"To Infinity and Beyond," My Smoke Report of the 20th Annual Cannabis Cup (2007)

[AK Infinity]

Originally Posted by Scapris

AK you still down for the blog spot at AboveTheIgnorance? Let me know buddy, i've got the site nearly finished. You have an amazing talent and I know you will go far with this. Any stories you have, reports, views, ideas, anything can be posted here. And you know why? Cause you are one of the few writers that keeps me reading with my little adhd ass haha. keep going strong man.

If you have AIM my name is "Ihavecabledude"

peace,
-Mark

I'm going to get around to it this week bro, sorry that I've been taking such a long time.

Originally Posted by Madvillainy

I'm spending a semester in the Netherlands next year, I plan on making the Cannibus Cup also.

Have an awesome time while you're there bro! OWN YOUR JOURNEY!

Originally Posted by me7922

very enjoyable read my friend! definatley looking forward to the next awesome thread!

Thanks alot!

Originally Posted by karvapeikko

I have to say that this is probably the only thread I've read from beginning to end. So kudos on that! On to my points...

Thanks yo, I hope I can write a few more that blades will read.

Originally Posted by karvapeikko

You started out in high () hopes of what the Cannabis Cup could offer. Yet, after you'd seen the whole ordeal you weren't satisfied... understandable. By reading this thread with all the comments and your insight, a reader is able to make conclusions on certain events. Seems to me that all these growers are out to benefit themselves, as you say. Human greed steps into the picture and, as a result, no one is getting the full benefit of the cause. To support the claim, the natives seem to agree with you (Zach and the grower) and they seemed cool. It's a great skill to be able to absorb people into conversation, and you seemed to have no difficulty in the matter.

One of the most important aspects of my trip was honesty to myself. I could have come back and written anything about my experience, but what would be the point if my point was looking out for y'all too? People are greedy by nature and couldn't give two shits about what we as "cannabis consumers" want or even need. That means the responsibility for the outcome rests more with us than many want to admit.

Originally Posted by karvapeikko

Yet many seek to go to Amsterdam because of its lenient laws against cannabis. I live in Europe and quite close to the Netherlands. I could pay 80 bucks for a flight ticket and be there in a matter of a couple of hours, yet I have not done so. I've wanted to read about what goes on in the Coffeeshops as well as in the back alleys. There seems to be lots of trade between growers and shops, and then the shops disguising their product to benefit themselves yet again. To lure tourists into Amsterdam is no hard feat, especially for those that want to go and toke up big time Yet I cannot blame the system for doing what they do, as we are all in it to survive. The same happens in every country in every market... products are disguised from what they really are to attract buyers. If everyone knew what the Coffeeshops are really selling, then I bet the tourists would rather get some weed off of their dealers in their home countries.

Tourists are the easiest group to sucker because, "they," more often than not follow closely behind their expectations, and when reality doesn't measure up they dismiss the contradiction. People traveling to the Netherlands for the purposes of smoking should try to absorb more of that country's liberty than their THC. The Coffeeshops are businesses that need marijuana to operate--it's currently illegal to grow weed in the Netherlands--which leaves the shops with little alternative than to buy weed where they can. Growers that want to turn a buck concentrate on weed that's high in yield and a faster flower time. A lot of the greatest strains available are low yielding/very long flowering plants and are therefore of less commercial value.

The bottom line is that people should open their eyes more and try to see the world for what it is and what it could be.

Originally Posted by karapeikko

Also, with increasing publications of works in the art of Cannabis, people are beginning to take advantage of the system. Many see an open opportunity and stick their foots through the threshold to become a part of the system. This way dealers, growers and bigger factors can and, most likely will, play the people underneath them. What a shame it is, but I've learned to accept it. Hence, I don't buy weed anymore, but I don't grow either. I have a mutual way of acquiring my herb, and let's leave it at that What seemed to really open my eyes about Amsterdam through this report (don't mind me calling it that, do you? This seemed more like a spiritual guide of some sort...) was the fact that it's an ordinary city, with the exception that Cannabis is decriminalized. Does that fact change the whole concept of traveling from across the world to see the city's shops? I guess you expected the Cup to be something of a spiritual trip, but unfortunately you were let down. At least you seemed to take everything in with quite an open mind and enjoyed the trip overall.

I expected so much out of the Cannabis Cup and when it didn't live up to what I thought I was a little disillusioned. But it was through that experience I remembered to look at myself before I looked at the world.

Heh, my words may sound spiritual in some ways but all I'm saying is what we say to ourselves all the time but are slow to respond to sometimes.

Originally Posted by karapeikko

Great read, +rep, and I hope my points seem somewhat clear I'll be looking forward to more threads and posts from you.

Indeed, stay high

I guess I oppose of politics in Cannabis. Making something sacred and mind-altering into something dangerous and negative is something I cannot accept, ever. For now, peace and keep toking!

Thanks a lot for your thoughts bro, they are very good ones.

[sidious]

Wow, that was just like an epic movie..........long......gripping, and once finished you just think........"Wow"

Did you visit any of the museums while you were there? I've not been to any yet, I was going to go to the Van Gogh, but it was £20 in and I was really skint on my last day, last time.............I love staying up close to the vondelpark, I love the feeling of smoking during the day in the park, and admiring the architecture of the city...........and I know it's junk and bad for you, but what about Febo?? haha..........

I have a couple of pics that sum up Amsterdam for me,

One is a pic of a worker taking a smoke break to enjoy a Joint in the sunshine, and the other is some Brazillian street performers........I'll try and post them............Peace out.........Sid

[sidious]

What a City...........Peace out............Sid

[AK Infinity]

Originally Posted by sidious

Wow, that was just like an epic movie..........long......gripping, and once finished you just think........"Wow"

Thanks alot bro.

Originally Posted by sidious

Did you visit any of the museums while you were there? I've not been to any yet, I was going to go to the Van Gogh, but it was £20 in and I was really skint on my last day, last time.............I love staying up close to the vondelpark, I love the feeling of smoking during the day in the park, and admiring the architecture of the city...........and I know it's junk and bad for you, but what about Febo?? haha..........

I have a couple of pics that sum up Amsterdam for me,

One is a pic of a worker taking a smoke break to enjoy a Joint in the sunshine, and the other is some Brazillian street performers........I'll try and post them............Peace out.........Sid

I didn't hit any of the tourist attractions, although I may the next time I go. I was on more of a quest for meaning and to smoke as much bomb weed as I could, an endeavor that leaves one with little acumen to take in the sights. Sounds like you had a blast bro, that's awesome. Amsterdam is really an amazing city, one that is probably best shared with others. Oh yeah----------->Febo (yum!)

Thanks for your posts and pics, stay forever green.

[Budd Lightyear]

I approve of the name of this thread.

[Fizzla76]

Hey Ak, what a great thread. I have been readin this thread for awhile and I finally had to post. Your story about the dam has reinspired hope that we are actually getting good bud here in the states. I always thought that the only way to get the best kind bud was the dam but know I now that here in the states the bud i fine. While I know that legalization is a way off, just not to waste so much money and time ... Decriminalize.

[AK Infinity]

Originally Posted by Fizzla76

Hey Ak, what a great thread. I have been readin this thread for awhile and I finally had to post. Your story about the dam has reinspired hope that we are actually getting good bud here in the states. I always thought that the only way to get the best kind bud was the dam but know I now that here in the states the bud i fine. While I know that legalization is a way off, just not to waste so much money and time ... Decriminalize.

Yeah bro, the weed in the Dam is mostly hype, truth is you can find good stuff all over but when you grow your own it's guaranteed.

[AK Infinity]

A random YouTube video I found of the 20th Annual High Times Cannabis Cup--the same one I went to.

[sambo5472]

Originally Posted by sidious

What a City...........Peace out............Sid

Were did u take the second picture?
It looks very cosy, definatly something i'd like to visit the next time i'm at the dam.