosher Choco Kush buds are so packed with trichomes they can almost appear to have white tinges. They boast a beautiful aroma, combining hints of earthy pine and chocolate.
With a whopping 21% THC, this strain produces a lot of relaxation, euphoria, and overall happiness. However, be prepared to be feeling sleepy if you consume too much of this stuff.
Medical Marijuana Genetics are quickly forging a reputation for their selection of carefully bred, laboratory tested, CBD-rich medical cannabis.
Having firsthand experience of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis oil led the Medical Marijuana Genetics crew on a voyage of discovery. Long held prohibition-type myths and long held taboos surrounding cannabis were proving to be incorrect in the face of experience. Cannabis oil eased the final months of a beloved family member's struggle with pancreatic cancer.
As a response to the lack of information about the medical benefits of cannabis the medicalmarijuana.co.uk website was established. Here, compassionate and fact-based discussion about medical cannabis was encouraged. The website is now one of the largest online resources of up-to-date information on cannabis research and helps to change public opinion.
Discussions with breeders and interactions with patients revealed a lack of CBD-dominant strains in the medical marijuana and seed marketplace. Cannabis breeding traditionally focuses on increasing THC content, with the other cannabinoids generally ignored for their lack of recreational value. Medical Marijuana Genetics is a response to the need for readily available CBD-rich cannabis strains for medical patients. THC certainly has its place in the therapeutic apothecary, but the cannabinoid superstar is CBD.
Medical Marijuana Genetics paid attention to feedback from patients and experienced carers. They then teamed with expert cannabis growers from the Basque region of Spain. The mission was to create a range of CBD-rich cannabis strains, that have a distinct place in the medical cannabis marketplace. Scientists independently performing cannabinoid tests have been amazed by the never before seen high therapeutic oil content of these strains.
Accomplished crossbreeding of known cannabis breeds produced their flagship, the CBD strain Candida (CD-1). A classic sativa silhouette entwined with pointy resin covered flower clusters, that boast a whopping 20.6% of CBD with as little as 0.39% THC. This strain went on to become the primary parent of a superb range of high CBD cannabis bred specifically for patients.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA GENETICS PACKAGING
Medical Marijuana Genetics take the medical part seriously. All seeds come packaged in sterile flip top tubes to guarantee their uncontaminated integrity. You receive your seeds free from E. coli, mold spores and other pathogens, that can infect your finished product.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA GENETICS TOP STRAINS
Expert breeding since 2014 has produced a range of medical cannabis, that has reset the curative standard. The Medical Marijuana Genetics crew are pleased to offer three high CBD strains of impeccable therapeutic quality.
High CBD strains of cannabis provide the highest standard of treatment for patients suffering from a number of afflictions. CBD has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, inflammation, seizures and convulsions from epilepsy and other neurological disorders. CBD is a known antagonist towards the reproduction of cancer cells and helps manage chronic pain and the side effects of chemotherapy.
CANDIDA
Candida (CD-1) feminized seeds will grow into impressive plants, indoors or out. The thick coating of resin-laden trichomes on the finished flowers have the highest CBD and lowest THC percentage of any medical cannabis in the world today. That's not marketing hyperbole, that's a laboratory tested guarantee.
Liquid chromatography sounds frighteningly technical, but it is the way science types calculate cannabinoid percentages. Our Candida (CD-1) flowers tested in the range of 20.6 to 10.6 % CBD, with an average of 15.5%. THC was very low at below 1.0% in every test. CBD is an antipsychotic and mitigates the effects of THC in the brain so this strain has minimal to no psychoactive effects.
Candida displays hybrid vigour in all grow environments. It has tested well indoors and out and exceptional results were gained in a greenhouse.
Expect to see two phenotypes. One sativa-dominant and the other indica-dominant. Each are equally outstanding therapeutic strains.
The sativa-dominant phenotype has the higher CBD percentage, on a plant, that stretches substantially, with good distance between the leaf nodes. Typical of a sativa, it produces dense small flowers distributed evenly around the plant with elegant, long, pointy colas.
The indica-dominant phenotype has the lower CBD percentage, with the plants having less distance between leaf nodes and more substantial branches and trunks. The indica tends towards denser flower clusters and will have a higher yield. Although lower in CBD than the sativa-heavy phenotype, it still outranks most medical marijuana available in the world today.
HIYDROW
Hiydrow (HY-1) is a sativa-dominant 2:1 feminized photoperiodic hybrid.
Girl Scout Cookies and Blue Dream were crossed, both favourites in the USA and Europe for their individual bouquets and noticeable effects. Add to this heady mix our flagship CD-1 strain and an exceptional medicine has been created.
CBD is high, testing between 16.5 and 11.1%, with relatively low THC at 6.3 to 8.4%. Patients seeking the therapeutic advantages of both cannabinoids will appreciate the effects of the Hiydrow strain. CBD offers relief from chronic pain, migraine, fybromyalgia and insomnia, while the THC provides a positive and anxiety free mindset. The low THC percentage means, that Hiydrow can be used all day with minimal psychological effects and maximum therapeutic value.
Hiydrow is a hardy hybrid, that grew well during indoor and outdoor trials. As the name suggests, it boomed exceptionally indoors under hydroponic conditions. Swollen calyxes, bright red hairs and overdrive trichome production can be expected on world class resin drenched flowers.
GREEN DOCTOR
Lemon flavoured sativa power is in full play with the Green Doctor (GD-1). Using the flagship Candida (CD-1) for CBD content and crossing with a Haze for legend content, a therapeutic marvel has been created. Still high in CBD, the Haze brings a reasonable amount of THC to the equation. This mix makes Green Doctor the choice for those who need the benefits of both cannabinoids.
CBD was lab tested at between 16.9 and 10.2%. Still some of the highest figures recorded, more than enough to be considered therapeutic. THC was a respectable 12.0 to 3.7%. Those who appreciate the cerebral intensity of the Haze variety will enjoy the added mentally uplifting benefits of the Green Doctor. Feeling good while healing conveniently from one curative source.
Green Doctor seeds germinate quickly into easy to grow and vigorous plants, that thrive under all growing conditions. 400g/m² indoors or the same per plant outdoors is a decent harvest for a sativa-dominant strain. The buds can be so resin encrusted, that from some angles the citrus scented flowers look white and shiny.
Information about Magic Mushrooms & Magic Truffles
Our shroom shop features a wide variety of products, including grow kits and all other equipment needed to grow magic mushrooms at home.
At Zamnesia, we are passionate about magic mushrooms. Hence, we’ve created this shroom shop to help people from all across the world cultivate high-quality mushrooms in the comfort of their own home.
Our shroom shop features a wide variety of products, including everything from professional grow kits for mushrooms and truffles to accessories such as spore syringes, prints, or even basic grow equipment like heat mats and misting bottles.
We pride ourselves on only stocking the highest quality equipment from trusted brands, such as Supa Gro,Fresh Mushrooms, and Zamnesia.
For a full selection of all our products, start browsing our shop today. For more information about magic mushrooms, truffles, and our products, keep reading.
Magic mushrooms are a special kind of mushroom treasured for their ability to produce strong psychedelic effects.
The most common kind of magic mushrooms fall under the Psilocybe genus. This genus encompasses over 200 different varieties of mushrooms, all of which contain psilocybin, the main compound responsible for producing psychedelic effects (such as hallucinations and altered perceptions) in the human brain.
Some of the most popular varieties of Psilocybin mushrooms include:
B+: B+ is a very popular mushroom strain, treasured for its potency and the size of its fruit. With some grow kits producing harvests in as little as 2 weeks, this is a great strain for novice growers looking to produce potent mushrooms with little experience.
Ecuador: Originating from the Andean region of Ecuador, this strain is renowned for its resilience, making it another popular choice for new cultivators. While this strain doesn’t produce massive yields, it is very predictable and easy to work with.
Hawaiian: Psilocybe cubensis Hawaiian is mushroom variety known for producing large flushes and big fruits. Contrary to popular belief, this strain didn’t originate in Hawaii (there are no reports of naturally growing mushrooms in Hawaii). However, the first company to sell this strain was supposedly based in Honolulu.
Golden Teacher: The Golden Teacher is a classic strain of magic mushroom that first made its debut in the 1980s. It produces large, gold-coloured mushrooms that are treasured for producing especially insightful trips.
GROWING AND HARVESTING YOUR OWN MAGIC MUSHROOMS
It is possible to forage psilocybin mushrooms in the wild, but you need to be well clued-up about the correct seasons, environments, and laws. Plus, mycology is a very in-depth subject, and mushroom identification can take many years to learn. It's easy to mistake one type of mushroom for another, which is problematic when some are toxic to humans. An easier alternative is to cultivate your own supply of mushrooms at home. Creating your own substrate and liquid culture is rewarding, but requires a completely sterile environment. The most simple option is to purchase a grow kit that is ready-to-go. Grow kits arrive as a fully inoculated substrate in a box that is ready to fruit. Simply add water, place the kit into a bag, and try to maintain temperatures of 23°C.
Once you’ve harvested your mushrooms, it's time to work out the kind of dose you want to take. Whether you are looking for a microdose, low dose, normal dose, or high dose, you can use Zamnesia’s dose calculator to determine how much you need to take according to your bodyweight.
WHAT ARE MAGIC TRUFFLES?
Truffles are similar to mushrooms in that they are dense formations of mycelium. However, truffles are subterranean in nature, meaning they form and remain underground. A truffle, or sclerotium, is still classed as a fruiting body, but it has a different means of spore dispersal. Whereas mushrooms spread spores via their gills, which are then carried by the wind or animals, truffles rely on mushroom-eating animals to dig them up and distribute their spores. Magic truffles still contain the psychoactive constituent psilocybin, and are available in a wide array of potencies. Truffles can be prepared in the same way as mushrooms, often dried and processed into a powder.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAGIC MUSHROOMS AND TRUFFLES?
Truffles and mushrooms are harvested from the same organism and produce the same effects. However, to better understand the difference between magic truffles and magic mushrooms, we need to first understand how a mushroom grows.
Mushrooms are a fungus, meaning they grow from spores usually in the ground or decaying plant material, such as old logs. The heart of a fungus is mycelium. This is the vegetative part of the fungus and is made up of fine, thread-like fibers known as hyphae. When the conditions are just right, a fungus will bloom similar to a flower. These blooms are the mushrooms that we harvest.
Truffles, on the other hand, are actually the sclerotia of a fungus. The sclerotia is a compact mass of hardened mycelium that lays dormant underground and acts as a food reserve should the fungus experience unfavorable conditions.
Magic truffles and magic mushrooms are sometimes thought to be entirely different. They are not, though you should know about some fundamental differences.
Psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin and norbaeocystin are naturally occurring psychedelics of the tryptamin type, which until now could only be detected in fungal organisms. The compounds are present in various fungi, including and especially in the genus psilocybe, which is disseminated worldwide.
In the human body, psilocybin/psilocin connect to the serotonin receptors, because the substances are similar to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) by the chemical structure. It was no less than LSD inventor Dr. Albert Hofmann, who extracted and isolated the entheogenic tryptamines from Psilocybe Mexicana and Psilocybe cubensis in 1955 and and gave them the name of psilocybin and psilocin.
Psilocybin & Psilocin
These two substances can be mentioned within the same breath. Because psilocybin in the human body is metabolized to psilocin by removal of a phosphate group, which is a potent entheogen and induces an effect similar to the semi-synthetic LSD and comparatively low doses of natural N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Psilocybin and psilocin are indole alkaloids and belong to the class of tryptamines.
Baeocystin & Norbaeocystin
Baeocystin (= N-Norpsilocybin) and norbaeocystin are weakly effective hallucinogens and belong to the class of tryptamines as well. According to the state of knowledge today, baeocystin and norbaeocystin are only found in fungi and mostly occur in connection with the psilocybin/psilocin complex.
POPULAR PRODUCTS
The Zamnesia Shroom Shop contains hundreds of products, ranging from grow kits to basic equipment. Here are some of our most popular products!
FRESH MUSHROOM GROW KIT “ECUADOR”
This mushroom kit will provide the grower with a box full of Psilocybe cubensis Ecuador, a strain known for its hardiness and ability to handle the tough climate of the Ecuadorian Andean region. Ecuador is a rather stimulating variety associated with increased speed of thought, which can result in confusion. This unusual effect should be easy to handle for experienced psychonauts, but may be intense for beginners. These mushrooms are visually appealing, featuring a light brown stipe, a white veil, and a golden-brown cap. This product contains a 1200ml cultivation box, a grow bag, and 2 paper clips.
Much like many humans, mushrooms are fans of warmer climates. If your mushrooms experience a temperature that drops below 18°C, chances are the mycelium will enter a state of hibernation. It’s actually very easy to keep your mushrooms within an ideal temperature range, and it doesn’t involve cranking up the central heating all day long. Simple infrared heat mats can be placed under a grow kit and separated by heat-proof objects, such as glass, to boost airflow.
The Zamnesia Magic Truffle Cultivation Set is a great product for psychonauts and cultivators who want to see what diversity the truffle world has to offer. The set contains 3 individual kits inoculated with 3 different species of truffle: Psilocybe mexicana sclerotia, Psilocybe tampanensis sclerotia, and Psilocybe galindoi sclerotia. Mexicana is the most subtle of the 3, and is a good introductory choice. Galindoi is the most abundant producer, and has a medium potency. Finally, tampanensis truffles, also known as philosophers stones, are the most psychoactive of the bunch, yet induce clear-headed experiences.
The truffle kits are very easy to use, and basically require the “set and forget” technique. Place them out of direct sunlight and wait 13–20 weeks after the date of inoculation.
Valhalla magic truffles have to be one of the strongest strains in the world, so much so that they received a 6/5 rating on the Zamnesia strength scale. Valhalla is a fitting name for the potency of these truffles, named after a majestic hall to which slain warriors would arrive after dying in battle. This is a powerful metaphor for the “ego death” that many people report when tripping on psychedelics. Valhalla truffles will induce strong visual hallucinations, new avenues of thought, and new outlooks on life.
Zamnesia’s Psilocybe Dynamic Duo is a pairing of 2 mild truffle varieties that complement each other extremely well. Both Psilocybe mexicana and Psilocybe pajaritos have pleasant and subtle effects that result in feelings of relaxation, giggles, and increase mood. Only very high doses will initiate a full-blown trip. This pair comes together because they work to enhance each other’s happy and creative effects. Doses of 5g of Psilocybe mexicana will offer a slightly altered state of consciousness, with 10g offering a medium-strength trip.
A magic truffle grinder is a valuable tool when preparing for a psychedelic voyage. Magic truffles aren’t well-known for their taste; in fact, they are perceived as rather bitter and unpleasant to most people. Using a grinder to process them almost pre-digests them, making it easier on your digestive tract. Grinding truffles will turn them into a paste that is easier to stomach.
Microdosing is rapidly becoming a popular method to enhance cognitive function, boost attention span, and increase problem-solving abilities. Taking sub-perceptual doses of mushrooms is being employed by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, university students, and many others in order to boost mood and performance.
Zamnesia’s Psychedelic Microdosing Pack contains 6 x 1 gram doses of Psilocybe mexicana truffles. Dosing these truffles once every 3 days for a period of 10 weeks will help you to feel more in touch with your emotions and more sharp in thought and communication.
The legal status of psilocybe mushrooms varies around the world, meaning we cannot ship to all countries. Zamnesia ships to most countries within the EU. For more information about the laws in your country, please check with your local authority.
Cultivating mushrooms is legal in certain parts of the world. Again, for precise information about the laws in your area, check with your local authority.
Zamnesia does not encourage anyone to grow mushrooms or involve in any other activity which may be against the laws of their country.
HOW TO STORE MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Fresh mushrooms usually need to be consumed within 2 days. Some of our fresh truffles, however, can be conserved in their unopened packages in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Fresh mushrooms can be dried and conserved in a vacuum-sealed bag for longer periods of time. For more information, check out our previous article on how to dry magic mushrooms.
Information about Cannabis Seeds
At Zamnesia, we have one thing in common with our customers; a passion for cannabis. Hence, we pride ourselves on providing fast, discreet cannabis seed delivery around the world.
Whether you use cannabis medicinally, recreationally, or simply have a green thumb and love growing the plant, we’re here to give you easy access to the highest quality cannabis seeds from the best strains.
Our seed shop features cannabis seeds from the best seedbanks around the world, including Amsterdam Genetics, Dinafem, Mr. Nice, Sensi Seeds, Royal Queen Seeds and many more.
To see our full selection, start browsing our seed shop now. Otherwise, keep reading to find out a bit more about our products.
"Zamnesia stocks the highest quality cannabis seeds from the best seedbanks around the world"
TYPES OF CANNABIS SEEDS
The Zamnesia Seed Shop contains thousands of cannabis seeds from hundreds of seedbanks. All our seeds are usually divided into the following categories:
• Regular cannabis seeds: These are standard, non-feminized cannabis seeds, designed to let you grow cannabis the way nature intended. That means you may get both male and female varieties, which in turn gives you plenty of freedom on how to use your plants once they’ve matured.
• Feminized cannabis seeds: These are designed to ensure you only sprout female plants, which are treasured for their dank, THC-rich buds. These seeds are perfect for both amateur and pro cultivators alike and take away the hassle of possible growing male plants.
• Autoflowering cannabis seeds: In nature, the flowering time of a cannabis plant varies greatly given it’s grow conditions and, most importantly, light exposure. Our autoflowering seeds are designed to flower with age, making them ideal for cultivators looking to produce multiple harvests a year, as well as amateur growers.
• CBD cannabis seeds: Cannabis is making shockwaves around the world as researchers begin to unveil the huge medical potential of this plant. Studies already show that cannabis and, more accurately, cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBN, and various others, play a huge role in the treatment of epilepsy, autism, refractory pain, and many other conditions. Our CBD cannabis seeds are specially designed to optimize the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in the plant to maximize its medical potential.
All the seeds we stock at the Zamnesia Seed Shop are selected for their quality and the reputation of their producers, meaning you can rest assured that, no matter what seeds you choose, you’ll be growing extremely beautiful plants in no time.
Cannabis seeds vary greatly from strain to strain and seedbank to seedbank, and there is no way of choosing what seeds are the best. To discover the most popular strains at the moment, check out our top ten regular, feminized, autoflowering, and CBD cannabis seeds.
Featuring over 80 seedbanks from all corners of the globe, our seed catalogue has been curated and painstakingly developed by some of the world's greatest cannabis breeders. You will have undoubtedly heard of many of the seedbanks on our list, and on name alone, know them as a provider of the highest quality cannabis on the market. Now you can browse our complete selection and enjoy the specialties they have to offer—remarkable cannabis seeds are only a few clicks away.
Cannabis seeds are legal in a variety of countries around the world. However, some places still uphold strict prohibition laws making it illegal to ship seeds into the country and/or receive seeds in the mail.
Zamnesia ships to most countries within the EU. For more information about the laws in your country, please check with your local authority.
IS IT LEGAL TO GROW CANNABIS?
The legality of growing cannabis varies by country. Again, you should check with your local authorities to ensure you’re up-to-date about the cannabis laws in your area.
Zamnesia does not encourage anyone to grow seeds or involve in any other activity which may be against the laws of their country.
HOW TO PRESERVE/STORE CANNABIS SEEDS
Most of our seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place. However, sudden environmental changes can prove detrimental to the seeds. Here are the most important factors to consider when storing cannabis seeds:
• Humidity: It’s important to remember that cannabis seeds are living organisms. When they’re preserved, they are in a state of rest. However, as soon as the seeds come into contact with humidity, they begin to germinate. Hence, we suggest always storing seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry environment.
• Temperature: Cannabis seeds should be kept at cool temperatures. Hence, we suggest storing them in their containers in the fridge or freezer. Avoid taking them out of this environment until you’re ready to plant them, as constant temperature changes can damage the seeds. When you’re ready to start growing, it is important to acclimatize the seeds inside their container to the temperature in their grow environment.
• Light: Like humidity, light plays a major role in the germination process. Always minimize direct light exposure when preserving/storing your cannabis seeds.
How To Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds
Effective and efficient germination is the building block of successful cannabis cultivation. By giving your chosen cannabis seeds the best start in life, you can dramatically improve the chances of growing resilient, healthy, and high-yielding plants. For a simple explanation of the germination process, you can watch the video underneath. For a detailed breakdown of the entire process, with expert guidance, head to our cannabis grow guide.
Information about Big Buddha Seeds
Considered by many to be one of the best breeders to come out of the UK, Big Buddha has built a reputation for producing the best Cheese strains money can buy. Yet despite this popularity and profound influence on the cannabis market, not too much is actually known about the masters behind the seeds. Here is what we do know:
Big Buddha Seeds is the brainchild of founder Milo Yung, who grew up in British suburbia appreciating the finer points of cannabis from a young age. However, it wasn’t until he was 18 that this passion became fully ignited. With a cutting supplied by a friend, Milo attempted his first indoor grow, and it set in motion cannabis history. From this point, all free time was dedicated to honing skill and growing connoisseur level cannabis. Through work in the industry, and developing contacts, Milo eventually got his hands on an original Cheese clone, one of the most fiercely guarded and exclusive strains of the UK.
Having grown with the clone, and experiencing its quality himself, Milo knew exactly what he had to do – make it available for all the world to enjoy. Thus started Big Buddha Seeds.
Today, Big Buddha have refined and honed their original Cheese into one of the best varieties it is possible to get hold of, also using it to produce a number of top-shelf hybrids. The result is world recognition and many awards – making them well worth any grower’s time.
Big Buddha Seeds take packaging extremely serious. So much so that they have made a custom package producing machine in-house, and its ability to keep cannabis seeds safe is next to none.
Each set of seeds is housed in a shock, temperature, and moisture resistant Buddha, which in turn is carefully sealed in a blister pack along with a playing card that denotes the strain within. The Buddha itself has a resealable head, meaning seeds can be stored in the original packaging while not in use. However, as the Buddha is often transparent, be sure to store it in a dark place.
Big Buddha Seeds’ cannabis seeds are available in quantities of 5, in feminized and automatic varieties.
Awards Big Buddha Seeds
As one of the premier producers of Cheese cannabis seeds, it is no wonder to hear that Big Buddha Seeds have won multiple awards over the years. Here are some of their top strains, and the awards they have won.
Big Buddha Cheese
Awards:
2006 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Indica
2009 420 IC Growers Cup, 5th place for Best Indica
2011 Treating Yourself Expo, 2nd place for Best Indica
One of the most popular strains in the UK, Big Buddha Cheese has an unmistakably pungent taste and aroma that pay homage to its name. A crossing of the original and closely guarded Skunk #1 Cheese with an undisclosed Afghani, this indica dominant beauty grows strong, flowers in 7-9 weeks, produces big yields, and is able to relax the body and mind in its entirety, while uplifting mood.
2006 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Sativa
Blue Cheese combines the dank tones of Big Buddha Cheese with the delightful fruity twists of Blueberry. Both parents are renowned and award-winning in their own right, and their offspring is no different. The combination of these genetics results in a big, bushy beast that produces amble yields in 8-10 weeks. Her bud produces a classic Cheese flavour with a fruity twist, and she induces a functional and extremely euphoric high.
2011 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Overall Strain
2014 Spannabis Champions Cup, 2nd place for Best Indoor Hydro
One of the few 100% indicas still around, Buddha Tahoe is the child of Big Buddha Seeds’ original Tahoe cut of OG Kush. These cannabis seeds are quite literally a bit of living history, and have been selectively bred over the years to exemplify the very best of this OG Kush. With a flowering time of 8-9 weeks, a tangy, lemony flavour, and a deeply relaxing high, there is a lot to love about Buddha Tahoe!
2013 Spannabis Champions Cup, 2nd place for Indoor Hydro
As the name suggests, Blue Cheese Automatic has all the great qualities of the original Blue Cheese, but in an easy to manage, fast growing automatic variety. Able to go from seed to harvest in roughly 10 weeks, Blue Cheese Auto maintains the pungent yet slightly fruity flavour of its namesake, as well as the euphoric and uplifting high. As she is an automatic, she can also be grown multiple times throughout the year – which is sure to put a smile on many grower’s faces.
Serious Seeds are well known for their top-quality cannabis seeds, so we thought we would dedicate a bit of time to find out all about them.
The origins of Serious can be traced back to one man, Simon, breeder and founder of the seed bank. It was back in university in Amsterdam that Simon first laid the foundations for the master breeder he would turn into. He was studying biology, and at this point, he was a non-smoker – due to an aversion to tobacco, and weed being mixed with tobacco as a standard in the Netherlands. However, in 1986 he discovered the wonders of smoking marijuana in a pure form, and his life was changed forever.
From here Simon made it his mission to collect a personal library of cannabis seeds, using a growing number of contacts to obtain rare and interesting varieties. Back in the day, genetic background was not as easy to determine – there was no internet and common knowledge to spread easily. It led to a lot of experimentation, crossing the best specimens that grew from these seeds and using them to supply a personal stash.
Although he was working as a high school teacher at the time, his growing reputation eventually led Alan Dronkers of Sensi Seeds to get in contact, asking Simon to work with them as a breeder. After a while of working with Sensi Seeds, Simon decided to go his own way, working on a few collaborative projects with other breeders that resulted in the infamous classic AK-47 and Chronic.
Eventually, in 1995, he founded his own seed bank and Serious Seeds was born. From here the seed bank went on to become in instant hit, winning multiple awards for such classics as Kali Mist and the aforementioned AK-47 and Chronic. Their bud was stocked throughout Amsterdam within the coffee shops as a customer favourite.
To this day, the focus of Serious Seeds has been on quality. Despite their popularity, Serious Seeds have endeavoured to remain small and dedicated – not focusing on large commercialisation, producing new strains every year, or entering every competition they can. Instead, they have focused their time on what matters, producing and refining one of the best selection of cannabis seeds available.
PACKAGING SERIOUS SEEDS
It’s not just cannabis seeds that Serious Seeds are serious about. They also treat customer care with the utmost of importance. As such, you can rest assured that their seed packaging does the job well. Each set of seeds is sealed in a hard plastic tube to ensure safety. This is then enveloped in a card case, both displaying the strain’s info and keeping the seeds in the dark.
Serious Seeds’ cannabis seeds are available in both regular and feminized varieties, in quantities of 6 for feminized and 11 for regular.
AWARDS SERIOUS SEEDS
When it comes to award-winning cannabis seeds, Serious Seeds are not lacking. And despite not focusing on awards, they still win them none the less. Here are some of their most renowned award-winners, and the awards these cannabis strains actually won.
AK-47
Awards:
• 1999 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place in the Sativa Cup • 2003 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place in the Indica Cup • 2010 Treating Yourself Expo, 2nd place for Best Sativa • 2011 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place in the Hybrid Cup • 2014 Highlife Cup, 2nd place in the Medical Cannabis Cup • 2013 Highlife Cup, 2nd place for Best Bio Grow
Possibly one of the most infamous and widely regarded cannabis strains of all time, AK-47 is a timeless classic of the Serious Seeds range. Also known as the “one hit wonder”, AK-47 packs a strong, relaxing punch. She grows to medium heights, flowers in 53-63 days, and can yield between 350g-500g/m² for the time and effort. Be warned, she is an extremely pungent strain!
• 1994 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Overall Strain • 2003 La Bella Flor Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2004 Highlife Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2004 Highlife Cup, 2nd place for Best Hydro Grow • 2005 El Punto Cup, 2nd place for Best Outdoor Strain
Considered to one of their strongest growers, Chronic has gained a reputation as the high-quality go-to strain for connoisseurs wanting a constant and reliable personal stash. She produces a very sweet flavour, which rolls over into a happy and relaxed high. Chronic grows with many side branches, flowering in 53-63 days, and yielding up to 600g/m². She is an old-school classic worthy of every grower’s attention.
• 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place in the Hydro Cup • 1997 Copa de la Marihuana, 2nd place for Best Overall Strain • 2000 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place in the Sativa Cup • 2002 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place in the Sativa Cup • 2006 La Bella Flor, 3rd place for Best Indoor Strain • 2009 Kent Guerrilla Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Overall Strain • 2012 Cannabis Champions Cup, 1st place for Best Hash
Often referred to as the “Queen of Sativas”, Kali Mist is another old school classic from Serious Seeds that has stood the test of time. She has been used in countless hybrids, and is still a favourite among connoisseurs. Kali Mist is a real resin producer, with nugs becoming coated. She creates a slightly spicy flavour which rolls over into a powerful cerebral high when used. Expect very large yields from this very large plant after 70-90 days of flowering.
• 2003 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place in the Sativa Cup • 2010 Highlife Hemp Fair, 2nd place for Best Outdoor Strain
An outdoor variety of cannabis specifically bred for the cold, but slightly more humid climate of Northern Europe (such as the Netherlands and the UK), Biddy Early is a great top-shelf strain for novices. With high resilience and a fast turnaround, she is the ideal candidate for those looking to hone their skills or try growing in the great outdoors for the first time. When used, she produces a sweet, candy-like flavour and induces a strong and pleasant buzz. She is usually ready by late September when grown outdoors.
• 2013 Expogrow Cup, 3rd place for Best Sativa • 2013 Highlife Cup, 2nd place for Best Bio Strain
Another great outdoor focused strain, Serious 6 combines short flowering times and a resilient combination of Canadian and African genetics to produce a well-rounded grower. She produces a citrusy-spicy aroma, and induces a creative and happy high - thanks to being a near pure sativa. She finishes super early, being ready for harvest by the end of September – ideal for Northern EU climates.
• 1997 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Bio Strain • 2015 Dab a Doo, 3rd Place for Best Solventless Extract • 2016 Dab a Doo, 2nd place for Best Rosin
Warlock is a legend that brings the best of both sativa and indica growing characteristics together – staying short and busy during veg, but producing gigantic nuggets when flowering. Her flavour is often described as being uniquely sweet and earthy at the same time. The high induced is relaxing, but soaring – focusing on cerebral aspects. Warlock has a flowering time of 55-60 days, producing up to 500g/m².
Bubble Gum has won 10 awards over its time. Here are a few:
• 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place for best Overall Strain • 1995 Hydro Cup, 2nd place for Best Overall Strain • 2006 Soft Secrets Magazine, “Plant of the Year”
Often used as a parent for fruity hybrids, Bubble Gum is known as one of the sweetest strains around. When you consider the combination of her fruity-sweet aroma and soaring euphoric high, it quickly becomes easy to tell why she was so popular. Bubble Gum flowers in 56-63 days, yielding up to 450g/m² of prime bud.
• 1996 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Bio Strain • 1997 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place for Best Hydro Strain • 2005 El Punto Cup, 1st Place for Best Indoor Strain • 2013 Highlife Cup, 2nd place for Best Extract
A mostly indica variety, White Russian has become well known for its potent and relaxing effects. She produces very dense, resinous buds that when used, induces a balanced high, launching the mind into euphoria while melting the body. White Russian flowers in 56-63 days, producing up to 500g/m².
Only founded in 2012, Strain Hunters has strong ties with Green House Seeds, being founded by Green House’s Arjan, as well as Franco and Simon. The aim was to create a completely separate seed bank that dedicated itself to hunting down and preserving the many exotic landrace cannabis strains that can be found across the globe.
With these strains in hand, they are then further bred and offered to the wider market so all can experience the very roots of cannabis breeding. They are also refined into feminized, hybrid and autoflowering varieties, showcasing how these original genetics can be harnessed to create some award-winning varieties. In order to keep their catalogue of cannabis seeds accessible, they also keep costs low, ensuring even the greenest novice can sample their high-quality genetics without breaking the bank.
Not only do Strain Hunters hope to bring us some of the more unique and unusual genetics from across the globe, they also spend a lot of time documenting their travels. During this, they explore how cannabis can change lives and benefit society - in an aim to dispel the ignorance that can often go hand in hand with weed.
Strain Hunters make sure that all their cannabis seeds are well packaged to ensure safe delivery to you. Each seed is stored within a DVD case, with the seeds visible through the front behind a protective plastic shield.
Also Included in the case is a DVD documenting the Strain Hunters expeditions, as well as a flavour wheel.
Strain Hunter’s cannabis seeds are available in quantities of 3, in both feminized and autoflowering varieties here at Zamnesia.
Awards Strain Hunters
Although they have only been offering their cannabis seeds to the public for a few years, Strain Hunters have already won awards for their exceptional breeding. So let’s take a look:
Flowerbomb Kush
Awards:
• 2012 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2012 420 Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2013 Copa Canarias, 2nd place for Best Overall Strain
The combination of Green Crack x OG Kush, Flowerbomb Kush is an indica dominant powerhouse with multiple awards under her belt. She is highly productive and able to produce her yields after just 8 weeks of flowering. This combines with strong resilience during growth and some highly resinous bud when it comes to harvest! In terms of yields, Flowerbomb Kush can grow up to 800g/m² indoors (under a 1000w light) or up to 1kg/plant outdoors under optimal conditions. The high she produces is almost narcotic, transporting the mind and body into the depth of relaxation.
• 2013 Expo Grow Irun, 1st place for Best Automatic Strain
Skunk Autoflowering is exactly what it sounds like: a variety of skunk that flowers with time rather than changing photoperiods. It gives growers looking for fast turn arounds, an easy grow, or a strain they can grow multiple times throughout the growing season, the cannabis seeds they require. Reaching up to 120cm in height, Skunk Autoflowering is able to produce up to 800g/m² indoors when grown optimally under a 1000W light, going from seed to harvest in roughly 9 weeks! The flavour and effect are the same as a typical thoroughbred Skunk, having dank, earthy tones, and inducing a mixed mind and body high.
Caboose is an indica dominant hybrid resulting from the combination of Salmon Creek Big Bud x Trainwreck. With such renowned genetics at her back, it is no surprise to find out Caboose has a lot going for her. She is a huge yielder, able to produce up to 900g/m² indoors, or 1kg outdoors, all the while staying short. Caboose’s flavour carries strong floral tones that have a slight earthiness to them. When smoked, she induces a deep, relaxing mind and body stone that is perfect for chilling.
• 2009 Smugglers Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Product • 2010 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place for Best Product
Strain Hunters’ DVD has won some awards itself, attesting to the quality of their supplementary work to help spread knowledge of cannabis, its uses, and dispel its myths. Every pack of seeds comes with this DVD, so there is no missing it!
Kannabia is one of Spain’s first and largest seedbanks, having developed master skills in cannabis breeding over the years. Don’t let their size intimidate you though, Kannabia is all about the grower, and use the feedback they receive to shape the future of both their company and cannabis seeds.
Today, Kannabia have multiple facilities dedicated to cannabis breeding, refinement, and experimentation. It allows them to push their prowess as growers to all-new heights, as they continue to tinker and create exciting varieties of cannabis.
This combination of listening to their customers and self-experimentation has led them to work in all avenues of the cannabis market, giving growers what they want. The result is a huge range of feminized, autoflowering, and CBD-rich cannabis strains, as well as a few award-winners for the trophy case.
Great examples include:
La Blanca – An easy to grow member of the “White” family with big yields, potent cannabinoid content, and a smooth, relaxing high.
Mataró Blue – A highly resinous award-winning cannabis strain, Mataró Blue is one of Kannabia’s flagship strains. Combining Blueberry x Afghani x Black Domina, she is highly sought after for her unique flavour and floating high.
Karamelo – Karamelo is an indica well known for her rapid growth and mouth-watering flavour. She is a highly resilient strain, offering great versatility and generous yields. She has a pretty potent THC content to boot!
Kannabia, one of Spain’s oldest seed banks, take great care with their packaging. All seeds are sent in a two-part container. Firstly, the seeds are housed in a sealed plastic enclosure on a disc clearly stating the strain name. This disc is then inserted into a cardboard sleeve, not too dissimilar to a cd case, and sealed again. The result is slim yet functional packaging ideal for sending people cannabis seeds in!
Once the plastic enclosure in open, it cannot be resealed. As such, it is a good idea to line up some storage for your seeds if you do not intend to use them all at once.
Kannabia cannabis seeds are available in quantities of 3, with feminized and autoflowering varieties on offer.
Awards Kannabia
Over their time growing and breeding cannabis, Kannabia has won multiple awards for their strains. Here is a list of the award-winning cannabis seeds they have on offer:
Mataró Blue
Awards:
• 2012 Treating Yourself Expo, 1st place in the Medical Marijuana Cup
As one of Kannabia’s most popular cannabis strains, Mataro Blue is a show stopper. She is the combination of Blueberry x Mazar-i-Sharif x Black Domina; the result is a hash producing powerhouse capable of yielding up to 600g/m² indoors, or 800g/plant outdoors. Mataro Blue has a flowering time of 58-65 days, and induces an uplifting, floaty mind and body high. Definitely one for the connoisseur!
• 2013 Cannabis Canarias Cup, 3rd place for Best BHO
A true member of the “white” family of cannabis seeds, La Blanca is the combination of Great White Shark x Snow White x White Widow. Her powerful white dominance gives her a Skunky edge, boasting high THC and CBD content, as well as easy growth and fast flowering times. It makes her an excellent all-rounder suited to all levels of growing experience. La Blanca can produce up to 500g/m² indoors or 700g/plant outdoors; she flowers in 60 days indoors, or is ready by the end of September outdoors.
• 2013 Cannabis Canarias Cup, 3rd place for Best Professional Strain
Karamelo is a pure indica with well-rounded traits. She grows fast, is easy to manage, offers generous yields, and induces a potent, relaxing body stone. As the name suggests, she also has a succulent and sweet caramel flavour! In terms of growing traits, Karamelo flowers indoors in 50-55 days, producing up to 500g/m². Outdoors, she can produce up to 600g/plant by the end of September.
• 2012 Treating Yourself Expo, 2nd place in the Medical Marijuana Cup
Kannabia Special is a near 100% indica that has been bred with the beginner grower in mind. She is highly resilient to both novice error and mould, grows fast, is easy to manage, and can produce decent yields. She is the mix of Early Pearl x Skunk x Black Domina, resulting in bud with a subtle fruity flavour and uplifting cerebral buzz. Indoors, Kannabia Special can yield up to 450g/m² after 55-60 days flowering. Outdoors, she can produce up to 600g/plant, finishing around the end of September.
Today, Sensi Seeds is one of the most renowned cannabis seed banks on the planet. Although it all started with one man’s passion for cannabis, the company has grown into a legendary titan over the decades, getting involved in every aspect of the cannabis community. Now they have branches that reach far beyond cannabis breeding, with various aspects of the company specifically dedicated to the advancement of industrial hemp, as well as another dedicated to educating the public on the many benefits cannabis has to offer society – helping dispel the myths perpetuated by the War on Drugs.
Sensi Seeds is more than just a seed company; it is a part of the lifeblood of the cannabis movement. Everything Sensi does is done by putting the plant first.
The history of Sensi Seeds
With this in mind, here is a rundown of Sensi Seed’s history, giving you a glimpse into the core values of this seed bank – one of the first to offer cannabis seeds to the general public.
Sensi Seeds’ story all comes back to Ben Dronkers, the founder of Sensi Seeds. It was back in the 70’s when Dronkers first got into growing cannabis that the insatiable appetite for knowledge took hold. Not only did he start collecting seeds, but he also worked closely with botanists, researchers and even farmers to grasp a better understanding of the plant. Over time, Dronkers concluded that, irrespective of growing skill or care, the core genetic quality of a strain dictated its potential for growth.
With this knowledge firmly in hand, he set about exploring the world, collecting cannabis from across the globe; cataloguing and documenting the particularly impressive examples he found. Everywhere with a rich history of cannabis cultivation, Dronkers visited, and the collection of top-class sativa and indica seeds he brought back home with him in the 80’s would be the foundation of Sensi Seeds’ breeding program. With these, he began to experiment, crossing the various strains he had collected and working to stabilise them into all new varieties of cannabis.
It was around this time that the first wave of US hybrid strains hit the scene, such as Skunk and Haze - and Dronkers was one of three Dutch breeders to get his hands on them. This only skyrocketed his knowledge of breeding and allowed him to further bolster and strengthen his breeding program with all new genetics.
In 1985, Dronkers took his creations and founded the Sensi Seed Club – a club for connoisseurs, and the first iteration of Sensi Seeds. With this, his “hobby” breeding took on another level, and the club worked to centralise their growing, as well as standardise the entire process involved. It led to a need for a newer, bigger area to work with – which is when Dronkers went official, obtaining the facilities required to grow, monitor and document his various cannabis strains with scientific precision. It was the true beginning of the Sensi Seeds we know today.
Of course, the story for Sensi Seeds did not end in the 80’s. It was in 1986 that they first opened up the Sensi Seed Club shop in Amsterdam, supplying their genetics and those from The Seed Bank - a company founded by another Dutch breeder who received the first US hybrid genetics. In 1991, Dronkers bought The Seed Bank, combining the companies and expanding their genetic library even further.
Since then, Sensi Seeds have continued to hunt down world-class genetics and use them to innovate. Such results include Mother’s Finest, Big Bud, Skunk #1, and Master Kush – all renowned favourites among connoisseurs, veterans and novices alike. In 2006, Dronkers was also offered the opportunity to buy the Flying Dutchman seed bank, another of the Dutch originals. This further augmented the Sensi genetic pool and ensured that the Flying Dutchman legacy was maintained.
Today, Sensi Seeds sit in the halls of fame as one of the most responsible, knowledgeable and reputable seed banks there is. They continue to push cannabis breeding to its limits and consistently amaze with the strains they produce. As you can imagine, they have quite a few Cannabis Cups under their belt.
Packaging Sensi Seeds
Sensi Seeds supply all their cannabis seeds with two layers of protection, ensuring safety and quality every time.
Firstly, seeds are housed in a plastic forward surround for added durability. This plastic is attached to the strain card, which details everything you need to know about it, including its general characteristics such as average height, yields and growing time. On the back of the packet, there is a small perforated section of cardboard, giving easy access to the plastic pod the seeds are housed in.
To add extra protection to the seeds, Sensi Seeds take all of the above and then place it in a sealed Sensi Seeds box, ensuring they get to you safe and securely. Sensi Seeds give feminized and automatic seeds different coloured packaging to help easily distinguish between the two types of seeds.
Please note, the Sensi Seeds packaging is not resealable once opened. If you do not intend to use all seeds at the same time, ensure that you have suitable seed storage lined up.
Awards Sensi Seeds
Sensi Seeds have been in the cannabis breeding business for a very long time. So it is probably no surprise to know that they have won numerous awards over the years. Here is a collection of some of the best!
As a list of 100+ awards can be pretty daunting to read, we have put together all of their 1st place wins, so you can see the strains that really shine through.
Super Skunk Auto
Awards:
2012 Highlife Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Autoflowering Strain
Dating back to the 1990’s, Super Skunk has stood the test of time, remaining as popular today as it was back a couple of decades ago. So, for the breeders of Sensi Seeds, it only seemed right to produce an autoflowering variety. Maintaining her short stature and fat buds, Super Skunk Auto will go from seed to harvest in just under 8 weeks. The result is a sweet, dank smoke that induces an instant uplift followed by a gentle, but deep body stone. Perfect for chilling.
2006 Highlife Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain
Early skunk, as the name suggests, has a very fast finishing time, making her an excellent choice for growing outdoors in cooler climates. She will reward you with super-large yields before the frost has a chance to set in. She induces an indica dominant body stone that rides a gentle high. Early Skunk has an indoor flowering time of 55-65 days.
1994 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for both Best Sativa and Best Overall Strain
1990 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for best Sativa
This strain was one of the first US hybrids to hit Europe, and Sensi has refined and perfected it into a complete all-star. It is quite literally the melding of polar opposites, combining the soaring heights of a potent sativa, with the unfathomable depths of a pure indica. The result is a high that does it all, skyrocketing the mind while unwinding the body. To top it all off, Northern Lights #5 x Hazed has a flowering time of 65-75 days and produces some insane yields.
1989 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Indica
An indica dominant strain with an impressive bounty, Big Bud lives up to her name. She is highly versatile, responding well to training and advanced growing techniques, and grows with a stable reliability. Her bud produces a succulent spicy sweet flavour and induces a knockback body stone.
1988 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place – Cultivator’s Choice
2009 AMEC Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain
Soft Secrets Strain of the Year
Skunk #1 by Sensi Seeds is an old-school legend that has helped shape cannabis breeding into what it is today. Many hold her in extremely high regard, and a benchmark for stable, consistent, and high-quality results. She is indica dominant, flowers in 45-50 days, produces large yields, and induces a potent combination of being both stoned and high at the same time – uplifting the mind while relaxing the body.
This 90% indica strain well known throughout the world. She is easy to manage, highly resinous, potent, compact, and fast growing – with a flowering time of 45-55 days. It is a well-rounded combination that has made her a popular with growers of all skill, allowing everyone to achieve top-shelf results.
Shiva Skunk is considered to be one of the most potent skunks available on the market, making her a powerhouse indica. Created from the mix of NL #5 x Sk #1, she was an instant hit upon release to the market and remains just as popular to this day. Expect generous yields of some truly intense bud. Shiva Skunk has a flowering time of 45-55 days.
Aimed at the grower with a limited budget, but still wants to achieve award-winning results, Sensi Skunk covers all the bases. She is easy to grow, vigorous, has a fast flowering time, produces generous yields, and induces a classic skunk body stone. If you want a classic of high calibre, this straightforward Skunk is the one. Sensi Skunk flowers in 45-50 days.
Super Skunk was one of Sensi Seeds first forays into hybrid breeding, combining Skunk #1 with an Afghani resin powerhouse. The result is a skunk that grows with a strong vitality and produces large yields of pungent, potent bud. She should delight novices and connoisseurs alike! Super Skunk flowers in 45-50 days. Expect dank flavours and a deep, couch-locking stone!
Philosopher Seeds is a Spanish seedbank that has made it their goal to produce and revitalise both popular strains, and old forgotten classics. They have been creating new seeds for the market since 2008, but their history and experience goes much further back.
They were founded thanks to a small group of pioneering growers coming together to share the best examples of their work, and pool their experience together to help and support each other in their quest to breed new and interesting strains of cannabis. It has resulted in Philosopher Seeds becoming something of a collective, with each breeder having an equal say on how every strain is developed. This cooperation has been going on since the mid 90’s, and has allowed them to select, cross, stabilise and hone a whole line of premier quality strains.
THE PHILOSOPHER SEEDS MISSION
Having got to know the guys from Philosopher Seeds, we understand the passion behind their work. To us here at Zamnesia, Philosopher Seeds is all about engaging with the cannabis community, and keeping it alive, fresh and invigorated. By striving to continually improve upon old classics, as well as come up with new and exciting combinations that have never been seen before, Philosopher Seeds ensure the cannabis seed market never becomes stale for their fans. They exemplify the power of experimentation, and the willingness to do so.
THE PHILOSOPHER SEED LINES
Philosopher Seeds have multiple lines of cannabis seeds within their catalogue, each encapsulating a different theme.
CLASSIC LINE
The CLASSIC Line, as the name suggests, contains all of Philosopher Seeds’ tried and tested masterworks. All of which have years of dedicated breeding under their belt.
AUTO LINE
The AUTO Line of cannabis seeds was created in conjunction with the famous Dr. Magnesio to produce some out of this world, 8th generation auto-hybrids. They are so stable that they are now being used as the base for philosopher Seeds’ future auto hybrids, so expect more greatness from this line sometime soon.
GOLO LINE
Probably the most interesting line from the Philosopher Seeds catalogue, the GOLO Line of cannabis seeds has been created in conjunction with the breeders at Reggae Seeds - taking the best of both groups’ genetics, and see what can be produced. The main focus of this collaboration has been to produce new strains of cannabis with unrivalled tastes and aromas, but the high CBD ratio of many of Reggae Seeds’ strains has resulted in hybrids that also hold a lot of potential medical value. It once again shows Philosopher Seeds’ willingness to engage with other breeders, and experiment with what is on offer.
PACKAGING FROM PHILOSOPHER SEEDS
Philosopher seeds have continued their reputation for great quality right up to their seed packaging. Each pack of seeds comes in a secure protective metal tin to hold the seed capsules. The seed capsules themselves are sturdy, thick, and padded with a wedge of interior foam to ensure the cannabis seeds remain secure and safe.
Each capsule is also filled with moisture absorbing balls, to help keep the seeds in a fresh and optimal condition as they are transported to you.
All cannabis strains from Philosopher Seeds are available in packs of 5 seeds. Their mix packs contain different strains and are available in packs of 4-12 seeds. All cannabis seeds from Philosopher Seeds are feminized.
AWARDS PHILOSOPHER SEEDS
In the few years that Philosopher Seeds has been sharing their finely tuned and well-bred creations with the world, they have won some well-deserved awards. It has established them as a seedbank of pedigree, excellence, and thriving potential. Below are the award winning works of Philosopher Seeds.
Award: M.F. Association Cannabis Cup, 2012 - 3rd prize in the Indoor-Bio category
Black Bomb, as the name suggests, is explosive. And not just in effect either, Black Bomb offers growers high resilience, easy growth, generous yields, a two-month flowering time, and high versatility when it comes to more advanced growing techniques – making it well suited to both novice and veteran.
The bud produced is extremely potent, with a high THC content that induces a relaxing, indica focused body stone. It also produces a lot of resin, making it ideal for hash production. The flavour of Black Bomb has both sweet and earthy elements, making it an instant classic, and favourite of those who prefer a more old school taste.
Award: ExpoGrow Cannabis Cup, 2012 - 3rd prize in the Best Sativa category
Amnesika 2.0 is a sativa dominant beast that is well deserving of its award. It is the result of masterfully crossing Amnesia Haze with a Skunk, and offers new take on the traditional Haze Strain flavour – which is both nutty and sweet. The high is mainly cerebral in nature, motivating and energising, without overpowering – making it a great get-up-and-go strain.
Despite being sativa dominant, Amnesika 2.0 has a flowering time of roughly eight weeks, and is extremely easy to grow. The only thing worth considering is space – being sativa dominant means the plant can get quite big! If you love sativas, then this is a champion to try.
Award: Spannabis Champions Cup, 2011 - 3rd prize in the Best Resin category
K13-Haze is a compact sativa dominant beauty, which, as the award suggests, is well suited to those who love high-quality resin. It is the result of breeding Yumbolt with Kali Mist, and brings the best of the two together. K13-Haze is particularly easy to grow, has a flowering time of roughly eight weeks, and can produce yields of up to 600g/m².
When smoked, K13-Haze produces a tropical, citrus flavour, with incense undertones - which become stronger the longer K13-Haze is cured. In terms of effects, expect a head soaring sativa head rush that energises, uplifts, and focuses.
To really understand the passion behind Barney’s Farm, you need to travel right back to the 1980’s, when Derry, the owner, set out to travel the world in search of landrace genetics. This journey of genetic discovery took him across Asia and the Middle East, visiting places that are now famously known for their grassroots strains, such as Afghanistan, Tibet, Pakistan, India and Thailand – to name but a few.
With his new catalogue of landrace strains in hand, Derry traversed his way up into the Himalayas, where he spent three years with a group of like-minded individuals cultivating and cross breeding all of the seeds he had obtained. With these, a selection of the best phenotypes was picked – for their THC content, aroma and exquisite taste. They were then backcrossed, to stabilise them even further.
Although extensive, this was just the beginning. In 1992, Derry returned to Amsterdam and took over Barney’s Coffee Shop. Using the seeds he had bred in the Himalayas, Derry quickly turned Barney’s farm into an organisation of experimentation and quality. It led to a fast and furious rise to fame, with Barney’s Farm being regarded as being home to some of the finest breeders and genetics in the world. People travel from far and wide to visit their shop in Amsterdam, and few leave disappointed. That original passion and willingness to experiment persists to this day, with Barney’s farm continually releasing new and exciting strains of all types for us to enjoy – there is a reason they win so many Cannabis Cups!
PACKAGING
Barney’s Farm packaging has been specially designed to keep cannabis seeds safe from impact and humidity no matter where they are being sent. However, Barney’s packaging is the type that can only be opened once, and not resealed, so if you have more seeds than you are using, it is a good idea to have storage lined up.
Each pack of Barney’s Farm cannabis seeds contains 5 or 3 seeds.
AWARDS Barney's Farm
Barney’s Farm is a seed bank with a lot of experience and high-quality genetics under their belt. As such, it is no surprise to know they have won many international awards, including over 40 cannabis cups. To give you a look at some of the best they have to offer, here are all the strains that have won a first place award at the Cannabis Cup.
Cookies Kush
Awards:
2014 Cannabis Cup, 1st place for best overall strain
Combining the famous Girl Scout Cookies with OG Kush, Cookies Kush is a master blend of potency, flavour, and strong growing traits. She can produce in excess of 600g/m² in just 50-60 days of flowering. Combine this with her earthy, spicy flavour and her heavy knockout stone, and you get a good idea of why she is a winner!
2011 Cannabis Cup, 1st place for best overall strain
Liberty Haze remains an Amsterdam favourite, drawing in people from across the globe wanting to sample her delights. She combines a beautifully floral, refreshing citrusy aroma with a THC content of 25%. The result is an immediate head rush that keeps on going, lifting the mind to soaring heights - allowing it to rest there for a long time before gently bringing it back down to Earth.
2010 Cannabis Cup, 1st Place for best overall strain
This indica dominant hybrid is the mix of G13 x Afghan x Neville’s A5 Haze. It is a combination that gives her large yields of very powerful bud, as well as a short stature and quick flowering times. As the name suggests, her bud is sweet, fruity and tantalising, inducing deep relaxation.
At the time of its conquest at the cannabis cup, Acapulco Gold was hailed as one of the most important leap forwards in sativa genetics, and a benchmark for all future sativas to follow. This all-star is able to uplift the mind while soothing the body into a deep and relaxing stone.
Pineapple Chunk is the complex mix of Pineapple x Skunk #1 x Cheese. She displays extreme resistance, making her a vigorous and stable grower. As you can imagine, Pineapple Chunk combines the power and flavour of her three parents, creating a pungent skunky flavour that has smooth undertones of pineapple. She has a very potent THC content mixed with a high CBD content; the result is an extremely relaxing and heavy body stone.
Taking it right back to the roots of cannabis genetics, Utopia Haze was bred from an exemplary Brazilian landrace strain, capturing the true essence of a powerhouse sativa. Thanks to her wild genetics, she boasts a high resilience to pests, mould and disease. She has a classic sativa flavour, mixing mint and citrus tones into a powerful and uplifting smoke. Expect a long lasting cerebral buzz.
2007 Cannabis Cup, 1st place for best overall strain
G13 Haze combines G13 and Hawaiian genetics to create a renowned and exotic strain well suited to the temperate European climate. She can produce between 500-600g/m² and has a flowering time of 70-80 days. The bud itself induces an intense cerebral high that will have your mind lost in the clouds.
Combining Amnesia Haze x Lemon Skunk, Amnesia Lemon by Barney’s Farm takes the citrusy power of a classic sativa, and pushes it to the limit. She takes all of the loved traits of Amnesia Haze, and combines them with the added potency and resilience of Lemon Skunk. The result is a cannabis strain with generous yields, a clear potent high, and a flavour like no other.
Top Dawg is a hybrid cannabis strain created from a mix of Mexican and Afghan genetics. The result is an easy to manage plant that grows with vigour. In terms of growing traits, Top Dawg tends to reach heights of 100cm, and can produce up to 400g/m² of pungent, pineapple tinged bud. The effects she induces is a moderately strong mixed mind and body high.
2001 Cannabis Cup, 1st place for best overall strain
Sweet Tooth by Barney’s Farm is a multiple award winner that enjoyed a quick rise to infamy back in the early 2000’s. Created from a mix of Afghani x Nepalese x Hawaiian genetics, Sweet Tooth lives up to her name, boasting irresistible flavour and resin covered nugs. She induces a soothing high, working her way through the body and instilling complete relaxation.
A mix of Critical Mass x OG Kush, Critical Kush is a powerful strain that captures the essence of California grown cannabis. She is a hardy plant, with the ability to yield in excess of 600g/m² after 50-60 days of flowering. The high induced, as you would expect, is a heavy stoned effect, riding citrusy and earthy flavours.
Malana Hash Plant and ruderalis were combined to create this autoflowering powerhouse. She goes from seed to harvest in roughly 80 days, producing yields of rich and exotic bud. When used, she induces a medium strength body stone, helping the user relax without overwhelming them.
With origins dating back to the ‘70s, Dutch Passion is one of the Netherlands’ oldest seedbanks; and this experience can be easily seen in the quality of their seeds. The team boasts many years spent honing their skills and refining world-class genetics, resulting in numerous award-winning strains.
Their story starts back in 1972, when Henk van Dalen, the founder of Dutch Passion, first began growing cannabis to meet his own personal requirements for high-quality bud. With formal academic training in biology, as well as in the pharmacology and effects of psychedelics, Henk utilised his knowledge to push his cannabis plants to the limit.
At the time, people in the Netherlands had to rely on imported weed if they wanted good quality. Henk aimed to change this, and through his network of contacts, he slowly started making a name for himself as a home-grown breeder of top-shelf cannabis.
Eventually, Henk saw his breeding become more and more in-demand. So in 1987, he founded the Dutch Passion Seed Company. His goal was to make great genetics available for people to grow at home, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits of top-grade cannabis and control how it is grown from seed to harvest.
It is a philosophy that has persisted to this day, and has shaped Dutch Passion into the titan it is now. We are always taken aback by the love with which they talk about their seeds whenever we meet them; they continue to innovate and experiment with genetics, producing marvels of the cannabis world. As a testament to their prowess, Henk was awarded the first ever High Times “Dutch Master” award back in 2011, in recognition of his significant contribution to the cannabis community, and breeding as a whole.
Dutch Passion ships all seeds in their own brand of unique packaging. In the past, seeds were placed within a small paper envelope that detailed the information about the strain held within. Although appreciated by some growers, many found the packaging to be insufficient when it came to protecting seeds.
As such, Dutch Passion has introduced new, small metal tins, containing an envelope holding the precious seeds. The tin helps protect the seeds from potential damage during transit, and the envelope is now outfitted with moisture-retention capabilities to keep seeds in the best possible condition.
Cannabis seeds by Dutch Passion are available in quantities of 3 in both feminized and autoflowering varieties.
Awards Dutch Passion
Indicative of their breeding expertise, Dutch Passion has won many awards for their cannabis strains over the years. Here is a list detailing all of the award-winners they have produced, as well as what they won.
Mazar
Awards:
• 1999 High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd place for Best Overall Strain • 2002 High Life Cup, 2nd place for Best Overall Strain • 2008 Tip Forte, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2014 Soft Secrets Magazine, Plant of the Year
A classic from the ‘80s, Mazar is a cross of Skunk #1 x Afghani. The result is one of Dutch Passion’s most renowned strains, and is synonymous with high quality. Her genetics were revitalised back in 1997 to add a refined nature that can still be experienced today. Mazar induces a deep and relaxing body stone that also lowers the mind into comfortable bliss. She exhibits a toughness and vigour that make her a great choice for novice growers. Mazar grows with a short, Christmas tree-like stature, flowering in 8–9 weeks and producing very generous yields.
• 2009 Copa Del Plata, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2011 Masters Córdoba, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2011 Masters Córdoba, 2nd place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2011 Copa del Mar, Champion Award • 2012 Copa Río de Janeiro, Highest Potency Award • 2012 Copa Río de Janeiro, Most Flavour Award • 2012 Copa Cannabiscafé, Highest Potency Award • 2013 Copa Del Plata, 2nd place for Best Indoor Strain • 2014 Copa C.A.B.A., 2nd place for Best Indoor Strain
With genetics hailing from South Africa, Desfrán is the crossing of two exemplary specimens of Destroyer. The result is one of Dutch Passion’s most decorated strains, blowing minds the world over. She is a 100% sativa plant, taking up plenty of space in the grow room and melting the mind with a potent sativa uplift. Expect a euphoric high that lifts the mind clear out of the body, combined with a sweet, fruity, caramel flavour. Desfrán needs a lot of room to flourish; however, if you have the space, you will be rewarded with large amounts of resin-coated nuggets after just 9–10 weeks of flowering. She is a winner for any sativa-lover out there.
• 2008 High Life Holland, 1st place for Best Overall Strain
A mix of Super Skunk x Purple Star, Frisian Dew is one of the most gorgeous outdoor varieties around. She produces mystifying shades of purple as she flowers, becoming coated in a layer of resin that glistens in the sun. As a 50/50 hybrid, Frisian Dew induces a mixed high, uplifting the mind as it relaxes the body. Frisian Dew displays more than just good looks; she is highly resistant to mould and grows with a healthy vigour. Her flowering time is roughly 7–8 weeks, producing extra-large yields. Although she can be grown indoors, it is outdoors that she truly flourishes.
• 2000 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2001 High Times Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Overall Strain
Hailed as the original Blueberry, Dutch Passion has produced a cult-classic with fruity and sumptuous flavours. She is a bit of a fussy feeder, and thus, better-suited to a more experienced hand; but if you put in the time and effort, you are rewarded with connoisseur-grade bud that both tantalises the tongue and relaxes the body. Blueberry has a flowering time of roughly 9 weeks, producing medium yields.
• C.A.B.A. Cup 5th Edition, Best Weed and Best High Indoor Awards
A Dutch coffeeshop favourite, White Widow is a wildly popular strain that has stood the test of time. Dutch Passion’s variety of White Widow has been bred to emphasise the most desirable traits of this strain, making her stable, consistent, and easy to grow. As such, this classic is just as suited to the novice grower as it is the veteran. White Widow induces a sky-rocketing high, uplifting the user into euphoria. White Widow is easy-going, flowers in 8 weeks, and can produce very generous yields. The perfect choice for anyone wanting to try out a timeless classic.
Passion #1 is a legendary Californian indica that has remained a favourite of many outdoor growers over the years. Not only is she stable and easy to grow; if planted early in the season, she can reach up to 3.5m by the time harvest comes around. As you can imagine, that comes with some pretty significant yields! She induces an energetic and uplifting buzz that follows up with a deep and relaxing stone. With a flowering time of 6 weeks, indoor growers can take advantage of some super bud—as long as you have the space to grow her!
Dating back to 1997, Power Plant sent waves through the cannabis market upon its release, becoming an instant hit among growers. As the name suggests, she is all about raw power, outputting large yields and potent effects. Her aroma has a fresh, piney quality to it, with her smoke also having a slightly sweet aftertaste. The high induced is one of smooth uplift—energising, motivating, and inspiring the user. With a little too much, she tips over into a couch-lock of cerebral euphoria. Flowering in 8 weeks and producing extra-large yields, she is a sativa-dominant beauty worth any grower’s time and energy.
Based just outside sunny Barcelona, Royal Queen Seeds is a premier seed bank rapidly growing in popularity. It actually started out life in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam, where an RQS shop can still be found. After spending years growing and breeding cannabis seeds in the Dutch climate, the founders of Royal Queen Seeds decided it was time to share their creations with the world, helping spread high-quality genetics throughout Europe.
With time, the popularity of the Royal Queen Seeds strain spread, gaining a momentum that even they did not expect. It has allowed them to expand and continue to develop world-class genetics to this very day.
The focus of the Royal Queen Seeds line initially started out on feminized seeds, ensuring that their customers were guaranteed female plants. This includes such classics as Special Queen 1, Special Kush 1, and even an award-winning variety of Amnesia Haze.
In recent years, their research and development has branched out a bit more, first into autoflowering cannabis strains, followed more recently by a drive to develop potent CBD strains. It has led to a number of award-winning creations, such as Royal dwarf on the autoflowering side of things, and Euphoria on the CBD side.
Without a doubt, Royal Queen Seeds have solidified their position as one of the great seed banks of Europe.
Packaging Royal Queen Seeds
The Royal Queen Seeds packaging design combines concise style with seeds safety. Each seed is individually housed within a secure plastic blister pack, which is then surrounded by a sealed cardboard exterior – displaying the strain’s name.
As the seeds are contained in a blister pack, each seed can be removed individually, allowing any remaining seeds to stay safe in their packaging until you are ready to use them.
Royal Queen Seeds blister packs of seeds are offered in quantities of 1, 3, 5, or 10 seeds.
All Seeds produced by RQS are feminized.
Awards Royal Queen Seeds
Royal Queen Seeds have developed a reputation for producing world-class genetics. As such, it is only fitting that their cannabis strains have won various awards over the years. To help you check out some of the best they have to offer, we have put together a list of their award winners.
Amnesia Haze
Awards:
• 2004 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2012 High Times Sativa Cup, 1st place for Best Sativa Strain
Taken from the original Amnesia Haze line, Royal Queen Seeds have continued to hone and perfect this already renowned lineage. Indoors, she can grow to 1.2m, producing anywhere up to 650g/m² under the right condition. Outdoors, she will tower a bit higher, producing up to 700g per plant – although she does need a warmer climate to thrive in an outdoor setting. The bud produced is phenomenal, as you would expect of an award-winning strain; expect a skyrocketing cerebral high that blows your mind right out of your body, combined with a connoisseur level flavour – mixing pine with citrusy notes.
Another classic of the cannabis world, Northern Light is a cannabis strain with worldwide reputation for excellence and an ultimately relaxing stone. The actual genetic background of the Northern Light line is murky, said to be the result of an Afghan indica with 12 different phenotypes, each bred and interbred with each other to produce the Norther Light varieties we have seen throughout the years. One thing is for sure, though; this award-winning specimen of Northern Light personifies everything cherished about the line. Expect manageable height, resilience, and high resin production, followed through with a knock-out high.
Royal Moby is a sativa dominant hybrid that grows into a leviathan of a plant – hence its name. She is a Spanish twist on a Dutch classic, producing a potent psychoactive high and pleasant body buzz. She also has a short flowering time of just 9-10 weeks, making her a preferable option for those who love sativa genetics, but don’t like the wait usually associated with them. Indoors, Royal Moby can reach heights of 2m and produce up to 600g/m², outdoors, she can tower up to 3m and produce up to 1000g/plant of award-winning bud!
Back in the pioneering 70’s, a couple of breeders set out to create a Haze that not only personified everything loved about the Sativa, but also included the quick flowering times of an indica. It took a lot of trial and error with some very high-quality genetics, but eventually the combination of Haze x Skunk x Northern Light managed it, producing Shining Silver Haze. The Royal Queen Seeds variety stays true to the origins, offering the same great flavour and instant cerebral high. She flowers in 9-10 weeks and can produce up to 650g/m². Expect super sweet flavour and classic Haze high. A remarkable award-winner!
White Widow is one of the big names of the cannabis world. It is a strain that has sired thousands of different hybrids and remains a Dutch favourite to this day. A true legend. The Royal Queen Seeds variety is a feminized descendant of the original White Widow, maintaining and refining the quality on offer. She grows up to 1m tall and can produce 500g/m² indoors, or reach heights of 2m and produce up to 600g/plant outdoors. Her award-winning bud produces an uplifting and happy head high, combined with a clean and crisp flavour.
Euphoria is an award-winning CBD focused strain with an extremely potent content. With a genetic background tracing back to Juanita la Lagrimosa, Euphoria is one of Royal Queen Seeds’ crowning triumphs in the CBD market, able to produce a CBD content of 10%, with a THC content of roughly 9%. The result is an extremely functional high that won’t lock you down. Ideal for those wanting large amounts of CBD, without an overwhelming THC content to go with it.
Royal Dwarf is one of Royal Queen Seeds’ flagship award-winning autoflowering cannabis strains. It focuses on simple and high-quality results in a lightning quick time. As the name suggests, Royal Dwarf is a small plant, growing extremely short and compact (up to 60cm tall). However, she is still able to put out a reasonable yield of up of 60g per plant – which is pretty generous considering she goes from seed to harvest in just 8-9 weeks! Her small stature makes her an excellent choice for stealth growing, and her Skunk heavy genetics make for a very pleasant and relaxing smoke. An all-round auto superstar!
Love the great flavour and high of Northern Light, but want it in an easy to manage auto package? You are not the only one, and Royal Queen Seeds have obliged. Northern Lights Automatic packs all of the award winning traits of her namesake into an easy to grow auto variety. She goes from seed to harvest in 9-10 weeks, produces an average yield of 90g per plant indoors, and maintains a relatively small size of 90-120cm. The yields produced have the classic crisp, sweet flavour of the original Northern Light, combined with its relaxing physical stone.
As the name suggests, Royal Haze Automatic captures all of the greatness of a quality Haze, in an autoflowering variety. Haze strains continue to dominate the cannabis market, and Royal Haze Automatic is no different when it comes to autos. She grows up to 1m tall, goes from seed to harvest in 10-12 weeks, and can produce up to 180g/plant! The high induced is the instant cerebral head rush that often goes hand in hand with Haze strains, creating feelings of happiness and euphoria. It makes her ideal for anyone who loves haze strains, but wants to avoid the high maintenance and long flowering times of her non-auto varieties.
The creation of Dinafem was a process of love and passion. Yet, it is one that took many years, as the team behind it took their time to ensure everything was done exactly right.
Before Dinafem even became a hope and dream, the breeders had spent years working together to grow and enjoy some of the most iconic cannabis strains of the time. Through their shared love and experience, they eventually came to a point where they wanted to share their expertise and passion with the world.
It wasn't a case of jumping straight into the cannabis seed market, though. In autumn of 2002, they decided to start laying the groundwork for the company they envisioned. They dedicated a full year to finding suitable growing facilities, researching the finer aspects of large-scale cannabis care, producing stable feminized seeds, and undergoing a rigorous selection process to find the perfect male and female plants to start up their seed lines.
All of their hard work came to a head in 2003, when they successfully bred their first strain, the illustrious Power Kush. It wasn’t long until they produced this strain in a feminized variety, cementing their skill as a new, up-and-coming breeder.
It was in 2005 that Dinafem became an official company, ready to open its doors to the public. They became the first Spanish seedbank to offer their own varieties of feminized seeds, eventually adding Moby Dick, Blue Widow, and Critical+ to their lineup. At the time, these strains were not well-known, but quickly established themselves as rivals to the "Dutch legends".
In the years that followed, Dinafem has worked to refine their existing strains, as well as combine them in new and interesting ways, introducing new genetics into their pool and producing many of the exciting cannabis varieties we love today.
Around the end of 2009, Dinafem's reputation had grown to the point where they could consider themselves amongst the best, holding themselves up as an international cannabis seedbank renowned for producing unique and high-quality seeds. By the end of 2010, they had introduced 10 new cannabis strains to their catalogue.
They have since continued to innovate, adding a range of autoflowering strains to their lineup, as well as well as branching out into high-CBD strain development.
Dinafem started from humble origins; a group of anonymous cultivators coming together to share a passion. That passion persists to this day, and can be seen throughout the way the entire company operates. There is a reason they have risen to such renown. They are a seedbank with the sole pleasure of growing in mind. To attest to this, Dinafem has won the Best Seed Bank award at both Spannabis Malaga 2015 and Expogrow 2013!
If you are looking for some strains of theirs to try out, we highly recommend Critical+, OG Kush, and Blue Widow!
Packaging Dinafem
When it comes to ensuring the customer has the best experience possible, Dinafem is on it! This carries over into their packaging, which has been painstakingly optimised to ensure cannabis seeds stay safe and secure both in storage and on their way to you.
To begin with, Dinafem houses their seeds in a resealable plastic tube. First, the seeds are placed in the tube, held at the bottom in a narrow point to ensure movement is kept to a minimum. Next goes in a breathable sponge to keep the seeds padded, followed by moisture beads to ensure humidity stays at an optimal level.
This tube is then placed in a circular, metal pop-tin, further adding to the seed’s protection. It is truly grade-A packaging, and as it is re-sealable—you don’t need to plant all seeds at once!
Dinafem cannabis seeds can be purchased in quantities of 3.
Awards Dinafem
Being one of Spain’s premier cannabis seedbanks, it probably comes as no surprise that Dinafem has won multiple awards for their tireless efforts in breeding. Here are their strains that now wear a few medals around their necks.
Cheese Autoflowering
Awards:
• 2014 Expo Grow, 1st place for Best Solventless Extract
Bringing together an original Cheese specimen with the power of Critical+ Auto, Cheese Autoflowering retains the much-loved flavour of the original Cheese, but offers a slightly higher CBD content, altering the high to be even more relaxing. Being an auto, she will go from seed to harvest in 70 days, usually producing 40–135g/plant.
• 2013 Expo Grow, 1st place for Best Sativa • 2012 Expo Grow, 1st place for Best Sativa
As the name suggests, Original Amnesia is Dinafem’s version of an all-time classic. Regarded as one of the most legendary strains to ever grace the market, Original Amnesia offers a fresh, citrusy flavour and a skyrocketing high. She flowers over 65 days and can produce up to 600g/m² indoors. Outdoors, she can pump things to the max, yielding up to 1200g/plant!
• 2015 Expo Grow, 1st place for Best Indica • 2015 Spannabis, 3rd place for Best Indoor Bio
This indica dominant hybrid is the mix of G13 x Afghan x Neville’s A5 Haze. It is a combination that gives her large yields of very powerful bud, as well as a short stature and quick flowering times. As the name suggests, her bud is sweet, fruity and tantalising, inducing deep relaxation.
• 2013 Treat Yourself Expo, 3rd place for Best Indica
Blending the genetics of Blueberry x White Widow, Blue Widow brings sweet flavours and a deep, dank body stone to the table, which also eases the mind. She grows with an extreme and healthy vigour, making her easy for novices to grow. Blue Widow flowers over 50–55 days, offering a bounty of up to 525g/m² indoors or 1100g/plant outdoors.
• 2010 Canarian Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Overall Strain
Critical Jack combines the large yields of Critical+ with the prestige and heritage of Jack Herer. The result is a well-balanced and potent strain, offering all-round resilience, easy growth, and a pleasurable high. Expect a long-lasting cerebral high, accompanied by a woody, spicy flavour. Critical Jack flowers over 70 days, offering yields of up to 625g/m² indoors or 1200g/plant outdoors.
• 2015 Copa Cannabis, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain
Bubba Kush is an indica-dominant beast derived from a Pre-98’ Bubba Kush. Just like her parent, she packs a lot of power, inducing a knock-back stoned effect. This isn’t to say she is not manageable, but she can get you where you want to go very fast! She is a vigorous plant, especially when given a warm climate to thrive in. For your time and effort, Bubba Kush can produce up to 500g/m² indoors, or up to 800g/plant outdoors after 60–65 days of flowering—pretty awesome for a strain that is mostly indica!
• 2009 Canarian Cannabis Cup, 3rd place for Best Overall Strain
Named after the mythical leviathan, Moby Dick lives up to the reputation of her namesake, producing some gigantic yields. A combination of White Widow and an Original Haze (two Dutch classics), Moby Dick is hailed as one of Dinafem’s most psychoactive strains. It makes her an ideal choice for cerebral high lovers. Moby Dick takes roughly 63—70 days to flower, and can produce up to 650g/m² indoors or a whopping 1500g/plant outdoors.
Who has not heard of Super Silver? Seen as a granddaddy of the Haze world, Super Silver packs a classically potent cerebral high with an unforgettable spicy taste and aroma. Expect to have your mind launched clear out of your body with this bad boy. To top it all off, Super Silver is capable of producing up to 1400g/plant outdoors, offering some very substantial yields!
Greenhouse Seeds is seen as one of the most successful seed banks of all time, winning numerous awards, and producing multiple world renowned strains of cannabis seeds. Much of this fame is thanks to the Arjan, the owner and cofounder of Greenhouse Seeds, and co-explorer/hunter of Strain Hunters. It is through his continued work to discover, breed, and experiment with landrace strains that Green House Seeds was able to build such a reputation for itself. And he has now been at it for over 25 years.
Often dubbed the King of Cannabis, Arjan has taken a personal and vested interest in ensuring that the seeds on offer at Greenhouse Seeds cover a wide range of traits and features. This means there is something for everyone at Greenhouse Seeds, no matter if you are an indica or a sativa lover, grow indoors or outdoors, or simply want an auto strain - you will be able to find seeds suited to you.
Working through their associated company, Strain Hunters, Greenhouse Seeds has also dedicated itself to furthering the cannabis cause, campaigning for the end to prohibition and aiming to preserve rare landrace strains. In Arjan’s Words:
“When I was just 17 years old I met an old wise man. He looked me in the eyes and gave me a cannabis seed. He told me that the cannabis plant can be so powerful to overthrow governments, and to change the planet. Ever since, my goal in life has been to legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, for everybody. Taxes and regulation will create a safer world for our children, a world with less crime, better public health and a solid economy. I am humbled and proud to be helping this green revolution, because those who have history will shape the future”.
Greenhouse Seeds packaging
Greenhouse Seeds’ packaging is both stylish and practice, ensuring that any seeds obtained from them are held and transported both safely and securely. The “genetic disk” design is Greenhouse Seeds Signature, and displays all of the basic information about the cannabis seeds within.
Whilst sturdy, Greenhouse Seeds’ packaging is designed to only be opened once, and is not re-sealable. If you get more seeds than you intend to use in one go, ensure you have a suitable storage solution lined up to keep your seeds safe.
Greenhouse Seeds’ cannabis seeds come in packs of 3, 5 or 10 seeds. Mixed packs come with coloured seeds, so you will know exactly which seed is which strain.
Awards Greenhouse Seeds
With over 100 awards to their name, Greenhouse Seeds are one of the most decorated and celebrated seed banks out there. It is helped them spread their name and become one of the largest seedbanks of today’s cannabis seed market.
As a list of 100+ awards can be pretty daunting to read, we have put together all of their 1st place wins, so you can see the strains that really shine through.
Super Lemon Haze
Awards:
2013 Expogrow-Irún, 1st place for Best Sativa
2012 Seattle Medical Cup, 1st place for Best Sativa
2009 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain & Best Sativa
2008 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain
One of Greenhouse Seeds’ most recognisable and iconic strains, Super Lemon Haze is a multiple award winning behemoth. Its well balanced and finely tuned genetics induce a mixed mind and body high, and its smoke produces an intense lemony flavour that has become a trademark of the strain.
Cheese is an old-school classic that still remains popular to this day. Its high yields, pungent aroma, and potently couch locking high makes this indica dominant beauty well deserving of its awards.
Exodus Cheese is an extremely popular UK take on the famous Cheese strain. Whilst not the easiest to grow, it rewards growers ten-fold for their effort with some of the dankest, pungent bud around.
1999 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain
1998 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain & Best Hydro
1997 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Hydro
A highly sought after sativa dominant hybrid, Super Silver Haze has stood the test of time, winning multiple awards over the last decade. It is the mix of Skunk, Northern Light, and Haze, packs all of the power you would expect from these three well known varieties.
2006 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain
Arjan’s Ultra Haze #1 is an extremely peaceful and chill strain, ideal for relaxation and reflection. Its mellow nature is not to be underestimated though – it has all of the power where it counts.
2005 High Life Festival, 1st place for the Super Cup & Best Hydro
Whilst Great White Shark has a modest, but respectable 14% THC, it is able to boast a CBD content of 1.7%. This not only makes it a great strain for chilling, but also appealing to those who want more from their cannabis.
1998 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Bio
A mixture of Haze, Super Skunk, and White Widow, El Niño is as potent as its genetics sound. It grows it to a short busy little number that produces bud with a THC percentage of roughly 21%. It results in a very smooth, sociable experience.
1996 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Hydro
NL5 Haze Mist is a sativa dominant resin factory. Its buds are so big, potent and sticky that anyone interested in top quality hash need look no further. The mix of the original NL5 with a Haze x Skunk x Kali mist crossing, NL5 Haze Mist is an example of Old-school genetics at their best.
1995 High Times Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain & Best Bio
White Widow is an Amsterdam favourite to this say. And that is saying a lot considering how old the strain is. It is an absolute classic, and must have for anyone who wants a bit of living history. It’s high yielding, potent, flavourful, easy to grow, and has an unforgettable high. A complete all-star!
These are but a few of the many awards filling Greenhouse Seeds’ trophy cases. It is a testament to the seed bank, and hopefully gives you a few ideas for strains to try!
Information Sweet Seeds
Sweet Seeds is a Spanish cannabis seed bank with a lot of breeding prowess. Through the release of three reliable and consistent feminized strains back during their founding in 2005, they managed to help turn the public perception of feminized seeds around, showing Europe they had value. Until then, many feminized seeds produced hermaphrodites, and were largely shunned by the community.
The three strains in question were Black Jack, S.A.D., and Sweet Tai, and are still considered popular classics to this day, winning multiple awards over the years.
It was smart thinking and skilled breeding like this that allowed them to send shockwaves through the market, cementing their place as a seed bank to watch early on in their life. Since then, they have gone from strength to strength, continuing to innovate not only with cannabis genetics, but also the accessibility and ease with which their seeds can be obtained and grown.
In recent years, Sweet Seeds have turned their eye to autoflowering cannabis, producing some well-known names such as Big Devil Auto and Fast Bud Auto, perfectly hybridising a myriad of genetics.
One thing is for sure, the consistent nature with which Sweet Seeds have continually produced top-shelf strains and sought to innovate has captured the hearts of many growers, making them one of Spain’s top seed banks.
As a testament to their greatness, Sweet Seeds won the Best Seed Bank award at the 2008 and 2013 Spannabis Cup, as well as at 2007 Expocannabis.
Packaging Sweet Seeds
Sweet Seeds are a Spanish seed bank renowned for producing top-shelf cannabis seeds. Their packaging doesn’t break the trend when it comes to quality. Each set of seeds is housed in a stoppered plastic tub to help minimise impact and humidity fluctuations, keeping them safe on their way to you. The plastic tube the seeds come in is resealable – ideal if you don’t intend to use all seeds at once, or don’t have alternative seed storage solutions.
Sweet Seeds’ cannabis seeds are available in both feminized and autoflowering varieties, in quantities of 3.
Awards Sweet Seeds
There is nothing that certifies quality like the scrutiny of your peers. Sweet Seeds have submitted a number of their cannabis strains for such review, and have come away with a haul of awards. Here are some of the most popular award-winning cannabis strains they offer.
Black Jack
Awards:
• 2008 Meeting for Standardisation and Responsible Consumption, 1st Place for Best Indoor Hydro Strain • 2009 Meeting for Standardisation and Responsible Consumption, 1st Place for Best Indoor Hydro Strain • 2008-2014, six additional 2nd & 3rd place awards
A crossing of Black Domina x Jack Herer, Black Jack is one of Sweet Seeds most popular strains, as well as one of their first. It says a lot that such an early addition to their catalogue can maintain such popularity – it is an instant classic. Black Jack can produce up to 600g/m² after roughly 63 days flowering. She is a potent 50/50 hybrid, so approach with caution!
• 2007 Oiartzun Cup, 1st place for Best Indoors Strain • 2008 Catalonia Professional Grow Shop Association Cup, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2008 Italian Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2009 Meeting for Standardisation and Responsible Consumption, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2009 Spannabis Cup, 1st Place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2014 Islas Canarias Secret Cup, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2009-2016, eighteen additional 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards
Sweet Seeds’ most decorated strain, Cream Caramel has won twenty-two awards over the years. Offering vigorous growth, high THC content, and a heavy, dank stone, she is not soon forgotten. Cream Caramel is the mix of BlueBlack x Maple Leaf Indica x White Rhino, resulting in a complex, yet highly refined strain. She flowers in roughly 56 days, producing up to 600g/m².
• 2007 Lanzarote Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2011 Del Mar Cup, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2007-2013, four additional 2nd place awards
Ice Cool is the combination of NYC Diesel with an undisclosed Indian strain. The result is an ultra-powerful beast with a slight sativa dominance. As the name suggests, she becomes absolutely coated in a dense layer of resinous crystals, making for some good hash! Able to produce up to 500g/m², Ice Cool is a very versatile plant with a flowering time of 63 days.
• 2006 Plata Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2007 Semilla del Millón, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2009 Spannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Indoor Bio Strain • 2013 Mendoza Harvest Cup, 1st place for Best Indoor Strain • 2006-2013, seven additional 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards
Created from Black Domina genetics, Sweet Afgani Delicious S1 by Sweet Seeds is an indica dominant hybrid with strong resilience, small stature, and vigorous growth. Expect some raw stoner power with this one, imparting a heavy and dank flavour with a potent relaxing effect. S.A.D. flowers in 63 days, producing up to 500g/m² - not bad considering her small, compact size!
• 2006 Txapelketa, 1st place for Best Indoor strain • 2006 Trofeo Mención del Plata, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2008 Asturias Cup, 1st place for Best Overall Strain • 2008 Copa el Jardí D’en Jah, 1st place for Best Indoor Strain • 2014 Portugal Weed Masters, 1st place for Best Indoor Strain • 2006-2011, two additional 2nd place awards
By combining Super Tai x Early Skunk, Sweet Seeds have produced an award-winning strain capable of tantalising and mystifying with its distinct flavour and powerful sativa dominant head high. Although she is an award-winner, Sweet Tai takes a bit of skill to grow well, so she is aimed more at the Veteran looking to hone their skill and obtain some rather uncommon bud. Sweet Tai flowers in about 63 days, producing yields of up to 450g/m². This is some real top-shelf stuff – a strain to bring out on special occasions.
• 2011 Canarias Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Indica Strain • 2012 Canarias Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Indica Strain • 2016 Cannaval Cup, 1st place for Best Indoor Profession Strain • 2011-2016, six additional 2nd & 3rd place awards
A highly iconic strain, Green Poison is an indica-heavy strain ideal for chilling after a hard day’s work. She has a very fruity aroma, able to fill a grow room with her sweet fragrance. As a grower, Green Poison is relentless; she produces some very attractive and large cola! To top it all off, Green Poison has a short flowering time of just 49 days, producing up to 650g/m² for your time and effort.
• 2011 Canarias Cannabis Cup, 1st place for Best Indoor Strain • 2011 Copa Córdoba Verano, 1st place for Best Outdoor Strain • 2013-2015, two additional 2nd & 3rd place awards
As the name suggests, Jack 47 is the illustrious mix of two titans: Jack Herer x AK-47. The result is an all-star, with high resilience, easy growth, large yields, sumptuous flavour and unbridled potency. If you are looking for a bit of genetic history, Jack 47 is the strain for you. Jack 47 has a flowering time of 63-70 days, producing up to 600g/m².
• 2014 Copa Cultivadores de Zion, 1st place for Best Indoor Strain • 2015 Copa Cannábica del Plata, 1st place for Best Indoor Strain • 2012-2015, five additional 2nd & 3rd place awards
A combination of the Dutch classic White Widow x Sweet Afgani Delicious S1, Mohan Ram produces extremely fresh and floral bud. She is a very hardy and resilient strain, resisting pests and disease. Mohan Ram has also been bred to flower at a rapid pace, completing in roughly 56 days. For the time and effort, you are rewarded with up to 500g/m² on some connoisseur grade bud, mixing its tantalising flavour with a deeply relaxing high.
• 2015 Copa Castillo Fuerteventura, 1st place for Best BHO Extraction • 2014-2015, three additional 2nd & 3rd place awards
Sweet Seeds have mixed their most highly awarded strain, Cream Caramel, with the raw and unstoppable power of AK-47. The result is a sweet tasting strain with a balanced yet potent high, whisking both mind and body off into happiness and relaxation. As a grower, Cream 47 is able to produce a yield of up to 650g/m² after a flowering time of 56 days.
• 2015 Copa Cannábica Catalunya Sud, 1st place for Best Sativa Strain
Sweet Cheese is Sweet Seeds’ answer to Cheese lovers. By combining their very own Black Jack with Cheese, they have produced a highly uplifting, yet dank and pungent strain that even the most hardcore Cheese enthusiast will appreciate. Her bud induced a delicately mixed mind and body high, while her smooth flavour caresses the taste buds! Sweet Cheese is able to produce up to 600g/m², flowering in roughly 63 days.
As you can see, Sweet seeds have a lot of awards in their trophy case. These are just some of the great strains on offer, with more award-winners out there. You can view the whole range on our dedicated Sweet Seeds page.
Information CBD Crew
CBD Crew is a collaborative project between the expert breeders of Mr. Nice Seeds and Resin Seeds, with Howard Marks, Shantibaba, and Jamie of Resin Seeds all being heavily involved. The goal behind their crusade was to make CBD, one of the major non-psychoactive compounds of cannabis, available to anyone who would seek it. It is this mission statement that allowed them to put usual business rivalries aside and come together to improve the seed market, and the cannabis community as a whole.
Their story began back in 2009, at Spannabis in Barcelona. Resin Seeds gave Canna labs a sample of their Cannatonic, which came back with a CBD:THC ratio of 1:1. It was their first successful foray into CBD genetics, but there was still a lot more work to do. At the time, only 50% of their Cannatonic seeds were producing CBD-rich bud, so much more breeding and refinement was required. It is, without a doubt, a gigantic undertaking. In order to try and cut down on the huge amount of work required, Mr. Nice and Resin Seeds decided to pool their knowledge as a team and form CBD Crew, a breeding project whose ultimate aim is to produce high-quality, CBD-rich cannabis seeds for the world to enjoy.
Today, CBD Crew continues to innovate and set the standard for cannabis strains with high concentrations of CBD. In fact, other seedbanks are now working in conjunction with CBD Crew, sending them samples for CBD Crew’s endorsement! Their standards are so high that other seedbanks see their endorsement as a badge of honour.
Included in their catalogue of highly-regarded strains are CBD Shark Shock, CBD MediHaze, CBD OG Kush and CBD Skunk Haze; all of which have set the bar high for future CBD breeding, and are actively being used to make novel CBD hybrids.
Packaging CBD Crew
All CBD Crew cannabis seeds come packaged in a sealed foil bag, ensuring seeds are kept safe, stable, and tamper-proof.
CBD Crew cannabis seeds are sold in packs of 5, available in feminized, autoflowering, and regular varieties.
Awards CBD Crew
CBD Crew sets the bar high when it comes to breeding, so it only makes sense that they would win some awards for it.
CBD MediHaze
Awards:
• 2015 Medical Stars Award, Best CBD strain
A crossing of Super Silver Haze with Neville’s Haze, further crossed with a CBD parent, CBD MediHaze is a sativa-dominant beast packing some heavy potency. She grows with a reliable vigour and is able to produce yields up to 550g/m² of sweet and spicy bud after 9–10 weeks of flowering. In terms of potency, the CBD:THC ratio can vary between 1:1–10:1, giving CBD MediHaze a range of potential applications. Both the CBD and THC content can vary between 6–15%. The THC has never been found to exceed the CBD content.
CBD Skunk Haze is one of CBD Crew’s most popular hybrids, producing abundant yields and offering easy-to-grow characteristics. The genetics are split 50/50, providing the grower with the best of both sativa and indica traits. She has a flowering time of 10 weeks, and is able to produce yields of up to 450g/m² of woody, citrus-flavoured bud. All CBD Skunk Haze plants produce a CBD:THC ratio of 1:1, with both CBD and THC content varying between 5–12%.
Homebrewing is a fascinating and rewarding hobby for beer aficionados. However, the process of brewing beer can seem long, tedious, and overly complicated.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the process of beer brewing and show you how to easily brew delicious, quality beer at home.
For more articles like this, remember to regularly check out our blog. To start brewing your own beer, check the Brewbarrel, a comprehensive kit including all you need to brew fantastic beer in your own home.
HOW DOES BEER BREWING WORK
Beer is basically made from 4 ingredients:
- Barley (or other grains like wheat or rye): Barley is a cereal grain that looks very similar to wheat. The seeds from this grain are harvested, steeped, and germinated to create malt. The malt is then dried by gradually heating it. Most breweries skip this step and use malt they have sourced to make their beer.
- Hops: The hop plant is actually a member of the hemp, or cannabaceae, family. The flowers contain a variety of acids and oils and are added to the brewing process in order to add bitterness and aroma to beer. Hops is also a natural preservative and helps to prevent beer from spoiling. There are many different varieties of hops, each of which can give beer slightly distinct flavors and aromas.
- Yeast: Yeast is a single-celled microorganism. It is responsible for producing the alcohol and CO2 in beer and also gives it a distinct flavor. There are two main types of yeast used to make beer; ale yeast and lager yeast. The former tends to ferment at higher temperatures and typically rises to the surface of the beer during fermentation, while the latter ferments lower temperatures and ferments at the bottom of the beer.
- Water: The quality and type of water used in the brewing process has a huge impact on the overall quality and flavour of the final product. Homebrewers usually use distilled water or treat water using a variety of techniques. Large breweries will often have their own filtration systems, while others claim to use spring water from various natural springs.
The process of beer brewing involves 6 essential steps: malting, mashing, sparging, boiling, fermenting, and bottling/carbonation. Below we explore each of these steps in more detail:
1. Malting
Malting is the process used to create malt from barley or other grains. The main goal of malting is to isolate the enzymes needed for brewing.
The grains are first immersed in water to begin the germination process. Barley is usually steeped in water for roughly 2 hours before the grains are removed and then dried for roughly 8 hours. This process is repeated roughly 2 or 3 times until small roots (called chits) start to form in roughly 95% of the grains.
At this point, the grains are allowed to germinate further by storing them in a cool, slightly moist, and well-ventilated area until the small leaf (or acrospire) growing from the grain measures roughly the same size as the grain itself.
During this time the seeds are regularly turned in order to avoid the formation of bacteria and/or mould due to the heat generated by the germination process.
The malt is then dried at a steady temperature of roughly 31-50 degrees Celsius. Drying at higher temperatures will destroy the enzymes in the seed needed for mashing (the next step in the brewing process).
Finally, the dried, malted grains are separated from the rootlets growing out of them and crushed to create a pale malt. The grains can also be toasted at varying temperatures to create specialty malts.
2. Mashing
The process of mashing involves steeping the malted barley grains in hot water for roughly 1 hour.
This activates certain enzymes in the grains and causes them to break down and release their natural sugars. These sugars are later consumed by the yeast in the fermentation process to create alcohol and CO2.
This also adds sweetness and other distinct flavours and aromas to the beer from the malt.
3. Sparging
Sparging involves rinsing the steeped grains in hot water to extract any remaining sugars. They are then separated from the hot liquid left over from the mashing process, which is called “wort.”
At this point, the malted barley grains are removed and discarded.
4. Boiling
Next, the wort is boiled for roughly 1 hour in a new, clean vessel in order to kill off any remaining microorganisms in the liquid.
Hops are also added to the wort during the boiling process to add flavour. The time at which the hops is added to the wort affects the final taste of the beer. Brewers often experiment with adding hops at different stages in the boiling process to create different flavours in their beer.
Once the boil is completed, the wort is rapidly cooled to roughly 21-27 degrees Celsius and the yeast is added (or pitched). If the yeast is added at higher temperatures, it will die.
At this point, brewers need to avoid contaminating the wort. Because it is no longer at intense temperatures, it is susceptible to contamination from other microorganisms and bacteria.
5. Fermenting
This is largely a waiting period. The wort is added to fermentation tanks and is left to sit anywhere from 1-2 weeks. During this time, the yeast consumes the sugars extracted from the malted barley grains to create alcohol and CO2. The alcohol is released into the air while the alcohol is left in the beer.
6. Bottling and carbonation
Once the beer has been fermented, it needs to be carbonated and bottled before it is ready to drink.
Most home brewers carbonate their beers by adding sugar a small amount of sugar to the bottles, causing the residual yeast left in the beer to consume the sugar and carbonated the beer. This is known as bottle conditioning.
Larger breweries will usually directly inject carbon dioxide into the beer.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO BREW BEER?
The brewing process we just described is quite long and complex. However, there are simpler ways to brew beer at home.
One of the simplest ways to brew beer is to use a malt extract. Malt extracts are essentially concentrated forms of wort that are available in liquid or dry forms.
Malt extract is produced by following the first 4 steps outlined above to create wort. The liquid is then concentrated using heat or a vacuum to evaporate water and create a concentrated version of wort which is called malt extract.
Using these extracts allows home brewers to bypass the more complex steps of the brewing process and skip straight to the fermentation stage. However, working with malt extracts limits brewers’ opportunities when it comes to creating unique flavours and aromas in their beer as they are only in control of the final stages of the brewing process.
HOW CAN YOU BREW BEER AT HOME WITH A MALT EXTRACT?
Brewing beer at home with malt extract is extremely simple.
First, you’ll need to decide on what kind of malt extract you plan to work with. Extracts are available in many varieties, including lagers, amber ales, pale ales, IPAs, stouts, porters, and many more.
You’ll also need to decide whether to work with a dry or liquid extracts. There is a long-standing debate among home brewers regarding which is better, and making the choice is completely up to you. However, any quality extract from a reputable manufacturer should produce solid results.
Once you’ve decided on which extract to work with, you’ll be able to easily create quality brews in your home.
Always make sure to clean all your brewing equipment. The most common reason for failed brews is contamination, so make sure to pay extra attention to the sanitation of all your equipment.
When working with a new kit, simply rinse all equipment with hot water. When using old kits or other utensil, use a safe, heavy-duty cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
In order to brew your beer, simply add your extract to a fermentation vessel and add water according to the instructions that came with your extract. Always make sure to use drinking water with no chlorine odour and heat it to roughly 21-27 degrees Celsius.
Quickly add yeast evenly to the surface of the liquid and cover your vessel. Let the mix ferment for roughly 6 days, making sure the temperature of the brew remains steady.
On day 6 you’ll need to begin measuring the specific gravity of your brew on a daily basis. Once your gravity is stable for 2 consecutive, your brew will be ready to bottle. For exact information on how to measure the specific gravity of your homebrew, click here.
To carbonate your brew, either add a pre-measured amount of sugar to each bottle or use carbonation tablets. Then store your bottles at or above 18 degrees Celsius for roughly 2 weeks to allow for secondary fermentation.
At this point, you’ll be able to cool your beers and enjoy them.
How To Brew Beer With The Brewbarrel
If you’re looking for an even simpler method for brewing beer, be sure to check out the BrewBarrel available through the Zamnesia Head Shop.
This kit comes complete with all the equipment and ingredients necessary to create home-brewed beer at home. The kit includes an empty beer keg, malt extract, yeast, hops extract, a pressure control valve, come beer coasters, and a simple manual.
Below are the basic steps to create beer using the BrewBarrel. To order yours, click here and get ready to start brewing incredible beer in your own home today.
Unpack your BrewBarrel kit.
Remove the lid from your keg and add in your malt extract. Next, fill up malt bottle with cold water to the first marker, then with boiling water to the marker at the top, and add to the keg.
Reseal the keg and shake it for roughly 30 seconds.
Add in 5 bottles of cold water.
Add your hops extract and yeast, and then close your keg with the pressure control valve.
Rest your BrewBarrel for 24 hours at room temperature.
Turn your keg upside-down for ten seconds, then return it to its original position and rest the keg for at least 5 days at room temperature to allow for fermentation.
Finally, place your barrel in the fridge for 2 full days. Then, sit back and enjoy a glass of your very own home-brewed beer.
How To Brew Beer With A Beer Kit
If you want to brew your own beer, beer kits are an easy way to go about it. These prepared brewing kits include everything that you need to make your first batch of beer. Just add water, mix in your yeast, and let your beer ferment. In just a few weeks, you'll have your own homemade craft beer. Although there are many types of beer kits available, the preparation process is essentially the same for most of them. What’s different is normally just the amount of sugar or water required for the various brews. Here is our guide on how to brew beer with a beer kit.
BEFORE YOU START
To get started with brewing, you will need some essential equipment. You should be able to get these things at the same place where you get the beer kit.
For bottling your beer, re-sealable bottles that come with a swing-top and a rubber washer are recommended. You can also get bottles that you seal with crown caps. If you use those, you will need a capper and the matching caps.
It is important that you clean all your containers, bottles, and materials before you start. It’s recommended that you use a commercial sanitiser for this.
PROCEDURE
Open the beer kit. Remove the plastic lid, the yeast, and if you want, the label of the can. With a can opener, open the tin and carefully heat it in a water bath for about 10 minutes to make the malt extract more liquid. Instead of using a regular pot filled with water to heat the can, a “bain-marie” heated pot is the best way to go about this.
Now, pour the heated contents of the tin into your clean fermenting bucket/keg. Rinse the empty tin with 1l of medium-hot tap water and add the water to the bucket.
Depending on the beer recipe included in the kit, mix the recommended amount of sugar for your beer into 2l of hot tap water and add to the bucket. Stir and mix until the sugar is dissolved. (Don’t make the water too hot since this will prolong the cooling time). Now, add the recommended amount of water according to your beer kit recipe and allow the mix to cool down to about 25°C.
Take about half a glass (150ml) of room temperature water (approx. 25°C) and dissolve the yeast in it. Have the yeast mix sit for about 15 minutes and then stir into the cooled mixture in your bucket or keg.
While you can brew beer with any standard beer kit, you can further enhance the flavour and taste when you add beer enhancers, malt extracts, or glucose.
A hydrometer can measure the ratio of your beer’s density compared to the density of water. Each beer recipe will have the ideal starting density stated on the can as original gravity. Use the hydrometer to check the correct start density of your mix.
FERMENTATION
Everything looking good so far? Close the fermentation bucket and fit the airlock. Fill water into the airlock until it is about half full and use the plug to close it. Store the bucket in a warm place (18-23°C) and allow the mix to ferment. Fermentation will usually take about 10 days, although factors like ambient temperature can influence this. The lower the ambient temperature, the longer the fermentation process. You will know that the fermentation has completed when bubbles have stopped rising or when the water level in the airlock stays the same.
LAGERING/CLARIFICATION
Before your beer has finished fermentation, you should transfer it to a clean container with an airlock. You can do this by using the tap of your fermentation bucket. This process of transferring your beer separates it from the yeast at the bottom. After you transfer your beer, store it for another 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature. This will be the second fermentation, also called clarification or lagering. After about 2 weeks of lagering your beer, take the hydrometer to check on your brew’s density again. If you only have one bucket, you can skip the clarification; however, it is recommended for best results.
Video: How To Brew Beer With A Brewferm Beer Kit
OPTIONAL: ENHANCE YOUR BEER’S TASTE WITH DRY HOPPING
Dry hopping means that you give additional hops to your beer to add aroma and flavour. This can be done during the primary fermentation process, but also in the secondary when you add hop flavour directly to your bucket. Traditionally, this is done for pale ales and IPAs, but you can dry hop any type of beer. Obviously, whether you want to dry hop will depend on your personal taste. Many brewers think it is worth the extra step.
BOTTLING
Only when your beer’s fermentation process has fully completed can you bottle your beer. To know whether it has really ended, you will use the hydrometer to measure your beer’s final density or current specific gravity. The ideal final density can vary depending on the beer type, so check the instructions on your kit.
When your beer has reached the right density, transfer it to another clean container first. To do this, remove the airlock and then carefully pour your beer using the tap without stirring the sediment.
Depending on the instructions for your beer kit, you will add a second quantity of sugar to the beer. For this, you dissolve the sugar in a small amount of boiling water. Know that the amount of sugar added in this step can vary depending on whether you fill your beer into bottles or a keg. If you use a keg, you will require less. (See your beer kit instructions for recommended amounts).
Take the mixing spoon and distribute the sugar evenly throughout the beer. Fill your beer into your bottles or the keg and close the bottles or seal the keg.
What follows is another 2 weeks of re-fermentation where you keep your beer in a warm place. To check whether the re-fermentation has finished, open a bottle after the time has elapsed and see if the beer has a sufficient amount of carbonic acid. If it doesn’t, allow the beer to sit a few more days. If the beer is well-carbonated, you can move it to its final storage place that should be cool, about 10°C. Allow 6-8 weeks for your beer to mature.
CHEERS! PROST! SALUD! YOU CAN NOW ENJOY YOUR HOME-BREWED BEER!
PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE BREWING
To minimise the risk of exploding bottles or kegs, follow these rules:
Use pressure-resistant and reusable beer bottles without cracks and scratches.
Do not just rely on the times stated in your beer kit instructions, and do not simply observe bubbles in the airlock. Always measure the original and final density of your beer using the hydrometer.
Do not add too much sugar when bottling.
For storage, a closed-off, separate room is best.
Keep beer bottles or kegs away from direct sunlight.
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