planta

Apesar do , segue minha experiência. Em geral, em voo que chega da Europa, não rola muito estresse. Chegando do BR é tenso, inclusive em AMS - fui devassado mesmo estando com namorada! Frankfurt foi o lugar que tive um cachorro cheirando meu saco mais de uma vez. Bizarro! Fiquei pensando se eu tivesse um beck ali, perdia o instrumento - hahahaha... De busão e carro é tranquilíssimo. De trem viajei só no leste e é sussa... Take care.

LIVIN’ LARGE AT THE CANNABIS CUP When the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam draws nigh, it’s like the night before Christmas for HIGH TIMES staffers. Many admit to not being able to sleep before making their way to the world’s coolest city. Over the past week, our editors have been posting a treasure trove of Cannabis Cup memories, photos, and recommendations so you can enjoy Amsterdam to its fullest. Right now, we’re finalizing our list of lecturers and panelists who will appear on our Expo stage. Like senior cultivation editor Danny Danko says, the Cannabis Cup is much like a Major League Baseball Fantasy Camp where fans play ball and mingle with stars of the game. Meet Arjan of the Green House, Derry of Barney’s, Soma of Soma Seeds, the DNA dudes, Milo from Big Buddha Seeds, and of course, the Sensi Seed legends, Ben and Alan Dronkers. Check out our archive of past Cups and get your tickets for the 26th annual Cannabis Cup now! ___________________ What's Your Favorite Cannabis Cup Memory? TUE OCT 1, 2013 The HIGH TIMES staff looks back at 25 years of Cannabis Cups in Amsterdam. Here are a collection of stand out moments. It's not too late to get your tickets for the 26th Cannabis Cup - head to CannabisCup.com for details! ____________________ 9 Great Places in Amsterdam (That Don't Sell Weed) FRI SEP 27, 2013 Amsterdam is full of pot – pretty much anybody should be able to find smoke as soon as they leave Centraal Station... but then what? Get your Cannabis Cup ticket, come to Europe and loiter at the spots that we frequent. Here is a list of some of the best non-pot spots in Amsterdam... 1) AmsterBike This is one of many bike rental spots in town – there may be one close to your hotel. Do yourself a favor and rent a bike as soon as you start your exploration. You will save enough on taxi fares to buy substantially more weed and hash. 2) Hemp Works Stock up on all the things that you didn't bring on the plane... papers, pipes, lighters, bongs. Hemp Works is also a great place to buy a warm jacket and get gifts for your friends who couldn't make it to the Cup. 3) Skatepark Amsterdam Bring your board... break something other than your mind on your trip to Europe (we hear Dutch hospitals are wonderful). This place is enormous, indoors and has a full service bar that you can ride your board right up to. 4) Borchland Golf Course Get in a round of golf – the second most "stoner-friendly" activity after smoking weed. 5) Satellite Sportscafé The International House of Dabcakes. Not the healthiest food in A'dam, but you can smoke hash at your table. This place has American sports on TV – sometimes you can have a dab and a pancake while watching NFL football at 2 in the morning... pure fantasy football fractalization heaven. 6) Wagamama This city can run you down – it can be hard to stay on top of your nutritional needs with all the late nights and partying. This place offers a delicious, affordable and healthy meal. 7) Whiskey Bar Many great nights here that no one can clearly remember. If you see a HIGH TIMES staffer here, we probably need help getting back to our hotel room. 8) Moulin Rouge It's naughty time. This place is the not-as-adult-as-you-think adult entertainment spot. The infamous live sex show in Amsterdam is not as hardcore as it seems – it's actually a lot of fun. This place is not for everyone, but you will be shocked and amazed... bring your friends. 9) Powders Laundrette Amsterdam is a dirty place, so make sure your suitcase is clean when you depart. This laundromat will take a suitcase full of dirty clothes off your hands and return a neatly packed suitcase full of clean clothes – all for a very reasonable price. There's a conveniently located coffeeshop across the street that you can chill at if you'd prefer to wash your own clothes. _________________ Amsterdam: The Cannabis Capital of Europe BY BOBBY BLACK · THU SEP 26, 2013 Amsterdam is truly one of the greatest party cities in the world, especially if you’re a pothead. Not only is it home to some of the best marijuana in the world, but it’s also the freest in its attitudes toward smoking pot. Personal amounts of marijuana can be purchased and imbibed in any of a hundred different coffeeshops. Keep in mind that outside of coffeeshops, smoking is still frowned upon, so it’s not a great idea to light up in the streets. Before lighting up in a bar, be sure to ask the bartender if they allow cannabis smoking - most of them don’t. If you take the train from Schiphol Airport – which is the cheapest, easiest way to get into town – you’ll arrive at Centraal Station at the north end of the city. From here, it’s just a short walk over to Haarlemmerstraat, where some of the city’s most prominent coffeeshops and restaurants reside. There, you can pick up some bud and breakfast at the Green House or Barney’s Uptown before heading to your hotel. Dam Square toward the north is basically the heart of the city, surrounded by concentric semi-circles of streets (straats) and canals (grachts) that spread out around it toward the south. Cutting almost straight down through the middle is the main shopping strip, Leidsestraat, which ends at the bustling Leidseplein Square, filled with some of the best bars, restaurants and stores. Along the way, you can veer off to visit some of the chillest coffeeshops in the city – among them, de Rokerij, de Dampkring and one of the several Green House locations. For some of the best hash in the city, in terms of both quality and variety, head southeast of the Dam to the Bluebird, which has two binders displaying tons of domestic and imported hashish. When the munchies hit, the Leidseplein has some great Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants, Argentinian steakhouses, killer falafel spots, as well as fast-food favorites like Burger King and Mickey D’s for the less adventurous. And if you want ketchup with your fries, you’ll have to ask for it – the Dutch eat theirs with mayo. If you’re feeling homesick, the Marriott and American hotels serve a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day (but make advance reservations!). For art lovers, there’s nothing more fun than chowing down on a space cake and hitting a museum, particularly the Van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum, where you can see the gigantic Dutch Masters paintings come to life before your eyes. There are also the less conventional museums devoted to hash, sex, erotica and torture, as well as the sobering Anne Frank House. One of the best things about the city is that it’s small enough that you can get just about anywhere on foot, so just pick up a map (preferably one from our Cannabis Cup Guide, which has the better coffeeshops marked) and start wandering around. Sure, you could rent a bicycle, but navigating the city’s busy, unfamiliar streets while high (and possibly drunk) is not very stoner-smart. After a long, hard day of getting high, you’ll be ready for some nightlife, and Amsterdam has something for everyone. For those into hip-hop, house and trance, there are happening dance clubs like Sinners in Heaven and Odeon. Those who lean more towards hard rock can hit dive bars like The Cave, Korsakoff or The Black and White. For live music, the Melkweg and Paradiso book major international acts, or you can check out some cool blues or jazz at Bourbon Street. If you’re in it for the long haul, there’s usually after-hours at the Dolphins café. And, of course, there’s always the infamous Red Light District, where the randy and curious stroll the streets ogling the semi-nude prostitutes standing in the windows. The weather in November is pretty chilly and rainy, so be prepared to bundle up. Sure, the weather there may be a bit nicer in the summer, but there’s just no substitute for that last week in November when the Cannabis Cup rolls into town. Coffeeshops prepare all year to impress the thousands of stoners who descend upon the city, rolling out the special offers and free samples – and HIGH TIMES throws one hell of a party, featuring big-name musical performances and a gala awards show. Now that marijuana is becoming legal in the US, I’m sure many of you are asking yourselves, “Why go all the way to Holland when I can get great weed right in Colorado or California?” The answer is history. For decades, as the Drug War has raged here at home and people have been thrown in prison simply for enjoying some herb, The Netherlands has stood as a shining example of tolerance and rationality, allowing tourists to buy and consume cannabis without fear or guilt. The advances being made here in America wouldn’t have been possible if they hadn’t shown the world how things could and should be. And many of the top strains we enjoy here in the US were originated by the “Dutch Master” breeders. Bottom line: making the pilgrimage to Amsterdam is something every true stoner should do at least once in their lifetime – and if you’re going to Amsterdam for the weed, there’s no better time to go than for the Cannabis Cup. As someone who’s been to more Cannabis Cups than just about anyone else on earth, I should know. For more information on the 26th HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup, visit cannabiscup.com. _____________________________ Marijuana Fantasy Camp BY DANNY DANKO · TUE SEP 24, 2013 When people ask me what Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam is really like, I tend to describe it as "Marijuana Fantasy Camp." If you're a fan of baseball, you can travel down to Florida and take the field with some current and former players from the Major Leagues and if you're a fan of weed, you can do the same this November in Holland. It's amazing to rub elbows and be able to pick the brains of the cannabis industry's best and brightest bud breeders. Talking strains with the people who created them can clear up many misconceptions. Each time I go I return with a ton of great growing info to share with our readers and podcast listeners. This year, I'll be hosting seminars with breeders such as Soma of Soma Sacred Seeds (pictured above), Simon from Serious Seeds, Milo from Big Buddha Seeds, Don and Aaron from DNA Genetics, Adam from TH Seeds and many more at our Expo location called Roest. Use promocode DANKO at THIS LINK for $25 off tickets to High Times 26th Annual Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam! ____________________________ A Stoner's Guide to the Cannabis Cup WED SEP 25, 2013 The 26th Annual Cannabis Cup festivities are coming, and the city’s many coffeeshops, bars, restaurants, museums and other attractions are eager to greet and serve you with courtesy, quality and the finest herbal refreshments available. It’s important to be aware that the Dutch coffeeshop scene is under severe political attack like never before. Incessant pressure from other countries (like the US, France and Sweden) and a rising conservative tide in the Dutch legislative body have left the shops more vulnerable today than at almost any time in history. The coffeeshop movement dates back to the late 1960s and has been officially tolerated since 1972, but the past several years have seen tightened regulation of the cannabis trade. Coffeeshops have been forced to choose between serving alcohol or cannabis products, so now buying a bud and a beer in the same place is entirely a thing of the past: There is absolutely no consumption of alcohol allowed in any operating coffeeshops. Next, the Dutch government mandated that there could be no advertising of the availability of cannabis products at any establishment. Even the ever-present cannabis menus at the shops must now be displayed facedown until the customer asks to examine them, or to see the buds of weed and blocks of hash on hand. And now, as part of an increasing trend across Europe, tobacco smoking is banned at restaurants, bars and all other public places -- and this includes coffeeshops where marijuana is still sold and smoked. The ban on smoking tobacco took effect on July 1, 2008, forcing coffeeshop patrons who wish to smoke a traditional spliff (the half-weed, half-tobacco joint that is very popular among Dutch and European smokers) to alter their usual habits. While this may seem like a nuisance to many coffeeshop visitors, it’s important to remember the law was enacted ostensibly to protect the workers from secondhand smoke. So please be aware that decriminalized public smoking is a privilege to be both enjoyed and respected while you’re in Amsterdam. It’s not a big thing to the Dutch citizenry, which looks upon marijuana smoking as an acceptable recreational activity best practiced in private or in designated public areas like the coffeeshops. Your stay will be most rewarding if you maintain a sense of decorum and respect the local customs wherever you go. A sad fact for American travelers is the severe disparity in the value of the US dollar with respect to the local currency, the euro. When you change your American money for euros, you will immediately lose 25 to 30 percent of your dollars. GETTING AROUND Amsterdam has a terrific public transportation system that can get you to just about any section of the city in a short time by tram, Metro (subway) or bus. You can purchase tickets from the conductor on board, but your best bet is to buy a strippenkaart at a tobacco or tourist shop for €6.40. The attendant on board each tram will stamp your strippenkaart for two strips or more, depending on the number of zones you need to travel through, and you can travel in those zones by tram, bus or subway in any direction for the next hour at no additional charge. Be aware that the trams and the Metro cease operation each night sometime between midnight and 12:30 a.m., so if you’re planning to catch the tram back to your hotel after an evening of entertainment or dining out, be sure to get to the tram stop right around midnight or catch a taxi home after that. The taxi is another good (though more costly) way to get around town. There are taxi stands located near most large hotels and big public places. Taxis aren’t allowed to cruise for passengers in Amsterdam like they do in many other cities, so you must call for a cab to pick you up (dial 020-677-7777, or ask the staff wherever you are to call one for you) or head for the first car in line at the nearest taxi stand. Bicycling is very popular in Amsterdam, and renting a bike is an excellent way to get around. Bike rentals tend to be reasonably priced, and locks are supplied as well. Don’t forget to use the locks or the bike is virtually guaranteed to be stolen: bike theft is one of the biggest categories of property crime in the Netherlands, so please don’t encourage this ugly tendency by buying a bike from someone on the street. There are three lanes in each direction for traffic on most major streets: one for cars, one for bikes and the center one for trams and taxis. The sidewalks and bicycle paths are sometimes separated only by a line on the edge of the pavement. Pay attention to where you’re walking or standing on the streets at all times, and never stand still in a bike path. And when you hear the insistent tinkling of bicycle bells, get out of the way! If you get caught in a bike path and get hit by a bike, it’s still your fault. Finally, there is always the intense pleasure of walking around this beautiful city. Fully half of the coffeeshops competing in the Cannabis Cup this year can be found on a leisurely stroll in the area between Centraal Station and Dam Square. The rest are located nearby on Haarlemmerstraat (just west of Centraal Station), in the Spui (just below Dam Square), or in and around the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, with only a couple of others in outlying areas beyond walking distance. MUSEUMS Amsterdam is the City of Museums. There are 33 museums located within the city limits, and those are just the ones that are regularly open to the public. Most are art museums -- Amsterdam has historically been home to many incredible artists, including Rembrandt and van Gogh, who both have their own museums -- but there are also several different science museums, as well as museums for media, photography, architecture, religion, shipbuilding and history. The renowned Rijksmuseum, the legendary treasure-house of the Netherlands, tops the list of the city’s cultural institutions, which also includes the Amsterdam Historical Museum, the Anne Frank House, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Artis Zoo. There’s even a Cannabis Museum and a Sex Museum. Go to amsterdammuseums.nl for complete information. DINING OUT Amsterdam is full of restaurants that offer just about everything to please your palate. The Leidseplein is a particularly fertile area, but the entire City Centrum boasts several fine breakfast spots and countless restaurants offering Indian, Afghan, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai, Argentine, Mexican, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Japanese, American, British and, of course, traditional Dutch food. A special tip: For steak and spareribs lovers, De Klos on Kerkstraat near the Leidsestraat (just a few steps from the Dolphins) is waiting for you with the stuff you like. For vegetarians, there are great places like Deshima Proeflokaal (Weteringschans 65), Golden Temple (Uitrechtsestraat 126), De Bolhoed (Prinsengracht 60-62) and De Waaghals (Frans Halsstraat 29). There are also lots and lots of fast-food joints, pizzerias and snack bars, from the Automat-style packaged sandwiches at FEBO to the myriad falafel and shawarma stands to the inevitable Burger King and McDonald’s franchises. Domino’s has invaded the city too, so the entire area is covered for pizza delivery. Get the phone number for the nearest one from the front desk at your hotel, where you can generally expect to find an entire selection of delivery menus from local restaurants available for your perusal. If you’d rather eat in your hotel room and save money, take a trip to the closest Albert Heijn supermarket. They have takeaway meals as well as all of the basic supermarket items. Less pricey is the Dirk van de Brock chain, offering almost everything you can get at Albert Heijn but at somewhat cheaper prices. There are also smaller neighborhood markets everywhere you go. Grocery stores tend to close by 8pm, and most are closed all day Sunday too. After 8pm, you can find various snack bars and avondwinkels (night shops) that are usually open till around 1 am; after that, you’re looking at the stuff in the vending machines in your hotel lobby. A little prior planning can keep you hip deep in the quality foodstuffs of your choice without having to travel around at all hours. SHOPPING They say that Amsterdam offers shopping opportunities galore, from high-end, designer-label boutiques to several excellent Old World street markets and literally everything in between. An elongated shopping street, the Nieuwendijk, runs between the Damrak and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and continues below Dam Square as the Kalverstraat; it features an incredible selection of shops of every description. At the southern end of the city, in the area called the Pijp, you will find the Albert Cuypmarkt, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and best-known open-air markets. There’s another big open-air market at Waterlooplein and a world-famous flower market not far from Dam Square, as well as a great used book market on the Spui every Friday. Serious shoppers say that the best bargains in town can be found at the smaller marketplaces dotting the city -- and even if you’re not in buying mode, you can observe all kinds of interesting people and products at these colorful places. There are also some amazing little shops in the city’s many neighborhoods. You can find almost anything that you can imagine here in Amsterdam. For some of the world’s oldest kind of shopping, there’s the legendary Red Light District, a unique phenomenon that gives the concept of window-shopping a whole new dimension. Prostitution is legal and regulated by the government, and the attractive ladies who offer their personal charms for sale display their wares in the red-neon-lit windows that front their working quarters. Amsterdam is a center for diamond sales, with an abundance of jewelry stores and diamond centers that also offer tours of their facilities, where you can see stones being graded, cut, polished and mounted. You can get some really interesting deals at these places, but be sure to shop around if you’re planning to make a serious purchase. One of the best shopping experiences in Amsterdam, believe it or not, is the mall at Schiphol Airport. There’s an incredible selection of places to shop (duty-free), and you can pick up all of your last-minute gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones at home before you catch your flight back to the States. THE STONER'S GUIDE TO DUTCH CUSTOMS The Cannabis Cup draws people from around the world to celebrate the spiritual, medical, industrial and recreational uses of cannabis. While in Amsterdam, please remember that the arguments for marijuana legalization become stronger when Cannabis Cup participants conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner. A quick etiquette lesson in Dutch customs may help you to more fully enjoy your stay in this beautiful and tolerant city. Be polite! Europeans are more formal than Americans. Remember to say “please” and “thank you.” Almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English, so just say, “English, please,” and most will be happy to oblige. People in general are kind and willing to help, so if you need directions or other assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. Public cannabis use is generally not acceptable in Dutch society. While marijuana smoking is tolerated by the government, smokers are wise to restrict their consumption to designated coffeeshops and private homes. Judges must be discreet out of consideration for nonsmokers and the local customs. Unless you’re in a coffeeshop or your own hotel room, always ask permission before lighting up. Also, do not smoke cannabis in your hotel lobby or corridors. At the cannabis coffeeshops, marijuana and hashish are sold either behind the bar or at a separate window. Most shops provide a written menu, but due to government prohibition of any sort of advertising of cannabis products, you will usually have to ask to see the menu or to be shown samples. Many shops also provide free rolling papers and little strips of cardboard for making filter tips. A few coffeeshops provide pipes, bongs and/or vaporizers for customer use. Coffeeshops are places to hang out, offering a living-room-away-from-home atmosphere where you may feel free to read, write, play games, talk to friends or meet strangers while enjoying a beverage and a relaxed smoke. Whatever their selection, it’s considered polite to eat or drink something while at the coffeeshop. In the tourist district (the Red Light/Dam Square area), some shops require that you purchase something in order to sit down. Be patient. Even as you hurry from shop to shop for the Cup, be aware that Dutch service is unhurried and personal. Many Americans talk too loudly and are overly impatient by Dutch standards, so be cool and show your respect for the staff and other clientele. While the coffeeshops automatically run a tab if you don’t pay as you’re served, it’s easier to pay as you go during the busy Cannabis Cup period. Bear in mind also that in Holland, it’s considered rude for the server to present a bill before it is asked for. Your patience will be greatly appreciated, especially since the Cup brings more people to some coffeeshops in a day than they normally serve in a week. A final word of warning: If you want to eat the cannabis concoctions called space cakes, be careful -- it can take an hour to feel the effects on an empty stomach, up to two hours if you’ve already eaten a meal. The effects last much longer and are more intense than from smoking cannabis. Panic reactions are common, even with regular users. Space cakes used to be more prevalent in Holland, but the Dutch government got tired of tourists getting too high and now views edible cannabis as virtually a hard drug. ____________________ Cannabis Cup: The Joy of Judging BY DAN SKYE · THU SEP 19, 2013 RSS Unlike our Cannabis Cups held in the US, the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup truly provides those who make the trip with an authentic judging experience. Stateside, attendees are able to sample the entries submitted by the regional dispensaries in the Cannabis Cup competition. However, they don’t vote. Instead, panels of industry experts, with legal accreditation to use cannabis, determine the quality of cannabis products. But in Amsterdam it’s a different story. Due to the tolerant attitudes of the Dutch, the world is free to sample the fruits of the city’s cannabis scene. At the HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup, coffeeshops enter their top samples of buds and hashish in the competition. Then, judges engage in what’s known as the “coffeeshop crawl” where they hike into the high country. During the last two days of the Cannabis Ciup Expo, judges are then able to vote for the best Neder (Dutch) hash, best imported hash, and, of course, the top strain they sampled at those coffeeshops. As in all of our American Cups, all judges vote for best product and bestv booth of the Expo, as well as best glass smokeware. If there’s a better place to be during Thanksgiving week than soaking up the ambience of a coffeeshop in Amsterdam, we haven’t found it. Of course, we’re not looking that hard either. We’re perfectly cool being high in this Old World city, brimming with history and home to the some of the best cannabis in the world. We’re looking forward to seeing you there in November! Visit the Cannabis Cup website! ______________________ Amsterdam: The Cannabis Capital of Europe BY BOBBY BLACK · THU SEP 26, 2013 Amsterdam is truly one of the greatest party cities in the world, especially if you’re a pothead. Not only is it home to some of the best marijuana in the world, but it’s also the freest in its attitudes toward smoking pot. Personal amounts of marijuana can be purchased and imbibed in any of a hundred different coffeeshops. Keep in mind that outside of coffeeshops, smoking is still frowned upon, so it’s not a great idea to light up in the streets. Before lighting up in a bar, be sure to ask the bartender if they allow cannabis smoking - most of them don’t. If you take the train from Schiphol Airport – which is the cheapest, easiest way to get into town – you’ll arrive at Centraal Station at the north end of the city. From here, it’s just a short walk over to Haarlemmerstraat, where some of the city’s most prominent coffeeshops and restaurants reside. There, you can pick up some bud and breakfast at the Green House or Barney’s Uptown before heading to your hotel. Dam Square toward the north is basically the heart of the city, surrounded by concentric semi-circles of streets (straats) and canals (grachts) that spread out around it toward the south. Cutting almost straight down through the middle is the main shopping strip, Leidsestraat, which ends at the bustling Leidseplein Square, filled with some of the best bars, restaurants and stores. Along the way, you can veer off to visit some of the chillest coffeeshops in the city – among them, de Rokerij, de Dampkring and one of the several Green House locations. For some of the best hash in the city, in terms of both quality and variety, head southeast of the Dam to the Bluebird, which has two binders displaying tons of domestic and imported hashish. When the munchies hit, the Leidseplein has some great Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants, Argentinian steakhouses, killer falafel spots, as well as fast-food favorites like Burger King and Mickey D’s for the less adventurous. And if you want ketchup with your fries, you’ll have to ask for it – the Dutch eat theirs with mayo. If you’re feeling homesick, the Marriott and American hotels serve a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day (but make advance reservations!). For art lovers, there’s nothing more fun than chowing down on a space cake and hitting a museum, particularly the Van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum, where you can see the gigantic Dutch Masters paintings come to life before your eyes. There are also the less conventional museums devoted to hash, sex, erotica and torture, as well as the sobering Anne Frank House. One of the best things about the city is that it’s small enough that you can get just about anywhere on foot, so just pick up a map (preferably one from our Cannabis Cup Guide, which has the better coffeeshops marked) and start wandering around. Sure, you could rent a bicycle, but navigating the city’s busy, unfamiliar streets while high (and possibly drunk) is not very stoner-smart. After a long, hard day of getting high, you’ll be ready for some nightlife, and Amsterdam has something for everyone. For those into hip-hop, house and trance, there are happening dance clubs like Sinners in Heaven and Odeon. Those who lean more towards hard rock can hit dive bars like The Cave, Korsakoff or The Black and White. For live music, the Melkweg and Paradiso book major international acts, or you can check out some cool blues or jazz at Bourbon Street. If you’re in it for the long haul, there’s usually after-hours at the Dolphins café. And, of course, there’s always the infamous Red Light District, where the randy and curious stroll the streets ogling the semi-nude prostitutes standing in the windows. The weather in November is pretty chilly and rainy, so be prepared to bundle up. Sure, the weather there may be a bit nicer in the summer, but there’s just no substitute for that last week in November when the Cannabis Cup rolls into town. Coffeeshops prepare all year to impress the thousands of stoners who descend upon the city, rolling out the special offers and free samples – and HIGH TIMES throws one hell of a party, featuring big-name musical performances and a gala awards show. Now that marijuana is becoming legal in the US, I’m sure many of you are asking yourselves, “Why go all the way to Holland when I can get great weed right in Colorado or California?” The answer is history. For decades, as the Drug War has raged here at home and people have been thrown in prison simply for enjoying some herb, The Netherlands has stood as a shining example of tolerance and rationality, allowing tourists to buy and consume cannabis without fear or guilt. The advances being made here in America wouldn’t have been possible if they hadn’t shown the world how things could and should be. And many of the top strains we enjoy here in the US were originated by the “Dutch Master” breeders. Bottom line: making the pilgrimage to Amsterdam is something every true stoner should do at least once in their lifetime – and if you’re going to Amsterdam for the weed, there’s no better time to go than for the Cannabis Cup. As someone who’s been to more Cannabis Cups than just about anyone else on earth, I should know. For more information on the 26th HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup, visit cannabiscup.com. _____________ Cannabis Cup Amsterdam: The Legendary Leaf-Blower BY DAN SKYE · FRI SEP 20, 2013 Every year at the HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam the companies who host booths at the weeklong Expo outdo themselves in their attempts to impress judges. Super-size vapor bags are the norm at most booths but two years ago, the Green House coffeeshop took things a few sizes bigger, floating a mammoth vapor balloon at the Expo allowing hordes of attendees to sample their entry, Hawaiian Snow. But perhaps no company can equal the deeds of T.H.Seeds. For years, T.H.Seeds has gone to great lengths to promote their brand, mounting raucous, stoner-themed fashion shows to showcase its Hoodlamb line of clothing. But in 2005, seeking to promote their strain entry at the 18th Cup, T.H.Seeds converted a leaf-blower into a gasoline-powered, super-pipe. Really! Adam Dunn, one of T.H.Seeds' top dudes, loaded the giant bowl on the top of the blower with a quarter-pound of Kushage – their entry which took third place in the sativa category. Then he lit the buds, and flipped the switch. The result was a high-powered surge of smoke that suffused the room in a matter of seconds. Naturally, judges took turns stepping in front of the smoke stream to inhale huge hits. Every year at the HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup something highly wonderful happens. Come to the 26th Cannabis Cup in November and treat yourself to a bowl of memories. Check out photos of the legendary leaf-blower below and visit cannabiscup.com! Adam Dunn fills the bowl of the leaf-blower with a quarter-pound of Kushage. The big bowl is lit. A flame flares momentarily prior to turning on the power. Gentlemen, start your engines! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Which is better? Rubber turkey at Thanksgiving or a high-handed smack in the face? Now we know what the philosopher Kahil Gibran meant when he wrote: "For what is it to die, but to stand in the sun and melt into the wind." _______________ Timeline: 25 Years of HIGH TIMES Amsterdam Cannabis Cup BY BOBBY BLACK · FRI SEP 20, 2013 This year HIGH TIMES will be celebrating its 26th year hosting the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup, where every attendee has the opportunity to vote for their favorite strain and companies who host booths at the week-long Expo outdo each other in their attempts to impress judges. It's a party the likes of which few people have seen. And if there is ever a moment when, as an attendee, you just can't possibly smoke one more joint (come on, it's happened to everybody), look around -- you're in AMSTERDAM! Go see the sights (and they are gorgeous). Anyway, we thought that the 26th year of HT's Cannabis Cup was the perfect time to map out the past 25 years. Some of the info is missing -- mostly because we don't remember everything -- but most of its there, so enjoy: 1988 -- 1st Cannabis Cup Judges: Three (Steve Hager, Dr. Indoors, photographer) Entrants: Super Sativa Seed Club, Sensi Seed Club, Nevil’s Seed Bank, Cultivators’ Choice Winners: Cultivators’ Choice -- Skunk #1 1989 -- 2nd Cannabis Cup Judges: Six Entrants: Super Sativa Seed Club, Sensi Seed Club, Nevil’s Seed Bank, Cultivators’ Choice Winners: Nevil’s Seed Bank -- Early Pearl/Skunk #1 x Northern Lights #5/Haze 1990 -- 3rd Cannabis Cup Judges: Included Furry Freak Brothers artists Gilbert Shelton and Paul Mavrides, founders of the Dutch Provo activist movement Winners: Nevil’s Seed Bank -- Northern Lights #5 Artist: Gilbert Shelton and Paul Mavrides Memorable moments: first Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Thom Harris 1991 -- 4th Cannabis Cup Judges: Included Simon Vinkenoog and Rodger Belknap Entrants: Coffeeshops replace seed companies Winners: Free City - Skunk 1992 -- 5th Cannabis Cup Judges: included Elvy Musikka and Dr. Eric Fromberg Entrants: return of the seed companies: Sensi Seed Bank, Homegrown Fantasy, Bluebird, others Winners: Haze x Skunk #1 -- Homegrown Fantasy Memorable moments: Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Elvy Musikka 1993 -- 6th Cannabis Cup Judges: 50; celebrity judges included Gatewood Galbraith, Jack Herer, Paul Krassner and Sebastian Bach Entrants: Dutch Passion, NHV, Nirvana and Sensi Seed Bank, 22 coffeeshops Winners: Sensi Seed Bank -- Haze x Northern Lights #5 Memorable moments: event open to the public for first time; Robin Ludwig creates the first Cannabis Cup trophies, Green House enters for first time; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Gatewood Galbraith 1994 -- 7th Cannabis Cup Judges: 700 judges; celebrity judges included Soma, Chris Conrad, Jack Herer and Enuff Z’Nuff Entrants: Sensi Seed Bank, Cerebral Seeds, Positronics, 15 coffeeshops Winners: Sensi Seed Bank -- Jack Herer Artist: Kenny Scharf Memorable moments: evening ceremonies move to Melkweg; article about Cup appears in The New York Times Magazine; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Jack Herer 1995 -- 8th Cannabis Cup Theme: Rainbow Family Judges: 1,500 judges; celebrity judges include Stephen and Ina May Gaskin, Alex and Allyson Grey, Ed Rosenthal and Chef RA Entrants: 21 coffeeshops; five seed companies, two entries from US, one from Canada, one from Switzerland Winners: White Widow -- Green House wins four Cups; Sensi Seed Bank wins Seed Company Cup; Bluebird wins the Hash Cup. Artist: Alex Grey Memorable moments: event takes on a theme for the first time; Green House wins Cannabis Cup for first time; Morley Safer attends and produces a feature for 60 Minutes 1996 -- 9th Cannabis Cup Theme: Native American Judges: Celebrity judges include Dennis Peron, Mel Frank, John Trudell, Mila, Felipe Chavez and Eagle Bill. Winners: White Russian -- De Dampkring (won four Cups total) Artist: Jeff Wood 1997 -- 10th Cannabis Cup Theme: Reggae / Rasta Judges: celebrity judges include Rita Marley, Ras Menelik, Rocker T, Robin Ludwig, Mountain Girl, the HIGH TIMES staff Winners: Peace Maker - De Dampkring; Homegrown Fantasy wins the Seed Company Cup Memorable moments: Counterculture Hall of Fame is introduced, with Bob Marley becoming the first inductee 1998 -- 11th Cannabis Cup Theme: Jazz Judges: John Sinclair Winners: Green House -- Super Silver Haze Artist: Banks Clayton Memorable moments: inductions of Louis Armstrong and Mezz Mezzrow into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; De Dampkring pulls out, declaring the event had become too commercial 1999 -- 12th Cannabis Cup Theme: The Beats Judges: Celebrity judges included Robert Anton Wilson, Carolyn Cassady, John Cassady, Paul Krassner Winners: Green House -- Super Silver Haze Artist: Sweetbryar Ludwig Performers: Fishbone, Culture, Kottonmouth Kings Memorable moments: Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs are inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Seed Company Cup is split into two categories (sativa and indica) 2000 -- 13th Cannabis Cup Theme: Goddess Judges: Cannabis Castaways (HT reality show stars chosen by Steve Hager) Winners: Blueberry from the Noon; Kali Mist from Serious Seeds for sativa and Blueberry from Dutch Passion for indica. Artist: Steve Marcus Performers: Patti Smith, Upright Citizens Brigade, Jefferson Starship, Galactic Memorable moments: Ina May Gaskin becomes the first living inductee into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Cannabis Cup is decided by six Cannabis Castaways instead of public judges; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Keith Stroup 2001 -- 14th Cannabis Cup Winners: Barney’s Breakfast Bar -- Sweet Tooth Performers: 311, Steel Pulse Memorable moments: Paul Krassner is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; event scaled down due to 9/11 tragedy; Barney’s wins Cup for first time; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Vivian McPeak 2002 -- 15th Cannabis Cup Theme: Peace Winners: Barney’s -- Morning Glory; Mother’s Finest from Sensi Seed Bank won the Sativa; Hog from THSeeds won the Indica. Performers: Fishbone, Steel Pulse Memorable moments: Bob Dylan and Joan Baez inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Cup founder Steve Hager is arrested for possessing too much pot; first Cannabis Cup DVD is released 2003 -- 16th Cannabis Cup Theme: Conspiracy Winners: Hawaiian Snow - Green House; White Haze from White Label Seeds won the Sativa; and MK-ULTRA from THSeeds won the Indica. : Performers: George Clinton Memorable moments: Jack Herer is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Mike and Valerie Corral 2004 -- 17th Cannabis Cup Winners: Barney’s - Amnesia Haze Artist: Jeff Wood Memorable moments: Stephen Gaskin inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Freedom Fighter of the Year given to Eddy Lepp; Canadian seed companies (Reeferman Seeds and BC Bud Depot) enter for first time and win Indica and Sativa Cups 2005 -- 18th Cannabis Cup Theme: Native American Winners: Barney’s -- Willie Nelson; The Indica Cup was won by Lavender from Soma Seeds, and DNA took the Sativa Cup with Martian Mean Green. Artist: Jeff Wood Performers: Patti Smith, John Trudell Memorable moments: John Trudell is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Alex White Plume is named Freedom Fighter of the Year 2006 -- 19th Cannabis Cup Winners: Green House - Arjan’s Ultra Haze #1; Kiwi Seeds won the Sativa Cup with Mako Haze, Big Buddha Seeds won the Indica Cup with Big Buddha Cheese. Artist: Alex Grey Performers: Kottonmouth Kings and Muck Sticky Memorable moments: Garrick Beck and Barry “Plunker” Adams are inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Bobby Black arrested for distributing weed; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Richard Lee 2007—20th Cannabis Cup Theme: Comedy Judges: Tommy Chong Winners: G-13 Haze -- Barney’s wins Cannabis Cup, Hash Cup and Nederhash Cup; The Sativa Cup was won by Apothecary Seed's Kia Kush, while the Indica Cup was won by Amnesia Seed's Top Dog. Artist: Jeff Wood Performers: Tommy Chong, Redman, Moe, Pyrx Memorable moments: Expo, Opening Ceremonies and Awards Show all moved to the PowerZone; 20th anniversary DVD is released; a tarot deck featuring the High Times staff and Cup celebs; Cheech and Chong inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Tommy Chong 2008 -- 21st Cannabis Cup Winners: Super Lemon Haze -- Green House Performers: Andrew Tosh, Kimani Marley, Cenci Wailer Memorable moments: Peter Tosh is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; 2009 -- 22nd Cannabis Cup Theme: Smugglers Winners: Super Lemon Haze -- Green House Artist: Steve Marcus Performers: Slightly Stoopid, Dilated Peoples, Easy Star All-Stars, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Starship, David Peel Memorable moments: HT founder Tom Forcade is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Rick Simpson 2010 -- 23rd Cannabis Cup Theme: Hip-Hop Winners: Tangerine Dream -- Barney’s Artist: Dome Performers: Kid Cudi, Dilated Peoples, Devin the Dude, DJ Muggs, Del the Funky Homosapien, Curren$y Memorable moments: Coke LaRock is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame 2011 -- 24th Cannabis Cup Theme: Psychedelic Judges: Michael and Carol Randall, Travis Ashbrook of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love Winners: Liberty Haze -- Barney’s Artist: Punchgut Performers: B-Real, B.O.B, Winstrong, Dilated Peoples, DJ Logic Memorable moments: Expo moves to new venue Borchland and is raided by Dutch police; Debbie Goldsberry is named Freedom Fighter of the Year; “Farmer” John Griggs is inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Debby Goldsberry 2012 -- 25th Cannabis Cup Winners: Green House -- Flower Bomb Kush Artist: Billy Perkins Performers: Ghostface Killa, MF Doom, Styles P, Fun Loving Criminals Memorable moments: expo moves to new venue Roest; computerized voting instituted for first time; a judge vomits on stage after being called up to perform as ODB with Ghostface Killa; Freedom Fighter of the Year award given to Mason Tvert Link para mais fotos: http://www.hightimes.com/view/amsterdam-cannabis-cup-photos Abraços e já já tamo lá!

Dilos, fica naquele St. Christofer que te falei. Super custo benefício, já tem gente da galera e fica do lado do nosso ou fecha logo aqueles outros que você viu, se não vai ficar na roubada de última hora! Sempre tem aquela horda de americanos que pode babar o esquema. Abraços e tamo junto!!! 53 DIAS SENHORES!!! É noiz!

Canadá inicia produção de maconha medicinal em larga escala Governo prevê que, em uma década, produto movimente R$ 2,8 bilhões por ano Comentar Enviar Imprimir O GLOBO (EMAIL) Publicado: 30/09/13 - 20h41 Atualizado: 30/09/13 - 20h56 Folha de maconha Arquivo OTTAWA - O Canadá dará início nesta terça-feira a um sistema de produção de maconha medicinal em larga escala com o objetivo de permitir a formação de um livre mercado do produto. Até o fim de março do ano que vem, a droga resultante do atual cultivo doméstico ou de pequenas propriedades será substituída, de forma gradativa, pela originada em grandes plantios licenciados e com controle de qualidade. VEJA TAMBÉM EUA não contestarão leis estaduais que liberam uso de maconha Oposição uruguaia quer convocar referendo contra a lei da maconha O que diz o projeto de lei uruguaio sobre a maconha Debate sobre legalização da maconha avança pelos EUA Legalização da maconha no Colorado cria novos negócios com potencial bilionário Maconha medicinal começa a ser vendida na República Tcheca San Diego avalia instalação de máquinas para vender maconha Maconha é descriminalizada no estado de Washington Colorado e Washington aprovam uso recreativo da maconha A expectativa das autoridades é de que a nova indústria gire 1,3 bilhão de dólares canadenses (R$ 2,8 bilhões) em até dez anos, quando o número de usuários de maconha medicinal deve chegar a 450 mil. Hoje, há 37.400 pacientes registrados pelo Ministério da Saúde. Desde junho, 156 empresas pediram licença para produzir e distribuir maconha, e as duas primeiras receberam as autorizações na semana passada - uma delas foi criticada por militantes pró-legalização por supostamente produzir maconha de má qualidade, infectada por bactérias e contaminada por metais. Na estrutura atual, 4.200 pequenos produtores podem plantar maconha suficiente para no máximo dois pacientes, e a polícia costumava reclamar que os empreendimentos serviam de fachada para o crime organizado. As vendas sob o novo sistema devem começar nas próximas semanas. O governo calcula que o preço do grama da maconha deve ficar em torno de 7,60 dólares canadenses (R$ 16,33) - mais caro que o vendido pelo Ministério da Saúde (5 dólares, ou R$ 10,70), mas mais barato que o encontrado com traficantes (10 dólares ou R$ 21,49, segundo a imprensa local). Apesar da alta do preço para os pacientes, o governo defende a mudança dizendo que haverá alívio no bolso do contribuinte, já que o atual programa de maconha medicinal é subsidiado. - Estamos confiantes quanto à formação de uma saudável indústria - disse Sophie Galarneau, do alto escalão do Ministério da Saúde canadense. - Esperamos que o livre mercado puxe os preços para baixo. O valor mais baixo deve ficar em torno de 3 dólares (R$ 6,44). O Canadá aprovou lei legalizando o uso medicinal da maconha em 2001, mas a descriminalização do porte de pequenas quantidades da droga já foi barrada duas vezes no Parlamento. Algumas decisões judiciais na província de Ontário chegaram a considerar inválida a legislação do país sobre maconha, mas o status da droga no país continua em disputa. No fim de agosto, o deputado Justin Trudeau - líder do Partido Liberal e filho do ex-premier Pierre Trudeau - chamou a atenção ao assumir que usou a droga depois de eleito para o cargo. Uma pesquisa realizada este ano pelo instituto Forum Research mostrou que dois terços dos canadenses apoiam a descriminalização e/ou a legalização da maconha. Leia mais sobre esse assunto em http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/canada-inicia-producao-de-maconha-medicinal-em-larga-escala-10208587#ixzz2gRCFzHIO © 1996 - 2013. Todos direitos reservados a Infoglobo Comunicação e Participações S.A. Este material não pode ser publicado, transmitido por broadcast, reescrito ou redistribuído sem autorização.