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q4 Indoor Growth The Future of Cannabis Cultivation

Indoor Growth: The Future of Cannabis Cultivation

So, you’ve nailed the basics of indoor cannabis growing. Now, it’s time to take your home grow to the next level by incorporating some of the latest developments in cannabis cultivation.

Growing cannabis is forever evolving, with new techniques constantly arising that help you achieve your growing goals. Staying on top of these trends is beneficial to all growers. It gives new growers more efficient ways to cultivate at home and seasoned growers ways to boost their productivity.

We’ve compiled a few of the latest trends that keep you on the cutting edge of indoor cannabis growing.

 

Benefits of the Latest Indoor Cannabis Growing Trends

It takes practice to get good at growing your own cannabis plants. They require lots of attention and care to produce the best results. But there’s no better feeling than completing your first successful harvest and enjoying the fruits of your labour.

We all love our routine growing processes. However, there are advantages to exploring new trends in cannabis growing. The latest updates can help you improve:

  • Growing efficiency
  • Increasing yield from each cannabis plant
  • Improve the quality of your cannabis

If you’re excited about how you can take your home-grown cannabis to the next level, here are the latest innovations you should know about.

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Latest Indoor Growing Trends and Advancements

 

  1. Hydroponic Indoor Cannabis Cultivation

The medium you select to plant your cannabis seeds is essential. Hydroponics is quickly becoming a preferred method compared to the traditional soil method. This unique medium replaces soil with a special solution containing all the vital nutrients cannabis plants need to thrive.

Many growers are adopting a hydroponics growing method for its improvement in growth rate and yield. It’s one of the most exciting new developments in cannabis cultivation, and we explore this method more in-depth in this blog post.

  1. Automated/Smart Systems

News flash! We’re in the age of technology, and it comes in handy for indoor cannabis growing. Automated and smart systems are your personal assistant in managing some of the growing processes.

One example of these systems includes automated lights that work on a timer. Cannabis plants require various amounts of sunlight depending on their stage. Take the guesswork out of it by setting an automated light to give your plant the exact amount every day.

Smart systems also work great with monitoring and controlling the temperature of your growing space. You can keep your plants at the optimal temperature at each stage and balance with heat from the lights to ensure they thrive.

As AI tools continue to develop, we can look forward to them being incorporated into various Smart tools. They can provide valuable data and other analyses specifically tailored to your plants and growing setup.

  1. Vertical Farming

One of the biggest challenges to indoor cannabis growing is finding an appropriate space for your operation. It’s an important step because it can affect how big your plants can grow, regulating the cannabis smell, and even concentrating resources like light and temperatures. 

Vertical farming has taken root in many urban areas. As the name suggests, cannabis seeds are planted vertically to save space. It gives more flexibility in how many plants you can grow in smaller spaces like a closet or tent. In addition to saving space, it’s a more efficient use of water since it can trickle down to your plants.

  1. Sustainable Growing Techniques

Climate change is big news regardless of which corner of the world you live in. Cannabis growers worldwide are doing their part to help by incorporating sustainability practices into their growing methods.

The top trends in sustainable growing trends include water conservation, organic nutrients, and renewable energy. These resources are necessary for every grow. However, being more mindful of them can simultaneously improve the planet and your cannabis growing.

  1. New Science and Research

The science of cannabis evolves daily. The global boom in cannabis has led to lots of research to continue exploring its effects, best uses, and ways to improve growing. The latest scientific research reveals that cannabis plants benefit from certain nutrients and enrichments. Incorporating these into your grow process can give your plants exactly what they need to flourish in an indoor setting that they may otherwise miss out on.

In addition to introducing product enhancements to your plants, you can start at the source. There’s lots of science involved in improving cannabis seed genetics and creating new strains.

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Experimenting with new growing trends

Everybody’s indoor cannabis growing setup is different. Not all trends may be useful to your current process. However, they’re a good place to start if you’re looking for ways to improve your grow. You can also check out some of these tips to elevate your grow.

Our premium cannabis seeds are a great place to start to achieve a high-quality grow. Also, stay up-to-date with our blog posts to keep learning about new ways to improve your grow and the latest growing trends we’re seeing in the industry.

 

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The Finest Quality Rolling Papers on the Market – AG x Mascotte Partnership

There’s one book that all weed connoisseurs abide by—and that’s a book of rolling papers! It’s an essential tool in the repertoire of cannabis consumers and picking the right brand of rolling papers is key.

You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of rolling papers they use. So, when you see someone pull out a pack of Mascotte x Amsterdam Genetics papers, you know they subscribe to one idea: quality. 

 

About Mascotte Rolling Papers

Mascotte has endured the test of time. The company has been around for more than 160 years and continues delivering innovative rolling papers and accessories to revolutionize the way we consume cannabis. One of the secrets to sustaining their business operations for more than a century is a focus on quality. They strive to craft the perfect rolling papers. It’s not only a mission but a commitment they make to the loyal customers who use them every day to enhance their rolling and smoking experience.

Our Partnership with Mascotte

Amsterdam partners with Mascotte to create the best rolling papers on the market. We are two Dutch brands that continue pushing the bar even higher to deliver on our promise of exceptional quality. It’s the perfect match—their expertise in rolling papers and our expertise in cannabis cultivation. It’s an organic partnership long in the making that has led to rolling papers like you’ve never experienced before.

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Crafting the Perfect Rolling Papers

Rolling papers are one of the preferred methods for pure cannabis consumption. Rolling only cannabis will give you one of the cleanest flavours without added traces of tobacco like you’d get from blunt wraps. Some people prefer rolling spliffs with loose tobacco. However, it will take away some of the pure flavour from your cannabis. You’ll experience tons of flavour thanks to the terpenes in each strain. Rolling papers are an excellent way to consume like a connoisseur and experience the full sensational profile from your home grow.

Mascotte rolling papers are one of a kind. Their papers are known for:

  • Details improving the user experience
  • Slow burning
  • Booklet design

Their years of experience and testing have led to innovative ideas that achieve the goals that consumers want most.

  1. Details

Attention to detail is key when it comes to rolling papers. There’s an actual science behind crafting the perfect papers that roll, stick, and burn better than other brands on the market. Incorporating these details into our collaborative rolling papers improves the overall user experience.

  1. Slow-burning

Cannabis is meant to be enjoyed. So inhale deeply, exhale slowly, and let the rich sensations of the plant soothe your mind and body. Slow-burning papers help you appreciate your cannabis even more since you won’t be in a rush to try to get as many hits in before the it burns out. That’s one of the pleasures of Mascotte rolling papers. Hopefully, you’re not in a rush because we designed papers to burn slowly and avoid runs.

  1. Booklet design

Mascotte created a signature booklet design to make them easy to store. The unique magnetic closure helps protect your rolling papers when slipping these thin booklets in your pocket or prevents them from getting damaged if left out on your rolling tray.

These signature elements are incorporated into the papers developed in partnership with Amsterdam Genetics.

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Types of Papers

Together with Mascotte, we collaborated on a series of rolling papers to fit the needs of every consumer. We know our customers, and Mascotte knows rolling papers. Combined, we’re two experts at our crafts, delivering quality goods that will last your entire harvest season. 

AG x Mascotte Original Papers

Our popular Original papers are instantly recognizable by the gold and green Xs on the booklet. The elegant packaging is a must for holding such quality papers inside. The original papers are made with chlorine-free bleach for a pure white look. They’re finished with a branded Amsterdam Genetics and Mascotte watermark as our official stamp of approval.

AG x Mascotte Brown Papers

Our signature Brown rolling papers are for weed connoisseurs who prefer a more natural paper. We left these papers unbleached to avoid adding chlorine or chemicals in the process.

You can find both versions of papers in King-size or slim-size formats. We offer box sets that contain 50 booklets of 34 papers. We recommend king-size for extra volume or if you want to roll inside-out. The slim size is more compact for fast, easy rolling. 

Pair your rolling papers with the Mascotte Active carbon filters to improve air circulation and avoid any plant material getting in your mouth. 

Also, check out our other headshop products, like grinders and lighters.

Q4 Quality Unmatched Amsterdam Genetics CBD Revolution 15

Quality Unmatched: Amsterdam Genetics’ CBD Revolution

With the boom of CBD, Amsterdam Genetics is leading the revolution with the highest quality products available on the market! Our range of CBD products, like supplements and nutrition, are available thanks to our CBD partner, Supmedi. Whether searching for pure CBD products or full-spectrum CBD products, you can rely on us. Let’s explore how to find which CBD product is right for you!

 

Differentiating Between CBD

While THC is the most discussed chemical compound in cannabis plants, there are many others found in the. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis. Extracting this compound is how you get CBD oil that’s then transformed into the many products available on the market today. CBD products can be categorized into three categories that each have unique characteristics:

  • Pure CBD
  • Broad-spectrum
  • Full-spectrum

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Understanding their differences is important to know which products are right for you.

Pure CBD

As the name suggests, pure CBD (also called CBD isolate) is the purest form. Once extracted from the cannabis plant, all other chemicals are removed, and what’s left behind gets transformed into oil to create various products.

Broad-Spectrum

Products with this form of CBD don’t contain any THC, but may have other characteristics from the plant, just as terpene and flavonoid properties. It also may contain other cannabis compounds like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN).

Full-Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD products are the same as broad-spectrum, except they contain small traces of THC (less than 0.3%). While the THC content typically isn’t high enough to induce psychoactive effects, it can still leave traces of THC in your body—that’s important to know for users who have to undergo drug tests.

So, which form of CBD is best? CBD’s effects vary for each person, and everyone has different needs. Full-spectrum CBD benefits most for achieving the entourage effect, the combined effects of the cannabis chemical compounds interacting with your body. Pure CBD products are preferred for users who want more accurate dosing for suggested medical benefits and an alternative for those unable to consume THC.

Here are some of our popular CBD products: 

CBD Candy Tablets

CBD Chocolate

CBD Oatmeal

CBD Coffee

We clearly mark which products are categorized as Full-Spectrum, which contain small amounts of THC.

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Ensuring the Quality of Your Pure CBD Products

Quality assurance is key if you fall into the category of users seeking pure CBD products. Not only is it essential to not have any THC (or other compounds) to be considered pure, but knowing the dosage is important to ensure you achieve the effects you’re after. 

Our CBD partner, Supmedi, takes the necessary steps to deliver quality products to our customers. When we say ‘pure,’ rest assured that you’ll get the correct dosage attributed to our different products. Here’s how we ensure quality:

  • Lab-tested results
  • Credibility
  • Information transparency

Consumers purchasing pure CBD products online should make note of each of these features when comparing products.

Lab-tested results

The only way to guarantee that a product has pure CBD instead of being labelled broad- or full-spectrum is by conducting in-depth tests on them. All products from Supmedi undergo tests from independent laboratories. These tests determine the accurate content of each CBD product before it is labelled for distribution to our customers. The proof is in the data, and our pure CBD products come back with only CBD!

In addition to knowing the active compounds in a product, lab-testing also helps confirm dosage. One of the biggest critiques about CBD products is that they do not contain the correct amounts of CBD, as noted on their packaging. Our lab tests help confirm that our products have the CBD content you expect when purchasing them.

For more information about our lab tests or to obtain a COA (Certificate of Analysis) for a particular product, feel free to contact us at info@supmedi.com.

Credibility

Reputation goes a long way for CBD companies. It’s easy to make claims about what effects you should feel after consuming CBD, but the true test is whether the claims have any truth behind them. We understand the biases affecting the CBD industry and rely greatly on customer feedback about the effectiveness of our products.

One way to confirm the credibility of CBD products is by looking at customer reviews. Our CBD partner receives dozens of positive reviews on credible sites like Trustpilot. They proudly display these reviews on their website. Even the product pages showcase customer reviews. We encourage customers to leave reviews about the products.

Information Transparency

CBD research is rapidly evolving as the global growth of the industry continues. Transparency about the effects, case studies, and products is important. Amsterdam Genetics is proactive in sharing information about CBD with readers like you. We help you stay informed about the latest in CBD via our blog. You can even download a free CBD ebook from our CBD partner for the latest discoveries, learn about the medical benefits of CBD, and the best supplements on the market.

Shop for CBD products for nutrition, skincare, and supplements here.

Q4 CBD Surge Amsterdam Genetics at the Forefront

CBD Surge: Amsterdam Genetics At The Forefront

Raking in billions of dollars per year and high year-over-year growth, CBD is one of the biggest booming trends in the global cannabis industry. Products containing CBD have been flying off shelves and becoming a staple in diets for people worldwide.

But what is it about CBD oil that’s driving this latest industry craze? And what is our role in making CBD products more widely available? There’s a lot to uncover, so let’s dive right in. 

 

What is CBD?

CBD is short for Cannabidiol, one of the leading chemical compounds in cannabis plants. Unlike THC found in marijuana, CBD comes from the hemp part of the plant and contains no (or up to 0.3%) THC, which is essentially inactive. It contains no psychoactive properties, so don’t expect to get high from it. Instead, it’s more widely used for its medical benefits—although there’s still lots of research needed to confirm the exact effects of it. 

CBD oil from our Amsterdam Genetics partner is how you’ll typically find it. It’s extracted from Sativa strains and converted into oil, which is then consumed in various ways. Some of the most common everyday use CBD products include:

Read here to learn a few of the facts and misconceptions about CBD to better understand this unique part of the cannabis plant.

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Global CBD Market Continues to Surge

According to data from Precedence Research, the global CBD market has experienced a steady rise in recent years. In 2022, the global market size was over $15B. It’s estimated to finish 2023 at over $18B and double to over $36B within the next five years. Europe is the second-largest region for the CBD market, after North America, thanks to legalization efforts in the US. However, the European market is one of the fastest-growing regions due to numerous factors.

We can attribute the vast surge in the CBD market to the following reasons:

  • Legalization efforts
  • Growing awareness of medical benefits
  • Society’s increase in becoming more health-conscious

More people are gravitating towards CBD to remedy common ailments. Whether purchasing CBD oil from our trusted Amsterdam Genetics partner or cultivating from your own homegrown hemp, CBD can be the medical solution you’ve been looking for.

 

Benefits of Using CBD

So why such a big hype about CBD? It’s a major global trend that’s actually been around for centuries but is experiencing a revival thanks to the awareness of its many benefits. Some of the most common medical uses for CBD oil include treatment for:

  • Body aches
  • Muscle spasms
  • Pain
  • PTSD
  • Menopause
  • Increasing our immune system
  • Anxiety
  • Improve neurological health

Read more about CBD’s health benefits here.

In addition to health benefits, CBD also counteracts the effects of THC. For example, if you grow a strain with a higher THC content than you’re comfortable with, pairing it with CBD oil is a great way to balance the effects for a better high. Consider CBD as another element contributing to the cannabis entourage effect!

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It’s important to note that many medical benefits attributed to CBD are still being researched to determine the cause and effect. While these benefits are common in CBD users, there is no definitive evidence as to how effective the compound is for treatment and correct dosage. Just like THC, the effects can vary by user and should be used in moderation if it’s your first time.

There are several ways to use CBD, including adding oil drops in beverages, rubbing topicals directly on your skin, or ingesting candy tables. How you consume CBD can also alter its effects and how potent it will be. Ingesting CBD can have delayed effects due to digestion (similar to eating THC edibles).

 

Benefits of Using CBD Oil from Amsterdam Genetics Partners

One of the biggest concerns about CBD in the industry is understanding just how effective it is for delivering its medical benefits. The transparency over specific dosages in certain products isn’t always accurate, while others may not have nearly as much CBD content to truly make a difference. CBD beverages, for example, may boast CBD from a few drops of oil that equate to 30mg of CBD, when a person may need upwards of 300mg to get its medical benefits. Quality and quantity are both important pillars of using CBD oil. Amsterdam Genetics partners with SupMedi to ensure quality control and deliver all the benefits you expect when using or consuming our products.

To achieve this, we focus on sourcing high-quality products to industry standards and examining their benefits before putting them on the market for our customers.

The growing global CBD market means there’s much more to learn about the compound in the cannabis plant. As it continues to blossom, we’ll continue to be at the forefront of the industry, providing products you can trust and benefit from. Check out our lab-tested CBD products and hemp supplements to see how you can benefit from them!

amsterdam genetics Q3 New Heights in the Kitchen Experiments with Cannabis in Gastronomy

New Heights in the Kitchen: Experiments with Cannabis in Gastronomy

Weed brownies will forever be an iconic edible for cannabis consumers. But now, cannabis recipes have reached new highs as they span the spectrum from simple pastries to fine dining. Cannabis gastronomy today is the result of pairing chefs with cannabis connoisseurs who put their creative energy into creating unique dishes. 

Hope you don’t have the munchies because we’re about to open the cabinet of information about cannabis gastronomy becoming a global trend, how experimental chefs keep pushing industry boundaries, and the different types of edibles you can make at home.

 

The Evolution of Cannabis Gastronomy

The evolution of the global cannabis industry has impacted many areas, including gastronomy. Cannabis edibles originated around 1000 BC in India when it was infused with other foods. Fast forward to today, and cooking and consuming cannabis edibles has become an art form. Growers always have plenty of stock of cannabis after a harvest to practice traditional cannabis recipes and experiment with other recipes.

Growing cannabis instantly makes you part of a community. Whether following our blog for tips on improving your grow, following cannabis content on social media, or simply sharing your latest grow progress with your group message thread, sharing has never been easier. Recipes are always a trending topic, with new dishes popping up daily. Seeing innovative cooking methods with cannabis has sparked a wave of novelty gastronomy trends.

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Innovating in the Home Kitchen

Do you prefer cannabis edibles or smoking weed? The difference in each can change the effects and taste of your cannabis. A benefit to consuming cannabis edibles is that plant’s terpene properties can give food unique flavours. For example, the citrusy limonene terp in the Lemon Haze strain can add lemon lime flavour to any dish. And the Magic OG Kush has tons of pinene to give your recipe more herbal taste.

Traditional cooking is easily done in your own kitchen using ingredients most people already have. It’s why weed brownies and cookies are so popular. Making cannabis butter is a simple process involving baking weed and letting the THC absorb in melted butter. Once you have canna butter, substitute it for regular butter and cook as usual. New solutions for extracting and infusing THC into other products have led to more creative ways to cook with cannabis.

Other base products you can make at home to infuse THC include:

  • Canna-butter
  • Canna-oil
  • Cana-honey
  • Canna-cheese
  • Canna-syrup
  • Canna-tincture
  • Canna-cream

This variety expands your homemade menu to include cannabis-infused pasta from canna oil, cannabis tea made from canna honey, salad dressing from canna tincture, and the world’s best grilled cheese sandwich loaded with canna cheese.

In addition to absorbing the THC in a base product, chefs have also used it as an herb. Grind your weed to mix with salt, sugar, or any other herb/spice. These canna-spices can create tasty treats like cannabis popcorn and cannabis sugar cookies.

Want to get fancy? Chefs have transformed their love of cooking and cannabis into unique concepts—from five-course THC-infused meals to cannabis restaurants to edible CBD products designed for nutrition.

 

Types of edibles

There are cannabis recipes for any hunger or thirst cravings. Experimenting with foods and cooking methods can lead to some unique dishes. And just when you think you’ve mastered them all, someone will create something new to try.

Here are the popular recipe categories and the kinds of food you’ll find in each:

  • Baked goods – easy to make at home in products like cookies, brownies, cake, bread, cheesecake, granola bars, cinnamon rolls, and pie
  • Gummies – candy-style THC-infused products made from cannabis tincture or canna oil.
  • Fine dining – one of the newest categories for cannabis gastronomy that uses various infusion methods. Menus can include entrees like seafood, steak, vegetables, puree, etc.
  • Dips – give any food an extra buzz with cannabis-infused guacamole, hummus, onion dip, and salsa
  • Beverages – prefer to drink your cannabis? Try THC-infused wine, cocktails, tea, lemonade, and coffee.

 

Foods to Pair with Cannabis

Cannabis is the food industry’s newest favourite ingredient. In addition to giving your home recipes an exciting twist, pairing it with the right food can enhance the flavour even more. Terpenes in cannabis interact with the flavour profile in other foods for a flavour-filled entourage effect.

The most well-known food pairing is cannabis with mangoes. Both share the myrcene terpene, making the sweet flavour more pronounced. Earthy terpenes make Chocolato and related strains great for pairing with dark chocolate. Give your spicy food more heat with spicy strains like AK-OG Kush with lots of caryophyllene terpenes. Herbal flavours from high terpinolene strains like Blue Magic enrich the taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

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Join the Food Frenzy

Cannabis growers have access to the most important ingredient for green gastronomy: weed! Learning how to cook cannabis recipes is about following the instructions and practising. It’s important to note dosage levels in your recipe. Cannabis cuisine varies in potency and how it affects you once consumed. 

Once you master the basics, you’re ready to experiment with your own creative recipes. Our premium cannabis seeds give you a range of terpene flavours and aromas to craft the perfect dish. You never know—your dish might become the next viral recipe!

amsterdam genetics Cannabis in Your Cup The World of Cannabis Infused Beverages

Cannabis in Your Cup: The World of Cannabis-Infused Beverages

Bottom’s up! We’re about to quench your thirst with cannabis-infused drinks. If you want to make cannabis drinks at home, you’ll have plenty of options. From streamy cannabis coffee to a refreshing cannabis slushy to a healthy CBD smoothie, there’s a drink that everyone will love.

If you had a larger-than-expected harvest, repurpose your surplus by experimenting with some of our cannabis-infused drink recipes featured in this guide. But first, here’s the variety of drinks that growers all over have made.

 

Types of Cannabis-Infused Drinks

The dexterity of weed makes it possible to make cannabis drinks of all types. Extracting THC into different liquid bases lets you combine the solution into your favourite beverages. Cannabis distillate and oil are the most common way to infuse THC at home. New drink recipes are always coming out, and here are a few of the most popular to make.

  • Cannabis Tea
  • Cannabis Coffee
  • Cannabis Seltzer
  • Cannabis Slushies
  • Cannabis Energy Drinks
  • Cannabis Lemonade
  • Cannabis Cola
  • Cannabis Cider
  • Cannabis Smoothie

In addition to distillate and oil, you can use alternative methods. You can make cannabis tea by blending raw cannabis buds with tea herbs before seeping them into your water. Also, combine cannabutter in your recipe for cannabis cider.

 

Cannabis Alcohol

Did you know that THC-infused alcohol is becoming a mainstay for cannabis connoisseurs? Some might oppose drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis simultaneously. But the concept of cannabis alcohol sounds swanky enough to appeal even to high society. Grab your choice drink, add a splash of THC into it, and experience the mixed effects. Cannabis alcohol is a measured science to get the right blend of THC% to ABV% to get these delicious drinks:

  • Cannabis Cocktail
  • Cannabis Craft Beer
  • Cannabis Wine

These specialty drinks are great options for hosting tasting events with friends.

Pairing the right strain with a complimentary cannabis cocktail will enhance the entourage effect.

 

CBD Drinks

THC isn’t the only active compound in cannabis. THC is only one of the cannabinoids present. Other cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, CBN, and more. CBD is one of the most well-known, thanks to its medical benefits, like reducing pain and stress, aiding digestion, and improving sleep. CBD products have expanded from tablets, oils, and topicals to now being used in beverages to deliver the same effects.

Some of the common CBD drinks are:

  • CBD sports drinks
  • CBD energy drinks
  • CBD smoothies

Instead of giving you a high sensation, these drinks are more health conscious. They’re made using CBD oil or powder or combining CBD-infused ingredients like CBD peanut butter in a smoothie.

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Foods to Pair With Your Cannabis Beverages

Infusing THC with beverages has added benefits than just feeling a high. Cannabis terpenes, the flavour and aromatic components of the plant, can also be experienced while consuming an infused beverage.

Terpenes have a range of flavours, such as fruity, earthy, chocolate, sweet, spicy, herbal, etc. If you plan to use part of your grow harvest to make cannabis drinks, consider pairing strains with beverages that complement the flavour.

Myrcene is a terpene found in most cannabis and fruits like mangoes. The high myrcene level in strains like Fatkid’s Cake makes it the perfect option for making oil to infuse in a cannabis mango slushy. The citrusy limonene terpene in our Lemongrass pairs well with lemonade. The spicy and herbal properties of the Royal Choco strain will be an excellent ingredient for cannabis-infused coffee.

Weed strain and beverage pairings don’t always have to be used as an ingredient in the drink. You’ll get great flavour entourage effects even if you prefer smoking your cannabis.

 

Recipes to Try at Home

Looking for recipes to make your own cannabis drinks? We’ve got you covered! Check out these easy-to-make recipes with ingredients you already have at home:

  1. Cannabis-Infused Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup cannabis-infused simple syrup (made with equal parts water, sugar, and cannabis tincture)

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, add the water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cannabis-infused simple syrup.
  2. Stir well until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  3. Serve over ice and garnish with a hit of Lemon Ice.

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  1. Cannabis-Infused Iced Tea

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups brewed tea (black, green, or herbal)
  • 1/2 cup cannabis-infused honey
  • Lemon slices and mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brew your favourite tea and allow it to cool.
  2. Stir in cannabis-infused honey until dissolved.
  3. Chill the tea in the refrigerator.
  4. Serve while enjoying hits of Amnesia Haze.

 

  1. Canna-Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen berries
  • 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused coconut oil
  • Honey or sweetener to taste

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ns:

  1. Blend coconut milk, ripe banana, frozen berries, and cannabis-infused coconut oil until smooth.
  2. Sweeten with honey (substitute with cannabis-infused honey for a higher dosage)
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy with your Pineapple Kush for a full tropical sensation.

 

It’s important to note the THC dosage when you make cannabis drinks at home. You’ll be surprised how high a few drops of cannabis tincture will get you, even when added to an entire pitcher of cannabis lemonade. Use a syringe or measuring spoons when adding THC to your recipe. Our above recipes represent an average amount of THC-infused product, but you can adjust the dosage to your preference. When in doubt, start with a lower dose and increase with tolerance.

We have tons of premium cannabis seeds to give you the perfect flavour profile in your infused drinks.

amsterdam genetics Green Gastronomy The Rise of Cannabis in the Culinary World

Green Gastronomy: The Rise of Cannabis in the Culinary World + Recipes to Try at Home

Wondering what to do with all the extra cannabis from your harvest? If you can’t consume it all in one particular way, cannabis gastronomy is an excellent way to make sure it goes to good use. Cooking with cannabis is popular for growers seeking alternative ways to enjoy weed. From food to beverages, exploring the world of green gastronomy will give you the munchies!

 

Eating Cannabis Changes its Effects

Ingesting cannabis is a unique way of consuming it for a slightly different effect. Eating cannabis products takes longer for you to feel the effects. It’s because your body must digest the food before absorbing the THC properties. The common myth is to wait a half hour to see if you feel anything. However, the onset of effects varies for everyone—and even what type of food product you consume it in.

We recommend all cannabis gastronomy beginners to start slow. It’s hard to know how a THC-infused product will affect you without prior experience with it. Understanding how certain products and dosages affect you before experimenting with higher doses.

Compare the high sensation you get from edibles is strong and can be a real experience.

 

Choosing Cannabis Strains Based on Flavour

They say cannabis is an expensive ingredient. So, growing your own weed will give you plenty of the green stuff to test out your favourite recipes (keep reading for a few recipe ideas below). Weed has two uses as a culinary ingredient—made into infused products or as an herbal seasoning. Both are thanks to the flavour-creating properties of cannabis called terpenes.

Terpenes give cannabis its flavour and smell. For example, the limonene terpene adds a citrus flavour, caryophyllene adds some peppery spice, and myrcene gives a subtly sweet, fruity flavour to any dish.

Selecting specific strains for your recipes will help compliment the flavours and mask any unwanted “weed” taste in your finished product. The chocolate-flavoured Chocolato strain pairs well for making brownies. And the sweet Candyfloss strain will go perfectly when making THC-infused gummies.

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Types of Food/Dining Experiences

Cannabis Gastronomy has become a global phenomenon. From seeing cannabis chefs showcasing trendy recipes on social media to multi-courser fine dining menus that each play a role in popularizing it. Everyone has heard about the classic weed brownie, but with the right ingredients, you can discover new ways to infuse THC into every meal.

One of the core ingredients in any THC-infused dish is cannabutter (or cannaoil). By replacing regular butter with your homemade canabutter, you can add cannabis to any dish.

 

Here’s how to make cannabutter at home:

  1. Grind/break buds onto a flat pan
  2. Bake Cannabis – starts a decarboxylation process for the heat to release the THC from your buds (temperatures vary)
  3. Put the baked cannabis in melted butter
  4. Let the butter sit for a few hours on low heat – stir occasionally
  5. Strain the butter with cheesecloth to remove cannabis leaves
  6. Let butter harden before using

Some ways growers can use cannabis with cooking is in cannabutter, cannaoil, herbs, steak sauce, puree, and more. Once you learn the basics, you can get creative in how you use cannabis.

 

Cannabis-infused Recipes to Try at Home

Bookmark this page and use these recipes with your next harvest!

 

Classic Cannabis Brownies:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of cannabis-infused butter
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a baking pan.
  2. Use a mixing to combine cannabis-infused butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting into squares.

 

Cannabis-Infused Honey:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of honey
  • 1-2 grams of decarboxylated cannabis (adjust depending on potency preference)

Instructions:

  1. Grind the decarboxylated cannabis finely.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine honey and ground cannabis.
  3. Heat the mixture on low for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a jar.
  5. Allow it to cool, and you have cannabis-infused honey for sweetening teas, desserts, and more.

amsterdam genetics Green Gastronomy The Rise of Cannabis in the Culinary World 02

 

Cannabis-Infused Chai Tea:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tea bag of your favourite chai tea blend
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1-2 grams of decarboxylated cannabis (adjust depending on potency preference)
  • 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or cannabis-infused oil
  • Sweetener (honey, sugar, or another sweetener of your choice, optional)
  • Milk or a non-dairy alternative (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Grind the decarboxylated cannabis finely.
  2. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.
  3. Add the ground cannabis and coconut oil to the simmering water.
  4. Allow the mixture to steep for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps in extracting the cannabinoids into the oil.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a cup.
  6. Place the chai tea bag in the cup with the infused water and steep for the recommended time on the tea bag.
  7. Add sweetener, milk or a non-dairy alternative to taste

 

It’s time to put on your apron, grind your weed, and see what delicious dish you’ll make. Got a recipe in mind? Browse our catalogue of premium cannabis seeds to find the perfect strain to pair with your other ingredients. Bon Appetite!

2023 pillar page blogbanners Q3 Tasting with Purpose Cultivating Your Cannabis Taste and Scent Profile

Tasting With Purpose: Cultivating Your Cannabis Taste and Scent Profile

So, you want to be a connoisseur of cannabis. Growing your own buds is a start, but developing your sense of taste and smell will truly make you an expert. Deep diving into how cannabis gets flavours and scents introduces you to a world of science. However, actually perceiving these physical attributes of your plant requires being more conscious when consuming.

Recognizing cannabis scents and taste profiles can help identify strains, predict their effects, and is one of the best ways to test how successful your grow was. Growing cannabis is an art, and tasting with purpose gives you an upper hand at masting the cultivation.

If you’re ready to take your cannabis skills to the next level, here’s what you need to know.

The Science Behind Cannabis Scents and Flavours

For the average person, most weed smells and tastes the same. We’re all familiar with the dominating skunk smell, but that’s barely scratching the surface. Cultivating your senses for cannabis helps you appreciate the complex nature of the plant and the range of tastes and aromas for each plant. Just think—it gives something exciting to look forward to with each grow instead of just being another strain to get you high.

Cannabis gets its taste and scent from terpenes. We’ve found more than 200 of these genetic compounds that produce scent and flavour profiles. The most common terpenes are easy to spot. Strains with limonene will have a citrus aroma, pinene has a pine wood scent, and myrcene has a sweet taste likened to a mango.

Strains always contain more than one terpene. The unique blend of terpenes produces an entourage effect—when terpene compounds interact, creating distinct scents and tastes. The perfect levels of myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene interact for a sweet chocolate flavour in the Chocolato strain. Alternatively, a different combination of fruity limonene, caryophyllene, and humulene creates the sweet, fruity taste and smell of Banana Slush.

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Conscious Tasting and Smelling to Identify Terpenes

The good news is that you won’t need a lab coat and microscope to determine the mix of terpenes in your plant. Connoisseurs who cultivate their senses can detect terpenes by their smell and taste.

Cannabis plants start to omit their odour during the flowering stage—some strains before. While implementing your odour control for indoor grows, take time to appreciate the scent and begin detecting other familiar scents.

Terpenes are present in all plants, which is why particular cannabis scents remind you of other aromas. The Limonene terpene is why Lemon Haze smells and tastes like a lemon. And caryophyllene presence in both Critical Mass Regular and Black Pepper create a similar spicy aroma. Thank the terpinolene terpene for the pleasant floral fragrance that could either be the Strawberry Glue strain or a fresh bouquet of flowers.

Conscious tasting comes after your harvest. Your familiarity with the aroma of your plant will help you be more aware of its flavour. The better our sensation with aroma, the better the taste sensation it will have.

Practice to Improve Your Cannabis Tasting Skills

Developing your cannabis taste and scent profile is a skill. And like all skills, it takes some practice to improve. Every new seed you plant is a new opportunity to put your skills to the test. Knowing how to improve your senses for cannabis will fast-track you to enjoying the best of your grow.

Tasting cannabis involves many senses—the obvious, like your sense of taste and smell, but also less obvious, like sight plays a big role. Here’s how each of these senses affects how you experience weed.

Your sense of taste gives you the flavour of your weed when consuming it. Whether smoking or using as an ingredient in edibles, training your sense of taste will showcase the abundant flavours of cannabis. Your sense of smell is effective in all stages of your grow to let you know the flavour and quality. The aroma from your plant, even during the flowering stage, will hint at its flavour—sweet smells will taste sweet and piney notes will have an earthy taste.

Sense of sight is also essential to being a successful grower and connoisseur. Examining your plant for trichomes informs you how strong the aroma and flavour will be. The more crystals you see on your buds, the more potent the flavour.

q3 From Terpenes to Tones Discovering Cannabis Aromas 03

Testing Quality

As cannabis connoisseurs, we strive for more than just a healthy plant and a large harvest. The quality of your grow is as important as the quantity. Not everyone has access to a lab for testing their strains. However, developing your cannabis taste and scent profile will help you judge its quality without needing equipment—other than what you plan to smoke with!

Plants with a strong aroma are a sign of good quality. Also, as mentioned, seeing lots of trichome crystals. The drying and curing processes are crucial to maintaining a high level of trichomes after harvesting to lock in its flavour.

Better strain genetics will yield better terpene properties for scent and taste. Good genetics and a successful grow give the best results for experiencing the taste and aroma profiles. Our premium cannabis seeds provide a range of cannabis scents and flavours. Try different kinds, from sweet to fruity to woody and more, to cultivate your senses like a cannabis expert.

amsterdam genetics Developing Your Cannabis Aroma Vocabulary

From Earthy to Citrus: Developing Your Cannabis Aroma Vocabulary

Cannabis connoisseurs know that all weed doesn’t smell alike. From earthy and floral to fruity and gassy and everything in between. Growers from all over have created thousands of scent combinations with every new strain. Understanding aroma is a start to knowing which cannabis flavours come from a strain. Here’s some cannabis aroma vocabulary to get you a head start on developing your sense of smell.

Earthy

Most weed strains have an earthy aroma undertone, but some strains showcase the scent more than others. The right balance will create a musky sensation that makes you feel like the outdoors surrounds you. Earthy aromas are typically from strains with humulene and myrcene terpenes.

Some of our favourite earthy-scented strains are:

Woody

For a more defined smell out the outdoors, imagine yourself in dense woodlands. Woody is a common way to describe strains that smell like sniffing the bark of a tree. Much of this scent is attributed to the caryophyllene terpene.

Find some of the best woody scents from these strains:

Pine

One of the most easily recognized tree scents comes from pine trees. These trees produce lots of pinene (https://www.amsterdamgenetics.com/terpenes-in-cannabis-pinene/), which is also quite common in cannabis. As the name suggests, this aroma engulfs you with a fresh, piney scent. 

Heavy pine notes typically signal an Indica-dominant strain. Here are a few of our favourites:

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Herbal

Open your kitchen cupboard and inhale the bouquet of herbs from your seasonings. Multiple terpenes cause a similar herbal aroma, such as strains with caryophyllene and linalool. Herbal scents cover a range of peppery to cloves to oregano to cinnamon.

Herbal is handy cannabis aroma vocabulary to define the following strains:

Spicy

Similar to how seasoning adds an extra ‘oomph’ to your food, spicy is a way to describe weed strains that have an extra kick! When you think spicy, think about a zesty, fiery scent to wake up your senses—like smelling pepper or cajun.

Here are a few strains to plant if you’re seeking a scent with an extra bite:

Sweet

The sweet smell of some cannabis strains gives us an uplifting sensation with their aroma alone. There are different ways of describing the sweet scent of weed–fruity sweet, sugary sweet, floral sweet, etc.

Sweeten the deal with your next grow with these seeds:

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Sour

Pucker up because sour strains give you a tangy sensation. The same way smelling a lemon makes your nose twinge before tasting it is the same way you’ll feel smelling these strains—just not as overbearing. With cannabis, it’s a more refreshing, clean feel.

If you’re looking for which cannabis flavours deliver this unique scent, try these:

Fruity

Did you know that terpenes also exist in fruits? Fruit strains (https://www.amsterdamgenetics.com/the-best-cannabis-fruit-strains/) are always popular because they taste exactly like your favourite fruits! Cannabis and fruits share the same terpenes responsible for delivering the same aroma, like myrcene and humulene. The entourage effect (https://www.amsterdamgenetics.com/the-entourage-effect-how-cannabis-compounds-interact/) of these terpenes creates a full spectrum of fruit scents—and tastes just as good.

Some of our popular fruity scent strains are 

Citrus

While citrus strains typically fall under the fruit category. However, this flavour is so recognizable that it’s worthy of a class on its own! Limonene (https://www.amsterdamgenetics.com/terpenes-in-cannabis-limonene/) is a common terpene that renders a citrusy aroma. Various citrus scents include lemon, orange, and lime.

Notable strains with a loud citrus aroma include:

amsterdam genetics Developing Your Cannabis Aroma Vocabulary 02

Floral

The flowering stage is when floral scent weed strains start to smell like a big bouquet of flowers just blossomed. That fresh floral scent comes from the linalool terpene. Similar scents to compare with your plant’s aroma are that of a lavender field or a dozen roses. The flowery smell makes them a good choice for growing outdoors (https://www.amsterdamgenetics.com/growing-cannabis-outdoor/).

These strains are great examples of the floral scent:

Dairy/Cheese

Have you tried any ‘cake’ or ‘cookie’ family strains? One thing they all have in common is having a dairy aroma. It’s like smelling sweet baked goods fresh out of the oven. Alternatively, some strains have a cheesy aroma.

Add dairy to your cannabis aroma vocabulary and inhale the tasty scents of these strains:

Chocolate

You’ll be surprised to see that the unique compound blends from the entourage effect can produce smells like chocolate. These strains will make you even hungrier because it’s like taking a whiff of a tasty chocolate bar. 

If you’ve got a taste for cacao-inspired strains, check out these seeds:

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Diesel/Fuel

Diesel and fuel are the sharper, punchier aromas for cannabis. These strains exhibit pungent scents that are unmistakable. Gassy is another term to describe this scent.

Here are some strains to check out for aromas that will fuel you up:

Cannabis taste is directly related to its aroma. It makes it easy to determine which cannabis flavours to expect based on its scents. Keep this cannabis aroma vocabulary list handy when browsing our premium cannabis seeds.

amsterdam genetics The Influence of Terpenes and Cannabinoids on Your Cannabis Experience

The Influence of Terpenes and Cannabinoids on Your Cannabis Experience

We all enjoy cannabis for different reasons, and its effects on our bodies differ for everyone. The effects of cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids play major roles in our consumption experience. They are both chemical compounds in the cannabis plant that directly interact with properties in our bodies that produce unique highs, aromas, and flavours. 

We’ll explore what terpenes and cannabinoids are used for and how they influence your high.

Cannabis Terpenes

The scent and taste of your plant are the physiological effects of cannabis terpenes. However, plants also use these chemical properties for repealing or attracting insects and more. More than 20,000 terpenes exist for all plants, although cannabis plants contain just a fraction of these. We use a handful of the most common terpenes to help define a strain by its smell and taste.

The most common cannabis terpenes you should know are:

Myrcene

Limonene

Pinene

Caryophyllene

Linalool

Terpinolene

Humulene

Each of these terpenes gives strains their unique properties. Plants that give off a floral lavender smell like the Amnesia Haze strain have lots of linalool terpenes, and the pine aroma from Magic OG Kush is the result of a pinene terpene presence. 

In addition to the smell, terpenes have distinct flavours that help tell them apart. Cannabis strains with a citrus flavour profile like the Tangerine G13 have large amounts of limonene. The earthy taste of the buds produced from our Fatkid’s Cake seeds shows high amounts of myrcene.

amsterdam genetics The Influence of Terpenes and Cannabinoids on Your Cannabis Experience 01

Understanding Cannabinoids

How does your favourite weed strain make you feel? Do you prefer sativa like the White Choco Haze that gives a serendipitous euphoria and creativity? Or perhaps an indica-dominant like the Dutch Duchess strain that helps you relax after a long day. Maybe even someone who appreciates cannabis for its medical benefits, like easing pain and inflammation.

Each of these effects—and more—are the result of cannabinoids. Like Terpenes, cannabinoids are another chemical compound in the plant produced as the plant’s defense mechanism against insects, bacteria, and UV ray protection.

The most common cannabinoids associated with cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). When we consume these cannabinoids, they cause many of the psychoactive effects we consider the high. But how does it work?

Did you know that humans already have natural cannabinoids in our system? Cannabinoids in plants are identified as phytocannabinoids, and those found in humans are called endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids work in our Central Nervous System to regulate and maintain homeostasis. Receptors in this system affect our mood, appetite, stress, memory, and more to keep our bodies balanced.

When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids produced in the plant interact with our own endocannabinoid system to stimulate our receptors. It’s why marijuana use is excellent for reducing stress, making us happy, and also hungry.

Terpenes and Cannabinoids Create the Entourage Effect

With 200+ terpenes and 100+ cannabinoids, each strain genetic features a unique combination of them. Together, it’s what makes each strain different and have its own effects on you.

Consuming cannabis creates the entourage effect—when all a plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the chemicals in our bodies to create a multi-sensory experience. 

Thanks to the effects of cannabis terpenes, you get the smell and flavour. And the cannabinoids that alter the high you’ll have. Terpenes and cannabinoids can also affect each other. For example, the herbal scent and taste of myrcene also have properties that allow your body to absorb more cannabinoids. It’s why strains like AK-OG Kush that have a lot of myrcene make you feel higher—also, eating mangoes that contain lots of myrcene! Alternatively, strains with more CBD cannabinoids help reduce your high feeling since it depresses the effects of THC.

Mastering the art of cannabis tasting will enhance your experience with weed. Mindful consumption will help you appreciate the bouquet of aromas, the rich flavours, and discover new highs from each grow.

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How You Can Change Its Effects

If you thought the genetic properties were enough to differentiate cannabis, think again! As growers, we have a significant impact on our plants and how they will affect us when consuming them. From our grow techniques to how we consume them, you can help shape any plant into your perfect strain.

Terpenes are found in your plant’s trichomes—the sticky, crystal-like properties located on your buds. You can increase the effects of cannabis terpenes by maximizing the trichomes of your grow. Steps to improve the taste and smell of your weed happen before or after harvest. For example, you can increase terpene production by adjusting temperatures or optimizing your cure time.

There are different ways to consume cannabis—smoking, digesting, topicals, etc. Each delivers the cannabinoid effects differently. Smoking cannabis with rolling papers delivers a faster high effect compared to eating edibles since it must be digested first before entering your system. Also, CBD topicals that don’t give any high effect but are used for their therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids are two essential parts of a marijuana plant that give it the physical and psychoactive properties. At Amsterdam Genetics, we provide details of odour and taste for a strain’s terpene profile. Also, a percentage breakdown of a strain’s cannabinoids to determine the kind of high it delivers. Browse our premium cannabis seeds for more information.

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