In the world of cannabis, kief is not getting the attention it deserves. That’s a shame, because this is some pretty darn potent stiff! In this blog, we take a closer look at kief, a special type of harvested cannabis.

What Is Kief Cannabis?

Kief is a potent residuel product that often stays behind after cannabis buds are dried, processed, or ground in a grinder. We tend to carelessly brush it off our fingertips or discard it while cleaning our grinder or stash box. That is a crying shame – you’ll find out why below!

Whenever dried cannabis is processed, it sheds some of its trichomes. These are the tiny white ‘crystals’ decorating mature buds, which contain most of the THC, CBD, and other active cannabinoid compounds of the plant. Trichomes also contain terpenes, which determine the flavour and scent of cannabis as well as some of its effects. In nature, they help protect the plant against predatory insects and other threats.

Since kief contains little plant materials compared to its trichome and terpene load, it is more potent than most dried colas or hash products. That make it all the more interesting for cannabis connoisseurs!

The Word Kief

You may think that Kief is Dutch slang for trichome powder, but that’s not why it looks so very un-English. Kief, or kaif ( كيف), to be more precise, is an Arabic word for ‘narcotic’ or ‘pleasure’ – and as soon as you get a taste, you’ll see why.

Collecting Kief Cannabis

When cannabis is harvested on larger scales, farmers often smoke the kief that sticks to their hands for themselves. Since harvesting whole fields is not something many of us will ever do, however, special grinders are available that are designed to ease collecting kief. These consist of three or four sections including a fine mesh sieve to separate kief from other plant material. At the bottom of these grinders, a fine layer of light coloured power builds up, without the usual green bits of plant material. This is a vert easy way of collecting your own kief.

Use the grinder as you normally would, but after grinding, tap it firmly against a hard surface to make the kief fall to the bottom section. It may take a while before you have enough kief in your grinder, bit it sure is worth the wait!

You can also collect kief with regular grinders, but you’ll have to watch out for other plant material mixing in with the kief powder. If you’re careful, however, you can still get kief even without a special grinder.

Cannabis Kief Applications

Obviously, you’ll want to make the best use of any kief you manage to collect. There are in fact many ways to do so, since kief is one of the most versatile of all cannabis products. Kief can be smoked, eaten, or turned it into concentrates such as hash or rosin. We’ve l;isted the favourite applications of kief below.

Roll With It

The easiest way to use kief is to just roll it into a joint along with crumbled flower or hash, as this will add depth to the experience. However, for the creative-minded, coating joints in kief presents a great challenge. You can either lick the rolled paper and dust it with kief, or you could use honey instead of your tongue. This makes for joints that look like works of art, with noticeably boosted effects.

Kief Edibles

Just like regular cannabis flower, kief can also be used to make edibles. Mixing it with ingredients such as butter, honey, or even wine can turn it into great baking and cooking material. Do make sure the kief is heated to decarboxylate it, or it will have little to no effect. Online, you’ll find loads of yummy recipes for anyone willing to get creative and treat their friends to a very special meal.

Making Hash

Making hash from any collected kief is very easy. Simply picking it up and rolling it between two fingers will result in a little ball of kief. This is actually the same technique that Moroccan cannabis farmers have been using for centuries. After collecting the harvest, the wind up with enough kief on their hands to roll it into a sizeable ball of ganja goodness.

Hash can also be produced using more advanced techniques, though. In fact, we have this full blog to explore making hash in more detail.

Kief Drinks

Another interesting way of using kief is by adding it to one’s coffee or tea, which is a simple matter of sprinkling it into a cup or pot. The liquid’s heat will help the kief dissolve and activate the cannabinoids. As with all edibles, it can take up to 90 minutes for the digestive system to absorb the cannabinoids. Likewise, the resulting high is bound to last much longer than the effects of smoking kief instead.

Rosin

Cannabis connoisseurs with a penchant for following Instagram accounts will undoubtedly recognise the following shot. Picture a bud placed between two pieces of parchment paper being pressed with a hot (curling) iron. Now envision a gorgeous thick yellow treacle oozing out, gleaming in the light. This substance is called rosin, and it’s easy to make out of kief and cannabis flower, too!

You’ll only need a sheet of non-stick paper and a curling iron or regular iron. Place the kief between two layers of paper, heat it, and collect the resulting rosin – it’s that simple! Take care to keep the heating device at minimum temperature though, or the heat will ruin all the flavour by scorching the terpenes. Since rosin is separated from the other plant materials, it is more potent than regular flower. This has obvious consequences for the effects, both from a medicinal and a recreational perspective. There will be less of it than the flower originally placed in the press, however: that’s why rosin is called a concentrate.

Resin

Rosin is not the same as resin, by the way. Resin is another type of processed cannabis product, which occurs in several forms. In essence, resin is the sticky substance naturally found in resin glands or trichomes containing the cannabinoids. Resin is thought to shield these active components from UV rays in sunlight.

Processed resin is made by freezing harvested flower and then using chemical extraction to collect the active compounds. Rosin, by contrast, is the concentrated product that remains after compressing kief or entire buds under high pressure and moderate heat. This involves no solvents, which makes for a more natural product. Do keep in mind, however, that rosin can be made from all sorts of different plants: it is not always ft for consumption!

Kief, A Cannabis Grower’s Bounty

No matter what, all cannabis growers will have to work towards a harvest before they can get their hands on some kief – or some kief on their hands. As all cannabis plants produce kief, any strain can be used to obtain it. Kief is a very pure form of the active components found in cannabis. That means it can be very potent, but it can also bring across the flavour of a strain’s terpenes in a very clear way. Anyone growing their own weed can have access to kief as a (side) product of their harvest. Kief expresses the full bouquet of particularly tasty strains, since it does not contain the acrid flavours of plant material or chlorophyll. That makes growing special taste sensations such as Tangerine G13 or Spicebomb seeds even more interesting.

All in all, then, kief cannabis is a special grower’s bounty: a reward for the patience invested in the harvest. Of course, ordering the finest cannabis seeds is the first step on the road to that reward, so we suggest making a good start here…

Finest Kief Genetics

It’s illegal in Morocco to produce cannabis for recreational use. Just recently, politicians have started the conversation about the legality for medicinal cannabis use. Despite all this, Morocco is and has been the number one cannabis exporter for quite a while. Cannabis has been a part of the culture and traditions for ages, and today we’ll find out everything about the world of Moroccan weed traditions!

Legality Of Cannabis In Morocco

Currently, it’s illegal in Morocco to produce, sell, or own cannabis. Prison sentences for drug related crimes go up to 30 years, and fines could become as high as 60,000 euro. If you’re caught consuming cannabis, the maximum prison sentence is 10 years. This rarely happens though. Surprisingly, cannabis related crimes are usually tolerated by local law enforcement. All this, together with the inherent cannabis culture, explains why there is such a big support base for legalization.

In 2011 and 2014, attempts were made to chance the laws, without success. On May the 31st in 2021, a new law was accepted by the Moroccan parliament. This law would legalize the production, selling, and use of medicinal cannabis. If the King or Morocco signs this law, it would mean the law has officially passed.

Cannabis Traditions From Morocco

No one’s certain about when cannabis came to Morocco, indications vary between the seventh and fifteenth century. We do know that cannabis has spread through the rif mountains and the rest of the country during the eighteenth century. The green gold was traditionally smoked with tobacco, in a regular pipe or a ‘sebsi’, a traditional Moroccan pipe. Cannabis was also consumed in edibles, sweet snacks, and tea.

A Policy Shift

Near the end of the nineteenth century, Moroccan cannabis was spread through other countries. Surprisingly, 90% off the medicinal cannabis in France originated from Morocco. This changed in 1912, when Morocco was divided under French and Spanish colonies. Whereas Spanish authorities turned a blind eye towards the canna culture, the French didn’t. A French government institute, the ‘Régie Marocaine des Kifs et Tabacs’, decided that the cultivation of cannabis on French territories would become illegal. The only exception was de French headquarters in Tanger. Fortunately, the Rif Mountains were located within the Spanish territories.

When Morocco could finally say goodbye to its colonial occupiers in 1956, the ban on cannabis was still present, now covering the entire country. Morocco has been battling with legalization ever since. Although authorities are relatively tolerant towards cannabis, connoisseurs and cannabis farmers are still risking life long prison sentences.

The Rif Mountains

We mentioned the Rif Mountains a few times now, but wat exactly is so special about these vastly spread valleys and peaks? This area, covering almost 35.000 km² in Morocco and Spain, is the home for big plains that are perfectly suited for growing cannabis and agriculture in general. Apart from the immense natural diversity, there’s plenty of cultural diversity in the Rif Mountains too. These widespread mountains are the home of three main population groups: Riffians, Ghomara and Jebela. When sourcing through the diverse nature, one main sight remains: huge cannabis fields. On the sides of the roads, cannabis dealers regularly chit chat and offer their self made hash to visitors and tourists.

This might sound as a strange run of affairs, but it really isn’t. In Morocco, it’s estimated that around one million people are financially dependent on the cannabis industry, most of which are located in the Rif Mountains. The police is aware of this, and fortunately still tolerate it. If you happen to visit Morocco someday, you may witness police officers doing speed checks surrounded by big fields of flowering cannabis plants. Harvesting cannabis is only punished after the Spanish border is crossed, when smugglers try to bring the good stuff to the rest of Europe. Morocco is responsible for about 40% of the global cannabis production, and it’s estimated that around 16% of all Dutch hash comes from Morocco.

Hash From Morocco Cannabis

Hash in Morocco is made using traditional methods. The cannabis plants are harvested in autumn, and dried for about a month during this colder period. After the cannabis is dried, the traditional dry sifting technique is used. With this technique, a fine mesh fabric (usually made from cotton) is tightly wrapped around a container, the dried flowers are placed on top, covered, and finally beaten to separate the trichomes. This process is repeated multiple times, which determines the purity of the resulting kief powder. When the beating process is repeated many times, the kief will become less and less pure, as more plant material will pass through. The golden yellow kief that is left, is the precursor of the hash. This kief can be smoked directly, but is usually pressed together to make hash. The pressure that’s used determines the oiliness of the hash. When pressing the kief harder, trichomes bind together, releasing more oils and creating a more sticky and oily final product. After the hash is pressed, it is ready for export, or for the tourists who visit Morocco to get a taste of the prime Moroccan hashish.

Luckily, you won’t have to jump on a plane from Amsterdam to get a taste of these Moroccan specialties. Thanks to the heartfelt connections that have developed between the Netherlands and Morocco, our countries are intertwined when it comes to cannabis. Thanks to the itinerant hippies, who did their duty in the 50’s and brought some of the best genetics back to Europe, we can still enjoy the taste of these inherent Moroccan genetics present in the most modern Dutch cannabis strains – including those of Amsterdam Genetics!

As the world keeps facing new variants of the COVID-19 coronavirus, science is racing to find new treatments and therapeutic options. Unsurprisingly for many weed enthusiasts, cannabis has been one of the most promising plant remedies investigated so far. Cannabis has shown potential against corona or Covid symptoms, and new studies show it could even help prevent virus infection. Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBG Oil show particular potential. Check out this update on what cannabis could do to protect us throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus And Cannabis Today

Fortunately, we have moved past the days when the coronavirus was completely new and puzzling, when health authorities and national governments scrambled to cope with this unknown disease. The past two years were hard for many if not all of us, but the world is getting to grips with the Covid-19 pandemic. We now have vaccines, antiviral medication, distancing protocols, and a host of other effective measures in place. The general sense of dread and doom has dissipated somewhat, largely thanks to scientific progress.

In spite of these developments, however, new mutations and variants of the coronavirus keep complicating everyday life. As we adapt to the virus, it adapts to us in turn, but we are still working hard to stay one step ahead. Interestingly, recent discoveries indicate that we may have a new ally in the race against the coronavirus pandemic: an old friend of mankind called cannabis. CBD(A) and CBG(A) are receiving a lot of attention at the moment, but there is more that cannabis could offer in terms of coronavirus protection.

Taking Cannabis, Facts, And Covid-19 Seriously

Of course, we take our responsibility as a cannabis authority seriously, so we don’t want to make any overly bold statements about cannabis and the coronavirus. Instead, we state the scientific facts we have available to let you form your own opinion, and make informed choices from there. Whether you’re a cannabis grower, a weed enthusiast, or simply an inquisitive person looking for clear information, Amsterdam Genetics has got you covered.

Cannabis Coronavirus Science

Several studies have so far highlighted potential ways in which cannabis can help us fight the coronavirus pandemic. We go over some of the most promising ones here.

CBDA And CBGA In Cannabis Against The Coronavirus

A study published early January 2022 in the Journal of Natural Products is the latest to claim serious potential of cannabis compounds against the Covid-19 coronavirus. Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that CBDA and CBGA, two acidic precursor cannabinoids to CBD and CBG, appear able to block the virus from entering into the body’s cells. By binding to the spike proteins of the virus itself, they render it unable to infect us. That means these natural cannabis compounds could help treat as well as prevent coronavirus infections.

CBDA and CBGA occur naturally in all cannabis plants. In fact, CBGA is also known as the ‘mother cannabinoid’ from which all other cannabinoids are formed. The process known as carboxylation turns these substances into cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), which theoretically makes smoking, vaping, or otherwise heating cannabis detrimental to these protective effects. However, before all you growers start eating your uncured fresh flower buds, there may be other ways to use cannabis for coronavirus protection!

Full Spectrum CBD And CBG Oils Contain CBDA And CBGA

The CBGA and CBDA compounds cited in the study are in fact quite easy to come by in the form of Full Spectrum CBD Oil (for CBDA) and Full Spectrum CBG Oil (for CBGA). The full spectrum formula of these products means both these products contain many other cannabis compounds than CBD or CBG alone. That means these special hemp oil products, available to order online in the Amsterdam Genetics web store, may help prevent and protect against Covid-19 coronavirus infections!

Cannabis And Severe COVID-19 Cases

Let make this clear from the outset: conclusive evidence is still some way off, and research is still ongoing. We’re not trying to make any bold medical statements here; we are merely exploring the possibilities of cannabis and COVID-19. However, the evidence does hint at some potential of cannabis in reducing the production of inflammation proteins, known as cytokines, by our immune system. Right now, this is an area of particular interest for coronavirus research, on top of the recent discoveries about other cannabis compounds.

Many of the most severe COVID-19 cases involve overproduction of such cytokines. This escalation of our natural immune response is known as a ‘cytokine storm’: the body starts attacking its own cells and tissues instead of the virus it is supposed to fight.

In such cases, both CBD and THC could have useful parts to play. Scientists indicate that pure CBD can help the lungs recover from severe complaints caused by cytokine storms triggered by COVID-19. It can help restore normal oxygen levels in the body.

A study by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia demonstrates that CBD can help relieve the symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. This could provide relief for serious breathing difficulties, preventing mechanical ventilation and ARDS, although this has not yet been tested on humans. The only studies conducted so far involved mice, but as with all medical science, researchers have to move with caution.

Influence Of THC On Covid-19 Symptoms

One consequence of a cytokine storm is ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). The Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research journal explains that in severe cases of viral respiratory tract infection, ARDS is one of the chief causes of death, including cases of COVID-19. Better treatment options are urgently needed.

One of the studies conducted to zoom in on the potential effect of cannabis on cytokine storms involved mice. Two groups of healthy mice were exposed to a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. This bacteria causes ARDS in mice, usually with fatal consequences. The scientists treated one group with THC immediately after exposure; further doses followed 24 and 48 hours later.

All mice in the control group, which had not received THC, died because of ARDS, whereas all mice administered THC survived. The study concluded that THC reduced pneumonia related lung inflammation, as well as lessening the severity of cytokine storms. In addition, the blood of all mice treated with THC showed increased T-cell concentrations, which helps suppress inflammation.

For now, we will have to wait for more data to come in, but it appears as though both CBD and THC could offer valuable options for reducing or even preventing some of the most dramatic and lethal coronavirus infection symptoms. Scientists are hopeful about the initial results. Still, we should realise that these studies only involved mice. More research is needed before we can proceed to treating human subjects with CBD or THC. We can’t predict whether the same results will apply to people affected by COVID-19.

Cannabis For Treating Coronavirus Stress, Anxiety & Depression

As the above findings show, cannabis consumption could offer advantages during the corona pandemic. This is not only due to the protective properties it could offer; cannabis can be a source of mental support as well. You are not the only one experiencing more signs of stress, depression, and anxiety these days. Now, we want to point out that cannabis is never a point-and-click miracle cure. However, the fact is that the consequences of corona are increasingly impacting various facets of everyday life: socially, financially, and, of course, in terms of health. To some people, cannabis could offer temporary relief from depression, stress, and anxiety issues.

Keeping Your Spirits Up

It seems as if cannabis could become a major ally in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus. You now know that ongoing research is focusing on interesting possibilities for using cannabis to tackle COVID-19. Perhaps that prospect alone is enough to cheer you up a bit in these gloomy times – if the right happy cannabis strain doesn’t do that for you. No matter what you do, though, do make sure you stay healthy and try to keep your spirits up. We will keep you informed of further developments – until then: stay safe!

Help yourself to our full range of CBD strains, THC-heavy genetics, Full Spectrum CBG & CBD Supplements in the web store today!

Making hash is both one of the best-known and one of the most ancient traditions in the world of cannabis. To many growers, the making of hashish seems a daunting challenge, partly because it mostly happens abroad, and partly because of the sheer force and effort required for the job. Thankfully, though there are several techniques that let grower make hash out of their own grow from the comfort of their home. We’ll be explaining some of our favourite techniques below.

Hash And Kief

Hash is made of trichomes; the tiny resin glands responsible for production of cannabinoids mainly located on the colas or flower buds of female cannabis plants. Without trichomes, cannabis would not contain much along the lines of THC, CBD, and all the other active cannabinoid compounds.

If we separate the trichomes from the cannabis flowers, we end up with kief. Essentially, kief is the sum total of trichomes produced by a cannabis plant. It is also the quintessential ingredient for making hash at home or anywhere else. Kief can also be consumed straight away, for instance, by rolling it into a joint.

The main difference between kief and hash, then, is a procedure of pressing and (usually) heating. These steps alter the flavour, consistency and effect of raw kief into the phenomenon of hash as we know it.

There are many ways to produce or extract kief from cannabis plants, a few of which we will discuss below. Strictly speaking, though, there are just two ways to make hash: either with or without heat. You’ll learn about that as you make your way through this blog.

Mechanical Drum

This is both the easiest and the most expensive way to make kief. After lovingly trimming the harvested buds, all the plant material goes into the drum. It contains a fine mesh that starts to spin when the drum is activated. The revolving motion separates the trichomes from the trimmed buds, allowing them to be sifted by the mesh screen. It is a simple matter of activating the drum and waiting for a few hours before collecting the end product. The resulting drum kief can then be processed into hash by any preferred method.

Silk Screen

Traditionally, countries such as Nepal and Afghanistan produce kief by rubbing cannabis flowers against silk cloth. These pieces of silk are stretched tightly over a bowl or similar container, after which the plant material is carefully rubbed against the grain of the silk screen. The plants will often have been allowed to dry for six months before hand, which has a major impact on quality.

The trichomes pass through microscopic holes in the textile, separating them from the other plant materials that remain on the other side. Although tradition dictates using silk cloth for the screens, most modern hash aficionados have switched to metal or nylon mesh used in screen printing techniques. These materials are more affordable and easily available in large sizes, while still being fine enough to keep the crude plant material from passing through.

Growers interested in trying this technique should look for the finest type of mesh they can find. The pressure used to rub the plant material against the screen is a crucial factor in determining the final quality. Soft, subtle techniques lead to the best results. The product is often sieved several times before the kief is processed into hashish. However, sieving more often can paradoxically make the product less pure. Repeated sieving releases more fine non-trichome plant material, which contaminates the kief.

The very purest kief is a gorgeous white-golden colour. Kief containing more plant material is more of a greenish golden hue. These colour differences make it relatively easy to asses kief purity, and to decide whether you want to repeat the sieving process or not.

Sticky Fingers: Making Hash By Hand

This technique is used in India, and Moroccan growers apply it to make hashish from any residual product after the harvest. Freshly dried ganja buds are trimmed and processed by hand, which causes some of the trichomes to separate from the flowers. Home growers know that these trichomes also fall from trimming leftovers or ‘sugar leaves’– never just throw these away! After a while this makes any trimmer’s hands extremely green and sticky with huge quantities of trichomes sticking to the skin. If these sticky fingers and green thumbs are rubbed together, heat, pressure, and friction knead the trichomes into solidified hash. In effect, this means skipping the kief stage altogether.

This type of hash does contain everything and anything that was present on the hands that made it, however, including any harvest leftovers and skin grease. That may sound less attractive than regular hash, but it’s usually not so bad. Moreover, handmade hash is a true delicacy in India, so perhaps all that special manual labour does add a little something extra to the final product experience.

Making Hash In The Oven

The most popular way of making hash at home is probably the method that involves sticking it into the oven. To do so, first preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Simultaneously, all kief is collected in heat-resistant plastic cling foil. The kief content should be packed as tight and compact as possible, to make sure it sticks together (literally) and remains waterproof. Then, the bundle is wrapped in paper and folded tight, before soaking it with warm water and putting it in the preheated oven for ten minutes. The plastic wrap makes sure the kief stays dry while the wet paper prevents the contents from burning.

After ten minutes, the product can be removed from the oven and placed on a hard surface. A pin roller can then be used to roll and compress the package. This adds pressure to the process of hash making. After all sides have been evenly rolled, the process can be repeated. The package is moistened again, after which it is put back in the oven for another ten minutes. Then, the rolling process repeats itself. This will improve quality and can be repeated several times over. However, if the first pressing leads to satisfactory results, going for that second round is not necessary. As soon as the job is done, the whole package should be put in the refrigerator to cool down and harden. A few hours later, that home made oven hash is ready to enjoy!

Even though making hash may sound like a difficult and time-consuming job that takes all sorts of equipment and expertise, it turns out to be a rather pleasant single-afternoon pastime.

Making Next Level Hash

Anyone looking to up their game an get serious about making hash will find room for improvement in the finesses of pressing. The low-tech pin-roller approach can be replaced by mechanical presses, often using hydraulics for added power. That creates the highly compact next level hash you can find in most coffeeshops. Of course, may techniques have been invented over the years to perfect the separation of trichomes from the plants. There are all sorts of methods, and personal preferences are an important factor. Still, the simple techniques you’ve seen in this blog contain the essence of making hash, so from here on, any grower can manage at home.

The main thing to keep in mind when trying to make good hash, though, is that everything starts and ends with good genetics. We keep repeating this, but that’s just because it’s an established fact: ordering prime cannabis seeds is the key to enjoying results from germination until long after the harvest. It’s that simple.

Hash making can be done using any strain, but we recommend Fatkid’s Cake to any growers looking for a true Amsterdam hash marvel, to reproduce the famous Blocks found in the best coffeeshops. Fortunately, you know just where to look for the finest cannabis genetics, so that first time making hash is bound to succeed!

When you pick up a prescription at the pharmacist, they usually ask whether you’re using other medication. This is a precaution to rule out possible interactions between medicines. However, any (regular) cannabis consumer ought to know about potential interactions between medicines and weed, too. A number f cannabis compounds may alter, block, or reinforce the effects of certain medication. This blog explains.

Interactions Between Cannabis And Medication

If you are using medication, you should always be aware of potential interactions with other medicines as well as with other substances. We know, for example, of at least 82 interactions between medication and caffeine, 25 of which are considered moderate to severe. Cannabis contains a considerable number of active organic compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD as well as terpenes and flavonoids; any of which could potentially influence how certain medicines work.

If you use weed and you start taking medication, or if you’re already using me犀利士
dicines and you want to enjoy cannabis, it can really pay to do some research. Discussing the subject with your doctor can be a good idea. Just try to be frank and start an open conversation so you know what to expect while your physician is up to date with your situation. Simply ask your doctor what the potential interactions between cannabis and your current medicines could be.

In some cases, marijuana can boost or aggravate the effects of prescription drugs. That may sound like a good thing, but this isn’t necessarily so. Be aware that cannabis can intensify the effects of medicines (which can be deeply unpleasant and even dangerous) as well as make any side-effects more severe. On the other hand, weed can make certain meds less effective. That means you should always get qualified medical supervision when combining medication and marijuana.

Growing Cannabis Plants As Medication

When you think about it, it’s not very surprising to know that cannabis and medicines can interact with each other. After all, the notion of ‘medical marijuana’ exists for a reason; and people have been growing cannabis seeds to create their own plant-based medicines for thousands of years. Our blogs can tell you more about medicinal growing and the potential of cannabis for symptoms such as:

• Pain;
• Insomnia;
• Nausea;
• Depression;
• Anxiety;

Of course, it’s wonderful to know that growing cannabis seeds can help control certain conditions and symptoms, but this medical potential comes with downsides, too. The effects of weed can disrupt, alter, and reinforce the effects of medication. We provide some important examples below.

Cannabis And Tranquillizers

If you are planning on using tranquillizers (like diazepam, lorazepam, or oxazepam, for instance), then caution is advisable. These are drugs that may be prescribed in case of anxiety disorders and severe sleep issues. They affect GABA neurotransmitters in the central nerve system to help people relax. Certain cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis may also have tranquillizing effects. Any possible interactions between cannabis and the calming effects of tranquillizer medication depend on factors such as potency and dosage of both marijuana and medicines used. In principle, cannabis tends to add its effects to those of any tranquilizer drugs without altering how the medication works. Cannabis also appears to leave drug blood levels intact. Nonetheless, it can be dangerous to use such drugs together with cannabis. Be very careful whenever tranquillizers are involved, and always make sure to consult a doctor.

Cannabis And Mediation: Blood Thinners Or Anticoagulants

The use of anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) while consuming cannabis may entail risks. Both THC and CBD could potentially influence the effectiveness of such medication (including examples like heparin). This may also occur with other drugs that have anticoagulant properties such as ibuprofen. Such interactions could be explained by several mechanisms, such as by the liver enzymes required to break down both anticoagulants and certain marijuana compounds.

THC can also block the prescription drug warfarin from binding to specific protein locations. This may lead to elevated blood levels of this drug, which in turn may increase the risk of haemorrhage. Research shows that cannabis consumers ought to lower warfarin doses by up to 30%. On the whole, however, combining cannabis and blood thinners may entail serious health risks, and should never be attempted without guidance of qualified medical experts.

Opioids

Cannabinoid and opioids (such as oxycodone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and methadone) can mutually influence each other’s effects. Both classes of compounds affect the endocannabinoid system, and cannabis can compound these drugs in their analgesic potential. In certain instances, cannabis may even be a preferred analgesic over opioids, in light of its fewer and less severe side-effects and the addiction risks involved in opioid use. But could cannabis be used in combination with painkiller medication? That might help reduce risks of dependency on regular pain medication.

A small-scale study conducted in 2011 investigated 21 participants suffering from chronic pain. They used opiates twice a day, but throughout the study, they also received cannabis 1 to 3 times a day. The results indicated that using cannabis alongside opiates does not increase optiate blood levels. Patients did report 27% less perceived pain, however. The researchers concluded that cannabis seems safe to use for purposes of increasing the analgesic capacity of opiates. Moreover, cannabis could theoretically reduce the need to use such opioid painkillers, which would come with obvious health benefits.

Blood Sugar Medication

There have not been many studies investigating how cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with blood sugar medication. We do have several general studies investigating overall health of certain population groups. Strikingly, these indicated that generally speaking, cannabis consumers appear less affected by obesity or diabetes as a group. This may be due to the ability of cannabis to reduce insulin resistance. However, this also makes it additionally important to monitor blood sugar levels closely for al diabetics who combine insulin and cannabis. Only combine cannabis and such drugs when under medical supervision.

Is It Safe To Combine Cannabis And Medication?

Of course, we cannot simply draw one overruling conclusion here: there are simply too many types of medication; even if we don’t add individual differences and symptoms. Cannabis itself likewise comprises a whole range of active compounds, each of which may produce particular effects. In some instances, combining cannabis and medicines may have synergistic effects that could add up to help relieve your symptoms. However, the risks of such combinations usually outweigh the potential benefits. Be sure to always consult your doctor on such matters, to ensure you are sufficiently aware of any potential risks involved. Your health is your most valuable asset: treat it accordingly.

If you are planning to order your own cannabis seeds for application as medicine, then be sure to use all the information you can find and make use of the options offered by our various premium strains.

No matter whether you’re an experienced connoisseur or a complete newbie, anyone can find themselves in a situation where they get too high or stoned. That can be a real nuisance; particularly with the more psychedelic strains, as racing thoughts can become a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, it always fades after a while, and the worst bits usually last only a few minutes. However, if you don’t want to ride out the effects, here’s a few quick tips on how to act if you get too stoned.

How Does Being Too Stoned Feel?

Perhaps you’re not sure whether you’re too stoned: maybe something else is going on. That’s why we start this blog by going over some tell-tale signs you’ve overdone it on the weed. Marijuana can produce all sorts of effects, including some of the side-effects we describe in this blog. We’ve also listed the main effects that people actively seek in cannabis, including its relaxing properties, euphoria, uplifting feelings, or help with better sleeping. This present blog, however, zooms in on how it feels when you’re too stoned, and what you can do about it.

Anxious

Cannabis can trigger a mental and physical state of anxiety. You could jump at the slightest noise, or notice your heart rate speeding up way beyond your normal pulse. Usually, you won’t even know what you’re so anxious about – but that doesn’t make the feeling any better.

Paranoid

When you get paranoid, you thoughts become less rational. You may for instance get the impression that you’re acting strange, or that people are laughing at you, or talking about you behind your back. This is why it’s a good idea to enjoy cannabis in a safe environment such as your own home, with friends you trust. Also try to keep in mind that people tend to pay attention mainly to themselves; they’re probably not even noticing the behaviour you are worrying about.

Confused

Dd I say that out loud or was it just a thought? What is this movie or conversation even about? Confused thoughts such as these are common after consuming too much cannabis. They’re not dangerous at all, but they’re a pretty sure sign that you are too stoned.

Nauseous, Faint, Or Dizzy

You can also start to feel sick after a sudden onset of nausea triggered by too much weed. Some people also feel faint or dizzy when they get too stoned. These sensations are unpleasant, but they pass after a while: getting some fresh air or a glass of water often brings quick relief, as can and doing some breathing exercises or just lying down for a bit.

How To Prevent Getting Too Stoned

As you know, prevention is always better than cure, so let’s start with how to prevent yourself from getting too stoned in the fist place. For inexperienced cannabis explorers, it is usually best to start slowly by taking just one or two hits. It’s hard to predict the specific effects of cannabis, as these depend on strains, your state of mind, how well you’ve eaten, and other factors. That makes it particularly tricky to anticipate the high the first few times you try cannabis. You will notice the effect in a matter of minutes, however, so you’ll be able to decide whether you’ve had enough pretty soon. We recommend this easy-going approach even for experienced connoisseurs, especially when trying new strains.

Edibles

Edibles can produce very different effects than smoking or vaping cannabis does. As the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream via the digestive tract instead of via the lungs, the effect usually takes longer to set in. You will usually have to wait for about an hour, but you shouldn’t start considering a second helping until two hours after the first bite. That way, you can make sure the weed has become fully effective. If you don’t you risk eating too much, finding out you are too stoned only after eating that second serving of cannabis edibles. Also, make sure you don’t take edibles on an empty stomach, because that will only make it too intense.

Anyone can make their own edibles, such as by making cannabis butter and using that to bake brownies. However, some sense of moderation is in order when going for a bake. Suppose you’re processing five grams of weed with a modest 10% THC into one batch of butter. If you use that butter to bake 15 brownies, each brownie will contain about 30mg of THC. That’s a pretty high dosage, suited only for experienced consumers. More modest doses are around 5mg THC, and regular ones could be set at around 10mg. That makes it a good idea to divide the 30mg brownie from our example into three equal parts to make sure you don’t get too stoned.

For those who don’t like maths or cooking, edibles are available from most quality dispensaries, too. These should state an indication of THC percentages on the package. That way, just sticking to the instructions goes a long way towards appropriate dosing.

What If You Do Get Too Stoned?

Of course, in spite of the above, even cautious people can get too stoned at some point. Perhaps someone else’s flower hit you harder than you expected, or maybe those edibles didn’t kick in until three hours later. Alternatively, your tolerance could prove lower than you’d expected. No matter what, though, even veteran cannabis buffs don’t like feeling too stoned. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make the feeling go away.

Don’t Panic

This is the most important thing to keep in mind: there is no reason to panic – we promise. The effects of smoking cannabis generally last between 30 minutes and three hours, and the effects of edibles wear off within ten hours, max. Better yet: the actual ‘peak experience’ of feeling too stoned after smoking usually doesn’t last longer than fifteen to twenty minutes.

Just stay calm and wait for the feeling to fade. Nobody has ever died from a cannabis overdose: in theory, that would require smoking 650 kilos of cannabis in fifteen minutes, which would be physically impossible even if anyone ever wanted to try.

Keep Eating And Hydrating

Smoking cannabis often causes ‘cottonmouth’, a dry sensation in the mouth. This phenomenon was studied in 2006. It turns out that THC blocks receptors that normally signal the brain to produce saliva. The resulting dry mouth is harmless, but annoying nonetheless. The best countermeasure is to keep hydrating, preferably with regular water. Never try using alcohol against cottonmouth: it will make the effect worse as well as potentially causing nausea and other adverse effects.

Some people report that eating fruit and nuts keeps them grounded after getting too stoned on cannabis. They describe these foods as able to ‘reconnect’ body and mind, but apart from that, it sure helps to stop 必利勁
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Black Peppercorns

This may sound strange, but it’s a go-to remedy for many people (including Neil Young!). The smell of black pepper, or the act of chewing on a few peppercorns, allegedly helps reduce the high, pronto. There is even some scientific evidence to actually support these claims.

The main active compounds in cannabis consist of cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids are substances such as THC and CBD, which interact with the receptors of our human endocannabinoid system to produce the high. Terpenes, by contrast, give cannabis its characteristic scent and flavour, but they also influence the effects of cannabinoids. You’ll find terpenes not just in cannabis, but in most aromatic plants. The main terpene in black pepper is (alpha) pinene, which is known to make people more alert and helps us focus.

Chewing on some black peppercorns allows the cannabinoids in weed to interact with pinene, which results in a soothing, calming effect. These interactions are known as the entourage effect. Put simply, the scent of black pepper signal THC to take it easy, which allows consumers to stop feeling too stoned in turn.

Finding Distractions When You’re Too Stoned

Sometimes, the best remedy for racing thoughts is to just push those thoughts away for a bit. Try to distract yourself by finding simple activities that produce positive feelings. This could be anything from watching your favourite series, playing a game with friends, or simply going for a walk with someone close. This will keep you from getting bogged down by negative feelings, and it may even free up some mental space to direct your high.

Showers Or Baths

Another helpful idea is to spend fifteen minutes taking a nice warm shower for some peace of mind. If you have the opportunity, taking a hot bath can also help against feeling too stoned, although actually drawing a bath does take some time.

Use CBD When You Get Too Stoned

THC in cannabis gets people high by binding to the endocannabinoid system; specifically to its CB1 receptors. By doing so, THC can increase heart rate, change sensory perception, and influence memory function. CBD also connects with the receptors of the ECS, but it actually blocks THC in doing so. That way, CBD can reduce the intensity of THC’s effects. Studies indicate that CBD can be used to control a THC high, which can come in handy for people who get too stoned.

If you’re wondering how to make sure you consume only CBD, we have our special Blue Monkey CBD seeds waiting for any grower. These contain the ideal CBD genetics for both medicinal growers and recreational CBD enthusiasts. Still, we know it’s too late start growing once you discover you are too stoned. That’s exactly why we have a range of CBD products ready to order online. These are very useful to keep close at hand when you decide to consume cannabis. Dedicated weed lovers should always have a bag of CBD Gummies ready for quick relief whenever they accidentally get too stoned. It’s a great way to prepare for any eventualities, as well as making sure that there’s a tasty snack and a bit of distraction within arm’s reach!

As the year draws to a close, we are overjoyed to report a true avalanche of awards rolling our way here in Amsterdam! After winning Seed Bank of the Year in the 2021 Cannabis Industrie Awards last week, we are now grinning from ear to ear as we announce that our new Amsterdam Genetics X Mascotte rolling papers won us the Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards 2021, too!

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards For AG X Mascotte Papers

We are proud to announce that we received yet another award for our top notch 日本藤素
smoking accessories! This year’s online edition of the prestigious Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards saw our new line of Amsterdam Genetics X Mascotte rolling papers come in first. Although competition was fierce, the members of the jury recognised the Experts Never Compromise – time to celebrate the best papers you’ll find in Amsterdam – or online, for that matter!

As dedicated high rollers were already aware, the new line of premium quality papers resulted when we combined the expertise of Amsterdam Genetics and Mascotte’s rolling experience for the ultimate connoisseur product. Available in Original and Brown editions and King Size or Slim formats, these individually embossed beauties represent pure, uncompromising quality.

Initial feedback by veteran rollers was already super-positive. However, receiving the much-appreciated Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards for our joint efforts was the best confirmation we could get to let us know we’re on a roll!

Congratulations SupMedi On Your CBD Award!

Our AG X Macotte rolling papers were not the award-winning product you’ll find in our store, however. We congratulate SupMedi on winning Best CBD Product of the Year! Of course, SupMdedi CBD Oil and other premium supplements already had our vote, because we have been featuring them in our web store for quite some time now. Still, it is great to see a diverse jury of professional experts from across the field agree with our judgement… A well-deserved victory for SupMedi, then, and we salute them for the achievement!

More Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards Next Year, Please!

As we already announced, wining awards is one of our favourite pastimes. These Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards are great as a token of appreciation from the professional community, but of course, your continuing support as our loyal base of fans, followers and customers is even more important to us. That’s why we’re already busy cooking up next year’s award-winning products and innovations. Rest assured that our ambitions for 2022’s awards are already fired up – stay tuned for new industry-dominating strains and other premium products!

The dangers of synthetic cannabis are often underestimated. This is (amateur) lab-produced weed, which can give a false impression of security for some. However, synthetic cannabis proves to be anything but safe: it is a gave public health hazard that has already proved fatal in many countries. This blog explains why growers and consumers ought to choose natural cannabis instead!

What Is Synthetic Cannabis?

Synthetic cannabis, also known as ‘spice’, not a common drug in the Netherlands. Even so, it is increasingly encountered all over the world. Synthetic cannabis can create a false sense of security because it is made in laboratories; even if these labs are usually little more than a ramshackle shed out in the Chinese countryside. This is in fact what makes it so devious: synthetic cannabis is a very dangerous drug that has very little in common with natural weed, apart from the name.

Synthetic marijuana is produced by mixing dried herbs with chemicals that are supposed to produce the same effects as THC and other natural cannabis plant compounds. Similarly to their organic counterparts, such synthetic cannabinoids affect the receptors of our endocannabinoid system. The main problem is, however, that these effects are often far more intense than those produced by natural cannabis compounds.

At a casual glance, synthetic cannabis may appear quite similar to the natural weed people buy at dispensaries and coffeeshops. It usually even smells sweet and fruity to match the real deal. Make no mistake, however: the effects of this synthetic cannabis are very different.

The Risks Of Synthetic Cannabis

It should come as no surprise that synthetic cannabis is dangerous. It was originally developed for medical purposes, but the lab-manufactured fake weed available on the streets or through shady websites is not produced in safe and controlled circumstances. That makes the effects of such cannabis unpredictable, and often highly dangerous.

Fake weed usually contains synthetic cannabinoids as well as other hazardous chemicals, including methamphetamine, piperazine, or mephedrone. Another factor that makes it so dangerous is the wildly varying quantities of synthetic cannabinoids encountered in each batch. These differ between brands as well as between individual packs.

Moreover, some cannabinoids are far more potent than others. The imitation cannabinoid CP47, for instance, is between 3 and 18 times as potent as THC from regular cannabis. Its fellow fake cannabinoid HU210, however, is well over 100 times stronger! Obviously, this makes it impossible to determine anything that even remotely approaches a safe dose.

People have been poisoned by synthetic cannabis all over the world. In 2014, over 600 Russian citizens were hospitalized after using these drugs, including fifteen people confirmed dead as a consequence. Similar figures are reported in the US, with particular reference to a variant called Zombie Burst.

Genuine Weed And Synthetic Cannabis

Synthetic cannabinoids also have effects on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Theoretically, they could produce similar effects to those of natural weed, including relaxed, cheerful moods. However, the effects are usually much more intense and decidedly less predictable, making for extremely unpleasant side-effects.

Some of the less severe effects include:

• Dizziness;
• Confusion;
• Anxiet7;
• Vomiting;
• Tingling sensations in arms or legs.

However, the more serious and even life-threatening side-effects include the following:

• Racing pulse;
• Extremely high blood pressure;
• Restlessness, agitation;
• Panic attacks;
• Suicidal thoughts;
• Paranoia;
• Mood swings;
• Memory problems;
• Hallucinations;
• Kidney and liver problems;
• Acute psychosis.

Synthetic cannabis is available under a wide range of brand names, all of which are dangerous. Some of the best-known names are CHILI, Diablo, K2, Chaos, Natures Organic, and Spicy XXX. The compounds found in these fake weed brands are not strictly illegal or listed substances; at least not in the Netherlands. Nonetheless, it is clear to see why synthetic cannabis is incredibly dangerous.

Enjoying Natural Cannabis

Perhaps you think that with all the marvels we can produce in laboratories these days, we should be able to synthesize cannabis as well. However, it turns out that the uniquely psychoactive and relaxing potential of the cannabis plant we have learned to appreciate are impossible to reproduce in a lab. Apparently, a touch of natural magic remains a necessary ingredient, which is probably for the best.

Obviously, any grower looking to enjoy cannabis safely is much better off with natural weed than with any lab-created crap. Our web store offers only fully natural cannabis seeds of the very finest quality available. On top of that, our Grow Blogs contain all the info needed to grow as purely and organically as possible. Our genetics allow anyone to grow safely and naturally, trusting on the plant-based origins that started it all. Our expertise and cultivation experience is all we add to the bounty of nature, to ensure first-class harvests that no laboratory can reproduce!

Great news: we get to clear more space in our trophy cabinet because we won yet another award! With more voters than ever and the verdict of a profesisonal jury, Amsterdam genetics was elected Best Seed Bank of the Year at the 2021 Cannabis Industrie Awards!

Amsterdam Genetics Wins Seed Bank Of The Year!

Of course, we’re always happy with the appreciation we get from our growers and regular customers, but there’s something special about every award we win. We are therefore proud to announce that Amsterdam Genetics was voted Best Seed Bank Of The Year at the 2021 Cannabis Industrie Awards!

We have been squarely behind the quality of our premium genetics for decades. Rightly so, if we may say so ourselves: every year, we see more how our strains convince new growers of the quality represented by the cannabis seeds they order. Obviously, such hands-on practical approval is still the best proof of the pudding. That’s what we work hard for all the time, and yet… As always, we’re happy to make more room in our trophy cabinet, so to all those who voted for Amsterdam genetics this year, thanks so much – we love you back!

Cannabis Industrie Awards

The Cannabis Industrie Awards are an initiative by cannabisindustrie.nl, a platform for and by the cannabis sector full of professional information on current national and foreign cannabizz developments. After the first award ceremony in 2020, new prize categories were added in this year’s edition. One of these – and certainly not the least – is the Seed Bank of the Year award. Obviously, being the very first to win this award is great encouragement coming from the sector as a whole, but it’s especially motivating coming from the community that makes this business possible in the first place.

Victory Speech

As happens often these days, the 2021 Cannabis Industrie Awards ceremony was an online event. Of course, it sucks to have to miss out on a real-life party, but we also robbed us of our chance to make a little thank-you speech. We are very much aware of how important the public votes are alongside the professional jury’s verdict. In fact, we know full well that we would be nowhere without our loyal community of fans, growers and connoisseurs. That’s what we’ve been doing it all for these past 25+ years, and it’s also how we keep growing – literally.

So here’s a little online shout-out to you guys. We are grateful for the support of everyone who voted Amsterdam Genetics this year: we never would have made it this far without you people! You know who you are; and we know that you’ll always be the true roots of our success, no matter how many awards we manage to win.

Onwards To Yet More Cannabis Awards!

All this appreciation from fellow professionals and cannabis lovers feels fabulous as a reward for all we have achieved. What feels even better, though, is the fresh impulse this Cannabis Industrie Award gives us – this just makes us hungry for more… Rest assured that we’ll want to win even more awards next year, with new genetics that let our Amsterdam Genetics grower community taste the sweet fruits of our labour!

Still stressing to find that last Christmas present, or that unique present for your friend’s birthday? Anyone looking for a gift to surprise a cannabis aficionado will find what they need to please a connoisseur, ready to order online from our web store!

Cannabis Gift Ideas For Everyone!

Giving someone a cannabis gift may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but then again, think of how many people appreciate quality weed if they’re perfectly honest! We all know the traditional gesture of getting someone a nice bottle for a birthday or holiday party; so why not treat someone to an original gift based on hemp or weed for a change? At the very least, you’ll be making a wholly unique gesture, and you can be sure any grower or expert will love you for it.

Order Your Cannabis Gift Online: Fast And Convenient

Here at Amsterdam Genetics, we’re adding a few big advantages to the equation. First of all, all our cannabis seeds, accessories, and other items are of the very best quality you’ll find, so you know you’ll be giving something great. If it turns out not to be perfect, you can always return unopened packages and swap them for something else. And best of all, you’ll receive your presents on your doorstep fast, east, and 100% discreet if you order in our web store!

A Perfect Green Present For Everyone

We’ll get your imagination fired up by listing some of our best cannabis gift ideas below. Rest assured that your perfect weed present is just a few clicks away!

Cannabis Gift Tip 1: Marijuana Seeds Instead Of The Same Old Flowers

Let’s face it: we’ve all given someone flowers as a gift, right? Well, with over 40 tyes of premium cannabis seeds in our online catalogue, you’ll always find the perfect floral gift for anyone – or a whole patch of flowers if you like! The tips and information in our Grow Blogs enable anyone to grow a few plants; even in the garden or out on the balcony. Rest assured that you’ll be giving a 100% green, eco-friendly cannabis gift that will last the receiver for quite some time.

Our collection contains a choice of different flavours and varieties; from super-easy autoflower seeds to genetics for special CBD strains and taste sensations from sugary sweet to fresh citrus taste. Our strain descriptions tell you all you want to know about fragrance, aroma, the various effects, and all the growing details, making any cannabis gift a full-on green experience – how great is that?!

We have a lovely range of different strains waiting for you. You can be sure that even experts will smile from ear to ear once they see it’s an Amsterdam Genetics present: our brand has been a global connoisseur’s choice for decades!

Cannabis Gift Tip 2: Accessories, Gadgets, And Clothing

A strong brand like Amsterdam Genetics obviously offers a collection of branded merchandise that any weed lover will recognise from across the room. If you’re not sure which seeds to pick, don’t worry! We have apparel ranging from caps and beanies to comfy hoodies and even cannabis socks, as well as pin badges and other accessories as great ideas for small gifts.

Our fun and useful gadgets like keychains, grinders, or luxury hash holders and stash containers make great and original insider’s presents, too.

Great Gifts Without The High: CBD Presents

Our third cannabis gift tip comes from our luxury collection of CBD supplements. By now, most people are aware of CBD or hemp oil, and their potential for offering natural benefits for health and wellbeing. CBD is used for sleeplessness, stress, pain, anxiety, and many other purposes; but new applications of this special hemp compound are still being discovered all the time. CBD will not make you high, making these hemp products suited for just about anyone.

In our web store, you’ll order the finest and purest CBD Oil, as well as other supplements such as CBD Tablets, or delicious fruit-flavoured CBD Gummies. We also offer a full CBD Skincare range that lets any skin type benefit directly from all the natural possibilities hemp supplements provide.

For true gourmets, we have developed our delicately roasted CBD Coffee Beans and scrumptious CBD Hot Chocolate Spoons that make for a lovely cup of hot coco complete with CBD infusion!

A Unique And Fitting Cannabis Gift For All

As you can see, we have the perfect cannabis gift waiting to match any taste and personality. So why not go green and original this year by browsing all the wonderful stuff we have in store? If you have any questions, our team is happy to help. Take your pick, and enjoy the free seeds and goodies you’ll get as an extra present with the cannabis gifts you buy!