World’s Oldest Pot Stash Discovered
December 2nd, 2008 by Perry
A 2,700-year old Chinese tomb was found containing an ancient Chinese shaman and a 789-gram stash of marijuana.
The conditions of the soil which surrounded the tomb acted as a preservative for the site and the stash. After analysis, scientists determined the marijuana was grown for “psychoactive purposes.” After 100 attempts, scientists determined seeds found in the stash were unable to germinate.
Mentions of the crop’s cultivation appear throughout history, however the find represents the largest to date from the ancient world. No word yet on whether or not charges will be filed against the owner, who was believed to be “a light-haired, blue-eyed Caucasian man, likely a shaman of the Gushi culture, near Turpan in northwestern China.”
The weed was apparently still green after all these years, although it had lost its “distinctive odor.”
Mexico, Paraguay World’s Top Marijuana Producers
December 1st, 2008 by Perry
A report by the United Nations listed Mexico as the world’s #1 marijuana producer.
The statistics also suggest that Mexico and the United States combine to account for more than a quarter of the world’s marijuana production, despite accounting for less than one-tenth the population. Few were surprised the United States’ neighbor to the south was at the top of the list, but Paraguay, trailing on slightly behind, came in at #2 with 5,900 metric tons, considering the country’s size and competition.
The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime also found that Paraguay was the main source of marijuana for Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.
The financial opportunity was listed as the main reason, with marijuana farmers being able to make as much as 500 times as much as traditional crops. The office estimated marijuana production worldwide was around 41,400 metric tons, according to the same report. Mexico produced 7,400 metric tons, compared to 4,700 metric tons for the United States. In comparison, on the African continent, South Africa is the leading producer with 2,500 metric tons.
NOTE: 1 metric ton = 2,205 pounds
Holland Cracking Down on Cannabis
November 24th, 2008 by AlexBlaming drug dealers for driving illegal activity, local Dutch government officials are trying to curb marijuana usage by closing some shops and passing legislature restricting where they can be built.
This is a more focused report on the potential shift in marijuana laws, where late last week we covered a large scale change that affects Amsterdam and beyond.
The Reuters report cites security issues, organized crime and bad influences on town youth as reasons for the coffee shop closage. It will be interesting to see whether or not the legislation significantly impacts its tourism industry, much of which is driven by the city of Amsterdam and its illicit lures.
As the video shows, people have opinions both pro and con for the changes, but only time will tell if the attempt to improve local society backfires by driving the drug trade back underground.
Amsterdam Coffee Shops to Be Cut by 20%
November 21st, 2008 by Alex
Sad news for the residents and frequenters of Amsterdam, and specifically bad for connoisseurs of the green leaf everywhere - Amsterdam will be closing 20% of its coffee shops. And no, not the Starbucks.
Mayor Job Cohen made the announcement before a national ‘weed summit’ was set to start. They aren’t being closed due to adjusted legal standing, but instead due to their proximity to schools and children. Any shop within 273 yards (250 meters) of a school has to shut its doors by 2011 unless a successful appeal gets them off the hook.
Just like America, the legality and use of marijuana in the Netherlands is very murky. Technically, it’s not legal, but in specific shops you can purchase up to 5 grams. Then again, growing is illegal, which makes sourcing the buds a challenge. You also have ‘pot tourism’ to worry about - citizens of neighboring countries traveling into the Dutch cities just to buy marijuana and leave.
Although this doesn’t take effect immediately, this new announcement places pot on an even shakier foundation in the city most known for its tolerance. Of course, we’ll keep you updated as appeals roll in and more debate starts on the topic.
Coast Guard Goes Pot Fishing, Nets 5 Tons
November 21st, 2008 by PerryThat’s right, 10,000 lbs. of weed, just floating around in the ocean.
The bundles of marijuana were found by the coast guard who noticed suspicious activity on a speedboat. When officers approached the speedboat, the crew of the dubious watercraft began to speed away into Mexican waters, presumably dumping the load to lighten the boat’s bulk and essentially avoid arrest.
US law enforcement can’t pursue internationally, so the shady vessel got away, sans reefer.
YouTube Gem: Grow Weed & Make Hashish
November 20th, 2008 by AlexWho wants to kill some time and gain some knowledge? Well, here’s your chance.
While digging through YouTube I ran across a classic 4 part series titled - How to Grow Weed & Make Hashish.
This calmly narrated series covers the whole spectrum of growing. Let’s break down the contents:
- Part 1 - ideal set-up, grow room preparation and soil mixtures
- Part 2 - further soil prep, seed interaction and plant sexing
- Part 3 - plant care, maturation, pruning, drying and cloning
- Part 4 - hashish, sifting and baking
Overall, this series is kick ass, and the techniques are timeless. It’s definitely a good watch.
Catch the other 3 parts after the jump.
Pamela Anderson Speaks Out on Pot
November 19th, 2008 by Perry
Pamela Anderson recently decided to get involved in yet another cause, pro-marijuana activism.
Well known for her love of animals and charitable donations, Anderson recently wrote a letter to Barack Obama and blogged about the importance of legalization. She outlines how cultivating marijuana would “save children” and help the environment.
I think we should legalise marijuana, tax and monitor farm hemp etc. This would make our borders less corrupt and then I think eventually this will be more secure option and save children in the long run – we should be able to farm hemp in America – it’s just silly. It would create jobs and be good for the environment.
Here, here.
She also goes on to show a little more radical side. Pamela also controversially suggests anyone found guilty of molesting children or possessing child pornography, should be castrated for their crimes.
Can’t deny it’d cut down on repeat offenders though. Heyoooooo! I’m sorry.
High: The True Tale of American Marijuana
November 18th, 2008 by PerryNovember 18th is the DVD release date for High: The True Tale of American Marijuana.
I know you’re probably thinking, “ugh, another marijuana documentary,” but don’t be so quick to judge, you might enjoy the film.
Yes it’s propaganda, but there seems to be a little more validity for pro-marijuana material because its aimed at the spread of information and tolerance, not disinformation and persecution.
This particular story has some interesting first and second-hand accounts of people caught up in the drug war, or who had their lives ruined by it. I’m sure there’s some footage in this film you haven’t seen in a dozen other weed documentaries. Sometimes it’s important to put faces and emotions next to the issue, instead of just numbers and history lessons.
Check out a quick trailer above or go to High’s website for more information (and a pretty cool blog).
