INT2601

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO RECLASSIFY CANNABIS

On December 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed an important executive order directing the Department of Justice to speed up the process of changing marijuana's classification from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This change represents the biggest shift in U.S. drug policy in over 50 years. Until now, cannabis has been grouped with very dangerous drugs like heroin and LSD. With

3 Relief for Cannabis Businesses: A major immediate effect is that cannabis companies will no longer be held backby Section 280E of the tax code, which previously prevented them from deducting normal business expenses. They can now operate like any other legal business.

4 Boost to Research: This executive order is about more than just reclassification. It calls for removing barriers that have stop-

medicinal cannabis. The U.S. now officially recognises the medical use of cannabis, which provides important scientific and political backing. It could help speed up efforts by Spain's health authorities to align their regulations with this new recognition.

Investment Opportunities: Removing the tax barrier in the U.S. will strengthen large cannabis companies, making them more appealing to global investors. This could

this new classification, it will be recognised as a drug that has accepted medical uses and a lower risk of abuse, similar to medications like ketamine or Tylenol with codeine

hat Does Moving to Schedule III Mean?While this change doesn’t mean that marijuana is legalised for recreational use across the country—a point the president emphasised— it significantly changes the legal and economic landscape in several ways:

1 Federal Medical Recognition: For the first time, the federal government acknowledges that cannabis can be usedfor medical purposes.

2 Lower Potential for Abuse: The risk of becoming dependent on cannabis is now seen as moderate to low compared to drugs in Schedule I and II.

ped universities and labs from studying THC and CBD. The goal is to learn more about the medical benefits and risks of cannabis, finally allowing for importantstudies that were previously blocked.

How Does This Affect Europe?

Although this executive order only has authority in the U.S., experts believe it could influence drug policy discussions around the world.

- Impact on Global Treaties: The U.S. classification of cannabis as Schedule I has been central to global drug prohibition. By moving it to Schedule III, the U.S. sends a strong signal to the international community, potentially easing the way for countries like Germany and Spain to continue reforming their own laws without fear of backlash from the U.S.

- Support for European Cannabis Regulation: Spain is currently working on regulating

lead to increased investment in the cannabis sector, particularly in emerging markets in Europe, with Spain playing a significant role as a potential agricultural hub.

In summary, the executive order signed on December 18, 2025, doesn’t legalise marijuana across the U.S., but it removes many of the significant obstacles that have stood in the way of its acceptance. By acknowledging the medical benefits of cannabis and easing tax restrictions for cannabis businesses, the Trump administration has initiated a significant change. While the fight for full legalisation still rests with individual states and Congress, this move legitimises the cannabis industry as an important part of both the economy and healthcare, finally bringing it out of the shadows after decades of prohibition.

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The 10/10 Boys : New TT2 model

Made in California, 10/10 vapes are designed for you: discreet, full of terps, and built to perform wherever the day takes you. From morning commutes to la te nights out, every puff delivers smooth control and premium flavour without compromise. The new TT2 model has three power modes, which let you control the strength to match your moment.

If you care about taste, discretion, and quality, come join The 10/10 Boys. Only the best. Nothing less.

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Black Leaf Wood-Grinder

4-part with Violet Glass

Such a stylish pair! A combination of a Black Leaf ® grinder and practical storage jar made from the game changing violet glass - this beautiful can only be found with us.

• All-rounder: Grinder plus additional most optimal storage box

Protection from moisture & air due to airtight screw cap

• Protection from harmful UV radiation thanks to violet glass

• Violet glass: Promotes post-fermentation for a delicious milder flavour

• No drying out of the herbs

• Violet glass pollen chamber with spatula

Wholesale: www.neardark.de

Brandstore: www.blackleaf.eu

Ziggi Original & Ziggi Natural

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International Cannabis News

By Derrick Bergman

30 buses from 30 cities: revitalizing Berlin’s Hanfparade New Strain Hunters expedition to Kyrgyzstan

2026 will be a busy year for one of Germany’s best known cannabis activists, Steffen Geyer. The director of the Berlin Hemp Museum is a lead organizer of the Hanfparade (Hemp parade), the country’s most iconic legalization march. He has set an ambitious goal for its 30th anniversary: a nationwide mobilization under the banner ’30 for 30’.

The campaign aims to organize buses from 30 cities across Germany to bring activists to the capital on August 8, 2026. In a blunt self-assessment, Geyer wrote on his website: ‘Unfortunately, the Hanfparade has become dull and predictable in recent years. It suffers from a lack of innovation and recently drew only about 1,200 participants. This legacy event is failing to adapt sufficiently to the shifting political and social landscape.’

German consumers and activists suffer from

a “legalization hangover”, Geyer explained on the podcast Vince and Weed: ‘People are looking at what the Christian party will do next, instead of looking at what they themselves can do. I want to change that.’ A “bonus problem”, Geyer wrote on his website: the organizing team is “burnt out, undersized, and unable to effectively integrate new volunteers”.

Working together with partners in the 30 cities, Geyer hopes to revitalize both the activism scene and the Hanfparade. ‘To reverse this downward trend for the 2026 anniversary, we need the courage to launch bold initiatives. The demonstration’s core message must be carried across the entire country, and the mobilization effort must be spread over more shoulders.’

The hashtag for the campaign is #30fuer30, website: https://steffen-geyer.de/30fuer30/

Just before Christmas ’25, Strain Hunters put out a new 3-part film. The destination of the 13th Strain Hunters expedition is Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, a region widely considered as one of the evolutionary birthplaces of the cannabis plant.

In the first episode, Arjan Roskam shows his new Russian friend Allan the Green House Energrow facility in Mukdahan, Thailand. Allan is a cannabis content creator on YouTube and his big dream is welcoming the Strain Hunters to Kyrgyzstan. Via the capital Bishkek and the city of Toktogul the team travels to remote valleys and spectacular mountain ranges. For the first time ever, the Strain Hunters are on horseback. The first two episodes are 20 minutes; the final one is almost twice as long. Wonderful drone shots, beautiful scenery and of course some of the coveted landraces.

Available via the Strain Hunters YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/strainhunters

Ghaati: Bollywood movie about ganja smuggling

‘In these ghats, there are Ghaatis, sir. In the British era, they blasted through mountains and laid roads with blood. Now, they are just mules who carry ganja. They are moving mountains, sir.’

So begins the trailer for Ghaati, an Indian movie that saw its premiere in September 2025. The trailer is visual feast in true Bollywood style; striking colours, choreographed violence and big emotions.

The movie itself is a whopping 155 minutes long and tells the story of two childhood sweethearts, bus conductor Sheelavathi and medical lab technician Desi Raju. They dream of freeing their community from the cannabis trade and the two ruthless brothers who run the local drug empire.

Director Krish Jagarlamudi was quick to address concerns about the movie’s content during its promotion: ‘I promise you that Ghaati doesn’t glorify illegal activities. The trailer itself conveys that.’

He added: ‘We are dealing with a bigger social issue

in Ghaati. Weed smuggling has now reached schools as well. The weed ecosystem is massive. We haven’t depicted the protagonist in a heroic way. You will understand this after watching the film.’

Ghaati is on Amazon Prime Video in some countries, the trailer is on YouTube.

Grow with Stony Tark

Stoney Tark

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in 2026

We all love buying seeds and especially germinating them. Have you germinated seeds and had no luck at all, or are you one of the growers who constantly struggle to germinate? In this article, I will share my top tips for germinating cannabis seeds and achieving 100% success.

WARM TEMPERATURE

Cold temperatures will significantly increase the chances of low germination rates, which is why warm temperatures are essential. If you can achieve a temperature between 24 and 26 degrees, you will have no issues with germination rates. Avoid keeping saucer plates on cold tiled floors, and if using a cup of water

to germinate your seeds, check that the water doesn't get too cold.

USING BOTTLED WATER

Whenever I get a new pack of seeds, the first thing I do is buy a bottle of drinking water, plastic cups and sticky labels. Bottled water kept at room temperature is one of the easiest ways

to germinate a pack of seeds, since you know you have a clean, high-quality water source. Bottled water is an excellent alternative if your tap water is hard.

You can either place the seeds in a small bottle of water, shake it to disperse the seeds, and let them germinate, or pour out a cup of water, place the cup somewhere warm and dark, and let the seeds germinate.

CABLE HEATERS

It is that time of year when it feels cold, wet, and damp, and germinating cannabis seeds in cold houses can be challenging. An excellent, low-cost solution for keeping your germinating seeds or seedlings warm is to use a cable heater, wrap it around the floor, and make a small heat mat. Doing so will massively enhance germination rate and shorten the time to seed readiness for transplant.

GIVE THE SEEDS AT LEAST 72 HOURS

Seeds can sometimes take longer to germinate than we would like, and this can be due to several factors. Before you get disheartened because your 150-euro pack of seeds isn't sprouting immediately, be patient and give the seeds at least 3 days to crack open. I have had seeds in the past that took over a week to germinate, so my tip is to give any germinating seeds 5 days.

TRY USING POTTING SOIL

When cannabis seedlings are at their most

delicate, what you transplant them into after they germinate plays a massive role in how well they perform. For the very early stages of growth and for 1 week after the seedling stage, I would keep seedlings in an organic, low-fertilizer potting mix. Once they develop a good root base, then I will transplant them into a rich organic custom soil mix.

THICK TISSUE PAPER IS BEST

The next time you are in the supermarket, have a look for the kitchen paper towel rolls. This type of tissue roll is perfect for germinating seeds. Many growers find that using toilet paper can cause the wet tissue to become soggy and oversaturated. Utilizing the kitchen tissue roll, you can easily drain the water out after soaking, and it provides plenty of air once the seeds are inside.

BE AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE

Keeping your grow space as clean as possible is advantageous for home growers for many reasons, especially when germinating seeds. Whenever you are about to germinate your cannabis seeds, make sure in advance that you have clean saucer plates, tissue paper, plastic cups, and clean bottled water. If using soil, be careful not to make a mess and always sweep up any spilt soil.

REPTILE HEATING MAT

Another great way to combat cold temperatures indoors, as a home grower, and to create a warm, cosy environment for your germinating seeds, is to try a reptile heat mat. You can set the saucer plates on top of the heat mat, or place a cup with water over it. The reptile mats provide a low but warm, consistent heat source, and, from my experience, work wonderfully.

USE TWEEZERS TO TRANSPLANT

Once your cannabis seeds have started germinating and are producing long white fuzzy tails, it is best to handle them using tweezers at that point. Cannabis seedlings are delicate and need to be handled carefully and transplanted into a growing medium. A clean, sterile pair of tweezers will prevent you from touching the seeds and will make working with them easier.

AVOID OVER-FERTILIZED SOIL

Cannabis seedlings only require small amounts of nutrients during the first 3 weeks of their lifecycle. Avoid using overfertilized soils during the early growth stage, as they can burn plants. Instead, use a high-quality potting soil or compost. Mixing worm castings into compost provides a strong start for seedlings and is highly recommended. Many of the soils available at garden centres contain chemical salt fertilisers, so double-check the label when buying soil locally.

Keep seedlings off cold tiled floors during Winter and consider u sing a heat mat.

Using a plastic cup can help keep humidity levels around the seedlings optimal.

Cannabis History

Text & photography: Derick Bergman

Arjan 'the King of Cannabis' Roskam

The man behind Green House and Strain Hunters

Arjan Roskam (55) is one of the world's most famous and successful cannabis entrepreneurs. His Strain Hunters films reach millions of people, and with his Green House coffeeshops, he built a cannabis empire with global reach. The self-proclaimed King of Cannabis has many fans, but his style and methods also generate some resistance. Soft Secrets portrays him.

Roskam was born on April 4, 1970, in South Africa. He is a Dutch citizen but spent his childhood in Africa. As a teenager, he started growing cannabis using seeds brought back from faraway places by friends. He often tells interviewers how, at seventeen, he traveled alone through Asia. In Thailand, while looking for a place to sleep, he ended up at a rehab clinic run by an elderly man who used medicinal plants.

"I stayed there for seven days," he told Honeysucklemag in 2024. "When I left, he gave me some cannabis seeds and said, 'Take these back and grow them.' The man didn't just give me genetics; he passed on a mission." A

beautiful story, told with Roskam's characteristic bravado. In 1992, at just 22, he opened his first coffeeshop on Tolstraat in Amsterdam. He named it Green House.

New kid in town

These are the golden years of the coffeeshop in the Netherlands; every week, a new shop opens somewhere. Nederwiet is on the rise, and politicians and police are preoccupied with other matters. Roskam is the new kid in town, twenty years younger than the great pioneers Henk de Vries (The Bulldog), Ben Dronkers (Sensi Seeds), and Potfather Wernard Bruining. Roskam is ambitious and has impeccable commercial instincts. His first coffeeshop is desig-

ned as a luxurious grand café, with meticulous attention to detail.

And he has good weed. The first time Green House participated in the High Times Cannabis Cup, in 1993, they won second prize in the Coffeeshop Cup. Of the more than 1,500 coffeeshops in the Netherlands in 1993, only 22 participated. So the value of an award is relative. But Roskam understands better than anyone that this American event is a fantastic marketing tool.

Americans in Amsterdam

The High Times Cup began in 1987, with a handful of American cannabis connoisseurs, including grow guru Ed Rosenthal. Around Thanksgiving, they flew to Amsterdam, paid for by High Times magazine, to judge cannabis from the first Dutch seed banks. The magazine

reported extensively and, starting in 1991, offered its readers the opportunity to become judges themselves. This proved a golden opportunity: during its heyday, hundreds of Americans came to Amsterdam for the Cup.

Roskam pampered the judges; they received gifts and samples, and a free Green House shuttle service ran between the High Times Cup headquarters and his coffeeshop. And he proclaimed himself the King of Cannabis, because "that's what Americans love," as he explained to me years later. In the seventh edition, in 1994, Green House won first prize in the Coffeeshop Cup, the Bio Cup, and the Hash Cup.

Green House Seed Co.

That same year, Roskam founded Green House Seed Co. with Australian breeder Scott Blakey, aka Shantibaba. The company had access to the genetics that David Watson ("Sam the Skunkman") brought back from the US when he moved to the Netherlands in the 1980s. Classics like Skunk #1, Original Haze, and Durban Poison. Blakey had amassed a large collection of seeds during his travels through Asia and had also created and stabilized crosses himself.

The collaboration didn't last long; Blakey was bought out in 1998. Since then, there has been disagreement about who created White Widow and other popular crosses. Critics allege that Roskam is claiming strains developed by others. He commented on these accusations in the VICE documentary Kings of Cannabis (2013): "It's a group of people who don't like us. In Holland, we say: as long as people talk about you, it's okay. You have to worry if they stop talking about you."

Strain Hunters

The controversies have little impact on Green House's success. The number of Green House coffeeshops has grown to four, each one more beautiful than the last. An endless array of world stars have their photos taken there, from Rihanna to Snoop Dogg and from Eminem to Woody Harrelson. And Roskam continues to win High Times Cups, totaling over forty, more than anyone else.

Thanks to Strain Hunters, launched in 2008, even more people are talking about Arjan Ros-

1995 Arjan at the High Times Cup 1995 Amsterdam

2012: (left to right)Franco Loja, Arjan Roskam, Mila Jansen at a High Times Cup ceremony

1995 Arjan Roskam on the cover of High Times, May 1995

kam and Green House. Videos of expeditions to Malawi, Morocco, India, Colombia, Congo, and other countries have garnered millions of views on YouTube.

The goal of these trips is to collect seeds of pure landraces. Passionate Italian Franco Loja certainly contributes to Strain Hunters' success. He learned his trade from James Burton, a Vietnam veteran who fled to the Netherlands and founded the Stichting Institute of Medical Marijuana (SIMM) in 1993. Loja worked at SIMM for four years and then, until his sudden death in 2017, for Green House.

Everyone to jail

"One of our very best friends and a wonderful person," Roskam said of Loja on the High Tea Potcast in 2021. "With Strain Hunters, everyone initially thought I was crazy. We were all going to jail. Franco was the only one who said: I'm coming! That worked out surprisingly well. The rest is history."

"The reason I started making Strain Hunters: I'm originally from Africa. Around the equator, 200 million people depend on cannabis. They have a small cannabis field to make a living. They give the oil and seeds to babies to treat colic. It's a way of life, a philosophy; there's a lot behind it, which has been suppressed in the Western world."

Roskam is convinced that the Strain Hunters films are bringing about change: "We truly

show what's happening in a country and say: do something about it. In almost every country we've visited, the government has changed things within a few years. We're extremely proud of that."

Failed Collaboration

The Strain Hunters Club has been located on a side street of La Rambla in Barcelona since 2014. Amsterdam has four Greenhouse

ved a call from the University of Bangkok and several Thai political parties," he said at the end of 2025 during the PCN Cannabis Congress in Eindhoven. "They asked us to come and pitch medicinal cannabis."

Roskam advised the Thais, in his own words: "'If you open up, don't make the mistakes the Netherlands, Canada, and the US made; just open everything up.' And that's what they did."

coffeeshops and a Strain Hunters Club. And then there's Green House Feeding, a powdered cannabis fertilizer, and GH Medical.

After a failed collaboration with the Canadian company Canopy Growth, Roskam decided to expand further in Thailand. "In 2018, we recei-

tion became a reality that day.

Fully vertically integrated

When asked what Europe can learn from Thailand regarding cannabis, Roskam replied: “Freedom, first and foremost. Leave it to the entrepreneurs. So you have the freedom to start your own factory and operate fully vertically integrated. So, supplying directly to your own stores from your own production facility.

In Thailand, where he has lived most of the year since 2023, Roskam can grow cannabis completely legally and at a low cost. On May 20, 2023, the grand opening of Green House Thailand, his first coffee shop in Thailand, took place in Bangkok. His dream of vertical integra-

And even exporting, if your business operations and certifications are in order. That’s the model I’ve dreamed of all my life. That’s why I went in that direction.”

2023: Arjan Roskam Green House Energrow Thailand (Photo Green House)

2023: Green House Nuanchan Dispensary in Thailand (Photo Green House)

Barney’s Farm strain story

Words & Pics: Green Born Identity – G.B.I.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

ONE DEMONSTRATION OF POWER

In the year of 2009, the ground-breaking Girl Scout Cookies strain (GSC) formed the nucleus of the West Coast genetics wonder that set out to spread over the world of cannabis in the tens. The meanwhile legendary strain, bred from OG Kush and Durban Poison, set new standards for flavour sweetness and extensive resin richness. Not long ago, Barney’s Farm added a pure Girl Scout Cookies variety to its range of seeds, as a matter of course it was made from the original high-grade genetics. GSC by Barney’s Farm has got an indica/ sativa ratio of 70:30 and up to 28% THC under its belt – a tremendously high amount that guarantees a mightily strong indica-driven buzz experience providing a most relaxing and blissful way of effect. Plants need 60-65 days of flowering to ripen, standing 100-120 cm tall in the end. Under optimum conditions, yields of 600 grams per sqm. are a safe bet, growers have even managed to accomplish more than 700 grams though. Buds are snowed under with resin glands, seductively smelling of sweet pastry – it’s the unique, insanely sweet GSC flavour, enriched by earthy and minty undertones, particularly fascinating cannabis afficionados all over the world.

AS ALWAYS WITH BARNEY’S FARM: PERFECT VEGETATIVE GROWTH

Given the legendary status and accordingly promising strain description of GSC, the bar was raised to the max of course when The Doc decided to cultivate that famous variety and sowed two feminised seeds for that purpose which germinated in less than three days. The two GSC plants were growing up vigorously in the usual great Barney’s Farm fashion. In view of the strain’s genetic indica dominance, it came as quite a surprise that they put forth rather thin-fingered shade leaves. When The Doc dialled them into flowering 3.5 weeks after germination, the two richly branched bushy plants stood 31 and 36 cm in height. “As always with Barney’s Farm genetics, both plants have shown perfect vegetative growth”, reported The Doc full of praise.

SENSATIONAL FLOWERS WITH A WHITE TRICHOME SPLENDOUR, LOOKING LIKE QUICK-FROZEN IN THE FOG

As if they just couldn’t wait, the two GSCs jumped into trichome production mode extremely early – hardly four weeks of flowering had elapsed and yet the young flower clusters were bathed in a subtle silvery resin sheen already: “this dazzling earliness is bound to break the record, raising the expectation of spectacular final resin richness”, rejoiced The Doc. As it turned out before long, his expectations came true – seven weeks into blooming, the numerous large-sized GSC buds, dense and

tight, were ablazed with a sensational white trichome splendour, even bigger shade leaves protruding from them were widely or entirely covered in trichome blankets –“looking so icy white as if the flowers had been quick-frozen in the matutinal fog of an early wintery day!”, reported The Doc, sent into raptures. The utterly sweet and creamy soft scent they were exuding had The Doc think of the beloved shortbread biscuits his grandma had often baked for him when he was child. Both GSC plants matured precisely on schedule, displaying full maturity after 65 days with countless luminously orange pistils. Their handy final heights of 80 and 85 cm made for an ideal compact solid indoor plant stature.

AN EPITOME OF CANNABIS SWEETNESS

Once again, a Barney’s Farm variety excelled in the harvest department, with The Doc’s two GSCs yielding a combined 212 grams dry –“another case of a typical three-digit BF yield”, he reported more than satisfied and added “it won’t get sweeter than this, the smell of the dried end product is an epitome of cannabis sweetness! This strain entirely lives up to the name “Cookies”. Drying and curing has made the aroma significantly more multi-faceted –under the sweet cap aromatic notes of chocolate, fruits and cloves have come up, making for an exciting complex fragrance reminding of Christmas cookies that instantly makes my mouth water.”

A FANTASTIC WELL-BEING EXPERIENCE

At the eagerly anticipated first sampling session, the GSC buds proved to taste as much sweet as they were smelling – after he had inhaled his first GSC vapour cloud off his Venty vaporizer, The Doc found himself making smacking sounds, just like back then when he indulged in his grandma’s shortbread biscuits. The GSC flavour also had a slightly chocolately and spicey side to it, bringing up an association of chocolate chip cookies in a Christmas version. After three hits, a gentle wave of euphoria washed over him, causing a sensation of surging happiness, and after four hits, every single somatic cell signalled a feeling of deep placidness and cozy relaxation, both on a physical and mental level – “a fantastic intense well-being experience lasting way more than two hours”, reported an entirely happy Dockie afterwards.

The Doc’s résumé: Girl Scout Cookies at its very best

Once again Barney’s Farm met the grow veteran’s high expectations in superior style: „The seeds brought forth two divine GSC plants that had all the brilliant characteristics ascribed to this variety. Barney’s Farm’s GSC version has proven to be Girl Scout Cookies at its very best, it was one demonstration of genetic power!”

Green Born Identity – G.B.I.

Vegetative stage 24 days (after germination)

Flowering stage 65 days / 60-65 days in general

Medium Compo Grow Organic Light-Mix soil, 11 litre pots

pH 6.4-6.7

EC 1.2–1.6 mS

Light up to 4 x SANlight EVO 5-100, switched to level 2 out of 3

Temperature 19-27°C

Air humidity 40-60%

Watering manually

Fertilisation Compo Grow vegetative fertilizer Compo Grow blooming fertilizer

Tools CleanLight Pro for mould prevention

Height 80 + 85 cm

Yield together, 212 g

Genetics Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush x Durban Poison)

Grow with Stoney Tark

Stoney Tark

HOW AND WHY CANNABIS PLANTS TRANSPIRE WATER

For cannabis plants to grow, thrive, and photosynthesise efficiently, several key elements must work together, such as light, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and water. While light and CO2 often get the most attention, water plays an equally critical role in plant metabolism, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation. This article explains how cannabis plants use water, how environmental conditions influence transpiration, and what growers should consider when watering their garden.

What Is Transpiration?

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapour into the air through tiny pores in their leaves. A helpful way to understand this is by comparing it to human sweating. When we sweat, we lose water and electrolytes and must rehydrate to maintain balance. If we become too dehydrated, muscle cramps and fatigue can occur.

Plants behave similarly. When environmental conditions are hot or dry, plants transpire more water to cool themselves. When humidity is high, they retain water. This balance is managed through both leaf tissue and the root zone, allowing the

plant to adapt to its surroundings.

The Role of Leaf Tissue During Transpiration

Plant leaves are delicate structures designed to capture light and convert it into energy. Once a leaf is removed from a plant, it quickly loses moisture and structure, demonstrating how dependent leaf tissue is on proper hydration.

Healthy cannabis leaves appear lush, waxy, and vibrant green. These traits indicate strong chlorophyll production and active photosynthesis. The surface of each leaf contains stomata, microscopic openings that regulate gas exchange and water loss.

When humidity is too low, plants attempt to conserve water by curling their leaf edges inward or drooping slightly. During these conditions, stomata begin to close, slowing photosynthesis until the environment improves. Excessive airflow from fans can worsen this effect, drying leaf tissue to the point of tip burn or even leaf drop. Excessive transpiration above the medium often signals that similar stress is occurring below, in the root zone.

How the Root Zone Affects Transpiration

Roots absorb water and nutrients through fine root hairs that contact the thin moisture layer surrounding the growing medium. Well-aerated substrates encourage roots to grow toward air pockets, improving nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

Overwatering doesn’t harm plants because of excess water itself; it harms them because saturated media limit oxygen availability. Poor drainage prevents air from reaching the roots, leading to stress and reduced performance.

Media such as coco coir and perlite excel at maintaining the balance between moisture retention and aeration. When combined with organic composts or worm castings, they create an ideal environment for root development.

Plants move water upward through the xylem using root pressure, but transpiration rates are heavily influenced by environmental conditions. High temperatures and low humidity can cause water and nutrients to evaporate rapidly from both the leaves and the growing medium, making environmental control essential.

Understanding How Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) Works

Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) measures the difference between the moisture inside the leaf and the surrounding air. It helps growers understand how efficiently plants are transpiring.

VPD is calculated using temperature, humidity, and leaf surface temperature and is measured in kilopascals (kPa). While VPD charts offer practical guidelines, leaf temperature can vary throughout the canopy, so fine-tuning is often necessary.

Cannabis plants require different humidity levels at various growth stages. Stomata operate most efficiently in warm temperatures with relatively high humidity, allowing optimal CO 2 uptake and photosynthesis. Outdoor

which is why growers who supplement CO 2 often raise levels to 1,200-1,500 ppm. Under these conditions, plants require higher temperatures, typically 30 °C to 35°C, to process the increased CO 2 efficiently. When VPD is too high, reducing nutrient strength and electrical conductivity (EC) can help prevent overfeeding and stress.

• Low VPD = high humidity, active stomata

• High VPD = low humidity, increased stress

What Are The Best Times to Water and Feed Cannabis Plants?

Many growers aim to conserve water or rely on filtered or reverse-osmosis sources. Others prefer minimal feeding to allow soil microbiology to manage nutrient cycling naturally. Regardless of approach, timing irrigation correctly can dramatically improve water efficiency and plant health.

The ideal feeding times are:

• A few hours after sunrise/lights on A few hours before sunset/light off

These windows allow plants to absorb water gradually and cool themselves after periods of high transpiration. Feeding during the hottest part of the day can cause

water loss to outpace uptake, leading to deficiencies, particularly calcium transport issues.

Watering too close to lights-out can also be problematic, as excess moisture may sit in the medium overnight, increasing the risk of root issues. Finding the proper watering schedule takes practice but pays off in consistency and efficiency.

Living the dream From passion to profession

William Fournier’s journey into cannabis began not in a boardroom or a lab, but in the quiet corners of his teenage years. At just 18, he was already working in hydroponics stores in Eastern Canada, immersing himself in the science and art of plant cultivation. By 2007, he had secured his medical growing license and over the next two decades, he honed his craft—studying plant production, landscape architecture and the nuances of indoor horticulture. His career took him from managing indoor gardening centers, working at a hydro shop and wholesaler to consulting for some of Canada’s largest licensed producers, where he helped design and build state-of-the-art grow facilities. When eventually joining CANNA they gave William room to fulfill his ultimate dream; building something of his own: a place where passion, innovation and quality could flourish together.

In 2019, that dream became reality with the founding of Mauve et Herbes, a fully licensed cannabis production facility in Quebec. What started as a vision for a small micro facility quickly evolved into a standard-licensed operation, complete with an indoor grow room, a four-season greenhouse and two outdoor fields. The facility is not just a business; it’s a testament to William’s belief in the power of hands-on craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence in cannabis cultivation.

A family affair

Mauve et Herbes is a family-run business, with William and his wife at the helm. Their approach is deeply personal: every plant is hand-tended, every process is carefully curated and every decision is made with an eye toward sustainability and quality. “We

never spray anything on our flowering plants, even if some products are allowed,” William explains. “Our message to the consumer is simple: you can trust this.” This commitment to clean, high-quality cannabis has earned Mauve et Herbes a reputation as a premium brand, known for its small-batch, craft dried flowers and innovative cultivation techniques. Also resulting in several Cup wins at the Canadian Cannabis Cup as well as the famous Karma Cup.

Innovation at the heart William’s facility is a hub of innovation. He has partnered with industry leaders like to establish the CANNA Canada Research & Knowledge Center, a space dedicated to product development, field testing and knowledge sharing. Here, William and his team conduct research, analyze plant needs and develop new cultivars, all while hosting seminars and workshops to advance the industry as a whole. The facility’s use of vertical double-tier grow racks, advanced LED lighting and a hybrid greenhouse system sets it apart in a crowded market, allowing for year-round production and unparalleled control over growing conditions.

But innovation for William isn’t just about technology—it’s about the plant itself. He is passionate about pheno-hunting and breeding, with a focus on sensory experiences: taste, aroma and appearance. “I live for weed,” he says. “I am very passionate about growing it and breeding it.” With CANNA on my side we always look for opportunities to improve cultivation techniques and search for products that assist LP’s being more efficient.

Building community and knowledge

Beyond cultivation, William is a mentor and

ambassador. As a Cultivation specialist for CANNA Canada, he works with growers around the world, sharing his expertise and helping others navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry. His facility serves as a living classroom, where he collaborates with universities, other licensed producers and industry partners to push the boundaries of what’s possible in (future) cannabis cultivation.

For William, the dream isn’t just about growing cannabis; it’s about growing a legacy. “My wildest dream would be to be recognized as someone who’s created a legendary strain that people will remember for decades,” he says. With Mauve et Herbes, he’s well on his way.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, stories like William Fournier’s remind us that the heart of this business isn’t just profit—it’s people, plants and the relentless pursuit of excellence. What’s your dream for the future of cannabis?

• 2023 Karma Cup: 2nd place indica Ripped off Runtz

• 2024 Karma Cup: 1st place Indica (Ripped off Runtz) and 2nd place Sativa (Jack Herer)

• 2024 Grow up Canadian Cannabis Championship: 2nd place Indica Ripped off Runtz

• 2025 Grow Up Canadian Cannabis Championships: 3rd place Ripped off Runtz

Quality proves itself. Cup after cup.

MAGIC CHOCOLATE

How to Make Psychedelic Chocolate Bars

Psychonauts and psychedelic mushroom users around the world agree that eating mushrooms isn't as enjoyable an experience as the trip it provides. In fact, the taste of psychedelic mushrooms is considered revolting by most users.

Psilocybin-infused chocolate bars are a perfect alternative for taking psychedelic mushrooms without having to endure their taste. In recent years, their popularity has skyrocketed, especially in the United States, where their illegal status hasn't stopped the emergence of numerous producers of psychedelic mushrooms and complementary products that can easily be found even in tobacco shops.

Transforming psychedelic mushrooms into chocolate bars offers several advantages. For most people, they taste better and are easier to dose, especially when consumed outside the home. Chocolate bars can be stored for longer periods, preventing the oxidation of poorly stored dried mushrooms. Furthermore, chocolate bars can be enriched with other ingredients that enhance the psychedelic experience.

EXTRACT VS DRIED MUSHROOMS

To make psilocybin chocolate bars at home, you can follow two different methods. The first involves the use of psilocybin crystals, a type of extraction already described in this Soft Secrets column, under the title "Crystal of the Gods." The second method is simpler and quicker because it doesn't require prior psilocybin extraction; instead, you use only dried mushrooms. Psilocybin extracts allow for a more consistent dosage of the active ingredient within the bars. The two methods differ only in the basic magical ingredient; the rest of the steps are identical for both.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Here's what you'll need to make psychedelic bars:

• 200 g chocolate

2 g psilocybin crystals, method 1

• 15 g dried psilocybin mushrooms, method 2 Electronic scale

• Electric coffee grinder

• Pyrex saucepan

• Stainless steel saucepan

• 5 chocolate bar molds

• Ladle

• Laser thermometer Knife

• Mortar

It's recommended to use good-quality chocolate; there are a myriad of premium chocolate bars available at affordable prices. The amount of mushrooms and crystals is indicative and based on the average dose consumed by psychedelic drug users. Special molds will be used to create the chocolate bars; we recommend using food-grade silicone molds; the size of the

molds used in this process is suitable for making bars weighing approximately 40 grams. The molds can be customized to suit all tastes.

METHOD

First, prepare the magic ingredient. Method one involves using psilocybin crystals, which must be crushed into small pieces with a mortar and pestle. In the second method, the dried mushrooms used must be finely ground with a coffee grinder until they form a smooth

powder. Next, melt the chocolate bars using a double boiler; cut the bars into small pieces with a knife, fill the steel pot with water, and cook on the stove until boiling. Once the water is boiling, place the Pyrex pan inside, taking care not to let the water overflow. Finally, pour

in the chocolate chips. Wait a few minutes for the chocolate to melt, then stir with a ladle to prevent burning until the chocolate is completely melted. Turn off the heat and let the chocolate cool. Monitor the temperature with a laser thermometer. When it reaches about 35°C, it's time to add the special ingredient.

Depending on the method used, pour the mushroom crystals or powder into the melted chocolate and stir all the ingredients with a ladle for a few minutes until smooth. Pour the chocolate and psilocybin mixture into the molds to create the bars, dispensing it in the desired quantities using the electronic scale.

Finally, place the newly prepared molds in the refrigerator for about 24 hours to completely solidify the mixture and be able to remove the psychedelic psilocybin-based chocolate bars from the molds.

DOSAGE

This process created five chocolate bars, each weighing 40 grams. Each bar is designed to be consumed by two different users; in other words, the dose per person is half a chocolate bar. Since it's impossible to accurately determine the amount of alkaloids present in each mushroom at home, it's highly recommended to start with small doses and gradually increase them based on the desired effects.

STORAGE AND SAFETY

Chocolate bars can be stored simply in aluminum foil at room temperature, in a cool, dry place, like most other foods. It's important to

store chocolate in a safe place, especially out of the reach of children; chocolate bars could fool anyone into unknowingly using psychedelic substances. In the United States, there have been numerous cases of accidental poisoning of minors by edibles containing narcotics, so exercise extreme caution.

THE POWER OF CONSISTENT QUALITY

How SANlight tests lighting performance under research-grade conditions

For professional cannabis growers, lighting is one of the most decisive factors in cultivation. Yield, plant structure, terpene development and consistency all depend on light that performs exactly as intended, day after day.

Few companies understand this better than SANlight. The Austrian manufacturer has built a reputation as a leading player in high-performance horticultural lighting, driven by engineering, efficiency and longterm reliability. In a market crowded with assembled fixtures and short-lived trends, SANlight has taken a different route: designing, testing and producing its technology entirely in-house.

That philosophy extends beyond product development. Inside its officially approved research facility in Austria, SANlight runs controlled cannabis trials to study how lighting performs when conditions are kept deliberately stable.

When precision reveals itself Plants always communicate. When conditions are right, those responses become readable: compact growth, firm stems and a canopy that develops evenly.

That clarity depends on stability. With EC and pH held steady, the influence of lighting can

be isolated and measured, shaping growth behaviour and development. Nutrition defines the plant’s capacity to grow; lighting determines how that capacity is expressed.

“You can’t validate lighting performance on a moving baseline.”

Engineering meets plant science SANlight approaches lighting as engineering. Every optic, spectrum and component is designed, tested and produced in-house. In the lighting industry, that level of vertical control is rare, but for SANlight it is essential. Precision only has value when it can be verified.

This requirement shaped SANlight’s approach to plant nutrition. The company worked with CANNA, whose products were used to ensure stable and predictable growing conditions.

CANNA brings the same philosophy to plant nutrition. The company stands out in an indus-

try where most rely on external labs or blended supply chains; CANNA maintains control over every step, from raw-material selection and formulation to bottling, regulatory work and rigorous internal testing. Their research division operates microbiological, molecular and chemical laboratories, allowing every product to be developed and validated under their own roof.

“Reliable inputs are the foundation of reliable results.”

Inside SANlight’s research facility

SANlight’s research facility in Austria forms the practical core of its lighting development. The environment is clean, tightly controlled and designed to minimise variability. Climate, irrigation, airflow and lighting are regulated so that even subtle plant responses can be accurately observed.

Within this setting, SANlight runs seed-to-harvest trials across multiple genetics, analysing how plants develop under high-intensity ligh-

ting. To maintain consistent conditions across experiments, the trials are conducted using CANNA Terra Professional Plus.

Facilities built to this standard are uncommon, and fewer still are designed with the explicit purpose of making lighting performance directly observable.

“Stable conditions turn plant response into measurable data”

What stability reveals

In a setting where variables no longer compete for attention, plant behaviour becomes a reliable source of information. Growth stabilises, structure evens out and performance reflects genetic potential rather than environmental correction. Under these conditions, SANlight can assess lighting on its own merits. Supported by nutrition that remains constant throughout the process.

Scan and watch the video 

THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT: Why Cannabis Works Better as a Whole

Royal Queen Seeds’ master grower, Max Majot, shares his take on the entourage effect and explains why cannabinoids and terpenes work best together in real cannabis use.

For a long time, we’ve talked about cannabis as if it were a one-molecule plant. THC for the high, CBD for balance. As a grower,

consumer and passionate that never quite sat right with me. When you spend enough years smelling, touching, and working with living plants, you start to notice that two varieties with similar THC levels can feel completely different. That curiosity is what first pulled me toward the entourage effect.

At its core, the idea is simple. Cannabis works best as a whole. Cannabinoids and

terpenes don’t act alone but interact, shaping the experience together. In practice, this explains why a balanced THC and CBD strain can feel smoother than a high-THC one, or why certain terpene profiles seem to soften edges like anxiety, while others sharpen focus or physical sensation.

From the cultivation side, terpenes changed how I evaluate quality. They are not just aroma molecules. Terpenes like linalool, pinene, or limonene influence how cannabinoids behave in the body, and research increasingly supports that they can modulate effects at multiple biological levels. This is also why strain selection matters so much more than a single percentage on a label.

That said, I’m cautious. The entourage effect is still a theory, not settled science. Some studies question how directly terpenes interact with cannabinoid receptors, and that’s healthy skepticism. Cannabis research is catching up after decades of prohibition and sweeping claims don’t help anyone. What we do have is mounting evidence that full chemical profiles often outperform isolated compounds in real-world use.

For growers and consumers alike, the takeaway is practical. Look beyond THC. Respect

full-spectrum profiles. Pay attention to aroma, not just potency. Cannabis is a complex plant and treating it like a single-note

instrument does it a disservice. In my experience, the real magic happens when all the parts are allowed to play together.

HOW TO GERMINATE MARIJUANA SEEDS A Complete Guide

Germinating cannabis seeds is a seemingly simple process, but it's not entirely obvious, especially if the factors at stake are the success of a grow or the development and preservation of existing and new marijuana strains, which are increasingly expensive these days. This article will cover one of the most effective methods, along with an analysis of the most important factors and tips for achieving a 100% seed germination rate.

2. Remove the seeds from the box and immerse them in the water

3. Let the seeds soak for about 12 hours

4. Drain the water out of the glass using a fine-mesh strainer

5. Remove the seeds from the bottom of the strainer

The quality of the water used during this step is important to avoid any type of contamination.

At this point, the seeds are ready to germinate, and to encourage seedlings to emerge, a very humid and warm environment is required. Proceed as follows:

1. Place a paper towel on the surface of a plate.

HOW TO PROCEED

The first step before planting cannabis seeds is scarification, a process that softens the seed's shell and allows water to penetrate, stimulating its opening. To perform scarification, you'll need a small box, such as a matchbook, and a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper.

Here's how:

1. Empty the matchbook

2. Cut a piece of sandpaper the same size as the matchbook

• Place the sandpaper on the bottom of the matchbook

Place the seeds inside the matchbook and shake it for about 10 seconds.

The movement of the seeds inside the box allows the sandpaper to smooth their surface, creating micro-cracks.

The next step involves a further procedure that breaks the seeds' dormancy:

1. Fill a glass with osmotic or distilled water

2. Sprinkle the towel with RO or distilled water.

3. Drain any excess water remaining on the plate.

4. Arrange the seeds on the paper towel, leaving a small space between each seed.

5. Fold the towel to completely cover the seeds.

6. Leave the plate in a dark place at a temperature of about 21°C.

After 24 hours the seeds will begin to hatch. When the white root protruding from the shell is at least 2 millimeters long, it's time to plant them in the growing medium.

Newly germinated seeds should be handled gently with tweezers. They can be planted directly into pots containing soil or in special propagators. Planting them in pots is best because the plants will have more room to develop properly and grow vigorously. Propagators are ideal for those with limited space, but the new seedlings may grow thin and droop under their own weight. Seeds should be planted no deeper than 1 cm, with the root tip facing downward. This way, the sprouts have less difficulty emerging from the substrate. It's important to water the soil before planting the seeds; the movement caused by the water could dislodge the seeds from their original position, and in the worst case, they could be lost.

First, irrigate the soil with the nutrient solution. Once the water has drained, make a small hole in the surface and place the seeds in the bottom. Finally, cover the hole with a tiny handful of soil. In the early stages of growth, the seeds have everything they need to develop and require little fertilizer; a solution based on root stimulators and a B vitamin cocktail is the best option.

For autoflowering cannabis strains, it's recommended to plant the germinated seeds directly in the container they will use throughout their life cycle.

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

For successful seed germination, the ideal temperature is around 21°C (70°F) and 80% humidity. Some growers use heating mats to achieve the right temperature during germination, but they have the drawback of drying out the environment. To achieve the right humidity level, you can use propagators with domes or a humidifier with a hygrostat that controls its on and off. A digital thermo-hygrometer with a probe is excellent for monitoring the climate.

LIGHTING

Lighting is a crucial parameter for proper seed development; a good light source is essential for their growth. If the lighting is insufficient, newly sprouted seedlings will tend to stretch in search of light. The best solution is to use LED lighting strips. During the germination phase, approximately 200 watts of power are needed to adequately illuminate a square meter of surface.

TIPS

One method to increase the germination and survival rate of seeds is to soak them for 24 hours in a solution of distilled water containing 1% 30-volume hydrogen peroxide.

Freshly germinated seeds planted in 0.2-liter pots

Grow with Stony Tark

Stoney Tark

Which Plant Training Technique Is Best?

Plant training is one of the easiest ways to increase your yields as a home grower. If you have not previously applied plant training techniques or are considering them, this article outlines the available techniques. It will cover LST, topping, fimming, super cropping, mainlining, SCROG, and pruning, and break down the advantages of each method.

LST

The LST method allows you to change the shape and structure of your cannabis plant. It produces more primary and secondary colas. It involves tying gardening wire to the top of the plant and making a hole in the side of the pot to create a loop. You can apply the LST technique at any time after week 4 of vegetation.

LST works by lowering the plant's tallest part and allowing the axillary shoots at each node to grow much larger, producing a bushy appearance within a short time. Ensure that the plants you plan to LST are sufficiently strong and flexible to tie down the top nodes.

What Will You Need?

Gardening wire

• Strong plant pot

Scissors

• A plant 4 internodes high

The Advantages of the LST Method

• LST can significantly lower the final height of your plant

It is an inexpensive and highly effective way to increase yields

LST can be performed multiple times during the vegetative stage

The secondary colas are significantly larger after applying LST

• It is optimal for growers who prefer large plants

Topping

Cannabis plants are apically dominant, producing a single primary central cola. You can double the number of crown shoots on your plant. Topping entails removing the terminal bud with sharp scissors, allowing the small axillary shoots to develop and replace the missing node. Once the axillary shoots are developed enough, you can repeat the process and continue to double the number of potential flowering sites.

What Will You Need?

• 1 pair of sharp, small-sized scissors

• A plant that is at least 3 weeks old

The Advantages of the Topping Method

• Topping is a great way to reduce plant height indoors

• It can be applied every 7 days during vegetation

• An easy technique that requires little effort

• It has a significant impact on yield

Fimming

Fimming is an old-school plant-training technique that is no longer as popular as it once was. It requires using a pair of sharp scissors and removing 80% of the leaves above the top node. By doing so, the plant will channel its growth energy to all tissues beneath the top node. After 5-7 days, the plant resumes upward growth and develops new apical leaves. By this point, the lower growth should

be thicker and more established.

What Will You Need?

• A pair of sharp scissors One plant that is 4 internodes tall

The Advantages of the FIM Method

Fimming is advantageous for preventing low-yielding side branches

• It will cause plants to develop a bushy structure

• Plant height can be temporarily lowered if working in small spaces.

Super Cropping

Super cropping is easily the most stressful training technique. It should only be performed on sturdy, rugged and robust cannabis plants. Super cropping works by using your thumb and finger to grasp the side branch stem and break the inner cell wall.

Cannabis plants respond by flushing with growth hormones and by forming a solid, hard wood knuckle at the site of stem breakage. Super cropping, when done right, produces extremely robust and solid plants with thick, hard wood branches. You should wait at least 7 days for the plants to heal and recover before super-cropping them again.

What Will You Need?

• One plant that is at least 6 weeks old

• Only need your hands.

The Advantages of the Super Crop Method

Super-cropped plants are far more resilient and tough afterwards

The branches become thick, strong and capable of holding lots of weight

Yields are increased when the super crop method is applied during 18/6

Pruning Beneath the Top Node

My all-time favourite way to produce a top-heavy canopy and avoid low-producing side branches is to prune away all leaves and shoots beneath the top canopy. So this also means stripping all the side branches down to the top node. Pruning should be done with a sharp, sterile scalpel to ensure a smooth, clean cut. You will only need to prune once, 5 days before switching to 12/12, and you do not need to prune during the early flowering stage.

What Will You Need?

• 1 sharp and sterile scalpel

A plant that is bushy and robust

The Advantages of the Pruning Method

Pruning allows the plants to focus their energy on a top-heavy canopy

• It is a good opportunity to take cuttings before you switch to flowers

• There is no concern about producing low-yielding lower buds

• Pruning improves air flow around the plants

Topping plants can significantly increase the number of big col as

These plants have been tied down, pruned and super-cropped

By @sudestfamily

STATIC MACHINE WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS

Static is a type of solventless cannabis extract consisting exclusively of the heads of the largest glandular trichomes. This resin extraction method uses the electrostatic charge of certain materials to separate the trichomes from the plant matter particles and obtain a concentrate with a purity of over 90%.

The technique for making Static is seemingly simple and requires just a few steps, but it's not within everyone's reach. A certain amount of starting material is required because the extraction percentage is very low, around 1% of the total weight of the proces -

higher electrostatic charge than manual methods.

The Tribostatic Separator is cabinet-shaped and takes up little space, measuring about two meters tall and slightly less wide. It is divided into two areas: the lower section houses the air compressor that circulates the resin in the circuit, while the upper section consists of a closed chamber with two transparent plexiglass doors for access to the system and monitoring the extraction process. Inside are two cold plasma panels, positioned opposite each other about 30

IN RECENT YEARS, THE EUROPEAN MARKET HAS BEEN FLOODED WITH A TYPE OF HASHISH OF MOROCCAN ORIGIN OBTAINED USING THE STATIC TECHNIQUE.

sed marijuana. Static is generally made from dry resin that is still in powder form, such as dry sift, but it's also possible to use fresh resin, such as Fresh Frozen Water Hash, although the latter requires refrigeration.

In recent years, the European market has been flooded with a type of hashish of Moroccan origin obtained using the Static technique. The resin extracted by beating marijuana plants as per Moroccan tradition is then processed to obtain an extract that in many cases exceeds 70% purity.

The Tribostatic Separator is a machine that automatically performs a task similar to that traditionally performed by hand. Some models can process up to 2 kilograms of resin per hour, and the entire extraction process is managed by a single operator. Miami-based Sambocreeck was the first to patent this technology for hashish production. The machine uses electrostatic energy to separate the glandular trichome heads from the remaining contaminants in the resin; due to their chemical composition, the trichome heads are negatively charged, while the rest of the plant matter is positively charged or not charged at all. Two cold plasma panels attract particles to their surfaces depending on their electrostatic charge. The cold plasma panels are capable of generating a much

centimeters apart. The panels can be moved to facilitate collecting the filtered resin and cleaning the machine. Below the panels is a large funnel connected to the recirculation system powered by compressed air. The machine is equipped with a control unit that allows you to manage several parameters.

The powdered resin is placed in the funnel and then, with the doors closed, the machine is started. The air compressor is activated and begins blowing the resin through a tube, discharging it from the upper part of the chamber through the two internal panels. During this process, the trichome heads are attracted to one of the cold plasma panels, filling the entire surface. The resin continues to circulate until the panel is completely filled with trichomes. At this point, the air compressor is stopped to allow the upper chamber door to be opened and the resin that has accumulated on the panel to be collected. After collecting the resin with a brush, the machine can be restarted to continue filtering the remaining resin in the circuit. Depending on the starting material used, it may be necessary to process the resin multiple times to obtain a quality product.

The machine consumes little electricity and operates on single-phase current. One advantage of the Tribostatic Separator is the

THE MACHINE USES ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY TO SEPARATE THE HEADS OF GLANDULAR TRICHOMES.

ability to work even in more humid environments where it is difficult to generate electrostatic charge with traditional techniques. On the other hand, to produce a high-purity Static, the resin must be processed multiple

times, thus limiting daily air production. The best extractions are undoubtedly those performed manually; hashish is a true art that cannot be replicated with a machine.

Grow with Jorge Cervantes

Jorge Cervantes jorge@marijuanagrowing.com

A STRONG ROOT SYSTEM IS ESSENTIAL FOR NO-VEG GROWING

Now we have a chance to put the latest scientific information and research to work in the grow room. We have increased cannabis crop yield with rolling tables, clones, LED light and genetic improvements. Research in the Netherlands at Innexo, BV has led to NoVeg growing. This technique saves growers two weeks of vegetative growth time, and the trade off is a slightly diminished harvest. However, an extra No-Veg gardens grown every year! This increases yield by about 10%.

To grow a No-Veg garden is tricky. Two critical points must be overcome. You must pay close attention to rooting clones and seedlings so that the root system is at a critical point. Clones and seedlings must be transplanted at the exact perfect time for the root system to suffer no transplant shock and continue rapid growth.

Efficient propagation is the base of high-performance no-veg cannabis cultivation, and getting roots right at transplant can make or break your yield. In no-veg rooms there is no safety net: cuttings hit 12/12 from day one, so every weakness in the root zone shows up later in your crop structure, uniformity, and harvest efficiency.

No-veg systems and root realtiy In a no-veg system, fresh cuttings are transplanted directly into flowering conditions, typically a 12/12 photoperiod in greenhouse or indoor setups. Without a vegetative buffer, weakly rooted plants cannot compensate, so rooting quality at transplant becomes the main driver of performance.

Growers often “go by feel” when deciding transplant timing, eyeballing root development and tray readiness. To replace guesswork, this study introduced a standardized visual root scoring system from 0 to 5, so every tray and cultivar can be judged with the same objective scale.

• Score 0: Bare plug, no visible roots at the surface.

• Score 1: A few thin roots just peeking out one side.

• Score 2: Light rooting ring around most of the plug.

• Score 3: Dense white root mat circling the plug, but not overgrown.

• Score 4: Heavy root netting, several layers thick, starting to bind.

• Score 5: “Root cage” around the plug, roots spiraling and circling, clearly overgrown.

Inside the Innexo trial

At Innexo, three high-THC cultivars—PC64,

Skunk, and Strawberry—were propagated, visually scored for root development, and transplanted straight into flowering (12/12) under standardized greenhouse conditions. Plant architecture, biomass allocation, flower yield, and cannabinoid/terpene profiles were tracked from transplant through harvest to see how rooting at day one shaped the final crop.

The root score at transplant was the key variable, ranging from 0 (no visible roots) to 5 (heavily over-rooted plugs). This allowed a direct comparison of under-rooted, optimally rooted, and over-rooted cuttings in a real production environment rather than a lab-only test.

Picture a three-panel flow:

1. “Propagation” box with three cultivar icons (PC64, Skunk, Strawberry) and trays of cuttings.

2. Arrow to “Root scoring 0–5” with a magnifying glass icon over plugs.

3. Arrow to “No-veg flowering (12/12)” room, ending at “Harvest: yield, architecture, chemistry. Each panel sits on a timeline from cutting to harvest, emphasizing that early rooting decisions echo through the entire cycle.

Optimal rooting: the sweet spot

Cuttings transplanted at root scores 2–3—

classified as optimally rooted—delivered the highest flower yield and the best harvest index (around 0.53) for Skunk and Strawberry. These plants managed the ideal balance: enough roots to explode into growth after transplant, but not so many that the plant had invested excess resources into vegetative biomass before hitting bloom.

Under-rooted cuttings with scores 0–1 were slow starters. They struggled to establish, stayed shorter, yielded less, and wasted labor and space because harvest efficiency dropped.

Over-rooted cuttings at scores 4–5 looked powerful but told a different story at harvest. They produced larger plants but pushed more biomass into stems and leaves instead of flowers, lowering flower efficiency even when the canopy looked impressive. Root score affects structure and yield, not flower chemistry.

Flower yield line rising from 0–1, peaking around 2–3, then dipping at 4–5.

Harvest index line with the same bell-shaped curve, topping at ≈0.53 around score 2–3.

Cultivar-specific rooting windows

Underneath the peak, a shaded band labeled “Optimal transplant window for Skunk & Stra-

Not all genetics react the same way to overrooting. While Skunk and Strawberry showed clear performance declines at high root scores, PC64 tolerated much higher rooting levels without losing yield or harvest index. In PC64, flower production and efficiency remained stable up to a root score of 5, showing that some cultivars are more forgiving when plugs are held in propagation longer.

From a practical standpoint, this translates into cultivar-specific transplant windows: Skunk: transplant at root score 2–3.

• Strawberry bar: same narrow green band over 2–3

• PC64: wider window, root score 2–5 acceptable.

The visual message is simple: some genetics demand precision, others give you scheduling flexibility.

Rooting and flower quality

One of the most important observations for commercial growers is that cannabinoid and terpene profiles did not change with root score. Root development at transplant shifted how much biomass the plant produced and where that biomass went, but not the chemical composition of the flowers themselves.

wberry (2–3)” clearly shows the target zone.

That means efficient propagation in a no-veg system is primarily about volume, architecture, and labor efficiency—not about chasing extra THC or terpene points via root manipulation. Growers gain by increasing yield per square meter and ease of harvest, while maintaining consistent flower chemistry for downstream buyers and patients.

Practical takeaways for growers

Translating this into the grow room, a visual root scoring system becomes a daily decision tool rather than just a research metric. With a 0–5 scale, propagation staff

can triage trays: transplant now, hold, or reject, based on clear visual targets and cultivar-specific windows.

In no-veg cannabis systems, applying root-score screening at transplant helps growers:

Improve crop uniformity by avoiding weak or excessively vegetative outliers

Avoid unnecessary time in propagation by not over-holding rooted trays beyond the optimal score band.

• Maximize flower yield and harvest effici -

ency by hitting the 2–3 rooting sweet spot for sensitive cultivars

• Increase predictability of production cycles by turning a gut feeling into a repeatable, data-backed decision.

Toward data-driven propagation

By tying early root development directly to final plant performance, this work lays a stronger scientific foundation under modern no-veg production systems. It shows that propagation is not a side stage but a primary production lever where simple, repeatable observations—like a 0–5 root score—can

shape the economics of every harvest.

For growers looking to dial in high-throughput flowering rooms, the message is clear: watch the roots, not just the tops. With cultivar-specific windows and a standardized scoring scale, propagation becomes a controlled, data-driven process that feeds your flowering rooms with plants primed for efficient, uniform, high-yield performance.

Growing

Mr. José, info@pestovat.cz

Distance Between the Light and the Plants

How far should the grow light be from your plants? Is the distance really that important when everyone keeps talking about it? And why is the light–plant distance in home grow rooms often shorter than in commercial facilities? This topic is a true evergreen of grower discussions. In this article, you’ll find all the answers about proper light distance—so make sure to read it all the way to the end.

So, how high above the plants should the light be hung to get the best possible growth? Unfortunately, the answer doesn’t fit into a single sentence and it’s not universal. The correct distance depends on several factors: the power and shape of the light fixture, the size of the grow space, the reflectivity of the walls (that is, how well the walls reflect light back into the space), and last but not least, your goal. Are you aiming for maximum intensity, or for maximum homogeneity— meaning an even, uniform distribution of light across the entire canopy?

Photosynthetically Active Photons

In any discussion about grow lighting, it’s absolutely essential to understand what photosynthetically active photons are. These are particles that carry energy plants can actually use in the process of photosynthesis, through which they gain energy for growth and flowering. These photons are emitted mainly by the sun or by grow lights designed for cultivating plants in enclosed spaces—which is exactly the kind of lighting we’re talking about here.

The more photosynthetically active photons reach a plant, the more of them it can potentially use, and the more energy it can gain. Put very simply, you could say that the more photosynthetically active photons a plant receives, the bigger the yield can be. However, it’s nowhere near that simple, because photosynthesis depends on several other factors besides light—such as temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and more. Without these in balance, higher yields simply won’t happen.

More Light Doesn’t Automatically Mean Bigger Yields

A lot of growers believe that the more light they give their plants, the bigger the harvest will be. But if you really want better yields and only add more light, it’s like trying to bake a bigger loaf of bread by adding more yeast to the recipe—without increasing the amount of flour, water, and the other ingredients the bread is actually made from. By boosting just one element of the photosynthetic process, you usually won’t achieve higher yields.

The amount of photosynthetically active photons emitted by grow lights is directly related to the power of the fixture. In simple terms, the more powerful the light, the more photons it produces. That said, it also depends on the wavelength of those photons. Producing red-spectrum photons, for example, requires less energy than producing blue-light photons. So if you wanted to design a light with very high efficiency on paper, you’d simply use more red LEDs. That doesn’t mean, however, that plants would grow better under it.

A major role is played by photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), which represents the actual light intensity at canopy level. The movement of photons in a grow room can be compared to a shower. The shower releases a certain amount of water, just like a grow light emits a certain number of photons (PPF). Close to the showerhead, the density of water droplets is highest—and in the same way, close to the light source, PPFD is at its highest, meaning the highest density of photosynthetically active photons.

A light source emits the same total number of photons regardless of the distance between the light and the plants. So why does distance matter at all, if the light has nowhere to escape and all photons should stay inside the grow space? With properly

reflective walls and a grow area well filled with plants, all photons should eventually end up on the plants, and a difference of just a few inches shouldn’t really matter. Or should it?

Homogeneity of Light Intensity and Light Spectrum

When you look at some large commercial grow facilities, it may seem like the

distance between the lights and the plants doesn’t really matter. The fixtures are often hung unusually high above the canopy. Yet whenever you measure it, you’ll always get a higher PPFD at a shorter distance from the light than at a greater one. Physics is unforgiving. Higher PPFD equals more energy for the plants.

Photons can bounce off the walls and

In multi-tier growing systems, the lights are usually not moved. Optimal distance is achieved by adjusting light output and usi ng appropriate cultivation practices.

In home grow setups, an optimal distance of 30–50 cm can be ach ieved when the light’s power and shape are chosen correctly.

make their way back toward the plants, but part—or all—of their energy is converted into heat when they hit objects other than leaves. And the farther the light is from the plants, the more opportunities photons have to end up somewhere else without ever reaching the foliage.

In commercial grows, intensity is important, but it has to go hand in hand with homogeneity. The goal of commercial growers is to achieve the most uniform flower quality possible. By increasing the distance between the lights and the plants, they lose some intensity, but they gain a much more even light distribution across the entire grow area. This gives them a better chance of achieving a homogeneous harvest, simplifies post-harvest processing, and allows them to offer their customers consistent quality. Light distance can also be used to influence plant morphology to some extent, although a similar effect can be achieved by dimming the lights—which has the added benefit of saving energy.

When using LED grow lights, one commonly mentioned advantage is that these fixtures can be placed very close to the plants without risking burned tops. Even so, you shouldn’t place the light closer than about 20 centimeters. A minimum distance of around 30 centimeters can be considered optimal. Grow lights typically use LEDs of different colors, and these are not always distributed evenly across the panel—most often this applies to red-spectrum diodes.

A more accessible option is to use one of the mobile apps available, such as Photone or a similar tool. For use with grow lights, you’ll need to pay a fee of just under €10, which is a very small price for getting a fairly accurate result. A reliable spectrometer, by comparison, usually won’t cost you less than €400—and more often than not, you’ll end up paying roughly twice that.

Practical Tips

I’ll add a few practical tips specifically for home growers. If you stick to these, you really can’t go wrong. I’ll start with a small grow space measuring 60 × 60 cm. For this size, I’d use an LED grow light with a minimum output of 100 watts, ideally 130–150 watts, with the option to dim it. In this case, the optimal distance from the plants is 30–40 cm. This setup gives you fairly even light distribution and the intensity you need. At full power, PPFD would typically fall somewhere between 600 and 1000 μmol/m²/s, which is sufficient for both photoperiod-sensitive and autoflowering strains.

For a 80 × 80 cm grow space, I’d choose an LED light in the range of 150–250 watts, again with dimming capability. Here too, optimal values are usually reached at a distance of 30–40 cm. At this size, the shape of the light fixture starts to matter as well. Ideally, the light should closely match the shape of the grow area, or

consist of at least two modules that, when hung correctly, illuminate the space evenly. If you use a smaller, single light in the center of the tent, intensity often drops off toward the edges. The poorly lit parts of the plants then produce lower-quality flowers, while the center of the grow area may receive too much light—more than the plants can actually use.

Moving on to a 100 × 100 cm grow space, I’d recommend a light with an output of 200–400 watts. The suggested hanging distance here is 30–50 cm. The more powerful the light, the farther away it can be placed.

Generally speaking, 30 cm is the shortest recommended distance where intensity and homogeneity are still in a good balance. If you’re aiming for maximum yields, you can use lights rated at 500 or even 600 watts in a 100 × 100 cm or 120 × 120 cm space. To achieve an optimal combination of intensity and even coverage in that case, the light should be hung at a distance of roughly 40–70 cm.

It’s a good idea to maintain these distances throughout the entire grow cycle. The only exception is the seedling stage, when you can hang the light higher or reduce its output. I personally switch to full power once I see that plant growth has clearly picked up speed.

If the light is placed too close to the plants, the spectrum from all the different diodes doesn’t have enough space to mix properly. As a result, you may start to see various undesirable signs of an unbalanced light spectrum within the canopy. In some spots, shoots may stretch excessively, while elsewhere you might notice bleaching or fading at the tips of the flowers. A slightly greater distance, even at the cost of lower intensity, contributes to more even lighting and a higher-quality, better-mixed light spectrum across the entire grow area.ust a few inches shouldn’t really matter. Or should it?

How to Achieve the Right Light Intensity

When choosing grow lights today—whether for a home setup or a commercial operation—reputable manufacturers and retailers should be able to tell you how far to place the light from the plants in order to achieve the required PPFD for the size and conditions of your grow space. That said, not everyone can provide this information, and not for every type of light fixture.

There are countless variations in grow room dimensions, as well as in light types, fixture designs, and power classes. Because of that, it’s almost impossible to recommend one universal rule for how high a light should be hung. The most reliable approach is to measure PPFD under your specific conditions. However, spectrometers are relatively expensive.

Good lighting conditions are an essential part of the path to a high-quality harvest.

Award-Winning cannabis cultivation author Jorge Cervantes teams up with Seedsman for a FREE, comprehensive digital book on home growing.

100-page digital book

270+ color images

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Beginner and advanced growers

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Co-Authors

Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Gary Yates

Stefan Meyer

Table of Contents

• Cannabis Botany

• Life Cycle of Cannabis

• Cannabis Seeds & Seedlings

• Plan Your Garden

• Grow Room Setup

• Twelve-week Garden

• Harvest, Manicuring, Drying, Curing & Storage

• Diseases, Pests & Problems

JORGE CERVANTES

Author Marijuana Horticulture.

Legendary Jorge Cervantes, published in eight languages sold over a million copies worldwide.

Growing Techniques

By Hortizan/Soft Secrets France

CROP STEERING THE RIGHT LEVERS TO GUIDE YOUR CROPS

Crop steering is a precision growing method that involves guiding plant growth by modulating their environment. The goal: to influence the plant at every phase of its cycle. This strategy is based on a simple but powerful idea: growth can be stimulated by controlled stresses, triggering specific physiological responses.

Initially developed for intensive growing installations, particularly those using coconut fibers or rock wool, this approach was designed for fully controlled environments. However, the principles of crop steering remain transferable to other growing contexts: in soil as well as in hydroponics, in mineral fertilization as well as in organic. By understanding the underlying mechanisms, each grower can adapt this logic to their own system to improve yield, quality, and consistency.

Crop steering is based on alternating between two major growth dynamics: the vegetative phase, focused on structural development, and the generative phase, focused on reproduction, and therefore flowering. These two states can be induced or reinforced depending on the signals the plant receives. In the vegetative phase, the plant, with little stress, develops leaves, stems, and roots in a humid and stable

environment. In the generative phase, controlled stress triggers flowering and focuses energy on rapid bud formation. Crop steering thus allows for strategic switching between these two states, through environmental and irrigation management.

Crop steering adapts cultivation management to the physiological needs of the plant at each stage of its development. In cannabis cultivation, this approach is divided into four main phases, each with a specific objective and a dominant type of management. It is first necessary to understand root management. It is based on fine management of the substrate, particularly through the volume and frequency of watering, as well as electrical conductivity (EC).

An important element to understand in this method is the concept of dryback: this involves allowing the substrate to dry out moderately between two waterings. During the vegetative phase, frequent and light watering is preferred, maintaining constant moisture in the substrate. Conversely, during the generative phase, waterings become more spaced out, with more significant drybacks, creating the stress conditions necessary to guide the plant towards flowering:

Phase 1 – Vegetative – Vegetative growth (growth): Root and leaf development. This phase aims to build a solid foundation: a dense root system, a vigorous vegetative structure. A vegetative phase is applied: stable environment, low stress, frequent and low-intensity irrigation, moderate EC, small drybacks.

Phase 2 – Generative – Floral stretch (first 2 weeks of flowering): Floral induction and formation of bud sites. The plant transitions

from structural development to reproduction. A generative phase is applied: moderate stress (higher VPD, less frequent irrigation, more marked drybacks), higher EC.

Phase 3 – Vegetative – Flower Enlargement (bloom): Increase in bud volume. The flower sites are in place; now it's time to "fill" the flowers. Second vegetative phase, to support flower swelling: milder conditions, more regular irrigation, more limited drybacks.

Phase 4 – Generative – Maturation (last 2 weeks): At the end of the cycle, we aim to push the plant to complete its maturation. Return to a generative phase using progressive stress: higher VPD, spaced watering, significant drybacks. In hydroponics or coco, these significant drybacks lead to an increase in the EC in the substrate, which adds a final osmotic stress that favors the concentration of active compounds. In soil cultivation, however, we tend to observe a gradual reduction in fertilization to prevent salt accumulation and promote cleaner maturation.

Each phase must be precisely calibrated: an error in timing or intensity can lead to imbalance, loss of performance, or slowdown. Hence the importance of monitoring reliable indicators at each stage.

Crop steering relies on controlling irrigation, but also on its relationship with the ambient climate. All of these adjustments must be precise, measured, and consistent: The room's climate directly impacts transpiration, photosynthesis, and hormonal balance. And it is the sum of these perceived signals that determines the plant's physiological response.

This is the method that many coco fiber/ rockwool growing systems with CO2 supplementation choose to adapt.

Crop steering is not an esoteric method reserved for experts, but a precise management tool based on observation and adjustment. By learning to read each plant's signals and finely modulate its environment, growers can steer each phase of the cycle toward a clear objective: more control, more quality, more yield. And that's just the beginning. Pushed to its full potential, this approach paves the way for ultra-personalized cultivation, where each phenotype could benefit from a tailor-made SOP. In the future, most clones will likely be sold with their own dedicated growing protocol, offering unprecedented precision to fully express their genetics in a controlled environment.

Effective crop steering requires a greater understanding of each climate parameter (photo: Cannabis Vera)

NL Legal Growers

Text & photography:

Derrick Bergman

CANADELAAR, THE BIGGEST LEGAL DUTCH WEED FARM

Plagued by burglaries, complaints and odour problems

It’s the largest, best-known, and possibly the most crucial of the ten cannabis farms in the Dutch Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment, better known as the weed experiment. But CanAdelaar is also under the most pressure; over 3,000 complaints about “odor nuisance”, break-ins and the risk of huge fines. ‘Don’t underestimate how smelly you are and how much neighbours are concerned about the smell.’

In September 2025, a preliminary relief judge gave the company one week to take further measures to limit the smell, face fines of up to €3,5 million or cease operations. CanAdelaar stopping would be a disaster for the weed experiment. It’s the only one of the eight currently active growers that has been able to consistently supply cannabis to the 78 coffeeshops in the experiment.

The figures are not public, but it’s clear that a significant part of the cannabis sold within the experiment is produced by CanAdelaar. They might not have a reputation for producing top-shelf quality, but they are certainly known as the most affordable option. Commercial director Max Schreder gave Soft Secrets a grand tour of the facility last August. German Schreder grew up near the Dutch-German border and, like many of his countrymen, enjoyed visiting coffeeshops in the Netherlands. Before joining CanAdelaar, he worked for an alcohol company.

From the beginning CanAdelaar has focused on a “democratic product that is affordable for everyone,” Schreder told us. ‘Champagne is a great product, with a wonderful culture and history. But most people drink beer, not Champagne.’ The choice to grow in a greenhouse is fundamental. Not only because it's cheaper than indoor cultivation. ‘We don’t believe in locking the plant up indoors and mimicking the sun. Did you know that growing one kilo of indoor weed causes as much CO2 emissions as 30,000 kilometres of driving a car?’

CanAdelaar is an Austrian company, with legal cannabis farms in Austria, Canada and now the Netherlands too. In Austria and Canada, they too use greenhouses only, using the sun as a source of light and energy via solar panels. Additional (HPS) lighting is only switched on if the level of sunlight is insufficient. Schreder expects the quality of the cannabis in the Dutch weed experiment to keep improving and prices to keep going down. ‘All THC markets prove this. And it’s a good thing for the average consumer.’

The CanAdelaar greenhouse, originally built for growing tomatoes, is huge: 250 by 200 meters, or 50,000 square meters. Brand-new carbon filters are fitted throughout the greenhouse; CanAdelaar invested over a million euros in filters to mitigate the smell. The plants in the greenhouse are kept quite small. A conveyor belt makes it easy to move them from the clone department to the vegetative and flowering departments. CanAdelaar employs twelve nationalities, Schreder mentions during the tour, 75 percent of whom are women.

After harvest, the plants are trimmed wet, dried in trays for six to nine days, and then cured in plastic drums at a temperature of about ten degrees Celsius. A part of the harvested plants is immediately processed into live hash (Whole Plant Fresh Frozen). The packaging department is like a Willy Wonka factory for weed, particularly the two gigantic machines that weigh, portion, and package the cannabis into orange baggies. One thing is clear: the experiment is creating a lot of legal jobs!

A few months after our visit, we interviewed Max Schreder again. When we asked him about the main lessons he has learned since the start of the experiment, he smiled and said: ‘Don’t underestimate how smelly you are and how much the neighbours are concerned about the smell. That is of course a lesson we learned the hard way, and I think we fixed it by now. But we should have taken it more serious in the beginning.’

Another issue causing bad publicity are break-ins. The fourth one, in September, led to some media claiming the whole stock was stolen. This is certainly not true, Schreder said: ‘The police put out a very brief statement. It was correct, but not sufficiently precise. One media outlet read it like everything was gone. But it would have taken much, much more than what we’ve seen. Further than that I cannot comment, because the investigation is still ongoing. I just want to make clear that until now every single person who has tried to burgle us, has been caught. It’s the worst idea in the world to come to our place and try to steal stuff.’

Max Schreder in the clone department

Young plants are watered by a robot

Flowering plants in the flowering department

CANADELAAR FACTS AND FIGURES

Location: Outside Hellevoetsluis, close to Rotterdam

Number of Employees: Over 125

Number of cannabis cultivars: Over 20

Number of Plants: 180,000

Substrate: Soil

:

Carbon filters and HPS lights for supplemental lighting when there is insufficient sun Rosin press in action

“Taffy rosin,” made by whipping and stirring fresh, warm rosin into a thick, toffee-like consistency

Newly harvested plants are machine-trimmed

Leaves missed by the machine are hand-trimmed

The buds are automatically sorted by size

Plastic joint tubes in CanAdelaar's house color

Joint-rolling machine

Cannabis weighing and packaging machine with a high Willy Wonka factor

Kief is put into bags to press out rosin

A tray of cannabis buds

A tray of kief

Strains

Skywalker OG, Super Silver Haze, Wedding Cake, Lemon Haze, Amnesia Haze, NYC Diesel, Permanent Marker

By Charles Stone

FEARLESS - M.W.

Craven

We know Craven best from his excellent series about Washington Poe and his sidekick Tilly Bradshaw. Fearless is the start of a new series about "a man who knows no fear," aka Ben Koenig, who led the U.S. Marshals' Special Operations Group but disappeared six years ago. He resurfaces when a colleague needs him because his daughter has been kidnapped. The first clues lead to the town of Gauntlet near the Mexican border. A much larger criminal operation seems to be underway there, and Koenig has to go to great lengths to get the job done. With Ben Koenig, Craven portrays a kind of Jack Reacher replica. The Brit is a good writer, so it's a smooth read, but the adventures surrounding the anti-hero Poe are more to my taste.

BOOKS FILM

MUSIC

Konnichiwa - Guten TagMoney Money (Excelsior Recordings)

2015 was the last year the Amsterdam duo zZz released an album. And then suddenly there's a sign of life again! Their golden sleaze-rock formula hasn't lost any of its trippy power, driving energy, or muddy, swampiness. Björn Ottenheim still rams forward his tight, solid rhythms while simultaneously singing quasinonchalantly over the pumping beats. And Daan Schinkel is still the keyboard wizard who simply yet effectively sprinkles vague sounds and hypnotic tones over it all. The eighties seem to have gained some influence, but the sound of zZz is still rock solid.

SINNERS

–

Ryan Coogler.

Starring Michael B Jordan, Miles Caton, Delroy Lindo

It's inevitable not to compare Sinners to Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn, which also makes a complete shift towards vampire violence halfway through. Both films succeed beautifully in this. Sinners is set in 1930s Mississippi, where two twin brothers (a fantastic double role for Michael B. Jordan) open a bar. Blues talent Sammy Moore, partly based on the legendary Robert Johnson, is the crowd-pleaser. Plenty of beautiful blues in Sinners, and whether it's a coincidence or not, when bluegrass enters the film, things go awry. The exuberant finale also features Irish folk. A beautiful soundtrack for a fine film.

HOLLY – Stephen King

Leave it to Stephen King to find a grim subject for a new quest for Holly Gibney, familiar from his Mr. Mercedes trilogy. A young woman has gone missing, and Holly reluctantly takes on the task, as King has set this story during the early years of the COVID epidemic. Holly (she always avoids shaking hands) elbows her way to a solution that is familiarly gruesome. King, himself a fervent supporter of all coronavirus measures, was therefore despised and even boycotted by some of his readership. The same is happening now that the bestselling author is making no secret of his opinions on Donald Trump. Spoiler alert: King thinks Trump is an idiot.

Sweet Tooth is the name of Halima's debut album, and sweet it certainly is. But sweetness on her terms. And that's good for listeners, because her Afrofuturistic pop leans ever so slightly towards R&B but has none of that cheesiness or self-assurance. Just really nice, electronic pop songs that make you happy. "The album is about finding yourself through chaos, and loving the parts of the journey that hurt—the joy and the pain." And that's exactly how it is. Her beautiful, sultry, and somewhat deep voice makes it all the better.

WEAPONS – Zach Cregger. Starring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Amy Madigan

Weapons is a fantastic film, more mystery than horror, for the discerning. In an American town, 17 of the 18 children in the class of teacher Justine Gandy (a delightful performance by Julia Garner, who we know as Ruth Langmore in Ozark) disappear one night. Some of the parents believe she knows more, including Archer Graaf (Josh Brolin), who launches his own investigation. And why is Alex the only student who hasn't disappeared? What is his role? Director Cregger crafts a delightful and thrilling quest, culminating in a satisfying finale. A surprising cinematic masterpiece that will surely gain cult status.

zZz

HALIMA Sweet Tooth (drink sum wtr)

Soft Secrets is published by Discover Publisher BV

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Editor: Cliff Cremer

Contributors: Stoney Tark Jorge Cervantes, Mr. José, Green Born Identity (G.B.I.), TricomaTeam, Tommy L. Gomez, Fabrizio Dentini, Olivier F., Hortizan, Derrick Bergman, Sudestfam and others.

Photography: iStock, Unsplash

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A word from the publisher: World wide there is a process going on of relative liberalisation towards the use of cannabis, be it for medicinal or recreational purposes. Several countries legalised cannabis as a way of separating soft and hard drugs, as it has proven to do in Holland. Other countries legalised the use of medicinal cannabis, including the right to grow cannabis plants for one’s own use. The publisher wants to highlight the process of normalisation of cannabis use. This assumes that the publisher does not necessarily agree with everything that appears in articles and advertisements. The publisher therefore distances himself explicitly from published statements or images that might give the impression that an endorsement is being made for the use and/or production of cannabis.

Nothing from this publication may be copied or reproduced in any format without prior permission from the publisher and other copyright holders. The publisher is not responsible for the content and/or point of view of advertisements. The editor takes no responsibility for unsollicited submissions.

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

Next issue out April 17 2026

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OFTEN IMITATED NEVER EQUALED