With 20+ years of cultivation experience and over 250 unique varieties created SinCity Seeds is among the worlds most respected cannabis breeders. They stand behind their work and always offer a full satisfaction guarantee on all their products.
The NASC Cast Crew had the pleasure of sitting down with Don of Sin City Seeds. Listen to what he has to say below, and follow us on Vimeo for even more content!
Sticky Finger Seeds is a Cannabis genetic collective that specializes (takes pride) in growing and breeding heirloom and landrace cannabis genetics. Now closing in on five decades of cannabis farming and breeding cannabis enthusiast Will Grinnell has been seeking, trading, purchasing and collecting a variety of the best cannabis genetics possible, along with the Sticky Finger Seeds collective of heritage craft farmers and their seed collections.
The NASC Cast Crew had the pleasure of sitting down with Will of Sticky Finger Seeds. Listen to what he has to say below, and follow us on Vimeo for even more content!
Reg or regular seed is seed produced with a natural male pollen donor and a natural female cannabis plant. Fem or Feminized seed is produced with a female pollen donor and a natural female cannabis plant.
Regular seed can produce male (XY) and female (XX) plants. Either laboratory testing or growing some seeds out and sexing them can help you identify if they are male or female. Males obviously make pollen which, when hitting a stigma, traveling through the style then into the ovary on a female plant, will cause the females to create seed. This can easily ruin a crop if a grower is going for seedless flower which makes identifying plant sex very important early in the growing process.
There is nothing wrong with regular seeds. They can still produce amazing plants as long as they’re tended to appropriately just like with plants from feminized seeds. The main difference is knowing you’ll have to pop more seeds to account for any males you may have to get rid of if you’re going for seedless flower. Many people prefer regular seeds over feminized seeds for many reasons. One such reason is to breed their own strains and to create their own seed for next year’s grow.
Feminized seeds produce 99.9% female seeds due to the pollen donor being female (XX). Since a female in these instances is made to create pollen there is no ‘Y’ chromosome to pass along thus no natural males should be able to form from the seeds produced. This results in almost all the seeds from a feminized pollen donor (XX) and a natural female cannabis plant (XX) being female. This can save much time by cutting out the need to sex plants when planning for your particular grow space and harvest goals. Feminized seeds are preferred by many people as well for many reasons. One big reason being the time and money saved on growing out many possible males and sexing or testing them before discarding them.
Both regular and feminized seed can lead to plants that show hermaphroditism (male and female sex organs/ anthers and pistils on the same plant) if not cared for properly or if poor parental choices were made by the breeder during seed creation. It is important to regularly check on your plants to monitor for unwanted anthers and remove them or the entire plant before they pollinate the other females in the grow space.
Regular Seed
Feminized Seed
50% chance of male or female plant
Can exhibit hermaphroditism
Can produce amazing plants with high yields
99.9% Chance of female plant
Can exhibit hermaphroditism
Can produce amazing plants with high yields
Photoperiod vs AutoFlower (Photo vs Auto)
Photoperiod plants, or “Photos,” are cannabis plants that require a change in the amount of light they receive to trigger flowering. Generally 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness will prompt photoperiod plants to create their sex organs (pistils/buds for female plants and anthers for male plants) and grow their flowers. This is often called “12/12” or “12/12 lighting.”
Auto-flowering plants do not require a change in light schedule to begin flowering and will do so after a certain number of days after being potted. This is due to the underlying genetics in auto-flower varieties that allow them to trigger flowering without any change in light schedule required. Auto-flower plants are not good candidates for cloning as they have a short window of time in vegetative growth before they start flowering out. This means any cuts taken from the ‘mother’ will still flower around the same time the mother would, making them poor choices for mother plants.
Some breeders have labeled particular strains as “Fast” or ‘Fast Flower.” This generally means the plant is still a photoperiod plant and will require a change in the amount of light/darkness it received to trigger flowering but that it will complete its flowering period much sooner than the average photoperiod plant.
Photoperiod
Auto-Flower
Requires change in light schedule to trigger flowering
Can be feminized or regular seed
Handles appropriate transplanting well.
Tolerance varies by strain
Good for cloning
Flowering triggered after a certain number of days regardless of light schedule
Can be feminized or regular seed
Does not handle transplanting very well
Bad for cloning
Regular and Feminized seeds can be either photoperiod or auto-flowering varieties
Examples:
A plant grown from a regular auto-flower seed would have a 50% chance of being male or female and would start flowering at a certain time after planting regardless of the amount of light it received.
A plant grown from a feminized auto-flower seed would have a 99.9% chance of being female and would start flowering at a certain time after planting regardless of the amount of light it received.
A plant grown from a regular photoperiod seed would have a 50% chance of being male or female and would require a change in the amount of light it receives to trigger flowering. (12 hrs light/12 hrs dark)
A plant grown from a feminized photoperiod seed would have a 99.9% chance of being female and would require a change in the amount of light it receives to trigger flowering (12 hrs light/12 hrs dark)
Mold and mildew negatively affect many kinds of wild and cultivated plants. Powdery mildew (PM) and Botrytis (Bud rot) are two of the most common fungi that damage and, sometimes, destroy cultivated crops.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is the collective term for several species of fungi that have similar presentation and cause similar negative health effects in plants. It usually presents as distinctive white, fuzzy or ‘powdery’ patches on any above ground part of the plant (stems, leaves, stalks, petioles, buds, etc.). Sometimes it can appear like little spots of “flour” on leaves or any other above-ground parts of the plant.
New shoots and lower/central leaves are commonly the initial sites of PM infection. Old leaves also have a high probability of getting initial PM infection due to their age and, most often, their position within the plant’s branches and other leaves.
Plants with a thick layer of leaf cover are also high risk for PM due to the density of plant material in a given volume which can cause a lack of proper air flow and create breeding grounds for powdery mildew deeper within the plant’s leaves and branches.
Often PM begins as a circular or oval patch that spreads quickly if not dealt with. If left untreated, PM will spread all over the plant and render the crop unfit for human consumption. PM can cause leaves to yellow and fall prematurely which negatively impacts the plant’s ability to photosynthesize the sugars it needs to live. If not dealt with quickly, PM can ruin whole crops as it spreads from plant to plant in your field, greenhouse, indoor facility/grow room, etc. which can take a serious emotional and financial toll on growers.
Powdery Mildew sites beginning near the center of a fan leaf. Note their circular shape and almost powdery appearance.
Another fan leaf showing powdery mildew sites, this time near the blade tips.
Botrytis/Bud Rot
Botrytis is another common pathogenic fungus found virtually everywhere plants are grown. Like Powdery mildew, Botrytis first appears as a white growth but quickly becomes brown or gray and can make buds and leaves appear “crispy” or over-dried. It can also sometimes make buds look webbed and slimy depending on the stage of infection. Botrytis is dangerous for humans and plant product containing this fungus should be considered toxic and unusable.
Botrytis can affect ANY part of the plant including the roots which makes it a very pervasive and difficult issue to treat. Botrytis will often affect new shoots as well as areas of the plant that do not get proper aeration such as dense buds or areas of high leaf coverage. Thick leaf layers and high relative humidities combined can make breeding grounds for this fungus just like they can for powdery mildew. Damaged plant stalks and leaves are also highly susceptible to PM and Botrytis infection. It is recommended to remove any petioles (leaf stems) still attached to stalks when defoliating plants during normal pruning. Petioles left over are highly susceptible to fungal infection and should be removed entirely from the plant if the leaf it was attached to is pruned.
Photo: Pong Pong/Shutterstock
White bud rot taking hold within the bud. Note the spider web-like texture.
Photo: Pong Pong/Shutterstock
A severely infected bud. Note the webbed texture and brown color of the bud rot. This bud will have to be removed before the infection spreads too far.
Photo: Pong Pong/Shutterstock
More exposed botrytis working its way up the young bud.
Photo: KilnKam/Shutterstock
Sometimes botrytis will make the bud look caky and dry. This bud will need to be removed from the area to prevent further spread of the mold to other plants.
Botrytis
Powdery Mildew
Dry or webbed texture
Begins white but quickly turns brown or gray
Affects ALL parts of plant (above and below ground)
Geometric pattern not similar across plants
Powdery or ‘flour’ like texture
White
Affects above ground parts of plant
Generally circular or ovoid (oval) patterning that spreads outward from center
Prevention & Treatment
It may sound obvious but the best way to protect your crop is to prevent mold outbreaks before they happen. Below are some tips on preventing powdery mildew and Botrytis in your grow space.
Discard all affected plant material outside of grow space ASAP
Destroy/Remove entire plant if mold infection is too wide spread
Change gloves or wash hands after removing affected plant material
Keep Plants Healthy
Avoid over or under feeding your plants as nutrient imbalances can cause serious stress which diminishes the plant’s ability to naturally fight off pests and fungal infections. When a plant is taking up the appropriate amount of nutrients and water, and when it produces healthy levels of sugars within itself, it is able to resist disease and infestation to a much higher degree, if not entirely. The healthier your plant is, the less work you have to do for a better yield.
Appropriate Light Penetration
Make sure your plants are getting good light penetration to decrease mold’s ability to infect lower bud sites, branches, and leaves. Mold does well in wet, dark conditions so increasing the light coverage on your plant will decrease mold’s ability to harm your crop. Be careful not to place your lights too close to the top of your plants or leaves as this can cause light burn which can stress the plant out.
There are various heights above the plant canopy that are optimal depending on type of light used (e.g. LED, MH, HPS, T5, etc.) and the technical specifications of any individual light. Keeping lights approximately 18 – 24 inches above your plant canopy is usually a safe bet but again consult the manual or manufacturer website for the unique specifications and any recommendations that may be found for the specific light(s) you’re using.
Air Flow:
It is critical to have proper air flow in your grow to prevent pockets of stale air and humidity from building up within the foliage or on stems or soil. In indoor grow spaces, wall and floor fans can be used to create air flow. Be cautious with the power setting and how close the fans are to the plants. The air movement is critical to preventing mold but too much force from air on the leaves will damage their structure and can lead to deformation and eventual premature death of the leaves.
Some indoor grow rooms and many commercial facilities also use HVAC systems to help recycle air in their grow space. These systems help to prevent accumulation of stale air, pathogens, mold spores, and excess humidity as well as introduce fresh air and CO2. If you can keep your grow area’s relative humidity below 60% (45% – 55% RH is optimal for flowering) you will greatly decrease the chances of mold outbreak. Many detrimental fungi and bacteria have a harder time establishing in an area that has less than 60% RH. Mold outbreaks can still occur at below 60% RH if grow area cleanliness is not maintained but will be less severe and will grow more slowly than at higher RH levels. Keeping a lower RH can help growers have more time to spot and treat any fungal infections that occur.
In grow tents, intake and outtake fans are usually employed to help keep fresh air recycling into the tent and stale air/excess moisture out of the tent. Small, clip-on fans can often be placed on tent poles to help with air motion if you find the air in the tent is still too thick, humid, or stationary. Again, be cautious at what setting you put the fan(s) at and how close it is to the foliage. Again a relative humidity of less than 60% is preferable to reduce the potential of fungal infection
If growing outdoors, make sure your crop is planted in an area that gets good wind flowing through it. Check on the foliage, stems, buds (if in flower) and surrounding soil daily, or as often as you can, to monitor those areas of your plants for white, gray, or brown spots forming. It’s also helpful to monitor for any pest damage/infestations and treat these appropriately as soon as possible.
Targeted Defoliation
Defoliation can improve air flow around your plant and can reduce the chance of mold outbreaks. It can also help the plant increase yields and potency by re-allocating energy from leaves that are older and/or may be shading out flower sites to flowers and newer leaves that are more efficient in photosynthesis (greener, more chlorophyll).
Defoliation requires some experience to get the hang of and must be approached with caution. Too much leaf removal can cause your plants stress which can harm yields and potency as well as lower the plant’s ability to fight off pests and fungal infections.
Defoliation is much more common in indoor grow spaces as leaves may not be receiving light evenly and thus some leaves may not contribute their maximum potential for photosynthesis. It still can sometimes be helpful when growing outdoors if your plant has a high leaf density that’s preventing good air flow but isn’t as big of a concern usually as it may be for the indoor grower.
Many small leaves on the underside of the plant and within the plant structure on lower branches can be removed to improve air flow while removing less efficient leaves. Be cautious not to defoliate too many leaves at once or in one day. It can be helpful to remove some leaves every 3-7 days during later stages of vegetative growth and/or within the first 3 weeks of the flowering phase. Try to not remove more than a total of 10-20% of a single plant’s foliage to avoid stressing it out.
ALWAYS USE CLEAN/STERILIZED TOOLS WHEN REMOVING LEAVES!
This fact cannot be stressed enough as dirty cutting tools (scissors, razor, scalpel,) can lead to greater chances of infection from bacteria, mold, and plant viruses/viroids. 70% isopropyl alcohol is recommended for sterilizing cutting tools against bacteria, but a 10% solution of bleach is recommended for sterilizing cutting tools against mold spores, plant viruses and viroids as isopropyl will not kill viroids.
Try to fully remove petioles (leaf stem) when defoliating to avoid creating sites that are optimal for fungal infection. We recommend removing the leaf, cut at the base of the petiole where it connects to the plant stalk. Try not to twist, rip, pull, or otherwise tear at the leaves as this can cause wounds in the stem and leave behind pieces of leaf and petiole debris that act as sites for initial fungal infection.
Check out our defoliation guide for more precise information regarding defoliation techniques.
Plan Healthy Crop Density
It is important not to plant or place individual plants too close to one another. Appropriate spacing in your tent, grow room, facility, or outdoor field improves air flow and decreases the chances of fungal infection. It also helps to avoid moisture/humidity build up within and between plants.
Before stocking your grow area, plan ahead to choose the number of plants and the desired size of those plants appropriate for the space you’ll be growing in. This will help prevent overcrowding and allow better air flow and light penetration to all of your plants.
Clean Grow Spaces in Between Harvests
Keeping your grow space clean and as plant debris free as you can is immensely helpful in preventing fungal infections. Clean floors, walls, and ceilings as well as any objects in the room in between harvests to eliminate any mold spores growing and keep new ones from gaining a foothold. There are many products that can be used to eliminate mold spores. A solution of 10% household bleach and 90% water is very effective in removing most mold spores. Distilled white or cleaning vinegar is also another easily obtainable option for cleaning grow spaces as it has a high acetic acid content which has antifungal properties. Vinegar is effective against many but not all types of mold spores.
If You Have PM or Bud Rot
Prune the affected parts of the plant if possible. If there is mold growth on leaves, remove the entire leaf and petiole (leaf stem) and put these gently into a plastic bag or other container. If removed with too much force you may inadvertently knock spores into the air which will travel to other parts of your plant or to other plants in the grow area. After you’re done removing affected leaves, quickly remove moldy leaf debris and throw away outside of the grow area, and outside of your home or facility if possible.
If mold is growing throughout a stalk or bud, removal of infected areas is necessary. A good rule of thumb is to prune a few inches below the infected site and remove all affected plant material.
There are some products available that are advertised as being able to clean finished bud from mold with little to no residual chemicals left in your flower after treatment. Due diligence to do your research on specific products that claim this is vital to ensure effective and non-toxic methods of cleaning bud if this is a strategy you wish to employ.
There are also many fungicides available commercially that work for vegging plants but many have potentially long lasting health effects so once again, do your research before introducing any new chemicals to your grow.
Neem Oil
A natural fungicide that has been used for many years is neem oil. Neem oil is a naturally occurring oil that comes from the seeds of the neem tree. Neem has been proven to have antifungal as well as anti-insecticidal properties and is not harmful to humans or pets. However, if you grow outdoors, be sure to not spray neem oil on plants bees may visit (flowers, vegetables, other pollen sources, etc.) as it can be harmful to them.
Copper Based Fungicides
Copper based fungicides are another non-systemic option for mold prevention and treatment. They are non-harmful to pets and humans and can be applied (if mixed in the appropriate ratio) without burning your cannabis plants. Copper based fungicides have shown great efficacy in killing mold spores and preventing their growth if applied correctly.
We do not recommend using any copper based fungicidal sprays outdoors as this can be harmful to earthworms and beneficial bacteria which are vital to soil health. However, if growing indoors without using living soil then copper fungicides can be a very effective treatment and preventative option for PM and botrytis. Copper fungicides are non-systemic and won’t harm your cannabis plants if applied in the appropriate ratios which can be found in the product manual that comes with the fungicide.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another way to organically deal with powdery mildew and mold. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda per quarter of a gallon of water, put this solution into a sprayer and spray the affected leaves and stems of your plant. Baking soda is another non-systemic fungicide which means it will potentially need to be re-applied if the issue reoccurs but it also means your plant won’t take it up within itself which is a very good thing when it comes time to enjoy your dried flower.
Do Your Research
No one wants to ingest fungicide when enjoying their bud so avoid using synthetic chemicals that are systemic and stay within the plant. Some fungicides won’t flush out after the normal flushing period at the end of flower so be careful not to employ these chemicals as they are largely for ornamental crops and lawns that are not intended for ingestion by humans or animals. Always read the labels and warnings with any new product you introduce to your grow to keep yourself, others, and the environment safe.
Fungicide/Defoliation Not Working
We do recommend removing and destroying heavily affected plants in situations where defoliation and/or pruning are unable to appropriately remove fungal infection sites. Sometimes the spread of mold and mildew is so vast over the plant’s surface that it is safer to remove the plant entirely before the issue spreads to the rest of the room. Be sure to wear gloves while removing infected areas of plants or while removing whole plants and throw those gloves away before touching clean surfaces or other plants. This practice will limit the spread of mold spores which can destroy your crop quickly. If gloves aren’t available, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible to avoid further spread of any fungi.
Make sure to increase the ventilation to the grow space to keep mold from coming back and establishing a foothold.
Fungus and mildew are huge concerns for any grower whether they are a home or commercial grower. If left untreated it can destroy whole crops by negatively affecting plant health, diminishing yields, and rendering infected, untreated plant material hazardous for human consumption. With proper environmental conditions and adherence to best growing practices you can avoid the catastrophe of diminished yields and the loss of an entire crop. Always be cautious if utilizing any fungicidal treatment. Always read the labels and warnings on the product and do your research before applying anything new to your grow room or garden. We hope this introductory guide has been helpful and that you enjoy many great, mold-free harvests in the seasons to come!
Do you want to grow cannabis in a simple and convenient way? The Annaboto growing system will provide you with an experience that is fun and fairly hands-off. Crystal discusses her second harvest with the Annaboto.
Back in November of 2025, I started my second grow journey with the Annaboto grow system. I still heavily recommend the Annaboto as an option for new growers or anyone that feels like they are too busy to grow. You can learn more about my experience with the process of setting up and using this machine here.
The strain I chose for this grow was Alchemist's Apprentice by Night Owl Seeds. She is made up of a cross between Wizard’s Apprentice *Foxy Purps* x Chem 91 F4 Auto. From germination to harvest, she grew like a champ. The process was smooth and nothing challenging arose during her lifespan.
Below, there are three pictures that show the first three weeks of growth. She started out as a healthy seedling and seemed to grow fairly rapidly into vegetation.
The next three images below are showing where she stands at week 5 and week 6. Some of her leaves have gotten really big. During week 6, I topped the plant in hopes that she would grow a little more outward and produce more flower. I cut the stem between the fifth and sixth nodes. At this point, she was a luscious green color and very healthy.
The first sign of the flowering stage occurred during week 8. She really opened up and topping definitely created more bud sites. I started to defoliate here and there to create more open space for the light to hit the buds, especially the ones toward the bottom of the plant.
Harvest happened during week 14. I was very pleased with the results as the buds looked extremely chunky and coated in white. She had decent internodal spacing and was somewhat compact, only being about a foot and a half tall. She just finished drying and I will be trimming her soon, followed by letting her cure for a few weeks. I am very excited to smoke this one!
This concludes my second grow journey with the Annaboto. It's reputation for being convenient and easy to use definitely remains.
Let's agree: the Dirty Bird Genetics family are nerds (in the most endearing way...obviously), so of course we would overthink things like pricing when it comes to assigning value to our genetics. Because we recently threw a new menu at you with the launch of our Alpha Series, we wanted to take a moment to explain where our heads are at when we are deciding which of the menu tiers a strain gets released into:
ALL STRAINS ARE:
Highly promising and exciting on multiple levels.
Tested by a lab for cannabinoids and terpenes
Grown out and tested indoors by yours truly.
Herm-free unless specifically noted in the profile (which would be tremendously rare).
VOLUME SERIES: Volume releases are reserved for the best of the best. What that means is very personal and it evolves with time as we learn and grow, and as our genetics become more and more refined. If a cultivar is released in the Volume series, then you know that strain is some of our best work to-date. We have a very high level of confidence in these genetics, and that standard only grows month-to-month and year-over-year. At present, a strain released into the Volume series meets the following criteria:
Test results for cannabinoids + terpenes came back very favorably.
Morphologically stable and vigorous - We are looking for homogeneity here and will always speak to phenotypic variation within the strain descriptions.
Expressed desirable traits such as well-proportioned internodal spacing and high calyx to leaf ratio.
Terpene profile is ON POINT - complex, pungent, in your face. We are big fans of unique terpene profiles.
Quality observed is consistently high-level in all of the seeds we tested.
Yield is moderate-to-high
Overall bag appeal and trichome coverage is high
ALPHA SERIES: The ALPHA Series is the newest addition to the Dirty Bird Genetics menu. As we’ve grown and evolved as breeders, our standards– like our genetics– have grown and evolved, too. We set a very high bar for our Volume series, and it’s a bar that is increasingly rising. Many of our favorite projects may miss that bar ever so slightly, for one silly reason or another, while still being truly phenomenal overall. The ALPHA Series is home to these genetics. It offers budget-friendly, high-end cultivars that go well above and beyond the genetics you can source at similar price points.
Alpha Series strains meet all of the same criteria as the Volume series, but one thing likely gave us pause. For example, the Apple Peelz (Sex Melon x Bad Apple) is one of our favorite boutique strains to-date, but 10 days into flowering we threw out two plants in the test run that had really serrated, arugula-like foliage (like the Brunch “arugula cut”) because we needed to save space. The project finished phenomenally, but because we weren’t able to see how that phenotype finished, we felt we couldn’t release it into the Volume series. This series will definitely be maximum bang for your buck!
TESTERS: Let me first say, it was probably unwise to name the Tester series, “Testers.” One might assume we haven’t grown these out when in fact we have. The Tester series is home to the projects that we see a lot of potential in and think people would enjoy, but that missed the mark in a meaningful-enough way that we cannot justify releasing it as an Alpha or a Volume release. This might include long internodal spacing, too much phenotypic variation, or foliage that is denser than we prefer. Many of these projects are good enough to continue breeding forward, or working into other projects. Testers are released at a price point that is super affordable for any grower, but the quality is good enough that we think even the connoisseurs would find loads of keepers here. Some of our favorite cuts ever have come from Tester series genetics.
Solfire Gardens, a Pacific Northwest seed company where passion meets biology, innovation intertwines with tradition, and selection creates the extraordinary. Their genesis dates back to 2015, when their founder, a dedicated University of Washington biology student from Seattle, decided to cultivate an institution out of his sheer fascination for pheno hunting and the world of seeds.
The NASC Cast Crew had the pleasure of sitting down with Sol of Solfire Gardens. Listen to what he has to say below, and follow us on Vimeo for even more content!
Dirty Bird Genetics Celebrates the Launch of their first Autoflower
By: Beth Mathieu, owner of Dirty Bird Genetics
Dirty Bird Genetics Alpha Series - Black Goliath Auto Fem is available Friday, February 13th! This release is limited to 100 packs so don't miss out!
Dirty Bird’s release of the Black Goliath Auto marks a very special occasion for our team as the proud launch of our first-ever autoflower strain. At the time of this drop (Feb 2026), our autoflower program is 18 months in the making, and it’s still in its infancy all things considered. We anticipated that we would work most strains for several generations before achieving the stability we were looking for in order to release them. But out of the 100 auto breeding projects we’ve done over the past 18 months at Dirty Bird, the Black Goliath Auto (Anvil F7 x Sour Gorilla) genetics stood out enough to become not just a tester drop, but an elevated Alpha Series drop. In deciding to release these, we tested three cohorts of the F1 seeds, and we were able to observe about 75 plants total. We wanted to be sure of these genetics before letting them out into the wild, and at this time, we feel the strain has more than proven itself.
The Black Goliath is one of those strains that will stand out in any garden due to its dark purple flower (the photos do not do it justice), incredible, dense yields, and a terpene profile that ranges from pine to skunk to cherry chapstick. For an F1, the stability and homogeneity of the Black Goliath is quite remarkable. We credit this, in large part, to the Anvil F7 powerhouse mother we selected to breed with (a heartfelt shout out to Gnome!). The Anvil F7, a wildly stable IBL by all accounts, is your classic indica: it’s short and stout with a strong central cola, solid purple flower, and bright green foliage. The Anvil definitely brought its A-game to this cross, lending to the low PVI, the dark purple (almost black) flowers, the high density, above-average yields, and the elongated central cola.
Black Goliath Auto on day 31 looking super consistent
Anvil Auto - photo credit to Gnome
The Sour Gorilla, on the other hand, brought the sugar and the terps to the cross, and it helped stretch out the otherwise super-compact structure of the Anvil. The Sour Gorilla mother that we used in this creation is our own cross of Humboldt’s Sour Apple Auto x Fastbud’s Strawberry Gorilla Auto. The Sour Gorilla Auto is wonderfully sugary and appley, and it grows like a typical hybrid of medium height and density.
Sour Gorilla Auto (Sour Apple x Strawberry Gorilla) by Dirty Bird Genetics
Combined, the Black Goliath’s Anvil F7 x Sour Gorilla lineage came together wonderfully. In looking at the pictures below, you’ll see that this is strain with very strong central colas. In the spirit of experimentation, we topped 10 plants just to see, but the untopped plants definitely outshined them. I will note that we test all of our autos exclusively in three gallon pots, and I do expect that in a larger pot size, this strain would have done very well topped because the plants do create a very even canopy. Play around with topping if you’re into that, and if you’re not, this is going to be a great set-it-and-forget-it morphology.
Overall, we are really proud of this creation and excited for you to grow it at home and give us your feedback. These seeds are very limited. We were only able to release 100 (3) packs. That said, we will be continuing to work these genetics forward, and we are really looking forward to bringing you more in the near future as we continue to perfect this great cultivar.
Twenty20 Mendocino has always taken the difficult path, the right path, the path less traveled. Their objective will never be to sell the most seeds, but to create the finest product. This is not a race and their goal isn’t to win; their goal is to stand the test of time and maintain pride and craftsmanship in everything they do. As sure as the sun will rise, they pledge to never release seeds to the public that have not been grown, tested, and approved by us. In a world of rapid-fire releases, social media hype and whimsical market demands, they promise to create our own path, march to the beat of their own drum, and always put quality over quantity.
The NASC Cast Crew had the pleasure of sitting down with Aaron of Twenty20 Mendocino. Listen to what he has to say below, and follow us on Vimeo for even more content!
At NASC, we take a lot of pride in being a Maine business and we are lucky enough to have a couple of Maine breeders on our menu, such as Seed & Soil. For this smoke session, we tried their Omaha Jazz, a strain with an interesting history and a very desirable effect. Read on to learn about our experiences!
When I got my baggy of Omaha Jazz, I immediately opened it to take a whiff. I was taken aback by this big, pungently sweet and citrus aroma. It reminded me of fruit, sunlight, and warmer days, which is the complete opposite of the current, frigid Maine-winter. In addition to a memorable aroma, I loved the way this one made me feel. It is balanced, functional, long-lasting, and a total mood-booster. I felt physically loose, mentally calm, alert, and happy. I can see this being a great strain for laid-back creative and social activities. Morning usage put a pep in my step while doing tasks and it pushed me out of a grumpy slump and into bliss. I am always in complete awe of strains that possess the magic to lift my mood like this and Omaha Jazz succeeded. - Crystal
Omaha Jazz has a sweet, smoky aroma that gives a powerful high. It burns slowly so you can really relax while you smoke and enjoy the ritual. It’s been said to have an “unmistakable perfume” which is absolutely true. This “Sweet Jazz” inspiration strain smells good as it burns. It’ll leave you feeling relaxed but still alert, so it’s great for chilling on the couch watching a show (and probably enjoying a few snacks, let’s be honest.) The effects last several hours so it’ll last you through a chill evening into a restful sleep! Definitely recommend! - Mariah
Check out the NASC Cast interview featuring Ben of Seed & Soil!
To test whether a seed’s size, color and/or shape influences its ability to germinate, we tested 50 seeds of various sizes, colors, and shapes. All seeds were placed in distilled water and separated into five solocup shot glasses based on their size, shape, and color. We germ-tested 10 seeds in each of the following five categories: Large-Dark, Small-Dark, Large-White, Small-White, and Dark-Odd Shaped (meaning not elliptic as most cannabis seeds are). All seeds were stored in their respective shot glasses, placed in a box together, and left in an environment with low to no light, minimal air flow, approximately 60% ambient relative humidity, and at a temperature of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds were observed on day 3, day 5, and day 8 to determine germination rates and progress.
Disclaimer: As a disclaimer, I would like to state that this was a preliminary test of seed viability with a very small population size. For conclusions that are statistically significant, more testing will need to occur with larger population sizes. This is by no means a definitive test of seed viability but rather a preliminary inquiry into this issue. This test was mainly to show that seeds with lighter colored to white seed coats, as well as abnormally shaped seeds, and smaller seeds can still be viable.
Day 1:
The 10 seeds of each category are laid out before being placed in germinating cups.
From Left to Right: Odd Shaped, Small-White, Large-White, Small-Dark, Large-Dark.
The 10 seeds of each category in the germinating cups as seen from above.
Day 3 Germination Results:
After 3 days the seeds were laid out on a background for observation of germination progress. The images below show the results found. The white seeds from both the small and the large categories turned a darker color after 3 days in the water in the cups, but these are the same seeds of those categories as shown in the first image of all the seeds in this study.
The Large-Dark seeds showed 8/10 seeds with the radicle exposed after 3 days.
The Small-Dark seeds showed 10/10 seeds with the radicle exposed after 3 days. The lesser amount of seed coat on the Small-Dark seeds may have allowed faster imbibition (taking up of water by the seed).
The Large-White seeds showed 7/10 with exposed radicles after 3 days.
The Small-White seeds showed 2/10 with exposed radicles after 3 days.
The Odd-Shaped seeds showed all 10/10 radicles exposed after 3 days. One seed appears to have 2 radicles coming from a single seed coat. This is most likely due to 2 zygotes forming within the plant ovary very shortly after pollination or due to 2 seeds fusing as they formed.
Day 5 Germination Results:
After another few days in the dark and in the distilled water the seeds were again taken out and observed. Below are images of the results on day 5 of this experiment.
All 10/10 Large-Dark seeds are now showing exposed radicles after 5 days.
All 10/10 Small-Dark seeds continue to show exposed radicles after 5 days.
Large-White seeds are showing 7/10 exposed radicles after 5 days.
Although difficult to see, 3/10 Small-White seeds are now showing exposed radicles after 5 days.
After 5 days, 10/10 Odd-Shaped seeds are still showing exposed radicles. One of the “twin” radicles broke off of one of the Odd-Shaped seeds. The first seed all the way to the left of the image does have an exposed radicle but its slightly darker color makes it difficult to see. Once zoomed in, anyone can see that a small, discolored radicle is exposed.
Day 8 Germination Results:
After 8 days total the seeds were observed for a final time to see the results pictured below.
After 8 days, 10/10 Large-Dark seeds show exposed radicles.
After 8 days 10/10 Small-Dark seeds show exposed radicles and 3/10 even show cotyledon.
After 8 days 7/10 Large-White seeds showed exposed radicles.
After 8 days 3/10 Small-White seeds showed exposed radicles.
All 10/10 Odd-Shaped seeds are still showing exposed radicles after 8 days.
RESULTS:
Preliminary Conclusion:
Many shapes, colors and sizes of seeds can be viable.
Dark seeds have the best germination rates, regardless of whether they are small or large.
White seeds are significantly more viable if they are larger. Small white seeds performed poorly in this germination test.
Seed shape has no affect on viability.
Using our germination method, seed viability was determined and unchanged by Day 5.
Based on the limited results of this preliminary study, many shapes/colors/sizes of seeds can still be viable. They don’t all have to be large and dark colored although having a dark colored seed coat does seem to have a positive correlation with germination viability. It also seems that a larger seed may have a better chance of germinating as seen in the results between the Large-White and Small-White seeds with the Large-White having a 70% germination rate and the Small-White only having a 30% germination rate. From the limited results of this simple experiment, it appears that seed shape didn’t affect germination rates with the Odd-Shaped seeds having 100% germination just like the seeds in the Large-Dark and Small-Dark categories.
One parameter not reflected in these results is the pressure with which you can apply to a seed to test viability. Lightly (very lightly) pinching a seed between your thumb and pointer finger and seeing if the seed deflates or pops can be a relatively reliable method of determining germination viability. Just a light pressure should give the kinetic feedback to know that the seed is “solid” and probably will germinate or will deflate/pop the seed and thus that seed was not viable. One thing many people seem to do is apply too much pressure to seeds when they check in this way. Again, light pressure is all that is required. One does not need to squeeze as hard as they can as this can give false results since enough pressure can pop any seed regardless of viability.
For more info on how we germinate, please see our Germination Guidehere.
We’re writing to share an important update on recent changes in U.S. federal law that affect cannabis seeds, hemp, and the broader cannabis industry.
Write your US Senators + Representatives Today and Let Them Know You’re Opposed to Sec 781:https://democracy.io/#!
Hemp Law Changes & Cannabis Seeds Recent revisions to the definition of hemp as originally set forth in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill have narrowed the federal definition of hemp, including re-defining the legal parameters for when cannabis seeds are considered “hemp”. With respect to seeds, the new hemp definition still requires them to contain no more than 0.3% THC. Additionally, in order to be considered “hemp”, the new law mandates that cannabis seeds must be harvested from a plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC. Notably, and contrary to some media reports, the new law does not prohibit seeds based on the type of plants that they might produce. Instead, it restricts cannabis seeds based on the type of plant that they come from. This has introduced new legal uncertainty around the sale and interstate movement of cannabis seeds. At a minimum, it may create regulatory and enforcement issues since the legal metric has been changed from the THC levels in a cannabis seed to the THC levels in the plant that produced the seed. It remains to be seen whether and how this new provision will be enforced.
Federal Cannabis Reclassification At the same time, the U.S. government has initiated the process of reclassifying ‘marijuana’ (cannabis) from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This represents a meaningful shift in federal policy, acknowledging accepted medical use of the plant and potentially easing regulatory and tax burdens for certain stakeholders while also setting in place the foundation for a more comprehensive policy. The rulemaking phase of the EO will provide further instruction on the specifics of the reclassification. We are closely tracking implications for seeds and interstate commerce.
What This Means & What’s Next Together, these changes create both opportunity and risk for the cannabis genetics community. We are actively assessing the implications and coordinating with industry partners, lobbyists, and legal groups on next steps.
What is clear is that things are changing. We are reaching out to you today to ask that you stay tuned while we work to bring clarity and guidance as the situation develops. Working together will be instrumental to protect what we’ve all built.
In the coming weeks, we will share specific actions you can take as part of the effort to protect access to cannabis seeds and genetic diversity, to include:
Participating in lobbying, petition and letter writing efforts
Engaging with local and national media and advocacy groups
Supporting efforts to,
extend the current hemp transition period from 12 months to 36 months, giving the industry more time to adapt responsibly
protect state programs and markets, or
other legislative proposals that further the cause
Your participation will be critical as policymakers finalize how these rules are implemented. We will need broad grass roots, veteran groups and community support to clearly demonstrate how these changes affect:
Access to medical and affordable wellness options
Small businesses and your local economies
Public safety (restricting seeds does not improve it)
Patient choice and genetic diversity
Fair compliance timelines — for example, extending the transition period in Section 781 from 12 months to an appropriate timeline to allow responsible businesses and consumers to adapt without unnecessary harm
Your participation will be critical as policymakers finalize how these rules are implemented. Broad grassroots support, veteran groups, and community engagement will be essential to clearly demonstrate how these changes impact access to medical and affordable wellness options, small businesses and local economies, public safety (noting that restricting seeds does not improve it), patient choice and genetic diversity, and fair compliance timelines. For example, it is important to extend the transition period in Section 781 from 12 months to an appropriate timeline, allowing responsible businesses and consumers to adapt without unnecessary harm.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We will be in touch again soon as developments continue and further information becomes available.
-Your Friends at North Atlantic Seed Co.
See Section 781 of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military 2. Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R.5371).Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334. 3. There has been significant confusion in the media about this issue, with many commentators incorrectly asserting that the legal status of cannabis seeds will be based on their potential to create a high THC plant. The new law is clear that the legal status of a cannabis seed is based on the plant from which it came, not the potential type of plant it can grow. 4. See, Executive Order (EO, 18.Dec.2025) Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research, and the accompanying Fact Sheet.
In House Genetics specializes in micro-breeding cannabis seeds, offering a variety of high-quality strains that cater to all types of growers, including those looking for outdoor cannabis seeds. With new strains released every month, In House Genetics consistently leads the way in innovative crossbreeds and exclusive limited runs. The team’s years of experience and in-depth knowledge of genetics have allowed them to produce some of the most potent and sought-after seeds in the industry. Passionate about their craft, they continue to push the boundaries of cannabis research and development, securing their position at the forefront of the cannabis seed industry.
In 2025, In House Genetics dropped some new strains like Electracane, Purple Rush, Dripzilla, Midnight Zushi, Jamz, and many more! They offered a variety of freebies and constant discounts as well! Below, you'll find the top five strains by In House Genetics at NASC.
JELLY BREATH S1
Jelly Breath S1 is a hybrid strain that is a producer of very dense frosty flowers ranging from grape to cookie flavors.
BANANACANE
Bananacane grows vigorous, resinous heavy buds. Her aroma and flavor profile include ripe banana, berry/sherbet, caramel and earth. This strong indica-leaner can cause sedation and is excellent for sleep. She is a great option for extracts, too!
SUGAR CANE
Sugar Cane is an absolute eye-stopper. She is a mood-booster that will help you focus. You can expect a flavor and aroma profile of sweetness with floral and grape notes.
SLURRICANE #7 S1
The buds of Slurricane #7 S1 become large and resinous. She brings on heavy, sedative effects. You can expect a profile of loud, grape gas with creamy undertones.
PLATINUM KUSH BREATH REMIX
Both of the parental strains of Platinum Kush Breath Remix are very heavy duty so this is not one for the inexperienced smokers out there. She has a lovely, pure-gassy flavour and aroma which will have all the Kush lovers out there going crazy.
Before their seed bank was created in 2007, RQS had long-time knowledge and passion for cannabis breeding. Following enormous interest in their strains, they opened our first shop in Amsterdam, the Damstraat location, in 2010. In 2011, they launched the Royal Queen Seeds website. In 2016, they welcomed first clients to their shop at Carrer dels Tallers in Barcelona, Spain. In 2022, they opened their newest location in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2023, they started operating in the United States and launched the first true F1 Hybrid Cannabis seeds in the market! Today, RQS operates in the US and in 28 countries in Europe and offers 100+ high-quality strains, growing equipment, growing advice, knowledge, tips and more!
In 2025, Royal Queen Seeds dropped some new strains like Sticky Queen, Sticky Queen Auto, Mexican Rush, and Mexican Rush Auto. They offered freebies and BOGOS as well! Below, you'll find the top five strains by Royal Queen Seeds at NASC.
SPECIAL QUEEN #1 AUTO
Special Queen #1 Auto offers tantalising flavors and a deeply stoning experience. Perfect for quiet evenings, this cultivar will melt your body into the couch while keeping your mind alert and switched on. You can expect a bountiful yield in a matter of weeks.
NORTHERN LIGHT (F)
Northern Light has been the basis for many of the award-winning classics in the history of cannabis. It is simply one of those knockout smokes that guarantees a couchlock session for the next few minutes. The Afghan heritage really shines through in the smoke and anyone looking for that strong stone need seek no further than this beautiful strain.
SPECIAL KUSH #1 (F)
Special Kush #1 likes to grow wild as if in the mountains of Afghanistan; this means it will fill up any space it can. Indoors, care should be taken that it doesn’t overgrow its space, but given enough space, like outdoors, it can grow to over 3 meters tall. The smoke carries a very hash-like taste with a full body stone present from its Indica background.
NORTHERN LIGHT AUTO
Northern Light Auto is a versatile strain that is as perfect for discreet indoor growers as it is for high-volume, home-growers outdoors. After a brief vegetative phase, this strain begins producing an abundance of flowers, finishing its entire life cycle in 10–12 weeks after planting the seed. She provides a generous harvest and might be one of the highest-yielding autoflowering strains available.
SPECIAL QUEEN #1 (F)
Perfect for a first-time grower who doesn't want to invest too much in his experimental growing, this Special Queen is a classic skunk that grows with ease, doesn't stretch too much and can be harvested in 8-9 weeks. The smoke is that of a classic skunk stone. It is mostly mental and provides smokers with an uplifting high that will relax even the most anxious stoners.
With nearly 30 years of expertise, Barney’s Farm continues to innovate, offering high-quality outdoor cannabis seeds, as well as strains suited for indoor, greenhouse, and hydroponic cultivation. Their commitment to excellence and continuous development of new genetics ensures that growers of all types can find the perfect seeds for their needs.
Like the original namesake, the Acapulco Gold flowers with fat colas, flecked with beautiful reddish-brown calyx, each covered with beautiful crystals of THC. The smoke has an intense fruit-cocktail flavor that lingers for hours. This is a sativa dominant strain that offers a long-lasting high, balancing relaxing stress reduction with a real upbeat effect.
MIMOSA X ORANGE PUNCH
Mimosa x Orange Punch is a colourful Cali strain that everyone can succeed with! It is a dream to grow for a beginner, yet can produce extreme concentrations of THC. Once dried and cured, the buds have a delicious citrus, candy, and orange flavor. It gives a complete sense of euphoria and happiness to generate a truly uplifting sensation.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
Pineapple Express is a wonderfully flavorful and truly legendary 60% sativa-leaning hybrid, powered by a myrcene-dominant terpene profile with a genetic heritage pedigree that speaks for itself. It is naturally highly resistant to molds and diseases and does not require any special skills to grow. The taste and aromas of are distinctly tropical with fresh-cut pineapple, tropical fruit, and mango with undertones of cedar and spice. The smoky aromas are distinctively funky and skunky.
RUNTZ MUFFIN
Runtz Muffin features a sweet and fruity profile with citrus notes. This strain offers a relaxing and euphoric experience, accompanied by a gentle body high.
GORILLA Z
Gorilla Z is characterized by a sweet, fruity terpene profile with chocolate undertones. Provides relaxing and mood-enhancing effects.
Fast Buds is a leading cannabis seed bank that specializes in producing top-quality autoflowering cannabis strains. With over 12 years of experience, Fast Buds is a pioneer of autoflowering genetics. As the first major American autoflower breeder, Fast Buds quickly made a name for itself. Their latest innovations have been breaking worldwide THC level records for autoflowering strains, further solidifying their reputation for excellence.
In 2025, Fast Buds released new auto strains like Frostbanger, Z-up, and Purple Haze, as well as a line of feminized photoperiod options and a variety of freebies. Below, you'll find the top five strains by Fast Buds at NASC.
PURPLE LEMONADE AUTO
Purple Lemonade Auto provides a complex high made up of subtle Sativa kicks and light body-stoned sensations. Zestful flavors are sweetened by a strong sugary seasoning making it the ideal sweet-tooth strain.
GORILLA COOKIES AUTO
Gorilla Cookies Auto grows extremely big, chunky, and dense buds with a beautiful mix of dark and light shades of green with bright orange hairs giving her quite the bag appeal. It has a synergetic high, perfect for the end of the day, especially after a long day of work.
BLUE DREAM AUTO
Blue Dream Auto is one of our most stimulating strains that gives an intense head high before mellowing out into a relaxing body high -- perfect for afternoon tokes. You won't be crashed on the couch. With citrus notes that are combined with the berry and earth note, the final flavor is mouth-watering, with a hint of pine or cedar and a tart sweetness as the soothing, happy vibes take grip.
BANANA PURPLE PUNCH AUTO
With Banana Purple Punch Auto, you can expect a candy-like terpene profile with an overwhelming ripe banana taste, deliciously complemented by a fruity background that leaves your mouth tasting as if you’ve just eaten a bag of delicious gummy bears. After a couple of hits, the pleasant head high slowly turns into a powerful long-lasting sedative effect that feels like it's melting your whole body.
BLACKBERRY AUTO
Blackberry Auto seeds produce plants with a powerful bouquet of flavors, including spicy, sweet, fruity, wild berries, and pine. Expect lots of relaxation, but don't expect to get off the couch. The effects kick off with a buzzing cerebral stimulation followed by a smooth yet rapid period of relaxation.
Are you looking for a strain to help you through the winter blues? Crystal smokes and gives feedback on the Lemon Cherry Pie by Ethos Genetics.
Let’s face it, winter isn’t for everyone, even for some of us that live in the northeast and have been accustomed to a year with four seasons of different climate. The winter blues hit me at times between January-April and I usually use cannabis to help me through some of it. I discovered a great strain that will work for these moody episodes, Lemon Cherry Pie R1 by Ethos Genetics. It took me to a really great place with a positive headspace and warm relaxation. The effect was so memorable and blissful that it could rival any lack of sunshine.
The pungent aroma that snuck out of the bag was this heavily appealing combination of sweetness, citrus, and earth. These smelly nugs had hues of light and dark green and they were extremely dense. The taste is nice with a sharp earthy and citrus flavor when you inhale, but you get more of the sweetness on the exhale. In general, the effect was balanced. I felt goofy, but alert enough to engage with other people or work on a creative project. I wouldn’t use this strain if heavy responsibilities are on your agenda, but it could definitely be beneficial for house chores or that winter project of organizing a certain spot in your home. This strain eased me into a long-lasting state of happiness, which is something I’ll be needing on shorter days that lack sunshine. I didn’t experience a feeling of sunken couch-lock, but I recall my limbs feeling loose and relaxed.
Overall, I think Lemon Cherry Pie is a great mood booster for those endless gloomy days in which you are desperately waiting for spring. Any strain that can influence me into positivity and appreciation is one I am going to be reaching for often. Diminish those winter blues with some Lemon Cherry Pie!
Meet Beth, Ben, and Siobhann of Dirty Bird Genetics. We go over the history of the businesses, current projects, an exclusive coupon only found in this episode (please don't share the code with non-watchers. We're trying to test to see what kind of sales this drives), and our exciting plans for the future. This is a super fun and informative episode. Thanks for watching!
Watch now and unlock free seeds from the upcoming Alpha Series Release of Dirty Sangria x Maui True Blood!
Write your US Senators + Representatives Today and Let Them Know You’re Opposed to Sec 781:https://democracy.io/#!
Hey Fam,
I wanted to write you all and give you a little bit of insight on what has been brewing behind the scenes here at NASC as we react to the recent legislative changes regarding hemp and cannabis seeds.
On Nov 11, our government reopened (yay!), and with that came some unfortunate news for the cannabis seed and hemp industries (very sad…): per Sec 781 of the FY 2026 Agricultural Appropriations Bill, hemp seeds will no longer be defined based upon the dry weight basis of the seed itself, it will now be defined by the THC content of the mother plant it came from.
Here’s a quick and simplified breakdown of the difference:
THEN: (2018 - Present)
The 2018 Farm Bill defined hemp as any part of the cannabis sativa L plant that contains less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
NOW: (Nov 2026 and Beyond)
The FY 2026 Agricultural Appropriations Bill largely retains the previous definition of hemp established in the 2018 Farm Bill; however, it adds several exclusions, one of which redefines cannabis seeds in particular. Sec. 781, Exclusion C states that seeds will no longer be defined as hemp if the plant the seeds came from contains more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
While wholly unscientific by nature, and very hard to regulate, this new definition of hemp will make virtually all cannabis seeds federally illegal, making it illegal to purchase and share cannabis genetics across state lines. This legislation will impact both seeds and clones.
OUR POSITION: When it comes to seeds in particular, we take great issue with this new law. Our legislators voted on this impactful bill with no consideration for the industry and the millions of people this will affect both personally and professionally. They did not consult any of us, and instead, quietly pushed this through as part of a much larger resolution to reopen and fund our government.
Now we have 365 days to backtrack. We have to come together. We have to try to right this ill-conceived wrong before it impacts our lives and our livelihoods. It is our collective voices that will make a difference, and we are urging everyone who cares about cannabis and about genetics to bring visibility to this issue in any way you can, and make your opinions and your stories heard.
Most importantly, we urge you to write to your legislators: your local US Representatives and Senators. Call them. Let them know you oppose Sec 781 and tell them how you feel. Below you will find a quick and easy link to do so:
This bill will cripple a multi-billion dollar industry. Seeds are the foundation from which everything is derived and grows. We need to retain our ability to possess and share genetics, and this outright ban is totally unprecedented for many reasons:
This law is unscientific and will be very challenging to regulate. It’s impossible to predict the THC content of a cannabis seed based upon its parents, especially down to the tenth of a percentile. Genetics do not work that way. There is so much variability at play. For that reason alone, this law is unsustainable, and it forces farmers and home growers to participate in a guessing game where the stakes are federal prosecution.
Historically as a country, we do not ban things based upon what they could become. We regulate them based on what they are. Cannabis seeds do not contain THC; they do not get people high. Furthermore, cannabis is legal in some capacity in the majority of the United States. This law is crippling to business people and medical patients who are only trying to do their jobs and get by as honestly as the next person. The onus is on us, as US citizens, to follow our state and local laws. This law punishes hundreds of millions of people by prohibiting a seed based on the hypothetical scenario in which someone living in a state where cannabis is illegal might take the seed, spend 6 months growing it out in their basement, and then consume it. Where does the harm really lie here?
Thank you all for your willingness to educate and bring visibility to this issue. Now is the time, and we urge you to join us in this movement to free cannabis seeds.
Given the limited nature of many cannabis seed genetics, and the even more limited window of growing season or space, many growers find themselves with the tough decision - buy now and store for the long term until next cycle, or wait and hope that the wanted genetics are still available months or years down the road. Understanding the best practices for seed storage makes the answer an easy one for cannabis grower relying on select strains: Buy now for peace of mind.
The NASC Team took the time to sit down with Ben, Head Breeder at Dirty Bird Genetics to talk seed storage. We want to offer our customers easy access to key takeaways and quick best practice tips for long term seed viability. Check out my summary below!
As with any breeder or seed bank, Dirty Bird and NASC both store their seed inventory in environmentally controlled spaces. For any given homegrower the thought of long term seed storage may seem daunting. I know I certainly do not have a spare room with zoned heat pumps and light blocking storage. I do, however, have cabinets and drawers and a refrigerator! Seed storage at the home grower level is actually shockingly simple.
Key Takeaways:
Temperature: Constant Temperature: Ideal Range 40-42 Fahrenheit
Moisture: Constant Relative Humidity: Ideal Range 40% or lower
Light exposure: Zero exposure to direct light required; zero light exposure ideal
Location: Cabinet, Refrigerator Door, Shelf in Light Blocking Packaging
It is essential that regardless of the location of storage that the seeds are stored in a fully air tight container in a space that has zero exposure to moisture.
TLDR. Like Vegetables.
Check out other quick beginner guides NASC has to share!
Every season, I take a gamble and test new genetics in my outdoor garden, hoping to find a keeper that checks all the boxes important to me as a grower: finishing time, unique and pungent terpene profile, stunning bag appeal, and ease of harvest. I always find a few solid strains - it’s hard to find perfection, after all. Every so often, however, I get lucky and a strain checks off all my boxes and then some. Head Candy by Dirty Bird Genetics proved to do exactly that this season.
Earlier this fall, I featured the Head Candy in Homegrower Happenings: Outdoor Harvest 2025 as my favorite strain. I found myself so impressed with the genetics through every step of the grow, and not at all surprised when the strain was a dream to harvest. The leaf to calyx ratio lended well to my arthritic hands, and zero bud rot or mold/mildew was to be found in the dense, sugary, greasy buds that filled my basement with pungent piney citrus scents. I’ve since bagged up my harvest, happy with the high yield and dense structure of the dried buds (sometimes a large cola shrinks down in drying - not the case here!). The stunning terpenes and color were still present when bagged up, with sugar and bud density not to be rivaled.
Once the Head Candy was cured up, the quality could not have been more clear. The stunning magentas and deepest purples blended beautifully with shocking lime greens and dense white sugars, all visible in hand when crushing up dense dank buds. The tropical fruity citronella pine terpenes overwhelmed my senses in the best way straight out of the bag. After harvest and cure, those terps remained shockingly strong, offering a unique and intense smoking experience. Expect a relaxed, happy, heady high that lasts and lasts.
The Sex Melon x Grape Cake Head genetic pairing proved truly something special to grow, and to my sheer delight just as special in smoke. I cannot wait to cozy up on these chilly nights to enjoy the Head Candy high for months to come; and then I'll probably just grow more!
A perfect selection, if you're looking to wind down after a long day and enjoy your partner's or a good book's company. I can confidently say the Head Candy was my absolute favorite plant this past season in every way that matters from seed to smoke. I urge any grower to give it a shot - you will not be disappointed!
Head Candy (F)
DIRTY BIRD GENETICS > HEAD CANDY (SEX MELON X GRAPE CAKE HEAD)
Here at NASC Journal we could write all day long about our own harvests, but right now we really want to hear from all of you! Outdoor season comes around once a year, and we would love to hear of your successes from this, or past, seasons. You've heard ours, but with such a vast array of locations and cultivars, we know you all have so much to offer for insights. Indoor season is all year every year, if you ask me. The sky, or ceiling rather, tend to be the limit there. We'd love to hear from our robust community of indoor growers in effort to collect genuine product data to help inform our fellow growers best. Share with us, and help grow our community through one genuine grower recommendation at a time.
Are you looking for a strain to grow that will help you lift off into a spacey and peaceful orb? For this round, Crystal smokes and gives feedback on Skywalker Kush by DNA Genetics.
If I was ever placed in that scenario of being stranded on a deserted island with the option of only having one strain for the rest of my life, Skywalker Kush would be an absolute top contender in the running. Everytime I pick up a bag of this flower, I am consistently satisfied with the effect. I don’t pass on Skywalker Kush when I see it at local dispensaries. Also, if both cannabis and Star Wars are a part of your life, this one is meant for you.
Skywalker Kush is made by crossing Skywalker and OG Kush.
Made of a lineage of classics like OG Kush, Mazar, and Blueberry, it is no surprise that this strain is better suited for relaxation. Have you ever been told to stop and smell the roses? Well, Skywalker Kush will force you to stop and smell the roses in the most peaceful way possible. I was at a local park a few weeks ago after smoking Skywalker Kush and let me tell you, my typical, bustling mind, especially on an afternoon in the middle of the work-week, was silenced. It put me in a happy head space and I was able to take in and appreciate all of the Fall foliage around me. Consuming Skywalker Kush in the evening helped me calm racing thoughts and get to bed at a decent hour. As with many Kush strains, she had that classic earthy taste with some sweetness and spice, which makes Skywalker Kush a great option for Kush and indica lovers alike.
My experience with Skywalker Kush is something I feel like I can rave about for a long time. When faced with an on-the-go schedule of life obligations, she has the ability to bring me to a place in my mind where I can pause and reflect on things. This is the mid-week reset that helps me manage stress and persist. It can choke anxiety and a bad mood, instantly. I don’t know about you, but this one is going on my to-grow list!
It is that time of year! Harvest season is in full swing, and we're here to share the best of Alyssa's garden (so far)!
I could type for ages about why I love the strains I grew outside this year, but we all know what the growers really want. Check out our Outdoor Garden Glamour Shots 2025!
BEST OF THE GARDEN 2025
Head Candy (Sex Melon x Grape Cakehead) Dirty Bird Genetics
Harvest Date: October 4th
Black Phoenix (The Brunch F1 x Bahama Mama) Dirty Bird Genetics
Harvest Date: October 4th
Dirty Mimosa Bx2 (Dirty Mimosa 'White Cap Cut' x Mimosa) Dirty Bird Genetics
Harvest Date: September 30th
Arguably the best harvest I have seen outside for years! I could not be happier with the performance of these strains. The Dirty Mimosa is just about ready to bag up! I have a couple honorable mentions in the wings - stay tuned!
And what about those Mauis?
The Maui crosses featured in the garden this year thrived in the heat and humidity, but they did struggle a bit to handle the drought like conditions! My well was the real MVP for a couple weeks there! Unlike our Brunch genetics, the Maui seems to have brought a similar proclivity to resilience from mold and mildew, but a bit longer of a flowering time! I anticipate these ladies to harvest this week of October 13th - 20th! I snapped a few shots yesterday as the Hawaiian Skunch nears harvest. She was the star of the veg cycle show, and has some interesting pink and lime coloring showing as she ripens!
After the Frost....
Every year I leave a few lower branches on plants that I harvest before the frost, just to have the opportunity to take some fun, frosty pictures - and to see if the plant would have handled a frost, had we had an earlier than usual one. This year, all of the plants handled the frost - check out some shots (during and after!).
I have had a heck of a season this 2025, and cannot wait to share more educational tips and tricks, and of course some notes from the bong after these beauties have time to dry and cure up! I hope you all enjoyed these bud pics - feel free to shoot us an email and share the fruits of your season's labors! Happy Harvest!
Explore more of my Maine Outdoor Selections!
A curated list of cultivars I have had success with outside over the last decade or so!
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Blue Lime Runtz (F) [KEY LIME PIE 2.0 DROP]Price range: $60.00 through $100.00
Lime Urkle (F) [KEY LIME PIE 2.0 DROP]Price range: $60.00 through $100.00
Pie After Dark (F) [KEY LIME PIE 2.0 DROP]Price range: $60.00 through $100.00
Key Lime Pie 2.0 Box Set (F) [KEY LIME PIE 2.0 DROP]$500.00
Broke Da Mouth (F) [KEY LIME PIE 2.0 DROP]Price range: $60.00 through $100.00
Key Lime Kahlua (F) [KEY LIME PIE 2.0 DROP]Price range: $60.00 through $100.00
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