STIIIZY, one of the most innovative brands in the cannabis industry, has just revolutionized vape tech with their paradigm-shifting Bar battery. The STIIIZY Bar is a next-generation dual-pod vape system that allows for unprecedented control over the vaping experience, all while packed in a sleek, ergonomic design.
The dual-pod design of the STIIIZY Bar gives you the option to mix and match different strains to create experiences perfectly customized to your unique tastes. The Bar lets you discover if your two favorite strains combine into something greater, and opens up an entire world of never-before-seen strain combinations to explore.
That’s not even all the customization options that set the STIIIZY Bar apart from the crowd. STIIIZY’s newest battery also has options to fine-tune the airflow and voltage settings, allowing you to build your hit, your way. Don’t let your vape battery stay stuck in the past—upgrade to the STIIIZY Bar and embrace the future of vaping.
In addition to revolutionary customization features that make the STIIIZY Bar a must-have for all kinds of vape enthusiasts, the dual-pod battery has even more tech under the hood to make for a virtually unparalleled product. It has a stunningly long battery life, and recharges quickly thanks to the USB-C charging cable. The upper housing of the STIIIZY Bar is easily removable and can be quickly cleaned or replaced, ensuring peak performance from your battery.
A preheating function, colorful LED display, and dual-activation options round out the suite of features that the innovators at STIIIZY managed to fit into the stylish Bar body, making it one of the most technologically advanced vape batteries on the market today. The STIIIZY Bar has already made quite a splash, and supplies are flying off the shelves, so act fast and order your STIIIZY Bar now, before they’re gone.
One of the leading names in hemp shows how their products stack up to the competition.
The Hemp Doctor has been at the head of the hemp industry for over a decade, and the only thing that’s stayed the same in this rapidly evolving field is The Hemp Doctor’s dedication to the wellness-enhancing power of hemp cannabinoids.
The rise of THCA is just the latest in a long series of game-changers that the team at The Hemp Doctor has adapted to, time and again proving themselves as one of the leading lights of the industry and a peerless provider of top-quality hemp products.
The Hemp Doctor’s new lineup of psychoactive hemp-based THCA flower, vapes, edibles, beverages, and concentrates joins the brand’s already impressive storefront, which features all sorts of hemp cannabinoid products.
They’ve got something for everyone, pets included, and their new THCA selection offers their customers a chance to experience the psychoactive cannabinoid for themselves, with The Hemp Doctor’s trademark quality. All of their products are rigorously tested before they make it to their customers, a fact that has earned them a sterling reputation among consumers and industry professionals alike.
The rise of THCA of the sort that you’ll find on The Hemp Doctor’s storefront brings some simmering questions on the state of the industry to the fore, leaving the average consumer confused and unsure. What exactly is the difference between hemp and cannabis? What’s legal where? How did this perplexing situation even happen?
Don’t sweat it, readers—the doctor is in. We’ve got a breakdown of the current state of the industry from the expert POV of The Hemp Doctor’s CEO, Robert Shade, covering THCA, hemp, cannabis, and the differences (or lack thereof) between the two. Read on for an FAQ that’ll equip you with everything you need to know about the quickly shifting industries, or click below to shop The Hemp Doctor’s THCA and do a little hands-on research.
A tale of two industries
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
Before we dive deep into the state of the hemp and cannabis industries, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about terms. The hemp industry offers federally legal hemp-derived products that can be sold directly to consumers and shipped to many states; alternatively, the cannabis industry operates in a patchwork of state legalization programs while remaining federally illegal.
Scientifically, there’s very little difference between the plant we call hemp and the plant called cannabis, marijuana, or a slang term like weed, pot, etc. At Leafly, we prefer the term cannabis because of the complicated history of the word marijuana, so even though, on a scientific and chemical level, hemp is cannabis, we will refer to the “hemp” and “cannabis” industries as separate entities.
If that situation seems a bit contradictory to you, you aren’t alone. This situation has led to conflict and confusion for years, and The Hemp Doctor team, including CEO Robert Shade, has been an eyewitness to the evolution that got us here. You’d be hard pressed to find a better industry veteran to break down the situation, and the Hemp Doctor team was good enough to share Shade’s perspective with us. Take a look!
The following is an excerpt from Robert Shade’s expert POV
What’s the difference between the hemp and cannabis industries?
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
The difference is not scientific but legal and economic. The 2018 Farm Bill, aka the Agriculture Improvement Act, defined hemp as cannabis that is less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. The Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and production of hemp nationwide, while keeping any cannabis that is over that 0.3% limit federally illegal.
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This difference in legal status has led to a vast divide between the two halves of the industry. Cannabis providers are heavily taxed and subject to strict regulatory guidelines. Meanwhile, the hemp industry is flourishing in a grey market where they are able to sell psychoactive cannabinoids outside the dispensary system.
This has led to a genuine rivalry between the two camps, with real economic stakes on the line. The heart of the disagreement focuses on whether psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or THCA should be able to be sold in the same market as state-licensed cannabis products.
How did hemp-derived THC rise to prominence?
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
Before the 2018 Farm Bill, many companies in the hemp industry, such as The Hemp Doctor, primarily focused on offering non-psychoactive CBD. However, after the bill was passed, the hemp industry discovered a few psychoactive cannabinoids that could be sold directly to consumers, which qualified under the definition of hemp. This discovery allowed them to circumvent many prohibitions that brands in the cannabis industry must abide by.
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These discoveries allowed for the creation and popularization of products that feature delta-8, THCA, and other psychoactive cannabinoids that mimic the effects of cannabinoids found in traditional cannabis products. These innovations in turn led to an explosion of brands in the hemp industry, grossing nearly $28 billion in 2022, while the cannabis industry took in only $26 billion during the same time period.
How did the cannabis industry respond?
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
In April of 2024, the United States Cannabis Council (USCC), a lobbying group representing the cannabis industry, including large multi-state operators, urged lawmakers to shift the regulations that allow the hemp industry to thrive. The crux of their argument comes in four parts:
The hemp industry has a negative economic impact on the cannabis industry due to an unfairly light tax burden.
Some brands in the hemp industry take advantage of the legal environment to avoid regulatory requirements in licensing, packaging, labeling, and testing.
Many brands in the hemp industry synthetically produce psychoactive cannabinoids by chemically transforming hemp-derived CBD isolate, rather than harvesting the cannabinoids from large quantities of hemp flower.
Consumers do not fully understand the difference between the two sides of the industry, and may be purchasing hemp believing it is cannabis.
What is the hemp industry’s defense?
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
The hemp industry responds to these claims by the USCC, and by proxy, the cannabis industry generally, by charging that these sorts of responses are indicative of nothing besides the cannabis industry’s desire to eliminate competition. The fact remains that the 2018 Farm Bill has federally legalized hemp cultivation, and the providers believe in their legal right to produce and sell hemp and its derivatives.
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Hemp products are also highly in demand from consumers, especially those in states where cannabis remains illegal. The hemp industry claims that it offers a legal, accessible alternative to black market cannabis producers.
They argue that instead of an outright ban on hemp cannabinoids like that which the cannabis industry proposes, the hemp industry merely needs a better regulatory framework to ensure mandatory lab testing and proper labeling. This argument is buoyed by brands like The Hemp Doctor, which already offer laudable transparency and reliability to their consumers.
Where do the hemp and cannabis industries go from here?
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
The hemp industry and its cousins on the legal cannabis side of the divide have been at loggerheads for years now, with no real end to the conflict in sight. Questions about innovation, distribution, and regulation all bring the differing perspectives of the two halves of the industry into sharp relief, while long-term problems persist.
This air of uncertainty regarding the future of both industries has a cooling effect on business and investment, slowing what could be a more dynamic environment. The hemp industry faces concerns about the safety of their product in the lax regulatory atmosphere. Large corporate interests are able to leverage their size to lobby for favorable regulations, which leaves smaller, independent companies out of the conversation.
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Finally, and unfortunately, the illicit market continues to persist, and even thrive, in this complicated environment. A study performed by BMC Public Health has shown that customers are motivated by price above all other concerns when it comes to buying cannabis. Heavy tax burdens and byzantine regulations often drive up the cost of legitimate hemp and cannabis, driving consumers into the black market and keeping the illicit sector afloat.
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
Unified federal legalization could help remedy this situation, leading to an increase in parity between the two industries. Testing, labelling, and potency standards could all be standardized, leading to a more cohesive marketplace that allows both markets to thrive. This could also reduce costs, taking a bite out of the illicit market and leading to a better, safer, more equal market for all.
The future of both hemp and cannabis remains uncertain. Innovation, regulation, and consumer demand will decide if the two sides of the industry will be able to bridge their divide, or if escalating free market tensions will drive further conflict. For now, only one thing is certain. Legalization of cannabis didn’t end the war over the plant—it just created new battles.
Image courtesy of The Hemp Doctor.
No matter what shape the hemp and cannabis industries take in the future, Robert Shade and the rest of The Hemp Doctor team will be there, bringing their expert knowledge and famous dedication to their consumers.
Their rigorous quality control makes them a virtually peerless choice to experiment with hemp THCA, delta-9 THC, CBD, or any other hemp-derived cannabinoid you might be curious about. There’s something for everyone among The Hemp Doctor’s extensive lineup of products, so if you’re a complete newbie, a true hemp head, or a cannabis loyalist with an interest in seeing what hemp has to offer, you owe it to yourself to give them a try.
Click the link below and find your ideal product from The Hemp Doctor and discover the power of hemp.
Still curious about the state of the hemp and cannabis industries? You can head to The Hemp Doctor’s website, or follow them on Facebook, X, or Instagram to read more and stay updated about the changing field.
Availability subject to law. Leafly novel cannabinoid disclaimer: Use and possession may be restricted by law. This product may expose you to harmful chemical byproducts.
CannaLand, the iconic one-day cannabis festival presented by Deep Stories, is nearly here! On April 13, some of the leading names in the cannabis industry will converge on the Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa, Arizona, for a day of flavor, music, next-level experiences, and lots of great weed. Tickets are limited and selling fast, so act now to secure your spot at this can’t-miss cannabis celebration.
Buy early and save! Purchase your tickets online before 4/13 to lock in a special early-bird rate.
CannaLand is more than just an event—it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the joy of cannabis with a like-minded community that really knows how to throw a party. Your favorite Arizona brands will be exhibiting their finest fare, and some attending suppliers and retailers will even drop hot new products & merchandise that CannaLand attendees can snag first. Deep Stories has assembled an extensive collection of companies from across the industry, so chances are good your favorite brand will be attending.
Great weed from top brands is already reason enough to celebrate, but that isn’t even close to everything that CannaLand has in store. CannaLand will feature bumper cars & boats, laser tag, a lazy river, a wave pool, and several other ways to kick back and vibe out all day long. There will be BBQ, ice-cold drinks, and infused treats on offer, all the while DJs keep the energy high in interactive lounges.
Festivities start at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, but VIP ticket holders will receive access an hour early, on top of other perks. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets to Deep Stories’ CannaLand today and get ready to celebrate. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
Attendees must be 21+ or 18+ with a valid medical cannabis ID card.
Unparalleled genetics from one of Europe’s oldest seed banks let you grow a piece of the past.
Cannabis culture has undergone a massive transformation in the past decade. Shifting legalization laws have caused a sea change, taking the plant and those who grow it out of the dark corners and into the sun. As the weed world enters this bright new era, it has never been more important for passionate growers who care about the plant to connect to the history of cannabis. It’s vital for anyone who takes growing seriously to remember how cannabis culture owes what it is today to the ingenuity and bravery of talented breeders in the past.
The team at Paradise Seeds are just that sort of growers. As one of Europe’s oldest seedbanks, they carry a torch from a time when passionate people, not profit, ran the cannabis world. Their genetics have been charming critics and customers for decades, and now home growers in both Europe and the United States can finally experience the legendary quality of their feminized cannabis seeds for themselves.
We went deep with Paradise Seeds on three of their famous legacy strains, Wappa, Durga Mata, and Dutch Dragon, and we’re excited to give you the inside scoop into the history that makes these strains so special, as well as a couple of tips for how to grow these standsout strains for yourself. Afterward, stick around for a tour through the storied history of Paradise Seeds and the company’s visionary founder, Luc Krol.
Durga Mata
Indica | 22% THC | 55-60 day flowering time
Image courtesy of Paradise Seeds.
Durga Mata is the end result of Paradise Seeds founder Luc Krol’s quest to breed a strain that is tough enough to endure both hostile climates and the missteps of inexperienced growers. For the genetic stock for such a creation, he turned to the Hindu Kush region and landrace strains. All indica strains trace their lineage back to the region, where the harsh environment and low average temperature bred hardy plants.
The strain that would become Durga Mata is the direct descendant of two landrace strains, one from Afghanistan, the other from the Himalayas. The result? A tough-as-nails strain that’s easy-to-grow nature and famous resilience has earned a spot in cannabis history.
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Durga Mata draws its name from the warrior form of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, a nod to both the strain’s geographic origins and how Durga Mata’s original mother towered over other plants in the first test grow. The iconic name helped popularize the strain through word of mouth, and before long, Durga Mata was a highly sought-after strain for both growers and consumers.
While Durga Mata was bred with northern latitudes in mind, it grows fantastically in a variety of southern climates, and loves indoor growrooms as well. It likes to expand horizontally and doesn’t take up much vertical space, so Durga Mata is a prime choice if you prefer the SoG method.
“I wanted to produce a strain which came equipped with the armour to survive a growing season in the north of Europe – cannabis seeds which you could literally throw into the garden and leave them!”
Luc Krol, Paradise Seeds Founder & Durga Mata breeder
No matter your setup, climate, or skill level, this goddess of a strain will deliver colorful buds; you’d have to try to get this plant to fail, and even then, it’s possible Durga Mata will just keep growing.
Those who turn to cannabis seeking relief from chronic pain, insomnia, or a host of other medical issues gained a particular fondness for Durga Mata. The strain has an appealing flavor that has been likened to Turkish Delight candy and induces a potent, but uplifting body high that won’t leave you in an uncomfortable couch-lock stupor. Stress and anxiety are absolutely no match for the mother goddess either, so make sure to keep some stocked when tense times are on the horizon.
Durga Mata is a strain for everyone—a time-tested classic that’s been winning the hearts and minds of the cannabis world for decades. Order now and get Paradise’s matriarch planted in your garden as soon as you can, so you can experience a little piece of divinity for yourself.
Wappa
Hybrid | 24% THC | 55-60 day flowering time
Image courtesy of Paradise Seeds.
Dubbed the “perfect hybrid” by the team at Paradise Seeds, Wappa is an incredibly popular strain across Europe, where its legend only continues to grow. Today, Wappa is famed for its sweet scent, big buds, and formidable potency, but it wasn’t always that way.
“From the start I had a feeling this plant was going to be a hit…”
Luc Krol, Paradise Seeds Founder & Wappa breeder
It took the strain a while to catch on when it was released in the late 2000s, but it started spreading by word of mouth, and when it finally exploded, Europe’s cannabis scene was changed for good. Wappa won the hearts of growers due to its ability to uplift the body and mind, an experience that begins not when you smoke the strain, but when you first experience its distinctively sweet aroma.
Wappa’s exact parentage is a closely guarded secret by the Paradise Seeds team, but one whiff of Wappa will let you know that there’s a whole bunch of Sweet Skunk in its lineage. Beginner growers will have a great time with Wappa—it’s a low-maintenance sort of strain that’s on the more resilient side. Experienced growers who are interested in doing some of their own breeding are also drawn to Wappa’s genetic stability, making it an excellent platform for developing your own crosses.
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Wappa prefers a moderate climate and tends to grow wide and short, fitting well into grow rooms where space is at a premium. Paradise Seeds recommends you keep a support or two on hand just in case any of the horizontal branches get too laden with dense, frosted buds.
The strain’s incredible yield, combined with Paradise Seeds’ low prices, means that Wappa is one of the most budget-friendly strains on the market today. Order some now and see why Paradise Seeds’ “perfect hybrid” earns its title.
Dutch Dragon
Sativa | 22% THC | 60-65 day flowering time
Image courtesy of Paradise Seeds.
An award-winning sativa that’s experienced a renaissance in recent years, Dutch Dragon is one of the brightest jewels in Paradise’s crown. Dutch Dragon began, like many Paradise Seeds strains, in the early 90s when Luc Krol began experimenting with seeds from a remote region of Swaziland that he acquired through a well-traveled coffeeshop connection. Those seeds eventually became Dutch Dragon, so named because of its soaring, magical high.
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Luc wasn’t completely happy with the strain, however, and set out to improve both Dutch Dragon’s yield and flavor. After a genetic infusion of Skunk and some Indian strains, a new version of Dutch Dragon was born. This rendition, released in 2002, snagged a Highlife Cannabis Cup victory and became one of Paradise Seeds’ signature sativa strains.
Just like its ferocious namesake, Dutch Dragon can grow to some prodigious sizes. Without intervention or training, Dutch Dragon plants can grow up to nearly 10 feet (3m) tall, so those with limited space will be best served by limiting vertical growth early.
“In the early days of Paradise Seeds, we were looking for a handful of statement strains which would lay down a marker for the company in the cannabis seed market…”
The strain has an impressive yield when grown outdoors in warmer climates, but will still deliver a respectable crop of long, sticky buds when grown indoors or at northern latitudes. Compared to the other strains on this list, Dutch Dragon can be a bit trickier to grow, but intermediate or advanced growers need not fear this dragon.
Dutch Dragon is an unapologetic sativa that exemplifies the best qualities of the family. It’s earned a reputation as an excellent daytime smoke, with a crackling, energetic high that leaves your focus (mostly) intact. It has a strong lemon aroma but a softer flavor, where sweet notes come to the fore as a counterpoint to the sharp citrus, a flavor that drives real sativa heads absolutely wild.
Dutch Dragon’s fairy-tale is still going strong twenty years after it was first introduced, and will probably still be on top of the industry twenty years in the future as well. Click the link below to add your own page to Dutch Dragon’s legend.
A legend is born
Image courtesy of Paradise Seeds.
Paradise Seeds is a unique organization in the cannabis world. They have been in official operation since 1994, making them one of Europe’s oldest seed banks and one of the oldest companies in the weed space generally. That sort of staying power is virtually unheard of in an industry that sees operations rise and fall with stunning regularity.
The team at Paradise chalks their remarkable longevity up to a sense of vision and purpose that flows from their founder, Luc Krol, on down. Paradise Seeds does not chase trends or easy money. They do not release strains to meet marketing moments, but when the strain meets their exacting standards. Their Northstar is the same as it was when Paradise was originally founded—a sheer, unbridled love of cannabis.
“I harvested it and smoked the buds with a couple of friends and that was it!”
Luc Krol, Paradise Seeds Founder
The Paradise Seeds story truly begins during the early 1980s in the suburbs of the Netherlands, when a teenage Luc got his start growing some cannabis seeds given to him by a friend after a vacation to the Caribbean island of Aruba. This first experience with cannabis inspired Luc to continue growing, a hobby that he pursued in his young adulthood when he moved from the suburbs into the squats of Amsterdam.
The squats gave Luc the open spaces and permissive environment he needed to lay the groundwork for Paradise. Amsterdam’s famous coffeeshops provided a fertile testing ground for new strains, and Luc quickly earned a name for himself as a master breeder with an innovative mind. Luc’s genetics were so popular that American growers would seek out his strains specifically, crossing the Atlantic just so they could smuggle seeds back to the West Coast, building his reputation internationally.
Paradise found(ed)
Paradise Seeds was officially founded to avoid legal trouble. A brush with the police caught Luc in hot water, but his lawyer recommended founding a legitimate company to protect himself and his investment. After filling out the paperwork to bring Paradise Seeds into the world, Luc found himself not only a free man, but one with a burgeoning cannabis business ready to explode into prominence.
The next decade saw a period of rapid growth for Paradise. They began filling their trophy case with cannabis cup victories for strains like Sensi Star and Dutch Dragon. That success gave the team the runway to briefly relocate to Switzerland, hoping to take advantage of favorable legal regulations that allowed for the tiny mountain nation to become an epicenter of cannabis culture.
That dream faded away in 2004 when legalization died in the Swiss courts, and a police raid left Paradise Seeds officially barred from the country. That wasn’t nearly enough to keep Luc and the team down, however. They headed back to Amsterdam, with fresh new strains and priceless experience to show for their Swiss years.
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Under Luc’s leadership, Paradise thrived once they returned to the Netherlands. The team at Paradise was able to play a direct role in nearly every major cannabis innovation of the new millennium. Luc was influential in the rise of feminized cannabis seeds, and later the popularization of autoflowering seeds. These two variations are now the industry standards, giving modern growers convenience that Luc could have only dreamed of back in the Amsterdam squats.
Coming to America
The 2010s saw nothing short of a revolution in cannabis. The rise of homegrowing, a new interest in medical cannabis, and changing legal regulations in North America meant that cannabis seeds were more popular than ever. The decade also saw Paradise grow to unprecedented heights, opening up a brick-and-mortar store in Amsterdam and supplying the biggest grow in South America with their seeds.
The 2010s also saw the rise of a cannabis community ready to come out into the open and spread their passion with the world. Increased research into medical cannabis was a huge part of the changing attitudes towards the plant, and Paradise responded by breeding high CBD strains specifically for medical patients to manage their symptoms and launching the Medical Cannabis Bike tour. This event would see Paradise and representatives from around the cannabis community bike across Europe, raising approximately half a million Euros for continued research.
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Paradise would also strengthen their international connections by partnering with one of the most famous names in cannabis, Tommy Chong. This half of the iconic stoner duo was looking for a collaborator to provide his fledgling company with top-quality genetics. Paradise jumped at the chance to work with the legend, and developed four strains in partnership with Chong, Mendocino Skunk, L.A. Amnesia, Auto Kong 4, and Blue Kush Berry.
“We only hook up with growers and seed companies with the best quality, because I am not going to put my name to anything else. That’s why I said yes when Paradise Seeds came to us with a proposition to work together because those guys make the best seeds.”
Tommy Chong, cannabis icon
Paradise’s 30th anniversary last year saw the company reach commanding heights in the cannabis industry, with an eye toward the future that has served them so well in the past. Luc Krol still gets his hands dirty in the grow rooms, most recently assisting in the development of Paradise Seeds’ Mendo Breath collection, and a slew of other strains that are still in development.
Where the next thirty years will take Luc, the team at Paradise, and the rest of the weed world remains to be seen, but one thing is certain; there are few organizations who can claim even a fraction of their experience and passion. Both European and American growers curious as to the vast history of cannabis, or even just a desire to grow incredible weed, will be hard-pressed to find a provider of seeds with more knowledge and respect for the plant and the culture that supports it than Paradise Seeds. Click the link below to make your order and bring your grow one step closer to paradise today.
If you’re curious to read more about the fascinating history of Paradise Seeds and their incomparable founder, Luc Krol, you can read all about their thirty-year history on their website. You can also follow them on social media to keep up to date with new events, partnerships, and strains. Happy growing!
