The final day of Cannabis Cup seminars resonated deeply with the crowd at the Melkweg today. Although there was a long day ahead, the first seminar of the day, slated to start at 12:30, was packed.
Scott from Rare Dankness presented: “The New Recreational Laws of Colorado.” The seminar went way beyond just US legalization however.
Scott spoke in depth what that legalization means. Big Marijuana? Sure, but there will always be room for the cannaisseurs…and that’s where Rare Dankness’ future resides.
Next up was “Farm Report: Memories of Alexander and Ann Shulgin” presented by Paul Daley. Paul is a long-time colleague of the Shulgins, and he told the crowd who the Shulgins were and all about the amazing work they have done in the US regarding psychedelics.
Sasha and Ann authored the books Pihkal and Tihkal and contributed to the books Thanatos to Eros: 35 Years of Psychedelic Exploration, Entheogens and the Future of Religion, Ecstasy: The Complete Guide, The Secret Chief Revealed, Higher Wisdom: Eminent Elders Explore the Continuing Impact of Psychedelics, and Manifesting Minds: A Review of Psychedelics in Science, Medicine, Sex, and Spirituality.
Don and Aaron of DNA Genetics presented “DNA: Creating Champions the DNA Way” to a packed house.
If you walk into the DNA shop close to Centraal Station here in Amsterdam, you can take gander at the MANY Cups DNA has one over the years. The secret? Seminar attendees found out. Don’t you wish you were there?
Swerve from Cali Connection’s “The High-Flying Future” was pretty well attended. He brought up the fact that Amsterdam is becoming more restrictive while the United States is legalizing cannabis at a lightening speed.
Cannabis, Swerve says, is coming into the light where it belongs. Stoners don’t have a stereotype anymore…cannabis enthusiasts come form every walk of life and are, more often than not, very successful.
“The Greenhouse & Strain Hunters: Creators of Champions” seminar, presented by Arjan and Franco was a hit with the crowd.
The sole intent of Strain Hunters is to identify, locate and retrieve cannabis landraces that have not yet been studied, in order to give scientists and doctors the possibility to further enhance knowledge of the cannabis plant in the medicinal field. It’s love for the leaf at it’s finest.
“Twenty Years of the Pollinator” was presented by Mila, who just celebrated her 70th birthday this week with a big bash at the Melkweg.
She learned how to make hash while living in the Himalayas between 1968 and 1980, and has been known as the “Queen of Hash” since. True High Times royalty.
“Stop Wasting Time and Money Preaching to the Choir” presented by Robert Platshorn was the final seminar of the day. Robert, who will be named High Times Freedom Fighter of the Year at the awards show tonight, is the author of Black Tuna Diaries.
He is America’s longest (30 years) imprisoned non-violent marijuana offender. Raised on South St. in downtown Philadelphia, acting ambitions earned him a supporting role in a successful off Broadway play while still in high school. The same skill led to Robert becoming one of America’s most famous pitchmen. The late Billy Mays called him a “legend in the pitch business.” He was seen for years on TV, at fairs and shows selling Vita Mix frozen food knives and gadgets.
Night is here in Amsterdam and the cold streets are becoming desolate as people rush home to be with their families.
But things are heating up here at the Melkweg!
Next up is the Cannabis Cup awards show, which is when we find out who will take home the coveted Cups this year, followed by Rebelution and Dirty Heads. Have a good night Amsterdam!
