This is an ongoing and open discussion regarding the possibility of a stealthy form of cannabis contamination. I invite any cannabis users in the U.K. to join in and offer their experiences, to determine just what exactly is going on with the U.K. cannabis market at the moment. Whatever's going on here is a direct result of prohibition.
The issue is the level of seemingly contaminated Haze strains coming in from abroad. They look like some of the best buds you'll find; and smell impressive; until you crack them open and smell a little closer; and start to smoke them. It soon becomes apparent in taste, texture and effect that something is amiss. There is a slight paint-stripper smell to these buds that resembles acetone, but it is very very faint and blends with the Amnesia aroma.
I first started seeing this stuff about three years ago. We had been getting nice hazes for a number of months, apparently import, usually amnesia, but sometimes lemon and super silver; etc - and they were really decent buds until they began to change in their taste and effect; yet appeared to be the exact some buds we'd had previously, with no distinguishable visible difference. They all looked and smelled the part, with big calyxes topped with plenty of crystals as you would see on a typical haze strain. We tried every test you can try at home for contaminated bud, but were still determined that it was sprayed with a 'stealth spray' of some kind. I've looked at it through a microscope and compared it to some organic, and it seems fine apart from one revealing clue which has led to my hypothesis.. There were more trichomes on the haze, but with a lot less heads on the trichomes compared to the organic. Could this be the clue that answers the question?
My hypothesis (supported by the absence of trichome heads) is that somewhere along the line, from being packed abroad to received and dished out on our shores, this bud has been compromised. Screened for it's trichomes to collect a nice pile of pollen from the flowers. Then sprayed with a formula of acetone and synthetic cannabinoid solution (I say this due to the nature of the effect, and the background aroma to these buds) back onto the remaining buds, to give them a strong effect; and also adding to the weight for profit. I know, give me an inch and I'll take a mile.. but it's a fairly plausible theory in my mind.
So this is a call out to any experienced cannabis users in the U.K. who may have come into contact with this stuff, or anyone who has been smoking a haze strain lately.. perhaps don't think it's quite right, but can't put their finger on what.
If nothing else, take it as a point of awareness and stay savvy.
Cheers,
stolenfromsativa