Dodgy UK buds - WTF!? Advice please...

[misanthrope]

It's with regret that I type this. This post will likely only apply if you are in the UK.

For a while now have been receiving high quality, very nice strains.

Then this happened. Got one lot and it was just horrible: harsh taste and a weird, kind of piney, incensey sort of smell. Chewed a small bud between the teeth (time honoured test for contamination) and there is no detectable grittiness and no sweet taste. Still, this is really shit in some way, so I set it aside for disposal/cookery.

Next lot, smelt better but nothing special. Most people I know are delighted with this "Kandy Kush". However, this is a bit harsh to smoke. When vaped, it is a better, esp at low temps. But at higher temps, a red flag for me is it leaves moisture on the glass - this is a red flag for me and is never normally the case.

On the + side. This stuff really does the job, everyone agrees it's a strong stone. It does not keep a solid line of ash like your classic sprayed sh*t. It is not gritty.

On the - side. This is kind of spongy, seems sorta fresh - and bud that's been sitting in a bag this long would normally be pretty damn dry by now. Vaping left moisture on my glass - WTF!?? Taste is a bit off.

The way I see it, there are two horrible possibilities here, and I would greatly appreciate if any growers/experts/fellow uk-heads could help me distinguish which of these is the most likely?


A) A Grower is cutting corners, and not flushing and curing his plants properly to cut time and increase profit. The bud is riddled with fertilizer and shooting powder and whatever other crude stuff has been used. The bud retains moisture, because it's not properly cured and still contains 'sh*t'.

Or

B) A more insidious way of bulking up weight of skunk has been discovered. We are facing a second wave of the "grit-weed" scandal, but a more subtle version - f**k knows what they are doing now...


Please share your knowledge with me on this one. If I'm only dealing with ferty bud, that is one thing - but could this be something more insidious? The most concerning thing about this is no one seems to have noticed.

BTW I know that growing your own is the best way, but it's simply not do-able for me at the moment. I dream of one day being able to have a bat-cave, but that's not reality right now.

 

[HomeFree]

Well, if moisture is left on the glass, the buds are probably still moist? Selling moist herb for profit happens in the black market from time to time. Keep in mind we purchase buds most people smoke, not vape, so there is still some moisture in the herb.

Beyond that, nobody can tell you if your cannabis is safe from on the net. Try to find a new source if this source is not working out for you.

 

[treeman]

See, when it comes to sprayed weed I'm mostly familiar with the stuff that burns with hard, oily ash that you can't flick off the end of your spliff.
However recently (say, 4 weeks ago) I got some "exodus cheese" that had a weird spongy texture, it stank of cheese however up close it smelled kinda' rank and a bit off. Almost like a strong must odour, it was strong to vape but I certainly found it a bit unpleasant. Others around me didn't seem to notice anything off about it but I certainly wasn't buying any more.
It was that annoying kinda' dense moist that grinds up really shit into little balls of weed and doesn't fluff out at all. The gram I got, while it weighed up looked particularly small.

I don't really have any helpful advice/suggestions, this was an isolated case for me, and I'm not even sure if something was really wrong with it but it sounds somewhat similar to the shit you got.

 

[Ansel]

my stuff never seems to be cured properly... damper... heavier...

 

[misanthrope]

Well, if moisture is left on the glass, the buds are probably still moist? Selling moist herb for profit happens in the black market from time to time. Keep in mind we purchase buds most people smoke, not vape, so there is still some moisture in the herb.

Beyond that, nobody can tell you if your cannabis is safe from on the net. Try to find a new source if this source is not working out for you.

Believe me, I am trying to find a new source. However it's not easy round here, thanks to prohibition there is a lot of rubbish floating about. It took me the best part of a decade to discover the contact I have now, and up to this point he has been excellent.

Tried to contact my other guy just to get a little bit of mid range and his phone is off. Options exhausted.

See, when it comes to sprayed weed I'm mostly familiar with the stuff that burns with hard, oily ash that you can't flick off the end of your spliff.
However recently (say, 4 weeks ago) I got some "exodus cheese" that had a weird spongy texture, it stank of cheese however up close it smelled kinda' rank and a bit off. Almost like a strong must odour, it was strong to vape but I certainly found it a bit unpleasant. Others around me didn't seem to notice anything off about it but I certainly wasn't buying any more.
It was that annoying kinda' dense moist that grinds up really shit into little balls of weed and doesn't fluff out at all. The gram I got, while it weighed up looked particularly small.

I don't really have any helpful advice/suggestions, this was an isolated case for me, and I'm not even sure if something was really wrong with it but it sounds somewhat similar to the shit you got.

Your post is helpful in that it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one who has been treated to some iffy bud. That sprayed stuff you mention, with the hard ash and oiliness is DISGUSTING, but at least it's easy to spot.

In many ways skunk that looks the business but isn't is worse. I fear it could be 'stealth grit' http://gritweed.co.uk/grit_4.htm

but who knows... what I was kinda hoping is a grower out there might say "Yeah, sounds like they did too much of X and not enough of Y, so your buds a bit shit for Z reasons. If I can figure out how to post high res pics of this stuff I will as I'm sure someone out there knows the crack.

It's mysterious shit though - tastes harsh but doesn't sparkle like ferty stuff, ash taps off fine, vapes okay at low temps, turns black at high temps, either way so heavy makes you cough like a bitch.

 

[smokum]

If I were in your shoes...

I'd leave it out to slightly dry some more, then mason jar it and burp the jars once a day for a week... let it cure a month and try it again to see if it eases the harshness.

Without knowing the grower or actually inspecting/tasting it, I would suspect they cut corners with the flush and lack of cure and in the end your tasting/feeling the last added 'sweet' (high carb addition to bulk up).

It could very well also be simply a different strain flavour your not used too... so many variable in the world off weed.

All this if it was soil grown, and if its hydro... then all my thoughts are out the window because I hate the stuff

 

[sasNW]

+1 on letting it properly dry and cure. If it's still harsh when fully dry and cured then I'd put money on the lack of a flush. If it still stays "wet" or a strange residue after a full dry/cure then it's most likely been sprayed. I'd put money on lack of flush and cure though

 

[llamaman001]

Try a water flush and see if you get any odd colors

 

[KeroZen]

That gritweed site is unfortunately far from being up to date...

The 'lacing' technics have improved over the years and most people are completely unaware that nearly 90% of the herb sold in Europe is contaminated on-purpose one way or another. Note that I'm talking about black-market "commercial" stuff, the weed grown by your friend in his closet should obviously be clean (unless he used pesticides and/or fungicides too late into the cycle, but that's a different story already... btw even non-flushed hydro-grown weed combusts better than laced commercial stuff)

I regularily take samples from what my friends buy and put that under microscope, it's frightening... I didn't see the "can" in question but I had confirmation from a Dutch friend that you can buy quite easily a "fake trichomes" spray can over there. It fires sticky white hair-like stuff (they even have small balls to mimick the gland heads) and it turns any average weed into a white widow, glistering with crystals!

Since several years, on top of the "visual make-up" they also managed to do something to the taste. It started with the "Amnesia Haze" craze and since, I had the occasion to sample about 10 different strains coming from different locations and vendors, all looking different (shape and color) but all having that exact same "trademark" taste! They all were very potent in their own way, but not a natural high, something very stone and couch-locky, as well as a heavy sensation on the lungs.

I've also been told by the same Dutch friend that it's now common to do an ICE'olator hash extraction before applying the make-up, the hash being kept or resold for extra cash... That explains the cases where the contaminant can be found inside the buds structure, like if they were drenched into it (vs the sprayed contaminants that are only on the exterior: sometimes a leaf is white on one side, then if you look on the other side it's green)

Know your Source folks, and be careful!

 

[misanthrope]

That gritweed site is unfortunately far from being up to date...

The 'lacing' technics have improved over the years and most people are completely unaware that nearly 90% of the herb sold in Europe is contaminated on-purpose one way or another. Note that I'm talking about black-market "commercial" stuff, the weed grown by your friend in his closet should obviously be clean (unless he used pesticides and/or fungicides too late into the cycle, but that's a different story already... btw even non-flushed hydro-grown weed combusts better than laced commercial stuff)

I regularily take samples from what my friends buy and put that under microscope, it's frightening... I didn't see the "can" in question but I had confirmation from a Dutch friend that you can buy quite easily a "fake trichomes" spray can over there. It fires sticky white hair-like stuff (they even have small balls to mimick the gland heads) and it turns any average weed into a white widow, glistering with crystals!

Since several years, on top of the "visual make-up" they also managed to do something to the taste. It started with the "Amnesia Haze" craze and since, I had the occasion to sample about 10 different strains coming from different locations and vendors, all looking different (shape and color) but all having that exact same "trademark" taste! They all were very potent in their own way, but not a natural high, something very stone and couch-locky, as well as a heavy sensation on the lungs.

I've also been told by the same Dutch friend that it's now common to do an ICE'olator hash extraction before applying the make-up, the hash being kept or resold for extra cash... That explains the cases where the contaminant can be found inside the buds structure, like if they were drenched into it (vs the sprayed contaminants that are only on the exterior: sometimes a leaf is white on one side, then if you look on the other side it's green)

Know your Source folks, and be careful!

That is pretty disturbing!! You know what, last time I was in the Dam a few months ago, I noticed that a lot of the stuff wasn't as great as you'd expect.

The one exception for me was the Greenhouse Koffeeshop, where I found excellent quality again and again (wish I'd found them on my first day!). Those guys do it PROPERLY.

Funny you say that about the Amnesia Haze as there has been a lot of that about lately and I found it to be delicious. Same with Tangerine Dream. If there was something wrong with that I couldn't detect it.

I suspect a lot of this is down to that foul product "Brix" as well.

People need to look at themselves and consider the bad karma they are stacking up doing this shit. I can't help but think - If you want profit, just sell it damp - I'd rather that than contam.

I will from this point on dedicate my energy towards pushing for the herb to be legalized. This nonsense has gone on too long. Big business needs to know, if they have warehouse space, they could profit a lot more growing sweet, sweet herb, than they can storing telecom equipment or something.

Free The Herb! - rant over.

 

[davesmith]

I'm not sure mate but if it is another contamination then I'd be worried. I haven't bought any weed without knowing the source for a while, but ill be vigilant when I do. That grit In its various forms was rank.

I've seen a lot of over ferted bud and its really not that distinguishable from flushed bud so I'm voting against tha idea.

I'd try putting a bit in water and see what colours leach into the water. Also what couloir is the smoke? Also try drying it, if it won't dry on a radiator or similar I'd be very worried.

Keep us posted mate. Ps what rough area are you in the uk? You could try posting on a uk specific site such as uk420?

 

[misanthrope]

I'm not sure mate but if it is another contamination then I'd be worried. I haven't bought any weed without knowing the source for a while, but ill be vigilant when I do. That grit In its various forms was rank.

I've seen a lot of over ferted bud and its really not that distinguishable from flushed bud so I'm voting against tha idea.

I'd try putting a bit in water and see what colours leach into the water. Also what couloir is the smoke? Also try drying it, if it won't dry on a radiator or similar I'd be very worried.

Keep us posted mate. Ps what rough area are you in the uk? You could try posting on a uk specific site such as uk420?

Thanks for replying.

First bit I got was a stitch up for sure. Not obvious on site, but it dryed up very easily, became very crispy - too crispy imo (it's weird). It passed the standard grit test of chewing it etc but tastes WRONG and makes me cough. I'm leaving it well alone, might try and cook with it - might bin it, don't know.

Next bit is REALLY odd. It looks fantastic, but there's something not right. It's been out in the air for 8 hours, it smells a lot nicer and fruitier than it did, but retains some moisture (still feels that tiny bit spongy, which wouldn't normally make me suspicious, but hmmmm). It grinds up nice enough, passes the basic grit test, doesn't taste sweet like sugar solution (old trick). Ultimately, the tell tale is that it tastes so harsh. Sad that not many people are noticing this shit, or just choosing to tolerate it and choke it down.

With the second bit, I suspect over-fert, but excess fert in my experience leads to snap, crackle and pop, which isn't the case here. It's a disturbing mystery.

I am in the South East. I will take your advice and post on uk420 and maybe try and get some pictures on here and elsewhere, to see if any eagle eyed growers out there spot any dirty tricks.

Luckily, I managed to grab a bit, which while it is a pretty poor standard of weed, at least I know it's uncorrupted - ropey as it may be.

There should be more about contam in the mainstream media, because it is proof that prohibition is HARM MAXIMIZATION of the worst kind. A disaster for prohibitionists. Imagine if people knew that when their teenage kids inevitably experiment with weed, they would be risking inhaling all sorts of contaminants, when otherwise the plant would be harmless.

 

[sasNW]

After reading that post I would no doubt scrap it all (after posting warning on you UK site like you're saying of course). If it were a large amount I might suggest a few tricks to clean it up, but for the amount it is I would personally just toss it. $50 ain't worth your health IMO

 

[KeroZen]

In fact contaminated weed is golden for prohibitionists: it gives them yet another reason to tell us "you see, we warned you already, drugs are bad for your health, don't do them"...

 

[misanthrope]

Thanks for replying guys. I believe I have identified the contamination, I am pretty certain it is the "Haze Spray" flooding europe at the moment. By far the most extreme example I have ever come across.

This stuff is filth, but it contains one of the JWH synthetic cannabinoids, which are rumoured to be bad for you. The fact that it tastes foul but is also extremely potent is a sign of this. People should be aware of what's going on.

Tragically, passing this info on to people I have been met with derision/indifference/denial or a combo of all three. People just don't want to believe it and carry on as normal. I'm sure everyone will have a cough in a week.

There is a German warning about "stretched grass" https://translate.googleusercontent...sgehen&usg=ALkJrhhGmrdmAVhr9cr0wo4hPvaOjKSBVA

But it does not mention "haze spray". This stuff does exist, the Germans and the Dutch are well aware of it. It smells a bit hazey and contains JWH.

What is even more disturbing is the prevalence of what appear to be VERY DIRTY PRODUCTS on hydroponic retailers websites. Examples: BRIX+ "spray onto your plants just before harvesting", Rhino Skin "Your plants will draw silica into their cell walls protecting them against light burn etc etc etc".

I could go on, but the point is, it appears these products cause harm and are used to rip people off. Shit like BRIX is sold openly in massive bulk, so it must be quite widespread. Combined with Haze Spray, our beloved plant becomes a dirty drug.

Guess I've got to quit for a while until this shit goes away and I hear the good stuff has returned.

One thing I'm wondering is could I find a way to cook with this?? Without becoming ill.

Also, I have access my old avb olive oil, that stuff helps - but I fear I will build up massive tolerance and get fat off it.

 

[misanthrope]

After reading that post I would no doubt scrap it all (after posting warning on you UK site like you're saying of course). If it were a large amount I might suggest a few tricks to clean it up, but for the amount it is I would personally just toss it. $50 ain't worth your health IMO

I would really like to hear your cleaning tips. I have heard of "water cure" but don't know how to do it. I would use it for cooking though, not smoking.

Have probably accumulated the equivalent of about $160 worth over time, as it seems to be all there is round here.

 

[davesmith]

have you tried microscoping it?

 

[sasNW]

I would really like to hear your cleaning tips. I have heard of "water cure" but don't know how to do it. I would use it for cooking though, not smoking.

Have probably accumulated the equivalent of about $160 worth over time, as it seems to be all there is round here.

Ahh wrong thread, I thought it was the other one where he only had $40 into it. I'm at my first day of my new job, but I will look into what might work and let you know after work. A water cure would be a good start if you plan to cook with it though. Worth a google at least

 

[HomeFree]

That would be a shame if it were extracted and sprayed with whatever synthetic is out there now, I think the jdubs are not legal any longer, and there is even more dangerous stuff out there, which people have had some difficult experiences with, to say the least.

Sometimes I forget I have been in the game for a long time now in an area where cannabis is accepted, so we don't really have those problems. Worse I ever come across is poor drying/curing, especially with commercial warehouse stuff, which is one reason I don't purchase the commercial material.

Try to find a new supplier, one that you trust, or DIY.

 

[cityslang]

On uk420.com there were reports of adulterated amnesia haze vacuum packed from Holland only it's not as obvious as grit weed of old. But you need to invest in a jewelers eyepiece thingy?

I've got about a 1/4 maybe more of some poorly flushed/cropped too early weed had it over a year curing I keep meaning to try it.

Gangsters couldn't give a fuk about your health hence when all the genuine double zero hash flooded the UK late 80s up popped soapbar looking the same but rock hard with added plastic, pebbles shit and nasty chemicals. Dutch biker gangs and British gangsters in Spain being the main culprits.

When gritweed 1st arrived it was the intention to bust uk growers to drive up price and lower quality so the UK government and law caused the gritweed in the 1st place these c u next Tuesdays would rather we die from contaminated weed!