{"text_format":"3","workbook":"xls","n_sheets":2,"sheets":["Sheet1","Sheet2"],"not_rendered":{"images":117,"external_links":1,"defined_names":229},"read":"whole","date_system":"1904","formulas":"cached_only"}

{"sheet":"Sheet1","index":0,"n_rows":8409,"n_cols":57,"rows_kept":8409,"flags":["formulas_cached_only"]}
[]
[]
[{"$nulls":41},"A to CH",null,null,"Ci to Ha",null,null,"He to Ni",null,null,"NL to Sh",null,"Si to Z"]
[]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Afghani",null,null,"    Cinderella 88/99",null,null,"    Hempstar",null,null,"    NL#5 X Hawaiian",null,"    Silver Haze"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Afghani #1",null,null,"    Colombian Widow",null,null,"    Himalayan Gold",null,null,"    Northern Berry",null,"    Silver Pearl"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    AK-47",null,null,"    Cotton Candy",null,null,"    Hindu Kush",null,null,"    Northern Lights",null,"    Skunk #1"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Amstel Gold a.k.a. Passion #1",null,null,"    Cream Sodica",null,null,"    Hollands Hope",null,null,"    Northern Lights #1",null,"    Skunk #1 - Basic 5 hybrid"]
[{"$nulls":6},"(hypertext)",{"$nulls":34},"    Amsterdam Flame",null,null,"    Domino",null,null,"    Hollandsch Hoop",null,null,"    Northern Lights #2 a.k.a Oasis",null,"    Skunk Indica"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Apollo 11",null,null,"    Double Bubble",null,null,"    Huron (Niagara X White Widow)",null,null,"    Northern Lights #5",null,"    Skunk Passion"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Apollo 11/13",null,null,"    Durban",null,null,"    Jack Flash",null,null,"    Northern Lights #5 X Haze",null,"    Skunk Red Hair"]
[{"$nulls":3},"194 Ganja Strain Listings (By Region)",{"$nulls":6},"Use either hypertext list to access",{"$nulls":30},"    Aurora Borealis",null,null,"    Durban Poison",null,null,"    Jack Herer",null,null,"    Northern Lights #9",null,"    Slyder"]
[{"$nulls":9},"           «","Ganja Strain Database",{"$nulls":30},"    B-52",null,null,"    Durban Poison X Mighty Might",null,null,"    Jack Herer x Haze",null,null,"    Northern Lights X Shiva",null,"    Smokey Bear"]
[{"$nulls":3},"194 Ganja Strain Listings (Alphabetical Order)",{"$nulls":6},"(Lots of info/pics)",{"$nulls":30},"    Bazooka",null,null,"    Durban Thai x Cinderella 99",null,null,"    K2",null,null,"    Oakland Indica",null,"    South Indian x Skunk #1"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    BC Big Bud",null,null,"    Durban X Skunk",null,null,"    Kali Mist (a.k.a. Western Winds)",null,null,"    Orange Bud",null,"    Special K"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    BC Hash Plant",null,null,"    Durban/Thai",null,null,"    KC 33",null,null,"    Orange Strains",null,"    StoneBlue"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Origins of Sativas & Indicas",{"$nulls":37},"    BC Skunk",null,null,"    Durga Mata",null,null,"    KC36",null,null,"    Original Haze",null,"    Stonehedge"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Beatrix Choice",null,null,"    Dutch Dragon ®",null,null,"    Kerala Skunk",null,null,"    Original Misty",null,"    Strawberry Blonde"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Strain Notes",{"$nulls":37},"    Big Bud",null,null,"    Early Bud",null,null,"    Kong",null,null,"    Peak 19",null,"    Super Chrystal"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Big Bud x Skunk #1",null,null,"    Early Girl",null,null,"    Kush",null,null,"    Pluton 2",null,"    Super Haze"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Big Mac",null,null,"    Early Pearl",null,null,"    Kush X Mighty Mite",null,null,"    Pole Cat",null,"    Super Silver Haze"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Chronology of The War On Drugs (Neal Smith)",{"$nulls":37},"    Big Sur Holy Weed",null,null,"    Early Riser",null,null,"    Lady Widow",null,null,"    Polm – a.k.a. Jack Herer",null,"    Super Skunk"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Big Treat",null,null,"    Early Skunk",null,null,"    Lambsbread Skunk",null,null,"    Power Plant",null,"    Swazi"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Multinational Corporations And The War On Drugs (Damuzi)",{"$nulls":37},"    Black Domina",null,null,"    Eclipse",null,null,"    Leda Uno",null,null,"    Princess 75",null,"    Swazi X Skunk"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Black Hawaiian",null,null,"    El Nino",null,null,"    Leda Uno x Northern Lights",null,null,"    Pure Haze",null,"    Sweet Tooth"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Cognitive Liberty Part I (Richard Glen Boire, Esq)",{"$nulls":37},"    Blue Moonshine",null,null,"    Euforia",null,null,"    M39",null,null,"    Purple #1",null,"    Swiss Miss"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Blue Mountain Jamaican",null,null,"    Five-in-One",null,null,"    Malawi",null,null,"    Purple Haze",null,"    Texada Timewarp"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Cognitive Liberty Part 2 (Richard Glen Boire, Esq)",{"$nulls":37},"    Blue Velvet",null,null,"    Flo",null,null,"    Malawi Gold",null,null,"    Purple High",null,"    Thai"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Blue Widow",null,null,"    Fourway #1",null,null,"    Mango",null,null,"    Purple Skunk",null,"    Top 44"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Disquisition On The War On Drugs (Richard Glen Boire, Esq)",{"$nulls":37},"    BlueBell",null,null,"    G-13",null,null,"    Mangolian Indica",null,null,"    Purple Star",null,"    Trance"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Blueberry",null,null,"    Great White Shark",null,null,"    Masterkush",null,null,"    Romberry",null,"    Twilight",null,"»Back To Index"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Bolivian",null,null,"    Green Spirit",null,null,"    Matanuska Tundra",null,null,"    Romulan",null,"    Two Blue"]
[{"$nulls":3},"GrowGuide",{"$nulls":37},"    Bubbleberry",null,null,"    Hawaiian Indica",null,null,"    Mazar",null,null,"    Rosetta Stone",null,"    Valley Girl"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Marijuana Growers Guide (Frank/Rosenthal)",{"$nulls":37},"    Bubbleberry X Williams Wonder",null,null,"   Hawaiian Indica x Skunk #1",null,null,"    MCW (Mighty Mite x Chemo x W.Widow)",null,null,"    Ruderalis",null,"    Voodoo"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Marijuana Botany Chs 1-4 (Robert Connell Clarke)",{"$nulls":37},"    BubbleGum",null,null,"    Hawaiian/Skunk",null,null,"    Mighty Mite",null,null,"    Ruderalis Indica",null,"    Western Winds"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Buddha",null,null,"    Haze #1",null,null,"    Misty",null,null,"    Sage",null,"    White Rhino"]
[{"$nulls":3},"Seedbanks",{"$nulls":37},"    California Indica",null,null,"    Haze #19",null,null,"    Mullimbimby Madness",null,null,"    Sage x Big Sur",null,"    White Russian"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    California Orange",null,null,"    Haze Skunk",null,null,"    Nebula",null,null,"    Sensi Skunk",null,"    White Widow"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Californian Dream",null,null,"    Haze Strains",null,null,"    Neville’s Haze",null,null,"    Sensi Star",null,"    White Widow X Northern Lights #5"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Cambodian",null,null,"    Haze X Northern Lights",null,null,"    Niagara",null,null,"    Shaman",null,"    Williams Wonder"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Champagne",null,null,"    Haze#19 x Skunk#1",null,null,"    Niagara VE",null,null,"    Shishkeberry",null,"    Willy Jack Jack Herer"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Chemo",{"$nulls":5},"    Niagara X Shiva",null,null,"    Shiva",null,"    Yumbolt"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Chitral",{"$nulls":5},"    Night Queen",null,null,"    Shiva Shanti I and II"]
[{"$nulls":41},"    Chronic",{"$nulls":8},"    Shiva Skunk"]
{"$rows_empty":9}
["Region: New World Strains - ",null,null,"Region: European Strains - ",null,null,"Region: Indo-Asian Strains - ",{"$nulls":3},"Region: African Strains"]
["The Americas, Hawaii and Caribbean",null,null,"Holland and Switzerland",null,null,"Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia"]
[]
["Big Bud Strains",null,null,"BubbleGum Strains",null,null,"Afghani Strains",{"$nulls":3},"Durban Strains"]
["    BC Big Bud",null,null,"    Bubbleberry",null,null,"    Afghani",{"$nulls":3},"    Durban"]
["    Big Bud",null,null,"    Bubbleberry X Williams Wonder",null,null,"    Afghani #1",{"$nulls":3},"    Durban Poison"]
["    Big Bud x Skunk #1",null,null,"    BubbleGum",null,null,"    Californian Dream",{"$nulls":3},"    Durban Poison X Mighty Might"]
["    Green Spirit",null,null,"    Double Bubble",null,null,"    Mazar",{"$nulls":3},"    Durban X Skunk"]
["Blueberry Strains",null,null,"Jack Herer Strains",null,null,"Kush Strains",{"$nulls":3},"    Durban/Thai"]
["    Blue Moonshine",null,null,"    Apollo 11/13",null,null,"    Hindu Kush",{"$nulls":3},"Uncategorized Strains"]
["    Blue Velvet",null,null,"    Cinderella 88/99",null,null,"    Kush",{"$nulls":3},"    Malawi"]
["    Blue Widow",null,null,"    Jack Flash",null,null,"    Masterkush",{"$nulls":3},"    Malawi Gold"]
["    BlueBell",null,null,"    Jack Herer",null,null,"    Smokey Bear",{"$nulls":3},"    Power Plant"]
["    Blueberry",null,null,"    Jack Herer x Haze",null,null,"Ruderalis Strains",{"$nulls":3},"    Swazi"]
["    Flo",null,null,"    Polm – a.k.a. Jack Herer",null,null,"    Ruderalis",{"$nulls":3},"    Swazi X Skunk"]
["    Northern Berry",null,null,"    Princess 75",null,null,"    Ruderalis Indica"]
["    Romberry",null,null,"    Rosetta Stone",null,null,"Shiva Strains"]
["    Shishkeberry",null,null,"    Willy Jack Jack Herer",null,null,"    Shiva"]
["    StoneBlue",null,null,"KC 33 Strains",null,null,"    Shiva Shanti I and II"]
["    Two Blue",null,null,"    KC 33",null,null,"Southeast Asian"]
["Central and South American",null,null,"    Leda Uno",null,null,"    Cambodian"]
["    Colombian Widow",null,null,"    Leda Uno x Northern Lights",null,null,"Uncategorized Strains"]
["Durban Strains",null,null,"    Mango",null,null,"    AK-47"]
["    Durban Thai x Cinderella 99",null,null,"Purple Strains",null,null,"    Himalayan Gold"]
["Hawaiian Strains",null,null,"    Purple #1",null,null,"    Kerala Skunk"]
["    Black Hawaiian",null,null,"    Purple Haze",null,null,"    Mangolian Indica"]
["    Cotton Candy",null,null,"    Purple High",null,null,"    Mullimbimby Madness"]
["    Hawaiian Indica",null,null,"    Purple Skunk",null,null,"    Slyder"]
["   Hawaiian Indica x Skunk #1",null,null,"    Purple Star",null,null,"    South Indian x Skunk #1"]
["    Hawaiian/Skunk",null,null,"    Shaman",null,null,"    Special K"]
["    NL#5 X Hawaiian",null,null,"Trinity Strains",null,null,"    Super Chrystal"]
["Haze Strains",null,null,"    Buddha",null,null,"    Thai"]
["    Haze #1",null,null,"    Hempstar",null,null,"    Voodoo"]
["    Haze #19",null,null,"White Widow Strains"]
["    Haze Skunk",null,null,"    Great White Shark"]
["    Haze Strains",null,null,"    K2"]
["    Haze X Northern Lights",null,null,"    Lady Widow"]
["    Haze#19 x Skunk#1",null,null,"    Misty",{"$nulls":6},"»Back To Index"]
["    Neville’s Haze",null,null,"    Original Misty"]
["    Northern Lights #5 X Haze",null,null,"    White Rhino"]
["    Original Haze",null,null,"    White Russian"]
["    Pure Haze",null,null,"    White Widow"]
["    Silver Haze",null,null,"    White Widow X Northern Lights #5"]
["    Super Haze",null,null,"Uncategorized Strains"]
["    Super Silver Haze",null,null,"    Amsterdam Flame"]
["Mighty Mite Strains",null,null,"    Black Domina"]
["    Kush X Mighty Mite",null,null,"    Chitral"]
["    MCW (Mighty Mite x Chemo x W.Widow)",null,null,"    Chronic"]
["    Mighty Mite",null,null,"    Domino"]
["Niagara Strains",null,null,"    Durga Mata"]
["    Huron (Niagara X White Widow)",null,null,"    Dutch Dragon ®"]
["    Niagara",null,null,"    Early Riser"]
["    Niagara VE",null,null,"    Eclipse"]
["    Niagara X Shiva",null,null,"    El Nino"]
["Northern Lights Strains",null,null,"    Five-in-One"]
["    Aurora Borealis",null,null,"    Fourway #1"]
["    M39",null,null,"    Hollands Hope"]
["    Northern Lights",null,null,"    Hollandsch Hoop"]
["    Northern Lights #1",null,null,"    KC36"]
["    Northern Lights #2 a.k.a Oasis",null,null,"    Nebula"]
["    Northern Lights #5",null,null,"    Night Queen"]
["    Northern Lights #9",null,null,"    Peak 19"]
["    Northern Lights X Shiva",null,null,"    Pluton 2"]
["Orange Strains",null,null,"    Sensi Star"]
["    California Indica",null,null,"    Silver Pearl"]
["    California Orange",null,null,"    Stonehedge"]
["    Orange Bud",null,null,"    Swiss Miss"]
["    Orange Strains",null,null,"    Top 44"]
["Sage Strains",null,null,"    Twilight"]
["    Sage",null,null,"    Valley Girl"]
["    Sage x Big Sur"]
["Skunk Strains"]
["    Apollo 11"]
["    B-52"]
["    BC Skunk"]
["    Big Treat"]
["    Euforia"]
["    Lambsbread Skunk"]
["    Pole Cat"]
["    Sensi Skunk"]
["    Shiva Skunk"]
["    Skunk #1"]
["    Skunk #1 - Basic 5 hybrid",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
["    Skunk Indica"]
["    Skunk Passion"]
["    Skunk Red Hair"]
["    Super Skunk"]
["    Trance"]
[" Uncategorized Strains"]
["    Amstel Gold a.k.a. Passion #1"]
["    Bazooka"]
["    BC Hash Plant"]
["    Beatrix Choice"]
["    Big Mac"]
["    Big Sur Holy Weed"]
["Blue Mountain Jamaican"]
["    Bolivian"]
["    Champagne"]
["    Chemo"]
["    Cream Sodica"]
["    Early Bud"]
["    Early Girl"]
["    Early Pearl"]
["    Early Skunk"]
["    G-13"]
["    Kali Mist (a.k.a. Western Winds)"]
["    Kong"]
["    Matanuska Tundra"]
["    Oakland Indica"]
["    Romulan"]
["    Strawberry Blonde"]
["    Sweet Tooth"]
["    Texada Timewarp"]
["    Western Winds",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
["    Williams Wonder"]
["    Yumbolt"]
{"$rows_empty":62}
["Region: New World Strains - The Americas, Hawaii and Caribbean"]
[]
["                Family: Big Bud Strains"]
[]
["                              Strain: BC Big Bud"]
["                              Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Oregon/British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                              Images:  "]
["                              Description:"]
[]
["                              “BC Big Bud is a stabilized 65% indica/35% sativa, the Dutch Big Bud (Sensi) is all indica. BC Big Bud has"]
["                              tremendous resin, its the crystally bud on the cover of the Cannabis Culture #18 (Steve Kubby header), and a"]
["                              citrusy scent. Usually only available in clone, (hence the crosses, its usually the female in those Romulan x BC"]
["                              Big Bud or Mikado x BC Big Bud), it is now available in seed (pure) at $50 CN/$40 US for 10 seeds. Giant seeds,"]
["                              largest I have (not that that information has meaning, seed size has no relevance despite what mythology"]
["                              persists about them). Very nice smoke, the Dutch Big Bud can be a good yielder like BC Big Bud but the high is"]
["                              superior in the BC Big Bud version. The leaves in the BC Big Bud variety are more sativa like.” – Marc Emery"]
[]
["                              Specifications:"]
["                              none"]
["                              Growers Comments:"]
["                              none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Big Bud "]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Winner of the Cannabis Cup in 1989. Mostly Indica. All plants have guaranteed high yields, 25% has"]
["                             something special to it. Usually the lower branches collapse under the weight of the buds. Cash cropper’s"]
["                             delight."]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 7.5-8.5 weeks – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Ed Rosenthal says Big Bud came from Portland, Oregon.” "]
[]
["                             “The Big Bud was the same as usual. The buds are large for sure, but this strain just doesn’t do it for me. They"]
["                             reached about 15 inches in height and yielded at least an ounce each. I've grown this strain 2 times before"]
["                             and to be honest I thought it came out poorly originally because they were my first crops, but even this latest"]
["                             batch, which was grown and dried as perfect as I have ever done, still pales as far as potency goes. This will be"]
["                             the last time I take up space with this strain.” – James Hetfield"]
[]
["                             “While I'm not going to say that Big Bud isn't a good strain, it's not as magical as many people seem to think."]
["                             The main problem is the name, Big Bud, everyone expects massive buds. They are big, but not significantly"]
["                             larger than many other top strains. The potency is good but not knock you off your feet good. There is huge"]
["                             variations from plant to plant, some are killer and deserving of some of the legends, but the majority are just"]
["                             typical(of high quality strains). Overall, a good plant as long as you don't expect miracles. I just finished a"]
["                             bowl of it myself.” "]
[]
["                             “Friend has been growing supposed BB for a while now, and let me say that the BB from Sensi I grew and"]
["                             selected a perfect mother (maybe just great luck?), but mine sure is different. Much greener, tastier, more"]
["                             potent, amazing. 8-10 in my opinion. But even Sensi says that 25% are \"Special\". So I'd advise germing the"]
["                             whole batch (pack ) of seed as to give yourself a better shot at a primo Mom! Good luck dude. If you never"]
["                             grew any exotics before, try an easier strain. You really kind of need to know what your doing (selection wise).”"]
["                             – Bdubs"]
[]
["                             “Piece of crap - hard to clone. I grew a few seeds from a seedbank selling Sensi BB, and I’m glad I didn’t"]
["                             waste time and space with any more than 2 females. Maybe I was unlucky and didn’t score that hard to find"]
["                             large producer. Dunno. the plants were grown indoors under plenty of light. They were big in circumference, with"]
["                             spread out bud yield. I was expecting fatty kolas, but nope. It looked more like Holland/Canada Big Treat than"]
["                             BB is supposed to be. Anyway, that’s my two cents.” – dak"]
[]
["                             “Afoaf has a Posi Big Bud Mom that is 70% pistils ripe, with cloudy heads in about 43-45 days and it yields real"]
["                             nice. Its a real tough strain, eats ferts big time, not the strongest most devastating buzz, however it has a"]
["                             long duration 4 hours, but a repeat for sure, the strain has really \"grown on me.\" Its just an all-around good"]
["                             strain, now if it took 55-60 days it would be history, its speed to harvest is a big consideration.” –Budm"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Big Bud x Skunk #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Oregon/British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"(Big Bud x Skunk #1) 23.25 oz. Cured, VERY well manicured. Also made 2 lb of butter, that turned out way too"]
["                             strong) and 10 grams of hash. There were 8 1/2 plants grown from clone(one was a complete runt, I don't"]
["                             know why I even let her live). Plants were vegged in an aeroponic/NFT system for 3 weeks under a 1000MH with"]
["                             an AgroSun bulb. They were about 18-20 inches tall when switched. Each plant was topped twice. Flowering was"]
["                             in an NFT system. The first 2 weeks a single 1000MH w/ AgroSun was used. A second identical light was added"]
["                             at the third week. Flowering took about 70 days. These were the most crystallized plants of this variety that"]
["                             I've ever grown. Slow cured over 1 1/2 months. First on newspaper, then into paper bags, then into mason jars."]
["                             Smell is incredible. High is incredible. Normally I find BB a little less potent that I'd like. This crop just floors"]
["                             me. High starts out mellow, upbeat, then when you start the second round of bong hits it just hits you like a"]
["                             wave. Immediate couch melt. Cancel your plans, you're not going anywhere. But it lets your mind stay"]
["                             somewhat sharp, which is the best thing about it. Overall I was pretty pleased with this harvest. I had a couple"]
["                             of problems in the early weeks of flowering with mites, and then nearer the end the cold started to set in a bit."]
["                             So considering that I was pleased with the yield. Although it did suffer the typical Big Bud problem of slightly"]
["                             looser buds. I had one plant that was a monster! A good 8 inches taller than all the other plants, I ended up"]
["                             having to tie her down. 4 huge colas each around 4x11. That plant probably yielded almost 4 ounces alone.\" -"]
["                             Content"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Green Spirit"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Green Spirit is a hybrid of Big Bud and Skunk #1. Was developed because Big Bud itself is not a very"]
["                             consistent strain, with very big differences among individual plants. By crossing Big Bud and Skunk #1, Green"]
["                             Spirit became quite homogeneous. Good results under artificial lights. Clear and strong high. The plants have"]
["                             an explosive flowering trait and are extremely resinous. Very high yield."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Nov.” - Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Green Spirit is a short resiny 8 week strain that crystals up nicely and has a real bomb taste. The only"]
["                             drawback I see is the mold susceptibility trait inherited from its Skunk#1 forefathers.\"-Mcgee"]
{"$rows_empty":9}
["                      Family: Blueberry Strains"]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Blue Moonshine"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: D.J. Short  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A super potent Blueberry Indica, coated with a strong concentration of tall standing trichomes. This produces a"]
["                             long lasting very narcotic experience ~ body high blueberry. Short (80 cm) stout kush plants that produce"]
["                             dense, tight, rock hard nuggets of trichome coated bud. A true \"hash-plant.\""]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 9-10 weeks ~ Harvest: mid Nov.” –Heaven’s Stairway catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Blue Moonshine IS NOT a White Widow cross. It is similar to the \"Whites\" only in its glandular resin coating."]
["                             Blue Moonshine is a cousin to Blueberry, and is derived entirely from within my personal gene pool collection.”"]
["                             - D.J. Short "]
[]
["                             “I liked it a lot. It's mellow, weird, trippy yet down to earth. I crossed it with my best NL female and so far,"]
["                             NL-BM smells like heaven. I'd say it smells like Bubblegum, but I know there's a strain out there with that"]
["                             name. But that's just what it smells like (right now.)"]
["                             So anyway, I found B.M. a lot like the description; strong but don't get it if you want your ass kicked (it isn't"]
["                             that way.) However, if you like mellow, different stones, I highly recommend it. Yield pretty good; nugs too"]
["                             hard if such a thing exists, quick: takes about two months or so; sorry I'm too busy to get terribly scientific"]
["                             about it. (and as I grow in about 12 CUBIC feet, you don't want my numbers. I doubt anyone shares them.)"]
["                             And these are only my experiences and current opinion. I reserve the right to change my mind, which I may."]
["                             Oddly, I'm just not sure about the Blue Moonshine, which is weird because I have an opinion on all others."]
["                             Going to start all B.M. beans soon (Moving to bigger local and I swear I'm starting every bean in my"]
["                             possession when I get there (and I'm going totally organic!)) and I'll know my opinion better then. "]
["                             Blue moonshine wouldn't be my choice if I could only grow one strain. But I'm superstoked to have it.” -stonerg"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Blue Velvet"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: D.J. Short  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “An Oregon-Thai cross with blue hues and elevating energetic high. This is our most pure and oldest sativa"]
["                             strain. She is truly a queen of the cannabis court and a favorite for 70's sativa lovers. Wrap these velvety buds"]
["                             on a stick and create your own royal scepter."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications ~ Type: mostly Sativa, indoor. Start vegetate: 1 week after roots show. Flowering time: 65-70"]
["                             days. Average height: 1-1.5 m. Yield: 250-300 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I like it ok as an outdoor plant. The flavor is very good, the high is not bad. The buds, and yield are a bit low."]
["                             I crossed it with a WW and WOW. Will try and get some photos of it up. I would say it does MUCH better"]
["                             outside than indoors.\" - ncga"]
{"$rows_empty":7}
["                             Strain: Blue Widow"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: NCGA  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Blueberry (female from British Columbia) x White Widow (Aloha male) APPEARANCE: Very short plant -up to 80"]
["                             cm- with short to medium internodes, no central stalk but rather many stems forming a bush almost as wide as"]
["                             tall. Fat indica dark green leaves turn more slender when flowering. Very consistent -height, nodes and density"]
["                             are all very uniform. BUDS: Budding is slow at first, then it explodes with orange hairs forming thick, rock-solid"]
["                             clusters covered in abundant shiny glands, all possessing an unmistakable blue hue to the tops. Good side"]
["                             branching will form dense solid buds with much resin everywhere in-between small thick leaves. TASTE / SMELL:"]
["                             Smelling like a strong house cleaner that tingles the nose, it is extremely tasty, with a sweet hashy berry flavor"]
["                             that explodes in the lungs. HIGH: Very strong, nice up, clear high -exhilarating, floaty, very visual buzz. It is"]
["                             more powerful, and has a much better high than either blueberry or white widow, but is not very heavy. YIELD:"]
["                             It is high, being an easy to grow plant. Budding is slow at first, but then explodes with thick solid clusters with"]
["                             orange hairs and a very high calyx-to-leaf ratio. The AK-47 is a good yielding plant indoors but the BlueWidow"]
["                             will out yield it (NCGA)."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Very short plant -up to 80 cm- with short to medium internodes, no central stalk but rather many stems"]
["                             forming a bush almost as wide as tall. Fat indica dark green leaves turn more slender when flowering. Very"]
["                             consistent -height, nodes and density are all very uniform."]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             Top 3 NCGA´s strains in potency according to Marcel (NCGA assistant): BlueWidow (hands down the best so"]
["                             far); G13 crosses; any NC5 series cross.” – NCGA"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “When looking at the BlueWidow it does best indoors. It does well outdoors but start it indoors under natural"]
["                             day length, clone it then place it outdoors. I found when it was grown outdoors from seed it tends to make a"]
["                             single 6 ft bud. Not the best use of space. When cloned though it reaches the same 6 ft but yields about four"]
["                             times as much. Harvest date outdoors California is 2nd week in October. If you can go to the 3rd or 4th its just"]
["                             wonderful and did well in the SF can cup.” -ncga"]
[]
["                             “I have grown out a Blueberry x White Widow cross, BlueWidow. It is a definite keeper in my grow. It has the"]
["                             strong berry taste(very strong) and a kickass buzz, more than just blueberry itself. It matures in 45-50 days"]
["                             with a moderate yield, but yielded more than my NL strain. I will do a new grow with BlueWidow and C99. 2"]
["                             awesome strains. you wont find BW but a F2 is out there called TwoBlue. Taste and Buzz are the most"]
["                             important things IMO.” -HJ"]
[]
["                             “Here's a great tip for you people just starting out. Don’t get caught in the hype about how great Sensi,"]
["                             Serious, Sagarmatha and Greenhouse are. They are very good but they are just very good commercial pot. The"]
["                             strains have been around in some form or other for 5 to 10 years and lots of them have lost their original zip."]
["                             However... some of the new ones by NCGA tip the scales at excellent. Blue Widow is more powerful and has"]
["                             much better high than Sags Blueberry and Greenhouse white widow. Stoneblue absolutely destroys the original"]
["                             Stonehedge and Blueberry that it was made from. Stronger, sweeter with bigger buds that still have distinct"]
["                             blueberry. The reason NCGA´s strains are so much better is because of hybrid vigor. Not to mention their price"]
["                             is much much better.\" -Merry Gary."]
[]
["                             \"Supposed to be rock hard nuggets, very crystal-covered with a strong smell. not a great yield, but worth it. The"]
["                             originator of this cross said it lost some of the funky sweetness when crossed with the Widow-- that the smell is"]
["                             more pungent and harsh. Potency is supposed to be sky high... Most of us are just starting to flower it so the"]
["                             first results are from those who crossed the strain. (Some of us here have known each other for a while and"]
["                             have some of the same hybrids.)\""]
[]
["                             \"I have the blue/widow at 43 days 12/12. I began flowering when nodes staggered. I don`t think it will be more"]
["                             than a fair yielder, but I think this is going to be a very potent strain. The leaf from this is as strong as our"]
["                             area commercial buds. This is one NC strain that could become INFAMOUS!\""]
[]
["                             \"Well I can tell you about BlueWidow or (BW) I'm the one that had the idea for this strain to cross with a very"]
["                             nice blueberry mother...BW grows short to medium nodes fat fan leaves that will go more sativa as it enters"]
["                             flowering...the budding is slow at first been then explodes.... She produces nice thick solid clusters with orange"]
["                             hairs very high calyx/to leaf ratio.... Smell like a strong house cleaner that tingles the nose and strong hashy"]
["                             berry taste...high is very strong nice up not very heavy high. Hope this helps.\""]
[]
["                             \"BW is very nice STRONG body high but if your looking for something quite clear and focused...I would go with"]
["                             Kali Mist its VERY up and super clear great sativa energy, although BW is very nice yielder of solid buds the Kali"]
["                             I have yields quite good and is quite dense def. not what I've heard or it description says. It gotta a very nice"]
["                             spicy with incense tones taste...I love it I got 9 clones ready to go with 9 AK.AK is heavy slammin high but very"]
["                             nice. So if you want a clear focused high then go for Kali. If your want a slammin buzz then you would want"]
["                             AK...and if you want an EASY high yielding plant BW would be your choice. Happy hunting.\""]
[]
["                             \"My mcw's and BW's, as most of the ncga strains so far, have shown pre-flowers after 4-6 weeks of continuous"]
["                             light, it probably is the WW in them. By contrast, I am growing a few NL x Afg and J.H. mix; these plants do not"]
["                             show their sex so quickly. As the BlueWidow enters flowering the leaves go from thick indica to more slender"]
["                             sativa the side branching starts to fill out more. Should be some big colas and nuggs BlueWidow and it is a"]
["                             very good high exhilarating floaty very visual buzz. Another shrub! Looks like a little less yield on this 1, but"]
["                             still drying too so... Early samples were EXTREMELY tasty! My growing partner lost his sense of smell and taste"]
["                             in a freak deal and even he prefers this 1 for flavor. He says he can taste a strong sample on occasion...I"]
["                             thought that said something for it. It’s a good buzz too, but didn't seem to last as long as the others (keep in"]
["                             mind I only have 2 goin'). J VERY CLEAR high taste spicy sweet height nodes density are all the same with"]
["                             BlueWidow.\""]
[]
["                             \"Those of you that are growing the BlueWidow are growing a very good strain short nodes thick dark green"]
["                             leaves in fact its very short I have a mother that’s 31 and hasn't got much taller than that when u flower her its"]
["                             a bombshell thick dense ROCK SOLID buds covered in so much glands it almost hurts the eyes to look at it"]
["                             and a strong smell that hurts the nose a bit its sweet hashy berry taste that explodes the lungs VERY STRONG."]
["                             IMO better than pure blueberry. You will fall in love with this hybrid very short, good side branching buds will"]
["                             form in thick rock solid clusters and have sooo much resin everywhere in between small thick leaves has a"]
["                             smell that tingles the nose a sweet berry taste that goes BOOM in your lungs:). I tried some leaf from it 10"]
["                             days into 12/12,and I must say very impressive. I always sample a little female leaf after sexing the plants. I"]
["                             have tried leaf from MCW, nc#5,nc#3,REW and the BlueWidow is in a class of its own. can’t wait to try the"]
["                             finished product. I have finished some of the BW. It's gonna be a keeper for our purposes. I too have noticed"]
["                             this strange growth pattern described below. My partner kept saying \" the plants don’t have any center stalks,"]
["                             then they grow another node!” I wondered if he was nuts at first (he is, but that’s beside the point), but he"]
["                             described it to a tee. Thanks for the insight and education Bang! The plants are uniform and almost as wide as"]
["                             they are tall. They all possess the unmistakable blue hue to the tops and a flavor and aroma that leaves me"]
["                             wanting more. It isn’t the most powerful stone we have, but the flavor more than makes up for that.\""]
[]
["                             \"I took 6 clones off one and the growth pattern is unusual. Instead of growing a main stem like most plants,"]
["                             this seems to have many smaller stems like a bush. I am only about 10 days into flowering, so I am curious"]
["                             as to what kind of bud formation to expect. Leaf is usually a good indicator and this leaf \"kicks ass\"!"]
[]
["                             Vic, I can see your concern about colchicine but you are in luck. Ncga has taken blueberry and crossed it with"]
["                             other killer strains to get crosses that are even BETTER than the blueberry. StoneBlue which is a cross of"]
["                             Stonehedge and Blueberry has got to be one of the best ever strains. Blue widow is almost as good sacrificing"]
["                             a LITTLE bit of potency for flavor and quality of high.\" -NCGA"]
[]
["                             \"I have 2 sets of Blue Widows, the first set is two clones at the end of their 5th week of 12/12, both stand"]
["                             about 32\" (80 cm) and are almost identical, glistening with a thick coating of resin. They are also kinda bushy"]
["                             since I took the clones when the mother plant was almost done flowering, so the clones had to rejuvenate. My"]
["                             second set is of 3 seedlings; they are also quite uniform. They are all on their 7th node, still parallel"]
["                             branching. One does have a thicker trunk than the other two, but I attribute that to having more room root"]
["                             growth, they have all since been transplanted to larger pots.\"- Japedo"]
[]
["                             \"I'm currently growing his StoneBlue, MCW, nc5 and BW but unfortunately have yet to sample any... but I can"]
["                             say ALL germinated (in soil) and all are now knee to waist high after a mid-march planting. They are all very"]
["                             healthy, bushy, nice color and of the other strains now growing, his seem to be the fastest (well, the MCW is a"]
["                             bit slow but they are coming). The BW is the most impressive of the entire garden, though. If it smokes like it"]
["                             looks, it’s a winner! Wish I could give a critique on the potency/taste... ask me this fall.\" - m.g."]
[]
["                             “My two from-seed BW's look close to done, but I'm trying to restrain myself. I always wind up harvesting about"]
["                             a week earlier than I should. The upper leaves on the smaller one have now turned a robust purple, kind of"]
["                             like Japanese maple leaves. Very exotic looking and very resinous, but alas such a low yeilder. Her big sister is"]
["                             really coming around though and looks about a week and a half from harvest…."]
["                             Harvested around Day 60 and 61 - 2 BW from seed, each very different. 6 clones with 3 weeks left."]
["                             Smaller, more resinous, very-purple girl was a low yeilder (31g from a manicured 18\" plant w/ 4 colas). Smooth"]
["                             and fragrant with a very up high. Such a clear, functional high, in fact, that one wonders if they are still high"]
["                             after only half an hour or so."]
["                             Larger plant was a better yeilder, 46g 24\" topped plant with 4 dominant colas and 2 smallish ones. For all the"]
["                             difference in looks, the high is very similar. Energized, not wiped out. All in all it was a fun project and I've got"]
["                             6 more clones coming along with a mother under floros. May keep a bit of the BW around for a while.” – D."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: BlueBell"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California  Breeder: NCGA  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Early flowering will also tend to produce hermies. It is best to wait for the plant to develop sexually before"]
["                             flowering it. My BlueBell is a great example of an OUTDOOR plant. I have grown it and several of my patients"]
["                             do also. But they use my natural day length method or grow it outdoors. The results have been zero hermies."]
["                             Yet when it hit the market I got several email complaining about it being a hermy. Now that it is only"]
["                             recommended for outdoors this problem have been reduced to zero.” –ncga"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"This is by far the best plant I've ever had. I grew her to about 2 feet under flouros (24/7) then cut back to"]
["                             12/12 for a couple of weeks before transferring her to the HID bud room. Plant really stretched at that point for"]
["                             the first few days and then I noticed that my HPS light was coming on, then powering off, and then coming"]
["                             back on over and over again. Bought a new bulb and the plant quit stretching. At this point the buds took off,"]
["                             at about golf ball size the top calyxes turned dark, bright pink and the small leaves around the buds frosted"]
["                             themselves with THC glands. This happened very fast. "]
["                             I had a male that looked a lot like the female BlueBell so I grew him long enough to get pollen and seeded"]
["                             one of the branches. This seemed to make the plant respond with additional calyxes on all the buds (maybe"]
["                             just a timing thing?). Seeds are getting very large."]
["                             Plant is extremely easy to clone. It had approximately 20 nodes and I took the bottom 10 for clones. Even a"]
["                             small side bud with a 1/2\" of stem rooted ok. They seemed to have a hard time breaking out of bud mode"]
["                             back into veg mode but are growing very fast now. "]
["                             After a week out of town and my plant only being fed once a day, most of the pink coloring on the buds is"]
["                             gone. The frosting of THC is at ridiculous levels. Fan that was blowing on the top of the plant got turned off"]
["                             course a little and looks like the plant tried to save itself from the heat by coating its top buds (all that’s left"]
["                             thanks to over active pre harvest testing) with THC. Smoke now tastes more and more like hashish and is"]
["                             losing the berry like aroma."]
["                             Probably could grow the buds another 2 weeks but have a bunch of clones outgrowing their space in the veg"]
["                             room. Seems like you can harvest this beauty a little early for the berry tasting high or wait for them to finish"]
["                             to get the hashish tasting smoke that about knocks me out on 2 hits. Smoking the small frosted bud leaves"]
["                             gives me a strong rush that lasts for a minute or so.\" – tokertoo"]
[]
["                             “I harvested my first \"full garden\" of BlueBells. Growing 12 clones in a 10 sq.ft. room gave me 10 oz of"]
["                             manicured buds. Started to clear at 36 days into flower and harvested at 45. This batch was very fast. Buds are"]
["                             almost white with THC and sticky as glue. I sprouted a few seeds that I made from the BLB Mom but they"]
["                             looked really weak and could not keep up with the clones.” - Tokertoo"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Blueberry"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: D.J. Short  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3  4   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Blueberry is a mostly Indica (80% Indica, 20% Sativa) strain, that dates to the late 1970’s. A large producer"]
["                             under optimum conditions. A dense and stout plant with red, purple and finally blue hues that usually cure to a"]
["                             lavender blue. The finished product has a very fruity aroma and taste of blueberry. It produces a notable and"]
["                             pleasantly euphoric high of the highest quality and is very long lasting. Medium to large calyxes.”Blueberry”"]
["                             has a long shelf life and stores well over a long period of time.\" - Dutch Passion catalog "]
[]
["                             “Another mostly Indica plant of superior quality. This fast maturing girl produces large, crystallized buds with"]
["                             natural occurring bluish hues. The berry taste is unmistakable and very pleasurable on the palate. A favored"]
["                             treat for all connoisseurs' Cannabis menu. Pick some Blueberry and have a happy, healthy harvest.\" –"]
["                             Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications: Flower: 6-7 weeks (45-55 days); Harvest: 2nd to 3rd week of Oct.; Height: 0.7-1 metres (2-3"]
["                             feet); Yield: 300-325 grams per sq. metre.” – Dutch Passion seed catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: 1-2 weeks after roots show. Clip"]
["                             center cola. Flowering time: 45-55 days. Average height: 0.7-1 m.Yield: 300-325 grams / m2 (dried).” –"]
["                             Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Blueberry is a mostly Indica (80% Indica, 20% Sativa) strain, that dates to the late 1970’s. A large producer"]
["                             under optimum conditions. A dense and stout plant with red, purple and finally blue hues that usually cure to a"]
["                             lavender blue. The finished product has a very fruity aroma and taste of blueberry. It produces a notable and"]
["                             pleasantly euphoric high of the highest quality and is very long lasting. Medium to large calyxes.”Blueberry”"]
["                             has a long shelf life and stores well over a long period of time. "]
[]
["                             \"I think all the seedbank versions of blueberry originate with DJ Short, but he was not the first to create it. I"]
["                             think he improved upon it though. Also, I think blueberry is predominately a fruity Kush. And I think I"]
["                             remember reading in an earlier CC issue that DJ incorporated Thai into it to give that uplifting high.\" -Vic High"]
[]
["                             \"The name \"Afghan\" (indica) was assigned to the original P1 Afghan stock that came to me one generation"]
["                             removed from its region of origin via the northwest growing community (and to the plants grown from this"]
["                             stock). The name \"Hindu Kush\" was assigned to the \"Kush\" looking varieties that developed from the f2 (and"]
["                             beyond) crosses of the P1 Highland Thai (sativa)/P1 Afghan (indica), and, P1 Chocolate Thai-Oaxacaan"]
["                             (sativa)/ P1 Afghan (indica) crosses. The resulting F1's of the P1 cross were uniform hybrids. The f2's, f3's and"]
["                             beyond were universally diverse. Among the variance developed what came to be known as \"Hindu Kush\","]
["                             \"Sweet Kush\", \"Berry Kush\", \"Blueberry Kush\" (among others)."]
["                             To help clarify, allow me to describe the subtle differences that I observed between the two. Both grew short"]
["                             and stout with wide leaves and both matured early. The leaves of the Afghan had slightly shorter stems and"]
["                             were therefore closer to the main stem giving the Afghan a leafier look. The shorter stemmed Afghan leaves"]
["                             also tended to point more upward as they developed. The Afghan had more side branching, especially from"]
["                             the bottom of the plant. The Afghan also had a very distinct \"skunky-musky-earthen\" odor and a lighter green"]
["                             color compared to the Kush."]
["                             The Kush is the least leafy with long stemmed fan leaves that tended to droop more downward, exposing the"]
["                             dense, tight-to-the-stems buds (very little if any side branching) to more light during later maturity. Also, the"]
["                             fan leaves of the Kush were slightly wider (at the leaflet center) and \"rounder\" than the basic Afghan. The Kush"]
["                             became notorious as the easiest plant to manicure and trim due to the long-stemmed leaves, many of which"]
["                             fell off at maturity, and the trichome-drenched, fat, dense bud structure (with large swollen bracts and flowers)."]
["                             The Kush was also more colourful and sported a \"sweet-musky-earthen\" aroma, some with aroma like"]
["                             sweet-ripe berries. The name \"Hindu Kush\" was reinforced (and partially borrowed from) Robert Connell"]
["                             Clarke's Marijuana Botany as it seemed best to fit the description."]
["                             Therefore, \"Blueberry\" (et al) was selected not only from \"Hindu Kush\" (sweet, berry, or otherwise from my own"]
["                             f2 and beyond crosses) but inevitably derived from Afghan ancestry as well (the original P1 stock). Technically,"]
["                             the Hindu Kush region (Northeastern Himalayas) is associated with Afghanistan/Northwest Frontier north of"]
["                             Pakistan, but this has little to do with the specific names assigned to these strains. I hope this has helped to"]
["                             clarify somewhat."]
["                             The line in the strain description of Blueberry that states \"we developed Blueberry from new genetics\" was"]
["                             added (edited in) by Dutch Passion, my European distributor, for the European market. I simply authorized the"]
["                             Dutch Passion description for Marc's catalogue. Perhaps, at some point, I should re-do these descriptions."]
["                             No genetic stock outside my own material is used in the production of any of my own varieties. I am only"]
["                             interested in using pure, land-race varieties acclimated in their particular region of origin. Until more of these"]
["                             become available, I have plenty of my own stock (much still untested) to work with. Look for new varieties in"]
["                             the not too-distant future.\" - DJ Short"]
[]
["                             \"1) DJ Short is the original breeder to introduce blueberry to the commercial seed trade."]
["                             2) there are basically two phenotypes released to the public, the first Sagarmatha release, and all subsequent."]
["                             The first phenotype had thinner leaves and more blueberry flavour. The second phenotype is more vigorous,"]
["                             more vigorous, and although sweet and fruity, not quite as blueberry tasting. I've found the first phenotype"]
["                             twice, from a direct purchase with Emery, and then from seeds from a friend who bought the first batch direct"]
["                             from Sag."]
["                             3) Sag and DJ had a falling out, and Sag now sells DJ knockoffs. These are now of the second (wider leaf)"]
["                             phenotype."]
["                             4) Dutch Passion is now the European source for DJ Short genetics. These are now of the second (wider leaf)"]
["                             phenotype."]
["                             5) DJ Short delta 9 collection is the North American source of DJ's genetics. Again, these are now of the second"]
["                             (wider leaf) phenotype. They are available from several sources including Emery seeds and the Amsterdam"]
["                             cafe."]
["                             6) And yes you got it; BCGA version is a knockoff like the Sag version. But the difference is that it is a knockoff"]
["                             of the first (thinner leafed) phenotype.\" - Vic High"]
[]
["                             \"I used Blueberry from DP with great results, albeit in soil mix. Very consistent, tended to grow a bit taller than"]
["                             I expected. Yield was less than White Widow (which I grew along with BB) was, but potency and flavor good."]
["                             Re-vegging now and will use clones in hydro. I topped twice, but am planning to top only once or not at all in"]
["                             hydro. Stems appear a bit woody for cloning but I think this is a strain-specific trait. I used 'feminized' seeds"]
["                             with 4x4 results but I've seen posts where other growers didn't seem so enthusiastic about this variation. For"]
["                             me, the cost of power and the hassle of sexing made the choice a no-brainer.\" - Tokko"]
["                             <"]
["                             \"From 8 female blueberries grown from seed 4 were boring lowdown indica stone 1 quite zippy and 3 quite up"]
["                             and they put a smile on your face I like the last three and will save them for breeding.\"-Oldtimer"]
[]
["                             \"Buds from the two blueberry keepers are my most popular, although not most potent. The smoke is soo clean"]
["                             and sweet. It's like it actually clears your sinuses but with a sweet berry flavour. When being transported, it"]
["                             doesn't attract as much attention as my other main strains.\" -Vic High"]
[]
["                             \"I would not recommend blueberry unless you want to become an experienced grower quickly. Blueberry,"]
["                             although a quality plant, will test a beginner's ability. It's usually the first plant in my garden to tell me that"]
["                             I'm doing something wrong. If your a beginner, why not go with a proven such as NL5?\" - Vic High"]
[]
["                             “I would have to say to give Blueberry a shot. I received mine from BC Seeds, WOW. I used to grow with stash"]
["                             seeds. No more. Blueberry in 65 days budding time produced 1.8 Oz per s.f., with 55 watts per s.f., vented"]
["                             highly. The strength and the taste were a 10 on 1-10 with skunk #1 being a 5.”"]
[]
["                             BCGA: Blueberry and It’s Yields"]
[]
["                             “Blueberry - 10 seeds purchased from Marc Emery at Hemp BC. Reported to have been supplied by"]
["                             Sagarmatha Seeds. Reported to be mostly indica plant 2 - 3’ high that matures in 45 - 55 days. Reported to"]
["                             produce large crystalized buds with natural occurring blueish hues and an unmistakable berry taste and aroma."]
[]
["                             Of the ten seeds, I got 5 males and 5 females. They all started out looking very deformed with wrinkled leaves"]
["                             and variegation. At first I thought it was do to excessive inbreeding but later found out that the strain was"]
["                             treated with cholchicine. Two males and one female were precocious and would not stop flowering regardless of"]
["                             light cycle. These were discarded. Of the remaining 3 males, two would not shed pollen (they would flower but"]
["                             the pollen would not drop). These were also discarded. The fifth male (BL-9) was by far the most robust and"]
["                             fortunately did shed pollen. It was used to pollinate select mothers. Two of the females produced great buds"]
["                             that didn’t smell like blueberry so seeds were collected (BL-9 was father) and then discarded. The final 2"]
["                             females were what I was looking for (BL-8 & BL-10). Very robust and they produced the sweetest berry like"]
["                             smoke. Clones of both were kept as mothers and seeds produced with BL-9 as the father. "]
["                             These clones mature at about 3 feet tall. with a few side branches. All deformities have disappeared in mature"]
["                             plants and successive clones. They have very thick stems. The main colas are about 12” long with tight"]
["                             crystalline oval buds. They appear to be well suited to sea of green application. They have a high calyx to leaf"]
["                             ratio. Buds are bluish and purplish and smell like such sweet blueberries. They are not my most potent strain"]
["                             but are my favorite. The smoke is very sweet and good tasting and the high is uplifting and pleasant."]
["                             Yield Trials"]
["                             To date, the blueberrys have been grown to 18 to 24 inches, placed into bud, and finished at about 36 inches,"]
["                             yielding about 1 to 1 * ounces per plant. They have been grown in 5 gal grow bags containing the super soil"]
["                             mix . To try to figure the best pruning method, the following trial was conducted. "]
["                             Started with 35 clones (18 BL-8 and 17 BL-10) that were placed into 5 gal grow bags containing the super soil"]
["                             mix. When they reached 20 inches, 13 were placed into flower (Group A) while the remaining 22 were pruned"]
["                             back to 12 inches. When these 22 clones reached about twenty inches, 10 were placed into flower (Group B)."]
["                             The remaining 12 (Group C) were pruned back to 18” and placed into flower when they reached 20”."]
["                             These clones were grown amongst other clones in a 12 by 12 area lit by 2 1000w HPS and 1 1000w MH on a"]
["                             fast moving suncircle. One HPS was in a horizontal reflector, one in a vertical reflector and the MH was in a"]
["                             parabolic reflector. This worked out to about 20w per sq ft. "]
["                             All weights are dry weights unless otherwise specified. "]
["                             Group A harvest: "]
["                             Harvested main colas and then let the rest of the plant continue for a week so that the lower buds would fill"]
["                             out. tops = 8.52oz rest = 3.55 total = 12.07oz mean = .92oz per plant "]
["                             Each plant took up 1.5 sq ft for a total of 19.5 sq ft. This means that I yielded .61oz per sq ft. by growing"]
["                             theplants in their natural form (no pruning)."]
["                             Group B harvest "]
["                             Harvested main colas and then let the rest of the plant continue for a week so that the lower buds would fill"]
["                             out. tops = 10.02oz rest = 9.15oz total = 19.17oz mean = 1.9oz per plant "]
["                             Each plant took up 1.5 sq ft for a total of 15 sq ft. This means that by pinching the tops, I yielded 1.28 oz per"]
["                             sq ft. This is a 109% increase at a cost of 2 weeks veg time. "]
["                             If the entire 12 by 12 area was filled in this way, a total of 1.28 * 144 = 184.32oz (11.5 lbs) would be"]
["                             produced by just 3 lights. This works out to be about 3.8 lbs per light over a 7 week flower period. Pretty"]
["                             efficient for a low yielding stain such as blueberry!!! Didn’t even use CO2! "]
["                             In order to get an idea what wet bud yields I weighed some colas after they were manicured but wet and still on"]
["                             the stalk (just prior to hanging to dry). They weighed 46.2 oz. After drying and removing the stalks they"]
["                             weighed 10.02oz. This means that dry weight = 22% of wet weight."]
["                             Group C Harvest:"]
["                             I harvested these all at once as there were no big main colas. I got a total of 7.75 oz and an average of .64"]
["                             oz per plant."]
["                             Each plant took up 1.5 sq ft for a total of 18 sq ft. This means that by pinching the tops twice, I yielded .43 oz"]
["                             per sq ft. This is definately NOT the way to go.” –BCGA"]
[]
["                             “Bank- Dutch Passion"]
["                             Supplier- Jock"]
["                             Started with 5 seeds. A cracked seed, the only damage on delivery of batch 1 and 2, still germinated but"]
["                             kicked it about 4 days after sprouting. Of the 4 remaining 3 were female. The sprouts started a little on the"]
["                             twisted side but grew out of the awkward looking chit pretty quick."]
["                             All 4 plants were very similar in both growth and appearance prior to flowering with the exception of one that"]
["                             had more oval shaped leaves than the others. The rest were typical indica shaped leaves, wider and rounded"]
["                             on the leaf blade serrations. Once the plants went to flower differences were seen. Oh yeah. These plants had"]
["                             a mutually shared stink while vegging too. "]
["                             Note: The male developed leaf mold and since it was the only plant of many to show a weakness to mold its"]
["                             history. Of the three females two were keepers, for now, while the other was weak, and weak is a kind word."]
["                             1- The most prolific grower during flower with decent branching when trained and it produced the most bud."]
["                             Having the most bud of these 3 isn’t much of an accomplishment for any respectable plant though. Plant was"]
["                             harvested at approximately 50 days. Buzz was slightly higher than average for this age."]
["                             For a bud description see 2."]
["                             Note: For a reference point a typical commercial weed is considered below average in buzz."]
["                             2- Was the most compact grower of the bunch with little branching. Again yield wasn’t impressive but... the"]
["                             buzz was. Buzz was better than average and was different and very promising. That’s the best that can be"]
["                             done since it was only smoked a couple of times from seed. This plant finished very early, approx. 38 days."]
["                             The short flowering time was likely due to the size of the plant, very small. It’s likely to take longer when"]
["                             bigger and getting more light, it was on the edge and shaded somewhat this go round."]
["                             Buds on this and 1 look the same. White pistils and a heavy covering of resin. The plants grow small buds at"]
["                             every node that were pretty tight considering they lived on the edge of the grow. More veg time under white"]
["                             light would help this plant to pick it up in the yield department I suspect. As far as all the colors DP advertises"]
["                             on the web page."]
["                             Maybe its colorblindness or something but all that’s seen is deep, dark and flat green right now. But if you look"]
["                             at the buds when the light is at a certain angle they do look like they have a blue tinge? it’s due to the"]
["                             reflection of the resin glands and the deep green color. Maybe as it gets older it’ll start showing its psychedelic"]
["                             side. For now if you really want blue weed: You could make believe whenever that lighting angle is achieved"]
["                             that you got it and maybe take a picture."]
["                             Note I suspect like many plants this plant will show colors outdoors if it does show colors. "]
["                             3- This plant grew well and would have had an acceptable yield except it slacked when the time came to"]
["                             produce resin. Slack isn’t even the word it’s more like failed. It almost literally had zero resin. Because the"]
["                             other 2 were nice plants this one was given a second chance before meeting its maker. "]
["                             Make the grade when grown from clone it didn't. Meet its maker it did, good riddance."]
["                             Aroma: These babies stink. They smell when they’re young seedlings, vegging, rooting and flowering. The"]
["                             smell from just 2 vegging plants, 1 and 2 caused more noticeable odor than half the same grow filled with"]
["                             flowering NL x Shiva's. "]
["                             No. They didn’t smell like blueberries to me but did have something added to the sweet skunky indica odor"]
["                             that has a berry quality to it. It is becoming stinkier as it ages too. For those of you that have friends that are"]
["                             impressed with smell this would be a winner. Max security calls for paying big time attention to odor control in"]
["                             the grow with these. Except of course for 3 which doesn’t smell like anything but the lawn."]
["                             This weed would present a packaging challenge if you need to move it for some unknown reason -"]
["                             Buzz: As stated the two remaining plants had better than average potency for this age. Both were definitely"]
["                             indica types buzzing with 2 being somewhat unique with a heady floaty type thing going on. More later when"]
["                             they’re older but I will say the buzz has some unique qualities compared to everything else worth keeping"]
["                             more than likely."]
["                             Taste: Distorted by feeding. Not bad not memorable but there is something there that is different. There is"]
["                             some kind of berry taste about in the mix but we’ll see."]
["                             Yield: Below average at best."]
["                             Comments: Both 1 and 2 will be kept until older and decisions will be made on who stays and who goes then."]
["                             This decision will be made on buzz and as far as 2 goes how long it takes to mature. If it shows an early"]
["                             harvest when grown from clone it may be kept for a cross or two in a search for surprises.\" – flick"]
[]
["                             “I hadn't planned to use Blueberry as my outside crop this year, it just sort of happened. It turned out to be a"]
["                             plant useful outside in this climate, with some qualifications. "]
["                             The seed came from Marc, and all individuals appeared to be the same. I ended up using clones from two"]
["                             different females, but the plants were not distinguishable. The plants were relatively slow growing, and formed"]
["                             tall, loose, open bushes (until height restrictions forced cut backs). The stems started right off turning"]
["                             red-purple, a nice addition to the camouflage, as the eye reads the color as bark from a distance. The fan"]
["                             leaves were a medium green, thinner than an indica, but not sativa thin. They stood out straight from the plant"]
["                             on thick purple stems, drooping gracefully. "]
["                             The plant was normal in its resistance to mites, that is, not very. I did use a fogger a couple of times, not for"]
["                             the poison, but for the reproductive chemicals, and that was fairly successful. I'll do it again next year. "]
["                             On the other hand, the plant was as mold resistant as anything I've grown. It did develop a couple of grey"]
["                             mold spots in the middle of October, and I pulled the plug about two weeks before full maturity. Good thing,"]
["                             as the weather turned impossible (50's, constant wet), before nature laughed at us with a late Indian summer"]
["                             this week. "]
["                             The flowering period was amazing! The buds were purple from the get-go, with small lime-green hairs. The"]
["                             older the plant got, the more it became purple, all the way down to the fan leaves. What a beauty! The smell"]
["                             was not sweet, rather it was skunky; mild, and not noticeable from a distance. It's safe for backyard growing. "]
["                             Now, there were some problems. First, of course, it did not mature when it was suppose to (September). There"]
["                             may be many reasons why (I'm working on it), so it's too soon to tell if it was my fault or just the plants"]
["                             nature. In Seattle, if this plant performs as it did this year, it wouldn't work most years. But I call it stalwart,"]
["                             because it was undaunted by several rainy periods in late September and early October that would have melted"]
["                             other contenders, and was mold free almost to the end. "]
["                             Second, the production. Blueberry isn't known for production, and I only cleared 9 dry ounces (very closely"]
["                             manicured) from four 5 1/2 ft. tall plants, each with 10-15 main flower spikes (after being cut back a couple of"]
["                             times), and a couple of much smaller plants with three flower spikes. That's piss poor in anyone's book."]
["                             Another two weeks probably would have added 2-3 ounces, maybe (a guess). I didn't weigh the skuff, maybe"]
["                             another 3-4 ounces (gland covered only, I didn't screw around with partially coated leaves)."]
["                             Finally the high, or lack thereof. Oh, it's strong, not quite as potent as others I've smoked, but it gets the job"]
["                             done. But jeez Louise, the stuff is absolutely the stupidest pot I've ever smoked. It doesn't last very long,"]
["                             about two hours, and it doesn't have a nice mild letdown, like my sweet indica homey for instance. You can"]
["                             sleep on the letdown, but I wouldn't call it sleepy pot at all, just, duh!, stupid. Maybe these particular plants"]
["                             had different genetics, I don't know, as I haven't seen this pot described as a downer before. It has an nice"]
["                             initial head rush, but after that, try to remember your Mom's maiden name and deliver it to your vocal cords in"]
["                             any kind of reasonable order. "]
["                             So, what is this stuff good for? Gland hash, I'm thinking (varietal differences are greatly washed out in gland"]
["                             hash). I couldn't see smoking the pot that much. I don't like the high as much as any of my other pots. It"]
["                             definitely isn't daytime or driving pot, no way, and it's not narcotic enough to be a sleep pot. It does taste"]
["                             lovely, as advertised, but so what? Aside from the great beauty of the flowering plant, which is just wonderful, I"]
["                             don't see what the fuss is about. To the skuff machine with it.” – cha cal"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Flo"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: D.J. Short  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Original Flo is a Sativa/Indica cross (60% Sativa, 40% Indica) with very Sativa phenotypic characteristics that"]
["                             also matures very early. The large, tight, spear shaped buds are made up of small, densely packed purple"]
["                             calyxes. The plants are taller and like to branch out. Indoors the buds are fully mature by the end of their"]
["                             sixth week. Outdoors the plant is a super producer when multi-harvested over a period of time. The first buds"]
["                             are ripe around the third week of September. About every ten days after that, new buds form and can be"]
["                             harvested through the end of November, if the plant can be kept alive that long. Therefore, “Flo” is ideal for"]
["                             greenhouse production. The motivational “high” produced by the “Flo” is quite unique, the flavor is like"]
["                             Nepalese Temple Hash. A most pleasant and enjoyable experience."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 6-7 weeks ~ Harvest: 3rd or 4th week of Sept.” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I've had Flo for a while now (grown a couple crops w/ her)...As for the potency/high: Not much \"body stone\" at"]
["                             all, the high is pretty clear (meaning it's not confusing or stupefying like some), kinda \"up\" y'know -- makes"]
["                             you want to go and do things (not like my NL cross, that's couch-lock stuff). Not real visual/hallucinogenic, and"]
["                             not the longest lasting stone (but certainly respectable - maybe stoned for ~an hour off 2 medium bong hits),"]
["                             but definitely worthwhile. Really unique, but not *the* most powerful stuff. I really like this one, although the"]
["                             yield is way down there compared to other strains. Hope you like her as much as I do."]
["                             I'd recommend this variety IF it isn't the only strain you'll be growing. I say this because she yields pretty low:"]
["                             small calyxes in small spear-shaped buds. This is definitely my lowest-yielding strain. But also the most"]
["                             unique. It really does taste like Nepalese hash. Also, the plant is beautiful to look at, dark maroon-colored"]
["                             stems w/ dark green leaves. Nice smell, too, not skunky or stinky at all, it's a very sweet floral kind of scent."]
["                             One of the big advantages to this strain is its primarily sativa heritage (I've heard varying reports: 60% sativa,"]
["                             7/8 sativa, I don't know which is accurate). Nice high, really good morning weed, you know, you can wake n"]
["                             bake with this stuff without losing the whole day. I like to smoke first thing in the morning (sometimes), and"]
["                             this stuff is positively energizing. It's weird, the first time I smoked Flo, I almost thought I wasn't high -- the"]
["                             stone is VERY clear, not confusing or buzzy, no real 'body-stone' to it, just trippy, slightly visual, cerebral"]
["                             stimulation."]
["                             Another nice quality Flo has is her dwarf stature. She's mostly sativa, yet she finishes (in my room) at 2' or"]
["                             less. Pretty unusual for a sativa. I haven't grown Blueberry, so I can't compare the two. To repeat myself, I"]
["                             highly recommend Flo, as long as you're not counting on her to produce a bumper crop (she won't). I'd guess"]
["                             (just a guess, and I say this just 'cuz I bet you're wondering) she yields ~1/4 - 1/2 oz per 2' plant.\"-Zachary"]
[]
["                             \"I planted Flo one time. It is very slow germination strain, so you better to wail about 7-10 days for the"]
["                             germination. Flo was a one of my favorite strain, especially taste, it really taste like Royal Nepal. High was like"]
["                             medium up-lifting high, very relaxing weed. Don't expect big yield from this strain. I grew both Blueberry and"]
["                             Flo. I think still Flo has better quality than Blueberry.\""]
[]
["                             \"I read somewhere (so who knows what its worth) that most, if not all, of that breeder's strains came from"]
["                             crossing Thai indica with a Thai sativa... The Blueberry, Flo, B.Velvet, are all supposed to be related--probably"]
["                             distant cousins from the same original crosses. Sorry no real facts...\"-Shabang"]
[]
["                             “I’m on my second Blueberry crop and first Flo crop. I’m one of the few people that do not like blueberry. Its"]
["                             strong, and has a unique taste. the plant yields pretty well, and the buds are kid of leafy. Lots of resin on the"]
["                             joint, sometimes after the first hit. The Flo's have thinner , more sativa like leaves. grows long, Superskunk"]
["                             looking buds, with lots of purple clusters, they mature very fast and have pretty big buds. I have been pleased"]
["                             with the growing performance. Now the high... Flo is very strong, lots of resin like blueberry. Unfortunately , one"]
["                             toke is enough to tell you that this plant is 50% blueberry. Same taste but more intense. There's a peppery"]
["                             taste in addition. Flo is the better high and plant of the two, and finishes a week or two earlier than Blueberry."]
["                             If you like the taste of purple indicas like blueberry you will love Flo. I am partial to the oranges, and sweet"]
["                             hash tastes.” – Abbie Hoffman"]
[]
["                             “Flo looks sativa like grows very well with big, long buds. The genetic makeup is unknown but 1 puff told me"]
["                             that it is 50% blueberry. The buds turn purple like Blueberry. Flo finishes very fast . it also has a noticeable"]
["                             pepper taste too. I like it , its a winner and will stay in my garden. I’m not crazy about the blueberry taste but"]
["                             I’m getting resin on the first puff! its pretty strong. Not a clear high, it kind of puts you in a daze, a dreamy"]
["                             kind of state where you’re in deep thought and contemplation. Good for reading. I like Cinderella in the"]
["                             morning, Flo is more of an afternoon high.” – Abbie Hoffman"]
[]
["                             “Flo is very strong and clones very easily….from 10 seeds I got two good mothers. One was an indica dominate"]
["                             one a sativa.. as for the high... It is a very fun high...not paranoid at all...very up...the weed tastes real"]
["                             good... after the first joint you are high...real high...go ahead and roll another after this one you are going to"]
["                             trip for about 30 minutes then you will come down quietly... but you don’t want to do that,...so roll another and"]
["                             trip again...it never makes me sleepy until I stop smoking...the end of the buzz will relax ya so you can"]
["                             sleep...but shit man...we usually just keep rolling...3:00 am still got a big grin on my face and deep perception"]
["                             is warped...it is by far my favorite morning...day...evening...all time smoke... especially when you want to talk"]
["                             and socialize with friends. ..so I say it is exactly how it is described...there are definitely more potent...but I"]
["                             haven't found a more fun.\"- Eric"]
[]
["                             “For me Flo is couch lock weed. despite the literature, I would rate it at 90% body, 10% head high. Matures"]
["                             very fast, like 45 days, has tons of resin, almost no odor, tends to be purplish in color. Difficult to clone, gets"]
["                             nute overdose leaf curl down when others don't. not a strain to continue. The high is very physically relaxing"]
["                             and emotionally amotivational.” - Splif Lipsit"]
[]
["                             “I've grown 4 crops of Flo. It is very difficult to clone and not very hardy. I lose 40% of the clones, and just lost"]
["                             2 plants when my hydro system was shut off accidentally. All the other strains survived without any harm, but"]
["                             the Flo dried out beyond recovery. This is not an easy strain to work with. The only reason I keep growing it is"]
["                             because of its fragrance and taste. I love the hashy fragrance and taste. It is truly an exceptional strain in this"]
["                             regard. The seedlings I grew were not very uniform in this regard, which might explain why yours does not have"]
["                             much odor. Revegging this strain takes a very long time.” - potattic"]
[]
["                             “Yes it was ok but not great. the buds were pretty leafy and I didn’t get very high from it. something that is a"]
["                             lot like it but better is Romulan strawberry blonde surprise. Both are 50% blueberry and taste similar. your"]
["                             mileage may vary.” -BeenThereDoneThat"]
[]
["                             \"Why is it so hard to get her to turn back to vegetative growth after 12/12? I ask because one female was"]
["                             \"sexed\" for maybe 2 weeks and then the lights were turned back to 18 hours on. but she still wants to"]
["                             flower...she is growing new growth but calyxes are growing with the new growth...and they have resin glands.\" –"]
["                             Eric"]
[]
["                             \"I have grown it and didn’t like it. Yours may be different but on mine the buds never got very frosty, and the"]
["                             high was weak. I let it go for 70 days and it still wasn’t finished so I cut anyway. The bud appearance looks"]
["                             leafy. yield was about the same as princess but out of a small circle of friends the Flo got a thumbs down.\" -"]
["                             nobodyz"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Berry"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Blueberry crossed with Northern Lights #5. A combination only a stoned mind could think of."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 55-65 days ~ Height: 100-120 cm ~Yield: 250-300 gr/sqM” – Marc Emery Seeds"]
["                             catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “NL5 x Blueberry. Got them from Emery. Potent, resinous. Under 60 days. A mix of NL power with Blueberry"]
["                             Kush high. Good yields. Squat, muscular vigor. My only disappointment is that they don't exhibit Blueberry"]
["                             coloration.” -gilman"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Romberry"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Vic High, BCGA  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Is a very vigorous F1 hybrid of the pure Romulan female and a select Blueberry male. The hybrid retained the"]
["                             large sticky and stinky buds of the Romulan. It gained stronger stems and fruity aroma and taste from the"]
["                             Blueberry. Colas should become larger and more frosty than the Romulan buds seen in Aug. 98 High Times."]
["                             This one is also very easy to clone."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flowering: 55-60 days ~ Height: 90-140 cm” – BCGA catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Romberry has become a fav of mine in the last few grows (Thanks BCGA!) The high is up, for an indica, and"]
["                             leaves me with a warm happy glow and a stupid grin on my face. High-- 8- 8.5 Taste--9 or higher! This is what"]
["                             really keeps me coming back, the Romulan taste, well, exotically sweet is the best way I know how to describe"]
["                             it, with the Blueberry giving a full, rich sensation to the smoke. Romberry likes to have a rich well drained soil,"]
["                             organic ferts, lots of light (20 w psf. min 30 w and up is best) and at least 8 weeks 18-6 from seed, 10- 12"]
["                             weeks 12-12 to finish. Believe me the extra time is worth it!\" - greenbear"]
[]
["                             \"I grew out BCGA's Blueberry (f2) and it is a good indoor choice. Nice yeild, nice taste but I would still pick"]
["                             Romberry.\" – Greenie"]
[]
["                             “Well it started with six beans via HS (Excellent Service:-)) 3 females, Veg total of 50days 24/0 400mh, in 2gal"]
["                             pots BCGA \"Super Soil\" recipe \"Bio-Blend\" organic two part ferts for \"Soil application. Flowered under 400hps"]
["                             12/12, and after 50 days of 12/12, today 2 Rom ladies 404grams un-cured buds. Nice 75-80% brow hairs, 50%"]
["                             resin heads cloudy under 30x mag. The height was about 23-31\" tall. About 30% of the bud material was left"]
["                             on plant in hopes of continued ripening. So each one should finish with over 2oz's each. Being the first grow, It"]
["                             says volumes about the strain, Romberry is outstandingly vigorous, and is a fantastic yielder. I really thought"]
["                             to achieve a solid top cola 11' and 3\" in diameter and as dense as any dank, would surely take a 1000watt"]
["                             lamp. But this was accomplished with a 400hps. And early quick try samples are awesome! The Romberry"]
["                             withstood a couple of abuses of rookiness, and really came through with big dense, stalked trichome frosty"]
["                             colas that really lend credence to the fact that this strain does not need vast amount of light to produce"]
["                             impressive colas. I guess that my extreme-joy is in the fact that I read \"Don’t Expect Centerfold Colas on Your"]
["                             First grow\" and I took it to heart, and the Roms surprised me (Thanks to a lot of help from the great people"]
["                             here and at BCGA’s board) cause I have four main colas between 46-79gramms that I think are worthy of a"]
["                             photograph, they are really impressive.” – Budm"]
[]
["                             “Well if I had to use flouros, Id go with Romberry, it produces very dense tight colas with as little as 35 watts"]
["                             per sq. ft. The breeder Vic High, in trying to make a guess on Romulan’s heritage and original breeding"]
["                             objectives, has posted that he feels that it had its roots in California back when flouros were popular, and"]
["                             guesses its a Blue Indica, and was breed to do well under flouros, and it still does well under low light"]
["                             situations.” – Budm"]
[]
["                             “Ended up with 1 Sage, 2 GWS, 2 Cinder, 1 blueberry, and 2 Roms. Actually, I thought I had 3 Roms, but one"]
["                             had \"sexual problems\". No big deal. Watch your Roms--and look for females with prolific pre-flowering. Also,"]
["                             keep in mind that I like to veg for a long time--2 months min. This time I let them go 72 days. Actually, I"]
["                             wouldn't have done it if I didn't have those pH/slow growing problems--but everything worked out in the end."]
["                             Each plant yielded 1-2 oz. each. Not bad for a tiny closet. Hell, that's enough to set me up for MONTHS!"]
[]
["                             Comments: Romberry's a peach. What a nice high--ya can't get that grin off your face. The flavor's coming out"]
["                             as the cure progresses.” - shaggy"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Shishkeberry"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Breeder Steve  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “The heavy early. Large production mother (mostly Afghani) crossed with a glistening Blueberry Male, for added"]
["                             flavor. Frosty leaves produce exceptional screening dreams. F1 to Shiske mother backcross."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering Period: 6 Weeks Outdoors: Early Oct. Yield: Huge (up to 3lb per light)” - Spice of Life Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I've grown the shishke topped and cola style on two occasions and would say that shishke is a better yielder"]
["                             with tighter spacing and no topping. When I topped shishke at the 5th-6th node it got bigger than I wanted it."]
["                             The best yields I've seen with that plant were in a friends garden at 4 per sq/ft with almost all extraneous"]
["                             branches pruned, it produced very solid foot long colas in a 2 foot garden. Pruning the lower branches in my"]
["                             experience gives better growth to everything above them wait a few weeks after you start 12/12 and you'll have"]
["                             a good idea of which ones to clip.\" – Shiva"]
[]
["                             \"I was impressed with the quality and the amount of resin. Yield was pretty good(could have been better but"]
["                             my stupid girl partner killed my best shisk mother). Flowering time was 40 days and not 6 weeks as advertised."]
["                             How did yours compare. My high was of the deep hit you with a hammer burn me out indica stone. Not too"]
["                             much blueberry influence though.\" -The Chronic"]
[]
["                             \"I just harvested 3 HUGE Shiskeberries grown outdoors (ask sly about them). Had 3 sizes but all eventually put"]
["                             out approx. the same amount of finished product. The biggest one had the highest leaf-calyx ratio while the"]
["                             smallest one's ratio was reversed and the 3 made up 1.9 lbs. total of dry, manicured bud with the smallest one"]
["                             (still 5.5' tall) having the biggest colas (2 14-18\" beer can size colas from a once pinched plant) and the"]
["                             biggest (just under 11'tall w/o pinching) having a large assortment of \"branch buds\" along with a nice main"]
["                             cola...and of course the middle one fell in between (also unpinched). Good buzz and taste but there's better"]
["                             out there imho. Too much waste overall in my experience with it compared to other strains and lots of"]
["                             trim-work to make them look nice. But it is a pretty plant that's fun to watch grow and minimal care. I did a few"]
["                             last winter indoors (finished outdoors) that never got to the size/quantity/quality of the outdoor grow...also"]
["                             only got 1 f out of 5 with the indoor and 3 f's out of 5 with the outdoor grow (if that makes any difference) but"]
["                             all 10 did germinate in just the simple \"finger poke in the soil\" method. Btw, I purchased mine last winter from"]
["                             HBC in person.\" -m.g."]
[]
["                             \"I received an order of Shiskeberry from Laughing Moon some time ago. The buds are fat and sticky with a"]
["                             very hashy almost mocha smell. So far no purple, but two of them have a very Blueberry look to them, based"]
["                             upon pictures of Blueberry I have seen, but with a definite Afghani influence. The only problem I have with the"]
["                             Shiskeberry is the smell. It is very strong and although not entirely distinguishable for what it is, it is enough to"]
["                             make me paranoid about someone catching a whiff of it outside.\" Duke of Herb"]
[]
["                             \"On Shishkeberry: I just finished up the Shiskaberry and I have a few notes on it, if anyone is interested. A"]
["                             friend made my seeds; parents were Breeder Steve’s seeds. The notes below are only from one of the"]
["                             Shiskaberrys that I have tested. With further testing I will find the definitive Shiska mum."]
["                             Aroma - The smell put a smile on a friends face tonight when I pulled out da' sample. But kaka has yet to"]
["                             smell a thing. Allergies are a killin' and ka ain't a smellin'. A bunch of Shisks are drying and I can’t smell"]
["                             them. "]
["                             Buzz- The first time I smoked some Shiskaberry yesterday it really didn’t stone me. Today it has whipped me"]
["                             :) A few hits on the way to school were a few too many, it hit and I became unmotivated. This evening a friend"]
["                             and I finished off two bowls and it was quite the experience. Fair amount of visual distortion, lots of laughs"]
["                             which lead to tears and falling on floor. Totally a fun indica. I place it a little below the NL x shiva in power"]
["                             level, but still above average. I'd put the Shisk in the social indica category, with the nlxshiva toward the"]
["                             unsociable side. I did have to pull myself from the couch also."]
["                             Taste- Taste is mostly hashy. Expando in the lung is nice, exhale is smooth and left with a hint of"]
["                             sweetness/berryness aftertaste. Taste is good, this sample I would put taste on the mild side. I'll have to see"]
["                             what kind of differences there are in the mums. "]
["                             Yield- While there were some runts in the group, most of the plants ended up heavy yielders. Plants were"]
["                             started tight but eventually spaced at 1/ft2. Two or three a sq. ft would have been killer. 3 mothers had the"]
["                             fattest buds with the top yielder being a topped Shisk. Yield would be well above average, especially"]
["                             considering flowering time, which ran me 49 days. For comparison the Shiskaberry's buds are larger than the"]
["                             nlxshiva next to it."]
["                             Bud appearance- Buds look silver because they are so covered in crystals. Hairs are orange and few leaves that"]
["                             remain are dark. Buds look great, in this reviewer's humble opinion. Bud density is definitely above average."]
["                             General notes- Shiskaberry is freaking leafy and takes tons of time to manicure, not that I'm complaining."]
["                             There is so much resin on leaves including fan leaves that screening is a possibility. Lots of sticky fingers. The"]
["                             Shisks were around 80 days old from seed and were done quickly in search of a good mother. As soon as"]
["                             drying has finished I'll offer up some weight numbers. Plants sizes were from 2'(runts) to 3'(fatties).\" - kaka"]
[]
["                             \"I'm on my 4th crop of Shishkeberry. I've grown topped and untopped. I would say top after the 5th or 6th"]
["                             internode. Depending on how much room (height) you have. Clip lowest 2 side branches too, as they will"]
["                             normally not make it to the top of the canopy and won't produce good flowers. If you train the plant right you"]
["                             will have from 8 to 12 colas per plant. The plant will finish between 2.5 and 3 feet tall. My current grow I tried"]
["                             growing 2 plants per container and its too crowded. Because Shishke is so bushy/big leaf I would try to grow no"]
["                             more than 1 plant per sq. foot.\" - Shishke"]
[]
["                             “Shishkeberry did great in the desert. very stony, stupor inducing indica with bb (sort of) flavor. very smelly"]
["                             during flowering...so use caution where ya plant it. it's as easy to grow as any other and clones easy. but very"]
["                             stiff branches/trunk so hard to train during veg w/o breaking stems. not terribly tall...maybe 6-8'... but I"]
["                             suggest it be grown at 45-60 degree angle from start if finish plant-height is a prob. most excellent long and"]
["                             large \"beer-can-cola\" (among the best buds I’ve ever seen) buds on main stem with all branches"]
["                             producing...so I’d say above avg. yield too. IOW, I would never kick her out of the bed... btw, I’m at 36"]
["                             degrees latitude +/- with long, hot season but Shishke finished around end of Sept to mid-Oct, if I recall"]
["                             correctly. it did finish before the majority, at any rate.” – m.g."]
{"$rows_empty":9}
["                             Strain: StoneBlue"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: NCGA  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “More information on StoneBlue: Day 37 of 12/12- Very uniform hybrid, indica dominant expressed in two"]
["                             sub-phenotypes. More resin at this point than nc5a or blueberry; the individual glands are smaller but more"]
["                             profuse. The smell is very similar to blueberry and nc5a. Appears that the aroma gene has been fixed quite"]
["                             well in blueberry. Sample tokes at this time produce quite a strong physical effect (on me at least) with typical"]
["                             strong indica stone. I expect flowering to be in the 60-day range. Some fan leaves will turn yellow - this"]
["                             appears normal as all other parameters are in order. Yield estimated from visual comparison to bb and nc5a"]
["                             looks much better than the other two strains. StoneBlue has very good lateral branching. 5 seeds were"]
["                             germinated, of 5 seedlings I ended up with 4 females. This plant will need more than 6 weeks veg for full"]
["                             sexual maturity, at week six of veg the nodes had just begun to alternate.” - Lady J"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Two Blue"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: NCGA  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Two Blue (F2 Blue Widow) from HS - Have 3 females in day 23 of flowering. Flowers look similar but plants"]
["                             very different in shape (1 is tall and lanky - me no like, 1 is short and stout but not bushy enough - ehhh, 1 is"]
["                             short, stout, bushy and bud crazy - mmmm, me likey. Hope to pollinate 1 branch of the latter to cop some"]
["                             seeds. Will let you know in about 30 to 45 days re: buzz and taste. Two Blue, as an F2 hybrid, has lots of"]
["                             variables.” – Air Cooled"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Central and South American "]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Colombian Widow"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin:   Breeder:   "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Colombian x White Widow"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             8-10 weeks bloom period"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Colombian Widow is a cross of Greenhouse's WW and a skunky two hit Colombian. The Colombian female"]
["                             was chosen for its robust growth, relatively short flowering time for a tropical, dense buds and stickiness. It is a"]
["                             two hit lady with a piney aftertaste. She is crossed with a WW male with good branching. The result is a well"]
["                             branched, sticky Colombian with an intense mind bending high. The plants branch and bud extensively and are"]
["                             ideal for scrog. In fact have several under the screen now and I would say it is great for weaving its numerous"]
["                             long branches through the screen. Expect buds to really begin putting on the bulk at about week 6. 8-10 for"]
["                             finishing. It can get big so I flower at 12-15\" no more. If you are not scrogging then train the plants and you"]
["                             should easily get multiple colas.\" - Santa Marta"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Durban Strains"]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Durban Thai x Cinderella 99"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Mr. Soul, Brothers Grimm Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"The Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC) bred a Thai strain for four generations to stabilize its traits favoring indoor"]
["                             cultivation. SSSC's famous Durban Poison male was used to pollinate a particularly sweet Thai female from this"]
["                             fourth generation. The hybrid was called \"Durban Thai Highflier\" by SSSC is has quite a reputation among"]
["                             Cannabis \"Old-timers\". They exhibited the best genes from both sides of their heritage, maturing early and"]
["                             remaining reasonably compact due to the Durban's influence. True Thai weed is sickly sweet, but when crossed"]
["                             with the Durban, the hybrid took on a taste distinctly like black licorice. Bros. Grimm decided to cross a"]
["                             particularly early-maturing female SSSC Durban Thai with a Cinderella 99 male. A limited quantity of seeds is"]
["                             now available. Expect a hybrid that is heavily Sativa-dominant, yet suited to indoor cultivation.\" - Bros. Grimm"]
["                             Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 60 days."]
["                             Outdoor Harvest: Late September"]
["                             Height: Indoors, under 4 feet. Outdoors, up to 10 ft."]
["                             Yield: Indoors, 2 ounce/plant. Outdoors, 1/2+ lb./plant."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Hawaiian Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Black Hawaiian"]
["                             Strain Type: not listed  Origin: not listed  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “These buds are very compressed with many seed husks. They are a deep army green colored that seem"]
["                             brown from a distance and are sparsely covered with brown hairs. The scent is a little brown (dirty), a little"]
["                             chemical and a very little green. Since the Hawaiian comes from a long distance, its appearance could be"]
["                             greatly altered from its travels. It seems to have had many crystals, and its compactness is certainly a result of"]
["                             its shipping. When smoked this bud tastes very full, almost meaty (BBQ) with both green and brown flavors."]
["                             The smoke is not particularly expansive but is very harsh because the buds have been overly dried in transit."]
["                             The high comes on very quickly and is very stony and will leave you dazed. If it were nicer aesthetically it may"]
["                             have received an even higher mark. ****1/4” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Cotton Candy"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Hawaii/Canada  Breeder: Federation Seeds"]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:  "]
[]
["                              An old Island strain that comes out of Afghani and Blueberry seedlines. Long and fluffy to start but "]
["                              thick and sweet with a pinkishhue after 8 weeks. Odiferous flowers with intense resin production, this plant has a "]
["                              deep green colour on upper leaf surfaces, but the underside of the leaves are light green at first,becoming almost "]
["                              white with crystal at maturity. Recommended by my carny friend \"Resin Rene\". "]
[]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             Height 7 feet Flowering time 8 wks. "]
["                             Veg 1 wk for sea of green. Yield 9oz full size. 1oz ina 2 gal. pot. Harvest outdoor Oct 14 "]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hawaiian Indica"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Hawaii/Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             Medical: Spasticity and pain"]
[]
["                             “The Hawaiian Indica by Sensi (and that is the Hawaiian used in the excellent BC Seed Co strain, NL x"]
["                             Hawaiian, as well as the Classics Hawaiian Indica, Hawaiian/Kush) is like a summer day, dreamy. The big buds,"]
["                             that I can identify more readily that any other strain of the fat cola bud type, the pistils are often tinged red,"]
["                             rose, pink, (usually white), are wide round buds, offering great dreamy high and larger than moderate potential"]
["                             yields. Hawaiians indicas, somewhat like Thai indicas/ especially sativas, don't handle stress well, so an already"]
["                             proven environment of conscientious grow room care should be the phase you feel you have evolved to in grow"]
["                             experience. A Hawaiian Indica really adds flesh to small yielding indicas (I would like to see White Widow"]
["                             crossed Hawaiian Indica, I think that might have profound benefits and influences). Hawaiian indicas, in my"]
["                             experience, are good medicine for the spasticity and pain ailments also. "]
["                             Hawaiian Indica used to be more popular 10 years ago, when there was more Hawaiian outdoor available"]
["                             shipped off outside of Hawaii. With the severity of the Marijuana Extermination Program of the USDEA, Hawaiian"]
["                             outdoor is simply not found outside of the former Sandwich Islands these days.” -Marc Emery"]
[]
["                             “Lighting was a 50/50 mix of 1000w MH and HPS. The plants were grown in soil with organic ferts mixed into the"]
["                             soil before planting. The plants started out under 40w fluorescent light in 16 oz. cups for approximately 4"]
["                             weeks, then transplanted to 2 gallon pots under the MH and HPS. Plants were vegged for another 4 weeks,"]
["                             then the lights were turned back to 12/12. After the females were identified, most were transplanted into 5"]
["                             gallon pots. No CO2 was used. The seeds were Sensi Seeds products purchased through Ubino."]
["                             Two packs of seeds were also used for the Hawaiian. The germination rate for this strain was a perfect 40/40."]
["                             The branching for this strain was quite a bit more \"vertical\" with much less branching than the Californian."]
["                             Some were mostly a dominant main cola. I think this strain may be well suited for a SOG set up. Several of"]
["                             these plants were also subject to mold. Of the 12 best, finished heights are 42 inches for the smallest, 64"]
["                             inches for the tallest, with the average at 52 1/4. Dry, manicured weights are as follows: min. 36g, max. 65g,"]
["                             average 48.6g. The flavor of this strain is a bit citrus. Some of the bud has a definite \"lemon pledge\" flavor to"]
["                             the smoke. A good up high, but I have to smoke a little more of it than most other bud to get the effect that I"]
["                             like. Many of these showed some hermie traits, like growing anthers on stalks among the female pistils, but"]
["                             there were no seeds from these hermies, so no harm, no foul.” – High Dog"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hawaiian Indica x Skunk #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Hawaii/Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             F-1 hybrid Sativa/Indica: mostly Indica Appearance: very wide and resinous leaves, lots of resin on flowers"]
["                             Smell/taste: musky hash smell Type high/strength: strong, physical Height: 1.5m Yield: medium plus Harvest"]
["                             date (Netherlands natural photoperiod): end Oct 12hr day exposure harvest (# of weeks): 9-12 indoor /"]
["                             greenhouse A full, round, beachball-shaped plant” – Positronics catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Height: 1.5m Yield: medium plus Harvest date (Netherlands natural photoperiod): end Oct 12hr day exposure"]
["                             harvest (# of weeks): 9-12 indoor / greenhouse – Positronics catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hawaiian/Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Hawaii/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Mostly Indica (F1 hybrid) with exceptionally broad leaves. Lots of resin on leaves as well as flowers, with a"]
["                             musky hash like aroma. Strong physical high. Yields are above average. Short rounded plants."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 9-12 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Oct.” – Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: NL#5 X Hawaiian"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I am about 10 days from harvesting NL#5 and NL#5xHawaiian right now. The NL#5xHawaiian would definitely"]
["                             be a good ScrOG strain. It is very vigorous, very bushy, and has branches that are easily manipulated (not"]
["                             rigid). I was thinking of doing this myself. "]
["                             I got these from Richies but noticed that they started cracking open after being in my sock drawer for about 2"]
["                             weeks. 5 out of 12 cracked open and had to send these to my sister (she had room to start them). Also"]
["                             noticed that there were a high percentage of mutants. These seem to have all new growth coming out of the"]
["                             same node. Looks like a cabbage. I got one mutant of the 4 seeds I started but killed it. My sister is flowering"]
["                             a mutant now (she got all mutants - the cracked open seeds?). "]
["                             Of the 3 normal females, 2 are average and one is outstanding. The outstanding female (mother) was topped"]
["                             and has 4 colas about 18\" long each. These are really packing on the weight now. The secondary budding is"]
["                             amazing. I pruned all the lower branches and leaves before flowering but this has all grown back now."]
["                             Everywhere you look is bud. Even the lower buds that don't get much light are frosted with crystal (not as dense"]
["                             as the upper bud but I'm sure it will be tasty). "]
["                             I noticed what seemed to be a male flower on one of the \"normal\" females and pulled it at 5 weeks. I thought"]
["                             it was a male flower because it had a stem. I noticed the same thing on the outstanding female but left it. It"]
["                             turned out to be a female flower \"with a stem!\"."]
["                             I hung the pulled plant to dry for about a week and started smoking it (had nothing else). It was some of the"]
["                             best tasting bud I've smoked in my 25 years of smoking herb. It is very fruity and tropical. Even the leaves"]
["                             had the sweet fruity flavour. The buzz was really nice, fairly strong, but only lasted for about an hour (5 weeks"]
["                             and no cure). Really looking forward to trying the finished (and cured) product. I would highly recommend this"]
["                             strain for ScrOG although if I were to order these seeds again I would not get them from Richies.”- Scotty"]
[]
["                             “Completely covered in brick-red hairs, this dark green bud has a nice thick layer of tannish resin crystals. It"]
["                             smells candy-sweet and lightly fruity. It looks and smells like a Sativa, but glistens like its Northern Lights"]
["                             forefathers. When smoked, the bud tastes fruity and sweet too, but smells very brown, like a Colombian."]
["                             ***1/2” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Haze Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Haze #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             *** 3/4- These buds are made up of nug clusters that are entirely coated in white crystals. The cannabis"]
["                             leaves within the bud are a much darker green. There are long red hairs evenly but lightly covering the bud. It"]
["                             has a perfumy-organic scent and is tacky when broken up. The stems also taste much like incense--a quite"]
["                             different spicy and tangy taste. The high is quick, very stony and visual but doesn't cloud your head, allowing"]
["                             you to concentrate when/if necessary. (from reviewers in Adam)"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Haze #19"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Haze seeds were bought from Martijn, the heir apparent to Wernerd´s genetics of Positronics fame. Current"]
["                             \"haze\" was said to be a descendant of the legendary cutting \"rescued\" by Neville at the Seed Bank, so I"]
["                             decided to take a chance. "]
[]
["                             Germination on Haze was poor (6 out of 10), not surprising as seeds looked almost lettuce green, three"]
["                             showed female, no hermaphroditic tendencies detected. "]
[]
["                             Phenotype was a surprise (even when Martijn said that this \"haze\" was of the #19 lineage \"lightly\" crossed with"]
["                             a short node, short flowering indica for manageability), quite indica dominant: small leaves, up to five"]
["                             medium-width short fingers, very light green, overall kind of \"tender\" looking. Very sensitive plant to minor"]
["                             variations in nutrient availability, short plant with sparse foliage. "]
[]
["                             The female that was selected for cloning was VERY short, very OILY and with an unusual smell... in between"]
["                             cellophane and grapes (imagine simultaneously smelling the clear plastic covering a new audio CD and Welch’s"]
["                             concord grape juice, and you’ll have a close idea). High was intense, UP, heart-racing, but not overwhelming"]
["                             (never over indulged it though, to avoid possible paranoia). "]
[]
["                             Not a tremendous yield, averaging 1 oz for each 2.5 feet finished clone (clones easily), buds very oily, not"]
["                             dense but not fluffy either, under two 400 MHs., in a soil recipe closely resembling BCGA \"supersoil\" mix."]
["                             Miracle Grow (vegetative) and Peters (flowering) in the fertilizer dept."]
["                             The reference to #19 in this case is just the number this particular Haze seedling is known under, its \"Haze"]
["                             #19\", no connection to Peak #19. The original Haze cutting (according to Martijn) was super-strong but in order"]
["                             to develop a seedline it had to be crossed with some male and reportedly today has 13% indica in it. "]
[]
["                             This \"Haze #19\" plant is definitely NOT what you would expect phenotype-wise (looks indica), but on the other"]
["                             hand the high is trippy and has almost NO body, the color of the leaves is pale green, has no skunk odor at all"]
["                             (fruity when growing, spicy \"Vicks vapo rub\" when cured), it is finicky about its feeding regimen (it immediately"]
["                             goes yellow)... all traits that one does not associate with Indica. "]
[]
["                             Not a \"wonder\" plant, I would rate it 7.5 overall, but its a compact plant, short in height and flowering time, and"]
["                             you still get a sativa-style of high with an agreeable, non-skunky taste. Good breeding material, good structure"]
["                             and flowering time, with a respectable high.” –Adam Tripper"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Haze Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Winner of the fifth annual \"High Times\" Cannabis Cup by Dutch Passion. Originally Haze is a pure Sativa"]
["                             strain. It is crossed with Skunk#1 to get a bigger yield, a softer taste and a shorter flowering period. Truly"]
["                             superior sweet taste. The high is incredibly clear and up energy. A very favorite strain from our collection. Very"]
["                             high yield for an almost 100% Sativa variety. Flowering period: 10-12 weeks Harvest time under natural light:"]
["                             end of Dec. Really tasty strong plant, indoor, 8 weeks.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering period: 10-12 weeks Harvest time under natural light: end of Dec. Really tasty strong plant, indoor, 8"]
["                             weeks.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I'm not sure how close the genetics are, but I recently did some haze x skunk from Dutch Passion. What I"]
["                             had was-lots of hermies, only one true male out of 10 seeds, 4 real females, each different, from sativa type"]
["                             to mainly indica--yield low, taste sweet, sweet, sweet. High up, very potent. Best plants were sativa type, small"]
["                             cola tops 3.5 ft plant with 2 weeks veg, and 8 weeks to mature. I had one of the females that was impressive,"]
["                             producing more resin than white widow growing with it but the high from this plant wasn’t to intense though. I"]
["                             probably won’t keep the strain long but I’m not sorry I grew it either.\" -stix"]
[]
["                             \"I tried Haze skunk from clones. when flowered at 6-10 inches they ended up about 2-3 feet. They would work."]
["                             A pure thai i had ended up at about 5 feet when flowered from clones and could be problematic.\" -Chemo"]
[]
["                             I just finished a couple of crops of this strain from Dutch Passion. Its a very sweet smoking (lots like Skunk1"]
["                             but sweeter) and if you get a good mother it can be pretty potent. Out of ten seeds had 1 male, 4 hermies and"]
["                             5 females with one keeper (makes me wonder about the breeding). Its pretty rough on the lungs but I enjoy it"]
["                             if I have to keep moving while stoned. It is a very clear energetic high. Fairly low yield. I wouldn’t recommend it"]
["                             very highly (I like more body in the high) although I enjoy smoking it.\" - Stix"]
[]
["                             “I’m not sure how close the genetics are (to Positronics), but I recently did some HazexSkunk from Dutch"]
["                             Passion. What I had was lots of hermies, only one true male out of 10 seeds, 4 real females, each different,"]
["                             from sativa type to mainly indica -yield low, taste sweet, sweet, sweet. High up, very potent. Best plants were"]
["                             sativa type, small cola tops 3.5 ft plant with 2 weeks veg, 8 weeks to mature. I had one of the females that"]
["                             was impressive, producing more resin than white widow growing with it but the high from this plant wasn’t too"]
["                             intense tho. I probably wont keep strain long but I’m not sorry I grew it either.” - Stix"]
[]
["                             “Some DP strains are in the big leagues, they just aren’t superstars. I presently have one from them called"]
["                             Haze/skunk that I really enjoy and smoke a lot, but from most standpoints seed from better breeders can"]
["                             beat it on all points -Potency, yield, stability, etc. We aren’t saying they are like bag seed at all, just do"]
["                             yourself a favor and try one of the strains from the other companies.” - Stix"]
[]
["                             “The NL5 x Haze has an unusual leathery or sandalwood taste, a VERY expanding smoke (that is, when you"]
["                             inhale it, it just keeps expanding in the lungs). The high from some peoples report is supposed to be \"up\" but"]
["                             I get so stoned on it I cant get up and move, dont know if it is difference in mothers or us smokers. I’ve had"]
["                             friends who are heavy duty smokers who cant take more than a few hits of NL5 x Haze. The Haze x Skunk on"]
["                             the other hand is not an extremely potent smoke in the same way -its plenty potent but not debilitating like"]
["                             the NL5xHaze is. The taste is much sweeter, but like most skunk strains, it burns my lungs after smoking lots"]
["                             of it. Another curious thing about the NL5 x Haze, the high lasts for me about four hours, the Haze x Skunk"]
["                             about the normal two. If you choose the NL5 x Haze, grow a less potent variety along with it for \"daytime\""]
["                             smoking, the NL5 x Haze is so potent it bums me out if I smoke it all day.” - Stix."]
[]
["                             “The skunk x haze is a relative compact plant that looks really great. Its about 1 m high, 1,25 in diameter and"]
["                             very nicely branched conically like a Christmas tree. The flowers seem to be compact and plentiful (every"]
["                             internode) and the odor is very nice. Less pungent than skunk, but I doubt if it will taste like haze, there"]
["                             seems to be a lot of skunk in it. It reacts relatively fast to a change in light regime. After 4 days of 12 hrs the"]
["                             first flowers appeared.” - Smurf"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Haze Strains"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: California, USA  Breeder: Nevil  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"Haze is a late sativa from America, widely agreed by experts to be the best pot in the world. Very popular in"]
["                             the 70's, it nearly became extinct in recent years as growers switched to easier varieties. We managed to"]
["                             salvage a few viable seeds from the last crop grown in America and we have used them to produce some"]
["                             remarkable hybrids. Haze is known for an extreme, almost psychedelic spaciness. The fragrance is complex"]
["                             and deep with a dry flowery perfume over a base of dark leathery animal tones. When used in a hybrid it adds"]
["                             fascinating notes of depth and complexity to the taste, as well as a unique addition to the high. While not for"]
["                             everyone, the most jaded connoisseur will often find haze irresistible”. –The Seed Bank catalog, 1988"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Regarding …Haze, Ed Rosenthal says he knows (it was) developed by Cultivators' Choice in California in the"]
["                             70's”"]
[]
["                             “Haze is the most difficult and challenging of any strain, perhaps Thai sativas also. Haze takes a long time, in"]
["                             a recent interview Ben Dronkers said a true Haze takes 8 months to flower! Yow! In fact, Haze seeds are very"]
["                             pale, never dark. A seeded Haze takes upwards of 16 - 20 weeks for good seeds. The high is pulse racing, I"]
["                             would say even paranoid. In fact, I have reservations about recommending Haze, because I have seen"]
["                             irregular behavior in some of its regulars. I think Haze is extremely powerful and cannot be used casually,"]
["                             because it plays to deep emotions is what I have observed. That said, it also makes a difficult cross because"]
["                             often a cross with Haze imparts the Haze flowering time and modest yield but not its intense & dominating"]
["                             high. Ideal crosses would see the Haze stone with a quicker delivery, but in my opinion Haze does not cross"]
["                             indicas well, its better suited to a sativa, whether that be a Skunk (as in Super Silver Haze) or another. I prefer"]
["                             the sativa high of a Durban, Hawaiian Sativa, Sensi Skunk, Joker's Haze/Skunk (not a replica of any Dutch"]
["                             strain). I must say Willy Jack is busy trying to find the perfect Haze cross, as he has crossed Haze with Black"]
["                             Domina, Big Bud, Jack Herer, Early Girl, Hindu Kush, William's Wonder, and maybe others I've forgot in order"]
["                             to find the perfect cross, maybe take the 'edge' off the Haze as well as the desirable quickening of flowering.\""]
["                             - Marc Emery"]
[]
["                             “Good luck finding pure haze, I sure didn't get it. My success was planting 6 seeds from Positronics through"]
["                             Jock, kept them in the fridge until germ, and got a 50% germination rate. Of the 3, one turned to be a"]
["                             beautiful male, with a sativa/indica profile, but nice internode lengths, medium green medium wide leaves,"]
["                             heavily serrated. Collected the pollen.... The other two turned out hermie like, one very hermie which unloaded"]
["                             its pollen on some others, the other which a few days before harvest started showing weird misshapen male"]
["                             parts in the midst of the female flowers. The calyxes were very purple as well as the underneath of the small,"]
["                             wide, dark green bud leaves - very indica looking. No pollen released on this one."]
[]
["                             Am I disappointed? You bet. Had visions of pollinating a real, pure, sativa haze with some of my babes. From"]
["                             everything I've read, haze has been bastardized by the Dutch, it's no longer pure. You don't know what you're"]
["                             getting until you've \"groaned\" it out."]
[]
["                             Being a little cynical, I don't think I'm going to order from overseas anymore. Read another post that the haze"]
["                             another grower got from Homegrown Fantaseeds was very afghan like. Heard also that Positronics, Dutch"]
["                             Passion and Homegrown are all affiliated, so, if I were ordering from of these banks and they all had the"]
["                             \"same\" strain, I would go with the best price. Homegrown is able to up its prices based on the awards won on"]
["                             some of its stock at the Cup. This kind of crap will eventually hurt the Dutch. A lot of their stuff is prone to"]
["                             herms, a big negative as far as I'm concerned. Think their interest lies in profits rather than breeding out"]
["                             rotten genotypes. If I am paying $4 to $25 a seed, I want a first class product, with no misrepresentation from"]
["                             some flowery ads. Unfortunately we can't turn to the BBB to claim."]
[]
["                             Be sure to ask your distributor if he will guarantee his stock as the real deal.” - Uncle Ben Dejo"]
[]
["                             “I know which one not to buy. I grew Homegrown Fantaseed's Haze and it had no potency what so ever. It"]
["                             looks to be a Haze/indica F1 with the indica being very dominant in the high. I have a bunch of seeds from it"]
["                             that may or may not be worth growing out. In closing, don't bother with this version of Haze.” – RedDevil"]
[]
["                             “I have tried HGF's Haze. It most certainly is not the real deal. There is a lot of indica bred into it. I'm not sure"]
["                             if there is any real original Haze in it at all or if they just called it Haze for sales reasons. It grew well, cloned"]
["                             easily and even had a great pineapple smell. The potency on the other hand was not there at all Sativa/indica"]
["                             or otherwise. Don't do it.” -RedDevil"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Haze X Northern Lights"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Nevil  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"1988 Catalog the Seed Bank introduced a Haze X NL #1 hybrid. In 1989 they introduced Haze X NL #5. Today"]
["                             the Sensi Seed Bank offers NL#5 X Haze. I do not know if the listing of Haze first in the \"Name\" as opposed to"]
["                             the listing today of NL#5 first in the \"Name\" has any real bearing on the formulation of this cross. I do know"]
["                             that the 88 version and the 89 version were indeed different."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             88 version (Haze X NL#1 ) states ‘Haze X Northern lights has been the most reliable haze hybrid so far and is"]
["                             our favorite smoke. It is a bit stretchy and difficult to grow but well worth it\"."]
[]
["                             1989 version: \"Due to tremendous customer demand, we have spent years searching for a superb Sativa/"]
["                             Indica hybrid that is suited for indoor growing but still retains the unique sativa qualities in the high. The Haze"]
["                             X NL#5 hybrid is the result of this search. A note of warning: Adverse effects have been known to occur among"]
["                             inexperienced smokers, particularly when combined with alcohol. Side effects may include nausea, dizzyness,"]
["                             fainting and loss of bowel and bladder control. Extreme introspective behavior is considered normal\""]
[]
["                             \"One item that may be of interest is that in the 1988 Catalog the Seed Bank introduced a Haze X NL #1 hybrid."]
["                             In 1989 they introduced Haze X NL #5. Today the Sensi Seed Bank offers NL#5 X Haze. I do not know if the"]
["                             listing of Haze first in the \"Name\" as opposed to the listing today of NL#5 first in the \"Name\" has any real"]
["                             bearing on the formulation of this cross. I do know that the 88 version and the 89 version were indeed"]
["                             different."]
[]
["                             \"I grew that strain in '89 and your right, one of the wildest highs I have ever had from pot. The pistils must"]
["                             have been almost an inch long when they were fresh. It took 4 months for them to come but I never regreted"]
["                             it after the first stone.\" -Lady J"]
[]
["                             \"Your main problem will be getting any real original haze I don't think its available in Holland the last people"]
["                             to sell it were positronics there stock went to Dutch passion and I think they are selling a version of haze"]
["                             modified by them as they state a finish time of 9 to 10 weeks to suit the hurry up boys. Original haze takes at"]
["                             least 14 weeks and the best ones 16 to 18 weeks.\"-Oldtimer1"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Haze#19 x Skunk#1"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I would strongly suspect that this hybrid, despite it being carried by Dutch Passion, Homegrown Fantaseeds"]
["                             and Positronics, originates in a single breeding operation (same exact genes, regardless of source), since all"]
["                             three seed companies have been consolidated under one owner. Which helps explain why all three seed"]
["                             companies claim the hybrid has won a Cannabis Cup prize ‘for them’.”"]
[]
["                             “Hehe... sounds like a strong sativa. I have a Haze19Xskunk#1 (positronics) that kicks out bud with a distinct"]
["                             'heart racing' feeling. This bud keeps me wide awake. Zero to LSD in two tokes. This may be of interest to"]
["                             those wishing to grow killer sativa outside and have it mature. I grew Haze #19 from TAC and had 80% of the"]
["                             plants start flowering after 3 months regardless of day length. I have no explanation for this but I talked to"]
["                             Mike at TAC and he said that this is common with Haze #19 which is very variable. We are still getting 14 hours"]
["                             of daylight and my Haze has been flowering for two months. It is typical Haze potency but you need to be fairly"]
["                             experienced to grow it properly unless you have a good location. The reason being that it grows very tall and"]
["                             spindly and it also grows very fast.\" - Dynamite"]
[]
["                             \"I grew a haze19 X skunk#1 strain I got from jock, and enjoyed growing this strain. The resin it produces is"]
["                             delicious in odor ... sugary & citrus. The high from the buds is strong! The plants were harvested in about 55"]
["                             days. The scissor hash was incredible. With the 2 out of 10 ten females I grew, I didn't locate a plant worthy of"]
["                             the strain corral. The yields weren't too good with this plant. I'm very happy with my new indica strains now. I've"]
["                             had some totally meditative smoking sessions with the shishkeberry ... detailed closed eye visuals while"]
["                             relaxing, ahh! that's my kinda' weed. Good luck with the haze X skunk... if you can find a good yielder, it'd be"]
["                             a great strain. I let my haze X skunk plant go, but I crossed it with a shishk male to try and make a worthy"]
["                             hybrid ...\" -Shiva"]
[]
["                             “Bank: Positronics"]
["                             Supplier: Jock"]
["                             Started with 10 seeds, all 10 germinated and sprouted. Had 6 females and 4 males with this variety all but one"]
["                             practically identical. They grew and looked like clones from the same Ma and they grew well. No males were"]
["                             kept after indicating sex, probably a mistake. This variety was a pleasant surprise with yield and especially"]
["                             buzz, what a buzz. "]
["                             Of the 6 females 5 of them were just about identical in growth both during veg and flowering. They had leaves"]
["                             somewhere between the indica dark and sativa light green with midsize width blades. The one loner plant"]
["                             showed its differences during flowering. While the majority had bud covering most of the stem this one grew"]
["                             nuggets at the nodes, thick tight ones. "]
["                             Because they were so similar in growth just three were kept to be grown from clones. They were all worthy"]
["                             mothers though. As a matter of fact if you had to or wanted to do a seed crop from plants grown out in Jr. as of"]
["                             now these would be a better choice than even my favorite the NL x Shiva because of the uniformity. NL x Shiva"]
["                             also from Posi"]
["                             5- This one was the highest of the yielders and came in third in buzz with the plants that were killed off. Not a"]
["                             distant third just third. The plant matured in approximately 8 weeks. This ma actually has production potential"]
["                             based on what has been seen so far. "]
["                             6- This baby was the lowest of the yielders but came in a strong second in buzz. It also finished in"]
["                             approximately 8 weeks."]
["                             10- This was the rebel of the bunch. Difference in growth weren’t that noticeable during veg but this plant"]
["                             showed its colors during flowering. The others had bud formation up and down the stem while this one grew"]
["                             chunky buds at every node. This made for a longer manicure but it was worth it since this plant has the best"]
["                             buzz at this time by a noticeable margin. It’s probably the best weed in the stable right now even while still a"]
["                             pup. This was an 8 to 9 week baby. It’s at the very least good enough for a head to head with the current"]
["                             champs Top 44 and NxS right now."]
["                             Aroma: Kind of a slight skunky smell on the sweet side. Nothing offensive nothing overpowering, but fairly"]
["                             strong. Double bag when carrying stink without doubt."]
["                             Buzz Well above average. Ah what the heck."]
["                             This chit is nice."]
["                             Semi couch-lock with a kick is the best I can do. Not couch lock but could be, not sativa intense but it has an"]
["                             edge plus it creeps up on ya. You get a buzz and feel like that’s it, next thing ya know. You’re not grinning"]
["                             you’re smiling 61514 At this early age the buzz is in the same class as the older plants in the stable Top 44"]
["                             and NL x Shiva. Imagination knows how the buzz will be when the plants are older."]
["                             The oddball - 10 û with the superior buzz has more of an edge and leans towards a sativa side more than the"]
["                             other two. The weed already has a nickname- Sunshine Weed; the buzz is better in the sun. I guess it’s"]
["                             because the edge is taken off some with the sun beating on ya bean and it all works out to a good thing, very"]
["                             good. Can’t be explained you’ll have to do it."]
["                             One last note.. This weed rings some bells from days gone by?"]
["                             Taste: Distorted by feeding- nothing to write about nothing to bitch about. Good but not great. "]
["                             Yield 5 has production potential and was kept for that reason. The yield from the others was at least average."]
["                             As a whole taking all plants into consideration yield was better than average and there is a possibility of all"]
["                             getting much better with time and choice of method used to grow em. Good ScrOG potential with this strain."]
["                             Comments: The day this is puffed when it’s older will be a great day I’m sure. Also curious to see how the yield"]
["                             compares to the rest of the stable. If it gets just a tad bit better in the buzz department with age this will be"]
["                             the new stone champ without doubt. It could be already NL x Shiva is dusting off the belt for transfer.\" - flick"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Neville’s Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Nevil Schoenbottom, Green House Seed Co.  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Pedigree: Almost pure Haze with just a hint of Indica (Northern Lights). Strength: The most potent variety of"]
["                             its kind on or off the market. Not recommended for inexperienced smokers - too trippy - too profound."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering Times: Indoors: should be started under 12 hours of lights. The earliest will finish in 14 weeks"]
["                             (25%). Those that take much longer than this are usually discarded as not practical. Outdoors: should be"]
["                             grown in the Tropics + started just before the on set of autumn. Yields are surprisingly good - the longer"]
["                             flowering time is usually compensated with extra large yields, both in and outdoors. Not for the novice smoker"]
["                             or grower.” –Greenhouse Seeds catalog"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The plants are still in early flowering. They were started Feb 23 under a 400W HPS on a 14 hour light/10 hour"]
["                             dark schedule. After that, light period was slowly decreased for two weeks, at which time, they were put on"]
["                             12/12 and flowered(about March 10). Sometime in late March or early April (I forget) the damned old hps bulb"]
["                             went dead! Fortunately, the weather had warmed up so that I could take them outside during the afternoon,"]
["                             and inside under a bank of florescents for some hours after that. Now, it's warmed up enough to leave outside"]
["                             for 11 hours each day. I selected two females and one male which had the pure haze phenotype, and"]
["                             discarded(gave away)all the rest. From the first, these seedlings had extremely long, slender leaves. One"]
["                             female had very drooping leaves to boot. It was my intention to let the male fully pollinate the females for"]
["                             seeds. Well, they've been in flowering about 6 weeks now, but stretching is just now slowing down. I'm"]
["                             expecting another 8 or more weeks till finish. It was a mistake to flower them so soon as the tallest is only 2"]
["                             ft., but I did take clones from the females which I'll veg to 7 in., and those should stretch to about 5 ft. once"]
["                             they're flowered. As I said, the ones I selected appear to be pure haze with no indication of NL! Some of the"]
["                             ones I let go were about a third NL, but these are pure! At least, for outward traits, and apparently, for hidden"]
["                             traits as well. Leaves are the longest and most slender that I've ever seen! Yield is very poor at this point! The"]
["                             top bud site looks like a small marble on top of a two foot pole. I don't know, it's hard to judge what the final"]
["                             yield would be on an unseeded, sinsemilla plant. I'm pretty sure that a five foot plant would have a fair yield."]
["                             Grown in the tropics, this strain would easily get to 20 ft., and have an enormous yield, but indoors-no! It is"]
["                             definitely not suitable for SOG. But, if you're like me, you'd rather have a little of the best there is, than a lot"]
["                             of some other.”"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights #5 X Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Nevil Schoenbottom, Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This hybrid is the pinnacle of achievement in Cannabis breeding today. The result: an extremely potent plant"]
["                             with a great Sativa high. In the 1994 harvest festival this variety was miles ahead of its competitors. The high"]
["                             yields compensate for the slightly longer flowering period. Hybrid vigour provides for lush growth, heavy bud"]
["                             formation and abundant resin. A true champion!"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 65-75 days / 11 weeks Height: 150-180 cm. Yield: up to 150 gr.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
["                             description"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Big plant with big leaves. Light green. It will grow to 15 feet tall outdoors. Will produce 4-6 ounces per plant."]
["                             An extremely sweet smell. A unique and high quality stone. Flowering: 9-10 weeks Yield: up to 100 grams” -"]
["                             Richie´s catalog description"]
[]
["                             “It is the \"ultimate\". Can do a wake-and-bake without turning into a couch potato. Needs lots of lights."]
["                             Stretches like a sativa. But gets plenty of crystals. Hash made from those crystals, put into the nation's water"]
["                             supply ... uh I forgot what I was going to say. Anyway, it's gooood. And, it's probably not the best for a newbie,"]
["                             it can put them away like when you eat too much. Trip to the hospital, etc. -- no shit, this happened to a friend"]
["                             of mine. (It created diabetes complications. Extreme hypoglycemia. So make sure you've got plenty of"]
["                             nutrition bars from your obnoxious network marketing friends, drink lots of water, and you'll be better"]
["                             prepared. Your brain cells are going to be going on a rocket trip ... they need lots of fuel !! But be careful ... if"]
["                             you go shopping under the influence of this stuff you'll spend too much money before you know it. I would"]
["                             suggest the NL5xHaze. Heavy yielder, great sativa buzz however it does take a little longer (70 days) but worth"]
["                             the wait if its for your head.” – Rooot"]
[]
["                             “A-1 I got some of those seed from Nevil in 88 and I've seen it make many experienced smokers do strange"]
["                             things-throw up, anxiety attacks-honest to goodness. I just recieved an order of Sensi Seeds version of it and"]
["                             cant wait to compare it. I think Nevils seeds from the old Seed Bank days were great.” – Stix"]
[]
["                             “The haze/nl5 I had was the most visual, near acid-like high I have ever had. 10-12 weeks to finish and worth"]
["                             every nailbiting day of it (imo). You will also be pleasantly surprised with the yield too. Haze must be VERY"]
["                             dominant in that hybrid judging by the high. The NL just keeps the flowering under 16 weeks more than"]
["                             anything. They didn't call Nevil \"the king\" for nothing... I had one plant stretch 6\" overnight! No lie. That Haze"]
["                             is something completely different from most sativas. When Nevil released that strain he was the only one with"]
["                             pure NL5 AND pure Haze both of which he found in the States.” - Lady J."]
[]
["                             “Was it you that had experience with NLxHaze? I now have two from Sensi that are growing like wildfire in my"]
["                             flowering closet. They have almost taken over. My question is are these girls going to be worth the trouble they"]
["                             are causing. If not I am thinking of ripping them out now. It is really running on me. Has to be the Haze."]
["                             Here's to hoping it is all you say. I will tough it out. I had a similar problem with NLxHaze from the bc seed co."]
["                             These did not preflower.They full on began to flower at about 6-7 weeks.When it became apparent that they"]
["                             would continue, I moved them into the flowering area. After a decent harvest, I revegged all three and after"]
["                             about 5-6 weeks they began to flower automatically AGAIN. I have bred these plats and their offspring have"]
["                             just begun to break soil. I'll just go with the flow and play jr.scientist trying to find out if it was enviromental or"]
["                             genetic. It was great and worth the money but still not the best I ever had... growing conditions could have"]
["                             been a little better. The buzz was powerful and very up heady, a little disorientating and a good laster. Taste"]
["                             was unique kind of a lime flavor with a fruity-tooty hint. mellow burn. excellent stuff but I have had stronger in"]
["                             jamacia. slow-slow-slow grower and quite pricey for the seed bank seeds. I may have gotten better results had"]
["                             I waited longer and dryed longer. I still have 5 seeds left and 4 clones so I am going to refine my growing"]
["                             techniuqe. but it will be a long time for 2nd set of results. would I recommend it yes but maybe not on limited"]
["                             funds or for the impatient grower. I love the taste though and the buzz... awesome!” – Turbo"]
[]
["                             “Remember how my NL5xHaze budded on auto? Well the harvest was somewhat small as a result, but the bud"]
["                             was damned stoney. At about 6 weeks reveg the plants went on autobud again so into flowering they"]
["                             went.Larger this time.” – sb"]
[]
["                             \"Being a big fan of this original cross by Nevil of The Seed Bank, I’ve been waiting for the chance to grow out"]
["                             Sensi's version of it. The original was the most potent, devasting high I’ve ever had the pleasure of growin."]
["                             The best plants leaned to the indica side in her traits, finish was longish but worth it, with tight, large, crystally"]
["                             buds. Sensi's version today, however, doesn’t come close to the original in any way. Its mostly sativa, LOOSE"]
["                             buds, potency at best average, and Ive honestly lost track how long they've been budding, and 90% of"]
["                             females not finished yet. I dont really think any of the females(9) I got from this order will be worth keeping,"]
["                             to say the least Im very disappointed, since I have recommended this strain to so many people. Perhaps the"]
["                             successful grows of this strain use a mega amount of light since mine is only 40 watts ft/sq. or else it was my"]
["                             turn to be unlucky with the females in my order, but Id never recommend this to anyone again. I know time"]
["                             makes the memories better, but I swear the strains from 85-90 from SSSC and The Seed Bank were much"]
["                             better than most of what we get today, or am I getting old? It seems the hybrid vigor of the crosses from that"]
["                             era were much more vigorous than crosses today.\" -stix"]
[]
["                             “This hydro is light green with scarce long, red hairs and very crystally buds. It breaks up very easily and emits"]
["                             a sweet green scent, characteristic to Northern Lights. The buds are surprisingly much denser than they seem."]
["                             Smoked, the buds are smooth but very expansive in the lungs and will certainly leave you coughing. The taste"]
["                             has a mild overall bouquet if not a bit bland. The high comes on quickly but is mild and relaxing, and even a"]
["                             bit spacey. *** 1/4” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             “As for the nl5xhaze, I tried it both on e f table with 40+ watts/s.f. and in e-f trays with much less light, about"]
["                             30 watts/s.f. Using GH nutes with fox farm and EJ Catalyst in both systems. Most plants in strain outgrew table"]
["                             and were moved to trays but a couple stayed short enough and bloomed profusely-large as a football and"]
["                             loose as could be. Ones in trays were more sativa and finished bout 6 feet and were more potent with"]
["                             better-looking buds, though still loose. They are covered with resin. More light would have been a big plus and"]
["                             perhaps the sole reason my results weren’t as good as your own. Air turnover every minute in both grows. I’m"]
["                             not as disappointed since I've sampled them since they’ve matured, the early samples weren’t too potent at"]
["                             all-I think they were worth the effort cause they do express the haze pretty well in the smoke and that’s always"]
["                             a treat.” - stix"]
[]
["                             “I have a few NL#5 Haze that I have just harvested, I was really happy with the product produced. Fat tight"]
["                             buds, minimal stretching. and mine was from Mike, straight from Sensi. Mine gained height of around 5 and a"]
["                             half-foot, they yielded pretty well as well. I bent them over and it increased the yield.” – Mirage"]
[]
["                             “I've just finished growing out ten NL#5 x Haze females. Firstly the seeds were bought in Sensi for USD 150.-"]
["                             You get 16 seeds to a pack. Germination saw 15 seeds pop, out of which 5 were males. I let the plants"]
["                             vegetate until 2 feet in height - mistake. On going to 12/12 the plants took off towards the ceiling. They"]
["                             eventually reached 6 feet and were a regular pain in the ass to look after; buds bending branches over,"]
["                             running buds etc.... (I'm using 600W HPS in a 5 x 5 grow room). The plants were just about mature after"]
["                             75-80 days."]
["                             I'm now in the process of drying and curing with the intention of selecting the best mother afterwards for regen."]
["                             and cloning. "]
["                             I must say that I'm disappointed in the quality at this point. The buds I've smoked so far have had a really"]
["                             nice taste and are very smooth to smoke. The high, however, leaves something to be desired. Although I"]
["                             haven't sampled the best bits on each plant I have yet to come across a NLH bud which flattens me. Sensi say"]
["                             this is 'extremely potent' grass. What does this mean ? Extremely potent for whom exactly ? I'm a joint-a-day"]
["                             man for years and my intention in buying these expensive seeds was to grow a really potent strain to have for"]
["                             my 'experienced' buddies."]
["                             There seems to be a high variability in potency among the ten plants. My experience tells me that I'm not"]
["                             going to find a killer here. Manicuring a cola from a plant always gives me a clue to its potency. I use a"]
["                             scissors and if it gets clogged up by resin I know I have a good smoke. Only one of these plants had this"]
["                             ability. However, I'm reserving final judgement until the plants are fully dry and mostly cured (about another 3"]
["                             weeks) before I start ranting and raving."]
["                             Tips for growers of this strain :"]
["                             Put on 12/12 when plant is under 12 inches."]
["                             Maturity will take 75-85 days."]
["                             You need LOTS of light."]
["                             Yield is o.k"]
["                             Cloning is easy - I've tried it."]
["                             The buds will be fluffy, not tight."]
["                             No major smell problems with this strain.” -Harry H."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Original Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Strong compact plant, very high. This homogenous Sativa type weed originates from Nepal and contains a"]
["                             high level of THC. Grow it from fertile soil and add nursery supplements to the water. This excellent quality"]
["                             strain grows up to 1,75 meter and is especially loved by musicians around the world. 100%Sativa,a hard plant"]
["                             to grow but famous for its special qualities.A classic Sativa high,and good results for those who do not mind to"]
["                             wait a little longer. Strong, compact plant, mellow.Original lambsbreath from Jamaica. Pure Sativa with light"]
["                             Skunk crossing. Flowering time 10 or 12 weeks. (1st two weeks 14 hours of light / 8 weeks 12 hours of light /"]
["                             last 2 weeks 10 hours of light). Has Narrow leaves, a Plant with yellow-whitish long buds."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type : Stabilized F1-Hybrid, 88% Sativa Flowering time : 8 - 12 weeks Cultivation : Inside, outside and"]
["                             greenhouse Appearance : Slender leaves Aroma : Spicy odour Height : 1.50 - 1.75 m Yield : 400 - 500 grams”"]
["                             – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Haze (Katsu coffee shop) This place came highly recommended to me from Tony at Sagarmatha. They are"]
["                             said to have \"the best Haze in all of Holland\". Trippy buzz with a similar taste to the Kali but not quite the"]
["                             same. Very, very cerebral in nature. Like the onset of LSD right before it really kicks in. Some what"]
["                             apprehensive feeling with heart racing aspects. This bud is for experienced smokers only. It could really freak"]
["                             out a newbi consumer.\"-Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             \"The most mind-blowing weed BY FAR, that I've ever smoked (in 25 years of steady smoking) is Haze. It's like"]
["                             taking LSD. I can't even rate a second or third because NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE TO HAZE.\" –Mr Soul"]
[]
["                             \"Cleaner, cerebral buzz from the pure sativa. Haze is a super sativa of four sativas; Colombian, Mexican, Thai,"]
["                             and South Indian. Haze is one of the few genuine, pure sativas in existence (from BC Seeds catalog). Mine is"]
["                             the original haze from positronics. It has very long, slim fan leaves. the plants are so limp that the large new"]
["                             fans make the tops droop over kinda like a sunflower. its definately a pure sativa strain. toke it easy on"]
["                             mature haze. i have some original haze barely budding and its already a killer. did our haze have long skinny"]
["                             leaves and limpy plants? haven't got to try any mature bud yet,but the 2 week into flowering green tips give"]
["                             me a better buzz than mature durban bud. unfortunately i just had to put them outside into a longer light cycle"]
["                             so maturity will probably be delayed. i do believe it will be some of the best of the bunch when mature.\""]
["                             -Toker2"]
[]
["                             \"The original Haze from Positronics, which is a stabilized hybrid is said to produce 5-10% special plants and be"]
["                             75% female. Out of 5 mother plants, there is one that is a little different from the others. The leaves are a tad"]
["                             bit wider and the plant is definately showing more vigor than its sisters.\" -Toker2"]
[]
["                             \"That's what I thought, Wernard at Positronics got one of the original clones. I got a handle on the general"]
["                             growing characteristics, how's the high? Is the Posi. Haze as potent as the Haze reputation?\" -Uncle Ben"]
[]
["                             \"In the seventies we tried several times to grow original haze in the uk all to no avail we were using cool white"]
["                             and grolux and didn’t know about hid’s. in the eighties we tried again using 100w per sq ft the selected ladies"]
["                             took 15 to 18 weeks on 12h and the start of amber glands. some of these were still growing at 18w and would"]
["                             probably need less hrs to stop them. I don’t think the so called hazes offered in Holland can be the same"]
["                             thing some quote 8 weeks some 9. Over the years we made a number of crosses with short time indicas the"]
["                             last two were the best [see post 24 ] . The high was very high, not at all paranoid, some people reported"]
["                             coloured edges to their vision unfortunately not me. We found it just too expensive and difficult to grow but it"]
["                             has left us with some high yielding hybrids with a touch of the haze high as a memory. The shortest we got the"]
["                             time down to was with super skunk m x o~haze f = 10w and o~haze m x ss f = 9w at 12hrs.\" -Oldtimer1"]
[]
["                             “I just finished some Positronics original haze for the most part under 44w/sq'.the clones were taken from"]
["                             outdoor mothers. The outdoor buds at 7 weeks had far better potency and taste than the indoors had at 12"]
["                             weeks. It did make some righteous size buds indoors and a nice yield, approx. 2 oz/plant. Unfortunately, it"]
["                             just didn't have the kick of its outdoor mother. I really believe haze needs far more lumens.” – toker2"]
[]
["                             “Haze is a sativa hybrid. If I remember right, they mentioned Mexican, Colombian and Thai in varying"]
["                             degrees. This would explain some of the variation I saw in the hybrids Nevil sent me. Some of the extreme"]
["                             sativa characteristics included one plant with a 6\" sport in 24hrs. That happened right after the induction of"]
["                             flowering. Outdoors they would have been giants.” - Lady J"]
[]
["                             “Posi haze is mostly Colombian x Mexican with small amounts of Thai and south Indian. It was created by \"the"]
["                             Haze brothers\" in California 20 years ago.”"]
[]
["                             “Our Haze is indeed from Posi's genetics, the flowering times do differ. Hydro tends to be quicker. Bio (in soil)"]
["                             we find can take 1 - 2 weeks longer. 10 - 13 weeks would be most likely on a hydro base. Of course there is"]
["                             some variation from grow room to grow room, even though it's the same strain. Haze is one of our most"]
["                             popular strains and is well worth the wait. A real up high of cosmic proportions.” - Homegrown Fantasy"]
["                             seedbank"]
[]
["                             “This sounds close to my strain, except the very best go to between 16 and 18 weeks, Homegrown Fantasy"]
["                             must have done what they call improving the strain to reduce the hrs to 10 to 13 because that’s not what"]
["                             Positronics started with. In fact it is very close to what you get with an F1 cross between original haze and"]
["                             original skunk No 1 which is probably closer to the truth. The other thing is to grow original haze well indoors"]
["                             light levels in excess of 100 w per s.f. are needed its not an economical crop.” - Oldtimer1"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Pure Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Homegrown Fantaseeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “100% Sativa, it’s a hard plant to grow, but famous for it’s special qualities. A classic Sativa high. Good results"]
["                             for those who do not mind to wait a little longer. The plant that sets the standard for all Sativa’s. Was one of"]
["                             the prize winning selection for Homegrown Fantaseeds in the Cannabis Cup ‘97."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 10-13 weeks”- Homegrown Fantaseeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Silver Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Although the cerebral high of the Sativa is preferred by many, indoor growers aren't too font of this type:"]
["                             Sativas get very tall, take a long time to finish off and produce skimpy yields. We have spent years searching"]
["                             for a superb Indica/Sativa hybrid suited for indoor growing. By crossing the Haze, the most powerful Sativa in"]
["                             the World, to a non-dominant Indica we managed to get the height and flowering time of the plant down to an"]
["                             acceptable level and still retain the unique Sativa qualities of the high. The results: the Silver Haze, winner of"]
["                             the '89 High Times Harvest Festival. Don't expect top yields but top quality that will excite the true connoisseur."]
["                             –Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 65-75 days. Height: 150-180 cm. Yield: up to 100 gr.” –Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This bud is so crystally that it looks silver, as its name portends, but underneath the crystal layering are"]
["                             actually dark-green buds with flame-orange hairs in clusters all around the bud. These buds are fairly difficult"]
["                             to break up due to their density and leave a tacky (but tasty) film on your fingers. The stems taste like flower"]
["                             nectar. The smoke is sweet and pleasant and tastes mild but a bit piney. The high hits you right away with a"]
["                             stony, vegetative high that could leave you wandering around Dam Square wondering which way your hotel is."]
["                             ****” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             “I have both silver haze and skunk x haze in early bloom outside right now. I planted them around half may."]
["                             The skunk x haze is a relative compact plant that looks really great. Its about 1 m high, 1,25 in diameter and"]
["                             very nicely branched conically like a Christmas tree. The flowers seem to be compact and plentiful (every"]
["                             internode) and the odor is very nice. Less pungent then skunk, but I doubt if it will taste like haze, there"]
["                             seems to be a lot of skunk in it. It reacts relatively fast to a change in light regime. After 4 days of 12 hrs the"]
["                             first flowers appeared. "]
["                             The silver haze looks much more like a sativa with longer internodes and sparser leave. I topped it when it was"]
["                             very small so it wouldn't get too tall and this has turned out nicely. The plant is also about 1 m in height and"]
["                             about 1.50 m in diameter. The appearance of flowers was fast (also +- 4 days) but they are leafier and more"]
["                             concentrated on the tops of the branches. The smell is much softer then the skunk x haze and much \"hazier\""]
["                             (If you have smoked real haze you know what I mean, there is nothing like it!)” -Smurf"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Super Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This variety made Dutch Passion the “High Times Cannabis Cup” winner in 1992. Formerly this strain was"]
["                             called “Haze Skunk”. Still one of the best for the Dutch Passion team. Original Haze is a pure Sativa strain. It"]
["                             is crossed with Skunk #1 to get a bigger yield, a softer taste and a shorter flowering period. Truly superior"]
["                             sweet taste. The high is incredibly clear and energetic. A very favorite strain from our collection. Very high yield"]
["                             for an almost 100% Sativa variety."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 10-12 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Dec.” –Dutch Passion seed catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I had the opportunity to acquire some Super Haze from Henk in late September. They got through customs"]
["                             just fine. I germed in soil of a fine mixture in early October. Of 12, 11 germed and unfortunately 5 turned out"]
["                             to be herms with largely male characteristics. 2 true males, 4 females. Fairly broad, medium degree leaf"]
["                             serrations, and max 7 blade leaf structure. These babies grow fairly quickly in veg under my 250w HPS with"]
["                             320w supplemental fluorescent. Problem was though in flowering as this strain took too long to finish. Took"]
["                             about 6 months total. Very deceptive in that the buds will look beefy, but the hairs take more time to turn than"]
["                             any other stain I have encountered. My guess is that this strain will perform much better in high light -"]
["                             temperature situations. I am going to try outdoors now and compare. Under the 250 light and the floros I got"]
["                             some nice 6 - 8 inch colas but they were not as tight as a big light setup would produce. I accidentally"]
["                             pollinated more bud than I had intended to when my pollen collection cup hit the fan...whoops...oh well, now I"]
["                             have enough seed to grow a small forest. And believe me when I say they ought to rename it Redwood bud."]
["                             Next time I think I'll try something more suited to my setup like NL.\" -Patient Grower"]
[]
["                             \"In the new Dutch Passion catalog, Henk the owner insists on calling his HAZE/SKUNK cross which won the"]
["                             Cannabis Cup in 1993 now called 'SUPER SILVER HAZE'. The Super Silver Haze that won the Cup is by"]
["                             Greenhouse Seeds. Henk is fairly proprietary about names, he has registered many of his own, so he must be"]
["                             fairly convinced the Super Silver Haze is an identical Haze Skunk cross.” – Marc Emery"]
[]
["                             \"Isn't Dutch Passion's variety Haze/Skunk called Super Haze? The Super Silver Haze is Skunk/Haze/NL. I was"]
["                             just at the Greenhouse and they have the genetic backgrounds of most of their seeds printed right on the seed"]
["                             menu.\" - Sensi Claus"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Super Silver Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Green House Seed Co.  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Pedigree: Composed of the most commercial strains, known to the civilized world - Skunk, Northern Lights +"]
["                             Haze. Royally bred from 3 precious High Times Cup winners.Awards: 1st place High Times Hydro Cup '97, '98,"]
["                             1st place High Times Grand Cup '98.Strength: Overpowering combination of Indica + Sativa Highs. It leaves"]
["                             you gasping for reality. Flowering Times: Indoors: 8-10 weeks, with top yields, heavy resin"]
["                             production.Outdoors: Finishes by end of Oct. in northern hemisphere, or end of May/June in the southern"]
["                             Hemisphere. This complex hybrid is the cutting edge in practical Haze hybrids designed to astound both the"]
["                             grower and smoker alike. Highly Recommended.” –Green House Seed Co. catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flower period: Indoors, 8-10 weeks."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Close sources say Arjan bred the SSH (nl x haze x skunk )in the Sensi Seed breeding rooms (Cannabis"]
["                             Castle) with royally bred Sensi strains. It's basically the same exact thing as Jack Herer, but with one"]
["                             difference. Arjan had some reputed misunderstandings with Sensi Seeds, and took the strain with him,"]
["                             accidentally leaving behind his notes (woops!). "]
["                             The key difference is that Neville donated his special pure isolated \"Haze\" strain to the SuperSilverHaze which"]
["                             made it slightly better than Sensi's version. Neville went on to screw Arjan in much the same way Arjan screwed"]
["                             over Sensi.” -Tobes"]
[]
["                             “I bought Super Silver Haze in Amsterdam directly from Greenhouse. Out of everything available in Amsterdam"]
["                             (including all kinds of hash), I smoked Super Silver Haze about 40% of he time because it was the nicest"]
["                             tasting smoke in Amsterdam. Most Amsterdam smoke has little taste in my opinion. But the Super Silver Haze"]
["                             from Greenhouse had a spicy taste, that everyone I shared it with commented on. "]
["                             Most of the plants I grew with seeds bought in November are about 45\" tall, but I bend then over almost in half"]
["                             so they are only about 26\" high not including the rockwool. I get lots of various size buds that are pointy on"]
["                             top when fully mature, with a long top branch of buds about a 18” long that you could call a spread-out cola."]
["                             One plant I pruned in veg. Toped at the 4th node than again a week later. It created 4 main colas with only 4"]
["                             or 5 side branches.. It is just about ready. It will be less than 30” mature (not bent at all) and very compact"]
["                             not as wide) compared to the other Super Silver Hazes (and much easier to manage). For SOG, you would need"]
["                             to be a master at controlling the growth patterns. But if you know how, you could get (4) four cola Super Silver"]
["                             Hazes per Sq. foot, or at least 3 that could yield at least 22 grams of dry manicured bud. "]
["                             I have not had pure Haze so I can’t comment on the existence of the Haze component. It is supposed to be"]
["                             crossed with Nevil’s Haze, one of the world best Sativas."]
["                             The high is complex, slightly up. I need to study it more but it is up there with the best, but not the strongest,"]
["                             per say. But most people will like this strain. Every one likes different things. This is not MY very favorite. "]
["                             I can tell you it was a relative bitch to manicure compared to Great White Shark and Mantanuska Tundra and"]
["                             other strains that have more compact buds before curing. It manicured like White Widow, the buds were fully"]
["                             formed after 7.5 weeks like WW would be after 10 weeks. You have to go in deep with cutting shears and get"]
["                             out a lot of little leaves that are best removed. It takes time. I’ll always grow Super Silver Haze, but probably"]
["                             one plant every other grow. I’ll keep a mother of the best and continue my search for the plant of my dreams.”"]
["                             - Ananda"]
[]
["                             “(To breed SSH you need to start with a) NL5 Male x Haze female. The main trait(s) you are trying to obtain"]
["                             from the Northern Lights #5 is the short height and, if possible, the trichome gland production. The only"]
["                             characteristics you seek from the Haze are the high and flavour."]
["                             Once you have a stable version of those two, cross a NL#5 x Haze male with a Super Skunk female, thus"]
["                             making it \"Super\". The main reason Greenhouse Seed Co. created SSH was because a little while back quite a"]
["                             few people were upset with the consistency and potency of the NL#5xHaze. So the Greenhouse breeders"]
["                             crossed it with a Super Skunk to give it more stability and up the ante on potency. Plus, I'm sure they needed"]
["                             something \"new\" to enter in the Cup. "]
["                             The difference between Jack Herer and Super Silver Haze is the NL#5 is the male in the original cross of SSH,"]
["                             while Haze is the male in Jack's original cross. From what I can recall reading Jack has a tendency to show a bit"]
["                             of favoritism towards it's tall, lanky Haze father. The SSH leans more towards an Indica growth pattern due to"]
["                             the NL#5 daddy.” -Geronimo"]
[]
["                             “I just harvested the second SSH female. and am impressed it has a strong SK#1 taste and stone, lots of resin"]
["                             .sticky as g13 ....and good yielder mine went 70-80 days.” –la.bud"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Mighty Mite Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Kush X Mighty Mite"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Heavy budding and lots of crystals makes up this plant, larger colas than Kush alone. Smooth smoke and"]
["                             excellent high. Easy to grow, and great for both indoors and outdoors."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 8-10 weeks ~ Height: 4-5’” –Marc Emery Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: MCW (Mighty Mite x Chemo x White Widow)"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia/California  Breeder: NCGA  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “MCW is a very nice strain to grow and smoke. Matures around 55-63 days. I suppose that MCW is fairly mold"]
["                             resistant because 2 other strains I had developed a white \"cottony\" looking mold inside of the buds, but MCW"]
["                             didn't even though she had really phat buds. The buds are nice and tight. I have 2 mcw females, both are very"]
["                             stony, one has more flavor than the other does. The flavor is excellent in taste. The mcw with more flavor"]
["                             occasionally puts out a few sterile male pollen anthers, which has never pollinated anything, I have had these"]
["                             2 mcw's going for quite a while now and I prefer the one with the occasional anther, even though the other mcw"]
["                             has phatter buds.” – ncga"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Ncga's Chemo cross (MCW) would do any garden proud! It's my personal favorite of this years crop and"]
["                             although it's a low yielder, the flavor/buzz more than makes up for it...\"-Mohave Green"]
[]
["                             \"And, for what it's worth, IMHO, that MCW was the best of the bunch! Without a doubt, try to keep that strain"]
["                             going! The others were fine, but MCW just gave you (or me, anyway) that energy rush that is truly incredible! If"]
["                             you EVER have any extra of that let me know.... I’d drive across 3 states for that...\""]
[]
["                             “Planted my last 6 MCW (I think it also had a \"?\" behind it, or maybe an \"x\") dec. 15. all grew normally except"]
["                             for 1 extra large female (#1). 2 avg. ones (#2 & #3) along with exact same for the males. kept the tallest"]
["                             male and a bushy one and bred with #2. not much to say about #2 other than it has 100's of developing seed"]
["                             pods on a 30\" tall, bushy plant. #3 is also unremarkable in its growth and both are pretty avg. to what was"]
["                             grown outdoors last summer from same batch of seed (btw, 3rd week of Oct. was harvest for the outdoor). #1"]
["                             however, is a monster! 4' tall, easily 2' diameter and solid with bud (looks very easy to clean too). Two main"]
["                             colas with many good size branches growing \"candelabra style\" with one pinch early in growth. I expect an"]
["                             outstanding yield from this one in particular... all are a lighter shade of green than most plants, very frosty with"]
["                             trichomes. And super-sweet aroma. It's a very long lasting, semi-heavy high and works well for the med. users"]
["                             I share it with. It's always been what they ask for anyway and works well for me too (failed back from 6"]
["                             surgeries and 2 fusions). "]
["                             All were grown in 5 gal. black plastic, nursery buckets filled with \"Whitney farms premium potting soil\" cut by a"]
["                             third with \"Whitney farms cactus mix\". Vegged under 1 1000W Sunmaster MH conversion and 2 1000W"]
["                             HPS...after sexing, reduced to 1 HPS and the Sunmaster in a 4 x 8 x 7 space. Tried Mylar this year for the 1st"]
["                             time. I don't notice much difference between it and plain flat white walls. Mylar is a real pain to keep clean and"]
["                             it will be gone as soon as the room is cleared.” - del"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Mighty Mite"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica/Ruderalis mix  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Mighty Mite is a famous BC indica strain from the Himalayas cultivated for 12 - 15 years here. It is uniquely"]
["                             suitable for indoor or outdoor cultivation. All Mighty Mite varieties and hybrids feature a dominant main cola"]
["                             that explodes in the 6th to 8th week of flowering."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering Period : 7-8 weeks. Height : 2.5'-3.5” – Marc Emery Direct seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Plant: Jun. 1st ~ Finish: Oct. 1st ~"]
["                             Height: 4-6’ ~ Yield: 3-4 oz” – Bonhomme’s seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “From Lesquiti Island in B.C. Seeds take up to 14 days to germinate. Huge cola!"]
["                             “Indoor/Outdoor. From a population of 3000, 50 of the best females were selected to produce a definitive 90"]
["                             day strain. This generation will show a much higher consistency of commercial grade bud development. Yield:"]
["                             3-4 of Oz to Oz. for the experienced grower. For a smaller window of profile outdoors, the strain can be started"]
["                             as early as February indoors, and then placed outdoors in May. Mighty Mites can even be started as late as"]
["                             August and finished outdoors in October. For indoor/outdoor germination to harvest is 90 days. They can be"]
["                             grown indoors for 24 hours under continuous light. Not recommended for cloning."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Niagara Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Huron (Niagara X White Widow)"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica with Ruderalis  Origin: Ontario, Canada  Breeder: Dr. Greenthumb  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Mostly indica. Mold resistant. Medium flower to leaf ratio. Large yield. Potency: 3* out of 5. Bouquet: Earthy,"]
["                             heavy."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Indoor Growth Outdoor Growth"]
["                             Cutting height 36\"-48\" Plant Height 4'-6'"]
["                             Yield (/m2) 300-400 g Yield (/plant) 125-150 g"]
["                             Flowering 60-75 Days Finish Approx. Sept. 15-30"]
["                             Frost Resistance - Spring Very Good, Fall Good.” – Dr. Greenthumb seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Niagara"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa with Ruderalis  Origin: Ontario, Canada  Breeder: Dr. Greenthumb  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A mostly sativa strain, early finish, sweet taste, mold resistant, high flower to leaf ratio, soaring high and"]
["                             produce large yield. Potency: 4 out of 5. Bouquet: Earthy, heavy."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Indoor Growth Outdoor Growth"]
["                             Cutting height 36\"-48\" Plant Height 6'-12'"]
["                             Yield (/m2) 400-500 g Yield (/plant) 400-500 g"]
["                             Flowering 60 Days Finish Approx. Sept. 15 "]
["                             Frost Resistance -Spring Very Good, Fall Good.” – Dr. Greenthumb seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Out of 18 Niagara seeds I got 17 sprouts. Out of the 18 Niagara x shiva seeds 18 sprouts. Out of the Niagara,"]
["                             9 were female. Out of the Niagara x shiva 11 were female. Clones were taken from each and rooted later to be"]
["                             put into my hydro system. Growth was better than I’ve ever seen; in fact both types threatened to outgrow my"]
["                             space heightwise, so had to bend them a bit. I harvested last weekend. The yield on both looks good, but I"]
["                             have no actual weight as both are still drying. I would say in the area of 400 grams a square yard. The buds"]
["                             look fat and dense. The Niagara buds have almost no leaf, just pure flowers I have not seen a less leafy plant"]
["                             before. The Niagara x shiva has more leaf as it is more indica. I have no idea about taste yet but the quick dry"]
["                             Niagara I have been smoking is far more potent than anything I have ever grown before, what a head rush,"]
["                             some of my friends say it's too potent or accused me of spraying it with something. The Niagara x shiva is less"]
["                             potent than the Niagara, and more physical but I would say it also is more potent than any of the strains I"]
["                             have grown before. for those who like a very potent weed Niagara is the bomb, but some may not like getting"]
["                             that high. Overall I like both and plan to grow more in the future.”"]
[]
["                             “I have some 5 week old Niagara plants that were ordered from Doc Greenthumb. The plants look good 12-15"]
["                             inches tall and appear to be very healthy. I germinated 10 seeds all but one sprouted. Plants have been under"]
["                             18/6 light cycle and all have been preflowering and revealed they sex 5 females and 4 males. One of the"]
["                             males started flowering at 3 weeks and had to be moved out of room so it won't pollinate the females. The"]
["                             staminate pollen sack looked like it would release the pollen anytime. Have never had this happen before in"]
["                             the vegetative stage. Have heard that some Ruderalis strains flower regardless the photoperiod. Has anyone"]
["                             heard from Doctor Greenthumb?” – edhassle"]
[]
["                             “I am down to 8 Females only out of a 30 seed order. And not the first PINK HAIR. All normal color. :( Finishing"]
["                             out the budding of them to sample the quality. Since they did not produce the pink hairs , I wonder did I get"]
["                             the strain I paid for? 3 of the males fully showed & produced pollen while under 24 hrs light. That I have never"]
["                             seen. I saved the pollen from those 3 males. There were a lot of hermaphrodites, at least 8. Some of the"]
["                             females showed under 24 hour also. I have dropped the females all down to 10 hours a day to finish them"]
["                             out. All males & hermies are dead. I hope they did not send me industrial hemp!!!! Or maybe straight"]
["                             Ruderalis? But they finish at different rates so I wonder was it stable at all? Or maybe I was sent different"]
["                             types of seed? I thought that F1 hybird seeds would produce even traits? I thought that the traits would not"]
["                             segregate unless I seeded the F1's? ” – Country Boy"]
[]
["                             \"This is my first attempt at growing it and it's about 5 weeks into flowering. It started off pretty fast; it was a"]
["                             little tall and grew like a regular sativa. This would be an ideal plant for ScrOG method. However, it does flower"]
["                             fast. Faster then one would expect from a sativa. I tried some of the immature flowers and it was pretty"]
["                             potent, especially for immature buds. The buds are starting to get a little bigger and fill out some, which is"]
["                             strange because the pot that I have grown, buds don't fill out till really late into flowering. I use soil, and"]
["                             non-organic ferts like Shultz bloom plus (10 60 10) and miracle grow etc. I have my own soil mix that works"]
["                             really well. Niagara loves lots of light; it does really well under good lighting, which is excellent. Make sure you"]
["                             start flowering this variety at about the 4-5th node or you'll have a rather large plant you may not wanted that"]
["                             size. I made that mistake and ended up with a mother plant to provide me with clones instead of buds.\" -"]
["                             Hvac Man"]
[]
["                             “11 days into 12/12 My Niagara X Shiva went Hermy. Arrggg! Too bad 'cause it was a really good-looking plant."]
["                             Very wide leaves. Fairly compact.”"]
[]
["                             “They are two weeks into 12/12. All system go for flowering. Soil. Niagara X Shiva goes hermy. 6 other of same"]
["                             strain. I guess you get what pay for.”"]
[]
["                             “Niagara is Sativa and is kinda fluffy. Its drying so can’t say about potency. Smells minty. Good crystal"]
["                             formation. Yield...nothing to scream about. Niagara x shiva- a lot of variation grape smell in some mint in"]
["                             others. Tight nugs. Some tendency to herm in all examples.” – Flashman"]
[]
["                             “I got 10 seeds, 6 were female, all were very tall and showed sex under 18 hrs of light within three weeks. Only"]
["                             2 had somewhat of a good yield and the other 4 should have been killed. Out of the 4 bad yielders 1 was fairly"]
["                             potent, but nothing special, all the rest including the 2 yielders were average (at best) in potency. The taste"]
["                             sucks! What I grew did not look like the pictures I saw. This is no match for many of the popular Dutch strains"]
["                             I've grown out as far as yield, potency, TASTE, and growth pattern. This plant is not for indoor growers. All in all"]
["                             this seems to be a very unstable strain. Compared to everything else I have ever grown, this did not take the"]
["                             cake! I hope that you have better luck, and can process hemp, cuz that's what you’re going to be growing. I"]
["                             simply cannot understand what all this hoopla is about Niagara. It might be ok for someone who is just"]
["                             starting, but not for those of us who are striving for the ultimate kindest bud!” – angelface"]
[]
["                             “Niagara from HS. Promix/perlite/worm castings. Start & veg under floros. Flower under 430W HPS. One female"]
["                             out of 6.Looked definitely indica, but were supposed to be mostly sativa. Trashed males. Started flower at 14\""]
["                             6 weeks preflowered and was very easy to distinguish. Fan leaves were wide fingered and HUGE. Topped once."]
["                             Very few leaves. Buds production was not much to speak of (thought should be great with 1 plant under 430W)."]
["                             Bud leaves had purple cast to them. High was average. Overall opinion - not as advertised in type, production,"]
["                             or high. As far as production/high could have been me, but type was not as advertised.” – Al Phadog"]
[]
["                             “The good doctor used two kinds of weed to make Niagara; a Oaxacan plant, and an early Afghanistan, both of"]
["                             which, he got from the original countries. The Oaxacan was late, and wouldn't finish in Canada, but he crossed"]
["                             it with the Afghanistan, then selected for two generations to come up with a hybrid that flowered early like it's"]
["                             Afghan ancestor. So this is the origin of Niagara if anyone wants to know.” – 67ed"]
[]
["                             “Started 7 Niagara. So far three have shown male under 18/6 photoperiod. Three of the other four have"]
["                             definite sativa dominance. Leggy and long internode spacing One is 18\" this is the tallest of the bunch as well"]
["                             as the widest but is not very dense. The other 2 are runts sativa dominant but very slow growing about 10\"-12\""]
["                             tall. One is totally different very indica influenced much more bushy and vigorous looks much like a"]
["                             indica/sativa mix 14\" this plant…” – germinator"]
[]
["                             “Started (with) clones from a 2 month Niagara female. The plants were grown under a Sunmaster 1k cool"]
["                             deluxe mh and 1k hps on light movers. Plants were grown in organic mix of worm castings. I had no problem"]
["                             until flowering. Then the Niagara grew too long and spindly and the tops never filled out. The Niagara was a"]
["                             disaster for me in terms of wasted time and space."]
[]
["                             The plants were fed with Foxfarm big bloom during flowering. At 5 weeks into flowering the Niagara’s had very"]
["                             small wispy buds that never filled out between internodes. The plants were topped at 12 inches tall but the 5"]
["                             weeks of 18/6 veggie the plants went wild with uncontrolled spindly lateral growth that was a hassle to control."]
["                             The plants were ok smoke but I really can't say because they were never finished due to space constraints.” –"]
["                             edhassle"]
[]
["                             “My understanding of this strain WAS that it was a cross between Afghanistan and Oaxacan strains. There was"]
["                             no mention of Ruderalis in it's genes, but 3/12 of these little $#@&er's are flowering under 24/0 after 8 weeks"]
["                             from seed, so what's the scoop?"]
[]
["                             These plants showed preflowers at the 6 & 7 nodes at 6 weeks, which I thought was odd but counted my lucky"]
["                             stars, thankful I could start weeding some of these out as things were getting pretty crowded. Well at 8 weeks,"]
["                             they're one approx. 10+ nodes and flowering! Also, the description of Niagara at Doc's site compared this plant"]
["                             indoors and out, which led me to think that this would do ok indoors.” – Unhappy Camper"]
[]
["                             “I haven’t grown any of doc's strains to harvest yet, but, I have Niagara, and NiagaraVE growing indoors right"]
["                             now, which will be thrown outside sometime in may. I have read that the Niagara is an indoor/outdoor plant,"]
["                             but I fail to see how this strain could possibly be grown successfully indoors. I will say that all plants are very"]
["                             vigorous, with quite a bit of variation between individual plants. They have quite large internode spacing, and"]
["                             really like to reach for the light with quite a bit of side branching. I'm sure these plants will be enormous when"]
["                             grown outdoors, but I wouldn't chance then indoors.” – S_Ont"]
[]
["                             “My experience (one grow) is this: out of 8 plants, two were bushy runts--one female, one male. Both were late"]
["                             to show sex and develop flowers. I axed the male because it produced a very sparse spike of flowers, each"]
["                             flower node greatly separated (4-5 mm) from the others. The runty female is about 1/3 the size of her sister,"]
["                             who looks like the pictures and descriptions of Niagara. The runty girl also has sparse spikes of flowers,"]
["                             distributed like the male--definitely a lot of stem and few flowers. "]
["                             To top it off, I discovered a few male flowers on a couple of branches of the runt female this morning. I didn't"]
["                             plan to save any seeds from these runts anyway, but it was a great disappointment to see how variable (with"]
["                             undesirable Ruderalis-like runts) this variety is :-( "]
["                             I don't have anything against some Ruderalis genes; the Doc has created a line that will grow outdoors in"]
["                             higher latitudes. He's a breeder, not a magician. I'm disappointed mainly because I had planned to produce"]
["                             my own seeds to avoid the paranoia ordering out-of-country causes me. If his seeds stock is so variable, it"]
["                             suggests that Niagara is closer to an F1 or F2 hybrid than a stable variety--something like a F1 of one type,"]
["                             though perhaps a stabilized hybrid, and an F1 of another, such as Ruderalis indica. "]
["                             On the plus side, the other female is big, producing a good yield, has a moderate covering of trichomes on the"]
["                             distal parts of the bigger bud leaves; has a very pleasant, aromatic odor (none of the plants were stinky,"]
["                             though the grow-room smell was evident during the last few weeks of vegetative stage and first few weeks of"]
["                             flowering phase). "]
["                             I smoked some quick-dried buds of each at day 56 of 12/12. It tasted like quick-dried pot--not as harsh as"]
["                             some; I just crushed up the bud leaves and buds and rolled a fat one of each (different days). Both gave"]
["                             better than average highs that seemed to last at least a couple of hours. It wasn't the one-puff-and-I'm-flying"]
["                             type of power, but it was good :-))) "]
["                             I started with tap water (pH ~8) to clear nutes at day 53. I plan to harvest on day 63. Can't wait to cure and"]
["                             smoke this mother though I don't think the taste is going to be anything to brag about.” – T. Aich See"]
[]
["                             “What strikes me most at this point is the variation in the plants. There is no way this is a stable strain. I have"]
["                             one plant outgrowing the rest of the garden markedly, which has that characteristic Kush look to the leaves. I"]
["                             have three with that characteristic Afghani look to their leaves. Another three with that Mexican/Colombian look"]
["                             to them. And, one with an indica look I have not seen before, very short and fat overlapping leaves. This is a"]
["                             mutt strain that has not been stabilized. "]
["                             I use a 400 MH in a small 4'x2' space, so my wattage and lumen intensity is good, and they seem to be"]
["                             growing well. No problems there. And, the side branching has already begun nicely on the Kush-like plant, and"]
["                             the Afghani-like plants. Since I will clip their tops once, at the fifth internode, the faster they get there, the"]
["                             better. "]
["                             All in all, it is an interesting crop to observe. I don't care about the variability much, I can simply choose the"]
["                             best to breed and create my own unique strain. I am crossing my fingers the Kush-like plant that is growing so"]
["                             fast is good and potent.”"]
[]
["                             “I have 3 Niagara females in late bloom now. "]
["                             There seems to be a bit of variation in them. One is looking like a good yielder, but the other 2 are very"]
["                             skimpy indeed. "]
["                             Another thing is they are prone to going hermy when you switch from 24 or 18/6 straight to 12/12. They don't"]
["                             do this outdoors with the gradual decline in daylength (so I hear). All 4 females did this to me. One was way"]
["                             too herm and got the chop. As for the good female growing now it has lots of resin, good branching, clones"]
["                             well. I can't wait to try the buzz for size. It's probably best grown outdoors though.” – Red Devil"]
[]
["                             “Started 10, 9 sprouts, 4 females, 4 males and 1 hermy. I kept 1 Niagara that's at it's 3rd clone generation."]
["                             The mother plant was OK but not great. After a couple of clonings, however the bud size, resin output and"]
["                             potency all rose quite a bit. Clones well, great branching and flowers fast (7-8 weeks). I really like the Niagara"]
["                             buzz. It slowly creeps up on you and builds into a fun laughter inducing high. It hasn't got the immediate"]
["                             impact or couch lock of some of my other strains which makes it good for the 1st smoke of the day. It's a"]
["                             keeper. Good one Greenthumb."]
["                             I have a feeling they will do well outdoors. I've only grown them under lights (47W/sf in a flood/drain table)."]
["                             The buds filled out pretty good for a sativa. Still a little bit loose and fluffy though. Of the 4 females I had only"]
["                             one was worth keeping. The other 3 were very low yielding and poor in the THC department.” - RedDevil"]
[]
["                             “Finished my Niagara grow, starting with 8 seedlings. Bought my seeds not from the Doc, but from Heaven’s"]
["                             Stairway. Six were male (one a slow-growing runt with very sparse flowers); two were female--one was robust"]
["                             with fairly tight buds, good amount of trichomes, glossy leaves on buds. The other was a runt, with very few"]
["                             flowers per cm or inch, (individual flowers separated by a few to several mm), few trichomes, and no gloss to"]
["                             bud leaves. Leaf characters were the same (I described all this in earlier posts on my grow results), but the"]
["                             runt never developed \"buds,\" i.e. compact floral spikes. Both get me high, but I'd never waste space on"]
["                             another runty female. [I've been sick since my harvest so can't really judge the high--my current, ill state is"]
["                             light-headed with this terrible respiratory virus that's going around.] I crossed my best female with the three"]
["                             biggest males, who tested about the same in potency. I don't plan to grow more Niagara from seeds for more"]
["                             than a year, and then I still have 9 from my original purchase. "]
["                             Wait until a few weeks into flowering (2-4) and you should be able to tell if any of the short, bushy ones are"]
["                             going to be worth keeping. "]
["                             Apparently like you, I was disappointed because I thought this was a \"stable\" strain--I bought three other"]
["                             stable varieties (Dutch origin) that I was going to 1) produce seeds for my future use; and 2) cross with each"]
["                             other and with Niagara. Now, I believe I would have been better served by my original plan of using Haze,"]
["                             Durban Poison, or one of Doc's Heritage varieties instead of Niagara. But hey, I think this my be the most"]
["                             potent weed I've smoked in a long while--if it is, it definitely is a subtle, up kind of high. I have two clones of"]
["                             the best female about 1 week into 12/12, and have 4 Northern Lights about 1 week away from 12/12 (that way"]
["                             they will finish at about the same time). My plan, assuming I've got a NL male among the 4 is to cross these"]
["                             two, as well as produce some more NL seeds for the future.” - T. Aich See"]
[]
["                             “So far I've grown Niagara (a disappointment, though I haven't given up on it) and am 2.5 weeks from"]
["                             harvesting Northern Lights (recent sample of green bud tells me I'm going to like this plant)…. Niagara is good,"]
["                             but I like more body to my high--something to make me laugh and get me horny. Niagara is too subtle and"]
["                             cerebral for kicking back.”- T. Aich See"]
[]
["                             “I've grown it from seeds and clones indoors. I only had 2 females out of 8 seedlings; both males and"]
["                             females were quite variable in stature and flower production. One female was a worthless runt with very little"]
["                             potency and production. The more potent female produced a subtle high (little body) that was not especially"]
["                             long-lasting. Personally, I don't like it as much as varieties with more \"body\" to their high (I'm not talking"]
["                             couch-lock high, but something with some \"feel\" to the high). It isn't a great producer--the buds are on the"]
["                             \"airy\" side, though they plump up some at about 8-9 weeks of 12/12. It clones easily (I've only cloned after 4"]
["                             and 5 weeks of 12/12 and it took 2 & 3 weeks for the cuttings to root and start growing). It seems to be"]
["                             somewhat resistant to fungi (I had a fungus attack that wiped out my last grow, including the Niagara, but the"]
["                             California Orange seedlings and Northern Lights clones were wiped out first). "]
["                             I'm glad I tried it, and I plan to grow some more to breed and blend (the bud) with indica-dominated strains,"]
["                             but only until I am able to find varieties that are more to my liking and which produce more indoors. The only"]
["                             time I might smoke pure Niagara is when I'm going to be around people whom I don't want to tip off that I'm"]
["                             high or when I have some serious thinking to do.’ -T. Aich See"]
[]
["                             “I had some trouble with Niagara in the early seedling stage…I believe it must have been the soil because I"]
["                             know that the problem was coming from the roots of the seedlings…I never really found out what my problem"]
["                             was but even still I ended up with some healthy plants…they are nearing their harvest time and I wanted to ask"]
["                             you a question or two to help me determine the proper time to harvest your strain. "]
["                             At this time I have one with a more indica influence and one more sativa. both were done outdoors and have"]
["                             lost all large leaves and only have some small single bladed leaves left. flower to leaf ratio is very high and"]
["                             they are very aromatic. I would say that 50% of the pistils have turned brown they are still developing pistils as"]
["                             I can clearly see a percentage of white newly developed pistils...they have large and thick colas. If you look"]
["                             closely at the resin glands on the small bud leaves you can clearly see the amber color of the resin inside the"]
["                             globular resin glands….you can see that there is a higher percentage of lighter colored resin than darker amber"]
["                             colored resin. I noticed a definite stretch of the internode growth about 8 days ago. The temperature is very"]
["                             high and so is humidity here…sunrise is at about 6:00 am and sunset is about 7:30. "]
["                             Bud sample: We sampled some buds 8 days ago and only received a small buzz...we sampled a bud last night"]
["                             and noticed DEFINITE psychoactive highs... I love the strain and find the plants that survived MY environment"]
["                             to be VERY strong and dense with buds... My end thoughts on Niagara is that it is worth every penny.” - Eric"]
[]
["                             “Harvest time for me, would begin when the majority of the trichomes were amber; and right up to and"]
["                             including, when the bracts begin to swell....They'll noticeably put on weight and trichomes, and density in the"]
["                             buds. "]
["                             I sometimes in fact take 2 harvests, as it were, by taking the best colas, at a given time; then allowing the"]
["                             smaller lower branches, and what's left of the main, cola-bearing branches to further develop and pile on the"]
["                             trichomes. "]
["                             I don't encourage people to harvest Niagara in the clear globular trichome stage...it's a waste of time in my"]
["                             opinion. Harvested at the right time though; it's a beautiful thing...” - greenthumb"]
[]
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["                             Strain: Niagara VE"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica with Ruderalis  Origin: Ontario, Canada  Breeder: Dr. Greenthumb  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Mostly indica. Mold resistant. Medium flower to leaf ratio. Potent. Medium to large yield. Recommended for"]
["                             difficult areas (short season; cool spring & fall) Potency: 3 out of 5. Bouquet: Sweet"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Indoor Growth Outdoor Growth"]
["                             Cutting height N/A* Plant Height 4'-8'"]
["                             Yield (/m2) N/A* Yield (/plant) 200-300 g"]
["                             Flowering N/A* Finish Mid-Late August"]
["                             *Indoor growth of Niagara VE is not recommended."]
["                             Frost Resistance - Spring Very Good, Fall Good. .” – Dr. Greenthumb seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Already grew out Greenthumbs Niagara and X Shiva. Not \"da bomb\" I was led to believe. I have grown out way"]
["                             better Dutch varieties. Please remember that this is strictly my opinion I have read that other people have"]
["                             been very happy with what they grew! Different strokes for different folks.\" - Indica Queen"]
[]
["                             “My Niagaras are starting to flower! They were planted outside a month ago when they were 3 weeks old. Man"]
["                             was I surprised When I went out to water them today and some of them had nuts ready to bust, I caught em'"]
["                             just in time. The others were just starting to show white hairs. I wasn’t expecting them to show sex for at least"]
["                             another month. My guess is that Niagara and Niagara x shiva auto-flower automatically at sixty days.” –Robin"]
[]
["                             “If this is true, it would stand to reason that Niagara is just a Ruderalis that has a little (recessive) amount of"]
["                             Sativa in it. I've grown Niagara X Shiva before and found it too wily to have indoors in a small area, but if I"]
["                             were to grow outdoors I'd consider it I think.”"]
{"$rows_empty":8}
["                             Strain: Niagara X Shiva"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica/Ruderalis mix  Origin: Ontario, Canada  Breeder: Dr. Greenthumb  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Mostly indica. Hashy taste. Mold resistant. Medium flower to leaf ratio. Highly potent. Large yield. Potency: 3*"]
["                             out of 5. Bouquet: Earthy, with a hint of sweetness."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Indoor Growth Outdoor Growth"]
["                             Cutting height 24\"-36\" Plant Height 4'-6'"]
["                             Yield (/m2) 350-450g Yield (/plant) 100-125 g"]
["                             Flowering 50 Days Finish Approx. Sept. 1"]
["                             Frost Resistance - Spring Excellent, Fall Good.” – Dr. Greenthumb seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Northern Lights Strains "]
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[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Aurora Borealis"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"Yes it's The Brothers Grimm version of Northern Lights! Truly outstanding individuals were selected to breed"]
["                             our own UNIQUE true-breeding version of the classic NL#5.\" - Brothers Grimm seed catalog "]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flowering: 55-60 days ~ Height: 100 - 120 cm ~ Yield: 300 gm/m2"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This is my first crop with a 1K light. All 8 plants were grown in 2.5 gal containers, organic super soil. Seven"]
["                             Aurora B females from a ten seed pack. Vegged for 50 days and all finished flowering within 50 days. The"]
["                             Aurora B came on strong in the last two weeks. I didn't really expect what I ended up with, but they really"]
["                             bulked up well during the last two weeks of flowering. I topped the three tallest ones and they produced slightly"]
["                             more than the untopped, but the ones that I didn't top turned out to have some really nice colas. One ended"]
["                             up being around 18 inches long and 3 inches in diameter, plus a cluster of smaller flowers around the base of"]
["                             the main shoot. Their scents ranged from pungent,(the big cola) to the lemon scent that I've heard some of"]
["                             these plants produced, and all of them were very frosty. The smaller plants were the ones that tended to smell"]
["                             like lemons. Overall, I ended up with just over 13.5 oz's, including 11 oz's of Aurora B, from 8 plants. A happy"]
["                             camper. The AB kind of creeps on ya. It starts out as a light feeling in your forehead right after lighting up, and"]
["                             a couple minutes later you're feeling pretty damn good. After about an hour or so, my ass had grown roots to"]
["                             the couch and I found myself in a daze, trying to watch Rocketman on the Disney channel. heh heh. I'm no big"]
["                             time grower, and this is the first time I've grown a strain of NL, but I'd rate the AB an 8 out of 10. It's a more"]
["                             complex buzz than Sensi's Hindu Kush and a much better producer. – Pauly "]
[]
["                             \"AB potency doesn't get much better, if you're looking for an indica that is. It's a severe stone, makes me eat"]
["                             till I fall asleep after a few bowls. "]
["                             It's my favorite, but it's making me fat!\" - madam in Adam "]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: M39"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"We have been working from a m39 mother plant that is from 1987. This is absolutely the most powerful strain"]
["                             I have ever come across. I have purchased & grown many of the newer bragged on strains and still am looking"]
["                             for something that will even come close to this strain. I'm not saying that this variety is the most potent, just"]
["                             that in my over 15 yr. search this is what I've found to be the strongest so far.\"-Clone"]
[]
["                             \"M39 by SSSC was \"Basic#5\"/Sk#1, but I BELIEVE \"Basic#5\" was actually NL#5, but SSSC weren't allowed to say"]
["                             so. You're actually looking for NL#5/Sk#1 which is available from Sensi Seed Bank, they call it \"ShivaSkunk\"."]
["                             –MrSoul"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Pacific Northwest, USA  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Medical: Multiple Sclerosis “A pure Indica, won the Cannabis Cup in ‘88, ‘89, ‘90. Much used for cross breeding"]
["                             for it’s strong and big buds. Famous throughout the world, everyone has heard of N.L. Sweet taste and very"]
["                             potent stone."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 7-8 weeks” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             Northern Lights"]
["                             “pure Indica 88/89/90"]
["                             An absolute must for the indoor grower! For the last couple of years the Northern Lights® has dominated the"]
["                             various Harvest Festivals. Through selective breeding we have succeeded in producing one of the most powerful"]
["                             plants in the world. On top of that, we have developed a strain highly adapted for indoor growing: compact,"]
["                             powerful with a good yield and exceptional resin production. The most lucrative plant for the indoor grower."]
["                             Flowering: 45-50 days."]
["                             Height: 100-125 cm."]
["                             Yield: up to 125 gr.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             \"IMHO a Northern Lights would be best, easiest, and have the best high. This variety has been around for"]
["                             years; it has great name recognition. It is disease free, and easy to grow. The yield is above average though"]
["                             not perhaps quite as great as some of the Big Bud hybrids. It can be grown using any method including SOG,"]
["                             SCROG. or bushy. An all around great strain.\" -Kohala"]
[]
["                             “Bank: Positronics"]
["                             Supplier: Jock"]
["                             Started with 10 seeds all germinated. One sprout was lagging far behind the others and it was put out of its"]
["                             misery. Ended up with 1 female, 5 males, and 3 herms. "]
["                             Again, like the rest of the Positronic stock grown out so far, these plants were close to identical in appearance."]
["                             They looked very much like the NL x Shiva that also came from Posi. To bad it didn’t take after the NL x Shiva"]
["                             in all respects."]
["                             The one female was not very impressive grown from seed and turned herm. The buzz was acceptable but it"]
["                             grew like chit. Very airy bud with little resin and a lot of leaf. The buzz made it worth keeping for a harvest from"]
["                             clone one time to see if it could redeem itself. Because the buzz got better it was given one more chance even"]
["                             though it still showed male flowers, not a lot but too many. The second time grown from clone it showed male"]
["                             flowers again and didn’t improve much in quality or growth. So now it’s dead."]
["                             To be fair it could be that this plant just couldn’t handle being flowered so early and freaked, doubtful but"]
["                             possible.\" - flick"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Developed in Seattle, perfected in Holland, Northern Lights has become the “State of the Art” indoor plant. A"]
["                             must!"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 45-50 days ~ Height: 100-125 cm ~Yield: 300-325 gr/sqM” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
["                             "]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Northern Lights #1 = Described as a true breeding strain (Stable) of Afghani origins."]
[]
["                             Northern Lights #135A = Available commercially for just a short while (87-88) from the original Seed Bank."]
["                             Described as \"a fast finishing hybrid of Northern lights and an Afghani\". This sounds a lot like the forerunner of"]
["                             Slyder/Chronic.”"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights #2 a.k.a Oasis"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “One of the most popular varieties, Oasis is our Northern Lights #2 selection. A very strong plant, almost spider"]
["                             mite resistant. Good yield, excellent taste and excellent high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Nov.” – Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Northern lights #2 = originally a Hindu Kush X Thai cross. It was selectively inbred and developed into a stable"]
["                             almost all Kush type cross that is mostly indica.”"]
[]
["                             “I haven't done #5, but # 2 (Oasis) was great. Most people say that the NL strains have little or no taste or"]
["                             smell, but my experience with #2 was that it had an oniony, garlicky smell and taste. The buzz was it."]
["                             Couch-lock, but surprisingly psychoactive, given indica's reputation. I don't think you can go wrong with a strain"]
["                             that highly touted.” - Skunkman"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights #5"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Medical: multiple sclerosis “This state of the art Indica is the result of over 20 years of select inbreeding. Bred"]
["                             for vigorous growth, high yield, and superb high. A must for growers who prefer short bushy plants. The buds"]
["                             have an extremely frosted, resinous appearance and the yield is high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 55-65 days ~ Height: 2-3’” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"NL#5 is NL with another plant crossbred. Part indica, part sativa. Grows great outdoors, flowers quickly and has"]
["                             a pretty good yield. I know a few that have grown it. Call it the \"Christmas tree\" bud, the plant looks like one.."]
["                             Thumbs up to it, it is a great strain.\" -V"]
[]
["                             \"I got NL#5 never had any problems with cloning, also if its real NL#5 (which is Pure NL) it has almost no smell"]
["                             at all which is great if ya grow indoors. The ones I've seen really fill out at the end of the flowering cycle, it"]
["                             sometimes looks like the yield will be marginal and then in the last couple of weeks--bam! I have found this"]
["                             with most indica strains, usually they do not fill out till the last 2-3 weeks of flowering. NL is a great indoor"]
["                             strain, one of my fav's too.\" -Unknown"]
[]
["                             “I grew Sensi Seeds NL#5 and it was one of the best plants I had ever seen. VERY distinctive aroma and taste,"]
["                             I agree with Skunkman, its like a psychedelic couchlock, the buzz goes for loooong. Plus its one of the best"]
["                             indoor plants I ever saw, very short and compact, mega-phat top-cola, pretty fast (8 weeks), wont grow much"]
["                             longer after inducing bloom, excellent flower/leaf ratio. I had good 400 gr./s.m. which I consider nice. Only"]
["                             drawback I noticed was you better watch the air humidity, they have a tendency to catch bud rot, and the colas"]
["                             are just too fat and sticky so the air won’t go into. But when you keep moisture down to max. 50% rh. you"]
["                             should do well. To my experience they are true-breeding, but on the other hand I heard that too much"]
["                             inbreeding out of a small number of species might cause some problems and show up some indica aspects"]
["                             you may not want to have. I heard of NL#5 F2 that smelled and tasted like shit and had a very dull buzz.” -"]
["                             Shuzzit"]
[]
["                             \"(For multiple sclerosis) my friend is currently using a pure indica (NL#5) with good results...\" - pot newz"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights #9"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “After years of heartfelt requests for a Northern Lights strain, Sagarmatha has engineered a superior version of"]
["                             the NL legend. NL#9 delivers the finest qualities expected from that variety: a short plant with a voracious"]
["                             stone and minimal smell. The flowering time is acceptable and fat chunky nugs can be expected. Fantastic for"]
["                             gardens where smell is an unfavorable factor. Also fine for persons who desire a heavy, lethargic stone."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor. Start vegetate: 1 - 2 weeks. Flower for: 50 - 55 days. Height: 0.5 -"]
["                             0.75 meters. Yield: 300 - 325 g/m2 (dried, indoor).” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"My 3 NL#9 girls were harvested last week, dried and are curing now. Plant #1 flowered for 52 days, 2 and 3, 56"]
["                             days. I have to say that this is some of the best smoke of all time for me! Looks white in the bag slow clean"]
["                             burn, great taste, kick-ass high. I yielded about 5oz. off 3 plants. NL#9 is a Sag product. Info I've gotten says"]
["                             its NLxWhite WidowxJack Herer. Pretty intense stone.\"-KGB"]
[]
["                             \"I chatted with Rosa from Sag some months ago, she said it was WW, NL#5 and Durban.... I’ve grown it too"]
["                             and it is quite nice...2 thumbs up from all that have tried it...its an up high for sure and lasts a solid 2 hours"]
["                             ...but man does this shit stink when its in the baggie.... 2 layers of plastic can’t contain its hashy smell...I saw"]
["                             a friend of mine smoke 2 joints and was he fucked...he turned down the third j and he is a REAL hardcore...."]
["                             The next day he looked all hungover.... I’ve never seen him that high on grass in 18 years...this is some good"]
["                             shit\"-Naughty"]
[]
["                             “Try NL#9 from Sagarmatha. This strain is NL#5, WW and Durban Poison. I've heard great reports about this"]
["                             plant.” - SK1"]
[]
["                             “I have been growing Northern Lights #9 from Sagarmatha for about 8 months and the yield is pretty good. My"]
["                             yield in hydro is a little over 2 oz's dry per 3 1/2 ft plant. The buds are HUGE, very fluffy, and very visible"]
["                             crystals. When growing the smell is very minimal but once the buds dry after harvest the smell is so strong that"]
["                             an 1/8th will stink up your whole house even in Tupperware. Another great thing is that if you are using CO2"]
["                             the plant is ready to harvest in 45 days, 50 days tops. I also had a few problems with my nutrient mixture and"]
["                             since I have corrected it I am expecting to get 2 1/2 or better my next harvest. One of buddy's growing the"]
["                             strain organically yields a little under 2 oz's using a 400 watt hps.” -KB"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Northern Lights X Shiva"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Amsterdam Aloha  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Strong sweet weed, much THC, with big buds and few leaves. Improvement on, and has a stronger taste than"]
["                             pure Northern Light. This is the # 1 in it’s kind. Best for inside cultivation.”"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The one I know is the NL X Shiva cross from Aloha which I like and have grown continuously for years. It is"]
["                             very potent, wonderfully aromatic and complex. It is also pretty easy to grow and finishes fast despite the fact"]
["                             that it yields well! An all-around winner, IMO.”- Moose"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Orange Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: California Indica"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A fine blend of sweet orange flavoured Californian strains, combined with a skunky hash flavoured Indica. A"]
["                             versatile plant which performs well under all conditions. The more heavily branched specimens tend to be the"]
["                             big yielders."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 45-50 days. Height: 100-130 cm. Yield: up to 125 gr.Flowering in greenhouse: mid-October. Yield in"]
["                             greenhouse: up to 500 gr.”- Sensi Seed Bank"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Lighting was a 50/50 mix of 1000w MH and HPS. The plants were grown in soil with organic ferts mixed into the"]
["                             soil before planting. The plants started out under 40w fluorescent light in 16 oz. cups for approximately 4"]
["                             weeks, then transplanted to 2 gallon pots under the MH and HPS. Plants were vegged for another 4 weeks,"]
["                             then the lights were turned back to 12/12. After the females were identified, most were transplanted into 5"]
["                             gallon pots. No CO2 was used. The seeds were Sensi Seeds products purchased through Ubino."]
["                             Two packs, 32 seeds, were germed in paper towels. These seeds were a bit problematic. Some didn't"]
["                             germinate, others showed a root, but failed to develop any further. Others broke the surface of the soil, but"]
["                             didn't grow any \"adult\" leaves, stopping with just the 2 seed leaves. I ended up with 16 seedlings, 13 \"normal\""]
["                             looking seedlings, with 3 \"runts.\" The runts were discarded. Of the remaining 13, 7 turned out to be female."]
["                             The plants physical appearance was very similar, with good branching. Finished heights were between 42 and"]
["                             52 inches with the average at 48.3. Dry, manicured weights are as follows: min. 44g, max. 83g, average 56.7g."]
["                             The smell and flavor was a little different for each plant, with the largest one being a bit fruity. The others had"]
["                             a better stone and resin, however. The high is quite \"stony,\" not couch lock, but very nice. There were"]
["                             absolutely no hermies with this strain, but 2 were subject to mold, and the grow was kept a bit dry, so if any of"]
["                             you grow this, keep an eye out for the tell tale signs of \"bud rot.\" If you can tolerate the low seedling to seed"]
["                             ratio, I would recommend growing this strain.” – High Dog"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: California Orange"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3  4  5  6   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A stabilized hybrid, inbred since 1980. Can be extremely resinous, including the leaves. 50% Sativa, 50%"]
["                             Indica. Some plants have a pronounced citrus aroma and flavor. Very strong, fairly clear high. Yields are"]
["                             slightly above average."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-10 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Nov.” –Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Regarding California Orange… Ed Rosenthal says he knows (it was) developed by Cultivators' Choice in"]
["                             California in the 70's.”"]
[]
["                             “As far as the Cali O, wheeeweee that is one excellent smoke too. This one came as a cut from a friend; the"]
["                             mom has been around for many years. Its hard to ever doubt that this is the real deal Cali O-- smells sooo"]
["                             citrusy it'll make your eyes water. Very coated with a pretty good bud structure. But the high is just excellent."]
["                             Keeps you very stoned and mellow but will not put you down unless you smoke too much. While its not the"]
["                             most potent, this is definitely on the all time high list, for smell, taste, and quality of stone.” - ~shabang~"]
[]
["                             \"I'm smoking some bud from an original Orange mom right now... she smells like a fresh cut orange, tastes"]
["                             like tang, and has a great social high. The cuts can be traced back to California over 15 years ago....\" -"]
["                             ~shabang~"]
[]
["                             \"…This is the same cut of Orange that a few other people have passed around. The yield is pretty good when"]
["                             you consider it is a 7-week strain. You can let it go to 52 or 55 days and it is a little thicker but not as sweet."]
["                             You can get 1.5+ pounds of organic per 1K of light, in 7 weeks that's not bad eh?"]
["                             Sorry no rough estimate yet Irish, will be ready in time for New Years though. There were 4 main colas on that"]
["                             one and 2 smaller side branches; I prune off almost everything below what you saw so it's easier to trim."]
["                             They're usually an ounce and a half per plant, can go up to two."]
["                             I didn't mention anything on the smoke of it. I've grown her so much and figured so many others have that"]
["                             going on about her quality of stone would be old hat. You got it though-- one of the best hybrid highs around."]
["                             Not the most potent but definitely strong enough."]
["                             I was smoking earlier samples while I was trimming and more than a few times I found myself standing up to"]
["                             trim instead of sitting cause I had too much energy. Amazing the kind of housework you can get done when"]
["                             you have a bud that doesn't lock you to the couch. The smell and taste are nothing less than complete orange"]
["                             overload. After rubbing off my scissor hash, my fingers smelled for hours like I'd been peeling oranges instead"]
["                             of trimming buds. It was too nice of a smell to wash off so now everything around is sticky too."]
["                             This cutting has been around for 20 years, originally from California. Cross-out tests have shown it is *not* a"]
["                             stabilized hybrid, looks more like the offspring of two unrelateds. Whether the parents were stable is anyone's"]
["                             guess, but this cut is certainly what \"Cali-Orange\" is supposed to be. I consider the C/O to be"]
["                             connoisseur-quality. The orange smell is unmistakable, high is first rate, and potency is good."]
["                             Potency is good, but not great. It's really good smoke and you wouldn't think twice about the strength until you"]
["                             live with her a while. I wouldn't be surprised to see a more potent line made with this cutting going around"]
["                             sometime soon. I say its connoisseur-quality for a few reasons:"]
["                             1) The average krippy smoker wouldn't think twice about smoking the Orange-- looks good, smells good, gets"]
["                             you high. Nothing outrageous about it, it doesn't hit you like a 2 x 4."]
["                             2) The experienced connoisseur will note subtle differences about her that make her stand out among the"]
["                             crowd. Besides the fast flowering time and good vigor, you have to look at the smoke qualities-- the complex"]
["                             head high, the lack of tolerance you build to her, and intensity of the smell. The quality of the high is just"]
["                             excellent. It will range from strong head rush, to relaxing, yet quite energizing."]
["                             Asking me to pick a favorite between Orange and DAB is a tough one. The DAB is more likely to impress the"]
["                             average smoker-- resin count, bud appearance; intense rush will make DAB look like the better weed. But the"]
["                             Orange has a timeless quality about her. If I could only take one strain to grow on a deserted island, I would"]
["                             likely pick the Orange.\" - Shabang"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Orange Bud"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A 100% Skunk selection, grows with thick hard buds and orange pistils. A very appreciated variety."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Oct.” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This pretty bud lives up to its namesake with light green buds, covered in bright orange hairs. There are also"]
["                             tiny crystals on all the leaves and buds. Its strong skunky smell is actually tapered by the more green smell"]
["                             that accompanies it. Fluffy and light, the buds break up nicely, leaving your fingers a little tacky. The"]
["                             expansive strong smoke tastes a bit like a brown weed (earthy)--the skunk taste has been eliminated with"]
["                             some green taste lightly in the background. ***1/2” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             \"Mine is also from Dutch Passion. I'll be honest it is not a great yielder. My first harvest, soil/chemical, it had a"]
["                             brown weed taste. My last harvest, #4, hydro/organically, the brown weed taste is there, but the is a citrus"]
["                             undertone. By the way it leaves your mouth watery, not cottonmouth like my skunk #1. I prefer skunk #1 to it,"]
["                             but my friends prefer the OB.”"]
[]
["                             “I prefer the OB to SK#1, one of the 2 other strains I own. I’m doing it in water culture with GH nutes, in a"]
["                             basement with about 6'5\" total height, kind a pain in da butt. My version of the Orange Bud is from Positronics"]
["                             through Jock. Genetically it is about 6 months old, and in its 2nd flowering cycle. The taste is more citrusy than"]
["                             brown but the brown you speak of is noticeable. The strain just isn’t as sweet as an NL.\""]
[]
["                             \"...I've puffed orange bud all over the world from Amsterdam to London to LA and it is consistently one of my"]
["                             favorite strains. At best, orange bud is hispid with very long bright orange pistils, very dense \"nugglet\" buds,"]
["                             and above average crystal production. Very nice cerebral high, wonderful juicy taste. IMHO, orange bud is one"]
["                             of the most common high-end strains in America and Western Europe.\" -Mao Tse Tung"]
[]
["                             \"Orange bud is a great strain(at least Positronics version is.) Potent and fairly tasty. Sunsets are great on"]
["                             orange bud due somewhat to its trippy nature. Very clear high. A little light on the yields but still acceptable. Of"]
["                             the 10 or so strains I've messed with it still rates towards the top. Wish mine was still around. enjoy the"]
["                             orange.\" –kaka"]
[]
["                             \"Oh, yes it sure will stretch during the first few weeks of flowering. I found that by keep my MH 400W about 2"]
["                             to 3 inches from the top of the plant and placing a fan to gently blow the tops, the stretching will be reduced."]
["                             Also flush it out with plain water before switching it to 12/12 and adding bloom nutrient. It is also one of mine"]
["                             and many of my fellow tokers' favorite strain.\" -Mota"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Orange Strains"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California  Breeder: Cultivators Choice  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Varies"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Varies"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Sage Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Sage"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             not listed"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             not listed"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “About the Sage--1 of the 2 was Female. She looked sickly all grow, but snapped out of it just before flowering."]
["                             She was very haze influenced. The flowers grow in big, prickly masses. The pistils are so fat they're like"]
["                             needles. It really looks bizarre. However, the haze also means fluffier masses of flowers and a longer flowering"]
["                             period. I finally stopped mine at 11 1/2 weeks. I'm sure it could have done better if given another 2 weeks or"]
["                             so. My real hope are my Cinderella88/sage seeds. Hopefully it will solidify the nugs while shortening the"]
["                             flowering period. Who knows? And the high? Well, let me just say that whatever it was that I smoked in A'dam"]
["                             was the most devastating stuff I've ever touched. My sage has never quite done the same, but last batch had"]
["                             a nice energetic up buzz. We'll see how this goes after a nice long cure. All in all, Cindy is better, but this is a"]
["                             great one to have around for personal stash...” – shaggy"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Sage x Big Sur"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Sounds very similar to the Sage x Big Sur Holy I tried in Amsterdam. Absolutely best stuff I've ever had. One"]
["                             small b-hit was all we needed for a good six hours. Seeing how it's a cross, the next generation should be"]
["                             rather unstable. Emery has the seeds (but are they F1 or F2?). I got mine across the pond. Also way too pricey"]
["                             from him ($200 for 10 seeds!) Buds aren't too big, but at 47 days they're just COVERED in crystals. The harvest"]
["                             window is supposedly 60-75 days indicating sativa. Taste is spicy, sandlewoody. Lots of capillate-stalked"]
["                             trichromes as opposed to the others like WW. It's hard for me to compare this to any other as it's my first"]
["                             time, but I've also got one NL x Skunk x NL. Much larger buds, but they just don't have the crystal"]
["                             development or smell. Also, my closet temps are extreme--often 110F or more. I'm hoping to reveg & clone."]
["                             Can't say anything about yield in terms of weight. I've only got 3 plants and they're for personal consumption"]
["                             only I don't want to get into this, but there's been a lot of talk on other boards about \"real\" American genetics."]
["                             Unless I was lied to, these are real American genetics and not \"merely\" a refinement of strains from Holland"]
["                             (not that there's anything wrong with that!)\" –Shaggy"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Skunk Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Apollo 11"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Soul, Brothers Grimm  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"This indoor hybrid has a high calyx/leaf ratio & finishes flowering in 7 weeks or less. Our big-yielding,"]
["                             lemon-scented female clone named \"Genius\" because of her CLEAR, energetic, thought-provoking high was"]
["                             crossed with a robust Cinderella 99 male to create Apollo Eleven. Expect some variation among individuals. The"]
["                             best females are short, heavily branched plants with multitudes of dense, resinous bud sites - perfect for"]
["                             SCROG. The smoke has a sweet citrus flavour. The high is UP & HAPPY.\" - Bros. Grimm catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 45-50 days ``Height: 100 cm. ``Yield: 1-2 lbs per 1000W lamp."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This Indica dominant strain was created by backcrossing a male cross of ShivaSkunk from Sensi and Princess'"]
["                             brother (a JH f2) back to the ShivaSkunk mother. In \"cubing\" terms that would mean that your plants are"]
["                             ShivaSkunk.75. Another grower I sent them to liked them a lot too. I'm glad you're having such excellent"]
["                             success with my strains!” – MrSoul"]
[]
["                             \"I believe Apollo 13 is P88 male X Genius (Princess' more indica type sister) but still a JH F2 from the same set"]
["                             of seeds found at the 'Cafe in Adam. The new A11 is P94 or (C99 the more popular name) X Genius.\" -Webfish"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: B-52"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A truly superior skunk selection. Grows with heavy buds. Top variety for commercial skunk grower. As with"]
["                             other Skunks, superior sweet taste and aroma, the well known Sativa influence is detected in its high. Super"]
["                             fast for a skunky strain."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 7 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Oct., beginning of Nov.”-Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: BC Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: British Columbia/California  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Of the Skunks, I like the Federation's Island Sweet Skunk, which is originally Breeder Steve of Spice of Life"]
["                             Sweet Pink Grapefruit indica (sweet smell!) crossed with a 1992 edition of Sensi's Big Skunk#1, then stabilized."]
["                             A strong trippy high, still allowing mental alertness, good big buds, sometimes a stretchy plant (that's the Big"]
["                             Skunk influence), very sweet lemony citrus smell and taste. Dana Larsen, the editor of Cannabis Culture, chose"]
["                             Island Sweet Skunk as his favorite Federation strain when I asked him moments ago, with the Hawaiian Sativa"]
["                             his second choice. You can work especially well on the Hawaiian Sativa, the ISS is more trippy, but no"]
["                             impairment there, either. "]
["                             Dutch Passion uses a Hawaiian indica in their HAW/Skunk, which is a very big yielder and a lovely stone, its"]
["                             65% indica/35% sativa. "]
["                             The Federation Hawaiian Sativa crossed Island Sweet Skunk (tremendous potential in that cross) would be 85%"]
["                             sativa, 15% indica, and I would endorse it, and yields on the ISS and HAW sativa are substantial, though it"]
["                             would take 9 - 14 weeks flowering. "]
["                             My favorite Canadian breeder is Steve of Spice of Life, currently working with Ed Rosenthal in Zurich at the vast"]
["                             marijuana farms that are there. However, I smoke a strain by Federation daily, and I have samples of over 20"]
["                             of their varieties at any one time to choose from , so I am very familiar with their work and their strains would"]
["                             be 5 out of 10 of my top 10. (Mikado, Romulan, Hawaiian Sativa, Island Sweet Skunk, and their Golden"]
["                             Triangle Thai sativa). "]
["                             To that I would add at least one Greenhouse strain by Arjan (White Widow), one strain by Joker (Snow Spice for"]
["                             now), who is from BC, Flo (D.J. Short, who is from western USA), when its from the Sensi Cannabis Castle,"]
["                             nothing seems more affecting than the Northern Lights x Haze, but its hard to find the quality NL/Haze outside"]
["                             of Amsterdam even with Sensi Seed seed stock.” – Marc Emery"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Big Treat"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Breeder Steve  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Dutch Treat Female x Big Skunk Male (Sensi '95) Faint smell. Frosted producer. Decent bud, above average"]
["                             harvest in 8 weeks.” - Spice of Life Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Euforia"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Developed by our breeders in 1996. A very fine Skunk selection, very commercial, very heavy bloom, bumper"]
["                             harvest, the famous Skunk high. Taste is not as sweet as our other Skunk selections but it is one of our"]
["                             favorites. Good for greenhouse as well."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 7 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Oct., beginning of Nov."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Lambsbread Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Jamaica/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “The famous Jamaican “Lambsbread” crossed with Skunk #1 (F1 hybrid). A very special taste and high. Grows"]
["                             with long slim buds, has a medium yield and is almost 100% Sativa."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 9-11 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st half of Nov. in greenhouse"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Pole Cat"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A synonym for a pungent skunk, this girl produces flowers and highs similar to super skunk. The buds are"]
["                             large with lime-green hues and orange pistils. Very nice for persons who enjoy a bountiful harvest, fragrant"]
["                             tops and a strong stone. She is a fast finishing plant that gets you in and out of the garden quickly. Fantastic"]
["                             for commercial enterprises."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: Indica-sativa, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: 1-2 weeks after roots show. Flowering"]
["                             time: 50 - 55 days. Average height: 0.75 - 1 m. Yield: 300-350 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha seedbank"]
["                             catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Sensi Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             A strong plant with that typical Skunky taste and high. It has a high calyx-to-leaf ratio with large, full buds. Its"]
["                             excellent yield makes this one an absolute must for the greenhouse grower."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “At first look, these buds seem to be red with light green leaves interspersed (of course we know that’s not"]
["                             really possible, but honestly it does look that way). These compact, spongy buds are mildly scented with fresh"]
["                             skunky undertones. Broken up, the buds take on a green, fertilized scent. When smoked, the Sensi Skunk"]
["                             tastes a bit spicy, like a smoky-curry flavor and is smooth and mildly expansive in the lungs. This is a good"]
["                             example of \"creeper\" bud in that it comes on slowly but expands over a period of 10-15 minutes. **3/4” –"]
["                             Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             “Plant Profile: Short internodes especially while a seedling through about the 8th node, dark leaves, deeply"]
["                             serrated; sativa/indica phenotype. "]
["                             Aroma: VERY skunky. One rolled joint sitting out in an ashtray is enough to *stink* up a large house. "]
["                             Taste: Sativa taste; grassy, fairly smooth on the palate, not fruity nor piney. "]
["                             Yield: Good, 4 3/4 oz. on a 27\" plant grown primarily for seed production not yield. Pollinated by a male haze"]
["                             from Posi. "]
["                             Bud profile: Buds (trichomes) very gold in color, tight nuggets, fairly bulky colas. Good resin production. "]
["                             High: Excellent. Deceiving though: it is definitely creeper weed. Three hits from a J is plenty in that the high"]
["                             keeps on expanding. 15 minute lag time at least before it really hits you. Silly stone, trippy. Not an unnerving"]
["                             \"Haze\" type high at all, cerebral with a nice body stone. "]
["                             Comments: Nice plant, great high and excellent value. A few yellow male flower parts started showing just"]
["                             before harvest at 80% trichome browning (yellowing).” -Uncle Ben"]
[]
["                             “It was the LACK of a skunky smell that really surprised me. If you are growing hydro your stink factor will"]
["                             double. I can testify that this is a fact ...(5 year hydro grower, now back in soil for 2 years). I also found these"]
["                             will turn hermie if you don't allow a veg time of 2 weeks or so before inducing 12/12 when doing Sensi Skunk"]
["                             by clones. I had 5 out of 5 turn hermie from the same mother, and found the above to be the remedy. Also,"]
["                             according to Alan Dronkers from Sensi, this variety has recently been back crossed to an Afghani, the mothers I"]
["                             chose out of 30 displayed a 60/40 Afghani -dominant characteristic. I will keep this variety forever. It is entered"]
["                             in the Cannabis Cup each year as a \"standard\" if it weren't for politics, it should have won years ago. I believe"]
["                             this to be a simple Mexican-Afghani cross, which might explain why it performs so well: it is free of the genetic"]
["                             mess that makes up so many of the popular varieties today.” -Siege Gun"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Shiva Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This cross between Skunk #1 and Northern Lights #5 is a very reliable variety. Excellent hybrid vigour and"]
["                             yield make this one a snap to grow. Works superbly indoors as well as in a greenhouse. Taste and high are"]
["                             similar to Skunk #1, a rich sweet pungency, but with more resin and better yield. High calyx-to-leaf ratio, you"]
["                             can almost throw those scissors away as very little manicuring is required. An absolute must for beginners or"]
["                             experts.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I know that Nevil's Nl#5 was the seed mother for the \"Shiva Skunk cross. He never offered NL#5 as a pure"]
["                             strain etc. As for Basic 5 being the same as NL #5, well, I'm taking Mr. Soul’s word for it. (Due to previous work"]
["                             experience etc.) One thing I can add is that I remember the original Skunks having a much more powerful"]
["                             stone than most of the skunks today. It may be just a fond memory but I recall having an underlying buzz or"]
["                             bell sound going off in my head after smoking skunks (10 years or so ago). Perhaps this is why it is such an"]
["                             attractive strain for some. I'm not saying that today’s shiva skunk is not as good as 10 years ago. I don't"]
["                             know this for a fact. I've only grown Nevil's, not Sensi's. If Dr. T's friend has an original Basic 5, this would be a"]
["                             rare treat. \"The resin Mother that started it all' so to speak.” – Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             \"I would suggest Sensi Seed's \"Shiva Skunk\" (NL#5 X SK#1). Very close nodes, sweet, fragrant smoke. Great"]
["                             yield and it will finish in about 55 days. Very high calyx to leaf ratio. Great resin production. I grew this strain"]
["                             for 4 years in a SOG format and I was very, very impressed. Very easy to grow, cloning is a breeze. Only"]
["                             problem I had is that after about 3 years the high started to get a little weaker and the yields did go down"]
["                             slightly. It just seemed to lose some of its vigor. So if you used it for 2 years or so, it could very well be what"]
["                             you are looking for.\" -imposter"]
[]
["                             “The most potent I have had to date is probably Shiva Skunk, a close relative of Silver Pearl. This variety is"]
["                             hallucinogenic. Not to be smoked if you have to operate any machinery within the next several hours.” – Hyde"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Skunk #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California  Breeder: Cultivators Choice  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"Winner of several harvest festivals, and \"High Times\" Cannabis Cup. Skunk #1 (75% Sativa, 25% Indica) was"]
["                             originally a cross between 25% Afghani, 25% Mexican Acapulco Gold and 50% Colombian Gold. Inbred since"]
["                             1978, now a stabilized homogeneous strain. Blooms with long, thick buds, varying in color from light green to"]
["                             golden. Very high flower to leaf ratio. Soft and sweet aroma and a very strong \"up\" high. Excellent variety for"]
["                             indoor growing or greenhouse with darkening system. Very high yields. Easy to manicure. This variety serves as"]
["                             a standard against which others can be measured."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 7-11 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st half of Nov. in a greenhouse.\" – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"M9 originally developed by the Sacred Seeds Co. A winner of a number of harvest festivals. One of the most"]
["                             sought after strains in the world. Ten years ago the sweet Skunk #1 arose from an Afghani, a Colombian and a"]
["                             Thai. It is now a stabilized homogeneous hybrid with less than 5 % deviations. The breeding plants were"]
["                             selected scientifically. The high is very strong and up. Examination tests selected the plants with the highest"]
["                             percentage of THC. A THC percentage of 15% was indicated by gas chromatography. The Skunk#1 has a high"]
["                             calyx to leaf ratio. Large long buds. It finishes the first week of Oct. Growing tips often lime green, mature"]
["                             plant often has yellow shade leaves. Neither is deficiency. The yield varies from 400-1000 grams, with an"]
["                             average of 500 grams. Yields of up to 2000 grams (5 pounds!) have been recorded. Indoors-experienced"]
["                             growers can, by using the plantlet method, harvest 400-500 grams per square meter. (11 sq. ft.)\" - SSSC"]
["                             catalog 1987-88"]
[]
["                             \"Regarding …Skunk #1, Ed Rosenthal says he knows (it was) developed by Cultivators' Choice in California in"]
["                             the 70's.\""]
[]
["                             \"Skunk #1 = originally developed by the Sacred Seed Co. (Cali/ Holland) Sk#1 arose from an Afghani X a"]
["                             Colombian X a Thai. As far back as 1987 they were reporting its stability to less than 5% deviation. Now 11"]
["                             years later it has to be one of the most stable strains around.\" -Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             \"Original Skunk#1 is a relatively true-breeding cannabis sativa crossed cannabis Afghani inbred-line polyhybrid"]
["                             with a heavy tendency to its cannabis sativa parentage. Original Skunk#1 was developed by Cultivator's Choice"]
["                             in the late 1970's for outdoor and glass house cultivation. It has also proved to produce excellent sensimilla"]
["                             indoors under lights. Original skunk #1 is a medium green and medium broadleaf variety of medium height"]
["                             that produces large, long floral clusters with very few leaves. The yield per square foot of Original Skunk #1"]
["                             grown densely packed and strongly lighted can approach 40 grams of dry flowers. The flowers have a strong"]
["                             sweet & sour aroma and the taste is full-bodied and satisfying. The high is powerful and highly stimulating."]
["                             Original Skunk #1 requires 8 - 11 weeks of a 12 hour photoperiod to mature completely."]
["                             Skunk #1 makes an excellent choice for male breeding material. It was selected from 50 different cannabis"]
["                             sativa cross c. afghanica F1 hybrid crosses for its consistent true-breeding qualities in a broad range of crosses."]
["                             Skunk #1 is an inbred-line that came from a naturally combining hybrid selected for its crossability and true"]
["                             breeding qualities, rather than a forced hybrid made in an attempt to blend two previously selected individual"]
["                             varieties with specific desirable characteristics. In other words, Skunk#1 has been selected for its naturally high"]
["                             General Combining Ability (CGA). Simply crossing a select Skunk #1 with almost any other potent variety will"]
["                             improve it. \" –High Times magazine"]
[]
["                             \"Well, that explains its massive popularity from 1980 - 1992, afterwards a decline in preference for Skunk"]
["                             began. Skunk #1 and Big Bud , both powerful and good yielding when they came upon the scene in 1980,"]
["                             simply had been outpaced by the developments in the field of commercial & recreational cannabis cultivation. "]
["                             My favorite Skunk experiences include these strains: Island Sweet Skunk (Federation), originally a hybrid by"]
["                             Spice of Life, which is Sweet Pink Grapefruit indica crossed Big Skunk#1 (Sensi Seed issue 1990), is a sweet"]
["                             citrus Skunk with a compelling high, and matches the description of the Skunk best. 60 days flowering. "]
["                             Jack Herer, here, the Skunk makes the Haze work without paranoia, but its finicky and difficult to get satisfying"]
["                             results at home."]
["                             By the way, in the CNN show Impact, 'The Prince of Pot' sequence regarding me, reporter Larry Lamott was"]
["                             standing in a room of identical Skunk #1 single cola plants (154 in the room) at 27 days into flowering."]
["                             Has anyone noticed that really reeking, road kill skunk smell that used to be distinct has given way to other"]
["                             pungent but less cutting smells. I think Northern Lights with its low odor genetics and indica dominance in the"]
["                             market has in time reduced the skunky smell of pot, and NL and SK#1 are so often crossed these days. "]
["                             The Sweet Skunk by Brothers Grimm may well be a further development of the Spice of Life Sweet Skunk, as is"]
["                             I.S.S. by Federation.\" –Marc Emery"]
[]
["                             \"I've grown skunk 1 and hybrids made from it for nearly 20 years. To get a really a good quality crop outdoors"]
["                             you need to be less than 40 deg from the equator it will need at least 10 weeks from the equinox to finish."]
["                             With good cultivation will make 3 to 4 meters high and yield a pound or so of good bud per plant. Indoors it"]
["                             needs a minimum of 50 w per sq. ft and preferably double and takes 9 to 12 weeks to finish on 12 hrs. Its"]
["                             75% sat and cant be grown like a modern indica hybrid but when grown properly gives all the modern var.'s a"]
["                             good run for the money.\" - Oldtimer1. "]
[]
["                             \"Skunk #1: This plant is super resinous, has a marvelous sweet smell (does not smell skunky at all)."]
["                             Harvested at day 57, it could have gone another 10 days. All pistils were brown except some at the very tips."]
["                             Calyxes were swollen."]
["                             The smoke is about 40% body, 60% head. I like it for relaxing. Can maintain in public. Wonderful aroma"]
["                             before lighting and during smoking. Buds are very dense. This one is a keeper.\" - Splif Lipsit"]
[]
["                             \"The high is nice. It is strong, yet mellow, and yet still pretty alert. For overall feeling of potency, its not nearly"]
["                             comparable to couch-lock indicas that we have today, but it is still a good smoke. Anywhere in the U.S. this"]
["                             would be considered high-quality kryppie grade smoke, but it's not that one-hit extra special. This is definitely"]
["                             a good plant to start with, very easy to grow, very cheap, and should be good quality no matter what reliable"]
["                             source you get them from.\" –shabang"]
[]
["                             \"I find that no matter what I do skunk just seems to be light and not dense. I've used tons of light perfect"]
["                             nutrients, but the stuff dried always seems airy. Its super stoney, sticky, skunky, great weed but just isn't that"]
["                             great for production strain.\" -sketcher"]
[]
["                             \"I hate the taste. That's just me, most people just think \"oh that tastes like good pot\" but I think it is pretty"]
["                             bad. It has a sort of sour-milk taste, kind of bitter. Hard to describe, its really not disgusting or anything, it's"]
["                             just the way the Dutch Skunk #1 tastes. When I first tried it I told him not to be offended but I don't like the"]
["                             taste at all. Then he told me what it is and I agreed :-) "]
[]
["                             I have been growing sk #1 for years...my seed stock was bought back in the late 80's--don't even remember"]
["                             the seedbank. I think that sk 1 is a classic...very easy to grow, potent, good yield. It is very forgiving and"]
["                             grows well under many different growing situations, indoors or out. The plants are similar in size, with little"]
["                             variation. It also takes topping well, with little shock, and you can grow beautiful short, bushy plants indoors"]
["                             topping them. The taste is nothing extraordinary, and it takes a little longer to finish than some other"]
["                             strains...'bout 70 days flowering.\" – ol'hippie"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Skunk #1 - Basic 5 hybrid"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “M39 Skunk #1 crossed with the Basic 5. This hybrid was a harvest festival winner in its first year! The Basic 5 is"]
["                             a female clone which has been cultivated successfully in Holland for quite some years and which has"]
["                             demonstrated it's value very well in indoor growing as well as in outdoor growing. The female Basic 5, which"]
["                             proved to be the best during commercial cultivating, has been chosen by us to be the seed mother for this"]
["                             hybrid. The Basic 5 is a small, solid and thickset indica plant with heavy buds, covered plentifully with resin. So,"]
["                             suited very well for indoor growing, the high is extremely heavy. This hybrid assures excellent results for both"]
["                             indoor and outdoor growing. Using the plantlet method, an indoor yield of 2000 grams (more than 4 lbs.!) per"]
["                             square meter per year is possible. These yields can be increased still further (up to 1/3) by flowering cuttings"]
["                             when they are only 6 inches tall. Harvest outdoors: Oct. 1.\" – SSSC, 1987 catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             see description"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I believe Basic 5 was simply a name SSSC used in the place of NL#5 because, at that time, Northern Lights"]
["                             wasn't yet a \"household name\". "]
["                             This would mean that M39 = NL#5/SK#1 = ShivaSkunk. "]
["                             I grew M39 back in the late 80's and I have been growing ShivaSkunk during the past couple of years.Taking"]
["                             genetic variation into consideration, they seem to be the same plant...although my memories of M39 are of a"]
["                             slightly superior plant - it's probably just nostalgia. "]
["                             Sad story: When my ex-wife and I moved into our ex-house, I had a vial with a dozen M39 seeds stashed in a"]
["                             box of old books. She was cleaning the basement one day and found the seeds. She showed them to me and"]
["                             I acted like I didn't remember putting them there. She turned around and threw them in a pan of bacon frying"]
["                             on the stove. I don't miss HER at all - but I SURE wish I still had those SEEDS."]
["                             I worked for SSSC for two years in the mid 80's. I never asked \"Kees\" exactly what Basic 5 was...though now I"]
["                             wish I did because I've lost touch with him over the years. I can't say for SURE if it's NL#5, but I had that"]
["                             impression.” - MrSoul"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Skunk Indica"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Outdoor / Greenhouse With 100% Skunk seeds, it's not possible to grow fully mature outdoor plants, because"]
["                             the seeds were selected for growing under artificial lights. Skunk was crossed with an early Indica, to let it"]
["                             mature sooner and to make the plant stronger for outdoor conditions. This is the F2 generation. It has come"]
["                             out as a very nice outdoor strain. Flowering period: 7 weeks · Harvest time under natural light: end of"]
["                             September, 2nd week of October.” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             see description"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Skunk Passion"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Skunk is the best known variety to the indoor grower. Skunk Passion is a selection of these seeds. Selection"]
["                             was based on early flowering. It’s no use growing these seeds outdoors in Northern climates (see"]
["                             Skunk/Indica). The strong pungent smell is characteristic of this variety. Mean THC levels are high. Sensitive to"]
["                             spidermites, over and underfeeding. Sweet and soft smoke, very high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st half of Oct. in a greenhouse” – Dutch Passion seedbank"]
["                             catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Skunk Red Hair"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “The variety which made indoor growing possible since 1985. Still one of the growers favourite. Will even tastes"]
["                             better outdoor if care under right conditions."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks” – Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Super Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3  4   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This plant is especially developed for Skunk lovers. Crossed of best Skunks to their Afghani ancestors. Brush"]
["                             against this plant and the room becomes immediately filled with powerful Skunk aroma. Despite the smell a"]
["                             very pleasant high with a little more body to it than the Skunk #1. One of the winners of the 1990 High Times"]
["                             Harvest Festival where it clearly defeated Skunk #1."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Super Skunk = Sk#1 X Afghani (a skunk #1 backcrossed to an Afghani indica)”"]
[]
["                             \"I've grown Super Skunk (sensi'95) and it performed very well (especially since the price was like 60 guilders or"]
["                             so). It would make a great commercial weed-- very resinous, nice fat buds, though not the densest. Good"]
["                             deep smell, I don't like it but many people do. The high is strong and covers both sides... it will put you to"]
["                             sleep if you smoke too much.\" –shabang"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Trance"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “An upgrade of the former variety Skunk/Indica. With 100% Skunk seeds, it’s not possible to grow fully mature"]
["                             outdoor plants because the seeds were selected for growing under artificial lights and greenhouse. Skunk was"]
["                             crossed with an early Indica, to let it mature sooner and to make the plant stronger for outdoor conditions."]
["                             This is the F1 generation. It has come out as a very nice strain."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 7 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept., 2nd week of Oct.” - Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Uncategorized Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Amstel Gold a.k.a. Passion #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Amstel Gold is an Indica variety developed in California in the seventies and has been grown outdoors in"]
["                             Holland since 1980. Smokes soft with a citrus like aroma and has a good high. Easy to grow, grows with long"]
["                             compact resinous buds. One of the best green outdoor varieties in our collection."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 6 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             Dutch Passion was asked by AMSTEL BREWERIES to stop using the name for AMSTEL GOLD seeds. Now those"]
["                             seeds are to be called Passion #1, but I'm not using the switch name yet, its too confusing to explain name"]
["                             changes while genetic make-up remains same.” – Marc Emery"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Bazooka"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             An excellent green variety. Not much known about this strain but the breeder did mention Bubblegum. Good"]
["                             results indoors and out."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: "]
["                             (indoors) ~ Flower: 55-60 days ~ Height: 5-6’ ~ Yield: Above Average (outdoors) ~ Plant: Jun."]
["                             1st ~ Finish: Sept. 15th ~ Height: 6’ ~ Yield: Above Average” – Marc Emery Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: BC Hash Plant"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Afghanistan, British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This strain is the BC Hash Plant. The origin is back in the pre Russia invasion of Afghanistan and the Indo"]
["                             Asian type weed strains smuggled back to the islands 25 years ago. The basics were developed outdoors."]
["                             Today this strain is reputed to be grown as large as 4 lbs. a plant in hydro systems over 120 days. Actually my"]
["                             friend Norm of Arthrology had a picture of himself in such a room brought into evidence in his trial. The strain"]
["                             has also been grown on tables and dirt with good results. The colour is light green. In larger quantities is has a"]
["                             sweet pungent smell that looses it's strength as the bags are smaller. You can pack it in your pocket in ounce"]
["                             quantities with out everyone in your immediate area knowing someone has a bag on them. Good strong"]
["                             smoke as long as it's fully matured and cured with a bit of time. Just one slight warning. This will be resolved in"]
["                             time. So in these seeds you will find plants with the back genetics of 100 generations behind. To the"]
["                             inexperienced grower what does this mean? You will find a higher than liked relationship of male to female for"]
["                             one. Secondly you will find a variety of height and strength with in each plant. It's not too likely with only"]
["                             getting ten seed that you will get any two to look the same. For the personal smoke grower this is great"]
["                             because each plant will give a different buzz. No tolerance builds up. For the professional grower it means"]
["                             germinating 75 to 100 plants to find two or three mothers that you like. Needless to say the worst sign you"]
["                             want to here is there too. Hermies. You can expect that under any real heavy stress situations, like dry-out,"]
["                             overfeeding, and problems in flower stressing, may result in a large hermy break out. In good conditions there"]
["                             still may be a few stamens appearing. This is because the back breeding has not been as long as would be"]
["                             preferred.” – Bongblaster, Seed-Bank.com"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Beatrix Choice"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Mexico, South Africa, Holland  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Beatrix Choice was one of the original offerings from the Super Sativa Seed Club, listed as M27 in their"]
["                             1987-88 catalog, as well as their 89-90 catalog. Here is how it was described: \"M27 A U.S. hybrid top strain."]
["                             Plants were selected for the quality of the high. Extremely strong. The father was of an inbred Acapulco Gold"]
["                             strain and the mother was a very potent Indica/Sativa strain (Afghani-south African). A great hybrid. One of our"]
["                             own favorites. Very suitable for outdoor and indoor growing. You can harvest an enormous amount of"]
["                             overpowering, trippy buds. Harvest in Holland: middle of September\". - Super Sativa Seed Club catalog"]
["                             1987-88"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Big Mac"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Federation Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"If you like indicas then you can't go wrong with Federation strains. Big Mac a very nice short bush that yields"]
["                             well, and the taste is almost a sweet hash like, the high is great unless you don't like the munchies, also helps"]
["                             with pain, only draw back for me was I could not sleep for hours after I tried it one night (save for early"]
["                             evenings) kept my mind very active but body was not going anywhere.\" -mota20"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Big Sur Holy Weed"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “When I went to A-dam in November, they had the SAGE bud offered by THSeeds at the Hempworks. I was told"]
["                             by the breeder in A-dam that Sage was Big Sur Holy Weed x Haze. I was also told that the Big Sur Holy Weed"]
["                             was his nicest yielding/tasting Afghan. Bud was top notch, hope this helps.” - Damion"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                              Strain: Blue Mountain Jamaican"]
["                              Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: Jamaica  Breeder:  Wild Rose Seeds"]
["                              Images:  "]
["                              Description:  "]
[]
["                              Sweet, earthy taste, rare to find. Resinous large buds with few sucker leaves to cull. - Wild Rose Seeds"]
[]
["                              Specifications:  Cuttings of this strain can be brought to maturity in 65-75 days of flowering immediately after               "]
["                              rooting. Seedlings need to veg for 35-40 days. Flowering time 65-75 days"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:  "]
["                              none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Bolivian"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Bolivia  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Imported, pure breeding Sativa/Indica: more Sativa"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Appearence: looks like Mexican, slim buds Smell/taste: not especially great Type high/strength: medium"]
["                             Height: 2m Yield: med Harvest date (Netherlands natural photoperiod): end Sept 12hr day exposure harvest"]
["                             (# of weeks): 7-9 Indoor / greenhouse / outdoor Typical Bolivian, matures early.” – Positronics seedbank"]
["                             catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Champagne"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Champagne is a Kush indica from Vancouver, BC I have the clone and as far as I know any seeds are hybrid"]
["                             only. It's a great yielder with excellent crystal and ranks 8+ on my scale. Unfortunately, not good enough to"]
["                             make the grade compared to my 9+ plants, but a good indoor plant anyway.” –Lady J"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Chemo"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Canada  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             A legendary potent British Columbian indica strain rumored to have been developed by the Canadian"]
["                             government as a medicinal strain for cancer patients. Now apparently found only in cuttings or crosses such as"]
["                             MCW."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Cream Sodica"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Breeder Steve  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             >“Named for its live scent and colour. The finished product has a dry aroma of orange Pekoe Tea with"]
["                             overtones of black currants. The heritage of this strain is the result of a cross between 2 extremely successful"]
["                             Gulf Island strains from neighbouring islands. The result of this cross has been grown out for 7 years and is an"]
["                             easily manageable and distinct strain in itself. It is intended for a hardy outdoor yielder, with excellent"]
["                             mold-resistant, cosmetically saleable buds. It works; the boys are getting rich.” - Spice of Life catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Outdoor Harvest: Sept. 7th (at the latest)"]
["                             Outdoor Yield: 500 gm / plant"]
["                             Indoor Harvest: flowers in 44 days"]
["                             Generation: F7"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             None                         "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Early Bud"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Fast flowering, big buds. Fresh citrus like taste, nice high. Very similar to early girl."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: Sept.” Marc Emery Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Early Girl"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: Cultivators Choice  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This is a mostly Indica variety, one of the earliest in our outdoor collection. Very potent, medium yield, with a"]
["                             hashy taste and aroma. These compact plants will tend to grow to one main stem. An ideal choice for your"]
["                             balcony.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Developed: inbred 10 plus years - Stabilised hybrid: not consistant Sativa/Indica: 10% / 90% - Appearence:"]
["                             many with columnar shape, tends towards Indica habit; some turn purple with cold at harvest - Smell/taste:"]
["                             coarse hash taste, not sophisticated Type high/strength: medium plus, physical - Height: 2m - Yield: med plus"]
["                             - Harvest date (Netherlands natural photoperiod): end Sept / begin Oct 12hr day exposure harvest (# of"]
["                             weeks): 7-9 Indoor / greenhouse / outdoor Selected for earliness” – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Regarding Early Girl, Ed Rosenthal says he knows (it was) developed by Cultivators' Choice in California in the"]
["                             70's.”"]
[]
["                             “Early Girl - This is a mostly Indica early variety developed in Northern California. The plants are compact and"]
["                             very sturdy, and will tend to grow to one main stem. Very potent, medium yield, with a hashy taste and aroma."]
["                             Inbred for 4 generations and carefully selected for quality and earliness. Early Girl is an outstanding choice for"]
["                             growers seeking an early Indica-type."]
[]
["                             Outdoor Data - "]
["                             Height: 4 - 6 ft. "]
["                             Finishing date at 40* N.: Sept. 1 "]
["                             Yield: 1/2 pound "]
["                             Price: $50 for 15 seeds” - The Seed Bank catalog, 1989 "]
[]
["                             “I grew this last year outdoors. about 5' tall at harvest, lots of short side branches with plenty of buds. yield"]
["                             was about 4 oz. of average quality weed. excellent hashy taste which peaked at about 1 month of curing and"]
["                             then started to decline. high was average and didn't last very long. maybe due to accidental pollination."]
["                             susceptible to bud mold in high humidity.” dr.atomic "]
[]
["                             “I grew it, or at least something called Early Girl, that I got from Holland in the late '80s. It was pretty average"]
["                             all the way around in my opinion. About average yield, high, and everything else. I got some California Orange"]
["                             at the same time and liked it a little better. That was a while back, though. They might have improved it in"]
["                             recent years.” – Been There"]
[]
["                             “I don't know where they get that crap about it finishing Sept. 1st. I was at 44 something degrees north, and"]
["                             they didn't finish until about the end of September. I do remember that there was a lot of variation between"]
["                             seeds, maybe I just got some slow ones. Or maybe they were just lying too.” –been there"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Early Pearl"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: California  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Mostly Sativa with excellent potency. Sweet, resinous and mold resistant. A popular outdoor variety.” – Sensi"]
["                             Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Ed Rosenthal says Early Pearl came from the Midwest, but was a cross of Early Girl and Polly, an early"]
["                             California sativa.”"]
[]
["                             “I've grown this both inside and out. If you do a search, you'll probably find some previous posts that I’ve"]
["                             written on this type; In brief, it is effectively pure sativa (though actually has early girl crossed in, very"]
["                             recessive in all respects). Inside and out, it likes to grow large. Stretch continues right through flowering, which"]
["                             was a respectable 8 weeks (the only virtue carried over from early girl). Buds are thin, green, sweet and sharp"]
["                             smell, very good sativa high- quite psychoactive (trippy?). Little paranoia, very long high. Unless you grow very"]
["                             big plants, yield is low, as could be expected from such a plant. At present I'm having great trouble with my EP"]
["                             mother- it has decided to auto-flower. After re-potting the 10-inch plant into a 1.75 gallon container,"]
["                             re-vegging started, but now it looks like it's going to go back into flower again (this is on 24/0). Root mass is"]
["                             HUGE.” – retro13"]
[]
["                             “I grew EP last year for the first time. I didn’t get them to maturity, because of three or four major fukups by"]
["                             me, along with a VERY wet autumn, so my yield was almost nil. I planted out on June-1, they suffered a couple"]
["                             of frosts during which some purple showed. I planted them out after sexing on 12/12, which I wouldn't do now,"]
["                             because once these plants start to flower, they don’t like re-vegging, so a confused bunch of semi-flowering"]
["                             plants was the result. Water soluble slug pellets resulted in the plants being eaten to one foot tall bare stems"]
["                             soon after. I reverted to my other type of (non-soluble) slug-pellet and the damage stopped. One plant"]
["                             re-grew in veg form, the others continued in semi-flower. Something odd happened then- which you should"]
["                             take note of- I had 18\" to 2' chicken wire fences around each plant, but somehow some bastard rabbits ate the"]
["                             newly growing plants (this was early July)- rabbits that could CLIMB FENCES!. I created a 'goblet' effect outwards"]
["                             around the top of the wire-tube, and this stopped the damage. Having been eaten back to about 18\" in early"]
["                             July, the plants reached about 6' by week-1 Oct. During the whole summer, there was no single week that they"]
["                             were not rained on VERY heavily, and for the last month of their lives they were in perpetual cloud/100%"]
["                             moisture. Only one plant showed any signs of mold (and this one showed only small patches)- which I was"]
["                             extremely pleased with. "]
["                             They're funny plants when it comes to cuttings. They seem to be much slower to take than most, but the huge"]
["                             amount of vigor that is inherent in the breed means that the cuts don’t die- they just hang around and don't"]
["                             do much. I took cuttings of my over-wintering mother which took about 3 weeks to take- during this time, the"]
["                             cuts didn’t look ill, and didn’t grow, they just 'existed'. The mother plant doesn’t do well indoors- mine seemed"]
["                             to get freaked out and started to flower. It flowered though most of winter, then suddenly decided to revert, I"]
["                             don’t know why. "]
["                             The smoke is good- smooth, sweet, menthol/lemony. It has a lot of central and south American Sativa in its"]
["                             ancestry. The high is long lasting and 'happy'- a day-time smoke. The buds are long and thin. I noticed two"]
["                             phenotypes (ratio 14:2)- 14 plants had broad, long leaves, high vigor, high yield; 2 were much shorter"]
["                             (finishing at 4-5'), more compact, started flowering earlier, but didn’t mature as well, more susceptible to mold,"]
["                             thinner leaves. Some of the large phenotype flowered with pistils the color of pink-grapefruit. "]
["                             Its not the easiest plant I've grown, and this may account for why its not more common, but its well worth it. It"]
["                             definitely is mold resistant beyond any doubt. These plants get the yield from the size of the plant, not the"]
["                             density of the buds, so try to ensure a good size by July, and DONT pinch it out. I'm hoping for 3 or 4 ounces"]
["                             per plant this year- I've put them into my best patch.” – retro13"]
[]
["                             “A FOAF grew Early Pearl for a couple of years. it's nice and versatile. a foaf grew some in and out. indoors in"]
["                             rockwool under a 400w it yields a/ just <1 oz. at 3 ft. by topping them. outdoors its close to 1 lb. at 6 ft. finish"]
["                             around the end of September out, 8 weeks in. A foaf think the plant is a mix of sativa/indica. it has longer"]
["                             node spacing than you may like indoors like a sativa, but it grows fat wide fans like an indica. the high is kind"]
["                             of mixed too, a little spacey, followed by complete body freeze. its nice...” - cuz"]
[]
["                             \"I have a strain grown here for at least 10 years. I believe its Early Pearl due to the description in the Sensi"]
["                             catalog. Inbreed for many generations, but no signs of wackyness!! Some variety in height, but for the most"]
["                             part short, very bushy and branchy. Thick medium length bus with many crystals. Has thin sativa type leaves"]
["                             however. High is excellent as well as flavor, sort of sweet but not fruity. Does very well outside and is the best"]
["                             strain I ever seen for indoor production. Very fast to bud, 6 weeks to 7+. The mother I picked finishes in less"]
["                             than seven weeks. A 12\" plant put into 12/12 will only stretch to 20-22\", but many side branches. I have White"]
["                             Widow which I like slightly better for taste and high (maybe from years of smoking the former) but the yield of"]
["                             the EP? is 3 times that of the WW and in 6-7 wks not 8 wks. I would like to get a backup of this strain if I knew"]
["                             what it was so I could reintroduce some of the possibly lost genes. However, it looks fantastic after all this"]
["                             time. If this is EP, many don't know what they're missing, cause this is THE strain for quick, crystally dense"]
["                             nugs. I don't know why it doesn’t have a more known reputation!!!\" -green horne"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Early Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A cross between Skunk #1 and Early Pearl. Finishes two weeks earlier than Skunk #1 outdoors. Sweet smell,"]
["                             smooth high, mold resistant and a good yielder.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: G-13"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Mississippi USA  Breeder: U.S. Government  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The Headquarters Seed Bank in Amsterdam, later known as the C.I.A. (Cannabis in Amsterdam), sold a strain"]
["                             called O.G.13b. The (mid-80’s era) catalog stated:"]
["                             Variety: mostly sativa"]
["                             Cultivated: U.S. genetics manipulated in Holland"]
["                             Breeding: stabilized hybrid"]
["                             Smell/Taste: sweet and spicy. Effect: overpowering, stupefying high"]
["                             Appearance: many flower clusters, covered with resin"]
["                             Flowering: 11-14 weeks. Harvest date: late November"]
["                             Yield: Indoor - 225 to 275 grams per square meter. Outdoor - 150 to 200 grams per plant"]
["                             Height: 2 to 3 meters (Indoors: Sprawling Sativa)."]
["                             Also, The Seed Bank's 1989 Catalog sold G-13 x Hash Plant and G-13 x Northern Lights #2. The catalog says:"]
["                             ‘G-13 is an outstanding pure Indica cutting reputedly discovered by the government research program in"]
["                             Mississippi. Widely grown as a commercial indoor plant in the US, G-13 has proven to be one of the best"]
["                             breeding plants in our collection’.”"]
[]
["                             “The G-13 pure, 55 - 60 day sativa (sic), doesn't exist in male form any longer. The last pure G-13 seeds were"]
["                             offered in 1988 by Nevil's old bank. A description from an old catalog would be nice, but I don't have one, but"]
["                             someone out there will. Sensi's version is a female propagated by cuttings for the last 10 years, the sativa"]
["                             female was pollinated by the stout afghan HASH PLANT male, and that is the current Sensi offering. "]
["                             I sell g-13 x Skunk by THC seeds of Amsterdam, but candidly, it doesn't get great reviews. The interest in"]
["                             G-13 has become very strong since HIGH TIMES magazine featured a photo of G-13 with a claimed THC level"]
["                             of 28%, the highest they have ever seen. Sensi responded to this interest, and it will be hard to knock off, so"]
["                             it is expensive. I know no one who has grown out the seeds to fruition yet. Some others strains that exist only"]
["                             in female cutting: William's Wonder, Garlic Bud. Anyone can think of any others?”-Marc Emery"]
[]
["                             “From an article about what Nevil Schoenmaker grew: G-13 is a very potent indica with a very strong stem and"]
["                             short internodes but a longer less webbed leaf. Although very strong, it seems to lack \"personality\" but is an"]
["                             excellent plant for breeding.\" -Hightimes, September 1990, page 50. "]
[]
["                             \"If you are in the Deep South like Mississippi or Alabama, there are lots of chunky skunky badboy local bud."]
["                             Sometimes people sell blowaway as \"G\" short for g-13. But looking at the picture of G-13, it leafs look at lot"]
["                             more like a Kush than a fat indica leaf.\" -Johnny Reb"]
[]
["                             “If you want the best of the best then I suggest you start searching for the pure G13 or its hybrids. That by far"]
["                             is strongest bud today (I’ve never smoked straight WW but have had crosses with a different type and if WW is"]
["                             a very strong head buzz it pales in comparison to the G13 strains). I have a G13xNL; it grows medium nodes"]
["                             with huge fat blades. This baby produces trichomes with heads instantly with lime green hues so its when near"]
["                             finished its just has thick white golden look all over has a deep penetrating mixed citrus like smell. I’ve been"]
["                             told that smell is a 10 cause it’s so deep and pungent, with a deep orange flavor. It produces small to medium"]
["                             size golden nuggets (I have a 400; maybe with 1k it will do a lot better). The high is very UNIQUE; it will take"]
["                             you up for a high lift, then suddenly it will slam ya back with force. VERY STRONG: its the best cause it been"]
["                             tried against 6 strains: NL5 Sensi, AK47, Kali Mist, Yumbolt, Blueberry, Jack flash, and none can even compare"]
["                             in potency taste and smell.” - Dankmaster"]
[]
["                             \"It seems to be predominately indica, but it could be anything. My particular variety of the \"pure\" G13 I believe"]
["                             came from the Mississippi farm. Fat leaves, red stems (leaves), usually only 5 fingers, but I've seen six and"]
["                             even seven. Super resiny, and a fast finisher. This is definately a hybrid. At least our tax money is going for"]
["                             something worthwhile.\" –Airborne"]
[]
["                             \"The G-13 was 43 days in 12/12, and while I might have let it go to 50, I need the weed and it was done. I"]
["                             have let it go to 64 before and it was MUCH too long. The G doesn't yeild as large a cola as an AK, but the"]
["                             buzz is outrageous. I'm so spoiled that I won't smoke anything else. The yeild is better and juicier in hydro"]
["                             than my previous harvest in soil. Also, with this breed I think a good veg time is about 10 days to two weeks.\""]
[]
["                             \"For what it is worth, I always heard the name G-13 came from the person who actually 'liberated' the clone. G"]
["                             standing for Government and 13 representing the 13th letter of the alphabet = M = Marijuana. G-13 ="]
["                             Government marijuana\" - Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             “Sensi Seed offers g13xhashplant and that was it. It is the same as the one sold in the 80's and it is also 2/3"]
["                             of Black Domina. I learned this at the Sensi Seed shop 1 day after I bought the seeds directly from Alan"]
["                             Dronkers hands at the Pax party house. I spoke to Tony about the Mantanuska and he said that nobody has"]
["                             smoked it and none is ready yet. I picked up 10 Mantanuska and 5 peak19 beans (Mantanuska x"]
["                             Stonehedge) for 300gilders (about $175american). Adam from T.H. Seeds (Tony's best buddy and provider of"]
["                             the Bubblegum and Californian genetics) told me its \"Sag's big bud\" with \"great dense yields but not a 9 or 10"]
["                             in potency\" and that the Stonehedge was a \"more rewarding high/plant to grow\" and that the \"peak19 was a"]
["                             perfect compromise/partnership.” - Damion"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Kali Mist (a.k.a. Western Winds)"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: D.J. Short  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Medical: Multiple Sclerosis“ Serious smokers know, pure Sativa is a smooth smoking experience not soon"]
["                             forgotten. Kali is a superb Sativa with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, and long running tops that produce full, fluffy"]
["                             buds. Expect this goddess to produce a high resin content with spiral buds that carry an extremely spicy scent."]
["                             Kali Mist won the 1st Place Cannabis Cup in High Times 1995 hydro competition, and is the personal stash for"]
["                             expert gardeners!"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Sativa, Flower: 70-77 days (63-65 days in actual reports) Yield: 275-425 grams/m2, Height:"]
["                             1.2-1.5m.” – Serious Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \" Kali Mist from Serious Seeds was another winner (at the 1996 Cannabis Cup) in the judges' opinion. It had a"]
["                             high-energy, uplifting high that could cut through a dissipating high from a previous smoke. I smoked one"]
["                             joint(not Kali) one night at about 11 p.m., another at 2.00 a.m. and then Kali at 4.00 a.m. A few tokes of Kali"]
["                             cut right through my fatigue and fog, energizing me enough so that I couldn't sleep. With my eyes closed, I"]
["                             saw colors and patterns the likes of which I haven't experienced from marijuana in the last decade. Judging"]
["                             from the bud's appearance, Kali appears to have much Southeast Asian character. The buds are nowhere as"]
["                             full or weighty as any of the other samples. I suspect if it were grown outdoors, maturation would not be"]
["                             complete until very late in the year."]
[]
["                             I grew Kali Mist ancestral stock in the early 80's in Oakland and those plants matured in late November, and"]
["                             into December. The looser, somewhat feathery buds of Kali Mist would present a problem for indoor growers"]
["                             looking for weighty buds. Despite these shortcomings, I liked it very much -it was my favorite high- and if I"]
["                             were to grow for personal stash, I would grow Kali.\" -Mel Franc, High Times Magazine, May 1997"]
[]
["                             “I got to smoke some KM bud this week (sent to a friend from a friend) The taste is every thing they say"]
["                             -floral, spicy with a funky stank that I've only tasted in types that come from the land of Aloha. BUT I would"]
["                             only rate the high at 7-7.5 AND it took 14 WEEKS to finish!!” - greenbear"]
[]
["                             “I have clones from two females that I'm growing for the second time, so I can relate my experiences to those"]
["                             who are curious about this strain. I got my seeds from Serious Seed Co., which is the bank reputed to sell the"]
["                             authentic article. I read Mel Frank's review of Kali Mist in a sidebar article of High Time's Cannabis Cup a"]
["                             couple of years ago. He gave the description (and provided a matching picture) of a VERY Sativa-dominant"]
["                             strain that sounded quite like Original Haze. However, when I grew the seeds out, I got a hybrid which looked"]
["                             like a NL#5 had been crossed with the plant Mel described. The leaves were wide and the colas long and"]
["                             dense...only the individual floral clusters growing off the sides of the colas looked \"kind of\" Sativa-influenced."]
["                             The flavour and scent are spicy and delicious - the high's very pleasant, but not outrageous. The yield is"]
["                             GOOD, as the colas are rock-solid, but the flowering period is an awkward 9 1/2 weeks!” – MrSoul"]
[]
["                             “(The Dutch) have bred some excellent strains which have become popular, the best example is Kali Mist, only"]
["                             to be ruined by back-crossing to an Afghani (presumably to increase yield). Something similar happened to"]
["                             Sensi's Durban. "]
["                             That's my personal \"pet peeve\" of the Dutch strains. Once a strain is established and made commercially"]
["                             available, it should remain the same. Or, if the breeders change the genetics, it MUST be advertised as such or"]
["                             else it's fraud. Serious Seeds has never (to my knowledge) admitted that the Kali Mist seeds they're selling"]
["                             now are NOT the original genetics...but many of us here know that today's Kali Mist is 50% Afghani.” – MrSoul"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Kong"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Laughing Moon Seed Co.  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Kong is the next step in plant genetics for yield. Easily capable of yielding 4 lbs per 1000 watts! This is not a"]
["                             misprint! Kong is not Big Bud, or a Big Bud derivative. They're has never been anything like this in the world of"]
["                             cannabis production. Kong will be the benchmark by which all other plants are judged. The mother plant was"]
["                             purchased for $40,000. And now after a year of intense testing and experiments, is finally available. We have"]
["                             crossed the Kong super plant mother with an early and potent White Russian x Bubble Gum male. Since both"]
["                             of these plants are from diverse genetic gene pools you can expect very good hybrid vigor. Flowering is 63"]
["                             days and potency is extremely high. It doesn't get any better. This plant will blow away the best Big Bud yield."]
["                             Colas for this plant will reach sizes equal to a 2 Litre Coke bottle! This plant really packs on the weight in the"]
["                             last 2-3 weeks of flowering.” – Laughing Moon catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I've been promising you all a report on Kong when she finished. She's just finishing outdoors now. I've been"]
["                             sending ~S~ pictures and maybe he'll post them and give everyone a looksey. Kong shows 2 different"]
["                             Pheno-types from it's hybrid crossing. I call one tall and the other bush. The tall (9') leans towards it's White"]
["                             Russian x Bubblegum side. Long slender buds up to 16\". The smell and taste are incomparable. It's the best"]
["                             I've ever tasted. Ok what everyones wanted to know , the potency. One word, excellent. It rates right in there"]
["                             with my best. I can't honestly report on the yield yet but well over a pound at my estimation. The bush (10') ,"]
["                             yeah I know , taller than tall , has dense , chunky buds and will be the bigger yielder. I'd say 2 LBS plus. It's"]
["                             not as sweet as it's sister but holds her own well. The potency is very good. They both are heavy with crystal"]
["                             production. I just got a first class digital camera and will show you through ~S~. Remember I didn't get or start"]
["                             these seeds until June. If you're wondering should you try Kong? I give it my highest recommendation. Good"]
["                             work , Paul , you've got a winner!\" - Danbo"]
[]
["                             \"This is my first time growing. I used 2 1K lights, 6\" pots, 8 X 4 flood table, GH nutes with Pureblend growth"]
["                             formula. The flood table fits 36 6\" pots. However, I only grew 10 female clones. About 6 hermaphrodites and"]
["                             10 males were cut down. I didn't take care of my garden very well, and that may explain the herms. The 10"]
["                             Females that I grew are very fat. Extremely fat. With huge, fluffy colas. The final results are: 10 KONG Females"]
["                             = 35 ounces potent pot. The final weight for the ten plants after 1 week of drying and 3 weeks of curing was"]
["                             33.125 oz + estimated smoking of 2 ounces during process. I've been smoking pot pretty steady for a few"]
["                             years, and Kong is definitely rated as \"better than good\" high in my books.\""]
[]
["                             \"He said he grew them in 6\" pots spread out on a 8'x4' flood table. He got SLIGHTLY more than an ounce per"]
["                             square foot. Which is pretty typical. So far NO ONE has come anywhere NEAR the 4lbs/lamp that's being"]
["                             claimed for KONG.\" –MrSoul"]
["                             “I averaged over a pound each on the Kong. As far as the best commercial weed to grow, Holyweed is my first"]
["                             choice. I've seen it go over 4 lbs. though it usually averages about 2 lbs. per plant.” - Danbo"]
[]
["                             “Still in veg. Put a few of them at 24 hrs light. (Scared a bit for hermies) They did stop their sleeping time"]
["                             (when the leaves go down for their night light or not). The leaves stay up 24hrs a day and they grow like mad"]
["                             weed. What I am seeing look to me like I’ll get the largest yield VS plants in my life. The branch system is"]
["                             incredible. I took a lot's of clones so they are only 4 feet high but they look like they can support half a pound"]
["                             already easy. The cloning was easy too so many branches. Very happy so far. Start flowering next week keep"]
["                             you posted. Salt ferts used. In pro mix #4."]
[]
["                             One bad side: looks like I have 2 strains here. One looks more productive than the other does. For the price, I"]
["                             was expecting something more stable. But then I won't loose money on both strains. Had 7 female out of 10"]
["                             seeds. Easy to grow. But for the cash cropper, you will have some work to do, to get your mother. They all look"]
["                             kinda nice so you clone and clone :))) I had one very weird looking male very Afghani, did not look like the"]
["                             rest at all what was that? Never saw this leave shape before. I had one plant dividing into two main stems, one"]
["                             male the other female, talk about weird. In 18 years it is a new one to me, I’m having a lot's of fun with it too."]
["                             I’m gonna test this thing to death.” – Orchid Man"]
[]
["                             “Potency is good, definitely gets you stoned. It’s about on the potency level of an NL5 or Skunk1. It’s not up to"]
["                             the real kills like AK, but it is a strong weed. The plants are super-vigorous and abnormally branchy, they'll"]
["                             grow very large and are not good SOG candidates-- they need big bushes. I only grew one clone, never a"]
["                             lamp-full, but the yield looked above average. The pheno that I got was the tall one that is really smelly. The"]
["                             smell and taste were just of rank, strong weed-- not fruity-- kind of musky.” - ~shabang~"]
[]
["                             “I agree that Kong (hybrid) sure seems indica to me! Mine have wide leaf structure and smell"]
["                             \"Afghani-like\"/\"indica-like\". Very prolific plants. It is my understanding that there are a lot of genetic goings-on"]
["                             within the hybrid strain from LM. You got your Kong momma crossed with (Canna?) Bubblegum and White"]
["                             Russian, which I believe is White Widow/AK-47. Also, according to legend, Kong is a laboratory-manipulated"]
["                             strain.... gene splicing....???”"]
[]
["                             “Well there it is... 380 gr. dried buds on 1 plant. The newbies would say, wow it is nice, but me I say bullshit. "]
["                             The plant was beside my old faithful strain and the buds on my old strain were as big and smell better. THIS"]
["                             PLANT WAS SO BIG THAT IT SHOULD OF GIVEN 2 POUNDs (oops caps locks) SO, I would of been better off with"]
["                             my old strain than fucking around with the Kong. I know that many breeder say that there is most of the time"]
["                             only one super productive mother in those 10 seeds, but these seeds are so unstable that you end up with 3"]
["                             strain, 2 principal ones, which one to clone??!! In those 10 seeds 5 plants were unusable, (genetic defect or"]
["                             male etc) plus another bad side is: My old strain was not affected by the white fungus but the Kong is very"]
["                             prone to fungus attack. Not good for a humid Place like the pacific northwest were it rain all the time. I would"]
["                             not buy some other Kong seeds; I will reveg my old faithful strain. Only one seed did produce a really good"]
["                             mother. This very plant did pass near of being thrown away because at birth it was separated in two main"]
["                             branches, one male the other one female, talk about genetic aberration. So to summarize, I look like a stupid"]
["                             goof in front of my friends because I did believe in a story that was false. And about the space and time and"]
["                             effort that I did spent on those mothers that won't give shit... So... the man is not very happy.... "]
[]
["                             I have to say that the clones are behaving differently from the mother, more resin and look more promising,"]
["                             but then the mother did look promising at first then she did stop after 1 pound. So I feel that I was taken for a"]
["                             ride and contribute to pay for their 40,000 mother that they did not take the time to breed as it should be, now"]
["                             they start to sell those seed saying that it is a cross of 3 strain, it is going to be a mess again or what, I won't"]
["                             be the one who will try it for sure. For 250$ I was expecting more stability. ET VOILA FOR THE KONG>>>>>"]
["                             Keep you posted about the clones, it might be another story...they look good but who knows....” – reposter"]
[]
["                             “Kong update, for those who would like to try the Kong, don't waste your time and money on it, it is way too"]
["                             unstable and almost no resin glands. The yield is not so great and you would have to be very lucky to find the"]
["                             right mother in this mess of strains. My old strain, (northern light derivative) went faster and give very near the"]
["                             same yield. There is absolutely nothing special about the Kong, I am very mad to have wasted my time and"]
["                             effort to this unstable strain. It was grown under 1000w hps and 4000w MH, salt fert, 1 plant = 380 gr. It was"]
["                             supposed to be at least 2 pounds. For the same space and light, I would of have the same yield with my old"]
["                             strain.” – Orchid Man"]
[]
["                             “Here are my final thoughts about this Kong story. These clones did give a really good harvest finally; I was"]
["                             lucky to find the right mother.... It is indeed the largest yield by square/feet I have ever had. If we don't take"]
["                             the time factor in mind (2 months and a half to flower) compare to 7 weeks for many strains. Due to the lack"]
["                             of formation of visible resin glands, I would suggest the Kong growers to use a clear metal halide for the last"]
["                             2-3 weeks, more resin glands this way than under HPS. The clones under HPS did finish faster but with a lesser"]
["                             yield and potency than the ones under MH or the Sunmaster. The most potent ones were under this super cool"]
["                             white MH. I took the HPS's out of there completely when I have seen this. If you live in a place on heart where"]
["                             it is very humid, be aware that this Kong is very susceptible to fungus attack. If we think about the Time factor:"]
["                             meaning that during the same time that the Kong took to give me this yield, I could of get the same yield with"]
["                             a faster flowering strain because I could of done 2 harvests of the faster strain (with clones) during the time"]
["                             that the Kong is lagging. For those who like potency and resin production, the Kong is not really for you. For a"]
["                             cash cropper with a lot of free time then it might be a good strain, but the buyers will search for the resin gland"]
["                             on the budz, it can be a problem for those who sell their crop. If I compare the Kong to the numerous Big Bud"]
["                             harvests I have seen, there is nothing so special about the yield of the Kong, it is just a very good yielder but"]
["                             still very unstable judging by those last Kong report we have read lately. So the final thoughts are: No, I would"]
["                             not buy the Kong for my own personal smoke (potency, buzz and ordinary taste) and No neither I won't use"]
["                             this strain for a future crop even if the yield was really good, because of the Time/yield factor. But yes, a"]
["                             newbie would find this strain very interesting and he would be happy to tell his friends that he have had a hell"]
["                             of a good yield. I can't give the Weight details on the board, but I can say that 4 clones = 1 pound. (Almost"]
["                             the double weight of the northern light but it took much longer to achieve it though).” – Orchid Man"]
[]
["                             “They are big plants, even if you give them only one month veg. from seeds they end up being 4 feet high. @"]
["                             month veg and they finish at 7 feet. They become rootbound very fast. They drink more than other strain: the"]
["                             main mother plant was drinking 4-6 liters a day. They have a very extensive branching and root system. They"]
["                             grow very fast and need a normal fert dose, not more than other. "]
["                             They won't give many visible resin glands under HPS but will still be decent smoke. More resin glands under"]
["                             MH. So a ratio of 4 MH for 1 HPS is good. "]
["                             Unfortunately, they are not the best producers that I have seen but only one of the best, which is deceiving if"]
["                             we think at all the time needed to finish the crop. I have had some of the earlier seeds so; things might have"]
["                             changed since. "]
["                             The best way to do it is to use clones only, they are much more manageable and potent. You might have"]
["                             many strains in these 10 seeds; I had 4 different strains in mine, 7 females 3 males. Use the strain that look"]
["                             the less exotic for the mother, the exotic looking ones (largest leaves) won't give the best yield. The best MOM"]
["                             looks like somewhat paler green with elongated leaves and a very extensive branching system. Use large"]
["                             containers.” - Frenchie"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Matanuska Tundra"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica with Ruderalis  Origin: Alaska  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This variety brings back that majestic legendary marijuana from the great Alaskan Northland. Highly"]
["                             recommended by the best fishing and hiking guides in the Matanuska Valley. The buds are huge and solid as"]
["                             Danali \"Mt. McKinley herself. A glacier of THC crystals frosts her colas and packs more power than an icepack"]
["                             polar bear. Persons prone to altitude sickness should use caution."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
[]
["                             Type: Indica-sativa, indoor and outdoor, Start vegetate: when the roots show, Flowering time: 45-50 days,"]
["                             Average height: 0.5 - 0.75 meter, Yield: 350 - 375 grams / m2 (dried).” – Sagarmatha Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “As a matter of fact, almost all the Sagarmatha strains I tried were pretty average when I think back. The only"]
["                             standout was the Matanuska Tundra or whatever Tony calls it. When I went to Alaska I had the real deal"]
["                             Matanuska Thunderf*ck and they weren't anywhere near the same. The real Thunderf*ck has an insane"]
["                             \"woo-hoo, I am high!!\" kind of high… Sagarmatha's products all seem to be indica dominant \"sit down and"]
["                             rest\" strains. Even Western Winds, with it's \"soaring cerebral high\" was indica laden.” –Geronimo"]
[]
["                             “Alaska hasn't any indigenous strains, so it would make it very, very difficult for Matanuska to be a pure strain."]
["                             Matanuska is a hybrid that grows like an Indica and has a Sativa high, that rules out the chance of it being a"]
["                             pure strain. It was named Matanuska because that is the name of the Matanuska/Susitna Valley, just outside"]
["                             of Anchorage, where the strain was first produced when it was brought into Alaska. "]
["                             For reference, the original name is Alaskan Matanuska Valley Thunderf*ck. The name \" Matanuska Tundra \""]
["                             was made up by the Sagarmatha Seed Company in Amsterdam. Supposedly, Rob from Sagarmatha actually"]
["                             went to Alaska and pirated some genetics that were available, took them back to 'Dam and crossed them with"]
["                             Dutch strains, Peak-19 being one variation. Now, seeing as how Matanuska Thunderf*ck didn't originate in"]
["                             Alaska, it makes it unlikely that Sagarmatha's version is Matanuska. "]
["                             Exception to the rule, after years of being cultivated in Alaska, some versions of Matanuska have become"]
["                             acclimatized and, in theory, could be called \" true \" Matanuska. Maybe… Rob from Sagarmatha got lucky and"]
["                             found someone with some \"true\" Matanuska SEEDS he could smuggle back to Holland. Doubtful, while there I"]
["                             met not a single person with seed, only clones. Also, Thunderf*ck is some of the most sought after weed in"]
["                             Alaska, getting someone to give up a desirable seed or an even more desirable clone would take an act of"]
["                             God. So, I would lay money Rob didn't take \"true\" Matanuska home with him, especially seeing as how he is"]
["                             already an expatriate( the U.S. frowns on these individuals), I can't imagine him coming or going through"]
["                             customs with a cutting. "]
["                             By the way, the weed in Amsterdam is cultivated by private growers and sold to the coffeeshops in bulk. So"]
["                             regardless of what shop the Tundra was purchased at, the seed originated from Sagarmatha.” - Geronimo"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Oakland Indica"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “M14 - One of the best commercial indica hybrids in the U.S. We have got these seeds from a colleague top"]
["                             grower who has made a lot of dollars with it. The yield is enormous, a modus of 1 lbs. The potency is super. In"]
["                             Holland it flowers at the end of September. Some individuals will take up to two weeks more to mature. The"]
["                             plant in the picture turned purple because of a very cold fall.\" - S.S.S.C. catalog 1987-88"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Romulan"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Romulan Joe  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             not listed"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             not listed"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “One thing is for certain, the original pure Romulan has much more sativa than a simple Kush/Afghani. Much"]
["                             more aroma as well, it's pungent pine bud aroma is what makes it stand out as something unique. The"]
["                             original mother clones have been around for about 20 years. Another term that keeps popping up when"]
["                             describing Romulan is the old California blue indicas. I met with Romulan Joe a little while back and discussed"]
["                             Romulan's heritage, I think I recall him mentioning some Mexican sativas but don't quote me on it, I wasn't"]
["                             taking notes, haha.” – Vic High"]
[]
["                             “It has been one of Vancouver Island's best kept secrets for a few years. Up till about 18 months ago,"]
["                             Romulan Joe from the island was all Vancouver knew of Romulan. Then I showed about 18 months ago at HBC"]
["                             with some bud and photos looking for advice about good genetics to cross it with. Boy did I create a"]
["                             commotion. I was offered some serious dollars for a clone. I said no but that I would be happy to work"]
["                             something out with some seeds. For you breeders, take note that 18 months ago, Vancouver breeders did not"]
["                             have access to Romulan genetics."]
["                             At that time both the Romulan that Joe was bringing to Vancouver and my Romulan was the same bud. About"]
["                             six months ago I returned and Vancouver's Romulan was now more potent than mine but had lost some of its"]
["                             flavor. I also noticed that emery was now selling Romulan/white widow F2 hybrids. Emery’s employees told me"]
["                             that they got hold of some Romulan/white widow hybrids from Romulan Joe and that was their Romulan base."]
["                             I was also told that they were the source of Steve's Romulan. Steve is saying otherwise. "]
["                             When I grow out the Romulan/strawberry blonde I'll know the truth. Pure Romulan is a very stable plant that"]
["                             produces very uniform F1 hybrids. If Steve's hybrids are uniform, then we'll know that he used pure Romulan"]
["                             and not the Romulan/white widow that Emery used. I'll also know if Steve ever decides to publish a photo of a"]
["                             Romulan plant and bud close-up. Buds pictured in Cannabis Culture and High Times are small for Romulan"]
["                             and are more than likely Romulan/white widow crosses. My Romulan gets bigger buds with less light intensity."]
["                             I'm only posting this to clear up some of the confusion. Emery's Romulan white widow produces some killer"]
["                             bud. Steve’s Strawberry blonde is very good and whether crossed with Romulan or Romulan/white widow, it"]
["                             should produce very pleasing results. A third source for Romulan genetics will be Heaven’s Stairway who will be"]
["                             offering Romulan/blueberry (Romberry) F1 hybrid seeds."]
["                             BTW: The only reason I feel confident that I am lucky enough to have pure Romulan is because of it's stable"]
["                             genetics and how long it's been in the area. Emery, Shaun, and the others down at HempBC only confirmed it.\""]
["                             -Vic High"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Strawberry Blonde"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Breeder Steve  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Strong mostly Sativa hybrid. Heart racing paranoid cannabinoid profile. Toasted oats. Tight little strawberry"]
["                             shaped bud. The edges of the sugary leaves curl with crystal! The golden stems are the blondes. Wicked"]
["                             personal! F2."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering Period: 10 Weeks Outdoors: End of Oct Yield: Average Sea Of Green: Tight” - Spice of Life Seeds"]
["                             catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Sweet Tooth"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Breeder Steve  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Sweet Pink Grapefruit x Blueberry Male x Grapefruit F1 Backcross to Mother.These seeds are from the first"]
["                             backcross. Very sweet, mostly indica. Fruity, frosty & fairly fat. Mostly lime green bud with royal purple accents."]
["                             Outdoors the calyxes are prone to purpling completely. The sugar taste is almost sickly sweet."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Height: squat bush indica Flowering Period: 7-8 Weeks Harvest Outside: Mid Oct. Yield: Above Average-Good"]
["                             Sea Of Green: Thick and Plump” - Spice of Life Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This whole garden was Sweetooth, and it turned out very nice, took 9.5 weeks to flower but the yield has"]
["                             totally made up for the increased wait. I can't wait to get the CO2 going with my climate controller. This winter"]
["                             is going to be fun."]
["                             I harvested 644 grams of smokeable bud with a 600-watt light, very efficient outcome. Over a gram a watt is a"]
["                             new thing for me. I didn't calculate under developed buds, they have already burn turned into butter with the"]
["                             trim leaf. 46 grams per sq./ft of beautiful colas...;-)"]
["                             53.7 grams per sq./ft, 50 watts hps, 2.5 per sq./ft, clone, GH, coconut medium, ebb&flow"]
["                             Sweet Tooth is a fun plant to grow I'll hopefully have some pics of the harvest soon, very large colas, most"]
["                             plants between 24-28 inches tall, some colas were solid to 12 inches. Very nice quality nuggs, nice sweet smell,"]
["                             and the high is pretty strong. Sweetooth doesn't require much odor control at all, very state of the art indoor"]
["                             plant. I think I've got my garden down their isn't too much other than CO2 which is on the way. CO2 will be"]
["                             worthless for me during the summer because I have to ventilate all the time just to keep the temp in check,"]
["                             but winter should be great.” - Shiva"]
[]
["                             “I've been growing both Shishke & Sweetooth for a while and would choose 'Sweetooth' over Shishke after"]
["                             having both of them for over a year. The Sweetooth is a large yielder (50 grams a sq./ft). Sweetooth makes"]
["                             large contiguous colas even on short plants. The visual of the cured bud is great. The Shishke is a heavy"]
["                             yielder; I haven't quite decided if the Sweetooth can out yield the Shishke in perfect temperature conditions."]
["                             Shishke and Sweetooth are both blue berry hybrids and I notice a lot of similarities in the veg growth of the two"]
["                             plants, but the Sweetooth has a sweet scent (no ozone required), and can take more stress (it gets hot where I"]
["                             live). Shishke smells kinda musky, doesn't like heat. If heat stressed it will herm, clones from the same mom"]
["                             in a different garden have no herms ... otherwise, very easy plant to grow and the high is strong & up. The"]
["                             high from the Sweetooth is just like the SOL ad \"keeps us giddy & high all day\". Both plants have fairly \"up\""]
["                             buzz, the Shishke has a hashy taste, and the Sweetooth is sweet & berry.” - Shiva"]
[]
["                             “I was pretty surprised by the 'up-high' of the Shishke the first time I puffed it. It's rattled me pretty hard"]
["                             before with just a hit. It's nice to have for stash, but for me I build a tolerance to it very quick (smoking fat"]
["                             joints of it after being all too acquainted). Sweetooth hits like a nice funky ~wave~, hard to describe, it puts a"]
["                             smile on my face everytime, the buds smell so sweet, encrusted with trichome upon trichome, dense nuggs"]
["                             that a fun to handle ... two tokes are plenty ... social indica, you can bring it to a party and not put the hurt' on"]
["                             anyone.” - Shiva"]
[]
["                             “I can't really describe the phenotype differences very well with the plants in veg state, but I'll tell you the two"]
["                             distinct looking phenotypes I've recognized. My mothers look almost identical to me since they have been"]
["                             pruned many a time & I didn't document any notes from their seedling stage ... I usually just tag them, clone"]
["                             them and see what happens when I flower them, when I start from seed. "]
["                             One of the phenotypes makes fluffy looking, but tight strawberry shaped buds (looks just like the ad for"]
["                             Sweetooth in CC). The other phenotype makes a more evergreen looking bud, but both share a very similar"]
["                             lime green bract color & large, bigger than your hand blue/purplish fan leaves. "]
["                             One thing to note, the pictures that are/were on Bongblaster's site don't look anything like the other Sweetooth"]
["                             I have. Must be just a little bit different or maybe it was an earlier cross. I think Sweetooth was sold after it's"]
["                             first backcross, so a few differences are to be expected, but I think both phenotypes I found are very equal in"]
["                             quality. The I have let them go as long as 63 days of flowering time and can honestly say that I think the"]
["                             quality of smoke is much better around 50 days, although yield is improved at 63. "]
["                             I've seen too many different looking blueberry type plants to really be able to tell which plant is influencing the"]
["                             shape. I think the one with the more evergreen shape might be a tad bit more potent but maybe not; both are"]
["                             fairly up & cerebral to me. If I smoke too much before bed I usually have to get back up or else I feel like I'm"]
["                             floating 4 feet above the bed. Sweetooth is spacey smoke, not too heavy of a feeling at all (as I look at the"]
["                             sentence I wrote before & laugh).”-Shiva"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Texada Timewarp"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Texada Timewarp is the famous outdoor strain grown originally and still today on Texada Island, a longish"]
["                             island in the Georgia Strait. I have been there, just off the coast of Powell River, by BC Ferries, specifically as a"]
["                             pilgrimage because I felt sincerely, \" I should go to these places and find out who knows the history.\" since I"]
["                             often end up as spokesman for \"us\". "]
["                             Here's what I learned: "]
["                             Texada Timewarp, this summer's planting, comes from an 18 year old clone mother, very few seeds are known"]
["                             to still exist, only crosses are available in seed form. "]
["                             Texada is outdoor, on Texada most Timewarp was 5'-7' at harvest, but I have seen it reach up to 13' on"]
["                             Texada and in neighboring Gulf Islands. "]
["                             Though it grows tall, sativa like, often with sativa like leaves, I'm not sure (its heritage) can be determined. It"]
["                             finishes October 1st.” –Marc Emery"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Western Winds"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: not listed  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “An almost pure Sativa with a soaring cerebral high. A favorite amongst Rastas who wish to have a high-energy"]
["                             buzz. Fantastic for conversation or romance with its relaxing and invigorating qualities. She has a unique"]
["                             Oriental aroma and spiritual high. Whether smoked in the morning or evening, the experience is always"]
["                             rewarding and pleasurable. So put Western Winds in your sail and ride the high tide."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: mostly Sativa, indoor. Start vegetate: flower shortly after roots show. Flowering time:"]
["                             70-75 days. Average height: 1.2-1.5 m. Yield: 300-350 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “These puffy, compact buds are a uniform deep green and textured with a thorough covering of white crystal"]
["                             fur, and thin scattered orange hairs. The scent is a strong, tangy, citrus bio smell. The buds break up into"]
["                             small round budlets; the stems taste a bit citrusy. When smoked, the buds taste green, mild and bio-y and"]
["                             are expansive in the lungs. The high comes on quickly and is visual, stony and spacey. ****1/4” – Homepage"]
["                             Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             \"Medium to tall sativa Thai like plant. Will grow medium length nodes with big Thai like leaves. My mother"]
["                             produced fat size rounds buds covered in a furry fuzz. Had a spicy like smell with added incense tones to the"]
["                             taste; the high is very strong UP clear and focused...the yield will determine the selection. I got lucky and had"]
["                             a great one out of 2 seeds\"-sloppy seconds"]
[]
["                             “INcrediBLE BuZZ!! The most unique flavor I have yet to encounter. Strong elevated buzz. Soaring through time"]
["                             & space with your eyes closed or open.” - Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             “About 70 days to flower, and turn up the lights!! Don’t expect a large harvest from this one, consider it a treat"]
["                             for your personal enjoyment considering the time you'll have invested in it. It is highly regarded and very"]
["                             good. If you can do it outdoors, then good for you.” - The Big Weenee"]
[]
["                             “Kali mist is a winner. Matures in 65-70 days...but from what its description says of its yield and height are NOT"]
["                             the same with the one I got. Mine grow 1-2\" nodes and grew to 3' and yielded an ounce. Her buds were quite"]
["                             dense too not fluffy and not small too softball sized side buds, really high calyx to leaf ratio, hardly any"]
["                             trimming, a very spicy smell and taste with tones of incense, very clear UP focused high. One side note I have"]
["                             noticed with my mother is that light got messed up and she is flowering a bit not much but sorta"]
["                             temperamental.”"]
[]
["                             “Vote for the strongest ACTIVE/CEREBRAL high? Kali Mist! Hands down on that kind of high it’s very super UP"]
["                             high clear and focused...the kind that great when you need concentration. Hands down that’s the best exotic"]
["                             sativa actually its pretty short too for one not medium nodes big Thai like leaves, fast rooter. I’ve heard and"]
["                             been told it yields shitty well I must have a good mother I got about an oz from 1 rather than 7-14 grams soo"]
["                             its been said that it also makes airy buds. Mine made some of the fattest round buds with orange hairs I've"]
["                             grown. Good density was not airy at all very crystally looks like fuzz to the naked eye not very visible but its"]
["                             totally covered has this strong spicy smell/taste with incense tones it about 65-70 flower time. The high is"]
["                             super UP strong very clear and focused a very good high for times when you need concentration. BTW if you"]
["                             decided Kali get it from serious and not sag's western winds they are alike but the Kali is the true winner.” -"]
["                             Dankmaster"]
[]
["                             \"In the case of multiple sclerosis an indica is a good choice, but I don't think it is the best choice. The problem"]
["                             with using a strong indica to ease the pain is that it also fries your brain and leaves you temporarily"]
["                             incapacitated. I would suggest either a 60/40 cross between Sativa/Indica or a pure Sativa. Kali Mist/Western"]
["                             Winds is an excellent pure Sativa and White Rhino is a great 60/40 cross between the two.\" - Nurse Hawthorne"]
[]
["                             \"Kali Mist is a Serious Seeds strain. This Strain is also available from Sagarmatha Seeds under the name"]
["                             Western Winds. Having grown this strain, I would recommend getting Sensi Seeds' Jack Herer. The strains are"]
["                             very similar but the Jack has a bit more weight to it.\" - Prince Caspian"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Williams Wonder"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: California  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Described as a special indica hybrid, that is short and squat in stature. It is a strain that was developed in the"]
["                             U.S. The 87-88 Super Sativa Seed Club catalog states that it can not flowered outdoors unless flowering is"]
["                             induced inside first. So this indica hybrid was selected solely for indoor growing.”"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Yumbolt"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Oregon, USA  Breeder: D.J. Short  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Yumbolt brings back that old-fashioned flavor from the hills of Humbolt Co. California. Possessing a sedative"]
["                             stone with an outdoor aroma, she will often induce heavy eyelids with a satisfying smile. From the first toke till"]
["                             the last the taste remains. A producer of large succulent flowers, this girl will qualify for every grower's needs."]
["                             Let Yumbolt produce nice dreams for you."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: 1-2 weeks after roots show. Flowering"]
["                             time: 55-60 days. Average height: 1 meter. Yield: 350 grams / m2 (dried).” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I found that Yumbolt is very similar to Black Domina. I have smoked Yumbolt in A'dam and it was one of my"]
["                             favorites. I noticed a similarity between it and the Black Domina that I have been growing since 95. Since then"]
["                             I have grown out the rest of my original BD seed and of the 2 that I have tried so far (still drying) the #8"]
["                             female tastes exactly like the Yumbolt. It was one of the fastest also, harvested at 47 days. Very resinous,"]
["                             you have to take small tokes or risk coughing up a lung. I think Sag offers 20 seeds for 200 fl. and Sensi sells"]
["                             B.D. 15 seeds for 175 fl.” – pud_420"]
[]
["                             “At one time it was hybridized, but has been around a while. I e-mailed Rosa at Sagarmatha. She said that it"]
["                             was a strain given to them by a friend from Humbolt Co., CA. She said there was some variation with the"]
["                             original strain, and through selective breeding were able to stabilize it. She says it has a very strong aroma"]
["                             (typical of Humbolt varieties) and a very heavy stone.” - Caterpillar95"]
{"$rows_empty":8}
["Region: European Strains - Holland and Switzerland"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: BubbleGum Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
["                              Strain: Bubbleberry"]
["                              Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                              Images:  1  2   "]
["                              Description:"]
[]
["                              “A Bubblegum and Blueberry hybrid. This plant produces larger buds with more strength and taste than original"]
["                              Bubblegum. Pungent sticky flowers with an overpowering aroma provide the smoker with a bubbly high and long"]
["                              lasting buzz. Sure makes blowing bowls of bubbles more fun!"]
[]
["                              Specifications:"]
[]
["                               ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: 1-2 weeks after roots show. Clip center"]
["                              cola. Flowering time: 45-55 days. Average height: 0.7-1 m. Yield: 300-325 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha"]
["                              seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:"]
["                              none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Bubbleberry X Williams Wonder"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia/Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “We have blended the strength and vigor of Bubbleberry with the growth characteristics of Williams Wonder."]
["                             Both plants compliment each other with their unique qualities. The smoke is very tasty and possesses the"]
["                             scent of a flowery bouquet. The high is heavy and long in duration, leaving the smoker with enough energy to"]
["                             be mobile. This hybrid exhibits a shorter, rounder version of Bubbleberry persuasion along with a slightly"]
["                             earlier flowering period. Fantastic for stash and production purposes. Definitely one of the world's wonders."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: 1 - 2 weeks. No need for pruning."]
["                             Flowering time: 50 - 55 days. Average height: 0.5 - 0.75 meters. Yield: 300 - 325 grams / m2 (dried)” –"]
["                             Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: BubbleGum"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “1995 2nd place winner, with little details about the strains that produces it. Extremely resinous with an uplifting"]
["                             high. “"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
[]
["                             \"I grew out the H.S. \"original\" version of Bubblegum."]
["                             I had two ladies that were in hydro, 400W MH."]
["                             They grew (untopped) to 4 and 4.5 feet high respectively."]
["                             I flowered them at 12inches tall grown from seed."]
["                             Very sativa-like pattern with a huge stretch indoors."]
["                             They had very strong stems and with coke can size colas stood up without support."]
["                             Flowered for eight weeks for one, eighth and a half for the bigger one."]
["                             They came in with 22 inch and 24 inch colas, and the smaller cola weighed six ounces wet, the other seven"]
["                             ounces wet."]
["                             I didn't get to weight them again in whole."]
["                             All my friends loved this smoke!"]
["                             They all said the taste is one of a kind, and the high was sativa-like...up and buzzy."]
["                             Had my one buddy \"drumming\" on the table non-stop:)"]
["                             They were grown along with some GWS and some NL5; both of which were very potent as well, but both had a"]
["                             more narcotic body high."]
["                             Most folks asked for the Bubblegum, which had in one case very reddish looking buds, and the other lady"]
["                             developed buds that were brown/red looking."]
["                             Both had the same taste and seemingly the same great high."]
["                             Will keep it for a long time in my grow...\" - Lancelot Link"]
[]
["                             And now for the Bubblegum, a little background:"]
["                             Definitively Adam (TH Seeds) brought from cal. to Holland a sweet smelling indica female named Bubblegum"]
["                             (no male) he gave it to Tony (his buddy, subsequently the owner of Sagarmatha Seeds) and when in '94"]
["                             Cerebral Seeds split up into Sagarmatha and Serious Seeds both seed banks had the same genetics."]
["                             The next year Bubblegum was 2nd place winner (1995 Cannabis Cup)."]
["                             Sure it was the same (only!) female available at the time."]
["                             Serious Seeds took over four years to improve (cube? or further....) that female."]
["                             You can find their reasons in the mail above."]
["                             What I have to say is that, after having spoken with Adam himself, I've decided to buy his SPECIAL"]
["                             Mr.Bubble® which is a hybrid of the original cal. Bubblegum female and a original, pre-Serious Seeds, version"]
["                             of Kali Mist (the one that was developing at Cerebral Seeds, in fact after the split both had their version of Kali"]
["                             Mist/Western Winds)."]
["                             I think Mr.Bubble® is an outstanding hybrid because it's made of the ORIGINAL gene pool of both parents."]
["                             It is now a F4, almost stable, hybrid.\" - Dr.Turner"]
[]
["                             \"Bubble is available for 150 NLG and has 22 seeds. This has to do with low"]
["                             germination rates at the last tests and making up for that. I don't know"]
["                             the one Adam sells personally, but do know that they derive from the same"]
["                             genetic background. It took a while before I was pleased with the product"]
["                             and there was also a personal thing involved, with the person who brought"]
["                             the genetics over to Holland. I waited till that was resolved to"]
["                             satisfaction.\" - Simon, owner of Serious Seeds, Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Double Bubble"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “These buds are army-green colored, crystally, and evenly covered with long dark orange (almost brown) hairs."]
["                             Broken up, these buds release the scent of sweet freshly cut grass or even hay with some slightly skunky"]
["                             undertones. The smoke is smooth, non-expansive and has a mild sweet taste. Although the high does not hit"]
["                             you right away, it first creeps through your body making you feel stoned and then only moderately effects your"]
["                             cerebrum, allowing you to concentrate on any task at hand. **” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Jack Herer Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Apollo 11/13"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Mr Soul  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             \"This indoor hybrid has a high calyx/leaf ratio & finishes flowering in 7 weeks or less. Our big-yielding,"]
["                             lemon-scented female clone named \"Genius\" because of her CLEAR, energetic, thought-provoking high was"]
["                             crossed with a robust Cinderella 99 male to create Apollo Eleven. Expect some variation among individuals. The"]
["                             best females are short, heavily branched plants with multitudes of dense, resinous bud sites - perfect for"]
["                             SCROG. The smoke has a sweet citrus flavour. The high is UP & HAPPY.\" - Bros. Grimm catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 45-50 days ``Height: 100 cm. ``Yield: 1-2 lbs per 1000W lamp."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This Indica dominant strain was created by backcrossing a male cross of ShivaSkunk from Sensi and Princess'"]
["                             brother (a JH f2) back to the ShivaSkunk mother. In \"cubing\" terms that would mean that your plants are"]
["                             ShivaSkunk.75. Another grower I sent them to liked them a lot too. I'm glad you're having such excellent"]
["                             success with my strains!” – MrSoul "]
["                             \"I believe Apollo 13 is P88 male X Genius (Princess' more indica type sister) but still a JH F2 from the same set"]
["                             of seeds found at the 'Cafe in Adam. The new A11 is P94 or (C99 the more popular name) X Genius.\""]
["                             -Webfish "]
[]
["                             \"GROW THE A-11 FIRST!!!, it is WORLD class smoke!!! But I have to warn you, after you have grown this cross"]
["                             of Cinderella 99 and Genius, 90% of everything else you grow won't come close!!! So clone all your females, if"]
["                             you let this one slip through your fingers you will be bummed!!! The bud from Apollo has a sweet fruity/citrus"]
["                             taste, and a high that gives you the energy to go out and do something...even if you can't remember what it"]
["                             is!!! Every one that has smoked the A (my version is the A-13, Genius crossed with Cinderella88.The A-11 is"]
["                             even better then A-13 according to BG!!!) has said it is some of the best they have ever smoked!\"- greenbear "]
[]
["                             \"AFOAF grew some (Apollo) recently and got an indica phenotype that finished around 50 days, and a Durban"]
["                             phenotype that took 60 days. "]
["                             The indica phenotype is very resinous, clear high. Not racy nor paranoid. Dense buds, low odor. "]
["                             The Durban phenotype has a stronger high than pure Durban, very clear, very racy, even paranoid. Buds very"]
["                             fluffy, and they flop over from their own weight. Definitely a creeper phenotype in the gene pool (Durban). "]
["                             The mom of A-11 is Genius, an F2 of Jack Herer crossed to an unknown male (likely a Durban imho). The dad"]
["                             of A-11 is Cinderella. "]
["                             Genius expresses the NL and Skunk side of the gene pool. Cindy expresses the Durban and haze side. "]
["                             imho, for the A-11 to have 2 phenotypes in the F1, one of which is fluffy, sweet, and floppy like Durban, means"]
["                             that the Durban gene is in both Apollo and Cindy.\" - Zorro"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                            Strain: Cinderella 88/99"]
["                            Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Mr. Soul, Brothers Grimm Seeds  "]
["                            Images:  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14   "]
["                            Description:"]
[]
["                            “This strain may be the \"Holy Grail\". The result of painstakingly backcrossing a VERY RARE female to her male"]
["                            progeny over 3 generations. This hybrid was specifically bred for indoor cultivation. Short statured & heavily"]
["                            branched, this plant grows LONG, dense colas with an EXTREMELY high flower/leaf ratio and OUTRAGEOUS resin"]
["                            production. The breeder has observed a \"giant leap\" in potency with each progressive generation and, as"]
["                            expected, Cinderella 99 has topped all previous results - her high is heavily influenced by Haze; clear, energetic"]
["                            & devastatingly psychoactive. A plant with all of the above is rare enough, but Cinderella 99 finishes flowering"]
["                            after a scant 50 days of 12/12! Above-average yields of crystal covered buds reeking of tropical fruit aromas can"]
["                            be harvested every other month once a mother plant is selected and asexually propagated. One final accolade -"]
["                            preliminary results from the breeder indicate Cinderella 99 will breed true...\" -Brothers Grimm seedbank"]
[]
["                            Specifications:"]
[]
["                            ~ Flowering: 50 days. Height: 100 cm. Yield: 1-2lbs per 1000W lamp."]
[]
["                            Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                            “Cinderella 99 will be available from Brothers Grimm in January (’99). This is the \"cubed\" generation resulting"]
["                            from backcrossing Princess 3 times with her successive male offspring. Expect a true-breeding strain with the"]
["                            same short flowering period, tropical fruit flavour, and soaring cerebral high. “ - MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “Clone flowered under a 400watt, 42watts/sq.ft. Grown organically in a soilless medium, 1:1:1 ratio of GOOD"]
["                            potting mix, perlite, & worm castings. Finished about 16\"-18\" tall. Nice high flower to leaf ratio, manicuring would"]
["                            be a breeze if it didn't have so much resin globbed all over it. Nugs were dense for a 400watt, but not tight like"]
["                            they are under the big lights. I flowered for 53 days, last 24 hours no light. I alternated Big Bloom & Hi-P fishes"]
["                            (Neptune’s Harvest) for food. Total yield about 15gm of very frosty & very potent well manicured buds. Good"]
["                            flavor, but a STRONG smoke. Very \"up\" high. I can get a lot done instead of just vegging. By far the best I've"]
["                            grown. No shit.” – Bill Clinton"]
[]
["                            “C88 is the best so far. It has blown the socks off every Dutch variety I've grown for all around goodness.” – flwr"]
["                            smkr"]
[]
["                            “The photo at the web site is Cafe'Girl, she is the sister of Princess (Cinderella 88's mom). Cafe'Girl is the seed"]
["                            mother I'm using to produce \"Dylan's Diamond\" which will be released in January 1999. She's a beauty - BIG"]
["                            yielder of super DENSE, crystalized buds in fairly LOW light levels. Scent/flavour is very much like ginger ale.” –"]
["                            MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “Princess was obtained from growing out seeds found in buds of Jack Herer that was purchased in Amsterdam at"]
["                            the \"Sensi-Smile\" coffee shop, an authorized outlet of Sensi Seed Bank. Thus, it is considered to be an f2"]
["                            generation Jack Herer. The seeds were found only in the deepest part of the buds indicating that the father was"]
["                            an unusually early-maturing JH that the growers missed at first.” - MrSoul"]
["                            \"Princess is a female which resulted from a seed found in a Jack Herer bud I bought in Amsterdam near the"]
["                            Sensi Seed Bank at \"Coffeeshop Sensi Smile\". The bud came in a 2 gr. cello-pack with the Sensi logo; I"]
["                            expected sinsemilla, but it had about 10 seeds so I assume she's an F2 JH. Her characteristics were so fine I"]
["                            wanted to create seeds that would \"replicate\" this plant. She has the KILLER Haze-influenced high with the most"]
["                            DELICIOUS pineapple/evil scent, 50 day maturation in 12/12, and incredible resin production, doesn’t stretch -"]
["                            yet clearly Sativa-dominant! Last but not least: Never a hint of hermaphrodism after 2 years of cloning & many"]
["                            different styles of grow. "]
["                            I wanted to \"cube\" Princess but add a little beef to her branches because the buds were always too heavy at"]
["                            harvest and branches needed staking to keep from flopping over. I crossed my ShivaSkunk female with one of"]
["                            the males from the same group of seeds that Princess came from. THIS cross produced a male which was then"]
["                            crossed to Princess, creating \"P.50\" (using a shorthand notation I developed to indicate the fraction of Princess"]
["                            genes in the cross). "]
["                            Each generation is the result of crossing a male from the previous generation to Princess herself (incestuous, I"]
["                            know). "]
["                            Blow-by-blow description of the generations: "]
["                            P.50 = Heavy, single-cola type plants with mellow high (too much influence from the ShivaSkunk) Sweet fruity"]
["                            scent/flavor. Unstable in most traits - for example, 10 days difference in fastest/slowest maturation period in a"]
["                            group of 20 seedlings. "]
["                            P.75 = Plants leaning MUCH more in the direction of Princess in floral cluster and bud structure, scent/flavor"]
["                            turned more \"tropical\" like pineapple. The stability was becoming better - two major phenotypes; short & dense"]
["                            (potent too) or tall/HUGE (Not so potent). "]
["                            P.88 = Renamed Cinderella 88 when first released on the market. It grows fast and produces excellent yields of"]
["                            FROSTY buds in 7 weeks! Generally uniform seedlings with minor differences in floral formation and some height"]
["                            variance, but the smoke is quite consistent from all plants - Dense, heavy nuggets of fruity scented & flavored"]
["                            (like wild berries) and covered in resin glands, the dried buds have distinctly ORANGE pistils. "]
["                            And now P.94 = Cinderella 99. This project has been a huge success. The strain has been embraced by the"]
["                            \"net\"work of growers with rave reviews. The Bros. Grimm too have been recognized for their excellent"]
["                            combination of quality products and unparalleled service after the sale. There's NO OTHER seed bank that has"]
["                            it's breeders on the net answering questions from \"newbies\" 40 hours/week, and the info is first-rate; even"]
["                            details of their breeding strategies are openly discussed so that the seed buyer can feel well-informed about the"]
["                            products BG offer. "]
["                            I personally think the plants these Cinderella 99 seeds produce are every bit as good as a cutting from Princess"]
["                            herself (or better). I say better because the flavor of no two plants is \"identical\"; there's a personality to all"]
["                            living things. Like Princess herself, Cinderella is sweet & fruity to the palette and nose, and when you take a hit"]
["                            you're BLASTED...with the same \"racy\" high as Princess! The improvement comes in the yield department; 25%"]
["                            greater yield and a stronger branch structure, which I accomplished by starting with some ShivaSkunk genes in"]
["                            the original father in the cubing process. I knew I'd blend out the majority of the traits from ShivaSkunk in the"]
["                            cubing process, but I was hoping to incorporate the ShivaSkunk's stronger branches because Princess had a"]
["                            tendency to need supports in the final two weeks of flowering. As it turns out, I got lucky and it worked. The"]
["                            name suits the strain IMO - it’s a true Cinderella Story.” - MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “Jack Herer is an unstable strain bred from an unequal combination of Sk#1, NL#5, and Haze. Crossing a male"]
["                            and female Jack Herer creates an F2 generation which has a HUGE number of possible recombinations of the"]
["                            genes. I grew out some Jack Herer F2s and discovered a SPECIAL one, \"Princess\", which has many"]
["                            improvements on the original JH such as a shorter flowering time, denser bud structure and pineapple"]
["                            scent/flavour. I have been continually back crossing Princess with her male offspring (generation after"]
["                            generation) which eventually creates a stabilized strain having her special characteristics found reliably in most"]
["                            females grown from those seeds. Each generation is composed of a 50% genetic contribution from Princess"]
["                            (since she's the seed parent) and a 50% contribution from the pollen parent (which also has an increasing"]
["                            percentage of Princess' genetics with each generation). The progression goes: P.50, P.75, P.88, P.94, and"]
["                            P.97...at that point it's considered stabilized (a male and female P.97 can be crossed and the offspring are"]
["                            essentially the same as the parents). I have been VERY pleased with the way this project is going; even the"]
["                            P.75 generation was rather stable in the sense that the individuals were all rather uniform and HIGH quality. The"]
["                            P.88 seeds are available now, and the P.94 will be available around Christmas time. So, you see, since I have"]
["                            combined genes from Sk#1, NL#5, and Haze, creating a plant which has characteristics distinctly different than"]
["                            Jack Herer, and I'm creating a stable strain from this plant... it's legitimately MY work.” – MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “I used Shiva Skunk from Sensi Seeds as a minor component in the development of Cinderella …. I crossed a"]
["                            fine female Shiva Skunk with a brother of Princess, then grew a male from those seeds to begin the cubing"]
["                            process with.” - MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “C99 is has more of the Haze type of high because the mother (Princess), has that kind of high and each time I"]
["                            back-cross to her the next generation gets a bit more of it. Smoking PURE Princess buds is a bit scary...it's too"]
["                            \"speedy\" and paranoia-inducing for most people. But she's so RESINOUS (see photo) and her flavour is just so"]
["                            delicious and fruity that I knew back-crossing her to her offspring over several generations would create a strain"]
["                            which is actually BETTER than the original mother in terms of a more PLEASING high. It was successful beyond"]
["                            my expectations."]
[]
["                            The progression I went through was: "]
[]
["                            P.50 = Princess/(ShivaSkunk/Princess'Brother)"]
["                            P.75 = Princess/P.50"]
["                            Cinderella 88 = Princess/P.75"]
["                            Cinderella 99 = Princess/Cinderella 88"]
[]
["                            Each generation exhibited a MAJOR jump in potency (P.50 was rather mellow)...P.75 has a well-balanced"]
["                            body/mind high with a citrus flavour, Cinderella 88 is cerebral & paralyzing with a tropical fruit flavour, and"]
["                            Cinderella 99 is \"TRIP WEED\"...with more of the fruity flavour and speedy effect from Princess.” - MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “Princess.75 finished outside in northern Kentucky Oct 15, (killer smoke!) The 99's should also, I would think. I"]
["                            do intend to find out! No mold and it was quite wet too.” – 27yrs"]
[]
["                            “I grew out Cinderella 88 and in my experience the Great White Shark is a more interesting line although"]
["                            admittedly my luck with C88 was not the best. The one female I was vouchsafed grows more like a vine then a"]
["                            tree and is difficult to clone and cultivate. However the psychoactivity of the floral clusters is very intense and the"]
["                            stone is complex and very cerebral. This is a very potent plant, indeed. But if I didn't know it was Cindy, I"]
["                            confess I might have let this plant go a while ago. As it is I am trying to find ways to accommodate the plant's"]
["                            finickiness because of its lineage. But I wonder if the BG's cross between the original princess and a Green"]
["                            House male White Widow (Ice Princess) might not be a more propitious way of including Bg's Princess genetics"]
["                            in one's garden. The hybrid vigor that results from crossing two great plants of differing genetic backgrounds"]
["                            creates the best stock for cultivation, in my opinion.” – Moose"]
[]
["                            “I want to comment that your result with the Cinderella 88 is NOT typical: I have grown an awful lot of them, and"]
["                            I have never seen one that was remotely \"vine-like\". They're usually Sativa-dominant hybrid phenotype with"]
["                            moderate leaf width, short & stocky stature, heavy branching, extremely high flower/leaf ratio and unparalleled"]
["                            resin production. The flowering plants smell like fruity cotton-candy. In my experience, they usually root through"]
["                            a 2 inch rockwool cube in 10 days...and I don't even use rooting hormones.” –MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “Cinder: There's been a lot of talk about this strain. All I can say is that I'm very glad I grew this one. Fast, nice"]
["                            yields, great high. Harvested at 49 days--maybe even a little too long. While most really bite ya in the ass, the"]
["                            occasional bud out of my jar is simply wicked. I actually got lost a few blocks from my house--shit that hasn't"]
["                            happened in 10 years.” - shaggy"]
[]
["                            “There are 10 C99's flowering at day 32 in the hydroponics online 2-liter bottle ebb-and flow system using GH"]
["                            nutes and Pure blend at about 1600 ppm(they could probably take more!!). I have to say these plants are"]
["                            unbelievable! The situation is that the buds are becoming too heavy for the branches, including some of the"]
["                            colas. It looks like some of the side buds will be scraping the floor by harvest!” - KGB"]
[]
["                            “I agree that c99 appears to be something special. Great resin production, great density at 28 days. Still no"]
["                            major odor(yet.) The thin leaves allow great light penetration. Sometime in the future I will do a whole garden of"]
["                            Cindy. What GH mix are you using on the c99 right now? She has been the most finicky feeder I’ve ever met.” –"]
["                            kaka"]
[]
["                            “C-99 is very uniform. I have 4 females grown from seed that just finished their 4th week of flowering, and the"]
["                            only variation seems to be their height, the shortest being 3.5 feet and the tallest 4.5 feet, and all were topped"]
["                            once. They were started under a 400 watt MH for the first month and have been getting a full 12 hours per day"]
["                            of sunlight since then, and their cola's are HUGE. Wait'll you see how well they do under natural sunlight.” – Rex"]
["                            Feral"]
[]
["                            \"My estimate for Northern States would be early October. I have a friend who was growing it outdoors in Maine"]
["                            (48 degrees N?), it was about 3 weeks from finished in mid-September. Unfortunately, his outdoor grow was"]
["                            ripped off. If you're growing in an area prone to mold, you may have problems, but it's difficult to say because"]
["                            in the Northeast we don't have such a problem with mold. I can only tell you that the buds are DENSE (you HAVE"]
["                            seen the photos, haven't you?)...so it could be susceptible to mold.\" -MrSoul"]
[]
["                            “If its Fruit Punch that you want, you should check out \"Cinderella 88\"….I've smoked the mother that this is the"]
["                            backcross of, and YEEEEHAW she kicks ass. The smell is very similar to the Hawaiian... think back to when you"]
["                            (ok I) was a kid... remember Bubbalicious? Or Hubba Bubba chewing gum? Think about the tropical fruit flavor,"]
["                            and there ya go-- thats what it smells like... A sickly sweet fruit punch gum, a little undertone of \"stink\" to go"]
["                            with it. A first class high too... (Not to turn this into an advertisement, just a recommendation, but I've"]
["                            personally tried this strain and it will do it for you just like the Hawaiian).” - Shabang"]
[]
["                            “I'm kind of trying for either Kali Mist or their Himalayan Gold, essentially I’m looking for a badass sativa high"]
["                            that I can grow manageably indoors. -See if you can get Cinderella 88 from Mike at Weedseed. I've personally"]
["                            tried this smoke and it is the best, most lucid sativa high you could ask for. The breeder put a lot of time and"]
["                            talent into this one! Kumquat I do have 3 6' princess \" crosses in my garden. They are nothing like the j. herer"]
["                            growing with them, as someone mentioned...looks closer to Ncga’s BW but with a more sativa look. The plants"]
["                            preflowered in early June which made it much easier to plan the garden spacing, although I had no idea these"]
["                            would get so tall. The secondary branching is quite thick and well developed with tight node spacing so looks to"]
["                            be a good yielder. It has handled our 100+ degree days w/o any problems, unlike the j. Herer (only minor probs"]
["                            with them) and even took on a Great Dane bending one over flat on the ground! It sprung right back after a bit"]
["                            of temporary splinting and bracing to be the fattest plant in the garden...which btw, includes most of the \"hot\""]
["                            seedbank offerings of last year.” - Desert Rat (a.k.a. M.G.)"]
[]
["                            “My head just turned full circle...This shit is good! I have to say to the brothers...Cinders passes the test with"]
["                            flying colours...the effect is very heady and almost hallucinogenic...very much like a potent version of silver"]
["                            pearl... with a smoother, fruitier taste and no nasty tickle at the back of the throat.” – Mike"]
[]
["                            “I can only answer question #3 (Does it have as strong a sativa high as haze or Durban?)… WAY STRONGER!!! At"]
["                            least the sample of Cinderella 88 I had was. Very tight nugs too! It was grown indoors so I expect the outdoors"]
["                            to be even better (just the way it turns out for me). Very fruity, mellow hitting and easy to take in too much as it"]
["                            has a definite creep to it. The buzz is very sativa-ish and tends to make the mind wonder when trying to find"]
["                            something. But the energy to keep looking is there! I highly recommend it! But keep a bowl of some nice indica"]
["                            nearby to mellow it out! All above is strictly MHO and based on MY experience.” - dead man talking a.k.a. M.G."]
[]
["                            “The only person I know who has disliked Soul's weed is BB. Taste is a personal thing but I think we know that"]
["                            politics may have also played a role there. The buds of the ones I'm growing out are dense and sticky. The"]
["                            plants are a little small for my liking and probably won't make the grade, but it is obvious that it is high grade"]
["                            bud.” - Vic High"]
[]
["                            “The princess I have smoked was indoor grown by a friend of mine. It is a VERY heavy sativa high bordering on"]
["                            paranoia at times. I found it's best when there's a bowl of a nice indica around to mellow out the edge. 3 tokes"]
["                            do the trick (it creeps up in about 15-20 minutes)! Very nice sweet, fruity flavor and tight nuggets. The plants I"]
["                            have growing outdoors in the hot desert are doing great. They have the typical sativa x-mas tree shape and"]
["                            very hardy. Planted 6 eggs, got 5 plants with 3 being female. It will become a permanent fixture in my garden!”"]
["                            - Desert Rat"]
["                            “Remember that Cinderella (88) is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, so you can expect it to be a LITTLE \"leggy” when"]
["                            grown from seed. However clones from a good mother will stay quite short - I flower 12\" clones for 7 weeks in"]
["                            2-gal containers of organic soil to produce a 2.5' plant which yields about 2 ounces. Yes, \"crystal\" production is"]
["                            AMAZING...the stalked resin glands appearing on bud leaves as early as 3 weeks of flowering look like white"]
["                            FUR!” - MrSoul"]
["                            >"]
["                            \"My report on C99...."]
[]
["                            1. Bought 10 seeds for 150 from Heavens Stairway. Took 10 days to get to me in Alaska June of 99"]
[]
["                            2. 9 out of 10 successfully germinated and grew into healthy plants"]
[]
["                            3. Kept 5 of those. Gave 4 to a buddy who pitched in for the seeds. All 5 of mine turned out to be female. Don't"]
["                            know about his."]
[]
["                            I used pro-mix soil. This is a sterilized and nutritionless product. Make sure to add perlite 30%. By itself,"]
["                            pro-mix and 7.5ph tap water comes out 5.5ph so make sure you add lime to your mix. Add lime until you get a"]
["                            6.3 or so pH. This is important I used one-gal containers. "]
["                            I used GH nutes 1/2/3 ratio for grow and 3/2/1 for flowering, 1100-1450ppm at 6.3-6.6 pH. Make sure to check"]
["                            your overflow water after each watering for PPM. If you do this you will catch any overfert in time. You will find"]
["                            that about every 3rd water should be plain water or you will overfert. I've had 2200 PPM overflow water at times"]
["                            due to laziness and not checking. "]
["                            1000mh about 40w/square ft "]
[]
["                            4. Took 50 clones and 95% were successful and rooted in about 7 days"]
[]
["                            5. Cinderella is a most interesting hybrid. It was selected/bred for indoor cultivation. It is a short, plant with"]
["                            dense colas. The most interesting and handy feature is that you can actually tell the sex when the plant reaches"]
["                            about 12-14 inches tall. If it is a female, the two telltale pistils are evident at this point."]
[]
["                            6. On my 5 females, I put them on 12/12 when they reached 24 inches. They started flowering by day two and"]
["                            explode within 10 days. You can harvest in 50 days"]
[]
["                            7. They have a fantastically pleasant fruity smell and you can see the resin with 10 days or so. They produce"]
["                            and excellent yield, require very little time to cut and trim off of the plant when you harvest, and the high is"]
["                            great. A creative, up high. Puts you in a good mood and gets you doing things. A friend of mine said she"]
["                            cleaned her whole house and had a good time doing it - You find humor in everything."]
[]
["                            I have only praise for this plant and a tip of the hat to the Brothers Grimm. Thanks Guys\" -Mr. Worthington"]
[]
["                            \"Nexus> I have a Flat ScrOG that's W=3ft,L=6ft,H=1ft from bottom of plants. My screen is 2 ft from a 1k hps"]
["                            air-cooled + on a light rail III, Well my question is how violent of a stretcher is c99 and how much of the screen"]
["                            should I let her fill up? I don't want c99 stretching so much she hits the light and burns,"]
["                            ##########################################"]
["                            =Soul=> I flower my clones at 12\" tall and they end flowering @ 2 ft tall yielding from 1 to 2 ounces dry. You"]
["                            should let the branches grow to 8\" above your screen then switch to 12/12. The final height will be less than 2 ft,"]
["                            allowing your lamp enough distance from the plants (the light mover HELPS)."]
[]
["                            Nexus> I got 4 c99s and 6 Mr. Nices in the screen growing in a drip/NFT custom made system. I am about 1-2"]
["                            weeks away from flowering depending on c99? Also how powerful of a yielder is c99, I have heard sooooooo"]
["                            much spam in the past about her."]
["                            ######################################"]
["                            =Soul=>It's easy to be misconstrued as \"spam\" when a strain is getting valid positive feedback as we've seen in"]
["                            the case of the Cinderella line. It's truly impressive to have combined rapid flowering and hermaphrodite"]
["                            resistance in a potent, tasty, good-yielding, true strain. That's BOUND to earn some glowing reviews."]
["                            To illustrate the yield I'll simply say that a 12\" clone of C99 consistently flowers into a 2-foot tall plant with an"]
["                            average yield of 1.5 ounces, depending on how densely they're arranged. I have found that 40 clones (10 RW"]
["                            slabs @ 4 plants per slab) in a 4'x8' area is about optimal. I grow the plants with single colas, or at most, two"]
["                            main colas. They are supported by using twist-ties to attach each cola to wires running the length of the rows."]
["                            This increases yield by forcing the garden into a light-efficient profile. When you let the colas \"fall all over one"]
["                            another\" the final 2 weeks of this abuse takes its toll on bud production. It's best to keep them well"]
["                            supported...you'll get a fine yield."]
["                            One C99 distinction that helps is the high flower to leaf ratio. When your buds are made up of MOSTLY flowers"]
["                            and less leaf - that's a BETTER kind of yield.\" -Soul"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Jack Flash"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Jack Flash does go a bit long in the flowering, it grows in two types one very Sat/Haze influenced, tall 5'-6' with"]
["                             huge \"Heads on Sticks\" that dried at over 1 oz. each! there were 5 of them on one lady in a 5 gal pot, she"]
["                             took about 76 days, but was worth every day. The other type grows very Indica-like, there was one special lady"]
["                             like this type, that was very fruity with a nice trippy high that gave way to a indica high after the first hour and"]
["                             the indica-dom. takes about 60 days to flower, also very well worth the wait, several connoisseurs said that it"]
["                             was amongst the best Indica they had ever smoked, and the taste cured is fantastic. And the strain is very"]
["                             easy to take care of. It was really nice, and it yields great in both forms. Out of 7-8 different strains grown"]
["                             Romberry and Jack Flash are definite repeats, as they are both in the Veg closet again. There's really only one"]
["                             place to get Sensi stock (IMO) but the price is OK considering they give ya 16 beans, in that respect there only"]
["                             a/b 5$ each. Sorry for the long post but its a favorite and I wanted to give ya my $.02.” - Budm"]
[]
["                             “Afoaf has grown and continues to grow Jack Flash, its a great strain, although variable, IMO the variations are"]
["                             unique and all are quality in there own way. Here's the way the first grow went, 3 ladies were in pots of BCGA's"]
["                             Super Soil recipe, there were 3 different ladies, one was in a 5 gal pot she was a haze dominated phenotype,"]
["                             she grew out in a \"heads on stick\" fashion, big huge heads, she was toped once at the 6 node, she grew into 6"]
["                             big heads, each dried to 20-35 grams she yielded just over 5 oz's, of great tasting wake and bake, uplifting"]
["                             sativa smoke. Another lady was sort of the runt, she was in a 3 gal pot also pinched at the 6th node, she had"]
["                             more of a indica phenotype, nice tight colas with red pistils, great smoke very fruity, but yield was bad, at"]
["                             about 20 grams. The 3rd lady was awesome, also in a 3 gal pot, pinched at the 6th node, she grew the"]
["                             densest nugs, smelled like lemon, tasted like lemon/hash, and the high was awesome, trippy and thought"]
["                             provoking, but its best attribute was its wonderful taste, she yielded about 1.5 oz. All said I really like this"]
["                             strain. The haze influenced lady was crossed with a Posi Big Bud in hopes of bring down its size (5.5') and"]
["                             flower time 63 days under 80 watts/s.f. of mixed spectrum light.” -Budm"]
[]
["                             “This is a really good plant. it finished at 50 days has a lemon taste/ with a peppery aftertaste. High is UP with"]
["                             no sleepiness. I was afraid that it would be too similar to my Cinderellas due to their background, but the Jack"]
["                             Flash is very different in taste and high. jack flash is lemony and Cindy is like pineapple . one is sweet while"]
["                             the other is sour. The only drawback is an increased paranoia level. The up high does also create a slightly"]
["                             discomforting \"edge\" , but Its mixed in with a lot of laughing (which I like), and creativity (strange but"]
["                             intriguing ideas), aphrodisiac effect ( a must, he he)and yield (big calyxy buds) I highly recommend this for"]
["                             someone looking for an up high, lemon taste, and good yield.” - Triage"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Jack Herer"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Combining three of the strongest secret varieties kept by Sensi resulted in this multiple hybrid of many years"]
["                             of selective breeding. Highly resinous."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 50-70 days. Height: 150-180 cm. Yield: up to 125 gr.” –Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Jack Herer = Sk#1 X NL#5 X Haze. This multi cross has been stabilized over the past couple of years and is"]
["                             now reported to be very even and consistent.”"]
[]
["                             “I grew Jack one time. The plants varied incredibly. One plant was done in 7 weeks. Very indica predominant."]
["                             Dark, lush, green. Dense buds with a deep sweet odor. Great heavy indica buzz. At the other end of the"]
["                             spectrum, I had one plant that took 10 weeks to finish. This one was very haze predominant. Taller, lighter in"]
["                             color and scent, but the buzz was strong with the heart pounding sensation of the haze. Wow, my first real"]
["                             strong haze buzz..... So I would have to say that Jack Herer is an excellent but very inconsistent strain."]
["                             Although all the plants had excellent results when finished, I found that growing jack in a smaller growing setup"]
["                             (less than 10 plants) was sort of frustrating because of the 3-week difference in finishing times. So in"]
["                             conclusion, if you grow jack keep your eyes open for both very early and late finishers. The wait, although"]
["                             seemingly forever, was well worth it.” – smoking man"]
[]
["                             “Pros: Grows well, healthy, vigorous, bushy plants, lots of foliage and big (forearm sized) colas. Seemed to"]
["                             clone well, good yield. Fairly smooth smoke with a sweet citrus smell/taste. "]
["                             Cons: Medium-long flowering period, not nearly as potent as one would expect from all of the hype. There are"]
["                             many more potent varieties that have a significantly shorter flowering period, IMHO; I don't think I'll do it"]
["                             again. A friend who also grew it had the same opinion. AK47 still has my vote; just over six weeks to finish and"]
["                             very potent.” - Sabre "]
[]
["                             “This light forest-green colored bud is made even lighter by its tiny white crystals and long, thick brick-colored"]
["                             hairs that are few but noticeable. The buds seem to be made up of smaller buds and clusters, sort of like"]
["                             grapes. This bio has a mellow, steady, sweet, green smell with just a hint of that skunkiness that we love."]
["                             Dense buds surround tiny (and tasty) stems. The smoke is tasty, sweet and smooth with just a slight"]
["                             expansion in the lungs. The high is quick and expands for quite some time with stony, visual, and a bit silly"]
["                             effects. ***1/2"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Jack Herer x Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This sweetly scented mix is forest green in color with few, long, brown hairs. The bud structure is lent from its"]
["                             Hearer lineage, while the color is most certainly descendent from the Haze. The buds swell oddly like freshly"]
["                             shaven carrots, and are very sticky when broken up. The nodes are coated in white crystals. When smoked, the"]
["                             bud releases thick clouds of sweet, tangy, tasty smoke which expand substantially in the lungs. The high hits"]
["                             quickly and really sends you for a whirl – it is visual and Trippy. This mix surely brings out the best in both"]
["                             buds.****1/2” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Polm – a.k.a. Jack Herer"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I ordered the Polm special from Jock. He said it was Jack Herer.”"]
["                             “I have just finished some of Jock's Posi Jack Herer and have one that keeps on adding to its white, fat cola"]
["                             like the Eveready bunny. It just won't quit after 11 weeks, although harvesting time is prolly within a week or"]
["                             two. Think you will like it. Nice profile, short internodes, average harvest from 12/12 light set has been around"]
["                             9 weeks.....typical indica/sativa leaf, excellent calyx/leaf ratio, great high that's creeper...3 good tokes and"]
["                             you're good for the night. Doing a seed program and am coveting the seeds on this one.” – Uncle Ben Dejo"]
[]
["                             “I have been expressing my opinion that I haven't been really impressed with Dutch strains, but Jesus H."]
["                             Christ, me and the lady smoked some of the Posi Jack Herer last night and were really blown away. I have"]
["                             finished a grow which was for seed production primarily, and have slowly but surely tasting the buds from"]
["                             various strains over a period of a few months, and am still not finished, however..... "]
[]
["                             The Jack Herer is definitely Wacky Weed. I mean this stuff is like being in Alice of Wonderland! Creeper weed,"]
["                             nice body stone, very potent head stuff which is psychedelic and just plain goofy! We must have laughed and"]
["                             played head games until we settled in for the night. "]
[]
["                             I have never complained about the grow profile of the limited Dutch strains I have grown, and this particular"]
["                             plant had 1/2\" internodes, huge thick colas (yeah, it's the one that went a little moldy). "]
[]
["                             Got 4 3/4\" oz of sensi (minus the seeds buds) from a 27\" plant. My journal on this states: \"Short internodes,"]
["                             dark leaves, bushy, 11 leaves per leafset, hybrid, heavy profuse flowering.\" "]
[]
["                             Now....this is what's just plain fascinating....this lady leaves a distinct taste and feel on the palate that is like a"]
["                             very subtle menthol taste, somewhat piney and having a fresh earthy taste. It leaves an interesting aftertaste"]
["                             like a fine wine would - very pleasant. Anyone else have this type of palate experience?” – Uncle Ben"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Princess 75"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Mr Soul  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “(Sk#1 x NL#5) x (Sk#1 x NL#5 x Haze)) x (Sk#1 x NL#5 x Haze)"]
["                             6 seedlings are off to the races. Princess was obtained from growing out seeds found in buds of Jack Herer that"]
["                             was purchased in Amsterdam at the \"Sensi-Smile\" coffee shop, an authorized outlet of Sensi Seed Bank. Thus,"]
["                             it is considered to be an f2 generation Jack Herer. The seeds were found only in the deepest part of the buds"]
["                             indicating that the father was an unusually early-maturing JH that the growers missed at first."]
["                             Princess smells very much like pineapple both during flowering and when dried, but there's this \"evil\" scent in it"]
["                             too, like rotting meat, which has been linked with the most devastating weed (notably the Durban/Thai hybrid"]
["                             from SSSC, years ago). The taste is connoisseur quality when it's cured; VERY fruity. The high is almost too"]
["                             intense for a lot of people. Dr. atomic actually refused to smoke any on our second meeting, after getting"]
["                             rather \"hazed and confused\" on the first sampling we did together a couple of weeks before, so he decided to"]
["                             try Shiva Skunk and found that more mellow and to his liking. Two hits of Princess will induce your body to"]
["                             tremble involuntarily and your heart to race and paranoid thoughts...very much like Haze, but not quite as"]
["                             intense. It also has a \"creeper\" quality that makes it easy to over-indulge...you get progressively higher during"]
["                             the first 10 minutes after smoking. Look at the May '98 issue of High Times' centerfold and find \"Yellow"]
["                             Cab\"...that's EXACTLY what the finished Princess buds look like. The \"frosting\" of stalked, capitate trichomes"]
["                             on the flowers and smaller leaves gives them a \"furry\" appearance much like Haze."]
["                             Princess grows vigorously, and is rapidly maturing...6 to 7 weeks of 12/12. It feeds heavily and requires about"]
["                             50% stronger nutrient solution than an Indica does. It stays short, for a Sativa-dominant strain, and finishes at"]
["                             about 3 ft indoors. The yield from such a plant is about 20 grams."]
["                             Mr Soul has been \"cubing\" the clone of Princess so the seed line will be Princess. The father is Shiva Skunk. He"]
["                             is currently growing out Princess.75 to obtain males for the creation of Princess.88. Seeds of the 0.88"]
["                             generation will be ready by mid-July and should produce excellent plants, albeit not perfectly stable yet...but"]
["                             nearly. He plans to back-cross once more after that to arrive at 0.94 Princess genetics, which should be a"]
["                             stable, true-breeding seed line with females \"replicating\" Princess reliably."]
["                             This strain is exactly what most people believe doesn't exist; a Sativa which grows VERY well indoors, stays"]
["                             short, and matures as rapidly as an Indica (faster than many), and has the great KILLER Sativa high/flavor."]
["                             The yield is fine too. Mr Soul finds that the Indica strains are too leafy/stalky and much goes to waste with"]
["                             them, whereas Princess has an extremely high flower/leaf ratio and therefore almost no waste."]
["                             “Current crop is Jack Herer x Unknown (Nickname - Jack's Heir): Seeds - I bought a 2 gram bag of Jack Herer"]
["                             buds (1996 Cannabis Cup winner) in Amsterdam at \"Sensi Smile\" coffee shop on Achterburghwal straat. The"]
["                             buds were supposed to be sinsemilla, but I was pleasantly surprised to find about a dozen seeds in the bud. I"]
["                             found the high to be cerebral and energetic, but not too long lasting; the buds appeared almost white due to"]
["                             resin coating. Of the 6 seeds I attempted to germinate, every one was successful and I got a 50%"]
["                             male/female ratio. Seedlings - Very consistent and uniform in looks and growth pattern (surprising since Jack"]
["                             Herer is a three-way hybrid itself). Rapid growers. Typical internodal spacing for a hybrid. Appearance shows"]
["                             signs of both Indica and Sativa heritage. Large, broad bladed leaves, but lighter green in color than typical"]
["                             Indica. Somewhere in between stature."]
["                             Mother plants (J1 and J3) - Grow vigorously and bushy. J1 is the hardiest looking of the two females."]
["                             Father plants (J2 and J4) - Grow vigorously and bushy. J4 is the hardiest looking of the two males (surprisingly,"]
["                             this J4 grew from a seed I'd characterize as a \"runt\", about half the size of his siblings' seeds). Unfortunately"]
["                             all clones of J4 were lost and I have only a \"decent\" supply of pollen from his flowers."]
["                             Clones - Very quick to root (10 - 14 days) with a success rate of 90 to 100%. Several small, poorly rooted"]
["                             clones eventually came around and flowered nicely. Rooting occurs independent of the method used; RW"]
["                             cubes with pH 6 or 5.8, Rootone or not, seems to make little difference."]
["                             Flowering - Once rooted, the RW cube is buried up to it's top in a 6 inch round pot of 50% perlite 50% Hyponex"]
["                             Professional Soil Mix, fertilized initially with Miracle Grow 15-30-15 at 1/2 tsp. per gal of pH 6.5 water. Once"]
["                             looking well at 12cm tall, flowering is begun with a 12hr light/dark cycle. During the first week they \"shoot\" up"]
["                             30 to 50cm with large fan leaves but suddenly look over-fertilized (Miracle Grow has urea-based nitrogen) with"]
["                             curling at the tips of the leaves. They respond virtually overnight to a good, thorough leaching with plain water,"]
["                             then they take on a dark green color and start to \"bud out\" rather than get taller. After the first week of"]
["                             flowering, feeding is switched to Shultz's Bloom 10-60-10 at 1/2 tsp. per gal of pH 6.5 water; I soak the pots"]
["                             and wait a couple days until they get lightweight before the next good soaking. Flowers appear Sativa-like and"]
["                             extremely resinous, except that they continue to get progressively fatter and denser, much heavier buds than"]
["                             the Jack Herer itself does. I would guess that the father of the seeds was a skunk or similar strain, since the"]
["                             calyx to leaf ratio is so high; the flowers just keep sprouting out in all directions from the bud with only tiny,"]
["                             resin coated leaflets interspersed between flower clusters. The leaves, all but the fan leaves, are covered in"]
["                             stalked resin glands from base to tip. Sample smoking of immature buds which were culled (tried to flower"]
["                             them in RW cubes but they died) after two or three weeks of flowering proved to have a sweet, skunky taste"]
["                             and produced a very \"happy\" high, not at all paranoia-inducing. The finished product should be excellent."]
["                             Currently, I have several healthy, rapidly budding clones that are in their third week of flowering and they may"]
["                             well finish before their eighth week. The lowest four branches of one J1 clone were selectively pollinated using"]
["                             the J4 male's pollen and should yield roughly 50 seeds. My hope is that these seeds will produce plants with a"]
["                             great variety of fine characteristics. The outstanding gene pool should ensure that, inbreeding concerns aside."]
["                             Then I'll have a great breeding project: trying to select individuals for future crosses which will incorporate the"]
["                             best characteristics of that diverse group.” - Mr Soul"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Rosetta Stone"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Mr Soul  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Rosetta Stone is a fast-flowering plant with heavy resin production and average yield. It clones remarkably well"]
["                             and is generally an easy plant to work with. It was created by pollinating a unique Ginger-Ale female (Ginger"]
["                             Ale makes the densest nuggets we've ever seen) with a male we've tracked for a long time as a reliable"]
["                             resin-enhancing father. Rosetta Stone is a super potent, wonderfully sweet, fruity smelling, perfectly balanced"]
["                             Sativa/Indica hybrid. A definate keeper in any connoisseurs garden. - Bros. Grimm seed catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 50-55 days ~ Height: 120 cm ~ Yield: 1-2 lbs per 1000W lamp."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I like growing rapidly-maturing strains with very high flower/leaf ratios. I choose plants that produce big,"]
["                             dense buds frosted with resin glands."]
["                             I can't STAND leafy strains."]
["                             Princess has a sister I call \"Cafe' Girl\", which makes a GREAT production plant. Her flowering time is just under"]
["                             7 weeks of 12/12. The colas are BIG and DENSE and RESINOUS. Her buds taste like Ginger Ale & the high is"]
["                             quite like the old Colombian Gold we used to smoke in the late 70's...very warm, friendly and non-paranoia"]
["                             inducing."]
["                             She's an excellent yielding plant to boot; I could fill my 4'x8' flowering space with 40 clones of Cafe' Girl and"]
["                             easily yield 60 ounces of Grade \"A\" sinse...that's an average of 1.5 ounces per plant even @ 1.25 plants per"]
["                             square foot!"]
["                             Cafe' Girl is the mother of \"Rosetta Stone\", a White Widow hybrid.\" -Soul"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Willy Jack Jack Herer"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The Willy Jack Jack Herer is a domestically produced version of the Sensi original. I found the genetics to be"]
["                             pretty messy, in that there was a great deal of variation between the different plants. however, the mother I"]
["                             went with has a relatively short flowering period (about 60-65 days) and big crystal formation, and it was"]
["                             definitely worth the meager price and growing them out to find the best one. the high is very active / cerebral,"]
["                             but you can still feel the indica. in my opinion, it's like a skunk that is more heavily influenced on the sativa"]
["                             side. if you flush it properly or grow organic, it should end up tasting sort of like pecans... "]
["                             Jack Herer is a high light plant. for good bud density you'll need at least 30 watts / sq. foot. I don't know why"]
["                             it's such a bitch, probably the haze presence (Jack Herer = haze x nl #5 x skunk #1 ) makes it a bit of a pain"]
["                             in the butt to grow. likes to stretch if you let it. tie the girl down!!! All in all, recommended.” -frank white"]
[]
["                             “Mine does have nutty flavor but with an undertone of catpiss.....good high....good crystals...stretches like"]
["                             crazy but flower time is good....55-60 days. Definitely worth the price if you can grow out several to find a good"]
["                             momma.” – Capn Howdy"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: KC 33 Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: KC 33"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: KC Brains  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Dutch variety, crossbred with a Thai and Brazilian weed, special for the outdoor grow, but inside also a number"]
["                             one. A favorite outdoors variety right through Europe."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks, 8-10 outdoors ~ Harvest: Sept. “ – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Leda Uno"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: KC Brains  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This variety is a sativa/indica cross (a hybrid of a KC 33 male and a Brazilian female). A superior plant with"]
["                             lemonlike aroma."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 6-9 weeks ~ Harvest: end of September”-Positronics catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “There are a few Dutch hybrids that might qualify that smoke up like a sativa and grow like a indica, well sort"]
["                             of, nothing really grows like a sativa except a sativa. Some of those Dutchies are a great compromise between"]
["                             a high \" high \" and something that finishes in months not seasons. Search any of the Dutch seed bank home"]
["                             pages and zero in on any hybrid with 60% or more sativa in it e.g. kc33, Leda Uno etc. and that should do the"]
["                             trick. You can grow full-blooded sativas indoors but it takes forever and I mean forever. Leda Uno has leaves"]
["                             on the thin sativa side, big fat indy type colas, finishes fast (for a sat. dominated type), cheap seed price,"]
["                             excellent for indoors or out and the high is like good champagne, an uppy, energetic, talky, happy and a very"]
["                             intelligent buzz. It’s the type of smoke that makes you want to get up and do something, not just eat"]
["                             chocolate and channel surf in a horizontal position. Everyone has his or her favorite and Leda's mine. Easy to"]
["                             grow, pretty as a pin-up and great for close, packed-in, SOG type growing, but the high is what will grab you,"]
["                             women love it !!! etc. a real daytime smoke. It used to be available in a/dam @ Interpolm opposite the train"]
["                             station, but I’ve seen it at other seed resellers there. Recently (this year) I’ve heard they were out of stock but"]
["                             maybe they have it in now? But if you can get it, do so. If you are used to those heavy, sleepy, valium type"]
["                             lows that some full blooded indys give you, you like it even more, sort of like Colombian marching powder in a"]
["                             green sort of way.”"]
[]
["                             “Originally bought at.... Interpolm in Amsterdam in July ‘96, although I saw it available at several coffeeshops"]
["                             and seed sellers through out the city, a year and a half later. I thought I better tell you where I bought it so if"]
["                             you get a bad lot and hate it; come fall, you wont hate me if your version is a sub-standard one! If memory"]
["                             serves me correctly (hmmmmmmm!) its an indoor/outdoor variety (an easy plant to grow), supposedly lemon"]
["                             scented (then again I’m nasally challenged), doesn’t seem to have any skunk genes in it (rare for a Dutchie),"]
["                             excellent for close together, one stalker growing if un-tipped and forced to flower at a short height it will have"]
["                             one big cola (topping seems to reduce yield not increase it unless it is done at a very young age). I hope you"]
["                             get the same genes that I got, you'll be happy. try to do a seed crop (male Leda Uno x fem Leda Uno ) and"]
["                             have lots of seeds to play with , give away and breed , I wish I did ! (I crossed them with other Dutchies and"]
["                             local sativas trying to get something stronger, bigger and better), its got that smooth Dutch taste, very cool"]
["                             and up high, indica growth pattern, sativa leaves and high ...there are lots of Dutch sativa/indica varieties"]
["                             available ...silver pearl, NL x haze, early pearl, kc33 etc and most will give excellent results. You seem to be"]
["                             growing lots of indica dominated varieties so you might not be so dazzled by its finishing date as I was, at the"]
["                             time, I had only grown Thai and other south east Asian full blooded sativas, not Dutchies, so a 60 day"]
["                             flowering stage passes like a blink compared to those equatorial types, if I was going on a seed buying trip I’d"]
["                             buy strains like Cali orange and any of the pearls or any strain that is fast and sativa dominated.” - insider"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Leda Uno x Northern Lights"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Amsterdam Aloha  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Source: Amsterdam Aloha (I did the cross) Started flowering on 8/7 at 40* north latitude. Finished and"]
["                             harvested 9/15. Appearance: Outdoor plants (late start - June 21) were bushy 5 footers with nice sticky colas."]
["                             Cultivation: Creek bed on edge of corn field. Only visited the patch 3 times. I planted clones, using slow"]
["                             release 14-14-14, visited once to cut back weeds and foliar feed, and then harvest.Yield: 6 to 8 oz. per plant.”"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Mango"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: KC Brains  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Mango is a 100% Indica variety, a F-1 hybrid of KC-33 and Afghani. High yields and some plants are very"]
["                             early."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 6-7 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” – Positronics catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Purple Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Purple #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A strong plant (50% Indica, 50% Sativa), easy to grow. Purple Afghan seeds have been crossed in Holland"]
["                             with Indica and Sativa varieties since 1983. The plants are fully adapted to the Dutch climate and have a"]
["                             respectable yield. This variety has calyxes that turn purple, starting at the beginning of flowering. Up to 90% of"]
["                             the plants turn purple. Has rough, but subtle aroma and a very good high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: 2nd half of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” - Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Purple Haze"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Produced from Mexican, Colombian, South Indian and Thai varieties. Incredible resin development. Produces"]
["                             clear energetic high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This medium-grade outdoor Sativa is very, very dark purple, almost black, with medium green leaves,"]
["                             brownish-red hairs, and lightly coated with crystals. When breaking it up, the buds look like pieces of hash,"]
["                             they are THAT dark! The stems taste like peppermint, and buds smell like chlorophyll, very plant-y (like fresh"]
["                             cut grass). When smoked, the bud tastes like a high grade outdoor Thai. Good for passing around at a"]
["                             campfire! The high creeps up on you, is spacey, and a bit uplifting. Much better out of a bong than a joint, or"]
["                             pipe. ***” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Purple High"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Original Dutch outdoor variety, strong plant. Almost all plants turn a rich purple, sticky with T.H.C. Very easy to"]
["                             grow, early finish. 100% Indica, unusually fragrant smell. Tastes a little rough, but delivers a clear and sharp"]
["                             high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 6-7 weeks ~ Harvest: mid to late Sept.” – Dutch Passion catalog."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Purple Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This variety is a hybrid (F1) of Purple #1 and an early Skunk. About 50% of the plants turn purple during"]
["                             flowering. The variety is 87.5% Sativa and 12.5% Indica."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Oct.” - Dutch Passion Seeds"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Purple Star"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Very strong and easy to grow purple variety (100% Indica). Very resinous, having a heavy perfumed aroma."]
["                             The aroma is a little rough, but the variety produces a very strong high. About 50% of the plants turn purple."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 6-7 weeks ~ Harvest: 2nd half of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” - Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Shaman"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             This is the former variety Purple Skunk. This variety is a hybrid (F1) of Purple #1 and an early Skunk. About"]
["                             50% of the plants turn purple during flowering. The variety is 87.5% Sativa and 12.5% Indica."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Oct.” -Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Trinity Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Buddha"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Another favorite from our collection, developed by our breeders in 1996. A female Oasis/Shiva/Haze crossed"]
["                             with a male Oasis/Shiva/Skunk. The talk of the town in Amsterdam in 1996."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Oct.” –Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I grew DP Buddah on my last crop and you did not miss much. In fact I wish mine had not germinated so I"]
["                             could have moved on to a strain with more potential. Basically the problem with Buddah was a lack of potency"]
["                             and very little taste with most of the commercial bud in my area being superior. I still have an OZ stored away"]
["                             that I can not be bothered to smoke.” -Glaeken."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hempstar"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Developed as a tribute to all the Hempsters and the International Hemp Movement. A three way cross"]
["                             between Skunk, Oasis and Haze, it is the combination of the three major varieties. This strain has an"]
["                             enormous potency and sticky Sativa high. The taste is very mild."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 9-12 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Nov.” – Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: White Widow Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Great White Shark"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Arjan, Green House Seed Co.  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Taste: The fruitiness of the Indicas with a strong presence of the widow and skunk tastes. Smell: A rich"]
["                             fragrance of flowers and fruits with the odour of a White Shark. Visuals: Orange haired fullness of the super"]
["                             skunk that glistened in the crystal rain of its widow father origins. Touch: The thick, densely crystallized cola"]
["                             are sticky and solid -just like the original parents. Stone: Seductive high feeling, that has the strength of the"]
["                             jaws of his namegiver. Family Heritage: A cross between a Super Skunk and a White Widow. – Green House"]
["                             Seed Co. catalog."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Vegetative Time: For indoors a suggested minimum of 2 – 4 weeks. For outside germinate May or by the end"]
["                             of spring. Flowering Time: For indoors a suggested time of 8 weeks. For outside, it will be ready early autumn."]
["                             A substantial yield will be expected. Achievements: 2nd - Place - BIO-Award 1997, 2nd - Place - Cannabis Cup"]
["                             1997” – Green House Seed Co. catalog."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “There is something so enchanting about the way the buds have formed on these plants. Like not so little"]
["                             snow cones sitting delicately atop their verdant, leafy bases. Like the plants belong in a Japanese Garden or"]
["                             something! And one thing I have noticed. The skunkiness that accompanied the beginning of flowering has"]
["                             pretty much dissipated entirely at this point. The floral clusters now have a divine aroma to them; something"]
["                             like fresh wintergreen. And the resin crystals are starting to coat both the calyxes and the subtending leaves."]
["                             Yummy. I really like these plants, can you tell?"]
[]
["                             Someone was wondering about stretching with this cross. They are not small plants for sure. More like"]
["                             moderately big with significant but not unmanageable internode lengthening during the first four weeks of"]
["                             flowering. I know this is impressionistic, but they are too far along in their development to give you a"]
["                             retrospective percentage of the stretch to the original seedling size at the time flowering was initiated. "]
["                             Cloning is super easy with GWS and the slips grow like wildfire. It is an ideal plant for double-stemming. I look"]
["                             forward to sampling the final product which I understand ripens fully in about sixty days. It will also be"]
["                             interesting to see how much more bud growth occurs in the final fifteen days of flowering.” -Moose"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: K2"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Homegrown Fantaseeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “It’s the little sister of the White Widow Bio, short plant ideal for people with little space. Very soft taste and"]
["                             decent high. Grown very much by local growers, a perfect compromise between quality and yield. Strongly"]
["                             favored by Hydro growers. Very good yield."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks” - Homegrown Fantaseeds catalog."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This white crystal covered compact bud is mostly pale green with patches of dark green and contains sparse"]
["                             clusters of orange-red hairs. It has a strong sweet green scent with just a hint of pine. Not particularly flavorful"]
["                             when smoked, K2's flavor is mild green with a bio taste. The smoke is smooth but expansive in the lungs. The"]
["                             high comes on quickly and is spacey and mellowing and just a bit visual. ***1/2 ” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Lady Widow"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Daughter of the White Widow plant. This bio is yet another example of Holland's cannabis breeders' next"]
["                             generation of Neder-weed. These medium green, smallish buds are so covered with white crystals that they"]
["                             appear much lighter than really are. Its red hairs are sparse and short. The buds smell a bit mild, citrusy. And"]
["                             sweet--like a powered lemon drink mix. The smoke is expansive in the lungs and has a spicy citrus taste. The"]
["                             high is constant, mellow and pretty stony. ***1/4” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Misty"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Homegrown Fantaseeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Sister of White Widow. Short, bushy plant yielding a high THC content.” - Homegrown Fantaseeds"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Misty (a supposed sister of WW) is thought by many to be a just one of the many different genetic"]
["                             incarnations of WW, It is said to be a much more stable variation of the WW line.\" - Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             \"Misty seeds are strong variety. Short leaves, light green, strong bud, big clusters and very resinous... smells"]
["                             sweet, and grows very fast. 4 weeks until flowering, 8-9 weeks for full flowering.\" -aviyam"]
[]
["                             \"On a smoking excursion to Amsterdam last September I got a chance to sample Misty as well as da Widow,"]
["                             and see both side by side. They look almost exactly the same, side by side, under intense light. One could"]
["                             easily think they came from the same plant. I saw this in person at Positronics as somebody was trying to sell"]
["                             the Skunkmaster some Widow as I was standing there, and he compared it to some Misty (the house special) I"]
["                             had just purchased in the smoke room in back. The Misty is a *fairly* strong plant in my opinion, about a 7 on"]
["                             a scale of 1-10. Equivalent to a good Northern Lights in potency. The Widow, maybe a little higher but still not"]
["                             great. This is just my opinion of course.\" -SonOfLights"]
[]
["                             \"10 seeds were ordered from Jocks and all but one germinated using the old paper towel. Germinated seeds"]
["                             were then planted in rockwool cubes and all 9 sprouted. Last week when I saw them they were about 3-4\" tall"]
["                             under flouros with 2 lagging behind. (They looked healthy I just think they were the late sprouts.) They were all"]
["                             working on their 4th node. I forgot how old but I would guess around 12 days. Even at this short height about 4"]
["                             of them were showing good branching characteristics.\" –Ratchet"]
[]
["                             \"Misty from Homegrown Fantaseeds. It was real easy to grow. Yielded over 2 oz. per sq.' under a 250!!! Tastes"]
["                             sweet like sugar. Connoisseur quality cannabis. Best I’ve had. Chronic from Serious is great too yields even"]
["                             better than Misty."]
[]
["                             \"...The Misty is really sweet. Chunky thick bright green nugs with little delicate deep orange hairs. Lots of bud"]
["                             mass in the Misty. The Nugs are really fucking green. They're very sticky, and have a taste that is sweet but"]
["                             VERY powerful. This shit knocks you on your ass, and it stinks. The kind of shit you keep smelling in the car"]
["                             when I've got a 1/4 in my backpack in the trunk. Yield is way better than average, but not as good as Chronic."]
["                             I've seen half once single stalk 3-footers that were flowered at 6\"-8\". A joint is soaked through with resin"]
["                             before you're half way into it. Split a modest one with a friend and you'll be in Oz for hours. 2 modest bong hits"]
["                             or one mother load will put you on your back. If you want more info on Misty check out the Homegrown"]
["                             Fantaseeds web site. Misty was the key ingredient in White Widow, and although I've heard that anything in the"]
["                             WW family is probably unstable, of the 7 Misty seeds I started there were no major growth pattern, color, or"]
["                             even size variations. Misty is definitely the better choice unless your #1 concern is yield, and don’t get me"]
["                             wrong yield for Misty is BIG. I don't have the link anymore for homegrown, but I'm sure it's easy enough to"]
["                             find. Misty is definitely amongst my 3 favorites, but I haven't tried a lot of the new stuff. My number one so far"]
["                             has been NL5xHaze, and number 2 is either misty or blueberry.\" -Skywalker"]
[]
["                             \"...AK-47 from Serious Seeds, and Misty from Homegrown Fantaseeds were both KILLER. Both the AK and the"]
["                             Misty have a great yield, and a knock you on your ass stoned to the bone. I like the sweet taste and sheer"]
["                             power of the Misty the best personally.\" -KITSCY DUB"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Original Misty"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Homegrown Fantaseeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A truly beautiful plant misted all over with bulging THC glands. A good producer in terms of yield, fat donkey"]
["                             dick tops, combined with prize-winning quality, gourmet taste and a sweet aroma. This plant has it all."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks” - Homegrown Fantaseeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “If you are looking for the best quality and yield combination I would recommend Original Misty from"]
["                             Homegrown Fantaseeds. Misty is a stabilized sister of white widow with a bigger harvest potential and a sweet"]
["                             taste. I've heard that all of the white widow hybrids are very unstable, but I saw almost zero variation between"]
["                             plant growth patterns in my experience with Misty. I got an even larger yield from this strain than from Chronic,"]
["                             but only a very little bit larger. It did however have a sweeter taste and an even more powerful stone than the"]
["                             Chronic. Flowering period for Misty was 8-9 weeks, and I harvested a little more than a 1/2 oz per SOG style"]
["                             planting. After 2 weeks rooting under flo's I veg for 2 weeks under MH and then flower for 8 weeks under HPS.”"]
["                             – Stoned Silly"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: White Rhino"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Green House Seed Co.  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Afghan X Brazilian & So. Indian.``Somewhat a mystery strain. Suffice to say it has 60% Indica to 40% Sativa"]
["                             ratios expressed with a definite freak in its family."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 10 weeks.” – Green House Seed Co. catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This crystally, olive colored bud is sparsely covered in brownish red hairs and resin nodules that stand out"]
["                             proud and bubbly. This bio has a pungent, green scent; some have even said it has sort of a shit smell to it."]
["                             Very fluffy somewhat dense buds break apart nicely and leave your fingers sticky. Not mouth wateringly tasty, it"]
["                             tastes a bit brown for such a green plant, depicting its Mexican heritage. The smoke expands slightly leaving"]
["                             you coughing a bit. The high is not overly mellow; the head change isn't much to take. This is bong weed, as it"]
["                             does very well through water, eliminating the need to cough all together. **1/2” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             \"Flowering time is 8-10 weeks respectively. Although the flowers will appear to be ready after 8 weeks, the"]
["                             extra two weeks is to allow THC to spew out of the glands leaving a coat of white on your nugs. You must be"]
["                             patient with this strain unless your wasting your time. TO EVERYONE WHO GROWS THIS STRAIN I'M BEGGING"]
["                             YOU ALL TO WAIT THE EXTRA TWO WEEKS THAT IS NEEDED FOR THC PRODUCTION!!!\" -Ganja-k"]
[]
["                             \"In the case of multiple sclerosis an indica is a good choice, but I don't think it is the best choice. The problem"]
["                             with using a strong indica to ease the pain is that it also fries your brain and leaves you temporarily"]
["                             incapacitated. I would suggest either a 60/40 cross between Sativa/Indica or a pure Sativa. Kali Mist/Western"]
["                             Winds is an excellent pure Sativa and White Rhino is a great 60/40 cross between the two.\" - Nurse Hawthorne"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: White Russian"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Serious Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “With the combined power of White Widow and AK-47, this potent plant became and an easy winner of"]
["                             Cannabis Cup ‘96 organic pot award. Select best female for future cloning."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             S~ Flower: 8 weeks” – Serious Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Winner of the 1997 Cannabis Cup. This bud is mostly sea green (yellowish-green) with patches of darker"]
["                             green, and has clusters of reddish-tan hairs. Very light tan crystals coat the entire bud. The scent is very green"]
["                             and bio with an undertone of skunk. When smoked, the bud tastes sweet and is a bit expansive in the lungs."]
["                             The high is spacey, stony, a bit forgetful and lasts strongly for 2 hrs or more! We love this bud. One or two"]
["                             good hits and you're set for a while. ****3/4” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             “White Russian (Grey area) again very complex high, but tends a little more to the indica side. Great with"]
["                             coffee.” - Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             “Very strong hash oil taste, I give it a 9.2. Both WW and White Russian are indica dominant, 70-day plants"]
["                             and good yielders the Russian is my favorite. It’s my fav. strain, 70-75 days flower, very easy to grow .... Germ"]
["                             all your seeds to be sure you have the best cross section, taste = potent, yield depends... over all I would say"]
["                             very good it's my fav. still after a year and 1 that I would recommend WW. x ak47.” - LaBud"]
[]
["                             “It is my best yielding strain, better than SK#1. There is some variability in the phenotype, but pick the short"]
["                             squatty ones w/ the best yield for future clones. Definitely the best weed I have smoked in many years. A"]
["                             comment from a couple of 60's stoners who made the mistake of splitting 1/2 a joint: \"Too much...waaaay too"]
["                             much...I was tripping!\" These are experienced smokers BTW. I find it to be very cerebral, extremely potent"]
["                             (but not a knock-out indica type of stone) and, w/ 2 bong hits of (early) buds, about a 3-4 hour consistent"]
["                             up/trippy high. You won't be able to sleep, that's for sure. I would recommend it over anything I have smoked,"]
["                             with the exception of Nevil's Nepali (which I can't find anymore) or his Haze.” – Posterboy"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: White Widow"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Ingemar  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Taste: The major player is a freshness laced with many fruits, but because of the strength of the crystals - the"]
["                             only real taste goes hand in hand with the expectorant effects of the THC. You better try it for yourself. Smell:"]
["                             A strong pungency first hits you, then follows a sour sweetness with the final whiff ... turning sweet. If a plant"]
["                             could have a strong body odour then the White Widow needs a deodorant. Visuals: If you have ever seen a"]
["                             green plant grown in a snowfall then that's it. It has a dense covering of the sort of hairy crystals we all craving"]
["                             for. Touch: If you manage to touch this plant without sticking to the leaves or stem then you probably did not"]
["                             grow it properly. It has intense crystal formation that needs to be touched to be believed! Stone: After the first"]
["                             puff, that daunting warm feeling of impending stoniess comes over you. You feel it just under your eyes and"]
["                             throughout your body in time. It is a serious heavy highness. Family Heritage: Originally the union came from"]
["                             a Brazilian and an Indian - Suffice to say the combination is 60: 40 sativa to indica ratio. – Green House Seed"]
["                             Co. catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Vegetative Time: At least 2 to 4 weeks if on Bio. On Hydro it is only recommended to grow it for 2 weeks."]
["                             Flowering Time: On both mediums it is suggested to flower (12 hour light) the White Widow for 8 weeks, but 10"]
["                             weeks will really give you the crystals you are after. We suggest the final 2 weeks of the flowering cycle to turn"]
["                             the lights off altogether - or at least down to 8 hours. This keeps the flowers from regrowth and stresses the"]
["                             plant into giving up its last drop of goodness as crystal to protect the flower...try it! Achievements: 1st Place -"]
["                             BIO - HTCC - Award 1995.” – Green House Seed Co. catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The most rewarded variety of recent years in Holland. The plants are white with THC glands, even on big parts"]
["                             of the fan leaves. A very soft smoke and great high. Very potent."]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Oct.” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             “It is a serious heavy high. Heritage: Originally the union came from a Brazilian and an Indian. Suffice to say"]
["                             the combination is 60% Sativa to 40% Indica. The most rewarded variety of recent years in Holland. The plants"]
["                             are white of THC-glands, even on big parts of the fan leaves. A very soft smoke and great \"High\". Very potent."]
["                             1st place winner 8th Cannabis Cup. 1st place winner 8th international Hydroponic Cup. A compact, medium"]
["                             height, Indica dominated variety with a sweet 'Skunky' high. Incredibly resinous with profuse white, crystallized"]
["                             flowering heads. Delicious odor and taste."]
["                             Specifications: Outside/Indoor/greenhouse"]
["                             Flowering period 8-10 weeks for crystals (50-60 days), outside 10-14 weeks."]
["                             Height: Height: inside: 60-75 cm, outside 1.50-2.00m"]
["                             Yield: up to 150 gr."]
["                             Harvest time under natural light: End of October."]
["                             Appearance: very strong plant with big leaves.” – Sensi Seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             “This fabled bio probably derives its name from its whitish appearance created by light green leaves entirely"]
["                             covered with tiny white crystals. The bud is almost absent of hairs, save sparse, barren brown ones that dot the"]
["                             bud. Its scent is mild and flat with the tiniest touch of green that tells droves about its Northern Lights"]
["                             parentage. Light, semi-sticky buds snap apart from yucky tasting stems, perhaps overfertilized, perhaps not."]
["                             The smoke has a mild flowery full taste. The high is a little of everything--a bit cerebral, and bit forgetful and"]
["                             stony. Nice trippy feeling but very mild. ***” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             “Arjan at the Greenhouse first introduced the White Widow strain in 1995. All reports that I have read state that"]
["                             it has a very complex lineage. In Amsterdam most every coffee shop now sells WW. On my last trip I tried 3"]
["                             different \"WW\". One sample from the Green House Centrum, one from Homegrown Fantasy (Hydro) and one"]
["                             from a small local's shop called coffee shop \"Tops\". All three were very different. In all honesty my least"]
["                             favorite of the lot came from the green house. It was a nice bud but it didn't have the resin coverage like I"]
["                             remembered from previous trips to Adam. The Hydro from Homegrown fantasy was excellent, as was the super"]
["                             resiny sample from “Tops.\" Other items that I have read state that WW is still very much unstable and therefor"]
["                             you could get almost anything.”"]
[]
["                             \"The way Marc told it was like this: Arjan had a WW on display at some expo in a-dam. Someone from Dutch"]
["                             passion/aloha stole a clone and hybridized it. That is the plant we bought for 130.00. This plays a part in the"]
["                             great variance we see in the plant, it's not just WW being unstable, we know what happens when we inbreed f1"]
["                             generations- gene recombination produces various phenotypes representative of the hybrid and p1 plants as"]
["                             well as different genotypes. It's great if you’re a breeder because you can begin to dial in your own"]
["                             preferences. I have one f2 plant I believe to actually be a throwback to the original WW. It is considerably"]
["                             larger and more indica than the rest.\" -LadyJ"]
[]
["                             “It's a very strong weed (which has unfortunately had the effect of spoiling me for other herbs, which seem not"]
["                             to get me high like they used to), but not too sedating. And extremely tasty, one of the more fragrant herbs"]
["                             I’ve run across (makes NL seem weak, odorless). Strange that the widow would do so lousy in hydro, as I find"]
["                             her to be VERY easy to grow in organics. A smallish medium yielding plant that was super potent but not real"]
["                             tasty. I been smoking along time and I prefer a tasty herb that you can puff a couple times to some thing that"]
["                             knocks you on your ass after one hit and tastes like pure thc almost narcotic. Some of my friends loved it but"]
["                             most were like me.”"]
[]
["                             “I heard that the mother was First Lady which parentage comes from Mullimbimby Madness a stable sativa"]
["                             strain down here in Aus. The father I heard was from a Dutch Shiva Skunk (NL#5 x Skunk#1) giving it the"]
["                             famous white crystal.” – Delta9"]
[]
["                             “White Widow: This plant at 60 days did not have the advertised heavy resin (only one candidate...maybe not"]
["                             a good sample). smell was minty sweet. plant is fluffy and leafy. looks like NL. head is 20% body, 80% head."]
["                             high is a bit racy, and both I and my co-sampler found it made all the blood drop from the brain when"]
["                             standing up. tendency to feel faint. Very easy to clone. buds fluffy. Plant is prone to powder mildew on the fan"]
["                             leaves. Not recommended.” - Splif Lipsit"]
[]
["                             “I'm also growing DP white widow. I have also found the fragrance to be very sweet in a skunky kind of way."]
["                             This stuff is stony, but the taste leaves much to be desired. There's not much body to the flavor. I still have 3"]
["                             mothers and can't decide which one is the keeper. Overall, I'm kind of disappointed in white widow, what with"]
["                             all the hype about it. I too have not had the good fortune to get buds that are caked with white frosting, but,"]
["                             hey, I had to see for myself. I, too, have had the problem with the powder mildew (if that is the correct term)"]
["                             on the leaves when it gets close to harvest. I have had to do lots of manicuring. I currently have more WW"]
["                             stash that I really want around. It doesn't get smoked.” - potattic"]
[]
["                             “I voted for the WW at the 8th Cann Cup. It was fantastic, Arjan at the awards show said the seed would come"]
["                             in 2-3 years. I returned and got these seeds from his shop and they are excellent. Out of 5 females, 1 was"]
["                             short and dense, not very branchy, just over 7 wks. The rest were taller and less side branching, 8+ wks. All"]
["                             had a consistent heavy crystal, great smell and great stupefying high. I have quite a tolerance to the kind, but"]
["                             my first harvest of WW was A+++, I had to actually concentrate when driving if I smoked it. The crystals are"]
["                             profuse and on the big fan leaves. Taste is very good, def. KIND. Taller ones had very slight taste differences."]
["                             I assume the taller are dominant to the Sativa side and have the taste influence of it. I kept 4 out of 5 for"]
["                             mothers. All females where KIND, but I couldn’t keep all so I gave up only one. I intended to keep 1 or 2 but"]
["                             they are very consistent except for the one Indica dominant plant. I want to have several chances to evaluate"]
["                             the 3 sativa dom. ones. I suggest this strain (I got mine at the Greenhouse in Amsterdam) to anyone. Great"]
["                             for personal stash, one of the best tasting strains I ever had and one of the best all around highs, VERY"]
["                             strong, stupefying yet not sleepy. Should be best crossed with fast, heavy yield Indica for communication"]
["                             growers.\"- Wood Duck."]
[]
["                             \"The WW-'s finished pretty tall, at about 15-18 inches and yielded about 21 grams each. They had 2 or 3 nice"]
["                             stalks that grew tight buds with a spicy smell. I didn’t get that ultimate WW look and the crystals never reached"]
["                             the fan leaves like some say it does, but while budding the buds were pretty crystally and did spread to most"]
["                             of the trim leaves. I am having a little trouble drying this strain as it seems to dry unevenly the way I dry and I"]
["                             have been using Tupperware for the last 3 months to even out the drying process. The WW was just smoked"]
["                             today for the first time and I liked it a lot. I wont classify it as anything spectacular but a .25 gram joint glued"]
["                             me to the chair pretty hard!” – James Hetfield"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: White Widow X Northern Lights #5"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: British Columbia/Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “White Widow gives Northern Lights #5 a powerful boost in this strain. Like a Super Beetle with a Porsche"]
["                             engine, this Indica will pack a lot of power."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 55-60 days ~ Height: 3-4’” –Marc Emery Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Uncategorized Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Amsterdam Flame"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Paradise Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This outstanding plant of excellent quality with her sparkling looks is selected for the lovers of cannabis best."]
["                             Her wonderful high and soft subtle taste carries us like a summer breeze, telling tales of mysteries. A plant"]
["                             worthy for the ‘canna’seur. It is not saying too much, it is hard to wait for harvest time!"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: mostly indica, Flowering time: 50 - 56 days, Yield per m2: 400 - 500 grams.” – Paradise Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Well here's my detailed report on my AMSTERDAM FLAME\" (Paradise). Grown in organics with mostly Guano of"]
["                             different strengths. One being high Phos (for flowering) the other high Nitro (for growth) and so on ... 53 day"]
["                             flowering period.. Small staunch indica, purple/orange hairs, and nectarine smell. Large main cola, crystallizing"]
["                             like an Alaskan winter. In fact crystallizing so well that you can hardly see very much leaf, only the crystals"]
["                             upon them. Looks like I put it in the freezer or something...\" – Mirage"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Black Domina"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Sensi Seed offers g13xhashplant and that was it. It is the same as the one sold in the 80's and it is also 2/3"]
["                             of Black Domina. I learned this at the Sensi Seed shop 1 day after I bought the seeds directly from Alan"]
["                             Dronkers hands at the Pax party house. I spoke to Tony about the Mantanuska and he said that nobody has"]
["                             smoked it and none is ready yet. I picked up 10 Mantanuska and 5 peak19 beans (Mantanuska x"]
["                             Stonehedge) for 300gilders (about $175american). Adam from T.H. Seeds (Tony's best buddy and provider of"]
["                             the Bubblegum and Californian genetics) told me its \"Sag's big bud\" with \"great dense yields but not a 9 or 10"]
["                             in potency\" and that the Stonehedge was a \"more rewarding high/plant to grow\" and that the \"peak19 was a"]
["                             perfect compromise/partnership.” - Damion"]
[]
["                             “Black Domina. It’s a day ender, you wont do anything but slump there for quite a while. For me it is the"]
["                             hardest full indica I have ever grown, or smoked, and I have been to A-dam which is where I got turned onto it"]
["                             by a bro from a coffee shop. The coffee shop is a direct competitor of Sensi's as well, and even he said it will"]
["                             floor you, it did.” –Greco Roman"]
[]
["                             “Greco, I know just what you mean. It's one of those breeds that you gotta smoke to really understand. It's"]
["                             got a taste like no other Indica (pure ) out there! Not for those seeking \"sweet smoke\" though. Tastes like"]
["                             Hash Oil."]
["                             ps- it's good outdoors as well...very early.” – Bdubs"]
[]
["                             “I purchased some Black Domina seeds from the Sensi Seed bank the last time I was in Amsterdam. I wasn’t"]
["                             too impressed with my final product. True it was very resinous and smelled like blackberries but the high wasn't"]
["                             that desirable. I also made the mistake of trying to grow a B.D. outside. Since it is an indoor variety only it"]
["                             does very poorly under natural conditions. I ended up with some runny nugs and some sticky-sweet, but just"]
["                             ok bud.” – Bill Wonderful"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Chitral"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             This variety is a hybrid of Chitral and Skunk, Chitral being the variety of the famous Chitral-hasj of the"]
["                             seventies. Hybridized with Skunk, the variety tends to be even stronger. Good harvest, nice herbal taste and"]
["                             strong “physical high”."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: 3rd week of Oct."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This bud has thick layers of orange-red hairs surrounding darker colored green nodes. The crystals are not"]
["                             very obvious, but are noticeable. It has a sweet green scent with skunky undertones that set it off well. Dense"]
["                             buds break up stickily and the stems taste more like mint or blueberry stems than skunk. However, the smoke"]
["                             tastes skunky with an undertone of citrus, like orange peel. It’s thick and expansive in the lungs and will make"]
["                             you cough. The high comes on quick and is lazy and stony. Doesn’t give the munchies! ***” – Homepage"]
["                             Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Chronic"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Serious Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Chronic is the plant to grow when yield and quality are top concerns. Mostly an Indica this plant can produce"]
["                             up to 600 grams per m2 while not compromising quality. Chronic has a strong high with a heavy resin content."]
["                             Smokers that know and grow choose this plant for both appearance and it’s sweet scent. Winner of 3rd place"]
["                             hydro division in the 1994 High Times Cannabis Cup, this is chronically the best choice for growers that are"]
["                             tired of loosing quality when gaining yield. Indica/Sativa bred with powerful effect and sweet smell in mind."]
["                             Quality without compromise, serious flower power!"]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Mostly Indica, Flowering time: 60-67 days, Yield: 400-600 grams/m2” – Serious Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I’ve grown Chronic. I've heard several different ideas about the genetic origin. The first was NLxAfghanxNL."]
["                             The second was NL x Big Bud x Afghan. I am personally more prone to believe the NLxAfghanxNL. Big Bud has"]
["                             a certain mildly sweet aroma and taste that I didn't notice at all in Chronic. I didn’t identify with any Big Bud"]
["                             characteristics other than a giant fucking yield. Chronic has a very slightly spicy scent with an overpowering"]
["                             stone. If you are looking for the best quality and yield combination I would recommend Original Misty from"]
["                             Homegrown Fantaseeds. Misty is a stabilized sister of white widow with a bigger harvest potential and a sweet"]
["                             taste. I've heard that all of the white widow hybrids are very unstable, but I saw almost zero variation between"]
["                             plant growth patterns in my experience with Misty. I got an even larger yield from this strain than from Chronic,"]
["                             but only a very little bit larger. It did however have a sweeter taste and an even more powerful stone than the"]
["                             Chronic. Flowering period for Misty was 8-9 weeks, and I harvested a little more than a 1/2 oz per SOG style"]
["                             planting. After 2 weeks rooting under flo's I veg for 2 weeks under MH and then flower for 8 weeks under HPS.”"]
["                             – Stoned Silly"]
[]
["                             \"Chronic is a strain developed by Cerebral Seeds. After this company split up into Serious seeds & Sagarmatha"]
["                             Seeds, both parties kept the strain. Serious sells it under the Chronic name and Sagarmatha sells it under the"]
["                             name Slyder. Actually Sagarmatha ran into some problems with the germination rate of some of their Slyder"]
["                             seeds. They have stopped carrying it FOR NOW until they get a few new batches going. They assured me"]
["                             personally that the Slyder would return very soon. The origins of this classic Indica strain are \" a Northern Lights"]
["                             crossed with an Afghani \". Very, Very Heavy/ sleepy buzz. Tons of resin, relatively fast maturing with dense bud"]
["                             structure. Very well suited for SOG application.\""]
[]
["                             “As for the Chronic, I’m extremely impressed. All the claims of high yield and potency seem to have been true;"]
["                             haven’t got the total weight of my grow yet cause the MONSTER colas (two feet long x four inches thick) are still"]
["                             drying, but the first three plants (which weren’t the biggest) gave over 100 grams, which I consider a lot. The"]
["                             last three look like they’ll weigh in even more. There is a bit of variance in the strain. I saw two distinct"]
["                             phylotaxies/growth patterns indicative of the Sativa/Indica mix: thick, luscious buds on short plants, and thin,"]
["                             slightly fluffy buds on stretchy tall plants. Nevertheless the result was excellent. The high is half body, half"]
["                             mental and will lock you to your couch for a long time. I’d give it a 7.5 or 8 out of 10.” - KGB"]
[]
["                             “All 10 started with germinated and sprouted. The seed gave up 7 females with 3 males. During veg these"]
["                             plants were similar in appearance but differed somewhat in growth rate under flouros. All of these plants had"]
["                             long leaf stems with leaf blades somewhere between an indica and sativa as far as width and color. The color"]
["                             was a darker green with a nice shine. "]
["                             1 and 2- These two were practically identical in all aspects so what the heck. They grew like sativas. They were"]
["                             cut down around 10 weeks and could have gone on longer. All of the chronic were cut down in approximately 10"]
["                             weeksù68 days. Some were probably ready a few days earlier though. Braided bud look with good size calyxes"]
["                             describe the bud structure. Buzz was good and yield was decent but both these plants were chopped because of"]
["                             the long flower time. These plants also had the city skyline look to the buds since they were trained so that the"]
["                             branches were just about all horizontal."]
["                             3- Got shaded bad and after a test smoke was chopped since it wasn’t as good as the others. It could have"]
["                             been a decent plant but we’ll never know. "]
["                             4- This one here was the winner as far as yield goes but since they were all somewhat crowded it’s hard to tell if"]
["                             its the real champ. This will be a nice plant to grow since it grows like a sativa. Sativas tend to tolerate more"]
["                             hard times than indicas. This plant placed well in the buzz department too, 2nd. Buds have the braided look"]
["                             with smaller calyxes than 1 and 2. They were fairly tight buds considering this plant was on the edge of the"]
["                             grow."]
["                             5 and 6- Yep these two were practically identical as well. Heck they even yielded the same. These were"]
["                             completely different in bud structure than all the others. They have small calyxes without the braided look;"]
["                             they are much more compact than the others are. Buzz place was a close 3rd for both of them."]
["                             8- Don’t know how this one yielded since it was the buzz champ and got chopped during flowering like the hand"]
["                             was a ginzu."]
["                             This buzz is nice and the yield won’t be too bad either. This was the prettiest plant of the bunch too. It had the"]
["                             braided look with smaller calyxes than 1 and 2 with a nice orange color for flowers as they withered. How this"]
["                             one does from clone is information that’s highly anticipated because of the buzz. It was the first to show pre"]
["                             flowers prior to induction and what was left on the plant on the 58th day was ready for harvest so this one is"]
["                             definitely the earliest finisher."]
["                             Aroma: This had possibly the most pleasing smell for weed, ever smelled in these parts. The stuff smells like"]
["                             light perfume or garden flowers, very nice."]
["                             Buzz: The buzz from 8 is about the same for all of them except for potency. When the plant was chopped early"]
["                             it had a definite sativa feel to it and it was even reported that someone had visual distortions after smoking it"]
["                             when tired. Once the thing matured the buzz turned more into and indica type thing that could knock some"]
["                             folks down but really isn’t couch lock at all, its just that the potency causes burn out when the buzz wears off."]
["                             But mostly the weed has the sativa edge. Since little was smoked when the plant should have been harvested"]
["                             let’s leave this until the final report from clone, it's better than average right now."]
["                             Taste: The taste was pleasant and tasted somewhat like it smelled. More on the final report since not much"]
["                             attention was paid to this characteristic."]
["                             Yield: Because these plants were flowered for 2 weeks under flouros before moving to Jr., and because they"]
["                             were somewhat crowded, and because they yielded as much or more than any other plant grown from seed in"]
["                             cc jr.\" - flick"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Domino"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Breeder Steve  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Tangy indica, wicked crystal."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Height: short, will grow wide with veg Flowering: 6 Weeks Harvest Outside: early Oct. Yield: Average” - Spice of"]
["                             Life Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Durga Mata"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Paradise Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This cross of two super Shivas, selected for their resin content is mind blowing but nevertheless tasteful and"]
["                             she is easy to grow. A plant to get familiar with the world of cannabis."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: indica, Flowering time: 50 - 55 days, Yield per m2: 350 - 450 grams” - Paradise Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Dutch Dragon ®"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Paradise Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This dragon of Dutch descent is a spectacular plant for indoor growing. High yields with short flowering period."]
["                             Superb quality along with long sticky colas. Its sweet taste and strong potency makes her the favourite to"]
["                             many regular smokers."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: Sativa indica, Flowering time: 50 - 55 days, Yield per m2: 400 – 450.” – Paradise Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Early Riser"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Early Riser is our first variety especially developed for outdoor production. Several generations of select"]
["                             breeding -choosing individuals with the shortest flowering period combined with the highest density of"]
["                             cannabinoidal resin - have produced a wonderful example of botanical wizardry. This species is truly worthy of"]
["                             supporting the same high quality standard of exceptional cannabis that Sagarmatha has provided for her"]
["                             scrutinizing clientele. The aroma and flavor of Early Riser is sweet with a minty aftertaste. The high is uplifting"]
["                             and motivational, releasing the sun's natural energy with every bowl, so let the sunshine in and don't get burnt!"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, outdoor. Flower period ends: Mid. September. Average height: 1.5-2 m."]
["                             Yield: 400-600 grams/plant” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Eclipse"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             A new variety, mostly Indica with a sweet taste. Somewhat a version of the bubble gum/bubble berry famous"]
["                             by American clients. This is one for the young and the young at heart."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-10 weeks” –Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: El Nino"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Green House Seed Co.  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Haze X Super Skunk Brazilian X So. Indian. 25% Sativa/75% Indica"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Vegetative Time: For indoors a suggested minimum of two weeks. For outside - germinate May or by the end"]
["                             of spring. Flowering Time: For indoors a suggested time of 9 weeks. For outside it will be ready early autumn. A"]
["                             substantial yield will be expected.” – Green House Seed Co. catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “El Nino is Haze xSuper Skunkx Brazilianx South Indian. Tastes very earthy with a hint of Haze. Dense, highly"]
["                             resinous buds, but a low yielder. The high could have and should have been better when you look at the"]
["                             parents. Tried it at last years Cup, didn't even finish the spliff.” –Geronimo"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Five-in-One"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica/Ruderalis mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The strain called \"5 in one\" was my favorite. Very high calyx to leaf ratio. There was hardly any trimming to do"]
["                             on these awesome buds!!! It was all bud I swear to ya!!! They reached maturity at about 15 inches and each"]
["                             plant had many medium size nugs. The stems on these babies were strangely thin, so thin that as they were"]
["                             growing up I thought they were going to suck. I used shiskabob sticks to hold the buds up though and the"]
["                             closer they were held to the light, the denser and bigger the bud was. The smell was awesome, definitely"]
["                             something fruity. The taste was great too, actually the first time I can say I actually could feel the different"]
["                             taste of this awesome strain. These babies yielded almost a Z a piece so needless to say I am happy with"]
["                             them.\" -James Hetfield"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Fourway #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica/Ruderalis mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Four Way #1 is a hybrid of 4 different strains, 25% Indica, 25% Ruderalis, 25% Northern Light, and 25%"]
["                             Skunk #1. As a whole the Four Way #1 cross has the Indica appearance. The plants are strong and easy to"]
["                             grow. Some of the plants give very high yields, so select a clone. The plants have a minimum amount of"]
["                             leaves and grow well developed buds. A very good smoke in taste and high. Not susceptible to spidermites.” –"]
["                             Sensi Seed Bank"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hollands Hope"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “One of the first Dutch Outdoor strains, grown in Holland since the early eighties. A heavy Indica variety with a"]
["                             knock-out high. Very mold resistant. Highly recommended."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                              ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” – Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hollandsch Hoop"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Developed: inbred 10 plus years Stabilised hybrid Sativa/Indica: California Sativa crossed with Indica"]
["                             Appearence: big long clusters, green to goldish at harvest Smell/taste: sweet smell"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type high/strength: good taste and strong Height: 3-4m Yield: very high Harvest date (Netherlands natural"]
["                             photoperiod): begin Sept. 12hr day exposure harvest (# of weeks): 7-9 indoor / greenhouse / outdoor” -"]
["                             Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: KC36"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: KC Brains  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I grew KC 36 from KC Brains, it is a very unstable strain, out of 30 seeds I got 2 good plants, I could discern 3"]
["                             \"varieties\" one has very fluffy Buds and small calyxes, this one you can forget. Another one has extreme big"]
["                             calyxes but very few. The \"real one\" has big calyxes and extremely big buds and is a very good yielder. One of"]
["                             the good plants tends to get Bud rot cause of the massive Buds, the other is not so tight. They start to flower"]
["                             immediately after you turn the lights to 12/12 (about 5 Days). Flowering time app. 50 days. Take care that the"]
["                             mothers do not start flowering, give them 20 hours light, my most promising plant just started flowering under"]
["                             16 hrs light. Resin production is only strong in some plants. The real one should have a honey like smell. Cant"]
["                             think of anything else right now."]
["                             I am not sure myself if I should keep them, I got the seeds as a present. I would not buy a strain that is"]
["                             unstable like this myself- cause I might even have been lucky that I got the 2 good plants - you might buy 20"]
["                             Seeds and it is all crap, and you don’t catch the \"hybrid vigor\" super plant. I suspected from the look and feel"]
["                             of the good ones that they might be Jack Herer stolen from Sensi and being F2 Hybrids from commercial Sensi"]
["                             F1 Seeds they are more unstable than Jack Herer, and J.H. is very unstable. But its just a guess. Yield is very"]
["                             good - High is good. If you decide to try this strain out look out for a mother with these huge fat flowering"]
["                             growths where each flower or calyx is really fat, and the Colas are fat. Leaves do get resinous but not as much"]
["                             as with other varieties like NL or WW. Look for resin production and big calyxes. If you choose the Kush you get"]
["                             a stable strain-but yield is mediocre. The KC 36 high is between Indica and Sativa, but nice no sativa \"thinking"]
["                             in circles\". few things are nice very fast start of flowering, explosive bud formation, short flowering period, high"]
["                             yield.” -Baron"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Nebula"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Paradise Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Like the name suggests this plant is covered with twinkling shiny THC glands. Its flavour and scent,"]
["                             marvelously sweet is a delight to even the most experienced smoker. She is bound to get you into the realm"]
["                             of space. Her buzz is typically transcendental and it is known she takes you far beyond your grasp. When you"]
["                             want to join the worlds of nebula, she is waiting to give you universal depth."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: indica/sativa, Flowering time: 56 - 62 days Yield per m2: 350 - 450 grams.” – Paradise Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Night Queen"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A 1997 upgraded strain. Very early flowering, very productive, a Sativa/Indica cross. Big fat buds. The aroma"]
["                             is sweet, Sativa high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 6-8 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Peak 19"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Peak 19 was the original western name for Mt. Everest. With similar magnitude and strength as the majestic"]
["                             mountain herself inspires, F1 hybrid Peak 19 will fulfill your cannabis desires. The potency of this plant will"]
["                             take you soaring high above the rigours of daily existence. Thought provoking and physically stimulating, the"]
["                             highs associated with Peak 19 are somewhat trippy in their nature. This smoke should be enjoyed mostly by"]
["                             sure-footed high altitude experienced Sherpas or persons with a high sense of adventure. The matrimony of"]
["                             Stonehedge and Matanuska Tundra is one of Sagarmatha's most prized and \"flavourite\" delicacies, providing"]
["                             a palatial delight and a celestial height for every high mountain trekker."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: mostly Indica, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: shortly after roots show. Flowering"]
["                             time: 60 days. Average height: 1 meter. Yield: 350-375 grams / m2 (dried).” - Sagarmatha seedbank"]
["                             catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Well let me tell ya the most impressive strain since afoaf's first strain which was Romberry, has really come"]
["                             along nicely, its Peak19, and in both of its phenotypes its a real sight, it comes in a Stonehedge and Mat"]
["                             Tundra expression, they both start frosting with trichomes early (2 weeks), the Matanuska Tundra would work"]
["                             great when you need a really short plant, the spec at Sag says they are a/b .5-.75 meter, the one MT/P19 girl"]
["                             that afoaf has is 18\", after 4 weeks 12/12, they stretch so little, it was forced at 13\", and basically all of its"]
["                             branches are starting to form one whole plant connected cola, It would be great in \"Arena\" style grows for the"]
["                             rows that need short style plants, or any grow where height is a factor. Also \"Magic Crystal\" (WWxCalO) from"]
["                             Ingmar is a great strain also, the odor is unmistakably \"Orange\" at 4 weeks 12/12, and the flowers are twice"]
["                             as fat in diameter as any of the 5 strains in the grow, Ingmar must select against skinny colas, because the"]
["                             \"Ingmars Punch\"(WWxSkunk) was the same really fat colas, I guess 17 years can lead to really fine"]
["                             attributes in strains, that’s a lot of time to grow out lots of generations, and do lots of selecting and"]
["                             backcrossing.” – Budm"]
[]
["                             “About the Peak 19s, they were great the F1s have 3 types one that sticks to the Stonehedge sativa"]
["                             phenotype, however in this strain its not tall, lanky, and skimpy, it reaches about 3.5', has tight dense colas"]
["                             that are frostier then many indicas. The next expression sticks to the Matanuska Tundra phenotype, very"]
["                             short and stocky, at maturity, after stretching the gal was just 18\", and she was flowered at 15\", very sweet"]
["                             and stony smoke, Then there is a homogenized phenotype, that is between the two, like Tony at Sag says,"]
["                             \"its like getting three strains in one pack\" Now the F2s my friend made are turning out as good or better then"]
["                             the F1s, the male used in the pollination, was very impressive, nodes were under one inch, he was very"]
["                             stocky, lush, and stinky at maturity, he pollinated one Stonehedge type gal, and one Mat T type gal."]
["                             My friend harvested his first Peak 19 F2, and its every bit as good as its mom, maybe even tastier, and its"]
["                             taste is great with out curing, it will be real nice when cured. So far two out of three F2s, are the taller"]
["                             Stonehedge type, they have a great up \"wake and bake\" soaring high, and one is shorter, and will prolly be"]
["                             more Indica like, from the Mat T parent.” -Budm"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Pluton 2"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “M45 Indica type, strong, bushy plants. Very suitable for outdoor growing in northern climates. Cold and mold"]
["                             resistant. Success guaranteed. Early flowering. Yields vary from 500-1000 grams per plant. Some variation."]
["                             Harvest second week of September. Very good for indoor plantlet growing as well. The smoke is very strong.\""]
["                             - S.S.S.C. catalog 1987-88"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Sensi Star"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Paradise Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This hybrid is a great indoor plant. She produces powerful, resinous and very compact buds. The dense,"]
["                             sweet aroma speaks for itself. One of world’s best stuff for heavy smokers. It is breathtaking and gets you"]
["                             stoned to the bone."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: mostly indica, Flowering time: 55 - 60 days, Yield per m2: 350 - 450 grams.” – Paradise Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I harvested the SS in early October. 4 plants, each with a 1oz. cola (big and fat) and about 1/2 oz of lesser"]
["                             buds. This weed is probably about as potent as Northern lights, although the high is really physical. Smell and"]
["                             taste are very lemony, fruity. Nice, smooth powerful weed. I'm quite happy with it actually, even though I"]
["                             keep trying to tell myself its not as good as the NL#9 I grew with it, every time I light a j of SS, I'm surprised"]
["                             at the potency.” – KGB"]
[]
["                             “It is a very good cross for its potency. Yep, the high is more complex than most indicas. Grows short, yield"]
["                             fairly low, matures from 50-60 days. There’s much variation in this strain, so grow as many as you can to"]
["                             select your favorite. Be glad to answer any specific questions.” –stix"]
[]
["                             “Received Sensi Star through HS, 10:10 for germination. All very uniform looking plants. Ended up with 4"]
["                             females, all short, very vigorous and dense in growth. I put them into bud after 4 weeks under floros when"]
["                             they were about 12-14\". All had minimal stretching under my 1000w hps and using CO2 with temps in 75-85"]
["                             range. Out of my 4 females, one had a mold problem at 6 weeks and the other 3 are about 2 and a half feet"]
["                             tall and ready to harvest any day. They have huge, very dense, THC covered buds. I have never seen better."]
["                             A great indoor plant that seems to have great commercial value.” -Brends"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Silver Pearl"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This 3 way hybrid contains Early Pearl®, Skunk #1® and Northern Lights®. This hybrid is quicker and sweeter"]
["                             than the Shiva Skunk®. Excellent indoor and greenhouse results. Plants exhibit frosted resinous"]
["                             characteristics of the Northern Lights #5® and the sweetness and calyx-to-leaf ratio of Early Pearl / Skunk."]
["                             One of our favourites and in 1994 the winner of the mixed Indica/Sativa category."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering: 45-50 days. Height: 100-125 cm. Yield: up to 100 gr. Finishing date in greenhouse: mid-October."]
["                             Yield in greenhouse: up to 500 gr.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “My Silver Pearl is beyond wonderful! VERY HALLUCINOGENIC tastes sweet like honey, not my favorite flavor"]
["                             but a great accomplishment. I sent away for silver pearl seeds from mike 12 days ago, he says they are on"]
["                             the way so I’m hoping for Friday, then greenthumb at my friends house!” Damion"]
[]
["                             “Silver Pearl hallucinogenic? You bet it is! Never grew it (but have the golden ticket to do so, thanks mike)"]
["                             had it last year grown by a friend (he purchased seed in Adam himself) I’m a heavy toker and Ill tell you, 2-3"]
["                             bong hits to be high as a kite, 6 or more and you’ll start seeing what I mean. Share a blunt with friends and"]
["                             enjoy an even better ride!” – Damion"]
[]
["                             “You said that the taste of the silver pearl had no noticeable Skunk taste in it. This seems to be right on"]
["                             target with the silver I’ve smoked and the Early Skunk (EPXSK#1) that I have grown. The taste of the EP (very"]
["                             sweet with almost minty undertones) seems to be the dominant trait carried by this strain. I love the taste."]
["                             The High of the EP X SK #1 is kind of heady and very functional. One of my favorite \"Utility Smokes\". Great"]
["                             for the morning are a couple of hits at lunch.” - D"]
[]
["                             “Silver Pearl is a taller plant the stone is more up, while Super Skunk is shorter a bit heavier yield more body"]
["                             stone -haven't grown either since 90 so may have changed but both were nice.” -Oldtimer1"]
[]
["                             “Old timer described the 2 perfectly: Super Skunk will give you that couch potato stone and Silver Pearl is"]
["                             more energetic/hallucinatory. I'd go with the pearl unless your growing for yield.” – DAMIONSIN"]
[]
["                             “I just finished super skunk and have Silver Pearl coming right behind it. the Super Skunk is really kind bud,"]
["                             but nothing all that special. IMHO the silver pearl will be the better strain.” – NYC"]
[]
["                             “If I was given the choice, I would choose Silver Pearl over Super Skunk anytime. This plant has the power of"]
["                             NL (after 2.5 weeks flowering the buds are so resinous they stick together), the ease of growth of Skunk"]
["                             (never goes hermy), and the delicate class of the sativa Early Pearl. This has to be one of my favorite"]
["                             smokes -the smoke is sweet, orangy-incense, and the high is a full-on trippy head rush. I'm no great fan of"]
["                             anything to skunky- its all a bit the same, I think its best to mix it with other stuff.” - retro13"]
[]
["                             “For the other side of the coin, I've grown Super Skunk (Sensi '95) and it performed very well (especially"]
["                             since the price was like 60 guilders or so). It would make a great commercial weed-- very resinous, nice fat"]
["                             buds, though not the densest. Good deep smell, I don't like it but many people do. The high is strong and"]
["                             covers both sides... it will put you to sleep if you smoke too much. I would say the Silver Pearl would probably"]
["                             be better if the weed is just for you, or the SSkunk if it is more commercial.” – Shabang"]
[]
["                             \"This plant has the power of NL (after 2.5 weeks flowering the buds are so resinous they stick together), the"]
["                             ease of growth of skunk (never goes hermy), and the delicate class of the sativa early pearl. This has to be"]
["                             one of my favorite smokes- the smoke is sweet, orangy-incense, and the high is a full-on trippy head rush.\""]
["                             -retro13"]
[]
["                             “We didn’t grow out enough SP to make a decision on variability, but this I can say: its growth characteristics"]
["                             are looser than NL, with slightly lower yield. Its taste is thick, warm, sweet- sort of like incense and toffee. Its"]
["                             very vigorous. The high is not bad. At first, it can be quite shocking (giving a 'hangover' after a night on it),"]
["                             but after you get used to it, the 'power' hit lasts about an hour, is slightly sativa, but is characterized by the"]
["                             sativa/indica cross type high. Its not couch lock, nor is it get up and go speedy. "]
["                             As far as variability is concerned, I've worked a bit with early pearl (one of the parents), and have decided"]
["                             that this strain is much more variable than I previously assumed. There are two main phenotypes, and when"]
["                             bred against other things, I've seen quite a few different groupings of characteristics coming through. "]
["                             As far as I'm concerned, SP is likely to be kept, just because it's a regular, normal, easy plant to crop without"]
["                             it being too indica, and without having all the hassles of the harder sativas to crop. It takes cuttings well. If I"]
["                             was you, I'd plant as many seeds as you've got and see what comes out. It can have a very nice growth"]
["                             pattern- early and advanced branching, but looser nodes than NL. The leaves stick out on long stems (an EP"]
["                             trait) which makes manicuring as easy as a walk in the park.” –retro13"]
[]
["                             Northern Lights x Silver Pearl: “These dark green buds are completely coated in light crystals, making the"]
["                             buds at first seem a lighter green. The buds are evenly covered in light orange hairs, as well as hairs that are"]
["                             almost flesh colored. Their structure is highly compact as small buds break up substantially releasing a"]
["                             super-sweet green bio scent (quite expected from this lineage!). The taste when smoked is mild, yet sweet"]
["                             and fruity and expands slightly in the lungs. The high is spacey and visual and comes on quickly. It's a bit"]
["                             forgetful and a bit lazy, a nice rainy-day-got-nothing-else-to-do bud. ****1/2” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             Power Pearl: “This is the daughter of the Silver Pearl. These buds are a bright light green, sparsely coated"]
["                             with even lighter crystals and covered in short orange-red hairs. They are very dense but snap crisply apart,"]
["                             and leave your fingers tacky and sticky. The stems taste very piney, while the buds smell piney, skunky, and"]
["                             pungent. The smoke is full bodied, skunky, and unbelievably smooth! The high is quite spacey, but energetic"]
["                             and takes just a few minutes wait to some on. ****” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Stonehedge"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Stonehedge is a marijuana of megalithic proportions. This plant has vigorous growth and excellent crystalline"]
["                             structure. By far the largest and densest sativa we have. Her lineage consists of an old style Cambodian type"]
["                             plant with a slight Western Winds influence that enhances the sativa strength and pleasure. The high she"]
["                             possesses is soaring and overwhelming, providing the smoker with a lithographic outlook. Whether taken in"]
["                             the evening or after work her magic is well received. Not recommended for operating heaving equipment"]
["                             \"unless it's you.\" Second Place Winner 1998 Cannabis Cup"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor and outdoor. Flowering time: 55 - 60 days. Average height: 1"]
["                             meter. Yield: 350 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Tony, an American and owner of the Sagarmatha seed shop in Amsterdam, said that the original seeds had"]
["                             been given to him by some Vietnam vets (so much for the \"breeding\" efforts). These vets in turn said that"]
["                             they were the result of their breeding a local (Californian) strain with a Cambodian strain they brought home."]
["                             The Sag site in the last months has added a reference to Special K in Stonehedge description, so perhaps"]
["                             they re-bred it with Special K. In any case, it is supposed to be a \"manageable\" Sativa-high plant, with a"]
["                             decent yield and remarkable good taste (even when some reports state it has a heavy Indica influence as"]
["                             well). Special K, which may or may not be in there, is Sags (corrupted) version of Serious AK-47 (Sag and"]
["                             Serious are spin-offs from a previous company called Cerebral Seeds, and it seems to me Serious got to"]
["                             keep the two true stocks, the ones that make up AK-47 as a F1 hybrid). "]
["                             I believe that indeed most of Sag strains are not bred or developed by them, but rather heirlooms or private"]
["                             stock given to them by their network of American friends, as it is the case with Stonehedge and Early Riser"]
["                             (Rosa, co-owner of Sag, said that this one was a Cali Orange selection given to them by a friend). Their"]
["                             Matanuska is most likely totally unrelated to the real deal from Alaska (people in Alaska call that name to a"]
["                             number of local strains, adding to the confusion) but rather related to an NCGA experiment (probably"]
["                             involving a NL with some alleged G-13 in it) dating back to the time they (Sag and NCGA) teamed up briefly."]
["                             They just appropriated the Matanuska name, as it had a mystique, and applied to the \"new\" breed. I wouldn’t"]
["                             be surprised if they registered it as a trademark, which they can in Holland. "]
["                             Sag are very liberal with seed names --their \"NL#9\" has no Northern Lights at all, but rather is a combination"]
["                             of Jack Herer, White Widow and Durban (yeah, nice mix). As you see, its all very seedy (hehehe) and the"]
["                             only way to ascertain quality is to grow the stuff. I even suspect that Sag permanently lost some of their own"]
["                             strains, as several of them where out of stock for more than a year (rip-offs and boycotts at their seed grow"]
["                             operation) and suddenly (suspiciously) resurfaced... perhaps today’s Stonehedge is not the original, but a"]
["                             female clone crossed with a male Special K to get a seed line going (that would explain the new reference to"]
["                             Special K in the description). "]
["                             More ramble than you bargained for, eh? Sorry... got carried away, the story of strains reads like a novel."]
["                             Hope this helps though.\" -Adam Tripper"]
[]
["                             “I grew out ten seeds earlier this year. The plants were quite robust and large. Although you could see some"]
["                             indica influence in the leaves, Stonehedge grows like a sativa with internode spacing on the long end of the"]
["                             spectrum. It needs a lot of light and even then the yield is somewhat exiguous. The buds grow in dense"]
["                             clusters and begin to put on some weight after fifty days of flowering. The aroma of the plant is subtle, an"]
["                             earthy grapefruit bouquet if I were pressed for a description. There is excellent resin production which picks"]
["                             up markedly after fifty days of flowering. The high is intense and long-lasting. I like the way the smoke"]
["                             tastes and makes me feel but I am not happy about the yield. Ten seeds were not sufficient in this case to"]
["                             get a mother of truly outstanding character. Perhaps another female would produce a heavier yield. I do not"]
["                             know.” -Moose"]
[]
["                             “Don't know too much about Stonehedge's parents. It was indica dominant, dense nugs and a hashy flavour."]
["                             A \"stony\" party killer-type herb. Pretty average when compared to some of the other strains available.”"]
["                             –Geronimo"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Swiss Miss"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa with Ruderalis  Origin: Switzerland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Imported: Switzerland Pure breeding Sativa/Indica: looks pure Sativa Appearance: looks like Mexican Sativa"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type high/strength: lightweight smoke Height: 2m Yield: med Harvest date (Netherlands natural"]
["                             photoperiod): end Sept 12hr day exposure harvest (# of weeks): 8-10 indoor / greenhouse / outdoor Early"]
["                             flowering (good breeding stock for earliness), good for the Dutch Alps"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Top 44"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Interpolm Growshop  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “The top44 is a cannabis strain developed in Holland some years ago, it's mostly indica crossed with a skunk"]
["                             and something else, there are a lot off speculations what this 'else' might be, but for now it's still unknown."]
["                             The top44 is an impressive fast flowering plant, I never heard off a strain that was faster, it has an flowering"]
["                             time from only 6 weeks (44 days), but gives big resinous buds in this short time."]
["                             At first the Top44 was popular under cash growers in Holland, later on the home growers did find the great"]
["                             ability of the strain too, it's able to switch between vegetative and flowering grow very fast, vegetative grow will"]
["                             mostly stop after one week you put at in flowering. It will go inside and also outside and it's an easy compact"]
["                             growing plant, it is easy to get in one off the many cannabis growshops, this may change because the Dutch"]
["                             law is getting harder for the bigger clone producers. Because it is an compact growing plant, it's very good in a"]
["                             SOG setup, it gives one long cola if you grow 4 plants the sq./feet like in the closed from the picture beside,"]
["                             there are growing 49 plants on soil, used are 4 liter containers and a 600 watt (Natrium) lamp, total space"]
["                             used in this case is 9 sq./feet, in this setup we normally grow only one week vegetative, this way we are able"]
["                             to get up to 6 crops a year. At the growshow (sample setup in a growshop) from Nederlicht Growshop we could"]
["                             see that the top44 is doing very well if it gets more space and time. On the picture beside you can see one"]
["                             big plant that they did grow three months vegetative (18/6), they used a 600 watt (natrium) lamp and the"]
["                             plant was in a 50 liter container, if you plan to grow bigger plants rule one is, use big containers. This plant"]
["                             did give 350 grams off the finest buds. The high is really great, strong and euphoric alike and the indica part"]
["                             off this plant gives a relaxed feeling overall, smoke it and let flo your mind. It has it's own taste and is very"]
["                             sweet, the buds are very smelly and sticky, it has red hairs after 6 weeks. Some growers like to keep them in"]
["                             flowering a bit longer to get an ultimate effect, the top44 adds a lot off resin in those last days, it is easy to"]
["                             manicure because of the good leaf/bud ratio.” – Jock"]
[]
["                             \"There are a few around here (Flick?) that have the real Top44 from Holland that they got as a cutting from"]
["                             Jock. The seeds available from him are not the same as the cuttings he has. The seeds are from Paradise, a"]
["                             company without much reputation yet.. But they're getting around the net since WeedSeed picked them up."]
["                             But its not a very popular strain except in Holland / the rest of Europe as a commercial plant.\" -shabang"]
[]
["                             \"50+ grams/s.f. Spacing at only 2 per square foot in 48 days isn’t too bad. I suspect that plant will do much"]
["                             better when I play with it just a little more. I'll agree that the 44 days is pushing it and the plant is better"]
["                             buzzing 4 or 5 days later but you can harvest at 44 and be satisfied with the buzz without much sacrifice in"]
["                             yield. It's a great buzzing social indica that grows fast and heavy.\" –flick"]
[]
["                             \"I've grown it from seed and from cuttings that were supposed to have been from the breeder himself...It"]
["                             didn’t mature in 44 days (under lots of light) and it didn’t yield enough. I have grown out at least 35 strains"]
["                             in the past 2 years and it was the most disappointing.\" - Muir!"]
[]
["                             “I would stay away from anything with Top 44 in it. I got my Top 44 seeds in Amsterdam directly from"]
["                             Homegrown Fantaseeds. The Top 44 buds look great and do mature in 44 days, but the high is very mild. I"]
["                             was sorry I put all the time and effort into growing Top 44 when I could have grown something much better,"]
["                             with just one week longer to wait. I ended up giving 3 Zs of Top 44 buds away because I had no desire to"]
["                             consume them.”"]
[]
["                             “Grew Top 44 from seeds through Jock (I think they're Nirvana's). Not shwag, but not top grade nederweed by"]
["                             any stretch. First of all, it didn't finish in 44 days. It took 54 days to reach 90% withered pistils under 45 w/sf"]
["                             of mixed MH/HPS light. They were less than 10% withered at 44 days. Visible trichome production is about"]
["                             50% of what you'd expect from a top-grade strain (no sugar frosting)."]
["                             Secondly, like most strains whose main claim to fame is earliness, Top 44 is autoflowering. Even clones taken"]
["                             before changing to a 12/12 photoperiod began flowering at about 6 biological weeks old. This screams"]
["                             Ruderalis genes to me. It was cloneable, however, and the clones did veg out despite the continuous"]
["                             flowering."]
["                             Potency was overall a disappointment, but better than expected considering the lack of trichome production."]
["                             Indica stone, about a 6 out of 10, 10 being that yet-to-be-smoked perfect bud...."]
["                             On the plus side, it has textbook \"mini-baseball bat\" buds with virtually no bud leaves to snip out. Clones"]
["                             grow straight up with no branching, making the strain ideal for SOG, less so for ScrOG. Medium high yielding."]
["                             These traits no doubt are behind its Dutch rep as a good commercial crop strain."]
["                             Will I grow it again? Probably not.” -B420"]
[]
["                             Flick’s TOP 44 REPORT:"]
["                             Bank- This strain did not come from a known bank but rather an unknown (to me at least) breeder in"]
["                             Holland. Supplier: Jock "]
["                             Because this strain was sent as a cutting rather than seed I can’t say that you will get the same results buying"]
["                             Top 44 seed from any bank that offers them. I do know that Jock is working with some Top 44 seed stock"]
["                             looking for something with the same quality as the clone ma that was sent. The original ma sent to me is the"]
["                             plant I will be talking about. Here are a few things you should know before considering this plant based on"]
["                             the info presented."]
["                             Notes"]
["                             Plant was approx. 2 months from the day it rooted when put to flower. I think it was about 3 years old"]
["                             genetically. Plant had approx. 20 cuts taken at 3 different times prior to induction. Plant was grown in cc jr."]
["                             (63w hps per sq.’ for 10 hours, light balancer, CO2?, GH nutes)(The question mark on the CO2 is because"]
["                             the tank ran out at some point and I can’t be sure exactly when it happened so I don’t know how long it was"]
["                             off.) Plant was grown using a wick system that turned into a water culture deal when the roots grew out of the"]
["                             pot."]
["                             Plant was grown using the Screen of Green method (ScrOG-for those in the dark it’s a horizontal trellis used"]
["                             for training rather than wires making for easier and better training strategies)."]
["                             Plant suffered a dry out of the res. which hurt the root system some (it was caught pretty quick.) After this dry"]
["                             out yellowing started. I believe it was due to some root damage but it could just have been because the fast"]
["                             growth rate required more N than I was feeding it. I’ll find out next go round. (Because of this I ended up"]
["                             overcompensating with N too long into the flowering stage and ended up with leafier bud than I should have.)"]
[]
["                             Days Till Harvest"]
["                             The first bud was snipped at 37 days with approx. 50% of flowers having turned. Main harvesting took place"]
["                             on day 42, 43 and 44. "]
["                             Growth Characteristics"]
["                             This sucker is fast! I’ve never seen a plant flower this fast. It sounds just like the Shiskaberry that Shiva"]
["                             raves about. NOW I know why he loves the Shiska and why I will love one soon too ;-) Because of the speed"]
["                             of flowering and the condition of the plant when put to flower I failed miserably trying to fill the area I wanted"]
["                             too on the screen. The plant stopped growing after only 6 days! It’s not only a fast flowerer it veg’s at a quick"]
["                             pace as well. The plant does well under low light levels. Found this out by letting it spend time under flouros"]
["                             during veg to help keep tight nodes for future cuts. Add this to the fact that buds on the garden edge did"]
["                             very well when compared with those towards the middle of the grow and I don’t think you could go wrong with"]
["                             any light and this plant."]
["                             Just to give an idea how fast this plant flowers. I still have my NL#5 and put one under the screen just to get"]
["                             it out of the way (Remember I’m looking to kill this thing off soon because of the constant flowering it does). "]
["                             The Top 44 was put to flower about 19 days after the NL5. The Top 44 caught up to the NL in 3 weeks as far"]
["                             as flower growth goes and passed it in 4. It was amazing to watch especially after spending so many years"]
["                             with mostly sativa bag seed. "]
["                             Yield"]
["                             Because of my failure with the screen it’s impossible to give an accurate grams/sq.’ number. Because the"]
["                             plant stopped growing 6 days after induction I ended up with a circle of buds, most small, with a big hole in"]
["                             the middle. (I didn’t start the plant in a corner since I put an NxS plant there in case I failed---I hate empty"]
["                             space in a flowering area). Best guess on area covered is somewhere between 1.5 and 2.25 square feet. With"]
["                             that said.. 84 grams, dry was the total harvest weight for quality bud. The small amount of cooking bud was"]
["                             not counted in this figure. (There wouldn’t have been much cooking bud at all if I had trained well since big"]
["                             buds were shading smaller ones due to the poor training)."]
["                             Bud Condition"]
["                             Buds were nice and tight with orange to red rust colored hairs when done. Rather than the larger resin glands"]
["                             I see with the N x S the T44 has small resin glands. While the N x S looks like a coat of crystals the T44"]
["                             glands look like a coat of light snow or heavy dust. Many areas of the buds looked like I imagine WW looks,"]
["                             white ;-) Note: This plant piles on the resin in the last few days, I don’t recommend harvesting early and"]
["                             know I won’t do it again. "]
["                             Aroma"]
["                             It was nice to get something that smelled good in the grow to compensate for the smell, which I don’t like, of"]
["                             the N x S when it is growing. It smells of citrus, fruity, with the skunk lurking in the background is the best"]
["                             way I can describe it. It isn’t over powering but did require more than a baggy to contain the smell when I"]
["                             brought an ounce to someone."]
["                             Buzz"]
["                             When I cut the bud at 37 days with the 50% withered flowers I test smoked it with a buddy on a ride. He"]
["                             doesn’t smoke as much as I do but he isn’t a lightweight by any means, he smokes almost once a day I"]
["                             guess. He missed 6 turns on a familiar ride in 1 hour and 15 minutes. He liked the buzz but was not happy"]
["                             with it for driving since he was spacing out so much. I thought the whole thing was kind of funny myself and"]
["                             I’m sure you know I was all over him on every missed turn. (Little did he know..I wasn’t exactly catching them"]
["                             all either ;-) I didn’t like the buzz from this early bud at first, it was too speedy for me, but it did calm down"]
["                             after a while. The other thing that wasn’t too impressive from it was the staying power of the buzz. "]
["                             Now the buds harvested later were a completely different story. Mature buds have a unique buzz. It’s"]
["                             definitely not couch lock weed but you can find comfort in your big buddy if you want to. It starts like a sativa"]
["                             soar, then quickly settles into a body and mind buzz conducive to thought and guess what…you can then"]
["                             verbalize those thoughts without difficulty ;-) This is a social indica."]
["                             The buzz lasts quite a while and slowly turns into a couch lock thing if you don’t puff some more. Bottom"]
["                             line-. As a head grower I would keep the plant just for the buzz I like the buzz since couch lock isn’t all there"]
["                             is to life, I guess ;-) If I were still growing for dough I would love this plant and will keep it in case I get back"]
["                             into the game someday."]
["                             Yo money tree folks… people like the looks and smell of this weed. I don't have any other comments on the"]
["                             buzz yet but will include them in the additional T44 info that will be given in the next Flo Sheet.” – flick"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Twilight"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A beautiful purple variety with high yields and Afghan taste. Heavy buds and high. 100% Indica."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                              ~ Flower: 7-8 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept., 1st week of Oct.” - Dutch Passion Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Valley Girl"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: Holland/USA  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This variety is a Cheyenne Indica with a skunky influence, for lovers of fragrant weed with a strong buzz."]
["                             Take this girl just before bed and have a seductively sedative session. Her name was derived from her"]
["                             stupefying qualities. Gag me with a bud."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type: Indica-Sativa. Start vegetate: 1-1.5 weeks after roots show. Flowering time: 50-60 days. Average"]
["                             height: 1 m. Yield: 275-350 grams / m2”– Sagarmatha catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["Region: Indo-Asian Strains - Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Afghani Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Afghani"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Afghanistan  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A pure variety, never hybridized, imported from Afghanistan, grown in Holland. Very broad leaves, 100%"]
["                             Indica. Heavy buds with lots of resin. Some plants turn purple at harvest time. Rather high flower to leaf ratio."]
["                             Aroma and flavor are heavy, almost medicinal. Very strong, physical, practically narcotic high. Average yields."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Nov.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Afghani #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Afghanistan  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “The Afghani part is a very short Christmas tree-like plant, 100% Indica, very resinous and very consistent. The"]
["                             F1-cross with Skunk #1 gives the variety a bigger yield and better taste. Very good \"up\" high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week Nov.” -Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Afghani #1 is basically selected Afghanis back crossed with themselves to produce short squat plants with"]
["                             lots'o resin.”"]
[]
["                             \"I'm not sure who's is best, but I can tell you what Sensi's Afghan #1 grows like. The only other Afghan I ever"]
["                             grew was given to me as seed. Those plants grew to about 3-foot bushes and were very dark and the buds"]
["                             looked like little florescent green golf balls. The Sensi, however, is completely different. The leaves are huge"]
["                             and rounded, but they aren't dark the way Sensi describes them in their catalog. They're a very light green. My"]
["                             Hindu Kush is a lot darker. The Afghan #1 is tall and thin and hasn’t filled out the way I would have liked. I"]
["                             know it has nothing to do with ferts because everything I used is organic. Bat guano, a touch of cow manure"]
["                             and bone meal and fed every 2 weeks with a mild mix of fish emulsions, 5-1-1, and water. They're two weeks"]
["                             into flowering and not nearly as vigorous as the Hindu Kush. In my opinion, the Sensi Afghan is weak and"]
["                             might be due for a genetic boost.\"-Pauly"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                            Strain: Californian Dream"]
["                            Strain Type: Indica  Origin: California/Holland  Breeder: Nevil  "]
["                            Images:  "]
["                            Description:"]
[]
["                            \"Californian Dream (Afghan #1 x Californian Buddha) is a cross of two adapted northern Californian Indicas,"]
["                            which create a fast growing, hardy, 5 foot bush which produces chunky potent buds covered with sticky, smelly"]
["                            glands. Beautiful colour and excellent cast. A favourite. In middle Europe they mature in late September. In"]
["                            southern Europe they mature September 1. Indoors copious buds mature in resinous nuggets in 50-60 days.\""]
["                            -Legends Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                            Specifications:"]
[]
["                            indoor"]
[]
["                            Growers Comments:"]
["                            none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Mazar"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Afghanistan  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This is an upgraded selection of the former valued Afghan Skunk. A 1997 improvement was made on its yield."]
["                             The taste is softer than before. The Afghani (Mazar-i-Shariff) part is a very short christmas tree like plant,"]
["                             100% Indica and very resinous. The F1-cross with Skunk #1 gives the variety a bigger yield and better taste."]
["                             Very good “up” high. As both parents are very consistent, the offspring is very consistent too."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Nov.” – Dutch Passion Seedbank"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Started with 10 seeds and all germinated and sprouted. Two sprouts didn’t make it. One just wasn’t able to"]
["                             push out real leaves, it wanted to, but couldn’t get it done... chop went the blade. The other grew but lagged"]
["                             behind.... chop went the blade. Of the 8 that were left 3 were female and 5 were male. This was nice since news"]
["                             of hermies with the Mazar was heard but none were seen."]
["                             This is unquestionably indica in appearance and smell. Wide dull dark green leaves with smoother edges on"]
["                             the blade serrations. Two of the 3 females were somewhat similar in appearance during flower with the other"]
["                             doing it’s own thing. They looked pretty much identical during veg growth. Differences showed in bud structure."]
["                             The oddball had the braided city skyline look. I'll explain later. The other two grew tight compact buds with"]
["                             smaller calyxes."]
["                             2- First let me tell ya bout some weirdness. The plant grew leaves from some of its leaf stems. Weird huh,"]
["                             anyway."]
["                             This plant suffered from shading of taller plants but did OK considering. It was kept mainly for how well it did"]
["                             through the shading since curiosity was peaked by its performance. This plant got thrown into the mix by"]
["                             accident and wasn’t smoked by anyone that knew they were smoking it. It’s a mystery plant until grown from"]
["                             clone."]
["                             3- This bad boy girl grew a fat top bud and may have been the heaviest of the three if it didn’t suffer from"]
["                             some overcrowding vs. the top producer. This bad girl also had the heaviest covering of resin. This has"]
["                             potential to be a producer except for the long flower period, which would need to be dealt with if you’re into"]
["                             speed."]
["                             Note: All of the plants were harvested in approximately 10 weeks but it could have been done earlier and"]
["                             probably should have been. So just figure a 9 weeker for now."]
["                             5- Yep this is the braided one and this is what was meant. The plant was trained so that the main stem was"]
["                             horizontal. Looking at the big bud from eye level gave you a city skyline look with the buds, which look like"]
["                             braided hair with the big calyxes. This plant also had a nice covering of resin and was the stronger of the 2 that"]
["                             were smoked. It was also the heaviest plant. The one possible problem with this plant is that it did show a"]
["                             male flower or two early in flowering but that was it. An eye was kept on it and it didn’t show another sign of"]
["                             male flowers until a few days before harvest. The late start of a male flower or two could very well have been"]
["                             due to leaving them to flower too long before chopping day."]
["                             Aroma: An earthy spicy thing with a skunk background. Not overpowering would probably require attention when"]
["                             packaging."]
["                             Buzz Above average. NL x Shiva hates this plant in this neck of the woods and for good reason. Mazar is an up"]
["                             and comer that could become the next couch lock champ when it’s old enough to compete. Its that good now."]
["                             This was stoner weed period but... "]
["                             It was harvested much too late which could have caused this type of buzz. There seemed to be an edge to the"]
["                             buzz lurking so we shall see. If it wasn’t because of the late harvest there will be some KOs when others get to"]
["                             smoke this chit. "]
["                             Taste Distorted by feeding. It had a spicy taste to it that isn’t bad and could be a good one when given the"]
["                             right feeding schedule."]
["                             Yield Slightly above average with 5 better than that."]
["                             Comments: This is looking like one of those plants no one likes to smoke because it ends their day. It’s"]
["                             surprising that it took as long to finish with this strain, we’ll see what happens from clone. Buzz will probably"]
["                             improve with age and better growing conditions."]
["                             Curiosity is peaked about the type of buzz that will be had when the plant is harvested on time. Except for 5"]
["                             shading was a problem for this strain so yield is really up in the smoke right now. All and all so far so good"]
["                             since the buzz is making up for the long flower time.\" – Flick"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Kush Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Hindu Kush"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Northern India, Pakistan  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Pure Indica, one of the most constant kind. Best start for anyone who wants to grow his own Indica. Hash"]
["                             like taste, large firm buds, above average yield."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I've grown Hindu Kush 3 times and it's a beautiful but extremely stinky plant. If the laws were different I'd"]
["                             really like the smell, but the odor of the Kush is difficult to control even with ozone ... so much in fact that my"]
["                             paranoia has banished it from my garden. Great yielder ... more than average, excellent hash producer. After"]
["                             working on the garden I'd always have to take a shower to get all the resin off my arms from leaning over"]
["                             plants etc. Hindu Kush is a great way to earn the nickname 'skunky' ... Kush smells a whole lot more like a"]
["                             skunk than Skunk#1 (smells sweet to me).” – shiva"]
[]
["                             \"The Hindu-Kush from Sensi averages about 2.5 to 3 oz's of sticky, sweet, grape smelling bud per plant. It"]
["                             starts flowering the first week of August and is ready by the third week of September here in the Midwest.\""]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Kush"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Northern India, Pakistan  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A heavy budding plant that produces crystals galore. Good rich smoke, excellent indoors and outdoors."]
["                             Clones very easily."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             (indoors) ~ Flower: 60-70 days ~ Height: 110-150 cm ~ Yield: 300-325 gr/sqM (outdoors) ~"]
["                             Plant: Jun. 1st ~ Finish: Oct. 1st ~ Height: 5-6’ ~ Yield: 2-4 oz ~” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Masterkush"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A F1 cross between two different Hindu-kush strains. Yield is high. Excellent taste and strong high. One of our"]
["                             favourites.” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This light-green colored bud has dark forest-green leaves protruding and is covered in long hairs that range in"]
["                             color from bright orange to almost white (mostly strawberry-blonde). The scent is sweet and citrusy with green"]
["                             bio-y undertones. The taste, however, is surprisingly mild for this fairly strong-scented bud. It almost doesn't"]
["                             even have a taste besides the general burnt bud (brown) taste. It is also non-expansive in the lungs. The high"]
["                             is mildly visual with a light head-change. ***” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             \"My personal experience with MasterKush, grown naturally under mostly-controlled conditions, outdoors: a"]
["                             rather long finish time (mid-late October) and can grow very tall, even in a 5 gal. pot. Huge plants when"]
["                             grounded. I live in the desert so mold has never been a prob for me but these buds are unusually thick and"]
["                             long so I would expect mold probs in a more humid climate. (but that's just a guesstimate) The stone is not"]
["                             toooo intense but definitely longer lasting than most and IMHO, well worth the space and time (if you can get"]
["                             by the potential mold prob). Very smooth and mellow flavor too. Not a major aroma producer while growing"]
["                             either.\" -Mohave Green"]
[]
["                             \"The only strain that I have that I can for sure say came from the breeders and not a reseller is MasterKush"]
["                             from Dutch Passion and the seeds were given to me by a friend who purchased them in a-dam. He gave me 5,"]
["                             all were female (lucky eh?) and all grew very uniformly, I kept the best 2 and have had them now for about 6"]
["                             months and every clone set has gotten stronger in potency as now the plant is mature...the plant matches all"]
["                             pictures of master Kush I've been able to locate on the web.... the high unfortunately is way too physical for me"]
["                             as it will knock me down if I take 2 hits, like I tried to go a couple rounds with Mike Tyson.... I much rather"]
["                             prefer the high of a sativa dominant or a 50/50 hybrid...I know, I guess I’m just a wooose but I at least like to"]
["                             be able to walk and talk when I’m buzzed.\""]
[]
["                             “It turns out that the Master Kush from Aloha is a very potent strain. It knocks me out but maybe my body"]
["                             chemistry is different from yours! It grows real well and the floral clusters have a delightful aroma to them; like"]
["                             a grape flavour, maybe. Of the ten seeds I grew out, there was a lot of variability in the growing characteristics"]
["                             of the plants. Several were very sativa-dominant. The one I kept as a mother is short-statured and a heavy"]
["                             producer of many small, hard buds. I still cultivate it because I love the hashy smell it releases but as I said,"]
["                             it's effect upon me is mostly a narcotic one in nature.” –Moose"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Smokey Bear"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Produced by Dutch Passion, a cross between the famous Masterkush and KC 33. A very nice outdoor plant."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: 3rd week of Sept."]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Ruderalis Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Ruderalis"]
["                             Strain Type: Ruderalis  Origin: Russia  Breeder: Native Strain  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Pure Ruderalis, despite flowering automatically, finishes in no less than 10 weeks if AT ALL. There is"]
["                             absolutely no use for the plant other than setting flower in equatorial varieties. This comes directly from Nevil"]
["                             and my own experience.” - Lady J"]
[]
["                             “Ruderalis: real Ruderalis is a single stem plant like a willow whip and x number of weeks after germination"]
["                             will begin flowering irrespective of light hours. Once this is in a strain it never goes away even if all auto"]
["                             flowerers are weeded out, it will reappear after a generation or two when the genes recombine to the"]
["                             dominant form its like sickle cell anemia except you cant tell the carriers with Ruderalis. Ruderalis doesn’t"]
["                             have large colas either. In the early days of wild strain collection, indicas from western Afghanistan were often"]
["                             mistakenly called Ruderalis they were early flowering with large colas. They also will often initiate flowering"]
["                             early, but can be reveged. The difference is that with real Ruderalis once flowering is initiated it cant be"]
["                             revegitated you can root cuttings with just a few flowers under 24 hr lighting and it just makes tiny colas. It’s"]
["                             not a thing to pass on to future generations. "]
[]
["                             You can’t tell if the (Ruderalis) gene is in a plant by the look. A friend of ours was developing a version of"]
["                             white widow from a Canadian source extremely potent and resinous after several generations auto flowering"]
["                             turned up so they destroyed the whole line seed stock and all. Why do you think there might be Ruderalis in"]
["                             your strain it seems pretty unlikely to me. A couple of Canadian seed banks have used it quite a lot. In"]
["                             Holland its hardly been used at all, Nevil experimented with it and dropped it. Sensi sell a hybrid version and"]
["                             it is in Swiss Miss / Myst but that’s about it.” - Ot1."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Ruderalis Indica"]
["                             Strain Type: Indica/Ruderalis mix  Origin: Russia, Central Asia  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Flowers automatically Outdoor. Ready 3 * months start to finish. Good for Northern or rough outdoor areas.”"]
["                             – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"The main advantage of the Ruderalis line is that they flower automatically without regard to the amount of"]
["                             light vs. darkness. It's a good strain if you want to grow outdoors and live up north or in a place where there's"]
["                             a relatively short growing period. You could cross it further with quality strains, but you might lose the"]
["                             auto-flowering feature of the Ruderalis.\" -BK_Greenthumb"]
[]
["                             \"I've grown Sensi's Rud. Skunk. The Indica was (apparently) originally a result of much work by Nevil with NL"]
["                             in mid 80's. The HUGE and in-surmountable problem with this variety is mold resistance (or rather, a lack of"]
["                             it): Ruderalis is NOT mold resistant, nor is Northern lights, and nor is skunk. Basically, Sensi are selling seeds"]
["                             for a very specialist environment: northern latitudes, low rainfall (were I come from, this one melted to"]
["                             nothing in early Sept., well before it matured). On top of that, it doesn’t taste to fine either. Also remember"]
["                             that with auto flowering, you get no chance to filter for sex, so you've got to grow all your seed. Only 25% of"]
["                             the seed planted will be early flowering female (75% of your plants will either be male or mature to late to be"]
["                             any good!)\" -retro13"]
["                             “The ones I grew (from Sensi) flowered at 24/0, but only some of the plants did flower. Ended up with one"]
["                             excellent male and a nice but low-potency female. The male produced a nice buzz even from the leaves."]
["                             Made some F2 seeds for further breeding. About 100 days from seed to harvest under a 24/0 light period.”"]
["                             -Epikur"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Shiva Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                           Strain: Shiva"]
["                           Strain Type: Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                           Images:  "]
["                           Description:"]
[]
["                           “Pungent Afghan smell with Indica. Short bushy plant. Heavy good quality crop. Best for inside cultivation.”"]
[]
["                           Specifications:"]
["                           none"]
["                           Growers Comments:"]
["                           none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Shiva Shanti I and II"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2  3   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This Afghani with its penetrating Indica aroma is one of the better yielders in the collection. Its pleasant"]
["                             taste and above average potency make this an attractive variety for beginners.” – Sensi Seed Bank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"The Shiva Shanti I is a 3 way hybrid which consists mostly of an Afghani strain that we call Garlic Bud because"]
["                             of its aroma characteristic. The Shiva Shanti II contains a smaller part of this Garlic Bud and is added with"]
["                             skunk and another Afghani. It is a less stable 4-way hybrid but quality wise very nice. The flowering time will"]
["                             be somewhere between 45 and 55 days. It is also an F1.\"- Alan Dronkers, Sensi Seed Bank"]
[]
["                             \"Shiva 2 is a quick, crystally below average yielder. It has a very up quality to the high.\""]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Southeast Asian  "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Cambodian"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa  Origin:   Breeder: Native Strain  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Smoked some Cambodian in 67. It was the best we had ever seen at that time. About the size of the later"]
["                             Thai sticks but it was one bud, the length of a fold lock bag, light gold, $15.00 (we thought the guy was nuts,"]
["                             [$10.00 for 4 fingers at that time] till it kicked our ass. Haven't seen any since.\" -Wesos"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Uncategorized Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: AK-47"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Afghanistan/Holland  Breeder: Serious Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A 1995 Cannabis Cup winner. This is a very popular sweet plant.3rd place winner 9th Cannabis Cup. A very"]
["                             potent 50% Indica/50% Sativa cross nicknamed The Killer! Aromatic, sweet tasting producing an incredible"]
["                             debilitating high. Excellent indoor and hydroponic results. This is a truly militant strain! Expect severe cerebral"]
["                             damage. Takes no prisoners! Highly recommended. An absolute must! AK-47 as the name implies will blow"]
["                             you away. Peaceful people that we are, we wanted to convey in a sentence the power of this plant, \"A real one"]
["                             hit wonder\". AK-47 shot us into 2nd place as a seed company in the 1995 cup, and in '94 it blew away the"]
["                             judges and took 2nd place in the hydro competition along with 3rd place in the overall Cannabis Cup. The"]
["                             short flowering time and hard compact buds that ooze glistening trichomes are a delicacy to the proud farmer."]
["                             An Indica/Sativa bred with powerful effect and sweet smell in mind."]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Mostly Sativa, Flower: 50-57 days, Yield: 250-350 grams/m2, Height: 100-150 cm.” –Serious Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Nevil went to great expense to obtain seeds, a commitment that is best illustrated by a secret trip to"]
["                             Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. According to the Moslem legend, one of Mohammed's sons died in"]
["                             Mazar-i-Sharif. Consequently, it is a very holy city. It is also known for high quality hashish. Although hash"]
["                             from the area had been readily available in the late 70's, the Soviet invasion of that country greatly reduced"]
["                             exports. In 1985, an Afghan refugee told Nevil the (cannabis) fields around Mazar-i-Sharif were being"]
["                             destroyed. \"That was what I needed to hear\" says Nevil, \" I caught the next plane to Pakistan to save the"]
["                             strain\" "]
["                             \"After being smuggled into a refugee camp in Peshawar while lying on the floor of a car, Nevil made contact"]
["                             with a 30-year old Muslim fanatic who had a throbbing vein that ran from between his eyes straight up to his"]
["                             forehead. The man took a lump of black hash out of his pocket and told Nevil that it had been processed by"]
["                             his uncle, a man known as Mister Hashish. Surrounded by four men pointing machine guns at him, Nevil set"]
["                             about negotiating with Mr. Hashish, a Mujahedin commander, and finally persuaded him to send a squad of"]
["                             his men 280 miles into Soviet occupied territory and come back with two kilos of healthy Mazari seeds. "]
["                             Nevil added \" He thought I was ridiculous because I didn't want to buy hashish or opium. Nobody had ever"]
["                             come out to buy seeds, and at first he had no idea what I was talking about. I tried there trying to explain"]
["                             genetics to this tribal hash leader in sign language. When he finally figured out what I wanted, he asked too"]
["                             much money. I took a zero off his price and gave him 10% up front. He called me a bandit, but I had the"]
["                             seeds four days later.\" - Nevil Schoenbottom, High Times Magazine, March 1987"]
[]
["                             “If you got the real stuff from serious, the trick will be remaining patient while those babies mature. My AK-47"]
["                             seeds produced two outstanding mothers, each of which are about the best smoke I or any of my friends"]
["                             have ever had (plus a few other very interesting plants). "]
["                             My seedlings didn't show a lot of vigor, but that may have been from overwatering on my part - I was"]
["                             completely new at the whole thing. They tend to be pretty sativa in appearance, though I did get a couple of"]
["                             slightly indica types. They show preflowers at about six weeks, and do best topped back before flowering."]
["                             They grow a lot, and stretch if you're not careful with them. My best smoking mothers weren't great yielders,"]
["                             but they were tall. Just not great branching. Best to grow them SOG with tight spacing. Although I did get one"]
["                             mother that branched like crazy, but the buds were stringy and stemmy and I won't be growing her out again."]
["                             I never had any problems with infestations or nutrients. You can give them high nutrient doses and they do"]
["                             fine. Flowering time tends to be long, between 56-70 days, depending on the mother, although you can go"]
["                             short, but it hurts the yield. Yields in general were not great, but then neither is my growing technique and"]
["                             experience. Others report pretty good yields from what I hear. "]
["                             The high is just plain supreme. Very up, cerebral, but smooth and completely non-paranoid. No racing. My"]
["                             musician friends completely love the stuff. Very compatible with activity, especially creative pastimes. Good"]
["                             for parties also. Very social.” – Castanza"]
[]
["                             “AK47 (Blue Bird Coffee shop): “Nice & complex high. Flavorful taste. Elements of both sides of the cannabis"]
["                             spectrum are clearly pronounced.” - Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                             “These dark green buds are very resin-y and have bunches of short, red hairs throughout. Some buds are"]
["                             less green with more hairs. This hydro has a very pungent, sweet, skunky green smell that will make your"]
["                             mouth water and will put a smile on your face. One or two small, crystally stems to chew on are all the"]
["                             non-smokables you get. The fluffy, compact buds break up nicely and will leave plenty of polleny crystals on"]
["                             your fingers. The smooth, skunky smoke tastes sweet and flowery, though it is expansive in the lungs and a"]
["                             bit of a cougher. Overall, the taste is outstanding. Not overly visual, a strongly mellowing high ensues that is"]
["                             conducive to listening to music, watching a movie or maybe hanging out at a Coffeeshop. This bud could get"]
["                             you to open your bag of Oreo's or order 'patat' on your way home.” - Dankmaster"]
[]
["                             “If a sledge hammer to the head is what your looking for then AK is your girl how it grows yield and buds"]
["                             depends on which side of sativa/indica spectrum is more dominant indica ones one grow short and yielded"]
["                             large fluffy semi dense buds at 50 days very crystally with a spicy smell and woody like taste its high was"]
["                             strong and lasting but not like the sativa. The sativa is longer but is the better one. It produced hard size"]
["                             pine cone shaped buds at 70 days super crystally (not like G13xNL that’s the queen of resin) with very little"]
["                             leaf a very nice spicy smell and woody taste that would take your lungs inside out and gasping for breath"]
["                             really strong more up but still slammin hard lasting high I got a headache from smoking too much of this"]
["                             one:)... that’s all I know..Hope this helps your choice.” - Dankmaster"]
[]
["                             “How it grows and yields depends on which side of spectrum is more dominant. I have 2 mothers: one mostly"]
["                             indica and shorter nodes large nuggs with a fat top it built buds much different than the other that went the"]
["                             usual way sorta stacked single blade leaves it didn’t decrease in blade numbers with lots of clusters had great"]
["                             gland production and a killer spicy wood-like smell. It flowered for about 50 days potency was strong and UP."]
["                             The mostly sativa grew a bit larger and longer nodes but flowered much better than the indica, solid dense"]
["                             large nuggs covered in twice as much glands as the other. It flowered for 75 days. The high on this is the"]
["                             best; the smoke will tear your lungs apart and will smash ya within minutes. I found when I smoke too much"]
["                             of this one I would get a headache. Guess its very strong but not strong enough like G13xNL and plan on"]
["                             breeding my AK indica with G13xNL pollen that was I given its already been given the name Uzi... Well hope"]
["                             that helps ya out its 2nd best in my book and nothing beats the G13-NL.” – Dankmaster"]
[]
["                             “This type of question is always difficult to answer... Northern Lights is a real favorite of mine, that is because"]
["                             it gets me really mellow without blowing my brains out. NL5 x Haze is a similar type of stone but much more"]
["                             potent, and after a few tokes leaves me happily floppy! AK47 is not my type of high... it makes me unable to"]
["                             function without making a super human effort, and I am not super human.” – Mike"]
[]
["                             “NL is a great plant: taste, high, potency, yield, and growth wise. AK is stronger and yields more. But I'd have"]
["                             to repeat you probably wouldn't want to smoke the AK all day if you’re a chronic toker as many of us are. It"]
["                             will give you a headache/non-functioning state of bliss. NL is a more functional high (but still very strong) with"]
["                             a trademark taste and growing ease, short stature. NL has sidebranching also. Too many factors involved"]
["                             picking a general winner, but enough to pinpoint a personal winner for you. AK doesn't smell like blue berry"]
["                             where a single bud can fill a room but it still smells [at least serious seeds version does] A small extract fan"]
["                             should keep the house sweet! I'm not that impressed with AK a big initial hit then it fades away so you need"]
["                             another.” - Oldtimer1"]
[]
["                             I've grown the AK-47 and in my opinion its a better high and much easier to grow than WW. I got the seeds"]
["                             from Greenhouse in Amsterdam. I believe it was by Serious Seeds. It grows reasonably fast, flowers in about"]
["                             7 weeks from 12/12. It tends to flower on its own but not so much as to be a big problem. The ones I grew"]
["                             out were fairly uniform but there was some variation. The smell was good and the high was excellent.”-"]
["                             -Greenman."]
[]
["                             “Seriously, IMHO, skunk X big Bud or AK-47 are excellent strains for the experienced grower. Skunk strains"]
["                             are stable, pure strains and very predictable when purchased from reliable sources. AK-47 is a multi-way"]
["                             hybrid with excellent yield when grown well, with a world class high.” - Kohala"]
[]
["                             \"This one is hard to say since its a strain that reflects both sides of spectrum. Will grow short to medium and"]
["                             short to leggy nodes will grow sativa like fans or more indica style. This all depends on what you pick...an"]
["                             indica style had big fat nuggs, a bit airy though with a different budding structure that packed single blades"]
["                             and clusters, not usual way of decreasing fans blades...Very nice strong spicy smell, very crystally, almost"]
["                             white, strong wood-like taste...and strong heavy high...A Sativa will grow a bit leggier but seems to be the"]
["                             better side of the spectrum....it produces hard fat nuggies, not really big but very dense and much whiter"]
["                             than the indica. It also had much stronger smell of spice and woody taste...and the high was like taking a"]
["                             sledge hammer to your head!! That by far is the best one and you don't need to search for another...you will"]
["                             be very happy with both\" -sloppy seconds"]
[]
["                             “A Sativa-Indica hybrid that produces a quick stone with a long lasting cerebral high. She is tall with large girth"]
["                             and giant calyxes. The aroma is spicy with a slight sandalwood taste. This girl can satisfy any connoisseurs'"]
["                             taste. So wake and bake with a bud of AK.” – seedbank catalog"]
["                             “These dark green buds are very resin-y and have bunches of short, red hairs throughout. Some buds are"]
["                             less green with more hairs. This hydro has a very pungent, sweet, skunky green smell that will make your"]
["                             mouth water and will put a smile on your face. One or two small, crystally stems to chew on are all the"]
["                             non-smokables you get. The fluffy, compact buds break up nicely and will leave plenty of polleny crystals on"]
["                             your fingers. The smooth, skunky smoke tastes sweet and flowery, though it is expansive in the lungs and a"]
["                             bit of a cougher. Overall, the taste is outstanding. Not overly visual, a strongly mellowing high ensues that is"]
["                             conducive to listening to music, watching a movie or maybe hanging out at a Coffeeshop. This bud could get"]
["                             you to open your bag of Oreo's or order 'patat' on your way home. **** ” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                              Strain: Himalayan Gold"]
["                              Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: India  Breeder: Arjan, Green House Seed Co.  "]
["                              Images:  "]
["                              Description:"]
[]
["                              “Taste: Fruity freshness that feels light, with a tang. Smell: A blend oh Himalayan alpine flowers with a hint of"]
["                              the tropics. Visuals: Strong yellow hairs that are long and flat. Misty crystal structure set on a pale green bud."]
["                              Compact form with great size colas. Touch: Small sticky crystals fill this plant's flower, so the feeling is a sticky"]
["                              sweetness. Stone: A very creative high. Great for a happy day. Strike the flow of new ideas in a fluid sort of"]
["                              way. Family Heritage: Nepalese & No. Indian. An interesting blend of Indicas and Sativas. – Green House Seed"]
["                              Co. catalog"]
[]
["                              Specifications:"]
[]
["                              Vegetative Time: For indoors a suggested minimum of 2 – 4 weeks. For outside germinate - May or by the end"]
["                              of spring. Flowering Time: For indoors a suggested time of 8 - 10 weeks. For outside - it will be ready early"]
["                              autumn. A substantial yield will be expected. Achievements: Special for Outdoor - But a nice surprise for"]
["                              the\"glasshouse-grower\".” – Green House Seed Co. catalog"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                              “I sampled Himalayan Gold while in 'Dam last year. It's an extremely cerebral herb. The kind of high where you"]
["                              can't control your thoughts well enough to formulate a sentence to explain how you feel!! The taste reminded"]
["                              me of Colombian, kind of tawny and light, it was pale green/gold with yellow/brown pistils. Seeing as how it has"]
["                              the sativa high you could guess that it would also have the sativa growth traits.” –Geronimo"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Kerala Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This Southern Indian variety is crossed with Skunk #1 (F1 hybrid). As a whole the plants have a Sativa"]
["                             appearance (87.5% Sativa, 12.5% Indica). The buds have a sweet exotic smell and taste and a very clear"]
["                             medium strong high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 10-11 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Oct.” –Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                            Strain: Mangolian Indica"]
["                            Strain Type: Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                            Images:  1  2   "]
["                            Description:"]
[]
["                            “This variety produces an almost pure Indica with fantastic mango bouquet and savory taste. She possesses a"]
["                            slight skunk influence and is delightfully fragrant. The stone is long lasting and lethargic. Great for those"]
["                            non-motivational daze."]
[]
["                            Specifications:"]
[]
["                            ~ Type: Indica, indoor and outdoor. Start vegetate: 1 week after roots show. Clip center cola."]
["                            Flowering time: 55-60 days. Average height: 1 m. Yield: 300-325 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha"]
["                            seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                            Growers Comments:"]
["                            none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Mullimbimby Madness"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Australia  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"I have crossed a Mullimbimby Madness female to a almost pure indica male. The mother was growing"]
["                             outdoors and took 13 weeks to finish budding and was huge, to big. Lucky for high fences and no nosey"]
["                             neighbors. The buds were sticky long colas with a strange smell, very fruity and very fluffy. The leaves were"]
["                             real lady fingers and it had a extremely high calyx to leaf ratio. The father showed signs of pollen sacs after"]
["                             5 days and the female of the variety finishes in 50 days. Hopefully when I grow out the seeds I can get a"]
["                             earlier producing type like the mother suitable 4 indoors. Maybe after a few backcrosses who knows. I have"]
["                             tried the mum indoors but is to uncontrollable like a octopus. The Madness gets to big 4 indoors even if you"]
["                             put it in straight on 12 hrs but hopefully crossed with a indica might bring it back a little."]
[]
["                             I've heard many conflicting reports as to what actually is the parent makeup 4 the Mullimbimby. I know 4"]
["                             sure that there is Thai, Colombian, Mexican, Hawaiian, New Guinean, Indian and Lebanese. In the late sixties"]
["                             and early seventies many a hippy and surfer traveled to those wonderful areas bringing back with them a bit"]
["                             of personal stash. From what I gather after talking to a few of the older guys is that it took them quite awhile"]
["                             to get the finished product. They kept adding strains after guys came back and grew out their seeds. When"]
["                             they had a plant that was near perfect they stopped and started to let it pollinate itself over many years. It's"]
["                             very Sativa apart from the Lebanese but I think 4 the wait it is well worth it.\" - Delta9"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                           Strain: Slyder"]
["                           Strain Type: Indica  Origin: Afghanistan/Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                           Images:  "]
["                           Description:"]
[]
["                           “This Indica plant produces dense, crystallized buds with a strong aroma. Originally developed from seeds"]
["                           obtained in Afghanistan. The strain was crossed with a potent Northern Light to make it possible to be"]
["                           cultivated indoors. This variety is superb for indoor production because of low smell and high yields with punch."]
["                           She produces a strong lethargic stone that induces an imagined paralysis or weightiness to the feet. Persons"]
["                           often will \"slide\" their feet instead of lifting them, usually from the television to the kitchen and back again."]
["                           Hence the name Slyder. Best enjoyed around the house on lazy Sundaze. So smoke another toke, and slide"]
["                           into another reality."]
[]
["                           Specifications:"]
[]
["                           ~ Type: almost pure Indica. Start vegetate: 1 week after roots show. Clip center cola. Flowering"]
["                           time: 55-60 days. Average height: 1 meter. Yield: 300-325 grams / m2 (dried)” – Sagarmatha catalog"]
[]
["                           Growers Comments:"]
["                           none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: South Indian x Skunk #1"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Kerala, India  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “F-1 hybrid Sativa/Indica: 87.5/12.5 Appearence: like Skunk #1, but more Sativa Smell/taste: very sweet"]
["                             smell and taste. – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Height: 2m Yield: med. Harvest date (Netherlands natural photoperiod): begin Nov 12hr day exposure"]
["                             harvest (# of weeks): 10-12 indoor / greenhouse” – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                            Strain: Special K"]
["                            Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: Afghanistan/Holland  Breeder: Sagarmatha Seeds  "]
["                            Images:  1  2   "]
["                            Description:"]
[]
["                            Same heritage as AK-47.``“A Sativa-Indica hybrid that produces a quick stone with a long-lasting cerebral"]
["                            high. She is tall with large girth and giant calyxes. The aroma is spicy with a slight sandalwood taste. This girl"]
["                            can satisfy any connoisseurs' taste. So wake and bake with a bud of Special K.\" -Sagarmatha seedbank"]
["                            catalog"]
[]
["                            Specifications:"]
[]
["                            Specifications ~ Type: Indica-Sativa, indoor. Start vegetate: flower shortly after roots show. Flowering time:"]
["                            65-75 days. Average height: 1.2-1.5 m. Yield: 325-425 grams / m2 (dried).” – Sagarmatha seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                            Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                            \"Nevil went to great expense to obtain seeds, a commitment that is best illustrated by a secret trip to"]
["                            Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. According to the Moslem legend, one of Mohammed's sons died in"]
["                            Mazar-i-Sharif. Consequently, it is a very holy city. It is also known for high quality hashish. Although hash"]
["                            from the area had been readily available in the late 70's, the Soviet invasion of that country greatly reduced"]
["                            exports. In 1985, an Afghan refugee told Nevil the (cannabis) fields around Mazar-i-Sharif were being"]
["                            destroyed. \"That was what I needed to hear\" says Nevil, \" I caught the next plane to Pakistan to save the"]
["                            strain\" "]
["                            \"After being smuggled into a refugee camp in Peshawar while lying on the floor of a car, Nevil made contact"]
["                            with a 30-year old Muslim fanatic who had a throbbing vein that ran from between his eyes straight up to his"]
["                            forehead. The man took a lump of black hash out of his pocket and told Nevil that it had been processed by"]
["                            his uncle, a man known as Mister Hashish. Surrounded by four men pointing machine guns at him, Nevil set"]
["                            about negotiating with Mr. Hashish, a Mujahedin commander, and finally persuaded him to send a squad of"]
["                            his men 280 miles into Soviet occupied territory and come back with two kilos of healthy Mazari seeds. "]
["                            Nevil added \" He thought I was ridiculous because I didn't want to buy hashish or opium. Nobody had ever"]
["                            come out to buy seeds, and at first he had no idea what I was talking about. I tried there trying to explain"]
["                            genetics to this tribal hash leader in sign language. When he finally figured out what I wanted, he asked too"]
["                            much money. I took a zero off his price and gave him 10% up front. He called me a bandit, but I had the"]
["                            seeds four days later.\" - Nevil Schoenbottom, High Times Magazine, March 1987"]
[]
["                            “If you got the real stuff from serious, the trick will be remaining patient while those babies mature. My AK-47"]
["                            seeds produced two outstanding mothers, each of which are about the best smoke I or any of my friends have"]
["                            ever had (plus a few other very interesting plants). "]
["                            My seedlings didn't show a lot of vigor, but that may have been from overwatering on my part - I was"]
["                            completely new at the whole thing. They tend to be pretty sativa in appearance, though I did get a couple of"]
["                            slightly indica types. They show preflowers at about six weeks, and do best topped back before flowering. They"]
["                            grow a lot, and stretch if you're not careful with them. My best smoking mothers weren't great yielders, but"]
["                            they were tall. Just not great branching. Best to grow them SOG with tight spacing. Although I did get one"]
["                            mother that branched like crazy, but the buds were stringy and stemmy and I won't be growing her out again."]
["                            I never had any problems with infestations or nutrients. You can give them high nutrient doses and they do"]
["                            fine. Flowering time tends to be long, between 56-70 days, depending on the mother, although you can go"]
["                            short, but it hurts the yield. Yields in general were not great, but then neither is my growing technique and"]
["                            experience. Others report pretty good yields from what I hear. "]
["                            The high is just plain supreme. Very up, cerebral, but smooth and completely non-paranoid. No racing. My"]
["                            musician friends completely love the stuff. Very compatible with activity, especially creative pastimes. Good for"]
["                            parties also. Very social.” – Castanza"]
[]
["                            “AK47 (Blue Bird Coffee shop): “Nice & complex high. Flavorful taste. Elements of both sides of the cannabis"]
["                            spectrum are clearly pronounced.” - Prince Caspian"]
[]
["                            “These dark green buds are very resin-y and have bunches of short, red hairs throughout. Some buds are less"]
["                            green with more hairs. This hydro has a very pungent, sweet, skunky green smell that will make your mouth"]
["                            water and will put a smile on your face. One or two small, crystally stems to chew on are all the non-smokables"]
["                            you get. The fluffy, compact buds break up nicely and will leave plenty of polleny crystals on your fingers. The"]
["                            smooth, skunky smoke tastes sweet and flowery, though it is expansive in the lungs and a bit of a cougher."]
["                            Overall, the taste is outstanding. Not overly visual, a strongly mellowing high ensues that is conducive to"]
["                            listening to music, watching a movie or maybe hanging out at a Coffeeshop. This bud could get you to open"]
["                            your bag of Oreo's or order 'patat' on your way home.” - Dankmaster"]
[]
["                            “If a sledge hammer to the head is what your looking for then AK is your girl how it grows yield and buds"]
["                            depends on which side of sativa/indica spectrum is more dominant indica ones one grow short and yielded"]
["                            large fluffy semi dense buds at 50 days very crystally with a spicy smell and woody like taste its high was"]
["                            strong and lasting but not like the sativa. The sativa is longer but is the better one. It produced hard size pine"]
["                            cone shaped buds at 70 days super crystally (not like G13xNL that’s the queen of resin) with very little leaf a"]
["                            very nice spicy smell and woody taste that would take your lungs inside out and gasping for breath really"]
["                            strong more up but still slammin hard lasting high I got a headache from smoking too much of this one:)..."]
["                            that’s all I know..Hope this helps your choice.” - Dankmaster"]
[]
["                            “How it grows and yields depends on which side of spectrum is more dominant. I have 2 mothers: one mostly"]
["                            indica and shorter nodes large nuggs with a fat top it built buds much different than the other that went the"]
["                            usual way sorta stacked single blade leaves it didn’t decrease in blade numbers with lots of clusters had great"]
["                            gland production and a killer spicy wood-like smell. It flowered for about 50 days potency was strong and UP."]
["                            The mostly sativa grew a bit larger and longer nodes but flowered much better than the indica, solid dense"]
["                            large nuggs covered in twice as much glands as the other. It flowered for 75 days. The high on this is the"]
["                            best; the smoke will tear your lungs apart and will smash ya within minutes. I found when I smoke too much"]
["                            of this one I would get a headache. Guess its very strong but not strong enough like G13xNL and plan on"]
["                            breeding my AK indica with G13xNL pollen that was I given its already been given the name Uzi... Well hope"]
["                            that helps ya out its 2nd best in my book and nothing beats the G13-NL.” – Dankmaster"]
[]
["                            “This type of question is always difficult to answer... Northern Lights is a real favorite of mine, that is because"]
["                            it gets me really mellow without blowing my brains out. NL5 x Haze is a similar type of stone but much more"]
["                            potent, and after a few tokes leaves me happily floppy! AK47 is not my type of high... it makes me unable to"]
["                            function without making a super human effort, and I am not super human.” – Mike"]
[]
["                            “NL is a great plant: taste, high, potency, yield, and growth wise. AK is stronger and yields more. But I'd have"]
["                            to repeat you probably wouldn't want to smoke the AK all day if you’re a chronic toker as many of us are. It will"]
["                            give you a headache/non-functioning state of bliss. NL is a more functional high (but still very strong) with a"]
["                            trademark taste and growing ease, short stature. NL has sidebranching also. Too many factors involved"]
["                            picking a general winner, but enough to pinpoint a personal winner for you. AK doesn't smell like blue berry"]
["                            where a single bud can fill a room but it still smells [at least serious seeds version does] A small extract fan"]
["                            should keep the house sweet! I'm not that impressed with AK a big initial hit then it fades away so you need"]
["                            another.” - Oldtimer1"]
[]
["                            I've grown the AK-47 and in my opinion its a better high and much easier to grow than WW. I got the seeds"]
["                            from Greenhouse in Amsterdam. I believe it was by Serious Seeds. It grows reasonably fast, flowers in about 7"]
["                            weeks from 12/12. It tends to flower on its own but not so much as to be a big problem. The ones I grew out"]
["                            were fairly uniform but there was some variation. The smell was good and the high was excellent.”-"]
["                            -Greenman."]
[]
["                            “Seriously, IMHO, skunk X big Bud or AK-47 are excellent strains for the experienced grower. Skunk strains are"]
["                            stable, pure strains and very predictable when purchased from reliable sources. AK-47 is a multi-way hybrid"]
["                            with excellent yield when grown well, with a world class high.” - Kohala"]
[]
["                            \"This one is hard to say since its a strain that reflects both sides of spectrum. Will grow short to medium and"]
["                            short to leggy nodes will grow sativa like fans or more indica style. This all depends on what you pick...an"]
["                            indica style had big fat nuggs, a bit airy though with a different budding structure that packed single blades"]
["                            and clusters, not usual way of decreasing fans blades...Very nice strong spicy smell, very crystally, almost"]
["                            white, strong wood-like taste...and strong heavy high...A Sativa will grow a bit leggier but seems to be the"]
["                            better side of the spectrum....it produces hard fat nuggies, not really big but very dense and much whiter than"]
["                            the indica. It also had much stronger smell of spice and woody taste...and the high was like taking a sledge"]
["                            hammer to your head!! That by far is the best one and you don't need to search for another...you will be very"]
["                            happy with both\" -sloppy seconds"]
[]
["                            “A Sativa-Indica hybrid that produces a quick stone with a long lasting cerebral high. She is tall with large girth"]
["                            and giant calyxes. The aroma is spicy with a slight sandalwood taste. This girl can satisfy any connoisseurs'"]
["                            taste. So wake and bake with a bud of AK.” – seedbank catalog"]
["                            “These dark green buds are very resin-y and have bunches of short, red hairs throughout. Some buds are less"]
["                            green with more hairs. This hydro has a very pungent, sweet, skunky green smell that will make your mouth"]
["                            water and will put a smile on your face. One or two small, crystally stems to chew on are all the non-smokables"]
["                            you get. The fluffy, compact buds break up nicely and will leave plenty of polleny crystals on your fingers. The"]
["                            smooth, skunky smoke tastes sweet and flowery, though it is expansive in the lungs and a bit of a cougher."]
["                            Overall, the taste is outstanding. Not overly visual, a strongly mellowing high ensues that is conducive to"]
["                            listening to music, watching a movie or maybe hanging out at a Coffeeshop. This bud could get you to open"]
["                            your bag of Oreo's or order 'patat' on your way home. **** ” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Super Chrystal"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Indica  Origin: India/Holland  Breeder: Homegrown Fantaseeds  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Super Chrystal is produced by Homegrown Fantaseeds. Super shiva mix. 75% Indica, beautiful and nice"]
["                             plant to grow. Strong oriental taste, heavy stone. Low compact plant."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 7-8 weeks” - Homegrown Fantaseeds catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “A follow up on Super Crystal from HGF, the first go around out of three beans only one female resulted, and"]
["                             she was whorled and not very good, medium quality smoke, Super soil, organic ferts 80 watts per sq. ft., of"]
["                             mixed spec light, 2 gal pots no C02. The second set of 3 beans yielded 2 ladies of only slightly better quality,"]
["                             the only bright spot being that they yielded about 40 grams per gallon. Sup Crystal will not be a repeat, I"]
["                             guess it really does go to show, that cup winners mean nothing, the samples can be one thing and the beans"]
["                             sold to the public another. Don't get me wrong, no conspiracy theories or collusion or anything, I just mean"]
["                             very variable outcomes. I'm sure allowed to grow out enough seeds, one can find examples that are like the"]
["                             plants that generated the samples to win the CCup, but they were not in this pack.” – Budm"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Thai"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: Thailand  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “This variety grown in Holland is a pure Sativa, selected for short size and early bloom. Large buds full of"]
["                             resin, with typical Thai flavor and aroma. Very strong and energetic “up” high. Very high yields, easy to"]
["                             cultivate."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 10-14 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Nov.” – Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “This dry, compact, seedy bud is dark brown with some dark green spots. The outdoor grown buds are thin"]
["                             and runny and also lightly resiny. It has a spicy, earthy scent and an earthy, brown, full taste. The high is"]
["                             energetic. ***1/2” – Homepage Amsterdam"]
[]
["                             “If its a Thai indica, its not really a true Thai, but probably will be great anyway. The Original or true Thai is"]
["                             unique in many ways and is at the far opposite side of the cannabis family compared to indicas, many"]
["                             growers cross Thais with their wonderful high with to faster finishing Indies to get a plant with an up high that"]
["                             will finish under two months. Thais grow fast, tall and are similar to a willow tree in its growth pattern with its"]
["                             long thin floppy branches, but matures slow (indoors they need lots of light watts per sq. ft to have decent"]
["                             buds, 25 or 30 just wont be enough, try for at least 50 watts/sq.ft. or more, drop most of their multi fingered"]
["                             leaves towards the end of flowering, they don’t mind higher than average grow room temperatures (under"]
["                             90F/30C) and expect to wait forever to harvest, 100 days is normal under ideal conditions and that’s why"]
["                             nobody grows pure Thai indoors although reducing the flowering stage \" lights on \" period each week or day"]
["                             from the time you turn the lights to flower them , go from 12.5/11.5 gradually down to 10.5/13.5 over an"]
["                             expected 3 month flowering time will speed up the harvest date by a week or two ) and is prone to hermies ,"]
["                             about 3 hermies , 4 males and 3 females out of ten seedlings would be normal . Their seeds are usually"]
["                             small, without markings or lines and readily drop to the ground when fully formed and matured (and that"]
["                             makes them a bastard to find!). Most Thai crosses have seeds with dark lines or other markings on them."]
["                             Thais tend to have long thin leaves, be mold resilient due to the very thin wispy long buds, don’t \" resin up “"]
["                             as much as indicas, drop most of their multi fingered leaves as it approaches harvest time and you have to"]
["                             be on the look out for the odd male flower which tend to appear at any time but mostly during the middle to"]
["                             late stages of flowering. If you discover a male flower on a \" female \" (they are called \"Katoeys\" in Thailand)"]
["                             pick it off, but if you see 3 then 4 then more pull the whole plant otherwise you’ll have enough seeds to grow"]
["                             an acre next summer! dry it and try it out or if the weather permits plant it outside. The only good hermie is a"]
["                             dead one. Try to very lightly pollinate some branches on your young females, some say it will stop hermies"]
["                             developing although I do it sometimes, I’m not sure if it actually works. The growth patterns, shapes, heights"]
["                             and bud sizes vary greatly with Thais I have seen, I guess, due to cross breeding by commercial growers for a"]
["                             quicker turnover (make that the bent Cambodian army generals and Thai gangsters) over the last 25 years."]
["                             Some Thais have a Xmas tree shape with 2-ft long continuous buds and a main cola and others look like a"]
["                             willow tree with knotty dreadlocks at harvest time. The high can vary greatly also with some Thais or"]
["                             Thai/hybrids going from a hard instant knockout punch to a spacey speedy high but is almost always strong."]
["                             The average Thai is strong, a bit druggy and a bit spacey. If you manage to grow a few sensimilla style the"]
["                             high will be better than most Thai commercial, probably more on the spacey surreal side if you grow it to its"]
["                             full potential and pick it just right hmmm although I’ve tasted some home grown sense Thai that was very"]
["                             heavy and others that were almost trippy, nothing beats a good home sub-tropical grown Thai with that trippy"]
["                             ride, beats the hell out of those tasty 49 day Dutch weeds.” - bone-tired"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Voodoo"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Thailand/Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “A green strain, developed from Thai parents in 1997. The Thai parents having grown in Holland for years"]
["                             already. A very strong plant with long thick buds. Has a Thai aroma and a clear, fresh smell. Sativa high, very"]
["                             productive."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 7 weeks ~ Harvest: 1st week of Oct.” Dutch Passion seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["Region: African Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                      Family: Durban Strains"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                              Strain: Durban"]
["                              Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: South Africa  Breeder: Sensi Seed Bank  "]
["                              Images:  "]
["                              Description:"]
[]
["                              “A very early strain from South Africa. Durban is a compact Sativa with a sweet aroma and an up high. One of"]
["                              the most reliable early outdoor varieties, it will produce chunky, solid buds even during the worst season. If you"]
["                              haven't tried Durban, you are missing out on one of the easiest-to-grow, highest-quality early varieties in the"]
["                              world."]
["                              Durban Poison"]
["                              - Outdoor / Indoor "]
[]
["                              “This strain is famous throughout the world. Non hybridized sativa. Not only confined to Natal, but grown widely"]
["                              across South Africa leading to variable quality. Our seeds selected only from experienced growers giving"]
["                              consistent 'kick ass' plants loaded with resin. Height 6 - 9 ft, flowering period 8 weeks outdoors, 10 weeks"]
["                              indoors.” -African Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                              Durban Poison - Native"]
["                              - Outdoors / Indoors"]
[]
["                              “Specially selected seeds from crops grown in the wild, these seeds will give consistently good sativa plants with"]
["                              high yields and large buds. Nice herbal taste and strong 'physical high'. Flowering period 8 weeks. Also good"]
["                              indoor results.” -African Seeds catalog"]
[]
["                              Specifications:"]
[]
["                              Finishing: end of Sept. Height: 1.5 - 2.5 m. Yield: up to 400 gr.” - Sensi Seed Bank Catalog 1995"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                              \"I grew Sensi's Durban this year and it has the anise flavor (dry toke) and it is very sweet/fruity smelling.You"]
["                              get a relaxed body high with a mild mind high. It is worthy grow for personal stash, but definitely not for"]
["                              commercial purposes, low yield. Many of my friends who are indica smokers liked the high of the Durban. They"]
["                              said they could still function, but felt high.\" -Mota"]
[]
["                              \"2 many males+2 little potency+2 small a yield = on sale baby\"-toker2"]
[]
["                              “The West Coast variety never finished outdoors in time in Seattle. I grew it twice and pulled it early due to"]
["                              mold both times. I'm guessing it would have taken until mid to late October to mature. The Dutch version?"]
["                              Don't know.” - SCW"]
[]
["                              “Same with the Dutch version- mid to late October.” - danny"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Durban Poison"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: South Africa  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  1  2   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Imported from South Africa, produced in Holland. Exclusively inbred, never hybridized, 100% Sativa. Large"]
["                             long bud leaves, buds are also large and long with lots of resin. A sweet licorice or anise flavor. “Up” high"]
["                             similar to Thai. High yields. Well suited for out crossing with late bloomers to produce earlier flowering. Also"]
["                             does very well under artificial light."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             ~ Flower: 8-9 weeks ~ Harvest: end of Sept.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"South African (called Durban Poison by some) is the most inconsistent or, more accurately, has the most"]
["                             strikingly different varieties of all marijuana originating from a single country… If you come across what is"]
["                             called South African or Durban Poison in the US, quite probably it originated from stock developed in the"]
["                             1970's by breeders in the San Francisco Bay area….The unnamed breeder had two primary concerns-high"]
["                             potency and early flowering-and he succeeded wonderfully with both goals. This stock is perfect for the indoor"]
["                             gardener no matter what the growing conditions. This Durban Poison strain has broad leaf blades almost like"]
["                             Afghani but long internodes like sativas. Stigmas may be pure white, red, pink, or a delicate purple. Branches"]
["                             grow with differing lengths like Thai, and the profile may be from an eight foot ovoid down to a four-foot"]
["                             squat bush. This Durban is fast-growing, hardy, very early to mature, very potent, tastily sweet or spicy, and"]
["                             fragrant. What more could a grower ask?\"-Mel Frank"]
[]
["                             “M3 Pinetown Durban South Africa Sativa. Known also as Durban Poison. A great high, similar to Thai. One of"]
["                             the earliest maturing original Sativa's. Very suitable for making hybrid crosses. In Holland it flowers the"]
["                             second or third week of September (Outdoors). Taste is sweet. $45 for 15. (Suitable for indoors/outdoors)”"]
["                             -From the Super Sativa Seed Club Catalog 1987/1989"]
[]
["                             \"I was reading that a certain durban sold from a breeder is superior to the others sold from other breeders."]
["                             No, Sensi is not the superior Durban (I think). Ask around, and make sure you buy the best strain of Durban."]
["                             It is renowned for it's early flowering characteristic, it can go outdoors or indoors, and it offers the up sativa"]
["                             high in a fast flowerer. It is also very stable, so you can easily breed your own seed.\"-Big Bong "]
[]
["                             \"I bought some HBC durban (dutch passion) last winter and grew a very nice crop of their durban 1/2 inddor"]
["                             and finished outdoor by mid-spring. a friend gave me 6 of his S.S.B. durban and i grew them out this"]
["                             summer and harvested about 4 weeks ago. both company's durban grew very similar but the HBC durban is"]
["                             wayyyy better. better taste and buzz anyway. even the aroma during growth was different. in my opinion, go"]
["                             with Dutch Passion's version and stay away from Sensi's on this one. I have nothing at all against Sensi Seed"]
["                             Bank but i and others who have sampled both ssb's version and dutch passion's version agree that D.P.'s is"]
["                             much much better. both were grown in the same soil (except for the partial indoor life under 1000k hps along"]
["                             with 500k mh with the d.p. durb.) and all other possible grow conditions differences were eliminated. i.e."]
["                             ....they grew under very similar conditions. s.s.b. is still at or near the top of seedbanks in my book but they"]
["                             kinda missed with this one. this, of course, is mostly just MHO but others agree too and maybe the ones who"]
["                             know what i'm talking about and hang here will put in their 2 cents worth before someone orders and is"]
["                             unhappy a few months down the road.\" -durban grower"]
[]
["                             \"The trick is to not allow too much upward growth- on node 7 or 8, pinch out. Take the bottom 2 branches of."]
["                             You should be left with about 6 branches which will rapidly bush out to form a 'goblet' shape. These branches"]
["                             will, in turn, produce branches growing into centre of plant. These secondary branches should be cut back to"]
["                             about 3 or 4 nodes on the same day that flowering is started. Durban starts to flower very rapidly- you should"]
["                             see signs within a week. After about 10- 14 days, pinch main branch-tips of. These will have shot upwards to"]
["                             form a crown that will now fill out into colas. Final plant should be just over 2 foot from seed or 1.5 foot from"]
["                             cutting. High is totally unbelievable- its like the first time you got stoned, but better- its clean, spacey,"]
["                             cerebral and euphoric. Yield is average, nothing a cash-cropper would be impressed about but for personal its"]
["                             fine.\"-Norweigian Wood"]
[]
["                             \"Mel Frank says that he knows the breeder in California that developed Durban Poison, and that it came from"]
["                             2 females out of 16 grown from 1 variety out of six that came from South Africa. Only those two plants were"]
["                             worth a damn. What he doesn't say is that there must have been some other plants in the mix; a male, eh?"]
["                             He notes that genetics among growers in SA were already all jumbled up from the sources they had to draw"]
["                             on, so the claims that Durban is a pure sativa have to be taken with a grain of salt.\" - SCW"]
[]
["                             \"I'm trying some Durban from Aloha out right now in SOG. I've harvested a small test clone from the female"]
["                             and it was good quality so I have a little sea of her going now.. 4 per foot in organics, mostly castings. She"]
["                             stretched more than I wanted or expected under the 1K Agrosun MH, I was aiming for 2 foot high at finish but"]
["                             will probably hit 2.5. You can train and prune and tie her all over but it won't change the node spacing which"]
["                             makes for the lankiness. Budding them around 6 to 8 inches, or 5 days of veg is about where I'd do it next"]
["                             time. The yield should be good, not great.. it won't be huge like a good indica, but weight has more to do"]
["                             with flowering times and amount of resin (how many cycles per year can you get, and resin weighs alot). I"]
["                             have no idea if these plants are even distant relatives of the seeds you might get.\" - ~shabang~"]
[]
["                             \"I messed around with Durban in a 24\" sog setup, and it just wouldn't work, but I did have one plant that"]
["                             stayed fairly short, so I cloned it for a mother and put it aside for some months. Recently I switched to scrog,"]
["                             and thought of the Durban, so I cloned it up and ran 5 of them under the screen in a 2 x 2' space with a 220"]
["                             HPS conversion bulb. The Durban wanted to run a bit, but that was OK with the screen method. What I have"]
["                             now is a number of 4-8\" flower spikes about the size of large cigars, and there has been no vertical stretching"]
["                             for a couple of weeks. I think it will mature nicely, which is good, as Durban is our #1 favorite day smoke. A"]
["                             bit spindly, yes, but I can live with that; this is not for production, just personal smoke. The moral may be"]
["                             that Durban can work in some inside environments, or maybe just the right Durban. Like I say, so far, so"]
["                             good."]
["                             It's 1 foot to the scrog screen and that gives me another foot until the tops are too close to the light. I may"]
["                             raise the screen a bit next time, as the longest Durban bud is 8 inches. I let the Durban grow until it nearly"]
["                             filled up the scrog screen (not exactly a scientific process), and that took about 3-4 weeks from the rooted"]
["                             clones. Sorry, I don't keep a log book or anything like that, so I'm guessing to some extent."]
["                             From the time the lights went to 12 hours, the Durban looks to finish about 8 weeks. That's sooner than I"]
["                             thought, and I'm basing it on the proportion of white to brown hairs, never actually having Durban go all the"]
["                             way. Outside I had to harvest it early due to mold. I think I'll let it go two more weeks, while I'm away on"]
["                             vacation, to see if it puts on some weight, which will be about 9 weeks from lights out. The sweet indica being"]
["                             grown in the same air chamber is already dead ripe."]
["                             One thing about Durban; it's very prone to mold. I recommend denuding all the stalks beneath the screen"]
["                             and using a fan to provide air flow to that area. I lost several stalks to mold before I opened up the dead"]
["                             space."]
["                             Oh, and one last thing. Remember, I tried Durban sog last year, and it sucked. I had to pull them all out and"]
["                             start over. It was just this one Durban that seemed to have the potential to stay small that I saved, and it"]
["                             turns out to be ideally suited to scrog. I can't promise other Durbans will work out.\" -cha cal"]
[]
["                             \"I grew out sensi durban. Potency on a 1 to 10 a solid four. Very pretty plant but not practical to grow. And"]
["                             too many males. No soaring sativa high.\"-seedydive"]
[]
["                             “I`ve just grown out the durban from sensi....this seed came in original sensi packaging but it was bought"]
["                             when sensi had the buy 1 get 1 free sale going on....I`ve never grown any other \"brand\" of durban so I cant"]
["                             compare...potency is the biggest disappointment from what I`ve had. early maturity was nice, coming in at"]
["                             Sept 20th....the high did not pick me \"up\"...a mild sativa high...\"-straydog"]
[]
["                             \"I grew Dutch Passion's version. It's not worth paying for. From what I hear, the Sensi isn't much better. That"]
["                             is if you’re looking for a pure sativa with an anise flavour. My plants looked like tall indicas. I'm not saying"]
["                             that the plants were absolute crap, just that they were not worth the $11 a seed I paid. Paying $28.50 per"]
["                             blueberry seeds had more value. They were good enough and uniform enough that I've selected the non"]
["                             hermie plants to create backup seed before I dump the lot. "]
["                             I think the wild bank in Africa would be the best source. With any luck, I'll have some coming in the mail any"]
["                             day. I saw some pics of traditional durban leaves at lyceum. Dutch Passion's were not close.\" -Vic High"]
[]
["                             “Today I tasted some Durban Poison for the first time. The plant was not mature yet, all pistils still white on"]
["                             day 60 of 12/12. Durban has a very clear energetic high for me with almost no body. About 90% head, 10%"]
["                             or less body. The aroma is sweet, like tai. It looks a bit like tai also, but much fluffier and less size to the"]
["                             calyxes. It is fun to talk on, go out in public, and energetic. I can see now why many old-timers like it."]
["                             Personally it is a nightmare in ScrOG/indoors and I would not recommend the physical characteristics. It"]
["                             stretches like crazy, and the buds are very fluffy and airy. the colas also fall over before they finish. the colas"]
["                             continue to stretch well into the 2nd month of bloom. I do not know why it is touted as an early variety. The"]
["                             head is great, but I think a cross to Skunk to increase density and resin is in order.” - Splif Lipsit"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                              Strain: Durban Poison X Mighty Might"]
["                              Strain Type: Sativa/Indica mix  Origin: British Columbia  Breeder: Federation Seedbank  "]
["                              Images:  "]
["                              Description:"]
[]
["                              “Better outdoors than Durban alone, yet a better yield than Mighty Might alone. A classic."]
[]
["                              Specifications:"]
[]
["                              (indoors) ~ Flower: 60-65 days ~ Height: 110-140 cm ~ Yield: 300-325 gr/sqM (outdoors) ~"]
["                              Plant: Jun. 1st ~ Finish: Sept. 8-15th ~Height: 5-6’ ~ Yield: 3-4 oz” – Heavens Stairway catalog"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:"]
["                              none"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Durban X Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Origin: South Africa and California Type: F1 hybrid Composition: 12.5 % indica, 87.5% sativa – Positronics"]
["                             seedbank"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Flowering-Time: 8-10 weeks Environment: Fit for inside, outside, and greenhouse cultivation Appearance: The"]
["                             plant has long, sticky buds and many branches Smell/Taste: High, soft taste Height: Medium tall Yield:"]
["                             200-500 gr. Harvest-Time: ± 10 October” – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Very simple pedigree: its an F1 cross of two stable strains: durban poison and skunk (probably skunk#1). Its"]
["                             not the most potent strain ever, but it is nice. Durban gives a good flavour to this plant (durban has a slight"]
["                             taste of aniseed, coffee or liquorice), which grows slightly larger than average skunk (but can still be cropped at"]
["                             under 2ft easily), plant tends towards a bush (no single stem shit here), buds are firm, very resinous and"]
["                             pungent. Yield is lower than many indicas, but quite respectible compared to most sativas. The reason for the"]
["                             cross was that durban is concidered by many to be a bitch to grow, with a resultant lower yield than ideal, so"]
["                             some of D's worst traits (height, yield, variation in high, hermaphrodite tendencies & cutting prob's) have been"]
["                             moderated by crossing to skunk. I wouldn't grow it outside. If I liked skunky weed (purely a matter of personal"]
["                             taste), then this would be a plant I would grow first off, along with Kerala skunk (similar, but from southern"]
["                             india, slightly more trippy). I think on the hole, a good plant. \"- durban"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Durban/Thai"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: South Africa/Thailand  Breeder: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC)  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             Durban-Thai Highflyer/ S.S.S.C. \"M8 A Thai strain inbred for 4 generations crossed with our Durban South"]
["                             Africa sativa. Very sweet resinous buds. The high is very strong and up. One of our own favorites. Harvest"]
["                             outdoors: the second week of Oct. Suitable for indoor growing as well. $55 for 15\" - / S.S.S.C. seedbank"]
["                             catalog 1980s"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “I recently got my hands on seeds from my FAVOURITE SSSC strain - Durban/Thai. I have 5 healthy"]
["                             seedlings going as we speak (5/7 germed from 11-year-old seeds). I grew a whole room full of these babies"]
["                             about ten years ago and they were SO KILLER, with the kind of SICKLY-SWEET, DANK scent and flavour that"]
["                             makes your mouth water...so resinous that the joint would be BROWN by the time you’d smoked HALF of it. It"]
["                             had this \"evil\" scent like rotten meat when you broke up a bud. I'm going to be crossing Durban/Thai with a"]
["                             Haze hybrid I'm developing over the course of 1999. I'm really excited about this project!” – MrSoul"]
[]
["                             \"The original SSSC Durban/Thai cross is one of my personal favourites that I grew back in the 80s - I know"]
["                             that the mother was the Thai and she came from the fourth generation of selecting individuals which best"]
["                             suited indoor cultivation. This Thai mama was SWEET, I'm sure it's the Thai you remember (circa 1977?) with"]
["                             a head-trip high? I now have a SUPERB female D/T that I flower clones from. I really wish you could"]
["                             see/smoke this plant! In 8-9 weeks of 12/12 she's ripe...a really FAST Sativa because of the Durban"]
["                             influence, the ripening buds smell like foot perspiration...really FUNKY. Thankfully, the weed cures to a"]
["                             delicious licorice scent/flavour and is wickedly cerebral. DTC99 resulted from pollinating THIS female with my"]
["                             best C99 male.\" - soul"]
[]
["                             Durban Thai Home Hybrid"]
[]
["                             \"Those are hybrids of Durban/Thai crossed to NL#5/Sk#1 x Hawaiian...the breeder calls the cross Durban Thai"]
["                             Home Hybrid, or DTHH. I had 50 from this generous friend & he even gave me his last 7 original Durban Thai"]
["                             seeds (11 years old), which is how I got my special D/T lady.\" - soul"]
[]
[]
[]
["                     Family: Uncategorized Strains  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Malawi"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: Lake Malawi, Tanzania  Breeder: Undetermined  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Malawi is the spaciest smoke I've ever had. I used to have this thing that happened a few times as a"]
["                             teenager where I'd get some killer smoke from AFOAF that would literally make me blind for 20 minutes to a"]
["                             half hour within 10 minutes of smoking it, a little too much too quick. Malawi is that kind of smoke. Its like"]
["                             your still there but vision changes to lights and shadows and sounds become muted. You will see flashes of"]
["                             light and things in your peripheral vision will catch your eyes. The high was fast without all the physical"]
["                             sensations of the indicas. Darkest leaves I've ever seen, almost look black. I pulled em at 75 days with"]
["                             20-30% could have went another month to round out the buzz. Yield was similar to Durban, not much but"]
["                             worth the wait if that’s what you like. For me it's the kind of smoke you'd take out to get a reaction and they"]
["                             will vary, it's too much if overdone.” - Frank"]
[]
["                             “AFOAF grew hers out when Greenthumb first brought them out last year. Leaves were enormous and the"]
["                             darkest green(looked black) I've ever seen. Took em unfinished at 85 days(20% turned). This is definitely"]
["                             personal head stash and one to take out for special occasion. The high was like tripping for me, lots of visual"]
["                             effects and somewhat short lived. I made the mistake of smoking an indica shortly after coming down from"]
["                             the Malawi and I couldn't move for a couple of hours. Can be a typical unruly sativa to grow requiring lots of"]
["                             attention. Worth the effort if that’s what you're looking for, I prefer a more rounded and much mellower"]
["                             buzz.” - Frank"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Malawi Gold"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Lake Malawi, Tanzania  Breeder: High Life Seeds  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
["                             none"]
["                             Specifications:"]
["                             none"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             “Outdoors Summer Report: This baby definitely has Sativa in its genes. 6 feet and will probably add another"]
["                             foot before its done. Big Christmas tree type plant. Buds are bursting out from every possible node! Even the"]
["                             lower branches are putting on bud weight! Awesome....only wish I had a Tropical sun.” -Sensi"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                              Strain: Power Plant"]
["                              Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: South Africa  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                              Images:  1  2  3  4  5  6   "]
["                              Description:"]
[]
["                              Power Plant (mostly Sativa) was developed in 1997 from new South African genetics. This strain has been"]
["                              inbred only, never hybridized. Very rich in THC. It is a strain with an enormous grow potential. Indoor as well as"]
["                              in a greenhouse the plants have an enormous yield. Indoors flowering starts already one week after turning"]
["                              back the light cycle to 12 hours. Outdoor flowering starts late, but the plants ripen very fast. This variety is very"]
["                              uniform. Strong “up high”, very soft smoke."]
[]
["                              Specifications:"]
[]
["                              ~ Flower: 8 weeks ~ Harvest: 2nd week of Oct.” – Dutch Passion catalog"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                              “I grew one Power Plant outdoors at the 39th. The seed was germinated on July 1st, and finished on Sept. 24"]
["                              at 15 inches tall. I was quite happy with both the potency and yield. If it had been a tall, full season plant; the"]
["                              yield probably would have been enormous. The plant grew more like an indica then I expected, but had a very"]
["                              good, long lasting sativa up high to it. Unfortunately, I lost all the other seedlings, and failed to regenerate the"]
["                              mother after harvest. I did, however, get a few seeds from crossing her with a Thai male, but that hybrid won't"]
["                              grow outdoors in my area. It seemed to me that power plant was exactly like the description at H.S. said it was,"]
["                              except the plant finished 2 weeks earlier, and looked about half indica. I wish I had more of it.” – 67ed"]
[]
["                              “Let me preface this by stating I have 8 yrs of gardening experience. I found that it was a bit temperamental"]
["                              to start the seedlings. Of the 6 of ten that survived = 1 tall male, 1 short male, 1 tall female ( with slight but"]
["                              controllable hermie traits ) 1 short total female and 2 very hermie \"females\". And even though it s described"]
["                              as a indoor/ greenhouse stock it can become a big plant very quickly with some plants exhibiting the typical"]
["                              sativa structure. The 1 short female looks like it will produce well even though I only used an 8 in. pot for the"]
["                              trial run. "]
[]
["                              The harvest is about 2 weeks away so more detailed info at that time. It is a fairly branchy plant and might do"]
["                              well in a ScrOG set up. If the result is of high quality , I will devote a hydro farm unit to it the next go round to"]
["                              see how the totals compare to the much more indica stock that is most of the room, maybe just as personal"]
["                              stash. Now I will not say that I am beyond mistakes but I had very bad survival rates with the first batch in peat"]
["                              pellets and much better results the second germination round using oasis cubes instead of peat pellets. The"]
["                              seeds are very small and produce very small seedlings that need a little more pampering than more robust"]
["                              seedlings. Of course there are always new things to learn when working with a new stock.” – Rippo"]
[]
["                              “Hermies tendency, not rich in resin, medium in power and shit to grow.” – elman"]
[]
["                              “I had a good experience growing power plant outdoors. I only grew one female so I can't say about"]
["                              uniformity. I was surprised that it appeared mostly indica, but for me, the high was up, visual, and a little bit"]
["                              soaring too. Also, it finished two weeks before(Sept 23) the description said it would.” – 67ed"]
[]
["                              “Power plant was very hermy and might do for outside or green house but IMO not good for indoor. The high"]
["                              was good and uppy but not \"soaring\". I have dropped it from this next go round.”"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Swazi"]
["                             Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: Swaziland, Africa  Breeder: Positronics  "]
["                             Images:  1   "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             “Imported: Swaziland, Africa Pure breeding: never outcrossed Sativa/Indica: pure sativa Appearence: very"]
["                             large resin covered bracts, seeded or not; long slender buds, very low leaf-to-flower ratioSmell/taste: exotic"]
["                             taste, nice smell – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Type high/strength: strong, fairly clear Height: 2-3m Yield: very high Harvest date (Netherlands natural"]
["                             photoperiod): end Nov 12hr day exposure harvest (# of weeks): 9-14 Indoor / greenhouse / outdoor Seems"]
["                             more mold resistant than other varieties.” – Positronics seedbank catalog"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             \"Swazi: For outdoor growers we now have the famous Swazi, know for early flowering, disease resistance, very"]
["                             sweet sativa taste and high. A truly unique variety from Swaziland South Africa. "]
["                             Outdoor height: 7-9 ft. Outdoor yield average: 1 lb. Finish date: Sept. 15 at 40 degrees latitude.\" – High"]
["                             Quality Seeds catalog "]
[]
["                             “I looked in both of my SSSC catalogs (1987-88, 1989-90) and they did not offer a SWAZI strain. The only"]
["                             South African strain that they listed was a PineTown Durban Poison (M3). As for item # M5. It doesn’t exist in"]
["                             my catalogs. Their listings are M1 Napali, M2 Manilla Fillipino, M3 Durban, and M6 Indica-creeper hybrid. I then"]
["                             checked out my Original Seed Bank catalogs from the same time period. Nevil offered a Swazi strain (pure) for"]
["                             the first time in Nov. of 1987. It is listed again in his 1988 catalog. By 1989, Swazi (pure) is no longer being"]
["                             offered. (One Swazi hybrid that was introduced in 1988, is still listed in his 89 catalog, HashPlant/NL#1 X"]
["                             SWAZI).” – Prince Caspian"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: Swazi X Skunk"]
["                             Strain Type: Mostly Sativa  Origin: Holland  Breeder: Dutch Passion Seedbank  "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             100% Sativa crossbred with a Dutch Skunk. This is a real bargain, slow but well worth the wait. Exotic taste,"]
["                             strong high."]
[]
["                             Specifications:"]
[]
["                             Specifications: ~ Flower: 9-14 weeks"]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
["                             none"]
{"$rows_empty":11}
[{"$nulls":56},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":83}
["Region: Templates - For Incoming Data",{"$nulls":5},"Hypertext Strain Listing (Alphabetical Order)"]
[]
["                Family: "]
[]
["                              Strain: Blue Mountain Jamaican"]
["                              Strain Type: Sativa  Origin: Jamaica  Breeder:  Wild Rose Seeds"]
["                              Images:  "]
["                              Description:  "]
[]
["                              Sweet, earthy taste, rare to find. Resinous large buds with few sucker leaves to cull. - Wild Rose Seeds"]
[]
["                              Specifications:  Cuttings of this strain can be brought to maturity in 65-75 days of flowering immediately after               "]
["                              rooting. Seedlings need to veg for 35-40 days. Flowering time 65-75 days"]
[]
["                              Growers Comments:  "]
["                              none"]
[]
[]
[]
["                             Strain: "]
["                             Strain Type: "]
["                             Images:  "]
["                             Description:"]
[]
["                             ."]
["                             ."]
["                             ."]
[]
["                             Specifications: "]
[]
["                             Growers Comments:"]
[]
["                             ."]
[]
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["                             ."]
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["                             ."]
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{"sheet":"Sheet2","index":1,"n_rows":27879,"n_cols":12,"rows_kept":27879,"flags":["formulas_cached_only"]}
["Origins"]
[]
[{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
["                          The Origins of Indicas"]
[]
["                          In the 60’s we brought seed back from Afghanistan and it was a pretty mixed bunch. The shorter, what you might"]
["                          now call indica type was what was used to make bulk cheap grade hash for export and depending on the valley it"]
["                          came from had a finish time 8.5 to 10 weeks and a height of 5 ft to 8 ft but all wide dark leafed. Higher up the"]
["                          slopes nearer the snow line was the wild indigenous sativa type, which was rubbed to make finger hash for local"]
["                          consumption. All these were fully seeded and being a wind pollinated plant to some degree mongrels. The high"]
["                          slope C sativa L types survived via nature being able to grow through the snow and stand frost and are also"]
["                          common in Pakistan Kashmir northern India Nepal and Bhutan just below the snow line. The short wide leafed"]
["                          phenotype [different with every farmer] is rogued for slim leafed plants and selected for large resinous colas so all"]
["                          this business of knowing an Afghan phenotype is a load of cobblers its just a mongrel strain that someone has"]
["                          selected. I suspect that that it was a fairly resent import as it wouldn’t have been grown if it wasn't for the demand"]
["                          for hash in the west, whatever a Sadu certainly wouldn't smoke it if there was real Afghani available."]
[]
["                           On Sativas"]
[]
["                          “What makes a sativa difficult from a commercial point of view is that a typical sativa grows to be 5'-8' tall without"]
["                          much encouragement, well beyond what is desirable for sea of green or mass cuttings technique. A finished sativa"]
["                          takes up 4 - 8 times the volume of space of a tight compact sativa for the same yield. It typically takes a fine"]
["                          sativa 10 - 16 weeks of flowering versus 6 - 9 weeks for an indica, almost 100% more. Thus a Golden Triangle"]
["                          Thai sativa or a Hawaiian Sativa ounce is worth probably four times more than the compact indica, at least it would"]
["                          require that to induce growers to commercially crop a sativa. We know no one pays $1,000 CN an ounce (four times"]
["                          typical ounce price in Vancouver) or $1,500 US an ounce (4 times US ounce price for mid-grade Sensi indoor) for"]
["                          any sativa, no matter how fine, so the sativa pot is never on the market. If you want to experience a fine Thai"]
["                          sativa, it will never be sold to you (unless you are visiting Thailand), you must grow it yourself. "]
[]
["                          My favorite, with reasonably good yields, is the Hawaiian Sativa, requiring 85 - 90 days of flowering, but produces"]
["                          good sized buds and does not stretch out of control. The Golden Triangle Thai sativa requires 90 - 95 days of"]
["                          flowering. Both are energy inducing, buzz n' crackle, kinds of high. Great for activity or jobs requiring mental"]
["                          alertness. Of course, amongst friends, a sativa is very prized because there is no possible way to find this sativa"]
["                          otherwise. "]
[]
["                          Prior to 1978, what pot was grown in North America was limited to below the 38th parallel, about the tip of Northern"]
["                          California on down south into Mexico, which is still the world's largest producer of pot by nation, outdoor anyway,"]
["                          and it was all sativa. Once the indicas were brought back by American tourists to their homes in North America,"]
["                          within 7 years, sativas were almost gone from the growing landscape, because indicas clearly are favored by their"]
["                          efficiency. "]
[]
["                          The indica crosses by Federation I favor would be with Mikado (indica, 45 days, powerful, aphrodisiac) and Island"]
["                          Sweet Skunk (Sweet Pink Grapefruit indica crossed Big Skunk#1 from Sensi circa 1992, so its 35% sativa, trippy,"]
["                          alert, cerebral yet strong stone with a very sweet citrusy scent.)” - Marc Emery"]
["                           Origins of Northern Lights"]
[]
["                          “ Northern Lights is a stabilized Cannabis sativa crossed cannabis Afghani hybrid variety developed in the late"]
["                          1970's near Seattle, Washington. The northwest of America was the center of indoor sinsemilla (from the Spanish"]
["                          meaning \" without seeds\" , this begins the female clone technique that is commonplace technique now ) production"]
["                          and cannabis breeding. Due to the poor weather associated with this region, sinsemilla cultivators have long"]
["                          resorted to growing cannabis inside under lights long before growers in other more temperate regions of North"]
["                          America. Northern Lights has been highly regarded for many years throughout the northwest and was multiplied"]
["                          and distributed by Dutch Seed companies, starting with Nevil's Seed Bank then Sensi Seed and S.C.C.C. "]
[]
["                          The variety was inbred and selected for short early maturing plants with large floral clusters and resembles its"]
["                          cannabis afghanica parentage most closely. Northern Lights has been preserved much as it originally was through"]
["                          inbreeding without any marked improvements other than hybridization with other established varieties. Northern"]
["                          Lights is a dark green, fairly short variety with leafy but very resinous floral clusters and requires 8-10 weeks of a"]
["                          12 hour photoperiod to mature completely. Conspicuous about Northern Lights is it has little smell.” -High Times"]
["                          “Cultivation Tips” "]
[]
["                          \"Northern Lights came from the Seattle area, but I am convinced that the initial genetics came from California."]
["                          Back in the late 60's and early 70's the principle sources of pot on the West Coast was Mexican, with some"]
["                          occasional Thai Stick and Nam weed thrown in for good measure. The Thai and Nam weed kicked the Mexican's"]
["                          butt, and the entry of Colombian into the market out here in say, oh, 1972 (first I saw) made us all disenchanted"]
["                          with Mexican. I remember Christmas of 1972 some friends brought up 100 or so pounds from SD and couldn't sell"]
["                          it for anything! No one wanted to smoke the crap. I took off for the holidays and came back to find them still"]
["                          squatting in the house trying to move the dope, when they had planned on spending a monied Christmas in the"]
["                          sun. They looked whipped! "]
[]
["                          Up to that time there was no real point in growing Mex. Oh sure, some tried, I had friends doing it all the time, but"]
["                          you know what they got. I grew two 8 footers in a closet in my flat in the University District (both male, haha)."]
["                          Besides, it was $100-130 per pound! Why go through the effort? The higher quality pots got expensive and scarce"]
["                          as the war was winding down, and Colombian was king at about $400-450 per pound. Well, at that price more and"]
["                          more people started trying to grow. And getting nowhere; huge Christmas tree plants maturing in December, if"]
["                          they were lucky. "]
[]
["                          So, everyone knows what happened then, someone or some group, unknown to me, got hold of some indica seed"]
["                          and the rest was history. The first crystalled sativa/indica hybrid I saw was from Humboldt in 1976, but I believe"]
["                          the scene had been going on a bit before that. And it was a fricking monster of course. I remember being in San"]
["                          Diego visiting a friend and a grower from Humboldt brought some of this stuff down. We were huge pot smokers, I"]
["                          mean huge, but one small joint of this stuff didn't even get burned down. It went out, to our great embarrassment"]
["                          and shock. This couldn't be! "]
[]
["                          Anyway, Northern Lights didn't just pop up in Seattle. Obviously some seed from the California explosion got up"]
["                          here, and we started messing with it. The problem with Seattle of course is that our falls are too wet to grow"]
["                          outside past September, and the California weed was maturing in late October. The answer was to bring it inside,"]
["                          but then it needed to be short and quick. Some early results of the breeding activities I saw was a basement"]
["                          growing room, about 100 plants in soil buckets under fluorescent lights (and boxes of aluminum foil covering the"]
["                          wall). The plant would be recognizable today as essentially Northern Lights. This was 1977, 78? These growers I"]
["                          know were connected to the California scene, no question about it, and I would bet my balls they got the seed and"]
["                          plants from there. The time frame is just right, for one of the group was going to college in Humboldt at the time."]
["                          But it’s also almost certainly true that this same story didn't happen only once. Plenty of stoners were growing"]
["                          around here at that time, and never connected with each other, naturally. "]
[]
["                          I've been growing the same plant from seed and from clones ever since, off and on, and a friend has never quit;"]
["                          same plant from that basement room. I have three distinct types, and have replaced them only recently when I"]
["                          was able to get ``name'' brands from Vancouver. So, for all intents and purposes, I guess I know where part of"]
["                          Northern Lights is, or at least a similar plant. But as to whom actually takes credit and the full lineage of the"]
["                          various types sold today, that is not known to me. I retain no pure strains, because I lost the male lineage about"]
["                          8 years ago. I bred the three female types against several ``name'' strains to preserve some of the genetics, but"]
["                          it looks to me that the Dutch seed companies have the real thing, or close.\" -SCW"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["Strain Notes",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[]
[]
["                          Colombian & Central American Strains"]
[]
["                          \"There are surely many types of \"red\" Colombians, Ecuadorians, Panamanians etc. grown in those countries where"]
["                          they have been grown hundreds of years. Its is doubtful that any seedbank would have these strains because the"]
["                          yield is way too low for growing inside. The Dutch have the best commercial seeds because they breed for weight"]
["                          and growing ease as much as for the high. Those sativas have problems indoors getting big buds because 1. They"]
["                          are naturally predisposed to longer, airier buds and 2. The intensity and spectrum of the indoor bulb just doesn’t"]
["                          have enough ummmphhh. So, the Dutch breed over and over and over and over again with Northern Lights, Skunk,"]
["                          Afghan #1 to add bulk and reduce flowering time. They want the most bang for the buck with the quality of the"]
["                          high not the supreme or even only importance. That’s why the real connoisseur pots aren't the indoor ones grown"]
["                          from Dutch seeds. The real Acapulco Golds, Colombian Redbuds, Yucatan Golds, Brazilian Lemons, Israeli Golds,"]
["                          Kenyan Mountaintops, Kona Golds, Maui lime greens etc. all have several things in common: they are sativas, they"]
["                          are grown fairly close to the equator and they are all grown outside. The Sun and the altitude of many of these"]
["                          place just give those outdoors pots a quality of high and power of intensity that even the best indoors just can’t"]
["                          match.\"-Will "]
[]
["                          \"In S. Cal in the 70's (I lived in Whittier from 70-73 and Redondo Beach from 73-77), there were many many"]
["                          primo Mex's that would blow you away. While its true that there were plenty of bad Mex's too--you would run across"]
["                          a least 1 or 2 Mex's a month that would turn you slant-eyed---and at only 10 bucks a lid. Starting around 1970, we"]
["                          starting getting the commercial Colombians that you described--brown and tan. Commercial Colombo went for"]
["                          about 200 a pound because guess what happened in 1971? "]
[]
["                          The pot world really started to change in 1971--there became a new designated Colombian and it was called"]
["                          connoisseur Colombian. These pots cost an unbelievable 50 to 60 dollars a lid --at the time I couldn’t believe I"]
["                          would ever pay that much until...I smoked some. Colombian redbud--marijuana that had the reddish color of"]
["                          tobacco and an indescribably \"red\" flavor and taste. The resin from a smoked joint was so red that it looked like"]
["                          you had blood on your lip. And Colombo Goldbud--totally gold pot that had absolutely not one trace of brown, red"]
["                          or green in it---a spicy piney taste and an exhilarating high and Colombo blackbud--more of a purple and having a"]
["                          devastating \"creeper\"--one of the hallmarks of the Colombian. These pots were seed and that gave way to the new"]
["                          wave of pots in ‘72-‘73---the sinsemillas. The Mexicans had been losing market share to the Colombians so they"]
["                          started flooding California with green and brown sinses that could really pack a wallop. Lots of light green skunks"]
["                          and gold/brown sinses that went for 50-60 bucks--just like the connoisseur Colombos. And if that wasn't good"]
["                          enough, in the 74-75 years Hawaiians started becoming available. They were seedless, sativa, sweet, fresh and"]
["                          were of course unbelievable and went for up to 100 dollars an oz. (lids out, ounces in). At that same time, a lot of"]
["                          Thaisticks started becoming available--they were 20 bucks a 2.5-gram stick and were worth it. Spacy, powerful,"]
["                          blowaway pot. To round out this smorgasbord was Jamaicans, which briefly were very very good before they started"]
["                          to export crap. "]
[]
["                          Those times were the best time ever for pot. Plenty of primo Mexicans, sinse, Colombians, Hawaiian, Thai etc. But"]
["                          as the 80's approached, there were lots of more indica based stoner pots that was real wheelchair pot. Lots of"]
["                          super heavy Afghans and skunks but the lighter budded sativas became much less common. My cousin in LA still"]
["                          runs across some primo Mexican and says that there is actually more good Mex coming across again with he"]
["                          claims some red Colombo being available. So getting around to my point and that is: Mexican pot can be might"]
["                          tasty if it is fresh.\" - DB Cooper"]
[]
["                           Hawaiian Strains"]
[]
["                          \"Lemme just describe this Hawaiian a bit more for you.. Totally white in appearance-- it has that lime green / pale"]
["                          color to the buds, combined with a thick coating of resin, it gives that total white look These buds need scissors,"]
["                          too. There ain't no way I'm trying to break open these nugs with my fingers. scissors leave a clean slice through"]
["                          the bud like it was one dense mass. Very sweet smoke, has a deep vanilla tone under the fruit punch exterior."]
["                          This is definitely an all time fave (right along with this guy’s Blueberry... he's doing something right)” - ~shabang~"]
[]
["                           Northern Lights Strains"]
[]
["                          Because Northern Lights is one of the most widely crossed strains of cannabis, NL crosses with 50% or less NL"]
["                          heritage are listed under the heading of the cross, i.e. NL x Haze is found under “Haze” not “Northern Lights”."]
[]
["                          Skunk Strains"]
[]
["                          Because Skunk is perhaps the most widely crossed strain of cannabis, Skunk crosses with 50% or less Skunk"]
["                          heritage are listed under the heading of the cross, i.e. Haze Skunk is found under “Haze” not “Skunk”.",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":38}
["Chronology of The War On Drugs (Neal Smith)",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[]
[null,"**FOREWORD  (see below) "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1840 - During an attempt at alcohol prohibition, then-attorney Abraham Lincoln states: \"Prohibition makes a crime out of things that are"]
[null,"not crimes...A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1842 - Cannabis makes up about half of all medicines sold in America. No one reports serious problems with use. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1850 - Cannabis prescribed as the prime medicine for more than 100 separate illnesses or diseases in U.S. Pharmacopoeia. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1875 - California, in a blatant act of racism, bans Opium smoking by Chinese. Large, well-run opium houses ran out of business,"]
[null,"replaced by smaller, less reputable houses. Usage increases. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1876 - Turkish Hashish exhibition at Philadelphia's Centennial Exhibition was most popular. Fairgoers encouraged to return again and"]
[null,"again to \"enhance\" their enjoyment of the fair. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1883 - First Federal law against drugs. Congress heavily taxed smoking Opium. First time taxation was used to legislate morality, instead"]
[null,"of raise revenues. Controlled by Treasury Department "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1884 - Supreme Court decision making corporations artificial persons. Gives corporations 14th amendment protections. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1888 - Using 1883 Opium taxation law as precedent, Federal government banned certain types of Opium from being imported, and"]
[null,"banned Chinese from importing Opium at all. Government now surrenders revenue raising in favor of controlling \"morality.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1894 - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission report released to British. Study done in India. Judged the physical, mental, moral effects of"]
[null,"smoking Cannabis, urges against any prohibition based on \"no appreciable physical injury of any kind,...no injurious effects on the"]
[null,"mind,...(and) no moral injury whatever.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1898 - Spanish American war starts, with William Randolph Hearst's \"Yellow Journalism\" fueling the fires. Hearst begins his long"]
[null,"campaign of racism against Hispanics, Orientals, and Africans, and the things they do in their cultures. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1900 - Eli Lilly and Parke Davis, in a joint venture, develops strain of Cannabis called Cannabis Americana.\" Strain is a very potent"]
[null,"Cannabis Indica, to be used in their medicines.  Mellon bank, 6th largest in America, finances very successful oil \"gusher\" in Spindletop,"]
[null,"Texas. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1906 - Pure Food and Drug Act (Wiley Act) passed. Opens door for government intervention into food and medicine production. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1912 - Wiley Act amended, giving government right to determine if a substance is \"harmful.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1913 - Pancho Villa, Mexican freedom fighter, recovers 800,000 acres of Sonora, Mexico timberland bought for pennies on the dollar of"]
[null,"value by William Randolph Hearst. Villa and his men are great smokers of \"Canamo\" (Cannabis). Hearst, in retaliation, starts slur"]
[null,"campaign against Cannabis, using Mexican slang word \"Marihuana,\" and claiming it causes Mexicans to be lazy and thieving. By 1920"]
[null,"Hearst applied Cannabis to Blacks, claiming that after smoking it, Black men were insolent and wanted to rape white women. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1914 - Passage of Harrison Anti-Narcotics act, requiring taxation and permits to sell \"narcotics.\" Initial enforcement involved arresting"]
[null,"doctors who still prescribed Opiates. Six months later, \"American Medicine\" magazine editorializes that since passage, narcotics use has"]
[null,"risen with sinister consequencesresulting from the character of places addicts needed to go to procure drugs, and the people they had to"]
[null,"associate with. The news media of the day continues to mis-report drug issues. The New York Times says Cannabis has \"Practically the"]
[null,"same effect as morphine and cocaine.\" WWI starts in "]
[null,"Europe, with assassi-nation of Arch-duke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1916 - USDA issues bulletin 404, urging the use of Hemp paper. Department issues a dire warning about the dangers of using wood pulp"]
[null,"paper: \"Our forests are being cut three times as fast as they grow...it is advisable to investigate the paper-making value of the more"]
[null,"promising plant materials before acritical situation arises.\" Since Hemp produces over four times more paper per acre than trees, without"]
[null,"the need for hazardous chemicals such as sulfuric acid and dioxins, USDA urges more use of Hemp for paper. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1918 -  Alcohol prohibition starts. It's likely that certain interests like duPont, Standard Oil, and others created alcohol bans to prevent"]
[null,"production of non-petroleum fuels for the burgeoning automobile industry. duPont begins production of rayon, continues research into"]
[null,"synthetics. Secretary of Treasury reports underground drug trafficking flourishing, \"dope peddlers\" had established a nation-wide"]
[null,"organization, smuggling was rampant, and use of forbidden substances was increasing. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1919 -  Alcohol prohibition begins, just as Ethanol is about to compete with petroleum. Hemp is most efficient of the"]
[null,"biomass fuels. Mellon has a hand in it. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1921 - Tobacco cigarettes are banned in 14 states. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1924 - Heroin importation or manufacture was banned, despite it's pain killing qualities that are superior to Morphine. Nevertheless,"]
[null,"illegal use increases. William J. Burns (of Burns Detective agency), now Bureau Director, in appropriations committee testimony claims"]
[null,"the proof is very conclusive...overwhelming that in all strikes in the United States, this radical propaganda enters into the situation."]
[null,"These radicals...take advantage of the ordinary strikes that occur throughout the country, intensify them and create a great deal of trouble"]
[null,"and disorder.\" Racial unrest was consistently, according to Burns, ascribed to alien agitators. Black \"social activities,\" according to Burns,"]
[null,"was considered a matter of \"a general intelligence nature,\" along with radical and anarchistic activities. Bureau considered calls for labor"]
[null,"organization among unskilled Blacks as especially sinister. Bureau finally reined in from intelligence gathering. New Attorney General"]
[null,"Harlan F. Stone voiced fear that \"a secret police may become a menace to free government and free institutions because it carries with it"]
[null,"the possibility of abuses of power which are not always quickly apprehended or understood.\" Further says the Bureau is no longer"]
[null,"interested in politics or other opinions of individuals, concerned only with their conduct and then only if that conduct violates the law."]
[null,"Hoover, Burns have to go along. Even with Bureau out of radical hunting picture, local and state and private groups take over, keeping"]
[null,"red scare' alive."]
[]
[]
[null,"1926 - Herbert Hoover sets up Chemical Advisory Committees with Fraternity member. Irenee duPont speaks publicly about creating a"]
[null,"race of supermen "]
[null,"with drugs. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1927 -  Enforcement of Wiley act moved from Bureau of Chemistry (USDA) to it's own bureau, \"Food, Drug and Insecticide"]
[null,"Administration.\" Given further powers to ban \"harmful additives.\" No real criteria established as to how to make a legitimate"]
[null,"determination of what is harmful and what is not. Government has responsibility to prove substance is harmful. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1928 - duPont contributed major money to get Herbert Hoover elected president. duPont and Anaconda Copper subsidized campaign of"]
[null,"Catholic liberal Al Smith. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1929 - \"Great Depression\" causes hundreds of suicides over financial losses. Ford Motor Company works on biomass fuels project,"]
[null,"finding Hemp is most efficient. Plans to build car from plant material, especially Hemp. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1930 - Harry Anslinger, the nephew-in-law of Andrew Mellon, is appointed head of the newly-formed Bureau of Narcotics. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1931 - Siler Commission report on soldier's use of Cannabis in Panama released. Indicates alcohol, not Cannabis causes problems. \"Use"]
[null,"of the drug (sic) is not widespread and...it's effects on military efficiency and upon discipline are not great. There appears to be no reason"]
[null,"for renewing the penalties formerly exacted.\" Anslinger attends the first international narcotics conference, strikes up friendship with"]
[null,"Baron Von Rheinbaben, head of the German delegation. Von Rheinbaben would become Hitler’s head of German International"]
[null,"Intelligence in Lisbon, Portugal during the war. Anslinger kept in touch with him saying Von Rheinbaben “...Helped us out in several"]
[null,"very delicate matters.” "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1935 - Firearms tax act, legal precedent for Marijuana Tax Act. Avoided constitutional clash over regulating personal possession of"]
[null,"something the government claimed was bad. Hemp decorticator developed, reenabling industry to run. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1936 - Meetings between duPont and Treasury department. Formulating plans for making Hemp illegal. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1937 - Marijuana Tax Act passed Congress, providing for required permits, rarely given out, to grow Hemp. \"The World's Most"]
[null,"Profitable and Desirable Crop\" article in Mechanical Engineering magazine published reporting a resurgence of Hemp industry, alas too"]
[null,"late. Nylon and sulfuric acid paper process both patented by duPont, after Marijuana Tax Act in place. Ford continues, in spite of law, to"]
[null,"grow Hemp for fuel, plastics, etc. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1938 -  \"Billion Dollar Crop\" article printed in \"Popular Mechanics\" magazine about the benefits of Hemp, published after Marijuana tax"]
[null,"act of 1937.  Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic act passed. Shifted burden of proof of safety to manufacturer of a substance. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1940 - Standard Oil of New Jersey and I.G. Farben of Germany opens the slave labor camp Auschwitz to develop artificial rubber and"]
[null,"gasoline from coal. Hitler’s government supplied Jews and political dissidents for the laborers, who were worked to near death and then"]
[null,"murdered. Perhaps the forerunner of the plan to imprison peaceful Marijuana smokers as American prison labor? "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1941 -  Popular Mechanics issue of December reports Ford Motor Company has a car built mainly of Hemp, wheat straw, and Sisal"]
[null,"fibers. More durable than steel, lighter weight, and furthers Ford's belief that he can \"grow automobiles from the soil.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1944 - New York Mayor LaGuardia issues his report on Cannabis smoking. \"does not lead directly to mental or physical deterioration,"]
[null,"does not develop addiction or tolerance...and is not a direct causal factor in sexual or criminal misconduct.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1945 - War ends. Nazi war crimes trials are set up. U.S. Army and Navy set up \"Operation Overcast\" to bring Nazi intelligence experts"]
[null,"into American intelligence community. Up to 350 specialists approved by U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. David Sarnoff states national security"]
[null,"dependent on scientific knowledge over the Soviets, urges Nazi scientists be brought to America. Nazi General Gehlen released from"]
[null,"prison, starts anti-Soviet espionage unit with his former Nazi aides; assigned to Camp King where they were designated as a \"Historical"]
[null,"Study Group.\" Prior to surrender to Americans, Gehlen buries microfilmed Soviet intelligence in Austrian Alps. Retrieves after capture,"]
[null,"turns over to interrogation center. Gens. Siebert, Smith, OSS leader Alan Dulles, seeks control of Gehlen and his documents for their"]
[null,"units. Gehlen, 3 assistants sent to Washington for debriefing. Siebert given go ahead on using Nazis for counter intelli-gence, but \"under"]
[null,"his own authority.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1949 - Law enforcement crack down on non-prescription barbituates triggers 800% increase in use. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1956 - U.S. Narcotic Control Act provides death penalty for selling Heroin to minors. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1962 - Congress passes legislation increasing F.D.A.'s ability to limit drug sales. F.D.A. halts legal production of L.S.D. causes"]
[null,"skyrocketing use by 1970. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1965 Amphetamine enforcement intensifies. Causes a \"boom in Cocaine smuggling\" by 1969. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1966 - Syva division of Syntex begins biochemical research to develop urine tests for controlled substances. "]
[]
[null,"1968 - Campaign against Cannabis use by soldiers in Vietnam results in increased use of Heroin.  FBI starts the \"New Left\" program,"]
[null,"with the intent of implementing their tried and true Gestapo tactics of surveillance and investigation, plus adding the elements of"]
[null,"dispersion and disruption under COINTELPRO. Anti-war, anti-nuclear, pro-environment, pro-\"Marijuana\" groups, women, gays, and"]
[null,"others now suffer the same treatment as communists and blacks. Author Frank Donner describes it by saying: \"...The New Left"]
[null,"COINTELPRO was an undisguised assault by the self-appointed defenders of the American way of life against an entire millieu...\"The"]
[null,"government, however, did not count on the dedication and tenacity of what they considered \"dirty Hippies.\" Because of an enlightened"]
[null,"attitude among many of the Hippies, the government has only limited success in infiltrating and disrupting most groups. They did,"]
[null,"however, target the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and it's militant faction, the Weather Underground. As a result of the major"]
[null,"riot at the Chicago Democratic National Convention, SDS leaders Abbie Hoffman and others were tried and convicted of inciting to riot."]
[null,"SDS survived for several years, but was severely weakened by the Chicago actions. Congress passes the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe"]
[null,"Streets Act of 1968. This act authorized the federal courts to issue wiretapping warrants at the request of the Attorney General when"]
[null,"there is probable cause for belief that an individual is committing, has committed, or is about to commit any one of a long list of"]
[null,"crimes. The House Unamerican Affairs Committee (HUAC) is dissolved and replaced with the House Internal Security Committee (HISC)."]
[null,"This committee is established to keep an eye on organizations whose goal is to overthrow the government by \"any unlawful means\" or \"to"]
[null,"obstruct or oppose the lawful authority of the Government of the United States in the execuition of any law or policy affecting the"]
[null,"internal security of the United States.\" Just what constitutes a threat to \"internal security\" was not well defined, and, as we know, the"]
[null,"hiding of actions behind the catch-all phrase \"National security\" became entrenched. It's used most frequently to cover up the illegal"]
[null,"actions of members of government or political parties. Has been used mostly by Presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush, the Republican"]
[null,"presidents since. The Gun Control Act of 1968 passes. It is directly written from Germany's Weapons Control law of 1938. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1969 - New York City increases drug arrests by 9000. No impact on drug availability noted. The Supreme Court rules in the Alderman"]
[null,"case that in a criminal proceeding, the court must be notified of evidence overheard through electronic monitoring. If the court rules the"]
[null,"evidence was illegally obtained, the defendant has the right to review the evidence to determine if the illegally gathered evidence tainted"]
[null,"the entire case. A refusal by the government to reveal the surveillance, or it's extent is ruled as grounds for dis-missal of the case. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1971 - Nixon declares drugs \"Public Enemy Number One "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1972 - Shafer commission report issued. Finds no reason that Cannabis should remain criminal. Urges decriminalization, falls just short"]
[null,"of calling for relegalization. Finds no physical, mental, or moral problems with the smoking. President Nixon, who commissioned report,"]
[null,"refuses to accept findings. Nixon calls drugs \"America's public enemy #1.\" Congress passes $1 Billion dollar anti-drug bill. Little effect"]
[null,"noted. By 1972 Communists were becoming an endangered species. Bureau (Hoover) needed new enemies. Started concentrating on \"New"]
[null,"Left,\" such as Women's Liberation Movement, Gay movement, Anti-War Movement (though they had been looking at anti war movement"]
[null,"for awhile) and Hemp (at that time Marijuana) Movement. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1973 - Nixon declares \"We have turned the corner on drug addiction in America.\" Nelson Rockefeller's tough anti-drug bill passes in"]
[null,"New York. Little effect noted. Nixon's staff, upset by the counter demonstrations at Nixon rallies, puts out the false news story that"]
[null,"foreign and communist money financed anti-Nixon efforts. The CIA is still unable to provide any proof, as none existed. Nixon later"]
[null,"changes the story to mean \"foreign support,\" a vague statement that, in reality, meant people in other nations did not want the Vietnam"]
[null,"war either. Juan Peron briefly seizes power once again in Argentina. He dies in 1974. His return to power is believed to have been mostly"]
[null,"financed by his late wife Evita's fortune of Nazi money. Thanks to the Peron's, the original Nazis, and now their direct descendants, are"]
[null,"firmly entrenched in not only Argentina, but all of South America. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1974 - Rubin, Comitas study \"Ganja in Jamaica\" released. Finds no long term physical, mental, moral problems from Cannabis smoking."]
[null,"Budget for drug enforcement reaches $292 Million dollars. $462 Million earmarked for demand reduction and treatment.  SISS publishes"]
[null,"400 page report claiming Marijuana traffic constitutes an unprecedented threat to nation's security by New Left groups trying to ruin this"]
[null,"country's morals. The report, as most are, is full of falsehoods and outright lies about Cannabis. There is no evidence that any foreign"]
[null,"government or \"communism\" has anything to do with Marijuana or drug trafficking. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1976 - F.D.A. powers expanded to control all \"medical devices.\" "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1980 - Costa Rica studies released on Cannabis. No distinguishable harm found from use of Cannabis. First Emit Cannabinoid test"]
[null,"developed. With aggressive marketting to industry, government, military, Emit is the fastest growing of the tests, though accuracy is next"]
[null,"to nothing. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1981 - U.S. Military begins forced urine testing of military troops. Drug control now costs $1.5 Billion dollars....more precisely,"]
[null,{"v":1531000,"d":"$1,531,000"}]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1984 - Seal unloads a shipment of Cocaine in Nicaragua. He had picked up the load in Columbia and was ordered by the DEA to stop in"]
[null,"Nicaragua. Seal had been arrested on drug charges in 1982, and beat the arrest by working with DEA in a sting operation against the"]
[null,"Medellin Cartel. The CIA had fitted Seal's plane with hidden cameras for the next trip for Cocaine. He therefore recorded secret tape of"]
[null,"Cocaine being smuggled, which the Reagan Administration used to try and scare Congress into appropriating money for the Contras."]
[null,"DEA became upset that the CIA had co-opted its sting "]
[null,"operation in favor of providing pro-Contra propaganda. Seal's cover was blown, and he was dropped from favor by both the CIA and"]
[null,"DEA. Seal was sent to prison for his drug conviction, but was shortly released on probation. Seal was subsequently killed by \"unknown"]
[null,"gunmen.\" The CIA kept Seal's plane, \"The Fat Lady\" and pressed it into service, still running guns and drugs between Central and South"]
[null,"America and the U.S., much of it coming in through Mena, Arkansas. Pilot Eugene Hasenfus survived the \"Fat Lady\" being shot down by"]
[null,"Sandinistas in Nicaragua, and promptly claimed the protection of President Ronald Reagan "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1985 - Milton, Wisconsin high school students forced to submit to weekly urine tests. Baseball commissioner Peter Uberroth orders all"]
[null,"personel, except union players, submit to urine tests. By 1990, even ball players are forced to be tested. American industry, labor unions"]
[null,"are encouraged by government "]
[null,"to begin wholesale drug testing. Many comply. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1987 - Nearly half of all major American industry is now forcibly urine testing employees. "]
[]
[null,"1988 -  U.S. Senate adds $2.6 Billion to federal anti-drug efforts. Little effect noted.  Congress recreates the office \"Drug Czar\" and"]
[null,"requires annual \"National Drug Control Strategies\" be presented, complete with short term and long term goals. The Marijuana"]
[null,"Movement, now encompassing the industrial and medical benefits of the plant, reassembles in response to stepped-up prosecution. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1989 - Dr. John P. Morgan finds drug testing \"...far from reliable...testing companies are held to no standards but their own.\" Most"]
[null,"testers are poorly trained, uncertified. Drug budget reaches $6.7 Billion dollars. By late in the year, drugs reach the top of public opinion"]
[null,"polls. President Bush institutes his first drug control strategy, which emphasizes law enforcement. FY 1989 budget calls for spending $6.6"]
[null,"Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1990 - Drug budget for this year is $9.7 Billion dollars...and rising every year. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1991 - NIDA reports drug testing more for surveilance than safety. Drug Budget: $10.9 Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1992 - Bill Clinton elected President. Steps up \"War on Drugs.\" Drug budget: $11.9 Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1993 - Dr. Joycelyn Elders, U.S. Surgeon General, calls for discussion on relegalizing drugs. President Clinton quickly reins her in."]
[null,"Elders son is arrested and charged with possession of Cocaine. Drug budget for FY 1993: $12.1 Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1994 - Secretary General of Interpol, Raymond Kendall, lends his voice to the growing list of significant persons opposing the \"war on"]
[null,"drugs,\" as unwinnable and too costly, proposes what he terms depenalization\" of drugs. Supreme Court invalidates controlled substances"]
[null,"excise taxes as being in violation of double jeopardy points in Constitution. Estimates are that Cannabis is America is a $24 billion dollar"]
[null,"a year crop, while still illegal. Estimates of the nation's largest legal crop, corn, are $16 billion. Police departments across the country"]
[null,"run ads, otherwise encourage citizens to turn in drug users, with an emphasis on Cannabis. There are an Estimated 340,000 people in jail"]
[null,"or prison for Cannabis related crimes, at a cost of $25,000 to $27,000 dollars per prisoner per year. Greatest effort in the nation's"]
[null,"history to ban firearms from citizen possession. Attempt at passing yet another Omnibus Crime Bill fails over the proposed ban on 19"]
[null,"types of \"assault\" rifles. Would provide money for 100 thousand more police officers, and build still more prisons. At least one sixth of"]
[null,"nation's prison population are behind bars for Cannabis \"crimes,\" and you are more likely to draw more prison time for involvement"]
[null,"with Cannabis than for killing someone. Widespread police use of road blocks looking for drugs begins. Police use intimidation to coerce"]
[null,"driver's into consenting to vehicle searches. Police begin to use \"Profiling,\" a method of stopping people who fit a certain description as a"]
[null,"method of finding drugs. Drug budget up to $12,184,400,000 "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1995 - Drug budget:  $13.2 Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1996 - Clinton wins a second term as President. He names retired Army General Barry McCaffrey, former commander of the Southern"]
[null,"Command in Panama as his new drug Czar. California passes Proposition 215 which permits Californians to possess and grow Marijuana"]
[null,"under a doctor’s order. Arizona passes Proposition 200 which allows a doctor to prescribe a variety of currently illegal drugs. California"]
[null,"Attorney General Dan Lungren tries every stalling tactic possible until the U.S. Justice Department can intervene and arrest people on"]
[null,"Federal charges. Lungren runs for Governor, loses. New California Attorney General Lockyer favors the legislation. Some California"]
[null,"citizens, with open-minded local governments do get needed medicine. Arizona’s legislature overturns the referendum. Arizonans go back"]
[null,"to the ballot box in 1997 and vote it back in.  Drug budget: $13.4 Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1997 - Nearly 642 thousand arrests are made in 1996 for Marijuana. 545 thousand were for simple possession. The"]
[null,"Clinton Administration is responsible for about 2.1 million Marijuana arrests. One person was arrested every 49"]
[null,"seconds on a Marijuana charge.The U.S. Supreme Court in April ruled a Georgia law requiring candidates for public office be"]
[null,"required to take a urine test for drugs. According to the court, the law failed to demonstrate a \"Special need\" substantial enough to"]
[null,"override 4th Amendment provisions. Canadian authorities rule that bona fide Medical Marijuana users are exempt from criminal"]
[null,"prosecution. Clinton announces doctors who prescribe or recommend Marijuana under voter-approved provisions in California and"]
[null,"Arizona will be prosecuted and lose their ability to write prescriptions. The DEA demands the names of Arizonans who purchase"]
[null,"Marijuana cultivation books.Federal agents seize 331 Marijuana plants and associated growing equipment in a raid on the Flower Therapy"]
[null,"Marijuana Buyers Club in San Francisco.An Australian study shows the health of long term Marijuana users is virtually no different than"]
[null,"that of the general population. \"We don't see evidence of high psychological disturbance among long term users\" according to study chief"]
[null,"investigator David Reilly. \"The results are unremarkable; the exceptional thing is that the respondents are unexceptional.\" In May, Rep."]
[null,"Barney Frank introduces a Medical Marijuana Bill in the House. Bill is virtually ignored. The New England Journal of Medicine calls the"]
[null,"U.S. government's opposition to Medical Marijuana \"Misguided, heavy-handed and inhumane.\" They call the Clinton administration's"]
[null,"position \"Hypocritical,\" and calls on the government to change Marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2.A study is released by the"]
[null,"U.C.L.A. School of Medicine showing that no long term lung damage is evident in Marijuana smokers.The study is an 8-year long"]
[null,"investigation into the study conducted by Dr. Donald Tashkin. \"Neither the continuing nor the intermittent Marijuana smokers exhibited"]
[null,"any significantly different rates of decline in (lung function) as compared to those who never smoked Marijuana.The conclusion of a"]
[null,"comprehensive, long-term study by Kaiser Permanente shows no substantial link between regular Marijuana smoking and death.It does"]
[null,"conclude that Marijuana Prohibition causes much greater harm.Researchers found no increase in deaths among the more than 14 thousand"]
[null,"patients who reported smoking Marijuana as compared to those who had never used Marijuana. The 1997 Drug budget climbs to $15.03"]
[null,"Billion dollars. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1998 - Marijuana becomes the nation's fourth largest crop, in spite of being illegal. The industry by now rakes in $10 billion dollars"]
[null,"annually. Nearly 700 hundred thousand arrests for Marijuana were reported in 1996. 87% of those were arrested on"]
[null,"simple possession charges...the remaining 13% on sales or cultivation charges. Under the Clinton administration,"]
[null,"nearly 2.8 million Marijuana arrests have been made. Yet another study showing very little risk of having an automobile"]
[null,"accident after having smoked Marijuana. This one is from Australia.Clinton's drug czar, General Barry McAfferey, lies about the impact"]
[null,"tolerance of Marijuana in the Netherlands has had on crime in that country.McAfferey claims the Dutch murder rate is twice that of"]
[null,"America's. In fact, the Netherland's murder rate is 440% lower than the U.S. McCafferey further claimed Dutch children are three times"]
[null,"more likely to try Marijuana than American kids. The fact is that that 21% of Dutch high school kids tried Marijuana as opposed to 45%"]
[null,"of Americans during the same time period. It's not the first time McCafferey has been caught in public lies about the War.The magazine"]
[null,"New Scientist exposed a conspiracy from the World Heatth Organization with the U.S. government to not publish a study favorable to"]
[null,"Marijuana. An unnamed National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and someone from the UN International Drug Control Programme"]
[null,"(sic) \"warned the WHO that it would play into the hands of groups campaigning to legalise (sic) Marijuana.\" The WHO report found that"]
[null,"Marijuana fared well in 5 of 7 long-term health comparisons. Further, the WHO report states there is no threat of long term lung damage"]
[null,"such as blocked airways or emphysema, nor was it seriously addictive nor does it lead to other drug use. Clinton signs into law a bill that"]
[null,"would take student financial aid away from those caught with drugs. One time offenders are denied money for college for one year; two"]
[null,"time offenders for two years.Students are allowed eligibility in the participate in a drug rehabilitation program and pass two random drug"]
[null,"tests.A coalition of Republican representatives on the House Judiciary Committee approves a \"Sense of the House of Representatives\""]
[null,"resolution stating \"Marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug and should not be legalized for medical use.\" A study indicates that"]
[null,"workplace drug testing has a negative impact on worker productivity. The study by the Le Moyne College Institute of Industrial Relations"]
[null,"found that pre-employment and random testing proceedures reduced productivity by 20%. By this year, however approximately 82% of"]
[null,"all American companies have some sort of drug testing protocol. Urine tests are still highly innaccurate. All of the tests can be defeated."]
[null,"Congress approves 23 million dollars to develop a fungus that destroys Marijuana plants. The fungus, however, is found to have a general"]
[null,"negative impact on the environment. Congress pushes the program anyway.ALASKA, WASHINGTON STATE, OREGON AND"]
[null,"NEVADA PASS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGAL REFORMS! The residents of Washington D.C. also pass a voter initiative, however"]
[null,"because of a last-minute bill introduced by Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga), no money could be spent to count the ballots! Congress, for the first"]
[null,"time in American history, and with impunity, negated the results of an American election before the results were even known! A federal"]
[null,"judge ordered the ballot box sealed until the court could hear the case. It would take months before it was discovered that D.C. had passed"]
[null,"the initiative by 62%. Nevertheless, Congress, which has financial control over the D.C. board of Managers, passed legislation to prevent"]
[null,"the initiative from being put into law! As usual, nothing is done. Several public opinion polls indicate 2/3 of the American public favor"]
[null,"relegalizing for medicine. Most Medical Associations favor an end to Marijuana prohibition as well. A bill is introduced into the"]
[null,"Mississippi legislature by Rep. Bobby Moak (R-Lincoln County) authorizes \"The removal of a body part in lieu of other sentences"]
[null,"imposed by the court for violations of the Controlled Substances law.\" Law fortunately does not pass. The Center for Addiction and"]
[null,"Substance Abuse at Columbia University releases a study stating that Marijuana alone does not cause criminal activity. The three year"]
[null,"study showed less than one percent of persons who committed crimes were under the influence of only Marijuana when they committed a"]
[null,"violent crime. Further, the study shows only between one and four percent of violent criminals were under the influence of Crack"]
[null,"Cocaine or Heroin during the commission of crime. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich called for \"Greatly increased\""]
[null,"activity on the part of government in the War on Drugs. He urges Drug Czar Barry McAfferey to map \"A World War II style battle"]
[null,"plan\" to end drug use in America. America spends on average of $30 billion dollars a year...a third of that is used to combat Marijuana."]
[null,"Gingrich authored a bill calling for the death penalty for anyone caught importing more than 100 dosage units of an illegal substance."]
[null,"That could include anyone carrying more than 50 grams of Marijuana over the border.A rather dramatic study out of Italy shows"]
[null,"Marijuana-like chemicals are produced naturally by the human body to combat pain. Researchers at the University of Naples found"]
[null,"Anadamides, chemicals similar in structure to chemicals contained in Marijuana, causes the body to ease the symptoms of pain. Thus,"]
[null,"Marijuana is an analgesic, according to Dr. John Morgan, a long time Marijuana researcher. The federal drug budget for this year is"]
[null,"$15.9 Billion. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"1999 - A U.S. Air Force directive in February forbids all personnel from using Hemp seed oil products, claiming that military drug tests"]
[null,"can not distinguish between legal Hemp products and Mairjuana. It is revealed that California Against Marijuana Planting"]
[null,"employeestestified to the environmental and human damage caused by the government's aerial eradication programs. \"Every officer that's"]
[null,"been in a helicopter involved in the CAMP program...would say \"Yes, we have flwn under 500 feet (In violation of legally mandated"]
[null,"guidelines.) ...We got as close as we could to treetops to hover; we have looked into people's windows, \" according to a former deputy"]
[null,"sheriff and CAMP officer Gary Holder. The hearings are part of a class action suit agains the government's eradication program. The"]
[null,"American Farm Bureau Federation withdrew language from previous statements opposing research and domestic cultivation of industrial"]
[null,"Hemp. The Farm Bureau says it dropped its opposition because farmers are in need of alternative crops. Estimated American farmer"]
[null,"profits from Hemp go as high as $141 per acre. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its findings that Marijuana holds medical value"]
[null,"and has a low potential for abuse. IOM supports an administrative petition that seeks to remove Marijuana's classification as a Schedule 1"]
[null,"drug. The study, commissioned by the Clinton Administration, also shows no evidence that Marijuana is a \"Gateway\" substance, leading to"]
[null,"stronger drugs. \"Except for the harms associated with smoking, the adverse effects of marijuana use are within the range of effects"]
[null,"tolerated for other medications.\" Clinton, as Nixon before him in dealing with the Shaffer Commission in 1972, ignores the report. A"]
[null,"study published in the February 4, 1999 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine shows no link between miscarriages and Marijuana"]
[null,"use. Further, Marijuana shows \"No reliable impact on birth size, length of gestation or the occurrence of physical abnormalities,\""]
[null,"according to Dr. John Morgan, of NORML. This year's drug war budget will cost taxpayers $17,886,200,000. That's nearly $2 Billion"]
[null,"dollars more than President Clinton had requested. In December, a conference of the World Trade Organization is held in Seattle. A"]
[null,"massive protest of that body that seeks to control the commerce of the entire world ends in bloodshed and some property damage. Police"]
[null,"are likely causes of the trouble. Crowd is fired on with rubber bullets and \"Flash Bang\" grenades, in spite of police denials of such"]
[null,"weapons. Several hundred arrests are made. Evidence that police launched cannisters of nerve gas against the crowds exists. Police again"]
[null,"deny that they used this weapon. Many of the delegates refuse to agree on trade regulations. The Echelon spy satelite network is"]
[null,"finally confirmed by some of America's allies. The system was first put into place shortly after WWII and upgraded several times since."]
[null,"The system is designed to spy on the citizens of several countries, including the United States.  Police corruption because of the War On"]
[null,"Some Drugs is rampant across the nation. "]
[null,"  "]
[]
[null,"2000 - The annual budget for the War On Some Drugs request is the highest ever: $17.7 Billion dollars...some claim $19 Billion. It's not"]
[null,"known as of this writing how much will actually be spent. As of this writing, Congress is debating spending up to nine billion additional"]
[null,"dollars to arm the nation of Columbia in the War On Some Drugs. Many fear a repeat of the Vietnam fiasco. As of February 15, two"]
[null,"million people are behind bars in America. With approximately 10% of the world's population, we now incarcerate 25% of"]
[null,"the world's prisoners. Of the two million, approximately 61% are jailed on drug charges. Of that group,"]
[null,"approximately 82% are in on Marijuana charges. Of that subset, 65% are for mere possession cases. Reports begin to"]
[null,"surface on the overuse of drugs like Prozac and Ritalin on preschool children. "]
[{"$nulls":11},"»Back To Index"]
[null,"-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "]
[]
[]
[null,"**FOREWORD "]
[]
[null,"What you are about to read is a compilation of history. R. William Davis and I had been independently "]
[null,"asking the question: \"Why is Marijuana illegal?\" Every time we found an"]
[null,"answer, it led to several more questions. Randy had been looking into other political activities, mainly "]
[null,"concerning the Nazis of Germany. He soon drew a connection between the general attitudes of the Nazis "]
[null,"and members of the government and industries of The United States. "]
[]
[null,"Much of politics of the first half of the 20th century centered around oil and the great amount of wealth "]
[null,"available to those who transformed decayed plant material into gasoline for the burgeoning automobile "]
[null,"industry, home heating, lubrication and the new idea of synthetics...plastics. Of the big oil families, the "]
[null,"Rockefellers were, and still are, at the top of the heap. Those who supported the Rockefellers, specifically "]
[null,"the Mellon banking family, also profited greatly.  Andrew Mellon, who had invested a great amount of "]
[null,"money in Rockefeller, wasn't going to lose the chance of becoming fabulously wealthy. Another client of "]
[null,"Mellon's, the duPont family, in addition to building companies like General Motors, was developing "]
[null,"synthetic fibers and plastics from petroleum. Law firms like Brown Brothers Harriman handled the legal "]
[null,"work for these and others. Media giants like the Hearsts were more than happy to join the ranks of the "]
[null,"filthy rich by putting out whatever their cronies said was news. These people had absolutely no concern "]
[null,"for the health and well-being of society at large. Indeed, the less the average man knew, the better for the "]
[null,"rich man. Strangely enough, it was many of these same people who were responsible for the illegalization "]
[null,"of Hemp/Marijuana. "]
[]
[null,"Hemp, the plant that humans have used for several millenia, and the industry that provided the best in "]
[null,"cloth, rope and oil, was on hard times. Hemp, though growing luxuriously"]
[null,"throughout America's farmland, was extremely labor-intensive. Until the availability of the Decorticator, "]
[null,"Hemp had to be harvested in large part by hand. American industry needed"]
[null,"more than Hemp could produce in this way. "]
[]
[null,"The Decorticator came on the scene in 1935. Hemp was on its way once again. That is, until those in the "]
[null,"petroleum industry saw a problem: Fuel could be made from Hemp that would burn cleaner, much more "]
[null,"effieciently, and with a greater supply than crude petroleum oil. Rudolph Diesel had built his famous "]
[null,"engine intending it to burn vegetable oil, mainly Hemp.  Hemp was already well known for it's lubricating "]
[null,"ability, which was of importance to the young aviation industry. Hemp oil in an aircraft engine doesn't "]
[null,"break apart chemically at high altitudes like petroleum did. Now with the Decoricator a reality, Hemp was "]
[null,"on its way...again. "]
[]
[null,"Hemp, as I'm sure you know, is in the same family as Marijuana...the flower tops and leaves of other "]
[null,"species of Cannabis Savita L. It was smoked freely, in the form of Hashish, in many fairs. Hash dens "]
[null,"were popular in America's bigger cities. But Blacks and Hispanics were known to smoke the dried flowers "]
[null,"and leaves. Jazz musicians of the period were known smokers of \"Reefer.\" The Big Oil folks and their "]
[null,"cronies found an excuse to drive Hemp away: Claim all sorts of bad things about Marijuana; don't make a "]
[null,"distinction between Hemp and Marijuana so the average person won't know what they had grown up with "]
[null,"would be taken away. Do this by playing on White America's racism. Scare them by claiming Marijuana "]
[null,"would drive you insane or lead you to more insidious drugs like Heroin and Cocaine. By 1936, \"Reefer "]
[null,"Madness\" was well played. Well played enough to cause Congress to pass the Marihuana Tax Act of "]
[null,"1937. Hemp was crippled. Big oil was safe. "]
[]
[null,"Meanwhile, Adolph Hitler was building Germany into a war machine with the same American "]
[null,"industrialists that wanted to ban Hemp! Hitler had no oil. Rockefeller did. With the help of the greedy, "]
[null,"Hitler got his oil. We know the rest of the Hitler story. "]
[]
[null,"After World War II, our intelligence community turned its attention to the Soviet Union. They sought to "]
[null,"use former Nazi intelligence agents as well as other Nazis against the Russians.  By 1955, over 10 "]
[null,"thousand former Nazis, many of them war criminals, were brought into the United States and put into our "]
[null,"Central Intelligence Agency. They brought their hatred, their inhuman experiments and their willingness to "]
[null,"subjugate all for the greater good of National Socialism. With the help of America's right wing, they "]
[null,"became entrenched. Their policies still rule America today. "]
[]
[null,"The prohibition of Hemp/Marijuana was fallout-part of a much bigger picture of control of the American "]
[null,"citizen. Total control over what we read, see, hear, eat, and smoke. The"]
[null,"policies that led to Marijuana prohibition are the same policies that have taken away rights that true "]
[null,"Americans hold dear. "]
[]
[null,"This piece is a chronology of the events of the 20th century, into the first days of the 21st century. Because "]
[null,"of the \"War On (Some) Drugs\" Americans now stand to lose all of our"]
[null,"freedoms. It is a very complex concept. When you look at the inter-related elements in their historical "]
[null,"context, you begin to see how and why the government we have now is bogus. "]
[]
[null,"If you wish to replicate or further investigate any of this, and I urge you to do so,I provide the "]
[null,"bibliography. Over the past seven years, I have checked and cross checked, and"]
[null,"researched and confirmed any and all available sources on this information. As I said earlier, some of the "]
[null,"proof is too well protected for anyone to get at right now. Which in and of itself speaks ill for a suposedly "]
[null,"free society. "]
[]
[null,"Neal Smith 3-12-00"]
[]
[]
[null,"========================================================================= "]
[]
[null,"BIBLIOGRAPHY "]
[]
[null,"TRADING WITH THE ENEMY Charles Higham, Delacorte Press, New York "]
[]
[null,"BLOWBACK: AMERICA'S RECRUITMENT OF NAZIS AND IT EFFECT ON THE COLD WAR Christopher Simpson, Weidenfeld & Nerolson, New York "]
[]
[null,"THE CIA AND THE CULT OF INTELLIGENCE by Victor Marchetti and John D. Marks, Dell Publishing, New York "]
[]
[null,"Smoke and Mirrors by Dan Baum, Little, Brown & Co., Boston, New York, et al "]
[]
[null,"UNHOLY TRINITY Mark Aarons, John Loftus, St. Martin's Press, New York "]
[]
[null,"THE EMPEROR WEARS NO CLOTHES Jack Herer, Hemp Publishing, Van Nuys, C.A. "]
[]
[null,"HEMP LIFELINE TO THE FUTURE Chris Conrad, Creative Xpressions, Los Angeles, CA. "]
[]
[null,"STEAL THIS URINE TEST Abbie Hoffman, Penguin Group, New York. "]
[]
[null,"THE GREAT BOOKS OF CANNABIS Vol. 1, Book II, Laurence Cherniak, Cherniak/Damele Publishing Co., Oakland, CA. "]
[]
[null,"THE NATURAL MIND Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston "]
[]
[null,"ENROUTE TO GLOBAL OCCUPATION Gary Kah, Huntington House Publishers, Lafayette, La. "]
[]
[null,"THE AGE OF SURVEILANCE Frank J. Donner, Vintage Books, New York. "]
[]
[null,"The FBI Ronald Kessler, Pocket Star Books, New York "]
[]
[null,"Marihuana, A Signal of Misunderstanding The Official Report of the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse.\" Signet Books, New American Library,"]
[null,"New York "]
[]
[null,"Conspiracies, Cover-ups and Crimes Jonathan Vankin, Dell Books, New York "]
[]
[null,"On the Trail of the Assassins Jim Garrison, Warner Books, New York "]
[]
[null,"Veil, The Secret Wars of the CIA Bob Woodward, Pocket Books, New York "]
[]
[null,"The Pentagon Papers Neil Sheehan, E.W. Kenworthy, Fox Butterfield, Hedrick Smith, Quadrangle Books, New York/Chicago "]
[]
[null,"Coup D'Etat In America Alan J. Webermann, Michael Canfield, Quick American Archives, San Francisco "]
[]
[null,"Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do Peter McWilliams, Prelude Press, Los Angeles "]
[]
[null,"Warren Commission Report U.S. Govt Printing Office "]
[]
[null,"NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE REFORM OF MARIJUANA LAWS NEW ARCHIVE, NORML Staff,"]
[null,"http://www.norml.org/news/archives/index1999.shtml "]
[]
[null,"DRCnet Library http://www.druglibrary.org/ "]
[]
[null,"ANTIFASCIST INFO BULLETIN ARCHIVES http://burn.ucsd.edu/~aff/afib.html "]
[]
[null,"Compromised: Clinton, Bush and the CIA Terri Reed, New York "]
[]
[null,"George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography by Webster Griffin Tarpley and Anton Chaitkin, web-published at: http://www.kmf.org/williams/bushbook.html "]
[]
[null,"IAN GODDARD'S JOURNAL, TWA800, Waco, Ritalin reports, Ian Goddard, http://users.erols.com/igoddard/ "]
[]
[null,"MEDIA AWARENESS PROJECT daily reports, http://www.mapinc.org "]
[]
[null,"LINDESMITH CENTER various reports, http://www.soros.org "]
[]
[null,"AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION various reports, http://www.aclu.org "]
[]
[null,"INTERNATIONAL ACTION CENTER, http://www.iacenter.org/iac_home.htm "]
[]
[null,"AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL various archival reports, http://www.amnestyinternational.org ",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
[null," "]
{"$rows_empty":16}
["Multinational Corporations And The War On Drugs",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[null,"by By Reverend Damuzi (11 Jan, 2000)"]
[null,"http://www.cannabisculture.com/"]
[]
[null," Free Trade is just another word for banning all your herbs."]
[]
[null," The War on Drugs is a trade war being fought by multinationaL"]
[null," pharmaceuticals, who want to ban all natural herbs and monopolize all"]
[null," synthetic drugs. Their strategy is now being copied by multinationals in"]
[null," other arenas."]
[]
[null," The war on drugs has repeatedly been a justification for countries with"]
[null," over-developed corporate sectors, like the United States and England, to"]
[null," prey upon weaker countries, like those in South America. Sometimes the"]
[null," enemy has been opium, sometimes it has been marijuana, but human beings"]
[null," have always been cut down alongside the plantsÉ and multinational"]
[null," corporations have always benefited as a result. The newest phrase created"]
[null," to describe the benefits multinationals derive from such human suffering is"]
[null," \"free trade.\""]
[]
[null," Historical Drug Wars"]
[]
[null," Historically, wars for control of enlightening plants have provided"]
[null," justification for violence and warfare. The same cultural domination and"]
[null," control achieved by Spanish prohibition of morning glory among Amerindians"]
[null," in thew 1600's, and by British opium traders to China, is being sought"]
[null," today by multinational corporations, which seek to prohibit natural,"]
[null," unpatentable medicines and replace them with synthetic drugs which are"]
[null," patented and highly profitable."]
[]
[null," Morning Glory"]
[]
[null," In South America during the 1600's, Spanish priests branded the psychedelic"]
[null," morning glory plant \"evil\" and soldiers set forth to burn \"Satan\" from"]
[null," villages and kill amerindian shamans. Spanish invaders were apparently only"]
[null," doing what they believed was right and good when they roasted a South"]
[null," American alive for eating morning glory seeds. Dispirited South American"]
[null," indians were rounded up and converted to Catholicism. Destabilized native"]
[null," societies were easy prey for further colonial expansion."]
[]
[null," Natives were forced to give up ancient traditions and live the way the"]
[null," Europeans did É or be killed. Ancient shamanistic cultures stopped going"]
[null," directly to the earth for what they needed, and started buying from"]
[null," European distributors. Once the old way of acquiring necessary everyday"]
[null," goods was lost, Amerindians became wholly reliant upon European"]
[null," merchandise."]
[]
[null," Opium War"]
[]
[null," An almost opposite situation occuredduring the 1800's, when China refused"]
[null," to take any more English opium, Britain retaliated by instigating the"]
[null," \"Opium War\", destroying the Chinese navy and forcing China to accept the"]
[null," imported British opium. There were no English missionaries inspiring the"]
[null," troops with sermons on the \"evils\" of drugs during the Opium War. England's"]
[null," moral majority was conspicuously silent."]
[]
[null," Both the South American natives and the Chinese were forced to accept"]
[null," aspects of what we presently call \"free trade\". In 17th century South"]
[null," America, an aggressively corporate country displaced the traditional"]
[null," non-corporate pattern of South American trade. A generally free market was"]
[null," eradicated in favour of a market of product control. Products were"]
[null," controlled by English manufacturers because the South American natives"]
[null," lacked the technology to reproduce products like metal kettles and guns."]
[]
[null," In 19th century China, national trade restrictions were rolled back by the"]
[null," force of British naval superiority, allowing English drug producers"]
[null," unimpeded access to Asian markets."]
[]
[null," A modern definition of \"Free trade\" would describe it as, essentially, a"]
[null," patent-oriented market of product control without national trade"]
[null," restrictions. The economic effects of the Opium War and the Spaniards'"]
[null," colonization of South America are much the same as the economic effects of"]
[null," free trade on nations today."]
[]
[null," Pharmaceutical Companies Monopolize Drug Trade"]
[]
[null," For 100 years after the Opium War, western pharmaceutical companies"]
[null," continued to export shiploads of opium and opium products (like morphine)"]
[null," to the east. While Britain slowed its drug exports to China, Swiss and"]
[null," Dutch pharmaceutical companies took up the slack."]
[]
[null," The shipments to China continued even despite the fact that China had"]
[null," reasserted her sovereignty and made opium illegal again in the mid-1800's."]
[null," What had begun as military protection of English economic interests grew to"]
[null," become an embarrassment to most European governments. The Opium War"]
[null," mentality was not complimentary to their new stance that certain"]
[null," mood-altering drugs were \"evil\"."]
[]
[null," Concern over massive amounts of illicit trafficking by western"]
[null," pharmaceutical firms led to the 1924 Geneva Conference, also known as the"]
[null," \"Opium Conference\". The Chinese member of the Advisory Committee began the"]
[null," talks by pointing out that Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Switzerland and"]
[null," the United States were all turning out \"...morphine by the ton, which was"]
[null," purchased by the smugglers by the ton.\""]
[]
[null," IFPMA Takes Over"]
[]
[null," As a result of the conference, pharmaceutical companies were encouraged to"]
[null," give up trade in illicit drugs in exchange for a strong international"]
[null," presence and governing capacity. The convention resulted in a system where"]
[null," countries estimated how much opium they would need for each citizen each"]
[null," year, and only that amount was permitted to enter the country. The"]
[null," International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations"]
[null," (IFPMA) was formed to fulfil the regulatory needs."]
[]
[null," Thus the \"cleaning up\" of multinational pharmaceutical companies amounted"]
[null," to nothing less than putting a pharmaceutical monopoly on opium dealing."]
[null," The pharmaceutical companies had a monopoly, and the competition was ‹ and"]
[null," continues to be ‹ killed or imprisoned. In no other sector of industry has"]
[null," production been so closely controlled."]
[]
[null," In a sense, this was the very first example of multinational free trade."]
[null," Regardless of the country, the pharmaceutical companies followed the same"]
[null," rules, which were enforced by an international body. Also typical of"]
[null," present-day \"free trade\", the corporation was given license to monitor"]
[null," itself. Delegates to the IFPMA were appointed solely by the pharmaceutical"]
[null," companies."]
[]
[null," Over the following decades, the reaches of the IFPMA continued to expand as"]
[null," it insinuated itself into circles of international power. The IFPMA was"]
[null," admitted as a Non-Governmental Organization to the World Health"]
[null," Organization (WHO) in January of 1971. It was also accepted in a similar"]
[null," capacity to the UN Economic and Social Council (UNESCO) soon after."]
[]
[null," Multinational Corporations Take Over Governments"]
[]
[null," The pharmaceutical companies were the first to take advantage of"]
[null," international governmental organizations to further their trade agenda."]
[null," Their accomplishment of working their way into international institutions"]
[null," of power represented a shift in the paradigm of world trade."]
[]
[null," Today, major multinationals have joined to further their own agendas in"]
[null," much the same way that the pharmaceuticals once did. Through the"]
[null," Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)"]
[null," they are attempting to enact what is known as the Multilateral Agreement on"]
[null," Investment (MAI). MAI would create an atmosphere of \"free trade\" in all of"]
[null," the OECD countries. Members of the OECD include Canada, the US, Japan,"]
[null," Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe."]
[]
[null," MAI seeks to push back environmental protection laws, national job creation"]
[null," programs, etc in favour of multinational corporate development. If any"]
[null," national law restricts development, a corporation may sue the government"]
[null," for damages, regardless of public reaction. MAI is fundamentally"]
[null," undemocratic. Under the force of world-wide opposition, MAI faltered at"]
[null," recent meetings in the Netherlands in May, and the Dutch, chair recommended"]
[null," that no country presently sign the document. MAI will likely not be"]
[null," ratified for at least another year as a result."]
[]
[null," David Rockefeller, a leading member of the Trilateralists* and president of"]
[null," the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, commented on the change that has"]
[null," occurred since the 1960's. \"Back then business leaders like myself were"]
[null," more or less sitting on the sidelines watching the negotiations unfold. But"]
[null," now we're sitting in the driver's seat and writing many of the documents"]
[null," ourselves.\"** And the documents they are writing are free-trade agreements."]
[]
[null," Unfortunately, the trade will be anything but free. If the present"]
[null," regulatory tyranny of the pharmaceutical companies is any indication, we"]
[null," can look forward to an environment of harsh prohibitions, in which only the"]
[null," multinationals will be able to compete. Naturally grown products with"]
[null," synthetic alternatives will be increasingly restricted and prohibited. Only"]
[null," multi-national corporations will have the capital and political influence"]
[null," to push their synthetic, patentable products through the expensive and"]
[null," arbitrary food and drug approval processes."]
[]
[null," Corporate Wealth vs National Wealth"]
[]
[null," Free trade seeks to create multinational, corporate wealth ‹ as opposed to"]
[null," the national wealth created by plant-drug production. Free trade seeks to"]
[null," undermine economies based on unpatentable items, like plant-based drugs and"]
[null," remedies, and create economies based on patents and market control. Free"]
[null," trade seeks to make it even easier for corporations to extract wealth from"]
[null," a country, and does away with national regulations on in-house investment"]
[null," and job creation."]
[]
[null," This new paradigm already functions within smaller free trade units like"]
[null," NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement, including Canada, the US"]
[null," and Mexico). Should MAI fail for some reason, it is likely that smaller"]
[null," agreements like NAFTA and the Treaty of Maastricht (the founding treaty of"]
[null," the European Union) will continue to proliferate, to the advantage of"]
[null," multinational corporations."]
[]
[null," The laws of individual countries are also directly under attack by lobby"]
[null," groups with free trade agendas. In 1995, The UN commissioned a report on"]
[null," global investment which found that between 1991 and 1994 there had been 374"]
[null," pieces of legislation introduced world-wide to do away with regulations on"]
[null," the way corporations conduct their business. 369 of these 374 pieces of"]
[null," legislation were intended to give corporations the capacity to break free"]
[null," of national boundaries, paving the way for multinational free trade."]
[]
[null," Laws being rolled back typically include those designed to protect the"]
[null," environment, health, jobs and standards of living."]
[]
[null," The UN, WHO and OECD Are All In Bed Together"]
[]
[null," The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development"]
[null," (OECD), the UN and the World Health Organization (WHO) are international"]
[null," organizations which exist, theoretically, as autonomous from one another."]
[null," In practice however, the three organizations meet behind closed doors and"]
[null," plan how to package and distribute the drug war as an international"]
[null," commodity, while promoting free trade as a replacement for drug revenue."]
[]
[null," Free trade, in particular, is the focus of the OECD. The UN finds its focus"]
[null," in encouraging international support for the war on drugs, through the"]
[null," United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and the International Narcotics"]
[null," Control Board (INCB), two organizations which cooperate closely in the"]
[null," international war on drugs. The WHO finds its focus in the legitimization"]
[null," of the drug war and free trade, by preparing various \"health reports\"."]
[]
[null," The relationship between WHO and the UNDCP manifests itself as a joint"]
[null," venture called the \"UNDCP/WHO Global Initiative on Primary Prevention of"]
[null," Substance Abuse\", which promotes the worldwide drug war as being beneficial"]
[null," to world health."]
[]
[null," The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UNESCO) is dedicated"]
[null," to pimping industrial development worldwide. A 1994 report by the Secretary"]
[null," General of UNESCO partially summarizes their position: \"Development is"]
[null," hampered byÉ mounting barriers to market access.\" Exactly the kind of"]
[null," market barriers which worldwide free trade (in the form of MAI) would tear"]
[null," down."]
[]
[null," It should be no surprise that the UN's Economic and Social Council is"]
[null," exclusively responsible for electing the 13 members of the UN Drug Control"]
[null," ProgramÉ or that the Economic and Social Council administers, receives"]
[null," reports and advisories from and generally cooperates with the International"]
[null," Narcotics Control Board. The Economic and Social Council also cooperates"]
[null," with the OECD, which is responsible for the worldwide free-trade agreement"]
[null," known as MAI."]
[]
[null," The public is left to speculate as to whether the relationship between the"]
[null," Economic and Social Council (free trade agenda) and the Drug Control"]
[null," Program (war on drugs agenda) has anything to do with the long-standing"]
[null," role of the International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations as an"]
[null," advising non-governmental organization to the Economic and Social Council."]
[null," It seems that the multinational pharmaceutical companies have always been"]
[null," hiding in the shadows, pushing magic \"free-trade\" pills to third-world"]
[null," countries."]
[]
[null," WHO Suppresses The Truth About Cannabis"]
[]
[null," The UN/OECD/WHO team also justifies its murderous drug-war policies by"]
[null," suppressing truth."]
[]
[null," The branch of WHO responsible for determining which substances should be"]
[null," placed under international control is the Expert Committee on"]
[null," Addiction-Producing Drugs. The members of the Expert Committee are"]
[null," appointed by the health ministries of the various countries that fund the"]
[null," WHO, including the US and Canada, and they are not appointed as the result"]
[null," of any electoral process."]
[]
[null," The Expert Committee has a long history of truth distortion. Back in 1955,"]
[null," in the wake of US drug-war activity, the Expert Committee claimed that"]
[null," cannabis should definitely be defined as an addiction-producing drug,"]
[null," without any real evidence to back up their claims. By 1957, the committee"]
[null," distinguished between habituation and addiction, and was forced to admit"]
[null," that cannabis was not an addictive drug at all, but no changes were ever"]
[null," made to international controls of the harmless herb."]
[]
[null," More recently, in 1995, WHO suppressed a report comparing cannabis, tobacco"]
[null," and alcohol. The report found that tobacco and alcohol were both far more"]
[null," harmful than marijuana. Sources within WHO leaked the document to"]
[null," mainstream media after being told to bury it. WHO sources also indicated"]
[null," that the US National Institute on Drug Abuse and the UN International Drug"]
[null," Control Programme had pressured WHO to suppress the report. Additionally,"]
[null," the WHO has repeatedly stalled on carrying through with a planned study and"]
[null," report on the highly successful Swiss harm-reduction experiment."]
[]
[null," Because of WHO's manipulations, cannabis has remained prohibited by"]
[null," international treaties, a prime target in the worldwide war on drugs."]
[null," Further showing the duplicity of their organization, many of the delegates"]
[null," to WHO (and other UN drug war institutions) go on to management positions"]
[null," in multinational pharmaceutical companies."]
[]
[null," Former Chief of the WHO Drug Dependence Unit, Hans Halbach, was hired by"]
[null," the Swiss pharmaceutical company Hoffman La Roche. Former Director of the"]
[null," UN Division of Narcotic Drugs, Gilbert Yates, became the Director of the"]
[null," Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries. Former Secretary of the"]
[null," International Narcotics Control Board, Adolf Lande, was taken in by the"]
[null," American Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association."]
[]
[null," The Prohibitionist Multinational Corporate Agenda"]
[]
[null," The war on drugs is a trade war, but it is also more than that. Trade wars"]
[null," are restricted to military or economic aggressions to open up markets. The"]
[null," drug war attacks not only countries and organizations that produce drugs,"]
[null," it also goes after consumers. Millions have been imprisoned or executed"]
[null," because they have no place in the prohibitionist multinational corporate"]
[null," agenda.",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":8}
["            On Cognitive Liberty (Part I)",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[]
[null,"                             By Richard Glen Boire, Esq."]
[]
[null,"                     Thoughts are free and are subject to no rule."]
[null,"                                                                      Ñ Paracelsus1"]
[]
[null,"                                  As we frantically race into the third millennium,"]
[null,"                                  with  microprocessors  becoming  faster, cheaper,"]
[null,"                                  and    smaller,    with    surveillance   cameras"]
[null,"                                  proliferating  in public  spaces, with  the human"]
[null,"                                  genome  program about to issue its first Òworking"]
[null,"                                  draftÓ  of the  human DNA  sequence, and  with an"]
[null,"                                  out-of-control  Frankensteinian machine named the"]
[null,"                                  War  on Drugs, all awhirl  in the ocean of modern"]
[null,"                                  day  culture,  it  is imperative  that  we,  as a"]
[null,"                                  society,  expressly  acknowledge  the fundamental"]
[null,"                                  human  right to cognitive liberty and immediately"]
[null,"                                  begin to define its contours."]
[]
[null,"                                  Encroachments   on  cognitive  liberty  can  take"]
[null,"                                  various   forms.   New   technologies   such   as"]
[null,"                                  biogenetic      modification,      human-computer"]
[null,"                                  interfacing,    brain-scanning,   nanotechnology,"]
[null,"                                  neural-networking, so-called Òneuro-therapy,Ó and"]
[null,"                                  new pharmaceuticals, raise exciting possibilities"]
[null,"                                  for  human Òevolution.Ó But, if not developed and"]
[null,"                                  used  responsibly, they and  the legislation they"]
[null,"                                  spawn,  could also pose  new threats to cognitive"]
[null,"                                  freedom.2  The trend of technology is to overcome"]
[null,"                                  the  limitations of the human  body. And, the Web"]
[null,"                                  has  been characterized  as a  virtual collective"]
[null,"                                  consciousness  and unconsciousness.  What are the"]
[null,"                                  implications  for  mental autonomy  when wearable"]
[null,"                                  computers  become  wet-wired  to  our  own  minds"]
[null,"                                  and memory is  augmented by a high-speed wireless"]
[null,"                                  connection  to  the Web? Similarly,  advances  in"]
[null,"                                  biotechnology  and drug-design increasingly raise"]
[null,"                                  legal  and ethical questions related to cognitive"]
[null,"                                  liberty,  including what rights  people will have"]
[null,"                                  to  access these and other technologies, and what"]
[null,"                                  rights we will have to avoid them."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"                                  Calibrating Cognitive Liberty"]
[]
[null,"                                  Part of elucidating a theory of cognitive liberty"]
[null,"                                  is  simply  recognizing  when  free  cognition is"]
[null,"                                  being   infringed.   Restrictions   on   physical"]
[null,"                                  liberty, for  all their pain and terror, at least"]
[null,"                                  have  the  benefit  of being  relatively  easy to"]
[null,"                                  recognize and call attention to. During World War"]
[null,"                                  II,  the Nazi  concentration camps  for Jews, and"]
[null,"                                  the   American  internment   camps  for  Japanese"]
[null,"                                  Americans,   were  marked  by  the  machinery  of"]
[null,"                                  physical  control: fences, barbed wire, and guard"]
[null,"                                  towers.  Similarly, from 1961 to 1989, a concrete"]
[null,"                                  and  barbwire wall  overseen by  116 guard towers"]
[null,"                                  divided  the city of Berlin.  Anyone who tried to"]
[null,"                                  cross that wall without a Òspecial authorizationÓ"]
[null,"                                  risked a  bullet in the back of his or her skull."]
[null,"                                  In contrast to the usual visibility of government"]
[null,"                                  restraints  on  physical  liberty,  restraints on"]
[null,"                                  cognitive  liberty  are most  often  difficult to"]
[null,"                                  recognize, if not invisible."]
[]
[null,"                                  Consciousness is so complex and multifaceted that"]
[null,"                                  it  may never  be understood.  Unfortunately, the"]
[null,"                                  inability  to  understand consciousness  does not"]
[null,"                                  equate to  an inability for others to control it."]
[null,"                                  How  then can we  recognize nefarious attempts to"]
[null,"                                  control  consciousness? In  one respect, absolute"]
[null,"                                  control   of  oneÕs   own  consciousness   is  an"]
[null,"                                  impossibility.  While each of  us carries our own"]
[null,"                                  brain   in   our  own   skull,  the   process  of"]
[null,"                                  consciousness  itself  is  interactive.  All  our"]
[null,"                                  senses  continuously feed  data into  our brains,"]
[null,"                                  producing  a dance of  cognition that perpetually"]
[null,"                                  swirls the exterior world with the interior world"]
[null,"                                  creating   a  seamless,   edgeless,  apperceptive"]
[null,"                                  feedback   loop.   Our   minds   are  continually"]
[null,"                                  changing,   continually  interfacing   with  Òthe"]
[null,"                                  other.Ó  Cognitive  liberty  clearly  cannot mean"]
[null,"                                  cognitive isolation."]
[]
[null,"                                  Mind control, like most everything else, comes in"]
[null,"                                  degrees. A  discussion with a friend may make you"]
[null,"                                  change  your  opinion  on a  topic,  it  may even"]
[null,"                                  change  your life, but does  that amount to Òmind"]
[null,"                                  control?Ó  Was  your cognitive  liberty violated?"]
[null,"                                  Over $US200 billion dollars is spent each year by"]
[null,"                                  companies  unabashedly striving to manipulate our"]
[null,"                                  desires, to literally make us want their product."]
[null,"                                  If  you  see  an advertisement  (or  many)  for a"]
[null,"                                  product  and  that  advertisement,  replete  with"]
[null,"                                  imagery of  the good life, causes you to purchase"]
[null,"                                  the  product, have  you been  the victim  of mind"]
[null,"                                  control?   Has   your   cognitive   liberty  been"]
[null,"                                  violated?"]
[]
[null,"                                  What   if  the  advertisement  is  embedded  with"]
[null,"                                  auditory  or visual subliminal  messages? What if"]
[null,"                                  the   advertisement  is  embedded  in  prime-time"]
[null,"                                  television  programs, passing as program content,"]
[null,"                                  rather  than  demarked  as a  Òcommercial?Ó 3 Or,"]
[null,"                                  suppose  you are a 12-year-old placed on Prozac¨,"]
[null,"                                  or  Ritalin¨  largely because  your schoolteacher"]
[null,"                                  has  ÒdiagnosedÓ  you as  depressed  or suffering"]
[null,"                                  from   Attention   Deficit  Disorder.   Has  your"]
[null,"                                  cognitive liberty been violated?"]
[]
[null,"                                  The  answers to  the above  questions depend upon"]
[null,"                                  how  finely one calibrates cognitive liberty. But"]
[null,"                                  some  scenarios,  some  infringements  on  mental"]
[null,"                                  autonomy, are  crystal clear and ought to present"]
[null,"                                  limit  cases where general  policies and specific"]
[null,"                                  rules  emerge  in  high-definition  clarity. Yet,"]
[null,"                                  even in so-called limit cases, the US government,"]
[null,"                                  including  its  legal  system,  has  often  acted"]
[null,"                                  inconsistently."]
[]
[null,"                                  A (Very) Brief History of"]
[null,"                                  US Government Mind Control"]
[]
[null,"                                  In  1969, Justice Marshall wrote, without mincing"]
[null,"                                  words,  ÒOur whole constitutional heritage rebels"]
[null,"                                  at the  thought of giving government the power to"]
[null,"                                  control  menÕs minds.Ó4  Yet, contrary to Justice"]
[null,"                                  MarshallÕs    strong   pronouncement,    the   US"]
[null,"                                  government  has  not  consistently  respected  or"]
[null,"                                  protected  cognitive liberty. Indeed, some of the"]
[null,"                                  governmentÕs  offenses seem to come directly from"]
[null,"                                  the  pages  of  a  dystopian  novel  like  George"]
[null,"                                  OrwellÕs Nineteen Eighty-Four.5"]
[]
[null,"                                  Imagine,  for example, if the government passed a"]
[null,"                                  law  mandating that all  citizens receive monthly"]
[null,"                                  injections  of time-release sedatives, justifying"]
[null,"                                  the  law  on  the  Òpublic  healthÓ  grounds that"]
[null,"                                  sedated  people  are more  productive  at routine"]
[null,"                                  repetitive  tasks, are less violent, and are less"]
[null,"                                  of a drain on public resources. What if those who"]
[null,"                                  did not  voluntarily report at the time and place"]
[null,"                                  appointed  for their injection were rounded up by"]
[null,"                                  the  police,  and  forcefully  lobotomized? Would"]
[null,"                                  anyone  doubt that such a  law infringed not just"]
[null,"                                  on  oneÕs   physical freedom  but also  on  oneÕs"]
[null,"                                  cognitive    freedom?   ItÕs   not   exactly   an"]
[null,"                                  unthinkable  scenario.  From  the  1920s  through"]
[null,"                                  1970, pursuant to the laws of at least 32 states,"]
[null,"                                  more  than 60,000 people were deemed Òeugenically"]
[null,"                                  unfit.Ó  Many of these  people were involuntarily"]
[null,"                                  sterilized,  in  part  because of  low  scores on"]
[null,"                                  intelligence  tests.6 When one  of these laws was"]
[null,"                                  challenged,  and  the  case  reached  the  United"]
[null,"                                  States Supreme  Court, it was upheldÑwith Justice"]
[null,"                                  Oliver  Wendell Holmes smugly proclaiming, ÒThree"]
[null,"                                  generations of imbeciles are enough.Ó7"]
[]
[null,"                                  Until  1973,  ÒhomosexualityÓ  was  listed  as  a"]
[null,"                                  psychiatric   disorder  in  the   Diagnostic  and"]
[null,"                                  Statistical  Manual  of  Mental  Disorders (DSM)."]
[null,"                                  People who admitted being homosexual, or who were"]
[null,"                                  ÒaccusedÓ  of being gay  or lesbian, were subject"]
[null,"                                  to  involuntary  confinement under  mental health"]
[null,"                                  laws,  and subjected  to Òreparative  therapyÓ or"]
[null,"                                  Òconversion  therapyÓ  designed  to  convert them"]
[null,"                                  into  heterosexuals. ÒTreatment,Ó  in addition to"]
[null,"                                  counseling,   included   penile   plesthysmograph"]
[null,"                                  (electronic  shock triggered by penile erection),"]
[null,"                                  drugging, and hypnosis. Even though homosexuality"]
[null,"                                  was  deleted  from the  DSM in  1973, it  was not"]
[null,"                                  until December 1998 that the American Psychiatric"]
[null,"                                  Association  finally disapproved  of ÒreparativeÓ"]
[null,"                                  or ÒconversionÓ therapy.8"]
[]
[null,"                                  In  the   1950s,  60s,  and  early  70s,  the  US"]
[null,"                                  government   illegally  and  unethically  drugged"]
[null,"                                  unwitting    US   citizens    with   psychoactive"]
[null,"                                  substances,  including LSD,  as part  of projects"]
[null,"                                  bluebird,  artichoke,  and  mkultra,  all  in  an"]
[null,"                                  attempt  to develop  techniques of  mind control."]
[null,"                                  Richard  Helms,  the  chief  planner  of mkultra,"]
[null,"                                  wrote  in a planning  memorandum that the program"]
[null,"                                  was designed in part to:"]
[]
[null,"                                       Investigate the development of chemical"]
[null,"                                       material which causes a reversible"]
[null,"                                       non-toxic aberrant mental state, the"]
[null,"                                       specific nature of which can be"]
[null,"                                       reasonably well predicted for each"]
[null,"                                       individual. This material could"]
[null,"                                       potentially aid in discrediting"]
[null,"                                       individuals, eliciting information, and"]
[null,"                                       implanting suggestions and other forms"]
[null,"                                       of mental control.9"]
[]
[null,"                                  While the mkultra program began with tests in the"]
[null,"                                  laboratory on willing volunteers, the CIA quickly"]
[null,"                                  saw  the need to expand  the testing to determine"]
[null,"                                  what the effects of drugs such as LSD would be on"]
[null,"                                  unsuspecting people. Thus, in 1953, the CIA moved"]
[null,"                                  its  mind  control  program into  the  streets of"]
[null,"                                  America   and  began   the  Òcovert   testing  of"]
[null,"                                  materials    on   unwitting   US   citizens.Ó  10"]
[]
[null,"                                  In subsequent installments of this essay, we will"]
[null,"                                  see how the US Government continues to promulgate"]
[null,"                                  certain  policies that, while  cloaked in Òpublic"]
[null,"                                  healthÓ or Òpublic safetyÓ justifications, amount"]
[null,"                                  to  an impermissible  government action  aimed at"]
[null,"                                  policing  thought and interfering with the mental"]
[null,"                                  processes of citizens."]
[]
[null,"                                  FreedomÕs Invisible Landscape"]
[]
[null,"                                  The  right to control  oneÕs own consciousness is"]
[null,"                                  the  quintessence  of freedom.  If freedom  is to"]
[null,"                                  mean anything,  it must mean that each person has"]
[null,"                                  an inviolable  right to think for him or herself."]
[null,"                                  It  must mean, at a  minimum, that each person is"]
[null,"                                  free to direct oneÕs own consciousness; oneÕs own"]
[null,"                                  underlying  mental processes,  and oneÕs beliefs,"]
[null,"                                  opinions, and worldview. This is self-evident and"]
[null,"                                  axiomatic."]
[]
[null,"                                  In assessing what rights are fundamental and thus"]
[null,"                                  entitled  to the most stringent legal protection,"]
[null,"                                  the US Supreme Court has stated that, fundamental"]
[null,"                                  liberties  are those Òimplicit  in the concept of"]
[null,"                                  ordered  liberty,Ó such that Òneither liberty nor"]
[null,"                                  justice would exist if [they] were sacrificed.Ó11"]
[null,"                                  Under  another  test, fundamental  liberties were"]
[null,"                                  characterized  by  the Court  as  those liberties"]
[null,"                                  that  are Òdeeply rooted in this NationÕs history"]
[null,"                                  and tradition.Ó12"]
[]
[null,"                                  Slightly over seventy years ago, Justice Brandies"]
[null,"                                  acknowledged  in  a  landmark  privacy  case that"]
[null,"                                  cognitive   freedom  was  one  of  the  principal"]
[null,"                                  protections   designed  into   the  Constitution:"]
[]
[null,"                                       The makers of our Constitution"]
[null,"                                       undertook to secure conditions"]
[null,"                                       favorable to the pursuit of happiness."]
[null,"                                       They recognized the significance of"]
[null,"                                       manÕs spiritual nature, of his feelings"]
[null,"                                       and of his intellect. They knew that"]
[null,"                                       only a part of the pain, pleasure and"]
[null,"                                       satisfactions of life are to be found"]
[null,"                                       in material things. They sought to"]
[null,"                                       protect Americans in their beliefs,"]
[null,"                                       their thoughts, their emotions and"]
[null,"                                       their sensations. They conferred, as"]
[null,"                                       against the Government, the right to be"]
[null,"                                       let aloneÑthe most comprehensive of"]
[null,"                                       rights and the right most valued by"]
[null,"                                       civilized man.13"]
[]
[null,"                                  But,  while  certain  justices  have,  at  times,"]
[null,"                                  pointedly  acknowledged the fundamental nature of"]
[null,"                                  cognitive  freedom  and the  nefarious  nature of"]
[null,"                                  government (or other ÒoutsideÓ) interference with"]
[null,"                                  the  intellect,  this  important  freedom remains"]
[null,"                                  only   obliquely  defined  within  the  US  legal"]
[null,"                                  system.  Ironically, the lack  of a comprehensive"]
[null,"                                  treatment may  be because cognitive freedom is so"]
[null,"                                  self-evidently  a basic human right. Whatever the"]
[null,"                                  reason,  without  a  coherent  cognitive  liberty"]
[null,"                                  jurisprudence,  present and  future infringements"]
[null,"                                  on  cognitive liberty  risk passing  unnoticed or"]
[null,"                                  unremedied.  In  the  next  installment  of  this"]
[null,"                                  essay,  we will begin  to dig  deep into privacy,"]
[null,"                                  due  process,  and First  Amendment cases,  in an"]
[null,"                                  attempt to excavate a theoretical scaffolding for"]
[null,"                                  cognitive  liberty. As  I believe  the cases will"]
[null,"                                  show,   cognitive   liberty   is   the  invisible"]
[null,"                                  landscape  from  which springs  some of  our most"]
[null,"                                  cherished and protected freedoms."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"                                                        Notes"]
[]
[null,"                                  1  J. Jacobi, ed.,  Selected  Writings (New York:"]
[null,"                                  Pantheon Books, 1951)."]
[]
[null,"                                  2  One example of fiction-like technology looming"]
[null,"                                  just  over the horizon  was recently discussed by"]
[null,"                                  MIT-educated   futurist  Ray  Kurzweil,  who  has"]
[null,"                                  forecasted  the coming of nanobot brain scanners."]
[null,"                                  These  nanobots would  be blood-cell-sized robots"]
[null,"                                  that  travel through capillaries in the brain and"]
[null,"                                  take   high-resolution   scans   of   the  neural"]
[null,"                                  features. These  bots would be tied together on a"]
[null,"                                  wireless LAN, and comprise a distributed parallel"]
[null,"                                  computer  with the same  power as  the brain that"]
[null,"                                  was scanned.  (ÒThe Story of the 21st CenturyÓ in"]
[null,"                                  Technology Review Jan./Feb. 2000, 82-83.)"]
[]
[null,"                                  Kurzweil  says that every aspect of this scenario"]
[null,"                                  is feasible today Òexcept for size and cost.Ó For"]
[null,"                                  more of KurzweilÕs ideas, see his book The Age of"]
[null,"                                  Spiritual  Machines: When  Computers Exceed Human"]
[null,"                                  Intelligence      (New   York:   Viking,   1999)."]
[]
[null,"                                  3 See ÒBig Brother Puts a New Twist on the"]
[null,"                                  Telescreen,Óinfra, 60."]
[]
[null,"                                  4  Stanley v.  Georgia (1969)  394 U.S. 557, 565."]
[]
[null,"                                  5  G.  Orwell,  Nineteen  Eighty-Four  (New York:"]
[null,"                                  Harcourt, Brace & Co., Inc., 1949)."]
[]
[null,"                                  6  J.  Robitscher,  ed.,   Eugenic  Sterilization"]
[null,"                                  (Springfield,   Il:  Charles  C.  Thomas,  1973),"]
[null,"                                  118-119  [listing  sterilization  data  for  most"]
[null,"                                  states];  E. Brantlinger, Sterilization of People"]
[null,"                                  with  Mental Disabilities:  Issues, Perspectives,"]
[null,"                                  and  Cases (Westport,  Con.: Auburn  House, 1995)"]
[null,"                                  25;  E.J.  Larson &  L. Nelson  III, ÒInvoluntary"]
[null,"                                  Sexual  Sterilization of Incompetents in Alabama:"]
[null,"                                  Past,  Present, and Future,Ó  43  Alabama L. Rev."]
[null,"                                  399 (1992), 407."]
[]
[null,"                                  7  Buck v.  Bell (1927) 274  US 200, 207. Eugenic"]
[null,"                                  sterilization,     including     the     Norplant"]
[null,"                                  contraceptive  device, will  be further discussed"]
[null,"                                  in subsequent installments of this essay."]
[]
[null,"                                  8   ÒAmerican  Psychiatric   Association  Rebukes"]
[null,"                                  Reparative  Therapy,Ó  Press  Release  No. 98-56,"]
[null,"                                  December    14,   1998.    Viewable   online   at"]
[null,"                                  http://www.psych.org/news_stand/rep_therapy.html."]
[null,"                                  [Accessed: 23 January 2000.]"]
[]
[null,"                                  Alan  Turing,  one  of  the  founding  fathers of"]
[null,"                                  artificial  intelligence theory, was arrested for"]
[null,"                                  violation  of  British homosexuality  statutes in"]
[null,"                                  1952   after  he  admitted  having  a  homosexual"]
[null,"                                  affair. Believing that his sexual orientation was"]
[null,"                                  a personal  matter, neither a sin nor a crime, he"]
[null,"                                  presented no defense at his trial, which occurred"]
[null,"                                  on  31  March  1952. In  lieu of  prison,  he was"]
[null,"                                  ordered  to submit  to estrogen  injections for a"]
[null,"                                  year.  Following a  period of  depression, likely"]
[null,"                                  the   result  of  the  injections,  he  committed"]
[null,"                                  suicide on June 7, 1954."]
[]
[null,"                                  9  ÒMemorandum  from  ADDP items  to  DCI Dulles,"]
[null,"                                  4/3/53Ó   quoted   in    The   Mind  Manipulators"]
[null,"                                  (Paddington Press, 1978), 132."]
[]
[null,"                                  10 Inspector GeneralÕs Report on mkultra, (August"]
[null,"                                  14,  1963), 7, quoted  in The  Mind Manipulators,"]
[null,"                                  supra, 133."]
[]
[null,"                                  For  more details  on the  governmentÕs bluebird,"]
[null,"                                  artcichoke,  and mkultra programs (at least those"]
[null,"                                  details  not  lost  forever  when  Richard Helms,"]
[null,"                                  ordered the destruction of all records related to"]
[null,"                                  the  projects in January 1973)  see A. Scheflin &"]
[null,"                                  E.  Opton, ÒTampering With The  Mind (l) & (ll),Ó"]
[null,"                                  in The Mind Manipulators, supra, (1978), 106-212."]
[]
[null,"                                  11  In Palko v.  Connecticut (1937) 302 U.S. 319,"]
[null,"                                  325, 326."]
[]
[null,"                                  12  Moore v. East  Cleveland (1977) 431 U.S. 494,"]
[null,"                                  503 (opinion of Powell, J.)."]
[]
[null,"                                  13 Olmstead v. United States (1928) 277 U.S. 438,"]
[null,"                                  478 (Brandies, J., dissenting)."]
[]
[null,"                                ______________________________________"]
[null,"                                Richard Glen Boire, Esq. is the executive director"]
[null,"                                of the Alchemind Society."]
[]
[null,"                   Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics"]
[null,"                            Post Office Box 73481"]
[null,"                          Davis, CA 95617-3481 USA"]
[null,"       FAX: 530-686-8265; Toll Free Voice Mail: 1-888-950-MIND (6463)",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":12}
["                       On Cognitive Liberty (Part 2)"]
[null,"         ",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
[null,"                          By Richard Glen Boire, Esq."]
[]
[null,"                                     Éwithout freedom of thought"]
[null,"                                     there can be no free society."]
[null,"                                      --U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter 1"]
[null,"                                                             "]
[null,"      "]
[null,"                                    An Introductory Note on"]
[null,"                                    Banned Books and other Controlled Substances"]
[]
[null,"                                    As  you read this  sentence you are  receiving"]
[null,"                                    information. Words  are carriers  of thoughts,"]
[null,"                                    whether  spoken from  mouth to ear,  digitized"]
[null,"                                    and passed electronically,  or downloaded into"]
[null,"                                    ink  and  passed  on  paper  across  time  and"]
[null,"                                    space.   Because   words  are   vehicles   for"]
[null,"                                    thoughts, words can change  your opinion, give"]
[null,"                                    you  new  ideas,  reform  your  worldview,  or"]
[null,"                                    foment a revolution."]
[]
[null,"                                    Attempts  to  control  the written  word  date"]
[null,"                                    from  at  least AD  325  when  the Council  of"]
[null,"                                    Nicaea  ruled  that  Christ  was  100  percent"]
[null,"                                    divine  and   forbade  the   dissemination  of"]
[null,"                                    contrary beliefs.  Since the invention  of the"]
[null,"                                    printing  press  in   1452,  governments  have"]
[null,"                                    struggled   to  control   the  printed   word."]
[null,"                                    Presses    were    initially   licensed    and"]
[null,"                                    registered.    Only   certain   people    were"]
[null,"                                    permitted to  own or control a  printing press"]
[null,"                                    and  only certain things  could be printed  or"]
[null,"                                    copied.  (This  was  the   origin  of  todayÕs"]
[null,"                                    copyright rules.) Works  printed without prior"]
[null,"                                    authorization were gathered  up and destroyed,"]
[null,"                                    the authors and printers imprisoned."]
[]
[null,"                                    Scholars  disagree as to  the exact date,  but"]
[null,"                                    some time around 1560,  Pope Paul IV published"]
[null,"                                    the   Index Librorum  Prohibitorum  a list  of"]
[null,"                                    forbidden books  (i.e., controlled substances)"]
[null,"                                    enforced  by the  Roman government.  When the"]
[null,"                                    Index   was (finally)  abandoned  in 1966,  it"]
[null,"                                    listed over  4,000 forbidden  books, including"]
[null,"                                    works  by   such  people  as   Galileo,  Kant,"]
[null,"                                    Pascal, Spinoza  and John Locke.2  The history"]
[null,"                                    of  censorship has  been extensively  recorded"]
[null,"                                    by others. My point  is simply the obvious one"]
[null,"                                    that efforts  to prohibit heterodox  texts and"]
[null,"                                    to make criminals out of those who"]
[null,"                                    \"manufactured\"  such texts,  were not so  much"]
[null,"                                    interested  in  controlling  ink  patterns  on"]
[null,"                                    paper, as in controlling  the ideas encoded in"]
[null,"                                    printed words."]
[]
[null,"                                    I submit  that in the same  way, the so-called"]
[null,"                                    \"war on drugs\" is  not a war on pills, powder,"]
[null,"                                    plants,  and  potions,  it  is war  on  mental"]
[null,"                                    states Ñ  a war on consciousness  itself Ñ how"]
[null,"                                    much,   what   sort   we  are   permitted   to"]
[null,"                                    experience, and  who gets to control  it. More"]
[null,"                                    than    an    unintentional   misnomer,    the"]
[null,"                                    government-termed   \"war   on  drugs\"   is   a"]
[null,"                                    strategic decoy  label; a  slight-of-hand move"]
[null,"                                    by the  government to redirect  attention away"]
[null,"                                    from  what lies  at ground zero  of the war  Ñ"]
[null,"                                    each   individualÕs   fundamental   right   to"]
[null,"                                    control his or her own consciousness."]
[]
[null,"                                    Entheogenic Oldspeak v. Drug War Newspeak"]
[]
[null,"                                    In  George OrwellÕs  dystopian novel  Nineteen"]
[null,"                                    Eighty-Four   ,    the   Oceania    government"]
[null,"                                    diligently  worked to  establish \"Newspeak\"  a"]
[null,"                                    carefully  crafted  language designed  by  the"]
[null,"                                    government   for   the   purpose   of   making"]
[null,"                                    unapproved  \"modes  of thought  impossible.\" 3"]
[null,"                                    Prior  to  Newspeak,  the  people  of  Oceania"]
[null,"                                    communicated  with  \"Oldspeak,\" an  autonomous"]
[null,"                                    natural   language   capable   of   expressing"]
[null,"                                    nuanced emotions and multiple  points of view."]
[null,"                                    By    controlling    language   through    the"]
[null,"                                    imposition  of  Newspeak   Ñ  by  \"eliminating"]
[null,"                                    undesirable   words\"  Ñ   the  government   of"]
[null,"                                    Oceania  was  able  to  control and,  in  some"]
[null,"                                    cases,    completely     extinguish    certain"]
[null,"                                    thoughts.   As  a   character   in    Nineteen"]
[null,"                                    Eighty-Four explained to  Winston Smith \"DonÕt"]
[null,"                                    you see  that the whole aim of  Newspeak is to"]
[null,"                                    narrow the range of  thought?ÉEvery year fewer"]
[null,"                                    and fewer words, and the range of"]
[null,"                                    consciousness  always  a   little  smaller.\" 4"]
[null,"                                    Those  people  raised  with  Newspeak,  having"]
[null,"                                    never  known  the   wider-range  of  Oldspeak,"]
[null,"                                    might fail to notice,  indeed, might be unable"]
[null,"                                    to  even  perceive,  that the  Government  was"]
[null,"                                    limiting consciousness."]
[]
[null,"                                    In  1970, just four  years after the  Catholic"]
[null,"                                    Church  finally abandoned  the Index  Librorum"]
[null,"                                    Prohibitorum ,  the United  States  government"]
[null,"                                    produced  its own  index of forbidden  thought"]
[null,"                                    catalysts: the federal  schedule of controlled"]
[null,"                                    substances.  Included on  the initial list  of"]
[null,"                                    Schedule    I   substances   were    seventeen"]
[null,"                                    substances  denoted  as  \"hallucinogens,\"  and"]
[null,"                                    declared  to   have  \"a  high   potential  for"]
[null,"                                    abuse,\"  \"no currently  accepted medical  use\""]
[null,"                                    in the  USA, and  \"a lack of  accepted safety\""]
[null,"                                    even  under  medical  supervision.  Among  the"]
[null,"                                    list   of    outlawed   \"hallucinogens\"   were"]
[null,"                                    psilocybin    and    psilocin,   the    active"]
[null,"                                    principles of Psilocybe mushrooms;"]
[null,"                                    dimethyltryptamine    (DMT),     the    active"]
[null,"                                    principle  in  ayahuasca  and  many  visionary"]
[null,"                                    snuffs;  ibogaine,  mescaline,   peyote,  and"]
[null,"                                    LSD. 5   The  experience  elicited   by  these"]
[null,"                                    substances in their chemical  or natural plant"]
[null,"                                    forms is  the  par excellence  of \"Oldspeak\"Ña"]
[null,"                                    cognitive modality dating from pre-history."]
[]
[null,"                                    Archeological  evidence  suggests that  humans"]
[null,"                                    have  communed   with  visionary   plants  and"]
[null,"                                    potions  for thousands  of years. Peyote,  for"]
[null,"                                    example, has been used  for over 10,000 years."]
[null,"                                    Lysergic acid  diethylamide (LSD)  was created"]
[null,"                                    by Dr.  Albert Hofmann, a chemist  employed by"]
[null,"                                    Sandoz Laboratories in  Basel, Switzerland. In"]
[null,"                                    1938,  Dr.  Hofmann  synthesized  LSD  from  a"]
[null,"                                    fungus  commonly  found  in   rye  seeds.  Its"]
[null,"                                    affect on  consciousness remained undiscovered"]
[null,"                                    until  April   16,  1943,  when   Dr.  Hofmann"]
[null,"                                    accidentally ingested  a minute amount  of the"]
[null,"                                    substance    and    experienced   a    strange"]
[null,"                                    inebriation  in  which   \"the  external  world"]
[null,"                                    became changed  as in a dream.\"  Several years"]
[null,"                                    later,  Hofmann discovered  that the  chemical"]
[null,"                                    structure of  LSD is nearly identical  to that"]
[null,"                                    of the  sacred entheogen ololiuhqui , prepared"]
[null,"                                    from morning glory seeds  and used ritually by"]
[null,"                                    the Aztecs for thousands of years."]
[]
[null,"                                    Mushrooms, of  the genus Psilocybe , were used"]
[null,"                                    to produce visionary states  at least as early"]
[null,"                                    as 4000  B.C. The Psilocybe  mushroom was used"]
[null,"                                    in religious ceremonies long  before the Aztec"]
[null,"                                    civilization.  It  was  named    teonan‡catl ,"]
[null,"                                    meaning  \"sacred mushroom.\"  In 1957,  working"]
[null,"                                    with  mushrooms obtained  by R. Gordon  Wasson"]
[null,"                                    from  the now  famous curandera Maria  Sabina,"]
[null,"                                    Dr.  Hofmann  isolated and  later  synthesized"]
[null,"                                    two  active   substances  derived  from   the"]
[null,"                                    Psilocybe mushroom. He  named these substances"]
[null,"                                    psilocybin and psilocin. In  1962, Dr. Hofmann"]
[null,"                                    traveled to Mexico and  met with Maria Sabina."]
[null,"                                    During  a  night  ceremony,  she  ingested  30"]
[null,"                                    milligrams  of  the synthetic  psilocybin  and"]
[null,"                                    later  said the  effect was  indistinguishable"]
[null,"                                    from that  elicited with the  sacred mushrooms"]
[null,"                                    themselves."]
[]
[null,"                                    Another substance  placed on  the governmentÕs"]
[null,"                                    1970 list of  criminalized \"hallucinogens\" was"]
[null,"                                    N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT). This  substance"]
[null,"                                    was  first   synthesized  in  1931,   but  its"]
[null,"                                    entheogenic  properties  were  not  discovered"]
[null,"                                    until 1956.  It was subsequently  learned that"]
[null,"                                    DMT  is  the  principal active  ingredient  in"]
[null,"                                    numerous   snuffs  and   brews  long-used   by"]
[null,"                                    various   South    American   Indians   during"]
[null,"                                    religious   ceremonies.  The  DMT   containing"]
[null,"                                    plant   Psychotria  viridis  is  a  well-known"]
[null,"                                    admixture  to the  entheogenic  brew known  as"]
[null,"                                    ayahuasca   or   yaj*,   which   archeological"]
[null,"                                    evidence suggests  dates back as many  as five"]
[null,"                                    thousand years.6"]
[]
[null,"                                    Some who ingest visionary  plants believe that"]
[null,"                                    the plants  talk to them and  open up channels"]
[null,"                                    of  communication   with  animals   and  other"]
[null,"                                    entities.   Mazatec   eaters  of     Psilocybe"]
[null,"                                    mushrooms, for  example, are adamant  that the"]
[null,"                                    mushrooms speak to them:"]
[]
[null,"                                    The Mazatecs say that the mushrooms speak. If"]
[null,"                                    you ask a shaman where his imagery comes"]
[null,"                                    from, he is likely to reply: \"I didnÕt say"]
[null,"                                    it, the mushrooms did.\" Éhe who eats these"]
[null,"                                    mushrooms, if he is a man of language,"]
[null,"                                    becomes endowed with an inspired capacity to"]
[null,"                                    speakÉThe spontaneity they liberate is not"]
[null,"                                    only perceptual, but linguistic, the"]
[null,"                                    spontaneity of speech, of fervent, lucid"]
[null,"                                    discourse, of the logos in activity. For the"]
[null,"                                    shaman it is as if existence were uttering"]
[null,"                                    itself through himÉwords are materializations"]
[null,"                                    of consciousness; language is a privileged"]
[null,"                                    vehicle of our relation to reality.7"]
[]
[null,"                                    Just as Newspeak was  intended to make certain"]
[null,"                                    Old(speak) thoughts  literally unthinkable, so"]
[null,"                                    the War  on Entheogens makes certain  sorts of"]
[null,"                                    cognition and awareness  all but inaccessible."]
[null,"                                    Religious  scholar  Peter Lamborn  Wilson  has"]
[null,"                                    aptly  framed  the  War  on  Entheogens  as  a"]
[null,"                                    battle over the nature of thought itself:"]
[]
[null,"                                    The War on Drugs is a war on cognition"]
[null,"                                    itself, about thought itself as the human"]
[null,"                                    condition. Is thought this dualist Cartesian"]
[null,"                                    reason? Or is cognition this mysterious,"]
[null,"                                    complex, organic, magical thing with little"]
[null,"                                    mushroom elves dancing around. Which is it to"]
[null,"                                    be?8"]
[]
[null,"                                    In OrwellÕs  vision of 1984 , NewspeakÕs power"]
[null,"                                    to  control  and  limit thought  depended,  in"]
[null,"                                    part, upon  the passing of time  and the birth"]
[null,"                                    of new  generations that never  knew Oldspeak."]
[null,"                                    As  explained by  Orwell  in the  Appendix to"]
[null,"                                    Nineteen  Eighty-Four,  \"It was intended  that"]
[null,"                                    when  Newspeak had been  adopted once and  for"]
[null,"                                    all  and   Oldspeak  forgotten,   a  heretical"]
[null,"                                    thoughtÑthat is  a thought diverging  from the"]
[null,"                                    principles   of  IngsocÑshould  be   literally"]
[null,"                                    unthinkable,  at least  so far  as thought  is"]
[null,"                                    dependant on words.\"9"]
[]
[null,"                                    Just  as Newspeak depended  in part upon  time"]
[null,"                                    eradicating  knowledge  of  Oldspeak,  todayÕs"]
[null,"                                    War  on Entheogens  is  sustainable, in  part,"]
[null,"                                    because  the   current  generation   of  young"]
[null,"                                    adults (those  21 -  30 years old)  have never"]
[null,"                                    known  a time  when most  entheogens were  not"]
[null,"                                    illicit. Those who have  never experienced the"]
[null,"                                    mental states  that are now prohibited  do not"]
[null,"                                    realize what the laws  are denying them. It is"]
[null,"                                    as if  nothing is  being taken away,  at least"]
[null,"                                    nothing  noticeable, nothing  that is  missed."]
[null,"                                    As pointed out by  the authors of a law review"]
[null,"                                    article  on  how  mandatory  schooling  raises"]
[null,"                                    issues  of mass-consciousness control:  \"[t]he"]
[null,"                                    more  the  government regulates  formation  of"]
[null,"                                    beliefs  so  as  to  interfere  with  personal"]
[null,"                                    consciousness,Éthe  fewer people can  conceive"]
[null,"                                    dissenting  ideas  or perceive  contradictions"]
[null,"                                    between    self-interest     and    government"]
[null,"                                    sustained ideological orthodoxy.\" 10"]
[]
[null,"                                    Because  of the  personal experiential  nature"]
[null,"                                    of  entheogen-elicited  cognition, only  those"]
[null,"                                    who  have been initiated  into the modern  day"]
[null,"                                    Mysteries   Ñ  those   who  have  tasted   the"]
[null,"                                    forbidden fruit  from the visionary  plants of"]
[null,"                                    knowledge  and have not  fallen victim to  the"]
[null,"                                    stigmatizing  psycho-impact of  \"being a  drug"]
[null,"                                    user\" Ñ  are acutely  aware of the  gravity of"]
[null,"                                    what is being  prohibited: powerful modalities"]
[null,"                                    for thinking, perceiving, and experiencing."]
[]
[null,"                                    The  very  best  argument  for  the  potential"]
[null,"                                    value of entheogen-elicited mind  states is in"]
[null,"                                    the   entheogenic    experience   itself;   an"]
[null,"                                    experience  that has,  in  almost every  case,"]
[null,"                                    been   outlawed.  That   is  the  dilemma   of"]
[null,"                                    entheogen  policy  reformation.  The  advocate"]
[null,"                                    for  entheogenic consciousness  is left in  an"]
[null,"                                    even  worse   position  than   the  proverbial"]
[null,"                                    sighted  man  who must  describe  colors to  a"]
[null,"                                    blind   person.  With   regard  to   entheogen"]
[null,"                                    policy,  the  position  is worse  because  the"]
[null,"                                    \"blind\" are  in power  and have declared  it a"]
[null,"                                    crime to see colors."]
[]
[null,"                                    Left  with the impossible  task of saying  the"]
[null,"                                    unsayable,  of  describing the  indescribable,"]
[null,"                                    those  who  have  tasted the  forbidden  fruit"]
[null,"                                    must  plead  their  case  on  the  fundamental"]
[null,"                                    philosophical and  political level of  what it"]
[null,"                                    means to be truly  free. They must state their"]
[null,"                                    appeal  on the  ground that,  with respect  to"]
[null,"                                    the inner-workings of each  personÕs mind, the"]
[null,"                                    values  of  tolerance  and   respect  are  far"]
[null,"                                    weightier and far more  conducive to the basic"]
[null,"                                    principles   of   democracy,   than   is   the"]
[null,"                                    chillingly named  \"zero-tolerance\" policy that"]
[null,"                                    is  currently in vogue.  This brings us,  once"]
[null,"                                    again,  to cognitive  liberty as an  essential"]
[null,"                                    substrate of freedom."]
[]
[null,"                                    Free Thought and the First Amendment"]
[]
[null,"                                    Benjamin  Cardozo, one  of the most  respected"]
[null,"                                    and  influential  American legal  scholars  of"]
[null,"                                    the last  century and a former  Justice of the"]
[null,"                                    U.S.   Supreme   Court,   affirmed   cognitive"]
[null,"                                    liberty  as   central  to  most   every  other"]
[null,"                                    freedom:"]
[]
[null,"                                    ...freedom of thoughtÉone may sayÉis the"]
[null,"                                    matrix, the indispensable condition, of"]
[null,"                                    nearly every other form of freedom. With rare"]
[null,"                                    aberrations a pervasive recognition of that"]
[null,"                                    truth can be traced in our history, political"]
[null,"                                    and legal. 11"]
[]
[null,"                                    Cognitive  liberty  jurisprudence must  begin,"]
[null,"                                    then,  with  an effort  to  distill the  legal"]
[null,"                                    principles  that  support  some  of  our  most"]
[null,"                                    cherished  and well-established freedoms,  and"]
[null,"                                    then, over time,  crystallize these principles"]
[null,"                                    into  the  foundation  for  a  coherent  legal"]
[null,"                                    scheme   governing   issues  related   to   an"]
[null,"                                    individualÕs right  to control his or  her own"]
[null,"                                    consciousness."]
[]
[null,"                                    Given  the importance  of the First  Amendment"]
[null,"                                    to  U.S. and even  international law, we  will"]
[null,"                                    begin by  examining how courts  have construed"]
[null,"                                    the  First  AmendmentÑsearching  for  evidence"]
[null,"                                    that  the  right of  each  person to  autonomy"]
[null,"                                    over   his  or  her   own  mind  and   thought"]
[null,"                                    processes  is   central  to   First  Amendment"]
[null,"                                    jurisprudence."]
[]
[null,"                                    Congress shall make no law respecting an"]
[null,"                                    establishment of religion, or prohibiting the"]
[null,"                                    free exercise thereof;"]
[null,"                                    or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the"]
[null,"                                    press; or the right of the people peaceably"]
[null,"                                    to assemble, and to petition the Government"]
[null,"                                    for a redress of grievances. (The First"]
[null,"                                    Amendment.)12"]
[]
[null,"                                    The First AmendmentÕs guarantees were"]
[null,"                                    designed to bar the government from"]
[null,"                                    controlling or prohibiting the dissemination"]
[null,"                                    of unpopular or dissenting ideas. Central to"]
[null,"                                    all five guarantees is the acknowledgement"]
[null,"                                    that people must be treated by the government"]
[null,"                                    as ends not means; each person free to"]
[null,"                                    develop his or her mind and own belief"]
[null,"                                    system, and encouraged to express his or her"]
[null,"                                    thoughts in the so-called \"marketplace of"]
[null,"                                    ideas.\"13 As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix"]
[null,"                                    Frankfurter emphasized in 1949, the freedom"]
[null,"                                    of expression guaranteed by the First"]
[null,"                                    Amendment guards against \"thought becom[ing]"]
[null,"                                    checked and atrophied.\"14"]
[]
[null,"                                    Free speech, free exercise, free association,"]
[null,"                                    a free press and the right to assemble, are"]
[null,"                                    all moot if the thought that underlies these"]
[null,"                                    actions has already been constrained by the"]
[null,"                                    government. If the government is permitted to"]
[null,"                                    prohibit the experiencing of certain thought"]
[null,"                                    processes, or otherwise manipulate"]
[null,"                                    consciousness at its very rootsÑvia drug"]
[null,"                                    prohibitions, religious indoctrination,"]
[null,"                                    monopolizing media, or any number of"]
[null,"                                    methodsÑit need not even worry about"]
[null,"                                    controlling the expression of such thoughts."]
[null,"                                    By prohibiting the very formation of mind"]
[null,"                                    statesÑby strangling the free mind"]
[null,"                                    itselfÑfree expression is made meaningless."]
[]
[null,"                                    Thus, in order to prevent the erosion of the"]
[null,"                                    First AmendmentÕs protection of expression,"]
[null,"                                    the Amendment must also provide at least as"]
[null,"                                    strong a protection for the underlying"]
[null,"                                    consciousness that forms the ideas that are"]
[null,"                                    later expressed. Indeed, the First Amendment"]
[null,"                                    was infused with the principle that each"]
[null,"                                    individualÑnot the governmentÑought to have"]
[null,"                                    control over his or her own mind, to think"]
[null,"                                    what he or she wants to think, and to freely"]
[null,"                                    form and express opinions and beliefs based"]
[null,"                                    on all the information at his or her"]
[null,"                                    disposal. The First Amendment, in other"]
[null,"                                    words, embraces cognitive liberty not simply"]
[null,"                                    as the desired outcome of the articulated"]
[null,"                                    guarantees (i.e., a right to express oneÕs"]
[null,"                                    ideas), but also as a necessary precondition"]
[null,"                                    to those guaranteed freedoms"]
[null,"                                    (i.e., a right to form oneÕs own ideas)."]
[]
[null,"                                    Mother May I Control My Own Consciousness?"]
[]
[null,"                                    In (the apropos year of) 1984, the Tenth"]
[null,"                                    Circuit Court of Appeal issued an opinion in"]
[null,"                                    a case involving a man who was involuntarily"]
[null,"                                    drugged with the \"antipsychotic drug\""]
[null,"                                    thorazine while he was being held for trial"]
[null,"                                    on murder charges.15 The threshold issue was"]
[null,"                                    whether pretrial detainees have a fundamental"]
[null,"                                    right to refuse treatment with anti-psychotic"]
[null,"                                    drugs. To answer this question, the Tenth"]
[null,"                                    Circuit analogized to a 1982 case in which"]
[null,"                                    the U.S. Supreme Court held that \"Õ[l]iberty"]
[null,"                                    from bodily restraint always has been"]
[null,"                                    recognized as the core of the liberty"]
[null,"                                    protected by the Due Process Clause from"]
[null,"                                    arbitrary governmental action.Õ\"16 The Tenth"]
[null,"                                    Circuit reasoned that if freedom from bodily"]
[null,"                                    restraints is a fundamental right, then"]
[null,"                                    individuals must also have a liberty interest"]
[null,"                                    in freedom from \"mental restraint of the kind"]
[null,"                                    potentially imposed by antipsychotic"]
[null,"                                    drugs.\"17"]
[]
[null,"                                    Thus, the Tenth Circuit found that freedom"]
[null,"                                    from government imposed mental restraints was"]
[null,"                                    just as fundamental as freedom from"]
[null,"                                    government imposed physical restraints ‹ both"]
[null,"                                    were protected by the Due Process Clause."]
[null,"                                    Furthermore, the Tenth Circuit found that the"]
[null,"                                    First Amendment was also implicated when the"]
[null,"                                    government attempts to involuntarily"]
[null,"                                    psycho-medicate a person awaiting trial. In"]
[null,"                                    unequivocal language, the Tenth Circuit"]
[null,"                                    explained \"[t]he First Amendment protects"]
[null,"                                    communication of ideas, which itself implies"]
[null,"                                    protection of the capacity to produce"]
[null,"                                    ideas.\"18"]
[]
[null,"                                    As professor Laurence Tribe of Harvard Law"]
[null,"                                    School has cautioned:"]
[]
[null,"                                    In a society whose Ôwhole constitutional"]
[null,"                                    heritage rebels at the thought of giving"]
[null,"                                    government the power to control menÕs own"]
[null,"                                    minds,Õ the governing institutions, and"]
[null,"                                    especially the courts, must not only reject"]
[null,"                                    direct attempts to exercise forbidden"]
[null,"                                    domination over mental processes; they must"]
[null,"                                    strictly examine as well oblique intrusions"]
[null,"                                    likely to produce or designed to produce, the"]
[null,"                                    same result.\"19"]
[]
[null,"                                    Prohibiting an otherwise law-abiding person"]
[null,"                                    from using entheogens is more than merely an"]
[null,"                                    \"oblique intrusion\" on the right to control"]
[null,"                                    oneÕs own mental processes, or a slight"]
[null,"                                    trespass on the \"protected capacity to"]
[null,"                                    produce ideas\" Ñ it is a direct frontal"]
[null,"                                    attack. Under the recently released National"]
[null,"                                    Drug Control Strategy 2000, the federal"]
[null,"                                    government will spend just shy of $20 billion"]
[null,"                                    ($20,000,000,000) on an all out attempt to"]
[null,"                                    keep people from evoking alternative states"]
[null,"                                    of consciousness by the use of controlled"]
[null,"                                    substances.20"]
[]
[null,"                                    As I will show in the next installment of"]
[null,"                                    this essay, the governmentÕs War on"]
[null,"                                    Unapproved Mental States, besides violating"]
[null,"                                    core principles of the First Amendment, also"]
[null,"                                    violates the very essence of the right to"]
[null,"                                    privacy."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"                                                        Notes"]
[]
[null,"                                    1 Kovacs v. Cooper (1949) 336 U.S. 77, 97"]
[null,"                                    (concurring opinion of J. Frankfurter)"]
[]
[null,"                                    2 For a fascinating survey of suppressed"]
[null,"                                    literature, see the multi-volume set Banned"]
[null,"                                    Books, published by Facts on File, which"]
[null,"                                    covers literature suppressed on religious,"]
[null,"                                    social, sexual, and political grounds."]
[]
[null,"                                    3 George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four (New"]
[null,"                                    York: Harcourt, Brace & Co., Inc., 1949),"]
[null,"                                    Appendix \"The Principles of Newspeak\" 246."]
[]
[null,"                                    4 Ibid., 46."]
[]
[null,"                                    5 The substances initially listed in Schedule"]
[null,"                                    I as \"hallucinogenic substances\" were: (1)"]
[null,"                                    3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine; (2)"]
[null,"                                    5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine; (3)"]
[null,"                                    3,4,5-trimethoxy amphetamine; (4) Bufotenine;"]
[null,"                                    (5) Diethyltryptamine; (6)"]
[null,"                                    Dimethyltryptamine; (7)"]
[null,"                                    4-methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine; (8)"]
[null,"                                    Ibogaine; (9) Lysergic acid diethylamide;"]
[null,"                                    (10) Marihuana; (11) Mescaline; (12) Peyote;"]
[null,"                                    (13) N-ethyl-3-piperidyl nezilate; (14)"]
[null,"                                    N-methyl-3-piperidyl benzilate; (15)"]
[null,"                                    Psilocybin; (16) Psilocyn; (17)"]
[null,"                                    Tetrahydrocannabinols. (PL 91-513, Oct. 27,"]
[null,"                                    1970; 21 U.S.C. sec. 812, subd. (b) (1970).)"]
[]
[null,"                                    The list of Schedule I \"hallucinogenic"]
[null,"                                    substances\" now numbers 31 items. (21 CFR ¤"]
[null,"                                    1308.11(d) (April 1999))."]
[]
[null,"                                    6 For more on the historic and pre-historic"]
[null,"                                    use of entheogens, see Peter Furst,"]
[null,"                                    Hallucinogens and Culture (Novato, CA:"]
[null,"                                    Chandler & Sharp Publishers, Inc., 1976);"]
[null,"                                    R.E. Schultes, and A. Hofmann, The Botany and"]
[null,"                                    Chemistry of Hallucinogenic Plants"]
[null,"                                    (Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1973)."]
[]
[null,"                                    7 H. Munn, in, Hallucinogens and Shamanism,"]
[null,"                                    ed. M. Harner (New York: Oxford University"]
[null,"                                    Press, 1973), 88-89."]
[]
[null,"                                    Philosopher and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna"]
[null,"                                    suggested that early manÕs ingestion of"]
[null,"                                    visionary plants may have been the very"]
[null,"                                    catalyst that led to the sudden expansion of"]
[null,"                                    human brain size between three and six"]
[null,"                                    million years ago, and the event which"]
[null,"                                    spawned the subsequent emergence of language"]
[null,"                                    itself. (See Terence McKenna, Food of the"]
[null,"                                    Gods (New York: Bantam Books, 1993), 25.)"]
[]
[null,"                                    8 Peter Lamborn Wilson, \"Neurospace,\" in 21-C"]
[null,"                                    (Newark, NJ: Gordon and Breach Publishers,"]
[null,"                                    1996), (3)32."]
[]
[null,"                                    9 George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty Four, supra,"]
[null,"                                    Appendix: \"The Principles of Newspeak,\" 246."]
[]
[null,"                                    10 Stephen Arons and Charles Lawrence, \"The"]
[null,"                                    Manipulation of Consciousness: A First"]
[null,"                                    Amendment Critique of Schooling\" in 15(2)"]
[null,"                                    Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law"]
[null,"                                    Review 309-361 (Fall 1980), 312."]
[]
[null,"                                    11 Palko v. Connecticut (1937) 302 U.S. 319,"]
[null,"                                    326-327."]
[]
[null,"                                    12 Although the First Amendment only mentions"]
[null,"                                    \"Congress,\" the U.S. Supreme Court has held"]
[null,"                                    that the Fourteenth AmendmentÕs Due Process"]
[null,"                                    Clause incorporates the First Amendment"]
[null,"                                    guarantees and thus makes those guarantees"]
[null,"                                    applicable to State governments as well as"]
[null,"                                    Congress. (See Gitlow v. New York (1925) 268"]
[null,"                                    U.S. 652, 666; Board of Education v. Pico"]
[null,"                                    (1981) 457 U.S. 853, 855, fn. 1.)"]
[]
[null,"                                    13 The concept of a laissez faire marketplace"]
[null,"                                    where ideas compete for buyers appears to"]
[null,"                                    date from 1919 when U.S. Supreme Court"]
[null,"                                    Justice Holmes wrote in Abrams v. United"]
[null,"                                    States (1919) 250 U.S. 616, 630 \"[T]he"]
[null,"                                    ultimate good desired is better reached by"]
[null,"                                    free trade in ideas ... the best test of"]
[null,"                                    truth is the power of the thought to get"]
[null,"                                    itself accepted in the competition of the"]
[null,"                                    market\") (Holmes, J., dissenting)."]
[]
[null,"                                    Using a \"marketplace\" analogy for the"]
[null,"                                    interaction and acceptance or rejection of"]
[null,"                                    ideas is problematic."]
[]
[null,"                                    Using market mechanisms to determine the"]
[null,"                                    logic or merit of ideas reduces ideas to"]
[null,"                                    commodities. When this happens the"]
[null,"                                    circulation of ideas is determined by their"]
[null,"                                    sales profiles. The ÔconsumerÕ is described"]
[null,"                                    as voting for the products of the"]
[null,"                                    Consciousness Industry [a term coined by Hans"]
[null,"                                    Magnus Enzensberger in his 1974 collection of"]
[null,"                                    essays of the same name] with his or her"]
[null,"                                    dollars (consumer sovereignty). Such"]
[null,"                                    metaphors suggest democracy and freedom of"]
[null,"                                    choice. They deflect attention away from the"]
[null,"                                    tightly controlled decision-making process"]
[null,"                                    that actually determine what ideas will gain"]
[null,"                                    entry into the commodity system. That is,"]
[null,"                                    they render the control system of the"]
[null,"                                    capitalistic consciousness industry invisible"]
[null,"                                    and thereby permit subterranean censorship"]
[null,"                                    based upon both market and political"]
[null,"                                    considerations. In sum, they permit elites to"]
[null,"                                    rule but preserve the semiotics of democracy."]
[null,"                                    (Sue Curry Jansen, Censorship: The Knot that"]
[null,"                                    Binds Power and Knowledge (New York; Oxford:"]
[null,"                                    Oxford University Press, 1988), 134.)"]
[]
[null,"                                    14 Kovacs v. Cooper, supra, at p. 95"]
[]
[null,"                                    15 Bee v. Greaves (10th Cir. 1984) 744 F.2d"]
[null,"                                    1387, 1393 , cert. denied, (1985) 469 U.S."]
[null,"                                    1214 ."]
[]
[null,"                                    16 Youngberg v. Romeo (1982) 457 U.S. 307,"]
[null,316]
[]
[null,"                                    17 Bee v. Greaves, supra, at p. 1393."]
[]
[null,"                                    18 Ibid., 1393-1394; Accord, Rogers v. Okin"]
[null,"                                    (D.Mass. 1979) 478 F.Supp. 1342, 1366-1367."]
[null,"                                    Other courts have held that inmates in mental"]
[null,"                                    hospitals have a constitutional \"liberty"]
[null,"                                    interest\" in maintaining the autonomy over"]
[null,"                                    their own minds in the face of doctors who"]
[null,"                                    want to involuntarily medicate them. (See,"]
[null,"                                    e.g., United States v. Charters (4th"]
[null,"                                    Cir.1988) (en banc) 863 F.2d 302, 305"]
[null,"                                    (antipsychotic drugs intrude sufficiently"]
[null,"                                    upon \"bodily security\" to implicate a"]
[null,"                                    \"protectable liberty interest\"); And, still"]
[null,"                                    other courts have held that there is a"]
[null,"                                    constitutional \"privacy protection\" that"]
[null,"                                    encompasses \"the right to protect oneÕs"]
[null,"                                    mental processes from governmental"]
[null,"                                    interference.\" See, e.g., Rennie v. Klein"]
[null,"                                    (D.N.J. 1978) 462 F. Supp. 1131, 1144 (\"the"]
[null,"                                    right of privacy is broad enough to include"]
[null,"                                    the right to protect oneÕs mental processes"]
[null,"                                    from governmental interference\")."]
[]
[null,"                                    For a comprehensive survey of forced mental"]
[null,"                                    treatment cases, see Bruce J. Winick, \"The"]
[null,"                                    Right to Refuse Mental Health Treatment: A"]
[null,"                                    First Amendment Perspective,\" University of"]
[null,"                                    Miami Law Review (September 1989), 44(1)"]
[null,"                                    1-103."]
[]
[null,"                                    19 L. Tribe, American Constitutional Law Sec."]
[null,"                                    15-5, at p. 889 (1978) (quoting Stanley v."]
[null,"                                    Georgia (1969) 394 U.S. 557, 565.)"]
[]
[null,"                                    20 The National Drug Control Strategy 2000"]
[null,"                                    can be read online via the Alchemind"]
[null,"                                    SocietyÕs Drug Law Library at"]
[null,"                                    www.cognitiveliberty.org/links.htm [Accessed:"]
[null,"                                    May 17, 2000.]"]
[]
[null,"                                ______________________________________"]
[null,"                                Richard Glen Boire, Esq. is the executive"]
[null,"                                director of the Alchemind Society."]
[]
[null,"                   Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics"]
[null,"                            Post Office Box 73481"]
[null,"                          Davis, CA 95617-3481 USA",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
[null,"       FAX: 530-686-8265; Toll Free Voice Mail: 1-888-950-MIND (6463)"]
{"$rows_empty":40}
["            Disquisition on the Drug War",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[]
[null,"                              The Marijuana-Marlboro¨ Paradox"]
[null,"         "]
[null,"                Comments on FDA v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. et al."]
[]
[null,"                              Tobaccos tabu and toboggan's a back seat."]
[null,"                                  Secret satieties and onanymous letters"]
[null,"                         make the great unwatched as bad as their betters."]
[null,"      "]
[null,"                                                                          Finnegans Wake1"]
[]
[null,"                                  In a  landmark drug case decided on March 21, 2000, the"]
[null,"                                  United  States Supreme  Court ruled  that the  Food and"]
[null,"                                  Drug  Administration (FDA)  does not  have jurisdiction"]
[null,"                                  over  tobacco products and, hence,  has no authority to"]
[null,"                                  regulate  cigarettes, including advertising targeted at"]
[null,"                                  minors.  The  CourtÕs  opinion shines  a  light  on the"]
[null,"                                  dumbfounding   contradictions  in   our  national  drug"]
[null,"                                  policy,  which drastically  distinguishes (legal) drugs"]
[null,"                                  such  as  nicotine  and  alcohol,  from  drugs such  as"]
[null,"                                  marijuana on which weÕve declared \"war.\""]
[]
[null,"                                  The Supreme CourtÕs ruling stemmed from a 1996 FDA rule"]
[null,"                                  in  which the  FDA, for  the first  time, declared that"]
[null,"                                  nicotine  is \"drug\"  and that  cigarettes and smokeless"]
[null,"                                  tobacco  are \"drug delivery devices,\"  which it has the"]
[null,"                                  power  to  regulate. According  to the  1996  FDA rule,"]
[null,"                                  nicotine is a \"drug\" under the agencyÕs purview because"]
[null,"                                  it  \"exerts psychoactive,  or mood-altering  effects on"]
[null,"                                  the  brain\" and these  effects are  \"intended\" by those"]
[null,"                                  who   manufacture  tobacco  products.  Thus,  held  the"]
[null,"                                  agency, it could regulate tobacco products and would do"]
[null,"                                  so  immediately  by limiting  promotion,  labeling, and"]
[null,"                                  selling  of tobacco products to  minors. A coalition of"]
[null,"                                  tobacco manufacturers, retailers, and advertisers, sued"]
[null,"                                  the  FDA, asserting that  nicotine is  not a \"drug\" and"]
[null,"                                  that   the  FDA,  therefore,   lacked  jurisdiction  to"]
[null,"                                  regulate tobacco products."]
[]
[null,"                                  In  order  to  understand  the  FDAÕs  1996 rule,  itÕs"]
[null,"                                  necessary  to know  a bit  about its  tobacco policy up"]
[null,"                                  until   that  time.   Prior  to   1996,  the   FDA  had"]
[null,"                                  consistently  held  that  it  lacked  jurisdiction over"]
[null,"                                  tobacco,  an understanding affirmed  by Congress, which"]
[null,"                                  over the  years, rejected several bills that would have"]
[null,"                                  explicitly  given  the  FDA  jurisdiction  over tobacco"]
[null,"                                  products.  Thus, up  until 1996,  tobacco products were"]
[null,"                                  exclusively   regulated  by  Congress.   In  1965,  for"]
[null,"                                  example,  it was Congress,  not the  FDA, that required"]
[null,"                                  all  cigarettes  packs to  carry the  warning \"Caution:"]
[null,"                                  Cigarette  Smoking May be  Dangerous to  Your Health.\"2"]
[null,"                                  Similarly,  in 1969 it was  Congress, not the FDA, that"]
[null,"                                  banned   all  radio   and  television   advertising  of"]
[null,"                                  cigarettes."]
[]
[null,"                                  Indeed, prior  to its 1996 about-face, the FDA had long"]
[null,"                                  held  that  cigarettes  were  not  \"drugs\"  within  its"]
[null,"                                  purview,   unless  the  manufactures   made  health  or"]
[null,"                                  therapeutic  claimsÑsomething that not even the tobacco"]
[null,"                                  companies  were  ready  to  assert.3  In  1996,  to the"]
[null,"                                  surprise of  many, the FDA reversed itself, ruling that"]
[null,"                                  nicotine  is   a  \"drug.\"  To  justify  its  change  of"]
[null,"                                  position,  the FDA  extensively documented  the dangers"]
[null,"                                  associated  with tobacco products,  noting that \"[m]ore"]
[null,"                                  than  400,000 people die each year from tobacco-related"]
[null,"                                  illnesses,  such as cancer,  respiratory illnesses, and"]
[null,"                                  heart   disease,  often  suffering   long  and  painful"]
[null,"                                  deaths,\"  and  that \"[t]obacco  kills more  people each"]
[null,"                                  year in the United States than acquired"]
[null,"                                  immunodeficiency   syndrome   (AIDS),   car  accidents,"]
[null,"                                  alcohol, homicides, illegal drugs, suicides, and fires,"]
[null,"                                  combined.\"4"]
[]
[null,"                                  The FDA  recognized, however, that it was forced into a"]
[null,"                                  paradoxical  position. The  FDAÕs core  objective is to"]
[null,"                                  ensure that  any product within its regulatory power is"]
[null,"                                  \"safe and effective.\" Given that it had just documented"]
[null,"                                  the  dangers associated with tobacco  use, how could it"]
[null,"                                  possibly  declare cigarettes and other tobacco products"]
[null,"                                  safe?  It seemed that  if the  FDA claimed jurisdiction"]
[null,"                                  over  tobacco products it  would have  no choice but to"]
[null,"                                  ban  them altogether. Yet,  a little  known federal law"]
[null,"                                  prevents  such  a  ban, largely  for  economic reasons:"]
[]
[null,"                                  [t]he marketing of tobacco constitutes one of the"]
[null,"                                  greatest basic industries of the United States with"]
[null,"                                  ramifying activities which directly affect interstate"]
[null,"                                  and foreign commerce at every point, and stable"]
[null,"                                  conditions therein are necessary to the general"]
[null,"                                  welfare. 5"]
[]
[null,"                                  The  only way out of  the paradox was for cigarettes to"]
[null,"                                  be   both  dangerous \"drugs\"  (thereby  giving  the FDA"]
[null,"                                  jurisdiction  over them) yet  also \"safe\"  (so that the"]
[null,"                                  FDA would not be forced to ban them). The FDAÕs lawyers"]
[null,"                                  rose to the occasion."]
[]
[null,"                                  The FDA  lawyers realized that everything turned on the"]
[null,"                                  meaning  of \"safe.\"  Cigarettes, said  the FDA lawyers,"]
[null,"                                  were   \"unsafe,   as   that   term   is  conventionally"]
[null,"                                  understood,\" but were indeed \"safe\" when the effects of"]
[null,"                                  an outright ban were considered.6 According to the FDA,"]
[null,"                                  in determining whether a drug delivery device such as a"]
[null,"                                  cigarette is \"safe\" under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics"]
[null,"                                  Act,  the  agency  must consider  \"not  only  the risks"]
[null,"                                  presented   by   a  product   but  also   any   of  the"]
[null,"                                  countervailing effects of use of the product, including"]
[null,"                                  the  consequences of not  permitting the  product to be"]
[null,"                                  marketed.\"  7  As  summarized  by  the  Supreme  Court:"]
[]
[null,"                                  Éthe FDA found that, because of the high level of"]
[null,"                                  addiction among tobacco users, a ban would likely be"]
[null,"                                  \"dangerous.\" É In particular, current tobacco users"]
[null,"                                  could suffer from extreme withdrawal, the health care"]
[null,"                                  system and available pharmaceuticals might not be able"]
[null,"                                  to meet the treatment demands of those suffering from"]
[null,"                                  withdrawal, and a black market offering cigarettes even"]
[null,"                                  more dangerous than those currently sold legally would"]
[null,"                                  likely develop. É The FDA therefore concluded that,"]
[null,"                                  Ôwhile taking cigarettes and smokeless tobacco off the"]
[null,"                                  market could prevent some people from becoming addicted"]
[null,"                                  and reduce death and disease for others, the record"]
[null,"                                  does not establish that such a ban is the appropriate"]
[null,"                                  health response under the act.Õ É 8"]
[]
[null,"                                  Thus, in  1996, the FDA ruled that cigarettes and other"]
[null,"                                  tobacco   products,   despite   being   addictive   and"]
[null,"                                  dangerous,  were  \"safe\"  when  compared  to  the  much"]
[null,"                                  greater  dangers associated with prohibition. Thus, the"]
[null,"                                  FDA could have its cake and eat it too; cigarettes were"]
[null,"                                  \"drugs\" within its jurisdiction, yet \"safe,\" so long as"]
[null,"                                  they were not prohibited."]
[]
[null,"                                  On   March   21,  2000,   in  an   opinion   rich  with"]
[null,"                                  contradictions when tobacco policy is compared with the"]
[null,"                                  national War on Drugs, the Supreme Court ruled that the"]
[null,"                                  FDA  does   not  have  jurisdiction  over nicotine  and"]
[null,"                                  tobacco.  Congress, not the FDA,  said the Court, is in"]
[null,"                                  charge  of  regulating  tobacco  products.  The Supreme"]
[null,"                                  Court  refused  to  let  the  FDA  escape the  paradox."]
[null,"                                  According  to the Supreme Court, either cigarettes were"]
[null,"                                  unsafe  drugs within  the FDAÕs  jurisdiction, in which"]
[null,"                                  case  they must be banned , or they were not \"drugs\" at"]
[null,"                                  all. The Supreme Court chose the latter."]
[]
[null,"                                  As the Supreme Court explained:"]
[]
[null,"                                  Éwere the FDA to regulate cigarettes and smokeless"]
[null,"                                  tobacco, the [Food, Drug, and Cosmetic] Act would"]
[null,"                                  require the agency to ban them. In fact, Éthe FDA"]
[null,"                                  itself has taken the position that if tobacco products"]
[null,"                                  were within its jurisdiction, Ôthey would have to be"]
[null,"                                  removed from the market because it would be impossible"]
[null,"                                  to prove that they were safe for their intended us[e].Õ"]
[null,9]
[]
[null,"                                  As  a recent examination  of national  drug policy, the"]
[null,"                                  Supreme  CourtÕs  opinion  strips  the  emperor  of his"]
[null,"                                  clothes,  and  the  process as  well as  the  result is"]
[null,"                                  embarrassing  to look at.  On the  one hand the federal"]
[null,"                                  government permits adults to use nicotine, while on the"]
[null,"                                  other  hand,  it  makes them  criminals  if  they smoke"]
[null,"                                  marijuana ‹ even for medicinal reasons."]
[]
[null,"                                  A  study  by the  U.S. Department  of Health  and Human"]
[null,"                                  Services, Public Health Service, in 1983 concluded that"]
[null,"                                  cigarette  smoking is  \"the most  widespread example of"]
[null,"                                  drug  dependence in  our country,\"  and that cigarettes"]
[null,"                                  \"affect  the   chemistry  of  the  brain  and  nervous"]
[null,"                                  system.\" 10  Five  years  later  the  Surgeon GeneralÕs"]
[null,"                                  Report  used  even  harsher  language,  concluding that"]
[null,"                                  tobacco  products \"are addicting\" and that \"nicotine is"]
[null,"                                  psychoactive\"    and   \"causes    physical   dependence"]
[null,"                                  characterized by a withdrawal symptom\" in much the same"]
[null,"                                  way as heroin and cocaine. 11"]
[]
[null,"                                  Marijuana,   in  stark  contrast,  causes  no  physical"]
[null,"                                  dependence.   In   fact,   in   1989   the   DEAÕs  own"]
[null,"                                  administrative  law judge,  Francis L.  Young, declared"]
[null,"                                  that  marijuana is  \"one of  the safest therapeutically"]
[null,"                                  active substances known to man.\"12 Yet, while any adult"]
[null,"                                  can  walk down to  the corner  store and buy  a pack of"]
[null,"                                  cigarettes, marijuana (even for medical use), remains a"]
[null,"                                  Schedule  I  substance  ‹ illegal  to possess  for  any"]
[null,"                                  reason under federal law."]
[]
[null,"                                  Likewise,  the cognitive enhancing  drug MDMA (ecstasy)"]
[null,"                                  is   extremely  popular  right  now,  yet  because  the"]
[null,"                                  government has declared it illegal, users are forced to"]
[null,"                                  purchase it  on the black-market. MDMA users never know"]
[null,"                                  for sure if the drug they are buying is indeed MDMA, or"]
[null,"                                  some other drug or combination of potentially dangerous"]
[null,"                                  drugs.  Additionally,  because  MDMA  is  outlawed, the"]
[null,"                                  price of the drug is artificially inflated to the point"]
[null,"                                  were  (according to the  government) organized crime is"]
[null,"                                  getting  involved in its distribution. Prohibiting MDMA"]
[null,"                                  and  marijuana produces all  the same  problems that we"]
[null,"                                  saw  70 years  ago during  alcohol ProhibitionÑproblems"]
[null,"                                  that  are much greater than  the problems caused by the"]
[null,"                                  drugs themselves."]
[]
[null,"                                  As  discussed earlier, the FDA  in 1996 determined that"]
[null,"                                  banning  cigarettes would  actually increase individual"]
[null,"                                  and social harm rather than reducing it. This very same"]
[null,"                                  reasoning  should be  applied to  other drugs  (such as"]
[null,"                                  MDMA  and marijuana)  that the  government has declared"]
[null,"                                  full-scale war on."]
[]
[null,"                                  ItÕs  clear to any  reasonable person  who examines our"]
[null,"                                  nationÕs   drug  policy,   that  it   is  riddled  with"]
[null,"                                  contradictions and outright hypocrisy. The only way out"]
[null,"                                  of  the  so-called  Drug War  conundrum is  to  for our"]
[null,"                                  society-at-large,  and  legislators  in  particular, to"]
[null,"                                  adopt  a more mature  view of drugs.  Going to \"war\" on"]
[null,"                                  drugs  is infantile.  A national  policy of intolerance"]
[null,"                                  (i.e.,  \"zero-tolerance\") rather than  respect, lies at"]
[null,"                                  the  root of  all our  drug problems  ‹ both  legal and"]
[null,"                                  illegal. Rather  than cower in the shadows of \"just say"]
[null,"                                  no\"  propaganda and hypocritically proclaim marijuana a"]
[null,"                                  dangerous  drug that threatens  to destroy our society,"]
[null,"                                  while  simultaneously employing contortionist reasoning"]
[null,"                                  to keep cigarettes on the market, we should acknowledge"]
[null,"                                  that people have a natural drive to experience multiple"]
[null,"                                  modes  of consciousness.  The government  should accept"]
[null,"                                  this  as a  fact and  begin designing  drug policy that"]
[null,"                                  makes  drug  use as  safe as  possible. If  (as Justice"]
[null,"                                  Brennan  wrote in his  dissenting opinion  filed in the"]
[null,"                                  case),  tobacco  policy should  \"take into  account the"]
[null,"                                  realities  of  human behavior,\"  why should  our policy"]
[null,"                                  with respect to other drugs be any different?"]
[]
[null,"                                  Adults  ought to have  the right,  after all to control"]
[null,"                                  their  own  bodies and  minds ‹  and our  national drug"]
[null,"                                  policy  should respect an adultÕs  autonomy over his or"]
[null,"                                  her  own  body  and  mind.  Some  may  chose  to  smoke"]
[null,"                                  cigarettes,   while   others  will   choose   to  smoke"]
[null,"                                  marijuana.  Smoking one plant versus another should not"]
[null,"                                  be  a crime. No one  should be made a criminal just for"]
[null,"                                  his or her mind state. All should be permitted, so long"]
[null,"                                  as the person does not harm others. Any policy short of"]
[null,"                                  thisÑany   policy  built  on  intolerance  rather  than"]
[null,"                                  respectÑis  destined to lead  to a  host of absurdities"]
[null,"                                  and   negative  social  consequences  such  as:  prison"]
[null,"                                  over-crowding,  unjust sentences, misdirection of funds"]
[null,"                                  away  from  schools  in order  to  build  more prisons,"]
[null,"                                  property  forfeiture, kids dying  of adulterated \"black"]
[null,"                                  market\"  drugs,  organized  crime,  sick  people denied"]
[null,"                                  medicine,  helicopters hovering overhead,  men in black"]
[null,"                                  bashing  down the doors  of decent  people, and corrupt"]
[null,"                                  cops.   These  problems  are   produced  not  by  drugs"]
[null,"                                  themselves,   but   by   our   immature   drug  policy."]
[]
[null,"                                  Making  an adult a felon  for taking a hit of marijuana"]
[null,"                                  rather than smoking a Marlboro¨ is irrational. The fact"]
[null,"                                  of  the matter is  that millions  of people enjoy using"]
[null,"                                  psychoactive drugs such as nicotine, alcohol, caffeine,"]
[null,"                                  marijuana and MDMA. The government should not be in the"]
[null,"                                  business of  telling adults what they can or cannot put"]
[null,"                                  in   their  mouths,  or   declaring,  under  threat  of"]
[null,"                                  imprisonment,  loss of  property and  heavy fines, that"]
[null,"                                  its  okay to operate your  mind with the benefit of one"]
[null,"                                  plant  but not another.  What goes  on inside any given"]
[null,"                                  personÕs  body and mind  ought to  be nobodyÕs business"]
[null,"                                  but that personÕs."]
[]
[null,"                                  Lets  replace  the  value of  intolerance  with  one of"]
[null,"                                  respect, and instead of demanding that people \"just say"]
[null,"                                  no,\" acknowledge that adults have the basic human right"]
[null,"                                  to control  their own bodies and minds, so long as they"]
[null,"                                  do not harm others."]
[]
[null,"                                  Prohibition   is  not  only  pass*,  itÕs  bad  policy."]
[]
[null,"                                                           Notes"]
[]
[null,"                                  1    James  Joyce,    Finnegans   Wake  (1939)  Part:3,"]
[null,"                                  Episode:13, Page:429."]
[]
[null,"                                  2 Pub. L. 89-92, Sec. 4, 79 Stat. 283."]
[]
[null,"                                  3 See Cigarette Labeling and AdvertisingÑ1965: Hearings"]
[null,"                                  on  H.R. 2248 before the  House Committee on Interstate"]
[null,"                                  and  Foreign  Commerce,  89th  Cong., 1 st  Sess., 193;"]
[null,"                                  Letter to Directors of Bureaus, Divisions and Directors"]
[null,"                                  of  Districts, from FDA Bureau  of Enforcement (May 24,"]
[null,"                                  1963),  in 1972  Hearings 240  [\"[T]obacco marketed for"]
[null,"                                  chewing  or  smoking  without  accompanying therapeutic"]
[null,"                                  claims,  does  not meet  the definitions  in  the Food,"]
[null,"                                  Drug,  and  Cosmetic  Act for  food,  drug,  device, or"]
[null,"                                  cosmetic\"]."]
[]
[null,"                                  4 61 Fed. Reg. 44412, 44398 (1996)."]
[]
[null,"                                  5 7 USC Sec. 1311(a)."]
[]
[null,"                                  6 61 Fed. Reg. 44412 (1996)."]
[]
[null,"                                  7 Ibid., 44412-44413."]
[]
[null,"                                  8  FDA  v. Brown &  Williamson Tobacco  Corp. (98-1152)"]
[null,"                                  http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/98-1152.ZO.html"]
[null,"                                  [Accessed May 23, 2000]."]
[]
[null,"                                  9 Ibid."]
[]
[null,"                                  10 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public"]
[null,"                                  Health  Service, \"Why People  Smoke Cigarettes\" (1983),"]
[null,"                                  in  Smoking Prevention Education  Act, Hearings on H.R."]
[null,"                                  1824   before  the  Subcommittee   on  Health  and  the"]
[null,"                                  Environment  of  the  House  Committee  on  Energy  and"]
[null,"                                  Commerce,  98  th  Cong.,  1 st  Sess.,  32-37  (1983)."]
[]
[null,"                                  11  U.S.  Dept. of  Health and  Human  Services, Public"]
[null,"                                  Health  Service,  The Health  Consequences  of Smoking:"]
[null,"                                  Nicotine Addiction 6-9, 14-15, 145-239 (1988).)"]
[]
[null,"                                  12  In  the  Matter of  Marijuana  Rescheduling, Docket"]
[null,"                                  86-22,  Opinion, Recommended Ruling,  Findings of Fact,"]
[null,"                                  Conclusions  of Law, and Decision of Administrative Law"]
[null,"                                  Judge , Washington, DC: Drug Enforcement Administration"]
[null,"                                  (6 September 1988).",{"$nulls":9},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":24}
["Seedbank Update July/29/00",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[]
["Greetings growers this is for medical marijuana users and those who can use the information legally. Seedbank ratings are farther down and the links to growing information are near the"]
["end. First news and growing tips. "]
[]
[]
["This is a weekly report on which seedbanks are reliable and give good service. I also list some bad ones to stay away from (crooks).Reports from people who have ordered from cannabis"]
["seedbanks are welcome. That's what this is based on, reports from people like you. You can send your report to me or post it to alt.drugs.pot.cultivation Or both if you want to be sure I"]
["get it. Sometimes posts don't show up on my newsserver. If you send a report please state what bank you ordered from, how long it took and roughly how far away you are from them."]
["I'd like to know if the packaging was stealty (well hidden) and what method used and if any seeds were crushed. Any other info you think is important will be appreciated. Reports on"]
["how the crop turned out are good too. I don't rate companies on price, that's up to you to compare. The more stars, the more reliable. F = faster than average, no letter = average, S ="]
["slow. A complete breakdown on the ratings is found at http://www.suresite.com/ca/s/system "]
[]
["I have a system of additional ratings. They are a one (1) for accepting payment by money order or certified check without charging extra for it. Who really likes sending cash in the mail? A"]
["two (2) will be given for free stealth shipping. A three (3) will be given for accepting credit cards. This leaves a paper trail but is quick and easy. (4) indicates that they use PGP code for"]
["privacy on request. A five (5) indicates they take Western Union. An example of the new rating might be Joe's seeds (***) (1,2) which means three stars and he gives free shipping and"]
["takes money orders with no extra charge. "]
[]
["This group I've heard good things about. Those with four stars or more are the most reliable. They will send to most countries. I've tried to list those that ship worldwide. "]
[]
["World wide shipping. Those with 4 stars or more are most reliable "]
[]
[]
["Amsterdam Aloha: (S***)"]
["Dr. Greenthms (F****+) (1,2)"]
["Heavens Stairway: (F*****) (1,2)"]
["Marc Emery Direct (****) (1)"]
["H.D. Seeds (***1/2) (1,2,3) "]
["Hempseed Cybershop: (F****1/2) (4)"]
["Tambu (***1/3)"]
["bluenose (***1/2) (2)"]
[]
["Seeds Direct (***1/2) (1,5)"]
[]
[]
["These ship to a limited area "]
[]
["Dr Hermans (***) (1,3)"]
["High Land: (**) "]
["Seed and Read: (**+)"]
["White Widow Web (**1/2)"]
["Paradise (***)"]
[]
["These are seed breeders and wholesalers primarily. While they have a good reputation, I don't have enough information about their mail order seed business to make a rating. "]
[]
["Bros. Grimm "]
["Dutch Passion: http://www.dutch-passion.nl "]
["Homegrown Fantaseed"]
["BCGA "]
["Sensi Seed: http://www.lycaeum.org/~sky/data/sensi.h tml "]
[]
["This is the rip-off section. The following seedbanks I've heard many bad things about. They are NOT recommended. aka means also known as. X means they seldom or never send the"]
["product. N means sending non viable seeds (non sprouting seeds) "]
[]
["A-1 Seedbank (X,N)"]
["Beeoo (X) "]
["Fairlight (X,N)"]
["Gangaland (Bonhommes) (X,M) Software Services aka Cannabis4u aka medical hemp aka cannabis@direct.A2000.nl [L.Pafort] (X) "]
["Pot a Gold (X)"]
["Richies Seedshack (X)"]
["Weedseed (X) "]
[]
["These seedbanks are not recommended due to excessive complaints. This is a judgement call and some customers have said they were satisfied. The nature of the complaints are as"]
["follows: 10 = non delivery, 11 = very poor customer service, 12 = inferior quality or misrepresented seeds, 13 = unethical conduct by seedbank owner. "]
[]
["Bullmall aka Bull-electrical.com (10, 11)"]
["Greater Harmony (10)"]
["Laughing Moon (10, 11) "]
["Seedbank Co uk (10, 12)"]
["Stinkey's (10,11) "]
[]
["Here are some good websites for cultivation and general info: "]
[]
["This is NPKaye's site, http://www.lycaeum.org/%7Enpkaye/cultiva tion.html"]
[]
["These are very good sites as well, check them out. Here are the plans for a home built ozone generator you can make for $20 http://www.angelfire.com/ga/greenmanspage "]
[]
["Here is an archive of a recent seedbank update. http://www.overgrow.com/su "]
[]
["For info on how to post anonymously to a newsgroup or to send anonymous mail to someone without your identity being revealed go to www.replay.com "]
[]
["Thanks to all who have contributed. Next week, I should have another update for you posted to adpc and other places. "]
[]
["peace"]
["green man "]
[]
["Disclaimer: The materials here are for information purposes only. The publisher of this article does not advocate illegal activity;) Check the laws of your country and state. The opinions"]
["expressed here are those of the author and may or may not reflect the views of the businesses listed. © 1998, 1999 by green man all rights reserved. No portion of this may be reproduced"]
["by any means without permission of the author. "]
{"$rows_empty":17}
["Cannabis growing guide",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
[]
[]
["Table of contents "]
[]
["       Overview "]
["       Genetics and the plant "]
["       Indoor and outdoors-Get a complete constant harvest "]
["       Indoor Gardening "]
["       Shelf Growing "]
["       Light "]
["       Sea of Green "]
["       Germination of seeds "]
["       Vegatative Growth Cycle "]
["       Flowering "]
["       Hydroponics "]
["       Recycling "]
["       Outdoor Planting "]
["       Guerilla Gardening "]
["       Soil Growing "]
["       Security "]
["       Plant Food and Nutrients "]
["       PH and Fertilizers "]
["       Foliar Feeding "]
["       CO2 "]
["       Venting "]
["       Temperature "]
["       Pests "]
["       Transplanting "]
["       Early Sexing "]
["       Regeneration "]
["       Pruning "]
["       Harvesting and Drying "]
["       Cloning "]
["       Breeding "]
["       Sinsemillia "]
["       Sinse Seeds "]
["       Odors and Negative Ions "]
["       Oxygen "]
["       Safety and Privacy "]
["       Distilled Water "]
["       Birth Control Pills "]
["       Seed and Bud Storage "]
["       A Final Comment "]
[]
[]
[]
["OVERVIEW"]
[]
["There are few things in life as good as your own herb, grown by yourself at home out in the garden and indoors in pots... Oregano, Dill, Basil, Sage and other herbs are all easy to grow."]
["Mint will take over the whole yard if you let it. Fresh mint and celantro are incredible in salads and oriental dishes. But it all comes down to a truly motivational herb that is your friend and"]
["mine, a great healer and teacher to those that know it well. "]
[]
["Most people think of gardens as a seasonal, yearly project, but it's actually less time consuming and more rewarding to keep the garden going year round. If one were to attempt to grow"]
["year round, indoor gardening techniques will be needed at least during winter to keep the garden producing. You will have herb fresh at all times, there is no worry of mass storage thru"]
["the winter and spring, it requires less space, and once established, requires only minimal attention every week to keep it producing at optimal levels. "]
[]
["The best part of being a gardener is it connects you to the earth. It connects you with nature, and is spiritually enriching. Try giving your plants energy by beaming good thoughts and"]
["energy at them every time you visit them. I find this helps me as much as it helps them; my plants seem to respond to it favorably. "]
[]
["GENETICS AND THE PLANT"]
[]
["It's very important to start with good genetics. You should attempt to find seeds from local gardeners that are acclimated and bred for local climate and best floral characteristics. Potency,"]
["aroma, fast growth, early maturation, resistance to fungus and pests. All of these factors are considered by the seasoned gardener and you will benefit enormously by finding a friend to"]
["get you started on the journey that never ends... "]
[]
["Attempt to find an Indica/Sativa hybrid if possible, as this will have the best high and good characteristics for indoor growth as well. Indica plants have a heavy, stony high that is"]
["tiresome, and sativas' are hard to grow indoors due to high light requirements, and late flowering traits, so a hybrid can be bread that will have the energetic, cerebral high of the sativa and"]
["the early maturation tendencies of the Indica plant. "]
[]
["The Indica plant is easily recognized by its extremely broad leaves that are very rounded on the sides. The Sativa has very narrow, finger-like leaves. A hybrid will have qualities of both"]
["and have leaves that are a cross of these two types, thinner than an Indica, but much broader than a Sativa. It is possible to recognize a good hybrid by the leaves once you know what to"]
["look for. "]
[]
["Look for seeds that are dark brown or light grey. Some may have dark lines inset into these colors, like tiger stripes. White, small seeds are immature and should not be planted. "]
[]
["INDOORS & OUTDOORS - CONSTANT HARVEST STRATEGY"]
[]
["One of the best solutions to energy verses output for most home gardeners is to use outdoor light for flowering and use continuous light indoors for germination and vegetative growth."]
["This will take advantage of the natural light/dark cycle and cut your energy use in half compared to the same operation indoors. A small greenhouse can be built of Filon fiberglass or PVC"]
["sheets that is innocuous and looks much like a storage shed or tool shed so it's not likely to raise suspicions. "]
[]
["In fact, a large shed of metal or plywood can be modified with a luminous roof of PVC, glass, fiberglass or plastic sheet, and some strains that do not require a great deal of light will"]
["grow well. Such a shed will discourage fly-by sightings and keep your business your own! It also allows you to keep out rats and gophers, keeps out the neighbor kids, and can be easily"]
["locked up. It will also give you an opportunity to actually plant in the ground if you desire, and this is the best way to avoid root-bound plants (if your not using hydroponics), and get"]
["bigger harvests. "]
[]
["In winter, indoor space is used to start new seedlings or cuttings to be placed outside in the spring, using natural sunlight to ripen the plants. This routine will provide at least 3"]
["outdoor/greenhouse harvests per year. If more space is available to constantly be starting indoors and flowering 2nd harvest plants outdoors, harvests are possible every 60 days in many"]
["areas, with a small indoor harvest in the winter as a possibility as well. "]
[]
["The basic strategy of year round production is to understand the plant has two growth cycles. At germination the plant enters into a vegetative state and will be able to use all the continuous"]
["light you can give it. This means there is no dark cycle required. The plant will photosynthesis constantly and grow faster than it would outdoors with long evenings. Photosynthesis stops"]
["during dark periods and the plant uses sugars produced to build during the evening. This is not a requirement and the plant will grow faster at this stage with continuous photosynthesis"]
["(constant light). "]
[]
["Once the plant is 12-18\" tall, weather permitting, it can be forced to start flowering by placing it outside in the Spring or Fall. (For Summer outdoor flowering, the night must be artificially"]
["lengthened in the greenhouse to \"force\" the plants to flower. See FLOWERING chapter.) "]
[]
["Moving the plants to 10-13 hour light periods (moving it outside) with uninterrupted darkness (no bright lights nearby) will force the plant to flower. It will ripen and be 2-3' when ready"]
["to harvest. When a plant is moved from continuous indoor light to a 10-13 hour day outside, it will start to flower in anticipation of oncoming winter. Vegetative starts moved outside"]
["March 1st, will be ripe by May 1. Vegetative starts moved outside on May 1 will be ripe by July 1. Starts moved outside Sept 1 are picked by Nov. 1st. In Winter, operations are moved"]
["indoors and a crop is planted for seed in anticipation of planting outdoors the next summer, or just for some extra winter stash. "]
[]
["Keep in mind that the \"man\" is looking for plants in the Sept./Oct./Nov. time-frame, and may never notice plants placed outside to flower in April. Be smart, make your big harvest in"]
["May, not October! "]
[]
["PLANTING INDOORS"]
[]
["A small indoor space should be found that can be used to germinate seeds; these vegetative starts are placed outside to mature in the spring after last freezes are over. The space can be a"]
["closet, a section of a bedroom, a basement area, an attic or unused bathroom. Some people devote entire bedrooms to growing. "]
[]
["The space must be light leak proofed, so that no suspicious light is seen from outside the house. This could invite fuzz or rip-offs. "]
[]
["The space should be vented. Opening the door of a closet can be enough ventilation if the space is not lit by big lights that generate a lot of heat. Separate exhaust and incoming air vents"]
["are best. One at the top of the room to exhaust air into the attic or out the roof, and one to bring in air from an outside wall or under-floor crawl space. Use fans from old computer"]
["cabinets, available from electronic liquidators for $5 each. Dimmer swithes can be used to regulate the speed/noise of the fans. Use silicon to secure the fans to 4-6\" PVC pipe pushed thru"]
["a round hole cut in the floor and ceilings. Use lots of silicon to damp the fans vibrations, so that the walls do not resonate to the fans' ocsilations. "]
[]
["Line the walls with aluminum foil, dull side out to diffuse the light and prevent hot-spots, or paint the walls bright white to reflect light. Aluminized mylar, 1 mil thick is best.($20 for 25"]
["feet of a 4' wide roll.) Mirrors are not good to use, since the glass eats light! "]
[]
["Line the floor with plastic in case of water spills, etc. Set up a voltage interrupt socket and be sure the electrical wiring will handle the lamps your going to use. Always place ballasts for"]
["HID lamps on a shelf, so they are above floor level, in case of water spills. Spacers place on the floor under a ballast will work too. "]
[]
["A shelf above the main grow area can be used to clone cuttings and germinate seedlings. It will allow you to double the area of your grow space and is an invaluable storage area for plant"]
["food, spray bottles and other gardening supplies. This area stays very warm, and no germination warming pad will be needed, so this arrangement saves you $. "]
[]
["Hang a light proof curtain to separate this shelf from the main area when used for flowering. This will allow constant lights on the shelf and dark periods in the main grow area. Velcro can"]
["be used to keep the curtain in place and ties can be used to roll it up when tending the garden. Black vinyl with white backing works best. "]
[]
["Now you need light. A couple of shop lights will be fine if you just want to start plants inside and then take them outside to grow in a small greenhouse. They can be purchased with bulbs"]
["for about $10 each, or without bulbs for around $8. Try to find them on sale. Use one Cool White and one Warm Light type bulb in each to get the best light spectrum possible for plant"]
["growth. Do not use expensive Grow Lux type bulbs, as they do not put out as much light, and therefor do not work as well in most situations (go figure). If Cool White is all you can"]
["find, or afford, use them. They work fine, and are by far the cheapest.(About $1-2 each.) "]
[]
["SHELF GROWING"]
[]
["Shelf gardening with fluorescents may be the trend of the future, since the materials are so inexpensive, and easy to obtain. Fluorescent lamps are great for shelf gardening. In this system,"]
["many shelves can be placed, one above the other, and fluorescent lamps are used on each shelf. Some shelves have 24 hour lighting, some have 12 hour lighting (for flowering). Two"]
["areas are best, perhaps with one other devoted to cloning and germination of seed. "]
[]
["Shelf gardening assumes your going to keep all plants 3' or shorter at maturity, so all shelves are 3-4 feet apart. Less light is necessary when you have plants that are this short and forced"]
["to mature early. "]
[]
["One drawback to a shelf garden like this is that it is very time consuming to adjust the lamp height every day, and it is harder to take a vacation for even a week with no tending of the"]
["garden. This applies mostly to the vegetative stage, when plants are growing as much as an inch per day. Lamps on the flowering shelves are not adjusted nearly as often. "]
[]
["Normally, the lamps should be kept within 2 inches of the tops of the plants, with the plants arranged such that they get progressively taller as the end of the lamps go up, so that all plants"]
["are within this 2\" range. This is an ideal however, and if you do go on vacation, adjust the lamps so that your sure the plants will not be able to grow up to the lamps within that length of"]
["time. If enough flourecents are used to completely saturate the shelf with light, the spacing issue will not create spindly plants. They will mearly grow a little slower if the lamps are not"]
["very close to them. "]
[]
["An alternative is to use fluorescent lamps for cloning, germination and early seedling growth on the top shelf of a closet, then switch over to HPS for heavy vegatative growth and/or"]
["flowering in the main closet area. "]
[]
["Position the HPS such that it won't need adjustment, at the top most possible point in the closet or room. Most HPS installations will not require lamp height adjustment. Just attach the"]
["lamp to the underside of shelf or ceiling as high as possible, and if you want to get a few plants closer to it, put them on a temporary shelf, box or table to get them closer to the lamp. "]
[]
["A shelf is all that is necessary with this type of setup, preferably at least 18\" wide, up to about 24\" maximum. This area must be painted a very bright white, or covered with aluminum"]
["foil, dull side out to reflect light back to the plants. (Dull side out prevents hot-spots; diffuses light better.) Paint the shelf white too. Or, use aluminized mylar, a space blanket, or any"]
["silvery surface material. Do not use mirrors, as the glass soaks up light. "]
[]
["Hang shop lamps from chains and make sure you can adjust them with hooks or some other type of mechanism so they can be kept as close to the plants as possible at all times (1-2\"). If"]
["the lamps are too far from the plants, the plants could grow long, spindly stems trying to reach the lamp, and will not produce as much bud at maturity. This is due to internode length"]
["being much longer. This is the length of stem between each set of leaves. If it is shorter, there can be more internodes, thus more branches, thus a plant that provides more buds in less"]
["space at harvest time. "]
[]
["Shelf gardening is sometimes referred to as Sea of Green, because many plants are grown close together, creating a green canopy of tops that are grown and matured quickly, and the next"]
["crop is started and growing concurrently in a separate area of continuous light. Clones are raised in a constant light shelf, until they start to grow well vegetatively, then placed on a 12"]
["hour per day shelf to flower. "]
[]
["LIGHT"]
[]
["Indoors, 2000 lumens per sq. ft. is about as low as you want to go indoors. If you get under this mark, plant growth will certainly not go as fast as possible, and internode/stem length"]
["will increase. Also, light distance to plants will be much more critical. Daily adjustments to the lamps will be necessary, meaning you get no vacations. "]
[]
["2500 lumens psf should be a good target, and 3000 is optimal if your going to inject or enrich CO2 levels (more on that later). "]
[]
["High Intensity Discharge lamps are the best solution for most indoor growers. HID lamps come in 3 basic flavors: High Pressure Sodium (HPS), Metal Halide (MH) and Mercury Vapor."]
["Metal Halide is an improved spectrum, higher intensity Mercury Vapor design. HPS is a yellowish sort of light, maybe a bit pink or orange. Same as some street lamps. "]
[]
["HPS lamps can be used to grow a crop from start to finish. Tests show that the HPS crop will mature 1 week later than a similar crop under MH, but it will be a bigger yield, so it's better"]
["to wait the extra week. "]
[]
["The easiest HID to buy, and least expensive initially are the flourescent and mercury vapor lamps. MV will put out about 8000 lumens per 175 watts, and 150 watts of HPS puts out about"]
["15k lumens, so HPS is almost twice as efficient. But the color spectrum from MV lamp output is not as good. HPS is high in reds, which works well for flowering, while the Metal"]
["Halide is rich in blues, needed for the best vegetative growth. Unfortunately, MV lamps provide the worst spectrum for plant growth, but are very inexpensive to purchase.They are not"]
["recommended, unless you find them free, and even then, the electricity/efficiency issues outweigh the initial costs saved. "]
[]
["400 watt HPS will output around 45k lumens. For every 500 watts of continuous use, you use about $20 a month in electricity, so it is evident that a lamp taking half the power to output"]
["the same lumens (or twice the lumens at the same power level) will pay for itself in a year or so, and from then on, continuous savings will be reaped. This is a simple initial cost vs."]
["operating costs calculation, and does not take into account the faster growth and increased yield the HPS lamp will give you, due to more light being available. If this is factored into the"]
["calculation the HPS lamp will pay for itself with the first crop, when compared to MV or fluorescent lamps, since it is easily twice as efficient and grows flowers faster and bigger. "]
[]
["Lamp Type        Watts   Lumens per bulb    Total efficiency"]
[]
["Fluorescent Bulb 40      3000   400 watts = 30k lumens"]
["Mercury Vapor    175     8000   400 watts = 20k lumens"]
["Metal Halide     400     36000  400 watts = 36k lumens"]
["High P. Sodium   400     45000  400 watts = 45k lumens"]
[]
["Notice the Mercury Vapor lamps are less efficient than the fluorescent (FL), and can not be positioned as close to the plants, so the plants will not be able to use as much of the MV light."]
["The light distribution is not as good either. MV lamps simply are not suitable for indoor gardening. Use flourecent, MH, or HPS lamps only. Halogen arc lamps generate too much heat"]
["and not very much light for the wattage they use, and are also not recommened, even though the light spectrum is suitable for decent growth. "]
[]
["There is a new type of HPS lamp called Son Agro, and it is available in a 250, 1000, and 400 watt range. The 400 is actually 430 watts; they have added 30 watts of blue to this bulb. It is"]
["a very bright lamp (53k lumens) and is made for greenhouse use. These bulbs can be purchased to replace normal HPS bulbs, so they are an option if you already own a HPS lamp. The"]
["beauty of this bulb is that you do not give up most of the advantages of MH lamps, such as minimal internode spacing and early maturation, like most HPS users do, and you have all"]
["advantages of a HPS lamp. One bulb does it all. "]
[]
["Internodal length of plants grown with the Son Agro are the shortest ever seen with any type of lamp. Plants grown under this lamp are incredibly bushy, compact and grow very fast. Son"]
["Agro bulbs however, do not last as long as normal HPS bulbs. There is something like a 25% difference in bulb life. "]
[]
["Metal Halide (MH) is another option, and is available in both a 36k and 40k lumen bulbs for the 400 watt size. The Super Bulb (40k) is about $10-15 more, and provides an extra 4000"]
["lumens. I think the Super Bulb may last longer; if so, that makes it the way to go. Halide light is more blue and better than straight HPS for vegetative growth, but is much less efficient"]
["than HPS. It is possible to purchase conversion bulbs for a MH lamp that convert it to HPS, but the cost of the conversion bulb is more expensive than the color corrected Son Agro bulb,"]
["so I would recommend just buying the Son Agro HPS. Even though it costs more initially, you get more for your energy dollar later, and it's much easier to hang than 10 fluorescent"]
["tubes. "]
[]
["If you have a MH 36k lumen lamp burning at 400 watts and a 53k lumen HPS burning at 430 watts, which is better efficiency wise? Which will provide a better yield? Obviously, the Son"]
["Agro HPS, but of course, the initial cost is higher. Actually, the ballast will add about 10% to these wattage numbers. "]
[]
["The Son Agro bulb will prove much better than the MH for any purpose. The MH bulb does not last as long, but is cheaper. Compare $36 for a 400 watt MH bulb vs. $40 for the HPS"]
["bulb. Add $15 for the Son Agro HPS. The HPS bulb life is twice as long. 10k hours vs. 21k hours. The Son Agro is 16k hours or so. Still, longer bulb life and more light add up to more"]
["for your energy dollar long term. "]
[]
["Horizontal mounting of any HID is a good idea, as this will boost by 30% the amount of light that actually reaches the plants. Most HID's sold for indoor garden use these days are of this"]
["horizontal mounting arrangement. "]
[]
["HPS is much less expensive to operate than any other type of lamp, but comes in the 70 watt size at the home improvement stores. This size is not very efficient, but blows away FL in"]
["efficiency, so they might be an alternative to FL for very small operations, like 9 sq. feet or less. Over 9 sqr. feet, you need more light than one of these lamps can provide, but you could"]
["use two of them. 70 watt HPS lamps cost about $40 each, complete. Two lamps would be 140 watts putting out about 12k lumens, so it's better than FL, but a 150 watt HPS puts out"]
["about 18k lumens, the bulb life is longer, bulbs are cheaper and the lamp more efficient to operate. The biggest problem is that the mid size lamps like the 150 and 250 watt HPS are almost"]
["as expensive to buy as the larger 400's. For this reason, if you have room for the larger lamp, buy the 400. If your going pro, a 1080 watt model is available too, but you might find there"]
["is better light distribution from two 400's rather than one large lamp. Of course, the two smaller lamps are more expensive to purchase than one large lamp, so most people choose the"]
["larger lamp for bigger operations. "]
[]
["Heat buildup in the room is a factor with HID lamps, and just how much light the plants can use is determined by temperature, CO2 levels, nutrient availability, PH, and other factors. Too"]
["big of a lamp for a space will make constant venting necessary, and then there is no way to enrich CO2, since it's getting blown out of the room right away. "]
[]
["Bulb Costs: the bulb cost on the 70 watt HPS is $24, the 150 is only $30, and the 400 is only $40. So you will spend more to replace two 70 watt bulbs than you will to replace one 400"]
["watt HPS. (Go figure.) Add that up with the lower resale value on the 70's (practically nothing) and the fact that they are being modified and are not suited to this application, and it"]
["becomes evident that $189 for a 250 HPS lamp, or $219 for a 400, might just be worth the price. Keep in mind that for $30 more, you can have the larger lamp (400watt) and it puts out"]
["20k lumens more light than the smaller lamp. Not a bad deal! "]
[]
["Here is the breakdown on prices (from memory): "]
[]
["Type Complete Cost   Bulb Cost   Bulb Life Lumens"]
[]
["HPS 400       $219   $40   18k hours 50k"]
["MH 400        $175   $37   10k hours 36k"]
["Son Agro400   $235   $55   15k hours 53k"]
["Super MH400   $190   $45   ??      40k"]
["MH 250        $149   $32   ??      21k"]
["HPS 250       $165   $36   ??      27k"]
["HPS agro250   $180   $53   ??      30k"]
["MH 150        $139   $25   ??      14k"]
["HPS 175       $150   $30   ??      17k"]
[]
["If your looking for these types of lamps, look in the Yellow Pages under gardening, nursuries, and lighting for indoor gardening stores in your area. "]
[]
["SEA OF GREEN"]
[]
["Sea of Green (SOG) is the theory of harvesting lots of small plants, matured early to get the fastest production of buds available. Instead of growing a few plants for a longer period of"]
["time, in the same space many smaller plants are grown that mature faster and in less time. Thus, less time is required between crops. This is important to you when the electricity bill"]
["comes each month. One crop can be started while another is maturing, and a continuous harvest, year round can be maintained. 4 plants per square foot will be a good start for seedlings. 1"]
["plant per square foot will allow plenty of room for each plant to grow a large top cola, but will not allow for much bottom branching. This is OK since indoors, these bottom branches are"]
["always shaded anyway, and will not grow very well unless given additional light and space. The indoor grower quickly realizes that plants that are too tall do not produce enough at the"]
["bottom to make the extra growing time used worth while. An exception to this rule would be if it is intended the plants are to go outside at some point, and it is expected that the"]
["light/shading issue will not be a factor at that point. "]
[]
["The plants, if started at the same time, should create what is called a \"green canopy\" that traps most of the light at the top level of the plants. Little light will penetrate below this level, since"]
["the plants are so close together. The gardener is attempting to concentrate on the top of the plant, and use the light and space to the best advantage, in as little time as possible. Use of nylon"]
["poultry fence or similar trellising laid out over the green canopy will support the plants as they start to droop under the weight of heavy fruiting tops. Stakes can be used too, but are not as"]
["easy to install for plants in the middle and back of the room, where reach is more difficult. "]
[]
["It's easy to want big plants, since they will produce more yield per plant, but it's usually better with limited space to grow smaller plants that mature faster and pack into smaller spaces."]
["Sea of Green was developed in Holland. Instead of fitting 4 large plants in that small room, fit 12 small ones on a shelf above 12 other small plants. These plants take only 3-4 months to"]
["mature from germination to ripe buds, and harvesting takes place constantly, since there is both a vegetative and flowering area devoted to each, with harvests every 45-60 days. "]
[]
["It's not the size of the plant, but the maturity and quality of the product that counts. Twice as many plants grown half as big will fill the grow space twice as fast, so harvests take place"]
["almost twice as often. Get good at picking early flowering plants, and propagate only those that are of the best quality. "]
[]
["6\" square containers will allow for 4 plants per square foot. You may also gauge by the size of your growing tray (for passive hydroponics); I like kitty litter boxes. ($3 each at Target)"]
["Planted 4 per square foot, (for vegatative seedlings) a 12 sq. ft. closet will hold 48 seedlings on one shelf. In my case, I use 4\" rockwool cubes that fit into kitty litter pans @ 12 cubes per"]
["pan. I can get 5 pans onto a 12 sq. ft. closet upper shelf, so that is 60 seedlings on one small shelf! "]
[]
["For flowering indoors, 1 plant per sq. ft. is a good rule of thumb for SOG. If less plants are grown in this size space, it will take them longer to fill the space, thus more electricity and"]
["time will be used to create the same amount of product. If more than one plant p.s.f. is attempted, the grower will soon find that plants thus crowded tend to be more stem than bud, and"]
["the total harvest may be reduced, so be cautious. "]
[]
["It's good to avoid \"topping\" your plants if you want them to grow as fast as possible. It's better just to grow 2 or 4 times more plants, since they will produce more, faster, in the same"]
["space. Also, \"training\" plants with twist-ties is a great way to get them to bush out a bit. Just take any type of plastic or paper twist tie and wrap it around the top of the plant, then pull it"]
["over until the top is bent over 90-180 degrees and then attach this to the main stem lower on the plant. Do this for one week and then release the plant from it's bond. The plant can be"]
["trained in this fashion to take less vertical space and to grow bushier, to fill the grow space and force lower limbs to grow upward and join the green canopy. This technique takes"]
["advantage of the fact that if the top is pulled over, it creates a hormonal condition in the plant that makes it bush out at all lower internodes. "]
[]
["Sea of Green entails growing to harvest the main cola (top) of the plant. Bottom branches are trimmed to increase air flow under the \"blanket\" of growing tops. Use these cuttings for"]
["clones, as they are the easiest part of the plant to root. It's also the fastest part of the plant to regenerate after flowering has occurred. "]
[]
["GERMINATION"]
[]
["Germinate seeds in sterile soil (for planting outdoors) or a hydroponic medium of rockwool or vermiculite. DO NOT (!) use a Jiffy cube #7 to germinate seeds. Informal tests and"]
["experience show these peat cubes do not work well and stunt the plants growth. Planting in vermiculite gives the seedling so much oxygen, and are so easy for roots to grow in, that the"]
["plants look large 1 week after germination! "]
[]
["Keep them moist at all times, by placing seeds in vermiculite filled 16oz cups with holes in the bottom, placed in a tray of weak nutrient solution, high in P. Rockwool cubes also work"]
["extremely well. When the seed sprouts, place the rockwool cubes into larger rockwool cubes. No repotting or transplanting, and no soil mixing! "]
[]
["You can germinate seeds in a paper towel. This method is tricky; it's easy to ruin roots if they dry out, or are planted too late after germinating. Paper towels dry out REAL FAST! Place"]
["paper towel in a bowl, saturated with weak nutrient solution (not too much!), and cover with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Put bowl in a warm area; top of the gas stove, water"]
["heater closet, or above warm lamps. Cover with black paper to keep out light. Check every 12 hours and plant germinated seeds with the grow tip up (if possible) in a growing medium as"]
["soon as the root coming out of the seed is 1/16\" or longer. Use tweezers, and don't touch the root tip. "]
[]
["Transplant as little as possible by germinating in the same container you intend to grow the plant in for a significant period of time. Just plant in vermiculite or rockwool. You will be"]
["amazed at the results! 90% germination is common with this method, as compared to 50% or less with Jiffy Cubes. (Your milage may vary.) "]
[]
["5-55-17 plant food such as Peter's Professional will stimulate root growth of the germinating seed and the new seedlings. Use a very dilute solution, in distilled water, about 1/3 normal"]
["strength, and keep temperatures between 72-80 degrees. Warm temperatures are very important. Many growers experience low germination rate if the temperatures are out of this range. A"]
["heating pad set to low or medium may be necessary, or a shelf constantly warmed by a light may do, but test it with a few seeds first, before devoting next years crop to it. No light is"]
["necessary and may slow germination. Cover germinating seeds with black paper to keep out light. Place seedlings in the light once they sprout. "]
[]
["Plan on transplanting only once or twice before harvest. Use the biggest containers possible for the space and number of seedlings you plan to start. Plants will suffer if continuously"]
["transplanted and delay harvesting. You will suffer too, from too much work! 13 2-liter plastic soda bottles filled with vermiculite/pearlite will fit in a cat box tray, and will not require"]
["transplanting for the first harvest, if you intend to grow hydroponically. Transplant them for a second regenerated harvest. "]
[]
["Cut holes in the bottom of containers and fill the last few inches at the top with vermiculite only, to start seeds or accept seedling transplants. Since vermiculite holds water well, wicks"]
["water well, but does not hold too much water, roots always have lots of oxygen, even if they are sitting in a tray full of water. A hydrogen peroxide based plant food is used to get extra"]
["oxygen to the plants when the pans are kept continuously full. The water can be allowed to recede each time after watering, before new solution is added. This allows the plants roots to"]
["dry somewhat, and make sure they are getting enough oxygen. "]
[]
["Use SuperSoil brand potting soil, as it is excellent and sterilized. If you insist on using dirt from the yard, sterilize it in the microwave or oven until it gets steamy.(NOT"]
["RECOMMENDED) Sterilize the containers with a bleach solution, especially if they have been used a previous season for another plant. "]
[]
["VEGETATIVE GROWTH"]
[]
["Once sprouted, the plant starts vegetative growth. This means the plant will be photosynthesizing as much as possible to grow tall and start many grow tips at each pair of leaves. A grow"]
["tip is the part that can be cloned or propagated asexually. They are located at the top of the plant, and every major internode. If you \"top\" the plant, it then has two grow tips at the top. If"]
["you top each of these, you will have 4 grow tips at the top of the plant. (Since it takes time for the plant to heal and recover from the trauma of being pruned, it faster to grow 4 smaller"]
["plants and not top them at all. Or grow 2 plants, and \"train\" them to fill the same space. Most growers find) "]
[]
["All plants have a vegetative stage where they are growing as fast as possible after the plant first germinates from seed. It is possible to grow plants with no dark period, and increase the"]
["speed at which they grow by 15-30&. Plants can be grown vegetatively indefinitely. It is up to the gardener to decide when to force the plant to flower. A plant can grow from 12\" to 12'"]
["before being forced to flower, so there is a lot of latitude here for each gardener to manage the garden based on goals and space available. "]
[]
["A solution of 20-20-20 with trace minerals is used for both hydroponic and soil gardening when growing continuously under lights. Miracle Grow Patio or RapidGrow plant food is good"]
["for this. A high P plant food such as Peter's 5-50-17 food is used for blooming and fruiting plants when beginning 12 hour days. Epsom salts (1tsp) should be used in the solution for"]
["magnesium and sulfur minerals. Trace minerals are needed too, if your food does not include them. Miracle Grow Patio includes these trace elements, and is highly recommended. "]
[]
["Keep lights on continuously for sprouts, since they require no darkness period like older plants. You will not need a timer unless you want to keep the lamps off during a certain time each"]
["day. Try to light the plants for 18 or more hours, or continuously at this point. "]
[]
["Bend a young plant's stem back and forth to force it to be very thick and strong. Spindly stems can not support heavy flowering growth. An internal oscillating fan will reduce humidity on"]
["the leave's stomata and improve the stem strength as well. The importance of nternal air circulation can not be stressed enough. It will excersize the plants and make them grow stronger,"]
["while reducing many hazards that could ruin your crop. "]
[]
["HYDROPONIC VEGATATIVE SOLUTION, per gallon: "]
[]
["Miracle Grow Patio (contains trace elements) 1 teaspoon "]
[]
["Epsom salts 1/2 teaspoon "]
[]
["Human Urine (OPTIONAL - may create odors indoors.) 1/4 cup "]
[]
["Oxygen Plus Plant Food (OPTIONAL) 1 teaspoon "]
[]
["This mixture will insure your plants are getting all major and minor nutrients in solution, and will also be treating your plants with oxygen for good root growth, and potassium nitrate for"]
["good burning qualities. Another good GROWTH PHASE mix is 1/4 tsp Peter's 20/20/20 fertilizer per gallon of water, with trace elements and oxygen added, or fish emulsion. Fish"]
["emulsion is great in the grean-house or outdoors, where smells are not an issue, but is not recommended for indoors, due to its strong odor. "]
[]
["FLOWERING"]
[]
["The the plant will be induced to fruit or flower with dark cycles of 11-13 hours that simulate the oncoming winter in the fall as the days grow shorter. As a consequence, it works out well"]
["indoors to have two separate areas; one that is used for the initial vegetative state and one that is used for flowering and fruiting. There is no other requirement other than to keep the dark"]
["cycle for flowering very dark with no light interruptions, as this can stall flowering by days or weeks. "]
[]
["Once a plant is big enough to mature (12\" or over), dark periods are required for most plants to flower and bear fruit. This will require putting the lamp on a timer, to create regular and"]
["strict dark periods of uninterrupted light. In the greenhouse, the same effect can be created in the Summer (long days) by covering it with a blanket to make longer night periods. A strict"]
["schedule of covering the plants at 8pm and uncovering them at 8am for 2 weeks will start your plants to flowering. After the first 2 weeks, the schedule can be relaxed a little, but it will"]
["still be necessary to continue this routine for the plants to completely flower without reverting back to vegatative growth. "]
[]
["Outdoors, Spring and Fall, the nights are sufficiently long to induce flowering at all times. Merely bring the plants from indoors to the outside at these times, and the plants will flower"]
["naturally. In late Summer, with Fall approaching, it may be necessary only to force flowering the first two weeks, then the rapidly lengthening nights will do the rest. "]
[]
["Give flowering plants high P plant food and keep them on a strict light regimen of 12 hours, with no light, or no more than a full moon during the dark cycle. 13 hours light, 11 dark may"]
["increase flower size while still allowing the plant to go into the flowering mode. Use longer dark periods to speed maturity toward the end of the flowering cycle if speed is of the essence."]
["(8-10 days) This will however, reduce total yield. "]
[]
["Two shelves can be used, one identical to the other, if strictly indoor gardening is desired. One shelf's lights are set for 12-13 hours, and one is lit continuously. Plants are started in"]
["continuous light, and are moved to the other shelf to flower to maturity after several weeks. This flowering shelf should be bigger than the \"starting\" or \"vegetative\" shelf, so that it can"]
["accommodate larger plants. Or, some plants can be taken outside if there is not enough space on the flowering shelf for all of them near harvesting. "]
[]
["A light tight curtain can be made from black vinyl, or other opaque material, with a reflective material on the other side to reflect light back to the plants. This curtain can be tied with cord"]
["when rolled up to work on the garden, and can be velcroed down in place to make sure no light leaks in or out. If the shelf is placed up high, it will not be very noticeable, and will fit in"]
["any room. Visitors will never notice it unless you point it out to them, since it is above eye level, and no light is being emitted from it. "]
[]
["Flowering plants like very high P level foods, such as 5-50-17, but 10-20-10 should be adequate. Nutrients should be provided with each watering when first flowering. "]
[]
["Trace elements are necessary too; try to find foods that include these, so you don't have to use a separate trace element food too. Home improvement centers sell trace element solutions"]
["rich in iron for lawn deficiencies, and these can be adapted for use in cultivating the herb. Prices for these mass produced fertilizers are significantly cheaper than the specialized"]
["hydroponic fertilizers sold in indoor gardening shops, and seem to work just fine. "]
[]
["HYDROPONIC FLOWERING SOLUTION, per gallon: "]
[]
["1 tspn high P plant food, such as 15-30-15, or 5-50-17, etc. "]
[]
["1/2 tspn epsom salts "]
[]
["1 tspn Oxygen Plus Plant Food (Optional) "]
[]
["1 tspn Trace Element food "]
[]
["I cannot stress enough that during the FLOWERING PHASE, the dark period should not be violated by normal light. It delays flower development due to hormones in the plant that react"]
["to light. If you must work on the plants during this time, allow only as much light as a VERY pale moon can provide for less than 5 minutes. Keep pruning to a minimum during the entire"]
["FLOWERING PHASE. "]
[]
["A green light can be used to work on the garden during the dark period with no negative reactions from the plants. These are sold as nursery safety lights, but any green bulb should be"]
["OK. It is best to keep the dark hours a time when you would normally not wish to visit the garden. Personally, I like my garden lit from 7pm to 7am, since it allows me to visit the garden"]
["at night after work and in the morning before work, and all day long, while I'm too busy to worry about it, it lies unlit and undisturbed, flowering away... "]
[]
["Flowering plants should not be sprayed often as this will promote mold and rot. Keep humidity levels down indoors when flowering, as this is the most delicate time for the plants in this"]
["regard. "]
[]
["Early flowering is noticed 1-2 weeks after turning back the lights to 12 hour days. Look for 2 white hairs emerging from a small bulbous area at every internode. This is the easiest way to"]
["verify females early on. You can not tell a male from a female by height, or bushiness. "]
[]
["3-6 weeks after turning back the lights, your plants will be covered with these white pistils emerging from every growtip on the plant. It will literally be covered with them. These are the"]
["mature flowers, as they continue to grow and cover the plant. Some plants will do this indefinately until the lights are turned back yet again. At the point you feel your ready to see the"]
["existing flowers become ripe ( you feel the plant has enought flowers), turn the lights back to 8-10 hours. Now the plant will start to ripen quickely, and should be ready to harvest in 2-3"]
["weeks. The alternative, is to allow the plant to ripen with whatever natural day length is available outside, or keep the plants on a constant 12 hour regimen for the entire flowering process,"]
["which may increase yield, but takes longer. "]
[]
["Plants can be flowered in the final stages outdoors, even if the days are too long for normal flowering to occur. Once the plant has almost reached peak floral development, it is too far"]
["gone to revert quickly to vegatative growth, and final flowering will occur regardless. This will free up precious indoor space sooner, for the next batch of clones to be flowered. "]
[]
["Look for the white hairs to turn red, orange or brown, and the false seed pods ( you did pull the males, right?) to swell with resins. When most of the pistils have turned color (~80%), the"]
["flowers are ripe to harvest. "]
[]
["Don't touch those buds! Touch only the large fan leaves if you want to inspect the buds, as the THC will come off on your fingers and reduce the overall yield if mishandled. "]
[]
["HYDROPONICS"]
[]
["Most growers report that a hydroponic system will grow plants faster than a soil medium, given the same genetics and environmental conditions. This may be due to closer attention and"]
["more control of nutrients, and more access to oxygen. The plants can breath easier, and therefor, take less time to grow. One report has it that plants started in soil matured after"]
["hydroponic plants started 2 weeks later! "]
[]
["Fast growth allows for earlier maturation and shorter total growing time per crop. Also, with soil mixtures, plant growth tends to slow when the plants become root-bound. Hydroponics"]
["provides even, rapid growth with no pauses for transplant shock and eliminates the labor/materials of repotting if rockwool is used. (Highly recommended!) "]
[]
["By far the easiest hydroponic systems to use are the wick and reservoir systems. These are referred to as Passive Hydroponic methods, because they require no water distribution system"]
["on an active scale (pump, drain, flow meter and path). The basis of these systems is that water will wick to where you want it if the medium and conditions are correct. "]
[]
["The wick system is more involved than the reservoir system, since the wicks must be cut and placed in the pots, correct holes must be cut in the pots, and a spacer must be created to place"]
["the plants up above the water reservoir below. This can be as simple as two buckets, one fit inside the other, or a kiddie pool with bricks in it that the pots rest on, elevating them out of the"]
["nutrient solution. "]
[]
["I find the wick setup to be more work than the reservoir system. Initial setup is a pain with wicks, and the plants sit higher in the room, taking up precious vertical space. The base the pot"]
["sits on may not be very stable compared to a reservoir system, and a knocked over plant will never be the same as an untouched plant, due to stress and shock in recovery. "]
[]
["The reservoir system needs only a good medium suited to the task, and a pan to sit a pot in. If rockwool slabs are used, a half slab of 12\" rockwool fits perfectly into a kitty litter pan. The"]
["roots spread out in very desirable horizontal fashion and have a lot of room to grow. Plants grown in this manner are very robust because they get a great deal of oxygen at the roots."]
["Plants grown with reservoir hydroponics grow at about the same rate as wicks or other active hydroponic methods, with much less effort required, since it is by far the simplest of"]
["hydroponic methods. Plants can be watered and feed by merely pouring solution into the reservoir every few days. The pans take up very little vertical space and are easy to handle and"]
["move around. "]
[]
["In a traditional hydroponic method, pots are filled with lava/ vermiculite mix of 4 to 1. Dolite Lime is added, one Tblspn. per gallon of growing medium. This medium will wick and store"]
["water, but has excellent drainage and air storage capacity as well. It is however, not very resuable, as it is difficult to recapture and sterilize after harvest. Use small size lava, 3/8\" pea size,"]
["and rinse the dust off it, over and over, until most of it is gone. Wet the vermiculite (dangerous dry, wear a mask) and mix into pots. Square pots hold more than round. Vermiculite will"]
["settle to bottom after repeated watering from the top, so only water from the top occasionally to leach any mineral deposits, and put more vermiculite on the top than the bottom. Punch"]
["holes in the bottom of the pots, and add water to the pan. It will be wicked up to the roots and the plants will have all they need to flourish. "]
[]
["The reservoir is filled with 1 1/2 - 3 inches of water and allowed to recede between waterings. When possible, use less solution and water more often, to pull more oxygen to the roots"]
["faster over time. If you go away on vacation, simply fill the reservoirs full to the top, and the plants will be watered for 2 weeks at least. "]
[]
["One really great hydroponic medium is Oasis floral foam. Stick lots of holes into it to open it up a little, and start plants/clones in it, moving the cube of foam to rockwool later for larger"]
["growth stages. Many prefer floral foam, as it is inert, and adds no PH factors. It's expensive though, and tends to crumble easily. I'm also not sure it's very reusable, but it seems to be a"]
["popular item at the indoor gardening centers. "]
[]
["Planting can be made easier with hydroponic mediums that require little setup such as rockwool. Rockwool cubes can be reused several times, and are premade to use for hydroponics."]
["Some advantages of rockwool are that it is impossible to over water and there is no transplanting. Just place the plant's cube on top of a larger rockwool cube and enjoy your extra leisure"]
["time. "]
[]
["Some find it best to save money by not buying rockwool and spending time planting in soil or hydroponic mediums such as vermiculite/lava mix. Pearlite is nice, since it is so light."]
["Pearlite can be used instead of or in addition to lava, which must be rinsed and is much heavier. "]
[]
["But rockwool has many advantages that are not appreciated until you spend hours repotting; take a second look. It is not very expensive, and it is reusable. It's more stable than floral"]
["foam, which crunches and powders easily. Rockwool holds 10 times more water than soil, yet is impossible to over-water, because it always retains a high percentage of air. Best of all,"]
["there is no transplanting; just place a starter cube into a rockwool grow cube, and when the plant gets very large, place that cube on a rockwool slab. Since rockwool is easily reused over"]
["and over, the cost is divided by 3 or 4 crops, and ends up costing no more than vermiculite and lava, which is much more difficult to reclaim, sterilize and reuse (repot) when compared to"]
["rockwool. Vermiculite is also very dangerous when dry, and ends up getting in the carpet and into the air when you touch it (even wet), since it drys on the fingers and becomes airborne."]
["For this reason, I do not recommend vermiculite indoors. "]
[]
["Rockwool's disadvantages are relatively few. It is alkaline PH, so you must use something in the nutrient solution to make it acidic (5.5) so that it brings the rockwool down from 7.7, to"]
["6.5 (vinagar works great.) And it is irritating to the skin when dry, but is not a problem when wet. "]
[]
["To pre-treat rockwool for planting, soak it in a solution of fish emulsion, trace mineral solution and phosphoresic acid (PH Down) for 24 hours, then rinse. This will decrease the need for"]
["PH worries later on, as it buffers the rockwool PH to be fairly neutural. "]
[]
["Hydroponics should be used indoors or in greenhouses to speed the growth of plants, so you have more bud in less time. Hydroponics allows you to water the plants daily, and this will"]
["speed growth. The main difference between hydroponics and soil growing is that the hydroponic soil or \"medium\"is made to hold moisture, but drain well, so that there are no"]
["over-watering problems associated with continuous watering. Also, hydroponically grown plants do not derive nutrients from soil, but from the solution used to water the plants."]
["Hydroponics reduces worries about mineral buildup in soil, and lack of oxygen to suffocating roots, so leaching is usually not necessary with hydroponics. "]
[]
["Hydroponics allows you to use smaller containers for the same given size plant, when compared to growing in soil. A 3/4 gallon pot can easily take a small hydroponically grown plant to"]
["maturity. This would be difficult to do in soil, since nutrients are soon used up and roots become cut-off from oxygen as they become root-bound in soil. This problem does not seem to"]
["occure nearly as quickly for hydroponic plants, since the roots can still take up nutrients from the constant solution feedings, and the medium passes on oxygen much more redily when the"]
["roots become bound in the small container. "]
[]
["Plant food is administered with most waterings, and allows the gardener to strictly control what nutrients are available to the plants at the different stages of plant growth. Watering can be"]
["automated to some degree with simple and cheap drip system apparatus, so take advantage of this when possible. "]
[]
["Hydroponics will hasten growing time, so it takes less time to harvest after planting. It makes sense to use simple passive hydroponic techniques when possible. Hydroponics may not be"]
["desirable if your growing outdoors, unless you have a greenhouse. "]
[]
["CAUTION: it is necessary keep close watch of plants to be sure they are never allowed to dry too much when growing hydroponically, or roots will be damaged. If you will not be able to"]
["tend to the garden every day, be sure the pans are filled enough to last until next time you return, or you can easily lose your crop. "]
[]
["More traditional hydroponic methods (active) are not discussed here. I don't see any point in making it more diffucult than it needs to be. It is necessary to change the solution every month"]
["if your circulating it with a pump, but the reservoir system does away with this problem. Just rinse the medium once a month or so to prevent salts build up by watering from the top of the"]
["pot or rockwool cube with pure water. Change plant foods often to avoid deficiencies in the plants. I recommend using 2 different plant foods for each phase of growth, or 4 foods total,"]
["to lessen chances of any type of deficiency. "]
[]
["Change the solution more often if you notice the PH is going down quickly (too acid). Due to cationic exchange, solution will tend to get too acid over time, and this will cause nutrients to"]
["become unavailable to the plants. Check PH of the medium every time you water to be sure no PH issues are occuring. "]
[]
["Algae will tend to grow on the medium with higher humidities in hydroponics. It will turn a slab of rockwool dark green. To prevent this, use the plastic cover the rockwool came in to"]
["cover rockwool slab tops, with holes cut for the plants to stick out of it. It's easy to cut a packaged slab of rockwool into two pieces, then cut the end of the plastic off each piece. You"]
["now have two pieces of slab, each covered with plastic except on the very ends. Now cut 2 or 3 4\" square holes in the top to place cubes on it, and place each piece in a clean litter pan."]
["Now your ready to treat the rockwool as described above in anticipation of planting. "]
[]
["If growing in pots, a layer of gravel at the top of a pot may help reduce algae growth, since it will dry very quickly. Algae is merely messy and unsightly; it will not actually cause any"]
["complications with the plants. "]
[]
["RECYCLING"]
[]
["Use pots made from squarish containers such as plastic water jugs, etc. More plants will fit in less space and have more rooting area if square containers are used. This makes your garden"]
["a recycling center, and saves you tons of money. "]
[]
["2-liter soda bottles work great, but are not square. 13 will fit in a kitty litter box, and these will take a 3 foot plant to maturity hydroponically. If you can get 4 litter boxes in a closet, you"]
["can grow 52 plants like this vegatatively. Spread them out more for flowering. "]
[]
["Old buckets, plastic 3-5 gallon containers (food and paint industries, try painters' and resturant dumpsters), paper paint buckets, old plastic garbage cans of all sizes, and garbage bags"]
["have all been used successfully by growers. "]
[]
["Do not use paper milk cartons and juice cartons for reservoir hydroponics, since these are difficult to sterilize, and they introduce fungus into your reservoir trays. Inert materials, such as"]
["plastic is best. "]
[]
["Be sure to sterilize all containers before each planting with a clorine bleach solution of 2 tbspn. of bleach to one gallon of water. Let container and meduim such as rockwool soak for"]
["several hours in the solution before rinsing thouroghly. "]
[]
["PLANTING OUTDOORS"]
[]
["Outdoor growing is the best. Outdoor pot by far is the strongest, since it gets more light, it's naturally more robust. No light leak problems. No dark periods that keep you out of your"]
["grow room. No electricity bills. Sunlight tends to reach more of the plant, if your growing in the direct sun. Unlike growing indoors, the bottom of the plant will be almost as developed as"]
["the top. "]
[]
["Outdoors, outside of a greenhouse, there are many factors that can kill your crop. Deer will try to eat them. Chipmonks and rodents too. Bugs will inhabit them, and the wind and rain can"]
["whip your little buds to pieces if they are exposed to strong storms. For this reason, indoor pot can be better than outdoor, but the best smoke I ever tasted was outdoor pot, so that tells"]
["you something; nothing beats the sun. "]
[]
["Put up a fence and make sure it stays up. Visit your plot at least once every two weeks, and preferably more often if water needs demand. "]
[]
["It's a good idea to use soil if you don't have a green house, since hydroponics will be less reliable outside in the open air, due mostly to evaporation. "]
[]
["Light exposure is all important when locating a site for a greenhouse or outdoor plot. A backyard grower will need to know where the sun shines for the longest period; privacy and other"]
["factors will enter in as well. Try to find an innocuous spot that gets full winter sun from mid morning to mid afternoon, at least from 10-4, preferably 8-5. This will be really asking for a"]
["lot if you live north of 30 degrees latitude since days are short in winter. Since most gardeners will not want to use the greenhouse in the middle of the winter, you can still use winter sun"]
["as an indicator of good spring and fall lighting exposures. Usually the south side of a hill gets the most sun. Also, large areas open to the sun on the north side of the property will get"]
["good southern exposures. East and West exposures can be good if they get the full morning/afternoon sun and mid-day sun as well. Some books say the plants respond better to"]
["morning-only sun, verses afternoon-only sun, so if you have to choose between the two, morning sun may be better. "]
[]
["Disguise your greenhouse as a tool shed, or similar structure, by using only one wall and a roof of white opaqued plastic, PVC, Filon, or glass, and using a similar colored material for the"]
["rest of the shed, or painting it white or silvery, to look like metal. Try to make it appear as if it has always been there, with plants and trees that grow around it and mask it from view while"]
["allowing sun to reach it. "]
[]
["Filon (corrugated fiberglass)or PVC plastic sheets can be used outside to cover young plants grown together in a garden. Buy the clear greenhouse sheets, and opaque them with white"]
["wash (made from lime) or epoxy resin tinted white or grey and painted on in a thin layer. This will pass more sun than white PVC or Filon, and still hide the plants. Epoxy resin coats will"]
["preserve the Filon for many more seasons than it would otherwise last. It will also allow you to disguise the shed as metal, if you paint the clear filon sheets with a thin layer of resin tinted"]
["light grey. Paint will work as well, but may not protect as much. Be careful to use only as much as needed, to reduce sun blockage to a minimum. "]
[]
["Dig a big hole, don't depend on the plant to be able to penetrate the clay and rubble unless your sure of the quality of topsoil in the area. Grassy fields would have good top soil, but your"]
["back yard may not. This alone can make the difference between an average 5' tall plant, and a 10' monster by harvest time. Growing in the ground will always beat a pot, since the plant"]
["will never become root bound in the ground. Plants grown in the ground should grow much larger, but will need more space for each plant, so plan accordingly, you can't move them"]
["once they're in! "]
[]
["You may want to keep outdoor plants in pots so they can be easily moved. A big hole will allow the pot to be place in it, thus reducing the height of the plant, if fence level is an issue."]
["Many growers find pots have saved a crop that had to be moved for some unexpected reason (repairman, appraiser, fire, etc.). "]
[]
["It's always best to put a roof over your plants outdoors. When I was a lad, we had plants growing over the fence line in the back yard. We started to build a greenhouse roof for them, and"]
["a cop saw us hauling wood, thought we were stealing it (which we were not) and looked over the fence at us and our lovely plants. We were busted, because he saw them. If he had seen"]
["a shed roof instead, there would never have been a problem. Moral of the Story: build the roof BEFORE the plants are sticking over the fence! Or train them to stay well below it. Live and"]
["learn... "]
[]
["When growing away from the house, in the wild, water is the biggest determining factor, after security. Water must be close by, or close to the soil surface, or you will have to pack water"]
["in. Water is heavy and this is very hard work. Try to find an area close to a source of water if possible, and keep a bucket nearby to carry water to your plot. "]
[]
["A novel idea in this regard is to find high water in the mountains, at altitude, and then route it down to a lower spot close by. It is possible to create water presure in a hose this way, and"]
["route it to a drip system that feeds water to your plants continuously. Take a 5 gallon gas can, and punch small holes in it. Run a hose out of the main orifice and secure it somehow. Bury"]
["the can in a river or stream under rocks, so that it is hidden and submerged. Bury the hose coming out of it, and run it down hill to your garden area. A little engineering can save you a lot"]
["of work, and this rig can be used year after year. "]
[]
["GUERRILLA FARMING"]
[]
["Guerrilla farming refers to farming away from your own property, or in a remote location of your property where people seldom roam around. It is possible to find locations that for one"]
["reason or another are not easily accessible or are privately owned. "]
[]
["Try to grow off your property, on adjacent property, so that if your plot is found, it will not be traceable back to you. If it's not on your property, nobody has witnessed you there, and"]
["there is no physical evidence of your presence (footprints, fingerprints, trails, hair, etc.), then it is virtually impossible to prosecute you for it, even if the cops think they know who it"]
["belongs to. "]
[]
["Never admit to growing, to anyone. Your best defence is that your just passing thru the area, and noticed something you decided to take a look at, or carry a fishing pole or binoculars and"]
["claim fishing or bird watching. "]
[]
["Never tell anyone but a partner where the plants are located. Do not bring visitors to see them, unless it is harvest time, and the plants will be pulled the same or following day. "]
[]
["Make sure your plants are out of sight. Take a different route to get to them if they are not in a secure part of your property, and cover the trail to make it look as if there is no trail. Make"]
["cut backs in the trail, so that people on the main trail will tend to miss the cut-back to the grow area. Don't park on the main road, always find a place to park that will not arouse suspicion"]
["by people that pass on the road. Have a safe house in the area if you are not planting close to home. Always have a good reason for being in the area and have the necessary items to make"]
["your claim believable. "]
[]
["Briar and poison oak patches are perfect if you can cut through it. Poison Oak must be washed away before an allergic reaction takes place. Teknu is a special soap solution that will"]
["deactivate poison oak before it has time to create a reaction. Apply Teknu immediately after contact and take a shower 30 mins. later. "]
[]
["Try to plant under trees, next to bushes and keep only a few plants in any one spot. Train or top the plants to grow sideways, or do something to prevent the classic christmas tree look of"]
["most plants left to grow untrained. Tying the top down to the ground will make the plants branches grow up toward the sun, and increase yield, given a long enough growing season."]
["Plants can be grown under trees if the sun comes in at an angle and lights the area for several hours every day. Plants should get at least 5 hours of direct sun every day, and 5 more hours"]
["of indirect light. Use shoes that you can dispose of later and cover your foot prints. Use surgical gloves and leave no fingerprints on pots and other items that might ID you to the fuzz...in"]
["case your plot is discovered by passers by. "]
[]
["Put up a fence, or the chipmonks, squirles and deer will nibble on your babies until there is nothing left. Green wire mesh and nylon chicken fencing net work great and can be wrapped"]
["around trees to create a strong barrier. Always check it and repair every visit you make to the garden. A barrier of fishing line, one at 18\" and another at 3' will keep most deer away from"]
["your crop. "]
[]
["Gopher Granola is available for areas such as the N. CA mountains, where wood rats and gophers will eat your crop if given any opportunity to do so. The best fence in the world will not"]
["keep rats away from your plants! Do not use soap to keep dear away, it will attract rats! (The fat in the soap is edible for them.) Put the poison grain in a feeder than only small rodents can"]
["enter, so that birds and deer can't eat it. Set out poison early, before actual planting. The rats must eat the grain for several days before it will have any effect on them. Ultimately, you may"]
["find it's easier to grow in a greenhouse shed in your own backyard rather than try to keep the rats from eating your outdoor plot. "]
[]
["When growing away from the house, in the wild, water is the biggest determining factor, after security. The amount you can grow is directly proportional to the water available. If you"]
["must pack-in water, carry it in a backpack in case your seen in-route to your garden; you will appear to be merely a hiker, not a grower. "]
[]
["Transporting vegatative starts to the growing area is a most tricky aspect of growing outdoors. Usually, you will want to start plant indoors, or outside in your garden, then transport them"]
["to the grow site once they are firmly established. It may be desirable to first detect and separate males from females so that no effort of transporting/transplanting/watering males is"]
["incurred. "]
[]
["One suggestion is to use 3\" rockwool cubes to start seedlings in, then put 20 of them in a litter pan, cover it with another pan, and transport this to the grow site. The cubes can be planted"]
["directly into soil. If spotted inroute to the grow area, burying a dead cat may be a good excuse for being in the area. Few people would demand to see the rotting corpse! "]
[]
["One outdoor grower we know has given up on seeds. He has several strains he likes to clone, so he starts 200 clones in his closet, then transports them outdoors in boxes to the grow site."]
["No males, no differentiation, no weeding, no germinating seeds, no genetic uncertainties, no crops grown for seed, no transporting/transplanting/watering plants your just going to pull up"]
["later, no pollination nightmares, no wasted effort! "]
[]
["SOIL GROWING"]
[]
["Use Super Soil brand in California, as this is the only known soil on the West Coast that is guaranteed to be good. Many other brands are mostly wood products and have very few"]
["nutrients, are too moist, etc. Add vermiculite, pearlite or sand to Super Soil to increase it's drainage and aeration. "]
[]
["Organic gardeners use their own compost prepaired from a mixture of chicken, cow or other manure and household food waste, leaves, lawn clippings, dog hair and other waste products"]
["including urine, which is high in nitrogen. Dog hair is not recommended for guerilla gardeners planting off their property where police could find it. DNA tests could prove it was YOUR"]
["dog's hair! "]
[]
["Use P4 water crystals in the soil to give the plants a few days worth of emergency water reserves. This substance swells up with water and holds it like a sponge, so that roots will have a"]
["reserve if harsh drought makes constant watering necessary. Go real easy on this stuff though, it tends to sink to the bottom of the pot and suffocate bottom roots (new growth roots) and"]
["stunts the plant. Use in extreme moderation, let it swell up for at least an hour before mixing with other soil. "]
[]
["Plant size in soil is directly related to pot size. If you want the plant to grow bigger, put it in a bigger pot. Usually, 1/2 gallon per foot of plant is sufficient. A six foot plant would require a"]
["minimum of a 3 gallon pot. Remember, square containers have more volume in a square space (like a closet). "]
[]
["Planting in the ground is always preferable when growing in soil. The plants can then grow to any size, unlimited by pot size. "]
[]
["Bat Guano, chicken manure, or worm castings can all be used to fertilize organically in soil. Manures can burn, so they should be composted with the soil first, before planting, over"]
["several weeks. Sea weed is available to provide a rich trace mineral source that breaks down slowly and constantly feeds the plants. "]
[]
["If growing outdoors in available soil, look around for leaves and other natural sources of nitrogen and work them into the soil, along with some dolmite lime and composted organic"]
["fertilizer. Even small amounts of plant food such as Miracle Grow can be added to soil at this time. (Organic gardeners frown upon this practice, however. Toxic wastes are produced by"]
["commercial fertilizer production.) Mulch can be made from leaves and spread out over the garden area to hold in moisture and keep down weeds near the plants. "]
[]
["SECURITY"]
[]
["Its interesting that pot plants really do blend in with other plants to the point that they are unidentifiable by all but the most observant. I remember a relative of the family on a visit to Texas"]
["showed me his corn in the garden and I was standing 3' away from several pot plants before I recognized them for what they were. "]
[]
["Plants started outdoors late in the season never get very big and never attract the least bit of attention when placed next to plants of similar or taller stature. Even tall plants grown among"]
["several trees will be almost invisible in their camouflage. "]
[]
["Outdoors the object is to control access to an area, and not to arouse suspicion. Tuck them here and there, never in a recognizable pattern. Space them out, and fit them in to the existing"]
["landscape such that they get full sun, but they're hidden or blend in. Fence lines and groups of several together are best. Try to find strains that seem to match the surrounding plants. Feed"]
["nitrogen to your plants if they need to be greener to blend in. Some growers even use plastic red flowers, pinned to a plant, disguising it as a flower bush. "]
[]
["Visit the plants at night on full moons, and if your visible to neighbors, appear to be pruning a tree, mowing the lawn, or doing something in the yard that makes you invisible. "]
[]
["Dig a hole and put a potted plant in it. The plant's height will be reduced by at least a foot. "]
[]
["Some growers top the plant when it is 12\" high, and grow the 2 tops horizontally along a trellis. The plant will never be over 3 feet tall, and never arouses suspicion from neighbors. This"]
["type of plant can even be grown in your yard in full view. Many stories abound of having the neighbors over for a BBQ and nobody ever noticed the nice plants over by the fence... "]
[]
["PLANT FOOD AND NUTRIENTS"]
[]
["Plant foods have 3 main ingredients that will be the mainstay of the garden, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These 3 ingredients are usually listed on the front label of the plant"]
["food in the order of N-P-K. A 20-20-20 plant food has a Nitrogen level of 20%. "]
[]
["Secondary nutrients are Calcium, Sulphur and Magnesium. In trace quantities, boron, copper, molybenum, zink, iron, and manganese. "]
[]
["Depending on stage of growth, different nutrients are needed at different times. For rooting and germination, levels of high P nutrients with less N/K are needed. Vegetative growth needs"]
["lots of N, and human urine is one of the better sources, (mix 8 ounces to 1 gallon water), although it is not a complete fertilizer unto itself. 20-20-20 with trace elements should do it; I like"]
["Miracle Grow Patio food. Watch for calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iron levels too. These are important. One tablespoon of dolomite or hydrated lime is used per gallon of growing"]
["medium when a hydroponic medium is first brought on-line, to provide nitrogen, calcium and magnesium. Epsom salts are used to enhance magnesium and sulphur levels in solution. "]
[]
["Tobacco grown with potassium nitrate burns better. Plant foods with PN (P2N3) are foods such as Miracle Grow. This is an excellent fertilizer for vegetative growth, or through the"]
["flowering cycle as well. Consider however, potassium nitrate is also known as Salt Peter, and is used to make men have less sexual desire or impotent, such as in mental institutions. So if"]
["certain plants are destined for cooking, you might use Fish Emulsion or some other totally organic fertilizer on these plants, at least in the last weeks of flowering. "]
[]
["Most hydroponic solutions should be in the range of 150-600 parts per million in disolved solids. 300-400 ppm is optimum. It is possible to test your solution or soil with a electrical"]
["conductivity meter if your unsure of what your giving your plants. "]
[]
["Keep in mind most disolved solids readings are usually on the low side, and actual nutrient levels are usually higher. It is possible with passive hydroponics, to get nutrient build-up over"]
["several feedings, to the point the medium is over saturated in nutrients. Just feed straight water now and again, until you notice the plants are not as green (slightly), then resume normal"]
["feeding. "]
[]
["Pumping is when you use more waterings to make the plants grow faster. This is dangerous if you proceed in a reckless manner, due to potential over-watering problems. You must go"]
["slowly and watch the plants daily and even hourly at first to be sure your not over-watering the plants. Use weaker plant food mixtures than normal, maybe 25%, and be sure your"]
["leaching once a month and running straight water through the plants at least every other time you water. This applies mainly to plants grown in soil mediums. "]
[]
["Use of light strength Oxygen Plus plant food (or Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide) allows the roots to breath better and prevents problems with over-watering. Check soil to be sure there"]
["are no PH anomalies that might be due to Hydrogen Peroxide in the solution. (One experienced grower told me he would not use H2O2 (HP) due to possible PH problems. This should"]
["not be a problem if your checking PH and correcting for it in watering solutions.) "]
[]
["Be sure your medium has good drainage. At this point, if your watering soil based plants once a week, you can water every 3-5 days instead if you plant them in a medium with better"]
["drainage. Pearlite or lava rock will greatly increase the drainage of the medium and make watering necessary more often. This will pump the plants; they will tend to grow faster because of"]
["the enhanced oxygen to the roots. Make sure the plant medium is almost dry before watering again, as the plant grows faster this way. "]
[]
["An alternative is to use a standard plant food mixture (stronger) once every 3 waterings. The nutrients are suspended in the medium and stored in the soil for later use. The nutrients are"]
["washed out by 2 straight waterings afterward and there is no salts build up in the soil. (Does not apply to hydroponics.) "]
[]
["Stop all plant food 2 weeks before harvesting, so that the plants don't taste like plant food. (This applies to hydroponics as well.) "]
[]
["WARNING: Do not over-fertilize. It will kill your plants. Always read the instructions for the fertilizer being used. Use 1/2 strength if adding to the water for all feedings in soil or"]
["hydroponics if you are unsure of what your plants can take. Build up slowly to higher concentrations of food over time. Novice soil growers tend to over-fertilize their plants. Mineral"]
["salts build up over time to higher levels of disolved solids. Use straight water for one feeding in hydroponics if it is believed the buildup is getting too great. Leach plants in pots every"]
["month. If your plants look REALLY green, withhold food for a while to be sure they are not being over-fed. "]
[]
["PH AND FERTILIZERS"]
[]
["PH can make or break your nutrient solution. 6.7-6.2 is best to ensure there is no nutrient lock-up occurring. Hydroponics requires the solution to be PH corrected for the medium before"]
["exposing to the plants. Phosphoresic acid can make the PH go down; lime or potash can take it up when it gets too acid. Buy a PH meter for $10 and use it in soil, water, and hydroponic"]
["medium to make sure your not going alkaline or acid over time. Most neutral mediums can use a little vinegar to make them just this side of 7 ph to 6.5 or so. "]
[]
["Most fertilizers cause a ph change in the soil. Adding fertilizer to the soil almost always results in a more acidic ph. "]
[]
["As time goes on, the amount of salts produced by the breakdown of fertilizers in the soil causes the soil to become increasingly acidic and eventually the concentration of these salts in the"]
["soil will stunt the plant and cause browning out of the foliage. Also, as the plant gets older its roots become less effective in bringing food to the leaves. To avoid the accumulation of these"]
["salts in your soil and to ensure that your plant is getting all of the food it needs you can begin leaf feeding your plant at the age of about 1.5 months. Dissolve the fertilizer in worm water"]
["and spray the mixture directly onto the foliage. The leaves absorb the fertilizer into their veins. If you want to continue to put fertilizer into the soil as well as leaf feeding, be sure not to"]
["overdose your plants. "]
[]
["FOLAIR FEEDING"]
[]
["Folair feeding seems to be one of the easiest ways of increasing yield, growth speed, and quality in a well vented space, with or without elevated CO2 levels. Just prepare a tea of worm"]
["castings, fish emulsion, bat guano, or most any other plant food right for the job and feed in vegetative and early flowering stages. It is not recommended for late flowering, or you will be"]
["eating the sprayed-on material later. Stop foliar feeding 2-3 weeks before harvesting. Wash off the leaves with straight water every week to prevent clogging the stomata of the leaves."]
["Feed daily or every other day. "]
[]
["Best times of day to Foliar feed are 7-10Am and after 5 in the evening. This is because the stomata on the underside of the leaves are open then. Also, the best temperature is about 72"]
["degrees, and over 80, they may not be open at all. So find the cooler part of the day if it's hot, and the warmer part of the day if it's cold out. You may need to spray at 2AM if that's the"]
["coolest time available. The sprayer used should atomize the solution to a very fine mist; find your best sprayer and use it for this. Make sure the PH is between 7 and 6.2. Use baking soda"]
["to make the solution higher PH, and vinegar to make the solution lower PH. It's better to spray more often and use less, than to drench the plants infrequently. Use a wetting agent to"]
["prevent the water from beading up, and thereby burning the leaves as they act as small prisms.Make sure you don't spray a hot bulb; better yet, spray only when the bulb has cooled. "]
[]
["Perhaps the best foliar feeding includes using seltzer water and plant food at the same time. This way, CO2 and nutrients are feed directly to the leaves in the same spray. "]
[]
["Foliar feeding is recognized in most of the literature as being a good way to get nutrients to the plant later when nutrient lockup problems could start to reduce intake from the roots. "]
[]
["WARNING!: It is important to wash leaves that are harvested before they are dried, if you intend to eat them, since they may have nitrate salts on them. "]
[]
["NOTE: One grower who reviewed this document comments: \"Fish emulsion smells. Bat guano could be highly unsanitary. Stick to the Rapid-Gro, MgSO4 (epsom salts), hydroponic"]
["trace element solution. Nitrate salts (The \"N\" in NPK) are unhealthy to smoke. Personally, I never foliar feed.\" "]
[]
["Above is a great comment, and there is great wisdom in an organic, non-toxic garden. Personally, I use only CO2 on my indoor hydroponic plants, and never folar feed. It simply does"]
["not seem to be necessary when using hydroponics. "]
[]
["CO2"]
[]
["Elevating carbon dioxide levels can increase growth speed a great deal, perhaps even double it. It seems that the plant evolved in primordial times when natural CO2 levels were many"]
["times what they are today. The plant uses CO2 for photosynthesis to create sugars it uses to build plant tissues. Elevating the CO2 level will increase the plants ability to manufacture these"]
["sugars and plant growth rate is enhanced considerably. "]
[]
["CO2 can be a pain to manufacture safely, cheaply, and/or conveniently, and is expensive to set up if you use a CO2 tank system. CO2 is most usable for flowering, as this is when the"]
["plant is most dense and has the hardest time circulating air around its leaves. If your strictly growing vegetatively indoors, (transferring your plants outdoors to flower), then CO2 will not"]
["be a major concern unless you have a sealed greenhouse, closet or bedroom, and wish to increase yield and decrease flowering time. "]
[]
["For a medium sized indoor operation, one approach is to used CO2 canisters from wielding supply houses. This is expensive initially, but fairly inexpensive in the long run. These"]
["systems are good only if your area is not too big or too small. "]
[]
["The basic CO2 tank system looks like this: "]
[]
["20 lb tank $100 "]
[]
["Regulator $159 "]
[]
["Timer or controller $10-125 "]
[]
["Fill up $15-20 "]
[]
["Worst case = $395 for CO2 tank setup synced to a exhaust fan with a thermostat. "]
[]
["CO2 is cheaply produced by burning Natural Gas. However, heat and Carbon Monoxide must be vented to the outside air. CO2 can be obtained by buying or leasing cylinders from local"]
["welding supply houses. If asked, you can say you have an old mig welder at home and need to patch up the lawnmower (trailer, car, etc.) "]
[]
["For a small closet, one tank could last 2 months, but it depends on how much is released, how often the room is vented, hours of light cycle, room leaks, enrichment levels and dispersion"]
["methods. This method may be overkill for your small closet. "]
[]
["It is generally viewed as good to have a small constant flow of CO2 over the plants at all times the lights are on, dispersed directly over the plants during the time exhaust fans are off. "]
[]
["Opportunities exist to conserve CO2, but this can cost money. When the light is off you don't need CO2, so during flowering, you will use half as much if you have the CO2 solenoid"]
["setup to your light timer. When the fan is on for venting, CO2 is shut off as well. This may be up to half the time the light is on, so this will affect the plants exposure times and amount of"]
["gas actually dispensed. "]
[]
["Environmentally, using bottled gas is better, since manufacturing it adds to greenhouse effect, and bottled CO2 is captured as part of the manufacturing process of many materials, and"]
["then recycled. Fermenting, CO2 generators, and baking soda and vinegar methods all generate new CO2 and add to greenhouse effect. "]
[]
["CO2 generation from fermentation and generators is possible. A simple CO2 generator would be a propane heater. This will work well, as long as the gases can be vented to the grow"]
["area, and a fan is used to keep the hot CO2 (that will rise) circulating and available below at the plants level. Fire and exhaust venting of the heat are issues as well. A room that must be"]
["vented 50% of the time to rid the environment of heat from a lamp and heater will not receive as much CO2 as a room that can be kept unvented for hours at a time. However, CO2"]
["generators are the only way to go for large operations. "]
[]
["Fermentation or vinegar over baking soda will work if you don't have many vent cycles, but if you have enough heat to make constant or regular venting necessary, these methods become"]
["impractical. Just pour the vinegar on baking soda and close the door, (you lose your CO2 as soon as the vent comes on). This method leaves a great deal to be desired, since it is not easy"]
["to regulate automatically, and requires daily attention. It is possible however, to create CO2 by fermentation, let the wine turn to vinegar, and pour this on baking soda. It's the most"]
["cost-effective setup for most closet growers, for whom $400 in CO2 equipment is a bit much to swallow. "]
[]
["In fermentation, yeast is constantly killing itself; it takes a lot of space. You need a big bin to constantly keep adding water to, so that the alcohol levels will not rise high enough to kill the"]
["yeast. Sugar is used quickly this way, and a 10 pound sack will run $3.50 or so and last about 2-3 weeks. This is also difficult to gauge what is happening as far as amounts actually"]
["released. A tube out the top going into a jar of water will bubble and demonstrate the amount of CO2 being produced. "]
[]
["Try sodium bicarbonate mixed with vinegar, 1 tsp: ~30cc- this will gush up all frothy as it releases CO2. do it just before you close the door on your plants. A MUCH cheaper way to"]
["provide CO2 is 2 Oz sugar in 2 liters of water in a bottle [sterilized 1st with bleach and water, then rinsed], plus a few cc urine[!] or if you insist, yeast nutrient from a home brewing"]
["supplier. Add a brewing yeast, shake up and keep at 25 deg celsius[~70 F] . Over next 2 weeks or so it will brew up about 1/2 Oz CO2 for every Oz sugar used. Keep a few going at"]
["once, starting a new one every 3 days or so. With added CO2 growth is phenomenal!!! I personally measured 38cm growth in 8 days under a 250watt HPS bulb[tubular clear, Horizontal"]
["mount. "]
[]
["A good container is a 1 gallon plastic milk jug, with a pin-hole in the cap. Also, the air-lock from a piece of clear tube running into a jar filled with water will keep microbes out and"]
["demonstrate the fermentation is working. "]
[]
["A variation is to spray seltzer water on the plants twice a day. This is not recommended by some authorities, and receives great raves by people who seem to feel it has enhanced their crop."]
["It stands to reason this would work for only a small unvented closet, but may be right for some situations. It could get expensive with a lot of plants to spray. Use seltzer, not club soda,"]
["since it contains less sodium that could clog the plants stomata. Wash your plants with straight water after 2 or 3 seltzer sprays. It's a lot of work, and you can't automate it, but maybe"]
["that's good! Remember, being with the plants is a beautiful experience, and brings you closer to your spiritual self and the earth. Seltzer is available at most grocery stores (I get it at"]
["Lucky's @ .79 for a 2 litter bottle). Club soda will work if seltzer water is not available; but it has twice as much sodium in it. A very diluted solution of Miracle Grow can be sprayed on"]
["the plant at the same time. One factor of using selzter water is it raises humidity levels. Make sure your venting humidity during the dark cycle, or you could risk fungus and increased"]
["internode length. "]
[]
["CAUTION: Don't spray too close to a hot bulb! Spray downward only, or turn off the lamp first. "]
[]
["Even though CO2 enrichment can mean 30-100% yield increases, the hassle, expense, space, danger, and time involved can make constant or near constant venting a desirable alternative"]
["to enrichment. As long as the plant has the opportunity to take in new CO2 at all times, from air that is over 200 ppm CO2, the plants will have the required nutrients for photosynthesis."]
["Most closets will need new CO2 coming in every two or three hours, minimum. Most citys' will have high concentrations of CO2 in the air, and some growers find CO2 injection"]
["unnecessary in these circumstances. "]
[]
["Some growers have reported to High Times that high CO2 levels in the grow room near harvest time lower potency. It may be a good idea to turn off CO2 2 weeks before harvesting. "]
[]
["VENTING"]
[]
["You have to vent a lot with a HID lamp, less so for fluorescents. Also, humidity build up requires that you vent at least a few times per day. For a room with a hot lamp that builds up heat"]
["quickly, the best vent would be one that cleared the room in 5 minutes, then would stop for 25 minutes before venting again, or similarly, vent 3 minutes, shut off 12 minutes, etc. The"]
["trick is to find a timer that will do this sort of thing. Not easy to find and not cheap. Once you need to regulate CO2 on and off inversely with the fan, your looking at a $100 climate"]
["controller. "]
[]
["Alternatives are a thermostat that turns on a fan when a certain temperature is reached, and turns it off when the temp recedes 4 degrees. But it is a bitch to coordinate CO2 release with this"]
["one, since you don't know when the fan goes on. $39 for this thermostat, but to sync it to CO2 with a voltage sensing relay is $100 for the ready-made switch, so then the environment"]
["controller at $100 is cheaper. All you really want is a fan that clears the air in a few minutes, a temperature switch that turns on and off the fan, and an inverse switch that turns off and on"]
["the CO2. If you can vent the room really quick and the heat does not build up too quickly, the CO2 could be run in a slow, continuous fashion, and would build up in-between the"]
["occasional quick exhaust cycles. "]
[]
["Two timers synced can be used, but the only ones cheaply available are the 30 min interval, 48 trips per 24 hours. So I could have a fan run 30 mins on, then 30 mins off. I could also"]
["sync it to the light so that I don't vent when the lamp is off. I can sync this to an identical timer that will turn on CO2 during the time that the fan is not on, and vise versa. It would be"]
["difficult to sync them closer that 5-10 mins, but at least there would be a possible inexpensive solution. $20 for two of these timers. "]
[]
["Fans are expensive to buy for venting, but I just go down to the local electronic parts liquidators and they have muffin fans for $5-10, so that's a real savings over the $50-70 these fans"]
["cost new at the indoor garden stores. A good vent fan will keep the humidity and temperature down, and distribute CO2 to your plants from new incoming air. "]
[]
["Internal air movement is very necessary as well. An oscillating fan should be used to circulate air within the growroom, to help circulate CO2. It will also keep the humidity down,"]
["allowing the air to absorb more moisture, and reduce risk of fungus. A wall mount oscillating fan will not take valuable floor space. The best grow rooms have the most internal air"]
["circulation. "]
[]
["TEMPERATURE"]
[]
["Proper temperature is one highly variable factor. Most books state optimum grow temperature to be 70-80 degrees, but many list extenuating circumstances that allow temperatures to go"]
["higher. Assuming genetics is not a factor, plants seem to be able to absorb more light at higher temps, perhaps up to 90 degrees. High light and CO2 levels could make this go as high as"]
["95 degrees for increased growth speed.* An optimum of 95 degrees is new data that assumes very-high light, CO2 enrichment of 1500 ppm and good regular venting to keep humidity"]
["down. It is not clear if these temperature will reduce potency in flowers. It may be a good idea to reduce temperatures once flowering has started, to preserve potency, even if it does"]
["reduce growth speed. But higher temperatures will make plants grow vegetatively much faster, by exciting the plants metabolism, assuming the required levels of CO2 and light are"]
["available, and humidity is not allowed to get too high. "]
[]
["With normal levels of CO2, in a well vented space, 90 degrees would seem to be the absolute max, while 85 may be closer to optimum, even with a great deal of light available. Do not let"]
["the room temperature get over 35 C (95 F) as this hurts growth. Optimal temperature is 27-30 C (80-86 F) if you have strong light with no CO2 enrichment. Less than 21 C (70 F) is too"]
["cold for good growth. "]
[]
["Low temperatures at night are OK down to about 60 degrees outdoors, then start to effect the growth in a big way. Mid 50's will cause mild shock and 40's will kill your plants with"]
["repeated exposure. Keep your plants warm, especially the roots. Elevate pots if you think the ground is sucking the heat out of the roots. This is an issue if you have a slab or other type of"]
["cold floor. "]
[]
["As temperature goes up, so does the ability of the air to hold water, thus reducing humidity, so a higher average temperature should reduce risk of fungus. "]
[]
["Contrary to many reports, high humidity is not good for plants except during germination and rooting. Lower humidity levels help the plant transpire CO2 and reduce risk of molds during"]
["flowering. "]
[]
["Studies indicate the potency of buds goes down as the temperature goes up, so it is important to see that the plants do not get too hot during flowering cycles. "]
[]
["* D. Gold: CO2, Temperature and Humidity, 1991 Edited by E. Rosenthal. "]
[]
["PESTS"]
[]
["You really have to watch pests, or all your efforts could result in little or nothing in return. Mites and Aphids are the worst; whiteflies, caterpillar and fungi are the ones to watch out for"]
["long term. Pyrethrum bombs can start you with a clean slate in the room, and then homemade or commercial soap sprays will do most of the rest. When bringing in plants from outside,"]
["pyrethrum every broad leaf top and bottom and the soil too. Then watch them closely for a week or two, and soap down any remaining bug life you find from eggs being hatched. This"]
["should do the trick for a month or two, long enough it won't be an issue before harvesting. "]
[]
["Fungus is another obstacle in the path of a successful growing season. When the flowers are roughly half developed they become susceptible to a fungus or bud rot. It appears that"]
["growing conditions for the fungus are best when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees and the humidity is high. The fungus is very destructive and spreads quickly. It is a spore"]
["type of fungus that travels to other buds via the wind so it is impossible to prevent or stop if weather conditions permit it to grow. If things should go badly and the fungus starts to attack"]
["your plants, you must remove it immediately or it will spread to other areas of the plant or plants. "]
[]
["Some growers will remove just the section of the bud that is infected whereas other growers will remove the entire branch. Removal of the entire branch better insures that the fungus is"]
["totally re- moved, and also enables the grower to sample the crop a few weeks ahead of time. "]
[]
["Fungi can wipe your crop quick, so invest in some SAFE fungicide and spray down the plants just before flowering if you think fungus may be a problem. Don't spray the plants if you"]
["have never had problems with fungus before. Keep humidity down, circulate air like crazy in the grow space and keep unquarantined outdoor plants out of the indoor space. Don`t wait"]
["until after flowering, since it's not a good idea to apply the fungicide directly to flowers. Instead, flowers must be cut off when they are infected. "]
[]
["Most fungicides are very nasty, and you won't want to ingest them, so it is necessary to use one that is safe for vegetables. Safer makes a suitable product that is available at most"]
["nurseries; it contains only sulfer in solution. "]
[]
["Use soap solution like Safer Insecticidal Soap to get rid of most aphid problems. Use some tobacco juice and chili pepper powder added to this for mites. Dr. Bronnars Soap can be used"]
["with some dish detergent in a spray bottle if you want to save money. "]
[]
["Pyrethrum should only be used in extream circumstances directly on plants, but can be used in a closet or greenhouse in the corners to get rid of spiders and such. It breaks down within a"]
["week to non-toxic elements, and can be washed from a plant with detergent solutions and then clear water. I find Pyrethrum to be the best solution for spider mites, if it is sprayed on"]
["young plants up to early flowering. Into later flowering, the tobacco and pepper/soap solution is your best bet, on a daily basis, on the under-sides of all infected leaves. "]
[]
["Spider mites are by far the worst offender in my garden. I have finally learned not to bring plants from outside into the indoor space. They are always infected with pests and threaten to"]
["infect the entire indoor grow space. It is much more practical to work WITH the seasons and regenerate plants outdoors in the Summer, rather than bringing them indoors to regenerate"]
["under constant light. Start a plant indoors, take it outside in Spring to flower. Take a harvest or two, feed it nitrogen all Summer and it will regenerate naturally, to be flowered again in the"]
["Fall. "]
[]
["Once a plant has been taken outside, leave it outside. "]
[]
["TRANSPLANTING"]
[]
["There will be little or no shock if you are quick and tender in your handling of the plants. Make sure you only need to transplant twice, or better yet, once if possible, through the entire"]
["growth cycle. Transplanting slows you down. It takes time, it's tricky, it's hard work, and threatens the plants. Start in as large a container as possible, square is best. 16 ounce plastic"]
["cups work OK, and 2 litter soda bottles cut down may be big enough for the first harvest when growing hydroponically. One-gallon plastic milk or water containers (squarish) will work"]
["too. "]
[]
["Or start seeds and rooted cuttings in 16oz plastic cups. It's better to have less seedlings than it is to have many seedlings that need constant transplanting. These larger cups take only a little"]
["more space, and allow you to transplant only one time before harvesting the first crop. Transplant into a gallon water jugs (cut down to 3/4 gallon) before forcing flower growth. To"]
["regenerate this plant after harvesting, transplant it into a larger pot after it goes into vegetative growth once again, 5 gallon paint buckets work pretty well if you can spare the space, and a"]
["2-3 gallon container would make this plant's 2nd harvest better than the first, given enough vegetative regrowth first. "]
[]
["One more tip: "]
[]
["A Russian study showed that seedlings with at least 4\" of soil to grow the tap root were more likely to go female. The source I'm quoting says \"This may be why some farmers get"]
["female/male ratios as great as 80%/20%.\" "]
[]
["EARLY SEXING"]
[]
["It's possible to tell the sex of a plant early, and thus move male plants out of the main growing area sooner by covering a plant's lower branch for 12 hours a day while it's in a constant"]
["light vegetative state. Use a black paper bag or equivalent to allow for air flow while keeping out light. Be sure to set up a regular cycle for these covered branches. If light is allowed to"]
["reach them during the dark period, they may not indicate early at all. "]
[]
["Use a magnifying glass to look at the early flowers sex type. A male plant will have a small club (playing card) looking preflower with a small stem under it. A female flower is usually a"]
["single or double pistil, white and wispy, emerging from an immature calyx. "]
[]
["Some people like to pre-force plants when they are 8\" tall, in order to weed out the males. When growing outdoors, many growers do not wish to devote time, space or energy to male"]
["plants. Just put the plants on a 12 hours light cycle for 2 weeks, separate the females from the males, then revert the light cycle back to 18-24 hours to continue vegatative growth for the"]
["females. Keep in mind, this is a time consuming process and can put the plants back 2 weeks in growth. Don't pre-force plants unless you have lots of time. Just cover one branch per"]
["plant with black paper (light tight, breaths air) 12 hours every day under constant light to force pre-flowers and differentiate early. "]
[]
["REGENERATION"]
[]
["It is possible to harvest plants and then rejuvenate them vegetatively for a 2nd and even 3rd harvest. A second harvest can be realized in as little as 6-8 weeks. Since the plant's stalk, and"]
["roots are already formed, the plant can produce a second, even third harvest of buds in a little more than half the time of the original harvest. When harvesting, take off the top 1/3rd of the"]
["plant. Leave most healthy fan leaves in the middle of the plant, cutting buds off branches carefully. On the lower 1/3rd of the plant, take off end flowers, but leave several small flowers on"]
["each branch. These will be the part of the plant that is regenerated. The more buds you leave on the plant, the faster it will regenerate. Feed the plant some Miracle Grow or any high"]
["nitrogen plant food immediately after harvest. When you intend to regenerate a plant, make sure it never gets too starved for nitrogen as it is maturing, or all the sun leaves will fall off, and"]
["your plant will not have enough leaves to live after being harvested. "]
[]
["Harvested plants can come inside for rejuvenation under continuous light or are left outside in Summer to rejuvenate in the natural long days. It will take 7-14 days to see signs of new"]
["growth when regenerating a plant. As stated before, and in contrast to normal growth patterns, lower branches will be the first to sprout new vegetative growth. Allow the plant to grow a"]
["little vegetatively, then take outside again to reflower. Or keep inside for vegetative cuttings. You now have two or three generations of plants growing, and will need more space outside."]
["But you will now be harvesting twice as often. As often as every 30 days, since you have new clones or seedlings growing, vegetative plants ready to flower, and regenerated plants"]
["flowering too. "]
[]
["Regenerating indoors can create problems if your plants are infected with pests. It may be best to have a separate area indoors that will not allow your plants to infect the main indoor area."]
["An alternative to regenerating indoors is to regenerate outdoors in the Summer. Just take a harvest in June, then allow the plant to regenerate by leaving some lower buds on the plant, and"]
["leaving the middle 1/3rd of the plant's leaves at harvest. Feed it nitrogen, and make sure it gets lots of sun. It will regenerate all Summer and be quite large by Fall, when it will start to"]
["flower again naturally. "]
[]
["PRUNING"]
[]
["Plants that are regenerated, cloned and even grown from seed will need to be pruned at some point to encourage the plant to produce as much as possible and remain healthy. Pruning the"]
["lower limbs creates more air-flow under the plants in an indoor situation and creates cuttings for cloning. It also forces the plant's effort to the top limbs that get the most light, maximizing"]
["yields. "]
[]
["Plants that are regenerated need to have minor growth clipped so that the main regenerated growth will get all the plant's energy. This means that once the plant has started to regenerate"]
["lots of growth, the lower limbs that will be shaded or are not robust should go. The growth must be thinned on top branches such that only the most robust growth is allowed to remain. "]
[]
["Once nice aspect of regenerating plants is that some small buds left on the plant in anticipation of regeneration will not sprout new growth and may be collected for smoke. The plant may"]
["provide much smokable material if it is caught before all the old flowers dry up and die with the new vegatative growth occuring. "]
[]
["Try to trim a regenerated plant twice. Once as it is starting to regenerate, collect any bud that is not sprouting with new growth and smoke it. Then later, prune again to take lower clippings"]
["to clone and thin the upper growth so that larger buds will be produced. "]
[]
["If a regenerated plant is not pruned at all, the resulting plant is very stemmy, does not create large buds and the total yield will be significantly reduced. "]
[]
["HARVESTING AND DRYING"]
[]
["Harvesting is the reaping of the bounty, and is the most enjoyable time you will spend with your garden. "]
[]
["Plants are harvested when the flowers are ripe. Generally, ripeness is defined as when the white pistils start to turn brown, orange, etc. and start to withdraw back into the false seed pod."]
["The seed pods swell with resins usually reserved for seed production, and we have ripe sinse buds with red and golden hairs. "]
[]
["It is interesting that the time of harvest controls the \"high\" of the buds. If harvested \"early\" with only a few of the pistils turned color, the buds will have a more pure THC content and will"]
["have less THC that has turned to CBD and CBN's. The lessor psychoactive substances will create the bouquet of the pot, and control the amount of stoneyness and stupidness associated"]
["with the high. A pure THC content is very cerebral, while high THC, high CBD, CBN content will make the plants more of a stupid, or hazy buzz. Buds taken later, when fully ripened"]
["will normally have these higher CBN, CBD levels and may not be what you prefer once you try different samples picked at different times. Don't listen to the experts, decide yourself"]
["based on what you come to like yourself. "]
[]
["Keep in mind, a bud weighs more when fully ripe. It is what most growers like to sell, but take some buds early for yourself, every week until you harvest, and decide how you like it for"]
["yourself. Grow the rest to full maturity if you plan to sell it. "]
[]
["Most new growers want to pick early, because they are impatient. That's OK! Just take buds from the middle of the plant or the top. Allow the rest to keep maturing. Often, the tops of the"]
["plants will be ripe first. Harvest them and let the rest of the plant continue to ripen. You will notice the lower buds getting bigger and fuzzier as they come into full maturity. With more"]
["light available to the bottom portion of the plant now, the plant yields more this way over time, than taking a single harvest. "]
[]
["Use a magnifier and try to see the capitated stalked trichomes (little THC crystals on the buds). If they are mostly clear, not brown, the peak of floral bouquet is near. Once they are mostly"]
["all turning brownish in color, the THC levels are dropping and the flower is past optimum potency, declining with light and wind exposure rapidly. "]
[]
["Don't harvest too late! It's easy to be too careful and harvest late enough potency has declined. Watch the plants and learn to spot peak floral potency. "]
[]
["Do not cure pot in the sun, it reduces potency. Slow cure hanging buds upside down in a ventilated space. That is all that is needed to have great sensi. Drying in a paper bag works too,"]
["and may be much more convenient. Bud tastes great when slow dried over the course of a week or two. "]
[]
["If your in a hurry, it's OK to dry a small amount in-between paper sheets or a paper bag in a microwave oven. Go slow and check it, don't burn it. Use the defrost power setting for a"]
["slower, better drying. It will be harsh smoking this way though. "]
[]
["A food dehydrator or food preserver will dry your pot in a few hours, but it will not taste the same as slow-dried. Very close though. And this will speed your harvest time (which can be"]
["nerve-wracking, with all this pot hanging around drying.) "]
[]
["Dry buds until the stems are brittle enough to snap, then cure them in a sealed tupperware container , burping air and turning the buds daily for two weeks. "]
[]
["Once experienced grower told me to dry in an uninsulated area of the house (like the garage) so that the temperature will rise and fall each night, as the plant is drying. If you treat the plant"]
["as if it were still alive, it will use some of it's chlorophyll while it is drying, and the smoke will be less harsh. "]
[]
["CLONING"]
[]
["Cloning is asexual reproduction. Cuttings are taken from a mother plant in vegatative growth, and rooted in hydroponic medium to be grown as a separate plant. The offspring will be"]
["plants that are identical to the parent plant. "]
[]
["Cloning preserves the character of your favorite plant. Cloning can make an ocean of green out of a single plant, so it is a powerful tool for growing large crops, and will fill a closet"]
["quickly with your favorite genetics. When you find the plant you want to be your \"buddy\" for the rest of your life, you can keep that plant's genetic character alive for decades and pass it"]
["on to your children's children. Propagate and share it with others, to keep a copy, should your own line die out. A clone can be taken from a clone at least 20 times, and probably more, so"]
["don't worry about myths of reduced vigor. Many reports indicate it's not a problem. "]
[]
["Cloning will open you to the risk of a fungus or pests wiping out the whole crop, so it's important to pick plants that exhibit great resistance to fungus and pests. Pick the plant you feel"]
["will be the most reliable to reproduce in large scale, based on health, growth rate, resistance to pests, and potency. The quality of the high, and the type of buzz you get will be a very"]
["important determining factor. "]
[]
["Take cuttings for clones before you move plants from vegetative grow area to the flowering area. Low branches are cut to increase air circulation under the green canopy. Rooted clones"]
["are moved to the vegetative growth area, and new clones are started in the cloning area using the low branch cuttings. Each cycle of growth will take from 4-8 weeks, so you can"]
["constantly be growing in 3 stages, and harvesting every 6-8 weeks. "]
[]
["Some types of plants are more difficult to clone than others. Big Bud is reported to not clone very well. One of my favorite plants, Mr. Kona, is the most amazing pot I ever smoked, but it"]
["is hard as hell to clone. What a challenge! I noticed other varieties that were rooting much quicker, but it was the stone I was after! Once you find the psychoactive, almost hallucinogenic"]
["properties of some Indica/Sativa hybrids, you never want to smoke a pure Indica again. Indica is however, great medicinally, so I like to grow a few pure strains too. "]
[]
["If a plant is harvested, you can sample it, and decide if you want to clone it. Pick your favorite 2 or 3 distinctly different types of plants to clone, based on trying the harvested plants. The"]
["plants you want to clone can be regenerated by putting them in constant light. In a few weeks, you will have many vegetative cuttings available for cloning and preserving your favorite"]
["plants. Always keep a mother plant in vegatative mode for any strain you want to keep alive. If you flower all your clones, you may end up killing off a strain if you don't have any plant"]
["devoted to being a mother. I killed off a sacred strain accidentally this way; my harvested plants failed to regenerate and the strain would have died completely had not previously igven it to"]
["friends to grow it as well. I was in luck, and a buddy set me up with another clone of this strain to grow as a mother plant for a new crop of clones. "]
[]
["After two months, any marijuana plant can be cloned. Flowering plants can be cloned, but the procedure may take considerably longer. Its best to wait, and regenerate vegetatively plants"]
["that have been harvested. A single regenerated/harvested plant can generate hundreds of cuttings. Before taking cuttings, starve the plant for nitrogen for a week at least, so that the plant is"]
["not extreamly green, as this will make rooting take longer. Take cuttings from the bottom 1/3 of the plant, when doing ordinary pruning. Cut young growth tips from a vegetative stage,"]
["mature plant 3-5 inches long with a stem diameter 1/5-1/10 inch. Cut with a sterile razor blade or X-acto knife (flamed) and immerse the cut end of the clone into a tub of distilled water"]
["mixed with 1/4 tspn Peters 5-50-17 per gallon. Next, cut the bottom .2 inch off the end while it is submerged, using a diagonal cut. Remove the clone from the tub and dip into a liquid"]
["cloning solution following instructions on the label. Dust with RootToneF and place in cloning tray or medium. Flowering plants can be cloned too, but may take longer, and may not have"]
["as high a success rate. "]
[]
["Cloning goes quickest with the liquid rooting solutions, in a warmed, aerated tray, with subdued lighting and high humidity. Placing cuttings into 1\" rockwool cubes in a covered tray"]
["works great too. In a closet, you can make space above the grow area so that the heat of the lamp warms the tray (passive collecting) and spare the expense and hassle of the aquarium"]
["heater ($24) or agricultural heating pad w/ thermostat (pricey). A double 4\" fluorescent lamp will be perfect. Leave lamps on for 24 hours a day. Cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks. "]
[]
["I found only one liquid rooting hormone solution that was not over $10. (Olivia's Gel was $12 for a 1.6 ounce bottle. Geez, what is this stuff, gold?) I found some dipNgrow for $9,"]
["considered myself lucky, and got a tray and clear cover for $7. A clear tray cover or greenhouse encloser is needed to bring up humidity to 90% (greenhouse levels). Liquid rooting"]
["hormone seems to be much more effective than powders. Some types available are Olivia's, Woods, and dipNgrow. "]
[]
["Mix a weak cloning solution of high P plant food (such as Peter's 5-50-17), trace elements, and epsom salts and then dip plants in rooting solution per instructions on label. All of the"]
["above nutrients should be added in extremely small amounts, 25% of what would normally be used on growing plants. Or use a premade solution such as Olivia's Rooting Solution. Corn"]
["syrup has been reported to supplement the sugars needed by the plant during cloning, since it consists of plant sugars. "]
[]
["Use a powder fungicide too, like RoottoneF to be sure you don't spoil the clones with fungus. This is important, since clones and fungus like the conditions you will be creating for good"]
["rooting: "]
[]
["mild light, 72-80 degrees, high humidity "]
[]
["In rockwool, there is no need for airating the solution, just keep the cubes in 1/4\" of solution so they wick and stay moist at all times. Try to keep clones evenly spaced, and spray them"]
["with water once a day to keep them moist and fresh. Pull out clones if they are diseased and dying, to keep them away from healthy starts. "]
[]
["Another method is to float cutings in a tray full of solution on polystyrene disposable plates, or styrene sheets (shipping/packing material) with holes punched, so the tops and leaves are"]
["out of the water. Take off all large leaves, leaving only smaller top leaves to reduce demand on the new rooting stalk. Aerate the tray solution with an air pump and bubble stone. Keep"]
["solution at 72-80 degrees for best results. Change the solution daily if not using an air stone and pump, so that oxygen is always available to the cuttings. A week later, clip yellowing"]
["leaves from cuttings to reduce water demands as the cuttings start to root. "]
[]
["Buy a tray with a clear cover made for rooting at an indoor gardening supply house. You must keep humidity very high for the clones. Put cuttings in an ice chest with cellophane over the"]
["top and a light shining down if you don't want to pay for the grow tray and cover. "]
[]
["It's also possible to directly place a dipped cutting in a moist block of floral foam with holes punched, or vermiculite in a cup; be sure to root cuttings in a constantly moist medium. Jiffy"]
["peat cubes are not recommended, as published reports indicate results were not good for rooting clones. Place starter cubes in tray of solution. Check twice a day to be sure cubes are"]
["moist, not drenched, and not dry. After about 2-3 weeks, rootlets will appear at the bottom of the pods. Transplant at this point to growing area, taking care not to disturb any exposed"]
["roots. "]
[]
["One grower writes us: "]
[]
["I have had virtually all attempted clones root with the following scheme: "]
[]
["0. Prep cutting by removing large leaves on tip to be cut, allow to heal. "]
[]
["1. While holding underwater, take final diagonal cut on stem to be rooted. "]
[]
["2. Dip in Rootone, then spear stem about 2\" deep in 16 oz. cups of 1/2 vermiculite, 1/2 perlite, which are kept in a stryrofoam cooler. 3. Spray cuttings with a VERY mild complete fert."]
["soln. "]
[]
["4. Cover top of cooler with Saran Wrap, then punch holes for ventilation. "]
[]
["5. Keep cooler in relatively mild temps, low light, and spray cuttings daily. "]
[]
["6. Cuttings should root in about 3 weeks. "]
[]
["Cloning is not as easy as starting from seed. With seeds, you can have 18\" tall plants in 6 weeks or less. With clones, it may take 6 weeks for the plant to sprout roots and new growth."]
["Seeds are easily twice as fast if you have empty indoor space being wasted that needs to be put to use quickly. Always breed a few buds for seeds, even if you expect to be cloning most of"]
["the time, you could get wiped out, and have nothing but your seeds left to start over. "]
[]
["Cloning in rockwool seems to work great, and no airpump is needed. I paid $9 for 98 rockwool starter cubes. A plastic tray is available ($.95) that holds 77 cubes in pockets allowing the"]
["cubes to be held in a tray of nutrient solution. They are easily removed and placed in a larger rockwool growing cube when rooted. "]
[]
["BREEDING"]
[]
["It is possible to breed and select cuttings from plants that grow, flower, and mature faster. Some plants will naturally be better than others in this regard, and it is easy to select not only the"]
["most potent plants to clone or breed, but the fastest growing/flowering plants as well. Find your fastest growth plant, and breed it with your \"best high\" male for fast flowering, potent"]
["strains. Clone your fastest, best high plant for the quickest monocrop garden possible. Over time, it will save you a lot of waiting around for your plants to mature. "]
[]
["When a male is starting to flower (2-4 weeks before the females) it should be removed from the females so it does not pollinate them. It is taken to a separate area. Any place that gets just a"]
["few hours of light per day will be adequate, including close to a window in a separate room in the house. Put newspaper or glass under it to catch the pollen as the flowers drop it. "]
[]
["Keep a male alive indefinitely by bending it's top severely and putting it in mild shock that delays it's maturity. Or take the tops as they mature and put the branches in water, over a piece"]
["of plate glass. Shake the branches every morning to release pollen onto the glass and then scrap it with a razor blade to collect it. A male pruned in this fashion stays alive indefinately and"]
["will continue to produce flowers if it gets suitable dark periods. This is much better than putting pollen in the freezer! Fresh pollen is always best. "]
[]
["Save pollen in an air tight bag in the freezer. It will be good for about a month. It may be several more weeks before the females are ready to pollinate. Put a paper towel in the bag with it"]
["to act as a desecant. "]
[]
["A plant is ready to pollinate 2 weeks after the clusters of female flowers first appear. If you pollinate too early, it may not work. Wait until the female flowers are well established, but still"]
["all while hairs are showing. "]
[]
["Turn off all fans. Use a paper bag to pollinate a branch of a female plant. Use different pollen from two males on separate branches. Wrap the bag around the branch and seal it at the"]
["opening to the branch. Shake the branch vigorously. Wet the paper bag after a few minutes with a sprayer and then carefully remove it. Large plastic zip-lock bags also. Slip the bag over"]
["the male branch and shake the pollen loose. Carefully remove the bad and zip it up. It should be very dusty with pollen. To pollinate, place it over a single branch of the female, zipping it"]
["up sideways around the stem so no pollen leaks out. Shake the bag and the stem at the same time. Allow to settle for an hour or two and shake it again. Remove it a few hours later. Your"]
["branch is now well pollinated and should show signs of visible seed production in 2 weeks, with ripe seeds splitting the calyxes by 3-6 weeks. One pollinated branch can create hundreds"]
["of seeds, so it should not be necessary to pollinate more than one or two branches in many cases. "]
[]
["When crossing two different varieties, a third variety of plant will be created. If you know what characteristics your looking for in a new strain, you will need several plants to choose"]
["from in order to have the best chance of finding all the qualities desired. Sometimes, if the two plants bred had dominant genes for certain characteristics, it will be impossible to get the"]
["plant you want from one single cross. In this case, it is necessary to interbreed two plants from the same batch of resultant seeds from the initial cross. In this fashion, recesive genes will"]
["become available, and the plant character you desire may only be possible in this manner. "]
[]
["Usually, it is desirable only to cross two strains that are very different. In this manner, one usually arrives at what is refered to as \"hybrid vigor\". In other words, often the best strains are"]
["created by taking two very different strains and mating them. Less robust plants may be the result of interbreeding, since it opens up recesive gene traits that may lead to reduced potency. "]
[]
["Hybrid offspring will all be very different from each other. Each plant grown from the same batch of seeds collected from the same plant, will be different. It is then necessary to try each"]
["plant separately and decide it's individual merits for yourself. If you find one that seems to be head and shoulders above the rest in terms of early flowering, high yield and get buzz, that's"]
["the plant to clone and continue breeding. "]
[]
["In depth genetics is beyond the scope of this work. See Marijuana Botany; Smith, for more detailed info in this area. "]
[]
["SINSEMILLIA"]
[]
["When the female plant is not allowed to pollinate, it grows full of resin that was intended to make seeds. False seed pods swell with THC laden resin and the pistils turn red and orange"]
["and withdraw into the pods. Then the plant is harvested. "]
[]
["Seeds are not part of the bud when the flowers mature. This is called Sinsemillia, and simply means \"no seeds\". "]
[]
["SINSE SEEDS"]
[]
["It is possible to cross your favorite two female plants to create a new strain of seeds that will produce all female plants. Preferably, these two plants will be different types of plants, not"]
["from the same mother's seeds. "]
[]
["This will create the best offspring, since it will not lead to inbreeding. It is easier to gauge the quality of female plants than male plants, since the smoke is more potent and easier to judge"]
["it's finer qualities. Plants from seeds created in this fashion will be all female plants since there will be no chance of male chromosomes from female parents. "]
[]
["Use Gibberellic Acid on one branch of a female plant to induce male flowers. Gibberellic Acid is sold by nursery supply houses for plant breeding and hybridizing. Spray the plant once"]
["every day for 10 days with 100 ppm gibberellic acid. When the male flowers form, pollinate the flowers of your other target female plant you have selected. Just pollinate one branch"]
["unless you want lots of seeds! "]
[]
["Once the branch has male flowers, cut the branch and root it in water, with glass under it to catch the male pollen when it drops. Use a rooting solution similar to the above cloning"]
["solution.Collect the pollen with a plastic bag over the branch and shake it. Use a razor blade to scrap up fallen pollen and add it to the bag too. "]
[]
["It is also possible to pollinate the flowers of the plant you create the male flowers on, crossing it with itself. This is used to preserve a special plants characteristics. Cloning will also"]
["preserve the plants characteristics, but will not allow you to store seeds for use later. Crossing a plant with itself can lead to inbreeding problems, so it may not be the optimum solution in"]
["many cases. "]
[]
["I once tried using Gibberellic Acid, sprayed on a healthy female, every day for over a week. No male flowers appeared on the plant. Your milage may vary. "]
[]
["ODORS AND NEGATIVE IONS"]
[]
["Negative ion generators have been used for years now to cut down on odors in a grow room, but reports are coming in that a negative ion generator will increase growth speed and yield."]
["No true evidence to support this, however it does make sense, due to the fact that people and animals seem to be altered in a positive way by negative ions in the air, so plants may \"feel\""]
["better too. Try putting one in the grow room. You may notice the buds don't have as much scent when picked, but that may be desirable in some cases. "]
[]
["A negative ion generator can be purchased for $15 to $100 depending on the type and power involved. Some have reversed cycles that collect the dust to a charged plate. It is also possible"]
["to use grounded aluminum foil on the wall and shelf where the ionizer sits, to collect these particles. Just wipe the foil clean once a month. It should be grounded to an electrical outlets"]
["ground wire. If you don't cover the wall and shelf with paper or foil, the wall will turn dark with dust taken from the air, and you will have to repaint that wall later. "]
[]
["OXYGEN"]
[]
["O2 to the roots is a big concern, since the plant requires this for nutrients to be available, and to rid itself of toxins, etc. One of the easiest things to do is use food grade hydrogen peroxide"]
["in the water to increase the availability of oxygen in the water. H2O2 has an extra oxygen atom that will easily break away and can be used by the plant. Oxygen Plus is a plant food that"]
["contains 25% hydrogen peroxide and is perfect for this use. "]
[]
["Using a planting medium that allows for plenty of aeration is also really important. Be sure you have good drainage by using Perlite, sand, or gravel in your mix and at the bottom of pots."]
["Don't use a medium that holds too much water, or you may significantly reduce the oxygen available to the plant. More on that in the section on hydroponics. "]
[]
["Aerating the water before watering is also a good idea. In the case of soil potted plants, use an airpump to aerate the water overnight before watering your plants, or put the water in a"]
["container with a cap and shake it up real good before giving to the plants. "]
[]
["SAFETY AND PRIVACY"]
[]
["Utility companies can tell your bill is way off from the same time last year, and police are finding growers this way. More than 500 watts in the family home running constantly will show"]
["up as a regular monthly increase in electricity use. You can claim space heaters, more people living on the premises, too many television sets, and late hours, if they happen mention it to"]
["you (innocently). If the police knock and ask you about it, don't let them in, and move your plants to another location during the wee hours in a vehicle not your own. "]
[]
["Upon moving into a new place, it may be desirable to immediately establish high electricity use, so that your electrical use history won't reveal your activities in the future... "]
[]
["Light leaks, open windows, heat expelled from rooms that would normally be cool, and rip-offs are all serious issues to be concerned about. Don't use a burglar alarm on when your away"]
["from the house. People are busted this way when the kids try to rip off the garden and the police come. Lock the house up well, and let them take it if they need it so bad. It's not worth"]
["getting busted for a burglary... "]
[]
["Think ahead to any situation that will require outsiders to visit sensitive areas of the house. Repairmen, solicitors, meter readers, neighbors, appraisers, and pets should all be considered"]
["and contingency plans made in advance. "]
[]
["DISTILLED WATER"]
[]
["Some growers report purified or distilled water helps their plants grow faster. Perhaps due to sodium and heavy metals found in hard water that are not present in purified water. Hard"]
["water tends to build up alkaline salt deposits in soil that lockup trace minerals, and cause iron, copper and zinc deficiencies. There are several types of purified water, but many are not free"]
["of minerals that could be causing salt buildup over an extended period of time. "]
[]
["Tap water comes in two flavors. Hot and cold. The cold pipe has less calcium and sodium buildup in it, and should be freer of sediment once the water has been turned on and allowed to"]
["flow for 30 seconds. Hot water will have rust, lead deposits, and lots of sodium and calcium, so much so, you will see it easily. Use only the amount of hot water needed to make the"]
["water the correct temperature (70-80 F). Tap water filtered through a carbon (charcoal) filter will be free of chlorine and most large particles, but will still contain dissolved solids such as"]
["sodium and heavy metals (lead, arsenic, nickel, etc.). "]
[]
["Purified bottled water will be either Reverse Osmosis or some form of carbon/sediment filtered water. When purchasing water at a store, unless it says RO or Distilled, don't bother"]
["buying it. It could still have the same dissolved solids and heavy metals your tap water has. "]
[]
["BIRTH CONTROL PILLS"]
[]
["A solution of one pill to one gallon of water has been reported to cause increased growth speed in tomato plants. It is possible this will help herb plants too. One treatment administered"]
["before flowering and one administered a few weeks before harvesting might help the plant mature faster. "]
[]
["One grower told a story of the same type of plants, one administered the estrogen grew to 20 feet, while the other was 7 feet. This may be purely anecdotal, but it may work. Try it and"]
["report back to us on results. "]
[]
["SEED AND BUD STORAGE"]
[]
["Use a seal-a-meal to hermetically seal the bag with no air inside. Freeze or refrigerate, and bud and seed can be kept for years this way. "]
[]
["Rap seeds in a paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep them in the freezer, and pull out only as many seeds as you need, then pop them back in the freezer quickly. "]
[]
["A FINAL COMMENT"]
[]
["Good results can be had even in what appear to be rather marginal situations. (i.e.: a four inch pot in a room with a skylight.) With the minimum of: well drained medium, good light with"]
["ventilation, regular application of a complete fertilizer, pest control, and avoidance of detection, anyone can take a viable seed to maturity. I strongly recomend buying several complete"]
["grow guides. Please only use this limited information for a basic understanding of gardening. Some excellent books are available including \"Marijuana Botany\" \"Marijuana Growers"]
["Guide( Inside guide and Outdoor)\" Marijuasna Chemistry\". These are all excellent lores of wisdom. You will want to get the best results out of the seeds you purchase! "]
["  "]
["  "]
[{"$nulls":11},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":13}
["THE MARIJUANA GROWER'S GUIDE",{"$nulls":10},"»Back To Index"]
["by Mel Frank and Ed Rosenthal"]
["Typed by Ben Dawson"]
["Revised 1992"]
[]
["NOTE:- Footnotes have been placed in double brackets (()). Numbers"]
["throughout refer to bibliography and are sometimes in brackets, sometimes"]
["they aren't. All dates are for northern hemisphere only. Comments on"]
["pictures are in curly brackets {}. Please distribute this widely so we can"]
["all smoke better marijuana. Legalise marijuana."]
[]
["1996-10-04"]
[]
["Copying this book was a megamission that took about 3 weeks in the September"]
["of 1993. Everything in the book has been copied - even the bibliography. The"]
["online version of this guide is available at:"]
["http://www.iinet.net.au/~ben/Guide Ben Dawson"]
["ben@iinet.net.au"]
[]
["1998-01-01"]
[]
["Hyperlinks were added throughout the document for easy navigation. Also the"]
["text was formated to be more readable. Alonso Acu–a."]
[]
["CONTENTS"]
[]
["Foreword"]
[]
["Preface"]
[]
["History and Taxonomy of Cannabis                        [1]"]
["Cannabis and Ancient History                            [1.2]"]
["Cannabis and American History                           [1.3]"]
["Cannabis and: Species or Varieties                      [1.4]"]
[]
["Cannabinoids : The Active Ingredients of Marijuana      [2]"]
["Cannabinoids and the High                               [2.2]"]
["Resin and Resin Glands                                  [2.3]"]
["Production of Cannabinoids by Cannabis                  [2.4]"]
["Cannabis Chemotypes                                     [2.5]"]
[]
["Before Cultivation Begins                               [3]"]
["Choosing Seeds                                          [3.2]"]
["Cannabis Life Cycle                                     [3.3]"]
["Photoperiod and Flowering                               [3.4]"]
["Inherent Variations in Potency                          [3.5]"]
["Cultivation: Indoors or Outdoors?                       [3.6]"]
[]
["         Indoor Gardening"]
[]
["Introduction                                            [4]"]
[]
["Artificial Light                                        [5]"]
["Features                                                [5.2]"]
["Sources                                                 [5.3]"]
["Setting up the Garden                                   [5.4]"]
["Electricity                                             [5.5]"]
[]
["Soil and Containers for it                              [6]"]
["Pots and Other Containers                               [6.2]"]
["Properties of Soil                                      [6.3]"]
["Preparing Commercial Soils and Mixers                   [6.4]"]
["Buying Soil Components                                  [6.5]"]
["Digging Soil                                            [6.6]"]
["Growing Methods                                         [6.7]"]
[]
["Maintaining the Correct Environment                     [7]"]
["Requirements for Germination                            [7.2]"]
["Light Cycle and Distance of Lights from Plants          [7.3]"]
["Water                                                   [7.4]"]
["Air                                                     [7.5]"]
["Humidity                                                [7.6]"]
[]
["Gardening Techniques                                    [8]"]
["Thinning                                                [8.2]"]
["Transplanting                                           [8.3]"]
["Supports for Plants                                     [8.4]"]
["Uniform Growth                                          [8.5]"]
["Pruning                                                 [8.6]"]
["Training                                                [8.7]"]
[]
["Nutrients and Fertilising                               [9]"]
["Nutrients                                               [9.2]"]
["Application: Fertilising                                [9.3]"]
["Nutrient Deficiencies                                   [9.4]"]
["Soilless Mixtures                                       [9.5]"]
[]
["Diseases and Plant Pests                                [10]"]
["Microbial Diseases                                      [10.2]"]
["Nutrient Diseases                                       [10.3]"]
["Plant Pests                                             [10.4]"]
[]
["Maintenance and Restarting                              [11]"]
[]
["      Outdoor Cultivation"]
[]
["Choosing a Site                                         [12]"]
["Where to Grow                                           [12.2]"]
["Light                                                   [12.3]"]
[]
["Soil                                                    [13]"]
["Types of Soil                                           [13.2]"]
["Humus and Composts                                      [13.3]"]
["Texture                                                 [13.4]"]
["pH                                                      [13.5]"]
["Fertilisers                                             [13.6]"]
["Techniques for Preparing Soils                          [13.7]"]
["Guerrilla Farming                                       [13.8]"]
[]
["Planting and Transplanting                              [14]"]
["When to Plant                                           [14.2]"]
["Preparing to Sow                                        [14.3]"]
["Germination                                             [14.4]"]
["Transplanting                                           [14.5]"]
[]
["Caring for the Growing Plants                           [15]"]
["Weeding                                                 [15.2]"]
["Watering                                                [15.3]"]
["Thinning                                                [15.4]"]
["Staking                                                 [15.5]"]
["Pruning                                                 [15.6]"]
["Gardening Tips                                          [15.7]"]
[]
["Insects and Other Pests                                 [16]"]
["Biological Control                                      [16.2]"]
["Chemical Insecticides                                   [16.3]"]
["Common Pests                                            [16.4]"]
["Vertebrate Pests                                        [16.5]"]
[]
["           Flowering, Breeding and Propagation"]
[]
["Genetics and Sex in Cannabis                            [17]"]
["Flowering                                               [17.2]"]
["Sexual Variants in Cannabis                             [17.3]"]
["Sexing the Plants                                       [17.4]"]
["Sinsemilla                                              [17.5]"]
[]
["Propagation and Breeding                                [18]"]
["Producing Seeds                                         [18.2]"]
["Producing Female Seeds                                  [18.3]"]
["Breeding                                                [18.4]"]
["Cuttings                                                [18.5]"]
["Grafting                                                [18.6]"]
["Polyploids                                              [18.7]"]
[]
["Effects of the Environment on Potency                   [19]"]
["Stress                                                  [19.2]"]
["Nutrients                                               [19.3]"]
[]
["          Harvesting, Curing and Drying"]
[]
["Harvesting                                              [20]"]
["Harvesting During Growth: Leaves and Growing Shoots     [20.2]"]
["Male Plants                                             [20.3]"]
["Harvesting Female Buds                                  [20.4]"]
["Weather                                                 [20.5]"]
["Potency and Decomposition                               [20.6]"]
["Timing the Harvest                                      [20.7]"]
["Final Harvest                                           [20.8]"]
[]
["After the Harvest                                       [21]"]
["Stripping                                               [21.2]"]
["Grading and Manicuring                                  [21.3]"]
["Curing                                                  [21.4]"]
["Drying                                                  [21.5]"]
["Fermentation                                            [21.6]"]
["Storage                                                 [21.7]"]
[]
["Bibliography                                            [22]"]
[]
["FOREWORD"]
[]
["Marijuana, or cannabis as it is known internationally, is a plant whose"]
["presence is almost universal in our world today. Conservative international"]
["reports estimate that there are now 300 million cannabis users. Recent"]
["reports indicate that 10 percent of the adult population in the United"]
["States are regular users, a figure which is probably similar for many"]
["countries in Europe. Its use is also widespread in Africa, Asia, many Arab"]
["nations, parts of South America and the Caribbean, as well as Australia and"]
["New Zealand. In 1978, more than 5.2 million kilograms (12 million pounds) of"]
["cannabis were seized by police worldwide. Authorities estimated that this"]
["did not exceed 10 percent of the total traffic."]
[]
["What has been the response of officials around the world to the use of this"]
["plant by its citizens? Regrettably, the climate has been one of almost"]
["universal repression, hostility and open violence. Despite gains made in the"]
["United States and Europe throughout the 1970's, a new wave of ignorance"]
["regarding the use of this plant seems to be sweeping the world. Predictably,"]
["the United States has sought to export this \"neo-Reefer Madness\" to other"]
["countries. A united Nations sub-commission of drug enforcement officials in"]
["the Far East released a report some time ago extremely critical of the"]
["efforts of some countries to decriminalize (i.e. remove criminal penalties"]
["for possession of a small amount) cannabis. The sub-commission stated that"]
["any such reduction of penalties would vastly increase use, and strongly"]
["urged that all countries continue to keep strict laws on the books even for"]
["possession of cannabis1. Others requested that publicity campaign be"]
["conducted in the media against cannabis, and that more funding be given to"]
["scientific work to prove that cannabis was harmful2."]
[]
["US officials, alarmed by reports of cannabis use among adolescents (which,"]
["although undesirably high, is in fact leveling off), and by political"]
["pressure from reactionary elements, have attempted to depict cannabis as the"]
["greatest threat since the atomic bomb. The results of this new hysteria have"]
["been great confusion among the public and a slowdown in the progress of"]
["cannabis law reform. The results have been predictable: in 1979, over"]
["448,000 people were arrested in the USA for cannabis possession, 80 percent"]
["for simple possession. The estimated direct arrests cost to our increasingly"]
["debt-ridden government was over $600 million. But no one has ever attempted"]
["to account for the total cost of the immense law enforcement efforts against"]
["cannabis: for the salaries of Drug Enforcement Administration agents and"]
["federal and state narcotics agents and support personnel, the cost of"]
["incarcerating the thousands of people sentences to jail (estimated at 10"]
["percent of the total arrests, or 48.000 people), the costs of the"]
["anti-cannabis media campaign, the secret grants from NSA/CIA for cannabis"]
["eradications, and the economic cost to society created by turning"]
["law-abiding citizens into criminals. When these factors are taken into"]
["consideration, the cost goes into the billions. By contrast, in the eleven"]
["states which have enacted decriminalization since 1972, millions of dollars"]
["and hundreds of thousands of court, police and administrative work-hours"]
["have been saved."]
[]
["What can the concerned cannabis consumer do to end this climate of hysteria"]
["and ignorance? First, we must stress that cannabis legalisation would entail"]
["adult use only, and that social and legal restrictions on the use of"]
["cannabis would curtail, not increase, use by adolescents. Second, we must"]
["educate the public about the genuine effects of cannabis and stress moderate"]
["responsible use. This is what we stress about the user of society's legal"]
["drugs - alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, and we should take the same approach"]
["toward cannabis. Third, the public should be educated about the limits of"]
["the law and the rights of citizens; we should not seek to regulate private"]
["behaviour through the use of the criminal sanction. Laws protecting public"]
["safety, such as driving while under the influence of any substance, would"]
["still be kept on the books."]
[]
["However, as consumers we have an additional responsibility: we must begin to"]
["address the problems of supply and demand. It is essential that we take upon"]
["ourselves the task of proposing viable solutions to the current unworkable"]
["prohibition."]
[]
["With this is mind, numerous cannabis reform organizations around the world"]
["have begun exploring models for the legalization of cannabis. Under the"]
["auspices of the International Cannabis Alliance for Reform (ICAR), an"]
["international organization of cannabis law-reform groups, many of these"]
["organizations met in Amsterdam, Holland in February, 1980, at the first"]
["International Cannabis Legalization Conference to discuss legalization plans"]
["and proposals. The many plans presented reflected the various backgrounds"]
["and interests of the countries they represented some called for a totally"]
["open-market system run by cooperatives, others employed elaborate"]
["organizational systems with varying degrees of governmental control, and"]
["still others called for total control by the private sector. Emphasis was"]
["placed on the need for all groups to develop legalization models suited to"]
["their own particular climate and country and that a single, monolithic"]
["legalization plan was neither feasible nor desirable."]
[]
["However, virtually all the plans had one important element in common: every"]
["person would have the right to grow cannabis for his or her own personal"]
["use. This is the very minimum requirement upon which all legalisation models"]
["are based, for this would allow the consumer the chance to remove himself or"]
["herself from the black market, whether it be licit or illicit."]
[]
["This is an essential aspect of cannabis reform: to convince consumers to"]
["diversify their sources of supply by growing their own cannabis. Growing"]
["cannabis enables one to reduce drastically the costs and at the same time"]
["establish a closer relationship with the plant itself. Its amazing"]
["adaptability, acquired through centuries of travel to all four corners of"]
["the earth, users that it can grow and thrive anywhere there is sunlight and"]
["water. By learning the relatively simple techniques involved in cannabis"]
["horticulture, the consumer can avoid the illicit market with all its"]
["attendant problems, and concentrate on growing the plant itself, on"]
["producing and consuming the product of one's own labor, a product which is"]
["pure and can be produced at a cost of pennies per ounce."]
[]
["We must take this step, for just as the nations of the world are seeking"]
["energy, self-sufficiency, so now must we seek cannabis self-sufficiency."]
[]
["The willingness of consumers greatly to diversify their sources has caused"]
["tremendous changes in the manner in which cannabis is grown and marketed."]
["Plagued by ridiculously high prices, dangers in purchasing, wild"]
["fluctuations in quantity and quality, impurities, and continual police"]
["harassment, consumers all over the world are discovering that anyone can"]
["grow good cannabis just about anywhere."]
[]
["In Central and South America, production has increased so rapidly in the"]
["last few years that large quantities are now being exported to Europe. Arab"]
["countries, traditionally dependent on Lebanon and Syria, are now reporting"]
["increasing domestic cultivation attempts. Many countries of Europe,"]
["especially the southern countries of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, are"]
["reporting cultivation. India noted that both its legal (in the states of"]
["West Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Predesh) and illegal (all other states) under"]
["a similar scheme. In the Near and Middle East, notably Nepal, Pakistan and"]
["Afghanistan, the people are continuing their traditional production of"]
["cannabis for local and export use."]
[]
["Australia, a country whose huge size (roughly that of the US) and relatively"]
["sparse population make it virtually ideal for cultivation, reported"]
["widespread cultivation and seizures of over 70,000 kilos of cannabis, 2,500"]
["kilos of hashish, and 850,000 plants uprooted in a two-year period between"]
["1977 and 1978. Many people living on Pacific islands such as New Zealand,"]
["New Caledonia, Fiji, the Cook Islands and elsewhere have discovered that"]
["cannabis will grow very well in their environment; Jamaica and other islands"]
["in the Caribbean are also experiencing an increase in cultivation. Recent"]
["newspaper reports from that country indicate that as many as 1/2 million"]
["Jamaican farmers out of a total population of 2 million may be producing"]
["cannabis to satisfy domestic and export demand. The total gross income from"]
["the Jamaican cannabis business is estimated to exceed $200 million a year3."]
[]
["Virtually every country in South America reported at least some cannabis"]
["cultivations. In addition to increased production in Colombia, whose 1978"]
["crop was estimated to be worth between $1.5 and $2 billion, other countries"]
["are experiencing an increase in cultivation. Over 50,000 acres of cannabis"]
["were discovered under cultivation in western Venezuela in 1978. In 1976 in"]
["Brazil, 271 kilos of cannabis were reported seized, but the next year"]
["increased to 91,207 kilos, and by 1978, authorities seized over 276,000"]
["kilos. Cultivation was also reported in Argentina, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam"]
["and Uruguay. Soviet officials go to inordinate lengths to deny that"]
["cannabis-use exists in their country though Russia is known to be a large"]
["cannabis producer, and not just for commercial purposes. (Soviet officials"]
["reported to the United Nations that they seized only 227 grams of cannabis"]
["in the entire country4 in 1978; the few offender were immediately sent to"]
["psychiatric hospitals.) In several Eastern European countries the best"]
["hashish is knows as \"Tashkenti,\" named for the major city in south-central"]
["Russia. Tashkent is ethnically dominated by Turkic tribesmen and shares the"]
["Hindu Kush mountain range with Afghanistan."]
[]
["The key to stability in the cannabis market is clearly domestic production,"]
["which offers many economic and social advantages over continued importation."]
[]
["Domestic varieties offer ease of access and supply, and help to diversify"]
["the overall market by offering new products which compete in quality and"]
["price with the imported varieties. In addition, they serve to stimulate the"]
["local concentrating bulk of the profits in the region in which they were"]
["produced. This is a noticeable reversal of the previous consumer-producer"]
["relationship, where most of the profits were realized by exporters and"]
["middlepersons who operated outside the source country. Expanded domestic"]
["production would decrease the influence of these middlepersons and greatly"]
["strengthen the overall market."]
[]
["This book was written to make the consumer aware of how easy (and important)"]
["it is to cultivate cannabis. In a clear and simply style, Mel Frank and Ed"]
["Rosenthal describe everything you need to know about growing cannabis. By"]
["employing some of these simple methods you can greatly reduce your"]
["dependence on foreign products and at the same time gain a greater"]
["understanding of a plant whose relationship with humanity dates to"]
["prehistoric times."]
[]
["Be fruitful, and multiply..."]
[]
["     Bob Pisani Coordinator, International Cannabis Alliance for Reform"]
["     (ICAR) Philadelphia, PA"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Preface"]
[]
["The purpose of this book is to show you how to grow enough marijuana to"]
["supply all your family's needs. It doesn't matter where you live, or even if"]
["you are growing your first plant, because all the information needed to"]
["become a master marijuana farmer in your own home, or in the field, is"]
["provided in these pages."]
[]
["The world has seen an enormous increase in marijuana use in the past ten"]
["years. Consequently, many governments have sponsored research in order to"]
["understand the nature of the plant as well as its psychoactive compounds -"]
["substances that are being smoked or ingested by more then 400 million people"]
["all over the world. Before the recent interest, marijuanaphiles had only"]
["research papers (mostly on hemp varieties) to glean for information about"]
["the plants and their cultivation. Now there are thousands of papers dealing"]
["directly with the plants and their use as marijuana. This doesn't mean all"]
["is known about marijuana. In fact, much of what is discussed deals with"]
["unknown aspects of these ancient and mysterious plants. The mysteries,"]
["however, are beginning to unravel."]
[]
["Our information resources include our personal experience with growing and"]
["the experience and knowledge shared with us by marijuana growers all across"]
["the country. We also rely on the professional research of many scientists"]
["(see the Bibliographic Notes). For the experienced growers, we've included"]
["the latest research on increasing potency, some ideas for improving yield"]
["and controlling flowering (time of harvest), and also procedures for"]
["breeding quality strains suited to a particular growing situation."]
[]
["Some of the best grass in the world is grown right here in the United States"]
["(that is our very own stoned opinion of homegrown gratefully sampled from"]
["Hawaii to Maine). You can do it too - it's not magic, and it's not difficult"]
["to do. Highly potent plants can be grown indoors, as well as in gardens,"]
["fields, and the wilds. Indoor growers must create an environment, whereas"]
["outdoor gardeners work within the environment. Following these two"]
["approaches to cultivation, this book is divided into separate, parallel"]
["parts on indoor and outdoor sections, preceded by some background"]
["information on marijuana plants, and followed by general procedures for"]
["breeding, harvesting, etc., that are independent of the type of growing"]
["site."]
[]
["Cultivation is not a complicated process, and we hope we don't make it"]
["appear difficult. But even if you're a novice when you first sow your seeds,"]
["your questions on the plants and their cultivation will become more complex"]
["as you gain experience and insight. We hope we have anticipated your"]
["questions with solid and clearly stated answers; we intend this book to"]
["serve as a guide long after your first reading and harvest."]
[]
["There are probably as many ways to grow marijuana as there are marijuana"]
["farmers. We hope to impart an understanding of the plants and their"]
["cultivation, so that you can adapt the knowledge to fit your particular"]
["situation - where you live, the land or space available, and the time,"]
["energy, and funds at your disposal."]
[]
["Modest indoor gardens are quite simple to set up and care for. All the"]
["materials you'll need are available at nurseries, garden shops, and hardware"]
["and lighting stores, or they may be found around the house or streets. The"]
["cost will depend on how large and elaborate you make the garden and on"]
["whether you buy or scavenge your materials. With a little ingenuity, the"]
["cost can be negligible."]
[]
["It takes about an hour every three or four days to water and tend to a"]
["medium-sized indoor garden."]
[]
["Outdoors, a small patch in your summer garden can supply all your smoking"]
["needs with little or no expense. Generally, marijuana requires less care"]
["than most other crops, because of its natural tenacity and ability to"]
["compete with indigenous weeds. Hardy Cannabis resists mild frost, extreme"]
["heat, deluge, and drought. In this country, few diseases attack marijuana;"]
["once the plants are growing, they develop their own natural protection"]
["against most insects."]
[]
["In some areas of the country, such as parts of the Midwest and East, the"]
["plants may require no more attention than sowing the seeds in spring and"]
["harvesting the plants in autumn. But if you're like most growers, you'll"]
["find yourself spending more and more time in your garden, watching the tiny"]
["sprouts emerge, then following their development into large, lush, and"]
["finally resinous, flowering plants."]
[]
["Nurturing and watching these beautiful plants as they respond can be a"]
["humanising experience. Marijuana farmers know their plants as vital living"]
["organisms. If you already are a plant grower, you may understand. If not,"]
["read through this book, imagining the various decisions you, as grower,"]
["would be making to help your plants reach a full and potent maturity. Then"]
["make your plans and get started. There's just no reason to pay $50 an ounce"]
["for superior smoke when it grows for free. Free, grass, free yourself."]
[]
["This book is the result of the efforts of many people, each of whom"]
["contributed uniquely to its final form and content. First there are the many"]
["growers who opened their hearts and gardens to us. Our love and thanks to"]
["our friends in California (Calistoga, Calavaras, Humbolt, Orange counties,"]
["and the Bay Area), the Umpqua Valley, Oregon, Eastern Colorado, Central"]
["Florida, Eastern Massachusetts, Upstate New York, New York City, Atlanta,"]
["Hawaii, and Port Antonio, Jamaica. We would also like to thank everyone who"]
["wrote and shared their growing experiences with us."]
[]
["Specifically, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of the"]
["following: Editors; Aiden Kelly, Peter Beren, Ron Lichty, and Sayre Can"]
["Young. Preparation of the manuscript; Carlene Schnabel, Ron Lichty, Aiden"]
["Kelly, Marina La Palma. Index by Sayre Van Young. Layout and Design; Bonnie"]
["Smetts. Graphics; maps and charts by E.N. Lainca; illustration by Oliver"]
["Williams; and molecules by Marlyn Amann. Special Services; Gorden Brownell,"]
["Al Karger, Michael Starks, Peter Webster, and special thanks to Sandy"]
["Weinstein for help with the photography. Also thank you M.T., A.P., and C.T."]
["Special thanks; Sebastian Orfila and John Orfali."]
[]
["We were fortunate to have had the use of the following libraries: Bronx"]
["Botanical Gardens, City College of New York, Fitz Hugh Ludlow Memorial"]
["Library, Harvard Botanical Museum, New York City Public Libraries,"]
["University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco, University of"]
["Mississippi, Oxford."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter One"]
["History and Taxonomy of Cannabis"]
[]
["1.2 CANNABIS AND ANCIENT HISTORY"]
[]
["The ancestors of Cannabis originated in Asia, possibly on the more gentle"]
["slopes of the Himalayas or the Altai Mountains to the north. The exact"]
["origin, obscured by Stone Age trails the cross the continent, is not known."]
[]
["We don't know when Cannabis and humanity first met. Given the growth habit"]
["of the plant and the curiosity of humanity, such a meeting was inevitable."]
["In the plant world, Cannabis is a coloniser. It establishes new territory"]
["when running water or seed-eating animals carry seed to cleared and fertile"]
["soil open to the sun. Fertile soil, clear of competing plants, is rare and"]
["short-lived in nature, and is commonly caused by catastrophe such as flood"]
["or earthslide. Natural dissemination is slow and the plats tend to grow in"]
["thick stands by dropping seed about the spread of their branches."]
[]
["During the Neolithic era, some 10,000 years ago nomadic groups scavenged,"]
["hunted, fished, and gathered plants in an unending search for food. The"]
["search ended when they learned to plant the native grains (grasses) and"]
["developed agriculture. Agriculture requires a commitment to the land and"]
["grants a steady food supply which enables people to form permanent"]
["settlements. Cannabis and Neolithic bands probably came in contact often as"]
["the plants invaded the fertile clearings - the campsites, roadsides, fields"]
["and garbage heaps - that occur wherever people live."]
[]
["In 1926 the Russian botanist Vavilov summarised the observations of his"]
["comrade, Sinkaia, on the domestication of hemp by peasants of the Altai"]
["Mountains: \"1. wild hemp; 2. spreading of hemp from wild centers of"]
["distribution into populated areas (formation of weedy hemp); 3. utilisation"]
["of weedy hemp by the population; 4. cultivation of hemp.\"24"]
[]
["The plants which people learn to use help define aspects of their way of"]
["life, including perceptions of the world, health, and the directions their"]
["technologies and economies flow. The plants you are about to grow are"]
["descended from one of the ancient plants that made the transition to"]
["civilisation possible."]
[]
["The earliest cultural evidence of Cannabis comes from the oldest known"]
["Neolithic culture in China, the Yang-shao, which appeared along the Yellow"]
["River valley about 6,500 years ago (*Cannabis is known to have been used in"]
["the Bylony culture of Central Europe (about 7,000 years ago).184). The"]
["clothes the people wore, the nets they fished and hunted with, and the ropes"]
["they used in the earliest machines were all made of the long, strong, and"]
["durable fibre, hemp. This valuable fibre separates from the stem of Cannabis"]
["when the stem decays (rets)."]
[]
["In the early classics of the Chou dynasty, written over 3,000 years ago,"]
["mention is often made of \"a prehistoric culture based on fishing and"]
["hunting, a culture without written language but which kept records by tying"]
["knots in ropes. Nets were used for fishing and hunting and the weaving of"]
["nets eventually developed into clothmaking.\"8 These references may well be"]
["to the Yang-shao people."]
[]
["As their culture advanced, these prehistoric people replaced their animal"]
["skins with hemp cloth. At first, hemp cloth was worn only by the more"]
["prosperous, but when silk became available, hemp clothed the masses."]
[]
["People in China relied on Cannabis for many more products than fibre."]
["Cannabis seeds were one of the grains of early China along with river"]
["barley, millet, and soybeans. The seeds were ground into a meal, or roasted"]
["whole, or cooked in porridge. The ancient tombs of China had sacrificial"]
["vessels filled with hemp seed and other grains for the afterlife. From"]
["prehistoric times there is a continuos record of the importance of hemp seed"]
["for food until the first to second century BC when the seed had been"]
["replaced by more palatable cereal grains.7 (an interesting note from the"]
["Tung-kuan archives (28 AD) records that after a war-caused famine the people"]
["subsisted on \"wild\" Cannabis and soybean.8)"]
[]
["The effects of Cannabis' resinous leaves and flowers did not go unnoticed."]
["The Oen-ts-ao Ching, the oldest pharmacopoeia known, states that the fruits"]
["(flowering tops) of hemp, \"if taken in excess will produce hallucinations\""]
["(literally \"seeing devils\"). The ancient medical work also says, \"If taken"]
["over a long term, it makes one communicate with spirits and lightens one's"]
["body.\"9 Marijuana, with a powerful effect on the psyche, must have been"]
["considered a magical herb at a time when medical concepts were just being"]
["formed. The P[e hat]n-ts'ao Ching, speaking for the legendary Emperor Sh[e"]
["hat]n-nung of about 2000 BC, prescribes marijuana preparations for \"malaria,"]
["beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pains, absent-mindedness, and female"]
["disorders.\"15 Even the Cannabis root found its place in early medicine."]
["Ground to form a paste, it was applied to relive the pain of broken bones"]
["and surgery."]
[]
["New uses were discovered for Cannabis as Chinese civilisation progressed and"]
["developed new technologies. The ancient Chinese leaned to mill, heat, and"]
["then wedge-press Cannabis seeds to extract the valuable oil, a technique"]
["still used in the western world in the twentieth century. Pressed seeds"]
["yielded almost 20 percent oil by weight. Cannabis oil, much like linseed"]
["oil, could be used for cooking, to fuel lamps, for lubrication, and as the"]
["base in paint, varnish, and soap making. After oil extraction, the residue"]
["or \"hemp cake\" still contained about 10 percent oil and 30 percent protein,"]
["a nutritious feed for domesticated animals."]
[]
["Another advancement came with the Chinese invention of paper. Hemp fibres"]
["recycled from old rags and fish nets made a paper so durable that some was"]
["recently found in graves in the Shense province that predates 100 BC (9)"]
["Hemp paper is known for its longevity and resistance to tearing, and is"]
["presently used for paper money (Canada) and for fine Bibles."]
[]
["The ancient Chinese learned to use virtually every part of the Cannabis"]
["plant: the root for medicine,; the stem for textiles, rope and paper making;"]
["the leaves and flowers for intoxication and medicine; and the seeds for food"]
["and oil. Some of the products fell into disuse only to be rediscovered by"]
["other people at other times."]
[]
["While the Chinese were building their hemp culture, the cotton cultures of"]
["India and the linen (flax) cultures of the Mediterranean began to learn of"]
["Cannabis through expanding trade and from wandering tribes of Aryans,"]
["Mongols, and Scythians who had bordered China since Neolithic times."]
[]
["The Aryans (Indo-Persians) brought Cannabis culture to India nearly 4,000"]
["years ago. They worshipped the spirits of plants and animals, and marijuana"]
["played an active role in their rituals. In China, with the strong influence"]
["of philosophic and moralistic religions, use of marijuana all but"]
["disappeared. But in India, the Aryan religion grew through oral tradition,"]
["until it was recorded in the four Vedas, compiled between 1400 and 1000 BC."]
["In that tradition, unlike the Chinese, marijuana was sacred, and the bhangas"]
["spirit was appealed to \"for freedom of distress\" and as a \"reliever of"]
["anxiety\" (from the Atharva Veda).1 A gift from the gods, according to Indian"]
["mythology, the magical Cannabis \"lowered fevers, fostered sleep, relieved"]
["dysentery, and cured sundry other ills; it also stimulated the appetite,"]
["prolonged life, quickened the mind, and improved the judgement.\"15"]
[]
["The Scythians brought Cannabis to Europe via a northern route where remnants"]
["of their campsites, from the Altai Mountains to Germany, date back 2,800"]
["years. Seafaring Europe never smoked marijuana extensively, but hemp fibre"]
["became a major crop in the history of almost every European country. Pollen"]
["analysis dates the cultivation of Cannabis to 400 BC in Norway, although it"]
["is believed the plant was cultivated in the British Isles several centuries"]
["earlier.2 The Greeks and Romans used hemp for rope and sail but imported the"]
["fibre from Sicily and Gaul. And it has been said the \"Caesar invaded Gaul in"]
["order to tie up the Roman Empire,\" an allusion to the Romans' need for hemp."]
[]
["Marijuana, from its stronghold in India, moved westward through Persia,"]
["Assyria and Arabs by 500 AD. With the rising power if Islam, marijuana"]
["flourished in a popular form as hashish. In 1378, the Emir Soudon Sheikhouni"]
["tried to end the use of Indian hashish by destroying all such plants, and"]
["imprisoning all users (first removing their teeth for good measure). Yet in"]
["a few years marijuana consumption had increased.1"]
[]
["Islam had a strong influence on the use of marijuana in Africa. However, its"]
["use is so ingrained in some ancient cultures of the Zambezi Valley that is"]
["appearance clearly predated Islam. Tribes from the Congo, East Africa, Lake"]
["Victoria, and South Africa smoke marijuana in ritual and leisure. The"]
["ancient Riamba cult is still practiced in the Congo. According to the Riamba"]
["beliefs, marijuana is a god, protector from physical and spiritual harm."]
["Throughout Africa treaties and business transactions are sealed with a puff"]
["of smoke from a yard-long pipe.(15)"]
[]
["With increased travel and trade, Cannabis seed was brought to all parts of"]
["the known world by ships and caravans rigged with the fibre of its kind. And"]
["when the first settlers came to the Americas, they brought the seed with"]
["them."]
[]
["1.3 CANNABIS AND AMERICAN HISTORY"]
[]
["Like their European forbears, Americans cultivated Cannabis primarily for"]
["hemp fibre. Hemp seed was planted in Chile in 1545,(64) Canada in 1606,"]
["Virginia in 1611, and in the Puritan settlements in Massachusetts in the"]
["1630s(15). Hemp-fibre production was especially important to the embryonic"]
["colonies for homespun cloth and for ship rigging. In 1637, the General Court"]
["at Hartford ordered that \"every family within this plantation shall procure"]
["and plant this present year one spoonful of English hemp seed in some"]
["soyle.\"(12)"]
[]
["Hemp growing was encouraged by the British parliament to meet the need for"]
["fibre to rig the British fleets. Partly to dissuade the colonists from"]
["growing only tobacco, bounties were paid for hemp and manuals on hemp"]
["cultivation were distributed. In 1762, that state of Virginia rewarded hemp"]
["growers and \"imposed penalties upon those that did not produce it.\"(2)"]
[]
["The hemp industry started in Kentucky in 1775 and in Missouri some 50 years"]
["later. By 1860, hemp production in Kentucky alone exceeded 40,000 tons and"]
["the industry was second only to cotton in the South. The Civil War disrupted"]
["production and the industry never recovered, despite several attempts by the"]
["United States Department of Agriculture to stimulate cultivation by"]
["importing Chinese and Italian hemp seed to Illinois, Nebraska, and"]
["California. Competition from imported jute and \"hemp\" (Musa textiles) kept"]
["domestic production under 10,000 tons per year. In the early 1900s, a last"]
["effort by the USDA failed to offset the economic difficulties of a labour"]
["shortage and the lack of development of modern machinery for the hemp"]
["industry (64). However, it was legal force that would bring an end to US"]
["hemp production."]
[]
["For thousands of years marijuana had been valued and respected for its"]
["medicinal and euphoric properties. The Encyclopaedia Brittanica of 1894"]
["estimated that 300 million people, mostly from Eastern countries, were"]
["regular marijuana users. Millions more in both the East and the West"]
["received prescription marijuana for such wide-ranging ills as hydrophobia"]
["and tetanus."]
[]
["By the turn of the century, many doctors had dropped marijuana from the"]
["pharmacopoeias: drugs such as aspirin, though less safe (marijuana has never"]
["kill anyone), were more convenient, more predictable, and more specific to"]
["the condition being treated. Pill-popping would become an American"]
["institution."]
[]
["Marijuana was not a legal issue in the United States until the turn of the"]
["twentieth century. Few Americans smoked marijuana, and those that did were"]
["mostly minority groups. According to author Michael Aldrich, (1) \"The"]
["illegalisation of Cannabis came about because of who was using it\" - Mexican"]
["labourers, southern blacks, and the newly subjugated Filipinos."]
[]
["In states where there were large non-white populations, racist politicians"]
["created the myths that marijuana caused insanity, lust, violence and crime."]
["One joint and you were addicted, and marijuana led the way to the use of"]
["equivalent drugs - cocaine, opium and heroin. These myths were promoted by"]
["ignorant politicians and journalists, who had neither experience nor"]
["knowledge of Cannabis, and grew into an anti-marijuana hysteria by the next"]
["generation."]
[]
["For example, the first states to pass restriction on marijuana use were in"]
["the Southwest, where there were large populations of migrant workers from"]
["Mexico. One of the first states to act was California, which, \"with its huge"]
["Chicano population and opium smoking Chinatowns, labelled marijuana 'poison'"]
["in 1907, prohibited its possession unless prescribed by a physician in 1915,"]
["and included it among hard narcotics, morphine and cocaine in 1929.\" (1)"]
[]
["In marijuana, the mainstream society found a defenceless scapegoat to cover"]
["the ills of poverty, racism, and cultural prejudice. San Franciscans \"were"]
["frightened by the 'large influx of Hindoos ... demanding Cannabis indica'"]
["who were initiating 'the whites into their habit.'\" (11) Editorialists"]
["heightened public fears with nightmarish headlines of the \"marijuana menace\""]
["and \"killer weed,\" and fear of Cannabis gradually spread through the West."]
["By 1929, 16 western states had passed punitive restrictions governing"]
["marijuana use."]
[]
["{Figure 5.  (Sample -- Warning card to be placed in R. R. Trains, Buses,"]
["Street Cars, etc.)"]
["Beware! Young and Old - People in All Walks of Life!"]
["This {joint} may be handed you by the friendly stranger."]
["It contains the Killer Drug \"Marihuana\" -- a powerful narcotic"]
["in which lurks Murder!  Insanity!  Death!"]
["WARNING!"]
["Dope peddlers are shrewd!  They may put some of this drug in the {teapot}"]
["or in the {cocktail} or in the tobacco cigarette."]
["WRITE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, ENCLOSING 12 CENTS IN"]
["POSTAGE -- MAILING COST"]
["Address: THE INTER-STATE NARCOTIC ASSOCIATION"]
["(Incorporated not for profit)"]
["52W Jackson Blvd.   Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A."]
[]
["{'This may be handed you by the ...' is a mistake on the poster}}"]
[]
["Marijuana was not singled out be anti-drug campaigners. During this time,"]
["Congress not only banned \"hard\" narcotics, but also had prohibited alcohol"]
["and considered the prohibition of medical pain killers and even caffeine."]
[]
["The Federal Bureau of Narcotics was established in 1930 with Harry Anslinger"]
["as its first commissioner. During the first few years of operation, the"]
["bureau minimised the marijuana problem, limited mostly to the Southwest and"]
["certain ghettos in the big cities of the East. However, the bureau was"]
["besieged with pleas from local police and sheriffs to help with marijuana"]
["problems. The FBN continued to resist this pressure, because Commissioner"]
["Anslinger had serious doubts as to whether federal law restricting marijuana"]
["use could be sustained as constitutional. Further, FBN reports indicate that"]
["the bureau did not believe that the marijuana problem was as great as its"]
["public reputation. Control of the drug would also prove extremely difficult,"]
["for as Anslinger pointed out, the plant grew \"like dandelions.\" (11)"]
[]
["The joblessness and misery of the depression added impetus to the"]
["anti-marijuana campaign. This came about indirectly, by way of focusing"]
["public sentiment against migrant and minority workers who were blamed for"]
["taking \"American\" jobs. Much of this sentiment grew out of cultural and"]
["racial prejudice and was supported by groups such as Key Men of America and"]
["the American Coalition. The goal of these groups was to \"Keep America"]
["American.\""]
[]
["However, by 1935 almost every state had restricted marijuana use, and local"]
["police and influential politicians had managed to pressure the FBN to seek a"]
["federal marijuana law. The constitutional question could be circumvented by"]
["cleverly tying restrictions to a transfer tax, effectively giving the"]
["federal government legal control of marijuana."]
[]
["With this new tack, the FBN prepared for congressional hearings on the"]
["Marijuana Tax Act so that passage of the bill would be assured. Anslinger"]
["and politicians seeking to gain from this highly emotional issue railroaded"]
["the Marijuana Tax Act through the 1937 Congress. Anslinger made sure that"]
["the only information that they (the congressmen) has was what we would give\nthem at the hearings. (11) No users were allowed to testify in pot's"]
["defence, and doctors and scientists were ridiculed for raising contrary"]
["views (16). The new federal law made both raising and use of the plant"]
["illegal without the purchase of a hard-to-acquire federal stamp. The FBN"]
["immediately intensified the propaganda campaign against marijuana and for"]
["the next generation, the propaganda continued unchallenged."]
[]
["The marijuana hysteria also ended any hopes for a recovery of the hemp"]
["industry. What had been needed was a machine that would solve the age-old"]
["problem of separating the fibre from the plant stem, an effort which"]
["required considerable skilled labour. The machine that could have"]
["revolutionised hemp production was introduced to the American public in the"]
["February 1938 edition of Popular Mechanics. But the Marijuana Tax Act has"]
["been passed four months earlier, and the official attitude toward all"]
["Cannabis is best illustrated by this quote from Harry J. Anslinger,"]
["commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics: \"Now this (hemp) is the"]
["finest fibre known to man-kind, my God, if you ever have a shirt made of it,"]
["your grandchildren would never wear it out. You take Polish families. We'd"]
["go in and start to tear it up and the man came out with his shotgun yelling,"]
["'These are my clothes for next winter!'\" (2)"]
[]
["During the war years, after the Japanese had cut off America's supply of"]
["manila hemp, worried officials supplied hemp seed and growing information to"]
["Midwestern farmers. In Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, hemp"]
["farmers showed their wartime spirit by producing over 63,000 tons of hemp"]
["fibre in 1943."]
[]
["Unlike many of our ancient domesticated plants, Cannabis never lost its"]
["colonising tendencies or ability to survive without human help. Cannabis"]
["readily \"escapes\" cultivated fields and may flourish long after its"]
["cultivation is abandoned. However, Cannabis always keeps in contact by"]
["flourishing in our waste areas - our vacant fields and lots, along roads and"]
["drainage ditches, and in our rubbish and garbage heaps. Perhaps it awaits"]
["discovery by future generations. The cycle has been repeated many times."]
[]
["States that once supported hemp industry are now dotted with stands of"]
["escaped weedy hemp. Weedy hemp grows across the country, except in the"]
["Southwest and parts of the Southeast. Distribution is centered heavily in"]
["the Midwest. Most of these plants are descended from Chinese and European"]
["hemp strains that were bred in Kentucky and the grown in Midwestern stated"]
["during World War II. But some weed patches, such as in Kentucky and"]
["Missouri, go back perhaps to revolutionary times."]
[]
["The Anslinger crusades that continued through the sixties are a fine example"]
["of government propaganda and control of individual lives and beliefs. We"]
["still feel the ramifications in our present laws and in the fear-response to"]
["marijuana harboured by many people who grew up with Anslingian concepts."]
["Poor Cannabis, portrayed as a dangerous narcotic that would bring purgatory"]
["upon anyone who took a toke - violence, addiction, lust, insanity - you name"]
["it, and marijuana caused it. All it ever did to us was get us stoned ..."]
["things slowed down a bit ... enough to stop and look around."]
[]
["{Figure 6.  A weedy hemp stand in Nebraska.}"]
[]
["Hopefully, we are living in the last years of the era of illegal marijuana"]
["and the persecution of this plant. Cannabis is truly wondrous, having served"]
["human needs for, perhaps, 10,000 years. It deserves renewed attention not"]
["only for its chemical properties, but also as an ecologically sensible"]
["alternative for synthetic fibres in general and especially wood-pulp paper."]
["May Cannabis be vindicated."]
[]
["1.4 Cannabis: Species or Varieties"]
[]
["The 10,000-year co-evolution of Cannabis and humanity has had a profound"]
["impact on both plant and humans. Cannabis has affected our cultural"]
["evolution; we have affected the plant's biological evolution."]
[]
["From small populations of ancient progenitors, hundreds of varieties or"]
["strains of Cannabis have evolved. These variations can be traced to human"]
["acts, both planned and accidental."]
[]
["Ancient farmers, knowing that like begets like, selected Cannabis for"]
["certain characteristics to better suit their needs. With the need for fibre,"]
["seeds from plants with longer stems and better fibres were cultivated."]
["Gradually, their descendants became taller, straight-stemmed, and had a"]
["minimum of branches. Some farmers were interested in seed and oil. They"]
["developed large-seeded, bushy plants that could bear an abundance of seeds."]
["Marijuana farmers interested in potency selected plants that flowered"]
["profusely with heavy resin and strong psychoactive properties."]
[]
["The subsequent variations in Cannabis are striking. In Italy, where hemp"]
["fibre supports a major textile and paper industry, some fibre varieties grow"]
["35 feet in a single season. Other Italian varieties may reach only five or"]
["six feet in height, but have slender, straight stems that yield a fibre of"]
["very fine quality. In Southeast Asia, some marijuana plants grow only four"]
["feet or less, yet these are densely foliated and heavy with resin. Other"]
["varieties of marijuana grow 15 to 20 feet in a season and yield over a pound"]
["of grass per plant."]
[]
["Breeding plants is a conscious act. The plant's evolution, however, has also"]
["been affected by its introduction to lands and climates different from its"]
["original home. Whether plants are cultivated or weeds, they must adapt to"]
["their environment. Each new country and growing situation presented Cannabis"]
["with new circumstances and problems for survival. The plants have been so"]
["successful at adapting and harmonising with new environments that they are"]
["now considered the most widely distributed of cultivated plants. (45)"]
[]
["In French, Cannabis is sometimes called \"Le Chanvre troumper\" or \"tricky"]
["hemp,\" a name coined to described its highly adaptable nature. The word"]
["adaptable actually has two meanings. The first refers to how a population of"]
["plants (the generic pool) adjusts to the local environment over a period of"]
["generations. (The population is, in practice, each batch of seeds you heave,"]
["or each existing stand or field.) For instance, a garden with some plants"]
["that flower late in the season will not have time to seed in the north. The"]
["next year's crop will come only from any early seeding plants. Most of them"]
["will be like their parents and will set seed early. (See section 18.)"]
[]
["Adaptable is a term that also applies to the individual living plant"]
["(phenotype) and, in practical terms, means that Cannabis is tenacious and"]
["hardy -- a survivor among plants. It thrives under a variety of"]
["environmental conditions, whether at 10,000 feet in the Himalayas, the"]
["tropical valleys of Colombia, or the cool and rainy New England coast."]
[]
["Through breading and natural selection, Cannabis has evolved in many"]
["direction. Botanically and historically, the genus is so diverse that many"]
["growers are confused by the mythology, exotic names, and seeming"]
["contradictions that surround the plants. Many inconsistencies are explained"]
["by understanding how variable Cannabis is. There are hundreds of wild,"]
["weedy, and cultivated varieties. Cultivated varieties may be useful for only"]
["hemp, oil, or marijuana. \"Strains,\" \"varieties,\" \"cultivars,\" \"chemovars,\""]
["or \"ecotypes\" differ widely in almost every apparent characteristic."]
["Varieties range from two to 35 feet tall; branching patterns run from dense"]
["to quite loose, long (five or six feet) or short (a few inches). Various"]
["branching patterns form the plant into shapes ranging from cylindrical, to"]
["conical, to ovoid, to very sparse and gangly. The shape and colour of leaves"]
["and stems, seeds, and flowering clusters are all variable characteristics"]
["that differ among varieties. Life cycles may be as short as three months, or"]
["the plants may hang on to life for several years. Most importantly,"]
["different varieties provide great variations in the quality and quantity of"]
["resin they produce, and hance in their psychoactive properties and value as"]
["marijuana."]
[]
["The taxonomy (ordering and naming) of Cannabis has never been adequately"]
["carried out. Early research placed the genus Cannabis within the Families of"]
["either the Moraceae (mulberry) or the Urticaceae (nettle). Now there is"]
["general agreement that the plant belongs in a separate family, the"]
["Cannabaceae, along with one other genus, Humulus, the hops plant. (See"]
["section on Grafting in section 18.)"]
[]
["A modern Scheme for the phylogeny of Cannabis would be:"]
[]
["        Subdivision     Angiospermae (flowering plants)"]
["        Class   Dicotyledoneae (dicots)"]
["        Order   Uriticales (nettle order)"]
["        Family  Cannabaceae (hemp family)"]
["        Genus   Cannabis (hemp plant)"]
[]
["Below the genus level, there is no general agreement on how many species"]
["should be recognised within Cannabis. The Cannabis lineage has not been"]
["possible to trace after thousands of years of human intervention."]
[]
["Most research refers to Cannabis as a single species - Cannabis sativa L."]
["(The word Cannabis comes from ancient vernacular names for hemp, such as the"]
["Greek Kannabis; sativa means \"cultivated\" in Latin; L. stands for Linnaeus,"]
["the botanical author of the name.) But some botanists who are studying"]
["Cannabis believe there are more than one species within the genus."]
[]
["Richard Schultes, for example, describes three separate species (see Box A)"]
["based on variations in characteristics believed not to be selected for by"]
["humans (natural variations) such as seed colour and abscission layer (scar"]
["tissue on the seed which indicates how it was attached to the stalk)."]
[]
["     BOX A"]
["     Schultes' Key as it appears in Harvard Botanical"]
["     Museum Leaflets (45)"]
[]
["     Cannabis Sativa"]
["     1. Plants usually tall (five to 18 feet), laxly branched; akenes"]
["     ((Akene (or Achene) is the botanical name for the fruit of"]
["     Cannabis. In Cannabis, the fruit is essentially the seed.))"]
["     smooth, usually lacking marbled pattern on outer coat, firmly"]
["     attached to stalk and without definite articulation."]
[]
["     Cannabis Indica"]
["     1A. Plant usually small (four feet or less), not laxly branched;"]
["     akenes usually strongly marbled on outer coat, with a definite"]
["     abscission layer, dropping off at maturity."]
["     2. Plants very densely branched, more or less conical, usually"]
["     four feet tall or less; abscission layer a simple articulation at"]
["     base of akene."]
[]
["     Cannabis ruderalis ((Limited to parts of Asia.))"]
["     2A. Plants not branched or very sparsely so, usually one to two"]
["     feet at maturity. Abscission layer forms a fleshly carbuncle-like"]
["     growth at base of akene."]
[]
["Ideally, the classification of living things follows a natural order,"]
["reflecting relationships as they occur in nature. Species are groups of"]
["organisms that are evolving as distinct units. Biologically, the"]
["evolutionary unit is the population, a population being a group of freely"]
["inbreeding organisms. Living things don't always fit neatly into scientific"]
["categories. And the meaning of species changes with our understanding of"]
["life and the evolutionary processes. Often, the definition of species will"]
["depend on the particular being studied."]
[]
["A traditional way of defining separate species is that off-spring that"]
["result cannot reproduce successfully. As far as is known, all Cannabis"]
["plants can cross freely, resulting in fully fertile hybrids (107). But"]
["growth habit and actual gene exchange are important considerations in plant"]
["taxonomy. If different populations never come in contact, then there is no"]
["pressure for them to develop biological processes to prevent them mixing."]
["Cannabis is pollinated by the wind. Although wind may carry pollen grains"]
["hundreds of miles, almost all pollen falls within a few feet of the parent"]
["plant. The chance of a pollen grain fertilising a tiny female flower more"]
["than 100 yards away is extremely small (201). Hence, separate stands or"]
["fields of Cannabis (populations) are quite naturally isolated. For Cannabis,"]
["the fact that populations are isolated by distance is not sufficient grounds"]
["for labelling them separate species, nor is successful hybridisation reason"]
["enough to group all populations as one species."]
[]
["The species question and Cannabis mythology are complicated by the plant's"]
["ability to rapidly change form and growth habits. These changes can be"]
["measured in years and decades, rather than centuries or millennia."]
[]
["The fact that a pollen grain does occasionally fertilise a distant flowers"]
["leads to a process called introgression. Introgression means that new genes"]
["(new variations and possible variations) are incorporated into the"]
["population via the foreign pollen. This crossing between populations leads"]
["to an increase in variation within the population, but a decrease in the"]
["differences between the populations. Although introgression confuses the"]
["species question, it also adds to the plant's adaptable nature by providing"]
["a resource for adaptive variations. In other words, Cannabis has been"]
["around. The plants have a rich and varied history of experience, which is"]
["reflected in their variety and adaptive nature."]
[]
["If breeding barriers do not exist, species are often delimited by natural"]
["differences in morphology (structure or appearance). The natural variations"]
["on which Schultes' key is based are actually affected by contact with"]
["farmers. For instance, seeds which drop freely from the plant are less"]
["likely to be collected and sown by the farmer, so that cultivated Cannabis"]
["may eventually develop a different type of abscission layer than when wild"]
["or weedy."]
[]
["Seed colour and pattern are affected naturally by the need for camouflage."]
["Under cultivation this natural selection pressure would not be the same."]
["Many farmers select seeds by colour, believing the darkest are the best"]
["developed. In other words, there are serious problems with this limited"]
["approach to categorising species in Cannabis. This does not go unrecognised"]
["by Dr. Schultes, and the key represents a starting point. However, species"]
["should represent distinct groups within a genus, and populations with"]
["intermediate characteristics should be the exception. When you grow"]
["marijuana, you'll find that most varieties do not fit into any of these"]
["categories, but lie somewhere between. The majority of the marijuana from"]
["the Western Hemisphere would follow this description: plants tall (eight to"]
["18 feet); well-branched; akenes usually strongly marbled; base of the seed"]
["sometimes slightly articulated."]
[]
["Other characteristics, such as variations on wood anatomy (17) and leaf form"]
["(28), have been suggested for delimiting Cannabis species. However, wood"]
["anatomy, like stem anatomy, can be seriously affected by selection for hemp"]
["in particular, but also by selection for marijuana and seed. Wood anatomy"]
["also depends on the portion of the stem examined and on the arrangement of"]
["leaves (phyllotaxy), which, in turn, is influenced by light levels,"]
["photoperiod, and the physiological development of the plant."]
[]
["Most Cannabis plants have compound leaves with seven to nine blades or"]
["leaflets per leaf. Occasionally, varieties are seen where all the leaves"]
["have only one to three blades (monophyllous). Such plants sometimes arise"]
["from varieties with compound leaves. The factor is genetic, but carries"]
["little weight for the separation of species."]
[]
["Human selection for particular traits can powerfully alter plants. Sex"]
["vegetables - cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, and"]
["kohlrabi - are all descended from a single wild species of mustard herb,"]
["Brassica oleracea (216). Human preference for particular parts of the plant"]
["led to their development. All six are still considered one species."]
[]
["Any classification of species in Cannabis, based solely on morphological"]
["grounds, will prove difficult to justify with our present knowledge of the"]
["plant. At this time it seems that all Cannabis should be considered one"]
["species, Cannabis sativa L."]
[]
["{Figure 7.  Common marijuana leaf with seven blades (Colombian)}"]
["{Figure 8.  Four leaf types from Colombian marijuana varieties}"]
["{Figure 9.  Leaf blades from Figure 8.}"]
[]
["The debate on whether there is more than one species has been intense, for"]
["the issue has legal implications. Many laws specifically prohibit only"]
["Cannabis sativa. Presumably other species would not be prohibited. However,"]
["in the United States, this argument was recently dismissed when tested in a"]
["California court. The court upheld the argument that the law's intent is"]
["clear, although it may be questionable botanically: under law all Cannabis"]
["are regarded alike."]
[]
["Luckily, the controversy over the number of species is of no more than"]
["academic interest to the marijuana grower. The most important characteristic"]
["to enthusiasts is the quality or potency of the grass they'll grow."]
[]
["Potency is mostly a factor of heredity. The quality of the grass you grow"]
["depends on how good its parents were, so choose seeds from the grass you"]
["like best."]
[]
["The environment has an impact, too, but it can only work on what is"]
["contained in the seed. A potent harvest depends on an environment which"]
["encourages the seed to develop to a full and potent maturity. The way to"]
["begin is to find the most potent grass you can; then you will have taken the"]
["first step."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["     CHAPTER 2"]
["     CANNABINOIDS: THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF MARIJUANA"]
[]
["Cannabis is unique in many ways. Of all plants, it is the only genus known"]
["to produce chemical substances known as cannabinoids. The cannabinoids are"]
["the psychoactive ingredients of marijuana; they are what get you high. By"]
["1974, 37 naturally occurring cannabinoids had been discovered 115,118. Most"]
["of the cannabinoids appear in very small amounts (less than .01 percent of"]
["total cannabinoids) and are not considered psychoactive, or else not"]
["important to the high. Many are simply homologues or analogues (similar"]
["structure or function) to the few major cannabinoids which are listed."]
[]
["     1. (-)-{triangle}9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol ((There are several"]
["     numbering systems used for cannabinoids. The system in this book"]
["     is most common in American publications and is based on formal"]
["     chemical rules for numbering pyran compounds. Another common"]
["     system is used more by Europeans and is based on a monoterpenoid"]
["     system which is more useful considering the biogenesis of the"]
["     compound.)) This (delta-9 THC) is the main psychotomimetic"]
["     (mindbending) ingredient of marijuana. Estimates state that 70 to"]
["     100 percent (121) of the marijuana high results from the delta-9"]
["     THC present. It occurs in almost all Cannabis in concentration"]
["     that vary from traces to about 95 percent of all the cannabinoids"]
["     in the sample. In very potent varieties, carefully prepared"]
["     marijuana can have up to 12 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight of"]
["     the sample (seeds and stems removed from flowering buds). ((\"Buds\""]
["     of commercial marijuana is the popular name given to masses of"]
["     female flowers that form distinct clusters.))"]
[]
["     Delta-8 THC - This substance is reported in low concentration,"]
["     less than one percent of the delta-9 THC present. Its activity is"]
["     slightly less than that of delta-9 THC. It may be an artefact of"]
["     the extraction/analysis process. Here we refer to delta-9 THC and"]
["     delta-8 THC as THC."]
[]
["     2. Cannabidiol - CBD also occurs in almost all varieties."]
["     Concentration range from nil (119,138), to about 95 percent of the"]
["     total cannabinoids present. THC and CBD are the two most abundant"]
["     naturally occurring cannabinoids. CBD is not psychotomimetic in"]
["     the pure form (192), although it does have sedative, analgesic,"]
["     and antibiotic properties. In order for CBD to affect the high,"]
["     THC must be present in quantities ordinarily psychoactive. CBD can"]
["     contribute to the high by interacting with THC to potentiate"]
["     (enhance) or antagonise (interfere or lessen) certain qualities of"]
["     the high. CBD appears to potentiate the depressant effects of THC"]
["     and antagonise is excitatory effects (186). CBD also delays the"]
["     onset of the high (183) but can make it last considerably longer"]
["     (as much as twice as long). (The grass takes a while to come on"]
["     but keeps coming on.) Opinions are conflicting as to whether it"]
["     increases or decreases the intensity of the high, \"intensity\" and"]
["     high\" being difficult to define. Terms such as knock-out or"]
["     sleepy, dreamlike, or melancholic are often used to describe the"]
["     high from grass with sizeable proportions of CBD and THC. When"]
["     only small amounts of THC are present with high proportions of"]
["     CBD, the high is more of a buzz, and the mind feels dull and the"]
["     body de-energised. {See Figure 11 to 16 for chemical structure in"]
["     monochrome bitmap format.}"]
[]
["     3. Cannabinol - CBN is not produced by the plant per se. It is the"]
["     degradation (oxidative) product of THC. Fresh samples of marijuana"]
["     contain very little CBN but curing, poor storage, or processing"]
["     such as when making hashish, can cause much of the THC to be"]
["     oxidised to CBN. Pure forms of CBN have at most 10 percent of the"]
["     psychoactivity of THC (192). Like CBD, it is suspected of"]
["     potentiating certain aspects of the high, although so far these"]
["     affects appear to be slight (183,185). CBN seems to potentiate"]
["     THC's disorienting qualities. One may feel more dizzy or drugged"]
["     or generally untogether but not necessarily higher. In fact, with"]
["     a high proportion of CBN, the high may start well but feels as if"]
["     it never quite reaches its peak, and when coming down one feels"]
["     tired or sleepy. High CBN in homegrown grass is not desirable"]
["     since it represents a loss of 90 percent of the psychoactivity of"]
["     its precursor THC."]
[]
["     4. Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV is the propyl homologue of THC."]
["     In the aromatic ring the usual five-carbon pentyl is replaced by a"]
["     short three-carbon propyl chain. The propyl cannabinoids have so"]
["     far been found in some varieties originating from Southeast and"]
["     Central Asia and parts of Africa. What are considered some very"]
["     potent marijuana varieties contain propyl cannabinoids. In one"]
["     study, THCV made up to 48.23 percent (Afghanistan strain) and"]
["     53.69 percent (South Africa) of the cannabinoids found (136)."]
["     We've seen no reports on its activity in humans. From animal"]
["     studies it appears to be much faster in onset and quicker to"]
["     dissipate than THC (181). It may be the constituent of one- or"]
["     two-toke grass, but its activity appears to be somewhat less than"]
["     that of THC."]
[]
["     The propyl cannabinoids are a series corresponding to the usual"]
["     pentyl cannabinoids. The counterpart of CBD is CBDV; and of CBN,"]
["     CBV. There are no reports on their activity and for now we can"]
["     only speculate that they are similar to CBD and CBN. Unless noted"]
["     otherwise, in this book THC refers collectively to delta-9 THC,"]
["     delta-8 THC, and THCV."]
[]
["     5. Cannabichromene - CBC is another major cannabinoid, although it"]
["     is found in smaller concentrations than CBD and THC. It was"]
["     previously believed that is was a minor constituent, but more"]
["     exacting analysis showed that the compound often reported as CBD"]
["     may actually be CBC (119,137). However, relative to THC and CBD,"]
["     its concentration in the plants is low, probably not exceeding 20"]
["     percent of total cannabinoids. CBC is believed not to be"]
["     psychotomimetic in humans (121); however, its presence in plants"]
["     is purportedly very potent has led to the suspicion that it may be"]
["     interacting with THC to enhance the high (137). Cannabicyclol"]
["     (CBL) is a degradative product like CBN and CBV (123). During"]
["     extraction, light converts CBC to CBL. There are no reports on its"]
["     activity in humans, and it is found in small amounts, if at all,"]
["     in fresh plant material."]
[]
[]
[]
["     2.2 Cannabinoids and the High"]
[]
["The marijuana high is a complex experience. It involves a wide range of"]
["psychical, physical, and emotional responses. The high is a subjective"]
["experience based in the individual - one's personality, mood, disposition,"]
["and experience with the drug. Given the person, the intensity of the high"]
["depends primarily on the amount of THC present in the marijuana. Delta-9 THC"]
["is the main ingredient of marijuana and must be present in sufficient"]
["quantities for a good marijuana high. People who smoke grass that has very"]
["little cannabinoids other then delta-9 THC usually report that the high is"]
["very intense. Most people will get high from a joint having delta-9 THC of"]
[".5 percent concentration to material. Grass having a THC concentration of"]
["three percent would be considered excellent quality by anyone's standards."]
["In this book, for brevity, we use potency to mean the sum effects of the"]
["cannabinoids and the overall high induced."]
[]
["Marijuana (plant material) is sometimes rated more potent that the content"]
["of delta-9 THC alone would suggest. It also elicits qualitatively different"]
["highs. The reasons for this have not been sorted out. Few clinical studies"]
["with known combinations of several cannabinoids have been undertaken with"]
["human subjects. This field is still in its infancy. So far, different highs"]
["and possibly higher potency seem to be due to the interaction of delta-9 THC"]
["and other cannabinoids (THCV,CBD,CBN, and possibly CBC). Except for THCV, in"]
["the pure form, these other cannabinoids do not have much psychoactivity."]
[]
["Another possibility for higher potency is that homologues of delta-9 THC"]
["with longer side chains at C-3 (and higher activity) might be found in"]
["certain marijuana varieties. Compounds with longer side chains have been"]
["mode in laboratories and their activity is sometimes much higher, with"]
["estimates over 500 times that of natural delta-9 THC (55,113,191). Compounds"]
["besides THCV with shorter chains (methyl (139) and butyl (118)) in this"]
["position have been found in small amounts in some marijuana samples,"]
["indicating that variations do exist. However, this is not a very likely"]
["explanation. More likely, THCV is more prevalent in marijuana than supposed"]
["and probably had additive or synergistic effects with delta-9 THC."]
[]
["The possibility that there are non-cannabinoids that are psychoactive or"]
["interacting with the cannabinoids has not been investigated in detail."]
["Non-cannabinoids with biological activity have been isolated from the"]
["plants, but only in very small quantities (181). None are known to be"]
["psychotomimetic. However, they may contribute to the overall experience in"]
["non-mental ways, such as the stimulation of the appetite."]
[]
["Different blends of cannabinoids account for high of different qualities."]
["The intensity of the high depends primarily on the amount of delta-9 THC"]
["present and on the method of ingestion. A complex drug such as marijuana"]
["affects the mind and body in many ways. Sorting out what accounts for what"]
["response can become quite complex. The methodology to isolate and test the"]
["different cannabinoids now exists. The National Institute of Mental Health"]
["(NIMH) is funding research on the pharmacology of marijuana. However, such"]
["research is paltry, considering that over 30 million people in the United"]
["States use the crude drug. Much more research is needed before definite"]
["understanding of the cannabinoids and the high is attained."]
[]
["When the legal restriction are removed, marijuana will probably be sold by"]
["particular blends of cannabinoids and standard amounts of delta-9 THC."]
["Synthetic marijuana will probably be made with homologues of delta-9 THC"]
["that have much higher activity than the natural form. For now, without"]
["access to a lab, you must be satisfied with your own smoking evaluation (for"]
["research purposes only), ultimately the most important criterion any way."]
[]
["2.3 Resin and Resin Glands"]
[]
["Many people consider potency and resin concentration synonymous. People hear"]
["of plants oozing or gushing with copious resin, and the image is of resin"]
["flowing in the plant like the latex of a rubber tree or the sap of a maple"]
["tree. But these visions are just pipe dreams."]
[]
["It is quite possible to have a resinous plant with little potency or a plant"]
["with little apparent resin which is very potent. Potency depends primarily"]
["on the concentration of THC in the plant material. Many more substances"]
["besides the cannabinoids make up the crude resin of Cannabis. Preparations"]
["such as ghanja or hashish are roughly about one-third by weight"]
["non-psychoactive water-soluble substances and cellular debris. Another third"]
["is non-psychoactive resins such as phenoloic and terpenoid polymers,"]
["glycerides, and triterpenes. Only one-fourth to one-third is the"]
["cannabinoids. In many Cannabis plants, THC may be only a very small"]
["percentage of the total cannabinoids. ((These figures are very approximate."]
["Actual percentages depend on sample material, processing, and extraction"]
["procedures. See Table 8 and 9 for percentages of THC in hashish.)) The"]
["remainder (5 to 10 percent) of the resin will be essential oils, sterols,"]
["fatty acids, and various hydrocarbons common to plants."]
[]
["Table 8 - Seized Hashish (a)"]
[]
["                         Range of Percentage of"]
["COUNTRY IN WHICH SEIZED  THC         CBD"]
["Greece                   1 - 15.8    1.4 - 11.1"]
["Nepal                    1.5 - 10.9  8.8 - 15.1"]
["Afghanistan              1.7 - 15    1.8 - 10.3"]
["Pakistan                 2.3 - 8.7   6.8(b)"]
[]
["a Figures compiled from many sources."]
["b Only one figure reported"]
[]
["Table 9 - Relative Percentages of Major Cannabinoids from Hashish and Resin"]
["          Preparations."]
["                       Average Percentages of"]
["COUNTRY                THC      CBD      CBN"]
["Afghanistan            52       36       12"]
["Burma                  15.7     16.3     68"]
["Jamaica                77.5      9.1     13.4"]
["Lebanon                32.2     62.5      5.3"]
["Morocco                55       34.2     10.8"]
["Nigeria                53.7      9.3     37"]
["Pakistan               35.7     48.3     16.1"]
["South Africa           75.6      8.4       16"]
[]
["a Each row sums to 100%"]
["_TABLE 9"]
[]
["The cannabinoids basically do not flow in the plant, nor are they the"]
["plant's sap. About 80 to 90 percent of the cannabinoids are synthesised ad"]
["stored in microscopic resin glands that appear on the outer surfaces of all"]
["plant parts except the root and seed. the arrangement and number"]
["(concentration) of resin glands vary somewhat with the particular strain"]
["examined. Marijuana varieties generally have more resin glands, and they are"]
["larger then resin glands on non-drug varieties."]
[]
["Although resin glands are structurally diverse, they are of three basic"]
["types. The bulbous type is the smallest (15-30 um ((um is the symbol for a"]
["micrometer (or micron), equal to 1/1,000,000 of a meter, or approximately"]
["1/25,000 of an inch.)) or about .0006 to .0012 inches). From one to four"]
["cells make up the \"foot\" and \"stalk,\" and one to four cells make up the"]
["head of the gland (25). Head cells secrete a resin - presumably"]
["cannabinoids - oils, and related compounds which accumulate between the head"]
["cells and the outer membrane (cuticle). When the gland matures, a"]
["nipple-like outpocket may form on the membrane from the pressure of the"]
["accumulating resin. The bulbous glands are found scattered about the"]
["surfaces of the above-ground plant parts."]
[]
["The second type of gland is much larger and more numerous than the bulbous"]
["glands. The are called \"capitate,\" which means having a globular-shaped"]
["head. On immature plants, the heads lie flush or appear not to have a stalk"]
["and are called \"capitate sessile.\" They actually have a stalk that is one"]
["cell high, although it may not be visible beneath the globular head. The"]
["head is composed of usually eight, but up to 16 cells, that form a convex"]
["rosette. These cells secrete a cannabinoid-rich resin which accumulates"]
["between the rosette and its outer membrane. This gives it a spherical shape,"]
["and the gland measures from 25 to 100 um across. In fresh plant material"]
["about 80 to 90 percent of their contents will be cannabinoids, the rest"]
["primarily essential oils (146)."]
[]
["During flowering the capitate glands that appear on the newly formed plant"]
["parts take on a third form. Some of the glands are raised to a height of 150"]
["to 500 um when their talks elongate, possibly due to their greater activity."]
["The stalk is composed mostly of adjacent epidermal tissue. These"]
["capitate-stalked glands appear during flowering and form their densest cover"]
["on the female flower bracts. They are also highly concentrated on the small"]
["leaves that accompany the flowers of fine marijuana varieties. Highest"]
["concentration is along the veins of the lower leaf surface, although the"]
["glands may also be found on the upper leaf surface on some varieties. The"]
["male flowers have stalked glands on the sepals, but they are smaller and"]
["less concentrated than on the female bracts. Male flowers form a row of very"]
["large capitate glands along the opposite sides of anthers."]
[]
["Capitate-stalked resin glands are the only ones visible without a"]
["microscope. To the naked eye, this covering of glands on the female flower"]
["bracts looks like talcum or dew sprinkled on a fuzzy surface. With a strong"]
["hand lens, the heads and stalks are distinct. Resin glands also can be seen"]
["on the anthers of the male flowers and on the undersides of the small leaves"]
["the intersperse the flower clusters."]
[]
["{Figure 17.  Upper surface of a small leaf, showing stalked glands.}"]
["{Figure 18.  Resin glands on a stem lie close to the surface beneath the"]
["cystolith hairs.  Hairs always point in direction of growing shoots.}"]
[]
["Resin glands are not visible until flowers form. The more obvious covering"]
["of white hairs seen on stems, petioles, and leaves are not resin glands."]
["They are cystolith hairs of carbonate and silicate which are common to many"]
["plants. These sharp-pointed hairs afford the plant some protection from"]
["insects and make it less palatable to larger, plant-eating animals."]
[]
["In India, to make the finest quality hashish (nup), dried plants are"]
["thrashed over screens. Gland heads, stalks and trichomes collect in a white"]
["to golden powder which is then compressed into hashish (for hashmaking"]
["search section 21 for \"hash\")."]
[]
["Resin rarely accumulates in the copious quantities people would lead you to"]
["believe. Actually, the plants form a cover of resin glands rather than a"]
["coating of resin. Usually this is no more apparent than for the female"]
["flowers to glisten with pin-points of light and for the leaves and stems to"]
["feel a bit sticky when you run your fingers over them."]
[]
["On some fine marijuana strains, resin may become obvious by the end of"]
["flowering and seed set. Resins occasionally secrete through pores in the"]
["membrane of gland heads. Usually secretion occurs many weeks after the"]
["stalked glands appear. The glands seem to empty their contents, leaving"]
["hollow spaces (vacuoles) in the stalk and head cells. After secretion, the"]
["glands cease to function and begin to degenerate. Gland heads, stalks, and"]
["trichomes become clumped together, and the whole flowering surface becomes a"]
["sticky mass. For reasons we'll go into later, this is not necessarily"]
["desirable. (see sections 20,21.)"]
[]
["Small quantities of cannabinoids are present in the internal tissues of the"]
["plant. The bulk is found in small single cells (non-articulated laticifers)"]
["that elongate to form small, individual resin canals. The resin canals"]
["ramify the developing shoots, and penetrate the plant's conducting tissue"]
["(phloem). Minute clumps of resin found in the phloem are probably deposited"]
["by these resin canals. Other plant cells contain insignificant amounts of"]
["cannabinoids and probably a good 90 percent of the cannabinoids are"]
["localised in the resin glands."]
[]
["Cannabinoid synthesis seems to occur primarily in the head and apex of the"]
["stalk cells of the resin glands (26). Lacticifers and possibly other plant"]
["cells probably contribute by synthesising the simpler molecules that will"]
["eventually make up the cannabinoids. Biosynthesis (the way the plant makes"]
["the molecules) of the cannabinoids is believed to follow a scheme originally"]
["outlined by A.R. Todd in his paper \"Hashish,\" published in 1946 (see Figure"]
["19). In the 1960s the pathway was worked out by Raphal Mechoulam, and"]
["confirmed in 1975 by Dr. Shimomura and his associates."]
[]
["{Figure 19.  Possible biosynthesis of cannabinoids.}"]
[]
["Notice that all the cannabinoids are their acid forms with a (COOH) carboxyl"]
["group at C-2 in the aromatic ring. This group may also appear at C-4 and the"]
["compounds are called, for example, THC acid \"A\" and THC acid \"B\","]
["respectively. The position of the carboxyl group does not affect the"]
["potency, but, in fact, in their acid forms the cannabinoids are not"]
["psychoactive. In fresh plant material, cannabinoids are almost entirely inn"]
["their acid forms. The normal procedure of curing and smoking the grass"]
["(heat) removes the carboxyl group, forming the gas CO2 and the psychoactive"]
["neutral cannabinoids. Removing the CO2 in important only if you plan to eat"]
["the marijuana. It is then necessary to apply heat (baking in brownies, for"]
["example) for the cannabinoids to become psychoactive. Ten minutes of baking"]
["marijuana at 200F is enough to convert the THC acids to neutral THC."]
[]
["The formation of CBG acid, from which all the other cannabinoids are formed,"]
["is initially made from much simpler compounds containing terpene units. The"]
["example here is olivetolic acid condensing with a terpene moiety called"]
["geranyl pyrophosphate. It is not known whether these are the actual or only"]
["precursors to CBG in the living plant."]
[]
["Terpenes and related substances are quite light and some of them can be"]
["extracted by steam distillation to yield the \"essential oil\" of the plant"]
["(from essence - giving the flavour, aroma, character). Over 30 of these"]
["related oily substances have been identified from Cannabis (143). On"]
["exposure to light and air, some of the polymerise, forming resins and tars."]
[]
["The cannabinoids are odourless; most of the sweet, distinctive, pleasant"]
["minty fragrance and taste of fresh marijuana comes from only five"]
["substances which make up only 5 to 10 percent of the essential oils: the"]
["mono- and sesqui-terpenes alpha- and beta-pinene, limonene, myrcene, and"]
["beta-phalandrene (144). These oily substances are volatile and enter the air"]
["quickly, dissipating with time. Subsequently, the marijuana loses much of"]
["its sweetness and minty bouquet."]
[]
["The essential oils constitute about .1 to .3 percent of the dry weight of a"]
["fresh marijuana sample, or on the order of 10 percent of the weight of the"]
["cannabinoids. Essential oils are found within the heads of the resin glands"]
["and make up about 10 to 20 percent of their contents in fresh material"]
["(146). They have also been detected in the resin canals (laticifers) (31)."]
[]
["Different samples of Cannabis have essential oils of different composition."]
["This is not surprising given the variability of the plant. Since substances"]
["found in the essential oils are, or are related to, substances that are the"]
["precursors of the cannabinoids, there is some chance that a relationship"]
["exists between a particular bouquet and cannabinoids content. No such"]
["relationship is yet known, but it has only been studied superficially. When"]
["connoisseurs sample the bouquet of a grass sample, they are basically"]
["determining whether it is fresh. Fresh grass mean fresh cannabinoids and"]
["less of these are likely to have been degraded to non-psychoactive products."]
[]
["2.4 Production of Cannabinoids by Cannabis"]
[]
["Why Cannabis produces cannabinoids and resins is a question probably every"]
["grower has wondered about. Supposedly, if you know, you could stimulate an"]
["environmental factor to increase cannabinoids production. Unfortunately, it"]
["does not follow that increasing a particular selective pressure will affect"]
["a plant's (phenotype) cannabinoids production. However, over a period of"]
["generations, it is possible that environmental manipulations can increase"]
["the overall cannabinoids concentrations in a population of plants. But even"]
["this procedure would work slowly compared to direct breeding by the farmer."]
[]
["From the microstructure of the resin glands and the complexity of the resin,"]
["it is apparent that Cannabis invests considerable energy in making and"]
["storing the cannabinoids. Obviously, the cannabinoids are not a simple"]
["by-product or excretory product. No doubt the cannabinoids and resins serve"]
["the plant in many ways, but probably they have more to do with biotic"]
["factors (other living things) rather than abiotic factors (non-living"]
["environment such as sunlight, moisture, etc.)."]
[]
["The cannabinoids, resins, and related substances make up a complex and"]
["biologically highly active group of chemicals, a virtual chemical arsenal"]
["from which the plant draws its means for dealing with other organisms. This"]
["would apply especially to herbivores, pathogens, and competing plants. In"]
["the case of humans, the cannabinoids are an attractant. Some possible"]
["advantages to the plant are listed below, but no direct studies have been"]
["done on this question. Indeed, it is surprising that botanists have shown so"]
["little interest in this question; they have even gone out of their way to"]
["state their lack of interest."]
[]
["Possible Advantages of Cannabinoid Production"]
[]
["     1. Obviously the cannabinoids are psychoactive and physiologically"]
["     active in many animals. This may dissuade plant-eating animals"]
["     from eating the plant, especially the reproductive parts. Many"]
["     birds enjoy Cannabis seeds. But in nature, birds will not bother"]
["     young seeds, probably because they are encased in the"]
["     cannabinoids-rich bracts. In wild or weedy plants, when the seed"]
["     is mature it \"shells out\" and falls to the ground. Birds will eat"]
["     the naked seeds. However, matured seeds are quite hard. Many will"]
["     not be cracked and eventually will be dropped elsewhere, helping"]
["     the plant to propagate. Bees and other insects are attracted to"]
["     the pollen. The cannabinoids and resins may deter insects from"]
["     feeding on pollen and developing seeds. Resin glands reach their"]
["     largest size on the anthers (which hold pollen) and bracts (which"]
["     contain the seed). {See plates 6, 7, 10 and 11.} 2. Terpenoid and"]
["     phenolic resins are known to inhibit germination of some seeds."]
["     Cannabis resins may help Cannabis seedlings compete with other"]
["     seedlings by inhibiting their germination. 3. Many of the"]
["     cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBC and their acids) are highly active"]
["     antibiotics against a wide range of bacteria (almost all are gram"]
["     +) (36,130,184). Crude resin extracts have been shown to be"]
["     nematocidal (36). (However, fungicidal activity is low.)"]
[]
["Most of the explanations you've probably heard for resin production from"]
["both lore and scientists have to do with physical factors such as sunlight,"]
["heat, and dryness. Presumably the resin coats the plant, protecting it from"]
["drying out under physical extremes. These explanations make little sense in"]
["light of the resins' chemistry."]
[]
["The physical qualities of the glands and resins probably aid the plant in"]
["some ways. The sticky nature of resin may help pollen grains to adhere to"]
["the flowering mass and stigmas, or simply make the plant parts less"]
["palatable. And gland heads do absorb and reflect considerable sunlight, and"]
["so possibly protect the developing seed. For instance, gland heads are at"]
["first colourless (i.e., they absorb ultraviolet light). This screening of"]
["ultraviolet light, a known mutagen, may lower possible deleterious"]
["mutations. But physical properties seem to be secondary to the resins'"]
["chemical properties as functional compounds to the plant."]
[]
["2.5 Cannabis Chemotypes"]
[]
["All Cannabis plants produce some cannabinoids. Each strain produces"]
["characteristic amounts of particular cannabinoids. Strains differ in the"]
["total amounts they contain. Usually they average about three percent"]
["cannabinoids to dry weight, but concentrations range from about one to 12"]
["percent cannabinoids in a cleaned (seeds and stems removed), dried bud."]
["Strains also differ in which cannabinoids they produce. Based on which"]
["cannabinoids, Cannabis strains can be divided into five broad chemical"]
["groups.((Chemical classification based on work by Small et al (51))) The"]
["general trend is for plants to have either THC or CBD as the main"]
["cannabinoid."]
[]
["Type I"]
[]
["     Strains are high in THC and low in CBD. This type represents some"]
["     of the finest marijuana strains. They usually originate from"]
["     tropical zones below 30 degrees latitude, which in the north runs"]
["     through Houston and New Orleans to Morocco, North India, and"]
["     Shanghai, and in the south through Rio de Janeiro, South Africa,"]
["     and Australia. Most of the high-quality marijuana from Mexico,"]
["     Jamaica, and Colombia sols in this country is this type; most of"]
["     you will grow this type. As with all five chemical types, type I"]
["     comes in different sizes and shapes. Most common are plant about"]
["     10 to 12 feet tall (outdoors), quite bushy, with branches that"]
["     grow outward to form the plant into a cone (Christmas tree shape)."]
["     Other tall varieties (to 18 feet) have branches that grow upward"]
["     (poplar-tree shaped - some Mexican, Southeast and Central Asian"]
["     varieties). A less common short variety (up to eight feet)"]
["     develops several main stems and the plants appear to sprawl"]
["     (Mexico, India)."]
[]
["Type II"]
[]
["     This is an intermediate group, with high CBD and moderate to high"]
["     THC. They usually originate from countries bordering 30 degrees"]
["     latitude, such as Morocco, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this"]
["     country, this type of grass usually comes from Afghani and"]
["     Colombian varieties. Type II plants are quite variable in the"]
["     intensity and quality of the high they produce, depending on the"]
["     relative amounts of THC and CBD in the variety. Probably because"]
["     of their high CBD and overall resin content, these plants are"]
["     often sued to prepare hashish and other concentrated forms of"]
["     marijuana. The most common varieties grow to about eight to 12"]
["     feet and assume a poplar-tree shape with long branches that grow"]
["     upward from the stem base and much shorter branches toward the"]
["     top. They usually come from Turkey, Greece, and Central or"]
["     Southeast Asia and occasionally from Colombia and Mexico. Some"]
["     varieties are shorter, about four to eight feet at maturity, and"]
["     very bushy with a luxuriant covering of leaves. These usually"]
["     originate from Nepal, northern India, and other parts of Central"]
["     Asia as well as North Africa. Other varieties appear remarkably"]
["     like short (five to seven feet) hemp plants, with straight,"]
["     slender stems and small, weakly developed branches (Vietnam). A"]
["     common short variety, less than four feet tall (Lebanon, N."]
["     Africa), forms a continuous dense cluster of buds along its short"]
["     stem. They appear remarkably like the upper half of more common"]
["     marijuana plants."]
[]
["{Figure 20.  Left: This Pakistani variety (\"indica\") reaches a height of"]
["five feet (large leaves removed).  Right: Flowering top two months later.}"]
[]
["Type III"]
[]
["     Plants are high in CBD and low in THC. These are often cultivated"]
["     for hemp fibre or oil seed. Usually they originate from countries"]
["     north of 30 degrees latitude. As marijuana they yield a"]
["     low-potency grass and are considered non-drug varieties. If you"]
["     choose your seeds from potent grass, it will not be this type. An"]
["     example of these plants are Midwestern weedy hemps which are often"]
["     collected and sold for low-grade domestic grass. The high CBD"]
["     content can make you feel drowsy with a mild headache long before"]
["     you feel high. These plants are very diverse morphologically even"]
["     when categorised by cultivated types. Hemp plants are usually tell"]
["     (eight to 20 feet) with an emphasis on stem development and"]
["     minimal branching. Starting from the base, long, even internodes"]
["     (stem portion from one set of leaves to the next pair) and"]
["     opposite phyllotaxy (see 3.2) cover a good portion of the stem."]
["     Some varieties form long, sparse branches only on the upper"]
["     portion of the stem (many Midwest weeds). Other varieties"]
["     (Kentucky hemp) are the familiar Christmas-tree shape."]
[]
["     Seed varieties are usually short (two to eight feet) and very"]
["     bushy. Branches on some are short, grow outward and are all of"]
["     approximately the same length, giving the plant a cylindrical"]
["     shape. Some of the shorter (two to three feet) seed varieties have"]
["     undeveloped branches, and almost all of the seeds collect in a"]
["     massive cluster along the top portion of the stalk. Seed plants"]
["     are often the most unusual-appearing of Cannabis plants, and you"]
["     won't find them in the United States."]
[]
["     As expected, the figures for average THC in Midwestern weeds are"]
["     quite low. this is consistent with their reputation for low"]
["     potency. But the range of THC goes up to 2.37 percent in the"]
["     Illinois study. This is comparable with some of the higher-quality"]
["     imported marijuana and is consistent with some people's claims"]
["     that Midwestern weeds provided them with great highs."]
[]
["Type IV"]
[]
["     Varieties that produce propyl cannabinoids in significant amounts"]
["     (over five percent of total cannabinoids) form a fourth group from"]
["     both type I and II plants. Testing for the propyl cannabinoids has"]
["     been limited and most reports do not include them. They have been"]
["     found in plants from South Africa, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India,"]
["     Pakistan, and Nepal with THCV as high as 53.69 percent of total"]
["     cannabinoids (136). They usually have moderate to high levels of"]
["     both THC and CBD and hence have a complex cannabinoid chemistry."]
["     Type IV plants represent some of the world's more exotic marijuana"]
["     varieties."]
[]
["A fifth type, based on the production of CBGM, which is not psychoactive, is"]
["found in northeastern Asia, including Japan, Korea and China. This type is"]
["not relevant to us and will not be mentioned again."]
[]
["There are many different techniques for sampling, extraction, and estimation"]
["of cannabinoids in plant material. To minimise differences among research"]
["groups, the above data (except for Midwestern weedy hemps) are taken from"]
["studies at the University of Mississippi at Oxford (66,119,136)."]
[]
["Unfortunately, some of the best Colombian, Mexican and Thai varieties are"]
["not included in the data. Many of these have not been tested until recently,"]
["and the figures are not yet published. Under the system for testing at the"]
["University of Mississippi, the highest THC variety reached six to eight"]
["percent THC in a bud. These seeds originated from Mexico."]
[]
["{See Table 01 to 10.}"]
[]
["These five chemical types are not distinct entities; that is, each type"]
["contains several quite different-appearing varieties. Actually, varieties of"]
["different types may look more similar than varieties from the same type. But"]
["the ability to produce characteristic amounts of particular cannabinoids is"]
["genetically based. This means the each type contains certain genes and gene"]
["combinations in common, and in biological terms, the plants are called"]
["chemical genotypes."]
[]
["These types may be from virtually any country simply because of the plant's"]
["past and ongoing history of movement. the first three can be found in most"]
["countries where Cannabis is heavily cultivated, although marijuana plants"]
["(types I, II, IV) usually originate from lower latitudes nearer the equator."]
["This may be simply explained in terms of cultural practices. Marijuana"]
["traditionally has been cultivated in southerly cultures such as India,"]
["Southeast and Central Asia, Africa; and in the West in Mexico, Colombia,"]
["Jamaica, and Central American countries. On the other hand, useful"]
["characteristics must exist before cultures can put them to use after"]
["selection. And the characteristic (drug or fibre) must maintain itself"]
["within the local environment (see 18.4)."]
[]
["Non-drug types (type III) usually originate at higher latitudes with shorter"]
["growing seasons. A definite gradation exists for non-drug to drug types,"]
["starting in temperate zones and moving toward the equator. The same"]
["gradation may be found for the appearance of propyl cannabinoids toward the"]
["equator. This doesn't mean that the quality of the grass you grow depends on"]
["whether you live in the north or south, but that over a period of years and"]
["decades, a group of plants may drift toward either the drug or the non-drug"]
["type (either rich in THC or rich in CBD)."]
[]
["The majority of the marijuana sold in the United States has less than one"]
["percent THC; and the bulk of this comes from Mexican and domestic sources."]
["The highest percentages of THC in marijuana that we've seen are: Colombian"]
["(9.7), Mexican (13.2), Hawaiian (7.8), and Thai sticks (20.2; however, this"]
["is believed to be adulterated with hash oil). The percentages of THC"]
["reported vary greatly, because they depend on the particular method of"]
["sampling and estimation used."]
[]
["Five samples of Colombian Golds, bought in New York City and San Francisco"]
["for from $30 to $50 (1976) an ounce, averaged 2.59 percent THC and 1.27"]
["percent CBN. The CBN represents an average of about one-third of the THC"]
["originally present in the fresh plant by the time it reaches American"]
["streets. This is one advantage that homegrowers have, since their marijuana"]
["is fresh. In fresh plant material, less than 10 percent of the THC will have"]
["been converted to CBN, as long as the material is properly harvested, cured,"]
["and stored."]
[]
["By the time hashish reaches the American market, THC content is usually at"]
["the low end of the ranges given here, usually between 1.5 and 4 percent THC."]
["The darker outer layer of hashish is caused by deterioration. The inner part"]
["will contain the highest concentration of THC."]
[]
["The average range for hash oil and red oil is 12 to 25 percent when it is"]
["fresh. It is not uncommon for illicit hash oil to have more than 60 percent"]
["THC. However, light, as well as air, very rapidly decomposes THC in the oil"]
["form (see the section on \"Storage\" in section 21). You can't tell whether"]
["the oil will be wondrous or worthless unless you smoke it."]
[]
["The preparations listed in Tables 9 and 10 are relatively fresh compared to"]
["hashish on the American market. Total cannabinoids make up roughly 25 to 35"]
["percent by weight of hashish and resin preparations. Note that the data in"]
["these tables are relative concentrations."]
[]
["Table 10 -Relative Percentages of Major Cannabinoids in Hashish from Nepal"]
["Percentage(a) of THC HASHISH THC CBD CBN THCV CBDV CBV LOST(b) Sample 1 11.5"]
["35.9 22.1 5.7 12.5 12.3 66 Sample 2 3.4 41.1 24.8 3 11.9 15.8 88 Sample 3"]
["5.5 41.2 30.3 2.3 9.1 11.6 85 a Each row in these columns sums to 100% b"]
["Percentage of original THC lost as CBN"]
[]
["The very high figures for CBN in hashish indicate that much of the THC is"]
["converted to CBN because of processing and aging. During hashmaking many of"]
["the gland heads are broken and the THC is exposed to light and air. The"]
["figures in these tables are typical of what to expect for relative"]
["concentrations of THC in hashish on the American market. Actual"]
["concentrations are roughly one-fourth to one-third of these figures."]
[]
["Obviously, THC percentages for hashish and tinctures are not that high"]
["compared to fine marijuana. Hashish in the United States seldom lives up to"]
["its reputation. The best buy in terms of the amount of THC for the money is"]
["hash oil when it is high quality and fresh. More often a fine homegrown"]
["sinsemilla or sometimes a lightly seeded Colombian is the best investment."]
["(Of course, the best value is always what you grow yourself.)"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Three"]
["BEFORE CULTIVATION BEGINS"]
[]
["3.2 Choosing Seeds"]
[]
["Popular Market names of different grades of grass, such as Colombian"]
["commercial and Mexican regular, are familiar to growers, but each grade"]
["actually may encompass many different varieties. For example, there are"]
["Colombian Golds that are similar in most respects, but some varieties grow"]
["no taller than six feet. The more common types grow 12 to 15 feet under the"]
["same conditions. Some Oaxacan Cannabis forms several strong upright branches"]
["by maturity, and at a glance may seem to have several stems, yet more often,"]
["Oaxacan is conical-shaped and grows about 12 feet."]
[]
["Most of the fine marijuana sold in this country comes from type I plants"]
["with THC as the predominant cannabinoid. Type II plants are less common. You"]
["might recognise type II plants by the high. The grass takes longer before"]
["its effects are felt, but the high lasts much longer than with other"]
["marijuana. Type IV plants are the least common; this marijuana seldom"]
["reaches the general American market. This type will get you high after only"]
["a few tokes. Type III plants are considered non-drug varieties because they"]
["are predominantly CBD with little THC. The effects of CBD are not felt"]
["unless it is accompanied by a sizeable concentration of THC, such as in type"]
["II plants. However, a lot of marijuana from these plants is sold in the"]
["United States. Some Mexican and Jamaican regular and much of the low-grade"]
["domestic is harvested from type III plants."]
[]
["You may not be able to tell what type plant you're smoking, but you can tell"]
["what you like. Seeds from high-quality marijuana will grow into high-quality"]
["marijuana plants. If you like the grass you're smoking, you'll like the"]
["grass you grow."]
[]
["The name of your grass has little to do with potency and may have originated"]
["in the mind of some enterprising dealer. Always choose your seeds from what"]
["you consider to be the best grass. Don't be swayed by exotic names. If you"]
["are not familiar with grass of connoisseur quality, ask someone whose"]
["experience you respect for seeds. Smokers tend to save seeds from"]
["exceptional grass even if they never plan to plant them."]
[]
["The origin of your grass even if you knew it for certain, has little to do"]
["with wether it will be dynamite or worthless smoke. In both India(45) and"]
["Brazil, hemp is grown which is worthless for marijuana. Likewise, extremely"]
["potent marijuana plants grow which are useless for hemp fibre. These plants"]
["are sometimes found growing in adjacent fields. Most of the fine-quality"]
["marijuana varieties develop in those countries nearer to the equator. How"]
["much this had to do with environmental conditions or cultural practices is"]
["unknown. In either case, marijuana traffic has been so heavy that fine"]
["varieties now grow all over the world. For example, in the United States"]
["thousands of people now grow varieties from Mexico. These fine varieties"]
["originated in Asia and Africa, and many were brought to Mexican farmers by"]
["American dealers during the 1960s. As more farmers grew these new varieties,"]
["the quality of Mexican grass imported to the United States improved. Already"]
["people are speaking of varieties such as Maui Wowie and Kona Gold."]
[]
["The colour of the grass does not determine its potency. Marijuana plants are"]
["almost always green, the upper surface of the leaves a dark, luxuriant"]
["green, and the undersurface a lighter, paler green. Some varieties develop"]
["reds and purples along stems and leaf petioles. Occasionally, even the"]
["leaves turn red/purple during the last stages of growth (plate 6). Grasses"]
["termed \"Red\" more often get their colour from the stigmas of the female"]
["flowers, which can turn from white to a rust or red colour, giving the"]
["marijuana buds a distinct reddish tinge. The golds and browns of commercial"]
["grasses are determined by the condition of the plant when it was harvested -"]
["whether it was healthy (green) or dying (autumn colours). How the plants are"]
["harvested, cured, and stored also has a serious effect on colour. Commercial"]
["grasses from Colombia, Mexico, and Jamaica are often poorly cured and"]
["packed. Too much moisture is left in the grass, encouraging microbial"]
["decomposition; with warm temperatures, whatever green was left disappears,"]
["leaving the more familiar browns and golds. Bythe time they reach the United"]
["States, commercial grasses lose about five to 20 percent of their weight in"]
["water loss and often smell mouldy or musty."]
[]
["Colour also depends on origin - varieties adapted to tropical or"]
["high-altitude areas have less chlorophyll and more accessory pigments,"]
["giving the plant their autumn colours (accessory pigments protect the plant"]
["from excessive sunlight). Varieties adapted to northern climates, where"]
["sunlight is less intense, have more chlorophyll and less accessory pigments."]
["The dying leaves often turn light yellow, grey, or rust. Variations in"]
["pigment concentrations are also influenced by local light particularly the"]
["soil conditions under which the plants are grown."]
[]
["The taste of the smoke - its flavour, aroma, and harshness - also depends"]
["more on when the marijuana was harvested and how it was handled after it was"]
["grown than on the variety or environmental influences."]
[]
["You can detect subtle differences in the overall bouquet between freshly"]
["picked varieties. The environment probably influences bouquet too, but with"]
["most commercial grass the harvesting/storing procedures for outweigh these"]
["other, more subtle factors. A musty, harsh-smoking Colombian marijuana can"]
["give the mildest, sweetest, homegrown smoke when properly prepared. Don't be"]
["influenced by the marijuana's superficial characteristics. Choose seeds from"]
["the most potent grass."]
[]
["Grasses of comparable potency can yield plants of different potencies. This"]
["is because fine sinsemilla (homegrown, Hawaiians, Thai weeds, and some"]
["Mexicans) are carefully tended and harvested at about peak potency. They are"]
["also cured and packed well; so they are fresh when they are distributed in"]
["the American market. When you smoke them you are experiencing the at about"]
["its peak potency. The seeds you plant from this grass will produce plants,"]
["at best, of about equal potency. Sometimes they are slightly less simply"]
["because of differences in growing conditions. Colombian grasses are not"]
["usually harvested at their peak potency. A significant amount (20 percent"]
["and up) of the active cannabinoids (THC,CBD) are converted to much less"]
["active cannabinoids (CBN,CBS) or inactive ingredients (polymers-tars,"]
["resins, oils, etc.). This is also true of many Mexican and Jamaican grasses"]
["that are heavily seeded and poorly handled. Homegrown from this grass can"]
["produce plants of higher potency than the original, simply because the"]
["homegrown is fresh, and is harvested and cured well so that the THC content"]
["is at its peak."]
[]
["When choosing seeds you might consider the following Broad Generalisations."]
["Mexican, Jamaican (if you can find goof Jamaican anymore), and homegrowns,"]
["including Hawaiians, often develop quickly and have a better chance of fully"]
["maturing in the shorter growing seasons over most of the north and central"]
["states. Colombian, African, and Southeast Asian varieties, such as Vietnam"]
["and Thai sticks (from Thailand and Japan), more often need a longer season"]
["to fully develop/ Under natural conditions they seldom flower in the short"]
["growing season that covers the northern United States."]
[]
["For indoor growers, the growing season is all year; so it doesn't matter if"]
["plants need longer to develop. Mexican and Jamaican plants usually reach"]
["full potency in about six months. Colombian and Southeast Asian varieties"]
["may need eight or nine months until they reach their maximum THC or general"]
["resin content under indoor conditions."]
[]
["The grass you choose should have a good stock of mature seeds. Thai weed and"]
["fine homegrowns (sinsemillas, which are by definition female flowers buds"]
["without seeds) may have no seeds at all but more often have a few viable"]
["seeds. Most Colombian and Mexican grasses contain between one and two"]
["thousand seeds per ounce bag or lid of grass. This may sound like an"]
["exaggerated figure, but it's not. Look at the photos in Figure 21 showing"]
["the yield from some Michoacan buds. The yield is 40 percent grass (1.22"]
["grams, about three joints), 50 percent seeds (1.56 grams or 120 seeds), and"]
["10 percent stems (0.3 grams)."]
[]
["Relative to smoking material, seeds are heavy. Colombian grasses average"]
["about 50 percent seeds by weight. A film canister holds about 1,200"]
["Colombian seeds. {Figure 21, Seeded buds often contain more weight in seeds"]
["than grass}"]
[]
["Depending on the variety, healthy mature seeds (which are botanically achene"]
["nots) vary in size between 1/12 and 1/4 inches in length. From any variety,"]
["choose seeds that are plump and well-formed with well-developed colour. Seed"]
["colours range from a buff through a dark brown, and from light grey to"]
["almost black colours. Often seeds are mottled with brown or black spots,"]
["bars, or lines on a lighter field {plate 11}. Green or whitish seeds are"]
["usually immature and will germinate feebly if at all. Fresh seeds have a"]
["waxy glimmer and a hard, intact shell. Shiny, very dark brown or black seeds"]
["often mean the contents are fermented and the embryo is dead. Fermented"]
["seeds crush easily with finger pressure and are hollow or dust inside. Seeds"]
["that are bruised or crushed are also not viable. This happens to some seeds"]
["when grass is compressed or bricked."]
[]
["Fresh, fully matured Cannabis seeds have a high rate of germination; 90"]
["percent or better is typical. It is sometimes helpful to have an idea of how"]
["many seeds to expect to germinate. You can tell simply by placing a sample"]
["number between wet paper towels which are kept moist. Most of the seeds that"]
["germinate do so within a few days of each other. After a week or two, count"]
["how many of the original seeds germinated. This gives you a rough idea of"]
["what to expect from the seeds when planted."]
[]
["The viability of seeds gradually declines with time; left in the ground,"]
["only 40 percent may germinate next season. Seeds are n ideal pray for many"]
["fungi, which are responsible for most of their deterioration. In a warm (70F"]
["or over) and humid atmosphere, fungi rapidly destroy seeds. If kept cool and"]
["dry in an airtight container, seeds stored in this way and left in the buds"]
["also maintain high viability for over two years."]
[]
["3.3 CANNABIS LIFE CYCLE"]
[]
["Marijuana plants may belong to any one of a number of varieties which follow"]
["somewhat different growth patterns. The following outline describes the more"]
["common form of growth. Differences between varieties can be thought of as"]
["variations on this standard theme."]
[]
["Cannabis is an annual plant. A single season completes a generation, leaving"]
["all hope for the future to the seeds. The normal life cycle follows the"]
["general pattern described below."]
[]
["Germination"]
[]
["With winter past, the moisture and warmth of spring stir activity in the"]
["embryo. Water is absorbed and the embryo's tissues swell and grow, splitting"]
["the seed along its suture. The radical or embryonic root appears first. Once"]
["clear of the seed, the root directs growth downward in response to gravity."]
["Meanwhile, the seed is being lifted upward by growing cells which form the"]
["seedling's stem. Now anchored by the roots, and receiving water and"]
["nutrients, the embryonic leaves (cotyledons) unfold. They are a pair of"]
["small, somewhat oval, simple leaves, now green with chlorophyll to absorb"]
["the life-giving light. Germination is complete. The embryo has been reborn"]
["and is now a seedling living on the food it produces through photosynthesis."]
["The process of germination is usually completed in three to 10 days."]
[]
["Seedling"]
[]
["The second pair of leaves begins the seedling stage. They are set opposite"]
["each other and usually have a single blade. They differ from the embryonic"]
["leaves by their larger size, spearhead shape, and serrated margins. With the"]
["next pair of leaves that appears, usually each leaf has three blades and is"]
["larger still. A basic pattern has been set. Each new set of leaves will be"]
["larger, with a higher number of blades per leaf until, depending on variety,"]
["they reach their maximum number, often nine or 11. The seedling stage is"]
["completed within four to six weeks."]
[]
["Vegetative Growth"]
[]
["This is the period of maximum growth. The plant can grow no faster than the"]
["rate that its leaves can produce energy for new growth. Each day more leaf"]
["tissue is created, increasing the overall capacity for growth. With"]
["excellent growing conditions, Cannabis has been known to grow six inches a"]
["day, although the rate is more commonly one to two inches. The number of"]
["blades on each leaf begins to decline during the middle of the vegetative"]
["stage. Then the arrangement of the leaves on the stem (phyllotaxy) changes"]
["from the usual opposite to alternate. The internodes (stem space from one"]
["pair of leaves to the next, which had been increasing in length) begin to"]
["decrease, and the growth appears to be thicker. Branches which appeared in"]
["the axils of each set of leaves grow and shape the plant to its"]
["characteristic form. The vegetative stage is usually completed in the third"]
["to fifth months of growth."]
[]
["Preflowering"]
[]
["This is a quiescent period of one to two weeks during which growth slows"]
["considerably. The plant is beginning a new program of growth as encoded in"]
["its genes. The old system is turned off and the new program beings with the"]
["appearance of the first flowers."]
[]
["Flowering"]
[]
["Cannabis is dioecious: each plant produces either male or female flowers,"]
["and is considered either a male or female plant. Male plants usually start"]
["to flowers about one month before the female; however, there is sufficient"]
["overlap to ensure pollination. First the upper internodes elongate; in a few"]
["days the male flowers appear. The male flowers are quite small, about 1/4"]
["inch, and are pale green, yellow, or red/purple. They develop in dense,"]
["drooping clusters (cymes) capable of releasing clouds of pollen dust. Once"]
["pollen falls, males lose vigour and soon die."]
[]
["The female flowers consists of two small (1/4 to 1/2 inch long), fuzzy white"]
["stigmas raised in a V sign and attached at the base to an ovule which is"]
["contained in a tiny green pod. The pod is formed from modified leaves"]
["(bracts and bracteoles) which envelop the developing seed. The female"]
["flowers develop tightly together to form dense clusters (racemes) or buds,"]
["cones, or colas (in this book, buds). The bloom continues until pollen"]
["reaches the flowers, fertilising them and beginning the formation of seeds."]
["Flowering usually lasts about one or two months, but may continue longer"]
["when the plants are not pollinated and there is no killing frost."]
[]
["Seed Set"]
[]
["A fertilised female flower develops a single seed wrapped in the bracts. In"]
["thick clusters, they form the seed-filled buds that make up most fine"]
["imported marijuana. After pollination, mature, viable seeds take from 10"]
["days to five weeks to develop. When seeds are desired, the plant is"]
["harvested when enough seeds have reached full colour. For a fully-seeded"]
["plant this often takes place when the plant has stopped growth and is, in"]
["fact, dying. During flowering and seed set, various colours may appear. All"]
["the plant's energy goes to reproduction and the continuance of its kind."]
["Minerals and nutrients flow from the leaves to the seeds, and the"]
["chlorophylls that give the plant its green colour disintegrate. The golds,"]
["browns, and reds which appear are from accessory pigments that formerly had"]
["been masked by chlorophyll."]
[]
["Figure 30 THC potency through various growth stages in the male and female"]
["plant"]
[]
["About Plants Generally"]
[]
["Plants use a fundamentally different \"life strategy\" from animals. Animals"]
["are more or less self-contained units that grow and develop to predetermined"]
["forms. They use movement and choice of behaviour to deal with the changing"]
["environments. Plants are organised more as open systems - the simple"]
["physical characteristics of the environment, such as sunlight, water, and"]
["temperature, directly control their growth, form, and life cycles. Once the"]
["seed sprouts, the plant is rooted in place and time. Since growth is"]
["regulated by the environment, development is on accordance with the plant's"]
["immediate surroundings. When a balance is struck, the strategy is a success"]
["and life flourishes."]
[]
["Behaviour of a plant is not a matter of choice; it is a fixed response. On a"]
["visible level the response more often than not is growth, either a new form"]
["of growth, or specialised growth. By directly responding, plant in effect"]
["know, for example, when to sprout, flower, or drop leaves to prepare for"]
["winter."]
[]
["Everyone has seen how a plant turns toward light or can bend upward if it"]
["its stem is bent down. The plant turns by growing cells of different length"]
["on opposite sides of the stem. This effect turns or right the plant. The"]
["stimulus in the first case is light, in the second gravity, but essentially"]
["the plant responds by specialised growth. It is the same with almost all"]
["facets of a plant's live - growth is modified and controlled by the"]
["immediate environment. The influence of light, wind, rainfall, etc.,"]
["interacts with the plant (its genetic make-up or genotype) to produce the"]
["individual plant (phenotype)."]
[]
["The life cycle of Cannabis is usually complete in four to nine months. The"]
["actual time depends on variety, but it is regulated by local growing"]
["conditions, specifically the photoperiod (length of day vs night). Cannabis"]
["is a long-night (or short-day) plant. When exposed to a period of two weeks"]
["of long nights - that is, 13 or more hours of continuous darkness each night"]
[{"$error":"#NAME?"}]
["allows the grower to control the life cycle of the plant and adapt it to"]
["local growing conditions or unique situations. Since you can control"]
["flowering, you control maturation and, hence, the age of the plants at"]
["harvest."]
[]
["3.4 PHOTOPERIOD AND FLOWERING"]
[]
["For the marijuana grower the most important plant/environment interaction to"]
["understand is the influence of the photoperiod. The photoperiod is the daily"]
["number of hours of day (light) vs. night (dark). In nature, long nights"]
["signal the plant that winter is coming and that it is time to flowers and"]
["produce seeds. As long as the day-length is long, the plants continue"]
["vegetative growth. If female flowers do appear, there will only be a few."]
["These flowers will not form the characteristic large clusters or buds. If"]
["the days are too short, the plants flowers too soon, and remain small and"]
["underdeveloped."]
[]
["The plant \"senses\" the longer nights by a direct interaction with light. A"]
["flowering hormone is present during all stages of growth. This hormone is"]
["sensitive to light and is rendered inactive by even low levels of light."]
["When the dark periods are long enough, the hormones increase to a critical"]
["level that triggers the reproductive cycle. Vegetative growth ends and"]
["flowering begins."]
[]
["The natural photoperiod changes with the passing of seasons. In the Northern"]
["Hemisphere, the length of daylight is longest on June 21. Day-length"]
["gradually decreases until it reaches its shortest duration on December 22."]
["The duration of daylight then begins to increase until the cycle is"]
["completed the following June 21. Because the Earth is tilted on its axis to"]
["the sun, day-length also depends on position (or latitude) on Earth. As one"]
["moves closer to the equator, changes in the photoperiod are less drastic"]
["over the course of a year. At the equator (0 degrees altitude) day length"]
["lasts about 12.5 hours on June 21 and 11.5 hours on December 22. In Maine"]
["(about 45 degrees north), day-length varies between about 16 and nine hours."]
["Near the Arctic Circe on June 21 there is no night. On December 22 the whole"]
["day is dark. The longer day-length toward the north prevents marijuana from"]
["flowering until later in the season. Over most of the northern half of the"]
["country, flowering is often so late that development cannot be completed"]
["before the onset of cold weather and heavy frosts."]
[]
["The actual length of day largely depends on local conditions, such as cloud"]
["cover, altitude, and terrain. On a flat Midwest plain, the effective length"]
["of day is about 30 minutes longer than sunrise to sunset. In practical"]
["terms, it is little help to calculate the photoperiod, but it is important"]
["to realise how it affects the plants and how you can use it to you"]
["advantage."]
[]
["Cannabis generally needs about two weeks of successive long nights before"]
["the first flowers appear. The photoperiod necessary for flowering will vary"]
["slight with (1) the variety, (2) the age of the plant, (3) its sex, and (4)"]
["growing conditions."]
[]
["     1. Cannabis varieties originating from more northerly climes"]
["     (short growing seasons) react to as little as nine hours of night."]
["     Most of these are hemp and seed varieties that are acclimated to"]
["     short growing seasons, such as the weedy hemps of Minnesota or"]
["     southern Canada. Varieties from more southerly latitudes need"]
["     longer nights with 11 to 13 hours of darkness. Since most"]
["     marijuana plants are acclimated to southerly latitudes, they need"]
["     the longer nights to flower. To be on the safe side, if you give"]
["     Cannabis plant dark periods of 13 or more hours, each night for"]
["     two weeks, this should be enough to trigger flowering. 2. The"]
["     older a plant (the more physiologically developed), the quicker it"]
["     responds to long nights. Plants five or six months old sometimes"]
["     form visible flowers after only four long nights. Young marijuana"]
["     plants (a month or so of age) can take up to four weeks to respond"]
["     to long nights of 16 hours. 3. Both male and female Cannabis are"]
["     long-night plants. Both will flower when given about two weeks of"]
["     long nights. The male plant, however, will often flower fully"]
["     under very long days (18 hours) and short nights (six hours)."]
["     Males often flowers at about the same time they would if they were"]
["     growing in their original environment. For most marijuana plants"]
["     this occurs during the third to fifth month. 4. Growing conditions"]
["     affect flowering in many ways (see Chapter 12). Cool temperatures"]
["     (about 50F) slow down the flowering response. Cool temperatures or"]
["     generally poor growing conditions affect flowering indirectly."]
["     Flower development is slower, and more time is needed to reach"]
["     full bloom. Under adverse conditions, female buds will not develop"]
["     to full size."]
[]
["Applications of Photoperiod"]
[]
["The photoperiod is used to manipulate the plants in two basic ways:"]
[]
["     1. By giving long dark periods, you can force plants to flower. 2."]
["     By preventing long nights, using artificial light to interrupt the"]
["     dark period, you can force the plants to continue vegetative"]
["     growth."]
[]
["Outdoors"]
[]
["Most marijuana plants cultivated in the United States begin to flower by"]
["late August to early October and the plants are harvested from October to"]
["November. For farmers in the South, parts of the Midwest, and West Coast,"]
["this presents no problem and no special techniques are needed for normal"]
["flowering."]
[]
["In much of the North and high-altitude areas, many varieties will not have"]
["time to complete flowering before fall frosts. To force the plants to flower"]
["earlier, give them longer night periods. If the plants are in containers,"]
["you can simply move them into a darkened area each evening. Plants growing"]
["in the ground can be covered with an opaque tarpaulin, black sheet plastic,"]
["or double or triple-layers black plastic trash bags. Take advantage of any"]
["natural shading because direct sunlight is difficult to screen completely."]
["For instance, if the plants are naturally shaded in the morning hours, cover"]
["the plants each evening or night. The next morning you uncover the plants at"]
["about eight to nine o'clock. Continue the treatment each day until all the"]
["plants are showing flowers. This usually takes two weeks at most, is the"]
["plants are well developed (about four months old). For this reason, where"]
["the season starts late, it is best to start the plants indoors or in cold"]
["frames and transplant outdoors when the weather is mild. This in effect"]
["lengthens the local growing season and gives the plants another month or two"]
["to develop. By the end of August the plants are physiologically ready to"]
["flower; they sometimes do with no manipulation of the photoperiod. More"]
["often female plants show a few flowers, but the day-length prevents rapid"]
["development to large clusters. The plants seem in limbo - caught between"]
["vegetative growth and flowering. The natural day-length at this time of year"]
["will not be long enough to reverse the process, so you can discontinue the"]
["treatment when you see that the new growth is predominantly flowers."]
[]
["In areas where frosts are likely to occur by early October, long-night"]
["treatments may be the only way you can harvest good-sized flower clusters."]
["These clusters, or buds, are the most potent plant parts and make up the"]
["desired harvest. Forcing the plants to flowers early also means development"]
["while the weather is warm and the sun is shining strongly. The flower buds"]
["will form much faster, larger and reach their peak potency. A good time to"]
["start the treatments is early to middle August. This allows the plants at"]
["least four weeks of flowering while the weather is mild."]
[]
["Another reason you may want to do this is to synchronise the life cycle of"]
["the plants with the indigenous vegetation. In the northeast and central"]
["states, the growing season ends quite early and much of the local vegetation"]
["dies back and changes colour. Any marijuana plants stick out like green"]
["thumbs, and the crop may get ripped off or busted. Plants treated with long"]
["nights during late July will be ready to harvest in September."]
[]
["Outdoors, growers should always plant several varieties, because some may"]
["naturally flower early, even in the northern-most parts of the country."]
["These early-maturing varieties usually come from Mexican, Central Asian, and"]
["homegrown sources. By planting several varieties, many of you will be able"]
["to find or develop an early-maturing variety after a season or two. This, of"]
["course, is an important point, because it eliminates the need for long-night"]
["treatments."]
[]
["Preventing Flowers"]
[]
["Manipulation of the photoperiod can also prevent the plants from flowering"]
["until a desired time. For example, in Hawaii the weather is mild enough to"]
["grow winter crops. The normal summer crop is harvested anytime from"]
["September to mid-November. The winter crop is generally planted from October"]
["to December. Because the winter days are so short, the plants flower almost"]
["immediately, usually within two month. The plants are harvested in their"]
["third or fourth month and yield about 1/4 the yield of summer plants. A"]
["large Hawaiian female can yield a pound of buds. Most of the plant's overall"]
["size is reached while it is vegetatively growing. By interrupting the night"]
["period with light, you can keep these plants vegetatively growing for"]
["another month, yielding plants of about twice the size."]
[]
["The amount of light needed to prevent flowering is quite small (about .03"]
["foot candles95 - on a clear night the full moon is about .01 foot candles)."]
["However, each plant mist be illuminated fully, with the light shining over"]
["the whole plant. This might be accomplished with either electric light or a"]
["strong flashlight. The easiest way is to string incandescent bulbs, keeping"]
["them on a timer. The lights need be turned on for only a flash at any time"]
["during the night period, from about 9:00 pm to about 3:00 am. The interrupts"]
["the long night period to less then nine hours. Start these night treatments"]
["each night or two, until you want the plants to flower."]
[]
["Indoors"]
[]
["Natural Light"]
[]
["Indoors, the growing season lasts all year. The night period is much easier"]
["to control. Sometimes people grow plants in their windows for more than a"]
["year without any female flowers ever forming. This is because household"]
["lamps are turned on sometime at night, illuminating the plants. Under"]
["natural light exclusively, indoor plants flower at about the same time they"]
["would outdoors (sometime a bit sooner because it is warmer indoors or the"]
["plants may be shaded). When plants are well developed and you want them to"]
["flower, make sure that no household lamps or nearby street lamps are shining"]
["on them. During late fall and winter, the natural day-length is short enough"]
["for the plants to flower naturally, if you simply keep off any lights at"]
["night that are in the same room as the plants. If you must use light, use"]
["the lowest wattage possible, such as a six-watt bulb. (The hormone is also"]
["least sensitive to blue light.) Shield the light away from the plants. Or"]
["shield the plants from any household light with aluminium foil curtains."]
["Once the flowers are forming clusters, you can discontinue the dark"]
["treatments, especially if it is more convenient. However, if it is too soon"]
["(when you see only a few random flowers), household lights can reverse the"]
["process."]
[]
["By using natural light, you can grow indoor crops all year. The winter light"]
["is weak and the days are short, so it is best to use artificial lights to"]
["supplement daylight, as well as to extend the photoperiod. The extra light"]
["will increase the growth rate of the plants and hence size and yield. You"]
["should allow winter crops to flower during late January or February, using"]
["the natural photoperiod to trigger flowering. If you wait until spring, the"]
["natural light period will be too long and may prevent flowering."]
[]
["Artificial Lights"]
[]
["Under artificial light the photoperiod is, of course, any length you wish."]
["The most popular way to grow with artificial lights is the harvest system."]
["Start the plants under long light periods of from 16 to 18 hours daily."]
["After the plants have reached a good size, usually between three and six"]
["months, shorten the light cycle to about 12 hours to force flowering."]
[]
["To decide exactly when to force the plants to flower, let their growth be"]
["the determinant. If male plants are showing their flowers, then the females"]
["are physiologically ready to flower. Most of the plant's overall height is"]
["achieved during vegetative growth. Some varieties, of course, are smaller"]
["and grow more slowly than others. Wait until the plants are nearing the"]
["limits of the height of the garden or are at least five feet tall. This is"]
["large enough to support good flower development and return a good yield. If"]
["you turn down the light cycle when the plants are young and small, you'll"]
["harvest much less grass because the plants simply can't sustain a large"]
["number of flowers."]
[]
["Some leaf growers prefer a continuous growth system, emphasising leaf growth"]
["and a continuous supply of grass. The light cycle is set for 18 to 24 hours"]
["a day. This prevents flowering and the plants continue their rapid"]
["vegetative growth. Growing shoots and leaves are harvested as used, and"]
["plants are removed whenever they lose their vigour and growth has noticeably"]
["slowed. New plants are started in their place. In this way, there will be"]
["plants at different growth stages, some of which will be in their rapid"]
["vegetative growth stage and will be quite potent. Male plants and some"]
["females eventually will form flowers, but the females will not form large"]
["clusters. People often use this system when the lights are permanently"]
["fixed. Small plants are raised up to the lights on tables or boxes. This"]
["garden never shuts down and yields a continuous supply of grass."]
[]
["3.5 INHERENT VARIATIONS IN POTENCY"]
[]
["The potency of a particular marijuana sample will vary because of many"]
["factors other then the variety. Many of these have to do with the natural"]
["development of the plants and their resin glands. Environmental factors do"]
["affect potency but there are large differences in any variety. These"]
["inherent factors must be explained before we can talk of factors outside the"]
["plant that affect relative potency. Strictly environmental effects are"]
["discussed in Chapter 19."]
[]
["Variations in Potency Within Varieties"]
[]
["There are noticeable differences in THC concentrations between plants of the"]
["same variety. Differences are large enough so that you can tall (by smoking)"]
["that certain plants are better. This is no news to homegrowers, who often"]
["find a particular plant to be outstanding. Five-fold differences in THC"]
["concentration have also shown up in research. However, when you consider a"]
["whole group of plants of the same variety, they're relatively similar in"]
["cannabinoid concentrations. Type II plants are the most variable, with"]
["individual plants much higher than other in certain canninbinoids."]
[]
["Variations by Plant Part"]
[]
["The concentration of cannabinoids depends on the plant part, or more"]
["specifically, the concentration and development of resin glands to plant"]
["part. The female flower bracts have the highest concentration of resin"]
["glands and are usually the most potent plant parts. Seeds and roots have no"]
["resin glands. These shoe no more than traces of canninbinoids. Smoke seeds"]
["will give you a headache before you can get high. If you got high on seeds,"]
["then there were probably enough bracts adhering to the seeds to get you"]
["high. {Figure 29 The highest concentration of stalked resin glands forms a"]
["cover on the female flower bracts Resin glands beneath cystolith hairs on a"]
["leaf petiole}"]
[]
["Here are the potencies, in descending order, of the various plant parts:"]
[]
["        1. Female flowering clusters.  In practice you don't separate hundreds"]
["        of tiny bracts to make a joint.  The whole flowering mass (seeds removed),"]
["        along with small accompanying leaves, forms the material."]
["        2. Male flower clusters.  These vary more in relative potency depending on"]
["        the strain (see \"Potency by Sex,\" below)."]
["        3. Growing shoots.  Before the plants flower, the vegetative shoots (tips)"]
["        of the main stem and branches are the most potent plant parts."]
["        4. Leaves (a) that accompany flowers (small);"]
["                  (b) along branches (medium);"]
["                  (c) along main stem (large)."]
["                Generally, the smaller the leaf is, the more potent it can be."]
["        5. Petioles (leaf stalks).  Same order as leaves."]
["        6. Stems.  Same order as leaves.  The smaller the stem (twig), the"]
["        higher the possible concentration of cannabinoids.  Stems over 1/16\""]
["        in diameter contain only traces of cannabinoids and are not worth"]
["        smoking.  The small stems that bear the flowers can be quite potent."]
["        7. Seeds and Roots.  Contain only traces (less then .01 percent) and"]
["        are not worth smoking or extracting."]
[]
[]
["This order is fairly consistent. The exceptions can be the small leaves that"]
["accompany male flowers, which are sometimes more potent than the flowers"]
["themselves. The growing shoots are sometimes more potent than the mature"]
["female flowers."]
[]
["Samples of pollen show varying amounts of cannabinoids. Resin glands are"]
["found inside the anthers, alongside the developing pollen grains, and form"]
["two rows on opposite sides of each anther. Pollen grains are smaller than"]
["the heads of large resin glands ({see Plate 7}), and range from 21 to 69"]
["micrometres in diameter21. A small amount of resin contaminates the pollen"]
["when glands rupture, but most of the THC in pollen samples comes from gland"]
["heads that fall with pollen when the flowers are shaken to collect it. One"]
["study, using pollen for the sample, found concentrations of up to 0.96"]
["percent THC, more then enough to get you high79."]
[]
["Potency by Position on Plant"]
[]
["The potency of marijuana on any plant increases toward the top of the plant,"]
["the topmost bud being the most potent. The bottommost leaves on the main"]
["stem are the least potent of the useable material. Along branches there is a"]
["less steep THC gradient increasing to the growing tip."]
[]
["The ratios in Table 11 are representative of high-quality marijuana"]
["varieties. Plant no. 2 is an exception, with four percent THC in its lower"]
["leaves, a figure comparable to high-quality Colombian and Mexican buds in"]
["commercial grass."]
[]
["Table 11 - Relationship of THC Content to Leaf Position (68)"]
[]
["Percentage of THC by weight of Leaf from Position on plant"]
["Plant                       No. 1 (SP-5)   NO.2 (SP-5)     NO.3 (UNC-335)"]
["Top                         6.1            6.9             4.8"]
["Middle                      3              5.5             3.1"]
["Bottom                      0.8            4               1.5"]
["Ratio (gradient)            8:4:1          1.7:1.4:1       3:2:1"]
[]
["Notice the large difference in the gradients of Plants no. 1 and 2, which"]
["are from the same variety (SP-5). Like almost all characteristics of these"]
["plants, considerable variation occurs even among sibling. Our experience is"]
["that generally the better the quality of the variety, the steeper the"]
["gradient: in other words, the bigger the difference between top and bottom"]
["leaves. For example, the plants given here are high-quality type I"]
["varieties. Plant no. 1 is more typical, with its steep gradient, than no.2,"]
["where the gradient is much less pronounced. Lower-quality varieties"]
["generally do not have as steep a gradient and the ratios would look more"]
["like that of Plant no. 2."]
[]
["Potency by Sex"]
[]
["Although marijuana lore claimed the female to be the more potent, scientists"]
["disclaimed this. But there is some truth to both sides. In fine marijuana"]
["varieties, male and female leaves average about the same in cannabinoid"]
["concentrations. Either a male or a female individual may have the highest"]
["concentration in any particular case. The largest variation is in comparing"]
["the flowers. Male flowers may be comparable to the females, or they may not"]
["even get you high. It seems that the higher the quality of the grass, the"]
["better the male flowers will be. In fine type I plants, male flowering"]
["clusters usually approach the potency of the female. In low-quality type III"]
["varieties females are usually more potent (20 to 30 percent) than the males."]
[]
["Type II plants are the most variable, with large differences among"]
["individual plants. But the trend is for the females to average about 20"]
["percent high in potency of leaves and flowers."]
[]
["Table 12 - Relative Potencies of Male and Female Plants (66)"]
[]
["                            Percentage by Weight (b) of"]
["COUNTRY OF ORIGIN  SEX (a)        THC      CBD (C)  TYPE PLANT"]
["Mexico             M              3.7     0.86          I"]
["                   F              3.7     0.35"]
["India              M              4.3     0.12          I"]
["                   F             1.78     0.19"]
["Thailand           M              3.2     0.08          I"]
["                   F              3.2     0.42"]
["India              M             0.81      2.1          II"]
["                   F              1.3     0.89"]
["Pakistan           M             1.37     1.24          II"]
["                   F             0.71      1.5"]
["Turkey             M             0.84     2.11          II"]
["                   F             0.92     1.33"]
["India              M             0.15      2.2         III"]
["                   F             0.12      1.2"]
["Poland             M             0.04     0.97         III"]
["                   F             0.06      1.1"]
[]
["a) M, male (staminate); F, female (pistillate). (b) Of flowering mass"]
["with accompanying leaves. (c) Includes CBC. _"]
[]
["Potency by Age"]
[]
["In general, the longer the life cycle of the plant, the more the"]
["concentration of cannabinoids increases, as long as the plant stays health"]
["and vigorous. Actually, it is the development of the plant, rather than"]
["chronological age, that determines this difference in potency. A plant that"]
["is more developed or more mature is generally more potent."]
[]
["Because you decide when to plant and/or can control the photoperiod, you"]
["also control when the plants flowers and, hence, the overall age at"]
["maturity. A six-month-old plant will generally be better than a"]
["four-month-old plant, both of which are flowering. Plants eight months old"]
["will usually be more potent than six-month-old plants. Most indoor growers"]
["plan their gardens to be about five to eight months old at harvest. Healthy"]
["plants can be extended to about 10 months. Plants older than 10 months often"]
["develop abnormally. There is usually a decline in vigour and a loss in"]
["potency. But some growers have decorative plants several years old."]
[]
["Outdoor growers more often simply allow the plants to develop according to"]
["the local growing conditions which will govern their development and"]
["flowering time. Where the growing season is short, some growers start the"]
["plants indoors and transplant when the local growing season begins. This"]
["gives the plants a longer growing season."]
[]
["One reason female plants are considered more potent is because of age. Males"]
["often flower in four to five months and die, while the females may continue"]
["to a ripe old age of eight or nine months, especially when they are not"]
["pollinated."]
[]
["Potency by Growth Stage"]
[]
["Although then general trend is for the cannabinoid concentration to increase"]
["with age, this is not a matter of the simple addition or accumulation of"]
["cannabinoids. The concentration of cannabinoids changes with the general"]
["metabolic rate of the plant, and can be related to the plant's growth"]
["pattern or life cycle. Figure 30 shows a hypothetical curve following the"]
["concentration of THC from the upper leaves and growing tips of a male and"]
["female plant."]
[]
["Notice that THC increases immediately with germination and establishment of"]
["the seedling, and continues to rise until the plant enters its vegetative"]
["stage. At this point, the plant is well-formed, with a sturdy stem, and no"]
["longer looks fragile. As the plant;s rate of growth increases, there is a"]
["corresponding rise in THC that continues throughout the vegetative stage"]
["until a plateau is reached. Before the plateau is reached the arrangement of"]
["leaves on the stem (phyllotaxy) changes from opposite to alternate. The"]
["plateau is maintained until the plant's rapid growth all but stops and the"]
["plant has entered preflowering. By this time, the branches have formed the"]
["plant to its characteristic shape. Preflowering lasts about one to two"]
["weeks, during which THC concentration falls until the appearance of the"]
["first flowers."]
[]
["For the male plant, preflowering ends with renewed growth. This lengthens"]
["the uppermost internodes and the first male flower buds appear. THC"]
["immediately increases with the development of the male flower clusters, and"]
["reaches its peak when most of the flowers are fully formed and a few are"]
["beginning to release pollen. After pollen release, the male normally loses"]
["vigour and THC content slowly declining until the plant is cured and stored."]
[]
["Female plants reach their maximum THC when the plants are in full bloom."]
["Full bloom is when the plant has filled out with well-formed flower"]
["clusters, but flowers are still slowly forming. Most of the stigmas will"]
["still be white and healthy."]
[]
["Flowering lasts anywhere from two to 10 weeks, depending on whether the"]
["plants are pollinated or not, as well as on variety and the environment."]
["(See Chapter 20 for details.) THC content declines as the formation of new"]
["flowers slows and the majority of the stigmas begin to brown. The only"]
["changes you may see in the plants are the maturation of the seeds and the"]
["loss of green colour in the leaves and flowers. In some cases the plant's"]
["apparent resin (its look and feel) increases during the last few weeks of"]
["life while the THC concentration is still declining."]
[]
["You may feel that you should only pick marijuana when the plants are in full"]
["bloom, but this is not the case. Think of the garden as a continuous supply"]
["of grass. You can never be sure of the fate of your plants. The biggest"]
["problem with outdoor growing is that there is a good chance that the plants"]
["will be ripped off before you plan to harvest. It is much better to harvest"]
["grass during the course of a season, assuring yourself a return for your"]
["efforts. For example, during the third month of growth, you could cut back"]
["the growing tips, which should be quite potent, often more potent than"]
["Figure 30 suggests. This doesn't mean there will be less to harvest at"]
["season's end. In fact, the plant will be forced to develop its branches,"]
["possible yielding a larger plant."]
[]
["Common sense tells you that it is always best to test one sample before you"]
["harvest. By taking one tip, curing and smoking, you'll know whether it's"]
["worthwhile to harvest more at that time or to wait longer. When a tip is"]
["about equal to its parents' potency, then definitely harvest more growing"]
["tips. This peak high often occurs during the middle to late rapid,"]
["vegetative-growth stage."]
[]
["The reader should keep in mind that Figure 30 serves only as an example."]
["Chronological age is not as important as the physiological age of the plant."]
["In this graph, the life of the plants is about six months. But the life"]
["cycle depends on the particular variety and the growing conditions, which"]
["strongly influence the rate of development. (For details on how to use the"]
["graph, see Chapter 20.) The important facts that the reader should get from"]
["the graph are that the potency of the grass can decrease as well as increase"]
["during the plant's life cycle. Actual studies of the cyclic variations in"]
["potency over the course of a season have shown much more complicated"]
["rhythms, with many more peaks and valleys then here 71,74,80,86,92. Most"]
["varieties will more or less follow a growth pattern as described. Changes in"]
["the plant's development, such as phyllotaxy and growth rate, are cues to"]
["changes in THC concentration. Secondly, the growing tips of the main stem"]
["and branches can be very potent. Growers do not have to wait until flowers"]
["form to harvest top-quality smoke."]
[]
["     3.6 Cultivation: Indoors or Outdoors?"]
[]
["The basic elements of the environment (light, water, air, and soil) provide"]
["plants with their fundamental needs. These environmental factors affect the"]
["growth rates of plants, as well as their life cycles. If one factor is"]
["deficient, growth rate and vigour will wan regardless of the other three."]
["For instance, with low light, the growth will be limited no matter how"]
["fertile and moist the soil is. In the same sense, if soil minerals are"]
["scarce, the growth rate will be limited no matter how you increase the"]
["light."]
[]
["Photosynthesis"]
[]
["Cannabis, like all green plants, manufacturers its food through the process"]
["photosynthesis. Unlike animals, which depend on pre-formed food for"]
["survival, plants can use energy from light to form food (carbohydrates) from"]
["simple inorganic molecules absorbed from the air and soil."]
[]
["Plants absorb light energy through pigments that are concentrated in the"]
["leaf cells. These pigments are also found in most of the aboveground parts"]
["of the plant. The most abundant pigment is chlorophyll, which gives the"]
["plants their green colour. The energy absorbed is stored in chemical"]
["compounds such as ATP and NADPH2. ((ATP, adenosine-triphosphate; NADPH2,"]
["nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-phosphate.)) These are storage/transfer"]
["compounds that function to transfer energy and matter in the living system."]
["ATP transfers energy that fuels the reactions for the making of"]
["carbohydrates as well as most other metabolic functions. NADPH2 transfers"]
["electrons, usually as hydrogen, for the synthesis of carbohydrates as well"]
["as other compounds."]
[]
["The raw material for the synthesis of carbohydrates (CH2O)n comes from"]
["carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Carbon dioxide is absorbed primarily"]
["from the air, but can also be absorbed from the soil and secondarily from"]
["the air."]
[]
["        Photosynthesis is summarised as follow:"]
["        light energy ------- ATP + NADPH2"]
["        CO2 + H2O    ------- (CH2O)n + O2"]
[]
["For more complex bio-molecules such as amino acids and proteins, the plant"]
["absorbs minerals (including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur) from the soil."]
["Carbohydrates provide food energy for the plant using processes similar to"]
["those that occur in humans. They also form the basic building blocks for"]
["plant tissues. For example, the sugar glucose (CH2O)6 is strung and bonded"]
["to farm long chains of cellulose, the most abundant organic compound on"]
["earth. About 80 percent of the structure of the plant's cells is made from"]
["cellulose."]
[]
["The plant is a living thing existing in a holistic world; a myriad of"]
["factors affect its life. However, good cultivation techniques require"]
["attention to only four basic growth factors. With this accomplished, the"]
["plants will do the rest."]
[]
["As grower, your strategy is to bring out the plant's natural qualities. The"]
["cannabinoids are natural to the plants. Seeds from potent marijuana grow"]
["into potent marijuana plants when they are nurtured to a full and healthy"]
["maturity."]
[]
["Since most marijuana plants are adapted to tropical or semitropical"]
["climates, it is up to the grower to make the transition to local growing"]
["conditions harmonious. The requires sensible gardening techniques and, in"]
["some cases, manipulation of the photoperiod. There is no magic button to"]
["push or secret fertiliser to sue. The secret of potency lies within the"]
["embryo. The environment can and does affect potency, as it does most aspects"]
["of the plant's life. However, environmental factors are secondary to the"]
["plant's heritage (genetic potential)."]
[]
["Indoors vs. Outdoors"]
[]
["At this point the book divides into separate indoor and outdoor cultivation"]
["sections, and you may wonder whether it is better to grow the plant indoors"]
["or outdoors. Each alternative has advantages and disadvantages. It is"]
["usually better to grow the plants outdoors if possible, because the plants"]
["can grow much larger and faster than indoors. Indoors presents space and"]
["light limitations. It is possible to grow a 15-foot bush indoors, but this"]
["is unrealistic in most home. There simply isn't enough room or light for"]
["such a large plant. Outdoor gardens return a much higher yield for the"]
["effort and expense. most indoor gardeners buy soil and may have to buy"]
["electric lights. So there is an initial investment of anywhere from $10 on"]
["up."]
[]
["On the other hand, outdoor plants are more likely to be seen. Many gardens"]
["get ripped off, and busts are a constant threat. Indoor gardens are much"]
["less likely to be discovered. Gardening indoors allows the grower closer"]
["contact with the plants. The plants can be grown all year long; it is an"]
["easy matter to control their growth cycles and flowering. Probably the"]
["biggest attraction of indoor gardens is that they are beautiful to watch and"]
["easy to set up anywhere."]
[]
["One popular compromise is to construct a simple greenhouse. Use plastic to"]
["either enclose part of a porch or to cover a frame built against the house."]
[]
["The potency of the plants doesn't depend on whether they are grown indoors"]
["or outdoors. As long as you grow healthy plants that reach maturity and"]
["complete their life cycle, the grass can be as good as any you've ever"]
["smoked."]
[]
["PART 2: INDOOR GARDENING"]
[]
["Chapter Four"]
["INTRODUCTION"]
[]
["Marijuana adapts well to indoor conditions. You can grow it in sunny rooms"]
["or with artificial light. The factor limiting the rate of growth indoors is"]
["often the amount of light, since it is less a problem to supply the plants"]
["with plenty of water, nutrients, and air."]
[]
["Natural light is free. If feasible to use, natural light eliminates the most"]
["expensive components for indoor gardeners: artificial lights and the"]
["electricity they use. Window light is the easiest way to grow plants for"]
["decorative purposes or for a small crop. On the other hand, a greenhouse,"]
["sunporch, or particularly sunny room can support larger plants than most"]
["artificial light systems. A sunny porch or roof area enclosed in sheet"]
["plastic to form a greenhouse is a simple, inexpensive way to grow pounds of"]
["grass."]
[]
["Cannabis grows into a fully formed bush when it receives a minimum of five"]
["hours of sunlight a day. But you can grow good-sized plants of excellent"]
["quality with as little as two hours of daily sunlight provided windows are"]
["unobstructed by buildings or trees and allow full daylight. Windows facing"]
["south usually get the most light, followed by windows facing east and west"]
["(north-facing windows seldom get any sun). Use the location with the longest"]
["period of sunlight. The corner of a room or alcoves with windows facing in"]
["two or three directions are often very bright. Skylights are another good"]
["source of bright, unobstructed light."]
[]
["Some growers supplement natural light with artificial light from"]
["incandescent or fluorescent fixtures. This is essential during the winter,"]
["when sunlight is weaker than the summer, and in spaces where the plants get"]
["little direct sunlight. Artificial lights can also be used to lengthen the"]
["natural photoperiod in order to grow plants all year."]
[]
["The best time to plant using natural light is in late March or April, when"]
["the sun's intensity and the number of hours of daylight are increasing."]
["Cleaning windows dramatically increases the amount of light, especially in"]
["cities where grime collects quickly. Paint walls adjacent to windows a flat"]
["white or cover them and the floor with aluminium foil to reflect light to"]
["the plants. Place young plants on shelves, blocks, or tables to bring them"]
["up to the light. Position the plants as close to the windows as possible."]
["Insulate germinating plants from freezing winter drafts by stapling clear"]
["sheets of polyethylene film to the window frame."]
[]
["The main problem with marijuana in windows is that it may be seen by"]
["unfriendly people. This won't be a problem at first, but when the plants"]
["grow larger, they are easily recognised. You could cover the windows with"]
["mesh curtains, rice paper, polyethylene plastic or other translucent"]
["materials to obscure the plants. A strip covering the lower part of the"]
["window may be enough to conceal the plants from outsiders."]
[]
["Most of you will want the garden completely hidden. Some gardeners opt for"]
["closets, basements, attics - even under loft beds. They cover the windows if"]
["the garden is visible and grow the plants entirely with artificial light."]
[]
["The amount of light you provide is what determine the garden's size - the"]
["amount of soil, number and eventual size of the plants, and the overall"]
["yield. Since light is the factor on which you base the planning of your"]
["garden, let's begin with artificial light."]
[]
["{A picture of a self-contained mini-horizontal (150 or 175 watt HID) is"]
["perfect for a personal small garden.}"]
[]
[]
[]
["Chapter Five"]
["ARTIFICIAL LIGHT["]
[]
["5.2 Fixtures"]
[]
["Florescent light is the most effective and efficient source of artificial"]
["light readily available to the home grower. Florescent lamps are the long"]
["tubes typical of institutional lighting. They require a fixture which"]
["contains the lamp sockets and a ballast (transformer) which works on"]
["ordinary house current."]
[]
["Tubes and their fixtures come in length from four inches to 12 feet. The"]
["most common and suitable are four- and eight-foot lengths. Smaller tubes"]
["emit too little light for vigorous growth; longer tubes are unwieldy and"]
["hard to find. The growing area must be large enough to accommodate one or"]
["more of these fixtures through a height of at least six feet as the plants"]
["grow. Fixtures may hold from one to six tubes and may include a reflector,"]
["used for directing more light to the plants. Some fixtures are built with"]
["holes in the reflectors in order for heat to escape. They are helpful in"]
["areas where heat builds up quickly. You can make reflectors with household"]
["materials for fixtures not equipped with reflectors. Try to get fixtures"]
["that have tubes spaced apart rather than close together. See 5.5 for further"]
["suggestions."]
[]
["The tubes and their appropriate fixtures are available at several different"]
["wattage or outputs. Standard or regular output tubes use about 10 watts for"]
["each foot of their length - a four-foot tube has about 40 watts and an"]
["eight-foot tube about 80 watts."]
[]
["High Output (HO) tubes use about 50 percent more watts per length than"]
["regular output tubes and emit about 40 percent more light. An eight-foot"]
["(HO) runs on 112 to 118 watts. Very High Output (VHO) or Super High Output"]
["(SHO) tubes emit about two-and-a-half times the light and use nearly three"]
["times the electricity (212 to 218 watts per eight-foot tube)."]
[]
["The amount of light you supply and the length of the tube determine the size"]
["of the garden. Marijuana will grow with as little as 10 watts per square"]
["foot of growing area, but the more light you give the plants, the faster and"]
["larger they will grow. We recommend at least 20 watts per square foot. The"]
["minimum-size garden contains a four-foot fixture with two 40-watt tubes,"]
["which use a total of 80 watts. Dividing total watts by 20 (watts per square"]
["foot) gives 80w divided by 20w/sq. ft=four sq.ft. (an area one by four"]
["feet). A four-tube (80 watts each) eight-foot fixture would give: 320w"]
["divided by 20w/sq. ft. = 16 sq. ft. or an area the length of the tube and"]
["about two feet wide."]
[]
["VHO and HO tubes in practice don't illuminate as wide an area when the"]
["plants are young, because the light source is one or two tubes rather than a"]
["bank. Once the plants are growing well and the light system is raised"]
["higher, they will illuminate a wider area. Figure about 25 w/(ft*ft) for HO"]
["and 35 w/(ft*ft (or foot squared)) for VHO to determine garden size. A"]
["two-tube, eight-foot VHO fixture will light an area the length of the tube"]
["and one-and-a-half feet wide."]
[]
["The more light you give the plants, the faster they will grow. Near 50w/sq."]
["ft. a point of diminishing returns is reached, and the yield of the garden"]
["is then limited by the space the plants have to grow. For maximum use of"]
["electricity and space, about 40w/sq. ft. is the highest advisable. Under"]
["this much light the growth rate is incredible. More than one grower has said"]
["they can hear the plants growing - the leaves rustle as growth changes their"]
["position. In our experience, standard-output tubes can work as well as or"]
["better than VHO's if four or more eight-food tubes are used in the garden."]
[]
["The yield of the garden is difficult to compute because of all the variable"]
["that determine growth rate. A conservative estimate for a well-run garden is"]
["one ounce of grass (pure smoking material) per square foot of garden every"]
["six months."]
[]
["In commercial grass, the seeds and stems actually make up more of the bulk"]
["weight than the useable marijuana."]
[]
["The grass will be of several grades depending on when and what plant part"]
["you harvest. The rough breakdown might be 1/3 equal to Mexican regular, 1/3"]
["considered real good smoke, and the rest prime quality. With good technique,"]
["the overall yield and the yield of prime quality can be increased several"]
["fold."]
[]
["5.3 Sources"]
[]
["When sunlight is refracted by raindrops, the light is separated according to"]
["wavelengths with the characteristic colours forming a rainbow. Similarly,"]
["the white light of electric lights consists of all the colours of the"]
["visible spectrum. Electric lights differ in the amount of light they"]
["generate in each of the colour bands. This gives them their characteristic"]
["colour tone or degree of whiteness."]
[]
["Plants appear green because they absorb more light near the ends of the"]
["visible spectrum (red and blue) and reflect and transmit more light in the"]
["middle of the spectrum (green and yellow). The light energy absorbed is used"]
["to fuel photosynthesis. Almost any electric light will produce some growth,"]
["but for normal development the plants require a combination of red and blue"]
["light."]
[]
["Sunlight has such a high intensity that it can saturate the plants in the"]
["blue and red bands, though most of the sun's energy is in the middle of the"]
["spectrum. Artificial lights operate at lower intensities; so the best lights"]
["for plant growth emit much of their light in the blue and red bands."]
[]
["Fluorescent Tubes"]
[]
["Several lighting manufacturers make tubes (gro-tubes) the produce much of"]
["their light in the critical red and blue bans. (Plant-gro (GE), Gro-Lux"]
["(Sylvania), Agro-Lite (Westinghouse), and gro-lum (Norelco) are examples,"]
["and they look purple or pink. Vita-lite and Optima (Duro-test) produce a"]
["white light with a natural spectrum very similar to daylight. Duro-test"]
["blubs are more expensive than other tubes but they last twice as long. {See"]
["spectrum for \"The action spectra of chlorosynthesis and photosynthesis"]
["compared to that of human vision. Adapted from IES Lighting Handbook237\"}"]
[]
["Theoretically, these tubes should work better for growing plants than"]
["standard lighting tubes. However, some standard or regular fluorescent tubes"]
["used for lighting actually work better for growing plants than more"]
["expensive natural-spectrum tubes and gro-tubes specifically manufactured for"]
["plant growth. The reason is that regular fluorescent produce more light"]
["(lumens), and overall lumen output is more important for growth rate than a"]
["specific light spectrum. To compensate for their spectrums, use them in"]
["combinations of one \"blue\" fluorescent to each one or two \"red\" fluorescent"]
["(Box B)."]
[]
["Manufacturers use standardised names such as Daylight and Sofwhite to"]
["designate a tube that has a certain degree of whiteness. Each name"]
["corresponds to a tube that emits light in a particular combination of colour"]
["bands. For example, Cool White emits more blue light than other colours and"]
["appears blue-white. By combining tubes that emit more blue light with tubes"]
["that emit more red light, the tubes complement each other and produce a more"]
["natural spectrum for healthy plant growth. More \"red light\" than \"blue"]
["light\" sources are needed to foster healthy growth, so use two red tubes to"]
["each blue tube."]
[]
["The best combinations are either Warm White or Soft White (red) tubes used"]
["with either Cool White or Daylight (blue) tubes. These four tube types are"]
["common, much cheaper, and when used in combination, will give you a better"]
["return than any of the more expensive gro-tubes or natural-spectrum tubes."]
["Any hardware store carries these common lighting tubes, and the cost may be"]
["less than a dollar each."]
[]
["Do not use tubes with \"deluxe\" in their designation. They have a more"]
["natural spectrum but emit considerably less light. Preferably, buy \"Cool"]
["White\" since it emits 50 percent more light than \"Cool White Deluxe.\""]
[]
["Incandescents and Flood Lights"]
[]
["The common screw-in incandescent bulb produces light mainly in the longer"]
["wavelengths: far-red, red, orange, and yellow. Higher-wattage bulbs produce"]
["a broader spectrum of light than lower-wattage bulbs. Incandescents can be"]
["used alone to grow marijuana, but the plants will grow slowly and look"]
["scraggly and yellow. Incandescents combined with fluorescent work well, but"]
["fluorescent are a better source of red light. Fluorescent tubes generate"]
["slightly less heat per watt. With incandescents, heat is concentrated in the"]
["small bulb area, rather than the length of the tube, and can burn the"]
["plants. In addition, incandescents have less than one-third the efficiency"]
["of fluorescent in terms of electricity used. If you decide to use"]
["incandescents in combination with fluorescent, use two times the wattage of"]
["incandescents to blue source fluorescent, that is, two 40-watt Daylight"]
["tubes to about three 60-watt incandescents, evenly spacing the red and blu"]
["sources."]
[]
["The common floodlight has a spectrum similar to but somewhat broader than"]
["incandescents. Because they cast their light in one direction and operate at"]
["higher intensities, these lights work better than incandescents, both as a"]
["single source and to supplement natural or fluorescent light. {Figure 33."]
["Supplement natural light with floodlights. Use foil curtains for"]
["reflectors.}"]
[]
["The best application for floodlights and incandescents is to supplement"]
["natural and fluorescent light, especially when the plants get larger and"]
["during flowering. Incandescents and floodlights require no special fixtures,"]
["although reflectors increase the amount of light the plants receive. These"]
["lights are easy to hang or place around the sides of any light system, and"]
["their strong red band promotes more growth and good flower development. Some"]
["of their energy is in the far-red band. Most purple gro-tubes and white"]
["fluorescent are deficient in this band, and addition of a few incandescents"]
["make them more effective. Agro-lite and W/S Gro-Lux emit adequate far-red"]
["light and need no addition of incandescents."]
[]
["Several companies make screw-in spotlights specifically for plant growth."]
["Two brand names are Duro-Test and Gro n'Sho. Although they are an"]
["improvement over incandescents as a single source, these lights don't"]
["perform nearly as well as fluorescent. A 150-watt bulb would grow one plant"]
["perhaps four feet tall. Two eight-foot fluorescent tubes (160 watts) will"]
["easily grow eight six-foot plants. For supplemental lighting, the"]
["incandescents and floodlight work as well and are cheaper."]
[]
["HID Lamps. Metal Halide (MH) and Sodium-Vapour Lamps (HPS)"]
[]
["HID's (High-Intensity-Discharge) are the lamps of choice for serious indoor"]
["gardeners. HID lamps commonly illuminate streets, parking lots, and sports"]
["stadiums, and they emit very intense light and produce more light, more"]
["efficiently than fluorescent. All HID's require specific ballasts and"]
["fixtures to operate, so purchase complete systems (fixture, ballast,"]
["reflector) along with the lamp. High Times and Sinsemilla Tips magazines (p."]
["332) feature numerous ads by retailers of horticultural HID systems. Contact"]
["the advertisers, and they'll send you brochures with enough information to"]
["make an informed choice."]
[]
["Ordinary metal-halides (MH's and HP's) may emit dangerous UV and particle"]
["radiation of the bulb envelop breaks, cracks, or develops a small hole."]
["Broken MH bulbs may continue to operate apparently normally, and exposure"]
["may cause serious eye or skin injury. Make sure to purchase MH bulbs"]
["designed with a safety feature (such as GE Sat-T-Gard or Sylvania Safeline)"]
["that causes the bulb to burn out immediately if the outer envelope ruptures."]
["OR purchase fixtures that shield the bulb in protective tempered glass."]
[]
["HID's come in many sizes, but generally, use only 400 and 1,000 watt sized"]
["lamps. The largest size (1,500 watts) is not recommended because of its"]
["relatively short bulb life. Sizes less than 400 watts do not return as much"]
["marijuana considering set-up costs and ease of operation. The only"]
["exceptions are certain \"self-contained\" mini-units of 150 and 175 watts (see"]
["4.1). These mini-self-contained units have a horizontal fixture and built-in"]
["ballast, which is easy to set up. The horizontal fixture directs up to 45"]
["percent more light to the plants than conventional, vertically positioned"]
["lamps with reflectors. The intense light encourages excellent growth and bud"]
["formation with modest electrical consumption. They are the best overall"]
["light system for small, personal gardens such as closet set-ups."]
[]
["Position 400 watt HID lamps 18 to 30 inches above plant tops, and 1,000 watt"]
["lamps 30 to 42 inches above the tops. During flowering, flowers may \"run\""]
["rather than form in compact buds if lamps are positioned too close to the"]
["plant tops, particularly when using HPS's."]
[]
["Heat is the main problem with HID's, and the room must be well-ventilated."]
["Use exhaust fans to draw heat out of the room. The fan doesn't need to be"]
["large, just active enough to create a strong, ventilating draft."]
[]
["Light Balancers"]
[]
["Sophisticated gardeners use light balancers which employ a small motor to"]
["move reflectors and HID lamps held on tracks or mechanical arms slowly"]
["across a garden in either a linear or circular pattern {(see p. 88 Figure"]
["38b)}. Light balances save considerable power and bulb costs because they"]
["dramatically increase the effectively illuminated garden size, while using"]
["less the 24 watts per balancer. With the lights moving on a balancer, all of"]
["the garden becomes equally illuminated for modest running costs. Instead of"]
["adding another 1,000 watt HID, a light balancer increases the garden size"]
["without measurably increasing power consumption, an important consideration"]
["when electricity consumption or costs are of concern."]
[]
["With multi-bulb HID gardens, use one MH to each HPS lamp on a light"]
["balancer, and hang the lamps about one foot closer to the plant tops than"]
["usual. MH's favour blue light, and HPS's produce more orange-red light. By"]
["combining the two, the spectrum is more balanced, and you'll get a better"]
["return of well-formed buds."]
[]
["Low Cost HID Systems"]
[]
["By far, the most efficient and effective set-up for a modest artificial"]
["light garden is to use fluorescent lamps set on a long photoperiod for"]
["germination, growing seedlings or to raise clones; use another room,, or"]
["part of the room separated by a light-tight curtain or barrier, for"]
["flowering with (HPS) lamps in horizontal reflectors kept on a short"]
["photoperiod to induce and promote flowering."]
[]
["For example, separate and average sized room into two growing areas by"]
["hanging an opaque curtain to block light between the two sections. In the"]
["smaller area, grow seedling or clones (see 18.5) for two to six weeks under"]
["fluorescent set on a constant light. In the larger section, keep HPS lamp(s)"]
["on a 12-hour light cycle for flowering. Move larger seedlings under the HPS"]
["lamp(s) for about 9 to 15 weeks to initiate and complete flowering."]
["Meanwhile, start more seedling under fluorescent. It's easy to maintain both"]
["sections of the room be constantly replenishing either area with new plants."]
["This setup is very productive for a modest investment in both costs and"]
["labour - no time or costly light and electricity is wasted on empty space,"]
["and you'll find yourself continuously harvesting mature buds."]
[]
["{A no frills setup with an HID.  Notice that the ballast is insulated from"]
["the floor with pieces of wood; the fixture is supported by rope and not the"]
["electric cord; plastic protects the floor; there is a timer, a reflector, and"]
["fan.}"]
["{Figure 34 and 35 for light-output from two and four 40 watt white"]
["fluorescent and comparing effectiveness in footcandles.}"]
[]
["Using this setup, the initial long photoperiod and small area necessary for"]
["seedlings or clones is illuminated cheaply by fluorescent. Seedlings grow,"]
["and cuttings root, better under fluorescent than HPS's. The larger, more"]
["costly flowering section is kept under a short photoperiod of 12 hours of"]
["daily light and the strong red light is necessary for good flowering."]
[]
["For example, the whole operation could draw less then 650 watts: 160 watts"]
["by four, four-foot fluorescent set on constant light to start the seedlings;"]
["one 400 watt HPS set on 12 hours daily light for flowering; two timers and a"]
["venting fan for automating the lights and controlling heat. It's possible to"]
["harvest four to six, fully mature crops each year, or continuously harvest."]
["(See Mel Frank's new Marijuana Grower's Insider Guide by RED EYE PRESS for"]
["much more information on efficient, low cost, indoor systems and greenhouse"]
["gardening.)"]
[]
["5.4 Setting up the Garden"]
[]
["Under artificial light, marijuana grows from three to sic feet in three"]
["months, so the height of the light must be easy to adjust. Fixtures can be"]
["hung from the ceiling, shelves, walls, or from a simple frame constructed"]
["for the purpose. If you are hanging the lights from the walls or ceiling,"]
["screw hooks directly into a stud. Studs are located in every room corner and"]
["are spaced 16, 18 or 24 inches apart. Light can be supported from lathing"]
["using wingbolts, but plaster is too weak to hold a fixture unless a wooden"]
["strip held by several wingbolts is attached to the walls or ceiling first to"]
["distribute the pressure. Then hang the fixture from a hook in the strip."]
["Closets have hooks and shelves or clothes rungs that are usually sturdy"]
["enough to support the fixture. People have gardens under loft beds."]
[]
["Chains are the easiest means of raising and lowering fixtures. Two chains"]
["can be suspended from a solid support from above, and attached to an \"S\""]
["hook at each end of the fixture. Raise the fixture by inching the hooks to"]
["higher links on the chain. Or tie rope to the fixture, pass through an eye"]
["hook or pulley in the ceiling or frame, and tie-off at a hook or boat cleat"]
["anchored in the wall or frame."]
[]
["You can also hang the lights permanently and lower plants on a shelf or"]
["plywood. The shelf could be suspended or lowered by supporting the shelf"]
["with progressively smaller block. This arrangement is often used in \"growing"]
["factories\" where plants are rotated to larger gardens and grow for only a"]
["few weeks in each space. One garden may have fluorescent for starting plants"]
["and another garden for maturing plants under HID's. With HID's and"]
["skylights, lowering the plants may be your best option. Use lightweight soil"]
["components or hydroponics rather than heavier soil, and the operation is"]
["easier."]
[]
["If you plan to use six or more fluorescent, remove end sockets and ballasts"]
["from fixtures. Mount end sockets and tubes on a frame of one-by-twos or"]
["plywood. Space sockets so tubes cover the garden evenly (see Figure 37 and"]
["38). This arrangement illuminates the garden more evenly and drastically"]
["reduces the suspended weight since ballasts make up most of a fixture's"]
["weight. Keep ballasts off floors and away from water. Mount the ballasts on"]
["a nearby wall or on a wooden box. Wet ballasts could actually explode, and"]
["at best, are electrically dangerous when wet."]
[]
["Always buy fixtures with reflectors. For HID's, companies make their own"]
["reflectors, but the best reflectors are for horizontally positioned lights"]
["no matter which company. Horizontal reflectors focus much more useable light"]
["than either parabolic or cone reflectors. HPS's can work in any position,"]
["but MH lamps are made to work in either a horizontal or vertical position,"]
["and you must buy bulbs that correspond with the fixtures."]
[]
["For fluorescents, you can make an overhead reflector from the cardboard"]
["cartons in which tubes and fixtures are packaged. Cut off the end flaps and"]
["form the cardboard into a \"U\". Face inner side with aluminium foil or paint"]
["them white. Leave enough space so the foil or cardboard does not contact end"]
["sockets. Staple or tape the reflector behind the tubes to the fixture or"]
["from to reflect light toward the plants."]
[]
["Surround all garden with reflective surfaces, but not so tightly that air"]
["can't freely circulate. Even in window gardens, reflective sheets set"]
["adjacent to the plants make a marked difference in growth. When artificial"]
["lights are high, reflectors from the floor on up keep lower branches"]
["actively growing. Mylar, with its mirror-finish, is popular for facing"]
["walls. A flat white paint (super or decorator white) reflects better than"]
["glossy white or aluminium foil. Flat white has about three percent more"]
["reflecting capacity than aluminium foil, and reflects light more uniformly."]
["The difference is slight, so use whatever means is most convenient. Paint"]
["walls that border the garden a flat white or cover them with aluminium,"]
["mylar, or white plasterboard. {Figure 36. Reflectors can be made from sturdy"]
["paper faced with aluminium foil. Make them with staples, tape, or tacks."]
["Figure 37.}"]
[]
["Natural-light gardens also benefit from reflectors. Make them out of"]
["cardboard painted white or faced with aluminium foil. Once the plants are"]
["past the seedling stage, surround them with reflectors; otherwise only one"]
["side of the plants will be fully illuminated."]
[]
["Covering the floor with a plastic dropcloth (about $1 at any hardware store)"]
["will protect your flor and your neighbour's ceiling from possible water"]
["damage."]
[]
["Marijuana grows well in a dry atmosphere, but heated or air-conditioned"]
["homes are sometimes too dry during germination and early growth. Enclosing"]
["the garden in reflectors will contain some of the moisture and insure a"]
["healthy humidity. White sheet plastic is available to enclose open gardens."]
["Do not completely enclose the garden. Leave some open spaces at the bottom,"]
["top and ends of the garden to allow air to circulate. Air circulation will"]
["become more important as the plants grow larger."]
[]
["Don't rely on training your pets to stay out of the garden. The garden will"]
["attract them, and they can easily destroy young plants by chewing on leaves"]
["and stems. Soil is more natural to their instincts than the sidewalk or"]
["kitty litter. Protect the garden from pets and toddlers; surround it with"]
["white plastic or chicken wire. Large plants are more sturdy and animals can"]
["do them little harm. The jungle ambience and an occasional leaf are"]
["irresistible to most cats, and they'll spend hours in the garden."]
[]
["5.5 Electricity"]
[]
["For most growers, the amount of electricity used is of little concern. A"]
["four-tube, regular-output, eight-foot fixture draws about 320 watts per hour"]
["or about the same as a colour TV. The cost increase to your electric bill"]
["will be about two to six dollars a month, depending on local rates."]
[]
["Farmers who devote entire basements or attics to their gardens are sometime"]
["restricted by the amount of current they can draw. Older homes or apartments"]
["may have only one 15-ampere circuit but more often have two, for 30 amperes"]
["total. Newer homes have either 60 or 100 amperes available through four to"]
["six circuits. One 15-ampere circuit can safely accommodate three, two-tube"]
["VHO fixtures or six tubes for 1,290 watts, or 16 regular-output, eight-foot"]
["tubes for about 1,280 watts total. This allows for a 20 percent safety"]
["margin of circuit capacity, which is necessary considering heat loss,"]
["starting voltages, etc."]
[]
["In kitchen and basements the circuits may be rated higher, at either 20 or"]
["30 amperes. You can find out the amperage of the circuit by looking at the"]
["fuse rating on the face of the fuse. Determine what room or rooms each"]
["circuit is feeding by removing the fuse and seeing which outlets are not"]
["working. The wattage capacity of any circuit is found by multiplying volts"]
["time amps. Standard United States voltage is 110 to 120 volts."]
[]
["Fluorescent light fixtures are sometimes sold unwired or without a line"]
["cord, and the job is left to you. Follow the diagram on the ballast which"]
["shows the wires marked by their colour. Simply attach the wires to the"]
["sockets as diagrammed. New sockets have small holes which automatically make"]
["contact when the bare end of the wire is pushed into them. Older fixtures"]
["have sockets with conventional screw terminals."]
[]
["Indoor gardens may have aluminium foil, chains, reflectors, and wet floors,"]
["all of which are good electrical conductors. Coupled with hanging lights,"]
["these conditions could lead to dangerous electrical shocks. Never touch a"]
["reflector, fixture, or ballast while watering or standing on a damp floor."]
["Eliminate the chance of serious shocks altogether by turning off the lights"]
["whenever you work in the garden. An HID ballast on a damp floor is very"]
["dangerous. Raise HID ballasts on wood blocks off the floor."]
[]
["Reduce the risk of dangerous shocks by using fixtures grounded to the power"]
["source. A fixture with a three-pronged plug connected to a three-wire outlet"]
["is grounded in a properly wired house. You can also ground a fixture by"]
["connecting a #12 or #14 gauge wire to any bare metal screw (not an electric"]
["terminal) on the fixture housing to the screw that holds the cover plate on"]
["the electrical outlet your using."]
[]
["{With two prong outlets, connect an adaptor plug with a terminal (top left)"]
["or third wire (top right) from the plug to the screw that holds the cover"]
["plate.  This converts two-wire outlets to three wire grounded systems when a"]
["three-wire electric cord is used, an important electrical safeguard which"]
["grounds the light system.}"]
[]
["Chapter Six"]
["SOIL AND CONTAINERS FOR IT"]
[]
["6.2 Pots and Other Containers"]
[]
["In its natural state, marijuana may grow an extensive root system - a"]
["fibrous network of fine, lateral roots that branch off a main, carrot-shaped"]
["tap root. In dry areas, the tap root can grow more than six feet deep in its"]
["search for water. In moist areas with fertile soil (such as in potting"]
["mixtures), the lateral roots are able to supply water and nutritive needs"]
["and the tap root remains small, often only three or four inches long on a"]
["seven-foot-tall mature plant."]
[]
["The purpose of the growing medium is to provide adequate water and nutrients"]
["in addition to anchoring the roots, which hold the plant upright. By"]
["watering and fertilising as needed, you could grow a six-foot plant in a"]
["four-inch ((Pots are measured by diameter across the top.)) pot or in a"]
["three-foot layer of soil over your whole garden; but neither of these"]
["extreme procedures is very practical."]
[]
["Most growers use containers that will hold between two and five gallons of"]
["soil. These are a good compromise in terms of weight, space, cost, and"]
["labour. They can be moved easily and hold an adequate reservoir of water and"]
["nutrients to support a large mature plant."]
[]
["Some growers use a single large box or several long troughs that hold a six-"]
["to 12-inch layer of soil. These have the advantage of minimal restriction of"]
["roots and less frequent waterings, but they require more soil and make"]
["rotating or moving the plants impractical."]
[]
["Determine the right size pot to use in your garden by the amount of light"]
["per square foot. For a moderately lighted garden (15 to 25 watts per square"]
["foot and most window gardens), use one- to three-gallon containers. For"]
["gardens with more light energy - over 25 watts per square foot or one-half"]
["day or more of sunlight - use three- to eight-gallon containers. The"]
["smallest pot we recommend for a full-grown plant is eight inches or one"]
["gallon. This is also a good size for starting plants to be transplanted"]
["after two months."]
[]
["Practically any container that can withstand repeated waterings and has a"]
["top at least as wide as its base will do. Each pot must have several holes"]
["in the bottom to assure drainage. Growers use flower pots,"]
["institutional-sized cans and plastic buckets, baskets and small trash cans,"]
["milk crates and wooden boxes."]
[]
["Plastic trash bags are sometimes used when other large containers can't be"]
["found. They must be handled carefully, since shifting the soil damages the"]
["fragile lateral roots. They are also more difficult to work with when"]
["transplanting. However, a roll of trash bags is an available and inexpensive"]
["substitute for other large containers. Plastic bags should be double or"]
["triple bagged. Small holes should be punched in the bottom to drain excess"]
["water. Use masking tape to patch any unwanted tears. The capacity of the bag"]
["should be no more than twice as many gallons as the amount of soil used. For"]
["example, with four gallons of soil, the bag should be of a five-gallon, but"]
["not more than eight-gallon size. Otherwise, it will not form a cylinder, and"]
["the bag will remain a shapeless mass."]
[]
["Use as many pots as can fit in the lighted area to make the most efficient"]
["use of space. Many growers prefer to start the plants in smaller pots,"]
["transplanting into larger pots when the plants are larger. There are"]
["definite advantages to this method in terms of the yield in the garden,"]
["given its space and light energy. Seedlings and small plants take up much"]
["les space than they will at maturity, so they can be placed closer together."]
["As the plants grow and begin to crowd each other, remove the less vigorous"]
["(to smoke, of course) and transplant the rest into larger pots. Start plants"]
["which will be transplanted later in four- to eight-inch flower pots, or"]
["one-quart to one-gallon tin cans or milk containers. Peat pots or planting"]
["pots are made of compressed plant fibre for the purpose of starting young"]
["plants. They are available at garden shops and come in several sizes. Use at"]
["least a four-inch pot so that the roots are not restricted in early growth."]
["Peat pots are supposed to break down in the soil, but marijuana's delicate"]
["lateral roots may not be able to penetrate unless you score or break away"]
["the sides while transplanting. Wax paper cup (six to eight ounces), filled"]
["with a soil mixture, work as well as peat pots and are cheaper."]
[]
["        BOX C"]
["        Finding Large Containers"]
[]
["                Use your ingenuity in finding large containers.  Large clay"]
["                flower pots do not work any better than the large metal and"]
["                plastic containers discarded by restaurants and food stores."]
["                Various milk containers are good starting pots.  Many garden"]
["                shops sell used pots for a few cents each.  Wholesalers sell"]
["                plastic pots by the carton at a discount.  Large plastic pots"]
["                and pails can sometimes be picked up inexpensively at flea"]
["                markets or variety stores.  Any vessel that holds an adequate"]
["                amount of soil and does not disintegrate from repeated"]
["                waterings is a satisfactory container."]
[]
["6.3 Properties of Soil"]
[]
["The soil or growing medium serves as a source and reservoir for water, air,"]
["and nutrients, and to anchor the roots. Since marijuana grows extremely"]
["fast, it has higher water and nutritive needs than most plants grown"]
["indoors. The success of your garden depends on supplying the plant with a"]
["medium that meets its needs without creating toxic conditions in the"]
["process."]
[]
["There is no such thing as the perfect soil for Cannabis. Each variety can"]
["grow within a range of soil conditions. For healthy, full, growth, marijuana"]
["prefers a medium with good drainage, high in available nutrients, and near a"]
["neutral pH (7.0). These conditions result from a complex set of physical,"]
["chemical and biological factors. We will refer to them simply as: (1)"]
["texture; (2) nutrients; (3) pH."]
[]
["Most indoor growers prepare the growing medium using commercial potting"]
["mixes. These mixes are usually sterilised or pasteurised and have good"]
["general soil properties. Since they seldom list the contents, nutrients, or"]
["pH, do some simple test of your basic soil whether you buy or dig for it."]
["Then you can adjust the soil to meet the basic requirements of the plant."]
[]
["Texture"]
[]
["The texture of the medium determines its water-holding and draining"]
["properties. Marijuana must have a well-drained medium for healthy growth."]
["Soils that hold too much water or hold it unevenly can drown the roots,"]
["leading to poor growth or death of the plant. In a well-drained soil the"]
["roots are in contact with air as well as water. Soils that have too much"]
["clay, or are overly rich in compost or other organic matter, tend to hold"]
["too much water and not enough air. This condition worsens in time. This is"]
["especially true of the soil in pots."]
[]
["You can determine the texture of your soil from its appearance and feel. Dry"]
["soil should never cake or form crusts. Dry or slightly moist soil that feels"]
["light-weight, airy, or spongy when squeezed, and has a lot of fibrous"]
["material, will hold a lot of water. Mix it with materials which decrease its"]
["water-holding capacity, such as sand, perlite, or even kitty litter."]
[]
["Wet soil should remain spongy or loose and never sticky. A wetted ball of"]
["soil should crumble or separate easily when poked."]
[]
["Soil that feels heavy and looks dense with fine particulate matter, or is"]
["sandy or gritty, will benefit by being loosened and lightened with fibrous"]
["materials such as vermiculite, Jiffy Mix, or sometimes sphagnum moss."]
[]
["Soil Conditioners to Improve Texture"]
[]
["Perlite (expanded sand or volcanic glass) is a practically weightless"]
["horticultural substitute for sand. Sand and perlite contribute no nutrients"]
["of their own and are near neutral in pH. They hold water, air, and nutrients"]
["from the medium on their irregular surfaces and are particularly good at"]
["aerating the soil."]
[]
["Vermiculture (a micaceous material) and sphagnum moss contribute small"]
["amounts of their own nutrients and are near neutral in pH. They hold water,"]
["air, and nutrients in their fibre and improve the texture of sandy or"]
["fast-draining soils. Jiffy Mix, Ortho Mix, or similar mixes are made of"]
["ground vermiculite and sphagnum moss, and are fortified with a small amount"]
["of all the necessary nutrients. They are available at neutral pH, are good"]
["soil conditioners, and are also useful for germinating seeds."]
[]
["Sphagnum and Peat Moss (certain fibrous plant matter) are sometimes used by"]
["growers to improve water holding and texture. Both work well in small"]
["amounts (10 to 15 percent of soil mixture). In excess, they tend to make the"]
["medium too acidic after a few months of watering. Use vermiculite or Jiffy"]
["Mix in preference to sphagnum or peat moss."]
[]
["Nutrients"]
[]
["Nutrients are essential minerals necessary for plant growth. The major"]
["nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which"]
["correspond to the three numbers, in that order, the appear on fertiliser and"]
["manure packages, and that give the percentage of each nutrient in the mix"]
["(see section 9)."]
[]
["Marijuana prefers a medium that is high in nitrogen, and mid-range in"]
["phosphorus and potassium. Generally, the darker the soil, the more available"]
["nutrients it contains. Commercial soils usually contain a good balance of"]
["all nutrients and will support healthy growth for a month or two, even in"]
["smaller (one gallon) containers. Many growers prefer to enrich their soil by"]
["adding sterilised manures, composts, or humus. All of these provide a good"]
["balance of the three major nutrients. They also retain water in their fibre."]
["In excess they cause drainage problems, make the medium too acidic, and"]
["attract insects and other pests. A good mixture is one part compost or"]
["manure to five to eight parts of soil medium. In large pots (four or five"]
["gallons), these mixtures might provide all the nutrients the plant will ever"]
["need. {Table 13.}"]
[]
["The many prepared organic and chemical fertilisers that can be mixed with"]
["the soil vary considerably in available nutrients and concentrations. Used"]
["in small amounts, they do not appreciably effect the soil texture. Many"]
["prepared fertilisers are deficient in one or more of the major nutrients"]
["(see Table 14). Mix them together so there is some of each nutrient, or use"]
["them with manures, which are complete (contain some of all three major"]
["nutrients). When adding fertilisers, remember that organic materials break"]
["down at different rates. It is better to use combinations which complement"]
["each other, such as poultry manure and cow manure, than to use either"]
["fertiliser alone. (See Table 22 in section 13 for a complete list of organic"]
["fertilisers."]
[]
["Table 14 - Prepared Organic Fertilisers"]
[]
["Type of             Percentage by weight of    Availability to"]
["fertiliser          N        P2O5     K20      Plant"]
["-----------------------------------------------------------------"]
["Blood meal          13        0        0       Rapid/medium"]
["Bone meal            0.5     15        0       Medium/slow"]
["Blood/bone meal      6        7        0       Medium/slow"]
["Cottonseed meal      6        2        1       Slow/medium"]
["Fish meal            8        2        0       Slow/medium"]
["Hoof and bone meal  10        2        0       Slow"]
["Rock phosphate       6       24        0       Slow"]
["Wood ash             0        1.5    3-7       Rapid"]
["Greensand            0        0      2-8       Medium/slow"]
[]
["Chemical fertilisers are made in about every conceivable combination and"]
["concentration. Pick one that is complete and where the first number (N) is"]
["at least equal if not higher than both P and K. For example, rose foods may"]
["be 12-12-12 or 20-20-20, and work very well for marijuana. Others are:"]
["Vigoro 18-4-5 and Ortho 12-6-6. The higher the number, the more concentrated"]
["the mix is, and consequently, the more nutrients are available."]
[]
["Don't use fertilisers which come in pellets or capsules, or that are"]
["labelled \"timed\" or \"slow release.\" They do not work as well indoors as do"]
["standard organic and chemical fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers seldom list"]
["the amount to mix per pot. You can get some idea by the instructions for"]
["application per square foot. Use that amount of each one-half cubic foot of"]
["soil mixture."]
[]
["Many growers add no nutrients at this time but rely on watering with soluble"]
["fertilisers when they water. These fertilisers and their application are"]
["discussed in section 9."]
[]
["pH"]
[]
["The pH is a convenient measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil"]
["medium. It is another way of expressing whether the soil is bitter"]
["(alkaline) or sour (acid). The pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with"]
["7.0 assigned neutral; below 7.0 is acid and above is alkaline."]
[]
["You can think of the pH as a measure of the overall chemical charge of the"]
["medium. It affects whether nutrients dissolve to forms available to the"]
["plant or to forms the plant can't absorb, remaining locked in the soil"]
["medium."]
[]
["Marijuana responds best to a neutral (7.0 pH) medium, although in a fertile,"]
["well-drained soil, it will grow well in a range of 6.0 to 8.5. The simplest"]
["way to check the pH is with a soil-test kit from a garden shop or nursery."]
["Test kits are chemicals or treated papers - for example, litmus papers or"]
["Nitrazine tape - that change colour when mixed with a wet soil sample. The"]
["colour is then matched to a colour chart listing the corresponding pH."]
["Nitrazine tape is available, inexpensively, in drug stores. Some meters"]
["measure pH, but these are expensive. Agricultural agents, agricultural"]
["schools, and local offices of Cooperative Extension will test a soil sample"]
["for pH and nutrient content. Occasionally, a garden-shop person will check"]
["pH for you or will know the pH of the soils they sell."]
[]
["Highly alkaline soils are characteristically poor soils that form cakes,"]
["crusts, and hardpan. Soil manufacturers don't use them, nor should they be"]
["dug for indoor gardens. Alkaline soils are treated with sulphur compounds"]
["(e.g., iron sulphate) to lower the pH."]
[]
["We have never seen commercial soils that were too alkaline for healthy"]
["growth, but they are sometimes too acidic. The pH of acid soil is raised by"]
["adding lime (calcium-containing) compounds. Liming compounds come in many"]
["forms and grades. Some are hydrated lime, limestone, marl, or oyster shells,"]
["graded by their particle size or fineness. Use the finest grade available,"]
["since it will have more of a neutralising potential than a coarse grade. You"]
["need to use less and are more interested in immediate results than long-term"]
["soil improvement. For indoor gardens, use hydrated lime (available in any"]
["hardware store) or wood ashes to raise the pH. Hydrated lime is rated over"]
["90 percent for its neutralising potential. Wood ashes will neutralise soil"]
["acids roughly one-half as well as hydrated lime. However, they also contain"]
["some nutrients (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and micronutrients) and"]
["are handy and free."]
[]
["There is no exact formula we can give you for raising the pH. The pH does"]
["not have to be exact; it's and approximation. At low pH it takes less lime"]
["to raise the pH one point than it does when the pH is near neutral. Sandy"]
["soils need less lime to raise the pH one point than soils high in clay or"]
["organic matter. In general, add three cups of hydrated lime or six cups of"]
["fine wood ash to every bag (50 pounds or a cubic foot) of soil to raise the"]
["pH one point. For soils that test slightly acid (about 6.5), add two cups of"]
["lime or four cups of wood ash."]
[]
["Soil that tested below 6.0 should be retested in about two weeks, after"]
["thoroughly mixing and wetting the soil. Repeat the application until the pH"]
["is in an acceptable range. Check the pH of plain water to see if it is"]
["influencing the tests. Distilled water is neutral, but tap water sometimes"]
["has minerals that can change the pH. Hard water is alkaline. Sulphurous"]
["water and highly chlorinated water are acidic."]
[]
["If you have already added lime to a soil that now tests from 6.5 to 7.0,"]
["don't add more lime trying to reach exactly 7.0. Too much lime will"]
["interfere with nutrient uptake, notably of potassium, phosphorus, and"]
["magnesium."]
[]
["General Soil Characteristics"]
[]
["The texture, pH, and available nutrients of the soil are all related. The"]
["most important single factor is texture (good drainage). When soil drains"]
["poorly, it creates anaerobic (without air) pockets in the soil. Bacteria or"]
["microbes that live without air will begin to multiply and displace"]
["beneficial microbes that need air to survive. The anaerobic microbes break"]
["down organic matter to a finer consistency, and release CO2 and organic"]
["acids to the medium. Drainage worsens, the acids lower the pH, and"]
["nutrients, even though present, become unavailable to the plant."]
[]
["The result can be a four-month-old marijuana plant that is only three inches"]
["tall, especially if you use high concentrations of manures and composts,"]
["peat and sphagnum moss. If your soil lists manures or composts as additives,"]
["add no more than 10 percent of these on your own.f"]
[]
["Drainage problems sometimes develop after several months of healthy growth."]
["It is a good idea to add about 20 percent sand or perlite to even a"]
["well-drained soil. You can never add too much of these; they con only"]
["improve drainage. They dilute the nutritive value of the soil, but you can"]
["always water with soluble fertilisers."]
[]
["Mixtures using many components in combination seem to work particularly"]
["well. This may be because, at a micro-level each component presents a"]
["slightly different set of physical, chemical and biological factors. What"]
["the plant can't take up at one point may be readily available at another."]
[]
["6.4 Preparing Commercial Soils and Mixes"]
[]
["Garden soils (or loams) and potting mixes are actually two different groups"]
["of products, although they are frequently mislabelled. Some companies sell"]
["soil in large bags and a potting mixture in smaller bags, while labelling"]
["them the same. Soils and potting mixtures are usually manufactured locally,"]
["since transportation costs are prohibitive; so they differ in each area."]
[]
["Texture and Nutrients"]
[]
["Soils and loams are usually topsoil blended with humus or compost for use as"]
["a top dressing in gardens, for planting large outdoor containers, or for the"]
["soil part of a potting mixture. They may have a tendency to compact under"]
["indoor conditions and will benefit from the addition of perlite or"]
["vermiculite. Soils and loams usually contain a good supply of nutrients and"]
["may support a full-grown plant in a large container. Commercial soils that"]
["are heavy generally work better than lightweight soils. Heavy soils usually"]
["contain topsoil, in which marijuana grows very well. Lightness indicates"]
["more fibrous content."]
[]
["For example of possible soil mixtures, see Box D. pre?"]
[]
["BOX D Examples of Soil Mixtures* 1. 5 parts soil 2. 8 parts soil 2 parts"]
["perlite 3 parts sand 1 part cow manure 1/4 part 10-10-10 chemical fertiliser"]
["3. 5 parts soil 4. 4 parts soil 2 parts perlite 1 part sand 2 parts humus 1"]
["part vermiculite 1/2 part cottonseed meal 2 parts humus 1/2 part poultry"]
["manure 5. 3 parts soil 6. 6 parts soil 1 part perlite 2 parts perlite 1 part"]
["sand 2 parts vermiculite 2 parts Jiffy Mix 1/2 part poultry manure 1/2 part"]
["blood/bone meal 1/2 part cow manure 1/2 part wood ash 1 part wood ash"]
["*Almost all fertilisers are acidic, and need to be neutralised by lime. For"]
["the above mixtures, or any similar ones, mix in one cup of lime for each"]
["five pounds of manure, cottonseed meal, or chemical fertiliser in order to"]
["adjust the pH."]
[]
["Potting mixes are intended to support an average-size house plant in a"]
["relatively small pot. They are sometimes manufactured entirely from wood and"]
["bark fibre, composts, and soil conditioners. These mixes are made to hold a"]
["lot of water and slowly release nutrients over a period of time, which is"]
["what most house plants require. For marijuana, these mixes seldom contain"]
["enough nutrients to support healthy growth for more than a couple of months."]
["(Their N is usually low, P adequate, and K usually very high.) They work"]
["best when sand or perlite is added to improve drainage, and fertilisers are"]
["added to offset their low nutrient content."]
[]
["The pH"]
[]
["Most commercial mixes and soils are between 6.0 and 7.0 in pH, a healthy"]
["range for marijuana. If you buy your soil, it will not be too alkaline for"]
["healthy growth, but it might be too acidic. You can minimise the chances of"]
["getting and acid soil by avoiding soils with \"peat\" or \"sphagnum\" in their"]
["names. Avoid soils that are prescribed for acid-loving plants such as"]
["African violets or azaleas, or for use in terrariums. With common sense, you"]
["can buy a soil, add two cups of lime to each large bag, and not have to"]
["worry about the pH. However, the surest procedure is to test the pH"]
["yourself."]
[]
["Probably the best way to find the right soil for your garden is to ask"]
["long-term growers. They can relate their past experiences with various mixes"]
["and blends. Most long-term growers with whom we have talked have tried many"]
["of the mixes available in their areas. A reliable, enlightened nurseryperson"]
["or plant-shop operator may also be able to give you some advice."]
[]
["6.5 Buying Soil Components"]
[]
["All the materials discussed here are available at farm and garden stores or"]
["nurseries. Many suburban supermarkets sell large bags of soil and humus."]
["Always buy your materials in the largest units possible to reduce the cost."]
[]
["Large bags of soil and humus come in either 50-pound bags or one- to"]
["four-cubic-foot bags. A 50-pound bag fills about six gallons. There are"]
["eight gallons to a cubic foot. Perlite is sold in four-cubic-foot bags"]
["(thirty-two gallons). Jiffy Mix and vermiculite are sold in four-cubic-foot"]
["bags and in 16 pound bags (about 18 gallons). Sand, perlite and vermiculite"]
["come in coarse, medium, and fine grades. All grades work well, but if you"]
["have a choice, choose coarse. Sand (not beach sand) is an excellent soil"]
["conditioner. The only disadvantage is its heavy weight. Buy sand from lumber"]
["yards or hardware stores where it is sold for cement work. It will cost from"]
["1/50 to one-half the cost of garden or horticultural sand. Sand from piles"]
["at construction sites works very well."]
[]
["Calculating the Amount of Soil"]
[]
["The maximum amount of soil mixture for any garden can be found by"]
["multiplying the capacity of the largest pot you plan to use by the number of"]
["pots that you can fit in the garden. In many cases, the actual amount of the"]
["mixture used will be somewhat less. Two illustrations follow."]
[]
["1. A small garden with a two-tube, eight-foot fixture (160W). Using 20 watts"]
["per square foot for fast growth gives 160W divided by 20W/sq.ft. + eight"]
["sq.ft. The largest pot needed for this system is three gallons, but two"]
["gallons would work. You can fit about 10 three gallon pots in eight square"]
["feet; so 3 * 10 + 30 gallons of soil mixture are needed (see Box E)."]
[]
["        BOX E"]
["        Examples Showing How Much Soil Material to Buy to Fill"]
["        a Known Number of Unit-Volume Containers"]
[]
["        Example 1.  For a garden eight square feet in size,"]
["        Buy             Component         Which amounts to"]
[]
["         3 50-lb (6 gal. ea. ) bags of  soil    18 gallons"]
["         1 cubic foot of        perlite  8 gallons"]
["        30 lbs of       humus    3 gallons"]
["        10 lbs of       chicken manure   2 gallons"]
["                        TOTAL   31 gallons"]
[]
["        Example 2.  For a garden 24 square feet in size,"]
["        Buy             Component         Which amounts to"]
[]
["         4 1-cu. ft. bags of    soil    32 gallons"]
["         2 1-cu. ft. bags of    perlite 16 gallons"]
["         1 1-cu. ft. bag of     vermiculite      8 gallons"]
["        20 pounds of    cow manure       3 gallons"]
["                        cottonseed meal  2 gallons"]
["                        wood ash         2 gallons"]
["                        TOTAL   63 gallons"]
[]
["2. A large garden with two two-tube, eight-foot VHO fixtures (four times 215"]
["watts or 860 total watts) illuminating a garden three by eight feet, or 24"]
["square feet."]
[]
["860 watts divided by 24 sq. ft. = about 36W/sq. ft."]
[]
["The largest pot size for this system is about five gallons. About 16"]
["five-gallon containers can fit in 24 square feet; so 16 * 5 + 80 gal. of"]
["mixture are needed. But you could start many more plants in smaller"]
["containers and transplant when they are root-bound. You do not use more soil"]
["by starting in smaller pots, since all soil is reused. In many cases, you"]
["actually use much less soil."]
[]
["In this system you could start and fit about 40 plants in one-gallon pots in"]
["24 square feet. When the plants begin to crowd each other, some are"]
["harvested, making room fir the others, which are transplanted to larger"]
["pots. In practice, a high-energy system such as this one (36W/sq. ft.) will"]
["grow large plants whose size is limited mainly by the space available."]
["Twelve large female plants are about the most you would want in the system"]
["during flowering and for final harvest. Sixty gallons of mixture is all that"]
["is needed for the seedlings and the mature crop. This is one-fourth les than"]
["the original estimate of 80 gallons, and you actually will harvest a lot"]
["more grass (see Box E)."]
[]
["Mixing and Potting"]
[]
["Mix your soil in a large basin, barrel, or bathtub. Individual pots are"]
["filled with mixtures by using a smaller container to measure out by part or"]
["volume."]
[]
["Perlite, sand, and dry soil can give off clouds of dust. When mixing large"]
["amounts of these, wear a breathing mask or handkerchief over your nose and"]
["mouth."]
[]
["To pot any of the mixtures, first cover any large drainage holes with a"]
["square of window screen or newspaper to prevent the mixture from running"]
["out. Place a layer of sand, perlite, or gravel about one inch deep to insure"]
["drainage. Fill the pots with soil mixture to within three-fourths of an inch"]
["from the top of the pot. If your mixture contains manures or composts, cover"]
["the last inch or two in each pot with the mixture minus the manure and"]
["compost. This will prevent flies, gnats, moulds, and other pests from being"]
["attracted to the garden. Press spongy soils firmly (not tightly) to allow"]
["for more soil in each pot; otherwise, after a period of watering, the soil"]
["will settle and the pot will no longer be full."]
[]
["Some growers add a few brads or nails to each pot to supply the plant with"]
["iron, one of the necessary nutrients. Water the pots and allow them to stand"]
["for a day or two before planting. As the soil becomes evenly moist,"]
["beneficial bacteria begin to grow and nutrients start to dissolve. {Figure"]
["40.}"]
[]
["6.6 Digging Soil"]
[]
["Most growers prefer to buy their soil, while some prefer to dig it."]
["Marijuana cannot tolerate heavy clays, mucks, or soils that dry to crusts."]
["Choose a soil from a healthy garden or field, or from an area that supports"]
["a lush growth of annual weeds."]
[]
["Fields that support a good crop of alfalfa, corn or other grains will"]
["support a good crop of marijuana. Fields with beets, carrots, and sugar cane"]
["indicate a well-drained soil, with near neutral pH. Red clover, sweet"]
["clover, and bluegrass have soil requirements similar to those of marijuana."]
["Garden soils are usually fertile and well-drained, but often need lime to"]
["counteract soil acidity."]
[]
["Take the topsoil layer that starts about two inches below the surface"]
["debris. Good soil will look dark, feel moist, and small clean and earthy."]
["Use all of the topsoil layer that maintains its dark colour and is"]
["interlaced with roots. Your hands should be able to easily penetrate the"]
["underlying topsoil if the soil is in good condition. When the soil changes"]
["colour, or roots no longer apparent, then you are past the fertile topsoil"]
["layer. Abundant worm, millipedes, and other small lifeforms are a good"]
["indication that the soil is healthy. A rich layer of topsoil collects by"]
["walls, fences, and hedges where leaves and debris collect and decay to a"]
["rich humus. Sift the soil to remove stones and root clods. Also, shake out"]
["the root clods, which are rich in nutrients."]
[]
["Soil that is dug should be tested the same way as already prescribed. It"]
["should be adjusted with at least 30 percent sand or perlite (vermiculite for"]
["very sandy soils), since potting will affect the drainage of even"]
["well-drained soils. Never use manures or composts that are not completely"]
["degraded to a clean-smelling humus."]
[]
["Soil that is dug must be sterilised to kill weed seeds, insect eggs, and"]
["harmful moulds and fungi. Some chemical treatments (e.g. formaldehyde) are"]
["mixed with water and poured over the soil to sterilise it. Soil can be"]
["sterilised in a pressure cooker at 15 pounds pressure for 15 minutes, or by"]
["baking wet soil in a large pot at 200 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Be"]
["advised that baking soil will release some formidable odours."]
[]
["6.7 Growing Methods"]
[]
["As we said before, there are probably as many growing methods as there are"]
["marijuana growers. These methods are personal preferences or adaptions to"]
["fit particular situations; one method is not necessarily better than any"]
["other. However, the value of a garden is often based on the amount of"]
["high-quality grass it yields. Since indoor gardens are limited in size, you"]
["want the plants to quickly fill the garden with lush growth in order to use"]
["the garden efficiently. Otherwise, for the first couple of months, the"]
["lights are shining on empty space."]
[]
["Secondly, the possession of small quantities of marijuana will probably be"]
["decriminalised nationally within the next few years. Decriminalisation for"]
["personal possession will open the way for decriminalisation for cultivation"]
["for personal possession. But small quantities are more difficult to define"]
["for cultivation than for simple possession, which is done by weight. Several"]
["possible ways to limit the amount for cultivation have been raised: by the"]
["number of plants, by the area cultivated, or by the number of plants at a"]
["particular stage of development. The outcome may determine whether you try"]
["to grow the largest plants possible or the most plants possible in a given"]
["area."]
[]
["There are several ways to increase your garden's yield."]
[]
["        1.  Pinch or cut back the growing shoots when the plants are young."]
["            This forces each plant to develop several strong growing shoots"]
["            and generally yield large robust plants."]
["        2.  Plant a number of plant in each pot."]
["        3.  Start many plants in small pots and transplant the best plants to"]
["            larger pots when the plants crowd each other."]
["        4.  Use different light systems to grow plants at different growth"]
["           stages."]
[]
["Here are some examples of how to carry out each of these four methods."]
[]
["     1. Fill the growing area with large containers (about five gallons"]
["     each). Start several plants in each pot but thin the seedlings"]
["     over a period of six weeks to two months, until one plant is left"]
["     in each pot. During the fourth or fifth week of growth, pinch back"]
["     the plants to about equal heights. Cut the growing shoot at about"]
["     the fourth internode. Each plant will develop a sturdy stem which"]
["     will support four to eight growing stems and will quickly fill any"]
["     empty space in the garden. The whole garden is the treated like a"]
["     hedge. After another month or two, you cut back the growing shoots"]
["     again to have plants of equal heights. Remove the male plants as"]
["     soon as they begin to release pollen (or before any male flowers"]
["     open for sinsemilla). This will leave more space and light for the"]
["     females to develop. By the time females flower, they've been cut"]
["     back two or three times or more, and form a dense growth of"]
["     growing shoots that fill the garden with a cubic layer of flowers."]
["     Some growers maintain the plants for up to a year before the final"]
["     harvest."]
[]
["{Figure 41.  Plant clipped at fourth internode.}"]
[]
["     2. This method also requires large pots. Instead of thinning the"]
["     seedlings to leave one per pot, leave at least three. After a few"]
["     months of growth, remove any plants that lag far behind or any"]
["     plants that show male flowers. The value of this method is that"]
["     the odds are at least seven to one that any pot will have at least"]
["     one female plant."]
[]
["     Most of the plants you'll grow will fill out with branches by four"]
["     months at the latest. Often the branches develop young seedlings."]
["     The plants may begin to look like small Christmas trees by the"]
["     second to third months of growth."]
[]
["     Generally, you don't want to have more than three or four plants"]
["     in a five-gallon container, because growth will be limited by"]
["     competition for light and space."]
[]
["{Figure 42.  Basement growing factory in Atlanta.}"]
[]
["     Some varieties never do fill out. The branches remain small, only"]
["     two to three inches long, and yield very little grass. We've seen"]
["     plants like this grown from grass from Vietnam, Thailand,"]
["     Afghanistan, and Africa. These plants are also quite short, being"]
["     four to six feet tall fully grown. With varieties like this, it is"]
["     better not to pinch tops, and to start about six plants per square"]
["     foot of garden space. At harvest, the garden will be crowded with"]
["     top stems that are laden with flower clusters."]
[]
["     Of course, you don't know what varieties will look like until"]
["     you've seen them grow. For most varieties, each plant will need at"]
["     least one square foot or space at maturity. It is much less common"]
["     to find varieties that naturally grow small or especially thin,"]
["     and, therefore, are those of which you would want to plant more"]
["     than a few per large pot."]
[]
["     3. Another popular way to grow is to start plants in a large"]
["     number of small pots. As the plants crowd each other, some are"]
["     removed and the rest transplanted to larger pots."]
[]
["     4. To get the most for your investment requires conservation of"]
["     light and soil. When the plants are young, a large number fit into"]
["     a small place. Some growers take advantage of this fact by having"]
["     several light systems, each with plants at different growth"]
["     stages. The plants are rotated into larger gardens and pots. This"]
["     method conserves space, materials, and electricity, and yields a"]
["     harvest every two months. Using this method, \"growing factories\""]
["     turn out a steady supply of potent grass. {Table 15.}"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Seven"]
["MAINTAINING THE CORRECT ENVIRONMENT"]
[]
["7.2 Requirements for Germination"]
[]
["Before the seed fell, almost all of its water was sapped to prepare the seed"]
["for winter. With only the tiny drop that it holds, the embryo lives a life"]
["so slow as to be outside of time as we know it. Cannabis seeds need only"]
["water to germinate or sprout. The seeds germinate without light and at"]
["temperatures low enough to form ice. Higher temperatures hasten germination."]
["Fresh, homegrown Oaxacan seeds germinated in three days at 70F and in eight"]
["days at 33F. Temperatures 70 to 90F are best for germination."]
[]
["Fresh, mature seeds have a high rate of germination (about 90 to 100"]
["percent) and sprout quickly. Usually sprouts appear three to seven days"]
["after planting. Older seeds (over a year, depending on storage) have a lower"]
["rate of germination and respond slower. They may take up to three weeks to"]
["sprout. To get an idea of what to expect from the seeds follow the procedure"]
["in 3.1."]
[]
["Seeds that do sprout will grow normally, no matter how old they are or how"]
["long they take to sprout. From any batch of seeds, most of the ones that"]
["sprout will do so within two or three days of each other. A few will"]
["continue to come up as many as six months later, but the garden should"]
["consist of plants that are basically the same age and size. This makes the"]
["garden easier to care for."]
[]
["Choosing Seeds"]
[]
["Different varieties grow at different rates and attain different sizes and"]
["shapes. Under artificial lights, gardens plants from one batch of grass"]
["require the least attention, because the plants sprout and grow uniformly"]
["and can all be tended at the same time. When several varieties are grown"]
["together, some plants are taller than others; you must adjust the height of"]
["the plants to keep the marijuana equally illuminated. You may also have to"]
["water and fertilise the plants on an individual basis. Some growers start at"]
["different varieties under separate light systems. On the other hand,"]
["planting several varieties offers you a comparison in potency and yield, and"]
["a source for hybrids if you want to develop seed. The next time you plant"]
["you'll know which seeds gave the best results and what growing methods will"]
["work best for you. {Figure 43. Within each seed lies and embryo.}"]
[]
["There is no strict correlation between the form and height of the plants and"]
["seed size, colour, or pattern. However, some large-seeded varieties grow too"]
["tall, with long spaces between leaves. Under artificial lights they yield"]
["more stems than leaves. If you have a choice between two equally potent"]
["grasses, and one has particularly large seeds (3/16 to 1/4 inch), choose the"]
["smaller-seeded variety."]
[]
["Sowing"]
[]
["The easiest way to start the plants is to sow the seeds directly into the"]
["soil. First, wet the soil with a moderate amount of water, enough to wet the"]
["soil with a moderate amount of water, enough to get the soil evenly moist"]
["without water running out the bottom. This takes about one-half quart of"]
["water for one-gallon containers, and about one quart for three-gallon"]
["containers. Plant the seeds a quarter- to half-inch deep. The germination"]
["rate is lower when they are planted deeper; and if seeds are planted less"]
["then one-quarter inch deep, the sprouts may have difficulty anchoring their"]
["roots. Plant about six seeds per pot to assure some sprouts in each pot."]
["Gently press each seed into the soil. Cover the seeds with soil and sprinkle"]
["lightly with water. Each day, sprinkle or spray the surface with enough"]
["water to thoroughly wet the top half-inch of soil, since the seed must be"]
["kept moist for germination."]
[]
["For most people, germinating the seed is easy. Problems with germination"]
["come from either too much or too little water. If you saturate the pots with"]
["water, and especially if you continue to saturate the pots after the seeds"]
["have sprouted, the seedlings may develop stem rot or root problems. When"]
["stem rot develops, the base turns brown, and the seedlings fall over, ending"]
["the garden. This can also happen if you keep seedlings in germination boxes"]
["or terrariums where the humidity is very high. When the humidity is low, the"]
["soil surface dries out quickly and the seeds won't germinate. Sprouts that"]
["may come up shrivel and dry at the base of the stem and die."]
[]
["The key to germination is to keep the soil surface moist after first having"]
["moistened the whole pot; then, after the first sprouts have been up for a"]
["few days, let the surface of the soil dry between waterings. Don't spray the"]
["surface any more. Water with medium amounts of water when the soil in the"]
["top couple of inches feels dry. For small pots, water seedlings about twice"]
["a week. For larger pots, once each week or two may be enough."]
[]
["Some growers prefer to plant only seeds they know will sprout, especially"]
["when planting seeds which have a low viability. Start the seeds in wet"]
["towels or a glass of water. Add one teaspoon of liquid bleach (a"]
["three-percent solution) to each cup of water. This will prevent fungus from"]
["attacking the seeds, which happens when they are soaked for more than three"]
["days. Check the seeds each day. Plant when the radical or roots begins to"]
["come out from the pointed end of the seed. Cannabis seed is quite small and"]
["has only enough stored food for the embryo to anchor its root and raise its"]
["cotyledons. The more developed the root is when planted, the less energy it"]
["has to anchor itself in the soil. The sprout may die or growth be delayed"]
["until the root is established (transplant shock). In Figure 44, the seeds in"]
["a circle are all ready to plant. The centre seed will not survive"]
["transplanting. {Figure 44. Seeds in a circle are ready to plant. Centre"]
["sprout will not survive planting"]
[]
["{**Centre sprout too large**}}"]
[]
["Some growers prefer to start the plants in a germination box. This extra"]
["hassle is not necessary. Transplanting seedlings from one medium to another"]
["often causes transplant shock. It is best to plant the seeds directly into"]
["the soil."]
[]
["If you use Soilless mixtures, your seedlings should be started in paper"]
["cups, peat pots, or other small pots filled with a soil mixture (see"]
["Transplanting in Chapter 8 {8.3}). This procedure is also helpful if you"]
["have the difficulty starting the plants in large containers. Expandable peat"]
["pellets also work very well."]
[]
["The position of the seed in the soil has a slight effect on germination. The"]
["root directs its growth in response to gravity, as shown in Figure 45."]
["However, germination is a little faster when the seeds are planted with the"]
["pointed end up. The difference is small, and it's not really necessary to"]
["position the seeds in the soil."]
[]
["If a dry atmosphere presents problems, you can create the moist atmosphere"]
["of a germination box and still plant directly in the pot. Cover the seeds"]
["with transparent plastic cups or glasses, or cover the pot with plastic"]
["kitchen wrap. This creates a greenhouse effect and keeps the soil surface"]
["moist without watering. Remove all the covers as soon as you see the first"]
["sprouts begin to appear; the sprouts will die if the cover is left on."]
["{Figure 45. The root directs its growth toward gravity. Seeds are germinated"]
["between glass and cotton, and held vertically. Four seeds to left have"]
["pointed and up. Two middle seeds are horizontal. Sex seeds on right have"]
["pointed end down.} {Figure 46. During germination soil can be kept moist by"]
["using plastic covers to create a greenhouse effect.}"]
[]
["7.3 Light Cycle and Distance of Lights from Plants"]
[]
["The seed doesn't need light to germinate. The sprout does need light as soon"]
["as it breaks through the soil. Most growers turn the light on when they sow"]
["the seeds, though, to warm the soil and encourage germination. Lights may"]
["also dray the surface of the soil, especially in large pots or with VHO"]
["fixtures. If this is a problem during germination, leave the lights off"]
["until you see the first sprout breaking through the soil; or hang the lights"]
["about 18 inches above the soil, and lower them to six inches as soon as the"]
["sprouts appear."]
[]
["It is important for normal development that the plants receive a regulated"]
["day/night cycle. We emphatically recommend that you use an automatic"]
["electric timer (about $8). A timer makes gardening much easier, since you"]
["don't have to turn the lights on or off each day. The plants won't suffer"]
["from irregular hours or your weekend vacations. Set the timer so that the"]
["plants get about 16 to 18 hours of light a day, and leave it on this setting"]
["until the plants are well grown (three to six months) and you decide to"]
["trigger flowering."]
[]
["During the seedling and vegetative stages of growth, the plants may be"]
["subjected to light during their night period. During flowering, however, the"]
["night period must be completely dark."]
[]
["The plants grow more slowly with less than 16 hours of artificial light a"]
["day, and they may flowers prematurely. Some growers leave the lights on up"]
["to 24 hours. A cycle longer than 18 hours, may increase the growth rate,"]
["especially if the plants are not saturated with light. A longer cycle is"]
["helpful in small gardens, such as under standard four-foot fixtures."]
[]
["No matter what the light source, place the lights as close to the tops as"]
["possible without burning the plants. Pay no attention to the manufacturer's"]
["instructions for the distance of the plants from the lights; these"]
["instructions don't apply to a high-energy plant such as Cannabis. With"]
["standard-wattage tubes, keep the lights from two to six inches above the"]
["plant tops. With VHO tubes, allow four to eight inches. Maintain the lights"]
["at these distances throughout the life of the garden. In most cases you will"]
["have to raise the lights once or twice a week as the plants grow."]
[]
["Standard fluorescents don't get hot enough to burn the plants unless they"]
["are in direct contact with leaves for several hours. VHO tubes will burn"]
["leaves before they touch them. But you do want to keep the lights as close"]
["to the plants as possible. This encourages stocky, robust growth."]
["Incandescents and floodlights get very hot; place them at a greater distance"]
["from the plants. Test the distance by feeling for heat with your hands."]
["Place the bulb at the distance where you begin to feel its heat. For a"]
["75-watt incandescent lamp, this is about eight inches."]
[]
["7.4 Water"]
[]
["Water, the fluid of life, makes up more than 80 percent of the weight of the"]
["living plant. Within the cells, life processes take place in a water"]
["solution. Water also dissolves nutrients in the soil, and this solution is"]
["absorbed by the roots. About 99 percent of the water absorbed passes from"]
["the roots into the conduits (xylem) of the stem, where it is distributed to"]
["the leaves via the xylem of the leaf veins. Transpiration is the evaporation"]
["of water from the leaves. The flow of water from the soil, through the plant"]
["to the air, is called the transpiration stream. Les then one percent of the"]
["water absorbed is broken down to provide electrons (usually in the form of"]
["hydrogen) which, along with carbon dioxide, are used to form carbohydrates"]
["during photosynthesis. The rest of the water is transpired to the air."]
[]
["Watering"]
[]
["Water provides hydrogen for plant growth, and also carries nutrients"]
["throughout the plant in the transpiration stream. However, it is not true"]
["that the more water given a plant, the faster it will grow. Certainly, if a"]
["plant is consistently under-watered, its growth rate slows. However, lack of"]
["water does not limit photosynthesis until the soil in the pot is dry and the"]
["plant is wilting."]
[]
["The amount of water, and how often to water, varies with the size of the"]
["plants and pots, soil composition, and the temperature, humidity, and"]
["circulation of the air, to name a few variables. But watering is pretty much"]
["a matter of common sense."]
[]
["During germination, keep the soil surface moist. But once the seedling are"]
["established, let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. This"]
["will eliminate any chance of stem rot. Water around the stems rather than on"]
["them. Seedlings are likely to fall over if watered roughly; use a hand"]
["sprinkler."]
[]
["In general, when the soil about two inches deep feels dry, water so that the"]
["soil is evenly moist but not so much that water runs out the drainage holes"]
["and carries away the soil's nutrients. After a few trials, you will know"]
["approximately how much water the pots can hold. Marijuana cannot tolerate a"]
["soggy or saturated soil. Plants grown in constantly wet soil are"]
["slower-growing, usually less potent, and prone to attack from stem rot."]
[]
["Over-watering as a common problem; it develops from consistently watering"]
["too often. When the plants are small, they transpire much less water."]
["Seedlings in large pots need to be watered much less often than when the"]
["plants are large or are in small pots. A large pot that was saturated during"]
["germination may hold enough water for the first three weeks of growth. On"]
["the other hand, a six-foot plant in a six-inch pot may have to be watered"]
["every day. Always water enough to moisten all the soil. Don't just wet the"]
["surface layer."]
[]
["Under-watering is less of a problem, since it is easily recognised. When the"]
["soil becomes too dry, the plant wilts. Plant cells are kept rigid by the"]
["pressure of their cell contents, which are mostly water. With the water"]
["gone, they collapse. First the bottom leaves droop, and the condition"]
["quickly works its way up the plant until the top lops over. If this happens,"]
["water immediately. Recovery is so fast, you can follow the movement of water"]
["up the stem as it fills and brings turgor to the leaves. A plant may survive"]
["a wilted condition of several days, but at the very least some leaves will"]
["drop."]
[]
["Don't keep the pots constantly wet, and don't wait until the plant wilts."]
["Let the soil go through a wet and dry cycle, which will aerate the soil and"]
["aid nutrient uptake. Most growers find that they need to water about once or"]
["twice a week."]
[]
["When some soils get particularly dry, the water is not absorbed and runs"]
["down the sides and out the bottom of the pot. This may be a problem the"]
["first time you water the soil, or if you allow the soil to get very dry. To"]
["remedy, add a couple of drops of liquid detergent to a gallon of water."]
["Detergent acts as a wetting agent and the water is absorbed more readily."]
["First water each pot with about one cup of the solution. Allow the pots to"]
["stand for 15 minutes, then finish watering with the usual amount of pure"]
["water."]
[]
["Use tepid water; it soaks into the soil more easily and will not shock the"]
["roots. Try to water during the plant's morning hours. Water from the top of"]
["the pot. If you do want to water from the bottom with trays (not"]
["recommended), place a layer of pebbles or gravel in the trays to insure"]
["drainage. Don't leaves the pots sitting in water until the pot is heavily"]
["saturated. The water displaces the soil's oxygen, and the plants grow"]
["poorly."]
[]
["Tap water in some areas highly chlorinated, which does not seem to harm"]
["Cannabis; and many fine crops are raised with water straight from the tap."]
["But chlorine could possibly affect the plants indirectly, by killing some"]
["beneficial micro-organisms in the soil. Chlorine also makes the water"]
["slightly acidic. However, neither effect is likely to be serious. Some"]
["growers have asked whether they should use pet-shop preparations that are"]
["sold to remove chlorine from water in fish tanks. These preparations"]
["generally add sodium, which removes the chlorine by forming sodium chloride"]
["(table salt). This solution does not harm the plants, although repeated use"]
["may make the soil too saline. Probably the best procedure is to simply allow"]
["the water to sit in an open container for a few days. The chlorine is"]
["introduced to water as the gas Cl2, which dissipates to the air. The water"]
["temperature also reaches a comfortable level for the plants."]
[]
["Hard (alkaline) water contains a number of minerals (e.g., Ca++, Mg++, K+)"]
["which are essentially nutrients to the plants. Water softeners remove these"]
["minerals by replacing them with sodium, which forms slightly salty water. It"]
["is much better to water with hard water, because artificially softened water"]
["may prove harmful after some time. Occasionally, water may be acidic"]
["(sulphurous). Counteract this by mixing one teaspoon of hydrated lime per"]
["quart water and watering with the solution once a month."]
[]
["Water and Potency"]
[]
["We've seen no studies that have evaluated potency in relation to water. A"]
["few studies have mentioned the fact that plants that received less water"]
["were slightly more potent. Water stress has been practiced by several"]
["marijuana-growing cultures. In parts of India, watering is kept to a minimum"]
["during flowering."]
[]
["To limit watering, water with the usual amounts but as infrequently as"]
["possible. To encourage good growth, yet keep watering to a minimum, wait"]
["until the plants are a few months old before you curtail watering. Give the"]
["plants their normal water and note the number of days before they begin to"]
["wilt. As the plants get larger, the water needs increase, but this generally"]
["stabilises by the time of flowering."]
[]
["7.5 Air"]
[]
["The properties of the air seldom present any problems for indoor gardeners."]
["The plants grow well under the ordinary conditions that are found in most"]
["homes and can withstand extremes that are rarely found indoors. The plants"]
["can survive, in fact thrive, in an atmosphere many house plants can't"]
["tolerate. For plant growth, the most important properties of the air are"]
["temperature, humidity, and composition."]
[]
["Temperature and Growth Rate"]
[]
["Temperature control should be no problem. The plants can withstand"]
["temperatures from freezing to over 100F. Plant growth is closely related to"]
["temperature. Marijuana varieties are, in general adapted to warm if not hot"]
["climates. Different varieties will reach their maximum rate of"]
["photosynthesis at different temperatures. For almost all marijuana"]
["varieties, the rate of photosynthesis will increase sharply with increases"]
["in temperatures up to about 70F. Some strains reach their peak rate of"]
["growth at about &%F. Others, especially from areas near the equator, such as"]
["Colombia, may not reach their peak rate until the temperature is about 90F."]
["However, for all varieties, increases in the growth rate will be slight with"]
["increased temperatures over 75F. The average temperature for maximum is"]
["about 75 to 80F. In other words, normal household temperatures are fine for"]
["growing marijuana and no special temperature control is necessary for most"]
["gardens."]
[]
["Don't set up the garden right next to, or in contact with, a heat source"]
["such as a radiator or furnace. If the garden is nearby, the plants should do"]
["quite well. The plants are most susceptible to cool temperatures during"]
["germination and the first few weeks of growth. In basement gardens, the"]
["floor temperature is often lower than the air. It is a good idea to raise"]
["the pots off the floor with pallets or boxes. The seeds will germinate"]
["quicker, and the plants will get off to a faster start."]
[]
["If heating is necessary, propane catalytic heaters work well, are safe and"]
["clean, and increase the carbon-dioxide content of the air. Electric and"]
["natural gas heaters also work well. Do not use kerosene or gasoline heaters."]
["They do not burn cleanly, and the pollutants they produce may harm the"]
["plants. Any heater that burns a fuel must be clean and in good working"]
["order. Otherwise, it may release carbon monoxide, which is more dangerous to"]
["you than to the plants."]
[]
["Temperature and Potency"]
[]
["Since marijuana varieties are most often grown in semi-tropical and tropical"]
["areas, the idea that high temperatures are necessary for potent marijuana is"]
["firmly entrenched in marijuana lore. This myth, like many others, is slowly"]
["disappearing as marijuana farmers and researchers accumulate more experience"]
["and knowledge. There are only a few published papers on the effects of"]
["temperature on potency. The best study we've seen 19 grew four different"]
["varieties in a controlled environment under artificial lights on a 15-hour"]
["day-length. Two temperature regimes were used: a \"warm\" regime, with"]
["temperatures of about 73F during the day and 61F at night (about average for"]
["most homes); and a \"hot\" regime, set at 90F daytime and 73F at night. In all"]
["four varieties, the concentration of THC and of total cannabinoids was"]
["higher under the \"warm\" regime. For instance, a Nepalese strain was 3.4"]
["times higher in concentration of total cannabinoids, and 4.4 times higher in"]
["THC, when grown under the \"warm\" regime than the same strain grown under the"]
["hot regime. Although we agree with the findings in principle, these"]
["figures are higher than our experience tells us."]
[]
["Interpretation of the data does show one point clearly. In all four"]
["varieties, the amount of THC lost as CBN was higher under the \"hot\" regime"]
["(see Table 16 - currently excluded from this guide), even though the"]
["concentration of THC was higher under the \"warm\" regime."]
[]
["Another research group in France has looked at the relationship of potency"]
["to temperature. The most recent paper 79 compared four temperature regimes,"]
["given in descending order of potencies found: 75F day, 75F night (highest"]
["potency); 72F day, 54F night; 81F day, 81F night; and 90F day, 54F night"]
["(lowest concentration of THC). In each, the day period was 16 hours and the"]
["night period eight hours."]
[]
["Interestingly, this same research group in an earlier paper 20 reported that"]
["the concentration of THC was higher for male plants grown at 90-72F then for"]
["those grown at 72-54F. For the female plants, the differences in THC"]
["concentration were small. The variety used was a propyl variety (type IV)"]
["containing about half as much THCV as THC. For both the male and female"]
["plants, the concentration of THCV were high under the 90-72F regime."]
[]
["The simplest interpretation of all these results is that mild temperatures"]
["seem to be optimum for potency. Temperatures over 90F or below 60F seem to"]
["decrease the concentration of THC and total cannabinoids. Also, at higher"]
["temperatures, much more THC will be lost as CBN. And last, propyl varieties"]
["may produce less THCV under a cool regime. Bear in mind that none of these"]
["papers accounted for all of the many variables that could have affected the"]
["findings. For instance, the concentration of THC was 18 times higher at"]
["75-75F than at 90-54F. We've never seen differences of this magnitude, and"]
["sampling error undoubtedly influenced the findings."]
[]
["In terms of growth rate and potency, daily temperatures of about 75F, give"]
["or take a few degrees, are roughly optimum. Normal household temperatures"]
["are in the low 70's during daytime and the low 60's at night. The heat from"]
["a light system will raise the garden's temperature a few degrees. In most"]
["gardens temperatures will be near 75F during the day. Night-time"]
["temperatures drop about 10 to 15 degrees. When night-time temperatures drop"]
["into the 50's or below, set the light cycle to turn on during the early"]
["morning, when the temperature will be lowest. In a small room, the light"]
["system will generate enough heat to warm the garden without any need for a"]
["heater. Whenever you wish to raise the temperature by, say, five or 10"]
["degrees, it is better to add more lights than a heater. The plants will"]
["benefit from the additional light, as well as from the heat they generate."]
["And an electric heater, watt for watt, doesn't generate much more heat than"]
["a lamp and its fixture."]
[]
["Composition of the Air"]
[]
["Air provides two essential ingredients for the living plant: oxygen and"]
["carbon dioxide. The plant uses oxygen for respiration in the same way we do."]
["The oxygen is used to burn carbohydrates (CH2O) and other food, yielding"]
["energy (ATP; see section 4) for the organism, and releasing carbon dioxide"]
["and water into the environment."]
[]
["During photosynthesis, CO2 is used to form carbohydrates. As part of"]
["photosynthesis, light energy is used to split water molecules, releasing"]
["oxygen into the environment. In plants, the net result from respiration and"]
["photosynthesis is that much more oxygen is released than consumed, and more"]
["carbon dioxide is consumed than released. The oxygen in the Earth's"]
["atmosphere is formed by photosynthetic organisms."]
[]
["The similarity between plant and animal respiration ends at a cellular"]
["level. Plants don't have lungs to move the air. The passage of gases,"]
["whether oxygen or carbon dioxide, is primarily a passive process. The gases"]
["diffuse through microscopic pores called stomata, found in Cannabis on the"]
["undersides of the leaves. The plants can open and close their stomata,"]
["allowing moderate control of the flow of air. However, for good exchange of"]
["gases, the plants require adequate ventilation for air circulation."]
["{Cannabis is a C3 plant}"]
[]
["Cannabis is not particularly susceptible to a stuffy or stagnant atmosphere."]
["A garden in the corner of a room that is open to the house will be"]
["adequately ventilated. Ventilation is not a problem unless the garden is"]
["large and fills a quarter or more of the space in a room. Gardens in small,"]
["confined spaces such as closets, must be opened daily, preferably for the"]
["duration of the light period. Plants growing in a closed closet may do quite"]
["well for the first month, but they'll need the door opened as the plants"]
["begin to fill the space. The larger the plants get, the greater the need for"]
["freely circulating air."]
[]
["When the weather is mild, an open, but screened, window is the best solution"]
["for ventilation. In large indoor gardens where there isn't much air"]
["circulation, a small fan is helpful. After germination, make spaces in the"]
["surrounding reflectors to allow air to circulate freely. Leave the spaces at"]
["the bottom, ends, and the tops of the garden. The higher the temperature or"]
["the humidity, the more the plants need good ventilation."]
[]
["CO2"]
[]
["CO2 is a natural, non-poisonous gas present in the atmosphere, which plants"]
["absorb and use during photosynthesis to synthesise sugars and organic"]
["compounds for energy and growth. Plants can effectively use CO2 up to about"]
[".15 percent concentration, about five times the concentration (.03)"]
["naturally present in the atmosphere. Increasing the CO2 dramatically"]
["increases the growth rate, often up to twice the rate of growth in plants in"]
["a natural atmosphere. Supplemental CO2 systems are an inexpensive way"]
["serious gardeners dramatically increase a garden's yield. {And decrease fire"]
["risk.} {Picture Common emitter systems are safe, inexpensive, easy to setup,"]
["and may double the rate of growth in a garden.}"]
[]
["There are two good ways to increase the concentration of CO2. Greenhouse"]
["growers use CO2 generators which produce CO2 by burning a clean-burning fuel"]
["such as propane or butane. The problems with CO2 generators are that they"]
["require a fuel, operate with an open flame, and produce a lot of heat. These"]
["are not necessarily problems if the grow room needs to be heated, and if the"]
["room is constantly monitored."]
[]
["For home-growers, the emitter system is more efficient, relatively cheap,"]
["safe, and easy to use. Many suppliers who advertise in High Times and"]
["Sinsemilla Tips offer complete emitter systems that come with a regulator,"]
["solenoid valve, flow-meter, timer, (sometimes distribution tubing), and"]
["detailed, yet simple instructions. You must rent compressed CO2 gas tanks"]
["from a local compressed gas supplier or beverage company. The setup is not"]
["complicated or expensive, and a walk through the Yellow Pages should show"]
["several suppliers."]
[]
["Since the CO2 in the atmosphere is about .03 percent, and the maximum CO2"]
["concentration that your plants use is about .15 to .2 percent, set your"]
["emitter system to regulate a concentration of .12 to .17 percent CO2 in the"]
["room. Don't worry if you don't understand. All systems are easy to install"]
["and come with easily understood instructions."]
[]
["7.6 Humidity"]
[]
["Marijuana flourishes through a wide range of relative humidity. It can grow"]
["in an atmosphere as dry as a desert or as moist as a jungle. Under ordinary"]
["household conditions, the humidity will rarely be too extreme for healthy"]
["growth. The effects of the humidity on plant growth are closely tied to"]
["temperature, win speed, and the moisture of the soil."]
[]
["The relative humidity affects the rate of the plant's transpiration. With"]
["high humidity, water evaporates from the leaves more slowly; transpiration"]
["slows, and growth slows also. With low humidity, water evaporates rapidly;"]
["the plant may not be able to absorb water fast enough to maintain an"]
["equilibrium and will protect itself from dehydration by closing its stomata."]
["This slows the transpiration rate and growth also slows. There is a"]
["noticeable slowing of growth because of humidity only when the humidity"]
["stays at an extreme (less then 20 percent or over 90 percent)."]
[]
["Cannabis seems to respond best through a range of 40 to 80 percent relative"]
["humidity. You should protect the plants from the direct outflow of a heater"]
["or air conditioner, both of which give off very dry air. During the first"]
["few weeks of growth, the plants are especially susceptible to a dry"]
["atmosphere. If this is a problem, loosely enclose the garden with aluminum"]
["foil, white sheet plastic, or other materials. This will trap some of the"]
["transpired moisture and raise the humidity in the garden. Once the seedlings"]
["are growing well, the drier household atmosphere is preferred."]
[]
["Where the humidity is consistently over 80 percent, the plants may develop"]
["stem rot or grow more slowly. Good air circulation from open windows or a"]
["small fan is the best solution."]
[]
["As long as the air is freely circulating, the plants will grow well at"]
["higher humidities. Dehumidifiers are expensive (over $100) and an"]
["extravagance."]
[]
["Humidity and Potency"]
[]
["As far as we know, there has been little work done correlating the relative"]
["humidity with potency. In the two related cases we've seen, 85, 117 neither"]
["study was intended to examine the effects of relative humidity and potency."]
["However, a lower humidity (50 to 70 percent) produced slightly more potent"]
["plants than a higher relative humidity (80 percent and over)."]
[]
["A dry atmosphere seems to produce more potent plants. When the humidity is"]
["about 50 percent or less, plant development is more compact, and the leaves"]
["have thinner blades. When the atmosphere is humid, growth is taller and the"]
["leaves luxuriant with wider blades. The advantage to the plant is that wider"]
["blades have more surface and hence can transpire more water. The converse is"]
["that thinner blades help conserve water. Higher potency may simply be due to"]
["less leaf tissue for a given amount of cannabinoids and resin glands."]
[]
["The temperature also influences the form and size of the leaves. At higher"]
["temperatures, the leaves grow closer together; under a cool regime, the"]
["leaves are larger, have wider blades, and are spaced farther apart 77."]
["Possibly, cool temperatures yield slightly lower potency for much the same"]
["reason that a moist atmosphere does."]
[]
["However, differences in potency caused by any of the growth factors (light"]
["nutrients, water, temperature, humidity, etc.) are small compared to"]
["differences caused by the variety (heredity) and full maturation (expression"]
["of heredity). For example, the humidity in Jamaica, Colombia, Thailand, and"]
["many other countries associated with fine marijuana is relatively high and"]
["averages about 80 percent."]
[]
["However, try to keep the atmosphere dry. The atmosphere in heated or"]
["air-conditioned homes is already dry (usually 15 to 40 percent). For this"]
["reason, many growers sow so that the plants mature during the winter if the"]
["home is heated or in mid-summer if it is air-conditioned. As we mentioned,"]
["there should be no need to use dehumidifiers. Good air circulation and"]
["raising the temperature to 75 to 80F are the simplest means of dealing with"]
["high humidity."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Eight"]
["GARDENING TECHNIQUES"]
[]
["8.2 Thinning"]
[]
["Depending on the viability of the seeds, there should be several plants"]
["growing in each pot. Most growers thin to one plant per pot, but the plants"]
["don't have to be thinned until they crowd each other and have filled the"]
["garden with foliage. The longer you let them grow, the more potent they'll"]
["be."]
[]
["It is virtually impossible to tell the gender of the plants when they are"]
["young. The normal ratio of males to females in Cannabis is one to one. Some"]
["farmers end up wit more male plants because of their thinning practices."]
["When the plants are less than a month old, the male plants often appear"]
["taller and better developed than the females. The male seedling uses more of"]
["its energy to develop its aboveground parts than the female. The female"]
["devotes more energy to establishing a strong root system. During the first"]
["few weeks, don't thin the plants by leaving only the tallest, or you'll wind"]
["up with a higher ratio of males. Try to leave seedling that are healthy and"]
["vigorous and that are roughly at the same point of development."]
[]
["To thin your garden, remove any plants with yellow, white, or distorted"]
["leaves. Remove the less vigorous and those that lag far behind in"]
["development. Cut the unwanted plants near the base; the root system can"]
["remain in the pot."]
[]
["These harvested seedlings will be your first taste of homegrown grass."]
["Usually they produce a mild buzz, but if you separate the growing tips from"]
["the large leaves, they may be more potent."]
[]
["8.3 Transplanting"]
[]
["However you transplant, try to disturb and expose the roots as little as"]
["possible. If you transplant carefully, the plants will not exhibit delayed"]
["or slowed growth due to transplant shock."]
[]
["Transplanting Seedlings"]
[]
["When the plants are a week to two weeks old, transplant to any pot that has"]
["no plants. First, moisten the soil in the pot from which you will remove the"]
["transplant and let is sit for a few minutes. Take a spade or a large spoon,"]
["and insert it between the transplant and the plant that will be left to"]
["grow. Try to leave at least one inch of space from spoon to stem. Lever the"]
["spoon toward the side of the pot, in order to take up a good-size wedge of"]
["soil. Place the transplant in a prepared hole at the same depth that it was"]
["growing before. Replace the soil in both pots and moisten lightly again to"]
["bond the new soil with the original. If you are careful, a wedge of soil can"]
["be removed intact. The root system will not be disturbed and the plant will"]
["survive with little or no transplant shock. Do not fertilise a transplant"]
["for two weeks."]
[]
["To prevent possible drop-off and wilting from shock, you may want to use"]
["Rootone or Transplantone. These safe powders, available at nurseries,"]
["contain root-growth hormones and fungicides. They won't be necessary if you"]
["transplant carefully."]
[]
["Transplanting to Large Pots"]
[]
["Transplanting from smaller to larger pots is a simple procedure. The"]
["marijuana root system quickly fills small pots. To transplant, moisten the"]
["soil and let it sit to become evenly moist. Pick the potted plant up, and,"]
["while holding the base of the stem, rap the pot sharply against something"]
["solid. You might cover the soil surface with a piece of newspaper or"]
["aluminium foil, which makes the job cleaner. When it is done at the right"]
["time, the root system, with all the soil adhering, will pop out of the pot"]
["intact."]
[]
["An approximate time guide for transplanting is shown in Table 17(currently"]
["excluded from this guide). At these times, give or take a week, the plants"]
["should be root-bound and all the soil will adhere to the roots, making the"]
["transplanting clean and easy."]
[]
["If the root system has not filled the pots by this time, wait a few weeks"]
["and the process will be easier. If the root system comes out in a small ball"]
["and much of the soil is empty of roots, then soil conditions are poor"]
["(usually poor drainage and over-watering) or you are transplanting much too"]
["seen."]
[]
["If the root system doesn't easily pop out, run a knife around the sides of"]
["the pot. Sometimes the roots stick to the sides, particularly is paper and"]
["clay containers. Check to see if the drainage holes are plugged. Plugged"]
["holes stop air from displacing the soil, and the vacuum pressure prevents"]
["the soil from sliding out of the pot."]
[]
["        Table 17"]
["        Guide for Transplanting"]
["Transplant                              During"]
["------------------------------------------------------------"]
["Six-ounce cups                          Second to third week"]
["Four-inch pots                          Third to fourth week"]
["Six-inch pots (half gallon)             Fourth to fifth week"]
["Eight-inch pots (one gallon)            Seventh to eighth week"]
["Two-gallon containers                   About the tenth week"]
[]
["Transplant into a soil mixture that is the same as (or is very like) the one"]
["in the original pots. Otherwise, the soils may have different osmotic"]
["properties, and the water may not disperse evenly. (This doesn't apply to"]
["small pots that are used for germination and are filled with vermiculture,"]
["Jiffy Mix, or other mediums.) Don't bury the stem. Keep the stem base at the"]
["same depth that it was growing. {Figure 47. Transplant when the plant is"]
["root-bound.}"]
[]
["Transplanting in Plastic Bags"]
[]
["To transplant plants that are in plastic bags, place the old bag into the"]
["larger-size bag. Put some soil mixture underneath, to bring the base of the"]
["stem to where the new soil surface will be. Cut the old plastic bag away and"]
["fill the side spaces with soil mixture. Two people make the job easier."]
[]
["8.4 Supports for Plants"]
[]
["Under natural conditions, stems undergo stress from wind, rain, and animals."]
["These stresses, which indoor plants do not ordinarily face, strengthen the"]
["stem. Indoor stems grow sturdy enough to support their own weight and not"]
["much more. Plant energy is used to produce more light-gathering leaf tissue,"]
["rather than wind-resistant stem tissue. Stems remain slender, usually about"]
["one-half to three-quarter inches at maturity. Since you are growing the"]
["plants for their leaves and flowers, this does not present a problem."]
[]
["Healthy plants do not ordinarily need support. If many of your plants have"]
["weak or spindly stems, there is a deficiency in either light or nutrients"]
["(notably potassium). Simply not having enough light will cause the plants to"]
["elongate, with sparse foliage and weak growth. Too much red light will cause"]
["elongation, too, so make sure you include a strong blue light, if you are"]
["using incandescents or floodlights."]
[]
["Hanging the lights higher than the recommended distances will cause the"]
["plants to elongate by rapidly growing up to the lights. Unlike sunlight, the"]
["intensity of artificial light diminishes dramatically with the distance from"]
["the lights. The plants respond by growing toward the light, seeking the"]
["higher intensity."]
[]
["Under artificial light, some plants may need support during the seedling"]
["stage or because of accident. Depending on plant size, use straws, pencils,"]
["dowels, or standard plant stakes such as cane sticks. Set them in the soil"]
["and affix the stem with string, masking tape, or wire twists such as those"]
["that come with plastic trash bags. Do not tie string or wire tightly around"]
["the stem; make a loose loop. The stem will grow in girth and can be injured"]
["by a tight loop."]
[]
["Probably the simplest method of support is to take a rigid piece of wire,"]
["form a \"C\" at one end and bend it to a right angle to the stem. Set the"]
["straight end in the soil and place the stem inside the \"C.\" Pipe cleaners"]
["are ideal for seedlings. With larger plants, straighten a coat hanger and"]
["use the same method."]
[]
["A common practice in greenhouses where tree seedlings are raised is to shake"]
["each plant once or twice daily. This practice simulates natural vibrations"]
["from the wind, and the plant reacts by increasing the growth around the"]
["stem. The stem grows thicker and stronger, and the tree can better fend once"]
["it is transplanted. It works the same way with marijuana. A fan blowing on"]
["the plants will also work. These practices are useful if you plan to move"]
["your plants outdoors. Otherwise, healthy indoor plants that will remain"]
["indoors need no special stem strengthening."]
[]
["8.5 Uniform Growth"]
[]
["The light intensity from artificial lights drops dramatically as the"]
["distance from the light source increases. When the plants are not of equal"]
["height, the shorter ones receive less light and consequently grow slower"]
["than the taller ones. This compounds the situation and, left to themselves,"]
["the shorter plants will stop growing and eventually die from lack of light."]
[]
["It is important to keep all of the plants close to the lights. {Figure 48."]
["Hang the fixture at an angle corresponding to that of the tops of the"]
["plants.} This encourages stocky, full growth and can make the difference"]
["between harvesting stems and harvesting smoking material."]
[]
["One way to deal with uneven height is to line the plants up to the line of"]
["the plant tops. As the plants grow, move them to different spots in the"]
["garden to accommodate their different sizes. Or raise the shorter plants up"]
["to the lights by placing them on milk crates, tin cans, bricks, etc."]
[]
["The quality and quantity of light emitted by a fluorescent is strongest in"]
["the middle and weaker toward the ends of the tube. Female plants require"]
["more light than males. Once the genders of the plants become clear, move the"]
["males to the ends of the system, thus leaving the stronger middle light for"]
["the females."]
[]
["8.6 Pruning"]
[]
["Probably the easiest way to deal with uneven growth is to cut back the"]
["taller plants to the average height. You may find this emotionally"]
["difficult, but pruning will not harm the plant. Cutting off the growing"]
["shoot forces the plant to develop its branches. Some growers cut back all of"]
["their plants when they are three to four weeks old. Any horizontal space is"]
["quickly filled with growing branches and the plants grow full and robust."]
[]
["The growing shoots are the most potent plant parts until the flowers appear."]
["Generally, the potency increases with growth. By three months' age, most"]
["shoots will be high-quality smoke. You can cut shoots at any time; just"]
["don't overdo it. Give the plant a chance to grow and fill out to a good"]
["size. Severe pruning will slow growth. New growth may be distorted and"]
["abnormal, with a drop in potency."]
[]
["Each time you cat a growing shoot, whether it is the stem tip or a branch"]
["tip, two shoots being to grow from the nearest leaf axils. However, don't"]
["think that cutting all the growing shoots of a plant twenty times over the"]
["course of a season will yield a plant bearing over a million new shoots, or"]
["even that the plants will double their size if pruned. Pruning simply allows"]
["the plant to develop its branches earlier. The branches present more area to"]
["gather light and, hance, can grow to fill a larger space. However, the"]
["plant's size is basically determined by the seed's potential within the"]
["limitations of the environment."]
[]
["Cutting the growing shoots or removing some leaves does not harm the plants."]
["Plants are well adapted to the loss of parts to predators, wind, etc., in"]
["the natural world. When leaves are damaged or lost, the plant plugs the"]
["wound. The leaf isn't replaced or repaired, but new leaves are continually"]
["being formed from the growing shoots. The stem, since it connects all parts"]
["of the plant, is more important to the plant as a whole. When the stem"]
["breaks or creases, it is capable of repair. You can help the plant repair"]
["its stem by splinting the wound or somehow propping the stem up straight."]
["Stems take about four or five days to heal."]
[]
["When you cut the stem or leaves, you may see the plant's sap momentarily"]
["spurt before the wound is plugged. The sap contains primarily the products"]
["of photosynthesis, in the form of sucrose (table sugar). Smaller amounts of"]
["materials associated with the living organism such as minerals, amino acids,"]
["and enzymes are also present. In marijuana, the sap is usually colourless,"]
["although a bright red colour - it looks like blood - is not uncommon in"]
["later life. The red colour is due to haematin compounds and anthocyanin"]
["pigments that naturally build up in some varieties. The red colour may also"]
["indicate a nutrient deficiency, notably of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,"]
["or magnesium."]
[]
["8.7 Training"]
[]
["Plants grow from the tips of their stems and branches. The growing tip"]
["(apical meristem) of the plant contains a hormone that acts as a growth"]
["inhibitor. This prevents the branches (lateral buds) from growing. The"]
["further a branch is from the growing tip, the less effect of the inhibitor."]
["This is why some species of plants form a cone or Christmas-tree shape with"]
["the longest branches toward the bottom of the stem. This is also why the"]
["branches grow from the top of the plant when the tip is removed. Once the"]
["growing tip is removed, the next highest growing shoot(s) becomes the source"]
["of the inhibitor. Under artificial light, the bottom branches may not"]
["receive enough light to grow even though they are far away from the"]
["inhibitor. Usually the longest branches are toward the middle of the plant."]
[]
["Some growers hate to cut the growing shoots on the main stem, since it forms"]
["the largest and most potent buds by harvest. But you can neutralise the"]
["effects of the inhibitor, without cutting the growing shoot, by bending the"]
["tip. This allows you to control the height of the plants, and forces them to"]
["branch. The top two to six inches of the stem are flexible. Bend it in an"]
["arc and secure it to the stem with a wire twist or string. Remove the wire"]
["twist in a few days so that the growing tip does not break itself as it"]
["twists up to the light. Don't bend the stem too far down. Keep it in the"]
["strong light or else it will stop growing. If you accidentally break the"]
["tip, you can splint it with matchsticks or ice-cream sticks secured with"]
["wire twists or tape until it heals. {Figure 49. The flexible tip is held in"]
["place with a wire twist.}"]
[]
["To develop large, full plants with well-developed branches, secure the"]
["growing tip once or twice for a few days while the plants are young (one to"]
["three months)."]
[]
["It is possible to train the tip so that the stem will form a series of \"S\""]
["shapes or even circles. During flowering, train the tips so that they grow"]
["horizontally. This method encourages thick, dense growth. The branch tips"]
["can also be trained. Keep bending any tips that grow above the others. This"]
["creates a garden filled with a cubic layer of vigorous flower clusters"]
["rather than a lot of stems."]
[]
["We want to emphasise that when you get the knack of training the tips, you"]
["can more than double the yield of the most potent plant parts. {Figure 50."]
["Stem trained in an \"S\" shape.} {Figure 51. Tops trained horizontally during"]
["flowering.}"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Nine"]
["NUTRIENTS AND FERTILISING"]
[]
["9.2 Nutrients"]
[]
["There are about 15 elements known to be essential to plant life. Carbon,"]
["hydrogen, and oxygen are absorbed from air and water. The remaining 12"]
["elements are absorbed primarily from the soil, in mineral (inorganic) forms"]
["such as NO3- and K+. They constitute a natural part of soil that becomes"]
["available to the plant os organic matter decays and soil particles such as"]
["sand and clay dissolve."]
[]
["Soil elements that are necessary for normal growth are called nutrients. The"]
["elements nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) are considered"]
["major nutrients. The three numbers that appear on all fertiliser packages"]
["give the available percentage of these three nutrients that the fertiliser"]
["contains; and always in the order N-P-K. For example, 10-2-0 means 10"]
["percent N, 2 percent P (actually, 2 percent P2O5), and no K (actually, no"]
["K2O). Fertility is often measured by the amounts of major nutrients a soil"]
["contains. Relatively large amount of N-P=K are needed for lush growth."]
[]
["Three other elements - calcium (Ca), sulphur (S), and magnesium (Mg) - are"]
["called secondary nutrients. Plants require less of these nutrients, and most"]
["cultivable soils contain adequate amounts for good growth."]
[]
["Six remaining elements are called trace elements or micronutrients. As their"]
["name implies, they are needed in very small amounts. Commercial soils"]
["contain enough trace elements to sustain normal growth. The trace elements"]
["are also present in manures, humus, ash, and limestone."]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["The amount of nitrogen a soil can supply is the best indication of its"]
["fertility. Nitrogen, more than any other soil nutrient, is inextricably"]
["linked with the living ecosystem. Nitrogen is continually cycled through"]
["living systems: from soil to plants and back to the soil, primarily by the"]
["activity of soil microorganisms. Nitrogen is essential to all life. Nitrogen"]
["is a key element in the structure of amino acids, the molecules which make"]
["up proteins. These, and all other biomolecules, are synthesised by the"]
["plant. Chlorophyll, genetic material (for example, DNA), and numerous"]
["enzymes and plant hormones contain nitrogen. Hence, N is necessary for many"]
["of the plant's life processes."]
[]
["Cannabis is a nitrophile, a lover of nitrogen. Given ample N, Cannabis will"]
["outgrow practically and plant. Ample nitrogen is associated with fast, lush"]
["growth, and the plant requires a steady supply of nitrogen throughout its"]
["life. Marijuana's requirements for N are highest during the vegetative"]
["growth stages."]
[]
["Phosphorous"]
[]
["P is a constituent of energy-transfer compounds such as NADP and ATP, and"]
["molecular complexes such as the genes. The energy compounds are necessary"]
["for photosynthesis, respiration, and synthesis of biomolecules. Cannabis"]
["takes up large amounts of P during germination and seedling stages. During"]
["flowering and seed set, Cannabis' need for phosphorous is also high."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K influences many plant processes, including photosynthesis and respiration,"]
["protein synthesis, and the uptake of nutrients. Just as with P, K uptake is"]
["highest during the earliest growth stages. K is associated with sturdy stems"]
["and resistance to disease in plants."]
[]
["Calcium"]
[]
["Ca functions as a coenzyme in the synthesis of fatty compounds and cell"]
["membranes, and is necessary for normal mitosis (replication of cells)."]
["Plants take up much more Ca than the small amount necessary for normal"]
["growth. Ca is not added to soil as a nutrient; is added to adjust the soil's"]
["chemistry or pH."]
[]
["Sulfur"]
[]
["S is a constituent of certain amino acids and proteins. It is an important"]
["part of plant vitamins, such as biotin and thiamine, which are necessary for"]
["normal respiration and metabolism. (Plants synthesise all vitamins they"]
["need.) Most soils suitable for growing marijuana contain plenty of S."]
[]
["Magnesium"]
[]
["Mg is involved in protein synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates. Mg is"]
["the central element in the structure of chlorophyll molecules and hence has"]
["an important role in photosynthesis. Most mineral soils and commercial soils"]
["have a good supply of Mg."]
[]
["Trace Elements"]
[]
["The trace elements (Fe, Mn, Mb, B, Cu, Zn) are particularly important in the"]
["coenzymes and catalysts of the plant's biochemistry. Many life processes,"]
["particularly the synthesis and degradation of molecules, energy transfer,"]
["and transport of compounds within the plant, depend on trace elements. Trace"]
["elements are not used in large quantities to spur growth, but are necessary"]
["in minute amounts for normal growth. Indoor soils rarely require an addition"]
["of trace elements."]
[]
["All the nutrients are needed for normal growth. However, most of them are"]
["supplied by the potting soil. Ca, S, and the trace elements rarely present"]
["any problems. For most growers, fertilising will simply require periodic"]
["watering with a complete fertiliser, one that contains N, P, and K."]
[]
["9.3 Application: Fertilising"]
[]
["To grow to a large size, marijuana requires a steady supply of nutrients."]
["These can be added to the soil before planting or anytime during growth."]
["Bulk fertilisers are added while the soil is mixed, as described in section"]
["6. These include manures, composts, humus, and concentrated fertilisers,"]
["such as rose food. Once the plants are growing, never condition or mulch"]
["indoor soils with bulk fertilisers. they promote moulds and fungi and"]
["attract other pests to the garden. Concentrated fertilisers can damage the"]
["plants if they come in direct contact with the stem or roots."]
[]
["While the plants are growing, nutrients are given in solution; they are"]
["dissolved in water, and the plants are watered as usual. Soluble fertilisers"]
["can be either organic or inorganic (chemical), and come in a wide range of"]
["concentrations and proportions of nutrients. Two organic fertilisers are"]
["liquid manure (about 1.5-1.0-1.5) and fish emulsion ((Some fish emulsion may"]
["contain whale by-products.)) (about 5-1-1). Chemical fertilisers commonly"]
["may have 20-20-20 or 5-10-5, or may contain only one nutrient, such as"]
["16-0-0."]
[]
["A 10-5-5 fertiliser is 20 percent soluble nutrients and 80 percent inert"]
["ingredients. a 30-10-10 has 50 percent available nutrients and 50 percent"]
["inert ingredients. There is approximately the same amount of N in one tsp."]
["of 30-10-10 as in three tsps. of 10-5-5."]
[]
["Actually, you can almost use any fertiliser, but the nitrogen content should"]
["be proportionately high, and there should be some P and L also present. For"]
["example, a 20-20-20 would work fine, as would a 12-6-6 or a 3-4-3, but not a"]
["2-10-10 or a 5-10-0."]
[]
["How much fertiliser to use and how often to fertilise depend primarily on"]
["the fertility of the soil and the size of the container relative to the size"]
["of the plant. Small plants in large pots usually do not need to be"]
["fertilised. Even in small pots, most plants do not need to be fertilised for"]
["at least the first month."]
[]
["As the plants grow, they take nutrients from the soil, and these must be"]
["replaced to maintain vigorous growth. During the vegetative stage, even"]
["plants in large pots generally require some fertilising, particularly with"]
["N."]
[]
["The rate of growth of indoor plants is usually limited by the amount of"]
["light and space, once adequate nutrients are supplied. At this point, an"]
["increase in nutrients will not increase growth. Your goal is to supply the"]
["plants with their nutritional needs without overfertilising and thus"]
["toxifying the soil."]
[]
["Most fertilisers are designed for home use and have instructions for"]
["fertilising houseplants. Marijuana is not a houseplant, and it requires more"]
["nutrients than houseplants. The extra nutrients that it needs may be"]
["supplied by the use of large pots and a fertile soil mixture. In many cases,"]
["you will need to fertilise only in the dosages recommended on fertiliser"]
["packages for houseplants. For instance, Rapid-Gro (23-19-17) is popular"]
["among marijuana growers; use one tablespoon per gallon of water every two"]
["weeks."]
[]
["A typical program for fertilising might be to fertilise during the fifth"]
["week of growth and every two weeks thereafter until flowering. Then"]
["discontinue fertilising (or give at one-half concentration) unless the"]
["plants show a definite need for nutrients. It is better to fertilise with a"]
["more diluted solution more often than to give concentrated doses at longer"]
["intervals. (For instance, if instructions call for one tablespoon of"]
["fertiliser per gallon once a month, use one-quarter tablespoon per gallon"]
["once a week.)"]
[]
["Make sure that a fertiliser is completely dissolved in the water before you"]
["apply it. Put the recommended amount of fertiliser in a clear glass bottle"]
["and mix with about one cup of water. Shake vigorously and then allow it to"]
["settle. If any particles of fertiliser are not dissolved, shake again before"]
["adding the rest of the water. If you have difficulty getting all the"]
["fertiliser to dissolve, first add hot top water. If the fertiliser still"]
["does not completely dissolve, you should use another fertiliser."]
[]
["Never fertilise a dry soil or dry Soilless medium. If the medium is dry,"]
["first water with about one-half quart of plain water per pot. Let the pots"]
["sit for about 15 minutes so that the water is evenly dispersed in the pot."]
["Then fertilise as usual."]
[]
["It is difficult to give instruction for fertilising that will cover all"]
["garden situations. You want to supply the plant with its nutritive needs,"]
["but overfertilising con toxify the soil. Fertilising according to"]
["instructions for houseplants (both in frequency and concentration) should"]
["not toxify the soil. However, the plants may sometimes require more frequent"]
["or more concentrated fertilising. A good way to judge the plant's needs is"]
["not to fertilise one plant, double the fertiliser of another plant, and give"]
["the rest of the plants their normal dose. If the unfertilised plant grows"]
["more slowly, or shows symptoms of deficiencies, then probably all the plant"]
["are depending on soluble fertilisers and must be fertilised regularly. If"]
["the plants receiving the double dose grows faster than the other plants,"]
["increase the other plants' supply also. On the other hand, if there is"]
["little difference among the plants, then the soil is providing the plants"]
["with enough nutrients, and they either should not be fertilised or should be"]
["fertilised with a less-concentrated solution."]
[]
["Because they are grown in a relatively small area, it is easy to"]
["overfertilise indoor plants. When plants are vigorous, look healthy, and are"]
["growing steadily, don't be anxious to fertilise, particularly if you have"]
["already fertilised several times with soluble fertilisers. Slow growth or"]
["symptoms of deficiencies clearly indicate the need for fertilising."]
[]
["Overfertilising"]
[]
["In an effort to do the best for their plants, some people actually do the"]
["worst. Overfertilising puts excessive amounts of nutrients in the soil,"]
["causing toxic soil conditions. Excessive amounts of one nutrient can"]
["interfere with the uptake of another nutrient, or change normal plant-soil"]
["relations. Since it takes time for a build-up to occur high concentrations"]
["of nutrients generally encourage excellent growth until the toxic level is"]
["reached."]
[]
["It takes less N than other nutrients to toxify the soil; hence there is less"]
["margin for error when using N. Too much N changes the osmotic balance"]
["between plant and soil. Instead of water being drawn into the plant, water"]
["is drawn away and the plant dehydrates. The leaves feel limp even though the"]
["plant is well watered. The plant will soon die. This tips of the leaves die"]
["first and very rapidly the leaves change colour, usually to gold, but"]
["sometimes to a brown or green-grey. This change in the plants is faster,"]
["more dramatic, and more serious than for any kind of nutrient deficiency."]
[]
["You can save the plants by immediately leaching the pots as soon as the"]
["condition is recognised. Place the pots outdoors or in a sink or bathtub."]
["Discard the top inch or two of loose dirt. Run lukewarm water through the"]
["soil until a gallon of water for each two gallons of soil has passed through"]
["each pot. The leaves recover turgor in one or two days if the treatment"]
["works."]
[]
["Foliar Feeding"]
[]
["Foliar feeding ((Nitrogen fertilisers are usually NO3 (nitrate) or NO2"]
["(nitrite), substances which are also used to preserve food. They have been"]
["shown to undergo reactions to form carcinogenic substances (nitrosamines)."]
["As with eating food treated with nitrates and nitrites (hot dogs, sandwich"]
["meats, etc.), there is a possibility that such substances might be ingested"]
["by eating or smoking foliar-fed plants.)) (spraying the leaves with"]
["fertiliser) is a good way to give the plants nutrients without building up"]
["the amount of soluble substances in the soil. After the first month, foliar"]
["feed the plants with, for example, fish emulsion or a chemical fertiliser."]
["Use any fertiliser that states it can be used for foliar feeding even if it"]
["says \"not recommended for foliar feeding houseplants.\" Use a fine-mist"]
["sprayer, such as a clean Windex or Fantastik bottle. Dilute the fertiliser"]
["according to directions (fish emulsion at one tablespoon per gallon) and"]
["spray both sides of the leaves. When foliar feeding, you should spray the"]
["plants with plain water the next day, to dissolve unabsorbed nutrients and"]
["clean the plants."]
[]
["Foliar spraying is also a good way to treat plants suffering from nutrient"]
["deficiencies. Some nutrient deficiencies actually are caused by the soil's"]
["chemistry, rather than by the absence of the nutrient in the soil. Addition"]
["of the necessary nutrient to the soil may not cure the plants' problem,"]
["because the nutrient becomes locked in the soil, or its uptake may be"]
["limited by high concentrations of other elements present in the soil. Foliar"]
["feeding is direct, and if the plant's deficiency symptoms do not begin to"]
["clear up, then the diagnosis is probably incorrect."]
[]
["9.4 Nutrient Deficiencies"]
[]
["Before Diagnosing"]
[]
["Before you assume the plant has a nutrient deficiency, make sure the problem"]
["is not due to other causes. Examine the plant leaves, and along the stem and"]
["in the soil."]
[]
["Even under the best conditions, not all leaves form perfectly or remain"]
["perfectly green. Small leaves that grew on the young seedling normally die"]
["within a month or two. Under artificial lights, bottom leaves may be"]
["shielded from the light, or be too far away from the light to carry on"]
["chlorosynthesis. These leaves will gradually turn pale or yellow, and may"]
["form brown areas as they die. However, healthy large leaves should remain"]
["green at least three to four feet below the plant tops, even on those plants"]
["under small light systems. Under low light, the lower-growing shoots as well"]
["as the large leaves on the main stem are affected. Some symptoms of nutrient"]
["deficiencies begin first at the bottom of the plant, but these symptoms"]
["generally affect the lower leaves on the main stem first, and the progress"]
["to the leaves on the branches."]
[]
["Although some deficiency symptoms start on the lower, older leaves, others"]
["start at the growing shoots or at the top of the plants. This difference"]
["depends on whether or not the nutrient is mobile and can move from the older"]
["leaves to the active growing shoot. Deficiency symptoms of mobile nutrients"]
["start at the bottom of the plant. Conversely, deficiency symptoms of"]
["immobile nutrients first appear on the younger leaves or growing shoots at"]
["the top of the plant. N, P, K, Mg, B, and Mb are mobile in the plant. Mn and"]
["Zn are less mobile, and Ca, S, Fe, and Cu are generally immobile."]
[]
["A dry atmosphere or wet soil may cause the blade tips to turn brown. Brown"]
["leaf tips also may indicate a nutrient deficiency, but in this case, more"]
["tissue will turn brown than just the end tips."]
[]
["Chlorosis and necrosis are two terms which describe symptoms of disease in"]
["plants. Chlorosis means lacking green (chlorophyll). Chlorotic leaves are"]
["pale green to yellow or white. Chlorotic leaves often show some recovery"]
["after the necessary nutrient is supplied. Necrosis means that the tissue is"]
["dead. Dead tissue can be gold, rust, brown, or grey. It is dry and crumbles"]
["when squeezed. Necrotic tissue cannot recover."]
[]
["Symptoms of deficiencies of either N, P, or K have the following in common:"]
["all involve some yellowing and necrosis of the lower leaves, and all are"]
["accompanied by red/purple colour in stems and petioles. The simplest way to"]
["remedy these deficiencies is to fertilise with a complete fertiliser"]
["containing nearly equal proportions of three nutrients."]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["N is the most common deficiency of Cannabis indoors or out. Nitrogen"]
["deficiencies may be quite subtle, particularly outdoors, where the soil may"]
["continuously provide a small amount of nitrogen. In this case the opt of the"]
["plant will appear healthy, and the plant will grow steadily, but at a slow"]
["pace. The deficiency becomes more apparent with growth, as more and more of"]
["the lower leaves yellow and fall. The first sign is a gradual, uniform"]
["yellowing of the large, lower leaves. Once the leaf yellow, necrotic tips"]
["and areas form as the leaves dry to a gold or rust colour. In small pots,"]
["the whole plant may appear pale (or lime colour) before many bottom leaves"]
["are affected to the point that they yellow or die. Symptoms that accompany N"]
["deficiency include red stems and petioles, smaller leaves, slow growth, and"]
["a smaller, sparse profile. Usually there is a rapid yellowing and loss of"]
["the lower leaves that progresses quickly to the top of the plant unless"]
["nitrogen is soon added."]
[]
["Remedy by fertilising with any soluble N fertiliser or with a complete"]
["fertiliser that is high in N. If your diagnosis is correct, some recovery"]
["should be visible in three or four days. Pale leaves will regain some colour"]
["but not increase in size. New growth will be much more vigorous and new"]
["stems and petioles will have normal green colour."]
[]
["Indoors, you should expect plants to need N fertilisation a few times during"]
["growth. Once a plant shows N deficiency, you should fertilise regularly to"]
["maintain healthy and vigorous growth. Fertilise at about one-half the"]
["concentration recommended for Soilless mixtures. Increase the treatment only"]
["if the plants show symptoms again. Once the plants are flowering, you may"]
["choose not to fertilise if the plants are vigorous. They will have enough N"]
["to complete flowering and you don't want to chance toxifying the soil at"]
["this late date."]
[]
["Phosphorous"]
[]
["P deficiency is not common indoors, but may appear outdoors, particularly in"]
["dry, alkaline soils or in depleted soils, or during cool weather. Phosphorus"]
["deficiency is characterised by slow and sometimes stunted growth. Leaves"]
["overall are smaller and dark green; red colour appears in petioles and"]
["stems. The leaves may also develop red or purple colour starting on the"]
["veins of the underside of the leaf. Generally the tips of most of the leaf"]
["blades on the lower portion of the plant die before the leaves lose colour."]
["Lower leaves slowly turn yellow before they die. Remedy with any soluble"]
["P-containing fertiliser. Affected leaves do not show much recovery, but the"]
["plant should perk up, and the symptoms do not progress."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K deficiencies sometimes show on indoor plants even when there is apparently"]
["enough supplied for normal growth. Often, potassium-deficient plants are the"]
["tallest ((Potassium is associated with apical dominance in some plant"]
["species.)) and appear to be the most vigorous. Starting on the large lower"]
["leaves, the tips of the blades brown and die. Necrotic areas or spots form"]
["on the blades, particularly along the margins. Sometimes the leaves are"]
["spattered with chlorotic tissue before necrosis develops, and the leaves"]
["look pale or yellow. Symptoms may appear on indoor plants grown in a soil"]
["rich in organic material. This may be due to high salinity (Na) of some"]
["manures or composts used in the soil. Red stems and petioles accompany"]
["potassium deficiencies. K deficiencies that could seriously affect your crop"]
["rarely occur with indoor soils. However, mild symptoms are quite common."]
["Usually the plants grow very well except for some necrotic spotting or areas"]
["on the older leaves. (This condition is primarily and aesthetic problem, and"]
["you may choose not to fertilise. See 19.3.)"]
[]
["K deficiencies can be treated with any fertiliser that contains potassium."]
["Wood ashes dissolved in water are a handy source of potassium. Recovery is"]
["slow. New growth will not have the red colour, and leaves will stop spotting"]
["after a couple of weeks. In a K-deficient soil, much of the added potassium"]
["is absorbed by the soil until a chemical balance is reached. Then additional"]
["potassium becomes readily available to the plant."]
[]
["Calcium"]
[]
["Ca deficiencies are rare and do not occur if you have added any lime"]
["compound or wood ash. But calcium is added primarily to regulate soil"]
["chemistry and pH. Make sure that you add lime to soil mixtures when adding"]
["manures, cottonseed meal, or other acidic bulk fertilisers. An excess of"]
["acidic soil additives may create magnesium or iron deficiencies, or very"]
["slow, stunted growth. Remedy by adding one teaspoon of dolomitic lime per"]
["quart of water until the plants show marked improvement. Periodically"]
["fertilise with a complete fertiliser. Foliar feeding is most beneficial"]
["until the soil's chemistry reaches a new balance."]
[]
["Sulfur"]
[]
["S is plentiful in both organic and mineral soils. Liming and good aeration"]
["increases S availability. Hence S deficiencies should not occur in soils"]
["that are suitable for growing marijuana. However, sulfur deficiencies"]
["sometimes can be confused with N deficiencies and may also occur because of"]
["an excess of other nutrients in the soil solution. Sulfur-deficiency"]
["symptoms usually start at the top of the plant. There is a general yellowing"]
["of the new leaves. In pots, the whole plant may lose some green colour. Both"]
["sulfur and Mg deficiencies can be treated with the same compound, epsom"]
["salts (MgSO4). Epsom salts, or bathing salts are inexpensive and available"]
["at drug stores."]
[]
["Magnesium"]
[]
["Mg deficiencies are fairly common. They frequently occur in Soilless"]
["mixtures, since many otherwise all-purpose fertilisers do not contain Mg."]
["Magnesium deficiencies also occur in mixtures that contain very large"]
["amounts of Ca or Cl. Symptoms of Mg deficiency occur first on the lower"]
["leaves. There is chlorosis of tissue between the veins, which remain green,"]
["and starting from the tips the blades die and usually curl upward. Purple"]
["colour builds up on stems and petioles."]
[]
["A plant in a pot may lose much of its colour in a matter of weeks. You may"]
["first notice Mg symptoms at the top of the plant. The leaves in the growing"]
["shoot are lime-coloured. In extreme cases, all the leaves turn practically"]
["white, with green veins. Iron deficiency looks much the same, but a sure"]
["indication of Mg deficiency is that a good portion of the leaf blades die"]
["and curl. Treat Mg symptoms with one-half teaspoon of epsom salts to each"]
["quart of water, and water as usual. The top leaves recover their green"]
["colour within four days, and all but the most damaged should recover"]
["gradually. Continue to fertilise with epsom salts as needed until the plants"]
["are flowering well. If you are using soilless mixtures, include epsom salts"]
["regularly with the complete mixture. Because Mg deficiencies may indicate"]
["interference from other nutrients, foliar-spray with Mg to check your"]
["diagnosis if the plants are not obviously recovering."]
[]
["Iron"]
[]
["Fe deficiency rarely occurs with indoor mixtures. Iron is naturally"]
["plentiful in most soils, and is most likely to be deficient when the soil is"]
["very acid or alkaline. Under these conditions, which sometimes occur in"]
["moist eastern soil outdoors, the iron becomes insoluble. Remedies include"]
["adjusting the Ph before planting; addition of rusty water; or driving a nail"]
["into the stem. Commercial Fe preparations are also available. If the soil is"]
["acidic, use chelated iron, which is available to the plants under acidic"]
["conditions."]
[]
["Symptoms of iron deficiency are usually distinct. Symptoms appear first on"]
["the new growing shoots. The leaves are chlorotic between the veins, which"]
["remain dark green and stand out as a green network. To distinguish between"]
["Mg and Fe deficiencies, check the lower leaves for symptoms. Iron symptoms"]
["are usually most prominent on the growing shoots. Mg deficiencies will also"]
["show in the lower leaves. If many of the lower leaves have been spotting or"]
["dying, the deficiency is probably Mg. Mg deficiencies are much more common"]
["than iron deficiencies in marijuana."]
[]
["Other Trace Elements"]
[]
["The following deficiencies are quite rare. Trace elements are needed in"]
["extremely small amounts, and often enough of them are present as impurities"]
["in fertilisers and water to allow normal growth. Many houseplant fertilisers"]
["contain trace elements. Trace-element deficiencies are more often caused by"]
["an extreme pH than by inadequate quantities in the soil. If a deficiency is"]
["suspected, foliar-spray with the trace element to remedy deficiencies. Our"]
["experience has been that trace-element deficiencies rarely occur indoors. We"]
["advise you not to add trace elements to indoor soils, which usually contain"]
["large amounts of trace elements already because of the addition of organic"]
["matter and liming compounds. It is easy to create toxic conditions by adding"]
["trace elements. Manufacturers also recommend using amounts of trace elements"]
["that may be too high for indoor gardens; so use them at about one-fourth of"]
["the manufacturer's recommended dose if an addition is found to be necessary."]
[]
["Manganese"]
[]
["Mn deficiency appears as chlorotic and the necrotic spots of leaf tissue"]
["between the veins. They generally appear on the younger leaves, although"]
["spots may appear over the whole plant. Manganese deficiencies are not"]
["common. Manganese is present in many all-purpose fertilisers. Mn"]
["deficiencies may occur if large amounts of Mg are present."]
[]
["Boron"]
[]
["B deficiency may occasionally occur in outdoor soils. The symptoms appear"]
["first at the growing shoots, which die and turn brown or grey. The shoots"]
["may appear \"burned,\" and if the condition occurs indoors, you might think"]
["the lights have burned the plant. A sure sign of boron deficiency is that,"]
["once the growing tip dies, the lateral buds will start to grow but will also"]
["die. B deficiency can be corrected by application of boric acid, which is"]
["sold as an eyewash in any drugstore. Use one-fourth teaspoon per quart of"]
["water. Recovery occurs in a few days with healthy growth of new shoots."]
[]
["Molybdenum"]
[]
["Mb deficiency occurs in outdoor soils, but rarely indoors. Mb is readily"]
["available at neutral or alkaline pH. Mb is essential for nitrogen metabolism"]
["in the plant, and symptoms can be masked for a while when N fertilisers are"]
["being used. Usually there is a yellowing of the leaves at the middle of the"]
["plant. Fertilising with nitrogen may remedy some of the yellowing. However,"]
["Mb symptoms generally progress to the growing shoots and new leaves often"]
["are distorted or twisted. Mb is included in many all-purpose fertilisers."]
[]
["Zinc"]
[]
["Zn-deficiency symptoms include chlorosis of leaf tissue between the veins."]
["Chlorosis or white areas start at the leaf margins and tips. More definite"]
["symptoms are very small, new leaves which may also be twisted or curled"]
["radially. Zn deficiencies may occur in alkaline western soils. Galvanised"]
["nails can be buried or pushed into the stem. Commercial preparations of zinc"]
["are also available."]
[]
["Copper"]
[]
["Cu deficiencies are rare; be careful not to confuse their symptoms with the"]
["symptoms of overfertilisation. The symptoms appear first on the younger"]
["leaves, which become necrotic at the tips and margins. Leaves will appear"]
["somewhat limp, and in extreme cases the whole plant will wilt. Treat by"]
["foliar-spraying with a commercial fungicide such as CuSO4."]
[]
["9.5 Soilless Mixtures"]
[]
["Soilless mixtures are an alternative to using large quantities of soil."]
["Their main advantage is complete control over the nutrients that your plants"]
["receive. Soilless mixtures are also inexpensive and easy to prepare. They"]
["have a near-neutral pH and require no pH adjustment."]
[]
["Soilless mixtures are made from soil components such as vermiculite, sand,"]
["or perlite. Soilless mixtures should be blended in such a way that they hold"]
["adequate water, but also drain well and do not become soggy. A good general"]
["formula is two parts vermiculite to one part perlite. About 10 percent"]
["coarse sand or gravel can be added to give weight and stability to the pots."]
["Instead of vermiculite, you can use Jiffy-Mix, Metro-Mix, Ortho-Mix, Pro-Mix"]
["and other commercial soilless mixtures, which are fortified with a small"]
["amount of necessary nutrients, including trace elements. You can also"]
["substitute coarse sand for perlite."]
[]
["Potting"]
[]
["It is best to use solid containers with soilless mixtures rather than"]
["plastic bags. Grow the plants in one- to three-gallon containers. There"]
["won't be much difference in the size of the plants in one-gallon or in"]
["three-gallon sizes, but you will have to water a large plant every day in a"]
["one-gallon container. (The plants can always by transplanted to a larger"]
["container.) The pots must have drainage holes punched in the bottoms. Pot as"]
["usual, and add one tablespoon of dolomitic lime or two tablespoons of wood"]
["ash to each gallon of mixture."]
[]
["Germinating"]
[]
["Plants may have problems germinating in soilless mixtures. The top layer of"]
["mixture often dries rapidly, and sprouts may die or not germinate. Young"]
["seedlings also seem to have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients (notably"]
["potassium), even though adequate amounts of nutrients are being added. Since"]
["this difficulty may retard growth, it is best to start the plants in small"]
["pots with soil. Use eight-ounce paper cups, tin cans, or quart milk"]
["containers cut in half. Mix three parts topsoil or potting soil to one part"]
["soilless mixture. Fill the starting pots and germinate as usual. When the"]
["plants are two to three weeks old, transplant to the soilless mixture. First"]
["moisten the soil, and then remove the soil as intact as possible. You might"]
["handle the transplant like making castles, by carefully sliding the moist"]
["soil out of the pot. Or you can cut away the sides of the container while"]
["you place the transplant in the soilless mixture. When watering, make sure"]
["you water around the stem to encourage roots to grow into the soilless"]
["mixture."]
[]
["Peat pellets that expand are also good for starting seedling. Plant several"]
["seeds in each pellet, and place it in the soilless mixture after the sprouts"]
["appear."]
[]
["Fertilising"]
[]
["Soilless mixtures can be treated with a trace-element solution. We have"]
["grown crops with no special addition of trace elements, and the plants"]
["completed their lives without showing symptoms of trace-element deficiency."]
["In these cases there were apparently enough trace elements in the lime and"]
["the fertilisers that were used to provide the major nutrients. Many"]
["all-purpose fertilisers also contain trace elements. However, it is a good"]
["idea to treat soilless mixtures with a mild solution of trace elements"]
["before planting. Large plants can be treated a second time during the third"]
["or fourth month of growth. Do not use trace elements more often unless"]
["plants show definite trace-element deficiencies."]
[]
["Iron is the only trace element that is needed in more than minute"]
["quantities. Iron can be supplied by mixing a few brads or nails into the"]
["soilless mixture."]
[]
["Use any soluble fertiliser that is complete, that is, that contains some of"]
["each of the major nutrients. Choose one with a formula that is highest in N"]
["but contains a good portion of both P and K. For example, Rapid-Gro is"]
["23-19-17 and works well for soilless mixtures."]
[]
["Table 18 gives a formula that has worked well for us. The figures in it are"]
["a guide for estimating the amounts of fertiliser to use. When choosing a"]
["fertiliser by means of this chart, use N for a guide. For example, suppose"]
["the only fertiliser you can find that has good proportions of the major"]
["nutrients as a 20-15-15. Divide 5 (the figure for N in the table) by 20 (the"]
["figure for N in the fertiliser), and get the result 1/4. That is, the"]
["fertiliser if four times as concentrated in N as you need; so you would use"]
["one-fourth the amount of fertiliser shown in Table 18. For instance, during"]
["the vegetative stage, you would give the plants one-half to three-fourths of"]
["a level teaspoon of fertiliser per gallon of water each time you water."]
[]
["Table 18 - Guidelines for Fertilizing Soilless Mixtures"]
[]
["Growth Stage  N        P2O5     K20      Amount"]
["Seedling      5        3        4        1.5 to 2 tsp/gal"]
["Vegetative    5        2        3        2 to 3 tsp/gal"]
["Flowering     5        5        3        0.5 tp 1.5 tsp/gal"]
[]
["It is also not necessary to fertilise in these ratios. You could use a"]
["10-10-10 fertiliser throughout growth; you would use half the amounts listed"]
["in Table 18. The most important point is that the plant receive enough of"]
["each element, not that they receive specific proportions."]
[]
["Fertilising according to volume of fertiliser is not very accurate, and also"]
["does not take into account other variables (such as variety, light,"]
["temperature, etc.) that determine the amounts of nutrients your plants can"]
["use. However, it is a simple and useful way of estimating the plant's needs."]
["You can more accurately gauge the plants' needs by giving a sample plant"]
["twice the concentration of fertiliser, and another half the concentration."]
["Their performance will give you an idea of whether you are using too much or"]
["too little fertiliser. Too much fertiliser is the most damaging condition;"]
["so when in doubt give the plants less rather then more. Do not continue to"]
["give the plants the recommended amounts of fertiliser if the sample plant"]
["that is receiving less nutrients is growing as well as the other plants."]
[]
["Another way of monitoring the plant's growth is to grow a few plants in a"]
["standard soil mixture. This will show you whether the plants in the soilless"]
["mixture are growing as fast as they should, and will give you a reference"]
["for diagnosing deficiencies."]
[]
["Besides providing N, P, K, and the trace elements, you must also give your"]
["plants secondary nutrients. Ca is added by mixing a tablespoon of lime or"]
["two tablespoons of wood ash when preparing the soilless mixture. (Calcium is"]
["usually present in water and in many fertilisers as part of the salts that"]
["contain nutrients, for example, Ca(NO3)2.) Magnesium and sulfur are both"]
["found in common epsom salts, MgSO4. Use one-eighth teaspoon of epsom salts"]
["to each teaspoon of 5 percent N. For example, if you are using a 20 percent"]
["N fertiliser, you would use half a teaspoon of MgSO4 to each teaspoon of"]
["fertiliser. (Actually, enough sulfur is often present, either as part of the"]
["soilless mixture or as part of nutrient salts to allow growth.) Magnesium"]
["can also be supplied by using dolomitic limestone."]
[]
["Soilless mixtures are something between soil mixtures and water cultures"]
["(hydroponics). With hydroponics, the plants are grown in a tank of water."]
["The fertilisers are added in solution, and the water solution is"]
["periodically circulated by a pump."]
[]
["Another variation on soilless mixtures is to add a small amount of soil or"]
["humus to the soilless mixture. Some examples are:"]
[]
["        1. 4 parts soilless mixture to 1 part soil;"]
["        2. 8 parts soilless mixture to 1 part humus;"]
["        3. 15 parts soilless mixture to 1 part limed manure."]
[]
[]
["Overfertilising is less a problem with soilless mixtures then with soil,"]
["because of higher concentrations of salts are tolerable in soilless mixtures"]
["and because excess salts are easily flushed out of the mixture. A good idea"]
["is to flush each pot once after two months of growth, again after four"]
["months. Any time the plants show symptoms of overfertilisation, leach the"]
["pots immediately. Flood each pot with plain water so that it runs out the"]
["drainage holes. Continue flooding the pots until a couple of gallons of"]
["water have run through the pot. Don't fertilise for at least a week. Then"]
["fertilise with a more dilute solution that was used before. {Figure 51a."]
["Over fertilisation. Leaves turn bright gold and die, starting at the top of"]
["the plant.}"]
[]
["Chapter Ten"]
["DISEASES AND PLANT PESTS"]
[]
["Plants are considered diseased when their health or development is impaired"]
["enough that the adverse effects become visible to the eye. Disease may be"]
["caused by infectious microbes, such as bacteria or viruses, by pests such as"]
["insects, or by nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. However, for diseases"]
["that might affect your plants, there should be no need for a plant doctor."]
["You'll be able to diagnose the symptoms after careful observation."]
[]
["Leaves naturally drop from plants during the course of their lives. Not"]
["every leaf will develop perfectly or so. The small leaves that are formed"]
["during the first few weeks of growth normally die within three months."]
["Leaves at the bottom of healthy plants often die because they are shielded"]
["by the upper instance, in a garden receiving only 80 watts of fluorescent"]
["light, the plants may stay green only up to three or four feet away from the"]
["lights. Lower leaves may turn pale and yellow and then dry to gold or rust"]
["colours."]
[]
["10.2 Microbial Diseases"]
[]
["Because Cannabis is not native to the Americas, most of the microbial"]
["diseases that attack the plant are not found in this country. Homegrown"]
["Cannabis is remarkably free of diseases caused by microbes, and there is"]
["little chance of your plants suffering from these diseases. Fungal stem and"]
["root rots seem to be the only ones of consequence. These occur only because"]
["of improper care. Watering too often, coupled with a stagnant, humid"]
["atmosphere, encourages stem rot to develop. Stem rot appears as a brown or"]
["black discolouration at the base of the stem and is soft or mushy to the"]
["touch. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and be sure to water around"]
["the stem, not on it. Wipe as much of the fungus and soft tissue away as"]
["possibly. If the rot doesn't disappear in a few weeks, treat it with a"]
["fungicide."]
[]
["10.3 Nutrient Diseases"]
[]
["Diseases due to nutrient deficiencies (see section 9), are common indoors,"]
["and their symptoms usually worsen with time, affecting more and more of the"]
["plant. Whole leaves may be pale, or turn yellow or white; the condition may"]
["first afflict the bottom, or top, or the entire plant at once. Deficiency"]
["symptoms often appear as spots, splotches, or areas or chlorotic (lacking"]
["green) tissue. Sometimes necrotic (dead) tissue appears that is copper,"]
["brown, or gray. However, before you search to section 9, carefully inspect"]
["the plants for any signs of plant pests."]
[]
["10.4 Plant Pests"]
[]
["The indoor garden is an artificial habitat where the plants live in"]
["isolation from the natural world. For this reason, few of you will have any"]
["problems with plant pests. However, indoor plants are particularly"]
["susceptible to pests once contaminated. In nature, the pest populations are"]
["kept in check by their natural enemies, as well as by wind, rain, and"]
["changing temperatures. Without these natural checks, pests can run rampant"]
["through the indoor garden."]
[]
["The most common and destructive pests are spider mites and whiteflies."]
["Spider mites are barely visible to the naked eye; they are ovoid-shaped."]
["Juvenile mites are transparent and change to green as they suck the plant's"]
["tissue. Adults are tan, black, or semitransparent. False spider mites are"]
["bright red. Mites are usually well-established before you discover them,"]
["because they are so difficult to see."]
[]
["Whiteflies are white (obviously) but look like tiny moths rather than flies."]
["The adults are about 1/16 inch long, and you may not see one unless if"]
["flutters by the corner of your eye. Then shake the plants. If the result"]
["looks like a small snowstorm, the plants are infested with whiteflies."]
["{Figure 52. Left: Spider mite (x16). Right: A match head dwarfs tiny spider"]
["mites.}"]
[]
["The symptoms of infection by mites and whiteflies are similar. Symptoms"]
["usually appear on the lower leaves and gradually spread to the top of the"]
["plant. The first indications are that the plant loses vigour; lower leaves"]
["droop and may look pale. Look closely at the upper surfaces of the leaves"]
["for a white speckling against the green background. The speckles are due to"]
["the pests sucking the plant's chlorophyll-rich tissue. With time, the leaf"]
["loses all colour and dies."]
[]
["Pests are easiest to find on the leaves that are beginning to show some"]
["damage. You can usually see mites and whitefly larvae as tiny dots looking"]
["up at the lights through the undersides of the leaves."]
[]
["To find out which pest you have, remove some damaged leaves and inspect the"]
["undersides under bright daylight. With spider mites, if you discover them"]
["early, a leaf may show only one or two tiny dots (adults) and a sprinkling"]
["of white powder (eggs) along the veins. In advanced cases, the undersides"]
["look dusty with the spider mites' webbing, or there may be webbing at the"]
["leaf nodes or where the leaflets meet the petioles. With whiteflies, you"]
["usually see the adults first. On the undersides of the leaves the whitefly"]
["larvae look like mites, but there is no webbing, and there are tiny golden"]
["droplets of \"honeydew\" excreted by the adult whiteflies. {Figure 53. Mites"]
["appear as black specks when you look up to the lights from the undersides of"]
["the leaves. Also see Plate 14.}"]
[]
["Take quick action once you discover plant pests. If the plants are less than"]
["a month old, you will probably be better off to clean out the garden, in"]
["order to eliminate the source of the pests, and start over. As long as the"]
["plants are healthy they can withstand most attacks. The more mature the"]
["plants are, the less they are affected by pests. Whiteflies and mites"]
["sometimes disappear from flowering plants, particularly the female flowers."]
["Mites are difficult to eliminate completely. Often a holding action will"]
["save a good crop."]
[]
["If only a few plants in your garden are infected, remove them. Or else,"]
["remove any leaves that show damage. If the plants are three or more months"]
["old, you might consider forcing them to flower while they are still healthy."]
["Plants that are good-sized and still vigorous will usually stand up well to"]
["mites once they are flowering."]
[]
["If you don't want to use insecticides, there are several alternative ways to"]
["keep the pests in check until flowering. Mix 1/8 to 1/4 pound of pure soap"]
["(such as Ivory flakes) thoroughly in one gallon of lukewarm water. Then"]
["cover each pot with foil or newspaper, invert it, and dip and swish the"]
["plant around several times in the soapy solution. Let is drip dry and rinse"]
["with clear water. Use the dunking procedure every week or two until the"]
["plants are larger. This is often enough to get the plants growing well and"]
["into flowering before the pest population can become a serious problem."]
[]
["Two homemade sprays that can be effective are dormant oil sprays ((See"]
["Insects and Pests in the Outdoor Section.)) and hot pepper sprays."]
[]
["To make hot pepper spray, mix four hot peppers with one medium onion and on"]
["clove garlic (213). Grind or chop and mash them along with some water. Cover"]
["the mash with water and allow it so stand a day or two. Add enough water to"]
["make two quarts. Strain through a coffee filter or paper towels in a funnel."]
["Add one-half teaspoon of detergent and spray as you would an insecticide."]
[]
["No one wants to use insecticides; yet they seem to be the only way to"]
["eliminate mites. There are a number of insecticides on the market that are"]
["relatively safe. Insecticides such as pyrethrum, rotenon, and malathion are"]
["relatively non-toxic to warm-blooded animals when used as directed. These"]
["are effective against many different plant pests besides mites and"]
["whiteflies. Additionally, they break down into harmless compounds such as"]
["carbon dioxide and water in a matter of days; so they do not persist in the"]
["environment."]
[]
["Safe insecticides are used for vegetables. Follow all the package"]
["precautions. Do not use more, or more often, than recommended. Overuse can"]
["kill the plant. The label will list the number of days to wait before you"]
["can safely ingest the plant, usually from two to 35 days after spraying."]
[]
["Both mites and whiteflies generally complete their brief life cycles in"]
["about one to two weeks. Because sprays are not effective against the eggs,"]
["repeat the spraying about once a week for three successive weeks to"]
["completely eliminate the pests. Since their generations are short-lived,"]
["some pests may become resistant to the spray. This can be a problem with"]
["whiteflies. Try a different insecticide if the first one does not seem to be"]
["working."]
[]
["Add a couple of drops of liquid detergent to each quart of insecticide"]
["solution. Detergent acts as a wetting agent and helps the insecticide to"]
["contact the pests and stick to the plant. Small plants can be dunked"]
["directly in the solution, the surest way to kill pests."]
[]
["To spray the plants, start at the back of the garden so that you are working"]
["away from the plants already sprayed. Spray the entire plant and soil"]
["surfaces, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves where"]
["pests tent to congregate. Stay out of the garden and keep the room closed"]
["that day."]
[]
["Sulfur dusts can also be effective against mites and many other pests, and"]
["are safe to use. The easiest way to apply them is with a plastic \"squeeze\""]
["bottle which has a tapered top. Make sure you dust the underside of the"]
["leaves."]
[]
["Before using any insecticide, remove all damaged leaves. Do not use any"]
["insecticide during flowering. Rinse the plant with a clear water spray about"]
["one week after applying any insecticide, and once more before you harvest."]
["Otherwise there may be residues left which will affect the taste of the"]
["grass."]
[]
["There are several other pests that can be a problem, although they rarely"]
["seriously affect marijuana. Aphids are about 1/16 inch long and are black,"]
["green, red, or pink. They have roundish bodies with long legs and antennae."]
["Some species have wings. They congregate on the undersides of leaves which"]
["may then lose colour and become curled or distorted. Aphids excrete"]
["honey-dew droplets on the undersides of the leaves which can attract ants."]
["If ants are also present, set out ant traps, because the ants will spread"]
["the aphids to other plants. A few successive washings in soapy water or one"]
["or two sprayings of the insecticides mentioned above should eliminate"]
["aphids."]
[]
["Mealy bugs are white, about 3/16 of an inch long, and look like small, flat"]
["sowbugs. They don't seem to like marijuana and avoid it of other plants are"]
["present. Mealy bugs can be removed individually with cotton swabs and"]
["alcohol."]
[]
["Gnats are attracted to moist soil that is rich in partially decayed organic"]
["matter such as manures. To discourage gnats when using manures, cover the"]
["top few inches in the pot with the soil mixture and no manure. Drench the"]
["soil with malathion solution for gnats or any other soil pest. Flypaper will"]
["also help against gnats as well as whiteflies."]
[]
["Some people don't mind having a few pests on their plants. Whether you want"]
["to eliminate the pests completely or simply keep them in check may come down"]
["to whether you mind hearing the snap, crackle, and poop as their little bug"]
["bodies heat and explode when the harvest is smoked. Commercial marijuana, or"]
["any marijuana grown outdoors, will contain innumerable bugs and other small"]
["lifeforms."]
[]
["Prevention"]
[]
["Whiteflies and spider mites are extremely contagious. Mites can be carried"]
["to the plant on hands, clothing, or an animal's fur. Many houseplant pests"]
["can fly or float to the garden through open windows. Mites crawl through"]
["cracks in walls and foundations during autumn, seeking warmth."]
[]
["Many houseplants are popular because they can withstand abuse and infections"]
["by common plant pests. Your houseplants may harbor mites for years without"]
["your knowledge. You can find out if your houseplants have mites by placing"]
["some marijuana seedlings among the houseplants. Mites seem to enjoy young"]
["marijuana plants so much that the plants show symptoms of mites in a matter"]
["of weeks of any are nearby."]
[]
["Hopefully, you'll never have to deal with pests. Prevention is the best"]
["policy. Use soil that has been pasteurised or sterilised to avoid bringing"]
["pest eggs and larvae into the garden. Keep the garden isolated from other"]
["plants. Use separate tools for the marijuana garden and for other plants."]
["Screen windows in the garden with wire screen or mesh fabrics such as nylon."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 11"]
["MAINTENANCE AND RESTARTING"]
[]
["To start a new crop, it is best to begin with a fresh soil. This is"]
["especially true if the plants were in small pots or were root-bound."]
[]
["If you have fertilised regularly, the soil may contain near-toxic amounts of"]
["salts. Most of the salts build up in the top two-inch layer of soil. To"]
["salvage large quantities of soil, discard the top three-inch layer of soil"]
["from each pot. Add fresh soil and bulk fertilisers. Thoroughly mix and repot"]
["in clean containers."]
[]
["It is generally not advisable to use the same soil for more than two crops."]
["Although the used soil may not support healthy growth for potted plants, it"]
["is an excellent addition to any garden soil. Spread the soil as you would a"]
["mulch. The salt concentration is quickly diluted and benefits, rather than"]
["harms, garden soil."]
[]
["Periodically clean the tubes and reflectors to remove dust and grime. As"]
["with windows, this dirt substantially decreases the amount of light the"]
["plants receive. Fluorescents lose approximately 20 to 40 percent of their"]
["original output within a year's use. Generally the higher-wattage tubes"]
["decline more rapidly than standard-output tubes. Vita-lite tubes last the"]
["longest, followed by standard fluorescents. Gro-tubes are the"]
["shortest-lived, and most growers replace them after two crops. Older tubes"]
["can be used to start seedlings and during the first month of growth. Since"]
["the plants are small and the light system is low, the old tubes generate"]
["enough light for healthy growth. Replace incandescent bulbs after 500 light"]
["hours."]
[]
[]
[]
["PART 3: OUTDOOR"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["CULTIVATION"]
[]
["Chapter 12"]
["CHOOSING A SITE"]
[]
["There are several factors to consider when deciding where to plant,"]
["including sunlight, microclimate, availability of water, and condition of"]
["the soil. But the garden's security should be your first consideration. No"]
["matter what size your garden, rip-offs and confiscation are constant"]
["threats. But these risks can be minimised by careful planning and common"]
["senses."]
[]
["In some countries, law-enforcement agencies take a tolerant attitude toward"]
["small gardens, and people grow Cannabis in their backyards. In other areas,"]
["police are not as enlightened and place an emphasis on cultivation busts. In"]
["either case, the larger the garden, the greater the potential danger."]
["{Figure 55. A Nassau Country police officer stands in a field of marijuana"]
["plants in Lattingtown, Long Island.}"]
[]
["In Hawaii and California, where marijuana growing has become a booming"]
["business, helicopters have been a problem for commercial growers. Aircraft"]
["outfitted with visual or infrared equipment, dogs, and finks have all been"]
["used to seek out illicit plots. Aircraft equipment is least effective on"]
["steep slopes and where the vegetation is lush and varied. Where aircraft are"]
["a problem, growers prune marijuana to obscure its distinctive shape. The"]
["plants are difficult to detect from a distance when intercropped with"]
["bamboo, sunflowers, sugar cane, soybeans, or tall weeds (see Figure 60)."]
["Commercial growers often plant several small dispersed stands or many single"]
["plants, which are more difficult to detect and serve as insurance against"]
["total loss."]
[]
["But rip-offs rather than the law are more of a problem for marijuana"]
["growers. From every section of the United States, reports confirm that"]
["marijuana theft has reached epidemic proportions, and even well-hidden plant"]
["fall prey to unscrupulous people. These lowlifes often search near hippie"]
["communities and popular planting areas. Their best ally is a loose lip; so"]
["keep your garden on a \"need to know\" basis."]
[]
["12.2 Where to Grow"]
[]
["Given the value of marijuana, many people think they'll grow an acre or two."]
["But it is much harder to find spots suitable for large-scale farming than to"]
["find small garden plots. Large gardens require more planning and commitment,"]
["and usually a remote area. They may need a lot more time, energy, and"]
["investment in materials and labor-saving machinery than smaller gardens."]
[]
["A small but well-cultivated garden, say, ten by ten feet, can yield over"]
["four pounds of grass each crop. By planning realistically, you'll harvest a"]
["good stash of potent grass rather than a lot of disappointment."]
[]
["Moat people who grow marijuana plant it in their backyards. They hide the"]
["plants from curious neighbours and passers-by with walls, fences, arbor, or"]
["similar enclosures. Some people plant Cannabis as part of their vegetables"]
["garden, pruning the plants to make them less conspicuous."]
[]
["Gardeners often use ingenious ideas to keep their gardens secret. A woman on"]
["Long Island grows over thirty large plants in containers in her drained"]
["swimming pool. Although some of the plants reach a height of 12 feet, they"]
["can't be seen over the enclosing fence."]
[]
["A couple living near Nashville, Tennessee, took the roof off their three-car"]
["garage and painted the walls white to create a high-walled garden. Other"]
["growers use sheds with translucent roofs."]
[]
["Guerilla Farming"]
[]
["Many growers feel safer planting away from their property. Should the garden"]
["be discovered, they are not in jeopardy. On the negative side, they usually"]
["lose the close contact and control that a home gardener has."]
[]
["Urban gardeners use makeshift greenhouses, rooftops, vacant lots, and city"]
["dumps. Vacant lost that are overgrown with lush weeds can support a good"]
["crop, if the marijuana plants get a head start on the indigenous weeds."]
[]
["Fields, forest clearings, railroad rights-of-way, stream banks, runoff and"]
["irrigation ditches, clearings beneath high-tension lines, deserted farms and"]
["quarries, overgrown fields, and abandoned houses have all been used as"]
["garden spots. In areas where hemp is a problem weed, people plant seeds from"]
["high-potency marijuana in the same fields where the weedy hemp grows."]
["Growers harvest the plants in late July before they flower and before the"]
["fields are watched or destroyed by law enforcers."]
[]
["Larger growers often look for rough, unpopulated terrain that is accessible"]
["only by plane, helicopter, four-wheel-drive vehicles, or long hikes. They"]
["avoid areas which hunters and hikers are likely to use before harvest."]
[]
["Serious growers often find unusual places to start gardens. A grow in Chico,"]
["California, hacks through two hundred yards of dense underbrush and bramble"]
["to reach his clearing. In Oregon some growers maintain fields which are a"]
["gruelling eight-hour uphill hike from the nearest road. Some Florida farmers"]
["commute to their island and peninsula gardens by boats. A master gardener in"]
["Colorado lowers himself by rope to a fertile plain 50 feet below a cliff."]
[]
["A farmer in Hawaii wrote, \"The main concern is to grow in an undetectable"]
["place where the plants can still get enough sun. This is becoming very"]
["difficult to find and some very elaborate subterfuges have been developed."]
["People on Maui are growing plants suspended from trees and on tree"]
["platforms! Around here some people carry small plants in buckets far out on"]
["the lava fields where there is a light shading from Ohia trees and you don't"]
["leave tracks. Also people go into the sugarcane fields, tear out some cane,"]
["and put in their plants. I am sure many other things are being done.\""]
[]
["12.3 Light"]
[]
["Marijuana is a sun plant. The plants will grow in partially shaded areas,"]
["but about five hours of direct sunlight are needed for development into a"]
["lush bush. Marijuana does best when it has direct sunlight all day. If it"]
["grows at all in a heavily shaded area, it will be dwarfed and sparse - a"]
["shadow of its potential."]
[]
["Try to choose a place that maximises light. Flat areas get the most"]
["sunlight, but many growers prefer to use slops and hillsides which help to"]
["hide the plants. Southern slops usually receive more sun and stronger light"]
["than eastern and western slops, which are shaded in the afternoon and"]
["morning, respectively. Northern slopes are rarely used, since they get the"]
["least sunlight and are also the coldest. Steeper slops are shaded sooner"]
["than gradual slopes, and lower areas are shaded earlier than high ones."]
[]
["Sunlight at high altitudes is more intense, because of the thinner"]
["atmosphere and the usually lower pollution. The atmosphere and pollutants at"]
["lower elevations absorb and scatter some of the solar radiation."]
[]
["Backyard gardeners usually compromise between the need for maximum light and"]
["the need for subterfuge. An area that gets several hours of direct sunlight"]
["and bright unobstructed daylight for the rest of the day will do well. A"]
["garden exposed to the south usually gets the strongest light and is the"]
["warmest. Overhanging vegetation should be pruned so that the plants are"]
["shaded as little as possible."]
[]
["Most marijuana strains are acclimated to tropical and semitropical"]
["latitudes, where the daytime is relatively short (10 to 14 hours, depending"]
["on season), but the sunlight is quite strong. At latitudes in the United"]
["States, the sun is not as intense (although in the summer the difference is"]
["small), but the days are longer, and the plants can grow extremely fast. It"]
["is not true that intense sunlight is needed to grow great marijuana."]
["However, a summer characterised by clear sunny weather will usually produce"]
["a larger and slightly more potent crop than if the season is cloudy and"]
["rainy."]
[]
["Sunlight can be maximised by adequate spacing and orientation of the garden."]
["This is covered in section 14."]
[]
["Chapter 13"]
["SOIL"]
[]
["Of all the factors involved in growing plants, soil is the most complex. It"]
["has its own ecology, which can be modified, enriched, or destroyed; the"]
["treatment it receives can ensure crop success or failure."]
[]
["There is no such thing as the perfect soil for Cannabis. Each variety can"]
["grow within a wide range of soil conditions. Your goal is garden soil within"]
["the range for healthy growth: well-drained, high in available nutrients, and"]
["with a near neutral (7.0) pH. Cannabis grows poorly, if at all, in soils"]
["which are extremely compacted, have poor drainage, and low in fertility, or"]
["have an extreme pH."]
[]
["There are several soil factors that are important to a grower; these include"]
["soil type, texture, pH, and nutrient content. We will begin this chapter by"]
["discussing each of these topics in succession, and will then turn to"]
["discussion of fertilisers, soil-preparation techniques, and guerilla farming"]
["methods."]
[]
["13.2 Types of Soil"]
[]
["Each soil has its own unique properties. These properties determine how the"]
["soil and plants will interact. For our purposes, all soils can be classified"]
["as sands, silts, clays, mucks, and loams. Actually, soils are usually a"]
["combination of these ingredients. If you look carefully at a handful of"]
["soil, you may notice sand granules, pieces of organic matter, bits of clay,"]
["and fine silty material."]
[]
["Sandy Soils"]
[]
["Sands are formed from ground or weathered rocks such as limestone, quartz,"]
["granite, and shale. Sandy soils may drain too well. Consequently, they may"]
["have trouble holding moisture and nutrients, which leach away with heavy"]
["rain or watering. Some sandy soils are fertile because they contain"]
["significant amounts (up to two percent of organic matter, which also aids"]
["their water-holding capacity. Sandy soils are rich in potassium (K),"]
["magnesium (Mg), and trace elements, but are often too low in phosphorous (P)"]
["and especially nitrogen (N). N, which is the most soluble of the elements,"]
["is quickly leached from sandy soil. Vegetation on sands which is pale,"]
["yellowed, stunted, or scrawny indicates low nutrients, usually low N."]
[]
["Sandy soils can be prepared for cultivation without much trouble. They must"]
["be cleared of ground cover and treated with humus, manure, or other"]
["N-containing fertilisers. In dry areas, or areas with a low water table,"]
["organic matter may be worked into the soil to increase water-holding"]
["capacity as well as fertility. Sandy soil does not usually have to be turned"]
["or tilled. Roots can penetrate it easily, and only the planting row need be"]
["hoed immediately before planting. Growers can fertilise with water-soluble"]
["mixes and treat sandy soil almost like a hydroponic medium."]
[]
["Sandy soils are also good candidates for a system of sheet composting"]
["(spreading layers of uncomposted vegetative matter over the garden), which"]
["allows nutrients to gradually leach into the soil layers. Sheet composting"]
["also prevents evaporation of soil water, since it functions as a mulch."]
[]
["Silts"]
[]
["Silts are soils composed of minerals (usually quartz) and fine organic"]
["particles. To the casual eye, they look like a mucky clay when wet, and"]
["resemble dark sand or brittle clods when dry. They are the result of"]
["alluvial flooding, that is, are deposits from flooding rivers and lakes."]
["Alluvial soils are usually found in the Midwest, in valleys, and along river"]
["plains. The Mississippi Delta is a fertile alluvial plain."]
[]
["Silts hold moisture but drain well, are easy to work when moist, and are"]
["considered among the most fertile soils. They are frequently irrigated to"]
["extend the length of the growing season. Unless they have been depleted by"]
["faulty farming techniques, silts are rich in most nutrients. They often"]
["support healthy, vigorous vegetation. This indicates a good supply of N."]
[]
["Mucks"]
[]
["Mucks are formed in areas with ample rainfall which supports dense"]
["vegetation. They are often very fertile, but may be quite acidic. They"]
["usually contain little potassium."]
[]
["Mucks range from very dense to light sandy soils. The denser ones may need"]
["heavy tilling to ensure healthy root development, but the lighter ones may"]
["be cleared and planted in mounds. Mucks can support dense vegetation, and"]
["are often turned over so that the weeds thus destroyed form a green manure."]
[]
["Clay Soils"]
[]
["Clays are composed of fine crystalline particles which have been formed by"]
["chemical reactions between minerals. Clays are sticky when wet, and can be"]
["moulded or shaped. When dry, they form hard clods or a pattern of square"]
["cracks along the surface of the ground. Clays are usually hard to work and"]
["drain poorly. Marijuana roots have a hard time penetrating clay soils unless"]
["these soils are well-tilled to loosen them up. Additions of perlite, sand,"]
["compost, gypsum, manure, and fresh clippings help to keep the soil loose."]
["Clay soils in low-lying areas, such as stream banks, may retain too much"]
["water, which will make the plants susceptible to root and stem rots. To"]
["prevent this, some growers construct mounds about six inches to one foot"]
["high, so that the stems and tap roots remain relatively dry."]
[]
["Clay soils are often very fertile. How well marijuana does in clay soils"]
["usually depends on how well these soils drain. In certain areas \"clay\" soils"]
["regularly support corn cotton. This type of soil will support a good crop of"]
["marijuana. Red colour in clay soil (red dirt) indicates good aeration and a"]
["loose soil that drains well. Blue or gray clays have poor aeration and"]
["must be loosened in order to support healthy growth."]
[]
["A typical schedule for preparing a heavy clay soil In the late fall, before"]
["frost, turn soil, adding fresh soil conditioners, such as leaves, grass"]
["clippings, fresh manure, or tankage. Gypsum may also be added to loosen the"]
["soil. Spread a ground cover, such as clover, vetch, or rye. In early spring,"]
["making sure to break up the large clods, and add composts and sand if"]
["needed. At planting time, till with a hoe where the seeds are to be planted."]
[]
["As the composts and green manure raise the organic level in the soil, it"]
["becomes less dense. Each year, the soil is easier to work and easier for the"]
["roots to penetrate. After a few years, you may find that you only need to"]
["turn under the cover crop. No other tilling will be needed."]
[]
["Loams"]
[]
["Loams are a combination of about 40 percent each of sand and silt, and about"]
["20 percent clay. Organic loams have at least 20 percent organic matter. In"]
["actuality, a soil is almost always a combination of these components, and is"]
["described in terms of that combination, e.g., sandy silt, silty clay, sandy"]
["clay, or organic silty clay. Loams range from easily worked fertile soils to"]
["densely packed sod. Loams with large amounts of organic matter can support a"]
["good marijuana crop with little modification."]
[]
["13.3 Humus and Composts"]
[]
["Humus and composts are composed of decayed organic matter, such as plants,"]
["animal droppings, and microbes. Their nutrient contents vary according to"]
["their original ingredients, but they most certainly contain fungi and other"]
["microorganisms, insects, worms, and other life forms essential for the full"]
["conversion of nutrients. As part of their life processes, these organisms"]
["take insoluble chemicals and convert them to soluble forms, which plant"]
["roots can then absorb. Humus and composts hold water well and are often"]
["added to condition the soil. This conditioning results from the aerating"]
["properties and water-holding capacity of humus and composts, as well as"]
["balanced fertility."]
[]
["Humus and composts have a rich, earthy small, look dark brown to black, and"]
["may contain partially decayed matter, such as twigs or leaves. They are"]
["produced naturally as part of the soil's life process or can be"]
["manufactured at the site by gathering native vegetation into piles."]
["Composts cure in one to three months, depending on both ingredients and"]
["conditions. Decomposition can be speeded up by turning and adding substances"]
["high in N. Composts are frequently acidic and are sweetened with lime when"]
["they are piled. This also shortens curing time, since the desirable microbes"]
["prefer a neutral medium."]
[]
["13.4 Texture"]
[]
["Soil texture refers to density, particle size, and stickiness, all of which"]
["affect the soil's drainage and water-holding characteristics. The most"]
["important quality of the soil for marijuana is that it drains well - that"]
["is, water does not stand in pools after a rain, and the soil is not"]
["constantly wet. In a well-drained soil, the roots are in contact with air as"]
["well as water."]
[]
["Cannabis does best on medium-textured soils: soils that drain well, but can"]
["hold adequate water. Loams, silts, and sands usually drain well and are"]
["loose enough to permit good root development. Some clays and most mucks are"]
["too compact to permit the lateral roots to penetrate and grow. In addition,"]
["they often drain poorly, and when dry they may form hard crusts or clods, a"]
["condition marijuana cannot tolerate."]
[]
["Several simple tests will indicate the consistency and drainage qualities of"]
["your soil. Test when the soil is moist but not wet. First, dig a hole three"]
["feet deep to check the soil profile. In a typical non-desert soil, you will"]
["find a layer of decaying matter on the surface, which evolves into a layer"]
["of topsoil. Most of the nutrients available to the plant are found at this"]
["level or are leached down from it. The topsoil layer is usually the darkest."]
["It may only be an inch thick or may extend several feet. When in good"]
["condition, the topsoil is filled with life. Healthy topsoil contains"]
["abundant worms, bugs, and other little animals, and is interlaced with"]
["roots. If you can easily penetrate the underlying topsoil with your hands,"]
["its texture is light enough for healthy root growth."]
[]
["The next layer, or subsoil, may be composed of a combination os sand, clay,"]
["and small rocks, or you may hit bedrock. Sandy, rocky, and loamy subsoils"]
["present no problems as long as the topsoil is at least six inches thick."]
["Clay or bedrock often indicates drainage problems, especially if the spot"]
["has a high water table and stays wet."]
[]
["Next scrape up a handful of soil from each layer. Press each handful in your"]
["fist, release it, and poke the clump with a finger. If it breaks apart"]
["easily, it is sandy or loamy. Clods that stick together, dent, or feel"]
["sticky indicate clay or muck."]
[]
["To test for drainage, fill the hole with water. Wait half an hour to let the"]
["moisture penetrate the surrounding soil; then fill the hole with water"]
["again. If the water drains right through, you are working with sandy soil."]
["If it doesn't drain completely within 24 hours, the soil has poor drainage."]
[]
["13.5 pH"]
[]
["The pH is a measure of how alkaline (bitter) or acid (sour) the soil is. The"]
["pH balance affects the solubility of nutrients, and helps the plant regulate"]
["metabolism and nutrient uptake. The scale for measuring pH runs from 0 to"]
["14, with 7 assigned as neutral. A pH below 7 is acid; a pH above 7 is"]
["alkaline."]
[]
["Marijuana grows in soils with a pH range from 5 to 8.5, but it thrives in"]
["nearly neutral soils. Relative to other field crops, it has high lime"]
["requirements, similar to those for red or white clover or sunflower. But it"]
["does well in fields where plants with medium lime requirements, such as"]
["corn, wheat, and peanuts, are grown."]
[]
["The solubility of nutrients is affected by soil type as well as by the pH."]
["In soils with a high content of organic matter, all nutrients are soluble"]
["between 5.0 and 6.5. Phosphorous, manganese, and boron are less soluble at"]
["pH values above 6.5. Acid soils are usually found in the United States east"]
["of the 100th meridian and along parts of the West Coast, and a deep topsoil"]
["layer. Marijuana does best in acid soils when the pH is adjusted to a range"]
["of 6.3 to 7.0. {Figure 58. Map of pH for US.}"]
[]
["Mineral soils in the dry western states may be slightly acid to highly"]
["alkaline. Most nutrients are very soluble in these soils, as long as the pH"]
["ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Some of these soils are too alkaline (over 8.5); so"]
["their pH must be adjusted to near neutral to ensure healthy growth."]
[]
["Adjusting the pH"]
[]
["First test the soil pH in the garden area. Previous gardeners may have"]
["adjusted native soils, or your yard soil may have been trucked in to cover"]
["poor native soils, so that the pH of your garden soil may be different from"]
["that of other soils in the area. Different soils vary in the amount of"]
["material needed to adjust the pH. Sandy soils do not require as much as"]
["loam, and loam requires less than clays, partly because of the chemistry,"]
["and partly because of the density and physical qualities of the soils'"]
["particles."]
[]
["Adjusting Acid Soils"]
[]
["Acidic soils are treated with limestone, which is expressed as an equivalent"]
["of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Limestone is usually quarried and powdered,"]
["contains large amounts of trace elements, and comes in different chemical"]
["forms: ground limestone, quicklime, and hydrated lime (which is the fastest"]
["acting form). Dolomitic limestone is high in magnesium and is often used to"]
["adjust magnesium-deficient soils, such as those found in New England. Marl"]
["(ground seashells) is also mostly lime and is used to raise soil pH."]
["Eggshells are another source of lime. They should be powdered as finely as"]
["possible, but even so, they take a long time to affect the soil. Wood ashes"]
["are alkaline and very soluble; so they have an almost immediate effect."]
[]
["Every commercial lime has a calcium carbonate equivalent or neutralising"]
["power which is listed on the package. To find out how much to use, divide"]
["the total amount of limestone required by the pH test (see Figure 59) by the"]
["calcium carbonate equivalent. For instance, a field requires fifty pounds of"]
["limestone, but the calcic limestone you are using has an equivalent of 1.78."]
["Divide the 50 by 1.78. The resulting figure, about 29 pounds, is the amount"]
["required. Commercial limes also list the grade or particle size of the"]
["powder. In order of fineness they are: superfine, pulverised, agricultural"]
["grade, and fine meal. The finer the grade, the faster the action. {Figure"]
["59. Approximate amount of lime required to adjust pH of a 7\" layer of"]
["different types of soil.}"]
[]
["For best results, lime should be added at least four or five months before"]
["planting. In this way, the lime has a chance to react with the soil. But"]
["acid soils can be limed profitably and time before planting, or after, as"]
["long as the lime does not come into direct contact with the plants. Most"]
["growers add lime at the same time that they fertilise and turn the soil."]
["That way, tilling and conditioning are handled in one operation. The lime"]
["should be worked into the soil to a depth of ten inches. Lime can also be"]
["added by spreading it before a rain. Make sure that the soil is moist enough"]
["to absorb the rain, so that the lime does not run off. Growers who have not"]
["adjusted the pH can dissolve lime in water before they irrigate. However,"]
["this is not advised if the water runs through a hose or pump, because"]
["mineral buildup may occur in the equipment."]
[]
["Adjusting Alkaline Soils"]
[]
["Most alkaline soils have a pH no higher than 7.5, which is within the range"]
["for optimum growth. Soils that are too alkaline can be adjusted by adding"]
["gypsum, which frees insoluble salts, and include iron, magnesium, and"]
["aluminium sulphate. Marijuana has a low tolerance for aluminium; so"]
["marijuana growers should use iron or magnesium sulphate in preference to"]
["aluminium sulphate. Sulphur and gypsum are worked into the soil in the same"]
["manner as lime."]
[]
["{Table 19.}"]
[]
["Some growers correct alkaline soils by adding an organic mulch or by working"]
["acidic material into the soil. Cottonseed meal, which is acidic and high in"]
["nitrogen, can also be used. As it breaks down, cottonseed meal neutralises"]
["the soil. Pine needles, citrus rinds, and coffee grounds are all very"]
["acidic, and can be used to correct alkaline conditions. The addition of"]
["soluble nitrogen fertilisers aids the breakdown of these low-nitrogen"]
["additives. (See Table 22 in the section on \"Fertilisers\" in this section.)"]
[]
["Adjusting Alkali Soils"]
[]
["Alkali soils (pH usually above 8.5) are hardpacked and crusty, and sometimes"]
["have an accumulation of white powdery salts at the surface. They may not"]
["absorb water easily and can be extremely difficult to work. To prepare"]
["alkali soils with a permeable subsurface for cultivation, farmers leach them"]
["of their toxic accumulation of salts. The soils is thoroughly moistened so"]
["that it absorbs water. Then it is flooded so that the salts travel downward"]
["out of contact with the roots. Gypsum can be added to free some of the salts"]
["so that they leach out more easily. Gypsum can be added at the rate of 75"]
["lbs per 100 sq.ft., or 18 tons per acre. Leaching requires enormous"]
["quantities of water, an efficient irrigation system, and several months."]
[]
["{Plate 1.  Skylights are a good source of bright, unobstructed light."]
["Thai plant (closest) and Colombian plants reached over 14 feet in six months."]
[]
["Plate 2.  Top: A hidden garden using fluorescent light, foil reflectors, and"]
["bag containers.  Plants are ten weeks old.  Bottom: Simple to construct dome"]
["greenhouse in southern California.  At two months, some of these plants are"]
["six feet tall."]
[]
["Plate 3.  Upper left: Stem of a female plant. Upper right: In full sunlight,"]
["a pruned plant can grow incredibly dense. Bottom: A garden in the wilds of"]
["Oregon mountains."]
[]
["Plate 4.  Marijuana does well in most gardens. Top: Here a female plant is"]
["in early bloom at five months. The main stem was clipped at three months"]
["(Berkeley). Middle: Lower branches are spread out to catch the sun. Bottom:"]
["A female bud about two weeks before harvest.  Leaves show some damage from"]
["leafhoppers (insects shown)."]
[]
["Plate 5.  A giant sinsemilla cola grown from Mexican seed in northern"]
["California."]
[]
["Plate 6.  Top: Purple colours often appear late in life, when vigour is"]
["waning. Lower left: Resin glands glistening on a purple, female flowering"]
["shoot. Lower right: Yellow male flowers and purple leaves against a normal"]
["green leaf."]
[]
["Plate 7.  Top: Male flowers at different stages in development. A line of"]
["resin glands can be seen on the anthers of the open flowers. Lower left:"]
["Resin glands lining the pollen slit of an anther (x40). Middle right: Male"]
["flowers in full bloom. The leaves are covered with fallen pollen. Lower"]
["right: Gland heads may fall with the pollen grains. Mature grains are"]
["spherical in field of focus (x40)."]
[]
["Plate 8.  Top: Resin glands on the lower (adaxial) surface of a small, fresh"]
["leaf blade. Integrals are one millimetre (x16). Middle and lower left:"]
["Stalked glands are concentrated along the veins of the lower leaf surface"]
["(x40). Lower right (x100)."]
[]
["Plate 9.  Top: Upper (adaxial) fresh leaf surface. Left of picture, from"]
["left to right: Sharp-pointed cystolith hair, stalked gland, and tiny bulbous"]
["gland (x40). Lower left: Upper surface of a Thai leaf (x16). Lower right:"]
["Upper surface of fresh homegrown Colombian leaf (x40)."]
[]
["Plate 10.  A young female flower (homegrown Colombian). Resin glands are not"]
["yet fully developed (x16)."]
[]
["Plate 11.  Top left: A mature female flower from the same plant is in Plate"]
["10. The flower bract is swollen from the ripe seed it contains. Notice the"]
["well-developed resin glands (x25). Top right: A mixture of seeds from common"]
["marijuana varieties shows comparative size. Bottom: The tip of a sinsemilla"]
["flower at harvest. Notice cream-coloured stigmas to the left and the fresh,"]
["clear resin glands (x40)."]
[]
["Plate 12.  Upper and lower left: An overly ripe sinsemilla flower bract."]
["Many gland heads are brown or missing (top, x16; bottom, x40). Upper and"]
["lower right: Carefully handled Thai weed with intact glands. Notice the high"]
["concentration of glands and very long stalks on this bract (top, x16; bottom,"]
[" x40)."]
[]
["Plate 13.  Upper and lower left: A Colombian Gold. Gland contents are brown"]
["and stalks have deteriorated on this bract (top, x16; bottom, x40). Top"]
["right: Hawaiian; well-handled and showing little deterioration (bract x40)."]
["Middle right: Gland heads easily detach from stalks when overripe (leaf vein"]
["x40). Lower right: Stalked glands on both upper and lower leaf surfaces"]
["beginning to brown (leaf margin x40)."]
[]
["Plate 14.  Top: Whitefly larvae and their honeydew excretions on the lower"]
["surface of a leaf. Middle left: Leaf showing whitefly damage and a tiny"]
["adult. Lower left: White speckles on leaves indicating mite damage. Lower"]
["right: An overdose, or overuse of pesticide, can kill the plant."]
[]
["Plate 15.  Upper left: Healthy green plant next to a N-deficient plant."]
["Middle left: Ultraviolet burn. Plant was moved outdoors without"]
["conditioning. Lower left: \"Bonsai\" marijuana grown from a cutting. Upper"]
["right: Mg-deficient plant has chlorotic leaves dying from their tips. Lower"]
["right: Afghani variety, with characteristically wide leaf blades, show minor"]
["symptoms of N deficiency (pale leaves and red petioles)."]
[]
["Plate 16.  Upper left: Male flowers lose some green and turn \"blond\" during"]
["slow drying. Upper right: Cigar joints made with undried marijuana, which is"]
["wrapped with lone blades of fan leaves before drying. Bottom: Sequence shows"]
["change in colour in one day from sun curing.{Unfortunately, all the plates"]
["are in black and white.}}"]
[]
["Another method of reclaiming alkali soils is by adding a thick mulch and"]
["letting it interact with the soil during the winter. The mulch should be"]
["about nine inches thick, or 130 lbs or more per 100 sq.ft. This thick layer"]
["neutralises the salts and also helps to retain moisture."]
[]
["Nutrients"]
[]
["Marijuana is a high-energy plant which grows quickly to its full potential"]
["in a fertile soil that is rich in available nutrients. Nutrients are found"]
["in the soil's parent materials: sand, clay, humus, minerals, rocks, and"]
["water. Nutrients dissolve in soil water (soil solution), which is then"]
["absorbed by the plant. In complex chemical processes, roots release ions in"]
["exchange for nutrients that are dissolved in the soil solution."]
[]
["The soil acts as a reservoir for the nutrients. Most of them are in"]
["non-exchangeable forms: that is, they do not dissolve, or dissolve only"]
["slightly in water. Only a small percentage of the total reserve is free at"]
["any time as the result of chemical processes or microbial action. Healthy"]
["soils maintain a balance between free and unavailable nutrients, so that the"]
["plants they support continually receive the right amounts of required"]
["nutrients. Alkali soils have large supplies of compounds which are extremely"]
["soluble. The solution is so concentrated that alkali soils are often toxic"]
["to plants."]
[]
["There are three primary nutrients, N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K"]
["(potassium). These are the nutrients that gardeners are most likely to be"]
["concerned with and which most fertilisers supply. Soils are most likely to"]
["be deficient in one of these nutrients, especially N."]
[]
["In addition to the primary nutrients, soil supplies plants with three"]
["secondary nutrients, Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), and S (sulfur), and seven"]
["micronutrients: iron, boron, chlorine, manganese, copper, zinc, and"]
["molybdenum. Although deficiencies of all the secondary and micronutrients"]
["are reported from various parts of the United States, serious deficiencies"]
["do not occur often. ((For a discussion of the symptoms of nutrient"]
["deficiencies is marijuana, see section 9.))"]
[]
["Marijuana absorbs nutrients primarily through a fine network of lateral"]
["roots which grow from the taproot. Lateral roots may spread over an area"]
["with a diameter of five feet, and may go as deep as the roots can penetrate."]
["Plants in deep sandy soils or in soils that have porous mineral subsoils may"]
["grow roots as deep as even seven feet. Roots which can absorb nutrients from"]
["a larger area are more likely to fulfil the plants' needs than are shallow"]
["roots which result in shallow topsoil layers over compacted subsoils. When"]
["the roots have a large area from which to absorb nutrients, the soil does"]
["not need to be as fertile as when the roots are restricted to a small area"]
["by poor soil or by being grown in pots."]
[]
["You can get a good indication of soil fertility by observing the vegetation"]
["that the soil supports. If the vegetation is varied, has a lush look to it,"]
["is deep green, and looks vigorous, it is probably well-supplied with"]
["nutrients. If the plants look pale, yellowed, spindly, weak, or generally"]
["unhealthy, the soil is probably deficient in one or more nutrients."]
[]
["Testing"]
[]
["Agricultural colleges, County Extension Agents, and private companies"]
["perform soil analyses for a small fee from a sample you mail to them. The"]
["tests include nutrient, pH, and texture analyses, and are very accurate."]
["There are also simple-to-use test kits available at nurseries and garden"]
["shops which give a fair indication of soil fertility and pH. Test results"]
["include a suggested fertiliser and lime program catered to the soil's"]
["individual requirements for the crop to be planted. Marijuana has nutrient"]
["requirements similar to those for corn, wheat, and sugarcane, and prefers"]
["just a little more lime (a more alkaline soil) than those crops; so soil can"]
["be fertilised as it would be for those crops."]
[]
["Soil tests are one indication of soil fertility. They test for available"]
["nutrients, but not for reserves that are held in the soil. Test results may"]
["also vary because of recent rainfall, changes of moisture content, and"]
["seasonal changes. Most soil tests do not measure the ability of the soil to"]
["make nutrients available. This is a very important factor when considering a"]
["fertiliser program and should not be overlooked. As an example, an"]
["uncultivated field showed only moderate amounts of N available, and"]
["indicated a need for N fertiliser. The vegetation - tall grass, weeds, and"]
["bush - had a healthy look and was dark green, and the lower leaves remained"]
["healthy. Obviously, the soil was able to supply an adequate amount of N to"]
["the plants, which withdrew it from the soil solution as it became available."]
["The soil and plants had reached a balance, and the soil solution slowly"]
["became more dilute over the course of the season."]
[]
["To a great extent, the soil's ability to maintain a constant and adequate"]
["supply of nutrients depends on the soil's humus content. Humus can support"]
["dense populations of microorganisms. As part of their life processes,"]
["microorganisms decompose organic matter in the humus. Nutrients contained in"]
["the organic matter are released by microbes as simply inorganic molecules"]
["(e.g., NO3) which can dissolve in soil water. Generally, soils with a high"]
["humus content can keep plants supplied with more nutrients than soil tests"]
["indicate."]
[]
["The Primary Nutrients"]
[]
["If you look at any fertiliser package, you will note three numbers on the"]
["package. They stand for N-P-K, always in that order. Marijuana does best in"]
["a soil which supplies high amounts of N and medium amounts of P and K."]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["The availability of N is the factor most likely to limit the growth of"]
["marijuana. For fast healthy growth, marijuana requires a soil rich in"]
["available N. Nitrogen is constantly being replaced in the soil solution by"]
["microbial breakdown of organic matter. Some microorganisms can use N"]
["directly from the atmosphere. They release N as waste in the form NO3, which"]
["is the primary form in which plants absorb N. A small amount of N is also"]
["dissolved in falling rainwater. When the soil is moist, it loses N through"]
["leaching and to plants. In its available form (NO3, NO2, NH4), N is very"]
["soluble and may be carried away with runoff or may drain into the subsoil."]
[]
["Probably the most accurate method of measuring a soil's ability to produce N"]
["is by the percentage of organic matter in the soil (see Table 20). Organic"]
["matter releases N at a rate that is determined by the type of soil, the"]
["temperature, and the moisture. Generally, the more aerated and warmer the"]
["soil, the faster organic matter decomposes and releases N. Most professional"]
["testing services report the percentage of organic matter, and some"]
["sophisticated kits can also test for it."]
[]
["In its available state, N is tested in two compounds, ammonium (NH4) and"]
["nitrate (NO3). Test results are converted into PPM (parts per million) of N"]
["and then added to arrive at the total amount of N available in the soil. The"]
["formulas to convert nitrate and ammonium to N are (NO3) * 0.226 = N, (NH4) *"]
["0.78 = N. Each PPM indicates 10.7 pounds of N per acre available in the top"]
["7.87 inches. If the soil level is deeper, there is probably more N"]
["available. If it is shallower, less is available. But a test for available N"]
["gives only a fair approximation of the soil's ability to feed the plant. An"]
["individual test may be untypical because of recent leaching or depletion"]
["during the growing season."]
[]
["An intensively cultivated crop of hemp takes about 250 pounds of N per acre"]
["or six pounds per 1,000 square feet from the soil during the growing season."]
["When the plants are spaced well apart, the crop does not require as much N."]
[]
["Fields which have more than 200 lbs of available N per acre (or 4.5 lbs per"]
["1,000 sq.ft.) at the start of the growing season require no additional"]
["fertilisation. Soils with less available N will probably yield a larger crop"]
["if they are given additional N. Actually, the amount of N that can"]
["profitably be used depends on the soil and its potential to produce N as"]
["well as on other factors: how fast N is lost, the soil depth, and moisture"]
["content."]
[]
["One way to calculate the amount of N to add to the soil is to build your"]
["soil to an \"ideal\" level. For example, an Iowa silt loam may test about 1.6"]
["pounds of N per 1,000 sq.ft. and an organic content of 3 percent. Together,"]
["the available and potential N total about 3.2 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft. To"]
["increase the available N to 4.5 per 1,000 sp.ft., you would need to add 1.3"]
["lbs of N."]
[]
["Phosphorus"]
[]
["P is an important nutrient which is used directly by the soil bacteria as"]
["well as by the plant, so that an increase in the amount of P in the soil"]
["often results in an increase of N. Because of P's low solubility, it is"]
["rarely leached from the soil. It is usually found in the greatest"]
["concentration in the soil's top layers, where it accumulates as a result of"]
["decomposition of organic matter."]
[]
["In slightly acid organic soil, up to one percent of the total P is available"]
["at any time. The total amounts of P in soils range from 1,000 to 10,000 lbs"]
["per acre. For example, a typical Kansas prairie soil has 3,000 lbs per acre."]
["In soils with a lower pH, more of the P is tied up in insoluble compounds of"]
["iron or aluminium. In highly alkaline soils, the P forms insoluble compounds"]
["with calcium."]
[]
["Insoluble P reacts with the dilute acids that are released during"]
["decomposition of organic matter. These compounds are available to the"]
["plants. Both the chemical processes in which P is released and the organic"]
["processes of decomposition occur faster in warm soils."]
[]
["If P is available, young plants absorb it rapidly, and may take in 50"]
["percent of their lifetime intake by the time they are only 25 percent of"]
["their adult size. Young plants grown outdoors in cold weather may grow"]
["slowly until the soil warms up and more P is available. Older plants grown"]
["out of season in cold weather sometimes exhibit purple leaves. This"]
["condition may result from a P deficiency, because of the unavailability of P"]
["at low temperatures."]
[]
["Most soil-test kits test available P, but the nutrient value of P is usually"]
["expressed as phosphoric acid (P2O5), which is converted using the formulas P"]
["* 2.3 = (P2O5),(P2O5) divided by 2.3 = P. Any soil that has available P of"]
["25 lbs per acre (0.58 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.) or more is well-supplied with P."]
["Stated in terms of phosphoric acid, this is 25 * 2.3 = 57.5 lbs per acre"]
["(1.33 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.)."]
[]
["Most inexpensive soil kits test available P. Soil that test less than 1 PPM"]
["or 10.7 lbs per acre (0.25 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.) of available P should be"]
["tested to make sure there are adequate reserves, or can be fertilised to"]
["assure maximum yield. Soil-test kits give only a fair indication of the P"]
["available. A low reading may indicate the plants are absorbing P as fast as"]
["it breaks down from its unavailable form, especially during early growth!"]
["The main factors affecting the rate at which P becomes available are the"]
["total amount of reserve P in the soil and the pH."]
[]
["Most professional soil analyses include a report of reserve P. Generally"]
["soils with reserve P of 3,000 lbs per acre (70 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.) do not"]
["need additional P. Intensively cultivated and cropped fields may have had"]
["their reserve supply depleted, and will lock up available P that is supplied"]
["as fertiliser until a balance is reached."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K is found in adequate quantities in most soils which have a pH within the"]
["range needed for growing marijuana. K is held in soils in three forms:"]
["unavailable, fixed, and readily available. Most K is held in the unavailable"]
["form as part of the minerals feldspar and mica. But a small percentage of"]
["the total K in any soil is held in fixed, slightly soluble forms. Some of"]
["these can be absorbed and used directly by the plant. The exchangeable K is"]
["equal to a fraction of the fixed K. Each soil maintains a balance or ratio"]
["of unavailable to fixed and to exchangeable forms. Organic soils have a"]
["higher percentage of K in the fixed or available form than mineral soils. As"]
["K is used by the plants, some of the unavailable K goes into the more"]
["available forms. Plants can use K in both the soluble and the fixed forms."]
[]
["Most clays and soils that are well-limed have adequate reserves of K. Acidic"]
["soils generally have low K reserves. Mucks, silts, and peats have low"]
["reserves of K, and have little capacity to hold it chemically when it is"]
["applied. Sands have K reserves, but little capacity to convert it to a fixed"]
["or available form. Most western soils have adequate reserves or K. The"]
["exchangeable K in soils becomes fixed if the soil dries out; so the"]
["available K of a recently dried soil is usually low."]
[]
["K is tested in its elementary state, but when described as a nutrient, it is"]
["given as potash (K2O). The formulas for converting are K * 1.2 + (K2O),(K2O)"]
["divided by 1.2 + K. Soils with 180 lbs or more of available potash per acre"]
["(4 lbs per 1,000 sp.ft.) have an adequate supply. The total reserve K should"]
["test no lower than 900 lbs per acre (21 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.)."]
[]
["The Secondary Nutrients"]
[]
["Magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S) are usually found in adequate"]
["quantities in soils suitable for growing marijuana. However, some New"]
["England soils do have Mg deficiencies. Soils which have a neutral or"]
["near-neutral pH almost always have adequate Ca and sulfur levels."]
[]
["Magnesium deficiencies are corrected by adding 50 to 100 lbs of Mg per acre"]
["(2.25 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.). The most inexpensive way to add Mg is to use a"]
["dolomitic limestone for adjusting soil pH. Dolomitic limestone is about 12"]
["percent Mg (see Table 21); so 800 lbs of it are needed to supply 100 lbs of"]
["Mg. Dolomitic limestone releases Mg to the soil gradually. For faster"]
["action, epsom salts (magnesium sulfate, MgSO4) can be used. Five hundred lbs"]
["of epsom salts are required to supply soil with 100 lbs of Mg. Mg"]
["deficiencies can also be corrected by using foliar sprays. Dissolve one"]
["ounce of epsom salts in a gallon of water and spray all foliage."]
[]
["{Picture  The relationship between soil pH and relative plant nutrient"]
["availability.  The wider the bar, the more the availability.  This chart is"]
["for soil types recommended in this book.."]
["        {Nitrogen - pH of 6.3 to 8"]
["         Phosphorus - 6.5 to 7.5"]
["         Potassium - 6.5 to 9"]
["         Sulfur - 6 to 9"]
["         Calcium - 6.7 to 8.5"]
["         Magnesium - 6.5 to 8.5"]
["         Iron - <4 to 6"]
["         Manganese - 4.7 to 6.5"]
["         Boron - 5 to 7 or 9"]
["         Copper and Zinc - 5 to 7"]
["         Molybdenum - 7}}"]
[]
["Micronutrients"]
[]
["Micronutrients are used by plants in minute quantities, and most soils"]
["contain enough of them to meet plant requirements. Home gardeners and"]
["guerilla farmers seldom encounter any micronutrient deficiencies. But"]
["heavily cropped lands sometimes develop a deficiency of one or more"]
["micronutrients because of crop depletion. Micronutrients are made available"]
["to the plants only if there is a delicate balance in the soil chemistry, and"]
["it is easy to create toxic conditions by adding them to soil when they are"]
["not needed. For that reason, soils should be treated with micronutrients"]
["only when symptoms occur or when the deficiency is known by analysis or past"]
["experience. Only small quantities of additives are required for treatment."]
["Manures, composts, other organic fertilisers, lime, rock powders, and ash"]
["contain large quantities of trace elements. Active organic additives quickly"]
["release micronutrients in a form that is available to the plants."]
[]
["Boron"]
[]
["Boron deficiencies in marijuana occur in acid soils as a result of depletion"]
["by heaving cropping. The areas most affected by it are vegetable fields in"]
["the mid-Atlantic states, alfalfa and clover fields east of the Mississippi,"]
["and truck farms and orchards in the Northwest. Boron is found in phosphate"]
["fertilisers, gypsum, and lime, and is the main ingredient of boric acid and"]
["borax. When borax or boric acid are used, they are applied at the rate 10 to"]
["20 lbs per acre. They are used as a foliar spray at the rate of 1 ounce per"]
["gallon of water."]
[]
["Chlorine"]
[]
["Chlorine deficiency does not normally occur. Some chemical fertilisers"]
["contain chlorine, and toxic conditions occur infrequently. Toxic chlorine"]
["conditions are eliminated by leaching."]
[]
["Copper"]
[]
["Copper deficiencies occur infrequently in truck farms in Florida,"]
["California, and the Great Lakes region. Wood shavings and tobacco contain"]
["large amounts of copper. A foliar spray composed of 1 ounce each of calcium"]
["hydroxide and copper sulfate (a fungicide) per gallon of water is used by"]
["commercial vegetable growers."]
[]
["Iron"]
[]
["Iron deficiencies occur in orchards west of the Mississippi and in Florida,"]
["and in alkaline soils in which iron is largely insoluble. Lowering soil pH"]
["often solves the problem. Chelated iron, which is water-soluble, is"]
["available at most nurseries and quickly supplies iron even when pH is"]
["extreme. Humus and seaweed are excellent sources of iron."]
[]
["Manganese"]
[]
["Manganese deficiencies occur in the Atlantic states, the Great Lakes area,"]
["Utah, and Arizona. Manganese is found in manure, seaweed, and some forest"]
["leaf mould (especially hickory and white oak). Manganese deficiencies can be"]
["corrected by using a foliar spray of manganese sulfate at the rate of 0.5 to"]
["1.0 oz. per gal. Soil is sometimes treated with manganese sulfate at the"]
["rate of 20 to 100 lbs per acre. In neutral or alkaline soils, most of the"]
["manganese sulfate becomes fixed and unavailable to the plants by the end of"]
["the growing season."]
[]
["Molybdenum"]
[]
["Molybdenum deficiencies occur primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts"]
["and in the Great Lakes region. Plants need extremely small amounts of"]
["molybdenum, less than 1 PPM in leaf and stem tissue. Molybdenum deficiencies"]
["occur when the soil is too acidic. By raising the pH level, one can make"]
["molybdenum available."]
[]
["Zinc"]
[]
["Zinc deficiencies occur in soils throughout the U.S., primarily because of"]
["heavy cropping. It is most likely to occur in acid-leached sandy soils, and"]
["in neutral and alkaline soils where it is insoluble. In soils with high"]
["amounts of available P, zinc is also unavailable. Many deciduous tree leaves"]
["and twigs, composts, slag, and rock phosphate contain large amounts of zinc."]
["Zinc sulfate is used as foliar spray at the rate of 3 oz. of zinc sulfate"]
["per gallon of water, or as a soil treatment at the rate of 100 lbs per acre."]
["Some orchard growers drive galvanised nails into the trees to provide zinc."]
[]
["13.6 Fertilisers"]
[]
["Most soils can benefit from a realistic soil-conditioning program. Most"]
["organic programs build soil, and minimise leaching and runoff. Programs"]
["using chemical fertilisers emphasise immediate increase in yield and a"]
["minimum of labor. The approach that you use should be tailored to the soil's"]
["needs and to your situation and goals. For example, a home gardener"]
["interested in building soil quality can easily add manure or compost to his"]
["garden. But a guerilla farmer may use concentrated chemical fertilisers,"]
["which are easy to transport to a remote area. A farmer cannot use the"]
["labor-intensive techniques which a small planter might use as a hobby. Many"]
["gardeners use both organic and inorganic fertilisers."]
[]
["Organic Fertilisers"]
[]
["Organic fertilisers are usually less concentrated than chemical mixes. Their"]
["bulk consists of fibrous materials which condition the soil by aiding"]
["drainage and increasing the organic content and water-holding capacity. As"]
["they are decomposed by microbial action, the nutrients they contain are"]
["released in soluble form. Since this is a gradual process, there is little"]
["chance of creating toxic conditions."]
[]
["Manures and composts are basic, all-purpose conditioners. They contain"]
["adequate amounts of most of the nutrients that marijuana absorbs from the"]
["soil and can be used generously. Uncomposted manures are \"active\" and should"]
["be used only in the fall. Over the winter they compost in the ground."]
["Composts and composted manures can be added in the spring. Table 22 lists"]
["some common organic fertilisers which are usually available. Some of them,"]
["such as bone meal and granite dust, break down slowly and are available only"]
["after a period of time. Others are low or lacking in one or more of the"]
["major nutrients. Organic fertilisers can be combined to provide a complete"]
["balance."]
[]
["Chemical Fertilisers"]
[]
["Most chemical fertilisers act quickly because all the nutrients are in"]
["soluble form. They are usually more concentrated than organic fertilisers,"]
["and can toxify the soil and kill the plants when they are overused."]
["Fertilisers come in various concentrations and ratios of nutrients. All"]
["packaged fertilisers list the percentages of N-P-K (actually"]
["n-(P2O5)-(K2O)). Also listed is the potential acidity or alkalinity, that"]
["is, the number of pounds of lime or sulfur required to counteract pH changes"]
["caused by the fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers are often incompatible with"]
["each other; so home gardeners who use them should buy them pre-mixed or as a"]
["complete component fertiliser set."]
[]
["Solubility is a major problem with commercial fertilisers. In irrigated"]
["areas as well as areas with rainfall during the growing season, they are"]
["likely to be leached away; so they must often be applied several times"]
["during the growing season. A typical program might be to fertilise at"]
["planting and every six weeks thereafter until the beginning of flowering."]
["When spreading fertilisers during the growing season, do not let them come"]
["into direct contact with the roots. An easy way to fertilise during the"]
["growing season is to make a small trough between rows with the corner of a"]
["hoe. Fertiliser is placed in the depression. Some new chemical formulas"]
["release nutrients during the length of the growing season, and therefore"]
["need only one application."]
[]
["Amounts to Use"]
[]
["The amounts of nutrient needed per acre and per 1,000 sq.ft. are shown in"]
["Table 23. Soils rich in one nutrient may be average or deficient in another."]
["To calculate the required amount of a specific fertiliser, divide the amount"]
["of nutrient required as listed in the chart by the percentage of nutrient in"]
["the fertiliser. For instance, to add 5 lbs of N to an area by using"]
["bloodmeal, divide 5.00 by 0.15. The total comes to a little more than 33"]
["lbs. Dried cow manure contains about 1.5 percent N. About 333 pounds of it"]
["are needed to supply 5 lbs of N. Urea, a chemical fertiliser, contains 46"]
["percent N. Only 11 pounds are required to supply 5 lbs of N."]
[]
["Planning a Garden Fertiliser Program"]
[]
["Now let's plan some garden fertilisation programs, to help some cultivators"]
["in three areas which have different soils and climates: New England, Kansas,"]
["and Florida. We'll see how growers with different goals adjust their garden"]
["soil."]
[]
["New England"]
[]
["Most New England soils, and many soils in humid temperate areas, have a"]
["thick layer of humus which supplies N. New England soils also contain"]
["moderate amounts of P, but they are low in K."]
[]
["Our first gardener has a typical New England soil in his backyard. From"]
["tests and observation he thinks his soil contains moderate amounts of N and"]
["P, but is low in K. A test indicated a pH of 5.8. He plans to start"]
["preparing his ten-foot-square plot (100 sq.ft.) in the fall, before frost."]
["By planting time, he expects his backyard garden to have a pH of 6.7 and a"]
["balanced, fertile soil."]
[]
["From Figure 59 he finds that the soil requires about 8.1 lbs of lime. He has"]
["decided to adjust the pH by using dolomitic limestone (with a calcium"]
["carbonate equivalent of 0.45) because farmers in the area sometimes complain"]
["of Mg deficiencies. Dividing 8.1 by 0.45, he finds that the soil requires 18"]
["lbs of limestone. (Lime requirements divided by calcium carbonate equivalent"]
["equals the amount of limestone needed.)"]
[]
["He guesstimates that the N content of his soil rates between fair and"]
["medium, and figures the soil can use almost 0.2 lbs of N. He has decided to"]
["spread fresh manure from a nearby stable mixed with lime. In the spring he"]
["will turn this into the soil; at the same time, he will add manure composted"]
["with hay and table scraps. The fresh horse manure contains about 0.44"]
["percent N. To find out how much manure he needs, he divides 0.2 (the amount"]
["of N required) by 0.0044. The total comes to about 45.5 lbs. (Nutrient"]
["required divided by percentage in fertiliser equals amount of fertiliser"]
["needed.) The manure also contains 0.17 percent phosphoric acid (P2O5) and"]
["0.35 percent potash (K2O), referred to hereafter in this chapter as P and K,"]
["respectively. Multiplying 0.17 percent (0.0017) and 0.35 percent (0.0035) by"]
["66 lbs, he finds that he has added 0.11 lbs of P and 0.23 lbs of K. (Lbs of"]
["fertiliser times percentage of nutrient in fertiliser equals amount of"]
["nutrient in fertiliser.)"]
[]
["          BOX F"]
[]
["          Chemical fertilisers usually supply P in the form of"]
["          superphosphate or triple superphosphate. These chemicals are"]
["          manufactured by mixing rock phosphate with acids. Potassium"]
["          is supplied by means or muriate of potassium (K and chlorine)"]
["          or sulfate or potash, which are mined in the Southwest and"]
["          purified. All these chemicals are soluble and are available"]
["          to the plant. But a portion of them gradually reacts with the"]
["          soil and becomes fixed or unavailable. As this portion"]
["          becomes unavailable, it increases the total reserve in the"]
["          soil, which reaches a new balance of available to unavailable"]
["          nutrients than before fertilisation."]
[]
["          Bone meals and rock phosphate, the most commonly used organic"]
["          sources of P, and granite dust, a source of K, are not"]
["          readily available, but increase the total reserve of"]
["          nutrients and gradually increase the total amount of"]
["          available nutrients. However, there is some time lag before"]
["          these nutrients are available to the plant. They are usually"]
["          applied in large amounts, at about three times the weight"]
["          calculated for fertilisers of that concentration. But one"]
["          treatment lasts four years or more, because the fertilisers"]
["          remain fixed in the ground until they are used. {Table 24}"]
[]
["From Table 23 he finds that the soil requires about five ounces of P. How"]
["many ounces of P is 0.11 lbs? He multiplies 0.11 by 16, the number of ounces"]
["in a pound, and finds that the total is about 1.75 ounces. The soil requires"]
["another 3.25 ounces. Bone meal is about 20 percent P. To supply three ounces"]
["of P, about a pound of bone meal is required. But bone meal breaks down"]
["slowly, and is therefore applied at three times the rate used for other"]
["fertilisers; so our cultivator uses 3 lbs."]
[]
["Since the K content of this New England soil is poor, about 0.3 lbs of K is"]
["required. The manure has already supplied 0.2 lbs; so the soil requires"]
["another 0.1 lb. Our cultivator decides to use wood ashes from his fireplace."]
["Wood ashes are about 7.0 percent K. He divides 0.1 by 7 percent (0.07) and"]
["finds that the soil can use at least 1.4 lbs of ashes. He adds this in the"]
["spring just before planting, because the ashes are highly soluble. Over the"]
["winter, such highly soluble nutrients would leach away or become"]
["unavailable."]
[]
["Our grower knows that some of the N in the fresh manure that was added in"]
["the fall will leach away during the winter. But the manure compost that he"]
["adds in the spring will more than make up for any losses."]
[]
["A New England farmer not for from the cultivator has been rotating his field"]
["from corn and marijuana to alfalfa and pasture for the past ten years. Each"]
["fall he adds 7 tons of manure per acre. Except for occasional additions of"]
["lime, no other fertilisation is necessary."]
[]
["A rural New England grower has decided to plant in a remote mixed-forest"]
["area. The first 10 inches of soil is a rich compost of humus. It is full of"]
["life: insects, worms, and other creatures. The grower has decided to"]
["increase the fertility of the soil by using chemical mixes and dolomitic"]
["lime. He is cultivating in three clearings with a total area of about 1,000"]
["sq.ft. He guesstimates that the soil is medium in N and P, but poor in K. It"]
["is also acid. He applied enough lime to correct the soil's natural acidity"]
["and the pH of the fertiliser."]
[]
["Using Table 23, he decides that he should purchase a mix with a ratio of 50"]
["parts of N, 10 parts of P (reading from the medium line), and 120 parts of K"]
["(from the poor line), that is, a ratio of 5-1-12. A local nursery sells"]
["commercial fertiliser with nutrient percentages of 10-5-25, close enough to"]
["the desired ratio. By taking the total amount of N required for a medium"]
["soil as listed in Table 23 (19 ounces), and dividing it by the N in the"]
["fertiliser (10 percent or 0.10), the rural grower finds the total amount of"]
["fertiliser required (190 ounces, or a little less than 12 lbs). The other"]
["nutrients are automatically added in the same ratio."]
[]
["Kansas: A cultivator in Kansas decides to plant along a hidden stream bank."]
["The banks are covered with lush vegetation as a result of runoff that"]
["contains soluble fertilisers used on nearby farms. The cultivator feels that"]
["additional fertilisers are not necessary, since the vegetation is so lush."]
[]
["Another grower in Kansas found that her soil was very low in N and P, but"]
["high in K, typical of dry midwestern and western soils that support scrub"]
["vegetation. It had a nearly ideal pH. She started to prepare her 200 sq.ft."]
["garden in the spring after the rain season ended. Using Table 23, she found"]
["that it required 3.5 lbs of N, 6 ounces of P, and no K. Activated sludge"]
["(5-3-0) was available at the local garden centre. To find out how much"]
["sludge her garden required, divide 3.5 by 5 percent (or 0.05). The total"]
["comes to 70 lbs."]
[]
["Florida: A grower planting 500 sq.ft. on a deserted ranch in central Florida"]
["started with a very sandy soil whose pH was 4.9 because of sulphurous water"]
["in the ground. From Figure 59, she found that the soil required about 35 lbs"]
["of lime. To adjust the pH, she used 14.0 lbs of a limestone with a calcium"]
["carbonate equivalent of 2.5."]
[]
["The soil had virtually no organic matter, and she was not sure she could use"]
["the same location next year; so she decided to apply soluble mixes"]
["throughout the growing season. From Table 23, she found that \"poor\" required"]
["28 ounces of N, 4 ounces of P, and 24 ounces of K. A chemical fertiliser"]
["with nutrient percentages of 15-5-10 was on sale at a local discount store."]
["To find out how much fertiliser is needed to supply 28 ounces of N, divide"]
["28 by 15 percent (or 0.15); the result is about 186 ounces of N, or about"]
["11.5 pounds. Since the other nutrients are supplied at the same proportions"]
["or at higher proportions than are required, no supplements are needed at"]
["planting time. But additional feedings will be required periodically during"]
["the growing season."]
[]
["13.7 Techniques for Preparing Soils"]
[]
["Each garden situation is unique, and many factors help determine which"]
["garden techniques you should use. These include the soil's condition, the"]
["size and location of the garden, commitment, and personal preferences. Each"]
["technique affects the microecology in its own way. Home gardeners may use"]
["techniques that are impractical for a farmer or guerilla planter. But all"]
["growers have the same goal when they prepare soil for planting: to create a"]
["soil environment conducive to growing a healthy, vigorous plant."]
[]
["     BOX G Fertilising Cannabis Depends on the Crop"]
[]
["          Historically, Cannabis is known to require high fertility. In"]
["          a fertile soil, Cannabis can outgrow practically any annual"]
["          plant. Cannabis also is a known depleter of soils. This is"]
["          true particularly with marijuana, since seeds, flowers, and"]
["          leaves comprise the harvest. Hence it's necessary to"]
["          fertilise the plants each year. Hemp, on the other hand,"]
["          comes from the Cannabis stem, and the fibre consists"]
["          primarily of cellulose (C6H10O5)n. When hemp is grown, all"]
["          plant parts except the fibre are returned to the soil; so the"]
["          nutrients are also returned. Moderate fertilisation, if any,"]
["          is all that's required for hemp farmers."]
[]
["If you are already growing a vegetable garden, the chances are that your"]
["soil is in pretty good shape for growing marijuana. However, vegetable"]
["gardens may be a little acidic, particularly east of the 100th meridian. The"]
["soil should be prepared in much the same way that it is prepared for corn"]
["cultivation, with the addition of lime to raise the pH to near neutral."]
[]
["Tilling"]
[]
["Gardens which may not have been planted recently (in the last three or four"]
["years) require more work. It is best to begin preparing the soil in the"]
["fall, before the first frost. This can be done using a spade or shovel. The"]
["ground is lifted from a depth os six or eight inches and turned over so that"]
["the top level, with its grass and weeds, becomes the bottom layer. Large"]
["clumps are broken up with a blade or hoe. Larger areas can be turned with a"]
["power hoer or rototiller. Conditioners, such as fresh leaves, composts,"]
["mulching materials, pH adjusters, and slow-release fertilisers are added and"]
["worked into the soil, so that they begin to decompose during the winter. It"]
["is especially important to add these materials if the soil is packed, mucky,"]
["or clay-like. Soluble fertilisers should not be added in the fall, since"]
["they leach to the subsoil with heavy rains."]
[]
["In the spring, as soon as the ground is workable, turn it once again. If the"]
["soil still feels packed, add more conditioners. If you are using manure or"]
["other organic materials, make sure that they are well decomposed and small"]
["clean and earthy. Fresh materials tie up the N in the soil while they cure,"]
["making this nutrient unavailable to the plants. Commercial fertilisers and"]
["readily soluble organics, such as blood meal and wood ash, are added at this"]
["time."]
[]
["The ground can also be seeded with clover or other legumes. Legumes"]
["(alfalfa, clover, vetch, etc.) are plants which form little nodules along"]
["their roots. The nodules contain bacteria which live in a symbiotic"]
["relationship with the plant. As part of their life processes, these bacteria"]
["absorb gaseous nitrogen from the air and convert it into a chemical form the"]
["plant can use. During its life cycle, clover uses up most of the N, although"]
["some leaks into the surrounding soil. But when the plant, or any of its"]
["leaves, die, the contents become part of the soil. The process of growing a"]
["cover crop and turning it into the soil is sometimes called green manuring."]
[]
["After the last threat of frost, at about the same time that corn is planted,"]
["the soil should be worked into rows or mounds, or be hoed. At this time, the"]
["seeds should be planted. If any concentrated fertiliser is added to the"]
["soil, it should be worked into the soil and should not come into direct"]
["contact with the seeds."]
[]
["The actual amount of tilling that a given soil requires depends on soil"]
["condition. Sandy soils and light loams may need no turning, since they are"]
["already loose enough to permit the roots to penetrate. Turning may break up"]
["the soil structure, damaging its ecology. These soils are easily fertilised,"]
["by using soluble mixes or by the layering technique described below. Soils"]
["which are moderately sandy can be adjusted by \"breaking\" and levered or"]
["pushed, but the soil is not raised. This is done about every six inches, and"]
["can be accomplished quickly. Farmers can loosen sandy soil by disking at"]
["five or six inches."]
[]
["Some gardeners mulch the soil with a layer of leaves or other materials to"]
["protect it from winter winds and weather. This helps keep the soil warm so"]
["that it can be worked earlier in the spring. In states that border west of"]
["the 100th meridian, this helps prevent soil loss due to erosion from dry"]
["winds. Soil often drains well in these areas, and the ecology of the soil is"]
["better served when it is left unturned. At season's end, marijuana's stem"]
["base and root system are left in the ground to help hold topsoil. The next"]
["year's crop is planted a cover crop, such as clover, or alfalfa, which holds"]
["the soil and also enriches the nitrogen supply."]
[]
["Layering"]
[]
["Layering is another method of cultivation. The theory behind this program is"]
["that in nature the soil is rarely turned, but builds up, as layer after"]
["layer of compostable material falls to the ground. This material, which"]
["contains many nutrients, gradually breaks down, creating a rich humus layer"]
["over a period of years."]
[]
["The layering method speeds up the natural process. Since gardens are more"]
["intensely cultivated than wild fields, new material is required to replenish"]
["the soil nutrients. Gardeners like Ruth Stout \"sheet compost,\" that is, they"]
["lay down layers of uncomposted material and let it decompose at the same"]
["time that it serves as a mulch. But most gardeners prefer to use material"]
["which is already composted. The compost shrinks and builds the topsoil layer"]
["about an inch for every six inches of compost. After several years, the soil"]
["level will be raised considerably, and the top layers will be an extremely"]
["rich, porous medium which never needs turning. In order to prevent a"]
["spillover of the soil, gardeners usually construct simple beds (using"]
["boards) to contain the garden areas."]
[]
["Layering is most successfully used on porous soils, especially sands, which"]
["contain little organic matter. It can also be used with clay soils. However,"]
["experienced growers say that clays should be turned several times before the"]
["technique is used, or the first couple of harvests will be small."]
[]
["Planting a cover crop such as clover will give the soil structure. As more"]
["compost is added, the clover is covered and the new seed planted. The"]
["clover, with its N-fixing properties, remains a permanent cover crop. When"]
["marijuana seeds are to be planted, a planting row is easily tilled with a"]
["hoe. The clover protects the soil from sun-baking and its resulting water"]
["loss, and makes it harder for weed seeds to get started."]
[]
["Tilling and layering are basic methods which are used with many variations."]
["In some ways, there almost seem to be as many gardening techniques as there"]
["are gardeners. For instance, one gardener bought three cubic yards of"]
["topsoil and a cubic yard of composted steer manure. He mixed the material"]
["and filled raised beds with it to a depth of 18 inches, and had an instant"]
["high-power garden. Another grower made compost piles in his raised troughs"]
["during the winter. By planting time, the compost was complete and filled"]
["with earthworms. The beds became warmer earlier, and he could plant sooner."]
[]
["A midwestern gardener used marijuana as a companion crop in much the same"]
["way Indians used corn. In between the marijuana, she planted beans and"]
["squash. She didn't get many stringbeans and only a few squash. But she"]
["believes that the beans gave the plants extra N, especially during the first"]
["six weeks, and the broad squash leaves protected the soil from the hot"]
["August sun."]
[]
["A gardener in Georgia had such a sticky clay soil that a shovel once got"]
["stuck in it. He dug holes two feet deep and two feet wide with a power auger"]
["and filled them with a fertile mix of two parts sand, one part clay, three"]
["parts topsoil, and one part chicken manure. He claimed that his plants grew"]
["six feet in 10 weeks. Filling holes with a rich soil mixture is popular with"]
["guerilla farmers, who often must plant in poor native soils."]
[]
["Mulching"]
[]
["Mulching is a labor-saving technique that many gardeners and farmers use for"]
["a multitude of reasons. A mulch placed on the ground before fall frosts"]
["helps the soil retain heat and protects it from winds and freezing"]
["temperatures. In the spring the mulched soil becomes warmer earlier in the"]
["season, and can be planted several weeks sooner than usual. A mulch cover"]
["keeps the seedlings' roots warm and eliminates a lot of weeding, since most"]
["weed seedlings cannot pierce the cover."]
[]
["During the summer, mulches keep the ground cooler and more moist by"]
["absorbing and reflecting light and reducing surface evaporation. These are"]
["important points for farmers in dry areas. The water savings can be 50"]
["percent or more."]
[]
["Any plant or animal material will do for mulch. Gardeners use hay or straw,"]
["leaves, composts, manures, sawdust, bark, or plant clippings in two- to"]
["six-inch layers. A barber in Palo Alto uses hair. Baled hay is inexpensive"]
["and easy to use as a mulch. Round hay bales unroll in a long sheet that is"]
["easy to spread over the ground, and square bales can be pulled apart into"]
["tile-like squares."]
[]
["Mulches create an ideal environment for earthworms and microorganisms which"]
["condition and enrich the soil. These organisms require a relatively cool,"]
["moist, dark environment. The mulch develops a dry outer crust which reflects"]
["light, keeping the underlayers cool and moist. Materials such as leaves,"]
["bark, and sawdust decay slowly because they do not contain enough nitrogen"]
["to maintain dense populations of decomposing microorganisms. Manures and"]
["composts contain more nitrogen and decay more quickly."]
[]
["With few exceptions, mulches can be applied practically any time of the"]
["year, but the best time is probably in the fall, after the crop is harvested"]
["and before the ground has frozen. Leaves, plant clippings, and straw are"]
["applied in a thick layer from six to ten inches deep. Hay is layered two to"]
["six inches deep. Denser substances, such as manures and composts, should be"]
["mixed with straw and leaves to aid decomposition. This mixture is spread in"]
["an even layer, about two to four inches deep, over the entire surface of the"]
["garden. If winds pose a problem by blowing the mulch away, you can cover it"]
["with newspapers or sheets of plastic held down with rocks. If your area is"]
["dry, give the mulch a good soaking once before frosts."]
[]
["By the spring, much of the material will seem to have disappeared. But"]
["underneath the top layer, you will find a soft-textured, earthy-smelling"]
["humus, teeming with worms, insects and other small animals. This is a sign"]
["of a healthy ecosystem and a fertile soil."]
[]
["Some people apply mulch in the spring, placing it between rows as they sow"]
["the seeds. The mulch keeps weeds from competing with the seedlings, absorbs"]
["the sun's warmth, and releases nutrients to the soil."]
[]
["In cold areas, such as Montana, New England, and Alaska, growers place black"]
["plastic sheets over the soil. These absorb the sun's heat, allowing the soil"]
["to be planted sooner. The seedlings develop quickly in the warmer soil. The"]
["plastic is removed once the seedlings are well-established."]
[]
["Newspapers and white plastic can be used to decrease water loss during the"]
["summer. They also reflect light back to the plants."]
[]
["One innovative grower from western Colorado placed a sheet of white plastic"]
["over her garden and cut out holes wherever she plant the seeds. Though it is"]
["quite dry where she lives, she didn't need to water the plants until late"]
["July. And she had no problems with any weeds."]
[]
["Containers"]
[]
["Containers are another option open to grower. Plants can be grown full-size"]
["in containers which are at least five gallons (larger would be better). Fill"]
["them with high-grade topsoil, or a plating mixture as described in section"]
["6. Planters are a convenient compromise where the soil is particularly poor"]
["or for the home gardener who does not wish to get into large-scale"]
["gardening. But remember, eight good-sized plants can yield over four pounds"]
["of grass."]
[]
["Plants in pots need to be watered frequently, but require much less total"]
["water than a garden. The gardener can also move the plants. Some gardeners"]
["use this technique to maximise the amount of sun the plants get during the"]
["day, or as the sun's position changes with the season. And growers can"]
["easily induce early flowering by moving the plants to a darkened area."]
["{Figure 61. Containers are convenient for outdoor gardens.}"]
[]
["Almost any large container that can withstand the weight of moist soil and"]
["which has holes for drainage is suitable. Containers which held toxic"]
["chemicals, herbicides, insecticides, or other possibly harmful substances"]
["should be avoided."]
[]
["We have seen all kinds of ingeniously made containers. Some growers use old"]
["bathtubs, and others use wooden packing crates or bushel baskets. A simple"]
["wood container 18 inches wide, eight feet long, and 18 inches deep was made"]
["by a New Jersey grower, who grew six plants in it. Trash cans, plastic"]
["containers, barrels, and even rubber tyres have been used. One grower grew"]
["plants in one-cubic-foot bags of soil by cutting a five-inch-diameter hole"]
["in the top and poling holes for drainage. To assure drainage, growers"]
["sometimes fill the bottom of each container with a six-inch layer of stones"]
["or gravel; is you are planning to move such container, lightweight perlite"]
["would be more suitable."]
[]
["13.8 Guerilla Farming"]
[]
["Guerilla growers often use the same techniques as home gardeners. But the"]
["soil that they start with is sometimes marginal, and the gardens are in"]
["remote, hard-to-get-to areas; so they modify the techniques to fit their"]
["needs. When it is impractical to carry bulky organic fertilisers to the"]
["growing site, guerilla farmers use highly concentrated commercial mixes."]
["Compost and soil adjusters are gathered from the surrounding area, and the"]
["simplest, most light-weight tools are used. Some growers use horses or mules"]
["to carry equipment and material, and then use the animal to plough. The"]
["animals are quiet and, naturally, require no external power source."]
["Experienced growers say that the animals can work as fast as or faster than"]
["a rototiller."]
[]
["It is hard to generalise about details of guerilla farming, since much"]
["depends on the specific circumstances, which can vary greatly. For instance,"]
["a grower who plants along the fertile bank of a midwestern stream may not"]
["need to do more than pull out weeds and till the actual planting area. But a"]
["grower planting on a mountain slope may have to \"build a soil,\" since soil"]
["and nutrients are washed from the slopes and down to the valleys by"]
["rainfall. For this reason, we will cover several situations separately:"]
["forest; washed-out steep areas; swamps and marshes; stream banks; grasslands"]
["and fields; and arid soils."]
[]
["Forest Clearings"]
[]
["Clearings in forests have always been popular places to plant because they"]
["offer security from detection. They vary greatly in drainage qualities,"]
["fertility, and pH. The drainage qualities of forest soils depend on the"]
["depth of the humus layer and the structure of the underlying subsoil. But"]
["most of the forest remaining in the U.S. is sloped, and water that is not"]
["absorbed by the soil runs off."]
[]
["Soils are created in forests from the leaves, branches, animal droppings,"]
["etc., which accumulate on the forest floor. The first trees to grow are"]
["long-leaf pines, such as jack pines, which can grow in relatively infertile"]
["soils. Their roots penetrate deep into the subsoil to obtain some nutrients."]
["Short-leaf pines, conifers, and firs appear as the humus accumulates, since"]
["they require a more fertile soil than long-leaf pines. Pine-forest soils"]
["vary in fertility from poor to fair, and are usually quite acidic. In the"]
["Northeast their pH may be as low as 3.5, but generally the pH ranges from"]
["5.0 to 6.0. In order to support a high-energy, lime loving crop like"]
["marijuana, they require fertilisation and liming. Long-leaf pines sometimes"]
["grow in compacted clay soils, which also requires tilling."]
[]
["As the soil evolves, deciduous trees (tree that drop their leaves each"]
["winter), such as oak and maple, may begin to grow. Deciduous forests,"]
["sometimes called broad-leaf or hardwood forests, have the best soils. These"]
["forest floors are covered with bushes, grasses, mosses, and other small"]
["plants. They have an adequate rainfall and a humus-rich soil, which is"]
["porous, holds water well, and can support a healthy marijuana crop, although"]
["additions of nitrogen fertilisers would probably spur growth. Hardwood"]
["forest soils have a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil in timbered forest"]
["land has a much smaller humus content, especially if it has been clearcut."]
[]
["Mountain Soils and Washed-Out Steep Areas"]
[]
["Mountain slops characteristically have little soil matter; their surface is"]
["composed largely of rocks, gravel, and sand. For longterm use they could be"]
["terraced so the newly formed soil in not washed away, but most growers are"]
["interested in more immediate results. These \"soils\" do not provide much of"]
["an anchor for marijuana's taproot and do not permit a network of lateral"]
["roots to form. Many of these soils also suffer from a low water table, since"]
["they drain rapidly. But there may be some sand and a bit of organic matter"]
["built up along gullies or in depressions or other natural traps. Such soil"]
["has usually had most of its nutrients leached out, but may contain some"]
["phosphates and potassium and considerable amounts of trace elements. The"]
["easiest way to adjust these soils is to use a well-balanced, slow-release,"]
["concentrated fertiliser. Bloodmeal, with its high N, works well with these"]
["soils."]
[]
["One grower in the badlands of North Dakota used a timed-release 32-9-26"]
["fertiliser in his \"rock garden.\" He spread it just below the surface at the"]
["beginning of the growing season. Every time that it rained, his plants"]
["received nutrient-rich water. Toward the middle of the season, he noticed"]
["the lower leaves begin to pale, so he fertilised them periodically with"]
["urea. Heavy rains leach soluble fertilisers away, and in rainy areas they"]
["need to be applied three to four times during growth."]
[]
["Containers can also be used in this environment. Growers use plastic bags or"]
["folded milk cartons instead of backpacking with a column of containers. When"]
["they get to the site, they fill the bags with a mixture of sand, as much as"]
["they can find, and gravel. The greater the ratio of sand to gravel, the"]
["longer the container will hold water."]
[]
["One grower doublelayers heavy-duty polyethylene bags, and lines them with"]
["heavy-duty paper cement sacks or burlap bags. He fills the bag with gravel,"]
["then pours in sand and shakes it. He says that the mix is just about right"]
["when it looks like a can filled with gravel with sand in the spaces. He"]
["carries on a watering and feeding program much as he would for any"]
["hydroponic system."]
[]
["Swamps, Marshes, or Bogs"]
[]
["These soils are very high in fibrous organic material, but are low in"]
["calcium and in available N, P, K, and Mg, which are leached from the soil or"]
["are insoluble because of the low soil pH. Since these soils are constantly"]
["wet, Cannabis roots cannot come in contact with air; as a result, the"]
["plant's growth is stunted, and the lower stem becomes susceptible to stem"]
["rot. These soils need to be adjusted to support a healthy crop of marijuana;"]
["they must be drained, fertilised, and limed. On a small scale, the easiest"]
["way to modify them is by constructing raised mounds, hills, or rows, at"]
["least one foot wide at the top and two feet high. The raised areas drain"]
["well, leaving relatively dry soil. Wood chips, chopped brush, sawdust, or"]
["perlite may be added to keep the mound light and the soil loose and aerated."]
[]
["Wet soils are usually highly acid and should be limed. Once the lime"]
["interacts with the soil, nutrients which were locked up become available to"]
["the plants. Since these soils are rich in organic matter and have a high"]
["rate of microbial action after they are loosened and limes, they may need"]
["little fertilisation."]
[]
["Grasslands and Fields"]
[]
["These soils are usually fairly fertile and can support a worthwhile crop"]
["with little effort. They are usually well-drained, although they may be a"]
["little too dry or too wet. (If they have unusually large numbers of"]
["earthworms, they are probably a little too wet.) Their pH is usually between"]
["5.5 and 6.5, although it may range up to 7.0. These soils are usually loams,"]
["which need only tilling in a two-foot radius, three or four inches deep,"]
["around each plant. All weeds and grass should be pulled from the area. Some"]
["growers mulch the cultivated area with newspapers, leaves, or dead grass. A"]
["grower in the Midwest adds crushed eggshells and a commercial timed-release"]
["fertiliser when he plants. He feels that this \"extra boost\" makes the"]
["difference between an adequate crop and a bountiful crop. Other growers"]
["periodically fertilise with soluble mixes. Some of these soils have to be"]
["irrigates during the long summer droughts. If they aren't, the plants won't"]
["die, but they will not grow to full size."]
[]
["Stream Banks and Canal Ditches"]
[]
["These are some of the most convenient areas for growers to plant, since they"]
["provide an ample supply of water, which may contain fertiliser runoff."]
["Stream banks are an area that marijuana naturally colonises, and the planter"]
["usually needs only to cultivate the area to be sown, and cut surrounding"]
["bush so that the young plants can compete with established plants. It the"]
["surrounding vegetation looks pale and stunted rather than lush green and"]
["vigorous, the soil should be fertilised. These soils are sometimes low in"]
["calcium, which dissolves readily in water. Lime should be added to correct"]
["for acidity."]
[]
["Sometimes the ground is a little too wet early in the growing season,"]
["although it dries out later on. Planting on hills or mounds is often used to"]
["solve this problem."]
[]
["Arid Areas"]
[]
["Soils which have a low water table and dry out by June or July need to be"]
["irrigated to grow marijuana successfully. When irrigation is not feasible,"]
["growers plant along drainage ditches, streams, and canals, or look for green"]
["spots which indicate springs or underground reservoirs. Other growers use"]
["containers to minimise water loss. One grower in Arizona dug holes two feet"]
["wide and three feet deep, and lined the sides with thin polyethylene. He"]
["said that when he watered during the summer drought, he did not lose much"]
["water to the surrounding soil."]
[]
["Arid soils usually have little organic matter, and drain quickly with"]
["extensive runoff. Some of them have a subsurface layer of clay, and"]
["therefore hold water on the surface until it evaporates. In any case their"]
["texture can be improved greatly by working in organic matter. The soil"]
["should be loosened at least two feet down. This loosening allows the taproot"]
["to develop deeply so that it can reach underground water during the drought."]
[]
["Arid soils more often drain well, are alkaline, and contain P, K, and trace"]
["elements, but are low in N. Fish meal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, or"]
["manure may be the only additive the soil needs."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 14"]
["PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING"]
[]
["After the soil is adjusted, you are ready to prepare it for planting the"]
["seed. Sowing is an important process, since the post-germination or seedling"]
["stage is the most critical for Cannabis. You can increase the seedlings'"]
["chance of survival by sowing the seeds properly."]
[]
["14.2 When to Plant"]
[]
["Most hemp-growing manuals advise that the seeds should be planted about two"]
["weeks after the last threat of frost, which is the same time that corn is"]
["planted. As a rule of thumb, you need not plant until this time in areas"]
["that have a growing season of five months or more. These areas include most"]
["of the United States, except for Zone One (see Figure 62) and mountainous"]
["areas of the country."]
[]
["Growers in northern areas report that plant have survived light evening"]
["frosts with little or no damage. We think of marijuana as a tropical plant,"]
["experiencing no chills in its native climes. But the mountainous areas of"]
["marijuana cultivation in Mexico and Colombia often have frosts during the"]
["growing season. One grower, describing spring (April) conditions in"]
["Nebraska, reported \"plants (from tropical seed) three and four inches tall"]
["were covered with snow in the evening. By midafternoon all the snow had"]
["melted, and those little sprouts were healthy as could be.\""]
[]
["Early-season sprouts do face more risks than later-germinating plants do. A"]
["lingering freeze or chill can weaken or kill them. Sometimes seeds or"]
["seedlings get washed away be heavy rains or flooding, or become infected"]
["from wet soil. They are also prey to hungry herbivores, who savour the"]
["tender young shoots, especially in the early spring, before the native"]
["plants have sprouted. These predators include rabbits, groundhogs, rats,"]
["mice, and possibly squirrels and cats, as well as large animals, such as"]
["deer, cattle, and sheep. Birds frequently eat the seeds and young shoots,"]
["especially if the ground looks planted. Snails and insects, such as cutworms"]
["and leafhoppers, also eat seedlings. Don't let this impressive list of"]
["dangers dim your enthusiasm. Although these problems do occur, they can be"]
["controlled or prevented with a little but of planning (see section 16)."]
["{Figure 62. Average date of last expected spring frost for US.}"]
[]
["As you can see in the Spring Thaw map (Figure 62), the last date of expected"]
["frost varies from early February in parts of Florida, Louisiana, Texas,"]
["California, and Nevada to mid-June in the coldest regions of New England and"]
["the Midwest. Planting time varies locally, as well as regionally. Fields"]
["which receive direct sun warm faster than partially shaded ones. Fields"]
["covered with a layer of compost or fresh manure, or with black plastic"]
["sheets, retain more heat and are ready to plant sooner than other fields."]
["Mountainous areas often vary considerably in planting time. Higher ground"]
["usually stays cold longer than low-lying areas. Since soil is dark, it heats"]
["quickly when exposed to sunlight. Soil is usually warmer in the late"]
["afternoon."]
[]
["The time that the soil warms also depends on the weather. During severe"]
["winters, a deeper layer of soil becomes frozen than during mild winters; so"]
["it will take longer to thaw. Soil below this layer is insulated by the ice"]
["and remains unfrozen. Spring weather, rainfall, flooding, and cloud cover"]
["also affect the soil's temperature."]
[]
["Actually, the only way to know whether or not a field is ready to plant is"]
["to feel it and look at it. Examine the soil in early morning. It should be"]
["easy to work, rather than hardened from ice. There should be no large frozen"]
["clods of soil or other organic matter. There should also be no fine"]
["crystalline ice particles which glimmer in sunlight."]
[]
["For fall harvest, sow outdoors after March 21, the first day of spring and"]
["the turn of the Equinox, when there are equal lengths of sun-up and"]
["sun-down. There are an additional 20 to 30 minutes of light before dawn and"]
["after sunset, for a total of 13 hours of daylight. When plants are started"]
["earlier, they may flower prematurely because of the short days. The plants"]
["may also be subject to sex reversal, and more males may develop."]
[]
["There is little advantage to starting Cannabis before April. Each plant has"]
["a certain genetically defined potential for growth and size. As long as the"]
["plants have enough time to grow and develop, usually five or six months,"]
["this potential is realised (some Colombian and Asian varieties may need"]
["longer to develop). Plants started before spring grow no larger in size than"]
["plants started during April. The younger plants are virtually"]
["indistinguishable from the older ones by harvest, and plants which are"]
["started earlier face more risks of detection and destruction. {Figure 63."]
["Average date of earliest expected fall frosts for the US. Information about"]
["Australia can be found in an Atlas.}"]
[]
["However, if you are faced with a short growing season, you can get a head"]
["start by germinating the seeds a week to six weeks before the local planting"]
["time, and transplanting the seedlings outdoors at about the same time seeds"]
["would be planted in your area. You can also hasten planting time by covering"]
["the area to be sown or planted with a clear (or black) plastic sheet, which"]
["will warm the ground by the greenhouse effect."]
[]
["14.3 Preparing to Sow"]
[]
["Growers sue three basic techniques to sow marijuana: rows, hills, and"]
["broadcast. Each method is suitable within a certain range of conditions and"]
["has its own advantages and disadvantages."]
[]
["Rows"]
[]
["Rows are convenient to use, especially for large areas. They are constructed"]
["easily using a how, plough, or tiller."]
[]
["Rows facilitate the care of gardens and fields by setting up an organised"]
["space in which the plants and surrounding area can be reached easily by the"]
["gardener. Weeding, watering, thinning, pruning, and harvesting can be"]
["accomplished very quickly. Larger fields are planted in roes to accommodate"]
["ploughs, planters, and cultivators. They are essential when fields are"]
["flood-irrigated. Furthermore, they provide a way to use space in the most"]
["efficient possible manner. But rows make detection easier, since they have"]
["an orderliness that plants do not exhibit in nature."]
[]
["On sloping and hilly ground rows are a major factor in soil conservation:"]
["such soil is easily carried away in windstorms and in the runoff after rain."]
["For this reason, rows on hilly and sloping ground are contoured: curved to"]
["run perpendicular to the slope."]
[]
["Space rows two to six feet apart; plant seeds every four to eight inches"]
["((In any description of planting which we give, we refer to 100 percent"]
["viable seeds. In this case, for example, if seeds are tested (see section 3)"]
["and have a viability of 50 percent, sow the seeds two to four inches apart."]
["If they have a viability of 33 percent, sow them one to two inches apart.))"]
["(See Box H.)"]
[]
["To construct a row, break up any large clods on the surface of the soil. In"]
["a garden-size area this is easily done by striking them with the tongs of a"]
["rake. In larger areas a tiller or externally powered cultivator can be used."]
["Then level the soil."]
[]
["If you need to irrigate or have problems with excessive moisture, use a hoe"]
["to raise the soil in alternate rows of hills and trenches. Pat the crests of"]
["the hills with the hoe or a shovel so that they are an inch or wider at the"]
["top, and four to eight inches high than the trenches."]
[]
["BOX H Plant Size and Spacing"]
[]
["Plants vary tremendously in size and branching habits because of many"]
["factors, including variety, soil fertility, length of growing season, amount"]
["of light received by the plant, water, spacing, and pruning. As a result,"]
["one can have no firm rule about how far apart plants should be spaced."]
[]
["An individual full-grown plant may have a diameter at its base as wide as"]
["ten feet or as small as 18 inches. Most conical-shaped varieties (Colombian"]
["and Jamaican) grow between seven and 12 feet tall, and have a width between"]
["four and six feet. Mexican plants are somewhat taller and thinner, with a"]
["base diameter of three to five feet. Some exotic Indian, Central Asian, and"]
["Central African plants may have a diameter only one or two feet across. The"]
["descriptions are generalisations; there are many varieties within each"]
["country, and much variation within each variety."]
[]
["Pruned plants have a much wider base than unpruned ones. Plants pruned at"]
["the fourth internode and again a month later sometimes grow twice as wide as"]
["an unpruned plant."]
[]
["In order to catch as much sun as possible, rows should be orientated along a"]
["north-south axis, perpendicular to the course of the sun. The advantage of"]
["lush rows is more pronounced in southern than northern latitudes, but the"]
["solar-energy differential in north-south versus east-west rows is"]
["significant at all latitudes in the United States, and becomes more"]
["important on steep slops. Another factor is the orientation of the garden as"]
["a whole. Plants sown in a square plot whose sides point northeast and"]
["southeast get about 10 percent more light than ones in a plot whose sides"]
["point due north and due east."]
[]
["Hills"]
[]
["Hills and mounds are especially convenient for small plots. Low hills are"]
["often camouflaged to look like natural or wild stands, and are very useful"]
["in areas in which the land is too wet in the spring, because the hills drain"]
["above the ground level. They are easily adapted to meet unusual"]
["requirements. For example, a grower in New Mexico planted a doughnut-shaped"]
["hill eight feet in diameter and two feet thick, leaving a centre hole four"]
["feet in diameter. He placed a portable plastic tub in the hole after"]
["punching pinholes around the edges. To water he just filled the tub. In the"]
["swampy Everglades, two industrious farmers constructed a giant hill-row"]
["three feet thick and three feet high. The hill had such a good drainage that"]
["it kept the plant roots well-drained even during the rainy season."]
[]
["Hills are usually constructed between two and five feet in diameter. Small"]
["hills are usually planted with 15 to 20 seeds, and large ones may be sown"]
["with as many as a hundred. The hills are spaced three to 10 feet apart, so"]
["that each groups of plants gets a maximum amount of light. Hills can grow"]
["more than you would at first suspect. For instance, if you were to grow a"]
["hill three by three feet, you could harvest six to nine large plants. Their"]
["foliage would extend two and a half feet beyond the hill, for a total of"]
["about thirty square feet of foliage space."]
[]
["Broadcast Seeding"]
[]
["Broadcast seeding is the fastest and easiest way to sow, but is not an"]
["efficient way to use seed. Seeds are simply tossed or shaken onto the"]
["prepared ground, at the rate of about forty per square foot, and are then"]
["usually pressed into the soil with a light roller or by foot. This method is"]
["most effective in moist soils. Many of the seeds never germinate or die"]
["immediately after germination. The faster growing ones naturally stunt the"]
["others by shading them. This method is often used by guerilla farmers who"]
["want the stands to look natural and who wish to plant large areas quickly."]
["An experienced grower can sow several acres a day by hand using this method."]
[]
["Seed Count"]
[]
["There are approximately 2,300 medium-sized seeds in an ounce, or about 85"]
["per gram. An acre is about 43,000 sq. ft., or a square 208 feet on side. To"]
["plant an acre in rows two feet apart with a seed every four inches requires"]
["about 90,000 seeds or 39 ounces (1,100 grams, or two pounds, seven ounces)."]
["At this rate, a ten-by-ten plot requires about 2.5 grams of seed."]
[]
["A typical hill field has four-foot-wide hills spaced about seven feet apart."]
["A typical hill and surrounding area accounts for approximately 100 square"]
["feet. There are approximately 430 hills in an acre. If each of these is"]
["planted with 100 seeds, the field requires about 43,000 seeds, which weigh"]
["about 18 ounces."]
[]
["Broadcasting requires a lot more seed. At the rate of 40 seeds per square"]
["foot, a grower uses about 2.3 ounces in a ten-by-ten plot. An acre requires"]
["about 47 pounds, or 21 kilograms of seed."]
[]
["How to Plant"]
[]
["Finally, after the soil is adjusted, and the rows or hills are built, it is"]
["time to actually plant the seeds and watch your garden begin to grow. If you"]
["are growing with clover as a cover or companion plant, dig it up to a depth"]
["of four inches and chop up the soil. Water the soil to the point that it"]
["feels almost wet. Drill a hole with a seed drill, stick, or pencil, then"]
["drop one seed into the hole, cover it gently, and pat the soil down again."]
["Marijuana seeds are large enough to handle individually; so each one can be"]
["planted separately."]
[]
["How deep one digs the holes depends on the kind of soil in which one is"]
["planting. Light woodsy or organic soils are planted 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep, so"]
["that the stem is held firmly in an upright position. Sands and light loams"]
["are planted 1/2 inch deep. Heavy loams and clay are planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch"]
["deep, so that the sprout's energy is not expended before it breaks through"]
["the soil."]
[]
["If you are broadcast seeding, you can increase the germination rate"]
["tremendously by screening a layer of soil over the seeds to help keep them"]
["moist. Seeds that dry out weaken or die."]
[]
["In a garden that has been mulched, lift away the mulch cover at each place"]
["you plant, and sow the seed in the underlying soil."]
[]
["In soft-textured soils, instead of digging or poking holes, press each seed"]
["to the desired depth, and cover or pat the soil smooth."]
[]
["14.4 Germination"]
[]
["The seeds need constant moisture in order to germinate. Therefore, the"]
["ground should be well-watered. Keep the soil moist by watering it with a"]
["light spray whenever it begin to feel dry. This may mean watering the"]
["immediate area once a day. You can keep the soil moist and hasten"]
["germination by covering the planted area with transparent glass or plastic."]
["Most of the seeds should sprout in a period ranging from three days to two"]
["weeks. This variation depends on variety, age and condition of seed, and"]
["soil temperature; the warmer the soil, the faster the rate of germination."]
[]
["Once they have germinated, the seedlings should be kept moist until the"]
["roots grow deep enough to absorb an adequate supply of water from the"]
["subsoil. If the ground is still moist from spring rains, as it is in many of"]
["the eastern regions, you may not have to water at all. On the other hand,"]
["there are sections of the West which are completely dependent on irrigation."]
[]
["When the seedlings are only an inch or two tall, you can protect them from"]
["heavy rains or frosts by using drinking glasses, jars, or paper or plastic"]
["cups. You can protect larger plants with containers from which the bottoms"]
["have been removed. Transparent containers warm the soil by the greenhouse"]
["effect, capturing light and turning it into heat. In warm weather, use white"]
["or translucent containers, which prevent burn by reflecting some light and"]
["diffusing the rest. Containers also keep the soil moist, serve as plant"]
["markers, and protect the plants from some enemies. A grower in Berkeley,"]
["California, used cracked fish tanks to protect plants in the early spring. A"]
["guerilla farmer in the Poconos puts up four posts, one at each end of a row."]
["She uses them as a frame for clear polyethylene covering, creating a small"]
["greenhouse."]
[]
["Growers in Zone Five sometimes harvest a spring crop by transplanting"]
["indoor-grown, two-month-old plants outdoors right after the last frost date."]
["The naturally short days and long nights trigger the plants into flowering."]
["(See Transplanting below, and the discussion of the photoperiod in section"]
["3.)"]
[]
["If started after May 15, marijuana may not have time to reach its full size"]
["or flower. This problem mainly affects growers in Zone One and in"]
["mountainous areas. But even if the plants do not grow to full size or"]
["flower, you can still harvest a potent crop of preflowering tops, which may"]
["be almost as potent as ripe buds. The harvest is not as large as a crop of"]
["buds, but it is more than worth the effort."]
[]
["14.5 Transplanting"]
[]
["Seedlings and young plants are transplanted after the last threat of frost."]
["If the growing season in your area is less than five months, you may want to"]
["start the plants indoors, or in cold frames, transplanting when the weather"]
["permits. A 10-by-four foot cold frame can easily hold 60 two-month-old"]
["plants. The cold frame can be constructed with two-by-two's or branches"]
["gathered at the site. Cover the frame with a double layer of six- or"]
["eight-mil polyethylene plastic or similar material. Attach the plastic to"]
["the frame with tacks or staple-gun tacks. If the area is unprotected from"]
["the elements, slant the roof so that rain will run off. If the area is"]
["windy, place rocks or branches along the frame to add weight. Orient the"]
["cold frame to face the south."]
[]
["In areas with a growing season of six months or more, plants will not"]
["necessarily get larger if they are started earlier than normal. Plants"]
["started at normal planting time catch up to the older plants by season's"]
["end. It serves no purpose to start plants before about March 21, the spring"]
["equinox."]
[]
["Where there is no threat of frost (in Hawaii, southern Florida, and parts of"]
["Texas, Louisiana, and California), growers can raise a winter crop. Grow the"]
["plants for two or three months under artificial light. Plant get off to a"]
["faster start under artificial lights than natural light during the winter"]
["months. Move or transplant them before the beginning of March. Most strains"]
["will flower because of the short days (less than 12 hours of light) and fill"]
["out to well formed plants by the end of May when they are ripe."]
[]
["For the normal summer crop, seedlings should be transplanted after the last"]
["threat of frost. The best time to transplant is on a rainy or cloudy day,"]
["which allows the plants to adjust to the new environment without the strain"]
["of intense sunlight. Plants grown in a cold frame or sunny window adjust"]
["more easily than plants grown under fluorescent lights. Plants grown under"]
["artificial light usually show evidence of shock when they are moved to"]
["sunlight. Near sea level they may lose some of their green colour and appear"]
["pale or yellowed. At high altitudes, such as mile-high Denver, the leaves"]
["may actually burn, turn brown, and fall. Healthy plants usually recover"]
["quickly by adjusting the new growth to the changed conditions. However,"]
["plant can be conditioned to the new environment by being placed in a"]
["partially sunny area, preferably where they are shaded during the middle of"]
["the day and receive either morning or late-afternoon sunlight. The plants"]
["need about a week to adjust."]
[]
["Seedlings grown in planting pellets for up to 10 days after germination can"]
["be placed directly in the soil. Peat pots should be scored with a knife so"]
["that the lateral roots can penetrate the pot more easily. Seedlings started"]
["in milk cartons or flower pots should be removed from the container so that"]
["the roots are disturbed as little as possible. Plan on using a pot size"]
["which is root-bound by the time that you transplant. (For the relationship"]
["between pot size and number of weeks, see Table 17.) To transplant, water"]
["the area to be transplanted and the plant. Then dig a hole a bit larger than"]
["the pot and loosen the surrounding and underlying soil. Place the plant in"]
["the hole, and pack the soil so that the stem base is at the same depth that"]
["it was growing at before. Firm the soil and water the area."]
[]
["In areas where ripoffs are expected, such as parts of Hawaii and California,"]
["some guerilla farmers transplant individual plants (one to each site) to"]
["sites which are widely spaced over the countryside. In this way they may"]
["lose some, but at least not all, of their plants to ripoffs."]
[]
["Each plant (one to three months old) is transplanted to a cone-shaped hole,"]
["two to three feet deep by two feet across the top. This strategy is"]
["well-suited to areas with poor soil. Since much of the hole is taken up by"]
["rootbound soil, it is easy to gather enough topsoil and sand to fill the"]
["hole. The gathered soil should also be mixed with organic or slow-release"]
["fertilisers which provide ample N and P."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 15"]
["CARING FOR THE GROWING PLANTS"]
[]
["15.2 Weeding"]
[]
["Marijuana is a fast-growing annual whose survival depends on its ability to"]
["compete with other fast-growing weeds. At the end of each season, plants"]
["growing in a wild stand may cover the ground with thousands of seeds per"]
["square foot. Many of these are relocated by wind, runoff, and birds, and"]
["some are destroyed or die. Other never receive the conditions they need to"]
["germinate; and of those that do germinate, many die as seedling. The"]
["remaining plants compete with each other and with other weeds for the"]
["available light, nutrients, and water. Even so, wild stands may be as dense"]
["as forty plants per square foot. In order to survive the competition,"]
["Cannabis expends a great deal of its energy during the first two month"]
["growing a main shoot which is taller than the surrounding vegetation. Then"]
["it develops lateral branches which shades the shorter plants. With their"]
["source of energy - light - cut off, the shaded plants stop growing and often"]
["die."]
[]
["When you cultivate - that is, eliminate weeds - the rate of germination and"]
["survival of your plants is increased enormously. Growers using clover, sheet"]
["composting, or mulch as ground cover can expect very little interference"]
["from weeds during seedling development. But plots of fertile, aerated, and"]
["cleared soil are open to colonisation by a wide range of plants; so you may"]
["have to weed several times before the marijuana's dominance is assured."]
[]
["When you weed, make sure not to pull out any weed seedlings which may have"]
["roots in the same area as the Cannabis roots. Instead, cut the weeds"]
["slightly below the surface with a cliperr, scissors, or your fingernails."]
["Weeds more than six inches away can be safely pulled. Leave them to dry"]
["right on the soil. As they dry and decay, they return the soil's nutrient to"]
["it."]
[]
["Growers plagued with weeds can cover the soil with mulch, paper, or"]
["polyethylene sheets. One grower found that two computer sheets fit exactly"]
["between the rows. Another used torn drapes as a temporary ground cover."]
[]
["Once Cannabis has established dominance over an area, the other weeds are"]
["not able to interfere with its growth. But if there is wide spacing between"]
["the plants, the weeds may have open space and start to grow rapidly. Keep"]
["these weeds clipped short if water or nutrients are scarce."]
[]
["15.3 Watering"]
[]
["Marijuana requires an ample supply of water to live and grow. The actual"]
["quantities that it needs depend on the plant's size, the gardening"]
["techniques, type of soil, temperature, wind, humidity, and intensity of"]
["light. A vigorous plant may transpire several gallons of water a day during"]
["the hot summer months. If it receives less water then it need, it stops"]
["growing, wilts, and then dries out. {Figure 66 Areas with less than 30"]
["inches of rain usually require some irrigation.}"]
[]
["Seedlings"]
[]
["Marijuana germinates best in a moist soil. Within a week, it grows a taproot"]
["three or four inches long. By the end of the first month, the root system"]
["may stretch over an area a foot and a half in diameter and go more than one"]
["foot down. Until then, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Plants"]
["which have germinated during warm, sunny weather may need to be watered"]
["until the roots have grown deep enough to reach sub-soil moisture. When the"]
["soil three inches below the surface feels dry, seedlings should be watered,"]
["preferably by using a watering can or the spray setting on a hose. Gently"]
["water the soil, making sure not to disturb the seedlings or the soil"]
["surrounding. The soil should be thoroughly saturated so the moisture"]
["percolates down, encouraging the roots to grow deep. If the surface is only"]
["lightly watered, the roots may grow near the surface, leading to water"]
["problems as the soil gets drier during the summer."]
[]
["After the first month, Cannabis does best when the soil goes through"]
["alternating moist and dry periods. This alternation allows the lateral roots"]
["to come into contact with air. By the end of the growing season, the root"]
["system may penetrate the soil to a depth of six feet or more. As long as"]
["they are not blocked by solid rock or dense clay, the roots grow by"]
["following a trail of moisture. If the trail leads deep, the roots follow."]
["The deeper layers of soil are less likely to dry out during hot, dry"]
["weather."]
[]
["Older Plants"]
[]
["As a rule of thumb, Cannabis over a month old should be watered when the"]
["soil about six inches deep feels dry. But this rule provides only a rough"]
["indication that the plants need water, because there may be deeper sources"]
["of water that are not apparent. The most obvious indication of a problem is"]
["wilting. A more subtle one is slow growth during the (ordinarily"]
["fast-growing) vegetative stage."]
[]
["Since you want to wet the lower layers, you should thoroughly saturate the"]
["soil. If the soil is completely saturated, it should hold water for a"]
["minimum of a week. Usually only two or three waterings a month are required"]
["by a garden that is completely dependent on irrigation."]
[]
["The most efficient way to water is to let the water slowly seep into the"]
["soil, so that all the organic particles which hold the water are saturated."]
["If the soil is very dry, and the water beads or runs off and is not"]
["absorbed, add household laundry detergent at the rate of one or two grams"]
["per gallon of water. It acts as a wetting agent, which breaks the surface"]
["tension. Once the soil is treated with a wetting agent, it usually absorbs"]
["water throughout the growing season."]
[]
["In drier areas where corn. cotton, and other deep-rooted crops are"]
["irrigated, marijuana also requires an additional source of water. But in"]
["areas where there are patches of wild hemp or where deep-rooted crops grow"]
["by using available ground water, marijuana does not need to be watered,"]
["although additional water may increase its growth."]
[]
["Box I"]
["Water in General"]
[]
["Deep soil layers retain water much longer than the top layers. To encourage"]
["the development of a deep root system, saturate the ground when you water."]
["The roots follow the moisture trail."]
[]
["Water conditions also vary from field to field. For instance, many"]
["mid-western farmers plant along the banks of meandering streams. Even in dry"]
["areas, these plants have a natural source of water. Mountainous areas are"]
["usually well-drained and dry out before valleys do. Low-lying fields remain"]
["moist later, and are saturated by runoff from higher ground. In browned"]
["areas, farmers look for green spots which indicate underground streams,"]
["springs or runoff. Planters look for deserted wells or active watermains"]
["with leaks. Fields high in organic matter retain moisture longer than other"]
["fields, and mulching may cut water evaporation by 50 percent."]
[]
["Watering Techniques"]
[]
["Gardeners may supply water by using a bucket, can, or water-hose. But"]
["growers with larger plots often rely on waterpumps to deliver river, lake,"]
["or well water to their gardens. Irrigation canals, drainage pipes and"]
["ditches, and water mains are sometimes convenient sources of water. The two"]
["most efficient methods of watering are the drip hose, which seeps water"]
["around the plant, and hand watering into an enclosed area around the plant's"]
["stem."]
[]
["There are several kinds of drip hoses. Some have perforations every three to"]
["six inches along their length. These are useful when marijuana is planted in"]
["rows or large hills. Another kind is actually a kit, consisting of a main"]
["feeder hose and several side hoses two to four feet long. Each side hose has"]
["a metal bulb at the end which can be adjusted to regulate water flow. The"]
["bulb lies near the plant stem. A drip bottle was invented by a grower in the"]
["dry area of Nebraska who was only growing a few plants. He punched pinholes"]
["in the bottom of several one-gallon milk jugs and placed a jug near each"]
["plant. The jugs slowly watered the garden. Every few days, he refilled the"]
["jugs from a nearby irrigation ditch. As the plants grew larger, he placed"]
["more jugs around them. The drip method moistens the soil slowly, but does"]
["not flood it; so the soil and its nutrients are not washed away. Since this"]
["method allows you to decide exactly where the water goes you need not waste"]
["any on non-productive land."]
[]
["Growers sometimes use elaborate setups, such as battery-electric, hand- or"]
["foot-powered, ram- or windmill-driven pumps. Foot-powered pumps are probably"]
["the most convenient for small plots. They are extremely lightweight (just a"]
["little heavier than a bicycle), inexpensive, easy to construct and"]
["disassemble, and virtually silent. Since you have much more power in your"]
["legs than in your arms, foot-powered pumps con do more work, and do it"]
["faster, than hand-powered pumps."]
[]
["Electric pumps are relatively quiet and pump and enormous amount for their"]
["small size. But they require a source of electricity. They cannot be used"]
["unless there is a power line available, although there are car alternators"]
["available which produce 110-volt current."]
[]
["Gasoline pumps and electric generators are heavy and noisy. Even with a"]
["muffler, they can be heard for miles in some country areas. They require a"]
["source of fuel, and often an elaborate setup, including rigid feed tubing,"]
["fuel tank, and platform. But once they are in place, the can deliver a"]
["tremendous amount of water. They are usually used by farmers growing large"]
["plots. Sometimes growers dig a hole in which they store and run the"]
["equipment. This setup helps muffle the sound and keeps the machinery in good"]
["working order."]
[]
["Ram- and windmill-powered pumps use running-water and wind energy,"]
["respectively. They come in many sizes and are often used to fill water tanks"]
["for later use. They can also be used to generate electricity to run electric"]
["pumps. They require no fuel, are usually silent, and can be constructed"]
["inexpensively."]
[]
["But some farmers have devised other methods for getting water to their"]
["plants."]
[]
["A farmer growing near Tucson, Arizona, trucks water to her plants twice a"]
["week using a pickup truck and four 55-gallon barrels. She attaches a garden"]
["hose to her tanks, and siphons the water to her garden, 200 feet downhill."]
[]
["Two foresighted farmers in Texas carried twenty 30-gallon plastic trash cans"]
["and lids to their garden. During the spring rains, they filled the"]
["containers from nearby gullies. By the end of the rainy season, the had"]
["collected enough water to carry them through the summer drought."]
[]
["A homesteader in Oregon's dry eastern section dammed a gully by using and"]
["earth stabiliser, plastic, wood and cement, and pipe. During the winter his"]
["private reservoir filled."]
[]
["Farmers near Atlanta tapped into a city water main. The pressure from the"]
["water main allowed them to pipe water uphill."]
[]
["15.4 Thinning"]
[]
["If the soil is kept moist during germination, most of the viable seeds that"]
["you planted will germinate and the seedlings will soon start to crowd each"]
["other. This happens frequently when the plants grow on their own. Then they"]
["grow into a dense hedge-like mass dominated by a few plant. The dominant"]
["plants typically have long internodes and a long sturdy stem with little"]
["branching. The shorter, bushier plants are shaded by the taller ones and"]
["become stunted from the lack of light. By thinning, you give the plants that"]
["are left enough room to grow to their full potential, and you choose the"]
["ones that you think will grow to be the best for smoking. Leave the plants"]
["that have dense foliage, are branching, and, later in the season, the ones"]
["that are the most potent."]
[]
["Thin the plants as soon as they begin to touch or crowd each other. This"]
["should be repeated as often as necessary. Seeds sown six inches apart in"]
["rows two feet wide require thinning several times during the season. But"]
["guerilla farmers sometimes let the plants compete so that the garden looks"]
["more like a wild stand."]
[]
["There are two methods used to thin: cutting the stem at the base so that the"]
["entire plant is destroyed, and cutting just the tops so that the plant's"]
["growth is thwarted, and the uncut plants shade it. The cut plants remain"]
["relatively inactive, and do not use much water or nutrients, but they do"]
["shade the ground and use otherwise wasted space."]
[]
["15.5 Staking"]
[]
["Outdoor-grown plants rarely need staking. When the stem bends from the wind"]
["or rain, tiny tears in the structure develop. These are quickly mended by"]
["the plant: it grows new cells which increase the girth of the stem and make"]
["it stronger. But plants which are suffering from nutrient deficiencies or"]
["are top-heavy because of competition may need to be staked. Heavy rain"]
["sometimes cause the plants to fall over, especially if they have shallow"]
["root systems which cannot hold the added weight."]
[]
["To stake, drive a sturdy rod six inches from the stem and deep enough into"]
["the ground to be able to give the plant support. Then tie the stem to the"]
["stake with wirer twists or string."]
[]
["If the stem or the branch is cracked, pinched, or bent at the base, its"]
["position should be corrected and held firmly with a splint. The splint can"]
["be held with masking tape. In a few days the plant grows tissue to support"]
["the damaged area."]
[]
["15.6 Pruning"]
[]
["Growers prune (clip or top) their plants to increase productivity, prevent"]
["detection, or to harvest early smoke. In the near future, new laws will"]
["decriminalise or legalise marijuana cultivation. These laws will probably"]
["limit legal cultivation either by the total gardening area or by the number"]
["of plants an individual or group may cultivate. Gardeners limited by space"]
["will maximise yield by cultivating a dense stand of tall, unclipped"]
["marijuana. Growers permitted to grow only a few plants will grow the"]
["largest, most productive plants possible. This is done by giving the plants"]
["the best possible growing conditions and a lot of space between plants to"]
["maximise light and minimise competition for water and nutrients."]
[]
["Unpruned marijuana develops in one of three classic shapes, depending on"]
["variety. Many Mexican and Thai varieties develop into a tall, narrow bush no"]
["wider then three feet and shaped like a poplar tree. Colombian, Cambodian,"]
["Indian, and some south Mexican and Vietnamese varieties are Christmas-tree"]
["shaped. Some Moroccan and Afghani varieties have complex branching and"]
["naturally grow into small, dense bushes, about five feet tall. Marijuana"]
["usually grows to its full height by early September. Most of the marijuana"]
["plants you are likely to cultivate will grow to between eight and fifteen"]
["feet tall. Some Hawaiian and Thai varieties average between twelve and"]
["twenty feet tall."]
[]
["Increasing Yield"]
[]
["When marijuana is clipped to increase the number of growing shoots, the"]
["total yield at season's end may not be increased. Provided that soil and"]
["water are not limiting to growth, each plant can reach a maximum size when"]
["given enough room. The more surface are the plant presents to light, the"]
["closer it will get to its maximum potential. Where the plants are grown with"]
["much space between them, clipped plants can yield more than unclipped"]
["plants, especially if the branches are spread out to maximise the light on"]
["the plant. When the plants are grown close together, the taller a plant is,"]
["the more sunlight it will receive, and hence the larger the possible yield."]
[]
["Some growers prefer to harvest a top stem that is thick with buds (colas)."]
["The largest colas form on the main growing shoot of unclipped plants. When"]
["the growing shoot is clipped from a plant, the new shoots and leaves grow"]
["slower and smaller than the main shoot of an unpruned plant because the"]
["capacity for growth is spread out over several shoots. When a plant is"]
["clipped early in the season, most of the difference in lead and bud size is"]
["made up by harvest time."]
[]
["Marijuana can be pruned at any time during the seedling or vegetative growth"]
["stage, but you should prune plants when they are young if you plan on"]
["harvesting growing shoots during the season. A seedling clipped anywhere"]
["from the fourth to sixth node will usually form at least six strong growing"]
["shoots that can be harvested during the third or fourth month. If these"]
["shoots are cut again while the plant is still young, marijuana often"]
["develops into a small, very compact, hedge-like bush."]
[]
["Yield can be increased by spreading the plant's branches so that more light"]
["reaches the inner growth. Cannabis stems are bent most easily when they are"]
["still green and fleshy, nearer to the new growth, but the whole plant can be"]
["bent to form a gentle arch with the top of the main stem in a horizontal"]
["position. Within a few days the side branches along the top will begin to"]
["grow vertically, competing with the main stem. They will soon develop their"]
["own horizontal side branches. To bend a plant, tie the main stem loosely"]
["with a cloth or heavy string. Tie the other end of string to a heavy weight"]
["or anchor on the ground. Don't put too much pressure on the stem as this"]
["tears some of the roots and weakens the plant. You can bend the plant a"]
["little each day until the plant is in the desired position."]
[]
["You may also increase yield by bending only the growing tip. This encourage"]
["the side branches to develop sooner than they naturally would. Only the"]
["flexible part (about the last foot) is bent. To bend the top, use stiff wire"]
["or wire twists used for plastic bags and wrapping vegetables. Fasten the"]
["other end of the wire lower in the stem to hold the tip in position. {(See"]
["Figure 49.)}"]
[]
["A common mistake that cultivators make is pulling off the large leaves on"]
["the main stem (sun or fan leaves), when the plants are young. These leaves"]
["are removed by cultivators who believe that their removal will cause the"]
["undeveloped side shoots to grow. But fan leaves are net producers of sugar"]
["and energy, which are used by the side soots to begin growth. Rather than"]
["encouraging new growth, the removal of fan leaves slows growth. The plant"]
["will also be more susceptible to attacks from pests and predators."]
[]
["When the plant is several weeks old and growing well, the difference between"]
["plants with their leaves removed and those left intact may not be large. The"]
["biggest difference can be seen when leaves are removed from branches just"]
["prior to, or during, flowering. The buds that form from leaf axils with"]
["leaves removed are noticeably smaller than those where the leaves have been"]
["left on the branch."]
[]
["Detection"]
[]
["Cannabis can be detected from both the ground and the air. From the ground,"]
["marijuana is revealed by its familiar shape, unmistakable leaves, and odour."]
["Tall plants are usually more conspicuous than shorter ones. From the air,"]
["stands may have a different colour than the surrounding vegetation,"]
["especially where natural vegetation is not as lush as marijuana. Individual"]
["plants usually have a circular profile when viewed from above; this can be"]
["altered by bending or pruning the plant. Varieties which are naturally"]
["tall-growing may need to be cut several times during the season to keep them"]
["hidden."]
[]
["Plants are sometimes cut back severely, to much as half their height when"]
["they get too tall, but this may damage the plant. A less drastic topping"]
["technique is to remove the opt foot of growth. Whenever new shoots get too"]
["tall they are clipped. But the plants should not be severely pruned late in"]
["the season when the growth rate has slowed (preflowering), because there"]
["will be fewer branches left on which buds can develop."]
[]
["If you are trying to conceal plants behind a fence or wall, start bending or"]
["pruning the plants early, at about one month of age. By starting early and"]
["continuing to prune during the vegetative growth stage, you will train the"]
["plant to branch and fill up the area. If you wait until the plants are"]
["already tall, you may have to cut the plants back severely or clip shoots"]
["continuously."]
[]
["15.7 Gardening Tips"]
[]
["Transplant Older Plants"]
[]
["A friend of ours was warned that his garden had been spotted by local"]
["authorities. Rather than cut down his four-month-old plants, he decided to"]
["transplant them. He dug the plants out, leaving a ball of soil about two"]
["feet square around the roots of each one. He wrapped each soil ball tightly"]
["in a plastic bag to transport it, and placed the plants in newly dug holes"]
["in a different spot. He kept the plants well-watered. After a few days, they"]
["recovered from transplant shock and started to grow once again."]
["Transplanting large plants is not easy to do, but it could save a crop. The"]
["marijuana root system is not very extensive when the plants are in fertile"]
["soil with plenty of water; the tap root may only be six inches long on a"]
["ten-foot plant."]
[]
["Wind Protection"]
[]
["Hemp Cannabis planted closely together has been used by farmers to form a"]
["windbreak to protect other crops. If you are growing in an especially windy"]
["area such as the Midwest, you may wish to plant a perimeter if tightly"]
["spaced Cannabis to protect your garden. Construct a rope and stick fence"]
["against the windbreak to hold the plants upright and prevent them from"]
["falling into the central garden. Simply keeping the plants clipped short is"]
["a simpler approach."]
[]
["Inducing Flowering"]
[]
["Growers may wish to induce their plants to flower early, especially in the"]
["North, where the growing season is short. Plants in containers can be moved"]
["to a dark area for 12 hours of darkness or more per day. Black sheets of"]
["polyethylene film, dark plastic bags, and large appliance cartons can be"]
["used to provide periods of uninterrupted darkness. Use the dark treatment"]
["nightly until the plants are flowering (usually after one to two weeks of"]
["long-night treatments)."]
[]
["Winter and Spring Crops"]
[]
["In southern parts of the U.S., Hawaii and parts of California, you can grow"]
["more than one crop in a season. Greenhouses that stay above freezing can"]
["also be used for year-round growing. Plants started during the winter or"]
["early spring get naturally long nights and flower early, when they are"]
["relatively small, usually no more than four feet tall. Flowering can be"]
["postponed by breaking the long nights with short periods of light. This"]
["extends the vegetative growth period, yielding older, larger plants at"]
["flowering. Start breaking the night period with artificial light when the"]
["plant is about a month old. Continue the treatment until you want the plants"]
["to flowers. (See the discussion of photoperiod in section 3.)"]
[]
["Spring crops can be trimmed of buds when mature. The plant is left in the"]
["ground, and as the daylength increases, the plant will renew vegetative"]
["growth and flower once more in the fall. Plants can also be started in"]
["November or December indoors under lights and planted outdoors in February"]
["for harvest in April or May. The plants will grow faster under lights than"]
["they would outdoors under the weak winter sun. When they are placed"]
["outdoors, the long nights will induce flowering. By April the sunlight gets"]
["much stronger, perfect for flower development. Plants placed outdoors in"]
["February adjust easily to sunlight. Even so, they should be conditioned so"]
["that they do not suffer severe burn, as described in the Transplanting"]
["section in section 14."]
[]
["Rejuvenation"]
[]
["Plants grown in areas where the weather is mild can survive winter when"]
["there are no heavy freezes. During the winter the plants will grow very"]
["slowly, but as soon as the weather warms, and the light gets more intense,"]
["the plants respond. This technique can also be used to obtain a second"]
["growth crop during Indian summers. The second growth is not as vigorous as"]
["the original, but is does increase the total harvest."]
[]
["To prepare plants for rejuvenation, leave three or four pairs of lowers"]
["branches with leaves on the plant when you harvest. The leaves need not be"]
["large, but they must be green. Water and fertilise the plants. Within a few"]
["days the plants will show new growth."]
[]
["The authors observed an outdoor container composed entirely of plants which"]
["survived a mild San Francisco Bay Area winter. These developed healthy"]
["second growth the following summer and flowered again in the fall. Some"]
["growers in Hawaii claim that their plants are three years old and that the"]
["plants have yielded as many as six crops of buds. Perennial marijuana plants"]
["also grow in Jamaica and Thailand."]
[]
["Water Deprivation"]
[]
["Many cultivators begin to limit the amount of water their plants receive as"]
["soon as the flowers start to appear. Other growers give their plants as"]
["little water as possible after the middle of the plant's life. The plants"]
["are given small amounts of water only when they begin to wilt. (See section"]
["9 on the reasons for stressing the plants.)"]
[]
["Under water stress many of the leaves may die and fall from the plant."]
["Sometimes the plants appear \"burned,\" and turn brown or gold. At harvest,"]
["water-stressed plants may only have buds left on them and these may have the"]
["colour, resin, and harshness typical of Colombian grass. These plants yield"]
["less grass at season's end. Not only are they smaller overall, but many of"]
["the leaves will have fallen away."]
[]
["Water stress can be difficult to control in areas with heavy summer rain."]
["Water-stressed plants often make up for their smaller size by a raped burst"]
["of growth after a heavy rain. One method of control is to cover the ground"]
["with plastic sheets when it rains so that most of the water runs off."]
[]
["Tacks and Nails"]
[]
["Some growers hammer nails or tacks into the stems of plants several weeks"]
["before harvest. Many growers use long thick nails; others prefer to use"]
["several half-inch-long tacks. The nails are usually placed at the base of"]
["the stem. This is supposed to \"increase potency.\" {Figure 72. Wilted plant."]
["Unless watered it will die.}"]
[]
["Stem Splitting"]
[]
["This is a popular way to stress used by cultivators in the United States."]
["The stem is split (not cut) at the base to from a space through the stem."]
["Growers place a rock, small piece of wood, an old Cannabis stem, or piece of"]
["opium (in Africa) in the split. Sometimes the wound is bound with cloth or"]
["plastic. We don't recommend this procedure, and advise you to be careful not"]
["to kill the plants and ruin the harvest."]
[]
["Varieties"]
[]
["Outdoor growers are well-advised to plant several varieties of marijuana,"]
["because some varieties adapt to their new environment better than others."]
["Also, each variety (and to small extent, each plant) has its own bouquet. By"]
["planting several varieties, cultivators assure themselves a varied selection"]
["of smoking material."]
[]
["In areas with short growing seasons, many tropical varieties do not have a"]
["chance to flower. But immature material from these varieties may be more"]
["potent than mature flowers of a plant grown from seed of lower-quality"]
["grass. For instance, compare a flowering Mexican with a Colombian that"]
["doesn't. The Colombian may be better because the difference in varieties is"]
["so great. On the other hand, the Mexican may be better because it is"]
["flowering and has reached its full potential."]
[]
["Intercropping"]
[]
["It is well-known that certain plants may be antagonistic to other species of"]
["plants, and that there are also beneficial relationships between species."]
["Cannabis is known not to grow well among spinach 222. Although tomatoes and"]
["tobacco have been recommended as crops to avoid when growing marijuana,"]
["because of pests and diseases that these plants may harbor 67, marijuana"]
["grows very well in healthy tomato patches. Growers have also commented on"]
["how well marijuana grows when planted with corn, sugarcane, and beets."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 16"]
["INSECTS AND OTHER PESTS"]
[]
["Outdoors, where it functions as part of an ecological system, marijuana is"]
["less susceptible to insect attacks than it is indoors. In an outdoor"]
["environment, insects are subject to the vagaries of the weather, food"]
["supply, and predators. And marijuana grows so fast that insects usually do"]
["little damage. Plants, plant eaters, and predators usually maintain an"]
["equilibrium which minimises damage. But this balance is disturbed by tilling"]
["and gardening, and may take a while to re-establish itself."]
[]
["The soil surrounding your plants may be teeming with insects, and it would"]
["be unnatural not to see some on your plants. Most insects do not eat"]
["marijuana. The few that do are the food which helps to keep a small"]
["population of their predators alive. Insects in the garden need to be"]
["controlled only when there is a real threat of damage."]
[]
["Marijuana is most vulnerable in its early stages. After the plant increases"]
["production of the cannabinoids and resins at the eighth or ninth week, most"]
["insects are repelled. When the plants are small, an occasional munch affects"]
["a relatively larger part of the plant. That same bite affects a relatively"]
["smaller part when the plant is larger."]
[]
["The insects that infect marijuana indoors - aphids, mealy bugs, mites, and"]
["whiteflies - do best in humid conditions with constantly warm temperatures."]
["Outdoors they rarely inflict much damage on marijuana. The pests that are"]
["most likely to damage marijuana are leafhoppers, treehoppers, cucumber"]
["beetles, thrips, flea beetles, several kinds of caterpillars, snails, and"]
["slugs. The younger the plants are, the more susceptible they are to attack."]
["Your prime goal is to protect the plants during the first two vulnerable"]
["months. You need to keep the pest population low, so that the damage is"]
["relatively light. The pests don't have to be eliminated, only kept under"]
["control."]
[]
["There are many ways to keep pests from damaging your crops. These fall into"]
["one or more of several categories: biological control; capture traps and"]
["barriers; home remedies; and chemical insecticides."]
[]
["16.2 Biological Control"]
[]
["The theory behind biological controls is that methods for control of pests"]
["can be found within nature. These methods are safer to humans and less"]
["damaging to the environment than commercial insecticides. Gardeners have"]
["many forms of biological control at their disposal, including companion"]
["planting, use of predators, and sprays made from plant extracts or ground-up"]
["insects."]
[]
["Companion Planting"]
[]
["Some plants, including marijuana in its later stages, produce resins or"]
["essences which repel or kill plant pests. Some of them are general"]
["repellents that affect a broad range of plant pests; others affect specific"]
["species. Generally, the heavily scented plants, such as spices, mints, and"]
["other herbs, are most likely to have these qualities."]
[]
["Some of the more familiar plants used to protect gardens are the Alliums, or"]
["onion family, with garlic, chives, green onions, and other oniony-type"]
["plants as members. This group repels a broad range of plant pests such as"]
["aphids, spider mites, flea beetles, potato bugs, bean beetles, and many"]
["other insects, as well as rabbits and some deer. They are easily planted"]
["around the garden or between the marijuana plants. Just plant onion bulbs or"]
["the cloves from a garlic bulb so that the top of the bulb is about one inch"]
["deep. One garlic bulb yields quite a few cloves; so a large garden requires"]
["only a few bulbs."]
[]
["Geraniums are reputed to repel leafhoppers and many kinds of beetles. These"]
["plants prefer a dry soil, thrive in full light, and usually grow two feet"]
["tall. Geraniums should be interspersed with the marijuana, or potted"]
["geraniums can be set out if problems develop. Tansy (Tanaetum vulgare) is a"]
["tall, fragrant, woody perennial which grows five feet tall. It protects"]
["against cut-worms, beetles, cucumber beetles, and other eaters and borers."]
[]
["Mints repel many insects and are sometimes used as mouse repellents. They"]
["are especially useful for the control of the flea beetle. They thrive in"]
["semi-shaded areas with rich soil."]
[]
["Marigolds can be planted to eliminate nematodes. They are fast-growing"]
["annual plants which flower profusely. They come in many varieties, ranging"]
["in height from six to 30 inches. They grow in a wide range of soils and do"]
["best in the sun. The scented varieties - usually nonhybrids - offer the most"]
["protection."]
[]
["All companion plants must be planted close to the plants to be protected,"]
["since their repellent qualities spread only a short distance beyond their"]
["circumference. They are effective when they are planted before the damage is"]
["apparent, and offer long-tern protection. They are used when a pest is"]
["expected. For instance, growers in the San Francisco Bay Area expect rose"]
["leafhoppers to attack their plants. Since geraniums grow in the area as"]
["perennial plants, some growers plant them permanently in the garden. As the"]
["geraniums develop into small bushes, the hoppers leave, never to return."]
[]
["Predators"]
[]
["Many of the insects in your garden are called beneficials, because they"]
["perform a useful service in the garden. Some of them eat decaying matter;"]
["others help in the pollination process; and some pry on insects which damage"]
["crops. Almost everyone is familiar with the ladybug, which eats aphids and"]
["insect eggs and has a voracious appetite. They are available commercially by"]
["the pint. The praying mantis eats slow-moving insects. When it first"]
["hatches, it starts out on aphids and mites. But as it grows larger, it eats"]
["bigger insects and worms. Mantis-egg cases are foam-like, straw-coloured"]
["masses which contain 100 to 300 eggs. These cases are sold commercially but"]
["can also be found in the late fall in bushy areas. Another insect which is"]
["sold commercially as a plant protector is the green or brown lacewing. It"]
["has golden eyes, looks fragile, and flies erratically. But in their larval"]
["state, lacewings eat thrips, mites, caterpillar eggs, scale, leafhopper"]
["nymphs, aphids, and mealybugs. The trichogamma wasp is an egg parasite which"]
["lays its eggs in the eggs of over 200 species of insects, including many"]
["moths and butterflies which hatch into worm pests. Cryptolaemus is used to"]
["destroy mealybugs. Adults are released when mealybugs appear in the spring."]
["They seek out the mealybug colonies and lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch"]
["the larvae wander around the infested area and eat the young mealybugs."]
[]
["The use of commercially bred or gathered predators is most feasible in large"]
["gardens or fields. The insects may not have much effect on small gardens,"]
["since they wander off to find food and may never return. Try to buy from"]
["manufacturers who intentionally do not feed their product before shipping."]
["Hungry predators are more likely to stay and eat the pests."]
[]
["Insects are just one groups of predators. Birds such as purple martins,"]
["robins, blue jays, chickadees, and even starlings and English sparrows eat"]
["large quantities of insects and other small pests. They can be attracted to"]
["the garden by placing a feeder, bird houses, and water in the area. When"]
["plants get larger, some gardeners let chickens, ducks, or geese run through"]
["the garden. In a short time, they pick it clean of pests and weeds. Reptiles"]
["and amphibians, including frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, and turtles, all"]
["eat garden pests and should be encouraged to make a home in the garden."]
[]
["Homemade Repellents and Insecticides"]
[]
["Another way to control garden pests is to make sprays from plants which"]
["repel insects by using a juicer or blender or by baking a tea. Ingredients"]
["can be found in most kitchens. Chile pepper, garlic, coffee, horseradish,"]
["radish, geranium, and tobacco are the usual mainstays of herbal sprays,"]
["although most strong-smelling herbs and spices have some repellent"]
["qualities. Many gardeners experiment to see what works in their garden. For"]
["instance, if an insect which bother marijuana stays clear of a nearby weed,"]
["a tea or blended spray made form that plant may control the pest. But try it"]
["on only one plant (or part of a plant) first, because the spray may also be"]
["harmful to the marijuana."]
[]
["Garlic is probably the most popular ingredient for general-purpose sprays"]
["made from kitchen ingredients. A typical formula is to soak three ounces of"]
["chopped or minced garlic in a covered container of mineral oil for a day."]
["Then, slowly add a pint of lukewarm water in which a quarter ounce of real"]
["soap (Ivory will do) has been dissolved. Stir and let stand several hours,"]
["than strain. Use as a concentrate, adding between 20 to 100 parts water to"]
["one part concentrate."]
[]
["Other recipes call for boiling the garlic or for grinding or juicing it."]
["Some brewers add other spices to the basic formula. One recipe calls for one"]
["clove garlic, three cayenne peppers, one onion, a quarts ounce of soap, and"]
["sufficient water to blend. Let it sit for three or four days before using,"]
["and use one part concentrate to 20 parts water. Homemade tobacco teas are"]
["sometimes used as insect sprays. Use one cigarette in a quart of water. Let"]
["it brew 24 hours before using."]
[]
["Snails and slugs are attracted by yeast solutions, which are easily prepared"]
["from cooking yeast, sugar, and water. This is also why gardeners have"]
["success trapping these leaf munchers in bowls of stale beer. Place"]
["deep-sided containers at the soil level. The pests slide in and drown."]
[]
["Gardeners should not overlook handpicking as a viable method of pest"]
["control. The foot or a quick thumb and forefinger can eliminate large"]
["numbers of pests and can keep a small garden pest-free. Collect the bugs and"]
["drop them in a tin can with some alcohol to kill them. Early morning is the"]
["best time to collect pests, since they are slower-moving until the sun warms"]
["them."]
[]
["Snails, slugs, earwigs, and some other insects gather in cool, moist areas"]
["during the heat of the day. By providing just such a space in a garden, many"]
["of these pests can be located and destroyed. Place pieces of cardboard or"]
["boards around the garden; look under them each day."]
[]
["Home Remedies"]
[]
["Gardeners and farmers have discovered and invented ingenious ways to control"]
["insects without harming the environment. Some of the more popular ones are"]
["listed here, but there are many more, each suited to a particular situation."]
[]
["Soap and water is an effective control measure for mealybugs, mites,"]
["leafhoppers (nymph stage), leaf miners, and aphids. Simply wash the plants"]
["thoroughly with a solution of two tablespoons of soap dissolved in a gallon"]
["of water. Rinse the soap off thoroughly. (Some growers feel that the"]
["addition of kerosene or alcohol makes the solution more effective, but these"]
["can harm the plants and dissolve THC.) This treatment does not eliminate all"]
["of the pests, and may need to be repeated weekly, but it does keep them"]
["under control."]
[]
["Sprays are sometimes made from healthy insects, which are caught, ground up,"]
["and then sprayed back onto the plants. When the pests come in contact with"]
["the spray, they become infected with the pathogen and get sick. This method"]
["is very effective, and is considered safe, but it is not easy to capture"]
["sick insects. A variation in this technique was described in the October"]
["1976 Organic Gardening and Farming Magazine, in which a spray was made from"]
["healthy insects. In a followup article in the May 1977 issue, the authors"]
["theorised that any population of insects contains pathogens. If enough"]
["insects are collected, some of them are sure to be sick, and they contain"]
["enough germs to spread the disease. To make an insect spray, capture about a"]
["hundred pests. (Make sure not to include any beneficial insects or the spray"]
["may also work against them.) Using a blender, mix them with a cup of spring"]
["water, strain, and dilute with enough water to spray your garden."]
[]
["Whenever making or storing sprays, use a glass container. Metal or plastic"]
["ones may react with the chemicals that the liquids contain."]
[]
["Another home remedy for the control of mites and aphids is a mixture"]
["consisting of a half cup of milk in four cups of wheat flour, added to five"]
["gallons of water. When it is sprayed on the undersides of the leaves, it"]
["suffocates the insects and then flakes off as it dries."]
[]
["Some growers use mulches to control insects. Cedar chips repel beetles,"]
["moths, mites, and mealybugs. Aluminium foil is used for aphid and thrip"]
["control on small plants; the reflected light disorients them and they do not"]
["land on the plants. A sprinkling of cream of tartar eliminates ants, and"]
["boric acid kills roaches. Sulfur powders, available at nurseries, are used"]
["to control mites and fungus infections."]
[]
["Organic Insecticides"]
[]
["Pyrethrum, rotenone, and ryania are effective insecticides which come as"]
["powders (dusts) or sprays. They are concentrated form of naturally occurring"]
["plant substances, and are considered harmless to warm-blooded animals when"]
["used as directed."]
[]
["Ryania, which is found in the roots of a tropical shrub, is most effective"]
["against chewing insects, worms, and larvae, which it incapacitates, rather"]
["than kills."]
[]
["Rotenone is a general-purpose insecticide with little residual effect; that"]
["is, it breaks down soon after application, and is therefore one of the"]
["safest insecticides. Two or three dustings during the seedling stages afford"]
["protection against most insects and bugs."]
[]
["Pyrethrum is one of the most powerful natural insecticides, and is effective"]
["against a wide range of pests. It is also relatively nontoxic to bees and"]
["ladybugs. Pyrethrums are found in the pyrethrum plant as well as in"]
["chrysanthemums. They are non-persistent, and in small doses may make the"]
["insects sick without killing them. These insecticides are available at many"]
["nurseries and may provide the surest, easiest form of protection against"]
["serious insect attack."]
[]
["Barriers and Traps"]
[]
["In gardens and small farms, insects and other pests are sometimes controlled"]
["by the use of traps and barriers that prevent them from reaching the"]
["marijuana. When the plant are young, they can be protected from cutworms,"]
["caterpillars, snails, and slugs by a collar that is buried an inch into the"]
["ground and is six inches high. Some growers face it with aluminium foil,"]
["which many insects seem to dislike. One ingenious grower painted collars"]
["with molasses to capture the crawlers. She also caught a significant number"]
["of leafhoppers. Commercial stickums such as Tanglefoot can also be used to"]
["trap insects."]
[]
["Snails, slugs, and some crawling insects are repelled by a border perimeter"]
["of lime, potash (wood ash), sulfur, sharp sand, or cinders. Place a thin"]
["layer, six inches wide, around the perimeter of the garden, or around each"]
["plant. Flea beetles and some other flying insects are repelled by wood ashes"]
["dusted on the leaves. The powders are water-soluble; so they should be"]
["replaced after a heavy rain. Crawling pests sometimes have a hard time"]
["reaching plants grown in containers or raised beds."]
[]
["Flying insects, such as leaf and treehoppers, can be prevented from getting"]
["to plants by barriers made from cheesecloth. Other growers place cardboard"]
["sticky with glue between plants, and then shake the plants. The cardboard"]
["catches a good proportion of them. One innovative grower in Palo Alto,"]
["California, placed a furniture crate, with the top cut off and with"]
["Tanglefoot spread on the inside, around each of his six plants. He said that"]
["by shaking the plants, he eliminated leafhoppers in four days."]
[]
["16.3 Chemical Insecticides"]
[]
["Insecticides were developed as an easy way to control pests. They have an"]
["immediate dramatic effect, but the long-range damage that they do to the"]
["entire ecological system is sometimes overlooked. The chlorinated"]
["hydrocarbons, such as DDT, DDC, Aldrin, Kelthane, and Dieldrin, were the"]
["most dangerous commercial insecticides. They affect warm-blooded animals and"]
["are no longer available. (In no case should any of these by used.)"]
[]
["Diazinon, Sevin, and Malathion are three insecticides which are often soil"]
["in nurseries to protect vegetable crops. They are considered safe for"]
["warm-blooded animals and have a limited residual effect, since they break"]
["down in a few days. But these insecticides are not too selective and may"]
["kill beneficials as well as pests. Sevin is the most toxic and kills the"]
["widest range of insects, including bees."]
[]
["These chemicals come as sprays, powders, and baits, formulated for specific"]
["pests. They should be used only when an intolerable situation has developed."]
["Plants should be harvested only after the required safety period has passed"]
["since application. This period is from two to 35 days, and is specifically"]
["listed on all insecticides that can be safely used. Insecticides should be"]
["used and handled carefully, following instructions, wearing protective"]
["clothing, with no children or pets around. It is advisable to use a mask"]
["when applying dusts and to work upwind."]
[]
["16.4 Common Pests"]
[]
["Cucumber Beetles"]
[]
["Cucumber beetles are about a quarter-inch long and look a lot like ladybugs."]
["There are several species of cucumber beetles. The striped beetle is found"]
["east of the Rocky Mountains. It is yellow, has two or three black stripes"]
["running down its back, and has a black head. The spotted cucumber beetle has"]
["a yellow-green back with 11 or 12 black spots and a black head. There are"]
["related species, such as the banded cucumber beetle, throughout the United"]
["States. The larvae of all varieties are white, turning brownish at the ends,"]
["slender, about one-third inch long."]
[]
["Cucumber beetles do the most damage in the early spring, when the adults"]
["come out of hibernation and begin to eat the new growth and leaves. These"]
["leaf-eating adults damage young marijuana, especially when there is a"]
["scarcity of other food. They also transmit bacterial diseases and viruses to"]
["the plants. Within a few weeks after they come out of hibernation, they lay"]
["their eggs at the base of plant roots. The larvae of the striped cucumber"]
["beetle feed only on melon- and cucumber-type plant roots. The spotted-beetle"]
["larvae are fond of corn, and are known as the \"Southern cornroot worm\" in"]
["some places."]
[]
["The best way to prevent cucumber-beetle attacks is to keep the areas that"]
["you plant isolated from corn and melon plantings. Heavy mulching or tilling"]
["destroys the pests when they are hibernating. Late plantings minimise damage"]
["inflicted by cucumber beetles."]
[]
["Cucumber beetles can be controlled by use of Rotenone or Malathion. Dust"]
["several times during seedling growth. These beetles are also prey to many"]
["insects, including the common garden soldier beetle, predator flies, wasps,"]
["and nematodes. Hand picking is also an effective control for cucumber"]
["beetles."]
[]
["Thrips"]
[]
["Thrips are slender, yellow or brownish, winged insects about 1/25 inch long."]
["They have fragile wings which keep them aloft while they are blown by the"]
["wind. Thrips have a cone-shaped mouthpart, which they use to cut stems in"]
["order to suck plant juices. The larvae look like adults, but are smaller and"]
["wingless. Most thrips feed on a range of plants, especially onion and other"]
["bulbs, and marijuana is at most a marginal part of their diet. A"]
["well-cultivated marijuana plant can outgrow and damage that thrips are"]
["likely to inflict."]
[]
["Thrips hibernate in plant debris during the winter and begin sucking in"]
["early spring. They lay eggs during warm weather, and can produce a new"]
["generation every two weeks. Since thrips eat a varied diet, keeping the"]
["garden area clear of weeds is an effective control. Thrips can also be"]
["controlled by turning debris under, so that their nesting sites are"]
["destroyed."]
[]
["Thrips can be controlled by use of tobacco sprays. Rotenone, or Malathion."]
["Aluminium-foil mulches are effective thrip repellents. The light reflected"]
["from the foil confuses their sense of direction."]
[]
["Flea Beetles"]
[]
["There are many species of flea beetles. The adults range in size between"]
["one-twentieth and one-fifth of an inch, and are usually black or metallic"]
["green or blue. They are called flea beetles because they use their enlarged"]
["hind legs to jump like fleas when disturbed. Many flea beetles are"]
["host-specific, and probably only a few species munch on marijuana."]
[]
["Flea beetles hibernate in plant debris. By ploughing the debris under, their"]
["hibernation places are eliminated, and there should be few pests the"]
["following spring. Flea beetles are repelled by a mixture of equal parts of"]
["wood ashes and limestone sprinkled on foliage every few days. Containers of"]
["the mixture may also by placed around the plants. Garlic sprays also repel"]
["flea beetles. The chemical poisons used specifically for flea beetles are"]
["stomach poisons, which break down slowly and may not be safe to inhale. Home"]
["remedies are best for flea beetles."]
[]
["16.5 Vertebrate Pests"]
[]
["Mammals Until it develops a hard fibrous main stem, usually at about two"]
["months, the young marijuana plant attracts rodents, including mice, rabbits,"]
["moles, squirrels, groundhogs, and rats, as well as raccoons. Cats are"]
["probably the best means of rodent control. They stalk small prey, go after"]
["any movement, and are active at night, when most of these animals forage."]
["Young plants are often protected from rodents by placing a coffee can with"]
["top and bottom removed around each plant. When the plants get bigger, they"]
["can be protected from rabbits and other animals with a wire fence three feet"]
["in height. A double layer of one-inch chicken wire is most effective. But"]
["many animals can climb or burrow; so more ingenious methods are needed to"]
["protect the plants. Rodents, especially moles, are repulsed by castor beans"]
["and castor oil. A formula that gardeners sometimes use is two parts castor"]
["oil, one part detergent, mixed to a consistency of shaving cream in a"]
["blender. Use a tablespoon of concentrate per gallon of water. Spray or mist"]
["the solution on the plants."]
[]
["Rabbits shy away from blood, bloodmeal, and tankage. To use, sprinkle the"]
["powder around the perimeter of the plot in a band about a foot wide. They"]
["can also be mixed into a concentrated solution and applied as a spray."]
["However, the small of blood may attract mongoose or other predators, which"]
["dig up the garden in search of flesh. Noise from radios, chimes, and bells"]
["deter some animals, and human smalls such as hair and urine may also deter"]
["some animals. In dry areas, a half-filled bucket of water is an effective"]
["rodent trap. The animals fall in and drown."]
[]
["Deer seem to go out of their way to munch on tender marijuana leaves, but"]
["generally don't bother marijuana after it has grown for a few months."]
["Gardeners and farmers use many ingenious techniques to keep them away from"]
["crops. Sturdy fences are the best deterrent. The fences should be about 10"]
["feet high: the bottom five feet should be made up of single strands of wire"]
["string at two-foot intervals. The wire strands prevent deer from jumping the"]
["fence. Some growers use fresh blood, dried blood, or bloodmeal to deter"]
["them, placing it in either powder or liquid form around the perimeter of the"]
["garden. Other growers claim that human hair, or manure from predators such"]
["as wolves, bears, lions, and even dogs, keeps them out. Lion urine (glans"]
["extract) is available commercially, and is said to be an effective deterrent"]
["against many animals. {Figure 73. Tin cans protect against cutworms and many"]
["other plant eaters.}"]
[]
["{Figure 74.  Fat rat munching marijuana.}"]
["{Figure 75.  Problem solved; or, never underestimate the power of a peanut."]
["{Rat caught in mouse trap.}}"]
[]
["Birds"]
[]
["On the whole, birds are beneficial, rather than harmful, in the garden. Most"]
["of the common species, including English sparrows, robins, swallows, wrens,"]
["finches, bluejays, bluebirds, and starlings, eat insects and other garden"]
["pests as a substantial portion of their diet. The only time that birds may"]
["be harmful is during planting, when they sometimes feed on the planted seed."]
["The main culprits seem to be starlings, sparrows, and crows. They can be"]
["kept off the planted areas physically, by means of plastic netting or"]
["fencing, which is sold commercially for the purpose, or by using scarecrows,"]
["aluminium strips, or noise makers. Once the plants have germinated, birds"]
["are no longer a threat and should be encouraged to nest in the area, since"]
["they are an ideal biological control for plant pests."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 17"]
["GENETICS AND SEX IN CANNABIS"]
[]
["Sex is an inherited trait in Cannabis, and can be explained in much the same"]
["terms as human sexuality can. Like a human being, Cannabis is a diploid"]
["organism: its chromosomes come in pairs. Chromosomes are microscopic"]
["structures within the cells on which the genes are aligned. Cannabis has 10"]
["pairs of chromosomes (n=10), for a total of 20 chromosomes (2m=20)."]
[]
["One pair of chromosomes carries the primary genes that determine sex. These"]
["chromosomes are labelled either X or Y. Male plants have an XY pair of sex"]
["chromosomes. Females have XX. Each parent contribute one set of 10"]
["chromosomes, which includes one sex chromosome, to the embryo. The sex"]
["chromosome carried by the female ovule can only be X. The one carried by"]
["pollen of the male plant may be either X or Y. From the pollen, the embryo"]
["has a 50/50 chance of receiving an X, likewise for Y; hance, male and female"]
["progeny appear in equal numbers (in humans, the sperm carries either an X or"]
["a Y chromosome.)"]
[]
["17.2 Flowering"]
[]
["Male Plant"]
[]
["Under natural light, males usually start to flower from one to four weeks"]
["before the females. Where the photoperiod is artificially controlled, as"]
["with electric lights, males respond quickly (in about a week) to a change to"]
["short photoperiods and usually show flowers sooner than the females."]
[]
["Male flowers develop quickly, in about one to two weeks on a vigorous plant,"]
["not uniformly. Scattered flowers may open a week or more before and after"]
["the general flowering, extending the flowering stage to about four weeks."]
[]
["The flowering stage continues to demonstrate the male's tall, relatively"]
["sparse growth. Most of the flowers develop near the top of the plant, well"]
["above the shorter females. The immature flower buds first appear at the tips"]
["of the main stem and branches. Then tiny branches sprout from the leaf"]
["axils, bearing smaller clusters of flowers. The immature male flowers are"]
["closed, usually green, and develop in tight clusters of knob-like buds. The"]
["main parts of the male flowers are five petal-like sepals which enclose the"]
["sexual organs. As each flower matures, the sepals open in a radiating"]
["pattern to reveal five pendulous anthers (stamens)."]
[]
["Inside the ovoid, sac-shaped anthers, pollen grains develop. Initially,"]
["pollen sifts through two pores near the top of the anther; then, starting"]
["from the pores, longitudinal slits slowly open (zipperlike) over the course"]
["of a day, releasing pollen to the wind. Once a flower sheds pollen, it"]
["shortly dies and falls from the plant. Normally, male plants begin to die"]
["one to two weeks after the bulk of their flowers have shed pollen. Healthy"]
["males may continue to flower for several more weeks, but secondary growth"]
["seldom has the vigour of initial bloom."]
[]
["Female Plant"]
[]
["The female plant generally starts to flower later than the male, under"]
["either natural light or an artificially controlled photoperiod. Female"]
["marijuana plants flower when the average daily photoperiod is less then"]
["about 12 to 13 hours. However, some varieties and individuals may flower"]
["with a photoperiod of over 14 hours. Some Colombian varieties may not"]
["respond until the photoperiod falls below 12 hours for a period of up to"]
["three weeks."]
[]
["The duration of flowering also depends on the particular rhythm of the"]
["variety, as well as growing conditions, and whether or not the plant is"]
["pollinated. Within these variables, females maintain vigorous growth and"]
["continue to rapidly form flowers for a period that ranges from 10 days to"]
["about eight weeks."]
[]
["Females generally do not grow much taller during flowering. Growth"]
["emphasises a \"filling out,\" as flower clusters develop from each leaf axil"]
["and growing tip. Normally, the flowers arise in pairs, but the pairs form"]
["tight cluster of 10 to over 100 individual flowers that are interspersed"]
["with small leaves. These clusters are the \"buds\" of commercial marijuana."]
["Along the top of the main stem and vigorous branches, \"buds\" may form so"]
["thickly that the last foot or more of stem is completely covered. Usually"]
["the leaves that accompany the flowers tend toward simpler structure, until"]
["each leaf has one to three blades. {Figure 76. Female in full bloom.}"]
[]
["The visible parts of the female flower are two upraised stigmas, one-quarter"]
["to one-half inch long, usually white or cream, sometimes tinged with red,"]
["that protrude from a tiny, green, pod-shaped structure called the floral"]
["bract. This consists of modified leaves (bracts and bracteoles) which"]
["envelop the ovule or potential seed. The mature bract is a tiny structure,"]
["about 1/8 inch across and 1/4 inch long. When fertilised, a single seed"]
["begins to develop within the bract, which then swells until it is split by"]
["the mature seed."]
[]
["Bracts are covered more densely with large resin glands than is any other"]
["part of the plant, and are the most potent part of the harvest. Resin glands"]
["may also be seen on the small leaves that are interspersed among the"]
["flowers."]
[]
["The differences between male and female Cannabis become more apparent as the"]
["plants mature. The same can be said of the differences between varieties."]
["Often, two varieties may appear to be similar, until they actually flowers"]
["and fill out to different forms. These appear in many ways: some varieties"]
["maintain opposite phyllotaxy with long internodes throughout flowering; bud"]
["sizes vary from about one-half inch to about three inches, with a norm of"]
["about one to two inches; buds may be tightly arranged along the stem,"]
["yielding a \"cola\" two feet long and four inches thick; and some varieties"]
["only form buds along their main stem and branch tips, with a few \"buds\""]
["forming along the branches."]
[]
["{Figure 77.  Upper left: Buds form thickly into colas along the top of"]
["the main stem and branches (full bloom).  Upper right: A cola about two"]
["feet long.  Lower left: A huge leafy cola.  Lower right: Long, slim buds"]
["form late in the year when light is weak.  (these four colas are from"]
["Mexican plants.}"]
[]
["When a female is well-pollinated, growth slows and the plant's energy goes"]
["into forming seeds and thus into the continuation of the species. Some"]
["plants (but only the more vigorous ones) will renew flowering even when"]
["pollinated. Females that are not well-pollinated continue to form flowers"]
["rapidly. This extends the normal flowering period, of 10 days to four weeks,"]
["up to eight weeks or more."]
[]
["Individual flowers are pollinated by individual pollen grains. In a matter"]
["of minutes from its landing on a stigma, the pollen grain begins to grow a"]
["microscopic tube, which penetrates the stigma and reaches the awaiting ovule"]
["wrapped within the bracts. The pollen tube is a passageway for the male's"]
["genetic contributions to the formation of the embryo (seed)."]
[]
["The union of the male and female complements of genes completes"]
["fertilisation and initiates seed formation. The stigmas, having served their"]
["purpose, shrivel and die, turning rust or brown colour. On a vigorous"]
["female, the seeds reach maturity in about 10 days. When growing conditions"]
["are poor, the seed may take five weeks to ripen to full size and colour."]
["Naturally, all the flowers do not form, nor are they pollinated at the same"]
["time - and there will be seeds that reach maturity weeks before others do."]
["Although each flower must be individually fertilised to produce a seed, a"]
["single male plant can release many millions of pollen grains. A large female"]
["plant can produce over 10,000 seeds."]
[]
["17.3 Sexual Variants in Cannabis"]
[]
["Cannabis has been studied for many years because of its unusual sexuality."]
["Besides the normal dioecious pattern, where each plant bears exclusively"]
["male or female flowers, it is not uncommon for some plants to have both male"]
["and female flowers. These are called hermaphrodites, or monoecious plants,"]
["or intersexes. Hermaphroditic plants form normal flowers of both sexes in a"]
["wide variety of arrangements, in both random and uniform distributions."]
[]
["Natural Hermaphrodites"]
[]
["Some hermaphrodites seem to be genetically determined (protogenous). That"]
["is, they naturally form flowers of both sexes given normal growing"]
["conditions. Possibly genes carried on the autosomes (the chromosomes other"]
["than the sex chromosomes) modify the normal sexual expression. Monoecious"]
["varieties have been developed by hemp breeders in order to ensure uniform"]
["harvests."]
[]
["It is also possible that these particular are polyploid, which means they"]
["have more than the usual two sets of chromosomes. This kind of hermaphrodite"]
["may have XXY (triploid), or XXYY or XXXY (tetraploid) sex chromosomes."]
["However, no naturally occurring polyploids have ever been verified (by"]
["observation of the chromosomes) in any population of Cannabis. Polyploids"]
["have been induced in Cannabis by using mutagens, such as the alkaloid"]
["colchicine."]
[]
["Whatever then genetic explanation may be, one or more of these natural"]
["hermaphrodites may randomly appear in any garden. They are sometimes"]
["faster-maturing, have larger leaves, and are larger in overall size than"]
["their unisexual siblings. They usually form flowers of both sexes uniformly"]
["in time and distribution, and in some unusual patterns. For example, from"]
["Mexican seed, we have seen a plant on which separate flowering cluster"]
["consisted of both female and male flowers: and upper section of female"]
["flowers had upraised stigmas, and a lower section of male flowers dangled"]
["beneath the female flowers. In other plants from Mexican seed, the growing"]
["tips throughout the plant have female flowers; male flowers sprout from the"]
["leaf axils along the main stem and branches. Plants from \"Thai\" seed"]
["sometimes form male and female flowers on separate branches. Branches with"]
["female flowers tend to predominate, but branches having mostly male flowers"]
["are located throughout the plant."]
[]
["Abnormal Flowers, Intersexes, Reversals"]
[]
["Gender is set in the new plant at the time of fertilisation by its"]
["inheritance of either the X or the Y chromosome from the male (staminate)"]
["plant. With germination of the seed, the environment comes into play."]
["Heritage sets the genetic program, but the environment can influence how the"]
["program runs. (Sexual expression in Cannabis is delicately balanced between"]
["the two.) The photoperiod, for example, controls the plant's sequence of"]
["development. Also, the plant's metabolism and life processes are dependent"]
["on growing conditions. When the environment does not allow a balance to be"]
["maintained, the normal genetic program may not be followed. This is mirrored"]
["by abnormal growth or sexual expression."]
[]
["{Figure 78. Upper left: Abnormal flowers.  Lower left: Male flowers on a"]
["female plant.  Upper right: Sexes on separate branches.  Lower right: Male"]
["flower in female bud (reversing).}"]
[]
["Abnormal Flowers"]
[]
["Abnormal sexual expression includes a whole range of possibilities."]
["Individual flowers may form abnormally, and may contain varying degrees of"]
["both male and female flower parts. For instance, a male flower may bear a"]
["stigma; or an anther may protrude from the bracts of a female flower."]
["Abnormally formed flowers are not often seen on healthy plants, although if"]
["one looks hard enough, a few may be found in most crops. When many of the"]
["flowers are abnormal, an improper photoperiod (coupled with poor health) is"]
["the most likely cause. Abnormal flowers sometimes form on marijuana grown"]
["out of season, such as with winter or spring crops grown under natural"]
["light."]
[]
["Intersexes and Reversals Much more common than abnormally formed flowers is"]
["for the plant's sex to be confused. One may find an isolated male flower or"]
["two; or there may be many clusters of male flowers on an otherwise female"]
["plant, or vice versa. These plants are called intersexes (also"]
["hermaphrodites or monoecious plants). Intersexes due to environment causes"]
["differ from natural hermaphrodite in having random distributions and"]
["proportions of male and female flowers. In more extreme cases, a plant may"]
["completely reverse sex. For example, a female may flowers normally for"]
["several weeks, then put forth new, sparse growth, typical of the male, on"]
["which male flowers develop. The complete reversal from male flowering to"]
["female flowering also happens."]
[]
["All other things being equal, the potency of intersexes and reversed plants"]
["is usually less than that of normal plants. If there are reversals or"]
["intersexes, both of the sexes will usually be affected. Female plants that"]
["reverse to male flowering show the biggest decline. Not only is the grass"]
["less potent, but the amount of marijuana harvested from male flowers is"]
["negligible compared to the amount of marijuana that can be harvested from a"]
["normal female. Plants that change from male to female flowering usually"]
["increase their potency, because of the growth of female flower bracts with"]
["their higher concentration of resin. Female flowers on male plants seldom"]
["form as thickly or vigorously as on a normal female. Between the loss in"]
["potency and the loss in yield because of females changing to males, a crop"]
["from such plants is usually inferior, in both yield and potency, to one from"]
["normal plants."]
[]
["Environmental Effects"]
[]
["Many environmental factors can cause intersexes and sexual reversals. These"]
["include photoperiod, low light intensity, applications of ultraviolet light,"]
["low temperatures, mutilation or severe pruning, nutrient imbalances or"]
["deficiencies, senescence (old age), and applications of various chemicals"]
["(see bibliography on sex determination)."]
[]
["The photoperiod (or time of planting using natural light) is the most"]
["important factor to consider for normal flowering. In 1931, J. Schaffner"]
["(105) showed that the percentage of hemp plants that had confused sexual"]
["characteristics depended on the time of year they were planted. Normal"]
["flowering (less than five percent of the plants are intersexes) occurred"]
["when the seeds were sown in May, June, or July, the months when the"]
["photoperiod is longest and light intensity is strongest. When planted sooner"]
["or later in the year, the percentage of intersexuals increased steadily,"]
["until about 90 percent of the plants were intersexual when planted during"]
["November or early December."]
[]
["Marijuana plants need more time to develop than hemp plants at latitudes in"]
["the United States. Considering potency, size, and normal flowering, the best"]
["time to sow for the summer crop is during the month of April. Farmers in the"]
["south could start the plants as late as June and still expect fully"]
["developed plants."]
[]
["If artificial light is used, the length of the photoperiod can influence"]
["sexual expression. Normal flowering, with about equal numbers of male and"]
["female plants, seems to occur when the photoperiod is from 15 to 17 hours of"]
["light for a period of three to five months. The photoperiod is then"]
["shortened to 12 hours to induce flowering. With longer photoperiods, from 18"]
["to 24 hours a day, the ratio of males to females changes, depending on"]
["whether flowering is induced earlier or later in the plant's life. When the"]
["plants are grown with long photoperiods for six months or more, usually"]
["there are at least 10 percent more male then female plants. When flowering"]
["is induced within three months of age, more females develop. Actually, the"]
["extra males or females are reversed plants, but the reversals occur before"]
["the plants flower in their natural genders."]
[]
["Some plants will flower normally without a cutting of the photoperiod. But"]
["more often, females will not form thick buds unless the light cycle is cut"]
["to a period of 12 hours duration. Don't make the light cycle any shorter"]
["than 12 hours, unless the females have not shown flowers after three weeks"]
["of 12-hour days. Then cut the light cycle to 11 hours. Flowers should appear"]
["in about one week."]
[]
["Anytime the light cycle is cut to less than 11 hours, some intersexes or"]
["reversed plant usually develop. This fact leads to a procedure for"]
["increasing the numbers of female flowers indoors. The crops can be grown for"]
["three months under a long photoperiod (18 or more hours of light). The light"]
["cycle is then cut to 10 hours. Although the harvest is young (about five"]
["months) there will be many more female flower buds than with normal"]
["flowering. More plants will develop female flowers initially, and male"]
["plants usually reverse to females after a few weeks of flowering."]
[]
["Of the other environmental factors that can affect sexual expression in"]
["Cannabis, none are as predictable as the photoperiod. Factors such as"]
["nutrients or pruning affect the plant's overall health and metabolism, and"]
["can be dealt with by two general thoughts. First, good growing conditions"]
["lead to healthy plants and normal flowering: female and male plants occur in"]
["about equal numbers, with few (if any) intersexes or reversed plants. Poor"]
["growing conditions lead to reduced health and vigour, and oftentimes to"]
["confused sex in the adult plant. Second, the age of the plants seems to"]
["influence reversals. Male plants often show female flowers when the plant is"]
["young (vigorous) during flowering. Females seven or more months old (weaker)"]
["often develop male flowers after flowering normally for a few weeks."]
[]
["Anytime the plant's normal growth pattern is disrupted, normal flowering may"]
["be affected. For instance, plant propagated from cuttings sometimes reverse"]
["sex, as do those grown for more than one season."]
[]
["17.4 Sexing the Plants"]
[]
["The female plant is more desirable than the male for marijuana cultivation."]
["The female flowering clusters (bus) are usually the most potent parts of the"]
["harvest. Also, given room to develop, a female generally will yield twice as"]
["much marijuana as her male counterpart. More of her weight consists of"]
["top-quality buds."]
[]
["Because the female yields marijuana in greater quantity and sooner you can"]
["devote your attention to nurturing the females. Where space is limited, such"]
["as in indoor gardens and small outdoor plots most growers prefer to remove"]
["the males as soon as possible, and leave all available space for the"]
["females. To harvest sinsemilla (seedless female buds), you must remove the"]
["male plants before they mature and release pollen."]
[]
["Differences in the appearance of male and female Cannabis become more"]
["apparent toward maturation. During the seedling stage, gender is virtually"]
["impossible to distinguish, although in some varieties the male seedling may"]
["appear slightly taller and may develop more quickly."]
[]
["We know of no way to discover gender with any certainty until each plant"]
["actually forms either pollen-bearing male flowers or seed-bearing female"]
["flowers. However, certain general characteristics may help. Using guidelines"]
["like the following, growers who are familiar with a particular variety can"]
["often predict gender fairly accurately by the middle stage of the plant's"]
["life."]
[]
["Early Vegetative Growth"]
[]
["After the initial seedling stage, female plants generally develop more"]
["complex branching than the male. The male is usually slightly taller and"]
["less branched. (Under artificial light, the differences in height and"]
["branching are less apparent throughout growth.)"]
[]
["Some plants develop a marked swelling at the nodes, which is more common and"]
["pronounced on female plants."]
[]
["Middle Vegetative Growth"]
[]
["In the second to fourth months of growth, plants commonly form a few"]
["isolated flowers long before the actual flowering stage begins. These"]
["premature flowers are most often found between the eighth and twelfth nodes"]
["on the main stem. Often they appear near each stipule (leaf spur) on several"]
["successive nodes, at a distance two to six nodes below the growing tip."]
["These individual flowers may not develop fully and are often hard to"]
["distinguish as male or female flowers. The fuzzy white stigmas of the female"]
["flower may not appear, and the male flowers seldom opens but remains a"]
["tightly closed knob. However, the male flower differs from the female; it is"]
["raised on a tiny stalk, and the knob is symmetrical. The female flower"]
["appear stalkless and more leaflike."]
[]
["The presence of premature female flowers does not assure that the plant is a"]
["female, but premature male flowers almost always indicate a male plant."]
["Unfortunately, it is much less common for male plants to develop premature"]
["male flowers than for female flowers to appear on either plant. For example,"]
["in one garden of 25 mixed-variety plants, by age 14 weeks, 15 plants showed"]
["well-formed, premature female flowers with raised stigmas. Eight of these"]
["plants matured into females and seven became males. Only two plants showed"]
["premature male flowers and both of these developed into males. The eight"]
["remaining plants did not develop premature flowers or otherwise"]
["distinguishable organs until the actual flowering stage at the age of 21"]
["weeks. From these eight, there were four females, three males, and one plant"]
["bearing both male and female flowers (hermaphrodite). It does seem, however,"]
["that plants bearing well-formed female flowers, on several successive node,"]
["usually turn out to be females."]
[]
["Preflowering"]
[]
["In the week or two prior to flowering and throughout flowering, many common"]
["marijuana varieties follow two general growth patterns which depend on"]
["gender. With these varieties, you can tell gender by the spacing between the"]
["leaves (internodes). For the female, the emphasis is on compact growth. Each"]
["new leaf grows closer to the last, until the top of the plant is obscured by"]
["tightly knit leaves. The male elongates just prior to showing flowers. New"]
["growth is spaced well apart and raises the male to a taller stature. This"]
["may by the first time the male shows its classic tall, loosely arranged"]
["profile."]
[]
["{Figure 79.  Premature flowers are found on the main stem next to the"]
["leaf spurs. Upper left: Early female flower without stigmas. Lower left:"]
["Undifferentiated (indistinguishable). Centre: Early male flower. Upper"]
["and lower right: Well-formed female flowers on successive nodes usually"]
["indicate a female.}"]
[]
["17.5 Sinsemilla"]
[]
["Sinsemilla ((The word \"sinsemilla\" comes from the Spanish, and means"]
["without seeds. It is also spelled \"sansimilla.\")) is any marijuana"]
["consisting of seedless female flower buds. Sinsemilla is not a variety of"]
["marijuana; it is the seedless condition that results when the female flowers"]
["are not fertilised with pollen."]
[]
["In the United States, most sinsemilla comes in the form of Thai sticks that"]
["are imported from Southeast Asia and Japan. Thai sticks are made up of"]
["seedless buds wrapped around a sliver of bamboo or a long wooden matchstick."]
["The buds, which may be on one or more stems, are secured with a hemp fibre"]
["wound around the stick. A growing amount of fine sinsemilla now comes from"]
["domestic sources, such as Hawaii and California. The grass is usually boxed"]
["or bagged with pure buds that are manicured (extraneous leaf removed)."]
["Infrequently sinsemilla comes from Mexico and, rarely, from Colombia."]
[]
["Sinsemilla has a reputation as high-potency marijuana, with a sweet taste"]
["and mild smoke. It doesn't have the harsh, gagging qualities of the usual"]
["Colombian and Mexican grasses. These qualities, however, have nothing to do"]
["with sinsemilla as such. The potency of any grass depends primarily on the"]
["variety and development of the plant, and the taste and mildness of the"]
["smoke depend on the condition of the plant when harvested and the cure."]
["Heavily seeded grass can be as mild and sweet-smoking as sinsemilla when it"]
["is properly handled."]
[]
["When buying grass, remember that sinsemilla indicates a conscientious effort"]
["on the grower's part to bring you the best possible product. Sinsemilla is"]
["almost pure smoking material with no wasted weight in seeds. An ounce of"]
["sinsemilla has about twice as much smoking material as a typical seeded"]
["ounce. Also, any marijuana that is fresh, with intact buds, indicated less"]
["deterioration of cannabinoids. {Figure 80. Thai Sticks.}"]
[]
["Sinsemilla is becoming a preferred form of grass with homegrowers, many of"]
["whom believe that a seedless female is more potent than a seeded one,"]
["reasoning that the plant's energy goes to the production of resin rather"]
["than seed. There seem to be no scientific studies on this point. Many"]
["experienced growers believe the difference is small, perhaps 10 percent."]
[]
["From observing the resin glands on the bracts, one sees that they continue"]
["to develop in size after pollination. Any difference from the unseeded state"]
["is not apparent. Whether pollination does in fact hamper or lessen resin"]
["production or potency is questionable. but the effect on the plant as a"]
["whole can be dramatic. Usually when the female is well-pollinated, growth"]
["noticeably slows, and the plant enters the last phase of life, which is seed"]
["set. Seed set is a period of incubation, in which the seeds grow and reach"]
["their mature state. New growth forms more slowly and lack the vitality of"]
["the bloom before pollination. The plant's reaction to pollination is"]
["relative. The more thoroughly pollinated the female is, the more pronounced"]
["the change in rhythm from vigorous to incubation. A plant on which only a"]
["few flowers have been fertilised continues to actively form flowers as"]
["sinsemilla."]
[]
["Not all plants react alike to pollination. When the weather is good and the"]
["plant vigorous, even a well-seeded plant may bloom a second or third time"]
["before the rate of growth starts a final decline."]
[]
["To put this in perspective, the main advantage to growing sinsemilla is that"]
["the plant remains in a flowering state for a longer period of time. Flowers"]
["may rapidly form for four to ten weeks. The flower buds develop larger and"]
["more thickly along the stems, yielding more top-quality grass (more buds)"]
["than in the seeded condition."]
[]
["Anyone can grow sinsemilla. Simply remove the male plants before they"]
["release pollen. Given a normal spring planting, males usually flowers in"]
["August and September, but may being to flower as early as mid-July. Under"]
["artificial lights, males sometimes flower after only three months, and"]
["before the grower has shortened the photoperiod. Even though the females are"]
["not flowering, remove the males from the room before any flowers open."]
["Indoor, the pollen will collect as dust and can fertilise the females weeks"]
["later."]
[]
["Male flowers mature quickly, in about one to two weeks after the immature"]
["buds are first visible. Check each plant about twice a week to make sure you"]
["harvest all the males before any shed pollen. If you can't visit your garden"]
["consistently, then thin the garden, using the preceding section on \"Sexing\""]
["as a guide. Even though you may not get all the males, the females will be"]
["more lightly seeded. Actually, even in carefully watched gardens, the"]
["females may have a few seeds. Pollination may come from on occasional male"]
["flower on a basically female plant, or a female may reverse and form male"]
["flowers. And pollen may come from a neighbour's garden, a problem that is"]
["becoming more common. But in practical terms, an occasional seed makes no"]
["difference. The female can form thousands of flowers, and when only a few"]
["are pollinated, there is little impact on the plant's growth."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 18"]
["PROPAGATION AND BREEDING"]
[]
["18.2 Producing Seeds"]
[]
["Marijuana is naturally prolific. It has been estimated that a single male"]
["plant can produce over 500 million pollen grains 41. A large female plant"]
["can bear tens of thousands of seeds. In nature, pollen is carried from the"]
["male flowers to the stigmas of the female flowers by air currents or the"]
["wind. Indoors or out, if the plants are simply left on their own, most"]
["gardens produce many more seeds than are needed for the next crop."]
[]
["Seeds usually become viable within two weeks after pollination, although"]
["they may not have developed good colour by this time. The colour can take"]
["several more weeks to develop, particularly indoors or late in the year,"]
["when the light is not as strong. Once seeds are plump, well-formed, and of a"]
["mature size, most of them will be viable. When seeds have also developed"]
["good colour, their viability should be over 90 percent."]
[]
["Pollination may also be carried out artificially. Pollen can be collected"]
["and the transferred to the female flowers with a cotton swab or artist's"]
["brush, or shaken directly over the flowers. Store pollen in a clean, open"]
["container and keep in a dry area at moderate temperature. Remove any flowers"]
["or vegetative matter from the pollen, because they encourage fungal attack."]
[]
["Once advantage of artificial pollination is that only the flowers on certain"]
["plants need be pollinated. This allows you to harvest most of your grass as"]
["sinsemilla, while developing seed on part of the plant. If you have only a"]
["few plants, pollinate a single branch, or perhaps only a few lower buds, in"]
["order to leaves the most potent buds seedless."]
[]
["A good way to insure a thorough pollination, and to avoid contaminating"]
["other females, is to loosely tie a transparent bag containing pollen"]
["directly over individual buds, branches, or whole plants. Shake the bag to"]
["distribute the pollen and carefully remove it from several hours to a few"]
["days later."]
[]
["To avoid contaminating a sinsemilla crop, you must remove any males from the"]
["garden before their flowers open. Males in pots can simply be moved to"]
["another area or room if you want to keep them growing. Male plants can"]
["complete development even in low light; so they do not need artificial"]
["light. Otherwise, the best procedure is to harvest the males intact by"]
["cutting them at their base after some flowers have formed distinct (but"]
["unopened) buds. Hang the whole plants upside down in a sheltered area where"]
["there is moderate light and where temperatures and humidity are not extreme."]
["Place clean plates or sheet plastic beneath the plants to catch falling"]
["pollen. Generally there is enough stored water in the plant for the unopened"]
["flowers to mature and drop pollen. Well-formed flowers may open the next"]
["day. Usually all the flowers that are going to open will do so within two"]
["weeks."]
[]
["Pollen gradually loses viability with time, but pollen that is about three"]
["weeks old generally has sufficient viability for good seed production."]
["However, the age of the pollen may influence the sex ratio of the next"]
["generation."]
[]
["For instance, in a 1961 study with hemp plants 97, the percentage of females"]
["in the next generation was 20 percent higher than in the control plants"]
["(natural pollination) when pollen 14 to 17 days old was used. A small"]
["increase in female-to-male ratios also occurred when pollen was fresh (six"]
["hours or less). The age of the stigmas appeared not to affect the sex ratio."]
[]
["18.3 Producing Female Seeds"]
[]
["If it were possible to know which seeds are female and which are male,"]
["marijuana growing would be even simpler than it is. There is not practical"]
["way to discern the gender of a seed - but there is a simpler procedure for"]
["producing seeds that will all grow into female plants."]
[]
["To produce female seeds, the plants are fertilised with pollen with male"]
["flowers that appear on a basically female plant. Such flowers appear on"]
["intersexes, reversed females, and hermaphrodites (see section 17). Female"]
["plants have an XX complement of sex chromosomes; therefore, the pollen from"]
["the male flowers that form on female plants can only carry an X chromosome."]
["All seeds produced from flowers fertilised with this \"female\" pollen will"]
["thus have an XX pair of sex chromosomes, which is the female genotype."]
[]
["Although the male Cannabis plant can produce female flowers, it cannot"]
["produce seed; so there is no chance of mistakenly producing seed on a male"]
["plant. It is possible to use pollen from an intersexual plant that is"]
["basically male (XY); the resulting crop of seeds will have the normal 1:1"]
["ratio of males to females. For this reason, choose a plant that is"]
["distinctly female as a pollen source. A female plant with a few random"]
["male-flower clusters, or a female plant that has reversed sex are both good"]
["pollen sources. The seed bearer can be any female, female intersex, or"]
["reversed-female plant."]
[]
["In most crops, careful inspection of all the females usually reveals a few"]
["male flowers. And often, when females are left flowering for an extended"]
["period of time, some male flowers will develop. If no male flowers form, you"]
["can help to induce male flowers on female plants by severe pruning. One such"]
["procedure is to take the bulk of the harvest, but to leave behind some green"]
["leaves to maintain growth (as described in the section on \"Double Harvests\""]
["in section 20). Most of the plants will continue to form female flowers, but"]
["male flowers are also likely to form. At times, the plants may not grow"]
["particularly well, and may in fact form distorted and twisted leaves, but"]
["they will produce viable seeds as long as some stigmas were white when"]
["pollinated. (Remember, it only takes a few fertile buds to produce hundreds"]
["of seeds.) Pollinate the female flowers by hand as soon as pollen becomes"]
["available."]
[]
["{Figure 82.  A solitary male flower on a female plant provides \"female\""]
["pollen.  (Also see Figure 84 for a female reversing sex.)}"]
["{Figure 83.  Growth may not be vigorous, but seeds will form if stigmas are"]
["white when pollinated.}"]
[]
["Under artificial lights, turn the light cycle down to eight hours after"]
["cutting the plants back. The short cycle helps to induce male flowers on"]
["female plants."]
[]
["Male-free seed can also be produced by pollen from a natural hermaphrodites."]
["The progeny, however, may inherit the hermaphroditic trait, resulting in a"]
["crop with some hermaphrodites as well as females. This could be a problem if"]
["you want to grow sinsemilla the next crop."]
[]
["18.4 Breeding"]
[]
["Breeding Cannabis is done simply by selecting certain plants to be the"]
["pollinators and the seeds bearers. Characteristics such as fast growth,"]
["early maturation, and high potency might be the reasons for choosing one"]
["plant over another. Selection can be by means of the male plants, the"]
["females, or both. A simple procedure would be to harvest all male plants,"]
["sample each for potency, and use the most potent plant for the pollen"]
["source. At harvest, compare the seeded females for potency, and use seeds"]
["from the most potent plant for the pollen source. At harvest, compare the"]
["seeded females for potency, and use seeds from the most potent plant for the"]
["following generation."]
[]
["There are two basic approaches to breeding. One is inbreeding, and the other"]
["is outbreeding. Inbreeding involves starting with a single variety and"]
["crossing individuals to produce seeds. In this way, certain desirable"]
["characteristics that the parents have in common will probably be perpetuated"]
["by the offspring."]
[]
["Certain variants with unusual characteristics, such as three leaves to a"]
["node instead of the usual two leaves, can be inbred continuously until all"]
["progeny carry the trait. One problem with inbreeding is that other desirable"]
["characteristics may be lost as the new population becomes more homogeneous."]
["Inbreeding plants indoors seems to lead in a loss in potency by the fourth"]
["generation. (Preceding generations were considered comparable to the"]
["original imported grass.)"]
[]
["Outbreeding is crossing two different varieties. Offspring from parents of"]
["two different varieties are called hybrids. Cannabis hybrids exhibit a"]
["common phenomenon on plants called \"hybrid vigour.\" For reasons not wholly"]
["understood, hybrids are often healthier, larger, and more vigorous than"]
["either of their parents. {Figure 84. Upper left: An old female reversing to"]
["male flowering. Lower left: Three leaves to a node (trifoliate). Upper"]
["right: A plant with three leaves to a node alternating with one leaf on next"]
["node. Lower right: Three-leafed plants sometimes split into two growing"]
["shoots.}"]
[]
["A reference to cannabinoid content of hybrids from crosses between"]
["chemotypes was made in a 1972 study by the Canadian Department of"]
["Agriculture: \"The ratio of THC to CBD in hybrids was approximately"]
["intermediate between the parents ... there was also occasionally a small but"]
["significant deviation toward one of the parents - not necessarily the one"]
["with the higher or lower ratio of THC to CBD.\" 51 This means that a cross"]
["between a midwestern weedy hemp (type III) and a fine Mexican marijuana"]
["(type I) would yield offspring with intermediate amounts of THC and CBD, and"]
["which hence would be considered type II plants."]
[]
["Homegrowers have mentioned that inbreeding plants often led to a decrease in"]
["potency after several generation. Outbreeding maintained potency, and"]
["sometimes (some growers claimed) led to increases in potency."]
[]
["One area in which breeding can be useful for homegrowers is the breeding of"]
["early-maturing plants for northern farmer. Farmers in the north should"]
["always plant several varieties of marijuana. Mexican varieties generally are"]
["the fastest to mature. Individual plants that mature early and are also"]
["satisfactorily potent are used for the seed source in next year's crop. This"]
["crop should also mature early. Some growers cross plants from homegrown seed"]
["with plants from imported seed each year. This assures a maintenance of"]
["high-potency stock."]
[]
["Potency Changes Over Generations"]
[]
["It is well-established that plants of the P1 generation (parentals, or the"]
["first homegrown plants from imported seed) maintain their chemical"]
["characteristics. (For example, type I plants yield type I progeny whose"]
["cannabinoids are about equal both quantitatively and qualitatively to those"]
["in their native grown parents.) This fact is shown by Table 25."]
[]
["In the study 66 from which Table 25 has been adapted, individual plants"]
["within varieties differed by more than four times in CBD content and by more"]
["than three times in THC content. The researchers also noted that illicit"]
["marijuana samples contained proportionately less leaf material and"]
["proportionately more stem and seed material than samples grown in"]
["Mississippi. (Mississippi samples may be more dilute.) New Hampshire and"]
["Panama samples were nearly equal in terms of the sum of THC plus CBN."]
[]
["One of the questions that persists in marijuana lore is what effect if any a"]
["change in latitude has on the plant chemotype over a period of generations."]
["Non-drug types of Cannabis usually originate above 30 degrees latitude in"]
["temperate areas. Drug types of Cannabis usually originate in tropical or"]
["semitropical areas below the 30-degree parallel. Whether this is due"]
["entirely to cultural practices is questionable. More likely, the environment"]
["(natural selection) is the prime force, and cultural practices reinforce"]
["rather than determine chemotype."]
[]
["Cannabis is notorious for its adaptability. Historically, there are many"]
["statements that the drug type of Cannabis will revert to the \"fibre\" type"]
["when planted in temperate areas, whereas the fibre type will revert to the"]
["drug type after several generations in a tropical area. That a change in"]
["chemotype is actually caused by transfer between tropical and temperate"]
["areas has not been verified scientifically. (Such studies are ongoing in"]
["Europe.) If such changes occur, it is also not known whether the change is"]
["quantitave (the plant produces less total cannabinoids) or whether it is"]
["qualitative (succeeding generations, for example, change from being high in"]
["THC and low in CBD to being high in CBD and low in THC)."]
[]
["We believe that qualitative changes can occur within a few generations, but"]
["can only guess what environmental factor(s) might be responsible for such a"]
["change. Probably the change has more to do with adaption of general growth"]
["and developmental characteristics than with particular advantages that"]
["production of either CBD or THC may bestow upon the plants."]
[]
["The reason we suspect a change in chemotype is that these changes occur"]
["rapidly in evolutionary terms, in a matter of several generations. This"]
["rapidity implies that some very strong selective pressure are acting on the"]
["plant populations. Also, changes in the chemotype seem to occur globally,"]
["which implies that the selective pressures responsible are globally uniform"]
["rather than local phenomena. Such globally uniform pressures might be light"]
["intensity, daylength, ambient temperatures, and the length of the growing"]
["season. For example, in populations adapting to temperate areas, those"]
["plants that are able to grow well under relatively lower light intensity and"]
["cooler temperatures, and which are able to complete development in a"]
["relatively short growing season, would be favoured over siblings with more"]
["tropical characteristics."]
[]
["Adaption acts on populations by means of whole organisms which are reacting"]
["to a total environment. Shifts in the chemotype of the population are"]
["probably linked genetically to the strong selective pressures exerted on the"]
["populations by the need to adapt general growth and maturation to either"]
["northern (temperate) or southern (tropical) conditions. {From the northern"]
["hemisphere.}"]
[]
["18.5 Cuttings"]
[]
["Marijuana growing often transcends the usual relationship between plant and"]
["growers. You may find yourself particularly attached to one of your plants."]
["Cuttings offer you a way to continue the relationship long beyond the normal"]
["lifespan of one plant."]
[]
["To take a cutting, use scissors or a knife to clip an active shoot about"]
["four to sic inches below the tip. Cannabis does not root easily compared to"]
["other soft-stemmed plants. Cuttings can be rooted directly in vermiculite,"]
["Jiffy-MIX, a light soil, or in a glass of water. The cutting is ready to"]
["plant when roots are about an inch long, in about three to four weeks. A"]
["transplant compound such as Rootone can be used to encourage root growth and"]
["precent fungi from forming."]
[]
["Keep the mixture consistently moist but not too saturated. Roots need oxygen"]
["as well as water in order to grow. Change the water daily if the cutting are"]
["in a glass of water. Cuttings root best in moderate light, not in intense"]
["light (HID's) or direct sunlight. The best light is fluorescent set on"]
["constant light (24 hour photoperiod)."]
[]
["{Picture.  Comparing rooting mediums.  Left to right: One, roots both in"]
["and removed from rockwool cube; two, perlite; three and four, perlite"]
["vermiculture mixture; five, vermiculite; not shown: cuttings died in"]
["peat-pellets.  Best rooting was in perlite-vermiculite mixture.  Pure"]
["vermiculite also worked well.}"]
[]
["Cuttings taken from the same plant are genetically identical and are clones."]
["Clones eliminate genetic differences between individuals, and hence are"]
["particularly useful in scientific experiments. By using clones, one can"]
["attribute variations between individuals specifically to outside factors."]
["This would be particularly useful when testing, for example, the affect of"]
["fertilisers on potency. In the 1980's, scientists finally began to use this"]
["useful tool in Cannabis experiments."]
[]
["18.6 Grafting"]
[]
["One of the most persistent myths in marijuana lore concerns grafting"]
["Cannabis to its closest relative. Humulus, the hops plant of beer-making"]
["fame. The myth is that a hops scion (shoot or top portion of the stem)"]
["grafted to a marijuana stock (lower stem and root) will contain the active"]
["ingredients of marijuana. The beauty of such a graft is that it would be"]
["difficult to identify as marijuana and, possible, the plant would not be"]
["covered under marijuana statutes. Unfortunately, the myth is false. It is"]
["possible to successfully graft Cannabis with Humulus, but the hops portion"]
["will not contain any cannabinoids."]
[]
["In 1975, the research team of Crombie and Crombie grafted hops scions on"]
["Cannabis stocks from both hemp and marijuana (Thailand) plants 205. Cannabis"]
["scions were also grafted to hops stocks. In both cases, the Cannabis portion"]
["of the graft continued to produce its characteristic amounts of cannabinoids"]
["when compared to ungrafted controls, but the hops portions of the grafts"]
["contained no cannabinoids. This experiment was well-designed and carried"]
["out. Sophisticated methods were used for detecting THC, THCV, CBD, CBC, CBN,"]
["and CBG. Yet none of these were detected in the hops portions."]
[]
["The grafting myth grew out of work by H.E. Warmke, which was carried out for"]
["the government during the early 1940's in an attempt to develop hemp strains"]
["that would not contain the \"undesirable\" drug 58. The testing procedure for"]
["the active ingredients was crude. Small animals, such as the water flea"]
["Daphnia, were immersed in water with various concentration of acetone"]
["extracts from hemp. The strength of the drug was estimated by the number of"]
["animals killed in a given period of time. As stated by Warmke, \"The Daphnia"]
["assay is not specific for the marijuana drug ... once measures any and all"]
["toxic substances in hemp (or hop) leaves that are extracted with acetone,"]
["whether or not these have specific marijuana activity.\" Clearly it was other"]
["compounds, not cannabinoids, that were detected in these grafting"]
["experiments."]
[]
["Unfortunately, this myth has caused some growers to waste a lot of time and"]
["effort in raising a worthless stash of hops leaves. It has also leg growers"]
["to some false conclusions about the plant. For instance, if the hops scion"]
["contains cannabinoids, the reasonable assumption is that the cannabinoids"]
["are being produced in the Cannabis part and translocated to the hops scion,"]
["or that the Cannabis root or stem is responsible for producing the"]
["cannabinoids precursors."]
[]
["From this assumption, growers also get the idea that the resin is flowing in"]
["the plant. The myth has bolstered the ideas that cutting, splitting, or"]
["bending the stem will send the resin up the plant or prevent the resin from"]
["going down the plant. As explained in our discussion of resin glands in"]
["section 2, these ideas are erroneous. Only a small percentage of the"]
["cannabinoids are present in the internal tissues (laticiferous cells) of the"]
["plant. Almost all the cannabinoids are contained and manufactured in the"]
["resin glands, which cover the outer surfaces of the above-ground plant"]
["parts. Cannabinoids remain in the resin glands and are not translocated to"]
["other plant parts."]
[]
["We have heard several claims that leaves from hops grafted on marijuana were"]
["psychoactive. Only one such case claimed to be first hand, and we never did"]
["see or smoke the material. We doubt these claims. Hops plants do have resin"]
["glands similar to those on marijuana, and many of the substances that make"]
["up the resin are common to both plants. But of several species and many"]
["varieties of hops tested with modern techniques for detecting cannabinoids,"]
["no cannabinoids have ever been detected 212."]
[]
["The commercially valuable component of hops is lupulin, a mildly"]
["psychoactive substance used to make beer. To our knowledge, no other known"]
["psychoactive substances has been isolated from hops. But since these"]
["grafting claims persist, perhaps pot-heads should take a closer look at the"]
["hops plant."]
[]
["Most growers who have tried grafting Cannabis and Humulus are unsuccessful."]
["Compared to many plants, Cannabis does not take grafts easily. Most of the"]
["standard grafting techniques you've probably seen for grafting Cannabis"]
["simply don't work. For example, at the University of Mississippi,"]
["researchers failed to get one successful graft from the sixty that were"]
["attempted between Cannabis and Humulus. A method that works about 40 percent"]
["of the time is as follows. (Adapted from 205)"]
[]
["Start the hops plants one to two weeks before the marijuana plants. Plant"]
["the seeds within six inches of each other or start them in separate six-inch"]
["pots. The plants are ready to graft when the seedling are strong (about five"]
["and four weeks respectively) but their stem has not lost their soft texture."]
["Make a diagonal incision about halfway through each stem at approximate the"]
["same levels (hops is a vine). Insert the cut portions into each other. Seal"]
["the graft with cellulose tape, wound string, or other standard grafting"]
["materials. In about two weeks, the graft will have taken. Then cut away the"]
["unwanted Cannabis top and the hops bottom to complete the graft. Good luck,"]
["but don't expect to get high from the hops leaves. {Smoking any plant's"]
["leaves will give a short, slight buzz.}"]
[]
["18.7 Polyploids"]
[]
["H.R. Warmke also experimented with breeding programs during the war years."]
["Polyploid Cannabis plants were produced by treatment with the alkaloid"]
["colchicine. Colchicine interferes with normal mitosis, the process in which"]
["cells are replicated. During replication, the normal doubling of chromosomes"]
["occurs, but colchicine prevents normal separation of the chromosomes into"]
["two cells. The cell then is left twice (or more then) the normal chromosome"]
["count."]
[]
["Warmke's experiments concluded that polyploids contained higher"]
["concentrations of the \"active ingredient.\" However, the procedure for"]
["measuring that ingredient was much the same is described for grafting, with"]
["probably similar shortcomings."]
[]
["Polyploid Cannabis has been found to be larger, with larger leaves and"]
["flowers. Recent experience has shown that polyploids are not necessarily"]
["higher in potency. Usually they are about equal to diploid siblings."]
[]
["Colchicine is a highly poisonous substance. The simplest and safest way to"]
["induce polyploids is to soak seeds in a solution of colchicine derived from"]
["bulbs of winter or autumn crocus (Colchicum). Mash the bulbs and add an"]
["equal part of water. Strain through filter paper (or paper towels). Soak"]
["seeds in the solution and plant when they start to germinate. Cultivate as"]
["usual."]
[]
["Only some of the seeds will become polyploid. Polyploid sprouts generally"]
["have thicker stems, and the leaves are often unusually shaped, with"]
["uneven-sized blades. Leaves also may contain more than the usual number of"]
["blades. As the plant grows, leaves should return to normal form, but"]
["continue to be larger and with more blades."]
[]
["If no polyploids sprout, use less water in preparing the solution."]
[]
["Colchicine is also a prescribed drug for treatment of gout and is taken in"]
["pill form. These usually contain .6 mg per tablet. Use 10 tablets per ounce"]
["of water, and soak the seeds as described above."]
[]
["Colchicine is also sold by mail-order firms which advertise in magazines"]
["such as Head or High Times."]
[]
["Because colchicine is a poison, it should be handled carefully. It is not"]
["known if plants from seeds treated with colchicine will contain a harmful"]
["amount of colchicine when plants are grown. Harm is unlikely, because the"]
["uptake by the seed is so small, and because the colchicine would be further"]
["diluted during growth, as well as diminished by smoking. But we cannot"]
["guarantee that you can safely smoke colchicine-treated plants."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 19"]
["EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON POTENCY"]
[]
["This chapter deals only with the influence of the environment on the potency"]
["of your crop. Differences or changes in potency can also result from"]
["inherent differences between plants, such as in their variety or growth"]
["stage, from chemical degradation of the harvested marijuana, and from"]
["genetic processes that take place over several generations of plantings"]
["((For discussion of these other causes of differences in potency, see the"]
["following sections: \"Cannabis Chemotypes\" in section 2; \"Inherent"]
["Variations\" in section 3' \"Breeding\" in section 18; \"Potency and"]
["Decomposition\" in section 20; and \"Storage\" in section 21.))"]
[]
["We have emphasised the heredity is the most important factor that determines"]
["potency. Potent marijuana grows from seeds of potent marijuana. A healthy,"]
["mature plant bears an abundance of flowers, guaranteeing you a potent"]
["harvest."]
[]
["Some researchers have investigated the impact of the environment on relative"]
["potency, since this question is of interest to officials concerned with"]
["marijuana control as well as to marijuana growers. Their primary goal has"]
["been to discover the gross effects of different environments rather than to"]
["single out the effects of any particular factor. A consensus is that the"]
["impact of environment on potency is small relative to that of the plant's"]
["heredity. Nevertheless, where scientists have commented on this question,"]
["the common denominator for higher potency has been stress."]
[]
["19.2 Stress"]
[]
["Stress in anything that detracts from the plant's health or vigour."]
["Environmental factors such as competition from other plants, low water"]
["availability, and poor soil conditions are examples of stress factors."]
[]
["In many marijuana-growing cultures, farmers have practices that are"]
["stress-related; splitting the base, severe pruning, bending or contorting"]
["the stem, and water deprivation are common examples. Of course, the fact"]
["that marijuana-growing cultures have such practices does not mean that these"]
["practices actually increase potency, or that this is, or ever was, their"]
["intent. This original meaning may well have been forgotten centuries ago."]
["For instance, cultivation of sinsemilla has been practiced for centuries,"]
["not for potency, but because the seedless product is easier to process or"]
["smoke."]
[]
["There does seem to be some underlying relationship between stress and higher"]
["potency. Stress factors may slow growth in general, but at the same time,"]
["may not slow the synthesis of cannabinoids. Potency may be affected in much"]
["the same way by growth factors that are not considered stressful. As"]
["described previously, marijuana plants grow more compactly and have smaller"]
["leaves under conditions of relatively warm temperatures, or strong sunlight,"]
["or a dry atmosphere; they grow taller and have larger leaves when grown"]
["under cool temperatures, moderate light, or a humid atmosphere. Higher"]
["relative potency seems to correlate with conditions which favour compact"]
["development of the plant and its parts."]
[]
["The rate of cannabinoids synthesis relative to photosynthesis may be"]
["affected in ways not apparent. Sunlight, for instance, is a growth factor."]
["In almost all cases, the more sunlight the plants receive, the faster and"]
["larger they will grow. Yet plants grown with intense sunlight seem to"]
["maximise potency. Intense sunlight can raise plants' internal temperatures"]
["to levels that interfere with the photosynthesis cycle. Absorption of light"]
["energy and conversion to biochemical energy continues unimpeded, but the"]
["synthesis of sugars is impeded. (Under a midday sun, this phenomenon has"]
["been observed in other field crops. (206)) In marijuana, cannabinoids"]
["synthesis may continue unaffected at these higher temperatures. This might"]
["account, in part, for the slightly higher potency of plants grown in"]
["tropical zones."]
[]
["The subject of potency is mired in confusion and mystery, largely because of"]
["fertiliser and soil ads, marijuana-growing books, and individuals who"]
["promise ways of increasing potency or growing super grass. There are no"]
["magic formulas or secrets to divulge that will make or break the potency of"]
["your crop. We have tried to play down this type of thinking throughout this"]
["book. Choice of seed, and a harvest of well-developed buds, far outweigh any"]
["other factors in determining potency."]
[]
["We know of no one who has demonstrated that manipulation of any particular"]
["environmental factor leads to higher potency. This lack of demonstration"]
["probably exists for two reasons: (1) environmental effects on potency are"]
["relatively small compared to the effects of inheritable traits, and hence"]
["are not easy to discern; and (2) \"increased potency\" is difficult to prove"]
["((Most scientific experiments are observations, and test effects or compare"]
["results rather than try to prove something.)) The variations in potency"]
["within any variety, and within each plant, require stringent methods of"]
["sampling for comparative tests. And since potency also changes with time,"]
["meaningful comparisons can be difficult to make. Scientific papers reflect"]
["this difficulty."]
[]
["An experiment on potency must account for inherent variations in potency"]
["before environmental effects can be analysed. Samples would need to be"]
["equivalent in terms of variety, growth stage and development, sex, plant"]
["part, and the position of the part on the plant. A simple way to do this"]
["would be to harvest females when each reached full bloom and then compare"]
["the uppermost buds from each plant."]
[]
["Most of the research on potency done to date either has not reported"]
["sampling techniques or did not account for certain inherent variations. In"]
["the extreme case, all vegetative matter from one plant was mixed together,"]
["and the THC concentration in a sample of this matter was compared with that"]
["in a similar sample of mixed marijuana from another plant. Such practices"]
["can give misleading results. Consider the fact that an unhealthy plant will"]
["have dropped many of its lower, less-potent leaves. A healthy plant has more"]
["leaf overall and retains more of its lower leaves. There is a good chance"]
["that the unhealthy plant will test higher in average THC content, because"]
["proportionately shoots, which are relatively more potent. Such a sampling"]
["error could create the impression that stress is positively correlated with"]
["potency."]
[]
["Marijuana scientists have recognised the need for testing equivalent samples"]
["and for setting standards for testing. In 1974, the English scientist John"]
["Fairburn (68) published a number of well-controlled experiments concerning"]
["potency and light. This is a hopeful sign that more meaningful experiments"]
["will be forthcoming."]
[]
["We have said that the common denominator for increasing potency is stress."]
["Let's put that in perspective."]
[]
["You cannot go wrong if you grow the largest and healthiest plants possible."]
["Our experience has been that the most potent plants are more often the"]
["healthiest and most vigorous in the garden."]
[]
["Factors that limit growth rate are probably related to potency, and if"]
["growth rate is relatively slower, cannabinoids concentrations may be higher."]
["Plants whose average yield is six ounces may be slightly more potent than"]
["plants whose average yield is eight ounces. Factors related to potency"]
["affect growth rate rather than ruin the plant's health. When a plant is so"]
["traumatised that it is barely surviving, potency as well as growth rate"]
["declines."]
[]
["Obviously, if the growth rate is slower, the harvest will be smaller. Any"]
["difference in potency due to stress is quite small, but the difference in"]
["yield can make the difference between harvesting an ounce and harvesting"]
["several pounds (ie., don't get carried away with the practice of stressing"]
["the plants). If you wish to stress the plant, wait until it is firmly"]
["established and growing well."]
[]
["Outdoors, don't stress the plant until at least the middle of its life. You"]
["want the plant to be large enough to bear a good harvest of buds. Water"]
["deprivation is a good method of limiting growth outdoors. However, wilted"]
["plants must be watered, or they will die."]
[]
["Competition from other weeds has been correlated with higher potency in two"]
["recent studies (71,74). You might prefer not to weed your patch after the"]
["seedling stage. (Initially, weeding is necessary because indigenous weeds"]
["generally outgrow marijuana seedlings.)"]
[]
["Another safe way of applying stress is to remove all large leaves from the"]
["plant once it has begun to flower."]
[]
["Indoors, the plants are already in a delicate state. We advise indoor"]
["growers to grow the largest and healthiest plants possible for best results."]
[]
["19.3 Nutrients"]
[]
["Most growers show a keen interest in fertilising, since it is one factor"]
["over which they have some control. Most growers also feel that nutrients,"]
["which play such an important part in plant growth, probably have a"]
["relationship to the potency, and this is a reasonable assumption. In"]
["marijuana lore, potency is sometimes attributed to particular soil types"]
["(for instance, red dirt, which is iron-rich) or to presence or lack or"]
["certain nutrients (for examples, nitrogen or potassium deficiency)."]
[]
["The relationship of potency to soil conditions, in particular the nutrient"]
["content, has been looked at recently by several research groups. In two such"]
["studies, (71,74) the cannabinoid content of naturalised weedy hemp stands in"]
["the Midwest was examined. Variations in potency were then correlated to soil"]
["properties, such as N, P, and K content. The two papers came to similar"]
["conclusions. First, stands growing in areas where they were under stress"]
["tended to produce less biomass (yield) but were more potent overall. Second,"]
["when nutrients or other growth factors, such as height and weight of plants"]
["or root size, were correlated with potency, potency was almost always"]
["correlated positively with positive growth factors. That is, higher potency"]
["occurred when the plants were growing with adequate or high amounts of"]
["nutrients present, not when nutrients were inadequate."]
[]
["What appears to be a contradiction (stress leads to higher potency, or good"]
["growing condition lead to higher potency) may be explainable in terms of"]
["what these experiments actually measured."]
[]
["A basic assumption in these studies was that all the plants were relatively"]
["homogeneous genetically, since they may have originated from a single stock"]
["of hemp grown during World War II. Assuming this is true, then variations"]
["between stands would be due to differences in local environmental factors."]
["However, since environmental condition differed locally for separate stands,"]
["one cannot tell whether variations in potency between stands are due to"]
["present environmental factors (phenotypic responses) or reflect thirty years"]
["of adaption by each stand to its local environment (genotypic shifts)."]
[]
["It may be that positive growth factors are associated with higher potency in"]
["phenotypes (plants now growing), whereas stress leads to higher potency in"]
["succeeding generations, because of selective pressure. It is interesting"]
["that both papers reported strong positive correlations between higher"]
["potency and competition from other weeds, since competition between plants"]
["does exert strong selective pressures."]
[]
["The following list of possible effects of nutrients on potency has been"]
["adapted from these four studies. (63,71,74,231)"]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["Nitrogen was positively correlated with higher potency. Once controversy in"]
["marijuana lore is whether a nitrogen deficiency during flowering increases"]
["potency. We have grown plants with N deficiencies, and they seemed no more"]
["potent than those grown with high amounts of nitrogen available. However,"]
["the N-deficient plants did produce a much smaller harvest."]
[]
["Phosphorus"]
[]
["P has been correlated positively with higher potency in all studies that"]
["have examined this factor. Phosphorus is necessary for good flower"]
["development and seed production. Give the plants a steady supply of"]
["phosphorus throughout growth and in particular during flowering."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K has been correlated both positively and negatively with potency. More"]
["often, it has been found to be negatively correlated. As discussed"]
["previously, plants that show some potassium deficiencies may grow well; so"]
["you may choose not to treat minor symptoms of K deficiency often grows"]
["vigorously with little harm other than the spotting and the loss of some"]
["lower leaves. It should not be necessary to fertilise with potassium during"]
["flowering unless deficiency symptoms are severe and the plant has ceased"]
["growing."]
[]
["Calcium"]
[]
["Abundant Ca levels have been consistently correlated with higher potency."]
[]
["Magnesium"]
[]
["Mg has been negatively correlated with potency. However, this may have been"]
["dur to the interaction of Ca and Mg, and may reflect Ca's strong positive"]
["correlation to potency, rather than the negative effects of Mg per se."]
["Plants that show Mg deficiencies must be fertilised, or they will quickly"]
["lose most of their leaves and barely remain alive."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 20"]
["HARVESTING"]
[]
["Figure 30 is a hypothetical plot of the increase in potency of a male plant"]
["and a female during the course of their growth. (Potency is measured by the"]
["percentage by weight of THC in a dried sample of the uppermost leaves or"]
["growing shoots until flowers appear.) It shoes that generally potency"]
["increases as the plant develops. Cues such as phyllotaxy changes and rate of"]
["growth are helpful indicator to changes in development and the chronological"]
["age of the plant has little significance."]
[]
["The development of the cannabinoids, resin glands, and, in practical terms,"]
["the potency in the living plant is not clearly understood. We believe that,,"]
["for the most part, potency does not increase steadily throughout the entire"]
["plant. Rather, each plant part reaches a point of maximum potency as it"]
["individually develops. A leaf that is formed when the plant is four weeks"]
["old does not increase in potency during the rest of the season. To say that"]
["potency is increasing means that the leaves that are now forming are more"]
["potent than those previously formed."]
[]
["We also believe that cannabinoid formation is very fast as each plant part"]
["forms. Once matured (for example, when a leaf is fully expanded),"]
["cannabinoids are decomposing. This is one reason why the potency can"]
["decrease as well as increase during growth, especially late in the season,"]
["after the flowers have formed. The practical aspects of these points are"]
["detailed in the following sections."]
[]
["20.2 Harvesting During Growth: Leaves and Growing Shoots"]
[]
["Leaves"]
[]
["We have emphasised that you should harvest grass during the course of the"]
["season. One reason is to assure yourself a return for your efforts. It is a"]
["sad commentary on our times that the greatest danger in growing marijuana"]
["outdoors is that the plants may be ripped off. On a more positive note,"]
["vegetative shoots and leaves can be surprisingly potent and should be"]
["sampled."]
[]
["The potency of each new set of leaves is higher than the last pair until a"]
["plateau is reached, usually during the middle of vegetative growth."]
["Thereafter potency of new leaves stays about the same as in those preceding."]
["Often there is a noticeable decline in potency just prior to flowering."]
["Leaves that form during flowering are usually more potent than those formed"]
["during the vegetative plateau. Leaves that form after the bloom are less"]
["potent."]
[]
["Of course, not all varieties or individual plants will follow this rhythm."]
["Faster-developing plants may reach the plateau sooner, and slower plants"]
["later. Potency of plants that have a longer life cycle may stay at the"]
["vegetative plateau for several months. Some plants do not seem to experience"]
["any drop in potency before flowering. Potency of these plants continues to"]
["increase gradually after the initial quick increase during early vegetative"]
["growth."]
[]
["Whenever you harvest green leaves during growth, you should always take the"]
["uppermost leaves, since these are the most potent. Also, the smaller leaves"]
["that form on the branches are more potent than the large leaves on the main"]
["stem. These large stem leaves (fan, shade, or sun leaves) are often the"]
["first leaves that growers pick. But these are the least potent of all"]
["leaves, and the may not get you high at all. As long as these leaves are"]
["healthy and green, let them stay on the plant for the plant's growth. Many"]
["growers simply use these leaves for mulch or compost as they die."]
[]
["Don't think that you should harvest each leaf as soon as it appears; this"]
["procedure would seriously affect normal growth and result in a small harvest"]
["of buds. The potency of individual leaves does not increase during the"]
["course of the season, but the decrease in potency is not great. Some of the"]
["loss in potency may even be made up for by the loss in tissue weight that a"]
["leaf experiences as it dies. Many growers prefer to harvest leaves during"]
["growth only after they lose colour, preferring the taste of the smoke to"]
["that of green leaves."]
[]
["Leaves should always be harvested if they die; with indoor gardens, remove"]
["any leaves that show signs of insects or other pests."]
[]
["Do keep yourself supplied with grass (that is the reason you are growing the"]
["plant); just don't overdo it. The main harvest is made up of buds, and you"]
["want a large, healthy plant that can support vigorous flowering. The larger"]
["and healthier a plant is, the more leaf you can harvest without seriously"]
["affecting the plant."]
[]
["Growing Shoots"]
[]
["You may prefer not to clip the growing shoot of the main stem. This forms"]
["the largest and most potent cola by harvest time. Plants grown close"]
["together usually are not clipped, so that the plants may grow as tall as"]
["possible. Where there is much space between plants, the main shoot is"]
["clipped to encourage the plant to develop its branches, which fill the"]
["available space."]
[]
["The potency of growing shoots follows the rhythm described for new leaves."]
["However, growing shoots can be the most potent parts of the harvest when"]
["picked at the right time. Shoots sometimes reach a very high peak of potency"]
["during the middle of vegetative growth. Outdoor gardens should be samples"]
["from mid-June through July, since this is the period in which shoots usually"]
["reach their peak."]
[]
["Potency also fluctuates according to local weather conditions. Try to"]
["harvest after a period of clear, sunny weather. Potency may declining for"]
["several days after a period of cloudy weather or heavy rainfall. After a"]
["heavy rain, harvest the shoots a week or two later, since the shoots often"]
["peak in potency during a burst of fast growth."]
[]
["Growing shoots can be harvested from each plant at least twice during"]
["growth. The first clipping may not give you much worthwhile grass, but it is"]
["done when the plants are young (roughly six weeks old) to force the plant to"]
["develop several growing shoots which are harvest about six to eight weeks"]
["later. The main shoot is clipped, leaving about four or five nodes below the"]
["cut. Two shoots should start to grow from each node, the strongest at the"]
["top of the plant and the weakest at the bottom. (This difference is more"]
["pronounced under artificial light, since the light is strongest on the top"]
["of the plants.) Each plant should produce at least six strong growing shoots"]
["after this first clipping. The yield from growing shoots can be considerable"]
["(especially during the summer marijuana drought) and will probably keep you"]
["supplied until the main harvest."]
[]
["A third harvest of shoot can be made later if the plants have a long growing"]
["season or are indoors. You don't want to clip shoots from the plants just"]
["prior to or during flowering, since doing so cuts down on the harvest of"]
["buds. Each plant should have at least twelve growing shoots after being"]
["clipped twice previously. You might harvest only a few shoots from each"]
["plant if the time for flowering is near."]
[]
["20.3 Male Plants"]
[]
["Male plants usually do not have the dramatic increase in potency during"]
["flowering that the females do. Male flowers take about two weeks to mature,"]
["from the time they are first visible as tiny knob-like buds. New flowers"]
["continue to appear for several weeks."]
[]
["When male flowers open and are about to release pollen, they reach their"]
["maximum potency. Since all flowers do not mature at the same time, for"]
["maximum potency the plants should be harvested after the first few flowers"]
["have opened."]
[]
["Male flowers actually make up little of the total weight of the harvest, and"]
["few new leaves form once flowering begins. There is no significant loss in"]
["either potency or yield if the male is harvested before its flowers open."]
["Once male flowers appear, there is little change in their potency. Also,"]
["once the flowers do open and release pollen, they shortly fall from the"]
["plant and are lost to the harvest."]
[]
["Males should therefore be harvested before any flowers open unless you want"]
["the females to produce seeds. In a small garden, male flower clusters can be"]
["individually harvested as they mature. Most growers treat male flowers more"]
["as a novelty. Potency of male flowers is quite variable, and seldom are they"]
["as good as the female flowers. To remove male plants, cut them near the base"]
["of the stem. Don't rip them up by the roots if they are near females that"]
["will be left to grow."]
[]
["Male plants normally begin to lose their vigour after the initial bloom."]
["When the weather is mild, or the plants are indoors, they can be encouraged"]
["to bloom a second and sometimes a third time before they finally die."]
[]
["20.4 Harvesting Female Buds"]
[]
["The decision of when to harvest females can be simplified by understanding"]
["that you want to pick the buds after they have developed fully, but before"]
["degradation processes begin to lower potency. There are two criteria you can"]
["use to tell when the plants have reached full bloom. The first is"]
["recognising the rhythm, with which the plants are blooming. A second is the"]
["condition of the flowers as judged by the health of the stigmas and the"]
["colour of the resin."]
[]
["Sinsemilla"]
[]
["Since sinsemilla flowers are not pollinated, the flowering period may last"]
["for many weeks. The most common rhythm for sinsemilla is that plants go"]
["through a stage of rapid bud formation, and the plants do indeed bloom. This"]
["bloom often lasts four to five weeks. The bloom ends when the rate at which"]
["new flowers form noticeably declines. At his time you should be able to"]
["sense that the bloom is completed. Buds are at their peak potency about one"]
["week after flower formation slows. This is the time to harvest. True, the"]
["plant may continue to grow slowly, but the main harvest is ready and should"]
["be taken."]
[]
["With sinsemilla, some marijuana varieties have an extended bloom that may"]
["last more than two months. With this rhythm, the rate at which the buds form"]
["is drawn out, and progresses at a slower but steadier pace. The point at"]
["which the bloom is essentially over may not be as obvious as in the first"]
["case. Here, use the condition of the buds to make your decision. Stigmas"]
["wither first at the base of the buds (older flowers). Those stigmas at the"]
["top of the buds (younger) will still be white and healthy, although their"]
["tips are often brown. Harvest the plants when about half the stigmas in the"]
["buds have withered. The coating of resin glands should still be clear or"]
["white, with only a few golden or browned gland heads."]
[]
["A third type of flowering rhythm is sometimes seen on plants from Thai seed."]
["Flower buds bloom and ripen at different times. These plants also have an"]
["extended flowering stage that can last for over two months. You may choose"]
["to harvest individual buds, colas, or branches as they ripen."]
[]
["Seeds"]
[]
["If your primary interest is seeds, the plant should be harvested after the"]
["seeds have developed their mature colour. Mature seeds can be seen splitting"]
["their sheaths or bracts. When enough seeds have ripened, the plants should"]
["be harvested. If the plants are left in the ground and die, many of the"]
["seeds will fall from the plant."]
[]
["For most growers, potency will be of primary interest, seeds only a"]
["secondary. With seeded marijuana, flowering is initially rapid until the"]
["plant is well-pollinated. If pollination occurs early in flowering, the"]
["plants often bloom for another week or two. Generally, you want the plants"]
["to flower for at least four weeks before picking, and usually longer, about"]
["six to seven weeks."]
[]
["With seeded marijuana, the bloom is of shorter duration than with"]
["sinsemilla. Once growth slows, wait another two to three weeks before"]
["harvesting. All the seeds may not be matured, particularly at the top of the"]
["bud. But potency of the buds should be about maximum at this time."]
[]
["20.5 Weather"]
[]
["Because of such variables as variety and growing conditions, there can be so"]
["much variation in the ripening process that no one criterion for judging"]
["when maximum potency is reached will be reliable for all cases."]
[]
["Warm, sunny weather encourages rapid flowering and a long period of"]
["receptivity by the stigmas. Cool, rainy weather can wither the stigmas and"]
["dampen the vigour of the bloom."]
[]
["If brief frost or long, cool rain has withered the stigmas, use the plants'"]
["growth as a guideline, because ultimately this is the most important"]
["criterion. You want the buds to reach a mature size, and to ripen for about"]
["another week. You do not want the buds to be left on the plant longer than"]
["necessary."]
[]
["Ideally, harvesting should follow a period of warm, sunny weather. In"]
["northern and mountainous parts of the country, many tropical varieties will"]
["note flower until late in the season, when the weather has cooled and"]
["night-time frosts are threatening. Most mature plant can withstand mild"]
["frosts and continue to grow well if daytime temperatures are mild. In this"]
["case, let the plants mature, since formation of the buds is more important"]
["than the weather in determining potency. Watch the plants carefully, and"]
["harvest when the buds reach mature size. Marijuana killed by frost may smoke"]
["harshly, but potency does not seem affected. Well-formed buds should be"]
["picked if heavy rains are expected. Cannabinoids are not water-soluble, but"]
["gland heads will be washed away."]
[]
["Barring a catastrophe, such as a long frost, death to Cannabis is usually"]
["not sudden. The plants will continue to grow, and may infact rejuvenate the"]
["next year if the stalks are left in the ground. But after the main bloom,"]
["the growth that follows is usually much less vigorous and sometimes forms"]
["abnormally. Leaves at this time are simplified, and have one blade. Later"]
["leaves are smaller, and tend to have entire margins (no serrations)."]
["Sometimes they are twisted or misshaped, as are the flowers that form along"]
["with them. This slow growth that follows the initial bloom will contribute"]
["little to the weight of the harvest. Additionally, this post-bloom growth is"]
["much less potent than the original bloom. Resin glands on these plant parts"]
["are feeble and poorly developed. When this abnormal growth forms, the time"]
["for harvesting is past. {See Figure 83.}"]
[]
["When a plant seems to persist in growing, and you are not sure bloom is"]
["past, the best procedure to follow is to try for a double harvest."]
[]
["Double Harvests"]
[]
["Most marijuana plants take at least five months to reach maturity. Once the"]
["plant has reached maturity, it is forming its most potent marijuana, and"]
["should not be cut down completely. You can often induce the females to"]
["flower a second (and sometimes a third) time, especially if the plants are"]
["indoors or if the weather is expected to stay mild for several more weeks."]
[]
["To encourage a second bloom, first take the bulk of the harvest: all but the"]
["smallest buds, and most of the leaf. Some green leaves should be left on the"]
["plant to maintain the plant's growth. After harvesting, give the plants a"]
["thorough watering, and water with a soluble, complete fertiliser that"]
["provides a good supply of both N and P. This will encourage new growth and"]
["continued flowering."]
[]
["Indoors, the best procedure is to treat the plants like a hedge. Cut all the"]
["plants back to equal heights, about two to three feet tall. Remove most of"]
["the grass, but again leave a few green leaves on the plant. Don't remove"]
["lower branches even if they are leafless, since these will sprout again."]
["Lower the light system to the tops of the plants, and maintain the daily"]
["cycle at about 12 hours. The second crop of buds will be ready for harvest"]
["in four to eight weeks. With this system, the plants appear like dense"]
["hedges of buds. If the second crop of buds forms quickly, you should try for"]
["a third crop. Continue to fertilise the plants regularly, and watch for"]
["signs of magnesium deficiencies, which often show up when the plants have"]
["been growing for an extended time."]
[]
["Double and triple harvests are one of the benefits of indoor growing."]
["Although plants are relatively small indoors, the original harvest of buds"]
["can be triples in the next four months."]
[]
["20.6 Potency and Decomposition"]
[]
["We have said that when buds are picked too late, the potency may decline"]
["because of decomposition of the cannabinoids, especially THC."]
[]
["In section 21, Tables 26-29 give measured rates of decomposition of the"]
["major cannabinoids due to exposure to light and air. Light rapidly"]
["decomposes THC into unknown products (possibly polymers (122,164)). Light"]
["also converts CBD to CBS and CBC to CBL. Air (oxygen) slowly converts THC to"]
["the less active CBN. Conversion to CBN is hastened by higher temperatures."]
[]
["Degradative processes do not occur as quickly in the living plant as when"]
["the cannabinoids are purified or in solution, as is shown by the data in"]
["Tables 27-30 in section 21 {Tables on disk only}. Resin glands seem to"]
["function well in storing the cannabinoids in dried plant material. However,"]
["the rates of decomposition in Tables 27 and 28 are for samples exposed to"]
["north light and a maximum of 80F temperatures. Temperature would be higher,"]
["and light stronger, under full sunlight."]
[]
["Studies with fresh plant material usually show negligible CBN content in"]
["fresh marijuana from immature plants. When mature buds are tested, their CBN"]
["content is generally equal to at least five percent of their THC content."]
["When growing temperatures are higher, such as in the tropics, CBN content"]
["can account for more than 20 percent of the original THC. Even if we assume"]
["a low figure, such as five percent conversion of THC to CBN, there is"]
["actually a much greater decline in THC content because of the simultaneous"]
["degradation of THC by light."]
[]
["When the slow rate at which THC oxidises to CBN is considered, five percent"]
["decomposition in a period of less than two months represents considerable"]
["exposure of the THC to air, and most of this exposure occurs in the last"]
["critical weeks when the resin glands begin to degenerate. Plates 8 and 11-13"]
["show the condition of the resin glands on several different kinds of"]
["marijuana."]
[]
["Stalked glands that cover the female flower bracts sometimes rupture or"]
["secrete cannabinoids through pores in the glands head. Secretion is not a"]
["continuous flow, but more of an emptying of the glands' contents. At this"]
["time, gland heads may dehisce. Also, because of their abundance and raised"]
["positions, resin glands on the female bracts are exposed to strong sunlight"]
["and possible physical damage. These conditions may explain the significant"]
["decline in potency of buds that are overripe."]
[]
["Leaves are also affected by decomposition of the cannabinoids, but not as"]
["quickly or seriously as the buds, probably because the resin glands on the"]
["leaves are most numerous on the undersurface, where they are somewhat"]
["protected from light. These glands rarely rupture or secrete cannabinoids."]
["Often they are intact, clear, and apparently unchanged for many weeks on the"]
["living plant."]
[]
["As the plates show, one can, with the naked eye, see the glands change"]
["colour, from colourless or white to golden, and then to reddish or brown."]
["THC is colourless. If the colour changes of the resin do indicate"]
["decomposition of THC, then decomposition in the stalked glands that cover"]
["the buds can be considerable."]
[]
["We have smoked buds that seemed to lose about half their potency when left"]
["on the plant for an addition three weeks. Colour changes are after the fact."]
["If many of the glands are beginning to brown, the grass should be harvested."]
[]
["20.7 Timing the Harvest"]
[]
["Many growers will disagree with us on when the best time is to harvest the"]
["buds (female plants). When the plants are left in the ground, and are alive"]
["but past the main bloom, the resinous qualities of the plant may become more"]
["apparent. The bracts and tiny leaves may swell in size, and the leaves feel"]
["thicker. The coating of resin glands will change colour. Leaves often yellow"]
["and fall form the plant. Much of the green colour in the flowering buds may"]
["also be lost. Harvests of these buds more closely resembles commercial"]
["Colombian grass than typical homegrown. The resin content of the dried buds"]
["may be higher, and the grass will smoke more harshly than if the buds were"]
["younger when picked. You may prefer these qualities in your grass, and some"]
["growers insist this grass is stonier. We feel that the grass will give you"]
["the highest high when it is picked as described previously. Smoking is a"]
["personal experience, and you should try different approaches and come to"]
["your own conclusions."]
[]
["The first time you grow marijuana is largely a learning experience. Most"]
["growers can't wait to start their second crop, because they are certain that"]
["they'll improve on both the quantity and the quality of their crop, and this"]
["is usually true. The wise grower will not put all his proverbial eggs in one"]
["basket. It is a good idea to monitor potency by taking samples every few"]
["days when harvest time is drawing near, just as such monitoring is for"]
["deciding when to harvest growing shoots during vegetative growth."]
[]
["In any garden, some of the plants will mature sooner than others. Use the"]
["plant(s) that is earliest to mature to decide at what point in its"]
["development the plant reaches maximum potency. This finding then serves as a"]
["guide for harvesting the rest of the plants."]
[]
["Try to use buds from approximately the same position on the plant each time"]
["you sample. Take only enough to make a joint or two. The more you"]
["standardise your testing (and this includes your smoking evaluation), the"]
["more accurate your results may be."]
[]
["20.8 Final Harvesting"]
[]
["The time of harvest is a time of joy. It is also a time for caution. Unless"]
["the safety of your garden is assured, you will want to harvest quickly,"]
["quietly and as efficiently as possible. Ideally, each plant is harvested as"]
["it matures, but some of you will have to harvest all at once."]
[]
["It is best to take cardboard boxes or large, sturdy bags to carry the"]
["harvest. You want to harvest the plants with as little crushing or damage to"]
["the flowers as possible."]
[]
["Bring a strong knife, heavy shears, or clippers for cutting the stalks. The"]
["quickest way to harvest is to cut each plant at its base. Once the plants"]
["are on the ground, cut the stalks into manageable lengths for boxing or"]
["bagging. Separate large branches as needed for packing."]
[]
["The bagged or boxed material should be moved to the curing or drying area as"]
["soon as possible. If you let the plants sit in the trunk of a car or in"]
["plastic bags, they will start to ferment and small in less than a day."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 21"]
["AFTER THE HARVEST"]
[]
["Once the marijuana plant is harvested, it ceases to produce cannabinoids and"]
["resins, and the main changes in potency that occur are degradative. However,"]
["when the material is handled carefully, dried or cured properly, and then"]
["stored well, little degradation will occur. During drying or curing, the"]
["resin content may seem to increase, as the plant's tissues shrink away from"]
["their resinous coating."]
[]
["More than 70 percent of the fresh weight of the plant os water. Drying is"]
["done to evaporate most of this water, so the marijuana will burn evenly and"]
["smoke smoothly. Additionally, the cannabinoids in fresh plant material are"]
["mostly in the acid forms, which are not psychoactive. The acid cannabinoids"]
["decarboxylate (they lose the gas, carbon dioxide) during the drying or"]
["curing processes, which convert them to their psychoactive neutral forms."]
["Decarboxylation is complete if the marijuana is actually smokes. For this"]
["reason, no special procedures are needed to decarboxylate the marijuana"]
["unless it will be eaten. In that case, the recipe should include a period of"]
["dry heating. The heat converts the cannabinoids to their psychoactive"]
["neutral forms, and also melts the sharp-pointed cystolith hairs that cover"]
["leaves, stems and petioles. Cystolith hairs can cause stomach pains if you"]
["eat uncooked marijuana or chew on raw marijuana, which we strongly advise"]
["you not to do."]
[]
["Commercial marijuana us usually composed of just the flower tops (colas),"]
["which have been stripped, manicured, cured, and dried. Homegrowers often do"]
["not cure their crop before drying, and if the smoke is smooth, there is no"]
["reason not to dry it directly. But harsh-smoking marijuana can be cured so"]
["that the smoke is smoother. Curing has little affect on potency when done"]
["properly."]
[]
["21.2 Stripping"]
[]
["Stripping, the removal of large leaves, is usually done soon after"]
["harvesting. Fan leaves are stripped because they are much less potent than"]
["the colas that they cover, and do not cure as well as the prime material. In"]
["commercial growing areas, the fan leaves are often stripped in the field and"]
["form a green manure. But fan leaves are sometimes quite potent, especially"]
["if they are recent growth. The lower leaves are usually weak, but they can"]
["be used in cooking or concentrated in an extract."]
[]
["The easiest time to strip fan leaves is after they have wilted, because they"]
["are easier to pull off when they are limp then when they are turgid. Wilting"]
["takes place in less than an hour if the plants are in a well-ventilated"]
["space. Plants placed in a plastic bag in a cool area may take a day or more"]
["to wilt."]
[]
["Some growers leave the fan leaves on until the plants have dried. After the"]
["buds are removed, they strip the remaining leaves by running their (gloved)"]
["hands from the base of stems and branches toward their tips. The fan leaves"]
["disintegrate into shake."]
[]
["21.3 Grading and Manicuring"]
[]
["Grading and manicuring are important steps in preparing fine grass. Grading"]
["is done by separating the plants according to variety, sex, and the"]
["particular stash uniform, and the quality of the better grades is not"]
["diluted. Plant parts are usually graded as follows: main top colas, small"]
["side colas, immature buds, leaves accompanying flowers, and fan and stray"]
["leaves. This is important, because the differences in potency will be"]
["considerable. For instance, the buds on a Colombian homegrown will be top"]
["quality, but the lower leaves will be more like a low-grade commercial"]
["Mexican."]
[]
["Manicuring is done to remove the extraneous leaf from the colas. First the"]
["large fan leaves are stripped. The exposed colas are then trimmed with"]
["scissors to remove the ends of leaves that stick out from the colas. Plants"]
["should be manicured and (usually) graded before drying, since dried material"]
["crumbles into shake when handled. Also, leaves dry much more quickly than"]
["buds, and different plant parts cure at their own rates."]
[]
["Male flowers are often treated as a novelty by growers, who make"]
["individually rolled sticks from them, as follows. Hang the plants upside"]
["down; the leaves will wilt and hang down, covering the male flower clusters."]
["Then roll each cluster within its leaves between the palms of your hands, to"]
["compress the cluster into a joint-shaped mass. Dry the \"stick\" in a warm"]
["dark place. Rolling the grass ruptures many of the glands; so dried sticks"]
["should be stored carefully until each is used."]
[]
["Hashish"]
[]
["When you handle your crop, you may notice a resin build-up on your hands and"]
["the tools you are using. This resin can be collected by rubbing and scraping"]
["it into a ball. It makes a quality hash that is several times as"]
["concentrated as the grass."]
[]
["Small quantities of hash can be made by rubbing resinous plant parts across"]
["a thin, fine mesh screen. The resin is then scraped off the screen and"]
["rolled into finger shapes. Hash can also be made by thrashing fresh plants"]
["over a mesh screen inside an enclosed box whose floor is lined with sheet"]
["plastic. A box about one yard square is a suitable size. On one side of the"]
["box a hole is made large enough for the colas to be shaken by hand. In this"]
["way, the resin glands are knocked loose, but are contained by the box and"]
["settle on the plastic."]
[]
["Plastic or paper should be placed beneath the marijuana during manicuring,"]
["grading, or drying. Besides fallen grass, a considerable amount of glands"]
["and fine shake can be caught and compressed to a hash-like mass."]
[]
["21.4 Curing"]
[]
["Curing is a process employed to naturally enhance the bouquet, flavour, and"]
["texture of marijuana. Curing does not lower potency when done correctly,"]
["although poor curing methods often result in some less of THC."]
[]
["Curing is not an essential procedure, and many growers prefer the \"natural\""]
["flavour of uncured grass. Sweet sinsemilla buds usually are not cured."]
[]
["Curing is most successful on plants which have \"ripened\" and are beginning"]
["to lose chlorophyll. It is less successful on growing tips and other"]
["vigorous parts which are immature. These parts may only lose some"]
["chlorophyll."]
[]
["Curing proceeds while the leaf is still alive, for until it dries, many of"]
["the leaf's life processes continue. Since the leaf's ability to produce"]
["sugars is thwarted, it breaks down stored starch to simple sugars, which are"]
["used for food. This gives the grass a sweet or earthy aroma and taste. At"]
["the same time, many of the complex proteins and pigments, such as"]
["chlorophyll, are broken down in enzymatic processes. This changes the colour"]
["of the leaf from green to various shades of yellow, brown, tan, or red,"]
["depending primarily on the variety, but also on growing environment and cure"]
["technique. The destruction of chlorophyll eliminates the minty taste that is"]
["commonly associated with green homegrown."]
[]
["There are several methods of curing, most of which were originally designed"]
["to cure large quantities of tobacco. Some of them can be modified by the"]
["home grower to use for small marijuana harvests as well as large harvests."]
["The methods used to cure marijuana are the air, flue, sweat, sun, and water"]
["cures."]
[]
["Air Curing"]
[]
["Air curing is a technique developed in the United States for curing pipe and"]
["cigar tobacco. It was originally done in specially constructed barns made"]
["with ventilator slats which could be sealed; a small shed or metal building"]
["can easily be adapted for this use. However, this method of curing works"]
["only when there is enough material to keep the air saturated with moisture."]
[]
["Wires are strung across the barn, and the marijuana plants or plant parts"]
["are hung from them, using string, wire twists, or the crooks of branches."]
["The plants material should be closely spaced, but there should be enough"]
["room between branches (a few inches) so that air circulates freely. The"]
["building is kept unventilated until all the material loses some chlorophyll"]
["(green colour). This loss occurs rapidly during warm sunny weather because"]
["heat builds up, which hastens the cure. In wet or overcast weather, the"]
["temperature in the chamber will be cooler, and the process will proceed more"]
["slowly. If these conditions last for more than a day or two, unwanted mould"]
["may grow on the plants. The best way to prevent mould from forming is to"]
["raise the temperature to 90F by using a heater."]
[]
["After the leaves have lost their deep green and become pale, the ventilator"]
["or windows are opened slightly, so that the temperature and humidity are"]
["lowered and the curing process is slowed. The process then continues until"]
["all traces of chlorophyll are eliminated. The entire process may take six"]
["weeks. Then the ventilators are opened, and an exhaust fan installed if"]
["necessary, to dry the material to the point that it can be smoked but still"]
["is moist, that is, bends rather than crumbles or powders when rubbed between"]
["thumb and forefinger."]
[]
["Flue Curing"]
[]
["Flue curing differs from air curing in that the process is speeded up by"]
["using an external source of heat, and the air circulation is more closely"]
["regulated. This method can be used with small quantities of material in a"]
["small, airtight curing box constructed for the purpose. Large quantities can"]
["be hung in a room or barn as described in Air Curing."]
[]
["A simple way to control the temperature when curing or drying small amounts"]
["of marijuana is to place the material to be cured in a watertight box (or a"]
["bottle) with ventilation holes on the top. Place the box in a water-filled"]
["container, such as a pot, fish-tank, or bathtub. The curing box contains air"]
["and will float. The water surrounding the box is maintained at the correct"]
["temperature by means of a stove or hotplate, fish-tank or water-bed heater,"]
["or any inexpensive immersible heater. Temperature of the water is monitored."]
[]
["With the marijuana loosely packed, maintain water temperature at 90 degrees."]
["After several days, the green tissue turns a pale yellow-green or murky"]
["colour, indicating yellow or brown pigments. Then increase temperature, to"]
["about 100 degrees, until all traces of green disappear. Raise the"]
["temperature once again, this time to 115 degrees, until a full, ripe colour"]
["develops. Also increase ventilation at this time, so that the marijuana"]
["dries. Plants dried at high temperature tend to be brittle; so lower the"]
["temperature before drying is completed. This last phase of drying can be"]
["done at room temperature, out of the water bath. The whole process takes a"]
["week or less."]
[]
["Marijuana cured by this technique turns a deep brown colour. Immature"]
["material may retain some chlorophyll and have a slight greenish cast. Taste"]
["is rich yet mild."]
[]
["Sweat Curing"]
[]
["Sweat curing is the technique most widely used in Colombia. Long branches"]
["containing colas are layered in piles about 18 inches high and a minimum of"]
["two feet square, more often about ten by fifteen feet. Sweat curing actually"]
["incorporates the fermenting process. Within a few hours the leaves begin to"]
["heat up from the microbial action in the same way that a compost pile"]
["ferments. Then change in colour is very rapid; watch the pile carefully, so"]
["that it does not overheat and rot the colas. Each day unpack the piles, and"]
["remove the colas that have turned colour. Within four or five days, all the"]
["colas will have turned colour. They are then dried. One way to prevent rot"]
["while using this method is to place cotton sheets, rags, or paper towels"]
["between each double layer of colas. The towels absorb some of the moisture"]
["and slow down the process."]
[]
["Sweat curing can be modified for use with as little marijuana as two large"]
["plants. Pack the marijuana tightly in a heavy paper sack (or several layers"]
["of paper bags), and place it in the sun. The light is converted to heat and"]
["helps support the sweat."]
[]
["Another variation of the sweat process occurs when fresh undried marijuana"]
["is bricked. The bricks are placed in piles, and they cure while being"]
["transported."]
[]
["A simple procedure for a slow sweat cure is to roll fresh marijuana in"]
["plastic bags. Each week, open the bag for about an hour to evaporate some"]
["water. In about six weeks, the ammonia smell will dissipate somewhat, and"]
["the grass should be dried. This cure works well with small quantities of"]
["mediocre grass, since it concentrates the material."]
[]
["Sun Curing"]
[]
["A quick way to cure small quantities of marijuana os to loosely fill a"]
["plastic bag or glass jar, or place a layer between glass or plastic sheets,"]
["and expose the material to the sun. Within a few hours the sun begins to"]
["bleach it. Turn the marijuana every few hours, so that all parts are exposed"]
["to the sun. An even cure is achieved in one to two days {(see Plate 16)}."]
["Some degradation of THC may occur using this method."]
[]
["Water Cure"]
[]
["Unlike other curing methods, the water cure is performed after the marijuana"]
["is dried. Powder and small pieces are most often used, but the cure also"]
["works with whole colas. The material is piled loosely in a glass or ceramic"]
["pot which is filled with luke-warm water. (When hot water is used, some of"]
["the THC is released in oils, which escape and float to the top of the"]
["water.) Within a few hours many of the non-psychoactive water-soluble"]
["substances dissolve. An occasional gentle stirring speeds the process. The"]
["water is changed and the process repeated. Then the grass is dried again for"]
["smoking."]
[]
["THC is not water-soluble; so it remains on the plant when it is soaked. By"]
["eliminating water-soluble substances (pigments, proteins, sugars, and some"]
["resins), which may make up 25 percent of the plant material by weight, this"]
["cure may increase the concentration of THC by up to a third."]
[]
["Marijuana cured by this method has a dark, almost black colour, and looks"]
["twisted and curled, something like tea leaves. The water cure is frequently"]
["used to cure dried fan leaves and poor-quality grass."]
[]
["21.5 Drying"]
[]
["Living marijuana leaves are 80 percent water; colas are about 70 percent"]
["water. Marijuana dried for smoking contains only eight to 10 percent water,"]
["or about 10 percent of the original amount. There are several methods used"]
["to evaporate water; these have little effect on potency, but can affect the"]
["taste, bouquet, and smoothness of the smoke. Generally, the slower the dry,"]
["the smoother the taste. Excess drying and drying methods that use heat will"]
["evaporate some of the volatile oils that give each grass its unique taste"]
["and aroma."]
[]
["Grasses which are dried as part of the curing process usually have a smooth,"]
["mild taste, because of the elimination of chlorophyll and various proteins."]
["Cured marijuana may also be a little sweeter than when first picked, because"]
["the curing converts some of the plant's starch to simple sugars."]
[]
["Some grasses are tasty and smooth-smoking when they are dried without"]
["curing, especially fresh homegrown buds which retain their volatile oils and"]
["sugar. Many homegrowers have acquired a taste for \"natural\" uncured grass,"]
["with its minty chlorophyll flavour; such marijuana is dried directly after"]
["harvesting. {Figure 89, Male plants drying on a tree. Cheesecloth holds"]
["loose leaf for drying.}"]
[]
["Slow Drying"]
[]
["Slow drying is probably the method most commonly used to dry marijuana."]
["Because of the slowness of the dry, a slight cure takes place, eliminating"]
["the bite sometimes associated with quickly dried grass."]
[]
["There are many variations of the technique, but most commonly whole plants"]
["or separated colas are suspended upside down from a drawn string or from"]
["pegs on a wall in a cool dark room, closet, or other enclosed space. A large"]
["number of plants may take a week or two to dry. The drying time for small"]
["numbers of plants can be increased (for a slight cure) by placing the plants"]
["in large, open paper sacks that have ventilation holes cut in their sides."]
["The drying room should have no heavy drafts, but mould may form on the"]
["plants if the air is stagnant. If weather is rainy or the air humid,"]
["increase ventilation and watch for any mould. Plants should be dried quickly"]
["under moderate heat if any mould appears."]
[]
["Many experienced growers prefer slow drying to curing. There is little"]
["chance of error with this method, and buds usually smoke smooth and develop"]
["a pliable consistency. Slow-dried ripe buds retain their delicious, sweet"]
["aroma and taste."]
[]
["Fast Drying"]
[]
["The fast dry-method produces a harsher smoke than slow drying, but it is"]
["often the most convenient method to use. The plants are suspended in the"]
["same way as for slow drying, but the temperature in the drying area is"]
["increased to between 90 and 115 degrees, often by means of electric or gas"]
["heater. The drying area is kept well-ventilated with a fan. As the plants"]
["dry, they are removed from the drying area. By this method, plants in a"]
["tightly packed room can be dried in less than four days, but the exhaust"]
["will contain the deliciously pungent odour of drying marijuana."]
[]
["Indoor growers often hang plants to dry over radiators or stream pipes."]
["Leaves are dried by placing them on a tray over a radiator or on top of the"]
["light fixture."]
[]
["Marijuana that is fast-dried retains its original green colour and minty"]
["taste."]
[]
["Oven Drying"]
[]
["Oven drying is often used by gardeners to sample their crop. Small"]
["quantities of material can be quickly dried by being placed in a 150 to 200"]
["oven for about 10 minutes. Larger quantities can be dried in trays that"]
["contain a single layer of material or in a dehydrator. Oven-dried and"]
["dehydrator-dried marijuana usually has a harsh taste and bite, and loses"]
["much of its bouquet. The method is often used to dry marijuana which has"]
["been cured and dried but is too moist to smoke, or to dry marijuana which is"]
["to be used for cooking or extractions. It is an adequate method for"]
["obtaining dry material for testing and emergencies, but the main harvest"]
["should not be dried in this way. Oven drying works best with leaves. When"]
["leaves are dried together with buds or shoots, remove the material from the"]
["oven periodically, to separate the faster-drying leaf material (before it"]
["burns) from the slower drying buds. One way to do this is to place all the"]
["material on a wire screen over a tray. Every few minutes rub the material"]
["across the screen. Dried material falls unto the tray and is removed from"]
["the oven. Repeat until all the material has dried."]
[]
["Oven curing works well when closely watched. Dried marijuana that is left in"]
["the oven will lose potency quickly. Any time the marijuana begins to char,"]
["most of the potency will already have been lost. This should not be a"]
["problem unless you are careless, or allow the temperature to go above 200"]
["degrees."]
[]
["Sun Drying"]
[]
["Some growers dry their crops right in the field. There are many methods of"]
["sun drying. In Oregon, some growers break the main stem about two feet from"]
["the ground. The leaves and buds dry gradually, since they are still partly"]
["attached to the plant. Other growers spread burlap and cover it with plants"]
["left to dry. Fan leaves are left on the plants to protect the drying buds"]
["from the sun. The grass is manicured after drying. Growers in Arizona shade"]
["drying plants with cheesecloth."]
[]
["Sun-dried marijuana usually has a taste similar to that of oven-dried. Often"]
["the sun bleaches it slightly but also destroy some of the delicate bouquet."]
["Prolonged exposure to the sun will decrease potency, although there is no"]
["noticeable loss if drying is done quickly."]
[]
["Dry Ice"]
[]
["Many homegrowers have written to us that the dry-ice cure increases the"]
["potency of marijuana considerably, and we would be remiss not to mention it."]
[]
["Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. When it melts (sublimates), it turns from"]
["a solid directly into a gas. This gas absorbs some moisture from the frozen"]
["marijuana and partially dries it."]
[]
["There are many variations of the dry-ice method. Fresh or partially dried"]
["material is usually used, although some enthusiasts claim that the cure also"]
["works with dried material. The marijuana is placed in a coffee can or"]
["similar container with a lid, along with at least an equal volume of dry"]
["ice. Puncture the lid so that the gas can escape as it evaporates. Place the"]
["can in a freezer to prolong the evaporation process. When the dry ice is"]
["gone, the grass is dried, but still moist."]
[]
["Some growers claim that simply freezing the grass increases potency. They"]
["often freeze fan leaves or other less-potent material for a couple of months"]
["before smoking it. This is said to work only with fresh (wet or dried)"]
["grass."]
[]
["21.6 Fermentation"]
[]
["When vegetation dries, the individual cells which maintained life processes"]
["die. But marijuana can still be conditioned by means of fermentation."]
["Fermentation is the process in which microbes and plant enzymes break down"]
["complex chemicals into simpler ones, mainly starch and sugars into alcohol"]
["and simple acids. In the process chlorophyll is destroyed, giving the"]
["material a more ripened appearance. If the fermentation is stopped early,"]
["the marijuana has a sweeter taste because of the sugars which the ferment"]
["produced."]
[]
["Fermentation occurs when the moisture content of the marijuana is raised"]
["above 15 percent and the temperature is above 60 degrees. The more tightly"]
["packed the material, that faster the ferment proceeds. The rate of ferment"]
["is controlled primarily by varying the moisture content, but each batch"]
["proceeds at its own rate because of differences between plants in nitrogen"]
["content. (Nitrogen is necessary to maintain fermenting bacteria.) The"]
["process is delicate; should the ferment proceed too rapidly, the marijuana"]
["may be converted to compost. Watch the fermentation closely. After the"]
["desired colour or flavour (from a dried sample) is reached, dry the grass"]
["quickly to stop the process."]
[]
["During fermentation, flavourings can be added to give the marijuana a spicy"]
["aroma. Such spices as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, sage, or vanilla are"]
["placed between the fermenting material. Orange, lemon, or lime peels are"]
["also used. About half an ounce of spice or four ounces of peel are used for"]
["each cubic foot of material to be fermented. The spices are wrapped in cloth"]
["sachets. The citrus peels are strung. They can be placed between the layers"]
["of marijuana."]
[]
["There are two types of fermentations: self-generating and forced. They are"]
["best used with leaves or immature plants."]
[]
["Self-Generating Fermentation"]
[]
["Self-generating fermentation proceeds rapidly only when there is enough"]
["material to make a heap at least one cubic yard large. When smaller"]
["quantities are used, too much of the heat generated by the bacteria is"]
["dissipated, so that the process is slow and is more properly considered"]
["aging."]
[]
["Place the material in a large container or in a pile with a tarpaulin placed"]
["over it, and lightly spray it with a mister if it is dry. Let the pile heat"]
["up for a few days, and then break it down. If it is repacked, the marijuana"]
["will develop a dull matte appearance and lose its sugars. IF the process is"]
["allowed to proceed even further, the marijuana will disintegrate."]
[]
["Forced Fermentation"]
[]
["Forced fermentation can be used with small quantities of material. It"]
["requires an enclose chamber in which heat and humidity can be regulated."]
[]
["Pack the marijuana loosely in a kiln or other chamber, and raise the"]
["temperature to 135 degrees. Maintain humidity at 75 percent. Check the"]
["progress of the ferment periodically. Within a week the ferment should be"]
["completed. During this ferment there is a release of ammonia compounds,"]
["resulting in some foul odours, but upon completion of the ferment and"]
["drying, the marijuana should smoke sweet and mellow."]
[]
["21.7 Storage"]
[]
["THC is degraded by both heat and light. Table 26 shows results of an"]
["experiment conducted at the University of Mississippi, in which marijuana"]
["was stored under varying temperature conditions171. These results indicate"]
["that marijuana stored at room temperature (72) or below, and in darkness for"]
["up to two years will lose only an insignificant amount of its original"]
["potency; whereas marijuana stored in darkness at 97 or above will lose"]
["almost all its potency within two years."]
[]
["In another experiment,164 Fairbairn stored dried marijuana at different"]
["temperatures in both light and dark conditions. The samples in light were"]
["exposed to a north-facing windows (no direct sunlight). The results are"]
["shown in Table 27."]
[]
["Fairbairn also performed an experiment to discover the effect of air on"]
["THC164. Freshly prepared Cannabis resin was stored as a loose powder, a"]
["compressed powder, and an unbroken lump for one year at 68 degrees F (about"]
["room temperature). Samples were stored under two conditions: in light and"]
["air, and in darkness and air. The results are shown in Table 28."]
[]
["Fairbairn experimented further with pure cannabinoids and extracts of"]
["marijuana dissolved in petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol"]
["(alcohol)165. The results, in Tables 29 and 30, show that the THC and CBD in"]
["solution are much more unstable than when they are left in marijuana,"]
["especially if they are held by the plant in undamaged glands, where they are"]
["protected from exposure to air and, to some degree, light. Crude extracts"]
["seem more stable than highly refined cannabinoids, especially CBD, which is"]
["very unstable in refined solutions."]
[]
["Extract makers and purchasers should limit the exposure of the solution to"]
["light and heat as well as to air. Oils and extracts should be kept"]
["refrigerated in opaque, sealed container. Notice that THC is almost"]
["completely degraded in a few weeks when it is held in solution and exposed"]
["to light. Red oil, hash oil, and honey oil must be stored in light-tight"]
["containers to preserve potency."]
[]
["From the tables, you can see that light is the primary factor that causes"]
["decomposition of THC. The decomposition products are unknown, but are"]
["suspected to be polymers or resins. We also do not know whether the rate of"]
["decomposition would be faster in direct sunlight."]
[]
["Air (oxygen) acts much more slowly to convert THC to CBN. Decomposition of"]
["THC to CBN is not significant unless temperatures are in the nineties or"]
["higher. However, such high temperatures can occur in grass that is packed"]
["before it is properly dried. The moisture that is left supports microbial"]
["activity, which heats the grass internally, as occurs during certain types"]
["of curing. Potency of cured grass is not lowered significantly when the cure"]
["is done properly and when the buds are left intact during the process."]
[]
["The figures for powdered and compressed grass in Table 28 show that both"]
["light and air cause rapid decomposition when the resin is exposed through"]
["breaking of the resin glands. Intact resin glands appear to function well in"]
["storing the cannabinoids. For this reason, it is important to handle fresh"]
["and dried grass carefully, in order not to crush the material and thus break"]
["the glands, especially in the buds, which have a cover of raised resin"]
["glands. Most well-prepared marijuana will have intact, well-preserved buds."]
[]
["The best place to store marijuana is in a dark container in a refrigerator"]
["or freezer. Cannabis should be stored uncleaned, so that the glands"]
["containing the THC are not damaged, since damage causes their precious"]
["contents to be exposed to light and air. Marijuana should be cleaned only"]
["when it is about to be smoked."]
[]
["Many growers place a fresh lemon, orange, or lime peel in with each lid of"]
["stored grass. The peel helps to retain moisture, which keeps the buds"]
["pliable, and also gives the grass a pleasant bouquet."]
[]
["Most growers take well-earned pride in the quality of the marijuana that"]
["they grow. By supplying yourself with an herb which may play an important"]
["role in your life, you gain a feeling of self-sufficiency that can be"]
["infectious."]
[]
["Since your homegrown is well-tended and fresh, it has a sweet flavourful"]
["taste, far superior to that of commercial grass. And there need be no fear"]
["of contamination from herbicides, pesticides, adulterants, or other foreign"]
["matter. By growing your own, you come to the pleasant realisation that you"]
["are free from the vagaries and paranoia of the marijuana market - not to"]
["mention how little a home garden costs. All of these feeling can add up to a"]
["very heady experience."]
[]
["In a time of quiet contemplation, you might also reflect on the experiences"]
["that brought you this wondrous herb from a tiny seed. There is a tradition"]
["of mutual nurture and support between humanity and this plant that goes back"]
["10,000 years."]
[]
["You are now part of this continuing tradition."]
[]
["As you probably realised while reading this book, some of the practical"]
["information came to us through letters from growers. We appreciate these"]
["letters and will continue to refer to them when we update and improve future"]
["editions of the Marijuana Grower's Guide. We would also like to hear ideas,"]
["criticisms, and feedback from our readers. Other research material and"]
["copies of professional research are also welcome."]
[]
["        Wishing you a Happy Harvest,"]
["        Mel Frank"]
["        Ed Rosenthal"]
[]
["BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTES"]
[]
["Historical"]
[]
["1.      Aldrich, M. A. 1971. A Brief Legal History of Marijuana.  Presented"]
["        to the Western Inst. of Drug Problems Marijuana Conf., Portland,"]
["        Oregon, Aug. 7, 1971. 14pp."]
["2.      Frazier, J. 1974. The Marijuana Farmers, Hemp Cults, and Cultures."]
["        133pp Solar Age Press, New Orleans, La."]
["3.      Godwin, H. 1967. Pollen Analytic Evidence for the Cultivation of"]
["        Cannabis in England. Rev. Paleobotany Palnyol. 4:71-80."]
["4.      Godwin, H. 1967. The Ancient Cultivation of Hemp. Antiquity"]
["        41:42-50, 137-138."]
["5.      Jain, S., and Tarafder, C. 1970. Medicinal Plant Lore of the Santals"]
["        Tribe in S.E. Asia, Econ. Botany 24:241-249."]
["6.      Kamstra, J. 1974, Weed: Adventures of a Dope Smuggler. 267 pp. Harper"]
["        and Row. New York."]
["7.      Keng, Hsuan. 1974. Economic Plants of Ancient N. China as Mentioned"]
["        in Shih Ching (Book of Poetry). Econ. Botany 28 (4): 391-410."]
["8.      Li, Hui-Lin. 1974. An Archaeological and Historical Account of"]
["        Cannabis in China. Econ. Botany 28 (4): 437-448."]
["9.      Li, Hui-Lin. 1974. The Origin and Use of Cannabis in Eastern Asia:"]
["        Linguistic-Cultural Implications. Econ. Botany (3):293-303."]
["10.     Li, Hui-Lin. 1974, The Origin of Plants in S.E. Asia. Econ Botany"]
["        24 (1):9-10."]
["11.     Musto, D.F. 1972, The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. Arch Gen. Psychiat."]
["        26:101-107."]
["12.     Rea, Mary-Alice F. 1975. Early Introduction of Economic Plants into"]
["        New England. Econ Botany 29(4):333-356."]
["13.     Rubin, V., and Comitas, L. 1975. Ganja in Jamaica: A Medical"]
["        Anthropological Study of Chronic Marijuana Use. 206pp."]
["        Moulton/MacFarlane Pub. Scotch Plains, N.J."]
["14.     Schultes, R.E. 1967. Man and Marijuana. Nat Hist. 82:59-63, 80,82."]
["16.     Shakespeare, P.P. 1977. The Book of Pot. 96pp. A and W Visual"]
["        Library. New York."]
[]
["Botany"]
[]
["17.     Anderson, L.C. 1974. A Study of Systematic Wood Anatomy in Cannabis."]
["        Botanical Museum Leaflets, Harvard Univ. 24 (2):29-36."]
["18.     Andre, Cl., and Vercruysse, A. 1976. Histochemical Study of the"]
["        Stalked Glandular Hairs of the Female Cannabis Plants, Using Fast"]
["        Blue Salt. Plant Medica 29:361-366."]
["19.     Bazzaz, F.A., Dusek, D., Sieger, D.S., and Haney, A.W. 1975."]
["        Photosynthesis and Cannabinoid Content of Temperate and Tropical"]
["        Populations of Cannabis sativa. Biochem. Syst. Econ. 3:15-18."]
["20.     Boucher, F., Cosson, L., Unger, J., and Paris, M. 1974. Cannabis"]
["        sativa L.: Chemical Races or Varieties. Plantes Medicinales et"]
["        Phytother. 8 (1):20-31. (French)"]
["21.     Breslavetz, L.P. 1935. Abnormal Development of Pollen in Different"]
["        Races and Grafts of Hemp. Genetica 17:157-170."]
["22.     Clark, R.C. 1977. The Botany and Ecology of Cannabis. 64pp. Pods"]
["        Press. Ben Lomond, Calif."]
["23.     Darlington, C.D. 1964. Oil and Fiber Plants. In Chromosomal Botany"]
["        and the Origin of Cultivated Plants. Allen and Unwin. London. Pp."]
["        182-183."]
["24.     Davidan, G.G. 1972. Hemp. Bull. Applied Bot., Gen., and Plant"]
["        Breeding 48 (3): 9pp. Leningrad. (Russian)"]
["25.     Dayandan, P., and Kaufman, P.B. 1976. Trichomes of Cannabis sativa"]
["        (Cannabaceae). Amer. J. Botany 63(5):578-591."]
["26.     De Pasquale, A. 1974. Ultrastructure of the Cannabis sativa Glands."]
["        Plant Medica 25: 239-248."]
["27.     De Pasquale, A., Tumino, G., and Coasta de Pasquale, R. 1974."]
["        Micromorphology of the Epidermic Surfaces of Female Plants of"]
["        Cannabis sativa L. Bull. Narc. 26 (4):27-40."]
["28.     Emboden, W.A. 1974. Cannabis, a Polytypic Genus. Econ. Botany"]
["        28 (3):304-310."]
["29.     Emboden, W.A. 1972. Narcotic Plants. 167 pp. Macmillan. New York."]
["30.     Fahn, A. 1967. Laticifers. In Plant Anatomy. Pergamon Press. New"]
["        York. Pp. 130-134."]
["31.     Fujuta, M., et al. 1967. Studies on Cannabis, II: Examination of"]
["        the Narcotic and Its Related Components in Hemps, Crude Drugs, and"]
["        Plant Organs by GLC and TLC. Ann. Rep. Tokyo Coll. Pharm. 17:"]
["        238-242. (Japanese)"]
["32.     Hammond, C., T., and Mahlberk, P.G. 1973. Morphology of Glandular"]
["        Hairs of Cannabis sativa from Scanning Electron Microscopy."]
["        Amer. J. Botany 60 (6): 524-528."]
["33.     Haney, A., and Bazzaz, F.A. 1970. Implications of the Distribution"]
["        of Hemp. In Joyce and Curry (see note 14), pp 39-48."]
["34.     Heriseset, A., Besson, Ph., and Autin, C. 1965. Toxicological"]
["        Overciew on the Varieties of Hemp Grown in Anjou. Annales Pharm."]
["        franc. 23 (11):631-635. (French)"]
["35.     Jenkins, R.W., and Patterson, D.A. 1973. The Relationship Between"]
["        Chemical Composition and Geographical Origin in Cannabis. Forensic"]
["        Sci. 2:59-66."]
["36.     Kechatov, E.A. 1959. Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Resin"]
["        of Hemp Grown for Seed in Central Districts of the European Part"]
["        of the USSR. Bull. Narc. 11 (4):5-9."]
["37.     Lowry, W.T., and Garriott, J.C. 1975. On the Legality of Cannabis:"]
["        The Responsibility of the Expert Witness. J. Forensic Sci."]
["        20:625-629."]
["38.     Masoud, A.N. Doorenbos, N.J., and Quimby, W.M. 1973."]
["        Mississippi-Grown Cannabis sativa L., IV: Effects of Gibberellic"]
["        Acid and Indoleacetic Acid. J. Pharm. Sci. 62 (2):316-318."]
["39.     McPhee, H.C. 1924. Meiotic Cytokinesis of Cannabis. Botan. Gaz."]
["        78: 341-344."]
["40.     Metcalfe, C.R., and Chalk, L. 1969. Cannabinaceae. In Anatomy of"]
["        the Dicotyledons, II, 1254-1257. Oxford Univ. Press."]
["41.     Miller, N.G. 1970. The Genera of the Cannabaceae in the"]
["        Southeastern United States. J. Arnold Arboretum 51:185-195."]
["42.     Nassanov, V.A. 1940. Anatomical Characteristics of Geographical"]
["        Races of Hemp. Vestnik Solsialisticheskogo Rastenievodstva"]
["        4:102-120. Moscow."]
["43.     Roberts, M.R. 1975. Family Affinities of the Genus Cannabis. Honors"]
["        Thesis, presented May 1975. Dept. Biology, Harvard Univ. 48pp."]
["44.     Robinson, B.B. 1944. Marijuana Investigations, IV: A Study of"]
["        Marijuana Toxicity on Goldfish Applied to Hemp Breeding. J. Amer,"]
["        Pharm. Assn. 30:616-619."]
["45.     Schultes, R.E., Klein, W.M., Plowman, T., and Lockwood, T.E. 1974."]
["        Cannabis: An Example of Taxonomic Neglect. Botanical Museum"]
["                Leaflets, Harvard Univ. 23 (9):337-364."]
["46.     Schultes, R.E. 1970. Random Thoughts and Queries on the Botany of"]
["        Cannabis. In Joyce and Curry (see note 14), pp.11-33."]
["47.     Shoyama, Y., Yagi, M., Nishioka, I., and Yamauchi, T. 1975."]
["        Biosynthesis of Cannabinoid Acids. Phytochem. 14 (10):2189-2192."]
["48.     Simonsen, J.L., and Todd, A.R. 1942. Cannabis indica, X: The"]
["        Essential Oil from Egyptian Hashish. Chem Society (London) J."]
["        (1):188-191."]
["49.     Small, E. 1975. The Case of the Curious Cannabis. Econ Botnay"]
["        29(3):254."]
["50.     Small, E. 1975. American Law and the Species Problem in Cannabis:"]
["        Science and Semantics. Bull, Narc. 27 (3):1-17."]
["51.     Small, E., Beckstead, H.D., and Cahn, A. 1975. The Evolution of"]
["        Cannabinoid Phenotypes in Cannabis. Econ. Botany 29 (3): 219-232."]
["        [For similar studies, see the following. Lloydia, 36 (2):144-165."]
["        Contribution no. 960. 1972. Plant Research Inst., Canadian Dept."]
["        Agric. 22pp. Nature, 1973 (Sept) 245:147-148. (Summary)]"]
["52.     Small, E. 1972. Morphological Variation of Achenes of Cannabis."]
["        Canad. J. Botany 53 (10):978-987."]
["53.     Stearn, W.T. 1974. Typification of Cannabis sativa L. Botanical"]
["        Museu, Leaflets, Harvard Univ. 23(9):325-336."]
["54.     Stearn. W.T. 1970. Botanical Characteristics. In Joyce and Curry"]
["        (see note 14). pp 1-10."]
["55.     Todd. A.R. 1946. Hashish. Experientia 2 (2):55-60."]
["56.     Veliky, I.A., and Genest, K. 1972. Growth and Metabolites of"]
["        Cannabis sativa Cell Suspension Cultures. Lloydia 35 (4): 450-456."]
["57.     Warmke. H.E. 1944. Use of Killfish, Fenulus jeteroclitus, in the"]
["        Assay of Marijuana. J. Amer. Pharm. Assn. 33:122-125."]
["58.     Warmke, H.E. and Davidson, H. 1944. Polyploidy Investigations."]
["        Carnegie Inst. Wash. Yearbook 43:153-155."]
["59.     Warmke, H.E. and Davidson, H. 1943-44. Polyploidy Investigations."]
["        Carnegie Inst. Wash. Yearbook 43:135-138."]
["60.     Warmke, H.E. 1941-43. Polyploidy Investifations. Carnegie Inst."]
["        Wash. Yearbook 42:186-187."]
[]
["Cannabis Cultivation"]
[]
["61.     Agurell, S. 1970. Constituents of Male and Female Cannabis. In Joyce"]
["        and Curry (see note 14). pp 57-59;"]
["62.     Boven, M.V. Bruneel, N., and Daenens, P, 1976. Determination des"]
["        cannabinoides dans le Cannabis sativa d'origine belge. J. Phar,."]
["        Belg. 31 (2):2115-219. (French)"]
["63.     Coffman, C.B., and Getner, W.A. 1975. Response of Cannabis sativa"]
["        L., to Soil-Applied N, P, and K. (Abstract) Presented to Amer. Soc."]
["        of Agron. at Univ. Tenn. Aug. 1975. (S-4):136."]
["64.     Dewey, L.H. 1913. Hemp. USDA Yearbook, pp. 283-341."]
["65.     Dodge, C.R. 1895. Hemp Culture. USDA Yearbook. pp 214.225."]
["66.     Doorenbos, N., Fetterman, P., Quimby, M., and Turner, C.E. 1971."]
["        Cultivation, Extraction, and Analysis of Cannabis satica L., Ann."]
["        N.Y. Acad. Sci., pp. 3-24."]
["67.     Drake, B. 1970. The Cultivators Handbook of Marijuana. 91. pp"]
["        Agrarian Reform Co. Eugene, Ore."]
["68.     Fairburn, J.W., and Leibman. J.A. 1974. The Cannabinoid Content of"]
["        Cannabis sativa L., Grown in England. J. Pharmaceut. Pharmacol."]
["        26: 413-419."]
["69.     Fetterman. P., et al. 1971. Mississippi-Grown Cannabis sativa.:"]
["        Preliminary Observations on Chemical Definition of Phenotype and"]
["        Variations in THc Content Versus Age. and plant Part."]
["        J. Pharm. Sci. 60 (8): 1246-1249."]
["70.     Frank, M., and Rosenthal, E. 1974. The Indoor/Outdoor Highest"]
["        Quality Marijuana Growers Guide. 94. pp. Level Press, San Francisco,"]
["        and And/Or Press, Berkely, Calif."]
["71.     Haney, A., and Kutscheid, B.B. 1973. Quantitative Variation in the"]
["        Chemical Constituents of Marijuana from Stands of Naturlized Cannbis"]
["        sativa L. In East-Central Illinois, Econ Botany 27 (2): 193-203."]
["72.     Kimura, M., and Okamoto, K. 1970. Distribution of THC Acid in Fresh"]
["        Wild Cannabis. Specialia 15 (8): 819-20."]
["73.     Krejci, Z. 1970. Changes with Maturation in the Amounts of"]
["        Biologically Interesting Substances of Cannabis. In Joyce and"]
["        Curry (see note 14). pp49-58."]
["74.     Latta, R.P., and Eaton, J.E. 1975. Seasonal Fluctations in"]
["        Cannabinoid Content of Kansas Marijuana. Econ Botany 29:153-163."]
["75.     Masoud, A.N., and Doorenbos, N. Mississippi-Grown Cannabis sativa"]
["        L., III: Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid Acid Content. J. Pharm. Sci 62"]
["        (2): 313-315."]
["76.     Matchett, J.R., et al. 1940. Marijuana Investigations, II: The"]
["        Effect of Variety, Maturity, Fertiliser Treatment, and Sex on the"]
["        Intensity of the Beam Tests. J. Amer. Pharm. Assn 29 (40):399-404."]
["77.     Nelson, C.H. 1944. Growth Responses of Hemp to Differential Soil"]
["        and Air Temperatures. Plant Physiol. 19:295-301."]
["78.     Nordal. A., And Braenden, O. 1973. Variations in Cannabinoid Content"]
["        of Cannabis Plants Grown fom the Same Batches of Seeds under"]
["        Different Ecological Conditions: Preliminary Report. Meddeleser Fra"]
["        Norsk Farmaceut. Seiskap. 35:8-14."]
["79.     Paris, M., Boucher, F., and Cosson, L. 1975. The Constituents of"]
["        Cannabis satica Pollen. Econ. Botany 29 (3):245-253."]
["80.     Phillips, R., et al, 1970. Seasonal Variation in Cannabinolic Acid"]
["        Content of Indian Marijuana. J. Forensic Sci. 15 (2): 191-200."]
["81.     Quimby, M., Doorenbos, N., Turner, C.E., and Masoud, A. 1975."]
["        Mississippi-Grown Cannabis sativa L.: Cultivation and Observed"]
["        Morphological Variations. Econ Botany 27 (1):117-127."]
["82.     Richardson, J. 1976. Sinsemilla Marijuana Flowers. 96pp. And/Or"]
["        Press. Berkeley Calif."]
["83.     Robsinson, B.B. 1943 Hemp. Farmers' Bull. USDA."]
["84.     Robsinson, B.B., and Matchett, J.R. 1940, Marijuana Investigations,"]
["        III: The Effect of Region of Growth of Hemp on Resonse to the Acid"]
["        and Alkaline Beam Tests. J. Amer. Pharm. Assn 29:448-453."]
["85.     Schou, J., and Nielson, E. 1970. Cannabinols in Various U.N. Samples"]
["        and in Cannabis saiva Grown in Denmark under Various Conditions. U.N."]
["        Sec ST/SPA/Ser.S/22. 12pp."]
["86.     Snellen, H.G. 1970. A Quantative Study of THC during the Growing"]
["        Season of a Mexican Strain of Cannabis sativa L. 40 pp. Honors"]
["        Thesis no. 13275. Dept. Pharm., Univ. of Miss."]
["87.     Stark, K. 1977. Marijuana Potency (Working Papers). And/Or Press."]
["        Berkeley, Calif."]
["88.     Stevens, M. 1975. How to Grow Marijuana Indoors Under Lights. 3d ed."]
["        80 pp. Sun Magic Publishing. Seattle, Wash."]
["89.     Superweed, M.J. 1970. Super Grass Grower Guide. 16pp. Stone Kingdom"]
["        Synd. San Rafael, Calif."]
["90.     Superweed, M.J. 1969. The Complete Cannabis Cultivator. 16pp. Stone"]
["        Kingdom Synd. San Rafael. Calif."]
["91.     Tibeau, Sister Marie Etienne. 1933. Time Factor in Utilisation of"]
["        Mineral Nutrients by Hemp. J. Plant Physiol. 11:731-747."]
["92.     Turner, C.E., Fetterman, P.S., Hadley, K.W., and Urbanek, J.E. 1975."]
["        Constituents of Cannabis sativa L., X:Cannabinoid Profile of a"]
["        Mexian Variant and its Possible Correlation to Pharmacological"]
["        Activity. Acta Pharm. Jugoslav. 25 (1): 7-16."]
[]
["Sex Determination"]
[]
["93.     Arnoux, M., and Mathieu, G. 1969. Influence du milieu sur le"]
["        phenotype sexuel de descendance Fl issues du croisement entre types"]
["        dioiques et monoiques de chanvre (Cannabis sativa L.). Ann. Amerlior."]
["        Plantes 19 (1):53-58. (French) [For similar studies, see the same"]
["        journal, 1966, 16 (2): 123-134, and 16(3):259-262.]"]
["94.     Black, C.A. 1945. Effect of Commercial Fertilisers on the Sex"]
["        Expression of Hemp. Botan. Gaz. (Sept), pp 114-120."]
["95.     Borthwick, H.A., and Scully, N.J. 1954. Photoperiodic Responses of"]
["        Hemp. Botan Gaz (Sept), pp 14-29."]
["96.     Helsop-Harrison, J. 1956. Auxin and Sexuality in Cannabis sativa."]
["        In F.C. Steward, ed. 1971. Plant Physiology, VI, A: 588-597."]
["        Academic Press, New York."]
["97.     Laskowska, R. 1961. Influence of the Age of Pollen and Stigmas on"]
["        Sex Determination in Hemp. Nature 192:147-148."]
["98.     Mackay, E.L. 1939. Sex Chromosomes of Cannabis sativa. Amer. J."]
["        Botany 26:707-708."]
["99.     McPhee, H.C. 1924. The influence of the Environment on Sex in Hemp,"]
["        Cannabis sativa L. J. Agric. Res. 28:1067-1080."]
["100.    Molotkovskii, G., and Butnitskii, I.N. 1971. Morphological and"]
["        Biochemical Characters of Sex in Hemp. Ukr. Botan. Zh. 28(1):23-29."]
["        (Russian)"]
["101.    Menzel, M.Y. 1964. Meiotic Chromosomes of Monoecious Kentucky Hemp"]
["        (Cannabis sativa). Bull. Torrey Botan. Club 90 (3):193-205."]
["102.    Pritchard, F.J. 1916(7). Change of Sex in Hemp. J. Heredity"]
["        7:325-329."]
["103.    Ram, H.Y., and Jaiswal, V.S. 1972. Induction of Male Flowers on"]
["        Female Plants of Cannabis sativa by Gibberellins and its Inhibition"]
["        by Abscisic Acid. Planta 105:263-266."]
["104.    Ram, H.Y., and Jaiswal, V.S. 1972. Sex Reversal in the Male Plants"]
["        of Cannabis sativa L. by Ethyl Hydrogen-1-Propylphosphate. Z."]
["        Pflanzenphysiol. 68:181-182."]
["105.    Schaffner, J.H. 1931. The Fluctuation Curve of Sex Reversal in"]
["        Staminate Hemp Plants Induced by Photoperiodicity. Amer. J. Botany"]
["        18:324-430. [For similar studies, see Ohio J. Sci. 25"]
["        (1925):172-176; Ecology 4 (1923):323-324; Botan. Gaz. 71 (1921):"]
["        197-291.]"]
["106.    Schaffner, J. H. 1926. The Change of Opposite to Alternate Phylotaxy"]
["        and Repeated Rejuvenations in Hemp by Means of Changed"]
["        Photoperiodicity. Ecology 7(3):315-325."]
["107.    Small, E. 1972. Infertility and Chromosomal Uniformity in Cannabis."]
["        Canad. J. Botany 50 (2):1947.1948."]
[]
["Chemistry"]
[]
["108.    Allwardt, W.H., Babcock, P.A., Segelman, A.B., and Cross, J.M. 1972."]
["        Photochemical Studies of Marijuana (Cannabis) Consituents. J. Pharm."]
["        Sci. 61 (12):1994-1996."]
["109.    Augrill, S., and Nillson, J.L. G. 1972. The Chemistry and Biological"]
["        Activity of Cannabis. Bull. Narc. 24 (4):2935-2937."]
["110.    Crombie, L., and Crombie, W.M.L. 1975. Cannabinoid Bis-Homologues:"]
["        Miniaturised Synthesis and GLC Study. Phtochem. 14:213-220."]
["111.    Davis, H.K., Jr., et al. 1970. The PReparation and Analysis of"]
["        Enriched and Pure Cannabinoids from Marijuana and Hashish. Lloydia"]
["        33(4):453-460."]
["112.    Duke, E.L., and Reimann, B.E.F. 1973. The Extractability of the"]
["        Duquenois-Positive Cannabinoids. Toxicol. 1:289-300."]
["113.    Edery, H., Grunfield, Y., Ben-Zvi, Z., and Mechoulam, R. 1971."]
["        Structural Requirements for Cannabinoid Activity. Ann. N.Y. Acad."]
["        Sci.:40-53."]
["114.    Fairburn, J.W., and Leibman, J.A. 1973. The Extraction and"]
["        Estimation of Cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. and its Products."]
["        J. Pharmaceut. Pharmacol. 25:150-153."]
["115.    Fiechtl, J., and Spiteller, G. 1975. New Cannabinoids: Part 1."]
["        Tetrahedron 31 (6): 479-488. (German with English summaries)"]
["116.    Grinspoon, L. 1969. Marijuana. In Altered States of Awareness:"]
["        Readings from Scientific American, pp. 89-98. W.H. Freeman. San"]
["        Francisco, Calif."]
["117.    Grlic, Lj. 1964. A Study of Some Chemical Characteristics of the"]
["        Resin from Experimentally Grown Cannabis from Different Origins."]
["        United Nations Sec. ST/SOA/Ser. S/10. 6pp."]
["118.    Harvey, D.J. 1976. Characterization of the Butyl Homologues of THC,"]
["        CBN, and CBD in samples of Cannabis by Combined Gas Chromotography"]
["        and Mass Spectrometry. J. Pharmaceut. Pharmacol. 28(4):280-285."]
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["120.    Masoud, A.N., and Doorenbos, N.J. 1973. Mississippi-Grown Cannabis"]
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["127.    Mole, Jr., L., Turner, C.E., and Henry, J.T. 1974."]
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["159.    Turner, C.E., and Mole, M.L. 1973. Chemical Components of Cannabis"]
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["160.    Wold, J.K., and Hillstad, A. 1976. Demonstration of Galactosoamine"]
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["Storage/Smoking"]
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["161.    Agurell, S., and Leander, K. 1971. Stability, Transfer, and"]
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["167.    Koehler, B. 1946. Hemp-Seed Treatment in Relation to Different"]
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["168.    Patel, A.R., and Gori, G.B. 1975. Preparation and Monitoring of"]
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["169.    Savaki, H.E., Cunah, J. Carlini, E.A., and Kepholas, T.A. 1976."]
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["170.    Turner, C.E., and Hadley, K.W. 1975. Constituents of Cannabis sativa"]
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["171.    Turner, C.E., et al. 1973. Constituents of Cannabis sativa L.,"]
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["172.    Turner, C.E., Hadley, K.W., and Davis, K.H. 1973. Constituents of"]
["        Cannabis sativa L., V:Stability of an Analytical Sample Extracted"]
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["173.    Turner, C.E., and Hadley, K.W. 1973. Preservation of Cannabis. J."]
["        Amer. Med. Assn (Letters) 223(9):1043."]
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["Pharmacology"]
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["180.    Gill, E.W., and Paton, W.D.M. 1970. Pharmacological Experiments in"]
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["197.    Turner, C.E. 1974. Active Substances in Marijuana. Arch. de Incest."]
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[]
["Miscellaneous"]
[]
["198.    Bear, F.E. 1942. Soils and Fertilisers. 374 pp. John Wiley and Sons."]
["        New York."]
["199.    Bickford, E.D., and Dunn, S. 1972. Lighting for Plant Growth."]
["        221 pp. Kent State Unic. Press. Kent, Ohio."]
["200.    Black, C.A. 1968. Soil Plant Relationships. 2d ed. John Wiley and"]
["        Sons. New York."]
["201.    Bradshaw, A.D. 1972. Some of the Evolutionary Consequences of Being"]
["        a Plant. Evolutionary Biology 5:25-47. Appleton-Century-Crofts."]
["202.    Canham, A.E. 1966. Artificial Light in Horticulture. 212pp. Centrex"]
["        Pub. Einhoven, the Netherlands."]
["203.    Chichilo, P., and Whittabker, C.W. 1961. Trace Elements in"]
["        Agricultural Limestones of the United States. Agronomy J."]
["        53(3):143-144."]
["204.    Common Weeds of the United States. 1970. 463 pp. USDA. Washington,"]
["        D.C."]
["205.    Crombie, L., and Crombie, W.M.L. 1975. Cannabinoid Formation in"]
["        Cannabis sativa Grafted Inter-Racially, and with Two Humulus Species."]
["        Phytochem. 14:409-412."]
["206.    Devlin, R.M. 1969. Plant Physiology. 2d ed. 446 pp. Van Nostrand"]
["        Reinhold. New York."]
["207.    DeWit, J.M.J., and Harian, J.R. 1975. Weeds and Domesticates:"]
["        Evolution in the Man-Made Habitat. Econ. Botany 29(2):99-107."]
["208.    Donahue, R.L., Shickluna, J.C., and Robertson, L.S. 1971. Soils:"]
["        An Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth. 3d ed. 587 pp."]
["        Prentice-Hall. Englewood Cliffs, N.J."]
["209.    Duke, W.B., Hagin, R.D., Hunt, J.F., and Lindscott, D.L. 1975."]
["        Metal Halide Lamps for Supplemental Lighting in Greesnhouses: Crop"]
["        Responses and Spectral Distribution. Agronomy J. 67:49-53."]
["210.    Ehrlich, P.R., and Rayen, P.H. 1969. Differentiation of Populations."]
["        Science 165:1228-1231."]
["211.    Encyclopaedia Brittanica. 1894. Vol. III:627-628. Vol. XI:647-649,"]
["        843. Vol XVII:231-233, 739-745."]
["212.    Fenselau, C., Kelly, S., Salmon, M., and Billets, S. 1976. The"]
["        Abscence of THC  from Hops. Food Socmet. Toxicol. 14(1):35-39."]
["213.    Getting the Bugs Out of Organic Gardening.  1973. 115 pp. Rodale"]
["        Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["214.    Golueke, C.G. 1972. Composting: A Study of the Process and its"]
["        Principles. 110pp. Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["215.    Hall, A.D. 1912. Fertilisers and Manures. 384 pp. E.P. Dutton."]
["        New York."]
["216.    Harlan, J.R. 1976. The Plants and Animals that Nourish Man."]
["        Scientific Amer. (Sept):89-97."]
["217.    Henis, C.Y., and Mitchell, R. 1973. Effect of Biogenic Amines and"]
["        Cannabinoids on Bacterial Chemotaxis. Bacteriol. 115(3):1215-1218."]
["218.    Lentz, P.L., Turner, C.E., Robertson, L.W., and Getner, W.A. 1974."]
["        First American Record of Cercospora Cannabina, with Notes on the"]
["        Identification of C. cannabina and C. cannabis. Plant Disease"]
["        Reporter 58 (2):165-168."]
["219.    Levin, D.A. 1973. The Role of Trichomes in Plant Defense. Q. Rev."]
["        Biol. 48 (1):3-15."]
["220.    McVickar, M.H., Bridger, G.L., and Nelson, L.B., eds. 1963."]
["        Fertiliser Technology and Usage. 464 pp. Soil Society of America."]
["        Madison, Wisc."]
["221.    Organic Fertilisers: Which Ones and How to Use Them. 1973. 129 pp."]
["        Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["222.    Rorison, I.H., ed. 1969. Ecological Aspects of Mineral Nutrition in"]
["        Plants. 484 pp. Blackwell Sci. Pub., no. 81. Oxford, England."]
["223.    Stevenson and Brown. 1918. Soil Survey of Iowa Report No. 2,"]
["        Pottawattamie County Soils. 27 pp. Iowa State College of Agriculture"]
["        and Mechanical Arts. Ames, Iowa."]
["224.    Stout, R., and Clemence, R. 1971. The Ruth Stout No-Work Garden"]
["        Book. 218 pp. Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["225.    Sunset Western Garden Book. 1967. 448 pp. Lane Publishing. Menlo"]
["        Park, Calif."]
["226.    Teuscher, H., and Adler, D. 1960. The Soil and its Fertility."]
["        446 pp. Reinhold Publishing. New York."]
["227.    Thompson, L. 1957. Soils and Fertility. 2ed ed. 327 pp. McGraw-Hill,"]
["        New York."]
["228.    Vegetable Gardening. 16th ed. 1972. 72 pp. Lane Books. Menlo Park,"]
["        Calif."]
["229.    Wheeler, H.J. 1924. Manures and Fertilisers. 389 pp. Macmillan."]
["        New York."]
["230.    Yepsen, R.B., Jr., ed. 1976. Organic Plant Protection. 688 pp."]
["        Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["231.    Coffman, C.B., and Gentner, W.A. 1975. Cannabinoid Profile and"]
["        Elemental Uptake of Cannabis sativa L. as Influenced by Soil"]
["        Characteristics. Agronomy J. 67:491-497."]
["232.    Shearer, T.M., and Chalmers, D. 1970. Tobacco Growing in the"]
["        British Isles. 31 pp. Scottish Amateur Tobacco Growing and Curing"]
["        Assn. Kirckcoldy, Scotland."]
[]
["[1] [Image]"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
["THE MARIJUANA GROWER'S GUIDE"]
["by Mel Frank and Ed Rosenthal"]
["Typed by Ben Dawson"]
["Revised 1992"]
[]
["NOTE:- Footnotes have been placed in double brackets (()). Numbers"]
["throughout refer to bibliography and are sometimes in brackets, sometimes"]
["they aren't. All dates are for northern hemisphere only. Comments on"]
["pictures are in curly brackets {}. Please distribute this widely so we can"]
["all smoke better marijuana. Legalise marijuana."]
[]
["1996-10-04"]
[]
["Copying this book was a megamission that took about 3 weeks in the September"]
["of 1993. Everything in the book has been copied - even the bibliography. The"]
["online version of this guide is available at:"]
["http://www.iinet.net.au/~ben/Guide Ben Dawson"]
["ben@iinet.net.au"]
[]
["1998-01-01"]
[]
["Hyperlinks were added throughout the document for easy navigation. Also the"]
["text was formated to be more readable. Alonso Acu–a."]
[]
["CONTENTS"]
[]
["Foreword"]
[]
["Preface"]
[]
["History and Taxonomy of Cannabis                        [1]"]
["Cannabis and Ancient History                            [1.2]"]
["Cannabis and American History                           [1.3]"]
["Cannabis and: Species or Varieties                      [1.4]"]
[]
["Cannabinoids : The Active Ingredients of Marijuana      [2]"]
["Cannabinoids and the High                               [2.2]"]
["Resin and Resin Glands                                  [2.3]"]
["Production of Cannabinoids by Cannabis                  [2.4]"]
["Cannabis Chemotypes                                     [2.5]"]
[]
["Before Cultivation Begins                               [3]"]
["Choosing Seeds                                          [3.2]"]
["Cannabis Life Cycle                                     [3.3]"]
["Photoperiod and Flowering                               [3.4]"]
["Inherent Variations in Potency                          [3.5]"]
["Cultivation: Indoors or Outdoors?                       [3.6]"]
[]
["         Indoor Gardening"]
[]
["Introduction                                            [4]"]
[]
["Artificial Light                                        [5]"]
["Features                                                [5.2]"]
["Sources                                                 [5.3]"]
["Setting up the Garden                                   [5.4]"]
["Electricity                                             [5.5]"]
[]
["Soil and Containers for it                              [6]"]
["Pots and Other Containers                               [6.2]"]
["Properties of Soil                                      [6.3]"]
["Preparing Commercial Soils and Mixers                   [6.4]"]
["Buying Soil Components                                  [6.5]"]
["Digging Soil                                            [6.6]"]
["Growing Methods                                         [6.7]"]
[]
["Maintaining the Correct Environment                     [7]"]
["Requirements for Germination                            [7.2]"]
["Light Cycle and Distance of Lights from Plants          [7.3]"]
["Water                                                   [7.4]"]
["Air                                                     [7.5]"]
["Humidity                                                [7.6]"]
[]
["Gardening Techniques                                    [8]"]
["Thinning                                                [8.2]"]
["Transplanting                                           [8.3]"]
["Supports for Plants                                     [8.4]"]
["Uniform Growth                                          [8.5]"]
["Pruning                                                 [8.6]"]
["Training                                                [8.7]"]
[]
["Nutrients and Fertilising                               [9]"]
["Nutrients                                               [9.2]"]
["Application: Fertilising                                [9.3]"]
["Nutrient Deficiencies                                   [9.4]"]
["Soilless Mixtures                                       [9.5]"]
[]
["Diseases and Plant Pests                                [10]"]
["Microbial Diseases                                      [10.2]"]
["Nutrient Diseases                                       [10.3]"]
["Plant Pests                                             [10.4]"]
[]
["Maintenance and Restarting                              [11]"]
[]
["      Outdoor Cultivation"]
[]
["Choosing a Site                                         [12]"]
["Where to Grow                                           [12.2]"]
["Light                                                   [12.3]"]
[]
["Soil                                                    [13]"]
["Types of Soil                                           [13.2]"]
["Humus and Composts                                      [13.3]"]
["Texture                                                 [13.4]"]
["pH                                                      [13.5]"]
["Fertilisers                                             [13.6]"]
["Techniques for Preparing Soils                          [13.7]"]
["Guerrilla Farming                                       [13.8]"]
[]
["Planting and Transplanting                              [14]"]
["When to Plant                                           [14.2]"]
["Preparing to Sow                                        [14.3]"]
["Germination                                             [14.4]"]
["Transplanting                                           [14.5]"]
[]
["Caring for the Growing Plants                           [15]"]
["Weeding                                                 [15.2]"]
["Watering                                                [15.3]"]
["Thinning                                                [15.4]"]
["Staking                                                 [15.5]"]
["Pruning                                                 [15.6]"]
["Gardening Tips                                          [15.7]"]
[]
["Insects and Other Pests                                 [16]"]
["Biological Control                                      [16.2]"]
["Chemical Insecticides                                   [16.3]"]
["Common Pests                                            [16.4]"]
["Vertebrate Pests                                        [16.5]"]
[]
["           Flowering, Breeding and Propagation"]
[]
["Genetics and Sex in Cannabis                            [17]"]
["Flowering                                               [17.2]"]
["Sexual Variants in Cannabis                             [17.3]"]
["Sexing the Plants                                       [17.4]"]
["Sinsemilla                                              [17.5]"]
[]
["Propagation and Breeding                                [18]"]
["Producing Seeds                                         [18.2]"]
["Producing Female Seeds                                  [18.3]"]
["Breeding                                                [18.4]"]
["Cuttings                                                [18.5]"]
["Grafting                                                [18.6]"]
["Polyploids                                              [18.7]"]
[]
["Effects of the Environment on Potency                   [19]"]
["Stress                                                  [19.2]"]
["Nutrients                                               [19.3]"]
[]
["          Harvesting, Curing and Drying"]
[]
["Harvesting                                              [20]"]
["Harvesting During Growth: Leaves and Growing Shoots     [20.2]"]
["Male Plants                                             [20.3]"]
["Harvesting Female Buds                                  [20.4]"]
["Weather                                                 [20.5]"]
["Potency and Decomposition                               [20.6]"]
["Timing the Harvest                                      [20.7]"]
["Final Harvest                                           [20.8]"]
[]
["After the Harvest                                       [21]"]
["Stripping                                               [21.2]"]
["Grading and Manicuring                                  [21.3]"]
["Curing                                                  [21.4]"]
["Drying                                                  [21.5]"]
["Fermentation                                            [21.6]"]
["Storage                                                 [21.7]"]
[]
["Bibliography                                            [22]"]
[]
["FOREWORD"]
[]
["Marijuana, or cannabis as it is known internationally, is a plant whose"]
["presence is almost universal in our world today. Conservative international"]
["reports estimate that there are now 300 million cannabis users. Recent"]
["reports indicate that 10 percent of the adult population in the United"]
["States are regular users, a figure which is probably similar for many"]
["countries in Europe. Its use is also widespread in Africa, Asia, many Arab"]
["nations, parts of South America and the Caribbean, as well as Australia and"]
["New Zealand. In 1978, more than 5.2 million kilograms (12 million pounds) of"]
["cannabis were seized by police worldwide. Authorities estimated that this"]
["did not exceed 10 percent of the total traffic."]
[]
["What has been the response of officials around the world to the use of this"]
["plant by its citizens? Regrettably, the climate has been one of almost"]
["universal repression, hostility and open violence. Despite gains made in the"]
["United States and Europe throughout the 1970's, a new wave of ignorance"]
["regarding the use of this plant seems to be sweeping the world. Predictably,"]
["the United States has sought to export this \"neo-Reefer Madness\" to other"]
["countries. A united Nations sub-commission of drug enforcement officials in"]
["the Far East released a report some time ago extremely critical of the"]
["efforts of some countries to decriminalize (i.e. remove criminal penalties"]
["for possession of a small amount) cannabis. The sub-commission stated that"]
["any such reduction of penalties would vastly increase use, and strongly"]
["urged that all countries continue to keep strict laws on the books even for"]
["possession of cannabis1. Others requested that publicity campaign be"]
["conducted in the media against cannabis, and that more funding be given to"]
["scientific work to prove that cannabis was harmful2."]
[]
["US officials, alarmed by reports of cannabis use among adolescents (which,"]
["although undesirably high, is in fact leveling off), and by political"]
["pressure from reactionary elements, have attempted to depict cannabis as the"]
["greatest threat since the atomic bomb. The results of this new hysteria have"]
["been great confusion among the public and a slowdown in the progress of"]
["cannabis law reform. The results have been predictable: in 1979, over"]
["448,000 people were arrested in the USA for cannabis possession, 80 percent"]
["for simple possession. The estimated direct arrests cost to our increasingly"]
["debt-ridden government was over $600 million. But no one has ever attempted"]
["to account for the total cost of the immense law enforcement efforts against"]
["cannabis: for the salaries of Drug Enforcement Administration agents and"]
["federal and state narcotics agents and support personnel, the cost of"]
["incarcerating the thousands of people sentences to jail (estimated at 10"]
["percent of the total arrests, or 48.000 people), the costs of the"]
["anti-cannabis media campaign, the secret grants from NSA/CIA for cannabis"]
["eradications, and the economic cost to society created by turning"]
["law-abiding citizens into criminals. When these factors are taken into"]
["consideration, the cost goes into the billions. By contrast, in the eleven"]
["states which have enacted decriminalization since 1972, millions of dollars"]
["and hundreds of thousands of court, police and administrative work-hours"]
["have been saved."]
[]
["What can the concerned cannabis consumer do to end this climate of hysteria"]
["and ignorance? First, we must stress that cannabis legalisation would entail"]
["adult use only, and that social and legal restrictions on the use of"]
["cannabis would curtail, not increase, use by adolescents. Second, we must"]
["educate the public about the genuine effects of cannabis and stress moderate"]
["responsible use. This is what we stress about the user of society's legal"]
["drugs - alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, and we should take the same approach"]
["toward cannabis. Third, the public should be educated about the limits of"]
["the law and the rights of citizens; we should not seek to regulate private"]
["behaviour through the use of the criminal sanction. Laws protecting public"]
["safety, such as driving while under the influence of any substance, would"]
["still be kept on the books."]
[]
["However, as consumers we have an additional responsibility: we must begin to"]
["address the problems of supply and demand. It is essential that we take upon"]
["ourselves the task of proposing viable solutions to the current unworkable"]
["prohibition."]
[]
["With this is mind, numerous cannabis reform organizations around the world"]
["have begun exploring models for the legalization of cannabis. Under the"]
["auspices of the International Cannabis Alliance for Reform (ICAR), an"]
["international organization of cannabis law-reform groups, many of these"]
["organizations met in Amsterdam, Holland in February, 1980, at the first"]
["International Cannabis Legalization Conference to discuss legalization plans"]
["and proposals. The many plans presented reflected the various backgrounds"]
["and interests of the countries they represented some called for a totally"]
["open-market system run by cooperatives, others employed elaborate"]
["organizational systems with varying degrees of governmental control, and"]
["still others called for total control by the private sector. Emphasis was"]
["placed on the need for all groups to develop legalization models suited to"]
["their own particular climate and country and that a single, monolithic"]
["legalization plan was neither feasible nor desirable."]
[]
["However, virtually all the plans had one important element in common: every"]
["person would have the right to grow cannabis for his or her own personal"]
["use. This is the very minimum requirement upon which all legalisation models"]
["are based, for this would allow the consumer the chance to remove himself or"]
["herself from the black market, whether it be licit or illicit."]
[]
["This is an essential aspect of cannabis reform: to convince consumers to"]
["diversify their sources of supply by growing their own cannabis. Growing"]
["cannabis enables one to reduce drastically the costs and at the same time"]
["establish a closer relationship with the plant itself. Its amazing"]
["adaptability, acquired through centuries of travel to all four corners of"]
["the earth, users that it can grow and thrive anywhere there is sunlight and"]
["water. By learning the relatively simple techniques involved in cannabis"]
["horticulture, the consumer can avoid the illicit market with all its"]
["attendant problems, and concentrate on growing the plant itself, on"]
["producing and consuming the product of one's own labor, a product which is"]
["pure and can be produced at a cost of pennies per ounce."]
[]
["We must take this step, for just as the nations of the world are seeking"]
["energy, self-sufficiency, so now must we seek cannabis self-sufficiency."]
[]
["The willingness of consumers greatly to diversify their sources has caused"]
["tremendous changes in the manner in which cannabis is grown and marketed."]
["Plagued by ridiculously high prices, dangers in purchasing, wild"]
["fluctuations in quantity and quality, impurities, and continual police"]
["harassment, consumers all over the world are discovering that anyone can"]
["grow good cannabis just about anywhere."]
[]
["In Central and South America, production has increased so rapidly in the"]
["last few years that large quantities are now being exported to Europe. Arab"]
["countries, traditionally dependent on Lebanon and Syria, are now reporting"]
["increasing domestic cultivation attempts. Many countries of Europe,"]
["especially the southern countries of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, are"]
["reporting cultivation. India noted that both its legal (in the states of"]
["West Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Predesh) and illegal (all other states) under"]
["a similar scheme. In the Near and Middle East, notably Nepal, Pakistan and"]
["Afghanistan, the people are continuing their traditional production of"]
["cannabis for local and export use."]
[]
["Australia, a country whose huge size (roughly that of the US) and relatively"]
["sparse population make it virtually ideal for cultivation, reported"]
["widespread cultivation and seizures of over 70,000 kilos of cannabis, 2,500"]
["kilos of hashish, and 850,000 plants uprooted in a two-year period between"]
["1977 and 1978. Many people living on Pacific islands such as New Zealand,"]
["New Caledonia, Fiji, the Cook Islands and elsewhere have discovered that"]
["cannabis will grow very well in their environment; Jamaica and other islands"]
["in the Caribbean are also experiencing an increase in cultivation. Recent"]
["newspaper reports from that country indicate that as many as 1/2 million"]
["Jamaican farmers out of a total population of 2 million may be producing"]
["cannabis to satisfy domestic and export demand. The total gross income from"]
["the Jamaican cannabis business is estimated to exceed $200 million a year3."]
[]
["Virtually every country in South America reported at least some cannabis"]
["cultivations. In addition to increased production in Colombia, whose 1978"]
["crop was estimated to be worth between $1.5 and $2 billion, other countries"]
["are experiencing an increase in cultivation. Over 50,000 acres of cannabis"]
["were discovered under cultivation in western Venezuela in 1978. In 1976 in"]
["Brazil, 271 kilos of cannabis were reported seized, but the next year"]
["increased to 91,207 kilos, and by 1978, authorities seized over 276,000"]
["kilos. Cultivation was also reported in Argentina, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam"]
["and Uruguay. Soviet officials go to inordinate lengths to deny that"]
["cannabis-use exists in their country though Russia is known to be a large"]
["cannabis producer, and not just for commercial purposes. (Soviet officials"]
["reported to the United Nations that they seized only 227 grams of cannabis"]
["in the entire country4 in 1978; the few offender were immediately sent to"]
["psychiatric hospitals.) In several Eastern European countries the best"]
["hashish is knows as \"Tashkenti,\" named for the major city in south-central"]
["Russia. Tashkent is ethnically dominated by Turkic tribesmen and shares the"]
["Hindu Kush mountain range with Afghanistan."]
[]
["The key to stability in the cannabis market is clearly domestic production,"]
["which offers many economic and social advantages over continued importation."]
[]
["Domestic varieties offer ease of access and supply, and help to diversify"]
["the overall market by offering new products which compete in quality and"]
["price with the imported varieties. In addition, they serve to stimulate the"]
["local concentrating bulk of the profits in the region in which they were"]
["produced. This is a noticeable reversal of the previous consumer-producer"]
["relationship, where most of the profits were realized by exporters and"]
["middlepersons who operated outside the source country. Expanded domestic"]
["production would decrease the influence of these middlepersons and greatly"]
["strengthen the overall market."]
[]
["This book was written to make the consumer aware of how easy (and important)"]
["it is to cultivate cannabis. In a clear and simply style, Mel Frank and Ed"]
["Rosenthal describe everything you need to know about growing cannabis. By"]
["employing some of these simple methods you can greatly reduce your"]
["dependence on foreign products and at the same time gain a greater"]
["understanding of a plant whose relationship with humanity dates to"]
["prehistoric times."]
[]
["Be fruitful, and multiply..."]
[]
["     Bob Pisani Coordinator, International Cannabis Alliance for Reform"]
["     (ICAR) Philadelphia, PA"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Preface"]
[]
["The purpose of this book is to show you how to grow enough marijuana to"]
["supply all your family's needs. It doesn't matter where you live, or even if"]
["you are growing your first plant, because all the information needed to"]
["become a master marijuana farmer in your own home, or in the field, is"]
["provided in these pages."]
[]
["The world has seen an enormous increase in marijuana use in the past ten"]
["years. Consequently, many governments have sponsored research in order to"]
["understand the nature of the plant as well as its psychoactive compounds -"]
["substances that are being smoked or ingested by more then 400 million people"]
["all over the world. Before the recent interest, marijuanaphiles had only"]
["research papers (mostly on hemp varieties) to glean for information about"]
["the plants and their cultivation. Now there are thousands of papers dealing"]
["directly with the plants and their use as marijuana. This doesn't mean all"]
["is known about marijuana. In fact, much of what is discussed deals with"]
["unknown aspects of these ancient and mysterious plants. The mysteries,"]
["however, are beginning to unravel."]
[]
["Our information resources include our personal experience with growing and"]
["the experience and knowledge shared with us by marijuana growers all across"]
["the country. We also rely on the professional research of many scientists"]
["(see the Bibliographic Notes). For the experienced growers, we've included"]
["the latest research on increasing potency, some ideas for improving yield"]
["and controlling flowering (time of harvest), and also procedures for"]
["breeding quality strains suited to a particular growing situation."]
[]
["Some of the best grass in the world is grown right here in the United States"]
["(that is our very own stoned opinion of homegrown gratefully sampled from"]
["Hawaii to Maine). You can do it too - it's not magic, and it's not difficult"]
["to do. Highly potent plants can be grown indoors, as well as in gardens,"]
["fields, and the wilds. Indoor growers must create an environment, whereas"]
["outdoor gardeners work within the environment. Following these two"]
["approaches to cultivation, this book is divided into separate, parallel"]
["parts on indoor and outdoor sections, preceded by some background"]
["information on marijuana plants, and followed by general procedures for"]
["breeding, harvesting, etc., that are independent of the type of growing"]
["site."]
[]
["Cultivation is not a complicated process, and we hope we don't make it"]
["appear difficult. But even if you're a novice when you first sow your seeds,"]
["your questions on the plants and their cultivation will become more complex"]
["as you gain experience and insight. We hope we have anticipated your"]
["questions with solid and clearly stated answers; we intend this book to"]
["serve as a guide long after your first reading and harvest."]
[]
["There are probably as many ways to grow marijuana as there are marijuana"]
["farmers. We hope to impart an understanding of the plants and their"]
["cultivation, so that you can adapt the knowledge to fit your particular"]
["situation - where you live, the land or space available, and the time,"]
["energy, and funds at your disposal."]
[]
["Modest indoor gardens are quite simple to set up and care for. All the"]
["materials you'll need are available at nurseries, garden shops, and hardware"]
["and lighting stores, or they may be found around the house or streets. The"]
["cost will depend on how large and elaborate you make the garden and on"]
["whether you buy or scavenge your materials. With a little ingenuity, the"]
["cost can be negligible."]
[]
["It takes about an hour every three or four days to water and tend to a"]
["medium-sized indoor garden."]
[]
["Outdoors, a small patch in your summer garden can supply all your smoking"]
["needs with little or no expense. Generally, marijuana requires less care"]
["than most other crops, because of its natural tenacity and ability to"]
["compete with indigenous weeds. Hardy Cannabis resists mild frost, extreme"]
["heat, deluge, and drought. In this country, few diseases attack marijuana;"]
["once the plants are growing, they develop their own natural protection"]
["against most insects."]
[]
["In some areas of the country, such as parts of the Midwest and East, the"]
["plants may require no more attention than sowing the seeds in spring and"]
["harvesting the plants in autumn. But if you're like most growers, you'll"]
["find yourself spending more and more time in your garden, watching the tiny"]
["sprouts emerge, then following their development into large, lush, and"]
["finally resinous, flowering plants."]
[]
["Nurturing and watching these beautiful plants as they respond can be a"]
["humanising experience. Marijuana farmers know their plants as vital living"]
["organisms. If you already are a plant grower, you may understand. If not,"]
["read through this book, imagining the various decisions you, as grower,"]
["would be making to help your plants reach a full and potent maturity. Then"]
["make your plans and get started. There's just no reason to pay $50 an ounce"]
["for superior smoke when it grows for free. Free, grass, free yourself."]
[]
["This book is the result of the efforts of many people, each of whom"]
["contributed uniquely to its final form and content. First there are the many"]
["growers who opened their hearts and gardens to us. Our love and thanks to"]
["our friends in California (Calistoga, Calavaras, Humbolt, Orange counties,"]
["and the Bay Area), the Umpqua Valley, Oregon, Eastern Colorado, Central"]
["Florida, Eastern Massachusetts, Upstate New York, New York City, Atlanta,"]
["Hawaii, and Port Antonio, Jamaica. We would also like to thank everyone who"]
["wrote and shared their growing experiences with us."]
[]
["Specifically, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of the"]
["following: Editors; Aiden Kelly, Peter Beren, Ron Lichty, and Sayre Can"]
["Young. Preparation of the manuscript; Carlene Schnabel, Ron Lichty, Aiden"]
["Kelly, Marina La Palma. Index by Sayre Van Young. Layout and Design; Bonnie"]
["Smetts. Graphics; maps and charts by E.N. Lainca; illustration by Oliver"]
["Williams; and molecules by Marlyn Amann. Special Services; Gorden Brownell,"]
["Al Karger, Michael Starks, Peter Webster, and special thanks to Sandy"]
["Weinstein for help with the photography. Also thank you M.T., A.P., and C.T."]
["Special thanks; Sebastian Orfila and John Orfali."]
[]
["We were fortunate to have had the use of the following libraries: Bronx"]
["Botanical Gardens, City College of New York, Fitz Hugh Ludlow Memorial"]
["Library, Harvard Botanical Museum, New York City Public Libraries,"]
["University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco, University of"]
["Mississippi, Oxford."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter One"]
["History and Taxonomy of Cannabis"]
[]
["1.2 CANNABIS AND ANCIENT HISTORY"]
[]
["The ancestors of Cannabis originated in Asia, possibly on the more gentle"]
["slopes of the Himalayas or the Altai Mountains to the north. The exact"]
["origin, obscured by Stone Age trails the cross the continent, is not known."]
[]
["We don't know when Cannabis and humanity first met. Given the growth habit"]
["of the plant and the curiosity of humanity, such a meeting was inevitable."]
["In the plant world, Cannabis is a coloniser. It establishes new territory"]
["when running water or seed-eating animals carry seed to cleared and fertile"]
["soil open to the sun. Fertile soil, clear of competing plants, is rare and"]
["short-lived in nature, and is commonly caused by catastrophe such as flood"]
["or earthslide. Natural dissemination is slow and the plats tend to grow in"]
["thick stands by dropping seed about the spread of their branches."]
[]
["During the Neolithic era, some 10,000 years ago nomadic groups scavenged,"]
["hunted, fished, and gathered plants in an unending search for food. The"]
["search ended when they learned to plant the native grains (grasses) and"]
["developed agriculture. Agriculture requires a commitment to the land and"]
["grants a steady food supply which enables people to form permanent"]
["settlements. Cannabis and Neolithic bands probably came in contact often as"]
["the plants invaded the fertile clearings - the campsites, roadsides, fields"]
["and garbage heaps - that occur wherever people live."]
[]
["In 1926 the Russian botanist Vavilov summarised the observations of his"]
["comrade, Sinkaia, on the domestication of hemp by peasants of the Altai"]
["Mountains: \"1. wild hemp; 2. spreading of hemp from wild centers of"]
["distribution into populated areas (formation of weedy hemp); 3. utilisation"]
["of weedy hemp by the population; 4. cultivation of hemp.\"24"]
[]
["The plants which people learn to use help define aspects of their way of"]
["life, including perceptions of the world, health, and the directions their"]
["technologies and economies flow. The plants you are about to grow are"]
["descended from one of the ancient plants that made the transition to"]
["civilisation possible."]
[]
["The earliest cultural evidence of Cannabis comes from the oldest known"]
["Neolithic culture in China, the Yang-shao, which appeared along the Yellow"]
["River valley about 6,500 years ago (*Cannabis is known to have been used in"]
["the Bylony culture of Central Europe (about 7,000 years ago).184). The"]
["clothes the people wore, the nets they fished and hunted with, and the ropes"]
["they used in the earliest machines were all made of the long, strong, and"]
["durable fibre, hemp. This valuable fibre separates from the stem of Cannabis"]
["when the stem decays (rets)."]
[]
["In the early classics of the Chou dynasty, written over 3,000 years ago,"]
["mention is often made of \"a prehistoric culture based on fishing and"]
["hunting, a culture without written language but which kept records by tying"]
["knots in ropes. Nets were used for fishing and hunting and the weaving of"]
["nets eventually developed into clothmaking.\"8 These references may well be"]
["to the Yang-shao people."]
[]
["As their culture advanced, these prehistoric people replaced their animal"]
["skins with hemp cloth. At first, hemp cloth was worn only by the more"]
["prosperous, but when silk became available, hemp clothed the masses."]
[]
["People in China relied on Cannabis for many more products than fibre."]
["Cannabis seeds were one of the grains of early China along with river"]
["barley, millet, and soybeans. The seeds were ground into a meal, or roasted"]
["whole, or cooked in porridge. The ancient tombs of China had sacrificial"]
["vessels filled with hemp seed and other grains for the afterlife. From"]
["prehistoric times there is a continuos record of the importance of hemp seed"]
["for food until the first to second century BC when the seed had been"]
["replaced by more palatable cereal grains.7 (an interesting note from the"]
["Tung-kuan archives (28 AD) records that after a war-caused famine the people"]
["subsisted on \"wild\" Cannabis and soybean.8)"]
[]
["The effects of Cannabis' resinous leaves and flowers did not go unnoticed."]
["The Oen-ts-ao Ching, the oldest pharmacopoeia known, states that the fruits"]
["(flowering tops) of hemp, \"if taken in excess will produce hallucinations\""]
["(literally \"seeing devils\"). The ancient medical work also says, \"If taken"]
["over a long term, it makes one communicate with spirits and lightens one's"]
["body.\"9 Marijuana, with a powerful effect on the psyche, must have been"]
["considered a magical herb at a time when medical concepts were just being"]
["formed. The P[e hat]n-ts'ao Ching, speaking for the legendary Emperor Sh[e"]
["hat]n-nung of about 2000 BC, prescribes marijuana preparations for \"malaria,"]
["beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pains, absent-mindedness, and female"]
["disorders.\"15 Even the Cannabis root found its place in early medicine."]
["Ground to form a paste, it was applied to relive the pain of broken bones"]
["and surgery."]
[]
["New uses were discovered for Cannabis as Chinese civilisation progressed and"]
["developed new technologies. The ancient Chinese leaned to mill, heat, and"]
["then wedge-press Cannabis seeds to extract the valuable oil, a technique"]
["still used in the western world in the twentieth century. Pressed seeds"]
["yielded almost 20 percent oil by weight. Cannabis oil, much like linseed"]
["oil, could be used for cooking, to fuel lamps, for lubrication, and as the"]
["base in paint, varnish, and soap making. After oil extraction, the residue"]
["or \"hemp cake\" still contained about 10 percent oil and 30 percent protein,"]
["a nutritious feed for domesticated animals."]
[]
["Another advancement came with the Chinese invention of paper. Hemp fibres"]
["recycled from old rags and fish nets made a paper so durable that some was"]
["recently found in graves in the Shense province that predates 100 BC (9)"]
["Hemp paper is known for its longevity and resistance to tearing, and is"]
["presently used for paper money (Canada) and for fine Bibles."]
[]
["The ancient Chinese learned to use virtually every part of the Cannabis"]
["plant: the root for medicine,; the stem for textiles, rope and paper making;"]
["the leaves and flowers for intoxication and medicine; and the seeds for food"]
["and oil. Some of the products fell into disuse only to be rediscovered by"]
["other people at other times."]
[]
["While the Chinese were building their hemp culture, the cotton cultures of"]
["India and the linen (flax) cultures of the Mediterranean began to learn of"]
["Cannabis through expanding trade and from wandering tribes of Aryans,"]
["Mongols, and Scythians who had bordered China since Neolithic times."]
[]
["The Aryans (Indo-Persians) brought Cannabis culture to India nearly 4,000"]
["years ago. They worshipped the spirits of plants and animals, and marijuana"]
["played an active role in their rituals. In China, with the strong influence"]
["of philosophic and moralistic religions, use of marijuana all but"]
["disappeared. But in India, the Aryan religion grew through oral tradition,"]
["until it was recorded in the four Vedas, compiled between 1400 and 1000 BC."]
["In that tradition, unlike the Chinese, marijuana was sacred, and the bhangas"]
["spirit was appealed to \"for freedom of distress\" and as a \"reliever of"]
["anxiety\" (from the Atharva Veda).1 A gift from the gods, according to Indian"]
["mythology, the magical Cannabis \"lowered fevers, fostered sleep, relieved"]
["dysentery, and cured sundry other ills; it also stimulated the appetite,"]
["prolonged life, quickened the mind, and improved the judgement.\"15"]
[]
["The Scythians brought Cannabis to Europe via a northern route where remnants"]
["of their campsites, from the Altai Mountains to Germany, date back 2,800"]
["years. Seafaring Europe never smoked marijuana extensively, but hemp fibre"]
["became a major crop in the history of almost every European country. Pollen"]
["analysis dates the cultivation of Cannabis to 400 BC in Norway, although it"]
["is believed the plant was cultivated in the British Isles several centuries"]
["earlier.2 The Greeks and Romans used hemp for rope and sail but imported the"]
["fibre from Sicily and Gaul. And it has been said the \"Caesar invaded Gaul in"]
["order to tie up the Roman Empire,\" an allusion to the Romans' need for hemp."]
[]
["Marijuana, from its stronghold in India, moved westward through Persia,"]
["Assyria and Arabs by 500 AD. With the rising power if Islam, marijuana"]
["flourished in a popular form as hashish. In 1378, the Emir Soudon Sheikhouni"]
["tried to end the use of Indian hashish by destroying all such plants, and"]
["imprisoning all users (first removing their teeth for good measure). Yet in"]
["a few years marijuana consumption had increased.1"]
[]
["Islam had a strong influence on the use of marijuana in Africa. However, its"]
["use is so ingrained in some ancient cultures of the Zambezi Valley that is"]
["appearance clearly predated Islam. Tribes from the Congo, East Africa, Lake"]
["Victoria, and South Africa smoke marijuana in ritual and leisure. The"]
["ancient Riamba cult is still practiced in the Congo. According to the Riamba"]
["beliefs, marijuana is a god, protector from physical and spiritual harm."]
["Throughout Africa treaties and business transactions are sealed with a puff"]
["of smoke from a yard-long pipe.(15)"]
[]
["With increased travel and trade, Cannabis seed was brought to all parts of"]
["the known world by ships and caravans rigged with the fibre of its kind. And"]
["when the first settlers came to the Americas, they brought the seed with"]
["them."]
[]
["1.3 CANNABIS AND AMERICAN HISTORY"]
[]
["Like their European forbears, Americans cultivated Cannabis primarily for"]
["hemp fibre. Hemp seed was planted in Chile in 1545,(64) Canada in 1606,"]
["Virginia in 1611, and in the Puritan settlements in Massachusetts in the"]
["1630s(15). Hemp-fibre production was especially important to the embryonic"]
["colonies for homespun cloth and for ship rigging. In 1637, the General Court"]
["at Hartford ordered that \"every family within this plantation shall procure"]
["and plant this present year one spoonful of English hemp seed in some"]
["soyle.\"(12)"]
[]
["Hemp growing was encouraged by the British parliament to meet the need for"]
["fibre to rig the British fleets. Partly to dissuade the colonists from"]
["growing only tobacco, bounties were paid for hemp and manuals on hemp"]
["cultivation were distributed. In 1762, that state of Virginia rewarded hemp"]
["growers and \"imposed penalties upon those that did not produce it.\"(2)"]
[]
["The hemp industry started in Kentucky in 1775 and in Missouri some 50 years"]
["later. By 1860, hemp production in Kentucky alone exceeded 40,000 tons and"]
["the industry was second only to cotton in the South. The Civil War disrupted"]
["production and the industry never recovered, despite several attempts by the"]
["United States Department of Agriculture to stimulate cultivation by"]
["importing Chinese and Italian hemp seed to Illinois, Nebraska, and"]
["California. Competition from imported jute and \"hemp\" (Musa textiles) kept"]
["domestic production under 10,000 tons per year. In the early 1900s, a last"]
["effort by the USDA failed to offset the economic difficulties of a labour"]
["shortage and the lack of development of modern machinery for the hemp"]
["industry (64). However, it was legal force that would bring an end to US"]
["hemp production."]
[]
["For thousands of years marijuana had been valued and respected for its"]
["medicinal and euphoric properties. The Encyclopaedia Brittanica of 1894"]
["estimated that 300 million people, mostly from Eastern countries, were"]
["regular marijuana users. Millions more in both the East and the West"]
["received prescription marijuana for such wide-ranging ills as hydrophobia"]
["and tetanus."]
[]
["By the turn of the century, many doctors had dropped marijuana from the"]
["pharmacopoeias: drugs such as aspirin, though less safe (marijuana has never"]
["kill anyone), were more convenient, more predictable, and more specific to"]
["the condition being treated. Pill-popping would become an American"]
["institution."]
[]
["Marijuana was not a legal issue in the United States until the turn of the"]
["twentieth century. Few Americans smoked marijuana, and those that did were"]
["mostly minority groups. According to author Michael Aldrich, (1) \"The"]
["illegalisation of Cannabis came about because of who was using it\" - Mexican"]
["labourers, southern blacks, and the newly subjugated Filipinos."]
[]
["In states where there were large non-white populations, racist politicians"]
["created the myths that marijuana caused insanity, lust, violence and crime."]
["One joint and you were addicted, and marijuana led the way to the use of"]
["equivalent drugs - cocaine, opium and heroin. These myths were promoted by"]
["ignorant politicians and journalists, who had neither experience nor"]
["knowledge of Cannabis, and grew into an anti-marijuana hysteria by the next"]
["generation."]
[]
["For example, the first states to pass restriction on marijuana use were in"]
["the Southwest, where there were large populations of migrant workers from"]
["Mexico. One of the first states to act was California, which, \"with its huge"]
["Chicano population and opium smoking Chinatowns, labelled marijuana 'poison'"]
["in 1907, prohibited its possession unless prescribed by a physician in 1915,"]
["and included it among hard narcotics, morphine and cocaine in 1929.\" (1)"]
[]
["In marijuana, the mainstream society found a defenceless scapegoat to cover"]
["the ills of poverty, racism, and cultural prejudice. San Franciscans \"were"]
["frightened by the 'large influx of Hindoos ... demanding Cannabis indica'"]
["who were initiating 'the whites into their habit.'\" (11) Editorialists"]
["heightened public fears with nightmarish headlines of the \"marijuana menace\""]
["and \"killer weed,\" and fear of Cannabis gradually spread through the West."]
["By 1929, 16 western states had passed punitive restrictions governing"]
["marijuana use."]
[]
["{Figure 5.  (Sample -- Warning card to be placed in R. R. Trains, Buses,"]
["Street Cars, etc.)"]
["Beware! Young and Old - People in All Walks of Life!"]
["This {joint} may be handed you by the friendly stranger."]
["It contains the Killer Drug \"Marihuana\" -- a powerful narcotic"]
["in which lurks Murder!  Insanity!  Death!"]
["WARNING!"]
["Dope peddlers are shrewd!  They may put some of this drug in the {teapot}"]
["or in the {cocktail} or in the tobacco cigarette."]
["WRITE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, ENCLOSING 12 CENTS IN"]
["POSTAGE -- MAILING COST"]
["Address: THE INTER-STATE NARCOTIC ASSOCIATION"]
["(Incorporated not for profit)"]
["52W Jackson Blvd.   Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A."]
[]
["{'This may be handed you by the ...' is a mistake on the poster}}"]
[]
["Marijuana was not singled out be anti-drug campaigners. During this time,"]
["Congress not only banned \"hard\" narcotics, but also had prohibited alcohol"]
["and considered the prohibition of medical pain killers and even caffeine."]
[]
["The Federal Bureau of Narcotics was established in 1930 with Harry Anslinger"]
["as its first commissioner. During the first few years of operation, the"]
["bureau minimised the marijuana problem, limited mostly to the Southwest and"]
["certain ghettos in the big cities of the East. However, the bureau was"]
["besieged with pleas from local police and sheriffs to help with marijuana"]
["problems. The FBN continued to resist this pressure, because Commissioner"]
["Anslinger had serious doubts as to whether federal law restricting marijuana"]
["use could be sustained as constitutional. Further, FBN reports indicate that"]
["the bureau did not believe that the marijuana problem was as great as its"]
["public reputation. Control of the drug would also prove extremely difficult,"]
["for as Anslinger pointed out, the plant grew \"like dandelions.\" (11)"]
[]
["The joblessness and misery of the depression added impetus to the"]
["anti-marijuana campaign. This came about indirectly, by way of focusing"]
["public sentiment against migrant and minority workers who were blamed for"]
["taking \"American\" jobs. Much of this sentiment grew out of cultural and"]
["racial prejudice and was supported by groups such as Key Men of America and"]
["the American Coalition. The goal of these groups was to \"Keep America"]
["American.\""]
[]
["However, by 1935 almost every state had restricted marijuana use, and local"]
["police and influential politicians had managed to pressure the FBN to seek a"]
["federal marijuana law. The constitutional question could be circumvented by"]
["cleverly tying restrictions to a transfer tax, effectively giving the"]
["federal government legal control of marijuana."]
[]
["With this new tack, the FBN prepared for congressional hearings on the"]
["Marijuana Tax Act so that passage of the bill would be assured. Anslinger"]
["and politicians seeking to gain from this highly emotional issue railroaded"]
["the Marijuana Tax Act through the 1937 Congress. Anslinger made sure that"]
["the only information that they (the congressmen) has was what we would give\nthem at the hearings. (11) No users were allowed to testify in pot's"]
["defence, and doctors and scientists were ridiculed for raising contrary"]
["views (16). The new federal law made both raising and use of the plant"]
["illegal without the purchase of a hard-to-acquire federal stamp. The FBN"]
["immediately intensified the propaganda campaign against marijuana and for"]
["the next generation, the propaganda continued unchallenged."]
[]
["The marijuana hysteria also ended any hopes for a recovery of the hemp"]
["industry. What had been needed was a machine that would solve the age-old"]
["problem of separating the fibre from the plant stem, an effort which"]
["required considerable skilled labour. The machine that could have"]
["revolutionised hemp production was introduced to the American public in the"]
["February 1938 edition of Popular Mechanics. But the Marijuana Tax Act has"]
["been passed four months earlier, and the official attitude toward all"]
["Cannabis is best illustrated by this quote from Harry J. Anslinger,"]
["commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics: \"Now this (hemp) is the"]
["finest fibre known to man-kind, my God, if you ever have a shirt made of it,"]
["your grandchildren would never wear it out. You take Polish families. We'd"]
["go in and start to tear it up and the man came out with his shotgun yelling,"]
["'These are my clothes for next winter!'\" (2)"]
[]
["During the war years, after the Japanese had cut off America's supply of"]
["manila hemp, worried officials supplied hemp seed and growing information to"]
["Midwestern farmers. In Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, hemp"]
["farmers showed their wartime spirit by producing over 63,000 tons of hemp"]
["fibre in 1943."]
[]
["Unlike many of our ancient domesticated plants, Cannabis never lost its"]
["colonising tendencies or ability to survive without human help. Cannabis"]
["readily \"escapes\" cultivated fields and may flourish long after its"]
["cultivation is abandoned. However, Cannabis always keeps in contact by"]
["flourishing in our waste areas - our vacant fields and lots, along roads and"]
["drainage ditches, and in our rubbish and garbage heaps. Perhaps it awaits"]
["discovery by future generations. The cycle has been repeated many times."]
[]
["States that once supported hemp industry are now dotted with stands of"]
["escaped weedy hemp. Weedy hemp grows across the country, except in the"]
["Southwest and parts of the Southeast. Distribution is centered heavily in"]
["the Midwest. Most of these plants are descended from Chinese and European"]
["hemp strains that were bred in Kentucky and the grown in Midwestern stated"]
["during World War II. But some weed patches, such as in Kentucky and"]
["Missouri, go back perhaps to revolutionary times."]
[]
["The Anslinger crusades that continued through the sixties are a fine example"]
["of government propaganda and control of individual lives and beliefs. We"]
["still feel the ramifications in our present laws and in the fear-response to"]
["marijuana harboured by many people who grew up with Anslingian concepts."]
["Poor Cannabis, portrayed as a dangerous narcotic that would bring purgatory"]
["upon anyone who took a toke - violence, addiction, lust, insanity - you name"]
["it, and marijuana caused it. All it ever did to us was get us stoned ..."]
["things slowed down a bit ... enough to stop and look around."]
[]
["{Figure 6.  A weedy hemp stand in Nebraska.}"]
[]
["Hopefully, we are living in the last years of the era of illegal marijuana"]
["and the persecution of this plant. Cannabis is truly wondrous, having served"]
["human needs for, perhaps, 10,000 years. It deserves renewed attention not"]
["only for its chemical properties, but also as an ecologically sensible"]
["alternative for synthetic fibres in general and especially wood-pulp paper."]
["May Cannabis be vindicated."]
[]
["1.4 Cannabis: Species or Varieties"]
[]
["The 10,000-year co-evolution of Cannabis and humanity has had a profound"]
["impact on both plant and humans. Cannabis has affected our cultural"]
["evolution; we have affected the plant's biological evolution."]
[]
["From small populations of ancient progenitors, hundreds of varieties or"]
["strains of Cannabis have evolved. These variations can be traced to human"]
["acts, both planned and accidental."]
[]
["Ancient farmers, knowing that like begets like, selected Cannabis for"]
["certain characteristics to better suit their needs. With the need for fibre,"]
["seeds from plants with longer stems and better fibres were cultivated."]
["Gradually, their descendants became taller, straight-stemmed, and had a"]
["minimum of branches. Some farmers were interested in seed and oil. They"]
["developed large-seeded, bushy plants that could bear an abundance of seeds."]
["Marijuana farmers interested in potency selected plants that flowered"]
["profusely with heavy resin and strong psychoactive properties."]
[]
["The subsequent variations in Cannabis are striking. In Italy, where hemp"]
["fibre supports a major textile and paper industry, some fibre varieties grow"]
["35 feet in a single season. Other Italian varieties may reach only five or"]
["six feet in height, but have slender, straight stems that yield a fibre of"]
["very fine quality. In Southeast Asia, some marijuana plants grow only four"]
["feet or less, yet these are densely foliated and heavy with resin. Other"]
["varieties of marijuana grow 15 to 20 feet in a season and yield over a pound"]
["of grass per plant."]
[]
["Breeding plants is a conscious act. The plant's evolution, however, has also"]
["been affected by its introduction to lands and climates different from its"]
["original home. Whether plants are cultivated or weeds, they must adapt to"]
["their environment. Each new country and growing situation presented Cannabis"]
["with new circumstances and problems for survival. The plants have been so"]
["successful at adapting and harmonising with new environments that they are"]
["now considered the most widely distributed of cultivated plants. (45)"]
[]
["In French, Cannabis is sometimes called \"Le Chanvre troumper\" or \"tricky"]
["hemp,\" a name coined to described its highly adaptable nature. The word"]
["adaptable actually has two meanings. The first refers to how a population of"]
["plants (the generic pool) adjusts to the local environment over a period of"]
["generations. (The population is, in practice, each batch of seeds you heave,"]
["or each existing stand or field.) For instance, a garden with some plants"]
["that flower late in the season will not have time to seed in the north. The"]
["next year's crop will come only from any early seeding plants. Most of them"]
["will be like their parents and will set seed early. (See section 18.)"]
[]
["Adaptable is a term that also applies to the individual living plant"]
["(phenotype) and, in practical terms, means that Cannabis is tenacious and"]
["hardy -- a survivor among plants. It thrives under a variety of"]
["environmental conditions, whether at 10,000 feet in the Himalayas, the"]
["tropical valleys of Colombia, or the cool and rainy New England coast."]
[]
["Through breading and natural selection, Cannabis has evolved in many"]
["direction. Botanically and historically, the genus is so diverse that many"]
["growers are confused by the mythology, exotic names, and seeming"]
["contradictions that surround the plants. Many inconsistencies are explained"]
["by understanding how variable Cannabis is. There are hundreds of wild,"]
["weedy, and cultivated varieties. Cultivated varieties may be useful for only"]
["hemp, oil, or marijuana. \"Strains,\" \"varieties,\" \"cultivars,\" \"chemovars,\""]
["or \"ecotypes\" differ widely in almost every apparent characteristic."]
["Varieties range from two to 35 feet tall; branching patterns run from dense"]
["to quite loose, long (five or six feet) or short (a few inches). Various"]
["branching patterns form the plant into shapes ranging from cylindrical, to"]
["conical, to ovoid, to very sparse and gangly. The shape and colour of leaves"]
["and stems, seeds, and flowering clusters are all variable characteristics"]
["that differ among varieties. Life cycles may be as short as three months, or"]
["the plants may hang on to life for several years. Most importantly,"]
["different varieties provide great variations in the quality and quantity of"]
["resin they produce, and hance in their psychoactive properties and value as"]
["marijuana."]
[]
["The taxonomy (ordering and naming) of Cannabis has never been adequately"]
["carried out. Early research placed the genus Cannabis within the Families of"]
["either the Moraceae (mulberry) or the Urticaceae (nettle). Now there is"]
["general agreement that the plant belongs in a separate family, the"]
["Cannabaceae, along with one other genus, Humulus, the hops plant. (See"]
["section on Grafting in section 18.)"]
[]
["A modern Scheme for the phylogeny of Cannabis would be:"]
[]
["        Subdivision     Angiospermae (flowering plants)"]
["        Class   Dicotyledoneae (dicots)"]
["        Order   Uriticales (nettle order)"]
["        Family  Cannabaceae (hemp family)"]
["        Genus   Cannabis (hemp plant)"]
[]
["Below the genus level, there is no general agreement on how many species"]
["should be recognised within Cannabis. The Cannabis lineage has not been"]
["possible to trace after thousands of years of human intervention."]
[]
["Most research refers to Cannabis as a single species - Cannabis sativa L."]
["(The word Cannabis comes from ancient vernacular names for hemp, such as the"]
["Greek Kannabis; sativa means \"cultivated\" in Latin; L. stands for Linnaeus,"]
["the botanical author of the name.) But some botanists who are studying"]
["Cannabis believe there are more than one species within the genus."]
[]
["Richard Schultes, for example, describes three separate species (see Box A)"]
["based on variations in characteristics believed not to be selected for by"]
["humans (natural variations) such as seed colour and abscission layer (scar"]
["tissue on the seed which indicates how it was attached to the stalk)."]
[]
["     BOX A"]
["     Schultes' Key as it appears in Harvard Botanical"]
["     Museum Leaflets (45)"]
[]
["     Cannabis Sativa"]
["     1. Plants usually tall (five to 18 feet), laxly branched; akenes"]
["     ((Akene (or Achene) is the botanical name for the fruit of"]
["     Cannabis. In Cannabis, the fruit is essentially the seed.))"]
["     smooth, usually lacking marbled pattern on outer coat, firmly"]
["     attached to stalk and without definite articulation."]
[]
["     Cannabis Indica"]
["     1A. Plant usually small (four feet or less), not laxly branched;"]
["     akenes usually strongly marbled on outer coat, with a definite"]
["     abscission layer, dropping off at maturity."]
["     2. Plants very densely branched, more or less conical, usually"]
["     four feet tall or less; abscission layer a simple articulation at"]
["     base of akene."]
[]
["     Cannabis ruderalis ((Limited to parts of Asia.))"]
["     2A. Plants not branched or very sparsely so, usually one to two"]
["     feet at maturity. Abscission layer forms a fleshly carbuncle-like"]
["     growth at base of akene."]
[]
["Ideally, the classification of living things follows a natural order,"]
["reflecting relationships as they occur in nature. Species are groups of"]
["organisms that are evolving as distinct units. Biologically, the"]
["evolutionary unit is the population, a population being a group of freely"]
["inbreeding organisms. Living things don't always fit neatly into scientific"]
["categories. And the meaning of species changes with our understanding of"]
["life and the evolutionary processes. Often, the definition of species will"]
["depend on the particular being studied."]
[]
["A traditional way of defining separate species is that off-spring that"]
["result cannot reproduce successfully. As far as is known, all Cannabis"]
["plants can cross freely, resulting in fully fertile hybrids (107). But"]
["growth habit and actual gene exchange are important considerations in plant"]
["taxonomy. If different populations never come in contact, then there is no"]
["pressure for them to develop biological processes to prevent them mixing."]
["Cannabis is pollinated by the wind. Although wind may carry pollen grains"]
["hundreds of miles, almost all pollen falls within a few feet of the parent"]
["plant. The chance of a pollen grain fertilising a tiny female flower more"]
["than 100 yards away is extremely small (201). Hence, separate stands or"]
["fields of Cannabis (populations) are quite naturally isolated. For Cannabis,"]
["the fact that populations are isolated by distance is not sufficient grounds"]
["for labelling them separate species, nor is successful hybridisation reason"]
["enough to group all populations as one species."]
[]
["The species question and Cannabis mythology are complicated by the plant's"]
["ability to rapidly change form and growth habits. These changes can be"]
["measured in years and decades, rather than centuries or millennia."]
[]
["The fact that a pollen grain does occasionally fertilise a distant flowers"]
["leads to a process called introgression. Introgression means that new genes"]
["(new variations and possible variations) are incorporated into the"]
["population via the foreign pollen. This crossing between populations leads"]
["to an increase in variation within the population, but a decrease in the"]
["differences between the populations. Although introgression confuses the"]
["species question, it also adds to the plant's adaptable nature by providing"]
["a resource for adaptive variations. In other words, Cannabis has been"]
["around. The plants have a rich and varied history of experience, which is"]
["reflected in their variety and adaptive nature."]
[]
["If breeding barriers do not exist, species are often delimited by natural"]
["differences in morphology (structure or appearance). The natural variations"]
["on which Schultes' key is based are actually affected by contact with"]
["farmers. For instance, seeds which drop freely from the plant are less"]
["likely to be collected and sown by the farmer, so that cultivated Cannabis"]
["may eventually develop a different type of abscission layer than when wild"]
["or weedy."]
[]
["Seed colour and pattern are affected naturally by the need for camouflage."]
["Under cultivation this natural selection pressure would not be the same."]
["Many farmers select seeds by colour, believing the darkest are the best"]
["developed. In other words, there are serious problems with this limited"]
["approach to categorising species in Cannabis. This does not go unrecognised"]
["by Dr. Schultes, and the key represents a starting point. However, species"]
["should represent distinct groups within a genus, and populations with"]
["intermediate characteristics should be the exception. When you grow"]
["marijuana, you'll find that most varieties do not fit into any of these"]
["categories, but lie somewhere between. The majority of the marijuana from"]
["the Western Hemisphere would follow this description: plants tall (eight to"]
["18 feet); well-branched; akenes usually strongly marbled; base of the seed"]
["sometimes slightly articulated."]
[]
["Other characteristics, such as variations on wood anatomy (17) and leaf form"]
["(28), have been suggested for delimiting Cannabis species. However, wood"]
["anatomy, like stem anatomy, can be seriously affected by selection for hemp"]
["in particular, but also by selection for marijuana and seed. Wood anatomy"]
["also depends on the portion of the stem examined and on the arrangement of"]
["leaves (phyllotaxy), which, in turn, is influenced by light levels,"]
["photoperiod, and the physiological development of the plant."]
[]
["Most Cannabis plants have compound leaves with seven to nine blades or"]
["leaflets per leaf. Occasionally, varieties are seen where all the leaves"]
["have only one to three blades (monophyllous). Such plants sometimes arise"]
["from varieties with compound leaves. The factor is genetic, but carries"]
["little weight for the separation of species."]
[]
["Human selection for particular traits can powerfully alter plants. Sex"]
["vegetables - cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, and"]
["kohlrabi - are all descended from a single wild species of mustard herb,"]
["Brassica oleracea (216). Human preference for particular parts of the plant"]
["led to their development. All six are still considered one species."]
[]
["Any classification of species in Cannabis, based solely on morphological"]
["grounds, will prove difficult to justify with our present knowledge of the"]
["plant. At this time it seems that all Cannabis should be considered one"]
["species, Cannabis sativa L."]
[]
["{Figure 7.  Common marijuana leaf with seven blades (Colombian)}"]
["{Figure 8.  Four leaf types from Colombian marijuana varieties}"]
["{Figure 9.  Leaf blades from Figure 8.}"]
[]
["The debate on whether there is more than one species has been intense, for"]
["the issue has legal implications. Many laws specifically prohibit only"]
["Cannabis sativa. Presumably other species would not be prohibited. However,"]
["in the United States, this argument was recently dismissed when tested in a"]
["California court. The court upheld the argument that the law's intent is"]
["clear, although it may be questionable botanically: under law all Cannabis"]
["are regarded alike."]
[]
["Luckily, the controversy over the number of species is of no more than"]
["academic interest to the marijuana grower. The most important characteristic"]
["to enthusiasts is the quality or potency of the grass they'll grow."]
[]
["Potency is mostly a factor of heredity. The quality of the grass you grow"]
["depends on how good its parents were, so choose seeds from the grass you"]
["like best."]
[]
["The environment has an impact, too, but it can only work on what is"]
["contained in the seed. A potent harvest depends on an environment which"]
["encourages the seed to develop to a full and potent maturity. The way to"]
["begin is to find the most potent grass you can; then you will have taken the"]
["first step."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["     CHAPTER 2"]
["     CANNABINOIDS: THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF MARIJUANA"]
[]
["Cannabis is unique in many ways. Of all plants, it is the only genus known"]
["to produce chemical substances known as cannabinoids. The cannabinoids are"]
["the psychoactive ingredients of marijuana; they are what get you high. By"]
["1974, 37 naturally occurring cannabinoids had been discovered 115,118. Most"]
["of the cannabinoids appear in very small amounts (less than .01 percent of"]
["total cannabinoids) and are not considered psychoactive, or else not"]
["important to the high. Many are simply homologues or analogues (similar"]
["structure or function) to the few major cannabinoids which are listed."]
[]
["     1. (-)-{triangle}9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol ((There are several"]
["     numbering systems used for cannabinoids. The system in this book"]
["     is most common in American publications and is based on formal"]
["     chemical rules for numbering pyran compounds. Another common"]
["     system is used more by Europeans and is based on a monoterpenoid"]
["     system which is more useful considering the biogenesis of the"]
["     compound.)) This (delta-9 THC) is the main psychotomimetic"]
["     (mindbending) ingredient of marijuana. Estimates state that 70 to"]
["     100 percent (121) of the marijuana high results from the delta-9"]
["     THC present. It occurs in almost all Cannabis in concentration"]
["     that vary from traces to about 95 percent of all the cannabinoids"]
["     in the sample. In very potent varieties, carefully prepared"]
["     marijuana can have up to 12 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight of"]
["     the sample (seeds and stems removed from flowering buds). ((\"Buds\""]
["     of commercial marijuana is the popular name given to masses of"]
["     female flowers that form distinct clusters.))"]
[]
["     Delta-8 THC - This substance is reported in low concentration,"]
["     less than one percent of the delta-9 THC present. Its activity is"]
["     slightly less than that of delta-9 THC. It may be an artefact of"]
["     the extraction/analysis process. Here we refer to delta-9 THC and"]
["     delta-8 THC as THC."]
[]
["     2. Cannabidiol - CBD also occurs in almost all varieties."]
["     Concentration range from nil (119,138), to about 95 percent of the"]
["     total cannabinoids present. THC and CBD are the two most abundant"]
["     naturally occurring cannabinoids. CBD is not psychotomimetic in"]
["     the pure form (192), although it does have sedative, analgesic,"]
["     and antibiotic properties. In order for CBD to affect the high,"]
["     THC must be present in quantities ordinarily psychoactive. CBD can"]
["     contribute to the high by interacting with THC to potentiate"]
["     (enhance) or antagonise (interfere or lessen) certain qualities of"]
["     the high. CBD appears to potentiate the depressant effects of THC"]
["     and antagonise is excitatory effects (186). CBD also delays the"]
["     onset of the high (183) but can make it last considerably longer"]
["     (as much as twice as long). (The grass takes a while to come on"]
["     but keeps coming on.) Opinions are conflicting as to whether it"]
["     increases or decreases the intensity of the high, \"intensity\" and"]
["     high\" being difficult to define. Terms such as knock-out or"]
["     sleepy, dreamlike, or melancholic are often used to describe the"]
["     high from grass with sizeable proportions of CBD and THC. When"]
["     only small amounts of THC are present with high proportions of"]
["     CBD, the high is more of a buzz, and the mind feels dull and the"]
["     body de-energised. {See Figure 11 to 16 for chemical structure in"]
["     monochrome bitmap format.}"]
[]
["     3. Cannabinol - CBN is not produced by the plant per se. It is the"]
["     degradation (oxidative) product of THC. Fresh samples of marijuana"]
["     contain very little CBN but curing, poor storage, or processing"]
["     such as when making hashish, can cause much of the THC to be"]
["     oxidised to CBN. Pure forms of CBN have at most 10 percent of the"]
["     psychoactivity of THC (192). Like CBD, it is suspected of"]
["     potentiating certain aspects of the high, although so far these"]
["     affects appear to be slight (183,185). CBN seems to potentiate"]
["     THC's disorienting qualities. One may feel more dizzy or drugged"]
["     or generally untogether but not necessarily higher. In fact, with"]
["     a high proportion of CBN, the high may start well but feels as if"]
["     it never quite reaches its peak, and when coming down one feels"]
["     tired or sleepy. High CBN in homegrown grass is not desirable"]
["     since it represents a loss of 90 percent of the psychoactivity of"]
["     its precursor THC."]
[]
["     4. Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV is the propyl homologue of THC."]
["     In the aromatic ring the usual five-carbon pentyl is replaced by a"]
["     short three-carbon propyl chain. The propyl cannabinoids have so"]
["     far been found in some varieties originating from Southeast and"]
["     Central Asia and parts of Africa. What are considered some very"]
["     potent marijuana varieties contain propyl cannabinoids. In one"]
["     study, THCV made up to 48.23 percent (Afghanistan strain) and"]
["     53.69 percent (South Africa) of the cannabinoids found (136)."]
["     We've seen no reports on its activity in humans. From animal"]
["     studies it appears to be much faster in onset and quicker to"]
["     dissipate than THC (181). It may be the constituent of one- or"]
["     two-toke grass, but its activity appears to be somewhat less than"]
["     that of THC."]
[]
["     The propyl cannabinoids are a series corresponding to the usual"]
["     pentyl cannabinoids. The counterpart of CBD is CBDV; and of CBN,"]
["     CBV. There are no reports on their activity and for now we can"]
["     only speculate that they are similar to CBD and CBN. Unless noted"]
["     otherwise, in this book THC refers collectively to delta-9 THC,"]
["     delta-8 THC, and THCV."]
[]
["     5. Cannabichromene - CBC is another major cannabinoid, although it"]
["     is found in smaller concentrations than CBD and THC. It was"]
["     previously believed that is was a minor constituent, but more"]
["     exacting analysis showed that the compound often reported as CBD"]
["     may actually be CBC (119,137). However, relative to THC and CBD,"]
["     its concentration in the plants is low, probably not exceeding 20"]
["     percent of total cannabinoids. CBC is believed not to be"]
["     psychotomimetic in humans (121); however, its presence in plants"]
["     is purportedly very potent has led to the suspicion that it may be"]
["     interacting with THC to enhance the high (137). Cannabicyclol"]
["     (CBL) is a degradative product like CBN and CBV (123). During"]
["     extraction, light converts CBC to CBL. There are no reports on its"]
["     activity in humans, and it is found in small amounts, if at all,"]
["     in fresh plant material."]
[]
[]
[]
["     2.2 Cannabinoids and the High"]
[]
["The marijuana high is a complex experience. It involves a wide range of"]
["psychical, physical, and emotional responses. The high is a subjective"]
["experience based in the individual - one's personality, mood, disposition,"]
["and experience with the drug. Given the person, the intensity of the high"]
["depends primarily on the amount of THC present in the marijuana. Delta-9 THC"]
["is the main ingredient of marijuana and must be present in sufficient"]
["quantities for a good marijuana high. People who smoke grass that has very"]
["little cannabinoids other then delta-9 THC usually report that the high is"]
["very intense. Most people will get high from a joint having delta-9 THC of"]
[".5 percent concentration to material. Grass having a THC concentration of"]
["three percent would be considered excellent quality by anyone's standards."]
["In this book, for brevity, we use potency to mean the sum effects of the"]
["cannabinoids and the overall high induced."]
[]
["Marijuana (plant material) is sometimes rated more potent that the content"]
["of delta-9 THC alone would suggest. It also elicits qualitatively different"]
["highs. The reasons for this have not been sorted out. Few clinical studies"]
["with known combinations of several cannabinoids have been undertaken with"]
["human subjects. This field is still in its infancy. So far, different highs"]
["and possibly higher potency seem to be due to the interaction of delta-9 THC"]
["and other cannabinoids (THCV,CBD,CBN, and possibly CBC). Except for THCV, in"]
["the pure form, these other cannabinoids do not have much psychoactivity."]
[]
["Another possibility for higher potency is that homologues of delta-9 THC"]
["with longer side chains at C-3 (and higher activity) might be found in"]
["certain marijuana varieties. Compounds with longer side chains have been"]
["mode in laboratories and their activity is sometimes much higher, with"]
["estimates over 500 times that of natural delta-9 THC (55,113,191). Compounds"]
["besides THCV with shorter chains (methyl (139) and butyl (118)) in this"]
["position have been found in small amounts in some marijuana samples,"]
["indicating that variations do exist. However, this is not a very likely"]
["explanation. More likely, THCV is more prevalent in marijuana than supposed"]
["and probably had additive or synergistic effects with delta-9 THC."]
[]
["The possibility that there are non-cannabinoids that are psychoactive or"]
["interacting with the cannabinoids has not been investigated in detail."]
["Non-cannabinoids with biological activity have been isolated from the"]
["plants, but only in very small quantities (181). None are known to be"]
["psychotomimetic. However, they may contribute to the overall experience in"]
["non-mental ways, such as the stimulation of the appetite."]
[]
["Different blends of cannabinoids account for high of different qualities."]
["The intensity of the high depends primarily on the amount of delta-9 THC"]
["present and on the method of ingestion. A complex drug such as marijuana"]
["affects the mind and body in many ways. Sorting out what accounts for what"]
["response can become quite complex. The methodology to isolate and test the"]
["different cannabinoids now exists. The National Institute of Mental Health"]
["(NIMH) is funding research on the pharmacology of marijuana. However, such"]
["research is paltry, considering that over 30 million people in the United"]
["States use the crude drug. Much more research is needed before definite"]
["understanding of the cannabinoids and the high is attained."]
[]
["When the legal restriction are removed, marijuana will probably be sold by"]
["particular blends of cannabinoids and standard amounts of delta-9 THC."]
["Synthetic marijuana will probably be made with homologues of delta-9 THC"]
["that have much higher activity than the natural form. For now, without"]
["access to a lab, you must be satisfied with your own smoking evaluation (for"]
["research purposes only), ultimately the most important criterion any way."]
[]
["2.3 Resin and Resin Glands"]
[]
["Many people consider potency and resin concentration synonymous. People hear"]
["of plants oozing or gushing with copious resin, and the image is of resin"]
["flowing in the plant like the latex of a rubber tree or the sap of a maple"]
["tree. But these visions are just pipe dreams."]
[]
["It is quite possible to have a resinous plant with little potency or a plant"]
["with little apparent resin which is very potent. Potency depends primarily"]
["on the concentration of THC in the plant material. Many more substances"]
["besides the cannabinoids make up the crude resin of Cannabis. Preparations"]
["such as ghanja or hashish are roughly about one-third by weight"]
["non-psychoactive water-soluble substances and cellular debris. Another third"]
["is non-psychoactive resins such as phenoloic and terpenoid polymers,"]
["glycerides, and triterpenes. Only one-fourth to one-third is the"]
["cannabinoids. In many Cannabis plants, THC may be only a very small"]
["percentage of the total cannabinoids. ((These figures are very approximate."]
["Actual percentages depend on sample material, processing, and extraction"]
["procedures. See Table 8 and 9 for percentages of THC in hashish.)) The"]
["remainder (5 to 10 percent) of the resin will be essential oils, sterols,"]
["fatty acids, and various hydrocarbons common to plants."]
[]
["Table 8 - Seized Hashish (a)"]
[]
["                         Range of Percentage of"]
["COUNTRY IN WHICH SEIZED  THC         CBD"]
["Greece                   1 - 15.8    1.4 - 11.1"]
["Nepal                    1.5 - 10.9  8.8 - 15.1"]
["Afghanistan              1.7 - 15    1.8 - 10.3"]
["Pakistan                 2.3 - 8.7   6.8(b)"]
[]
["a Figures compiled from many sources."]
["b Only one figure reported"]
[]
["Table 9 - Relative Percentages of Major Cannabinoids from Hashish and Resin"]
["          Preparations."]
["                       Average Percentages of"]
["COUNTRY                THC      CBD      CBN"]
["Afghanistan            52       36       12"]
["Burma                  15.7     16.3     68"]
["Jamaica                77.5      9.1     13.4"]
["Lebanon                32.2     62.5      5.3"]
["Morocco                55       34.2     10.8"]
["Nigeria                53.7      9.3     37"]
["Pakistan               35.7     48.3     16.1"]
["South Africa           75.6      8.4       16"]
[]
["a Each row sums to 100%"]
["_TABLE 9"]
[]
["The cannabinoids basically do not flow in the plant, nor are they the"]
["plant's sap. About 80 to 90 percent of the cannabinoids are synthesised ad"]
["stored in microscopic resin glands that appear on the outer surfaces of all"]
["plant parts except the root and seed. the arrangement and number"]
["(concentration) of resin glands vary somewhat with the particular strain"]
["examined. Marijuana varieties generally have more resin glands, and they are"]
["larger then resin glands on non-drug varieties."]
[]
["Although resin glands are structurally diverse, they are of three basic"]
["types. The bulbous type is the smallest (15-30 um ((um is the symbol for a"]
["micrometer (or micron), equal to 1/1,000,000 of a meter, or approximately"]
["1/25,000 of an inch.)) or about .0006 to .0012 inches). From one to four"]
["cells make up the \"foot\" and \"stalk,\" and one to four cells make up the"]
["head of the gland (25). Head cells secrete a resin - presumably"]
["cannabinoids - oils, and related compounds which accumulate between the head"]
["cells and the outer membrane (cuticle). When the gland matures, a"]
["nipple-like outpocket may form on the membrane from the pressure of the"]
["accumulating resin. The bulbous glands are found scattered about the"]
["surfaces of the above-ground plant parts."]
[]
["The second type of gland is much larger and more numerous than the bulbous"]
["glands. The are called \"capitate,\" which means having a globular-shaped"]
["head. On immature plants, the heads lie flush or appear not to have a stalk"]
["and are called \"capitate sessile.\" They actually have a stalk that is one"]
["cell high, although it may not be visible beneath the globular head. The"]
["head is composed of usually eight, but up to 16 cells, that form a convex"]
["rosette. These cells secrete a cannabinoid-rich resin which accumulates"]
["between the rosette and its outer membrane. This gives it a spherical shape,"]
["and the gland measures from 25 to 100 um across. In fresh plant material"]
["about 80 to 90 percent of their contents will be cannabinoids, the rest"]
["primarily essential oils (146)."]
[]
["During flowering the capitate glands that appear on the newly formed plant"]
["parts take on a third form. Some of the glands are raised to a height of 150"]
["to 500 um when their talks elongate, possibly due to their greater activity."]
["The stalk is composed mostly of adjacent epidermal tissue. These"]
["capitate-stalked glands appear during flowering and form their densest cover"]
["on the female flower bracts. They are also highly concentrated on the small"]
["leaves that accompany the flowers of fine marijuana varieties. Highest"]
["concentration is along the veins of the lower leaf surface, although the"]
["glands may also be found on the upper leaf surface on some varieties. The"]
["male flowers have stalked glands on the sepals, but they are smaller and"]
["less concentrated than on the female bracts. Male flowers form a row of very"]
["large capitate glands along the opposite sides of anthers."]
[]
["Capitate-stalked resin glands are the only ones visible without a"]
["microscope. To the naked eye, this covering of glands on the female flower"]
["bracts looks like talcum or dew sprinkled on a fuzzy surface. With a strong"]
["hand lens, the heads and stalks are distinct. Resin glands also can be seen"]
["on the anthers of the male flowers and on the undersides of the small leaves"]
["the intersperse the flower clusters."]
[]
["{Figure 17.  Upper surface of a small leaf, showing stalked glands.}"]
["{Figure 18.  Resin glands on a stem lie close to the surface beneath the"]
["cystolith hairs.  Hairs always point in direction of growing shoots.}"]
[]
["Resin glands are not visible until flowers form. The more obvious covering"]
["of white hairs seen on stems, petioles, and leaves are not resin glands."]
["They are cystolith hairs of carbonate and silicate which are common to many"]
["plants. These sharp-pointed hairs afford the plant some protection from"]
["insects and make it less palatable to larger, plant-eating animals."]
[]
["In India, to make the finest quality hashish (nup), dried plants are"]
["thrashed over screens. Gland heads, stalks and trichomes collect in a white"]
["to golden powder which is then compressed into hashish (for hashmaking"]
["search section 21 for \"hash\")."]
[]
["Resin rarely accumulates in the copious quantities people would lead you to"]
["believe. Actually, the plants form a cover of resin glands rather than a"]
["coating of resin. Usually this is no more apparent than for the female"]
["flowers to glisten with pin-points of light and for the leaves and stems to"]
["feel a bit sticky when you run your fingers over them."]
[]
["On some fine marijuana strains, resin may become obvious by the end of"]
["flowering and seed set. Resins occasionally secrete through pores in the"]
["membrane of gland heads. Usually secretion occurs many weeks after the"]
["stalked glands appear. The glands seem to empty their contents, leaving"]
["hollow spaces (vacuoles) in the stalk and head cells. After secretion, the"]
["glands cease to function and begin to degenerate. Gland heads, stalks, and"]
["trichomes become clumped together, and the whole flowering surface becomes a"]
["sticky mass. For reasons we'll go into later, this is not necessarily"]
["desirable. (see sections 20,21.)"]
[]
["Small quantities of cannabinoids are present in the internal tissues of the"]
["plant. The bulk is found in small single cells (non-articulated laticifers)"]
["that elongate to form small, individual resin canals. The resin canals"]
["ramify the developing shoots, and penetrate the plant's conducting tissue"]
["(phloem). Minute clumps of resin found in the phloem are probably deposited"]
["by these resin canals. Other plant cells contain insignificant amounts of"]
["cannabinoids and probably a good 90 percent of the cannabinoids are"]
["localised in the resin glands."]
[]
["Cannabinoid synthesis seems to occur primarily in the head and apex of the"]
["stalk cells of the resin glands (26). Lacticifers and possibly other plant"]
["cells probably contribute by synthesising the simpler molecules that will"]
["eventually make up the cannabinoids. Biosynthesis (the way the plant makes"]
["the molecules) of the cannabinoids is believed to follow a scheme originally"]
["outlined by A.R. Todd in his paper \"Hashish,\" published in 1946 (see Figure"]
["19). In the 1960s the pathway was worked out by Raphal Mechoulam, and"]
["confirmed in 1975 by Dr. Shimomura and his associates."]
[]
["{Figure 19.  Possible biosynthesis of cannabinoids.}"]
[]
["Notice that all the cannabinoids are their acid forms with a (COOH) carboxyl"]
["group at C-2 in the aromatic ring. This group may also appear at C-4 and the"]
["compounds are called, for example, THC acid \"A\" and THC acid \"B\","]
["respectively. The position of the carboxyl group does not affect the"]
["potency, but, in fact, in their acid forms the cannabinoids are not"]
["psychoactive. In fresh plant material, cannabinoids are almost entirely inn"]
["their acid forms. The normal procedure of curing and smoking the grass"]
["(heat) removes the carboxyl group, forming the gas CO2 and the psychoactive"]
["neutral cannabinoids. Removing the CO2 in important only if you plan to eat"]
["the marijuana. It is then necessary to apply heat (baking in brownies, for"]
["example) for the cannabinoids to become psychoactive. Ten minutes of baking"]
["marijuana at 200F is enough to convert the THC acids to neutral THC."]
[]
["The formation of CBG acid, from which all the other cannabinoids are formed,"]
["is initially made from much simpler compounds containing terpene units. The"]
["example here is olivetolic acid condensing with a terpene moiety called"]
["geranyl pyrophosphate. It is not known whether these are the actual or only"]
["precursors to CBG in the living plant."]
[]
["Terpenes and related substances are quite light and some of them can be"]
["extracted by steam distillation to yield the \"essential oil\" of the plant"]
["(from essence - giving the flavour, aroma, character). Over 30 of these"]
["related oily substances have been identified from Cannabis (143). On"]
["exposure to light and air, some of the polymerise, forming resins and tars."]
[]
["The cannabinoids are odourless; most of the sweet, distinctive, pleasant"]
["minty fragrance and taste of fresh marijuana comes from only five"]
["substances which make up only 5 to 10 percent of the essential oils: the"]
["mono- and sesqui-terpenes alpha- and beta-pinene, limonene, myrcene, and"]
["beta-phalandrene (144). These oily substances are volatile and enter the air"]
["quickly, dissipating with time. Subsequently, the marijuana loses much of"]
["its sweetness and minty bouquet."]
[]
["The essential oils constitute about .1 to .3 percent of the dry weight of a"]
["fresh marijuana sample, or on the order of 10 percent of the weight of the"]
["cannabinoids. Essential oils are found within the heads of the resin glands"]
["and make up about 10 to 20 percent of their contents in fresh material"]
["(146). They have also been detected in the resin canals (laticifers) (31)."]
[]
["Different samples of Cannabis have essential oils of different composition."]
["This is not surprising given the variability of the plant. Since substances"]
["found in the essential oils are, or are related to, substances that are the"]
["precursors of the cannabinoids, there is some chance that a relationship"]
["exists between a particular bouquet and cannabinoids content. No such"]
["relationship is yet known, but it has only been studied superficially. When"]
["connoisseurs sample the bouquet of a grass sample, they are basically"]
["determining whether it is fresh. Fresh grass mean fresh cannabinoids and"]
["less of these are likely to have been degraded to non-psychoactive products."]
[]
["2.4 Production of Cannabinoids by Cannabis"]
[]
["Why Cannabis produces cannabinoids and resins is a question probably every"]
["grower has wondered about. Supposedly, if you know, you could stimulate an"]
["environmental factor to increase cannabinoids production. Unfortunately, it"]
["does not follow that increasing a particular selective pressure will affect"]
["a plant's (phenotype) cannabinoids production. However, over a period of"]
["generations, it is possible that environmental manipulations can increase"]
["the overall cannabinoids concentrations in a population of plants. But even"]
["this procedure would work slowly compared to direct breeding by the farmer."]
[]
["From the microstructure of the resin glands and the complexity of the resin,"]
["it is apparent that Cannabis invests considerable energy in making and"]
["storing the cannabinoids. Obviously, the cannabinoids are not a simple"]
["by-product or excretory product. No doubt the cannabinoids and resins serve"]
["the plant in many ways, but probably they have more to do with biotic"]
["factors (other living things) rather than abiotic factors (non-living"]
["environment such as sunlight, moisture, etc.)."]
[]
["The cannabinoids, resins, and related substances make up a complex and"]
["biologically highly active group of chemicals, a virtual chemical arsenal"]
["from which the plant draws its means for dealing with other organisms. This"]
["would apply especially to herbivores, pathogens, and competing plants. In"]
["the case of humans, the cannabinoids are an attractant. Some possible"]
["advantages to the plant are listed below, but no direct studies have been"]
["done on this question. Indeed, it is surprising that botanists have shown so"]
["little interest in this question; they have even gone out of their way to"]
["state their lack of interest."]
[]
["Possible Advantages of Cannabinoid Production"]
[]
["     1. Obviously the cannabinoids are psychoactive and physiologically"]
["     active in many animals. This may dissuade plant-eating animals"]
["     from eating the plant, especially the reproductive parts. Many"]
["     birds enjoy Cannabis seeds. But in nature, birds will not bother"]
["     young seeds, probably because they are encased in the"]
["     cannabinoids-rich bracts. In wild or weedy plants, when the seed"]
["     is mature it \"shells out\" and falls to the ground. Birds will eat"]
["     the naked seeds. However, matured seeds are quite hard. Many will"]
["     not be cracked and eventually will be dropped elsewhere, helping"]
["     the plant to propagate. Bees and other insects are attracted to"]
["     the pollen. The cannabinoids and resins may deter insects from"]
["     feeding on pollen and developing seeds. Resin glands reach their"]
["     largest size on the anthers (which hold pollen) and bracts (which"]
["     contain the seed). {See plates 6, 7, 10 and 11.} 2. Terpenoid and"]
["     phenolic resins are known to inhibit germination of some seeds."]
["     Cannabis resins may help Cannabis seedlings compete with other"]
["     seedlings by inhibiting their germination. 3. Many of the"]
["     cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBC and their acids) are highly active"]
["     antibiotics against a wide range of bacteria (almost all are gram"]
["     +) (36,130,184). Crude resin extracts have been shown to be"]
["     nematocidal (36). (However, fungicidal activity is low.)"]
[]
["Most of the explanations you've probably heard for resin production from"]
["both lore and scientists have to do with physical factors such as sunlight,"]
["heat, and dryness. Presumably the resin coats the plant, protecting it from"]
["drying out under physical extremes. These explanations make little sense in"]
["light of the resins' chemistry."]
[]
["The physical qualities of the glands and resins probably aid the plant in"]
["some ways. The sticky nature of resin may help pollen grains to adhere to"]
["the flowering mass and stigmas, or simply make the plant parts less"]
["palatable. And gland heads do absorb and reflect considerable sunlight, and"]
["so possibly protect the developing seed. For instance, gland heads are at"]
["first colourless (i.e., they absorb ultraviolet light). This screening of"]
["ultraviolet light, a known mutagen, may lower possible deleterious"]
["mutations. But physical properties seem to be secondary to the resins'"]
["chemical properties as functional compounds to the plant."]
[]
["2.5 Cannabis Chemotypes"]
[]
["All Cannabis plants produce some cannabinoids. Each strain produces"]
["characteristic amounts of particular cannabinoids. Strains differ in the"]
["total amounts they contain. Usually they average about three percent"]
["cannabinoids to dry weight, but concentrations range from about one to 12"]
["percent cannabinoids in a cleaned (seeds and stems removed), dried bud."]
["Strains also differ in which cannabinoids they produce. Based on which"]
["cannabinoids, Cannabis strains can be divided into five broad chemical"]
["groups.((Chemical classification based on work by Small et al (51))) The"]
["general trend is for plants to have either THC or CBD as the main"]
["cannabinoid."]
[]
["Type I"]
[]
["     Strains are high in THC and low in CBD. This type represents some"]
["     of the finest marijuana strains. They usually originate from"]
["     tropical zones below 30 degrees latitude, which in the north runs"]
["     through Houston and New Orleans to Morocco, North India, and"]
["     Shanghai, and in the south through Rio de Janeiro, South Africa,"]
["     and Australia. Most of the high-quality marijuana from Mexico,"]
["     Jamaica, and Colombia sols in this country is this type; most of"]
["     you will grow this type. As with all five chemical types, type I"]
["     comes in different sizes and shapes. Most common are plant about"]
["     10 to 12 feet tall (outdoors), quite bushy, with branches that"]
["     grow outward to form the plant into a cone (Christmas tree shape)."]
["     Other tall varieties (to 18 feet) have branches that grow upward"]
["     (poplar-tree shaped - some Mexican, Southeast and Central Asian"]
["     varieties). A less common short variety (up to eight feet)"]
["     develops several main stems and the plants appear to sprawl"]
["     (Mexico, India)."]
[]
["Type II"]
[]
["     This is an intermediate group, with high CBD and moderate to high"]
["     THC. They usually originate from countries bordering 30 degrees"]
["     latitude, such as Morocco, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this"]
["     country, this type of grass usually comes from Afghani and"]
["     Colombian varieties. Type II plants are quite variable in the"]
["     intensity and quality of the high they produce, depending on the"]
["     relative amounts of THC and CBD in the variety. Probably because"]
["     of their high CBD and overall resin content, these plants are"]
["     often sued to prepare hashish and other concentrated forms of"]
["     marijuana. The most common varieties grow to about eight to 12"]
["     feet and assume a poplar-tree shape with long branches that grow"]
["     upward from the stem base and much shorter branches toward the"]
["     top. They usually come from Turkey, Greece, and Central or"]
["     Southeast Asia and occasionally from Colombia and Mexico. Some"]
["     varieties are shorter, about four to eight feet at maturity, and"]
["     very bushy with a luxuriant covering of leaves. These usually"]
["     originate from Nepal, northern India, and other parts of Central"]
["     Asia as well as North Africa. Other varieties appear remarkably"]
["     like short (five to seven feet) hemp plants, with straight,"]
["     slender stems and small, weakly developed branches (Vietnam). A"]
["     common short variety, less than four feet tall (Lebanon, N."]
["     Africa), forms a continuous dense cluster of buds along its short"]
["     stem. They appear remarkably like the upper half of more common"]
["     marijuana plants."]
[]
["{Figure 20.  Left: This Pakistani variety (\"indica\") reaches a height of"]
["five feet (large leaves removed).  Right: Flowering top two months later.}"]
[]
["Type III"]
[]
["     Plants are high in CBD and low in THC. These are often cultivated"]
["     for hemp fibre or oil seed. Usually they originate from countries"]
["     north of 30 degrees latitude. As marijuana they yield a"]
["     low-potency grass and are considered non-drug varieties. If you"]
["     choose your seeds from potent grass, it will not be this type. An"]
["     example of these plants are Midwestern weedy hemps which are often"]
["     collected and sold for low-grade domestic grass. The high CBD"]
["     content can make you feel drowsy with a mild headache long before"]
["     you feel high. These plants are very diverse morphologically even"]
["     when categorised by cultivated types. Hemp plants are usually tell"]
["     (eight to 20 feet) with an emphasis on stem development and"]
["     minimal branching. Starting from the base, long, even internodes"]
["     (stem portion from one set of leaves to the next pair) and"]
["     opposite phyllotaxy (see 3.2) cover a good portion of the stem."]
["     Some varieties form long, sparse branches only on the upper"]
["     portion of the stem (many Midwest weeds). Other varieties"]
["     (Kentucky hemp) are the familiar Christmas-tree shape."]
[]
["     Seed varieties are usually short (two to eight feet) and very"]
["     bushy. Branches on some are short, grow outward and are all of"]
["     approximately the same length, giving the plant a cylindrical"]
["     shape. Some of the shorter (two to three feet) seed varieties have"]
["     undeveloped branches, and almost all of the seeds collect in a"]
["     massive cluster along the top portion of the stalk. Seed plants"]
["     are often the most unusual-appearing of Cannabis plants, and you"]
["     won't find them in the United States."]
[]
["     As expected, the figures for average THC in Midwestern weeds are"]
["     quite low. this is consistent with their reputation for low"]
["     potency. But the range of THC goes up to 2.37 percent in the"]
["     Illinois study. This is comparable with some of the higher-quality"]
["     imported marijuana and is consistent with some people's claims"]
["     that Midwestern weeds provided them with great highs."]
[]
["Type IV"]
[]
["     Varieties that produce propyl cannabinoids in significant amounts"]
["     (over five percent of total cannabinoids) form a fourth group from"]
["     both type I and II plants. Testing for the propyl cannabinoids has"]
["     been limited and most reports do not include them. They have been"]
["     found in plants from South Africa, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India,"]
["     Pakistan, and Nepal with THCV as high as 53.69 percent of total"]
["     cannabinoids (136). They usually have moderate to high levels of"]
["     both THC and CBD and hence have a complex cannabinoid chemistry."]
["     Type IV plants represent some of the world's more exotic marijuana"]
["     varieties."]
[]
["A fifth type, based on the production of CBGM, which is not psychoactive, is"]
["found in northeastern Asia, including Japan, Korea and China. This type is"]
["not relevant to us and will not be mentioned again."]
[]
["There are many different techniques for sampling, extraction, and estimation"]
["of cannabinoids in plant material. To minimise differences among research"]
["groups, the above data (except for Midwestern weedy hemps) are taken from"]
["studies at the University of Mississippi at Oxford (66,119,136)."]
[]
["Unfortunately, some of the best Colombian, Mexican and Thai varieties are"]
["not included in the data. Many of these have not been tested until recently,"]
["and the figures are not yet published. Under the system for testing at the"]
["University of Mississippi, the highest THC variety reached six to eight"]
["percent THC in a bud. These seeds originated from Mexico."]
[]
["{See Table 01 to 10.}"]
[]
["These five chemical types are not distinct entities; that is, each type"]
["contains several quite different-appearing varieties. Actually, varieties of"]
["different types may look more similar than varieties from the same type. But"]
["the ability to produce characteristic amounts of particular cannabinoids is"]
["genetically based. This means the each type contains certain genes and gene"]
["combinations in common, and in biological terms, the plants are called"]
["chemical genotypes."]
[]
["These types may be from virtually any country simply because of the plant's"]
["past and ongoing history of movement. the first three can be found in most"]
["countries where Cannabis is heavily cultivated, although marijuana plants"]
["(types I, II, IV) usually originate from lower latitudes nearer the equator."]
["This may be simply explained in terms of cultural practices. Marijuana"]
["traditionally has been cultivated in southerly cultures such as India,"]
["Southeast and Central Asia, Africa; and in the West in Mexico, Colombia,"]
["Jamaica, and Central American countries. On the other hand, useful"]
["characteristics must exist before cultures can put them to use after"]
["selection. And the characteristic (drug or fibre) must maintain itself"]
["within the local environment (see 18.4)."]
[]
["Non-drug types (type III) usually originate at higher latitudes with shorter"]
["growing seasons. A definite gradation exists for non-drug to drug types,"]
["starting in temperate zones and moving toward the equator. The same"]
["gradation may be found for the appearance of propyl cannabinoids toward the"]
["equator. This doesn't mean that the quality of the grass you grow depends on"]
["whether you live in the north or south, but that over a period of years and"]
["decades, a group of plants may drift toward either the drug or the non-drug"]
["type (either rich in THC or rich in CBD)."]
[]
["The majority of the marijuana sold in the United States has less than one"]
["percent THC; and the bulk of this comes from Mexican and domestic sources."]
["The highest percentages of THC in marijuana that we've seen are: Colombian"]
["(9.7), Mexican (13.2), Hawaiian (7.8), and Thai sticks (20.2; however, this"]
["is believed to be adulterated with hash oil). The percentages of THC"]
["reported vary greatly, because they depend on the particular method of"]
["sampling and estimation used."]
[]
["Five samples of Colombian Golds, bought in New York City and San Francisco"]
["for from $30 to $50 (1976) an ounce, averaged 2.59 percent THC and 1.27"]
["percent CBN. The CBN represents an average of about one-third of the THC"]
["originally present in the fresh plant by the time it reaches American"]
["streets. This is one advantage that homegrowers have, since their marijuana"]
["is fresh. In fresh plant material, less than 10 percent of the THC will have"]
["been converted to CBN, as long as the material is properly harvested, cured,"]
["and stored."]
[]
["By the time hashish reaches the American market, THC content is usually at"]
["the low end of the ranges given here, usually between 1.5 and 4 percent THC."]
["The darker outer layer of hashish is caused by deterioration. The inner part"]
["will contain the highest concentration of THC."]
[]
["The average range for hash oil and red oil is 12 to 25 percent when it is"]
["fresh. It is not uncommon for illicit hash oil to have more than 60 percent"]
["THC. However, light, as well as air, very rapidly decomposes THC in the oil"]
["form (see the section on \"Storage\" in section 21). You can't tell whether"]
["the oil will be wondrous or worthless unless you smoke it."]
[]
["The preparations listed in Tables 9 and 10 are relatively fresh compared to"]
["hashish on the American market. Total cannabinoids make up roughly 25 to 35"]
["percent by weight of hashish and resin preparations. Note that the data in"]
["these tables are relative concentrations."]
[]
["Table 10 -Relative Percentages of Major Cannabinoids in Hashish from Nepal"]
["Percentage(a) of THC HASHISH THC CBD CBN THCV CBDV CBV LOST(b) Sample 1 11.5"]
["35.9 22.1 5.7 12.5 12.3 66 Sample 2 3.4 41.1 24.8 3 11.9 15.8 88 Sample 3"]
["5.5 41.2 30.3 2.3 9.1 11.6 85 a Each row in these columns sums to 100% b"]
["Percentage of original THC lost as CBN"]
[]
["The very high figures for CBN in hashish indicate that much of the THC is"]
["converted to CBN because of processing and aging. During hashmaking many of"]
["the gland heads are broken and the THC is exposed to light and air. The"]
["figures in these tables are typical of what to expect for relative"]
["concentrations of THC in hashish on the American market. Actual"]
["concentrations are roughly one-fourth to one-third of these figures."]
[]
["Obviously, THC percentages for hashish and tinctures are not that high"]
["compared to fine marijuana. Hashish in the United States seldom lives up to"]
["its reputation. The best buy in terms of the amount of THC for the money is"]
["hash oil when it is high quality and fresh. More often a fine homegrown"]
["sinsemilla or sometimes a lightly seeded Colombian is the best investment."]
["(Of course, the best value is always what you grow yourself.)"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Three"]
["BEFORE CULTIVATION BEGINS"]
[]
["3.2 Choosing Seeds"]
[]
["Popular Market names of different grades of grass, such as Colombian"]
["commercial and Mexican regular, are familiar to growers, but each grade"]
["actually may encompass many different varieties. For example, there are"]
["Colombian Golds that are similar in most respects, but some varieties grow"]
["no taller than six feet. The more common types grow 12 to 15 feet under the"]
["same conditions. Some Oaxacan Cannabis forms several strong upright branches"]
["by maturity, and at a glance may seem to have several stems, yet more often,"]
["Oaxacan is conical-shaped and grows about 12 feet."]
[]
["Most of the fine marijuana sold in this country comes from type I plants"]
["with THC as the predominant cannabinoid. Type II plants are less common. You"]
["might recognise type II plants by the high. The grass takes longer before"]
["its effects are felt, but the high lasts much longer than with other"]
["marijuana. Type IV plants are the least common; this marijuana seldom"]
["reaches the general American market. This type will get you high after only"]
["a few tokes. Type III plants are considered non-drug varieties because they"]
["are predominantly CBD with little THC. The effects of CBD are not felt"]
["unless it is accompanied by a sizeable concentration of THC, such as in type"]
["II plants. However, a lot of marijuana from these plants is sold in the"]
["United States. Some Mexican and Jamaican regular and much of the low-grade"]
["domestic is harvested from type III plants."]
[]
["You may not be able to tell what type plant you're smoking, but you can tell"]
["what you like. Seeds from high-quality marijuana will grow into high-quality"]
["marijuana plants. If you like the grass you're smoking, you'll like the"]
["grass you grow."]
[]
["The name of your grass has little to do with potency and may have originated"]
["in the mind of some enterprising dealer. Always choose your seeds from what"]
["you consider to be the best grass. Don't be swayed by exotic names. If you"]
["are not familiar with grass of connoisseur quality, ask someone whose"]
["experience you respect for seeds. Smokers tend to save seeds from"]
["exceptional grass even if they never plan to plant them."]
[]
["The origin of your grass even if you knew it for certain, has little to do"]
["with wether it will be dynamite or worthless smoke. In both India(45) and"]
["Brazil, hemp is grown which is worthless for marijuana. Likewise, extremely"]
["potent marijuana plants grow which are useless for hemp fibre. These plants"]
["are sometimes found growing in adjacent fields. Most of the fine-quality"]
["marijuana varieties develop in those countries nearer to the equator. How"]
["much this had to do with environmental conditions or cultural practices is"]
["unknown. In either case, marijuana traffic has been so heavy that fine"]
["varieties now grow all over the world. For example, in the United States"]
["thousands of people now grow varieties from Mexico. These fine varieties"]
["originated in Asia and Africa, and many were brought to Mexican farmers by"]
["American dealers during the 1960s. As more farmers grew these new varieties,"]
["the quality of Mexican grass imported to the United States improved. Already"]
["people are speaking of varieties such as Maui Wowie and Kona Gold."]
[]
["The colour of the grass does not determine its potency. Marijuana plants are"]
["almost always green, the upper surface of the leaves a dark, luxuriant"]
["green, and the undersurface a lighter, paler green. Some varieties develop"]
["reds and purples along stems and leaf petioles. Occasionally, even the"]
["leaves turn red/purple during the last stages of growth (plate 6). Grasses"]
["termed \"Red\" more often get their colour from the stigmas of the female"]
["flowers, which can turn from white to a rust or red colour, giving the"]
["marijuana buds a distinct reddish tinge. The golds and browns of commercial"]
["grasses are determined by the condition of the plant when it was harvested -"]
["whether it was healthy (green) or dying (autumn colours). How the plants are"]
["harvested, cured, and stored also has a serious effect on colour. Commercial"]
["grasses from Colombia, Mexico, and Jamaica are often poorly cured and"]
["packed. Too much moisture is left in the grass, encouraging microbial"]
["decomposition; with warm temperatures, whatever green was left disappears,"]
["leaving the more familiar browns and golds. Bythe time they reach the United"]
["States, commercial grasses lose about five to 20 percent of their weight in"]
["water loss and often smell mouldy or musty."]
[]
["Colour also depends on origin - varieties adapted to tropical or"]
["high-altitude areas have less chlorophyll and more accessory pigments,"]
["giving the plant their autumn colours (accessory pigments protect the plant"]
["from excessive sunlight). Varieties adapted to northern climates, where"]
["sunlight is less intense, have more chlorophyll and less accessory pigments."]
["The dying leaves often turn light yellow, grey, or rust. Variations in"]
["pigment concentrations are also influenced by local light particularly the"]
["soil conditions under which the plants are grown."]
[]
["The taste of the smoke - its flavour, aroma, and harshness - also depends"]
["more on when the marijuana was harvested and how it was handled after it was"]
["grown than on the variety or environmental influences."]
[]
["You can detect subtle differences in the overall bouquet between freshly"]
["picked varieties. The environment probably influences bouquet too, but with"]
["most commercial grass the harvesting/storing procedures for outweigh these"]
["other, more subtle factors. A musty, harsh-smoking Colombian marijuana can"]
["give the mildest, sweetest, homegrown smoke when properly prepared. Don't be"]
["influenced by the marijuana's superficial characteristics. Choose seeds from"]
["the most potent grass."]
[]
["Grasses of comparable potency can yield plants of different potencies. This"]
["is because fine sinsemilla (homegrown, Hawaiians, Thai weeds, and some"]
["Mexicans) are carefully tended and harvested at about peak potency. They are"]
["also cured and packed well; so they are fresh when they are distributed in"]
["the American market. When you smoke them you are experiencing the at about"]
["its peak potency. The seeds you plant from this grass will produce plants,"]
["at best, of about equal potency. Sometimes they are slightly less simply"]
["because of differences in growing conditions. Colombian grasses are not"]
["usually harvested at their peak potency. A significant amount (20 percent"]
["and up) of the active cannabinoids (THC,CBD) are converted to much less"]
["active cannabinoids (CBN,CBS) or inactive ingredients (polymers-tars,"]
["resins, oils, etc.). This is also true of many Mexican and Jamaican grasses"]
["that are heavily seeded and poorly handled. Homegrown from this grass can"]
["produce plants of higher potency than the original, simply because the"]
["homegrown is fresh, and is harvested and cured well so that the THC content"]
["is at its peak."]
[]
["When choosing seeds you might consider the following Broad Generalisations."]
["Mexican, Jamaican (if you can find goof Jamaican anymore), and homegrowns,"]
["including Hawaiians, often develop quickly and have a better chance of fully"]
["maturing in the shorter growing seasons over most of the north and central"]
["states. Colombian, African, and Southeast Asian varieties, such as Vietnam"]
["and Thai sticks (from Thailand and Japan), more often need a longer season"]
["to fully develop/ Under natural conditions they seldom flower in the short"]
["growing season that covers the northern United States."]
[]
["For indoor growers, the growing season is all year; so it doesn't matter if"]
["plants need longer to develop. Mexican and Jamaican plants usually reach"]
["full potency in about six months. Colombian and Southeast Asian varieties"]
["may need eight or nine months until they reach their maximum THC or general"]
["resin content under indoor conditions."]
[]
["The grass you choose should have a good stock of mature seeds. Thai weed and"]
["fine homegrowns (sinsemillas, which are by definition female flowers buds"]
["without seeds) may have no seeds at all but more often have a few viable"]
["seeds. Most Colombian and Mexican grasses contain between one and two"]
["thousand seeds per ounce bag or lid of grass. This may sound like an"]
["exaggerated figure, but it's not. Look at the photos in Figure 21 showing"]
["the yield from some Michoacan buds. The yield is 40 percent grass (1.22"]
["grams, about three joints), 50 percent seeds (1.56 grams or 120 seeds), and"]
["10 percent stems (0.3 grams)."]
[]
["Relative to smoking material, seeds are heavy. Colombian grasses average"]
["about 50 percent seeds by weight. A film canister holds about 1,200"]
["Colombian seeds. {Figure 21, Seeded buds often contain more weight in seeds"]
["than grass}"]
[]
["Depending on the variety, healthy mature seeds (which are botanically achene"]
["nots) vary in size between 1/12 and 1/4 inches in length. From any variety,"]
["choose seeds that are plump and well-formed with well-developed colour. Seed"]
["colours range from a buff through a dark brown, and from light grey to"]
["almost black colours. Often seeds are mottled with brown or black spots,"]
["bars, or lines on a lighter field {plate 11}. Green or whitish seeds are"]
["usually immature and will germinate feebly if at all. Fresh seeds have a"]
["waxy glimmer and a hard, intact shell. Shiny, very dark brown or black seeds"]
["often mean the contents are fermented and the embryo is dead. Fermented"]
["seeds crush easily with finger pressure and are hollow or dust inside. Seeds"]
["that are bruised or crushed are also not viable. This happens to some seeds"]
["when grass is compressed or bricked."]
[]
["Fresh, fully matured Cannabis seeds have a high rate of germination; 90"]
["percent or better is typical. It is sometimes helpful to have an idea of how"]
["many seeds to expect to germinate. You can tell simply by placing a sample"]
["number between wet paper towels which are kept moist. Most of the seeds that"]
["germinate do so within a few days of each other. After a week or two, count"]
["how many of the original seeds germinated. This gives you a rough idea of"]
["what to expect from the seeds when planted."]
[]
["The viability of seeds gradually declines with time; left in the ground,"]
["only 40 percent may germinate next season. Seeds are n ideal pray for many"]
["fungi, which are responsible for most of their deterioration. In a warm (70F"]
["or over) and humid atmosphere, fungi rapidly destroy seeds. If kept cool and"]
["dry in an airtight container, seeds stored in this way and left in the buds"]
["also maintain high viability for over two years."]
[]
["3.3 CANNABIS LIFE CYCLE"]
[]
["Marijuana plants may belong to any one of a number of varieties which follow"]
["somewhat different growth patterns. The following outline describes the more"]
["common form of growth. Differences between varieties can be thought of as"]
["variations on this standard theme."]
[]
["Cannabis is an annual plant. A single season completes a generation, leaving"]
["all hope for the future to the seeds. The normal life cycle follows the"]
["general pattern described below."]
[]
["Germination"]
[]
["With winter past, the moisture and warmth of spring stir activity in the"]
["embryo. Water is absorbed and the embryo's tissues swell and grow, splitting"]
["the seed along its suture. The radical or embryonic root appears first. Once"]
["clear of the seed, the root directs growth downward in response to gravity."]
["Meanwhile, the seed is being lifted upward by growing cells which form the"]
["seedling's stem. Now anchored by the roots, and receiving water and"]
["nutrients, the embryonic leaves (cotyledons) unfold. They are a pair of"]
["small, somewhat oval, simple leaves, now green with chlorophyll to absorb"]
["the life-giving light. Germination is complete. The embryo has been reborn"]
["and is now a seedling living on the food it produces through photosynthesis."]
["The process of germination is usually completed in three to 10 days."]
[]
["Seedling"]
[]
["The second pair of leaves begins the seedling stage. They are set opposite"]
["each other and usually have a single blade. They differ from the embryonic"]
["leaves by their larger size, spearhead shape, and serrated margins. With the"]
["next pair of leaves that appears, usually each leaf has three blades and is"]
["larger still. A basic pattern has been set. Each new set of leaves will be"]
["larger, with a higher number of blades per leaf until, depending on variety,"]
["they reach their maximum number, often nine or 11. The seedling stage is"]
["completed within four to six weeks."]
[]
["Vegetative Growth"]
[]
["This is the period of maximum growth. The plant can grow no faster than the"]
["rate that its leaves can produce energy for new growth. Each day more leaf"]
["tissue is created, increasing the overall capacity for growth. With"]
["excellent growing conditions, Cannabis has been known to grow six inches a"]
["day, although the rate is more commonly one to two inches. The number of"]
["blades on each leaf begins to decline during the middle of the vegetative"]
["stage. Then the arrangement of the leaves on the stem (phyllotaxy) changes"]
["from the usual opposite to alternate. The internodes (stem space from one"]
["pair of leaves to the next, which had been increasing in length) begin to"]
["decrease, and the growth appears to be thicker. Branches which appeared in"]
["the axils of each set of leaves grow and shape the plant to its"]
["characteristic form. The vegetative stage is usually completed in the third"]
["to fifth months of growth."]
[]
["Preflowering"]
[]
["This is a quiescent period of one to two weeks during which growth slows"]
["considerably. The plant is beginning a new program of growth as encoded in"]
["its genes. The old system is turned off and the new program beings with the"]
["appearance of the first flowers."]
[]
["Flowering"]
[]
["Cannabis is dioecious: each plant produces either male or female flowers,"]
["and is considered either a male or female plant. Male plants usually start"]
["to flowers about one month before the female; however, there is sufficient"]
["overlap to ensure pollination. First the upper internodes elongate; in a few"]
["days the male flowers appear. The male flowers are quite small, about 1/4"]
["inch, and are pale green, yellow, or red/purple. They develop in dense,"]
["drooping clusters (cymes) capable of releasing clouds of pollen dust. Once"]
["pollen falls, males lose vigour and soon die."]
[]
["The female flowers consists of two small (1/4 to 1/2 inch long), fuzzy white"]
["stigmas raised in a V sign and attached at the base to an ovule which is"]
["contained in a tiny green pod. The pod is formed from modified leaves"]
["(bracts and bracteoles) which envelop the developing seed. The female"]
["flowers develop tightly together to form dense clusters (racemes) or buds,"]
["cones, or colas (in this book, buds). The bloom continues until pollen"]
["reaches the flowers, fertilising them and beginning the formation of seeds."]
["Flowering usually lasts about one or two months, but may continue longer"]
["when the plants are not pollinated and there is no killing frost."]
[]
["Seed Set"]
[]
["A fertilised female flower develops a single seed wrapped in the bracts. In"]
["thick clusters, they form the seed-filled buds that make up most fine"]
["imported marijuana. After pollination, mature, viable seeds take from 10"]
["days to five weeks to develop. When seeds are desired, the plant is"]
["harvested when enough seeds have reached full colour. For a fully-seeded"]
["plant this often takes place when the plant has stopped growth and is, in"]
["fact, dying. During flowering and seed set, various colours may appear. All"]
["the plant's energy goes to reproduction and the continuance of its kind."]
["Minerals and nutrients flow from the leaves to the seeds, and the"]
["chlorophylls that give the plant its green colour disintegrate. The golds,"]
["browns, and reds which appear are from accessory pigments that formerly had"]
["been masked by chlorophyll."]
[]
["Figure 30 THC potency through various growth stages in the male and female"]
["plant"]
[]
["About Plants Generally"]
[]
["Plants use a fundamentally different \"life strategy\" from animals. Animals"]
["are more or less self-contained units that grow and develop to predetermined"]
["forms. They use movement and choice of behaviour to deal with the changing"]
["environments. Plants are organised more as open systems - the simple"]
["physical characteristics of the environment, such as sunlight, water, and"]
["temperature, directly control their growth, form, and life cycles. Once the"]
["seed sprouts, the plant is rooted in place and time. Since growth is"]
["regulated by the environment, development is on accordance with the plant's"]
["immediate surroundings. When a balance is struck, the strategy is a success"]
["and life flourishes."]
[]
["Behaviour of a plant is not a matter of choice; it is a fixed response. On a"]
["visible level the response more often than not is growth, either a new form"]
["of growth, or specialised growth. By directly responding, plant in effect"]
["know, for example, when to sprout, flower, or drop leaves to prepare for"]
["winter."]
[]
["Everyone has seen how a plant turns toward light or can bend upward if it"]
["its stem is bent down. The plant turns by growing cells of different length"]
["on opposite sides of the stem. This effect turns or right the plant. The"]
["stimulus in the first case is light, in the second gravity, but essentially"]
["the plant responds by specialised growth. It is the same with almost all"]
["facets of a plant's live - growth is modified and controlled by the"]
["immediate environment. The influence of light, wind, rainfall, etc.,"]
["interacts with the plant (its genetic make-up or genotype) to produce the"]
["individual plant (phenotype)."]
[]
["The life cycle of Cannabis is usually complete in four to nine months. The"]
["actual time depends on variety, but it is regulated by local growing"]
["conditions, specifically the photoperiod (length of day vs night). Cannabis"]
["is a long-night (or short-day) plant. When exposed to a period of two weeks"]
["of long nights - that is, 13 or more hours of continuous darkness each night"]
[{"$error":"#NAME?"}]
["allows the grower to control the life cycle of the plant and adapt it to"]
["local growing conditions or unique situations. Since you can control"]
["flowering, you control maturation and, hence, the age of the plants at"]
["harvest."]
[]
["3.4 PHOTOPERIOD AND FLOWERING"]
[]
["For the marijuana grower the most important plant/environment interaction to"]
["understand is the influence of the photoperiod. The photoperiod is the daily"]
["number of hours of day (light) vs. night (dark). In nature, long nights"]
["signal the plant that winter is coming and that it is time to flowers and"]
["produce seeds. As long as the day-length is long, the plants continue"]
["vegetative growth. If female flowers do appear, there will only be a few."]
["These flowers will not form the characteristic large clusters or buds. If"]
["the days are too short, the plants flowers too soon, and remain small and"]
["underdeveloped."]
[]
["The plant \"senses\" the longer nights by a direct interaction with light. A"]
["flowering hormone is present during all stages of growth. This hormone is"]
["sensitive to light and is rendered inactive by even low levels of light."]
["When the dark periods are long enough, the hormones increase to a critical"]
["level that triggers the reproductive cycle. Vegetative growth ends and"]
["flowering begins."]
[]
["The natural photoperiod changes with the passing of seasons. In the Northern"]
["Hemisphere, the length of daylight is longest on June 21. Day-length"]
["gradually decreases until it reaches its shortest duration on December 22."]
["The duration of daylight then begins to increase until the cycle is"]
["completed the following June 21. Because the Earth is tilted on its axis to"]
["the sun, day-length also depends on position (or latitude) on Earth. As one"]
["moves closer to the equator, changes in the photoperiod are less drastic"]
["over the course of a year. At the equator (0 degrees altitude) day length"]
["lasts about 12.5 hours on June 21 and 11.5 hours on December 22. In Maine"]
["(about 45 degrees north), day-length varies between about 16 and nine hours."]
["Near the Arctic Circe on June 21 there is no night. On December 22 the whole"]
["day is dark. The longer day-length toward the north prevents marijuana from"]
["flowering until later in the season. Over most of the northern half of the"]
["country, flowering is often so late that development cannot be completed"]
["before the onset of cold weather and heavy frosts."]
[]
["The actual length of day largely depends on local conditions, such as cloud"]
["cover, altitude, and terrain. On a flat Midwest plain, the effective length"]
["of day is about 30 minutes longer than sunrise to sunset. In practical"]
["terms, it is little help to calculate the photoperiod, but it is important"]
["to realise how it affects the plants and how you can use it to you"]
["advantage."]
[]
["Cannabis generally needs about two weeks of successive long nights before"]
["the first flowers appear. The photoperiod necessary for flowering will vary"]
["slight with (1) the variety, (2) the age of the plant, (3) its sex, and (4)"]
["growing conditions."]
[]
["     1. Cannabis varieties originating from more northerly climes"]
["     (short growing seasons) react to as little as nine hours of night."]
["     Most of these are hemp and seed varieties that are acclimated to"]
["     short growing seasons, such as the weedy hemps of Minnesota or"]
["     southern Canada. Varieties from more southerly latitudes need"]
["     longer nights with 11 to 13 hours of darkness. Since most"]
["     marijuana plants are acclimated to southerly latitudes, they need"]
["     the longer nights to flower. To be on the safe side, if you give"]
["     Cannabis plant dark periods of 13 or more hours, each night for"]
["     two weeks, this should be enough to trigger flowering. 2. The"]
["     older a plant (the more physiologically developed), the quicker it"]
["     responds to long nights. Plants five or six months old sometimes"]
["     form visible flowers after only four long nights. Young marijuana"]
["     plants (a month or so of age) can take up to four weeks to respond"]
["     to long nights of 16 hours. 3. Both male and female Cannabis are"]
["     long-night plants. Both will flower when given about two weeks of"]
["     long nights. The male plant, however, will often flower fully"]
["     under very long days (18 hours) and short nights (six hours)."]
["     Males often flowers at about the same time they would if they were"]
["     growing in their original environment. For most marijuana plants"]
["     this occurs during the third to fifth month. 4. Growing conditions"]
["     affect flowering in many ways (see Chapter 12). Cool temperatures"]
["     (about 50F) slow down the flowering response. Cool temperatures or"]
["     generally poor growing conditions affect flowering indirectly."]
["     Flower development is slower, and more time is needed to reach"]
["     full bloom. Under adverse conditions, female buds will not develop"]
["     to full size."]
[]
["Applications of Photoperiod"]
[]
["The photoperiod is used to manipulate the plants in two basic ways:"]
[]
["     1. By giving long dark periods, you can force plants to flower. 2."]
["     By preventing long nights, using artificial light to interrupt the"]
["     dark period, you can force the plants to continue vegetative"]
["     growth."]
[]
["Outdoors"]
[]
["Most marijuana plants cultivated in the United States begin to flower by"]
["late August to early October and the plants are harvested from October to"]
["November. For farmers in the South, parts of the Midwest, and West Coast,"]
["this presents no problem and no special techniques are needed for normal"]
["flowering."]
[]
["In much of the North and high-altitude areas, many varieties will not have"]
["time to complete flowering before fall frosts. To force the plants to flower"]
["earlier, give them longer night periods. If the plants are in containers,"]
["you can simply move them into a darkened area each evening. Plants growing"]
["in the ground can be covered with an opaque tarpaulin, black sheet plastic,"]
["or double or triple-layers black plastic trash bags. Take advantage of any"]
["natural shading because direct sunlight is difficult to screen completely."]
["For instance, if the plants are naturally shaded in the morning hours, cover"]
["the plants each evening or night. The next morning you uncover the plants at"]
["about eight to nine o'clock. Continue the treatment each day until all the"]
["plants are showing flowers. This usually takes two weeks at most, is the"]
["plants are well developed (about four months old). For this reason, where"]
["the season starts late, it is best to start the plants indoors or in cold"]
["frames and transplant outdoors when the weather is mild. This in effect"]
["lengthens the local growing season and gives the plants another month or two"]
["to develop. By the end of August the plants are physiologically ready to"]
["flower; they sometimes do with no manipulation of the photoperiod. More"]
["often female plants show a few flowers, but the day-length prevents rapid"]
["development to large clusters. The plants seem in limbo - caught between"]
["vegetative growth and flowering. The natural day-length at this time of year"]
["will not be long enough to reverse the process, so you can discontinue the"]
["treatment when you see that the new growth is predominantly flowers."]
[]
["In areas where frosts are likely to occur by early October, long-night"]
["treatments may be the only way you can harvest good-sized flower clusters."]
["These clusters, or buds, are the most potent plant parts and make up the"]
["desired harvest. Forcing the plants to flowers early also means development"]
["while the weather is warm and the sun is shining strongly. The flower buds"]
["will form much faster, larger and reach their peak potency. A good time to"]
["start the treatments is early to middle August. This allows the plants at"]
["least four weeks of flowering while the weather is mild."]
[]
["Another reason you may want to do this is to synchronise the life cycle of"]
["the plants with the indigenous vegetation. In the northeast and central"]
["states, the growing season ends quite early and much of the local vegetation"]
["dies back and changes colour. Any marijuana plants stick out like green"]
["thumbs, and the crop may get ripped off or busted. Plants treated with long"]
["nights during late July will be ready to harvest in September."]
[]
["Outdoors, growers should always plant several varieties, because some may"]
["naturally flower early, even in the northern-most parts of the country."]
["These early-maturing varieties usually come from Mexican, Central Asian, and"]
["homegrown sources. By planting several varieties, many of you will be able"]
["to find or develop an early-maturing variety after a season or two. This, of"]
["course, is an important point, because it eliminates the need for long-night"]
["treatments."]
[]
["Preventing Flowers"]
[]
["Manipulation of the photoperiod can also prevent the plants from flowering"]
["until a desired time. For example, in Hawaii the weather is mild enough to"]
["grow winter crops. The normal summer crop is harvested anytime from"]
["September to mid-November. The winter crop is generally planted from October"]
["to December. Because the winter days are so short, the plants flower almost"]
["immediately, usually within two month. The plants are harvested in their"]
["third or fourth month and yield about 1/4 the yield of summer plants. A"]
["large Hawaiian female can yield a pound of buds. Most of the plant's overall"]
["size is reached while it is vegetatively growing. By interrupting the night"]
["period with light, you can keep these plants vegetatively growing for"]
["another month, yielding plants of about twice the size."]
[]
["The amount of light needed to prevent flowering is quite small (about .03"]
["foot candles95 - on a clear night the full moon is about .01 foot candles)."]
["However, each plant mist be illuminated fully, with the light shining over"]
["the whole plant. This might be accomplished with either electric light or a"]
["strong flashlight. The easiest way is to string incandescent bulbs, keeping"]
["them on a timer. The lights need be turned on for only a flash at any time"]
["during the night period, from about 9:00 pm to about 3:00 am. The interrupts"]
["the long night period to less then nine hours. Start these night treatments"]
["each night or two, until you want the plants to flower."]
[]
["Indoors"]
[]
["Natural Light"]
[]
["Indoors, the growing season lasts all year. The night period is much easier"]
["to control. Sometimes people grow plants in their windows for more than a"]
["year without any female flowers ever forming. This is because household"]
["lamps are turned on sometime at night, illuminating the plants. Under"]
["natural light exclusively, indoor plants flower at about the same time they"]
["would outdoors (sometime a bit sooner because it is warmer indoors or the"]
["plants may be shaded). When plants are well developed and you want them to"]
["flower, make sure that no household lamps or nearby street lamps are shining"]
["on them. During late fall and winter, the natural day-length is short enough"]
["for the plants to flower naturally, if you simply keep off any lights at"]
["night that are in the same room as the plants. If you must use light, use"]
["the lowest wattage possible, such as a six-watt bulb. (The hormone is also"]
["least sensitive to blue light.) Shield the light away from the plants. Or"]
["shield the plants from any household light with aluminium foil curtains."]
["Once the flowers are forming clusters, you can discontinue the dark"]
["treatments, especially if it is more convenient. However, if it is too soon"]
["(when you see only a few random flowers), household lights can reverse the"]
["process."]
[]
["By using natural light, you can grow indoor crops all year. The winter light"]
["is weak and the days are short, so it is best to use artificial lights to"]
["supplement daylight, as well as to extend the photoperiod. The extra light"]
["will increase the growth rate of the plants and hence size and yield. You"]
["should allow winter crops to flower during late January or February, using"]
["the natural photoperiod to trigger flowering. If you wait until spring, the"]
["natural light period will be too long and may prevent flowering."]
[]
["Artificial Lights"]
[]
["Under artificial light the photoperiod is, of course, any length you wish."]
["The most popular way to grow with artificial lights is the harvest system."]
["Start the plants under long light periods of from 16 to 18 hours daily."]
["After the plants have reached a good size, usually between three and six"]
["months, shorten the light cycle to about 12 hours to force flowering."]
[]
["To decide exactly when to force the plants to flower, let their growth be"]
["the determinant. If male plants are showing their flowers, then the females"]
["are physiologically ready to flower. Most of the plant's overall height is"]
["achieved during vegetative growth. Some varieties, of course, are smaller"]
["and grow more slowly than others. Wait until the plants are nearing the"]
["limits of the height of the garden or are at least five feet tall. This is"]
["large enough to support good flower development and return a good yield. If"]
["you turn down the light cycle when the plants are young and small, you'll"]
["harvest much less grass because the plants simply can't sustain a large"]
["number of flowers."]
[]
["Some leaf growers prefer a continuous growth system, emphasising leaf growth"]
["and a continuous supply of grass. The light cycle is set for 18 to 24 hours"]
["a day. This prevents flowering and the plants continue their rapid"]
["vegetative growth. Growing shoots and leaves are harvested as used, and"]
["plants are removed whenever they lose their vigour and growth has noticeably"]
["slowed. New plants are started in their place. In this way, there will be"]
["plants at different growth stages, some of which will be in their rapid"]
["vegetative growth stage and will be quite potent. Male plants and some"]
["females eventually will form flowers, but the females will not form large"]
["clusters. People often use this system when the lights are permanently"]
["fixed. Small plants are raised up to the lights on tables or boxes. This"]
["garden never shuts down and yields a continuous supply of grass."]
[]
["3.5 INHERENT VARIATIONS IN POTENCY"]
[]
["The potency of a particular marijuana sample will vary because of many"]
["factors other then the variety. Many of these have to do with the natural"]
["development of the plants and their resin glands. Environmental factors do"]
["affect potency but there are large differences in any variety. These"]
["inherent factors must be explained before we can talk of factors outside the"]
["plant that affect relative potency. Strictly environmental effects are"]
["discussed in Chapter 19."]
[]
["Variations in Potency Within Varieties"]
[]
["There are noticeable differences in THC concentrations between plants of the"]
["same variety. Differences are large enough so that you can tall (by smoking)"]
["that certain plants are better. This is no news to homegrowers, who often"]
["find a particular plant to be outstanding. Five-fold differences in THC"]
["concentration have also shown up in research. However, when you consider a"]
["whole group of plants of the same variety, they're relatively similar in"]
["cannabinoid concentrations. Type II plants are the most variable, with"]
["individual plants much higher than other in certain canninbinoids."]
[]
["Variations by Plant Part"]
[]
["The concentration of cannabinoids depends on the plant part, or more"]
["specifically, the concentration and development of resin glands to plant"]
["part. The female flower bracts have the highest concentration of resin"]
["glands and are usually the most potent plant parts. Seeds and roots have no"]
["resin glands. These shoe no more than traces of canninbinoids. Smoke seeds"]
["will give you a headache before you can get high. If you got high on seeds,"]
["then there were probably enough bracts adhering to the seeds to get you"]
["high. {Figure 29 The highest concentration of stalked resin glands forms a"]
["cover on the female flower bracts Resin glands beneath cystolith hairs on a"]
["leaf petiole}"]
[]
["Here are the potencies, in descending order, of the various plant parts:"]
[]
["        1. Female flowering clusters.  In practice you don't separate hundreds"]
["        of tiny bracts to make a joint.  The whole flowering mass (seeds removed),"]
["        along with small accompanying leaves, forms the material."]
["        2. Male flower clusters.  These vary more in relative potency depending on"]
["        the strain (see \"Potency by Sex,\" below)."]
["        3. Growing shoots.  Before the plants flower, the vegetative shoots (tips)"]
["        of the main stem and branches are the most potent plant parts."]
["        4. Leaves (a) that accompany flowers (small);"]
["                  (b) along branches (medium);"]
["                  (c) along main stem (large)."]
["                Generally, the smaller the leaf is, the more potent it can be."]
["        5. Petioles (leaf stalks).  Same order as leaves."]
["        6. Stems.  Same order as leaves.  The smaller the stem (twig), the"]
["        higher the possible concentration of cannabinoids.  Stems over 1/16\""]
["        in diameter contain only traces of cannabinoids and are not worth"]
["        smoking.  The small stems that bear the flowers can be quite potent."]
["        7. Seeds and Roots.  Contain only traces (less then .01 percent) and"]
["        are not worth smoking or extracting."]
[]
[]
["This order is fairly consistent. The exceptions can be the small leaves that"]
["accompany male flowers, which are sometimes more potent than the flowers"]
["themselves. The growing shoots are sometimes more potent than the mature"]
["female flowers."]
[]
["Samples of pollen show varying amounts of cannabinoids. Resin glands are"]
["found inside the anthers, alongside the developing pollen grains, and form"]
["two rows on opposite sides of each anther. Pollen grains are smaller than"]
["the heads of large resin glands ({see Plate 7}), and range from 21 to 69"]
["micrometres in diameter21. A small amount of resin contaminates the pollen"]
["when glands rupture, but most of the THC in pollen samples comes from gland"]
["heads that fall with pollen when the flowers are shaken to collect it. One"]
["study, using pollen for the sample, found concentrations of up to 0.96"]
["percent THC, more then enough to get you high79."]
[]
["Potency by Position on Plant"]
[]
["The potency of marijuana on any plant increases toward the top of the plant,"]
["the topmost bud being the most potent. The bottommost leaves on the main"]
["stem are the least potent of the useable material. Along branches there is a"]
["less steep THC gradient increasing to the growing tip."]
[]
["The ratios in Table 11 are representative of high-quality marijuana"]
["varieties. Plant no. 2 is an exception, with four percent THC in its lower"]
["leaves, a figure comparable to high-quality Colombian and Mexican buds in"]
["commercial grass."]
[]
["Table 11 - Relationship of THC Content to Leaf Position (68)"]
[]
["Percentage of THC by weight of Leaf from Position on plant"]
["Plant                       No. 1 (SP-5)   NO.2 (SP-5)     NO.3 (UNC-335)"]
["Top                         6.1            6.9             4.8"]
["Middle                      3              5.5             3.1"]
["Bottom                      0.8            4               1.5"]
["Ratio (gradient)            8:4:1          1.7:1.4:1       3:2:1"]
[]
["Notice the large difference in the gradients of Plants no. 1 and 2, which"]
["are from the same variety (SP-5). Like almost all characteristics of these"]
["plants, considerable variation occurs even among sibling. Our experience is"]
["that generally the better the quality of the variety, the steeper the"]
["gradient: in other words, the bigger the difference between top and bottom"]
["leaves. For example, the plants given here are high-quality type I"]
["varieties. Plant no. 1 is more typical, with its steep gradient, than no.2,"]
["where the gradient is much less pronounced. Lower-quality varieties"]
["generally do not have as steep a gradient and the ratios would look more"]
["like that of Plant no. 2."]
[]
["Potency by Sex"]
[]
["Although marijuana lore claimed the female to be the more potent, scientists"]
["disclaimed this. But there is some truth to both sides. In fine marijuana"]
["varieties, male and female leaves average about the same in cannabinoid"]
["concentrations. Either a male or a female individual may have the highest"]
["concentration in any particular case. The largest variation is in comparing"]
["the flowers. Male flowers may be comparable to the females, or they may not"]
["even get you high. It seems that the higher the quality of the grass, the"]
["better the male flowers will be. In fine type I plants, male flowering"]
["clusters usually approach the potency of the female. In low-quality type III"]
["varieties females are usually more potent (20 to 30 percent) than the males."]
[]
["Type II plants are the most variable, with large differences among"]
["individual plants. But the trend is for the females to average about 20"]
["percent high in potency of leaves and flowers."]
[]
["Table 12 - Relative Potencies of Male and Female Plants (66)"]
[]
["                            Percentage by Weight (b) of"]
["COUNTRY OF ORIGIN  SEX (a)        THC      CBD (C)  TYPE PLANT"]
["Mexico             M              3.7     0.86          I"]
["                   F              3.7     0.35"]
["India              M              4.3     0.12          I"]
["                   F             1.78     0.19"]
["Thailand           M              3.2     0.08          I"]
["                   F              3.2     0.42"]
["India              M             0.81      2.1          II"]
["                   F              1.3     0.89"]
["Pakistan           M             1.37     1.24          II"]
["                   F             0.71      1.5"]
["Turkey             M             0.84     2.11          II"]
["                   F             0.92     1.33"]
["India              M             0.15      2.2         III"]
["                   F             0.12      1.2"]
["Poland             M             0.04     0.97         III"]
["                   F             0.06      1.1"]
[]
["a) M, male (staminate); F, female (pistillate). (b) Of flowering mass"]
["with accompanying leaves. (c) Includes CBC. _"]
[]
["Potency by Age"]
[]
["In general, the longer the life cycle of the plant, the more the"]
["concentration of cannabinoids increases, as long as the plant stays health"]
["and vigorous. Actually, it is the development of the plant, rather than"]
["chronological age, that determines this difference in potency. A plant that"]
["is more developed or more mature is generally more potent."]
[]
["Because you decide when to plant and/or can control the photoperiod, you"]
["also control when the plants flowers and, hence, the overall age at"]
["maturity. A six-month-old plant will generally be better than a"]
["four-month-old plant, both of which are flowering. Plants eight months old"]
["will usually be more potent than six-month-old plants. Most indoor growers"]
["plan their gardens to be about five to eight months old at harvest. Healthy"]
["plants can be extended to about 10 months. Plants older than 10 months often"]
["develop abnormally. There is usually a decline in vigour and a loss in"]
["potency. But some growers have decorative plants several years old."]
[]
["Outdoor growers more often simply allow the plants to develop according to"]
["the local growing conditions which will govern their development and"]
["flowering time. Where the growing season is short, some growers start the"]
["plants indoors and transplant when the local growing season begins. This"]
["gives the plants a longer growing season."]
[]
["One reason female plants are considered more potent is because of age. Males"]
["often flower in four to five months and die, while the females may continue"]
["to a ripe old age of eight or nine months, especially when they are not"]
["pollinated."]
[]
["Potency by Growth Stage"]
[]
["Although then general trend is for the cannabinoid concentration to increase"]
["with age, this is not a matter of the simple addition or accumulation of"]
["cannabinoids. The concentration of cannabinoids changes with the general"]
["metabolic rate of the plant, and can be related to the plant's growth"]
["pattern or life cycle. Figure 30 shows a hypothetical curve following the"]
["concentration of THC from the upper leaves and growing tips of a male and"]
["female plant."]
[]
["Notice that THC increases immediately with germination and establishment of"]
["the seedling, and continues to rise until the plant enters its vegetative"]
["stage. At this point, the plant is well-formed, with a sturdy stem, and no"]
["longer looks fragile. As the plant;s rate of growth increases, there is a"]
["corresponding rise in THC that continues throughout the vegetative stage"]
["until a plateau is reached. Before the plateau is reached the arrangement of"]
["leaves on the stem (phyllotaxy) changes from opposite to alternate. The"]
["plateau is maintained until the plant's rapid growth all but stops and the"]
["plant has entered preflowering. By this time, the branches have formed the"]
["plant to its characteristic shape. Preflowering lasts about one to two"]
["weeks, during which THC concentration falls until the appearance of the"]
["first flowers."]
[]
["For the male plant, preflowering ends with renewed growth. This lengthens"]
["the uppermost internodes and the first male flower buds appear. THC"]
["immediately increases with the development of the male flower clusters, and"]
["reaches its peak when most of the flowers are fully formed and a few are"]
["beginning to release pollen. After pollen release, the male normally loses"]
["vigour and THC content slowly declining until the plant is cured and stored."]
[]
["Female plants reach their maximum THC when the plants are in full bloom."]
["Full bloom is when the plant has filled out with well-formed flower"]
["clusters, but flowers are still slowly forming. Most of the stigmas will"]
["still be white and healthy."]
[]
["Flowering lasts anywhere from two to 10 weeks, depending on whether the"]
["plants are pollinated or not, as well as on variety and the environment."]
["(See Chapter 20 for details.) THC content declines as the formation of new"]
["flowers slows and the majority of the stigmas begin to brown. The only"]
["changes you may see in the plants are the maturation of the seeds and the"]
["loss of green colour in the leaves and flowers. In some cases the plant's"]
["apparent resin (its look and feel) increases during the last few weeks of"]
["life while the THC concentration is still declining."]
[]
["You may feel that you should only pick marijuana when the plants are in full"]
["bloom, but this is not the case. Think of the garden as a continuous supply"]
["of grass. You can never be sure of the fate of your plants. The biggest"]
["problem with outdoor growing is that there is a good chance that the plants"]
["will be ripped off before you plan to harvest. It is much better to harvest"]
["grass during the course of a season, assuring yourself a return for your"]
["efforts. For example, during the third month of growth, you could cut back"]
["the growing tips, which should be quite potent, often more potent than"]
["Figure 30 suggests. This doesn't mean there will be less to harvest at"]
["season's end. In fact, the plant will be forced to develop its branches,"]
["possible yielding a larger plant."]
[]
["Common sense tells you that it is always best to test one sample before you"]
["harvest. By taking one tip, curing and smoking, you'll know whether it's"]
["worthwhile to harvest more at that time or to wait longer. When a tip is"]
["about equal to its parents' potency, then definitely harvest more growing"]
["tips. This peak high often occurs during the middle to late rapid,"]
["vegetative-growth stage."]
[]
["The reader should keep in mind that Figure 30 serves only as an example."]
["Chronological age is not as important as the physiological age of the plant."]
["In this graph, the life of the plants is about six months. But the life"]
["cycle depends on the particular variety and the growing conditions, which"]
["strongly influence the rate of development. (For details on how to use the"]
["graph, see Chapter 20.) The important facts that the reader should get from"]
["the graph are that the potency of the grass can decrease as well as increase"]
["during the plant's life cycle. Actual studies of the cyclic variations in"]
["potency over the course of a season have shown much more complicated"]
["rhythms, with many more peaks and valleys then here 71,74,80,86,92. Most"]
["varieties will more or less follow a growth pattern as described. Changes in"]
["the plant's development, such as phyllotaxy and growth rate, are cues to"]
["changes in THC concentration. Secondly, the growing tips of the main stem"]
["and branches can be very potent. Growers do not have to wait until flowers"]
["form to harvest top-quality smoke."]
[]
["     3.6 Cultivation: Indoors or Outdoors?"]
[]
["The basic elements of the environment (light, water, air, and soil) provide"]
["plants with their fundamental needs. These environmental factors affect the"]
["growth rates of plants, as well as their life cycles. If one factor is"]
["deficient, growth rate and vigour will wan regardless of the other three."]
["For instance, with low light, the growth will be limited no matter how"]
["fertile and moist the soil is. In the same sense, if soil minerals are"]
["scarce, the growth rate will be limited no matter how you increase the"]
["light."]
[]
["Photosynthesis"]
[]
["Cannabis, like all green plants, manufacturers its food through the process"]
["photosynthesis. Unlike animals, which depend on pre-formed food for"]
["survival, plants can use energy from light to form food (carbohydrates) from"]
["simple inorganic molecules absorbed from the air and soil."]
[]
["Plants absorb light energy through pigments that are concentrated in the"]
["leaf cells. These pigments are also found in most of the aboveground parts"]
["of the plant. The most abundant pigment is chlorophyll, which gives the"]
["plants their green colour. The energy absorbed is stored in chemical"]
["compounds such as ATP and NADPH2. ((ATP, adenosine-triphosphate; NADPH2,"]
["nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-phosphate.)) These are storage/transfer"]
["compounds that function to transfer energy and matter in the living system."]
["ATP transfers energy that fuels the reactions for the making of"]
["carbohydrates as well as most other metabolic functions. NADPH2 transfers"]
["electrons, usually as hydrogen, for the synthesis of carbohydrates as well"]
["as other compounds."]
[]
["The raw material for the synthesis of carbohydrates (CH2O)n comes from"]
["carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Carbon dioxide is absorbed primarily"]
["from the air, but can also be absorbed from the soil and secondarily from"]
["the air."]
[]
["        Photosynthesis is summarised as follow:"]
["        light energy ------- ATP + NADPH2"]
["        CO2 + H2O    ------- (CH2O)n + O2"]
[]
["For more complex bio-molecules such as amino acids and proteins, the plant"]
["absorbs minerals (including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur) from the soil."]
["Carbohydrates provide food energy for the plant using processes similar to"]
["those that occur in humans. They also form the basic building blocks for"]
["plant tissues. For example, the sugar glucose (CH2O)6 is strung and bonded"]
["to farm long chains of cellulose, the most abundant organic compound on"]
["earth. About 80 percent of the structure of the plant's cells is made from"]
["cellulose."]
[]
["The plant is a living thing existing in a holistic world; a myriad of"]
["factors affect its life. However, good cultivation techniques require"]
["attention to only four basic growth factors. With this accomplished, the"]
["plants will do the rest."]
[]
["As grower, your strategy is to bring out the plant's natural qualities. The"]
["cannabinoids are natural to the plants. Seeds from potent marijuana grow"]
["into potent marijuana plants when they are nurtured to a full and healthy"]
["maturity."]
[]
["Since most marijuana plants are adapted to tropical or semitropical"]
["climates, it is up to the grower to make the transition to local growing"]
["conditions harmonious. The requires sensible gardening techniques and, in"]
["some cases, manipulation of the photoperiod. There is no magic button to"]
["push or secret fertiliser to sue. The secret of potency lies within the"]
["embryo. The environment can and does affect potency, as it does most aspects"]
["of the plant's life. However, environmental factors are secondary to the"]
["plant's heritage (genetic potential)."]
[]
["Indoors vs. Outdoors"]
[]
["At this point the book divides into separate indoor and outdoor cultivation"]
["sections, and you may wonder whether it is better to grow the plant indoors"]
["or outdoors. Each alternative has advantages and disadvantages. It is"]
["usually better to grow the plants outdoors if possible, because the plants"]
["can grow much larger and faster than indoors. Indoors presents space and"]
["light limitations. It is possible to grow a 15-foot bush indoors, but this"]
["is unrealistic in most home. There simply isn't enough room or light for"]
["such a large plant. Outdoor gardens return a much higher yield for the"]
["effort and expense. most indoor gardeners buy soil and may have to buy"]
["electric lights. So there is an initial investment of anywhere from $10 on"]
["up."]
[]
["On the other hand, outdoor plants are more likely to be seen. Many gardens"]
["get ripped off, and busts are a constant threat. Indoor gardens are much"]
["less likely to be discovered. Gardening indoors allows the grower closer"]
["contact with the plants. The plants can be grown all year long; it is an"]
["easy matter to control their growth cycles and flowering. Probably the"]
["biggest attraction of indoor gardens is that they are beautiful to watch and"]
["easy to set up anywhere."]
[]
["One popular compromise is to construct a simple greenhouse. Use plastic to"]
["either enclose part of a porch or to cover a frame built against the house."]
[]
["The potency of the plants doesn't depend on whether they are grown indoors"]
["or outdoors. As long as you grow healthy plants that reach maturity and"]
["complete their life cycle, the grass can be as good as any you've ever"]
["smoked."]
[]
["PART 2: INDOOR GARDENING"]
[]
["Chapter Four"]
["INTRODUCTION"]
[]
["Marijuana adapts well to indoor conditions. You can grow it in sunny rooms"]
["or with artificial light. The factor limiting the rate of growth indoors is"]
["often the amount of light, since it is less a problem to supply the plants"]
["with plenty of water, nutrients, and air."]
[]
["Natural light is free. If feasible to use, natural light eliminates the most"]
["expensive components for indoor gardeners: artificial lights and the"]
["electricity they use. Window light is the easiest way to grow plants for"]
["decorative purposes or for a small crop. On the other hand, a greenhouse,"]
["sunporch, or particularly sunny room can support larger plants than most"]
["artificial light systems. A sunny porch or roof area enclosed in sheet"]
["plastic to form a greenhouse is a simple, inexpensive way to grow pounds of"]
["grass."]
[]
["Cannabis grows into a fully formed bush when it receives a minimum of five"]
["hours of sunlight a day. But you can grow good-sized plants of excellent"]
["quality with as little as two hours of daily sunlight provided windows are"]
["unobstructed by buildings or trees and allow full daylight. Windows facing"]
["south usually get the most light, followed by windows facing east and west"]
["(north-facing windows seldom get any sun). Use the location with the longest"]
["period of sunlight. The corner of a room or alcoves with windows facing in"]
["two or three directions are often very bright. Skylights are another good"]
["source of bright, unobstructed light."]
[]
["Some growers supplement natural light with artificial light from"]
["incandescent or fluorescent fixtures. This is essential during the winter,"]
["when sunlight is weaker than the summer, and in spaces where the plants get"]
["little direct sunlight. Artificial lights can also be used to lengthen the"]
["natural photoperiod in order to grow plants all year."]
[]
["The best time to plant using natural light is in late March or April, when"]
["the sun's intensity and the number of hours of daylight are increasing."]
["Cleaning windows dramatically increases the amount of light, especially in"]
["cities where grime collects quickly. Paint walls adjacent to windows a flat"]
["white or cover them and the floor with aluminium foil to reflect light to"]
["the plants. Place young plants on shelves, blocks, or tables to bring them"]
["up to the light. Position the plants as close to the windows as possible."]
["Insulate germinating plants from freezing winter drafts by stapling clear"]
["sheets of polyethylene film to the window frame."]
[]
["The main problem with marijuana in windows is that it may be seen by"]
["unfriendly people. This won't be a problem at first, but when the plants"]
["grow larger, they are easily recognised. You could cover the windows with"]
["mesh curtains, rice paper, polyethylene plastic or other translucent"]
["materials to obscure the plants. A strip covering the lower part of the"]
["window may be enough to conceal the plants from outsiders."]
[]
["Most of you will want the garden completely hidden. Some gardeners opt for"]
["closets, basements, attics - even under loft beds. They cover the windows if"]
["the garden is visible and grow the plants entirely with artificial light."]
[]
["The amount of light you provide is what determine the garden's size - the"]
["amount of soil, number and eventual size of the plants, and the overall"]
["yield. Since light is the factor on which you base the planning of your"]
["garden, let's begin with artificial light."]
[]
["{A picture of a self-contained mini-horizontal (150 or 175 watt HID) is"]
["perfect for a personal small garden.}"]
[]
[]
[]
["Chapter Five"]
["ARTIFICIAL LIGHT["]
[]
["5.2 Fixtures"]
[]
["Florescent light is the most effective and efficient source of artificial"]
["light readily available to the home grower. Florescent lamps are the long"]
["tubes typical of institutional lighting. They require a fixture which"]
["contains the lamp sockets and a ballast (transformer) which works on"]
["ordinary house current."]
[]
["Tubes and their fixtures come in length from four inches to 12 feet. The"]
["most common and suitable are four- and eight-foot lengths. Smaller tubes"]
["emit too little light for vigorous growth; longer tubes are unwieldy and"]
["hard to find. The growing area must be large enough to accommodate one or"]
["more of these fixtures through a height of at least six feet as the plants"]
["grow. Fixtures may hold from one to six tubes and may include a reflector,"]
["used for directing more light to the plants. Some fixtures are built with"]
["holes in the reflectors in order for heat to escape. They are helpful in"]
["areas where heat builds up quickly. You can make reflectors with household"]
["materials for fixtures not equipped with reflectors. Try to get fixtures"]
["that have tubes spaced apart rather than close together. See 5.5 for further"]
["suggestions."]
[]
["The tubes and their appropriate fixtures are available at several different"]
["wattage or outputs. Standard or regular output tubes use about 10 watts for"]
["each foot of their length - a four-foot tube has about 40 watts and an"]
["eight-foot tube about 80 watts."]
[]
["High Output (HO) tubes use about 50 percent more watts per length than"]
["regular output tubes and emit about 40 percent more light. An eight-foot"]
["(HO) runs on 112 to 118 watts. Very High Output (VHO) or Super High Output"]
["(SHO) tubes emit about two-and-a-half times the light and use nearly three"]
["times the electricity (212 to 218 watts per eight-foot tube)."]
[]
["The amount of light you supply and the length of the tube determine the size"]
["of the garden. Marijuana will grow with as little as 10 watts per square"]
["foot of growing area, but the more light you give the plants, the faster and"]
["larger they will grow. We recommend at least 20 watts per square foot. The"]
["minimum-size garden contains a four-foot fixture with two 40-watt tubes,"]
["which use a total of 80 watts. Dividing total watts by 20 (watts per square"]
["foot) gives 80w divided by 20w/sq. ft=four sq.ft. (an area one by four"]
["feet). A four-tube (80 watts each) eight-foot fixture would give: 320w"]
["divided by 20w/sq. ft. = 16 sq. ft. or an area the length of the tube and"]
["about two feet wide."]
[]
["VHO and HO tubes in practice don't illuminate as wide an area when the"]
["plants are young, because the light source is one or two tubes rather than a"]
["bank. Once the plants are growing well and the light system is raised"]
["higher, they will illuminate a wider area. Figure about 25 w/(ft*ft) for HO"]
["and 35 w/(ft*ft (or foot squared)) for VHO to determine garden size. A"]
["two-tube, eight-foot VHO fixture will light an area the length of the tube"]
["and one-and-a-half feet wide."]
[]
["The more light you give the plants, the faster they will grow. Near 50w/sq."]
["ft. a point of diminishing returns is reached, and the yield of the garden"]
["is then limited by the space the plants have to grow. For maximum use of"]
["electricity and space, about 40w/sq. ft. is the highest advisable. Under"]
["this much light the growth rate is incredible. More than one grower has said"]
["they can hear the plants growing - the leaves rustle as growth changes their"]
["position. In our experience, standard-output tubes can work as well as or"]
["better than VHO's if four or more eight-food tubes are used in the garden."]
[]
["The yield of the garden is difficult to compute because of all the variable"]
["that determine growth rate. A conservative estimate for a well-run garden is"]
["one ounce of grass (pure smoking material) per square foot of garden every"]
["six months."]
[]
["In commercial grass, the seeds and stems actually make up more of the bulk"]
["weight than the useable marijuana."]
[]
["The grass will be of several grades depending on when and what plant part"]
["you harvest. The rough breakdown might be 1/3 equal to Mexican regular, 1/3"]
["considered real good smoke, and the rest prime quality. With good technique,"]
["the overall yield and the yield of prime quality can be increased several"]
["fold."]
[]
["5.3 Sources"]
[]
["When sunlight is refracted by raindrops, the light is separated according to"]
["wavelengths with the characteristic colours forming a rainbow. Similarly,"]
["the white light of electric lights consists of all the colours of the"]
["visible spectrum. Electric lights differ in the amount of light they"]
["generate in each of the colour bands. This gives them their characteristic"]
["colour tone or degree of whiteness."]
[]
["Plants appear green because they absorb more light near the ends of the"]
["visible spectrum (red and blue) and reflect and transmit more light in the"]
["middle of the spectrum (green and yellow). The light energy absorbed is used"]
["to fuel photosynthesis. Almost any electric light will produce some growth,"]
["but for normal development the plants require a combination of red and blue"]
["light."]
[]
["Sunlight has such a high intensity that it can saturate the plants in the"]
["blue and red bands, though most of the sun's energy is in the middle of the"]
["spectrum. Artificial lights operate at lower intensities; so the best lights"]
["for plant growth emit much of their light in the blue and red bands."]
[]
["Fluorescent Tubes"]
[]
["Several lighting manufacturers make tubes (gro-tubes) the produce much of"]
["their light in the critical red and blue bans. (Plant-gro (GE), Gro-Lux"]
["(Sylvania), Agro-Lite (Westinghouse), and gro-lum (Norelco) are examples,"]
["and they look purple or pink. Vita-lite and Optima (Duro-test) produce a"]
["white light with a natural spectrum very similar to daylight. Duro-test"]
["blubs are more expensive than other tubes but they last twice as long. {See"]
["spectrum for \"The action spectra of chlorosynthesis and photosynthesis"]
["compared to that of human vision. Adapted from IES Lighting Handbook237\"}"]
[]
["Theoretically, these tubes should work better for growing plants than"]
["standard lighting tubes. However, some standard or regular fluorescent tubes"]
["used for lighting actually work better for growing plants than more"]
["expensive natural-spectrum tubes and gro-tubes specifically manufactured for"]
["plant growth. The reason is that regular fluorescent produce more light"]
["(lumens), and overall lumen output is more important for growth rate than a"]
["specific light spectrum. To compensate for their spectrums, use them in"]
["combinations of one \"blue\" fluorescent to each one or two \"red\" fluorescent"]
["(Box B)."]
[]
["Manufacturers use standardised names such as Daylight and Sofwhite to"]
["designate a tube that has a certain degree of whiteness. Each name"]
["corresponds to a tube that emits light in a particular combination of colour"]
["bands. For example, Cool White emits more blue light than other colours and"]
["appears blue-white. By combining tubes that emit more blue light with tubes"]
["that emit more red light, the tubes complement each other and produce a more"]
["natural spectrum for healthy plant growth. More \"red light\" than \"blue"]
["light\" sources are needed to foster healthy growth, so use two red tubes to"]
["each blue tube."]
[]
["The best combinations are either Warm White or Soft White (red) tubes used"]
["with either Cool White or Daylight (blue) tubes. These four tube types are"]
["common, much cheaper, and when used in combination, will give you a better"]
["return than any of the more expensive gro-tubes or natural-spectrum tubes."]
["Any hardware store carries these common lighting tubes, and the cost may be"]
["less than a dollar each."]
[]
["Do not use tubes with \"deluxe\" in their designation. They have a more"]
["natural spectrum but emit considerably less light. Preferably, buy \"Cool"]
["White\" since it emits 50 percent more light than \"Cool White Deluxe.\""]
[]
["Incandescents and Flood Lights"]
[]
["The common screw-in incandescent bulb produces light mainly in the longer"]
["wavelengths: far-red, red, orange, and yellow. Higher-wattage bulbs produce"]
["a broader spectrum of light than lower-wattage bulbs. Incandescents can be"]
["used alone to grow marijuana, but the plants will grow slowly and look"]
["scraggly and yellow. Incandescents combined with fluorescent work well, but"]
["fluorescent are a better source of red light. Fluorescent tubes generate"]
["slightly less heat per watt. With incandescents, heat is concentrated in the"]
["small bulb area, rather than the length of the tube, and can burn the"]
["plants. In addition, incandescents have less than one-third the efficiency"]
["of fluorescent in terms of electricity used. If you decide to use"]
["incandescents in combination with fluorescent, use two times the wattage of"]
["incandescents to blue source fluorescent, that is, two 40-watt Daylight"]
["tubes to about three 60-watt incandescents, evenly spacing the red and blu"]
["sources."]
[]
["The common floodlight has a spectrum similar to but somewhat broader than"]
["incandescents. Because they cast their light in one direction and operate at"]
["higher intensities, these lights work better than incandescents, both as a"]
["single source and to supplement natural or fluorescent light. {Figure 33."]
["Supplement natural light with floodlights. Use foil curtains for"]
["reflectors.}"]
[]
["The best application for floodlights and incandescents is to supplement"]
["natural and fluorescent light, especially when the plants get larger and"]
["during flowering. Incandescents and floodlights require no special fixtures,"]
["although reflectors increase the amount of light the plants receive. These"]
["lights are easy to hang or place around the sides of any light system, and"]
["their strong red band promotes more growth and good flower development. Some"]
["of their energy is in the far-red band. Most purple gro-tubes and white"]
["fluorescent are deficient in this band, and addition of a few incandescents"]
["make them more effective. Agro-lite and W/S Gro-Lux emit adequate far-red"]
["light and need no addition of incandescents."]
[]
["Several companies make screw-in spotlights specifically for plant growth."]
["Two brand names are Duro-Test and Gro n'Sho. Although they are an"]
["improvement over incandescents as a single source, these lights don't"]
["perform nearly as well as fluorescent. A 150-watt bulb would grow one plant"]
["perhaps four feet tall. Two eight-foot fluorescent tubes (160 watts) will"]
["easily grow eight six-foot plants. For supplemental lighting, the"]
["incandescents and floodlight work as well and are cheaper."]
[]
["HID Lamps. Metal Halide (MH) and Sodium-Vapour Lamps (HPS)"]
[]
["HID's (High-Intensity-Discharge) are the lamps of choice for serious indoor"]
["gardeners. HID lamps commonly illuminate streets, parking lots, and sports"]
["stadiums, and they emit very intense light and produce more light, more"]
["efficiently than fluorescent. All HID's require specific ballasts and"]
["fixtures to operate, so purchase complete systems (fixture, ballast,"]
["reflector) along with the lamp. High Times and Sinsemilla Tips magazines (p."]
["332) feature numerous ads by retailers of horticultural HID systems. Contact"]
["the advertisers, and they'll send you brochures with enough information to"]
["make an informed choice."]
[]
["Ordinary metal-halides (MH's and HP's) may emit dangerous UV and particle"]
["radiation of the bulb envelop breaks, cracks, or develops a small hole."]
["Broken MH bulbs may continue to operate apparently normally, and exposure"]
["may cause serious eye or skin injury. Make sure to purchase MH bulbs"]
["designed with a safety feature (such as GE Sat-T-Gard or Sylvania Safeline)"]
["that causes the bulb to burn out immediately if the outer envelope ruptures."]
["OR purchase fixtures that shield the bulb in protective tempered glass."]
[]
["HID's come in many sizes, but generally, use only 400 and 1,000 watt sized"]
["lamps. The largest size (1,500 watts) is not recommended because of its"]
["relatively short bulb life. Sizes less than 400 watts do not return as much"]
["marijuana considering set-up costs and ease of operation. The only"]
["exceptions are certain \"self-contained\" mini-units of 150 and 175 watts (see"]
["4.1). These mini-self-contained units have a horizontal fixture and built-in"]
["ballast, which is easy to set up. The horizontal fixture directs up to 45"]
["percent more light to the plants than conventional, vertically positioned"]
["lamps with reflectors. The intense light encourages excellent growth and bud"]
["formation with modest electrical consumption. They are the best overall"]
["light system for small, personal gardens such as closet set-ups."]
[]
["Position 400 watt HID lamps 18 to 30 inches above plant tops, and 1,000 watt"]
["lamps 30 to 42 inches above the tops. During flowering, flowers may \"run\""]
["rather than form in compact buds if lamps are positioned too close to the"]
["plant tops, particularly when using HPS's."]
[]
["Heat is the main problem with HID's, and the room must be well-ventilated."]
["Use exhaust fans to draw heat out of the room. The fan doesn't need to be"]
["large, just active enough to create a strong, ventilating draft."]
[]
["Light Balancers"]
[]
["Sophisticated gardeners use light balancers which employ a small motor to"]
["move reflectors and HID lamps held on tracks or mechanical arms slowly"]
["across a garden in either a linear or circular pattern {(see p. 88 Figure"]
["38b)}. Light balances save considerable power and bulb costs because they"]
["dramatically increase the effectively illuminated garden size, while using"]
["less the 24 watts per balancer. With the lights moving on a balancer, all of"]
["the garden becomes equally illuminated for modest running costs. Instead of"]
["adding another 1,000 watt HID, a light balancer increases the garden size"]
["without measurably increasing power consumption, an important consideration"]
["when electricity consumption or costs are of concern."]
[]
["With multi-bulb HID gardens, use one MH to each HPS lamp on a light"]
["balancer, and hang the lamps about one foot closer to the plant tops than"]
["usual. MH's favour blue light, and HPS's produce more orange-red light. By"]
["combining the two, the spectrum is more balanced, and you'll get a better"]
["return of well-formed buds."]
[]
["Low Cost HID Systems"]
[]
["By far, the most efficient and effective set-up for a modest artificial"]
["light garden is to use fluorescent lamps set on a long photoperiod for"]
["germination, growing seedlings or to raise clones; use another room,, or"]
["part of the room separated by a light-tight curtain or barrier, for"]
["flowering with (HPS) lamps in horizontal reflectors kept on a short"]
["photoperiod to induce and promote flowering."]
[]
["For example, separate and average sized room into two growing areas by"]
["hanging an opaque curtain to block light between the two sections. In the"]
["smaller area, grow seedling or clones (see 18.5) for two to six weeks under"]
["fluorescent set on a constant light. In the larger section, keep HPS lamp(s)"]
["on a 12-hour light cycle for flowering. Move larger seedlings under the HPS"]
["lamp(s) for about 9 to 15 weeks to initiate and complete flowering."]
["Meanwhile, start more seedling under fluorescent. It's easy to maintain both"]
["sections of the room be constantly replenishing either area with new plants."]
["This setup is very productive for a modest investment in both costs and"]
["labour - no time or costly light and electricity is wasted on empty space,"]
["and you'll find yourself continuously harvesting mature buds."]
[]
["{A no frills setup with an HID.  Notice that the ballast is insulated from"]
["the floor with pieces of wood; the fixture is supported by rope and not the"]
["electric cord; plastic protects the floor; there is a timer, a reflector, and"]
["fan.}"]
["{Figure 34 and 35 for light-output from two and four 40 watt white"]
["fluorescent and comparing effectiveness in footcandles.}"]
[]
["Using this setup, the initial long photoperiod and small area necessary for"]
["seedlings or clones is illuminated cheaply by fluorescent. Seedlings grow,"]
["and cuttings root, better under fluorescent than HPS's. The larger, more"]
["costly flowering section is kept under a short photoperiod of 12 hours of"]
["daily light and the strong red light is necessary for good flowering."]
[]
["For example, the whole operation could draw less then 650 watts: 160 watts"]
["by four, four-foot fluorescent set on constant light to start the seedlings;"]
["one 400 watt HPS set on 12 hours daily light for flowering; two timers and a"]
["venting fan for automating the lights and controlling heat. It's possible to"]
["harvest four to six, fully mature crops each year, or continuously harvest."]
["(See Mel Frank's new Marijuana Grower's Insider Guide by RED EYE PRESS for"]
["much more information on efficient, low cost, indoor systems and greenhouse"]
["gardening.)"]
[]
["5.4 Setting up the Garden"]
[]
["Under artificial light, marijuana grows from three to sic feet in three"]
["months, so the height of the light must be easy to adjust. Fixtures can be"]
["hung from the ceiling, shelves, walls, or from a simple frame constructed"]
["for the purpose. If you are hanging the lights from the walls or ceiling,"]
["screw hooks directly into a stud. Studs are located in every room corner and"]
["are spaced 16, 18 or 24 inches apart. Light can be supported from lathing"]
["using wingbolts, but plaster is too weak to hold a fixture unless a wooden"]
["strip held by several wingbolts is attached to the walls or ceiling first to"]
["distribute the pressure. Then hang the fixture from a hook in the strip."]
["Closets have hooks and shelves or clothes rungs that are usually sturdy"]
["enough to support the fixture. People have gardens under loft beds."]
[]
["Chains are the easiest means of raising and lowering fixtures. Two chains"]
["can be suspended from a solid support from above, and attached to an \"S\""]
["hook at each end of the fixture. Raise the fixture by inching the hooks to"]
["higher links on the chain. Or tie rope to the fixture, pass through an eye"]
["hook or pulley in the ceiling or frame, and tie-off at a hook or boat cleat"]
["anchored in the wall or frame."]
[]
["You can also hang the lights permanently and lower plants on a shelf or"]
["plywood. The shelf could be suspended or lowered by supporting the shelf"]
["with progressively smaller block. This arrangement is often used in \"growing"]
["factories\" where plants are rotated to larger gardens and grow for only a"]
["few weeks in each space. One garden may have fluorescent for starting plants"]
["and another garden for maturing plants under HID's. With HID's and"]
["skylights, lowering the plants may be your best option. Use lightweight soil"]
["components or hydroponics rather than heavier soil, and the operation is"]
["easier."]
[]
["If you plan to use six or more fluorescent, remove end sockets and ballasts"]
["from fixtures. Mount end sockets and tubes on a frame of one-by-twos or"]
["plywood. Space sockets so tubes cover the garden evenly (see Figure 37 and"]
["38). This arrangement illuminates the garden more evenly and drastically"]
["reduces the suspended weight since ballasts make up most of a fixture's"]
["weight. Keep ballasts off floors and away from water. Mount the ballasts on"]
["a nearby wall or on a wooden box. Wet ballasts could actually explode, and"]
["at best, are electrically dangerous when wet."]
[]
["Always buy fixtures with reflectors. For HID's, companies make their own"]
["reflectors, but the best reflectors are for horizontally positioned lights"]
["no matter which company. Horizontal reflectors focus much more useable light"]
["than either parabolic or cone reflectors. HPS's can work in any position,"]
["but MH lamps are made to work in either a horizontal or vertical position,"]
["and you must buy bulbs that correspond with the fixtures."]
[]
["For fluorescents, you can make an overhead reflector from the cardboard"]
["cartons in which tubes and fixtures are packaged. Cut off the end flaps and"]
["form the cardboard into a \"U\". Face inner side with aluminium foil or paint"]
["them white. Leave enough space so the foil or cardboard does not contact end"]
["sockets. Staple or tape the reflector behind the tubes to the fixture or"]
["from to reflect light toward the plants."]
[]
["Surround all garden with reflective surfaces, but not so tightly that air"]
["can't freely circulate. Even in window gardens, reflective sheets set"]
["adjacent to the plants make a marked difference in growth. When artificial"]
["lights are high, reflectors from the floor on up keep lower branches"]
["actively growing. Mylar, with its mirror-finish, is popular for facing"]
["walls. A flat white paint (super or decorator white) reflects better than"]
["glossy white or aluminium foil. Flat white has about three percent more"]
["reflecting capacity than aluminium foil, and reflects light more uniformly."]
["The difference is slight, so use whatever means is most convenient. Paint"]
["walls that border the garden a flat white or cover them with aluminium,"]
["mylar, or white plasterboard. {Figure 36. Reflectors can be made from sturdy"]
["paper faced with aluminium foil. Make them with staples, tape, or tacks."]
["Figure 37.}"]
[]
["Natural-light gardens also benefit from reflectors. Make them out of"]
["cardboard painted white or faced with aluminium foil. Once the plants are"]
["past the seedling stage, surround them with reflectors; otherwise only one"]
["side of the plants will be fully illuminated."]
[]
["Covering the floor with a plastic dropcloth (about $1 at any hardware store)"]
["will protect your flor and your neighbour's ceiling from possible water"]
["damage."]
[]
["Marijuana grows well in a dry atmosphere, but heated or air-conditioned"]
["homes are sometimes too dry during germination and early growth. Enclosing"]
["the garden in reflectors will contain some of the moisture and insure a"]
["healthy humidity. White sheet plastic is available to enclose open gardens."]
["Do not completely enclose the garden. Leave some open spaces at the bottom,"]
["top and ends of the garden to allow air to circulate. Air circulation will"]
["become more important as the plants grow larger."]
[]
["Don't rely on training your pets to stay out of the garden. The garden will"]
["attract them, and they can easily destroy young plants by chewing on leaves"]
["and stems. Soil is more natural to their instincts than the sidewalk or"]
["kitty litter. Protect the garden from pets and toddlers; surround it with"]
["white plastic or chicken wire. Large plants are more sturdy and animals can"]
["do them little harm. The jungle ambience and an occasional leaf are"]
["irresistible to most cats, and they'll spend hours in the garden."]
[]
["5.5 Electricity"]
[]
["For most growers, the amount of electricity used is of little concern. A"]
["four-tube, regular-output, eight-foot fixture draws about 320 watts per hour"]
["or about the same as a colour TV. The cost increase to your electric bill"]
["will be about two to six dollars a month, depending on local rates."]
[]
["Farmers who devote entire basements or attics to their gardens are sometime"]
["restricted by the amount of current they can draw. Older homes or apartments"]
["may have only one 15-ampere circuit but more often have two, for 30 amperes"]
["total. Newer homes have either 60 or 100 amperes available through four to"]
["six circuits. One 15-ampere circuit can safely accommodate three, two-tube"]
["VHO fixtures or six tubes for 1,290 watts, or 16 regular-output, eight-foot"]
["tubes for about 1,280 watts total. This allows for a 20 percent safety"]
["margin of circuit capacity, which is necessary considering heat loss,"]
["starting voltages, etc."]
[]
["In kitchen and basements the circuits may be rated higher, at either 20 or"]
["30 amperes. You can find out the amperage of the circuit by looking at the"]
["fuse rating on the face of the fuse. Determine what room or rooms each"]
["circuit is feeding by removing the fuse and seeing which outlets are not"]
["working. The wattage capacity of any circuit is found by multiplying volts"]
["time amps. Standard United States voltage is 110 to 120 volts."]
[]
["Fluorescent light fixtures are sometimes sold unwired or without a line"]
["cord, and the job is left to you. Follow the diagram on the ballast which"]
["shows the wires marked by their colour. Simply attach the wires to the"]
["sockets as diagrammed. New sockets have small holes which automatically make"]
["contact when the bare end of the wire is pushed into them. Older fixtures"]
["have sockets with conventional screw terminals."]
[]
["Indoor gardens may have aluminium foil, chains, reflectors, and wet floors,"]
["all of which are good electrical conductors. Coupled with hanging lights,"]
["these conditions could lead to dangerous electrical shocks. Never touch a"]
["reflector, fixture, or ballast while watering or standing on a damp floor."]
["Eliminate the chance of serious shocks altogether by turning off the lights"]
["whenever you work in the garden. An HID ballast on a damp floor is very"]
["dangerous. Raise HID ballasts on wood blocks off the floor."]
[]
["Reduce the risk of dangerous shocks by using fixtures grounded to the power"]
["source. A fixture with a three-pronged plug connected to a three-wire outlet"]
["is grounded in a properly wired house. You can also ground a fixture by"]
["connecting a #12 or #14 gauge wire to any bare metal screw (not an electric"]
["terminal) on the fixture housing to the screw that holds the cover plate on"]
["the electrical outlet your using."]
[]
["{With two prong outlets, connect an adaptor plug with a terminal (top left)"]
["or third wire (top right) from the plug to the screw that holds the cover"]
["plate.  This converts two-wire outlets to three wire grounded systems when a"]
["three-wire electric cord is used, an important electrical safeguard which"]
["grounds the light system.}"]
[]
["Chapter Six"]
["SOIL AND CONTAINERS FOR IT"]
[]
["6.2 Pots and Other Containers"]
[]
["In its natural state, marijuana may grow an extensive root system - a"]
["fibrous network of fine, lateral roots that branch off a main, carrot-shaped"]
["tap root. In dry areas, the tap root can grow more than six feet deep in its"]
["search for water. In moist areas with fertile soil (such as in potting"]
["mixtures), the lateral roots are able to supply water and nutritive needs"]
["and the tap root remains small, often only three or four inches long on a"]
["seven-foot-tall mature plant."]
[]
["The purpose of the growing medium is to provide adequate water and nutrients"]
["in addition to anchoring the roots, which hold the plant upright. By"]
["watering and fertilising as needed, you could grow a six-foot plant in a"]
["four-inch ((Pots are measured by diameter across the top.)) pot or in a"]
["three-foot layer of soil over your whole garden; but neither of these"]
["extreme procedures is very practical."]
[]
["Most growers use containers that will hold between two and five gallons of"]
["soil. These are a good compromise in terms of weight, space, cost, and"]
["labour. They can be moved easily and hold an adequate reservoir of water and"]
["nutrients to support a large mature plant."]
[]
["Some growers use a single large box or several long troughs that hold a six-"]
["to 12-inch layer of soil. These have the advantage of minimal restriction of"]
["roots and less frequent waterings, but they require more soil and make"]
["rotating or moving the plants impractical."]
[]
["Determine the right size pot to use in your garden by the amount of light"]
["per square foot. For a moderately lighted garden (15 to 25 watts per square"]
["foot and most window gardens), use one- to three-gallon containers. For"]
["gardens with more light energy - over 25 watts per square foot or one-half"]
["day or more of sunlight - use three- to eight-gallon containers. The"]
["smallest pot we recommend for a full-grown plant is eight inches or one"]
["gallon. This is also a good size for starting plants to be transplanted"]
["after two months."]
[]
["Practically any container that can withstand repeated waterings and has a"]
["top at least as wide as its base will do. Each pot must have several holes"]
["in the bottom to assure drainage. Growers use flower pots,"]
["institutional-sized cans and plastic buckets, baskets and small trash cans,"]
["milk crates and wooden boxes."]
[]
["Plastic trash bags are sometimes used when other large containers can't be"]
["found. They must be handled carefully, since shifting the soil damages the"]
["fragile lateral roots. They are also more difficult to work with when"]
["transplanting. However, a roll of trash bags is an available and inexpensive"]
["substitute for other large containers. Plastic bags should be double or"]
["triple bagged. Small holes should be punched in the bottom to drain excess"]
["water. Use masking tape to patch any unwanted tears. The capacity of the bag"]
["should be no more than twice as many gallons as the amount of soil used. For"]
["example, with four gallons of soil, the bag should be of a five-gallon, but"]
["not more than eight-gallon size. Otherwise, it will not form a cylinder, and"]
["the bag will remain a shapeless mass."]
[]
["Use as many pots as can fit in the lighted area to make the most efficient"]
["use of space. Many growers prefer to start the plants in smaller pots,"]
["transplanting into larger pots when the plants are larger. There are"]
["definite advantages to this method in terms of the yield in the garden,"]
["given its space and light energy. Seedlings and small plants take up much"]
["les space than they will at maturity, so they can be placed closer together."]
["As the plants grow and begin to crowd each other, remove the less vigorous"]
["(to smoke, of course) and transplant the rest into larger pots. Start plants"]
["which will be transplanted later in four- to eight-inch flower pots, or"]
["one-quart to one-gallon tin cans or milk containers. Peat pots or planting"]
["pots are made of compressed plant fibre for the purpose of starting young"]
["plants. They are available at garden shops and come in several sizes. Use at"]
["least a four-inch pot so that the roots are not restricted in early growth."]
["Peat pots are supposed to break down in the soil, but marijuana's delicate"]
["lateral roots may not be able to penetrate unless you score or break away"]
["the sides while transplanting. Wax paper cup (six to eight ounces), filled"]
["with a soil mixture, work as well as peat pots and are cheaper."]
[]
["        BOX C"]
["        Finding Large Containers"]
[]
["                Use your ingenuity in finding large containers.  Large clay"]
["                flower pots do not work any better than the large metal and"]
["                plastic containers discarded by restaurants and food stores."]
["                Various milk containers are good starting pots.  Many garden"]
["                shops sell used pots for a few cents each.  Wholesalers sell"]
["                plastic pots by the carton at a discount.  Large plastic pots"]
["                and pails can sometimes be picked up inexpensively at flea"]
["                markets or variety stores.  Any vessel that holds an adequate"]
["                amount of soil and does not disintegrate from repeated"]
["                waterings is a satisfactory container."]
[]
["6.3 Properties of Soil"]
[]
["The soil or growing medium serves as a source and reservoir for water, air,"]
["and nutrients, and to anchor the roots. Since marijuana grows extremely"]
["fast, it has higher water and nutritive needs than most plants grown"]
["indoors. The success of your garden depends on supplying the plant with a"]
["medium that meets its needs without creating toxic conditions in the"]
["process."]
[]
["There is no such thing as the perfect soil for Cannabis. Each variety can"]
["grow within a range of soil conditions. For healthy, full, growth, marijuana"]
["prefers a medium with good drainage, high in available nutrients, and near a"]
["neutral pH (7.0). These conditions result from a complex set of physical,"]
["chemical and biological factors. We will refer to them simply as: (1)"]
["texture; (2) nutrients; (3) pH."]
[]
["Most indoor growers prepare the growing medium using commercial potting"]
["mixes. These mixes are usually sterilised or pasteurised and have good"]
["general soil properties. Since they seldom list the contents, nutrients, or"]
["pH, do some simple test of your basic soil whether you buy or dig for it."]
["Then you can adjust the soil to meet the basic requirements of the plant."]
[]
["Texture"]
[]
["The texture of the medium determines its water-holding and draining"]
["properties. Marijuana must have a well-drained medium for healthy growth."]
["Soils that hold too much water or hold it unevenly can drown the roots,"]
["leading to poor growth or death of the plant. In a well-drained soil the"]
["roots are in contact with air as well as water. Soils that have too much"]
["clay, or are overly rich in compost or other organic matter, tend to hold"]
["too much water and not enough air. This condition worsens in time. This is"]
["especially true of the soil in pots."]
[]
["You can determine the texture of your soil from its appearance and feel. Dry"]
["soil should never cake or form crusts. Dry or slightly moist soil that feels"]
["light-weight, airy, or spongy when squeezed, and has a lot of fibrous"]
["material, will hold a lot of water. Mix it with materials which decrease its"]
["water-holding capacity, such as sand, perlite, or even kitty litter."]
[]
["Wet soil should remain spongy or loose and never sticky. A wetted ball of"]
["soil should crumble or separate easily when poked."]
[]
["Soil that feels heavy and looks dense with fine particulate matter, or is"]
["sandy or gritty, will benefit by being loosened and lightened with fibrous"]
["materials such as vermiculite, Jiffy Mix, or sometimes sphagnum moss."]
[]
["Soil Conditioners to Improve Texture"]
[]
["Perlite (expanded sand or volcanic glass) is a practically weightless"]
["horticultural substitute for sand. Sand and perlite contribute no nutrients"]
["of their own and are near neutral in pH. They hold water, air, and nutrients"]
["from the medium on their irregular surfaces and are particularly good at"]
["aerating the soil."]
[]
["Vermiculture (a micaceous material) and sphagnum moss contribute small"]
["amounts of their own nutrients and are near neutral in pH. They hold water,"]
["air, and nutrients in their fibre and improve the texture of sandy or"]
["fast-draining soils. Jiffy Mix, Ortho Mix, or similar mixes are made of"]
["ground vermiculite and sphagnum moss, and are fortified with a small amount"]
["of all the necessary nutrients. They are available at neutral pH, are good"]
["soil conditioners, and are also useful for germinating seeds."]
[]
["Sphagnum and Peat Moss (certain fibrous plant matter) are sometimes used by"]
["growers to improve water holding and texture. Both work well in small"]
["amounts (10 to 15 percent of soil mixture). In excess, they tend to make the"]
["medium too acidic after a few months of watering. Use vermiculite or Jiffy"]
["Mix in preference to sphagnum or peat moss."]
[]
["Nutrients"]
[]
["Nutrients are essential minerals necessary for plant growth. The major"]
["nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which"]
["correspond to the three numbers, in that order, the appear on fertiliser and"]
["manure packages, and that give the percentage of each nutrient in the mix"]
["(see section 9)."]
[]
["Marijuana prefers a medium that is high in nitrogen, and mid-range in"]
["phosphorus and potassium. Generally, the darker the soil, the more available"]
["nutrients it contains. Commercial soils usually contain a good balance of"]
["all nutrients and will support healthy growth for a month or two, even in"]
["smaller (one gallon) containers. Many growers prefer to enrich their soil by"]
["adding sterilised manures, composts, or humus. All of these provide a good"]
["balance of the three major nutrients. They also retain water in their fibre."]
["In excess they cause drainage problems, make the medium too acidic, and"]
["attract insects and other pests. A good mixture is one part compost or"]
["manure to five to eight parts of soil medium. In large pots (four or five"]
["gallons), these mixtures might provide all the nutrients the plant will ever"]
["need. {Table 13.}"]
[]
["The many prepared organic and chemical fertilisers that can be mixed with"]
["the soil vary considerably in available nutrients and concentrations. Used"]
["in small amounts, they do not appreciably effect the soil texture. Many"]
["prepared fertilisers are deficient in one or more of the major nutrients"]
["(see Table 14). Mix them together so there is some of each nutrient, or use"]
["them with manures, which are complete (contain some of all three major"]
["nutrients). When adding fertilisers, remember that organic materials break"]
["down at different rates. It is better to use combinations which complement"]
["each other, such as poultry manure and cow manure, than to use either"]
["fertiliser alone. (See Table 22 in section 13 for a complete list of organic"]
["fertilisers."]
[]
["Table 14 - Prepared Organic Fertilisers"]
[]
["Type of             Percentage by weight of    Availability to"]
["fertiliser          N        P2O5     K20      Plant"]
["-----------------------------------------------------------------"]
["Blood meal          13        0        0       Rapid/medium"]
["Bone meal            0.5     15        0       Medium/slow"]
["Blood/bone meal      6        7        0       Medium/slow"]
["Cottonseed meal      6        2        1       Slow/medium"]
["Fish meal            8        2        0       Slow/medium"]
["Hoof and bone meal  10        2        0       Slow"]
["Rock phosphate       6       24        0       Slow"]
["Wood ash             0        1.5    3-7       Rapid"]
["Greensand            0        0      2-8       Medium/slow"]
[]
["Chemical fertilisers are made in about every conceivable combination and"]
["concentration. Pick one that is complete and where the first number (N) is"]
["at least equal if not higher than both P and K. For example, rose foods may"]
["be 12-12-12 or 20-20-20, and work very well for marijuana. Others are:"]
["Vigoro 18-4-5 and Ortho 12-6-6. The higher the number, the more concentrated"]
["the mix is, and consequently, the more nutrients are available."]
[]
["Don't use fertilisers which come in pellets or capsules, or that are"]
["labelled \"timed\" or \"slow release.\" They do not work as well indoors as do"]
["standard organic and chemical fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers seldom list"]
["the amount to mix per pot. You can get some idea by the instructions for"]
["application per square foot. Use that amount of each one-half cubic foot of"]
["soil mixture."]
[]
["Many growers add no nutrients at this time but rely on watering with soluble"]
["fertilisers when they water. These fertilisers and their application are"]
["discussed in section 9."]
[]
["pH"]
[]
["The pH is a convenient measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil"]
["medium. It is another way of expressing whether the soil is bitter"]
["(alkaline) or sour (acid). The pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with"]
["7.0 assigned neutral; below 7.0 is acid and above is alkaline."]
[]
["You can think of the pH as a measure of the overall chemical charge of the"]
["medium. It affects whether nutrients dissolve to forms available to the"]
["plant or to forms the plant can't absorb, remaining locked in the soil"]
["medium."]
[]
["Marijuana responds best to a neutral (7.0 pH) medium, although in a fertile,"]
["well-drained soil, it will grow well in a range of 6.0 to 8.5. The simplest"]
["way to check the pH is with a soil-test kit from a garden shop or nursery."]
["Test kits are chemicals or treated papers - for example, litmus papers or"]
["Nitrazine tape - that change colour when mixed with a wet soil sample. The"]
["colour is then matched to a colour chart listing the corresponding pH."]
["Nitrazine tape is available, inexpensively, in drug stores. Some meters"]
["measure pH, but these are expensive. Agricultural agents, agricultural"]
["schools, and local offices of Cooperative Extension will test a soil sample"]
["for pH and nutrient content. Occasionally, a garden-shop person will check"]
["pH for you or will know the pH of the soils they sell."]
[]
["Highly alkaline soils are characteristically poor soils that form cakes,"]
["crusts, and hardpan. Soil manufacturers don't use them, nor should they be"]
["dug for indoor gardens. Alkaline soils are treated with sulphur compounds"]
["(e.g., iron sulphate) to lower the pH."]
[]
["We have never seen commercial soils that were too alkaline for healthy"]
["growth, but they are sometimes too acidic. The pH of acid soil is raised by"]
["adding lime (calcium-containing) compounds. Liming compounds come in many"]
["forms and grades. Some are hydrated lime, limestone, marl, or oyster shells,"]
["graded by their particle size or fineness. Use the finest grade available,"]
["since it will have more of a neutralising potential than a coarse grade. You"]
["need to use less and are more interested in immediate results than long-term"]
["soil improvement. For indoor gardens, use hydrated lime (available in any"]
["hardware store) or wood ashes to raise the pH. Hydrated lime is rated over"]
["90 percent for its neutralising potential. Wood ashes will neutralise soil"]
["acids roughly one-half as well as hydrated lime. However, they also contain"]
["some nutrients (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and micronutrients) and"]
["are handy and free."]
[]
["There is no exact formula we can give you for raising the pH. The pH does"]
["not have to be exact; it's and approximation. At low pH it takes less lime"]
["to raise the pH one point than it does when the pH is near neutral. Sandy"]
["soils need less lime to raise the pH one point than soils high in clay or"]
["organic matter. In general, add three cups of hydrated lime or six cups of"]
["fine wood ash to every bag (50 pounds or a cubic foot) of soil to raise the"]
["pH one point. For soils that test slightly acid (about 6.5), add two cups of"]
["lime or four cups of wood ash."]
[]
["Soil that tested below 6.0 should be retested in about two weeks, after"]
["thoroughly mixing and wetting the soil. Repeat the application until the pH"]
["is in an acceptable range. Check the pH of plain water to see if it is"]
["influencing the tests. Distilled water is neutral, but tap water sometimes"]
["has minerals that can change the pH. Hard water is alkaline. Sulphurous"]
["water and highly chlorinated water are acidic."]
[]
["If you have already added lime to a soil that now tests from 6.5 to 7.0,"]
["don't add more lime trying to reach exactly 7.0. Too much lime will"]
["interfere with nutrient uptake, notably of potassium, phosphorus, and"]
["magnesium."]
[]
["General Soil Characteristics"]
[]
["The texture, pH, and available nutrients of the soil are all related. The"]
["most important single factor is texture (good drainage). When soil drains"]
["poorly, it creates anaerobic (without air) pockets in the soil. Bacteria or"]
["microbes that live without air will begin to multiply and displace"]
["beneficial microbes that need air to survive. The anaerobic microbes break"]
["down organic matter to a finer consistency, and release CO2 and organic"]
["acids to the medium. Drainage worsens, the acids lower the pH, and"]
["nutrients, even though present, become unavailable to the plant."]
[]
["The result can be a four-month-old marijuana plant that is only three inches"]
["tall, especially if you use high concentrations of manures and composts,"]
["peat and sphagnum moss. If your soil lists manures or composts as additives,"]
["add no more than 10 percent of these on your own.f"]
[]
["Drainage problems sometimes develop after several months of healthy growth."]
["It is a good idea to add about 20 percent sand or perlite to even a"]
["well-drained soil. You can never add too much of these; they con only"]
["improve drainage. They dilute the nutritive value of the soil, but you can"]
["always water with soluble fertilisers."]
[]
["Mixtures using many components in combination seem to work particularly"]
["well. This may be because, at a micro-level each component presents a"]
["slightly different set of physical, chemical and biological factors. What"]
["the plant can't take up at one point may be readily available at another."]
[]
["6.4 Preparing Commercial Soils and Mixes"]
[]
["Garden soils (or loams) and potting mixes are actually two different groups"]
["of products, although they are frequently mislabelled. Some companies sell"]
["soil in large bags and a potting mixture in smaller bags, while labelling"]
["them the same. Soils and potting mixtures are usually manufactured locally,"]
["since transportation costs are prohibitive; so they differ in each area."]
[]
["Texture and Nutrients"]
[]
["Soils and loams are usually topsoil blended with humus or compost for use as"]
["a top dressing in gardens, for planting large outdoor containers, or for the"]
["soil part of a potting mixture. They may have a tendency to compact under"]
["indoor conditions and will benefit from the addition of perlite or"]
["vermiculite. Soils and loams usually contain a good supply of nutrients and"]
["may support a full-grown plant in a large container. Commercial soils that"]
["are heavy generally work better than lightweight soils. Heavy soils usually"]
["contain topsoil, in which marijuana grows very well. Lightness indicates"]
["more fibrous content."]
[]
["For example of possible soil mixtures, see Box D. pre?"]
[]
["BOX D Examples of Soil Mixtures* 1. 5 parts soil 2. 8 parts soil 2 parts"]
["perlite 3 parts sand 1 part cow manure 1/4 part 10-10-10 chemical fertiliser"]
["3. 5 parts soil 4. 4 parts soil 2 parts perlite 1 part sand 2 parts humus 1"]
["part vermiculite 1/2 part cottonseed meal 2 parts humus 1/2 part poultry"]
["manure 5. 3 parts soil 6. 6 parts soil 1 part perlite 2 parts perlite 1 part"]
["sand 2 parts vermiculite 2 parts Jiffy Mix 1/2 part poultry manure 1/2 part"]
["blood/bone meal 1/2 part cow manure 1/2 part wood ash 1 part wood ash"]
["*Almost all fertilisers are acidic, and need to be neutralised by lime. For"]
["the above mixtures, or any similar ones, mix in one cup of lime for each"]
["five pounds of manure, cottonseed meal, or chemical fertiliser in order to"]
["adjust the pH."]
[]
["Potting mixes are intended to support an average-size house plant in a"]
["relatively small pot. They are sometimes manufactured entirely from wood and"]
["bark fibre, composts, and soil conditioners. These mixes are made to hold a"]
["lot of water and slowly release nutrients over a period of time, which is"]
["what most house plants require. For marijuana, these mixes seldom contain"]
["enough nutrients to support healthy growth for more than a couple of months."]
["(Their N is usually low, P adequate, and K usually very high.) They work"]
["best when sand or perlite is added to improve drainage, and fertilisers are"]
["added to offset their low nutrient content."]
[]
["The pH"]
[]
["Most commercial mixes and soils are between 6.0 and 7.0 in pH, a healthy"]
["range for marijuana. If you buy your soil, it will not be too alkaline for"]
["healthy growth, but it might be too acidic. You can minimise the chances of"]
["getting and acid soil by avoiding soils with \"peat\" or \"sphagnum\" in their"]
["names. Avoid soils that are prescribed for acid-loving plants such as"]
["African violets or azaleas, or for use in terrariums. With common sense, you"]
["can buy a soil, add two cups of lime to each large bag, and not have to"]
["worry about the pH. However, the surest procedure is to test the pH"]
["yourself."]
[]
["Probably the best way to find the right soil for your garden is to ask"]
["long-term growers. They can relate their past experiences with various mixes"]
["and blends. Most long-term growers with whom we have talked have tried many"]
["of the mixes available in their areas. A reliable, enlightened nurseryperson"]
["or plant-shop operator may also be able to give you some advice."]
[]
["6.5 Buying Soil Components"]
[]
["All the materials discussed here are available at farm and garden stores or"]
["nurseries. Many suburban supermarkets sell large bags of soil and humus."]
["Always buy your materials in the largest units possible to reduce the cost."]
[]
["Large bags of soil and humus come in either 50-pound bags or one- to"]
["four-cubic-foot bags. A 50-pound bag fills about six gallons. There are"]
["eight gallons to a cubic foot. Perlite is sold in four-cubic-foot bags"]
["(thirty-two gallons). Jiffy Mix and vermiculite are sold in four-cubic-foot"]
["bags and in 16 pound bags (about 18 gallons). Sand, perlite and vermiculite"]
["come in coarse, medium, and fine grades. All grades work well, but if you"]
["have a choice, choose coarse. Sand (not beach sand) is an excellent soil"]
["conditioner. The only disadvantage is its heavy weight. Buy sand from lumber"]
["yards or hardware stores where it is sold for cement work. It will cost from"]
["1/50 to one-half the cost of garden or horticultural sand. Sand from piles"]
["at construction sites works very well."]
[]
["Calculating the Amount of Soil"]
[]
["The maximum amount of soil mixture for any garden can be found by"]
["multiplying the capacity of the largest pot you plan to use by the number of"]
["pots that you can fit in the garden. In many cases, the actual amount of the"]
["mixture used will be somewhat less. Two illustrations follow."]
[]
["1. A small garden with a two-tube, eight-foot fixture (160W). Using 20 watts"]
["per square foot for fast growth gives 160W divided by 20W/sq.ft. + eight"]
["sq.ft. The largest pot needed for this system is three gallons, but two"]
["gallons would work. You can fit about 10 three gallon pots in eight square"]
["feet; so 3 * 10 + 30 gallons of soil mixture are needed (see Box E)."]
[]
["        BOX E"]
["        Examples Showing How Much Soil Material to Buy to Fill"]
["        a Known Number of Unit-Volume Containers"]
[]
["        Example 1.  For a garden eight square feet in size,"]
["        Buy             Component         Which amounts to"]
[]
["         3 50-lb (6 gal. ea. ) bags of  soil    18 gallons"]
["         1 cubic foot of        perlite  8 gallons"]
["        30 lbs of       humus    3 gallons"]
["        10 lbs of       chicken manure   2 gallons"]
["                        TOTAL   31 gallons"]
[]
["        Example 2.  For a garden 24 square feet in size,"]
["        Buy             Component         Which amounts to"]
[]
["         4 1-cu. ft. bags of    soil    32 gallons"]
["         2 1-cu. ft. bags of    perlite 16 gallons"]
["         1 1-cu. ft. bag of     vermiculite      8 gallons"]
["        20 pounds of    cow manure       3 gallons"]
["                        cottonseed meal  2 gallons"]
["                        wood ash         2 gallons"]
["                        TOTAL   63 gallons"]
[]
["2. A large garden with two two-tube, eight-foot VHO fixtures (four times 215"]
["watts or 860 total watts) illuminating a garden three by eight feet, or 24"]
["square feet."]
[]
["860 watts divided by 24 sq. ft. = about 36W/sq. ft."]
[]
["The largest pot size for this system is about five gallons. About 16"]
["five-gallon containers can fit in 24 square feet; so 16 * 5 + 80 gal. of"]
["mixture are needed. But you could start many more plants in smaller"]
["containers and transplant when they are root-bound. You do not use more soil"]
["by starting in smaller pots, since all soil is reused. In many cases, you"]
["actually use much less soil."]
[]
["In this system you could start and fit about 40 plants in one-gallon pots in"]
["24 square feet. When the plants begin to crowd each other, some are"]
["harvested, making room fir the others, which are transplanted to larger"]
["pots. In practice, a high-energy system such as this one (36W/sq. ft.) will"]
["grow large plants whose size is limited mainly by the space available."]
["Twelve large female plants are about the most you would want in the system"]
["during flowering and for final harvest. Sixty gallons of mixture is all that"]
["is needed for the seedlings and the mature crop. This is one-fourth les than"]
["the original estimate of 80 gallons, and you actually will harvest a lot"]
["more grass (see Box E)."]
[]
["Mixing and Potting"]
[]
["Mix your soil in a large basin, barrel, or bathtub. Individual pots are"]
["filled with mixtures by using a smaller container to measure out by part or"]
["volume."]
[]
["Perlite, sand, and dry soil can give off clouds of dust. When mixing large"]
["amounts of these, wear a breathing mask or handkerchief over your nose and"]
["mouth."]
[]
["To pot any of the mixtures, first cover any large drainage holes with a"]
["square of window screen or newspaper to prevent the mixture from running"]
["out. Place a layer of sand, perlite, or gravel about one inch deep to insure"]
["drainage. Fill the pots with soil mixture to within three-fourths of an inch"]
["from the top of the pot. If your mixture contains manures or composts, cover"]
["the last inch or two in each pot with the mixture minus the manure and"]
["compost. This will prevent flies, gnats, moulds, and other pests from being"]
["attracted to the garden. Press spongy soils firmly (not tightly) to allow"]
["for more soil in each pot; otherwise, after a period of watering, the soil"]
["will settle and the pot will no longer be full."]
[]
["Some growers add a few brads or nails to each pot to supply the plant with"]
["iron, one of the necessary nutrients. Water the pots and allow them to stand"]
["for a day or two before planting. As the soil becomes evenly moist,"]
["beneficial bacteria begin to grow and nutrients start to dissolve. {Figure"]
["40.}"]
[]
["6.6 Digging Soil"]
[]
["Most growers prefer to buy their soil, while some prefer to dig it."]
["Marijuana cannot tolerate heavy clays, mucks, or soils that dry to crusts."]
["Choose a soil from a healthy garden or field, or from an area that supports"]
["a lush growth of annual weeds."]
[]
["Fields that support a good crop of alfalfa, corn or other grains will"]
["support a good crop of marijuana. Fields with beets, carrots, and sugar cane"]
["indicate a well-drained soil, with near neutral pH. Red clover, sweet"]
["clover, and bluegrass have soil requirements similar to those of marijuana."]
["Garden soils are usually fertile and well-drained, but often need lime to"]
["counteract soil acidity."]
[]
["Take the topsoil layer that starts about two inches below the surface"]
["debris. Good soil will look dark, feel moist, and small clean and earthy."]
["Use all of the topsoil layer that maintains its dark colour and is"]
["interlaced with roots. Your hands should be able to easily penetrate the"]
["underlying topsoil if the soil is in good condition. When the soil changes"]
["colour, or roots no longer apparent, then you are past the fertile topsoil"]
["layer. Abundant worm, millipedes, and other small lifeforms are a good"]
["indication that the soil is healthy. A rich layer of topsoil collects by"]
["walls, fences, and hedges where leaves and debris collect and decay to a"]
["rich humus. Sift the soil to remove stones and root clods. Also, shake out"]
["the root clods, which are rich in nutrients."]
[]
["Soil that is dug should be tested the same way as already prescribed. It"]
["should be adjusted with at least 30 percent sand or perlite (vermiculite for"]
["very sandy soils), since potting will affect the drainage of even"]
["well-drained soils. Never use manures or composts that are not completely"]
["degraded to a clean-smelling humus."]
[]
["Soil that is dug must be sterilised to kill weed seeds, insect eggs, and"]
["harmful moulds and fungi. Some chemical treatments (e.g. formaldehyde) are"]
["mixed with water and poured over the soil to sterilise it. Soil can be"]
["sterilised in a pressure cooker at 15 pounds pressure for 15 minutes, or by"]
["baking wet soil in a large pot at 200 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Be"]
["advised that baking soil will release some formidable odours."]
[]
["6.7 Growing Methods"]
[]
["As we said before, there are probably as many growing methods as there are"]
["marijuana growers. These methods are personal preferences or adaptions to"]
["fit particular situations; one method is not necessarily better than any"]
["other. However, the value of a garden is often based on the amount of"]
["high-quality grass it yields. Since indoor gardens are limited in size, you"]
["want the plants to quickly fill the garden with lush growth in order to use"]
["the garden efficiently. Otherwise, for the first couple of months, the"]
["lights are shining on empty space."]
[]
["Secondly, the possession of small quantities of marijuana will probably be"]
["decriminalised nationally within the next few years. Decriminalisation for"]
["personal possession will open the way for decriminalisation for cultivation"]
["for personal possession. But small quantities are more difficult to define"]
["for cultivation than for simple possession, which is done by weight. Several"]
["possible ways to limit the amount for cultivation have been raised: by the"]
["number of plants, by the area cultivated, or by the number of plants at a"]
["particular stage of development. The outcome may determine whether you try"]
["to grow the largest plants possible or the most plants possible in a given"]
["area."]
[]
["There are several ways to increase your garden's yield."]
[]
["        1.  Pinch or cut back the growing shoots when the plants are young."]
["            This forces each plant to develop several strong growing shoots"]
["            and generally yield large robust plants."]
["        2.  Plant a number of plant in each pot."]
["        3.  Start many plants in small pots and transplant the best plants to"]
["            larger pots when the plants crowd each other."]
["        4.  Use different light systems to grow plants at different growth"]
["           stages."]
[]
["Here are some examples of how to carry out each of these four methods."]
[]
["     1. Fill the growing area with large containers (about five gallons"]
["     each). Start several plants in each pot but thin the seedlings"]
["     over a period of six weeks to two months, until one plant is left"]
["     in each pot. During the fourth or fifth week of growth, pinch back"]
["     the plants to about equal heights. Cut the growing shoot at about"]
["     the fourth internode. Each plant will develop a sturdy stem which"]
["     will support four to eight growing stems and will quickly fill any"]
["     empty space in the garden. The whole garden is the treated like a"]
["     hedge. After another month or two, you cut back the growing shoots"]
["     again to have plants of equal heights. Remove the male plants as"]
["     soon as they begin to release pollen (or before any male flowers"]
["     open for sinsemilla). This will leave more space and light for the"]
["     females to develop. By the time females flower, they've been cut"]
["     back two or three times or more, and form a dense growth of"]
["     growing shoots that fill the garden with a cubic layer of flowers."]
["     Some growers maintain the plants for up to a year before the final"]
["     harvest."]
[]
["{Figure 41.  Plant clipped at fourth internode.}"]
[]
["     2. This method also requires large pots. Instead of thinning the"]
["     seedlings to leave one per pot, leave at least three. After a few"]
["     months of growth, remove any plants that lag far behind or any"]
["     plants that show male flowers. The value of this method is that"]
["     the odds are at least seven to one that any pot will have at least"]
["     one female plant."]
[]
["     Most of the plants you'll grow will fill out with branches by four"]
["     months at the latest. Often the branches develop young seedlings."]
["     The plants may begin to look like small Christmas trees by the"]
["     second to third months of growth."]
[]
["     Generally, you don't want to have more than three or four plants"]
["     in a five-gallon container, because growth will be limited by"]
["     competition for light and space."]
[]
["{Figure 42.  Basement growing factory in Atlanta.}"]
[]
["     Some varieties never do fill out. The branches remain small, only"]
["     two to three inches long, and yield very little grass. We've seen"]
["     plants like this grown from grass from Vietnam, Thailand,"]
["     Afghanistan, and Africa. These plants are also quite short, being"]
["     four to six feet tall fully grown. With varieties like this, it is"]
["     better not to pinch tops, and to start about six plants per square"]
["     foot of garden space. At harvest, the garden will be crowded with"]
["     top stems that are laden with flower clusters."]
[]
["     Of course, you don't know what varieties will look like until"]
["     you've seen them grow. For most varieties, each plant will need at"]
["     least one square foot or space at maturity. It is much less common"]
["     to find varieties that naturally grow small or especially thin,"]
["     and, therefore, are those of which you would want to plant more"]
["     than a few per large pot."]
[]
["     3. Another popular way to grow is to start plants in a large"]
["     number of small pots. As the plants crowd each other, some are"]
["     removed and the rest transplanted to larger pots."]
[]
["     4. To get the most for your investment requires conservation of"]
["     light and soil. When the plants are young, a large number fit into"]
["     a small place. Some growers take advantage of this fact by having"]
["     several light systems, each with plants at different growth"]
["     stages. The plants are rotated into larger gardens and pots. This"]
["     method conserves space, materials, and electricity, and yields a"]
["     harvest every two months. Using this method, \"growing factories\""]
["     turn out a steady supply of potent grass. {Table 15.}"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Seven"]
["MAINTAINING THE CORRECT ENVIRONMENT"]
[]
["7.2 Requirements for Germination"]
[]
["Before the seed fell, almost all of its water was sapped to prepare the seed"]
["for winter. With only the tiny drop that it holds, the embryo lives a life"]
["so slow as to be outside of time as we know it. Cannabis seeds need only"]
["water to germinate or sprout. The seeds germinate without light and at"]
["temperatures low enough to form ice. Higher temperatures hasten germination."]
["Fresh, homegrown Oaxacan seeds germinated in three days at 70F and in eight"]
["days at 33F. Temperatures 70 to 90F are best for germination."]
[]
["Fresh, mature seeds have a high rate of germination (about 90 to 100"]
["percent) and sprout quickly. Usually sprouts appear three to seven days"]
["after planting. Older seeds (over a year, depending on storage) have a lower"]
["rate of germination and respond slower. They may take up to three weeks to"]
["sprout. To get an idea of what to expect from the seeds follow the procedure"]
["in 3.1."]
[]
["Seeds that do sprout will grow normally, no matter how old they are or how"]
["long they take to sprout. From any batch of seeds, most of the ones that"]
["sprout will do so within two or three days of each other. A few will"]
["continue to come up as many as six months later, but the garden should"]
["consist of plants that are basically the same age and size. This makes the"]
["garden easier to care for."]
[]
["Choosing Seeds"]
[]
["Different varieties grow at different rates and attain different sizes and"]
["shapes. Under artificial lights, gardens plants from one batch of grass"]
["require the least attention, because the plants sprout and grow uniformly"]
["and can all be tended at the same time. When several varieties are grown"]
["together, some plants are taller than others; you must adjust the height of"]
["the plants to keep the marijuana equally illuminated. You may also have to"]
["water and fertilise the plants on an individual basis. Some growers start at"]
["different varieties under separate light systems. On the other hand,"]
["planting several varieties offers you a comparison in potency and yield, and"]
["a source for hybrids if you want to develop seed. The next time you plant"]
["you'll know which seeds gave the best results and what growing methods will"]
["work best for you. {Figure 43. Within each seed lies and embryo.}"]
[]
["There is no strict correlation between the form and height of the plants and"]
["seed size, colour, or pattern. However, some large-seeded varieties grow too"]
["tall, with long spaces between leaves. Under artificial lights they yield"]
["more stems than leaves. If you have a choice between two equally potent"]
["grasses, and one has particularly large seeds (3/16 to 1/4 inch), choose the"]
["smaller-seeded variety."]
[]
["Sowing"]
[]
["The easiest way to start the plants is to sow the seeds directly into the"]
["soil. First, wet the soil with a moderate amount of water, enough to wet the"]
["soil with a moderate amount of water, enough to get the soil evenly moist"]
["without water running out the bottom. This takes about one-half quart of"]
["water for one-gallon containers, and about one quart for three-gallon"]
["containers. Plant the seeds a quarter- to half-inch deep. The germination"]
["rate is lower when they are planted deeper; and if seeds are planted less"]
["then one-quarter inch deep, the sprouts may have difficulty anchoring their"]
["roots. Plant about six seeds per pot to assure some sprouts in each pot."]
["Gently press each seed into the soil. Cover the seeds with soil and sprinkle"]
["lightly with water. Each day, sprinkle or spray the surface with enough"]
["water to thoroughly wet the top half-inch of soil, since the seed must be"]
["kept moist for germination."]
[]
["For most people, germinating the seed is easy. Problems with germination"]
["come from either too much or too little water. If you saturate the pots with"]
["water, and especially if you continue to saturate the pots after the seeds"]
["have sprouted, the seedlings may develop stem rot or root problems. When"]
["stem rot develops, the base turns brown, and the seedlings fall over, ending"]
["the garden. This can also happen if you keep seedlings in germination boxes"]
["or terrariums where the humidity is very high. When the humidity is low, the"]
["soil surface dries out quickly and the seeds won't germinate. Sprouts that"]
["may come up shrivel and dry at the base of the stem and die."]
[]
["The key to germination is to keep the soil surface moist after first having"]
["moistened the whole pot; then, after the first sprouts have been up for a"]
["few days, let the surface of the soil dry between waterings. Don't spray the"]
["surface any more. Water with medium amounts of water when the soil in the"]
["top couple of inches feels dry. For small pots, water seedlings about twice"]
["a week. For larger pots, once each week or two may be enough."]
[]
["Some growers prefer to plant only seeds they know will sprout, especially"]
["when planting seeds which have a low viability. Start the seeds in wet"]
["towels or a glass of water. Add one teaspoon of liquid bleach (a"]
["three-percent solution) to each cup of water. This will prevent fungus from"]
["attacking the seeds, which happens when they are soaked for more than three"]
["days. Check the seeds each day. Plant when the radical or roots begins to"]
["come out from the pointed end of the seed. Cannabis seed is quite small and"]
["has only enough stored food for the embryo to anchor its root and raise its"]
["cotyledons. The more developed the root is when planted, the less energy it"]
["has to anchor itself in the soil. The sprout may die or growth be delayed"]
["until the root is established (transplant shock). In Figure 44, the seeds in"]
["a circle are all ready to plant. The centre seed will not survive"]
["transplanting. {Figure 44. Seeds in a circle are ready to plant. Centre"]
["sprout will not survive planting"]
[]
["{**Centre sprout too large**}}"]
[]
["Some growers prefer to start the plants in a germination box. This extra"]
["hassle is not necessary. Transplanting seedlings from one medium to another"]
["often causes transplant shock. It is best to plant the seeds directly into"]
["the soil."]
[]
["If you use Soilless mixtures, your seedlings should be started in paper"]
["cups, peat pots, or other small pots filled with a soil mixture (see"]
["Transplanting in Chapter 8 {8.3}). This procedure is also helpful if you"]
["have the difficulty starting the plants in large containers. Expandable peat"]
["pellets also work very well."]
[]
["The position of the seed in the soil has a slight effect on germination. The"]
["root directs its growth in response to gravity, as shown in Figure 45."]
["However, germination is a little faster when the seeds are planted with the"]
["pointed end up. The difference is small, and it's not really necessary to"]
["position the seeds in the soil."]
[]
["If a dry atmosphere presents problems, you can create the moist atmosphere"]
["of a germination box and still plant directly in the pot. Cover the seeds"]
["with transparent plastic cups or glasses, or cover the pot with plastic"]
["kitchen wrap. This creates a greenhouse effect and keeps the soil surface"]
["moist without watering. Remove all the covers as soon as you see the first"]
["sprouts begin to appear; the sprouts will die if the cover is left on."]
["{Figure 45. The root directs its growth toward gravity. Seeds are germinated"]
["between glass and cotton, and held vertically. Four seeds to left have"]
["pointed and up. Two middle seeds are horizontal. Sex seeds on right have"]
["pointed end down.} {Figure 46. During germination soil can be kept moist by"]
["using plastic covers to create a greenhouse effect.}"]
[]
["7.3 Light Cycle and Distance of Lights from Plants"]
[]
["The seed doesn't need light to germinate. The sprout does need light as soon"]
["as it breaks through the soil. Most growers turn the light on when they sow"]
["the seeds, though, to warm the soil and encourage germination. Lights may"]
["also dray the surface of the soil, especially in large pots or with VHO"]
["fixtures. If this is a problem during germination, leave the lights off"]
["until you see the first sprout breaking through the soil; or hang the lights"]
["about 18 inches above the soil, and lower them to six inches as soon as the"]
["sprouts appear."]
[]
["It is important for normal development that the plants receive a regulated"]
["day/night cycle. We emphatically recommend that you use an automatic"]
["electric timer (about $8). A timer makes gardening much easier, since you"]
["don't have to turn the lights on or off each day. The plants won't suffer"]
["from irregular hours or your weekend vacations. Set the timer so that the"]
["plants get about 16 to 18 hours of light a day, and leave it on this setting"]
["until the plants are well grown (three to six months) and you decide to"]
["trigger flowering."]
[]
["During the seedling and vegetative stages of growth, the plants may be"]
["subjected to light during their night period. During flowering, however, the"]
["night period must be completely dark."]
[]
["The plants grow more slowly with less than 16 hours of artificial light a"]
["day, and they may flowers prematurely. Some growers leave the lights on up"]
["to 24 hours. A cycle longer than 18 hours, may increase the growth rate,"]
["especially if the plants are not saturated with light. A longer cycle is"]
["helpful in small gardens, such as under standard four-foot fixtures."]
[]
["No matter what the light source, place the lights as close to the tops as"]
["possible without burning the plants. Pay no attention to the manufacturer's"]
["instructions for the distance of the plants from the lights; these"]
["instructions don't apply to a high-energy plant such as Cannabis. With"]
["standard-wattage tubes, keep the lights from two to six inches above the"]
["plant tops. With VHO tubes, allow four to eight inches. Maintain the lights"]
["at these distances throughout the life of the garden. In most cases you will"]
["have to raise the lights once or twice a week as the plants grow."]
[]
["Standard fluorescents don't get hot enough to burn the plants unless they"]
["are in direct contact with leaves for several hours. VHO tubes will burn"]
["leaves before they touch them. But you do want to keep the lights as close"]
["to the plants as possible. This encourages stocky, robust growth."]
["Incandescents and floodlights get very hot; place them at a greater distance"]
["from the plants. Test the distance by feeling for heat with your hands."]
["Place the bulb at the distance where you begin to feel its heat. For a"]
["75-watt incandescent lamp, this is about eight inches."]
[]
["7.4 Water"]
[]
["Water, the fluid of life, makes up more than 80 percent of the weight of the"]
["living plant. Within the cells, life processes take place in a water"]
["solution. Water also dissolves nutrients in the soil, and this solution is"]
["absorbed by the roots. About 99 percent of the water absorbed passes from"]
["the roots into the conduits (xylem) of the stem, where it is distributed to"]
["the leaves via the xylem of the leaf veins. Transpiration is the evaporation"]
["of water from the leaves. The flow of water from the soil, through the plant"]
["to the air, is called the transpiration stream. Les then one percent of the"]
["water absorbed is broken down to provide electrons (usually in the form of"]
["hydrogen) which, along with carbon dioxide, are used to form carbohydrates"]
["during photosynthesis. The rest of the water is transpired to the air."]
[]
["Watering"]
[]
["Water provides hydrogen for plant growth, and also carries nutrients"]
["throughout the plant in the transpiration stream. However, it is not true"]
["that the more water given a plant, the faster it will grow. Certainly, if a"]
["plant is consistently under-watered, its growth rate slows. However, lack of"]
["water does not limit photosynthesis until the soil in the pot is dry and the"]
["plant is wilting."]
[]
["The amount of water, and how often to water, varies with the size of the"]
["plants and pots, soil composition, and the temperature, humidity, and"]
["circulation of the air, to name a few variables. But watering is pretty much"]
["a matter of common sense."]
[]
["During germination, keep the soil surface moist. But once the seedling are"]
["established, let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. This"]
["will eliminate any chance of stem rot. Water around the stems rather than on"]
["them. Seedlings are likely to fall over if watered roughly; use a hand"]
["sprinkler."]
[]
["In general, when the soil about two inches deep feels dry, water so that the"]
["soil is evenly moist but not so much that water runs out the drainage holes"]
["and carries away the soil's nutrients. After a few trials, you will know"]
["approximately how much water the pots can hold. Marijuana cannot tolerate a"]
["soggy or saturated soil. Plants grown in constantly wet soil are"]
["slower-growing, usually less potent, and prone to attack from stem rot."]
[]
["Over-watering as a common problem; it develops from consistently watering"]
["too often. When the plants are small, they transpire much less water."]
["Seedlings in large pots need to be watered much less often than when the"]
["plants are large or are in small pots. A large pot that was saturated during"]
["germination may hold enough water for the first three weeks of growth. On"]
["the other hand, a six-foot plant in a six-inch pot may have to be watered"]
["every day. Always water enough to moisten all the soil. Don't just wet the"]
["surface layer."]
[]
["Under-watering is less of a problem, since it is easily recognised. When the"]
["soil becomes too dry, the plant wilts. Plant cells are kept rigid by the"]
["pressure of their cell contents, which are mostly water. With the water"]
["gone, they collapse. First the bottom leaves droop, and the condition"]
["quickly works its way up the plant until the top lops over. If this happens,"]
["water immediately. Recovery is so fast, you can follow the movement of water"]
["up the stem as it fills and brings turgor to the leaves. A plant may survive"]
["a wilted condition of several days, but at the very least some leaves will"]
["drop."]
[]
["Don't keep the pots constantly wet, and don't wait until the plant wilts."]
["Let the soil go through a wet and dry cycle, which will aerate the soil and"]
["aid nutrient uptake. Most growers find that they need to water about once or"]
["twice a week."]
[]
["When some soils get particularly dry, the water is not absorbed and runs"]
["down the sides and out the bottom of the pot. This may be a problem the"]
["first time you water the soil, or if you allow the soil to get very dry. To"]
["remedy, add a couple of drops of liquid detergent to a gallon of water."]
["Detergent acts as a wetting agent and the water is absorbed more readily."]
["First water each pot with about one cup of the solution. Allow the pots to"]
["stand for 15 minutes, then finish watering with the usual amount of pure"]
["water."]
[]
["Use tepid water; it soaks into the soil more easily and will not shock the"]
["roots. Try to water during the plant's morning hours. Water from the top of"]
["the pot. If you do want to water from the bottom with trays (not"]
["recommended), place a layer of pebbles or gravel in the trays to insure"]
["drainage. Don't leaves the pots sitting in water until the pot is heavily"]
["saturated. The water displaces the soil's oxygen, and the plants grow"]
["poorly."]
[]
["Tap water in some areas highly chlorinated, which does not seem to harm"]
["Cannabis; and many fine crops are raised with water straight from the tap."]
["But chlorine could possibly affect the plants indirectly, by killing some"]
["beneficial micro-organisms in the soil. Chlorine also makes the water"]
["slightly acidic. However, neither effect is likely to be serious. Some"]
["growers have asked whether they should use pet-shop preparations that are"]
["sold to remove chlorine from water in fish tanks. These preparations"]
["generally add sodium, which removes the chlorine by forming sodium chloride"]
["(table salt). This solution does not harm the plants, although repeated use"]
["may make the soil too saline. Probably the best procedure is to simply allow"]
["the water to sit in an open container for a few days. The chlorine is"]
["introduced to water as the gas Cl2, which dissipates to the air. The water"]
["temperature also reaches a comfortable level for the plants."]
[]
["Hard (alkaline) water contains a number of minerals (e.g., Ca++, Mg++, K+)"]
["which are essentially nutrients to the plants. Water softeners remove these"]
["minerals by replacing them with sodium, which forms slightly salty water. It"]
["is much better to water with hard water, because artificially softened water"]
["may prove harmful after some time. Occasionally, water may be acidic"]
["(sulphurous). Counteract this by mixing one teaspoon of hydrated lime per"]
["quart water and watering with the solution once a month."]
[]
["Water and Potency"]
[]
["We've seen no studies that have evaluated potency in relation to water. A"]
["few studies have mentioned the fact that plants that received less water"]
["were slightly more potent. Water stress has been practiced by several"]
["marijuana-growing cultures. In parts of India, watering is kept to a minimum"]
["during flowering."]
[]
["To limit watering, water with the usual amounts but as infrequently as"]
["possible. To encourage good growth, yet keep watering to a minimum, wait"]
["until the plants are a few months old before you curtail watering. Give the"]
["plants their normal water and note the number of days before they begin to"]
["wilt. As the plants get larger, the water needs increase, but this generally"]
["stabilises by the time of flowering."]
[]
["7.5 Air"]
[]
["The properties of the air seldom present any problems for indoor gardeners."]
["The plants grow well under the ordinary conditions that are found in most"]
["homes and can withstand extremes that are rarely found indoors. The plants"]
["can survive, in fact thrive, in an atmosphere many house plants can't"]
["tolerate. For plant growth, the most important properties of the air are"]
["temperature, humidity, and composition."]
[]
["Temperature and Growth Rate"]
[]
["Temperature control should be no problem. The plants can withstand"]
["temperatures from freezing to over 100F. Plant growth is closely related to"]
["temperature. Marijuana varieties are, in general adapted to warm if not hot"]
["climates. Different varieties will reach their maximum rate of"]
["photosynthesis at different temperatures. For almost all marijuana"]
["varieties, the rate of photosynthesis will increase sharply with increases"]
["in temperatures up to about 70F. Some strains reach their peak rate of"]
["growth at about &%F. Others, especially from areas near the equator, such as"]
["Colombia, may not reach their peak rate until the temperature is about 90F."]
["However, for all varieties, increases in the growth rate will be slight with"]
["increased temperatures over 75F. The average temperature for maximum is"]
["about 75 to 80F. In other words, normal household temperatures are fine for"]
["growing marijuana and no special temperature control is necessary for most"]
["gardens."]
[]
["Don't set up the garden right next to, or in contact with, a heat source"]
["such as a radiator or furnace. If the garden is nearby, the plants should do"]
["quite well. The plants are most susceptible to cool temperatures during"]
["germination and the first few weeks of growth. In basement gardens, the"]
["floor temperature is often lower than the air. It is a good idea to raise"]
["the pots off the floor with pallets or boxes. The seeds will germinate"]
["quicker, and the plants will get off to a faster start."]
[]
["If heating is necessary, propane catalytic heaters work well, are safe and"]
["clean, and increase the carbon-dioxide content of the air. Electric and"]
["natural gas heaters also work well. Do not use kerosene or gasoline heaters."]
["They do not burn cleanly, and the pollutants they produce may harm the"]
["plants. Any heater that burns a fuel must be clean and in good working"]
["order. Otherwise, it may release carbon monoxide, which is more dangerous to"]
["you than to the plants."]
[]
["Temperature and Potency"]
[]
["Since marijuana varieties are most often grown in semi-tropical and tropical"]
["areas, the idea that high temperatures are necessary for potent marijuana is"]
["firmly entrenched in marijuana lore. This myth, like many others, is slowly"]
["disappearing as marijuana farmers and researchers accumulate more experience"]
["and knowledge. There are only a few published papers on the effects of"]
["temperature on potency. The best study we've seen 19 grew four different"]
["varieties in a controlled environment under artificial lights on a 15-hour"]
["day-length. Two temperature regimes were used: a \"warm\" regime, with"]
["temperatures of about 73F during the day and 61F at night (about average for"]
["most homes); and a \"hot\" regime, set at 90F daytime and 73F at night. In all"]
["four varieties, the concentration of THC and of total cannabinoids was"]
["higher under the \"warm\" regime. For instance, a Nepalese strain was 3.4"]
["times higher in concentration of total cannabinoids, and 4.4 times higher in"]
["THC, when grown under the \"warm\" regime than the same strain grown under the"]
["hot regime. Although we agree with the findings in principle, these"]
["figures are higher than our experience tells us."]
[]
["Interpretation of the data does show one point clearly. In all four"]
["varieties, the amount of THC lost as CBN was higher under the \"hot\" regime"]
["(see Table 16 - currently excluded from this guide), even though the"]
["concentration of THC was higher under the \"warm\" regime."]
[]
["Another research group in France has looked at the relationship of potency"]
["to temperature. The most recent paper 79 compared four temperature regimes,"]
["given in descending order of potencies found: 75F day, 75F night (highest"]
["potency); 72F day, 54F night; 81F day, 81F night; and 90F day, 54F night"]
["(lowest concentration of THC). In each, the day period was 16 hours and the"]
["night period eight hours."]
[]
["Interestingly, this same research group in an earlier paper 20 reported that"]
["the concentration of THC was higher for male plants grown at 90-72F then for"]
["those grown at 72-54F. For the female plants, the differences in THC"]
["concentration were small. The variety used was a propyl variety (type IV)"]
["containing about half as much THCV as THC. For both the male and female"]
["plants, the concentration of THCV were high under the 90-72F regime."]
[]
["The simplest interpretation of all these results is that mild temperatures"]
["seem to be optimum for potency. Temperatures over 90F or below 60F seem to"]
["decrease the concentration of THC and total cannabinoids. Also, at higher"]
["temperatures, much more THC will be lost as CBN. And last, propyl varieties"]
["may produce less THCV under a cool regime. Bear in mind that none of these"]
["papers accounted for all of the many variables that could have affected the"]
["findings. For instance, the concentration of THC was 18 times higher at"]
["75-75F than at 90-54F. We've never seen differences of this magnitude, and"]
["sampling error undoubtedly influenced the findings."]
[]
["In terms of growth rate and potency, daily temperatures of about 75F, give"]
["or take a few degrees, are roughly optimum. Normal household temperatures"]
["are in the low 70's during daytime and the low 60's at night. The heat from"]
["a light system will raise the garden's temperature a few degrees. In most"]
["gardens temperatures will be near 75F during the day. Night-time"]
["temperatures drop about 10 to 15 degrees. When night-time temperatures drop"]
["into the 50's or below, set the light cycle to turn on during the early"]
["morning, when the temperature will be lowest. In a small room, the light"]
["system will generate enough heat to warm the garden without any need for a"]
["heater. Whenever you wish to raise the temperature by, say, five or 10"]
["degrees, it is better to add more lights than a heater. The plants will"]
["benefit from the additional light, as well as from the heat they generate."]
["And an electric heater, watt for watt, doesn't generate much more heat than"]
["a lamp and its fixture."]
[]
["Composition of the Air"]
[]
["Air provides two essential ingredients for the living plant: oxygen and"]
["carbon dioxide. The plant uses oxygen for respiration in the same way we do."]
["The oxygen is used to burn carbohydrates (CH2O) and other food, yielding"]
["energy (ATP; see section 4) for the organism, and releasing carbon dioxide"]
["and water into the environment."]
[]
["During photosynthesis, CO2 is used to form carbohydrates. As part of"]
["photosynthesis, light energy is used to split water molecules, releasing"]
["oxygen into the environment. In plants, the net result from respiration and"]
["photosynthesis is that much more oxygen is released than consumed, and more"]
["carbon dioxide is consumed than released. The oxygen in the Earth's"]
["atmosphere is formed by photosynthetic organisms."]
[]
["The similarity between plant and animal respiration ends at a cellular"]
["level. Plants don't have lungs to move the air. The passage of gases,"]
["whether oxygen or carbon dioxide, is primarily a passive process. The gases"]
["diffuse through microscopic pores called stomata, found in Cannabis on the"]
["undersides of the leaves. The plants can open and close their stomata,"]
["allowing moderate control of the flow of air. However, for good exchange of"]
["gases, the plants require adequate ventilation for air circulation."]
["{Cannabis is a C3 plant}"]
[]
["Cannabis is not particularly susceptible to a stuffy or stagnant atmosphere."]
["A garden in the corner of a room that is open to the house will be"]
["adequately ventilated. Ventilation is not a problem unless the garden is"]
["large and fills a quarter or more of the space in a room. Gardens in small,"]
["confined spaces such as closets, must be opened daily, preferably for the"]
["duration of the light period. Plants growing in a closed closet may do quite"]
["well for the first month, but they'll need the door opened as the plants"]
["begin to fill the space. The larger the plants get, the greater the need for"]
["freely circulating air."]
[]
["When the weather is mild, an open, but screened, window is the best solution"]
["for ventilation. In large indoor gardens where there isn't much air"]
["circulation, a small fan is helpful. After germination, make spaces in the"]
["surrounding reflectors to allow air to circulate freely. Leave the spaces at"]
["the bottom, ends, and the tops of the garden. The higher the temperature or"]
["the humidity, the more the plants need good ventilation."]
[]
["CO2"]
[]
["CO2 is a natural, non-poisonous gas present in the atmosphere, which plants"]
["absorb and use during photosynthesis to synthesise sugars and organic"]
["compounds for energy and growth. Plants can effectively use CO2 up to about"]
[".15 percent concentration, about five times the concentration (.03)"]
["naturally present in the atmosphere. Increasing the CO2 dramatically"]
["increases the growth rate, often up to twice the rate of growth in plants in"]
["a natural atmosphere. Supplemental CO2 systems are an inexpensive way"]
["serious gardeners dramatically increase a garden's yield. {And decrease fire"]
["risk.} {Picture Common emitter systems are safe, inexpensive, easy to setup,"]
["and may double the rate of growth in a garden.}"]
[]
["There are two good ways to increase the concentration of CO2. Greenhouse"]
["growers use CO2 generators which produce CO2 by burning a clean-burning fuel"]
["such as propane or butane. The problems with CO2 generators are that they"]
["require a fuel, operate with an open flame, and produce a lot of heat. These"]
["are not necessarily problems if the grow room needs to be heated, and if the"]
["room is constantly monitored."]
[]
["For home-growers, the emitter system is more efficient, relatively cheap,"]
["safe, and easy to use. Many suppliers who advertise in High Times and"]
["Sinsemilla Tips offer complete emitter systems that come with a regulator,"]
["solenoid valve, flow-meter, timer, (sometimes distribution tubing), and"]
["detailed, yet simple instructions. You must rent compressed CO2 gas tanks"]
["from a local compressed gas supplier or beverage company. The setup is not"]
["complicated or expensive, and a walk through the Yellow Pages should show"]
["several suppliers."]
[]
["Since the CO2 in the atmosphere is about .03 percent, and the maximum CO2"]
["concentration that your plants use is about .15 to .2 percent, set your"]
["emitter system to regulate a concentration of .12 to .17 percent CO2 in the"]
["room. Don't worry if you don't understand. All systems are easy to install"]
["and come with easily understood instructions."]
[]
["7.6 Humidity"]
[]
["Marijuana flourishes through a wide range of relative humidity. It can grow"]
["in an atmosphere as dry as a desert or as moist as a jungle. Under ordinary"]
["household conditions, the humidity will rarely be too extreme for healthy"]
["growth. The effects of the humidity on plant growth are closely tied to"]
["temperature, win speed, and the moisture of the soil."]
[]
["The relative humidity affects the rate of the plant's transpiration. With"]
["high humidity, water evaporates from the leaves more slowly; transpiration"]
["slows, and growth slows also. With low humidity, water evaporates rapidly;"]
["the plant may not be able to absorb water fast enough to maintain an"]
["equilibrium and will protect itself from dehydration by closing its stomata."]
["This slows the transpiration rate and growth also slows. There is a"]
["noticeable slowing of growth because of humidity only when the humidity"]
["stays at an extreme (less then 20 percent or over 90 percent)."]
[]
["Cannabis seems to respond best through a range of 40 to 80 percent relative"]
["humidity. You should protect the plants from the direct outflow of a heater"]
["or air conditioner, both of which give off very dry air. During the first"]
["few weeks of growth, the plants are especially susceptible to a dry"]
["atmosphere. If this is a problem, loosely enclose the garden with aluminum"]
["foil, white sheet plastic, or other materials. This will trap some of the"]
["transpired moisture and raise the humidity in the garden. Once the seedlings"]
["are growing well, the drier household atmosphere is preferred."]
[]
["Where the humidity is consistently over 80 percent, the plants may develop"]
["stem rot or grow more slowly. Good air circulation from open windows or a"]
["small fan is the best solution."]
[]
["As long as the air is freely circulating, the plants will grow well at"]
["higher humidities. Dehumidifiers are expensive (over $100) and an"]
["extravagance."]
[]
["Humidity and Potency"]
[]
["As far as we know, there has been little work done correlating the relative"]
["humidity with potency. In the two related cases we've seen, 85, 117 neither"]
["study was intended to examine the effects of relative humidity and potency."]
["However, a lower humidity (50 to 70 percent) produced slightly more potent"]
["plants than a higher relative humidity (80 percent and over)."]
[]
["A dry atmosphere seems to produce more potent plants. When the humidity is"]
["about 50 percent or less, plant development is more compact, and the leaves"]
["have thinner blades. When the atmosphere is humid, growth is taller and the"]
["leaves luxuriant with wider blades. The advantage to the plant is that wider"]
["blades have more surface and hence can transpire more water. The converse is"]
["that thinner blades help conserve water. Higher potency may simply be due to"]
["less leaf tissue for a given amount of cannabinoids and resin glands."]
[]
["The temperature also influences the form and size of the leaves. At higher"]
["temperatures, the leaves grow closer together; under a cool regime, the"]
["leaves are larger, have wider blades, and are spaced farther apart 77."]
["Possibly, cool temperatures yield slightly lower potency for much the same"]
["reason that a moist atmosphere does."]
[]
["However, differences in potency caused by any of the growth factors (light"]
["nutrients, water, temperature, humidity, etc.) are small compared to"]
["differences caused by the variety (heredity) and full maturation (expression"]
["of heredity). For example, the humidity in Jamaica, Colombia, Thailand, and"]
["many other countries associated with fine marijuana is relatively high and"]
["averages about 80 percent."]
[]
["However, try to keep the atmosphere dry. The atmosphere in heated or"]
["air-conditioned homes is already dry (usually 15 to 40 percent). For this"]
["reason, many growers sow so that the plants mature during the winter if the"]
["home is heated or in mid-summer if it is air-conditioned. As we mentioned,"]
["there should be no need to use dehumidifiers. Good air circulation and"]
["raising the temperature to 75 to 80F are the simplest means of dealing with"]
["high humidity."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Eight"]
["GARDENING TECHNIQUES"]
[]
["8.2 Thinning"]
[]
["Depending on the viability of the seeds, there should be several plants"]
["growing in each pot. Most growers thin to one plant per pot, but the plants"]
["don't have to be thinned until they crowd each other and have filled the"]
["garden with foliage. The longer you let them grow, the more potent they'll"]
["be."]
[]
["It is virtually impossible to tell the gender of the plants when they are"]
["young. The normal ratio of males to females in Cannabis is one to one. Some"]
["farmers end up wit more male plants because of their thinning practices."]
["When the plants are less than a month old, the male plants often appear"]
["taller and better developed than the females. The male seedling uses more of"]
["its energy to develop its aboveground parts than the female. The female"]
["devotes more energy to establishing a strong root system. During the first"]
["few weeks, don't thin the plants by leaving only the tallest, or you'll wind"]
["up with a higher ratio of males. Try to leave seedling that are healthy and"]
["vigorous and that are roughly at the same point of development."]
[]
["To thin your garden, remove any plants with yellow, white, or distorted"]
["leaves. Remove the less vigorous and those that lag far behind in"]
["development. Cut the unwanted plants near the base; the root system can"]
["remain in the pot."]
[]
["These harvested seedlings will be your first taste of homegrown grass."]
["Usually they produce a mild buzz, but if you separate the growing tips from"]
["the large leaves, they may be more potent."]
[]
["8.3 Transplanting"]
[]
["However you transplant, try to disturb and expose the roots as little as"]
["possible. If you transplant carefully, the plants will not exhibit delayed"]
["or slowed growth due to transplant shock."]
[]
["Transplanting Seedlings"]
[]
["When the plants are a week to two weeks old, transplant to any pot that has"]
["no plants. First, moisten the soil in the pot from which you will remove the"]
["transplant and let is sit for a few minutes. Take a spade or a large spoon,"]
["and insert it between the transplant and the plant that will be left to"]
["grow. Try to leave at least one inch of space from spoon to stem. Lever the"]
["spoon toward the side of the pot, in order to take up a good-size wedge of"]
["soil. Place the transplant in a prepared hole at the same depth that it was"]
["growing before. Replace the soil in both pots and moisten lightly again to"]
["bond the new soil with the original. If you are careful, a wedge of soil can"]
["be removed intact. The root system will not be disturbed and the plant will"]
["survive with little or no transplant shock. Do not fertilise a transplant"]
["for two weeks."]
[]
["To prevent possible drop-off and wilting from shock, you may want to use"]
["Rootone or Transplantone. These safe powders, available at nurseries,"]
["contain root-growth hormones and fungicides. They won't be necessary if you"]
["transplant carefully."]
[]
["Transplanting to Large Pots"]
[]
["Transplanting from smaller to larger pots is a simple procedure. The"]
["marijuana root system quickly fills small pots. To transplant, moisten the"]
["soil and let it sit to become evenly moist. Pick the potted plant up, and,"]
["while holding the base of the stem, rap the pot sharply against something"]
["solid. You might cover the soil surface with a piece of newspaper or"]
["aluminium foil, which makes the job cleaner. When it is done at the right"]
["time, the root system, with all the soil adhering, will pop out of the pot"]
["intact."]
[]
["An approximate time guide for transplanting is shown in Table 17(currently"]
["excluded from this guide). At these times, give or take a week, the plants"]
["should be root-bound and all the soil will adhere to the roots, making the"]
["transplanting clean and easy."]
[]
["If the root system has not filled the pots by this time, wait a few weeks"]
["and the process will be easier. If the root system comes out in a small ball"]
["and much of the soil is empty of roots, then soil conditions are poor"]
["(usually poor drainage and over-watering) or you are transplanting much too"]
["seen."]
[]
["If the root system doesn't easily pop out, run a knife around the sides of"]
["the pot. Sometimes the roots stick to the sides, particularly is paper and"]
["clay containers. Check to see if the drainage holes are plugged. Plugged"]
["holes stop air from displacing the soil, and the vacuum pressure prevents"]
["the soil from sliding out of the pot."]
[]
["        Table 17"]
["        Guide for Transplanting"]
["Transplant                              During"]
["------------------------------------------------------------"]
["Six-ounce cups                          Second to third week"]
["Four-inch pots                          Third to fourth week"]
["Six-inch pots (half gallon)             Fourth to fifth week"]
["Eight-inch pots (one gallon)            Seventh to eighth week"]
["Two-gallon containers                   About the tenth week"]
[]
["Transplant into a soil mixture that is the same as (or is very like) the one"]
["in the original pots. Otherwise, the soils may have different osmotic"]
["properties, and the water may not disperse evenly. (This doesn't apply to"]
["small pots that are used for germination and are filled with vermiculture,"]
["Jiffy Mix, or other mediums.) Don't bury the stem. Keep the stem base at the"]
["same depth that it was growing. {Figure 47. Transplant when the plant is"]
["root-bound.}"]
[]
["Transplanting in Plastic Bags"]
[]
["To transplant plants that are in plastic bags, place the old bag into the"]
["larger-size bag. Put some soil mixture underneath, to bring the base of the"]
["stem to where the new soil surface will be. Cut the old plastic bag away and"]
["fill the side spaces with soil mixture. Two people make the job easier."]
[]
["8.4 Supports for Plants"]
[]
["Under natural conditions, stems undergo stress from wind, rain, and animals."]
["These stresses, which indoor plants do not ordinarily face, strengthen the"]
["stem. Indoor stems grow sturdy enough to support their own weight and not"]
["much more. Plant energy is used to produce more light-gathering leaf tissue,"]
["rather than wind-resistant stem tissue. Stems remain slender, usually about"]
["one-half to three-quarter inches at maturity. Since you are growing the"]
["plants for their leaves and flowers, this does not present a problem."]
[]
["Healthy plants do not ordinarily need support. If many of your plants have"]
["weak or spindly stems, there is a deficiency in either light or nutrients"]
["(notably potassium). Simply not having enough light will cause the plants to"]
["elongate, with sparse foliage and weak growth. Too much red light will cause"]
["elongation, too, so make sure you include a strong blue light, if you are"]
["using incandescents or floodlights."]
[]
["Hanging the lights higher than the recommended distances will cause the"]
["plants to elongate by rapidly growing up to the lights. Unlike sunlight, the"]
["intensity of artificial light diminishes dramatically with the distance from"]
["the lights. The plants respond by growing toward the light, seeking the"]
["higher intensity."]
[]
["Under artificial light, some plants may need support during the seedling"]
["stage or because of accident. Depending on plant size, use straws, pencils,"]
["dowels, or standard plant stakes such as cane sticks. Set them in the soil"]
["and affix the stem with string, masking tape, or wire twists such as those"]
["that come with plastic trash bags. Do not tie string or wire tightly around"]
["the stem; make a loose loop. The stem will grow in girth and can be injured"]
["by a tight loop."]
[]
["Probably the simplest method of support is to take a rigid piece of wire,"]
["form a \"C\" at one end and bend it to a right angle to the stem. Set the"]
["straight end in the soil and place the stem inside the \"C.\" Pipe cleaners"]
["are ideal for seedlings. With larger plants, straighten a coat hanger and"]
["use the same method."]
[]
["A common practice in greenhouses where tree seedlings are raised is to shake"]
["each plant once or twice daily. This practice simulates natural vibrations"]
["from the wind, and the plant reacts by increasing the growth around the"]
["stem. The stem grows thicker and stronger, and the tree can better fend once"]
["it is transplanted. It works the same way with marijuana. A fan blowing on"]
["the plants will also work. These practices are useful if you plan to move"]
["your plants outdoors. Otherwise, healthy indoor plants that will remain"]
["indoors need no special stem strengthening."]
[]
["8.5 Uniform Growth"]
[]
["The light intensity from artificial lights drops dramatically as the"]
["distance from the light source increases. When the plants are not of equal"]
["height, the shorter ones receive less light and consequently grow slower"]
["than the taller ones. This compounds the situation and, left to themselves,"]
["the shorter plants will stop growing and eventually die from lack of light."]
[]
["It is important to keep all of the plants close to the lights. {Figure 48."]
["Hang the fixture at an angle corresponding to that of the tops of the"]
["plants.} This encourages stocky, full growth and can make the difference"]
["between harvesting stems and harvesting smoking material."]
[]
["One way to deal with uneven height is to line the plants up to the line of"]
["the plant tops. As the plants grow, move them to different spots in the"]
["garden to accommodate their different sizes. Or raise the shorter plants up"]
["to the lights by placing them on milk crates, tin cans, bricks, etc."]
[]
["The quality and quantity of light emitted by a fluorescent is strongest in"]
["the middle and weaker toward the ends of the tube. Female plants require"]
["more light than males. Once the genders of the plants become clear, move the"]
["males to the ends of the system, thus leaving the stronger middle light for"]
["the females."]
[]
["8.6 Pruning"]
[]
["Probably the easiest way to deal with uneven growth is to cut back the"]
["taller plants to the average height. You may find this emotionally"]
["difficult, but pruning will not harm the plant. Cutting off the growing"]
["shoot forces the plant to develop its branches. Some growers cut back all of"]
["their plants when they are three to four weeks old. Any horizontal space is"]
["quickly filled with growing branches and the plants grow full and robust."]
[]
["The growing shoots are the most potent plant parts until the flowers appear."]
["Generally, the potency increases with growth. By three months' age, most"]
["shoots will be high-quality smoke. You can cut shoots at any time; just"]
["don't overdo it. Give the plant a chance to grow and fill out to a good"]
["size. Severe pruning will slow growth. New growth may be distorted and"]
["abnormal, with a drop in potency."]
[]
["Each time you cat a growing shoot, whether it is the stem tip or a branch"]
["tip, two shoots being to grow from the nearest leaf axils. However, don't"]
["think that cutting all the growing shoots of a plant twenty times over the"]
["course of a season will yield a plant bearing over a million new shoots, or"]
["even that the plants will double their size if pruned. Pruning simply allows"]
["the plant to develop its branches earlier. The branches present more area to"]
["gather light and, hance, can grow to fill a larger space. However, the"]
["plant's size is basically determined by the seed's potential within the"]
["limitations of the environment."]
[]
["Cutting the growing shoots or removing some leaves does not harm the plants."]
["Plants are well adapted to the loss of parts to predators, wind, etc., in"]
["the natural world. When leaves are damaged or lost, the plant plugs the"]
["wound. The leaf isn't replaced or repaired, but new leaves are continually"]
["being formed from the growing shoots. The stem, since it connects all parts"]
["of the plant, is more important to the plant as a whole. When the stem"]
["breaks or creases, it is capable of repair. You can help the plant repair"]
["its stem by splinting the wound or somehow propping the stem up straight."]
["Stems take about four or five days to heal."]
[]
["When you cut the stem or leaves, you may see the plant's sap momentarily"]
["spurt before the wound is plugged. The sap contains primarily the products"]
["of photosynthesis, in the form of sucrose (table sugar). Smaller amounts of"]
["materials associated with the living organism such as minerals, amino acids,"]
["and enzymes are also present. In marijuana, the sap is usually colourless,"]
["although a bright red colour - it looks like blood - is not uncommon in"]
["later life. The red colour is due to haematin compounds and anthocyanin"]
["pigments that naturally build up in some varieties. The red colour may also"]
["indicate a nutrient deficiency, notably of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,"]
["or magnesium."]
[]
["8.7 Training"]
[]
["Plants grow from the tips of their stems and branches. The growing tip"]
["(apical meristem) of the plant contains a hormone that acts as a growth"]
["inhibitor. This prevents the branches (lateral buds) from growing. The"]
["further a branch is from the growing tip, the less effect of the inhibitor."]
["This is why some species of plants form a cone or Christmas-tree shape with"]
["the longest branches toward the bottom of the stem. This is also why the"]
["branches grow from the top of the plant when the tip is removed. Once the"]
["growing tip is removed, the next highest growing shoot(s) becomes the source"]
["of the inhibitor. Under artificial light, the bottom branches may not"]
["receive enough light to grow even though they are far away from the"]
["inhibitor. Usually the longest branches are toward the middle of the plant."]
[]
["Some growers hate to cut the growing shoots on the main stem, since it forms"]
["the largest and most potent buds by harvest. But you can neutralise the"]
["effects of the inhibitor, without cutting the growing shoot, by bending the"]
["tip. This allows you to control the height of the plants, and forces them to"]
["branch. The top two to six inches of the stem are flexible. Bend it in an"]
["arc and secure it to the stem with a wire twist or string. Remove the wire"]
["twist in a few days so that the growing tip does not break itself as it"]
["twists up to the light. Don't bend the stem too far down. Keep it in the"]
["strong light or else it will stop growing. If you accidentally break the"]
["tip, you can splint it with matchsticks or ice-cream sticks secured with"]
["wire twists or tape until it heals. {Figure 49. The flexible tip is held in"]
["place with a wire twist.}"]
[]
["To develop large, full plants with well-developed branches, secure the"]
["growing tip once or twice for a few days while the plants are young (one to"]
["three months)."]
[]
["It is possible to train the tip so that the stem will form a series of \"S\""]
["shapes or even circles. During flowering, train the tips so that they grow"]
["horizontally. This method encourages thick, dense growth. The branch tips"]
["can also be trained. Keep bending any tips that grow above the others. This"]
["creates a garden filled with a cubic layer of vigorous flower clusters"]
["rather than a lot of stems."]
[]
["We want to emphasise that when you get the knack of training the tips, you"]
["can more than double the yield of the most potent plant parts. {Figure 50."]
["Stem trained in an \"S\" shape.} {Figure 51. Tops trained horizontally during"]
["flowering.}"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter Nine"]
["NUTRIENTS AND FERTILISING"]
[]
["9.2 Nutrients"]
[]
["There are about 15 elements known to be essential to plant life. Carbon,"]
["hydrogen, and oxygen are absorbed from air and water. The remaining 12"]
["elements are absorbed primarily from the soil, in mineral (inorganic) forms"]
["such as NO3- and K+. They constitute a natural part of soil that becomes"]
["available to the plant os organic matter decays and soil particles such as"]
["sand and clay dissolve."]
[]
["Soil elements that are necessary for normal growth are called nutrients. The"]
["elements nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) are considered"]
["major nutrients. The three numbers that appear on all fertiliser packages"]
["give the available percentage of these three nutrients that the fertiliser"]
["contains; and always in the order N-P-K. For example, 10-2-0 means 10"]
["percent N, 2 percent P (actually, 2 percent P2O5), and no K (actually, no"]
["K2O). Fertility is often measured by the amounts of major nutrients a soil"]
["contains. Relatively large amount of N-P=K are needed for lush growth."]
[]
["Three other elements - calcium (Ca), sulphur (S), and magnesium (Mg) - are"]
["called secondary nutrients. Plants require less of these nutrients, and most"]
["cultivable soils contain adequate amounts for good growth."]
[]
["Six remaining elements are called trace elements or micronutrients. As their"]
["name implies, they are needed in very small amounts. Commercial soils"]
["contain enough trace elements to sustain normal growth. The trace elements"]
["are also present in manures, humus, ash, and limestone."]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["The amount of nitrogen a soil can supply is the best indication of its"]
["fertility. Nitrogen, more than any other soil nutrient, is inextricably"]
["linked with the living ecosystem. Nitrogen is continually cycled through"]
["living systems: from soil to plants and back to the soil, primarily by the"]
["activity of soil microorganisms. Nitrogen is essential to all life. Nitrogen"]
["is a key element in the structure of amino acids, the molecules which make"]
["up proteins. These, and all other biomolecules, are synthesised by the"]
["plant. Chlorophyll, genetic material (for example, DNA), and numerous"]
["enzymes and plant hormones contain nitrogen. Hence, N is necessary for many"]
["of the plant's life processes."]
[]
["Cannabis is a nitrophile, a lover of nitrogen. Given ample N, Cannabis will"]
["outgrow practically and plant. Ample nitrogen is associated with fast, lush"]
["growth, and the plant requires a steady supply of nitrogen throughout its"]
["life. Marijuana's requirements for N are highest during the vegetative"]
["growth stages."]
[]
["Phosphorous"]
[]
["P is a constituent of energy-transfer compounds such as NADP and ATP, and"]
["molecular complexes such as the genes. The energy compounds are necessary"]
["for photosynthesis, respiration, and synthesis of biomolecules. Cannabis"]
["takes up large amounts of P during germination and seedling stages. During"]
["flowering and seed set, Cannabis' need for phosphorous is also high."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K influences many plant processes, including photosynthesis and respiration,"]
["protein synthesis, and the uptake of nutrients. Just as with P, K uptake is"]
["highest during the earliest growth stages. K is associated with sturdy stems"]
["and resistance to disease in plants."]
[]
["Calcium"]
[]
["Ca functions as a coenzyme in the synthesis of fatty compounds and cell"]
["membranes, and is necessary for normal mitosis (replication of cells)."]
["Plants take up much more Ca than the small amount necessary for normal"]
["growth. Ca is not added to soil as a nutrient; is added to adjust the soil's"]
["chemistry or pH."]
[]
["Sulfur"]
[]
["S is a constituent of certain amino acids and proteins. It is an important"]
["part of plant vitamins, such as biotin and thiamine, which are necessary for"]
["normal respiration and metabolism. (Plants synthesise all vitamins they"]
["need.) Most soils suitable for growing marijuana contain plenty of S."]
[]
["Magnesium"]
[]
["Mg is involved in protein synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates. Mg is"]
["the central element in the structure of chlorophyll molecules and hence has"]
["an important role in photosynthesis. Most mineral soils and commercial soils"]
["have a good supply of Mg."]
[]
["Trace Elements"]
[]
["The trace elements (Fe, Mn, Mb, B, Cu, Zn) are particularly important in the"]
["coenzymes and catalysts of the plant's biochemistry. Many life processes,"]
["particularly the synthesis and degradation of molecules, energy transfer,"]
["and transport of compounds within the plant, depend on trace elements. Trace"]
["elements are not used in large quantities to spur growth, but are necessary"]
["in minute amounts for normal growth. Indoor soils rarely require an addition"]
["of trace elements."]
[]
["All the nutrients are needed for normal growth. However, most of them are"]
["supplied by the potting soil. Ca, S, and the trace elements rarely present"]
["any problems. For most growers, fertilising will simply require periodic"]
["watering with a complete fertiliser, one that contains N, P, and K."]
[]
["9.3 Application: Fertilising"]
[]
["To grow to a large size, marijuana requires a steady supply of nutrients."]
["These can be added to the soil before planting or anytime during growth."]
["Bulk fertilisers are added while the soil is mixed, as described in section"]
["6. These include manures, composts, humus, and concentrated fertilisers,"]
["such as rose food. Once the plants are growing, never condition or mulch"]
["indoor soils with bulk fertilisers. they promote moulds and fungi and"]
["attract other pests to the garden. Concentrated fertilisers can damage the"]
["plants if they come in direct contact with the stem or roots."]
[]
["While the plants are growing, nutrients are given in solution; they are"]
["dissolved in water, and the plants are watered as usual. Soluble fertilisers"]
["can be either organic or inorganic (chemical), and come in a wide range of"]
["concentrations and proportions of nutrients. Two organic fertilisers are"]
["liquid manure (about 1.5-1.0-1.5) and fish emulsion ((Some fish emulsion may"]
["contain whale by-products.)) (about 5-1-1). Chemical fertilisers commonly"]
["may have 20-20-20 or 5-10-5, or may contain only one nutrient, such as"]
["16-0-0."]
[]
["A 10-5-5 fertiliser is 20 percent soluble nutrients and 80 percent inert"]
["ingredients. a 30-10-10 has 50 percent available nutrients and 50 percent"]
["inert ingredients. There is approximately the same amount of N in one tsp."]
["of 30-10-10 as in three tsps. of 10-5-5."]
[]
["Actually, you can almost use any fertiliser, but the nitrogen content should"]
["be proportionately high, and there should be some P and L also present. For"]
["example, a 20-20-20 would work fine, as would a 12-6-6 or a 3-4-3, but not a"]
["2-10-10 or a 5-10-0."]
[]
["How much fertiliser to use and how often to fertilise depend primarily on"]
["the fertility of the soil and the size of the container relative to the size"]
["of the plant. Small plants in large pots usually do not need to be"]
["fertilised. Even in small pots, most plants do not need to be fertilised for"]
["at least the first month."]
[]
["As the plants grow, they take nutrients from the soil, and these must be"]
["replaced to maintain vigorous growth. During the vegetative stage, even"]
["plants in large pots generally require some fertilising, particularly with"]
["N."]
[]
["The rate of growth of indoor plants is usually limited by the amount of"]
["light and space, once adequate nutrients are supplied. At this point, an"]
["increase in nutrients will not increase growth. Your goal is to supply the"]
["plants with their nutritional needs without overfertilising and thus"]
["toxifying the soil."]
[]
["Most fertilisers are designed for home use and have instructions for"]
["fertilising houseplants. Marijuana is not a houseplant, and it requires more"]
["nutrients than houseplants. The extra nutrients that it needs may be"]
["supplied by the use of large pots and a fertile soil mixture. In many cases,"]
["you will need to fertilise only in the dosages recommended on fertiliser"]
["packages for houseplants. For instance, Rapid-Gro (23-19-17) is popular"]
["among marijuana growers; use one tablespoon per gallon of water every two"]
["weeks."]
[]
["A typical program for fertilising might be to fertilise during the fifth"]
["week of growth and every two weeks thereafter until flowering. Then"]
["discontinue fertilising (or give at one-half concentration) unless the"]
["plants show a definite need for nutrients. It is better to fertilise with a"]
["more diluted solution more often than to give concentrated doses at longer"]
["intervals. (For instance, if instructions call for one tablespoon of"]
["fertiliser per gallon once a month, use one-quarter tablespoon per gallon"]
["once a week.)"]
[]
["Make sure that a fertiliser is completely dissolved in the water before you"]
["apply it. Put the recommended amount of fertiliser in a clear glass bottle"]
["and mix with about one cup of water. Shake vigorously and then allow it to"]
["settle. If any particles of fertiliser are not dissolved, shake again before"]
["adding the rest of the water. If you have difficulty getting all the"]
["fertiliser to dissolve, first add hot top water. If the fertiliser still"]
["does not completely dissolve, you should use another fertiliser."]
[]
["Never fertilise a dry soil or dry Soilless medium. If the medium is dry,"]
["first water with about one-half quart of plain water per pot. Let the pots"]
["sit for about 15 minutes so that the water is evenly dispersed in the pot."]
["Then fertilise as usual."]
[]
["It is difficult to give instruction for fertilising that will cover all"]
["garden situations. You want to supply the plant with its nutritive needs,"]
["but overfertilising con toxify the soil. Fertilising according to"]
["instructions for houseplants (both in frequency and concentration) should"]
["not toxify the soil. However, the plants may sometimes require more frequent"]
["or more concentrated fertilising. A good way to judge the plant's needs is"]
["not to fertilise one plant, double the fertiliser of another plant, and give"]
["the rest of the plants their normal dose. If the unfertilised plant grows"]
["more slowly, or shows symptoms of deficiencies, then probably all the plant"]
["are depending on soluble fertilisers and must be fertilised regularly. If"]
["the plants receiving the double dose grows faster than the other plants,"]
["increase the other plants' supply also. On the other hand, if there is"]
["little difference among the plants, then the soil is providing the plants"]
["with enough nutrients, and they either should not be fertilised or should be"]
["fertilised with a less-concentrated solution."]
[]
["Because they are grown in a relatively small area, it is easy to"]
["overfertilise indoor plants. When plants are vigorous, look healthy, and are"]
["growing steadily, don't be anxious to fertilise, particularly if you have"]
["already fertilised several times with soluble fertilisers. Slow growth or"]
["symptoms of deficiencies clearly indicate the need for fertilising."]
[]
["Overfertilising"]
[]
["In an effort to do the best for their plants, some people actually do the"]
["worst. Overfertilising puts excessive amounts of nutrients in the soil,"]
["causing toxic soil conditions. Excessive amounts of one nutrient can"]
["interfere with the uptake of another nutrient, or change normal plant-soil"]
["relations. Since it takes time for a build-up to occur high concentrations"]
["of nutrients generally encourage excellent growth until the toxic level is"]
["reached."]
[]
["It takes less N than other nutrients to toxify the soil; hence there is less"]
["margin for error when using N. Too much N changes the osmotic balance"]
["between plant and soil. Instead of water being drawn into the plant, water"]
["is drawn away and the plant dehydrates. The leaves feel limp even though the"]
["plant is well watered. The plant will soon die. This tips of the leaves die"]
["first and very rapidly the leaves change colour, usually to gold, but"]
["sometimes to a brown or green-grey. This change in the plants is faster,"]
["more dramatic, and more serious than for any kind of nutrient deficiency."]
[]
["You can save the plants by immediately leaching the pots as soon as the"]
["condition is recognised. Place the pots outdoors or in a sink or bathtub."]
["Discard the top inch or two of loose dirt. Run lukewarm water through the"]
["soil until a gallon of water for each two gallons of soil has passed through"]
["each pot. The leaves recover turgor in one or two days if the treatment"]
["works."]
[]
["Foliar Feeding"]
[]
["Foliar feeding ((Nitrogen fertilisers are usually NO3 (nitrate) or NO2"]
["(nitrite), substances which are also used to preserve food. They have been"]
["shown to undergo reactions to form carcinogenic substances (nitrosamines)."]
["As with eating food treated with nitrates and nitrites (hot dogs, sandwich"]
["meats, etc.), there is a possibility that such substances might be ingested"]
["by eating or smoking foliar-fed plants.)) (spraying the leaves with"]
["fertiliser) is a good way to give the plants nutrients without building up"]
["the amount of soluble substances in the soil. After the first month, foliar"]
["feed the plants with, for example, fish emulsion or a chemical fertiliser."]
["Use any fertiliser that states it can be used for foliar feeding even if it"]
["says \"not recommended for foliar feeding houseplants.\" Use a fine-mist"]
["sprayer, such as a clean Windex or Fantastik bottle. Dilute the fertiliser"]
["according to directions (fish emulsion at one tablespoon per gallon) and"]
["spray both sides of the leaves. When foliar feeding, you should spray the"]
["plants with plain water the next day, to dissolve unabsorbed nutrients and"]
["clean the plants."]
[]
["Foliar spraying is also a good way to treat plants suffering from nutrient"]
["deficiencies. Some nutrient deficiencies actually are caused by the soil's"]
["chemistry, rather than by the absence of the nutrient in the soil. Addition"]
["of the necessary nutrient to the soil may not cure the plants' problem,"]
["because the nutrient becomes locked in the soil, or its uptake may be"]
["limited by high concentrations of other elements present in the soil. Foliar"]
["feeding is direct, and if the plant's deficiency symptoms do not begin to"]
["clear up, then the diagnosis is probably incorrect."]
[]
["9.4 Nutrient Deficiencies"]
[]
["Before Diagnosing"]
[]
["Before you assume the plant has a nutrient deficiency, make sure the problem"]
["is not due to other causes. Examine the plant leaves, and along the stem and"]
["in the soil."]
[]
["Even under the best conditions, not all leaves form perfectly or remain"]
["perfectly green. Small leaves that grew on the young seedling normally die"]
["within a month or two. Under artificial lights, bottom leaves may be"]
["shielded from the light, or be too far away from the light to carry on"]
["chlorosynthesis. These leaves will gradually turn pale or yellow, and may"]
["form brown areas as they die. However, healthy large leaves should remain"]
["green at least three to four feet below the plant tops, even on those plants"]
["under small light systems. Under low light, the lower-growing shoots as well"]
["as the large leaves on the main stem are affected. Some symptoms of nutrient"]
["deficiencies begin first at the bottom of the plant, but these symptoms"]
["generally affect the lower leaves on the main stem first, and the progress"]
["to the leaves on the branches."]
[]
["Although some deficiency symptoms start on the lower, older leaves, others"]
["start at the growing shoots or at the top of the plants. This difference"]
["depends on whether or not the nutrient is mobile and can move from the older"]
["leaves to the active growing shoot. Deficiency symptoms of mobile nutrients"]
["start at the bottom of the plant. Conversely, deficiency symptoms of"]
["immobile nutrients first appear on the younger leaves or growing shoots at"]
["the top of the plant. N, P, K, Mg, B, and Mb are mobile in the plant. Mn and"]
["Zn are less mobile, and Ca, S, Fe, and Cu are generally immobile."]
[]
["A dry atmosphere or wet soil may cause the blade tips to turn brown. Brown"]
["leaf tips also may indicate a nutrient deficiency, but in this case, more"]
["tissue will turn brown than just the end tips."]
[]
["Chlorosis and necrosis are two terms which describe symptoms of disease in"]
["plants. Chlorosis means lacking green (chlorophyll). Chlorotic leaves are"]
["pale green to yellow or white. Chlorotic leaves often show some recovery"]
["after the necessary nutrient is supplied. Necrosis means that the tissue is"]
["dead. Dead tissue can be gold, rust, brown, or grey. It is dry and crumbles"]
["when squeezed. Necrotic tissue cannot recover."]
[]
["Symptoms of deficiencies of either N, P, or K have the following in common:"]
["all involve some yellowing and necrosis of the lower leaves, and all are"]
["accompanied by red/purple colour in stems and petioles. The simplest way to"]
["remedy these deficiencies is to fertilise with a complete fertiliser"]
["containing nearly equal proportions of three nutrients."]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["N is the most common deficiency of Cannabis indoors or out. Nitrogen"]
["deficiencies may be quite subtle, particularly outdoors, where the soil may"]
["continuously provide a small amount of nitrogen. In this case the opt of the"]
["plant will appear healthy, and the plant will grow steadily, but at a slow"]
["pace. The deficiency becomes more apparent with growth, as more and more of"]
["the lower leaves yellow and fall. The first sign is a gradual, uniform"]
["yellowing of the large, lower leaves. Once the leaf yellow, necrotic tips"]
["and areas form as the leaves dry to a gold or rust colour. In small pots,"]
["the whole plant may appear pale (or lime colour) before many bottom leaves"]
["are affected to the point that they yellow or die. Symptoms that accompany N"]
["deficiency include red stems and petioles, smaller leaves, slow growth, and"]
["a smaller, sparse profile. Usually there is a rapid yellowing and loss of"]
["the lower leaves that progresses quickly to the top of the plant unless"]
["nitrogen is soon added."]
[]
["Remedy by fertilising with any soluble N fertiliser or with a complete"]
["fertiliser that is high in N. If your diagnosis is correct, some recovery"]
["should be visible in three or four days. Pale leaves will regain some colour"]
["but not increase in size. New growth will be much more vigorous and new"]
["stems and petioles will have normal green colour."]
[]
["Indoors, you should expect plants to need N fertilisation a few times during"]
["growth. Once a plant shows N deficiency, you should fertilise regularly to"]
["maintain healthy and vigorous growth. Fertilise at about one-half the"]
["concentration recommended for Soilless mixtures. Increase the treatment only"]
["if the plants show symptoms again. Once the plants are flowering, you may"]
["choose not to fertilise if the plants are vigorous. They will have enough N"]
["to complete flowering and you don't want to chance toxifying the soil at"]
["this late date."]
[]
["Phosphorous"]
[]
["P deficiency is not common indoors, but may appear outdoors, particularly in"]
["dry, alkaline soils or in depleted soils, or during cool weather. Phosphorus"]
["deficiency is characterised by slow and sometimes stunted growth. Leaves"]
["overall are smaller and dark green; red colour appears in petioles and"]
["stems. The leaves may also develop red or purple colour starting on the"]
["veins of the underside of the leaf. Generally the tips of most of the leaf"]
["blades on the lower portion of the plant die before the leaves lose colour."]
["Lower leaves slowly turn yellow before they die. Remedy with any soluble"]
["P-containing fertiliser. Affected leaves do not show much recovery, but the"]
["plant should perk up, and the symptoms do not progress."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K deficiencies sometimes show on indoor plants even when there is apparently"]
["enough supplied for normal growth. Often, potassium-deficient plants are the"]
["tallest ((Potassium is associated with apical dominance in some plant"]
["species.)) and appear to be the most vigorous. Starting on the large lower"]
["leaves, the tips of the blades brown and die. Necrotic areas or spots form"]
["on the blades, particularly along the margins. Sometimes the leaves are"]
["spattered with chlorotic tissue before necrosis develops, and the leaves"]
["look pale or yellow. Symptoms may appear on indoor plants grown in a soil"]
["rich in organic material. This may be due to high salinity (Na) of some"]
["manures or composts used in the soil. Red stems and petioles accompany"]
["potassium deficiencies. K deficiencies that could seriously affect your crop"]
["rarely occur with indoor soils. However, mild symptoms are quite common."]
["Usually the plants grow very well except for some necrotic spotting or areas"]
["on the older leaves. (This condition is primarily and aesthetic problem, and"]
["you may choose not to fertilise. See 19.3.)"]
[]
["K deficiencies can be treated with any fertiliser that contains potassium."]
["Wood ashes dissolved in water are a handy source of potassium. Recovery is"]
["slow. New growth will not have the red colour, and leaves will stop spotting"]
["after a couple of weeks. In a K-deficient soil, much of the added potassium"]
["is absorbed by the soil until a chemical balance is reached. Then additional"]
["potassium becomes readily available to the plant."]
[]
["Calcium"]
[]
["Ca deficiencies are rare and do not occur if you have added any lime"]
["compound or wood ash. But calcium is added primarily to regulate soil"]
["chemistry and pH. Make sure that you add lime to soil mixtures when adding"]
["manures, cottonseed meal, or other acidic bulk fertilisers. An excess of"]
["acidic soil additives may create magnesium or iron deficiencies, or very"]
["slow, stunted growth. Remedy by adding one teaspoon of dolomitic lime per"]
["quart of water until the plants show marked improvement. Periodically"]
["fertilise with a complete fertiliser. Foliar feeding is most beneficial"]
["until the soil's chemistry reaches a new balance."]
[]
["Sulfur"]
[]
["S is plentiful in both organic and mineral soils. Liming and good aeration"]
["increases S availability. Hence S deficiencies should not occur in soils"]
["that are suitable for growing marijuana. However, sulfur deficiencies"]
["sometimes can be confused with N deficiencies and may also occur because of"]
["an excess of other nutrients in the soil solution. Sulfur-deficiency"]
["symptoms usually start at the top of the plant. There is a general yellowing"]
["of the new leaves. In pots, the whole plant may lose some green colour. Both"]
["sulfur and Mg deficiencies can be treated with the same compound, epsom"]
["salts (MgSO4). Epsom salts, or bathing salts are inexpensive and available"]
["at drug stores."]
[]
["Magnesium"]
[]
["Mg deficiencies are fairly common. They frequently occur in Soilless"]
["mixtures, since many otherwise all-purpose fertilisers do not contain Mg."]
["Magnesium deficiencies also occur in mixtures that contain very large"]
["amounts of Ca or Cl. Symptoms of Mg deficiency occur first on the lower"]
["leaves. There is chlorosis of tissue between the veins, which remain green,"]
["and starting from the tips the blades die and usually curl upward. Purple"]
["colour builds up on stems and petioles."]
[]
["A plant in a pot may lose much of its colour in a matter of weeks. You may"]
["first notice Mg symptoms at the top of the plant. The leaves in the growing"]
["shoot are lime-coloured. In extreme cases, all the leaves turn practically"]
["white, with green veins. Iron deficiency looks much the same, but a sure"]
["indication of Mg deficiency is that a good portion of the leaf blades die"]
["and curl. Treat Mg symptoms with one-half teaspoon of epsom salts to each"]
["quart of water, and water as usual. The top leaves recover their green"]
["colour within four days, and all but the most damaged should recover"]
["gradually. Continue to fertilise with epsom salts as needed until the plants"]
["are flowering well. If you are using soilless mixtures, include epsom salts"]
["regularly with the complete mixture. Because Mg deficiencies may indicate"]
["interference from other nutrients, foliar-spray with Mg to check your"]
["diagnosis if the plants are not obviously recovering."]
[]
["Iron"]
[]
["Fe deficiency rarely occurs with indoor mixtures. Iron is naturally"]
["plentiful in most soils, and is most likely to be deficient when the soil is"]
["very acid or alkaline. Under these conditions, which sometimes occur in"]
["moist eastern soil outdoors, the iron becomes insoluble. Remedies include"]
["adjusting the Ph before planting; addition of rusty water; or driving a nail"]
["into the stem. Commercial Fe preparations are also available. If the soil is"]
["acidic, use chelated iron, which is available to the plants under acidic"]
["conditions."]
[]
["Symptoms of iron deficiency are usually distinct. Symptoms appear first on"]
["the new growing shoots. The leaves are chlorotic between the veins, which"]
["remain dark green and stand out as a green network. To distinguish between"]
["Mg and Fe deficiencies, check the lower leaves for symptoms. Iron symptoms"]
["are usually most prominent on the growing shoots. Mg deficiencies will also"]
["show in the lower leaves. If many of the lower leaves have been spotting or"]
["dying, the deficiency is probably Mg. Mg deficiencies are much more common"]
["than iron deficiencies in marijuana."]
[]
["Other Trace Elements"]
[]
["The following deficiencies are quite rare. Trace elements are needed in"]
["extremely small amounts, and often enough of them are present as impurities"]
["in fertilisers and water to allow normal growth. Many houseplant fertilisers"]
["contain trace elements. Trace-element deficiencies are more often caused by"]
["an extreme pH than by inadequate quantities in the soil. If a deficiency is"]
["suspected, foliar-spray with the trace element to remedy deficiencies. Our"]
["experience has been that trace-element deficiencies rarely occur indoors. We"]
["advise you not to add trace elements to indoor soils, which usually contain"]
["large amounts of trace elements already because of the addition of organic"]
["matter and liming compounds. It is easy to create toxic conditions by adding"]
["trace elements. Manufacturers also recommend using amounts of trace elements"]
["that may be too high for indoor gardens; so use them at about one-fourth of"]
["the manufacturer's recommended dose if an addition is found to be necessary."]
[]
["Manganese"]
[]
["Mn deficiency appears as chlorotic and the necrotic spots of leaf tissue"]
["between the veins. They generally appear on the younger leaves, although"]
["spots may appear over the whole plant. Manganese deficiencies are not"]
["common. Manganese is present in many all-purpose fertilisers. Mn"]
["deficiencies may occur if large amounts of Mg are present."]
[]
["Boron"]
[]
["B deficiency may occasionally occur in outdoor soils. The symptoms appear"]
["first at the growing shoots, which die and turn brown or grey. The shoots"]
["may appear \"burned,\" and if the condition occurs indoors, you might think"]
["the lights have burned the plant. A sure sign of boron deficiency is that,"]
["once the growing tip dies, the lateral buds will start to grow but will also"]
["die. B deficiency can be corrected by application of boric acid, which is"]
["sold as an eyewash in any drugstore. Use one-fourth teaspoon per quart of"]
["water. Recovery occurs in a few days with healthy growth of new shoots."]
[]
["Molybdenum"]
[]
["Mb deficiency occurs in outdoor soils, but rarely indoors. Mb is readily"]
["available at neutral or alkaline pH. Mb is essential for nitrogen metabolism"]
["in the plant, and symptoms can be masked for a while when N fertilisers are"]
["being used. Usually there is a yellowing of the leaves at the middle of the"]
["plant. Fertilising with nitrogen may remedy some of the yellowing. However,"]
["Mb symptoms generally progress to the growing shoots and new leaves often"]
["are distorted or twisted. Mb is included in many all-purpose fertilisers."]
[]
["Zinc"]
[]
["Zn-deficiency symptoms include chlorosis of leaf tissue between the veins."]
["Chlorosis or white areas start at the leaf margins and tips. More definite"]
["symptoms are very small, new leaves which may also be twisted or curled"]
["radially. Zn deficiencies may occur in alkaline western soils. Galvanised"]
["nails can be buried or pushed into the stem. Commercial preparations of zinc"]
["are also available."]
[]
["Copper"]
[]
["Cu deficiencies are rare; be careful not to confuse their symptoms with the"]
["symptoms of overfertilisation. The symptoms appear first on the younger"]
["leaves, which become necrotic at the tips and margins. Leaves will appear"]
["somewhat limp, and in extreme cases the whole plant will wilt. Treat by"]
["foliar-spraying with a commercial fungicide such as CuSO4."]
[]
["9.5 Soilless Mixtures"]
[]
["Soilless mixtures are an alternative to using large quantities of soil."]
["Their main advantage is complete control over the nutrients that your plants"]
["receive. Soilless mixtures are also inexpensive and easy to prepare. They"]
["have a near-neutral pH and require no pH adjustment."]
[]
["Soilless mixtures are made from soil components such as vermiculite, sand,"]
["or perlite. Soilless mixtures should be blended in such a way that they hold"]
["adequate water, but also drain well and do not become soggy. A good general"]
["formula is two parts vermiculite to one part perlite. About 10 percent"]
["coarse sand or gravel can be added to give weight and stability to the pots."]
["Instead of vermiculite, you can use Jiffy-Mix, Metro-Mix, Ortho-Mix, Pro-Mix"]
["and other commercial soilless mixtures, which are fortified with a small"]
["amount of necessary nutrients, including trace elements. You can also"]
["substitute coarse sand for perlite."]
[]
["Potting"]
[]
["It is best to use solid containers with soilless mixtures rather than"]
["plastic bags. Grow the plants in one- to three-gallon containers. There"]
["won't be much difference in the size of the plants in one-gallon or in"]
["three-gallon sizes, but you will have to water a large plant every day in a"]
["one-gallon container. (The plants can always by transplanted to a larger"]
["container.) The pots must have drainage holes punched in the bottoms. Pot as"]
["usual, and add one tablespoon of dolomitic lime or two tablespoons of wood"]
["ash to each gallon of mixture."]
[]
["Germinating"]
[]
["Plants may have problems germinating in soilless mixtures. The top layer of"]
["mixture often dries rapidly, and sprouts may die or not germinate. Young"]
["seedlings also seem to have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients (notably"]
["potassium), even though adequate amounts of nutrients are being added. Since"]
["this difficulty may retard growth, it is best to start the plants in small"]
["pots with soil. Use eight-ounce paper cups, tin cans, or quart milk"]
["containers cut in half. Mix three parts topsoil or potting soil to one part"]
["soilless mixture. Fill the starting pots and germinate as usual. When the"]
["plants are two to three weeks old, transplant to the soilless mixture. First"]
["moisten the soil, and then remove the soil as intact as possible. You might"]
["handle the transplant like making castles, by carefully sliding the moist"]
["soil out of the pot. Or you can cut away the sides of the container while"]
["you place the transplant in the soilless mixture. When watering, make sure"]
["you water around the stem to encourage roots to grow into the soilless"]
["mixture."]
[]
["Peat pellets that expand are also good for starting seedling. Plant several"]
["seeds in each pellet, and place it in the soilless mixture after the sprouts"]
["appear."]
[]
["Fertilising"]
[]
["Soilless mixtures can be treated with a trace-element solution. We have"]
["grown crops with no special addition of trace elements, and the plants"]
["completed their lives without showing symptoms of trace-element deficiency."]
["In these cases there were apparently enough trace elements in the lime and"]
["the fertilisers that were used to provide the major nutrients. Many"]
["all-purpose fertilisers also contain trace elements. However, it is a good"]
["idea to treat soilless mixtures with a mild solution of trace elements"]
["before planting. Large plants can be treated a second time during the third"]
["or fourth month of growth. Do not use trace elements more often unless"]
["plants show definite trace-element deficiencies."]
[]
["Iron is the only trace element that is needed in more than minute"]
["quantities. Iron can be supplied by mixing a few brads or nails into the"]
["soilless mixture."]
[]
["Use any soluble fertiliser that is complete, that is, that contains some of"]
["each of the major nutrients. Choose one with a formula that is highest in N"]
["but contains a good portion of both P and K. For example, Rapid-Gro is"]
["23-19-17 and works well for soilless mixtures."]
[]
["Table 18 gives a formula that has worked well for us. The figures in it are"]
["a guide for estimating the amounts of fertiliser to use. When choosing a"]
["fertiliser by means of this chart, use N for a guide. For example, suppose"]
["the only fertiliser you can find that has good proportions of the major"]
["nutrients as a 20-15-15. Divide 5 (the figure for N in the table) by 20 (the"]
["figure for N in the fertiliser), and get the result 1/4. That is, the"]
["fertiliser if four times as concentrated in N as you need; so you would use"]
["one-fourth the amount of fertiliser shown in Table 18. For instance, during"]
["the vegetative stage, you would give the plants one-half to three-fourths of"]
["a level teaspoon of fertiliser per gallon of water each time you water."]
[]
["Table 18 - Guidelines for Fertilizing Soilless Mixtures"]
[]
["Growth Stage  N        P2O5     K20      Amount"]
["Seedling      5        3        4        1.5 to 2 tsp/gal"]
["Vegetative    5        2        3        2 to 3 tsp/gal"]
["Flowering     5        5        3        0.5 tp 1.5 tsp/gal"]
[]
["It is also not necessary to fertilise in these ratios. You could use a"]
["10-10-10 fertiliser throughout growth; you would use half the amounts listed"]
["in Table 18. The most important point is that the plant receive enough of"]
["each element, not that they receive specific proportions."]
[]
["Fertilising according to volume of fertiliser is not very accurate, and also"]
["does not take into account other variables (such as variety, light,"]
["temperature, etc.) that determine the amounts of nutrients your plants can"]
["use. However, it is a simple and useful way of estimating the plant's needs."]
["You can more accurately gauge the plants' needs by giving a sample plant"]
["twice the concentration of fertiliser, and another half the concentration."]
["Their performance will give you an idea of whether you are using too much or"]
["too little fertiliser. Too much fertiliser is the most damaging condition;"]
["so when in doubt give the plants less rather then more. Do not continue to"]
["give the plants the recommended amounts of fertiliser if the sample plant"]
["that is receiving less nutrients is growing as well as the other plants."]
[]
["Another way of monitoring the plant's growth is to grow a few plants in a"]
["standard soil mixture. This will show you whether the plants in the soilless"]
["mixture are growing as fast as they should, and will give you a reference"]
["for diagnosing deficiencies."]
[]
["Besides providing N, P, K, and the trace elements, you must also give your"]
["plants secondary nutrients. Ca is added by mixing a tablespoon of lime or"]
["two tablespoons of wood ash when preparing the soilless mixture. (Calcium is"]
["usually present in water and in many fertilisers as part of the salts that"]
["contain nutrients, for example, Ca(NO3)2.) Magnesium and sulfur are both"]
["found in common epsom salts, MgSO4. Use one-eighth teaspoon of epsom salts"]
["to each teaspoon of 5 percent N. For example, if you are using a 20 percent"]
["N fertiliser, you would use half a teaspoon of MgSO4 to each teaspoon of"]
["fertiliser. (Actually, enough sulfur is often present, either as part of the"]
["soilless mixture or as part of nutrient salts to allow growth.) Magnesium"]
["can also be supplied by using dolomitic limestone."]
[]
["Soilless mixtures are something between soil mixtures and water cultures"]
["(hydroponics). With hydroponics, the plants are grown in a tank of water."]
["The fertilisers are added in solution, and the water solution is"]
["periodically circulated by a pump."]
[]
["Another variation on soilless mixtures is to add a small amount of soil or"]
["humus to the soilless mixture. Some examples are:"]
[]
["        1. 4 parts soilless mixture to 1 part soil;"]
["        2. 8 parts soilless mixture to 1 part humus;"]
["        3. 15 parts soilless mixture to 1 part limed manure."]
[]
[]
["Overfertilising is less a problem with soilless mixtures then with soil,"]
["because of higher concentrations of salts are tolerable in soilless mixtures"]
["and because excess salts are easily flushed out of the mixture. A good idea"]
["is to flush each pot once after two months of growth, again after four"]
["months. Any time the plants show symptoms of overfertilisation, leach the"]
["pots immediately. Flood each pot with plain water so that it runs out the"]
["drainage holes. Continue flooding the pots until a couple of gallons of"]
["water have run through the pot. Don't fertilise for at least a week. Then"]
["fertilise with a more dilute solution that was used before. {Figure 51a."]
["Over fertilisation. Leaves turn bright gold and die, starting at the top of"]
["the plant.}"]
[]
["Chapter Ten"]
["DISEASES AND PLANT PESTS"]
[]
["Plants are considered diseased when their health or development is impaired"]
["enough that the adverse effects become visible to the eye. Disease may be"]
["caused by infectious microbes, such as bacteria or viruses, by pests such as"]
["insects, or by nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. However, for diseases"]
["that might affect your plants, there should be no need for a plant doctor."]
["You'll be able to diagnose the symptoms after careful observation."]
[]
["Leaves naturally drop from plants during the course of their lives. Not"]
["every leaf will develop perfectly or so. The small leaves that are formed"]
["during the first few weeks of growth normally die within three months."]
["Leaves at the bottom of healthy plants often die because they are shielded"]
["by the upper instance, in a garden receiving only 80 watts of fluorescent"]
["light, the plants may stay green only up to three or four feet away from the"]
["lights. Lower leaves may turn pale and yellow and then dry to gold or rust"]
["colours."]
[]
["10.2 Microbial Diseases"]
[]
["Because Cannabis is not native to the Americas, most of the microbial"]
["diseases that attack the plant are not found in this country. Homegrown"]
["Cannabis is remarkably free of diseases caused by microbes, and there is"]
["little chance of your plants suffering from these diseases. Fungal stem and"]
["root rots seem to be the only ones of consequence. These occur only because"]
["of improper care. Watering too often, coupled with a stagnant, humid"]
["atmosphere, encourages stem rot to develop. Stem rot appears as a brown or"]
["black discolouration at the base of the stem and is soft or mushy to the"]
["touch. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and be sure to water around"]
["the stem, not on it. Wipe as much of the fungus and soft tissue away as"]
["possibly. If the rot doesn't disappear in a few weeks, treat it with a"]
["fungicide."]
[]
["10.3 Nutrient Diseases"]
[]
["Diseases due to nutrient deficiencies (see section 9), are common indoors,"]
["and their symptoms usually worsen with time, affecting more and more of the"]
["plant. Whole leaves may be pale, or turn yellow or white; the condition may"]
["first afflict the bottom, or top, or the entire plant at once. Deficiency"]
["symptoms often appear as spots, splotches, or areas or chlorotic (lacking"]
["green) tissue. Sometimes necrotic (dead) tissue appears that is copper,"]
["brown, or gray. However, before you search to section 9, carefully inspect"]
["the plants for any signs of plant pests."]
[]
["10.4 Plant Pests"]
[]
["The indoor garden is an artificial habitat where the plants live in"]
["isolation from the natural world. For this reason, few of you will have any"]
["problems with plant pests. However, indoor plants are particularly"]
["susceptible to pests once contaminated. In nature, the pest populations are"]
["kept in check by their natural enemies, as well as by wind, rain, and"]
["changing temperatures. Without these natural checks, pests can run rampant"]
["through the indoor garden."]
[]
["The most common and destructive pests are spider mites and whiteflies."]
["Spider mites are barely visible to the naked eye; they are ovoid-shaped."]
["Juvenile mites are transparent and change to green as they suck the plant's"]
["tissue. Adults are tan, black, or semitransparent. False spider mites are"]
["bright red. Mites are usually well-established before you discover them,"]
["because they are so difficult to see."]
[]
["Whiteflies are white (obviously) but look like tiny moths rather than flies."]
["The adults are about 1/16 inch long, and you may not see one unless if"]
["flutters by the corner of your eye. Then shake the plants. If the result"]
["looks like a small snowstorm, the plants are infested with whiteflies."]
["{Figure 52. Left: Spider mite (x16). Right: A match head dwarfs tiny spider"]
["mites.}"]
[]
["The symptoms of infection by mites and whiteflies are similar. Symptoms"]
["usually appear on the lower leaves and gradually spread to the top of the"]
["plant. The first indications are that the plant loses vigour; lower leaves"]
["droop and may look pale. Look closely at the upper surfaces of the leaves"]
["for a white speckling against the green background. The speckles are due to"]
["the pests sucking the plant's chlorophyll-rich tissue. With time, the leaf"]
["loses all colour and dies."]
[]
["Pests are easiest to find on the leaves that are beginning to show some"]
["damage. You can usually see mites and whitefly larvae as tiny dots looking"]
["up at the lights through the undersides of the leaves."]
[]
["To find out which pest you have, remove some damaged leaves and inspect the"]
["undersides under bright daylight. With spider mites, if you discover them"]
["early, a leaf may show only one or two tiny dots (adults) and a sprinkling"]
["of white powder (eggs) along the veins. In advanced cases, the undersides"]
["look dusty with the spider mites' webbing, or there may be webbing at the"]
["leaf nodes or where the leaflets meet the petioles. With whiteflies, you"]
["usually see the adults first. On the undersides of the leaves the whitefly"]
["larvae look like mites, but there is no webbing, and there are tiny golden"]
["droplets of \"honeydew\" excreted by the adult whiteflies. {Figure 53. Mites"]
["appear as black specks when you look up to the lights from the undersides of"]
["the leaves. Also see Plate 14.}"]
[]
["Take quick action once you discover plant pests. If the plants are less than"]
["a month old, you will probably be better off to clean out the garden, in"]
["order to eliminate the source of the pests, and start over. As long as the"]
["plants are healthy they can withstand most attacks. The more mature the"]
["plants are, the less they are affected by pests. Whiteflies and mites"]
["sometimes disappear from flowering plants, particularly the female flowers."]
["Mites are difficult to eliminate completely. Often a holding action will"]
["save a good crop."]
[]
["If only a few plants in your garden are infected, remove them. Or else,"]
["remove any leaves that show damage. If the plants are three or more months"]
["old, you might consider forcing them to flower while they are still healthy."]
["Plants that are good-sized and still vigorous will usually stand up well to"]
["mites once they are flowering."]
[]
["If you don't want to use insecticides, there are several alternative ways to"]
["keep the pests in check until flowering. Mix 1/8 to 1/4 pound of pure soap"]
["(such as Ivory flakes) thoroughly in one gallon of lukewarm water. Then"]
["cover each pot with foil or newspaper, invert it, and dip and swish the"]
["plant around several times in the soapy solution. Let is drip dry and rinse"]
["with clear water. Use the dunking procedure every week or two until the"]
["plants are larger. This is often enough to get the plants growing well and"]
["into flowering before the pest population can become a serious problem."]
[]
["Two homemade sprays that can be effective are dormant oil sprays ((See"]
["Insects and Pests in the Outdoor Section.)) and hot pepper sprays."]
[]
["To make hot pepper spray, mix four hot peppers with one medium onion and on"]
["clove garlic (213). Grind or chop and mash them along with some water. Cover"]
["the mash with water and allow it so stand a day or two. Add enough water to"]
["make two quarts. Strain through a coffee filter or paper towels in a funnel."]
["Add one-half teaspoon of detergent and spray as you would an insecticide."]
[]
["No one wants to use insecticides; yet they seem to be the only way to"]
["eliminate mites. There are a number of insecticides on the market that are"]
["relatively safe. Insecticides such as pyrethrum, rotenon, and malathion are"]
["relatively non-toxic to warm-blooded animals when used as directed. These"]
["are effective against many different plant pests besides mites and"]
["whiteflies. Additionally, they break down into harmless compounds such as"]
["carbon dioxide and water in a matter of days; so they do not persist in the"]
["environment."]
[]
["Safe insecticides are used for vegetables. Follow all the package"]
["precautions. Do not use more, or more often, than recommended. Overuse can"]
["kill the plant. The label will list the number of days to wait before you"]
["can safely ingest the plant, usually from two to 35 days after spraying."]
[]
["Both mites and whiteflies generally complete their brief life cycles in"]
["about one to two weeks. Because sprays are not effective against the eggs,"]
["repeat the spraying about once a week for three successive weeks to"]
["completely eliminate the pests. Since their generations are short-lived,"]
["some pests may become resistant to the spray. This can be a problem with"]
["whiteflies. Try a different insecticide if the first one does not seem to be"]
["working."]
[]
["Add a couple of drops of liquid detergent to each quart of insecticide"]
["solution. Detergent acts as a wetting agent and helps the insecticide to"]
["contact the pests and stick to the plant. Small plants can be dunked"]
["directly in the solution, the surest way to kill pests."]
[]
["To spray the plants, start at the back of the garden so that you are working"]
["away from the plants already sprayed. Spray the entire plant and soil"]
["surfaces, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves where"]
["pests tent to congregate. Stay out of the garden and keep the room closed"]
["that day."]
[]
["Sulfur dusts can also be effective against mites and many other pests, and"]
["are safe to use. The easiest way to apply them is with a plastic \"squeeze\""]
["bottle which has a tapered top. Make sure you dust the underside of the"]
["leaves."]
[]
["Before using any insecticide, remove all damaged leaves. Do not use any"]
["insecticide during flowering. Rinse the plant with a clear water spray about"]
["one week after applying any insecticide, and once more before you harvest."]
["Otherwise there may be residues left which will affect the taste of the"]
["grass."]
[]
["There are several other pests that can be a problem, although they rarely"]
["seriously affect marijuana. Aphids are about 1/16 inch long and are black,"]
["green, red, or pink. They have roundish bodies with long legs and antennae."]
["Some species have wings. They congregate on the undersides of leaves which"]
["may then lose colour and become curled or distorted. Aphids excrete"]
["honey-dew droplets on the undersides of the leaves which can attract ants."]
["If ants are also present, set out ant traps, because the ants will spread"]
["the aphids to other plants. A few successive washings in soapy water or one"]
["or two sprayings of the insecticides mentioned above should eliminate"]
["aphids."]
[]
["Mealy bugs are white, about 3/16 of an inch long, and look like small, flat"]
["sowbugs. They don't seem to like marijuana and avoid it of other plants are"]
["present. Mealy bugs can be removed individually with cotton swabs and"]
["alcohol."]
[]
["Gnats are attracted to moist soil that is rich in partially decayed organic"]
["matter such as manures. To discourage gnats when using manures, cover the"]
["top few inches in the pot with the soil mixture and no manure. Drench the"]
["soil with malathion solution for gnats or any other soil pest. Flypaper will"]
["also help against gnats as well as whiteflies."]
[]
["Some people don't mind having a few pests on their plants. Whether you want"]
["to eliminate the pests completely or simply keep them in check may come down"]
["to whether you mind hearing the snap, crackle, and poop as their little bug"]
["bodies heat and explode when the harvest is smoked. Commercial marijuana, or"]
["any marijuana grown outdoors, will contain innumerable bugs and other small"]
["lifeforms."]
[]
["Prevention"]
[]
["Whiteflies and spider mites are extremely contagious. Mites can be carried"]
["to the plant on hands, clothing, or an animal's fur. Many houseplant pests"]
["can fly or float to the garden through open windows. Mites crawl through"]
["cracks in walls and foundations during autumn, seeking warmth."]
[]
["Many houseplants are popular because they can withstand abuse and infections"]
["by common plant pests. Your houseplants may harbor mites for years without"]
["your knowledge. You can find out if your houseplants have mites by placing"]
["some marijuana seedlings among the houseplants. Mites seem to enjoy young"]
["marijuana plants so much that the plants show symptoms of mites in a matter"]
["of weeks of any are nearby."]
[]
["Hopefully, you'll never have to deal with pests. Prevention is the best"]
["policy. Use soil that has been pasteurised or sterilised to avoid bringing"]
["pest eggs and larvae into the garden. Keep the garden isolated from other"]
["plants. Use separate tools for the marijuana garden and for other plants."]
["Screen windows in the garden with wire screen or mesh fabrics such as nylon."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 11"]
["MAINTENANCE AND RESTARTING"]
[]
["To start a new crop, it is best to begin with a fresh soil. This is"]
["especially true if the plants were in small pots or were root-bound."]
[]
["If you have fertilised regularly, the soil may contain near-toxic amounts of"]
["salts. Most of the salts build up in the top two-inch layer of soil. To"]
["salvage large quantities of soil, discard the top three-inch layer of soil"]
["from each pot. Add fresh soil and bulk fertilisers. Thoroughly mix and repot"]
["in clean containers."]
[]
["It is generally not advisable to use the same soil for more than two crops."]
["Although the used soil may not support healthy growth for potted plants, it"]
["is an excellent addition to any garden soil. Spread the soil as you would a"]
["mulch. The salt concentration is quickly diluted and benefits, rather than"]
["harms, garden soil."]
[]
["Periodically clean the tubes and reflectors to remove dust and grime. As"]
["with windows, this dirt substantially decreases the amount of light the"]
["plants receive. Fluorescents lose approximately 20 to 40 percent of their"]
["original output within a year's use. Generally the higher-wattage tubes"]
["decline more rapidly than standard-output tubes. Vita-lite tubes last the"]
["longest, followed by standard fluorescents. Gro-tubes are the"]
["shortest-lived, and most growers replace them after two crops. Older tubes"]
["can be used to start seedlings and during the first month of growth. Since"]
["the plants are small and the light system is low, the old tubes generate"]
["enough light for healthy growth. Replace incandescent bulbs after 500 light"]
["hours."]
[]
[]
[]
["PART 3: OUTDOOR"]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["CULTIVATION"]
[]
["Chapter 12"]
["CHOOSING A SITE"]
[]
["There are several factors to consider when deciding where to plant,"]
["including sunlight, microclimate, availability of water, and condition of"]
["the soil. But the garden's security should be your first consideration. No"]
["matter what size your garden, rip-offs and confiscation are constant"]
["threats. But these risks can be minimised by careful planning and common"]
["senses."]
[]
["In some countries, law-enforcement agencies take a tolerant attitude toward"]
["small gardens, and people grow Cannabis in their backyards. In other areas,"]
["police are not as enlightened and place an emphasis on cultivation busts. In"]
["either case, the larger the garden, the greater the potential danger."]
["{Figure 55. A Nassau Country police officer stands in a field of marijuana"]
["plants in Lattingtown, Long Island.}"]
[]
["In Hawaii and California, where marijuana growing has become a booming"]
["business, helicopters have been a problem for commercial growers. Aircraft"]
["outfitted with visual or infrared equipment, dogs, and finks have all been"]
["used to seek out illicit plots. Aircraft equipment is least effective on"]
["steep slopes and where the vegetation is lush and varied. Where aircraft are"]
["a problem, growers prune marijuana to obscure its distinctive shape. The"]
["plants are difficult to detect from a distance when intercropped with"]
["bamboo, sunflowers, sugar cane, soybeans, or tall weeds (see Figure 60)."]
["Commercial growers often plant several small dispersed stands or many single"]
["plants, which are more difficult to detect and serve as insurance against"]
["total loss."]
[]
["But rip-offs rather than the law are more of a problem for marijuana"]
["growers. From every section of the United States, reports confirm that"]
["marijuana theft has reached epidemic proportions, and even well-hidden plant"]
["fall prey to unscrupulous people. These lowlifes often search near hippie"]
["communities and popular planting areas. Their best ally is a loose lip; so"]
["keep your garden on a \"need to know\" basis."]
[]
["12.2 Where to Grow"]
[]
["Given the value of marijuana, many people think they'll grow an acre or two."]
["But it is much harder to find spots suitable for large-scale farming than to"]
["find small garden plots. Large gardens require more planning and commitment,"]
["and usually a remote area. They may need a lot more time, energy, and"]
["investment in materials and labor-saving machinery than smaller gardens."]
[]
["A small but well-cultivated garden, say, ten by ten feet, can yield over"]
["four pounds of grass each crop. By planning realistically, you'll harvest a"]
["good stash of potent grass rather than a lot of disappointment."]
[]
["Moat people who grow marijuana plant it in their backyards. They hide the"]
["plants from curious neighbours and passers-by with walls, fences, arbor, or"]
["similar enclosures. Some people plant Cannabis as part of their vegetables"]
["garden, pruning the plants to make them less conspicuous."]
[]
["Gardeners often use ingenious ideas to keep their gardens secret. A woman on"]
["Long Island grows over thirty large plants in containers in her drained"]
["swimming pool. Although some of the plants reach a height of 12 feet, they"]
["can't be seen over the enclosing fence."]
[]
["A couple living near Nashville, Tennessee, took the roof off their three-car"]
["garage and painted the walls white to create a high-walled garden. Other"]
["growers use sheds with translucent roofs."]
[]
["Guerilla Farming"]
[]
["Many growers feel safer planting away from their property. Should the garden"]
["be discovered, they are not in jeopardy. On the negative side, they usually"]
["lose the close contact and control that a home gardener has."]
[]
["Urban gardeners use makeshift greenhouses, rooftops, vacant lots, and city"]
["dumps. Vacant lost that are overgrown with lush weeds can support a good"]
["crop, if the marijuana plants get a head start on the indigenous weeds."]
[]
["Fields, forest clearings, railroad rights-of-way, stream banks, runoff and"]
["irrigation ditches, clearings beneath high-tension lines, deserted farms and"]
["quarries, overgrown fields, and abandoned houses have all been used as"]
["garden spots. In areas where hemp is a problem weed, people plant seeds from"]
["high-potency marijuana in the same fields where the weedy hemp grows."]
["Growers harvest the plants in late July before they flower and before the"]
["fields are watched or destroyed by law enforcers."]
[]
["Larger growers often look for rough, unpopulated terrain that is accessible"]
["only by plane, helicopter, four-wheel-drive vehicles, or long hikes. They"]
["avoid areas which hunters and hikers are likely to use before harvest."]
[]
["Serious growers often find unusual places to start gardens. A grow in Chico,"]
["California, hacks through two hundred yards of dense underbrush and bramble"]
["to reach his clearing. In Oregon some growers maintain fields which are a"]
["gruelling eight-hour uphill hike from the nearest road. Some Florida farmers"]
["commute to their island and peninsula gardens by boats. A master gardener in"]
["Colorado lowers himself by rope to a fertile plain 50 feet below a cliff."]
[]
["A farmer in Hawaii wrote, \"The main concern is to grow in an undetectable"]
["place where the plants can still get enough sun. This is becoming very"]
["difficult to find and some very elaborate subterfuges have been developed."]
["People on Maui are growing plants suspended from trees and on tree"]
["platforms! Around here some people carry small plants in buckets far out on"]
["the lava fields where there is a light shading from Ohia trees and you don't"]
["leave tracks. Also people go into the sugarcane fields, tear out some cane,"]
["and put in their plants. I am sure many other things are being done.\""]
[]
["12.3 Light"]
[]
["Marijuana is a sun plant. The plants will grow in partially shaded areas,"]
["but about five hours of direct sunlight are needed for development into a"]
["lush bush. Marijuana does best when it has direct sunlight all day. If it"]
["grows at all in a heavily shaded area, it will be dwarfed and sparse - a"]
["shadow of its potential."]
[]
["Try to choose a place that maximises light. Flat areas get the most"]
["sunlight, but many growers prefer to use slops and hillsides which help to"]
["hide the plants. Southern slops usually receive more sun and stronger light"]
["than eastern and western slops, which are shaded in the afternoon and"]
["morning, respectively. Northern slopes are rarely used, since they get the"]
["least sunlight and are also the coldest. Steeper slops are shaded sooner"]
["than gradual slopes, and lower areas are shaded earlier than high ones."]
[]
["Sunlight at high altitudes is more intense, because of the thinner"]
["atmosphere and the usually lower pollution. The atmosphere and pollutants at"]
["lower elevations absorb and scatter some of the solar radiation."]
[]
["Backyard gardeners usually compromise between the need for maximum light and"]
["the need for subterfuge. An area that gets several hours of direct sunlight"]
["and bright unobstructed daylight for the rest of the day will do well. A"]
["garden exposed to the south usually gets the strongest light and is the"]
["warmest. Overhanging vegetation should be pruned so that the plants are"]
["shaded as little as possible."]
[]
["Most marijuana strains are acclimated to tropical and semitropical"]
["latitudes, where the daytime is relatively short (10 to 14 hours, depending"]
["on season), but the sunlight is quite strong. At latitudes in the United"]
["States, the sun is not as intense (although in the summer the difference is"]
["small), but the days are longer, and the plants can grow extremely fast. It"]
["is not true that intense sunlight is needed to grow great marijuana."]
["However, a summer characterised by clear sunny weather will usually produce"]
["a larger and slightly more potent crop than if the season is cloudy and"]
["rainy."]
[]
["Sunlight can be maximised by adequate spacing and orientation of the garden."]
["This is covered in section 14."]
[]
["Chapter 13"]
["SOIL"]
[]
["Of all the factors involved in growing plants, soil is the most complex. It"]
["has its own ecology, which can be modified, enriched, or destroyed; the"]
["treatment it receives can ensure crop success or failure."]
[]
["There is no such thing as the perfect soil for Cannabis. Each variety can"]
["grow within a wide range of soil conditions. Your goal is garden soil within"]
["the range for healthy growth: well-drained, high in available nutrients, and"]
["with a near neutral (7.0) pH. Cannabis grows poorly, if at all, in soils"]
["which are extremely compacted, have poor drainage, and low in fertility, or"]
["have an extreme pH."]
[]
["There are several soil factors that are important to a grower; these include"]
["soil type, texture, pH, and nutrient content. We will begin this chapter by"]
["discussing each of these topics in succession, and will then turn to"]
["discussion of fertilisers, soil-preparation techniques, and guerilla farming"]
["methods."]
[]
["13.2 Types of Soil"]
[]
["Each soil has its own unique properties. These properties determine how the"]
["soil and plants will interact. For our purposes, all soils can be classified"]
["as sands, silts, clays, mucks, and loams. Actually, soils are usually a"]
["combination of these ingredients. If you look carefully at a handful of"]
["soil, you may notice sand granules, pieces of organic matter, bits of clay,"]
["and fine silty material."]
[]
["Sandy Soils"]
[]
["Sands are formed from ground or weathered rocks such as limestone, quartz,"]
["granite, and shale. Sandy soils may drain too well. Consequently, they may"]
["have trouble holding moisture and nutrients, which leach away with heavy"]
["rain or watering. Some sandy soils are fertile because they contain"]
["significant amounts (up to two percent of organic matter, which also aids"]
["their water-holding capacity. Sandy soils are rich in potassium (K),"]
["magnesium (Mg), and trace elements, but are often too low in phosphorous (P)"]
["and especially nitrogen (N). N, which is the most soluble of the elements,"]
["is quickly leached from sandy soil. Vegetation on sands which is pale,"]
["yellowed, stunted, or scrawny indicates low nutrients, usually low N."]
[]
["Sandy soils can be prepared for cultivation without much trouble. They must"]
["be cleared of ground cover and treated with humus, manure, or other"]
["N-containing fertilisers. In dry areas, or areas with a low water table,"]
["organic matter may be worked into the soil to increase water-holding"]
["capacity as well as fertility. Sandy soil does not usually have to be turned"]
["or tilled. Roots can penetrate it easily, and only the planting row need be"]
["hoed immediately before planting. Growers can fertilise with water-soluble"]
["mixes and treat sandy soil almost like a hydroponic medium."]
[]
["Sandy soils are also good candidates for a system of sheet composting"]
["(spreading layers of uncomposted vegetative matter over the garden), which"]
["allows nutrients to gradually leach into the soil layers. Sheet composting"]
["also prevents evaporation of soil water, since it functions as a mulch."]
[]
["Silts"]
[]
["Silts are soils composed of minerals (usually quartz) and fine organic"]
["particles. To the casual eye, they look like a mucky clay when wet, and"]
["resemble dark sand or brittle clods when dry. They are the result of"]
["alluvial flooding, that is, are deposits from flooding rivers and lakes."]
["Alluvial soils are usually found in the Midwest, in valleys, and along river"]
["plains. The Mississippi Delta is a fertile alluvial plain."]
[]
["Silts hold moisture but drain well, are easy to work when moist, and are"]
["considered among the most fertile soils. They are frequently irrigated to"]
["extend the length of the growing season. Unless they have been depleted by"]
["faulty farming techniques, silts are rich in most nutrients. They often"]
["support healthy, vigorous vegetation. This indicates a good supply of N."]
[]
["Mucks"]
[]
["Mucks are formed in areas with ample rainfall which supports dense"]
["vegetation. They are often very fertile, but may be quite acidic. They"]
["usually contain little potassium."]
[]
["Mucks range from very dense to light sandy soils. The denser ones may need"]
["heavy tilling to ensure healthy root development, but the lighter ones may"]
["be cleared and planted in mounds. Mucks can support dense vegetation, and"]
["are often turned over so that the weeds thus destroyed form a green manure."]
[]
["Clay Soils"]
[]
["Clays are composed of fine crystalline particles which have been formed by"]
["chemical reactions between minerals. Clays are sticky when wet, and can be"]
["moulded or shaped. When dry, they form hard clods or a pattern of square"]
["cracks along the surface of the ground. Clays are usually hard to work and"]
["drain poorly. Marijuana roots have a hard time penetrating clay soils unless"]
["these soils are well-tilled to loosen them up. Additions of perlite, sand,"]
["compost, gypsum, manure, and fresh clippings help to keep the soil loose."]
["Clay soils in low-lying areas, such as stream banks, may retain too much"]
["water, which will make the plants susceptible to root and stem rots. To"]
["prevent this, some growers construct mounds about six inches to one foot"]
["high, so that the stems and tap roots remain relatively dry."]
[]
["Clay soils are often very fertile. How well marijuana does in clay soils"]
["usually depends on how well these soils drain. In certain areas \"clay\" soils"]
["regularly support corn cotton. This type of soil will support a good crop of"]
["marijuana. Red colour in clay soil (red dirt) indicates good aeration and a"]
["loose soil that drains well. Blue or gray clays have poor aeration and"]
["must be loosened in order to support healthy growth."]
[]
["A typical schedule for preparing a heavy clay soil In the late fall, before"]
["frost, turn soil, adding fresh soil conditioners, such as leaves, grass"]
["clippings, fresh manure, or tankage. Gypsum may also be added to loosen the"]
["soil. Spread a ground cover, such as clover, vetch, or rye. In early spring,"]
["making sure to break up the large clods, and add composts and sand if"]
["needed. At planting time, till with a hoe where the seeds are to be planted."]
[]
["As the composts and green manure raise the organic level in the soil, it"]
["becomes less dense. Each year, the soil is easier to work and easier for the"]
["roots to penetrate. After a few years, you may find that you only need to"]
["turn under the cover crop. No other tilling will be needed."]
[]
["Loams"]
[]
["Loams are a combination of about 40 percent each of sand and silt, and about"]
["20 percent clay. Organic loams have at least 20 percent organic matter. In"]
["actuality, a soil is almost always a combination of these components, and is"]
["described in terms of that combination, e.g., sandy silt, silty clay, sandy"]
["clay, or organic silty clay. Loams range from easily worked fertile soils to"]
["densely packed sod. Loams with large amounts of organic matter can support a"]
["good marijuana crop with little modification."]
[]
["13.3 Humus and Composts"]
[]
["Humus and composts are composed of decayed organic matter, such as plants,"]
["animal droppings, and microbes. Their nutrient contents vary according to"]
["their original ingredients, but they most certainly contain fungi and other"]
["microorganisms, insects, worms, and other life forms essential for the full"]
["conversion of nutrients. As part of their life processes, these organisms"]
["take insoluble chemicals and convert them to soluble forms, which plant"]
["roots can then absorb. Humus and composts hold water well and are often"]
["added to condition the soil. This conditioning results from the aerating"]
["properties and water-holding capacity of humus and composts, as well as"]
["balanced fertility."]
[]
["Humus and composts have a rich, earthy small, look dark brown to black, and"]
["may contain partially decayed matter, such as twigs or leaves. They are"]
["produced naturally as part of the soil's life process or can be"]
["manufactured at the site by gathering native vegetation into piles."]
["Composts cure in one to three months, depending on both ingredients and"]
["conditions. Decomposition can be speeded up by turning and adding substances"]
["high in N. Composts are frequently acidic and are sweetened with lime when"]
["they are piled. This also shortens curing time, since the desirable microbes"]
["prefer a neutral medium."]
[]
["13.4 Texture"]
[]
["Soil texture refers to density, particle size, and stickiness, all of which"]
["affect the soil's drainage and water-holding characteristics. The most"]
["important quality of the soil for marijuana is that it drains well - that"]
["is, water does not stand in pools after a rain, and the soil is not"]
["constantly wet. In a well-drained soil, the roots are in contact with air as"]
["well as water."]
[]
["Cannabis does best on medium-textured soils: soils that drain well, but can"]
["hold adequate water. Loams, silts, and sands usually drain well and are"]
["loose enough to permit good root development. Some clays and most mucks are"]
["too compact to permit the lateral roots to penetrate and grow. In addition,"]
["they often drain poorly, and when dry they may form hard crusts or clods, a"]
["condition marijuana cannot tolerate."]
[]
["Several simple tests will indicate the consistency and drainage qualities of"]
["your soil. Test when the soil is moist but not wet. First, dig a hole three"]
["feet deep to check the soil profile. In a typical non-desert soil, you will"]
["find a layer of decaying matter on the surface, which evolves into a layer"]
["of topsoil. Most of the nutrients available to the plant are found at this"]
["level or are leached down from it. The topsoil layer is usually the darkest."]
["It may only be an inch thick or may extend several feet. When in good"]
["condition, the topsoil is filled with life. Healthy topsoil contains"]
["abundant worms, bugs, and other little animals, and is interlaced with"]
["roots. If you can easily penetrate the underlying topsoil with your hands,"]
["its texture is light enough for healthy root growth."]
[]
["The next layer, or subsoil, may be composed of a combination os sand, clay,"]
["and small rocks, or you may hit bedrock. Sandy, rocky, and loamy subsoils"]
["present no problems as long as the topsoil is at least six inches thick."]
["Clay or bedrock often indicates drainage problems, especially if the spot"]
["has a high water table and stays wet."]
[]
["Next scrape up a handful of soil from each layer. Press each handful in your"]
["fist, release it, and poke the clump with a finger. If it breaks apart"]
["easily, it is sandy or loamy. Clods that stick together, dent, or feel"]
["sticky indicate clay or muck."]
[]
["To test for drainage, fill the hole with water. Wait half an hour to let the"]
["moisture penetrate the surrounding soil; then fill the hole with water"]
["again. If the water drains right through, you are working with sandy soil."]
["If it doesn't drain completely within 24 hours, the soil has poor drainage."]
[]
["13.5 pH"]
[]
["The pH is a measure of how alkaline (bitter) or acid (sour) the soil is. The"]
["pH balance affects the solubility of nutrients, and helps the plant regulate"]
["metabolism and nutrient uptake. The scale for measuring pH runs from 0 to"]
["14, with 7 assigned as neutral. A pH below 7 is acid; a pH above 7 is"]
["alkaline."]
[]
["Marijuana grows in soils with a pH range from 5 to 8.5, but it thrives in"]
["nearly neutral soils. Relative to other field crops, it has high lime"]
["requirements, similar to those for red or white clover or sunflower. But it"]
["does well in fields where plants with medium lime requirements, such as"]
["corn, wheat, and peanuts, are grown."]
[]
["The solubility of nutrients is affected by soil type as well as by the pH."]
["In soils with a high content of organic matter, all nutrients are soluble"]
["between 5.0 and 6.5. Phosphorous, manganese, and boron are less soluble at"]
["pH values above 6.5. Acid soils are usually found in the United States east"]
["of the 100th meridian and along parts of the West Coast, and a deep topsoil"]
["layer. Marijuana does best in acid soils when the pH is adjusted to a range"]
["of 6.3 to 7.0. {Figure 58. Map of pH for US.}"]
[]
["Mineral soils in the dry western states may be slightly acid to highly"]
["alkaline. Most nutrients are very soluble in these soils, as long as the pH"]
["ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Some of these soils are too alkaline (over 8.5); so"]
["their pH must be adjusted to near neutral to ensure healthy growth."]
[]
["Adjusting the pH"]
[]
["First test the soil pH in the garden area. Previous gardeners may have"]
["adjusted native soils, or your yard soil may have been trucked in to cover"]
["poor native soils, so that the pH of your garden soil may be different from"]
["that of other soils in the area. Different soils vary in the amount of"]
["material needed to adjust the pH. Sandy soils do not require as much as"]
["loam, and loam requires less than clays, partly because of the chemistry,"]
["and partly because of the density and physical qualities of the soils'"]
["particles."]
[]
["Adjusting Acid Soils"]
[]
["Acidic soils are treated with limestone, which is expressed as an equivalent"]
["of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Limestone is usually quarried and powdered,"]
["contains large amounts of trace elements, and comes in different chemical"]
["forms: ground limestone, quicklime, and hydrated lime (which is the fastest"]
["acting form). Dolomitic limestone is high in magnesium and is often used to"]
["adjust magnesium-deficient soils, such as those found in New England. Marl"]
["(ground seashells) is also mostly lime and is used to raise soil pH."]
["Eggshells are another source of lime. They should be powdered as finely as"]
["possible, but even so, they take a long time to affect the soil. Wood ashes"]
["are alkaline and very soluble; so they have an almost immediate effect."]
[]
["Every commercial lime has a calcium carbonate equivalent or neutralising"]
["power which is listed on the package. To find out how much to use, divide"]
["the total amount of limestone required by the pH test (see Figure 59) by the"]
["calcium carbonate equivalent. For instance, a field requires fifty pounds of"]
["limestone, but the calcic limestone you are using has an equivalent of 1.78."]
["Divide the 50 by 1.78. The resulting figure, about 29 pounds, is the amount"]
["required. Commercial limes also list the grade or particle size of the"]
["powder. In order of fineness they are: superfine, pulverised, agricultural"]
["grade, and fine meal. The finer the grade, the faster the action. {Figure"]
["59. Approximate amount of lime required to adjust pH of a 7\" layer of"]
["different types of soil.}"]
[]
["For best results, lime should be added at least four or five months before"]
["planting. In this way, the lime has a chance to react with the soil. But"]
["acid soils can be limed profitably and time before planting, or after, as"]
["long as the lime does not come into direct contact with the plants. Most"]
["growers add lime at the same time that they fertilise and turn the soil."]
["That way, tilling and conditioning are handled in one operation. The lime"]
["should be worked into the soil to a depth of ten inches. Lime can also be"]
["added by spreading it before a rain. Make sure that the soil is moist enough"]
["to absorb the rain, so that the lime does not run off. Growers who have not"]
["adjusted the pH can dissolve lime in water before they irrigate. However,"]
["this is not advised if the water runs through a hose or pump, because"]
["mineral buildup may occur in the equipment."]
[]
["Adjusting Alkaline Soils"]
[]
["Most alkaline soils have a pH no higher than 7.5, which is within the range"]
["for optimum growth. Soils that are too alkaline can be adjusted by adding"]
["gypsum, which frees insoluble salts, and include iron, magnesium, and"]
["aluminium sulphate. Marijuana has a low tolerance for aluminium; so"]
["marijuana growers should use iron or magnesium sulphate in preference to"]
["aluminium sulphate. Sulphur and gypsum are worked into the soil in the same"]
["manner as lime."]
[]
["{Table 19.}"]
[]
["Some growers correct alkaline soils by adding an organic mulch or by working"]
["acidic material into the soil. Cottonseed meal, which is acidic and high in"]
["nitrogen, can also be used. As it breaks down, cottonseed meal neutralises"]
["the soil. Pine needles, citrus rinds, and coffee grounds are all very"]
["acidic, and can be used to correct alkaline conditions. The addition of"]
["soluble nitrogen fertilisers aids the breakdown of these low-nitrogen"]
["additives. (See Table 22 in the section on \"Fertilisers\" in this section.)"]
[]
["Adjusting Alkali Soils"]
[]
["Alkali soils (pH usually above 8.5) are hardpacked and crusty, and sometimes"]
["have an accumulation of white powdery salts at the surface. They may not"]
["absorb water easily and can be extremely difficult to work. To prepare"]
["alkali soils with a permeable subsurface for cultivation, farmers leach them"]
["of their toxic accumulation of salts. The soils is thoroughly moistened so"]
["that it absorbs water. Then it is flooded so that the salts travel downward"]
["out of contact with the roots. Gypsum can be added to free some of the salts"]
["so that they leach out more easily. Gypsum can be added at the rate of 75"]
["lbs per 100 sq.ft., or 18 tons per acre. Leaching requires enormous"]
["quantities of water, an efficient irrigation system, and several months."]
[]
["{Plate 1.  Skylights are a good source of bright, unobstructed light."]
["Thai plant (closest) and Colombian plants reached over 14 feet in six months."]
[]
["Plate 2.  Top: A hidden garden using fluorescent light, foil reflectors, and"]
["bag containers.  Plants are ten weeks old.  Bottom: Simple to construct dome"]
["greenhouse in southern California.  At two months, some of these plants are"]
["six feet tall."]
[]
["Plate 3.  Upper left: Stem of a female plant. Upper right: In full sunlight,"]
["a pruned plant can grow incredibly dense. Bottom: A garden in the wilds of"]
["Oregon mountains."]
[]
["Plate 4.  Marijuana does well in most gardens. Top: Here a female plant is"]
["in early bloom at five months. The main stem was clipped at three months"]
["(Berkeley). Middle: Lower branches are spread out to catch the sun. Bottom:"]
["A female bud about two weeks before harvest.  Leaves show some damage from"]
["leafhoppers (insects shown)."]
[]
["Plate 5.  A giant sinsemilla cola grown from Mexican seed in northern"]
["California."]
[]
["Plate 6.  Top: Purple colours often appear late in life, when vigour is"]
["waning. Lower left: Resin glands glistening on a purple, female flowering"]
["shoot. Lower right: Yellow male flowers and purple leaves against a normal"]
["green leaf."]
[]
["Plate 7.  Top: Male flowers at different stages in development. A line of"]
["resin glands can be seen on the anthers of the open flowers. Lower left:"]
["Resin glands lining the pollen slit of an anther (x40). Middle right: Male"]
["flowers in full bloom. The leaves are covered with fallen pollen. Lower"]
["right: Gland heads may fall with the pollen grains. Mature grains are"]
["spherical in field of focus (x40)."]
[]
["Plate 8.  Top: Resin glands on the lower (adaxial) surface of a small, fresh"]
["leaf blade. Integrals are one millimetre (x16). Middle and lower left:"]
["Stalked glands are concentrated along the veins of the lower leaf surface"]
["(x40). Lower right (x100)."]
[]
["Plate 9.  Top: Upper (adaxial) fresh leaf surface. Left of picture, from"]
["left to right: Sharp-pointed cystolith hair, stalked gland, and tiny bulbous"]
["gland (x40). Lower left: Upper surface of a Thai leaf (x16). Lower right:"]
["Upper surface of fresh homegrown Colombian leaf (x40)."]
[]
["Plate 10.  A young female flower (homegrown Colombian). Resin glands are not"]
["yet fully developed (x16)."]
[]
["Plate 11.  Top left: A mature female flower from the same plant is in Plate"]
["10. The flower bract is swollen from the ripe seed it contains. Notice the"]
["well-developed resin glands (x25). Top right: A mixture of seeds from common"]
["marijuana varieties shows comparative size. Bottom: The tip of a sinsemilla"]
["flower at harvest. Notice cream-coloured stigmas to the left and the fresh,"]
["clear resin glands (x40)."]
[]
["Plate 12.  Upper and lower left: An overly ripe sinsemilla flower bract."]
["Many gland heads are brown or missing (top, x16; bottom, x40). Upper and"]
["lower right: Carefully handled Thai weed with intact glands. Notice the high"]
["concentration of glands and very long stalks on this bract (top, x16; bottom,"]
[" x40)."]
[]
["Plate 13.  Upper and lower left: A Colombian Gold. Gland contents are brown"]
["and stalks have deteriorated on this bract (top, x16; bottom, x40). Top"]
["right: Hawaiian; well-handled and showing little deterioration (bract x40)."]
["Middle right: Gland heads easily detach from stalks when overripe (leaf vein"]
["x40). Lower right: Stalked glands on both upper and lower leaf surfaces"]
["beginning to brown (leaf margin x40)."]
[]
["Plate 14.  Top: Whitefly larvae and their honeydew excretions on the lower"]
["surface of a leaf. Middle left: Leaf showing whitefly damage and a tiny"]
["adult. Lower left: White speckles on leaves indicating mite damage. Lower"]
["right: An overdose, or overuse of pesticide, can kill the plant."]
[]
["Plate 15.  Upper left: Healthy green plant next to a N-deficient plant."]
["Middle left: Ultraviolet burn. Plant was moved outdoors without"]
["conditioning. Lower left: \"Bonsai\" marijuana grown from a cutting. Upper"]
["right: Mg-deficient plant has chlorotic leaves dying from their tips. Lower"]
["right: Afghani variety, with characteristically wide leaf blades, show minor"]
["symptoms of N deficiency (pale leaves and red petioles)."]
[]
["Plate 16.  Upper left: Male flowers lose some green and turn \"blond\" during"]
["slow drying. Upper right: Cigar joints made with undried marijuana, which is"]
["wrapped with lone blades of fan leaves before drying. Bottom: Sequence shows"]
["change in colour in one day from sun curing.{Unfortunately, all the plates"]
["are in black and white.}}"]
[]
["Another method of reclaiming alkali soils is by adding a thick mulch and"]
["letting it interact with the soil during the winter. The mulch should be"]
["about nine inches thick, or 130 lbs or more per 100 sq.ft. This thick layer"]
["neutralises the salts and also helps to retain moisture."]
[]
["Nutrients"]
[]
["Marijuana is a high-energy plant which grows quickly to its full potential"]
["in a fertile soil that is rich in available nutrients. Nutrients are found"]
["in the soil's parent materials: sand, clay, humus, minerals, rocks, and"]
["water. Nutrients dissolve in soil water (soil solution), which is then"]
["absorbed by the plant. In complex chemical processes, roots release ions in"]
["exchange for nutrients that are dissolved in the soil solution."]
[]
["The soil acts as a reservoir for the nutrients. Most of them are in"]
["non-exchangeable forms: that is, they do not dissolve, or dissolve only"]
["slightly in water. Only a small percentage of the total reserve is free at"]
["any time as the result of chemical processes or microbial action. Healthy"]
["soils maintain a balance between free and unavailable nutrients, so that the"]
["plants they support continually receive the right amounts of required"]
["nutrients. Alkali soils have large supplies of compounds which are extremely"]
["soluble. The solution is so concentrated that alkali soils are often toxic"]
["to plants."]
[]
["There are three primary nutrients, N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K"]
["(potassium). These are the nutrients that gardeners are most likely to be"]
["concerned with and which most fertilisers supply. Soils are most likely to"]
["be deficient in one of these nutrients, especially N."]
[]
["In addition to the primary nutrients, soil supplies plants with three"]
["secondary nutrients, Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), and S (sulfur), and seven"]
["micronutrients: iron, boron, chlorine, manganese, copper, zinc, and"]
["molybdenum. Although deficiencies of all the secondary and micronutrients"]
["are reported from various parts of the United States, serious deficiencies"]
["do not occur often. ((For a discussion of the symptoms of nutrient"]
["deficiencies is marijuana, see section 9.))"]
[]
["Marijuana absorbs nutrients primarily through a fine network of lateral"]
["roots which grow from the taproot. Lateral roots may spread over an area"]
["with a diameter of five feet, and may go as deep as the roots can penetrate."]
["Plants in deep sandy soils or in soils that have porous mineral subsoils may"]
["grow roots as deep as even seven feet. Roots which can absorb nutrients from"]
["a larger area are more likely to fulfil the plants' needs than are shallow"]
["roots which result in shallow topsoil layers over compacted subsoils. When"]
["the roots have a large area from which to absorb nutrients, the soil does"]
["not need to be as fertile as when the roots are restricted to a small area"]
["by poor soil or by being grown in pots."]
[]
["You can get a good indication of soil fertility by observing the vegetation"]
["that the soil supports. If the vegetation is varied, has a lush look to it,"]
["is deep green, and looks vigorous, it is probably well-supplied with"]
["nutrients. If the plants look pale, yellowed, spindly, weak, or generally"]
["unhealthy, the soil is probably deficient in one or more nutrients."]
[]
["Testing"]
[]
["Agricultural colleges, County Extension Agents, and private companies"]
["perform soil analyses for a small fee from a sample you mail to them. The"]
["tests include nutrient, pH, and texture analyses, and are very accurate."]
["There are also simple-to-use test kits available at nurseries and garden"]
["shops which give a fair indication of soil fertility and pH. Test results"]
["include a suggested fertiliser and lime program catered to the soil's"]
["individual requirements for the crop to be planted. Marijuana has nutrient"]
["requirements similar to those for corn, wheat, and sugarcane, and prefers"]
["just a little more lime (a more alkaline soil) than those crops; so soil can"]
["be fertilised as it would be for those crops."]
[]
["Soil tests are one indication of soil fertility. They test for available"]
["nutrients, but not for reserves that are held in the soil. Test results may"]
["also vary because of recent rainfall, changes of moisture content, and"]
["seasonal changes. Most soil tests do not measure the ability of the soil to"]
["make nutrients available. This is a very important factor when considering a"]
["fertiliser program and should not be overlooked. As an example, an"]
["uncultivated field showed only moderate amounts of N available, and"]
["indicated a need for N fertiliser. The vegetation - tall grass, weeds, and"]
["bush - had a healthy look and was dark green, and the lower leaves remained"]
["healthy. Obviously, the soil was able to supply an adequate amount of N to"]
["the plants, which withdrew it from the soil solution as it became available."]
["The soil and plants had reached a balance, and the soil solution slowly"]
["became more dilute over the course of the season."]
[]
["To a great extent, the soil's ability to maintain a constant and adequate"]
["supply of nutrients depends on the soil's humus content. Humus can support"]
["dense populations of microorganisms. As part of their life processes,"]
["microorganisms decompose organic matter in the humus. Nutrients contained in"]
["the organic matter are released by microbes as simply inorganic molecules"]
["(e.g., NO3) which can dissolve in soil water. Generally, soils with a high"]
["humus content can keep plants supplied with more nutrients than soil tests"]
["indicate."]
[]
["The Primary Nutrients"]
[]
["If you look at any fertiliser package, you will note three numbers on the"]
["package. They stand for N-P-K, always in that order. Marijuana does best in"]
["a soil which supplies high amounts of N and medium amounts of P and K."]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["The availability of N is the factor most likely to limit the growth of"]
["marijuana. For fast healthy growth, marijuana requires a soil rich in"]
["available N. Nitrogen is constantly being replaced in the soil solution by"]
["microbial breakdown of organic matter. Some microorganisms can use N"]
["directly from the atmosphere. They release N as waste in the form NO3, which"]
["is the primary form in which plants absorb N. A small amount of N is also"]
["dissolved in falling rainwater. When the soil is moist, it loses N through"]
["leaching and to plants. In its available form (NO3, NO2, NH4), N is very"]
["soluble and may be carried away with runoff or may drain into the subsoil."]
[]
["Probably the most accurate method of measuring a soil's ability to produce N"]
["is by the percentage of organic matter in the soil (see Table 20). Organic"]
["matter releases N at a rate that is determined by the type of soil, the"]
["temperature, and the moisture. Generally, the more aerated and warmer the"]
["soil, the faster organic matter decomposes and releases N. Most professional"]
["testing services report the percentage of organic matter, and some"]
["sophisticated kits can also test for it."]
[]
["In its available state, N is tested in two compounds, ammonium (NH4) and"]
["nitrate (NO3). Test results are converted into PPM (parts per million) of N"]
["and then added to arrive at the total amount of N available in the soil. The"]
["formulas to convert nitrate and ammonium to N are (NO3) * 0.226 = N, (NH4) *"]
["0.78 = N. Each PPM indicates 10.7 pounds of N per acre available in the top"]
["7.87 inches. If the soil level is deeper, there is probably more N"]
["available. If it is shallower, less is available. But a test for available N"]
["gives only a fair approximation of the soil's ability to feed the plant. An"]
["individual test may be untypical because of recent leaching or depletion"]
["during the growing season."]
[]
["An intensively cultivated crop of hemp takes about 250 pounds of N per acre"]
["or six pounds per 1,000 square feet from the soil during the growing season."]
["When the plants are spaced well apart, the crop does not require as much N."]
[]
["Fields which have more than 200 lbs of available N per acre (or 4.5 lbs per"]
["1,000 sq.ft.) at the start of the growing season require no additional"]
["fertilisation. Soils with less available N will probably yield a larger crop"]
["if they are given additional N. Actually, the amount of N that can"]
["profitably be used depends on the soil and its potential to produce N as"]
["well as on other factors: how fast N is lost, the soil depth, and moisture"]
["content."]
[]
["One way to calculate the amount of N to add to the soil is to build your"]
["soil to an \"ideal\" level. For example, an Iowa silt loam may test about 1.6"]
["pounds of N per 1,000 sq.ft. and an organic content of 3 percent. Together,"]
["the available and potential N total about 3.2 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft. To"]
["increase the available N to 4.5 per 1,000 sp.ft., you would need to add 1.3"]
["lbs of N."]
[]
["Phosphorus"]
[]
["P is an important nutrient which is used directly by the soil bacteria as"]
["well as by the plant, so that an increase in the amount of P in the soil"]
["often results in an increase of N. Because of P's low solubility, it is"]
["rarely leached from the soil. It is usually found in the greatest"]
["concentration in the soil's top layers, where it accumulates as a result of"]
["decomposition of organic matter."]
[]
["In slightly acid organic soil, up to one percent of the total P is available"]
["at any time. The total amounts of P in soils range from 1,000 to 10,000 lbs"]
["per acre. For example, a typical Kansas prairie soil has 3,000 lbs per acre."]
["In soils with a lower pH, more of the P is tied up in insoluble compounds of"]
["iron or aluminium. In highly alkaline soils, the P forms insoluble compounds"]
["with calcium."]
[]
["Insoluble P reacts with the dilute acids that are released during"]
["decomposition of organic matter. These compounds are available to the"]
["plants. Both the chemical processes in which P is released and the organic"]
["processes of decomposition occur faster in warm soils."]
[]
["If P is available, young plants absorb it rapidly, and may take in 50"]
["percent of their lifetime intake by the time they are only 25 percent of"]
["their adult size. Young plants grown outdoors in cold weather may grow"]
["slowly until the soil warms up and more P is available. Older plants grown"]
["out of season in cold weather sometimes exhibit purple leaves. This"]
["condition may result from a P deficiency, because of the unavailability of P"]
["at low temperatures."]
[]
["Most soil-test kits test available P, but the nutrient value of P is usually"]
["expressed as phosphoric acid (P2O5), which is converted using the formulas P"]
["* 2.3 = (P2O5),(P2O5) divided by 2.3 = P. Any soil that has available P of"]
["25 lbs per acre (0.58 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.) or more is well-supplied with P."]
["Stated in terms of phosphoric acid, this is 25 * 2.3 = 57.5 lbs per acre"]
["(1.33 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.)."]
[]
["Most inexpensive soil kits test available P. Soil that test less than 1 PPM"]
["or 10.7 lbs per acre (0.25 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.) of available P should be"]
["tested to make sure there are adequate reserves, or can be fertilised to"]
["assure maximum yield. Soil-test kits give only a fair indication of the P"]
["available. A low reading may indicate the plants are absorbing P as fast as"]
["it breaks down from its unavailable form, especially during early growth!"]
["The main factors affecting the rate at which P becomes available are the"]
["total amount of reserve P in the soil and the pH."]
[]
["Most professional soil analyses include a report of reserve P. Generally"]
["soils with reserve P of 3,000 lbs per acre (70 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.) do not"]
["need additional P. Intensively cultivated and cropped fields may have had"]
["their reserve supply depleted, and will lock up available P that is supplied"]
["as fertiliser until a balance is reached."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K is found in adequate quantities in most soils which have a pH within the"]
["range needed for growing marijuana. K is held in soils in three forms:"]
["unavailable, fixed, and readily available. Most K is held in the unavailable"]
["form as part of the minerals feldspar and mica. But a small percentage of"]
["the total K in any soil is held in fixed, slightly soluble forms. Some of"]
["these can be absorbed and used directly by the plant. The exchangeable K is"]
["equal to a fraction of the fixed K. Each soil maintains a balance or ratio"]
["of unavailable to fixed and to exchangeable forms. Organic soils have a"]
["higher percentage of K in the fixed or available form than mineral soils. As"]
["K is used by the plants, some of the unavailable K goes into the more"]
["available forms. Plants can use K in both the soluble and the fixed forms."]
[]
["Most clays and soils that are well-limed have adequate reserves of K. Acidic"]
["soils generally have low K reserves. Mucks, silts, and peats have low"]
["reserves of K, and have little capacity to hold it chemically when it is"]
["applied. Sands have K reserves, but little capacity to convert it to a fixed"]
["or available form. Most western soils have adequate reserves or K. The"]
["exchangeable K in soils becomes fixed if the soil dries out; so the"]
["available K of a recently dried soil is usually low."]
[]
["K is tested in its elementary state, but when described as a nutrient, it is"]
["given as potash (K2O). The formulas for converting are K * 1.2 + (K2O),(K2O)"]
["divided by 1.2 + K. Soils with 180 lbs or more of available potash per acre"]
["(4 lbs per 1,000 sp.ft.) have an adequate supply. The total reserve K should"]
["test no lower than 900 lbs per acre (21 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.)."]
[]
["The Secondary Nutrients"]
[]
["Magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S) are usually found in adequate"]
["quantities in soils suitable for growing marijuana. However, some New"]
["England soils do have Mg deficiencies. Soils which have a neutral or"]
["near-neutral pH almost always have adequate Ca and sulfur levels."]
[]
["Magnesium deficiencies are corrected by adding 50 to 100 lbs of Mg per acre"]
["(2.25 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.). The most inexpensive way to add Mg is to use a"]
["dolomitic limestone for adjusting soil pH. Dolomitic limestone is about 12"]
["percent Mg (see Table 21); so 800 lbs of it are needed to supply 100 lbs of"]
["Mg. Dolomitic limestone releases Mg to the soil gradually. For faster"]
["action, epsom salts (magnesium sulfate, MgSO4) can be used. Five hundred lbs"]
["of epsom salts are required to supply soil with 100 lbs of Mg. Mg"]
["deficiencies can also be corrected by using foliar sprays. Dissolve one"]
["ounce of epsom salts in a gallon of water and spray all foliage."]
[]
["{Picture  The relationship between soil pH and relative plant nutrient"]
["availability.  The wider the bar, the more the availability.  This chart is"]
["for soil types recommended in this book.."]
["        {Nitrogen - pH of 6.3 to 8"]
["         Phosphorus - 6.5 to 7.5"]
["         Potassium - 6.5 to 9"]
["         Sulfur - 6 to 9"]
["         Calcium - 6.7 to 8.5"]
["         Magnesium - 6.5 to 8.5"]
["         Iron - <4 to 6"]
["         Manganese - 4.7 to 6.5"]
["         Boron - 5 to 7 or 9"]
["         Copper and Zinc - 5 to 7"]
["         Molybdenum - 7}}"]
[]
["Micronutrients"]
[]
["Micronutrients are used by plants in minute quantities, and most soils"]
["contain enough of them to meet plant requirements. Home gardeners and"]
["guerilla farmers seldom encounter any micronutrient deficiencies. But"]
["heavily cropped lands sometimes develop a deficiency of one or more"]
["micronutrients because of crop depletion. Micronutrients are made available"]
["to the plants only if there is a delicate balance in the soil chemistry, and"]
["it is easy to create toxic conditions by adding them to soil when they are"]
["not needed. For that reason, soils should be treated with micronutrients"]
["only when symptoms occur or when the deficiency is known by analysis or past"]
["experience. Only small quantities of additives are required for treatment."]
["Manures, composts, other organic fertilisers, lime, rock powders, and ash"]
["contain large quantities of trace elements. Active organic additives quickly"]
["release micronutrients in a form that is available to the plants."]
[]
["Boron"]
[]
["Boron deficiencies in marijuana occur in acid soils as a result of depletion"]
["by heaving cropping. The areas most affected by it are vegetable fields in"]
["the mid-Atlantic states, alfalfa and clover fields east of the Mississippi,"]
["and truck farms and orchards in the Northwest. Boron is found in phosphate"]
["fertilisers, gypsum, and lime, and is the main ingredient of boric acid and"]
["borax. When borax or boric acid are used, they are applied at the rate 10 to"]
["20 lbs per acre. They are used as a foliar spray at the rate of 1 ounce per"]
["gallon of water."]
[]
["Chlorine"]
[]
["Chlorine deficiency does not normally occur. Some chemical fertilisers"]
["contain chlorine, and toxic conditions occur infrequently. Toxic chlorine"]
["conditions are eliminated by leaching."]
[]
["Copper"]
[]
["Copper deficiencies occur infrequently in truck farms in Florida,"]
["California, and the Great Lakes region. Wood shavings and tobacco contain"]
["large amounts of copper. A foliar spray composed of 1 ounce each of calcium"]
["hydroxide and copper sulfate (a fungicide) per gallon of water is used by"]
["commercial vegetable growers."]
[]
["Iron"]
[]
["Iron deficiencies occur in orchards west of the Mississippi and in Florida,"]
["and in alkaline soils in which iron is largely insoluble. Lowering soil pH"]
["often solves the problem. Chelated iron, which is water-soluble, is"]
["available at most nurseries and quickly supplies iron even when pH is"]
["extreme. Humus and seaweed are excellent sources of iron."]
[]
["Manganese"]
[]
["Manganese deficiencies occur in the Atlantic states, the Great Lakes area,"]
["Utah, and Arizona. Manganese is found in manure, seaweed, and some forest"]
["leaf mould (especially hickory and white oak). Manganese deficiencies can be"]
["corrected by using a foliar spray of manganese sulfate at the rate of 0.5 to"]
["1.0 oz. per gal. Soil is sometimes treated with manganese sulfate at the"]
["rate of 20 to 100 lbs per acre. In neutral or alkaline soils, most of the"]
["manganese sulfate becomes fixed and unavailable to the plants by the end of"]
["the growing season."]
[]
["Molybdenum"]
[]
["Molybdenum deficiencies occur primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts"]
["and in the Great Lakes region. Plants need extremely small amounts of"]
["molybdenum, less than 1 PPM in leaf and stem tissue. Molybdenum deficiencies"]
["occur when the soil is too acidic. By raising the pH level, one can make"]
["molybdenum available."]
[]
["Zinc"]
[]
["Zinc deficiencies occur in soils throughout the U.S., primarily because of"]
["heavy cropping. It is most likely to occur in acid-leached sandy soils, and"]
["in neutral and alkaline soils where it is insoluble. In soils with high"]
["amounts of available P, zinc is also unavailable. Many deciduous tree leaves"]
["and twigs, composts, slag, and rock phosphate contain large amounts of zinc."]
["Zinc sulfate is used as foliar spray at the rate of 3 oz. of zinc sulfate"]
["per gallon of water, or as a soil treatment at the rate of 100 lbs per acre."]
["Some orchard growers drive galvanised nails into the trees to provide zinc."]
[]
["13.6 Fertilisers"]
[]
["Most soils can benefit from a realistic soil-conditioning program. Most"]
["organic programs build soil, and minimise leaching and runoff. Programs"]
["using chemical fertilisers emphasise immediate increase in yield and a"]
["minimum of labor. The approach that you use should be tailored to the soil's"]
["needs and to your situation and goals. For example, a home gardener"]
["interested in building soil quality can easily add manure or compost to his"]
["garden. But a guerilla farmer may use concentrated chemical fertilisers,"]
["which are easy to transport to a remote area. A farmer cannot use the"]
["labor-intensive techniques which a small planter might use as a hobby. Many"]
["gardeners use both organic and inorganic fertilisers."]
[]
["Organic Fertilisers"]
[]
["Organic fertilisers are usually less concentrated than chemical mixes. Their"]
["bulk consists of fibrous materials which condition the soil by aiding"]
["drainage and increasing the organic content and water-holding capacity. As"]
["they are decomposed by microbial action, the nutrients they contain are"]
["released in soluble form. Since this is a gradual process, there is little"]
["chance of creating toxic conditions."]
[]
["Manures and composts are basic, all-purpose conditioners. They contain"]
["adequate amounts of most of the nutrients that marijuana absorbs from the"]
["soil and can be used generously. Uncomposted manures are \"active\" and should"]
["be used only in the fall. Over the winter they compost in the ground."]
["Composts and composted manures can be added in the spring. Table 22 lists"]
["some common organic fertilisers which are usually available. Some of them,"]
["such as bone meal and granite dust, break down slowly and are available only"]
["after a period of time. Others are low or lacking in one or more of the"]
["major nutrients. Organic fertilisers can be combined to provide a complete"]
["balance."]
[]
["Chemical Fertilisers"]
[]
["Most chemical fertilisers act quickly because all the nutrients are in"]
["soluble form. They are usually more concentrated than organic fertilisers,"]
["and can toxify the soil and kill the plants when they are overused."]
["Fertilisers come in various concentrations and ratios of nutrients. All"]
["packaged fertilisers list the percentages of N-P-K (actually"]
["n-(P2O5)-(K2O)). Also listed is the potential acidity or alkalinity, that"]
["is, the number of pounds of lime or sulfur required to counteract pH changes"]
["caused by the fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers are often incompatible with"]
["each other; so home gardeners who use them should buy them pre-mixed or as a"]
["complete component fertiliser set."]
[]
["Solubility is a major problem with commercial fertilisers. In irrigated"]
["areas as well as areas with rainfall during the growing season, they are"]
["likely to be leached away; so they must often be applied several times"]
["during the growing season. A typical program might be to fertilise at"]
["planting and every six weeks thereafter until the beginning of flowering."]
["When spreading fertilisers during the growing season, do not let them come"]
["into direct contact with the roots. An easy way to fertilise during the"]
["growing season is to make a small trough between rows with the corner of a"]
["hoe. Fertiliser is placed in the depression. Some new chemical formulas"]
["release nutrients during the length of the growing season, and therefore"]
["need only one application."]
[]
["Amounts to Use"]
[]
["The amounts of nutrient needed per acre and per 1,000 sq.ft. are shown in"]
["Table 23. Soils rich in one nutrient may be average or deficient in another."]
["To calculate the required amount of a specific fertiliser, divide the amount"]
["of nutrient required as listed in the chart by the percentage of nutrient in"]
["the fertiliser. For instance, to add 5 lbs of N to an area by using"]
["bloodmeal, divide 5.00 by 0.15. The total comes to a little more than 33"]
["lbs. Dried cow manure contains about 1.5 percent N. About 333 pounds of it"]
["are needed to supply 5 lbs of N. Urea, a chemical fertiliser, contains 46"]
["percent N. Only 11 pounds are required to supply 5 lbs of N."]
[]
["Planning a Garden Fertiliser Program"]
[]
["Now let's plan some garden fertilisation programs, to help some cultivators"]
["in three areas which have different soils and climates: New England, Kansas,"]
["and Florida. We'll see how growers with different goals adjust their garden"]
["soil."]
[]
["New England"]
[]
["Most New England soils, and many soils in humid temperate areas, have a"]
["thick layer of humus which supplies N. New England soils also contain"]
["moderate amounts of P, but they are low in K."]
[]
["Our first gardener has a typical New England soil in his backyard. From"]
["tests and observation he thinks his soil contains moderate amounts of N and"]
["P, but is low in K. A test indicated a pH of 5.8. He plans to start"]
["preparing his ten-foot-square plot (100 sq.ft.) in the fall, before frost."]
["By planting time, he expects his backyard garden to have a pH of 6.7 and a"]
["balanced, fertile soil."]
[]
["From Figure 59 he finds that the soil requires about 8.1 lbs of lime. He has"]
["decided to adjust the pH by using dolomitic limestone (with a calcium"]
["carbonate equivalent of 0.45) because farmers in the area sometimes complain"]
["of Mg deficiencies. Dividing 8.1 by 0.45, he finds that the soil requires 18"]
["lbs of limestone. (Lime requirements divided by calcium carbonate equivalent"]
["equals the amount of limestone needed.)"]
[]
["He guesstimates that the N content of his soil rates between fair and"]
["medium, and figures the soil can use almost 0.2 lbs of N. He has decided to"]
["spread fresh manure from a nearby stable mixed with lime. In the spring he"]
["will turn this into the soil; at the same time, he will add manure composted"]
["with hay and table scraps. The fresh horse manure contains about 0.44"]
["percent N. To find out how much manure he needs, he divides 0.2 (the amount"]
["of N required) by 0.0044. The total comes to about 45.5 lbs. (Nutrient"]
["required divided by percentage in fertiliser equals amount of fertiliser"]
["needed.) The manure also contains 0.17 percent phosphoric acid (P2O5) and"]
["0.35 percent potash (K2O), referred to hereafter in this chapter as P and K,"]
["respectively. Multiplying 0.17 percent (0.0017) and 0.35 percent (0.0035) by"]
["66 lbs, he finds that he has added 0.11 lbs of P and 0.23 lbs of K. (Lbs of"]
["fertiliser times percentage of nutrient in fertiliser equals amount of"]
["nutrient in fertiliser.)"]
[]
["          BOX F"]
[]
["          Chemical fertilisers usually supply P in the form of"]
["          superphosphate or triple superphosphate. These chemicals are"]
["          manufactured by mixing rock phosphate with acids. Potassium"]
["          is supplied by means or muriate of potassium (K and chlorine)"]
["          or sulfate or potash, which are mined in the Southwest and"]
["          purified. All these chemicals are soluble and are available"]
["          to the plant. But a portion of them gradually reacts with the"]
["          soil and becomes fixed or unavailable. As this portion"]
["          becomes unavailable, it increases the total reserve in the"]
["          soil, which reaches a new balance of available to unavailable"]
["          nutrients than before fertilisation."]
[]
["          Bone meals and rock phosphate, the most commonly used organic"]
["          sources of P, and granite dust, a source of K, are not"]
["          readily available, but increase the total reserve of"]
["          nutrients and gradually increase the total amount of"]
["          available nutrients. However, there is some time lag before"]
["          these nutrients are available to the plant. They are usually"]
["          applied in large amounts, at about three times the weight"]
["          calculated for fertilisers of that concentration. But one"]
["          treatment lasts four years or more, because the fertilisers"]
["          remain fixed in the ground until they are used. {Table 24}"]
[]
["From Table 23 he finds that the soil requires about five ounces of P. How"]
["many ounces of P is 0.11 lbs? He multiplies 0.11 by 16, the number of ounces"]
["in a pound, and finds that the total is about 1.75 ounces. The soil requires"]
["another 3.25 ounces. Bone meal is about 20 percent P. To supply three ounces"]
["of P, about a pound of bone meal is required. But bone meal breaks down"]
["slowly, and is therefore applied at three times the rate used for other"]
["fertilisers; so our cultivator uses 3 lbs."]
[]
["Since the K content of this New England soil is poor, about 0.3 lbs of K is"]
["required. The manure has already supplied 0.2 lbs; so the soil requires"]
["another 0.1 lb. Our cultivator decides to use wood ashes from his fireplace."]
["Wood ashes are about 7.0 percent K. He divides 0.1 by 7 percent (0.07) and"]
["finds that the soil can use at least 1.4 lbs of ashes. He adds this in the"]
["spring just before planting, because the ashes are highly soluble. Over the"]
["winter, such highly soluble nutrients would leach away or become"]
["unavailable."]
[]
["Our grower knows that some of the N in the fresh manure that was added in"]
["the fall will leach away during the winter. But the manure compost that he"]
["adds in the spring will more than make up for any losses."]
[]
["A New England farmer not for from the cultivator has been rotating his field"]
["from corn and marijuana to alfalfa and pasture for the past ten years. Each"]
["fall he adds 7 tons of manure per acre. Except for occasional additions of"]
["lime, no other fertilisation is necessary."]
[]
["A rural New England grower has decided to plant in a remote mixed-forest"]
["area. The first 10 inches of soil is a rich compost of humus. It is full of"]
["life: insects, worms, and other creatures. The grower has decided to"]
["increase the fertility of the soil by using chemical mixes and dolomitic"]
["lime. He is cultivating in three clearings with a total area of about 1,000"]
["sq.ft. He guesstimates that the soil is medium in N and P, but poor in K. It"]
["is also acid. He applied enough lime to correct the soil's natural acidity"]
["and the pH of the fertiliser."]
[]
["Using Table 23, he decides that he should purchase a mix with a ratio of 50"]
["parts of N, 10 parts of P (reading from the medium line), and 120 parts of K"]
["(from the poor line), that is, a ratio of 5-1-12. A local nursery sells"]
["commercial fertiliser with nutrient percentages of 10-5-25, close enough to"]
["the desired ratio. By taking the total amount of N required for a medium"]
["soil as listed in Table 23 (19 ounces), and dividing it by the N in the"]
["fertiliser (10 percent or 0.10), the rural grower finds the total amount of"]
["fertiliser required (190 ounces, or a little less than 12 lbs). The other"]
["nutrients are automatically added in the same ratio."]
[]
["Kansas: A cultivator in Kansas decides to plant along a hidden stream bank."]
["The banks are covered with lush vegetation as a result of runoff that"]
["contains soluble fertilisers used on nearby farms. The cultivator feels that"]
["additional fertilisers are not necessary, since the vegetation is so lush."]
[]
["Another grower in Kansas found that her soil was very low in N and P, but"]
["high in K, typical of dry midwestern and western soils that support scrub"]
["vegetation. It had a nearly ideal pH. She started to prepare her 200 sq.ft."]
["garden in the spring after the rain season ended. Using Table 23, she found"]
["that it required 3.5 lbs of N, 6 ounces of P, and no K. Activated sludge"]
["(5-3-0) was available at the local garden centre. To find out how much"]
["sludge her garden required, divide 3.5 by 5 percent (or 0.05). The total"]
["comes to 70 lbs."]
[]
["Florida: A grower planting 500 sq.ft. on a deserted ranch in central Florida"]
["started with a very sandy soil whose pH was 4.9 because of sulphurous water"]
["in the ground. From Figure 59, she found that the soil required about 35 lbs"]
["of lime. To adjust the pH, she used 14.0 lbs of a limestone with a calcium"]
["carbonate equivalent of 2.5."]
[]
["The soil had virtually no organic matter, and she was not sure she could use"]
["the same location next year; so she decided to apply soluble mixes"]
["throughout the growing season. From Table 23, she found that \"poor\" required"]
["28 ounces of N, 4 ounces of P, and 24 ounces of K. A chemical fertiliser"]
["with nutrient percentages of 15-5-10 was on sale at a local discount store."]
["To find out how much fertiliser is needed to supply 28 ounces of N, divide"]
["28 by 15 percent (or 0.15); the result is about 186 ounces of N, or about"]
["11.5 pounds. Since the other nutrients are supplied at the same proportions"]
["or at higher proportions than are required, no supplements are needed at"]
["planting time. But additional feedings will be required periodically during"]
["the growing season."]
[]
["13.7 Techniques for Preparing Soils"]
[]
["Each garden situation is unique, and many factors help determine which"]
["garden techniques you should use. These include the soil's condition, the"]
["size and location of the garden, commitment, and personal preferences. Each"]
["technique affects the microecology in its own way. Home gardeners may use"]
["techniques that are impractical for a farmer or guerilla planter. But all"]
["growers have the same goal when they prepare soil for planting: to create a"]
["soil environment conducive to growing a healthy, vigorous plant."]
[]
["     BOX G Fertilising Cannabis Depends on the Crop"]
[]
["          Historically, Cannabis is known to require high fertility. In"]
["          a fertile soil, Cannabis can outgrow practically any annual"]
["          plant. Cannabis also is a known depleter of soils. This is"]
["          true particularly with marijuana, since seeds, flowers, and"]
["          leaves comprise the harvest. Hence it's necessary to"]
["          fertilise the plants each year. Hemp, on the other hand,"]
["          comes from the Cannabis stem, and the fibre consists"]
["          primarily of cellulose (C6H10O5)n. When hemp is grown, all"]
["          plant parts except the fibre are returned to the soil; so the"]
["          nutrients are also returned. Moderate fertilisation, if any,"]
["          is all that's required for hemp farmers."]
[]
["If you are already growing a vegetable garden, the chances are that your"]
["soil is in pretty good shape for growing marijuana. However, vegetable"]
["gardens may be a little acidic, particularly east of the 100th meridian. The"]
["soil should be prepared in much the same way that it is prepared for corn"]
["cultivation, with the addition of lime to raise the pH to near neutral."]
[]
["Tilling"]
[]
["Gardens which may not have been planted recently (in the last three or four"]
["years) require more work. It is best to begin preparing the soil in the"]
["fall, before the first frost. This can be done using a spade or shovel. The"]
["ground is lifted from a depth os six or eight inches and turned over so that"]
["the top level, with its grass and weeds, becomes the bottom layer. Large"]
["clumps are broken up with a blade or hoe. Larger areas can be turned with a"]
["power hoer or rototiller. Conditioners, such as fresh leaves, composts,"]
["mulching materials, pH adjusters, and slow-release fertilisers are added and"]
["worked into the soil, so that they begin to decompose during the winter. It"]
["is especially important to add these materials if the soil is packed, mucky,"]
["or clay-like. Soluble fertilisers should not be added in the fall, since"]
["they leach to the subsoil with heavy rains."]
[]
["In the spring, as soon as the ground is workable, turn it once again. If the"]
["soil still feels packed, add more conditioners. If you are using manure or"]
["other organic materials, make sure that they are well decomposed and small"]
["clean and earthy. Fresh materials tie up the N in the soil while they cure,"]
["making this nutrient unavailable to the plants. Commercial fertilisers and"]
["readily soluble organics, such as blood meal and wood ash, are added at this"]
["time."]
[]
["The ground can also be seeded with clover or other legumes. Legumes"]
["(alfalfa, clover, vetch, etc.) are plants which form little nodules along"]
["their roots. The nodules contain bacteria which live in a symbiotic"]
["relationship with the plant. As part of their life processes, these bacteria"]
["absorb gaseous nitrogen from the air and convert it into a chemical form the"]
["plant can use. During its life cycle, clover uses up most of the N, although"]
["some leaks into the surrounding soil. But when the plant, or any of its"]
["leaves, die, the contents become part of the soil. The process of growing a"]
["cover crop and turning it into the soil is sometimes called green manuring."]
[]
["After the last threat of frost, at about the same time that corn is planted,"]
["the soil should be worked into rows or mounds, or be hoed. At this time, the"]
["seeds should be planted. If any concentrated fertiliser is added to the"]
["soil, it should be worked into the soil and should not come into direct"]
["contact with the seeds."]
[]
["The actual amount of tilling that a given soil requires depends on soil"]
["condition. Sandy soils and light loams may need no turning, since they are"]
["already loose enough to permit the roots to penetrate. Turning may break up"]
["the soil structure, damaging its ecology. These soils are easily fertilised,"]
["by using soluble mixes or by the layering technique described below. Soils"]
["which are moderately sandy can be adjusted by \"breaking\" and levered or"]
["pushed, but the soil is not raised. This is done about every six inches, and"]
["can be accomplished quickly. Farmers can loosen sandy soil by disking at"]
["five or six inches."]
[]
["Some gardeners mulch the soil with a layer of leaves or other materials to"]
["protect it from winter winds and weather. This helps keep the soil warm so"]
["that it can be worked earlier in the spring. In states that border west of"]
["the 100th meridian, this helps prevent soil loss due to erosion from dry"]
["winds. Soil often drains well in these areas, and the ecology of the soil is"]
["better served when it is left unturned. At season's end, marijuana's stem"]
["base and root system are left in the ground to help hold topsoil. The next"]
["year's crop is planted a cover crop, such as clover, or alfalfa, which holds"]
["the soil and also enriches the nitrogen supply."]
[]
["Layering"]
[]
["Layering is another method of cultivation. The theory behind this program is"]
["that in nature the soil is rarely turned, but builds up, as layer after"]
["layer of compostable material falls to the ground. This material, which"]
["contains many nutrients, gradually breaks down, creating a rich humus layer"]
["over a period of years."]
[]
["The layering method speeds up the natural process. Since gardens are more"]
["intensely cultivated than wild fields, new material is required to replenish"]
["the soil nutrients. Gardeners like Ruth Stout \"sheet compost,\" that is, they"]
["lay down layers of uncomposted material and let it decompose at the same"]
["time that it serves as a mulch. But most gardeners prefer to use material"]
["which is already composted. The compost shrinks and builds the topsoil layer"]
["about an inch for every six inches of compost. After several years, the soil"]
["level will be raised considerably, and the top layers will be an extremely"]
["rich, porous medium which never needs turning. In order to prevent a"]
["spillover of the soil, gardeners usually construct simple beds (using"]
["boards) to contain the garden areas."]
[]
["Layering is most successfully used on porous soils, especially sands, which"]
["contain little organic matter. It can also be used with clay soils. However,"]
["experienced growers say that clays should be turned several times before the"]
["technique is used, or the first couple of harvests will be small."]
[]
["Planting a cover crop such as clover will give the soil structure. As more"]
["compost is added, the clover is covered and the new seed planted. The"]
["clover, with its N-fixing properties, remains a permanent cover crop. When"]
["marijuana seeds are to be planted, a planting row is easily tilled with a"]
["hoe. The clover protects the soil from sun-baking and its resulting water"]
["loss, and makes it harder for weed seeds to get started."]
[]
["Tilling and layering are basic methods which are used with many variations."]
["In some ways, there almost seem to be as many gardening techniques as there"]
["are gardeners. For instance, one gardener bought three cubic yards of"]
["topsoil and a cubic yard of composted steer manure. He mixed the material"]
["and filled raised beds with it to a depth of 18 inches, and had an instant"]
["high-power garden. Another grower made compost piles in his raised troughs"]
["during the winter. By planting time, the compost was complete and filled"]
["with earthworms. The beds became warmer earlier, and he could plant sooner."]
[]
["A midwestern gardener used marijuana as a companion crop in much the same"]
["way Indians used corn. In between the marijuana, she planted beans and"]
["squash. She didn't get many stringbeans and only a few squash. But she"]
["believes that the beans gave the plants extra N, especially during the first"]
["six weeks, and the broad squash leaves protected the soil from the hot"]
["August sun."]
[]
["A gardener in Georgia had such a sticky clay soil that a shovel once got"]
["stuck in it. He dug holes two feet deep and two feet wide with a power auger"]
["and filled them with a fertile mix of two parts sand, one part clay, three"]
["parts topsoil, and one part chicken manure. He claimed that his plants grew"]
["six feet in 10 weeks. Filling holes with a rich soil mixture is popular with"]
["guerilla farmers, who often must plant in poor native soils."]
[]
["Mulching"]
[]
["Mulching is a labor-saving technique that many gardeners and farmers use for"]
["a multitude of reasons. A mulch placed on the ground before fall frosts"]
["helps the soil retain heat and protects it from winds and freezing"]
["temperatures. In the spring the mulched soil becomes warmer earlier in the"]
["season, and can be planted several weeks sooner than usual. A mulch cover"]
["keeps the seedlings' roots warm and eliminates a lot of weeding, since most"]
["weed seedlings cannot pierce the cover."]
[]
["During the summer, mulches keep the ground cooler and more moist by"]
["absorbing and reflecting light and reducing surface evaporation. These are"]
["important points for farmers in dry areas. The water savings can be 50"]
["percent or more."]
[]
["Any plant or animal material will do for mulch. Gardeners use hay or straw,"]
["leaves, composts, manures, sawdust, bark, or plant clippings in two- to"]
["six-inch layers. A barber in Palo Alto uses hair. Baled hay is inexpensive"]
["and easy to use as a mulch. Round hay bales unroll in a long sheet that is"]
["easy to spread over the ground, and square bales can be pulled apart into"]
["tile-like squares."]
[]
["Mulches create an ideal environment for earthworms and microorganisms which"]
["condition and enrich the soil. These organisms require a relatively cool,"]
["moist, dark environment. The mulch develops a dry outer crust which reflects"]
["light, keeping the underlayers cool and moist. Materials such as leaves,"]
["bark, and sawdust decay slowly because they do not contain enough nitrogen"]
["to maintain dense populations of decomposing microorganisms. Manures and"]
["composts contain more nitrogen and decay more quickly."]
[]
["With few exceptions, mulches can be applied practically any time of the"]
["year, but the best time is probably in the fall, after the crop is harvested"]
["and before the ground has frozen. Leaves, plant clippings, and straw are"]
["applied in a thick layer from six to ten inches deep. Hay is layered two to"]
["six inches deep. Denser substances, such as manures and composts, should be"]
["mixed with straw and leaves to aid decomposition. This mixture is spread in"]
["an even layer, about two to four inches deep, over the entire surface of the"]
["garden. If winds pose a problem by blowing the mulch away, you can cover it"]
["with newspapers or sheets of plastic held down with rocks. If your area is"]
["dry, give the mulch a good soaking once before frosts."]
[]
["By the spring, much of the material will seem to have disappeared. But"]
["underneath the top layer, you will find a soft-textured, earthy-smelling"]
["humus, teeming with worms, insects and other small animals. This is a sign"]
["of a healthy ecosystem and a fertile soil."]
[]
["Some people apply mulch in the spring, placing it between rows as they sow"]
["the seeds. The mulch keeps weeds from competing with the seedlings, absorbs"]
["the sun's warmth, and releases nutrients to the soil."]
[]
["In cold areas, such as Montana, New England, and Alaska, growers place black"]
["plastic sheets over the soil. These absorb the sun's heat, allowing the soil"]
["to be planted sooner. The seedlings develop quickly in the warmer soil. The"]
["plastic is removed once the seedlings are well-established."]
[]
["Newspapers and white plastic can be used to decrease water loss during the"]
["summer. They also reflect light back to the plants."]
[]
["One innovative grower from western Colorado placed a sheet of white plastic"]
["over her garden and cut out holes wherever she plant the seeds. Though it is"]
["quite dry where she lives, she didn't need to water the plants until late"]
["July. And she had no problems with any weeds."]
[]
["Containers"]
[]
["Containers are another option open to grower. Plants can be grown full-size"]
["in containers which are at least five gallons (larger would be better). Fill"]
["them with high-grade topsoil, or a plating mixture as described in section"]
["6. Planters are a convenient compromise where the soil is particularly poor"]
["or for the home gardener who does not wish to get into large-scale"]
["gardening. But remember, eight good-sized plants can yield over four pounds"]
["of grass."]
[]
["Plants in pots need to be watered frequently, but require much less total"]
["water than a garden. The gardener can also move the plants. Some gardeners"]
["use this technique to maximise the amount of sun the plants get during the"]
["day, or as the sun's position changes with the season. And growers can"]
["easily induce early flowering by moving the plants to a darkened area."]
["{Figure 61. Containers are convenient for outdoor gardens.}"]
[]
["Almost any large container that can withstand the weight of moist soil and"]
["which has holes for drainage is suitable. Containers which held toxic"]
["chemicals, herbicides, insecticides, or other possibly harmful substances"]
["should be avoided."]
[]
["We have seen all kinds of ingeniously made containers. Some growers use old"]
["bathtubs, and others use wooden packing crates or bushel baskets. A simple"]
["wood container 18 inches wide, eight feet long, and 18 inches deep was made"]
["by a New Jersey grower, who grew six plants in it. Trash cans, plastic"]
["containers, barrels, and even rubber tyres have been used. One grower grew"]
["plants in one-cubic-foot bags of soil by cutting a five-inch-diameter hole"]
["in the top and poling holes for drainage. To assure drainage, growers"]
["sometimes fill the bottom of each container with a six-inch layer of stones"]
["or gravel; is you are planning to move such container, lightweight perlite"]
["would be more suitable."]
[]
["13.8 Guerilla Farming"]
[]
["Guerilla growers often use the same techniques as home gardeners. But the"]
["soil that they start with is sometimes marginal, and the gardens are in"]
["remote, hard-to-get-to areas; so they modify the techniques to fit their"]
["needs. When it is impractical to carry bulky organic fertilisers to the"]
["growing site, guerilla farmers use highly concentrated commercial mixes."]
["Compost and soil adjusters are gathered from the surrounding area, and the"]
["simplest, most light-weight tools are used. Some growers use horses or mules"]
["to carry equipment and material, and then use the animal to plough. The"]
["animals are quiet and, naturally, require no external power source."]
["Experienced growers say that the animals can work as fast as or faster than"]
["a rototiller."]
[]
["It is hard to generalise about details of guerilla farming, since much"]
["depends on the specific circumstances, which can vary greatly. For instance,"]
["a grower who plants along the fertile bank of a midwestern stream may not"]
["need to do more than pull out weeds and till the actual planting area. But a"]
["grower planting on a mountain slope may have to \"build a soil,\" since soil"]
["and nutrients are washed from the slopes and down to the valleys by"]
["rainfall. For this reason, we will cover several situations separately:"]
["forest; washed-out steep areas; swamps and marshes; stream banks; grasslands"]
["and fields; and arid soils."]
[]
["Forest Clearings"]
[]
["Clearings in forests have always been popular places to plant because they"]
["offer security from detection. They vary greatly in drainage qualities,"]
["fertility, and pH. The drainage qualities of forest soils depend on the"]
["depth of the humus layer and the structure of the underlying subsoil. But"]
["most of the forest remaining in the U.S. is sloped, and water that is not"]
["absorbed by the soil runs off."]
[]
["Soils are created in forests from the leaves, branches, animal droppings,"]
["etc., which accumulate on the forest floor. The first trees to grow are"]
["long-leaf pines, such as jack pines, which can grow in relatively infertile"]
["soils. Their roots penetrate deep into the subsoil to obtain some nutrients."]
["Short-leaf pines, conifers, and firs appear as the humus accumulates, since"]
["they require a more fertile soil than long-leaf pines. Pine-forest soils"]
["vary in fertility from poor to fair, and are usually quite acidic. In the"]
["Northeast their pH may be as low as 3.5, but generally the pH ranges from"]
["5.0 to 6.0. In order to support a high-energy, lime loving crop like"]
["marijuana, they require fertilisation and liming. Long-leaf pines sometimes"]
["grow in compacted clay soils, which also requires tilling."]
[]
["As the soil evolves, deciduous trees (tree that drop their leaves each"]
["winter), such as oak and maple, may begin to grow. Deciduous forests,"]
["sometimes called broad-leaf or hardwood forests, have the best soils. These"]
["forest floors are covered with bushes, grasses, mosses, and other small"]
["plants. They have an adequate rainfall and a humus-rich soil, which is"]
["porous, holds water well, and can support a healthy marijuana crop, although"]
["additions of nitrogen fertilisers would probably spur growth. Hardwood"]
["forest soils have a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil in timbered forest"]
["land has a much smaller humus content, especially if it has been clearcut."]
[]
["Mountain Soils and Washed-Out Steep Areas"]
[]
["Mountain slops characteristically have little soil matter; their surface is"]
["composed largely of rocks, gravel, and sand. For longterm use they could be"]
["terraced so the newly formed soil in not washed away, but most growers are"]
["interested in more immediate results. These \"soils\" do not provide much of"]
["an anchor for marijuana's taproot and do not permit a network of lateral"]
["roots to form. Many of these soils also suffer from a low water table, since"]
["they drain rapidly. But there may be some sand and a bit of organic matter"]
["built up along gullies or in depressions or other natural traps. Such soil"]
["has usually had most of its nutrients leached out, but may contain some"]
["phosphates and potassium and considerable amounts of trace elements. The"]
["easiest way to adjust these soils is to use a well-balanced, slow-release,"]
["concentrated fertiliser. Bloodmeal, with its high N, works well with these"]
["soils."]
[]
["One grower in the badlands of North Dakota used a timed-release 32-9-26"]
["fertiliser in his \"rock garden.\" He spread it just below the surface at the"]
["beginning of the growing season. Every time that it rained, his plants"]
["received nutrient-rich water. Toward the middle of the season, he noticed"]
["the lower leaves begin to pale, so he fertilised them periodically with"]
["urea. Heavy rains leach soluble fertilisers away, and in rainy areas they"]
["need to be applied three to four times during growth."]
[]
["Containers can also be used in this environment. Growers use plastic bags or"]
["folded milk cartons instead of backpacking with a column of containers. When"]
["they get to the site, they fill the bags with a mixture of sand, as much as"]
["they can find, and gravel. The greater the ratio of sand to gravel, the"]
["longer the container will hold water."]
[]
["One grower doublelayers heavy-duty polyethylene bags, and lines them with"]
["heavy-duty paper cement sacks or burlap bags. He fills the bag with gravel,"]
["then pours in sand and shakes it. He says that the mix is just about right"]
["when it looks like a can filled with gravel with sand in the spaces. He"]
["carries on a watering and feeding program much as he would for any"]
["hydroponic system."]
[]
["Swamps, Marshes, or Bogs"]
[]
["These soils are very high in fibrous organic material, but are low in"]
["calcium and in available N, P, K, and Mg, which are leached from the soil or"]
["are insoluble because of the low soil pH. Since these soils are constantly"]
["wet, Cannabis roots cannot come in contact with air; as a result, the"]
["plant's growth is stunted, and the lower stem becomes susceptible to stem"]
["rot. These soils need to be adjusted to support a healthy crop of marijuana;"]
["they must be drained, fertilised, and limed. On a small scale, the easiest"]
["way to modify them is by constructing raised mounds, hills, or rows, at"]
["least one foot wide at the top and two feet high. The raised areas drain"]
["well, leaving relatively dry soil. Wood chips, chopped brush, sawdust, or"]
["perlite may be added to keep the mound light and the soil loose and aerated."]
[]
["Wet soils are usually highly acid and should be limed. Once the lime"]
["interacts with the soil, nutrients which were locked up become available to"]
["the plants. Since these soils are rich in organic matter and have a high"]
["rate of microbial action after they are loosened and limes, they may need"]
["little fertilisation."]
[]
["Grasslands and Fields"]
[]
["These soils are usually fairly fertile and can support a worthwhile crop"]
["with little effort. They are usually well-drained, although they may be a"]
["little too dry or too wet. (If they have unusually large numbers of"]
["earthworms, they are probably a little too wet.) Their pH is usually between"]
["5.5 and 6.5, although it may range up to 7.0. These soils are usually loams,"]
["which need only tilling in a two-foot radius, three or four inches deep,"]
["around each plant. All weeds and grass should be pulled from the area. Some"]
["growers mulch the cultivated area with newspapers, leaves, or dead grass. A"]
["grower in the Midwest adds crushed eggshells and a commercial timed-release"]
["fertiliser when he plants. He feels that this \"extra boost\" makes the"]
["difference between an adequate crop and a bountiful crop. Other growers"]
["periodically fertilise with soluble mixes. Some of these soils have to be"]
["irrigates during the long summer droughts. If they aren't, the plants won't"]
["die, but they will not grow to full size."]
[]
["Stream Banks and Canal Ditches"]
[]
["These are some of the most convenient areas for growers to plant, since they"]
["provide an ample supply of water, which may contain fertiliser runoff."]
["Stream banks are an area that marijuana naturally colonises, and the planter"]
["usually needs only to cultivate the area to be sown, and cut surrounding"]
["bush so that the young plants can compete with established plants. It the"]
["surrounding vegetation looks pale and stunted rather than lush green and"]
["vigorous, the soil should be fertilised. These soils are sometimes low in"]
["calcium, which dissolves readily in water. Lime should be added to correct"]
["for acidity."]
[]
["Sometimes the ground is a little too wet early in the growing season,"]
["although it dries out later on. Planting on hills or mounds is often used to"]
["solve this problem."]
[]
["Arid Areas"]
[]
["Soils which have a low water table and dry out by June or July need to be"]
["irrigated to grow marijuana successfully. When irrigation is not feasible,"]
["growers plant along drainage ditches, streams, and canals, or look for green"]
["spots which indicate springs or underground reservoirs. Other growers use"]
["containers to minimise water loss. One grower in Arizona dug holes two feet"]
["wide and three feet deep, and lined the sides with thin polyethylene. He"]
["said that when he watered during the summer drought, he did not lose much"]
["water to the surrounding soil."]
[]
["Arid soils usually have little organic matter, and drain quickly with"]
["extensive runoff. Some of them have a subsurface layer of clay, and"]
["therefore hold water on the surface until it evaporates. In any case their"]
["texture can be improved greatly by working in organic matter. The soil"]
["should be loosened at least two feet down. This loosening allows the taproot"]
["to develop deeply so that it can reach underground water during the drought."]
[]
["Arid soils more often drain well, are alkaline, and contain P, K, and trace"]
["elements, but are low in N. Fish meal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, or"]
["manure may be the only additive the soil needs."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 14"]
["PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING"]
[]
["After the soil is adjusted, you are ready to prepare it for planting the"]
["seed. Sowing is an important process, since the post-germination or seedling"]
["stage is the most critical for Cannabis. You can increase the seedlings'"]
["chance of survival by sowing the seeds properly."]
[]
["14.2 When to Plant"]
[]
["Most hemp-growing manuals advise that the seeds should be planted about two"]
["weeks after the last threat of frost, which is the same time that corn is"]
["planted. As a rule of thumb, you need not plant until this time in areas"]
["that have a growing season of five months or more. These areas include most"]
["of the United States, except for Zone One (see Figure 62) and mountainous"]
["areas of the country."]
[]
["Growers in northern areas report that plant have survived light evening"]
["frosts with little or no damage. We think of marijuana as a tropical plant,"]
["experiencing no chills in its native climes. But the mountainous areas of"]
["marijuana cultivation in Mexico and Colombia often have frosts during the"]
["growing season. One grower, describing spring (April) conditions in"]
["Nebraska, reported \"plants (from tropical seed) three and four inches tall"]
["were covered with snow in the evening. By midafternoon all the snow had"]
["melted, and those little sprouts were healthy as could be.\""]
[]
["Early-season sprouts do face more risks than later-germinating plants do. A"]
["lingering freeze or chill can weaken or kill them. Sometimes seeds or"]
["seedlings get washed away be heavy rains or flooding, or become infected"]
["from wet soil. They are also prey to hungry herbivores, who savour the"]
["tender young shoots, especially in the early spring, before the native"]
["plants have sprouted. These predators include rabbits, groundhogs, rats,"]
["mice, and possibly squirrels and cats, as well as large animals, such as"]
["deer, cattle, and sheep. Birds frequently eat the seeds and young shoots,"]
["especially if the ground looks planted. Snails and insects, such as cutworms"]
["and leafhoppers, also eat seedlings. Don't let this impressive list of"]
["dangers dim your enthusiasm. Although these problems do occur, they can be"]
["controlled or prevented with a little but of planning (see section 16)."]
["{Figure 62. Average date of last expected spring frost for US.}"]
[]
["As you can see in the Spring Thaw map (Figure 62), the last date of expected"]
["frost varies from early February in parts of Florida, Louisiana, Texas,"]
["California, and Nevada to mid-June in the coldest regions of New England and"]
["the Midwest. Planting time varies locally, as well as regionally. Fields"]
["which receive direct sun warm faster than partially shaded ones. Fields"]
["covered with a layer of compost or fresh manure, or with black plastic"]
["sheets, retain more heat and are ready to plant sooner than other fields."]
["Mountainous areas often vary considerably in planting time. Higher ground"]
["usually stays cold longer than low-lying areas. Since soil is dark, it heats"]
["quickly when exposed to sunlight. Soil is usually warmer in the late"]
["afternoon."]
[]
["The time that the soil warms also depends on the weather. During severe"]
["winters, a deeper layer of soil becomes frozen than during mild winters; so"]
["it will take longer to thaw. Soil below this layer is insulated by the ice"]
["and remains unfrozen. Spring weather, rainfall, flooding, and cloud cover"]
["also affect the soil's temperature."]
[]
["Actually, the only way to know whether or not a field is ready to plant is"]
["to feel it and look at it. Examine the soil in early morning. It should be"]
["easy to work, rather than hardened from ice. There should be no large frozen"]
["clods of soil or other organic matter. There should also be no fine"]
["crystalline ice particles which glimmer in sunlight."]
[]
["For fall harvest, sow outdoors after March 21, the first day of spring and"]
["the turn of the Equinox, when there are equal lengths of sun-up and"]
["sun-down. There are an additional 20 to 30 minutes of light before dawn and"]
["after sunset, for a total of 13 hours of daylight. When plants are started"]
["earlier, they may flower prematurely because of the short days. The plants"]
["may also be subject to sex reversal, and more males may develop."]
[]
["There is little advantage to starting Cannabis before April. Each plant has"]
["a certain genetically defined potential for growth and size. As long as the"]
["plants have enough time to grow and develop, usually five or six months,"]
["this potential is realised (some Colombian and Asian varieties may need"]
["longer to develop). Plants started before spring grow no larger in size than"]
["plants started during April. The younger plants are virtually"]
["indistinguishable from the older ones by harvest, and plants which are"]
["started earlier face more risks of detection and destruction. {Figure 63."]
["Average date of earliest expected fall frosts for the US. Information about"]
["Australia can be found in an Atlas.}"]
[]
["However, if you are faced with a short growing season, you can get a head"]
["start by germinating the seeds a week to six weeks before the local planting"]
["time, and transplanting the seedlings outdoors at about the same time seeds"]
["would be planted in your area. You can also hasten planting time by covering"]
["the area to be sown or planted with a clear (or black) plastic sheet, which"]
["will warm the ground by the greenhouse effect."]
[]
["14.3 Preparing to Sow"]
[]
["Growers sue three basic techniques to sow marijuana: rows, hills, and"]
["broadcast. Each method is suitable within a certain range of conditions and"]
["has its own advantages and disadvantages."]
[]
["Rows"]
[]
["Rows are convenient to use, especially for large areas. They are constructed"]
["easily using a how, plough, or tiller."]
[]
["Rows facilitate the care of gardens and fields by setting up an organised"]
["space in which the plants and surrounding area can be reached easily by the"]
["gardener. Weeding, watering, thinning, pruning, and harvesting can be"]
["accomplished very quickly. Larger fields are planted in roes to accommodate"]
["ploughs, planters, and cultivators. They are essential when fields are"]
["flood-irrigated. Furthermore, they provide a way to use space in the most"]
["efficient possible manner. But rows make detection easier, since they have"]
["an orderliness that plants do not exhibit in nature."]
[]
["On sloping and hilly ground rows are a major factor in soil conservation:"]
["such soil is easily carried away in windstorms and in the runoff after rain."]
["For this reason, rows on hilly and sloping ground are contoured: curved to"]
["run perpendicular to the slope."]
[]
["Space rows two to six feet apart; plant seeds every four to eight inches"]
["((In any description of planting which we give, we refer to 100 percent"]
["viable seeds. In this case, for example, if seeds are tested (see section 3)"]
["and have a viability of 50 percent, sow the seeds two to four inches apart."]
["If they have a viability of 33 percent, sow them one to two inches apart.))"]
["(See Box H.)"]
[]
["To construct a row, break up any large clods on the surface of the soil. In"]
["a garden-size area this is easily done by striking them with the tongs of a"]
["rake. In larger areas a tiller or externally powered cultivator can be used."]
["Then level the soil."]
[]
["If you need to irrigate or have problems with excessive moisture, use a hoe"]
["to raise the soil in alternate rows of hills and trenches. Pat the crests of"]
["the hills with the hoe or a shovel so that they are an inch or wider at the"]
["top, and four to eight inches high than the trenches."]
[]
["BOX H Plant Size and Spacing"]
[]
["Plants vary tremendously in size and branching habits because of many"]
["factors, including variety, soil fertility, length of growing season, amount"]
["of light received by the plant, water, spacing, and pruning. As a result,"]
["one can have no firm rule about how far apart plants should be spaced."]
[]
["An individual full-grown plant may have a diameter at its base as wide as"]
["ten feet or as small as 18 inches. Most conical-shaped varieties (Colombian"]
["and Jamaican) grow between seven and 12 feet tall, and have a width between"]
["four and six feet. Mexican plants are somewhat taller and thinner, with a"]
["base diameter of three to five feet. Some exotic Indian, Central Asian, and"]
["Central African plants may have a diameter only one or two feet across. The"]
["descriptions are generalisations; there are many varieties within each"]
["country, and much variation within each variety."]
[]
["Pruned plants have a much wider base than unpruned ones. Plants pruned at"]
["the fourth internode and again a month later sometimes grow twice as wide as"]
["an unpruned plant."]
[]
["In order to catch as much sun as possible, rows should be orientated along a"]
["north-south axis, perpendicular to the course of the sun. The advantage of"]
["lush rows is more pronounced in southern than northern latitudes, but the"]
["solar-energy differential in north-south versus east-west rows is"]
["significant at all latitudes in the United States, and becomes more"]
["important on steep slops. Another factor is the orientation of the garden as"]
["a whole. Plants sown in a square plot whose sides point northeast and"]
["southeast get about 10 percent more light than ones in a plot whose sides"]
["point due north and due east."]
[]
["Hills"]
[]
["Hills and mounds are especially convenient for small plots. Low hills are"]
["often camouflaged to look like natural or wild stands, and are very useful"]
["in areas in which the land is too wet in the spring, because the hills drain"]
["above the ground level. They are easily adapted to meet unusual"]
["requirements. For example, a grower in New Mexico planted a doughnut-shaped"]
["hill eight feet in diameter and two feet thick, leaving a centre hole four"]
["feet in diameter. He placed a portable plastic tub in the hole after"]
["punching pinholes around the edges. To water he just filled the tub. In the"]
["swampy Everglades, two industrious farmers constructed a giant hill-row"]
["three feet thick and three feet high. The hill had such a good drainage that"]
["it kept the plant roots well-drained even during the rainy season."]
[]
["Hills are usually constructed between two and five feet in diameter. Small"]
["hills are usually planted with 15 to 20 seeds, and large ones may be sown"]
["with as many as a hundred. The hills are spaced three to 10 feet apart, so"]
["that each groups of plants gets a maximum amount of light. Hills can grow"]
["more than you would at first suspect. For instance, if you were to grow a"]
["hill three by three feet, you could harvest six to nine large plants. Their"]
["foliage would extend two and a half feet beyond the hill, for a total of"]
["about thirty square feet of foliage space."]
[]
["Broadcast Seeding"]
[]
["Broadcast seeding is the fastest and easiest way to sow, but is not an"]
["efficient way to use seed. Seeds are simply tossed or shaken onto the"]
["prepared ground, at the rate of about forty per square foot, and are then"]
["usually pressed into the soil with a light roller or by foot. This method is"]
["most effective in moist soils. Many of the seeds never germinate or die"]
["immediately after germination. The faster growing ones naturally stunt the"]
["others by shading them. This method is often used by guerilla farmers who"]
["want the stands to look natural and who wish to plant large areas quickly."]
["An experienced grower can sow several acres a day by hand using this method."]
[]
["Seed Count"]
[]
["There are approximately 2,300 medium-sized seeds in an ounce, or about 85"]
["per gram. An acre is about 43,000 sq. ft., or a square 208 feet on side. To"]
["plant an acre in rows two feet apart with a seed every four inches requires"]
["about 90,000 seeds or 39 ounces (1,100 grams, or two pounds, seven ounces)."]
["At this rate, a ten-by-ten plot requires about 2.5 grams of seed."]
[]
["A typical hill field has four-foot-wide hills spaced about seven feet apart."]
["A typical hill and surrounding area accounts for approximately 100 square"]
["feet. There are approximately 430 hills in an acre. If each of these is"]
["planted with 100 seeds, the field requires about 43,000 seeds, which weigh"]
["about 18 ounces."]
[]
["Broadcasting requires a lot more seed. At the rate of 40 seeds per square"]
["foot, a grower uses about 2.3 ounces in a ten-by-ten plot. An acre requires"]
["about 47 pounds, or 21 kilograms of seed."]
[]
["How to Plant"]
[]
["Finally, after the soil is adjusted, and the rows or hills are built, it is"]
["time to actually plant the seeds and watch your garden begin to grow. If you"]
["are growing with clover as a cover or companion plant, dig it up to a depth"]
["of four inches and chop up the soil. Water the soil to the point that it"]
["feels almost wet. Drill a hole with a seed drill, stick, or pencil, then"]
["drop one seed into the hole, cover it gently, and pat the soil down again."]
["Marijuana seeds are large enough to handle individually; so each one can be"]
["planted separately."]
[]
["How deep one digs the holes depends on the kind of soil in which one is"]
["planting. Light woodsy or organic soils are planted 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep, so"]
["that the stem is held firmly in an upright position. Sands and light loams"]
["are planted 1/2 inch deep. Heavy loams and clay are planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch"]
["deep, so that the sprout's energy is not expended before it breaks through"]
["the soil."]
[]
["If you are broadcast seeding, you can increase the germination rate"]
["tremendously by screening a layer of soil over the seeds to help keep them"]
["moist. Seeds that dry out weaken or die."]
[]
["In a garden that has been mulched, lift away the mulch cover at each place"]
["you plant, and sow the seed in the underlying soil."]
[]
["In soft-textured soils, instead of digging or poking holes, press each seed"]
["to the desired depth, and cover or pat the soil smooth."]
[]
["14.4 Germination"]
[]
["The seeds need constant moisture in order to germinate. Therefore, the"]
["ground should be well-watered. Keep the soil moist by watering it with a"]
["light spray whenever it begin to feel dry. This may mean watering the"]
["immediate area once a day. You can keep the soil moist and hasten"]
["germination by covering the planted area with transparent glass or plastic."]
["Most of the seeds should sprout in a period ranging from three days to two"]
["weeks. This variation depends on variety, age and condition of seed, and"]
["soil temperature; the warmer the soil, the faster the rate of germination."]
[]
["Once they have germinated, the seedlings should be kept moist until the"]
["roots grow deep enough to absorb an adequate supply of water from the"]
["subsoil. If the ground is still moist from spring rains, as it is in many of"]
["the eastern regions, you may not have to water at all. On the other hand,"]
["there are sections of the West which are completely dependent on irrigation."]
[]
["When the seedlings are only an inch or two tall, you can protect them from"]
["heavy rains or frosts by using drinking glasses, jars, or paper or plastic"]
["cups. You can protect larger plants with containers from which the bottoms"]
["have been removed. Transparent containers warm the soil by the greenhouse"]
["effect, capturing light and turning it into heat. In warm weather, use white"]
["or translucent containers, which prevent burn by reflecting some light and"]
["diffusing the rest. Containers also keep the soil moist, serve as plant"]
["markers, and protect the plants from some enemies. A grower in Berkeley,"]
["California, used cracked fish tanks to protect plants in the early spring. A"]
["guerilla farmer in the Poconos puts up four posts, one at each end of a row."]
["She uses them as a frame for clear polyethylene covering, creating a small"]
["greenhouse."]
[]
["Growers in Zone Five sometimes harvest a spring crop by transplanting"]
["indoor-grown, two-month-old plants outdoors right after the last frost date."]
["The naturally short days and long nights trigger the plants into flowering."]
["(See Transplanting below, and the discussion of the photoperiod in section"]
["3.)"]
[]
["If started after May 15, marijuana may not have time to reach its full size"]
["or flower. This problem mainly affects growers in Zone One and in"]
["mountainous areas. But even if the plants do not grow to full size or"]
["flower, you can still harvest a potent crop of preflowering tops, which may"]
["be almost as potent as ripe buds. The harvest is not as large as a crop of"]
["buds, but it is more than worth the effort."]
[]
["14.5 Transplanting"]
[]
["Seedlings and young plants are transplanted after the last threat of frost."]
["If the growing season in your area is less than five months, you may want to"]
["start the plants indoors, or in cold frames, transplanting when the weather"]
["permits. A 10-by-four foot cold frame can easily hold 60 two-month-old"]
["plants. The cold frame can be constructed with two-by-two's or branches"]
["gathered at the site. Cover the frame with a double layer of six- or"]
["eight-mil polyethylene plastic or similar material. Attach the plastic to"]
["the frame with tacks or staple-gun tacks. If the area is unprotected from"]
["the elements, slant the roof so that rain will run off. If the area is"]
["windy, place rocks or branches along the frame to add weight. Orient the"]
["cold frame to face the south."]
[]
["In areas with a growing season of six months or more, plants will not"]
["necessarily get larger if they are started earlier than normal. Plants"]
["started at normal planting time catch up to the older plants by season's"]
["end. It serves no purpose to start plants before about March 21, the spring"]
["equinox."]
[]
["Where there is no threat of frost (in Hawaii, southern Florida, and parts of"]
["Texas, Louisiana, and California), growers can raise a winter crop. Grow the"]
["plants for two or three months under artificial light. Plant get off to a"]
["faster start under artificial lights than natural light during the winter"]
["months. Move or transplant them before the beginning of March. Most strains"]
["will flower because of the short days (less than 12 hours of light) and fill"]
["out to well formed plants by the end of May when they are ripe."]
[]
["For the normal summer crop, seedlings should be transplanted after the last"]
["threat of frost. The best time to transplant is on a rainy or cloudy day,"]
["which allows the plants to adjust to the new environment without the strain"]
["of intense sunlight. Plants grown in a cold frame or sunny window adjust"]
["more easily than plants grown under fluorescent lights. Plants grown under"]
["artificial light usually show evidence of shock when they are moved to"]
["sunlight. Near sea level they may lose some of their green colour and appear"]
["pale or yellowed. At high altitudes, such as mile-high Denver, the leaves"]
["may actually burn, turn brown, and fall. Healthy plants usually recover"]
["quickly by adjusting the new growth to the changed conditions. However,"]
["plant can be conditioned to the new environment by being placed in a"]
["partially sunny area, preferably where they are shaded during the middle of"]
["the day and receive either morning or late-afternoon sunlight. The plants"]
["need about a week to adjust."]
[]
["Seedlings grown in planting pellets for up to 10 days after germination can"]
["be placed directly in the soil. Peat pots should be scored with a knife so"]
["that the lateral roots can penetrate the pot more easily. Seedlings started"]
["in milk cartons or flower pots should be removed from the container so that"]
["the roots are disturbed as little as possible. Plan on using a pot size"]
["which is root-bound by the time that you transplant. (For the relationship"]
["between pot size and number of weeks, see Table 17.) To transplant, water"]
["the area to be transplanted and the plant. Then dig a hole a bit larger than"]
["the pot and loosen the surrounding and underlying soil. Place the plant in"]
["the hole, and pack the soil so that the stem base is at the same depth that"]
["it was growing at before. Firm the soil and water the area."]
[]
["In areas where ripoffs are expected, such as parts of Hawaii and California,"]
["some guerilla farmers transplant individual plants (one to each site) to"]
["sites which are widely spaced over the countryside. In this way they may"]
["lose some, but at least not all, of their plants to ripoffs."]
[]
["Each plant (one to three months old) is transplanted to a cone-shaped hole,"]
["two to three feet deep by two feet across the top. This strategy is"]
["well-suited to areas with poor soil. Since much of the hole is taken up by"]
["rootbound soil, it is easy to gather enough topsoil and sand to fill the"]
["hole. The gathered soil should also be mixed with organic or slow-release"]
["fertilisers which provide ample N and P."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 15"]
["CARING FOR THE GROWING PLANTS"]
[]
["15.2 Weeding"]
[]
["Marijuana is a fast-growing annual whose survival depends on its ability to"]
["compete with other fast-growing weeds. At the end of each season, plants"]
["growing in a wild stand may cover the ground with thousands of seeds per"]
["square foot. Many of these are relocated by wind, runoff, and birds, and"]
["some are destroyed or die. Other never receive the conditions they need to"]
["germinate; and of those that do germinate, many die as seedling. The"]
["remaining plants compete with each other and with other weeds for the"]
["available light, nutrients, and water. Even so, wild stands may be as dense"]
["as forty plants per square foot. In order to survive the competition,"]
["Cannabis expends a great deal of its energy during the first two month"]
["growing a main shoot which is taller than the surrounding vegetation. Then"]
["it develops lateral branches which shades the shorter plants. With their"]
["source of energy - light - cut off, the shaded plants stop growing and often"]
["die."]
[]
["When you cultivate - that is, eliminate weeds - the rate of germination and"]
["survival of your plants is increased enormously. Growers using clover, sheet"]
["composting, or mulch as ground cover can expect very little interference"]
["from weeds during seedling development. But plots of fertile, aerated, and"]
["cleared soil are open to colonisation by a wide range of plants; so you may"]
["have to weed several times before the marijuana's dominance is assured."]
[]
["When you weed, make sure not to pull out any weed seedlings which may have"]
["roots in the same area as the Cannabis roots. Instead, cut the weeds"]
["slightly below the surface with a cliperr, scissors, or your fingernails."]
["Weeds more than six inches away can be safely pulled. Leave them to dry"]
["right on the soil. As they dry and decay, they return the soil's nutrient to"]
["it."]
[]
["Growers plagued with weeds can cover the soil with mulch, paper, or"]
["polyethylene sheets. One grower found that two computer sheets fit exactly"]
["between the rows. Another used torn drapes as a temporary ground cover."]
[]
["Once Cannabis has established dominance over an area, the other weeds are"]
["not able to interfere with its growth. But if there is wide spacing between"]
["the plants, the weeds may have open space and start to grow rapidly. Keep"]
["these weeds clipped short if water or nutrients are scarce."]
[]
["15.3 Watering"]
[]
["Marijuana requires an ample supply of water to live and grow. The actual"]
["quantities that it needs depend on the plant's size, the gardening"]
["techniques, type of soil, temperature, wind, humidity, and intensity of"]
["light. A vigorous plant may transpire several gallons of water a day during"]
["the hot summer months. If it receives less water then it need, it stops"]
["growing, wilts, and then dries out. {Figure 66 Areas with less than 30"]
["inches of rain usually require some irrigation.}"]
[]
["Seedlings"]
[]
["Marijuana germinates best in a moist soil. Within a week, it grows a taproot"]
["three or four inches long. By the end of the first month, the root system"]
["may stretch over an area a foot and a half in diameter and go more than one"]
["foot down. Until then, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Plants"]
["which have germinated during warm, sunny weather may need to be watered"]
["until the roots have grown deep enough to reach sub-soil moisture. When the"]
["soil three inches below the surface feels dry, seedlings should be watered,"]
["preferably by using a watering can or the spray setting on a hose. Gently"]
["water the soil, making sure not to disturb the seedlings or the soil"]
["surrounding. The soil should be thoroughly saturated so the moisture"]
["percolates down, encouraging the roots to grow deep. If the surface is only"]
["lightly watered, the roots may grow near the surface, leading to water"]
["problems as the soil gets drier during the summer."]
[]
["After the first month, Cannabis does best when the soil goes through"]
["alternating moist and dry periods. This alternation allows the lateral roots"]
["to come into contact with air. By the end of the growing season, the root"]
["system may penetrate the soil to a depth of six feet or more. As long as"]
["they are not blocked by solid rock or dense clay, the roots grow by"]
["following a trail of moisture. If the trail leads deep, the roots follow."]
["The deeper layers of soil are less likely to dry out during hot, dry"]
["weather."]
[]
["Older Plants"]
[]
["As a rule of thumb, Cannabis over a month old should be watered when the"]
["soil about six inches deep feels dry. But this rule provides only a rough"]
["indication that the plants need water, because there may be deeper sources"]
["of water that are not apparent. The most obvious indication of a problem is"]
["wilting. A more subtle one is slow growth during the (ordinarily"]
["fast-growing) vegetative stage."]
[]
["Since you want to wet the lower layers, you should thoroughly saturate the"]
["soil. If the soil is completely saturated, it should hold water for a"]
["minimum of a week. Usually only two or three waterings a month are required"]
["by a garden that is completely dependent on irrigation."]
[]
["The most efficient way to water is to let the water slowly seep into the"]
["soil, so that all the organic particles which hold the water are saturated."]
["If the soil is very dry, and the water beads or runs off and is not"]
["absorbed, add household laundry detergent at the rate of one or two grams"]
["per gallon of water. It acts as a wetting agent, which breaks the surface"]
["tension. Once the soil is treated with a wetting agent, it usually absorbs"]
["water throughout the growing season."]
[]
["In drier areas where corn. cotton, and other deep-rooted crops are"]
["irrigated, marijuana also requires an additional source of water. But in"]
["areas where there are patches of wild hemp or where deep-rooted crops grow"]
["by using available ground water, marijuana does not need to be watered,"]
["although additional water may increase its growth."]
[]
["Box I"]
["Water in General"]
[]
["Deep soil layers retain water much longer than the top layers. To encourage"]
["the development of a deep root system, saturate the ground when you water."]
["The roots follow the moisture trail."]
[]
["Water conditions also vary from field to field. For instance, many"]
["mid-western farmers plant along the banks of meandering streams. Even in dry"]
["areas, these plants have a natural source of water. Mountainous areas are"]
["usually well-drained and dry out before valleys do. Low-lying fields remain"]
["moist later, and are saturated by runoff from higher ground. In browned"]
["areas, farmers look for green spots which indicate underground streams,"]
["springs or runoff. Planters look for deserted wells or active watermains"]
["with leaks. Fields high in organic matter retain moisture longer than other"]
["fields, and mulching may cut water evaporation by 50 percent."]
[]
["Watering Techniques"]
[]
["Gardeners may supply water by using a bucket, can, or water-hose. But"]
["growers with larger plots often rely on waterpumps to deliver river, lake,"]
["or well water to their gardens. Irrigation canals, drainage pipes and"]
["ditches, and water mains are sometimes convenient sources of water. The two"]
["most efficient methods of watering are the drip hose, which seeps water"]
["around the plant, and hand watering into an enclosed area around the plant's"]
["stem."]
[]
["There are several kinds of drip hoses. Some have perforations every three to"]
["six inches along their length. These are useful when marijuana is planted in"]
["rows or large hills. Another kind is actually a kit, consisting of a main"]
["feeder hose and several side hoses two to four feet long. Each side hose has"]
["a metal bulb at the end which can be adjusted to regulate water flow. The"]
["bulb lies near the plant stem. A drip bottle was invented by a grower in the"]
["dry area of Nebraska who was only growing a few plants. He punched pinholes"]
["in the bottom of several one-gallon milk jugs and placed a jug near each"]
["plant. The jugs slowly watered the garden. Every few days, he refilled the"]
["jugs from a nearby irrigation ditch. As the plants grew larger, he placed"]
["more jugs around them. The drip method moistens the soil slowly, but does"]
["not flood it; so the soil and its nutrients are not washed away. Since this"]
["method allows you to decide exactly where the water goes you need not waste"]
["any on non-productive land."]
[]
["Growers sometimes use elaborate setups, such as battery-electric, hand- or"]
["foot-powered, ram- or windmill-driven pumps. Foot-powered pumps are probably"]
["the most convenient for small plots. They are extremely lightweight (just a"]
["little heavier than a bicycle), inexpensive, easy to construct and"]
["disassemble, and virtually silent. Since you have much more power in your"]
["legs than in your arms, foot-powered pumps con do more work, and do it"]
["faster, than hand-powered pumps."]
[]
["Electric pumps are relatively quiet and pump and enormous amount for their"]
["small size. But they require a source of electricity. They cannot be used"]
["unless there is a power line available, although there are car alternators"]
["available which produce 110-volt current."]
[]
["Gasoline pumps and electric generators are heavy and noisy. Even with a"]
["muffler, they can be heard for miles in some country areas. They require a"]
["source of fuel, and often an elaborate setup, including rigid feed tubing,"]
["fuel tank, and platform. But once they are in place, the can deliver a"]
["tremendous amount of water. They are usually used by farmers growing large"]
["plots. Sometimes growers dig a hole in which they store and run the"]
["equipment. This setup helps muffle the sound and keeps the machinery in good"]
["working order."]
[]
["Ram- and windmill-powered pumps use running-water and wind energy,"]
["respectively. They come in many sizes and are often used to fill water tanks"]
["for later use. They can also be used to generate electricity to run electric"]
["pumps. They require no fuel, are usually silent, and can be constructed"]
["inexpensively."]
[]
["But some farmers have devised other methods for getting water to their"]
["plants."]
[]
["A farmer growing near Tucson, Arizona, trucks water to her plants twice a"]
["week using a pickup truck and four 55-gallon barrels. She attaches a garden"]
["hose to her tanks, and siphons the water to her garden, 200 feet downhill."]
[]
["Two foresighted farmers in Texas carried twenty 30-gallon plastic trash cans"]
["and lids to their garden. During the spring rains, they filled the"]
["containers from nearby gullies. By the end of the rainy season, the had"]
["collected enough water to carry them through the summer drought."]
[]
["A homesteader in Oregon's dry eastern section dammed a gully by using and"]
["earth stabiliser, plastic, wood and cement, and pipe. During the winter his"]
["private reservoir filled."]
[]
["Farmers near Atlanta tapped into a city water main. The pressure from the"]
["water main allowed them to pipe water uphill."]
[]
["15.4 Thinning"]
[]
["If the soil is kept moist during germination, most of the viable seeds that"]
["you planted will germinate and the seedlings will soon start to crowd each"]
["other. This happens frequently when the plants grow on their own. Then they"]
["grow into a dense hedge-like mass dominated by a few plant. The dominant"]
["plants typically have long internodes and a long sturdy stem with little"]
["branching. The shorter, bushier plants are shaded by the taller ones and"]
["become stunted from the lack of light. By thinning, you give the plants that"]
["are left enough room to grow to their full potential, and you choose the"]
["ones that you think will grow to be the best for smoking. Leave the plants"]
["that have dense foliage, are branching, and, later in the season, the ones"]
["that are the most potent."]
[]
["Thin the plants as soon as they begin to touch or crowd each other. This"]
["should be repeated as often as necessary. Seeds sown six inches apart in"]
["rows two feet wide require thinning several times during the season. But"]
["guerilla farmers sometimes let the plants compete so that the garden looks"]
["more like a wild stand."]
[]
["There are two methods used to thin: cutting the stem at the base so that the"]
["entire plant is destroyed, and cutting just the tops so that the plant's"]
["growth is thwarted, and the uncut plants shade it. The cut plants remain"]
["relatively inactive, and do not use much water or nutrients, but they do"]
["shade the ground and use otherwise wasted space."]
[]
["15.5 Staking"]
[]
["Outdoor-grown plants rarely need staking. When the stem bends from the wind"]
["or rain, tiny tears in the structure develop. These are quickly mended by"]
["the plant: it grows new cells which increase the girth of the stem and make"]
["it stronger. But plants which are suffering from nutrient deficiencies or"]
["are top-heavy because of competition may need to be staked. Heavy rain"]
["sometimes cause the plants to fall over, especially if they have shallow"]
["root systems which cannot hold the added weight."]
[]
["To stake, drive a sturdy rod six inches from the stem and deep enough into"]
["the ground to be able to give the plant support. Then tie the stem to the"]
["stake with wirer twists or string."]
[]
["If the stem or the branch is cracked, pinched, or bent at the base, its"]
["position should be corrected and held firmly with a splint. The splint can"]
["be held with masking tape. In a few days the plant grows tissue to support"]
["the damaged area."]
[]
["15.6 Pruning"]
[]
["Growers prune (clip or top) their plants to increase productivity, prevent"]
["detection, or to harvest early smoke. In the near future, new laws will"]
["decriminalise or legalise marijuana cultivation. These laws will probably"]
["limit legal cultivation either by the total gardening area or by the number"]
["of plants an individual or group may cultivate. Gardeners limited by space"]
["will maximise yield by cultivating a dense stand of tall, unclipped"]
["marijuana. Growers permitted to grow only a few plants will grow the"]
["largest, most productive plants possible. This is done by giving the plants"]
["the best possible growing conditions and a lot of space between plants to"]
["maximise light and minimise competition for water and nutrients."]
[]
["Unpruned marijuana develops in one of three classic shapes, depending on"]
["variety. Many Mexican and Thai varieties develop into a tall, narrow bush no"]
["wider then three feet and shaped like a poplar tree. Colombian, Cambodian,"]
["Indian, and some south Mexican and Vietnamese varieties are Christmas-tree"]
["shaped. Some Moroccan and Afghani varieties have complex branching and"]
["naturally grow into small, dense bushes, about five feet tall. Marijuana"]
["usually grows to its full height by early September. Most of the marijuana"]
["plants you are likely to cultivate will grow to between eight and fifteen"]
["feet tall. Some Hawaiian and Thai varieties average between twelve and"]
["twenty feet tall."]
[]
["Increasing Yield"]
[]
["When marijuana is clipped to increase the number of growing shoots, the"]
["total yield at season's end may not be increased. Provided that soil and"]
["water are not limiting to growth, each plant can reach a maximum size when"]
["given enough room. The more surface are the plant presents to light, the"]
["closer it will get to its maximum potential. Where the plants are grown with"]
["much space between them, clipped plants can yield more than unclipped"]
["plants, especially if the branches are spread out to maximise the light on"]
["the plant. When the plants are grown close together, the taller a plant is,"]
["the more sunlight it will receive, and hence the larger the possible yield."]
[]
["Some growers prefer to harvest a top stem that is thick with buds (colas)."]
["The largest colas form on the main growing shoot of unclipped plants. When"]
["the growing shoot is clipped from a plant, the new shoots and leaves grow"]
["slower and smaller than the main shoot of an unpruned plant because the"]
["capacity for growth is spread out over several shoots. When a plant is"]
["clipped early in the season, most of the difference in lead and bud size is"]
["made up by harvest time."]
[]
["Marijuana can be pruned at any time during the seedling or vegetative growth"]
["stage, but you should prune plants when they are young if you plan on"]
["harvesting growing shoots during the season. A seedling clipped anywhere"]
["from the fourth to sixth node will usually form at least six strong growing"]
["shoots that can be harvested during the third or fourth month. If these"]
["shoots are cut again while the plant is still young, marijuana often"]
["develops into a small, very compact, hedge-like bush."]
[]
["Yield can be increased by spreading the plant's branches so that more light"]
["reaches the inner growth. Cannabis stems are bent most easily when they are"]
["still green and fleshy, nearer to the new growth, but the whole plant can be"]
["bent to form a gentle arch with the top of the main stem in a horizontal"]
["position. Within a few days the side branches along the top will begin to"]
["grow vertically, competing with the main stem. They will soon develop their"]
["own horizontal side branches. To bend a plant, tie the main stem loosely"]
["with a cloth or heavy string. Tie the other end of string to a heavy weight"]
["or anchor on the ground. Don't put too much pressure on the stem as this"]
["tears some of the roots and weakens the plant. You can bend the plant a"]
["little each day until the plant is in the desired position."]
[]
["You may also increase yield by bending only the growing tip. This encourage"]
["the side branches to develop sooner than they naturally would. Only the"]
["flexible part (about the last foot) is bent. To bend the top, use stiff wire"]
["or wire twists used for plastic bags and wrapping vegetables. Fasten the"]
["other end of the wire lower in the stem to hold the tip in position. {(See"]
["Figure 49.)}"]
[]
["A common mistake that cultivators make is pulling off the large leaves on"]
["the main stem (sun or fan leaves), when the plants are young. These leaves"]
["are removed by cultivators who believe that their removal will cause the"]
["undeveloped side shoots to grow. But fan leaves are net producers of sugar"]
["and energy, which are used by the side soots to begin growth. Rather than"]
["encouraging new growth, the removal of fan leaves slows growth. The plant"]
["will also be more susceptible to attacks from pests and predators."]
[]
["When the plant is several weeks old and growing well, the difference between"]
["plants with their leaves removed and those left intact may not be large. The"]
["biggest difference can be seen when leaves are removed from branches just"]
["prior to, or during, flowering. The buds that form from leaf axils with"]
["leaves removed are noticeably smaller than those where the leaves have been"]
["left on the branch."]
[]
["Detection"]
[]
["Cannabis can be detected from both the ground and the air. From the ground,"]
["marijuana is revealed by its familiar shape, unmistakable leaves, and odour."]
["Tall plants are usually more conspicuous than shorter ones. From the air,"]
["stands may have a different colour than the surrounding vegetation,"]
["especially where natural vegetation is not as lush as marijuana. Individual"]
["plants usually have a circular profile when viewed from above; this can be"]
["altered by bending or pruning the plant. Varieties which are naturally"]
["tall-growing may need to be cut several times during the season to keep them"]
["hidden."]
[]
["Plants are sometimes cut back severely, to much as half their height when"]
["they get too tall, but this may damage the plant. A less drastic topping"]
["technique is to remove the opt foot of growth. Whenever new shoots get too"]
["tall they are clipped. But the plants should not be severely pruned late in"]
["the season when the growth rate has slowed (preflowering), because there"]
["will be fewer branches left on which buds can develop."]
[]
["If you are trying to conceal plants behind a fence or wall, start bending or"]
["pruning the plants early, at about one month of age. By starting early and"]
["continuing to prune during the vegetative growth stage, you will train the"]
["plant to branch and fill up the area. If you wait until the plants are"]
["already tall, you may have to cut the plants back severely or clip shoots"]
["continuously."]
[]
["15.7 Gardening Tips"]
[]
["Transplant Older Plants"]
[]
["A friend of ours was warned that his garden had been spotted by local"]
["authorities. Rather than cut down his four-month-old plants, he decided to"]
["transplant them. He dug the plants out, leaving a ball of soil about two"]
["feet square around the roots of each one. He wrapped each soil ball tightly"]
["in a plastic bag to transport it, and placed the plants in newly dug holes"]
["in a different spot. He kept the plants well-watered. After a few days, they"]
["recovered from transplant shock and started to grow once again."]
["Transplanting large plants is not easy to do, but it could save a crop. The"]
["marijuana root system is not very extensive when the plants are in fertile"]
["soil with plenty of water; the tap root may only be six inches long on a"]
["ten-foot plant."]
[]
["Wind Protection"]
[]
["Hemp Cannabis planted closely together has been used by farmers to form a"]
["windbreak to protect other crops. If you are growing in an especially windy"]
["area such as the Midwest, you may wish to plant a perimeter if tightly"]
["spaced Cannabis to protect your garden. Construct a rope and stick fence"]
["against the windbreak to hold the plants upright and prevent them from"]
["falling into the central garden. Simply keeping the plants clipped short is"]
["a simpler approach."]
[]
["Inducing Flowering"]
[]
["Growers may wish to induce their plants to flower early, especially in the"]
["North, where the growing season is short. Plants in containers can be moved"]
["to a dark area for 12 hours of darkness or more per day. Black sheets of"]
["polyethylene film, dark plastic bags, and large appliance cartons can be"]
["used to provide periods of uninterrupted darkness. Use the dark treatment"]
["nightly until the plants are flowering (usually after one to two weeks of"]
["long-night treatments)."]
[]
["Winter and Spring Crops"]
[]
["In southern parts of the U.S., Hawaii and parts of California, you can grow"]
["more than one crop in a season. Greenhouses that stay above freezing can"]
["also be used for year-round growing. Plants started during the winter or"]
["early spring get naturally long nights and flower early, when they are"]
["relatively small, usually no more than four feet tall. Flowering can be"]
["postponed by breaking the long nights with short periods of light. This"]
["extends the vegetative growth period, yielding older, larger plants at"]
["flowering. Start breaking the night period with artificial light when the"]
["plant is about a month old. Continue the treatment until you want the plants"]
["to flowers. (See the discussion of photoperiod in section 3.)"]
[]
["Spring crops can be trimmed of buds when mature. The plant is left in the"]
["ground, and as the daylength increases, the plant will renew vegetative"]
["growth and flower once more in the fall. Plants can also be started in"]
["November or December indoors under lights and planted outdoors in February"]
["for harvest in April or May. The plants will grow faster under lights than"]
["they would outdoors under the weak winter sun. When they are placed"]
["outdoors, the long nights will induce flowering. By April the sunlight gets"]
["much stronger, perfect for flower development. Plants placed outdoors in"]
["February adjust easily to sunlight. Even so, they should be conditioned so"]
["that they do not suffer severe burn, as described in the Transplanting"]
["section in section 14."]
[]
["Rejuvenation"]
[]
["Plants grown in areas where the weather is mild can survive winter when"]
["there are no heavy freezes. During the winter the plants will grow very"]
["slowly, but as soon as the weather warms, and the light gets more intense,"]
["the plants respond. This technique can also be used to obtain a second"]
["growth crop during Indian summers. The second growth is not as vigorous as"]
["the original, but is does increase the total harvest."]
[]
["To prepare plants for rejuvenation, leave three or four pairs of lowers"]
["branches with leaves on the plant when you harvest. The leaves need not be"]
["large, but they must be green. Water and fertilise the plants. Within a few"]
["days the plants will show new growth."]
[]
["The authors observed an outdoor container composed entirely of plants which"]
["survived a mild San Francisco Bay Area winter. These developed healthy"]
["second growth the following summer and flowered again in the fall. Some"]
["growers in Hawaii claim that their plants are three years old and that the"]
["plants have yielded as many as six crops of buds. Perennial marijuana plants"]
["also grow in Jamaica and Thailand."]
[]
["Water Deprivation"]
[]
["Many cultivators begin to limit the amount of water their plants receive as"]
["soon as the flowers start to appear. Other growers give their plants as"]
["little water as possible after the middle of the plant's life. The plants"]
["are given small amounts of water only when they begin to wilt. (See section"]
["9 on the reasons for stressing the plants.)"]
[]
["Under water stress many of the leaves may die and fall from the plant."]
["Sometimes the plants appear \"burned,\" and turn brown or gold. At harvest,"]
["water-stressed plants may only have buds left on them and these may have the"]
["colour, resin, and harshness typical of Colombian grass. These plants yield"]
["less grass at season's end. Not only are they smaller overall, but many of"]
["the leaves will have fallen away."]
[]
["Water stress can be difficult to control in areas with heavy summer rain."]
["Water-stressed plants often make up for their smaller size by a raped burst"]
["of growth after a heavy rain. One method of control is to cover the ground"]
["with plastic sheets when it rains so that most of the water runs off."]
[]
["Tacks and Nails"]
[]
["Some growers hammer nails or tacks into the stems of plants several weeks"]
["before harvest. Many growers use long thick nails; others prefer to use"]
["several half-inch-long tacks. The nails are usually placed at the base of"]
["the stem. This is supposed to \"increase potency.\" {Figure 72. Wilted plant."]
["Unless watered it will die.}"]
[]
["Stem Splitting"]
[]
["This is a popular way to stress used by cultivators in the United States."]
["The stem is split (not cut) at the base to from a space through the stem."]
["Growers place a rock, small piece of wood, an old Cannabis stem, or piece of"]
["opium (in Africa) in the split. Sometimes the wound is bound with cloth or"]
["plastic. We don't recommend this procedure, and advise you to be careful not"]
["to kill the plants and ruin the harvest."]
[]
["Varieties"]
[]
["Outdoor growers are well-advised to plant several varieties of marijuana,"]
["because some varieties adapt to their new environment better than others."]
["Also, each variety (and to small extent, each plant) has its own bouquet. By"]
["planting several varieties, cultivators assure themselves a varied selection"]
["of smoking material."]
[]
["In areas with short growing seasons, many tropical varieties do not have a"]
["chance to flower. But immature material from these varieties may be more"]
["potent than mature flowers of a plant grown from seed of lower-quality"]
["grass. For instance, compare a flowering Mexican with a Colombian that"]
["doesn't. The Colombian may be better because the difference in varieties is"]
["so great. On the other hand, the Mexican may be better because it is"]
["flowering and has reached its full potential."]
[]
["Intercropping"]
[]
["It is well-known that certain plants may be antagonistic to other species of"]
["plants, and that there are also beneficial relationships between species."]
["Cannabis is known not to grow well among spinach 222. Although tomatoes and"]
["tobacco have been recommended as crops to avoid when growing marijuana,"]
["because of pests and diseases that these plants may harbor 67, marijuana"]
["grows very well in healthy tomato patches. Growers have also commented on"]
["how well marijuana grows when planted with corn, sugarcane, and beets."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 16"]
["INSECTS AND OTHER PESTS"]
[]
["Outdoors, where it functions as part of an ecological system, marijuana is"]
["less susceptible to insect attacks than it is indoors. In an outdoor"]
["environment, insects are subject to the vagaries of the weather, food"]
["supply, and predators. And marijuana grows so fast that insects usually do"]
["little damage. Plants, plant eaters, and predators usually maintain an"]
["equilibrium which minimises damage. But this balance is disturbed by tilling"]
["and gardening, and may take a while to re-establish itself."]
[]
["The soil surrounding your plants may be teeming with insects, and it would"]
["be unnatural not to see some on your plants. Most insects do not eat"]
["marijuana. The few that do are the food which helps to keep a small"]
["population of their predators alive. Insects in the garden need to be"]
["controlled only when there is a real threat of damage."]
[]
["Marijuana is most vulnerable in its early stages. After the plant increases"]
["production of the cannabinoids and resins at the eighth or ninth week, most"]
["insects are repelled. When the plants are small, an occasional munch affects"]
["a relatively larger part of the plant. That same bite affects a relatively"]
["smaller part when the plant is larger."]
[]
["The insects that infect marijuana indoors - aphids, mealy bugs, mites, and"]
["whiteflies - do best in humid conditions with constantly warm temperatures."]
["Outdoors they rarely inflict much damage on marijuana. The pests that are"]
["most likely to damage marijuana are leafhoppers, treehoppers, cucumber"]
["beetles, thrips, flea beetles, several kinds of caterpillars, snails, and"]
["slugs. The younger the plants are, the more susceptible they are to attack."]
["Your prime goal is to protect the plants during the first two vulnerable"]
["months. You need to keep the pest population low, so that the damage is"]
["relatively light. The pests don't have to be eliminated, only kept under"]
["control."]
[]
["There are many ways to keep pests from damaging your crops. These fall into"]
["one or more of several categories: biological control; capture traps and"]
["barriers; home remedies; and chemical insecticides."]
[]
["16.2 Biological Control"]
[]
["The theory behind biological controls is that methods for control of pests"]
["can be found within nature. These methods are safer to humans and less"]
["damaging to the environment than commercial insecticides. Gardeners have"]
["many forms of biological control at their disposal, including companion"]
["planting, use of predators, and sprays made from plant extracts or ground-up"]
["insects."]
[]
["Companion Planting"]
[]
["Some plants, including marijuana in its later stages, produce resins or"]
["essences which repel or kill plant pests. Some of them are general"]
["repellents that affect a broad range of plant pests; others affect specific"]
["species. Generally, the heavily scented plants, such as spices, mints, and"]
["other herbs, are most likely to have these qualities."]
[]
["Some of the more familiar plants used to protect gardens are the Alliums, or"]
["onion family, with garlic, chives, green onions, and other oniony-type"]
["plants as members. This group repels a broad range of plant pests such as"]
["aphids, spider mites, flea beetles, potato bugs, bean beetles, and many"]
["other insects, as well as rabbits and some deer. They are easily planted"]
["around the garden or between the marijuana plants. Just plant onion bulbs or"]
["the cloves from a garlic bulb so that the top of the bulb is about one inch"]
["deep. One garlic bulb yields quite a few cloves; so a large garden requires"]
["only a few bulbs."]
[]
["Geraniums are reputed to repel leafhoppers and many kinds of beetles. These"]
["plants prefer a dry soil, thrive in full light, and usually grow two feet"]
["tall. Geraniums should be interspersed with the marijuana, or potted"]
["geraniums can be set out if problems develop. Tansy (Tanaetum vulgare) is a"]
["tall, fragrant, woody perennial which grows five feet tall. It protects"]
["against cut-worms, beetles, cucumber beetles, and other eaters and borers."]
[]
["Mints repel many insects and are sometimes used as mouse repellents. They"]
["are especially useful for the control of the flea beetle. They thrive in"]
["semi-shaded areas with rich soil."]
[]
["Marigolds can be planted to eliminate nematodes. They are fast-growing"]
["annual plants which flower profusely. They come in many varieties, ranging"]
["in height from six to 30 inches. They grow in a wide range of soils and do"]
["best in the sun. The scented varieties - usually nonhybrids - offer the most"]
["protection."]
[]
["All companion plants must be planted close to the plants to be protected,"]
["since their repellent qualities spread only a short distance beyond their"]
["circumference. They are effective when they are planted before the damage is"]
["apparent, and offer long-tern protection. They are used when a pest is"]
["expected. For instance, growers in the San Francisco Bay Area expect rose"]
["leafhoppers to attack their plants. Since geraniums grow in the area as"]
["perennial plants, some growers plant them permanently in the garden. As the"]
["geraniums develop into small bushes, the hoppers leave, never to return."]
[]
["Predators"]
[]
["Many of the insects in your garden are called beneficials, because they"]
["perform a useful service in the garden. Some of them eat decaying matter;"]
["others help in the pollination process; and some pry on insects which damage"]
["crops. Almost everyone is familiar with the ladybug, which eats aphids and"]
["insect eggs and has a voracious appetite. They are available commercially by"]
["the pint. The praying mantis eats slow-moving insects. When it first"]
["hatches, it starts out on aphids and mites. But as it grows larger, it eats"]
["bigger insects and worms. Mantis-egg cases are foam-like, straw-coloured"]
["masses which contain 100 to 300 eggs. These cases are sold commercially but"]
["can also be found in the late fall in bushy areas. Another insect which is"]
["sold commercially as a plant protector is the green or brown lacewing. It"]
["has golden eyes, looks fragile, and flies erratically. But in their larval"]
["state, lacewings eat thrips, mites, caterpillar eggs, scale, leafhopper"]
["nymphs, aphids, and mealybugs. The trichogamma wasp is an egg parasite which"]
["lays its eggs in the eggs of over 200 species of insects, including many"]
["moths and butterflies which hatch into worm pests. Cryptolaemus is used to"]
["destroy mealybugs. Adults are released when mealybugs appear in the spring."]
["They seek out the mealybug colonies and lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch"]
["the larvae wander around the infested area and eat the young mealybugs."]
[]
["The use of commercially bred or gathered predators is most feasible in large"]
["gardens or fields. The insects may not have much effect on small gardens,"]
["since they wander off to find food and may never return. Try to buy from"]
["manufacturers who intentionally do not feed their product before shipping."]
["Hungry predators are more likely to stay and eat the pests."]
[]
["Insects are just one groups of predators. Birds such as purple martins,"]
["robins, blue jays, chickadees, and even starlings and English sparrows eat"]
["large quantities of insects and other small pests. They can be attracted to"]
["the garden by placing a feeder, bird houses, and water in the area. When"]
["plants get larger, some gardeners let chickens, ducks, or geese run through"]
["the garden. In a short time, they pick it clean of pests and weeds. Reptiles"]
["and amphibians, including frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, and turtles, all"]
["eat garden pests and should be encouraged to make a home in the garden."]
[]
["Homemade Repellents and Insecticides"]
[]
["Another way to control garden pests is to make sprays from plants which"]
["repel insects by using a juicer or blender or by baking a tea. Ingredients"]
["can be found in most kitchens. Chile pepper, garlic, coffee, horseradish,"]
["radish, geranium, and tobacco are the usual mainstays of herbal sprays,"]
["although most strong-smelling herbs and spices have some repellent"]
["qualities. Many gardeners experiment to see what works in their garden. For"]
["instance, if an insect which bother marijuana stays clear of a nearby weed,"]
["a tea or blended spray made form that plant may control the pest. But try it"]
["on only one plant (or part of a plant) first, because the spray may also be"]
["harmful to the marijuana."]
[]
["Garlic is probably the most popular ingredient for general-purpose sprays"]
["made from kitchen ingredients. A typical formula is to soak three ounces of"]
["chopped or minced garlic in a covered container of mineral oil for a day."]
["Then, slowly add a pint of lukewarm water in which a quarter ounce of real"]
["soap (Ivory will do) has been dissolved. Stir and let stand several hours,"]
["than strain. Use as a concentrate, adding between 20 to 100 parts water to"]
["one part concentrate."]
[]
["Other recipes call for boiling the garlic or for grinding or juicing it."]
["Some brewers add other spices to the basic formula. One recipe calls for one"]
["clove garlic, three cayenne peppers, one onion, a quarts ounce of soap, and"]
["sufficient water to blend. Let it sit for three or four days before using,"]
["and use one part concentrate to 20 parts water. Homemade tobacco teas are"]
["sometimes used as insect sprays. Use one cigarette in a quart of water. Let"]
["it brew 24 hours before using."]
[]
["Snails and slugs are attracted by yeast solutions, which are easily prepared"]
["from cooking yeast, sugar, and water. This is also why gardeners have"]
["success trapping these leaf munchers in bowls of stale beer. Place"]
["deep-sided containers at the soil level. The pests slide in and drown."]
[]
["Gardeners should not overlook handpicking as a viable method of pest"]
["control. The foot or a quick thumb and forefinger can eliminate large"]
["numbers of pests and can keep a small garden pest-free. Collect the bugs and"]
["drop them in a tin can with some alcohol to kill them. Early morning is the"]
["best time to collect pests, since they are slower-moving until the sun warms"]
["them."]
[]
["Snails, slugs, earwigs, and some other insects gather in cool, moist areas"]
["during the heat of the day. By providing just such a space in a garden, many"]
["of these pests can be located and destroyed. Place pieces of cardboard or"]
["boards around the garden; look under them each day."]
[]
["Home Remedies"]
[]
["Gardeners and farmers have discovered and invented ingenious ways to control"]
["insects without harming the environment. Some of the more popular ones are"]
["listed here, but there are many more, each suited to a particular situation."]
[]
["Soap and water is an effective control measure for mealybugs, mites,"]
["leafhoppers (nymph stage), leaf miners, and aphids. Simply wash the plants"]
["thoroughly with a solution of two tablespoons of soap dissolved in a gallon"]
["of water. Rinse the soap off thoroughly. (Some growers feel that the"]
["addition of kerosene or alcohol makes the solution more effective, but these"]
["can harm the plants and dissolve THC.) This treatment does not eliminate all"]
["of the pests, and may need to be repeated weekly, but it does keep them"]
["under control."]
[]
["Sprays are sometimes made from healthy insects, which are caught, ground up,"]
["and then sprayed back onto the plants. When the pests come in contact with"]
["the spray, they become infected with the pathogen and get sick. This method"]
["is very effective, and is considered safe, but it is not easy to capture"]
["sick insects. A variation in this technique was described in the October"]
["1976 Organic Gardening and Farming Magazine, in which a spray was made from"]
["healthy insects. In a followup article in the May 1977 issue, the authors"]
["theorised that any population of insects contains pathogens. If enough"]
["insects are collected, some of them are sure to be sick, and they contain"]
["enough germs to spread the disease. To make an insect spray, capture about a"]
["hundred pests. (Make sure not to include any beneficial insects or the spray"]
["may also work against them.) Using a blender, mix them with a cup of spring"]
["water, strain, and dilute with enough water to spray your garden."]
[]
["Whenever making or storing sprays, use a glass container. Metal or plastic"]
["ones may react with the chemicals that the liquids contain."]
[]
["Another home remedy for the control of mites and aphids is a mixture"]
["consisting of a half cup of milk in four cups of wheat flour, added to five"]
["gallons of water. When it is sprayed on the undersides of the leaves, it"]
["suffocates the insects and then flakes off as it dries."]
[]
["Some growers use mulches to control insects. Cedar chips repel beetles,"]
["moths, mites, and mealybugs. Aluminium foil is used for aphid and thrip"]
["control on small plants; the reflected light disorients them and they do not"]
["land on the plants. A sprinkling of cream of tartar eliminates ants, and"]
["boric acid kills roaches. Sulfur powders, available at nurseries, are used"]
["to control mites and fungus infections."]
[]
["Organic Insecticides"]
[]
["Pyrethrum, rotenone, and ryania are effective insecticides which come as"]
["powders (dusts) or sprays. They are concentrated form of naturally occurring"]
["plant substances, and are considered harmless to warm-blooded animals when"]
["used as directed."]
[]
["Ryania, which is found in the roots of a tropical shrub, is most effective"]
["against chewing insects, worms, and larvae, which it incapacitates, rather"]
["than kills."]
[]
["Rotenone is a general-purpose insecticide with little residual effect; that"]
["is, it breaks down soon after application, and is therefore one of the"]
["safest insecticides. Two or three dustings during the seedling stages afford"]
["protection against most insects and bugs."]
[]
["Pyrethrum is one of the most powerful natural insecticides, and is effective"]
["against a wide range of pests. It is also relatively nontoxic to bees and"]
["ladybugs. Pyrethrums are found in the pyrethrum plant as well as in"]
["chrysanthemums. They are non-persistent, and in small doses may make the"]
["insects sick without killing them. These insecticides are available at many"]
["nurseries and may provide the surest, easiest form of protection against"]
["serious insect attack."]
[]
["Barriers and Traps"]
[]
["In gardens and small farms, insects and other pests are sometimes controlled"]
["by the use of traps and barriers that prevent them from reaching the"]
["marijuana. When the plant are young, they can be protected from cutworms,"]
["caterpillars, snails, and slugs by a collar that is buried an inch into the"]
["ground and is six inches high. Some growers face it with aluminium foil,"]
["which many insects seem to dislike. One ingenious grower painted collars"]
["with molasses to capture the crawlers. She also caught a significant number"]
["of leafhoppers. Commercial stickums such as Tanglefoot can also be used to"]
["trap insects."]
[]
["Snails, slugs, and some crawling insects are repelled by a border perimeter"]
["of lime, potash (wood ash), sulfur, sharp sand, or cinders. Place a thin"]
["layer, six inches wide, around the perimeter of the garden, or around each"]
["plant. Flea beetles and some other flying insects are repelled by wood ashes"]
["dusted on the leaves. The powders are water-soluble; so they should be"]
["replaced after a heavy rain. Crawling pests sometimes have a hard time"]
["reaching plants grown in containers or raised beds."]
[]
["Flying insects, such as leaf and treehoppers, can be prevented from getting"]
["to plants by barriers made from cheesecloth. Other growers place cardboard"]
["sticky with glue between plants, and then shake the plants. The cardboard"]
["catches a good proportion of them. One innovative grower in Palo Alto,"]
["California, placed a furniture crate, with the top cut off and with"]
["Tanglefoot spread on the inside, around each of his six plants. He said that"]
["by shaking the plants, he eliminated leafhoppers in four days."]
[]
["16.3 Chemical Insecticides"]
[]
["Insecticides were developed as an easy way to control pests. They have an"]
["immediate dramatic effect, but the long-range damage that they do to the"]
["entire ecological system is sometimes overlooked. The chlorinated"]
["hydrocarbons, such as DDT, DDC, Aldrin, Kelthane, and Dieldrin, were the"]
["most dangerous commercial insecticides. They affect warm-blooded animals and"]
["are no longer available. (In no case should any of these by used.)"]
[]
["Diazinon, Sevin, and Malathion are three insecticides which are often soil"]
["in nurseries to protect vegetable crops. They are considered safe for"]
["warm-blooded animals and have a limited residual effect, since they break"]
["down in a few days. But these insecticides are not too selective and may"]
["kill beneficials as well as pests. Sevin is the most toxic and kills the"]
["widest range of insects, including bees."]
[]
["These chemicals come as sprays, powders, and baits, formulated for specific"]
["pests. They should be used only when an intolerable situation has developed."]
["Plants should be harvested only after the required safety period has passed"]
["since application. This period is from two to 35 days, and is specifically"]
["listed on all insecticides that can be safely used. Insecticides should be"]
["used and handled carefully, following instructions, wearing protective"]
["clothing, with no children or pets around. It is advisable to use a mask"]
["when applying dusts and to work upwind."]
[]
["16.4 Common Pests"]
[]
["Cucumber Beetles"]
[]
["Cucumber beetles are about a quarter-inch long and look a lot like ladybugs."]
["There are several species of cucumber beetles. The striped beetle is found"]
["east of the Rocky Mountains. It is yellow, has two or three black stripes"]
["running down its back, and has a black head. The spotted cucumber beetle has"]
["a yellow-green back with 11 or 12 black spots and a black head. There are"]
["related species, such as the banded cucumber beetle, throughout the United"]
["States. The larvae of all varieties are white, turning brownish at the ends,"]
["slender, about one-third inch long."]
[]
["Cucumber beetles do the most damage in the early spring, when the adults"]
["come out of hibernation and begin to eat the new growth and leaves. These"]
["leaf-eating adults damage young marijuana, especially when there is a"]
["scarcity of other food. They also transmit bacterial diseases and viruses to"]
["the plants. Within a few weeks after they come out of hibernation, they lay"]
["their eggs at the base of plant roots. The larvae of the striped cucumber"]
["beetle feed only on melon- and cucumber-type plant roots. The spotted-beetle"]
["larvae are fond of corn, and are known as the \"Southern cornroot worm\" in"]
["some places."]
[]
["The best way to prevent cucumber-beetle attacks is to keep the areas that"]
["you plant isolated from corn and melon plantings. Heavy mulching or tilling"]
["destroys the pests when they are hibernating. Late plantings minimise damage"]
["inflicted by cucumber beetles."]
[]
["Cucumber beetles can be controlled by use of Rotenone or Malathion. Dust"]
["several times during seedling growth. These beetles are also prey to many"]
["insects, including the common garden soldier beetle, predator flies, wasps,"]
["and nematodes. Hand picking is also an effective control for cucumber"]
["beetles."]
[]
["Thrips"]
[]
["Thrips are slender, yellow or brownish, winged insects about 1/25 inch long."]
["They have fragile wings which keep them aloft while they are blown by the"]
["wind. Thrips have a cone-shaped mouthpart, which they use to cut stems in"]
["order to suck plant juices. The larvae look like adults, but are smaller and"]
["wingless. Most thrips feed on a range of plants, especially onion and other"]
["bulbs, and marijuana is at most a marginal part of their diet. A"]
["well-cultivated marijuana plant can outgrow and damage that thrips are"]
["likely to inflict."]
[]
["Thrips hibernate in plant debris during the winter and begin sucking in"]
["early spring. They lay eggs during warm weather, and can produce a new"]
["generation every two weeks. Since thrips eat a varied diet, keeping the"]
["garden area clear of weeds is an effective control. Thrips can also be"]
["controlled by turning debris under, so that their nesting sites are"]
["destroyed."]
[]
["Thrips can be controlled by use of tobacco sprays. Rotenone, or Malathion."]
["Aluminium-foil mulches are effective thrip repellents. The light reflected"]
["from the foil confuses their sense of direction."]
[]
["Flea Beetles"]
[]
["There are many species of flea beetles. The adults range in size between"]
["one-twentieth and one-fifth of an inch, and are usually black or metallic"]
["green or blue. They are called flea beetles because they use their enlarged"]
["hind legs to jump like fleas when disturbed. Many flea beetles are"]
["host-specific, and probably only a few species munch on marijuana."]
[]
["Flea beetles hibernate in plant debris. By ploughing the debris under, their"]
["hibernation places are eliminated, and there should be few pests the"]
["following spring. Flea beetles are repelled by a mixture of equal parts of"]
["wood ashes and limestone sprinkled on foliage every few days. Containers of"]
["the mixture may also by placed around the plants. Garlic sprays also repel"]
["flea beetles. The chemical poisons used specifically for flea beetles are"]
["stomach poisons, which break down slowly and may not be safe to inhale. Home"]
["remedies are best for flea beetles."]
[]
["16.5 Vertebrate Pests"]
[]
["Mammals Until it develops a hard fibrous main stem, usually at about two"]
["months, the young marijuana plant attracts rodents, including mice, rabbits,"]
["moles, squirrels, groundhogs, and rats, as well as raccoons. Cats are"]
["probably the best means of rodent control. They stalk small prey, go after"]
["any movement, and are active at night, when most of these animals forage."]
["Young plants are often protected from rodents by placing a coffee can with"]
["top and bottom removed around each plant. When the plants get bigger, they"]
["can be protected from rabbits and other animals with a wire fence three feet"]
["in height. A double layer of one-inch chicken wire is most effective. But"]
["many animals can climb or burrow; so more ingenious methods are needed to"]
["protect the plants. Rodents, especially moles, are repulsed by castor beans"]
["and castor oil. A formula that gardeners sometimes use is two parts castor"]
["oil, one part detergent, mixed to a consistency of shaving cream in a"]
["blender. Use a tablespoon of concentrate per gallon of water. Spray or mist"]
["the solution on the plants."]
[]
["Rabbits shy away from blood, bloodmeal, and tankage. To use, sprinkle the"]
["powder around the perimeter of the plot in a band about a foot wide. They"]
["can also be mixed into a concentrated solution and applied as a spray."]
["However, the small of blood may attract mongoose or other predators, which"]
["dig up the garden in search of flesh. Noise from radios, chimes, and bells"]
["deter some animals, and human smalls such as hair and urine may also deter"]
["some animals. In dry areas, a half-filled bucket of water is an effective"]
["rodent trap. The animals fall in and drown."]
[]
["Deer seem to go out of their way to munch on tender marijuana leaves, but"]
["generally don't bother marijuana after it has grown for a few months."]
["Gardeners and farmers use many ingenious techniques to keep them away from"]
["crops. Sturdy fences are the best deterrent. The fences should be about 10"]
["feet high: the bottom five feet should be made up of single strands of wire"]
["string at two-foot intervals. The wire strands prevent deer from jumping the"]
["fence. Some growers use fresh blood, dried blood, or bloodmeal to deter"]
["them, placing it in either powder or liquid form around the perimeter of the"]
["garden. Other growers claim that human hair, or manure from predators such"]
["as wolves, bears, lions, and even dogs, keeps them out. Lion urine (glans"]
["extract) is available commercially, and is said to be an effective deterrent"]
["against many animals. {Figure 73. Tin cans protect against cutworms and many"]
["other plant eaters.}"]
[]
["{Figure 74.  Fat rat munching marijuana.}"]
["{Figure 75.  Problem solved; or, never underestimate the power of a peanut."]
["{Rat caught in mouse trap.}}"]
[]
["Birds"]
[]
["On the whole, birds are beneficial, rather than harmful, in the garden. Most"]
["of the common species, including English sparrows, robins, swallows, wrens,"]
["finches, bluejays, bluebirds, and starlings, eat insects and other garden"]
["pests as a substantial portion of their diet. The only time that birds may"]
["be harmful is during planting, when they sometimes feed on the planted seed."]
["The main culprits seem to be starlings, sparrows, and crows. They can be"]
["kept off the planted areas physically, by means of plastic netting or"]
["fencing, which is sold commercially for the purpose, or by using scarecrows,"]
["aluminium strips, or noise makers. Once the plants have germinated, birds"]
["are no longer a threat and should be encouraged to nest in the area, since"]
["they are an ideal biological control for plant pests."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 17"]
["GENETICS AND SEX IN CANNABIS"]
[]
["Sex is an inherited trait in Cannabis, and can be explained in much the same"]
["terms as human sexuality can. Like a human being, Cannabis is a diploid"]
["organism: its chromosomes come in pairs. Chromosomes are microscopic"]
["structures within the cells on which the genes are aligned. Cannabis has 10"]
["pairs of chromosomes (n=10), for a total of 20 chromosomes (2m=20)."]
[]
["One pair of chromosomes carries the primary genes that determine sex. These"]
["chromosomes are labelled either X or Y. Male plants have an XY pair of sex"]
["chromosomes. Females have XX. Each parent contribute one set of 10"]
["chromosomes, which includes one sex chromosome, to the embryo. The sex"]
["chromosome carried by the female ovule can only be X. The one carried by"]
["pollen of the male plant may be either X or Y. From the pollen, the embryo"]
["has a 50/50 chance of receiving an X, likewise for Y; hance, male and female"]
["progeny appear in equal numbers (in humans, the sperm carries either an X or"]
["a Y chromosome.)"]
[]
["17.2 Flowering"]
[]
["Male Plant"]
[]
["Under natural light, males usually start to flower from one to four weeks"]
["before the females. Where the photoperiod is artificially controlled, as"]
["with electric lights, males respond quickly (in about a week) to a change to"]
["short photoperiods and usually show flowers sooner than the females."]
[]
["Male flowers develop quickly, in about one to two weeks on a vigorous plant,"]
["not uniformly. Scattered flowers may open a week or more before and after"]
["the general flowering, extending the flowering stage to about four weeks."]
[]
["The flowering stage continues to demonstrate the male's tall, relatively"]
["sparse growth. Most of the flowers develop near the top of the plant, well"]
["above the shorter females. The immature flower buds first appear at the tips"]
["of the main stem and branches. Then tiny branches sprout from the leaf"]
["axils, bearing smaller clusters of flowers. The immature male flowers are"]
["closed, usually green, and develop in tight clusters of knob-like buds. The"]
["main parts of the male flowers are five petal-like sepals which enclose the"]
["sexual organs. As each flower matures, the sepals open in a radiating"]
["pattern to reveal five pendulous anthers (stamens)."]
[]
["Inside the ovoid, sac-shaped anthers, pollen grains develop. Initially,"]
["pollen sifts through two pores near the top of the anther; then, starting"]
["from the pores, longitudinal slits slowly open (zipperlike) over the course"]
["of a day, releasing pollen to the wind. Once a flower sheds pollen, it"]
["shortly dies and falls from the plant. Normally, male plants begin to die"]
["one to two weeks after the bulk of their flowers have shed pollen. Healthy"]
["males may continue to flower for several more weeks, but secondary growth"]
["seldom has the vigour of initial bloom."]
[]
["Female Plant"]
[]
["The female plant generally starts to flower later than the male, under"]
["either natural light or an artificially controlled photoperiod. Female"]
["marijuana plants flower when the average daily photoperiod is less then"]
["about 12 to 13 hours. However, some varieties and individuals may flower"]
["with a photoperiod of over 14 hours. Some Colombian varieties may not"]
["respond until the photoperiod falls below 12 hours for a period of up to"]
["three weeks."]
[]
["The duration of flowering also depends on the particular rhythm of the"]
["variety, as well as growing conditions, and whether or not the plant is"]
["pollinated. Within these variables, females maintain vigorous growth and"]
["continue to rapidly form flowers for a period that ranges from 10 days to"]
["about eight weeks."]
[]
["Females generally do not grow much taller during flowering. Growth"]
["emphasises a \"filling out,\" as flower clusters develop from each leaf axil"]
["and growing tip. Normally, the flowers arise in pairs, but the pairs form"]
["tight cluster of 10 to over 100 individual flowers that are interspersed"]
["with small leaves. These clusters are the \"buds\" of commercial marijuana."]
["Along the top of the main stem and vigorous branches, \"buds\" may form so"]
["thickly that the last foot or more of stem is completely covered. Usually"]
["the leaves that accompany the flowers tend toward simpler structure, until"]
["each leaf has one to three blades. {Figure 76. Female in full bloom.}"]
[]
["The visible parts of the female flower are two upraised stigmas, one-quarter"]
["to one-half inch long, usually white or cream, sometimes tinged with red,"]
["that protrude from a tiny, green, pod-shaped structure called the floral"]
["bract. This consists of modified leaves (bracts and bracteoles) which"]
["envelop the ovule or potential seed. The mature bract is a tiny structure,"]
["about 1/8 inch across and 1/4 inch long. When fertilised, a single seed"]
["begins to develop within the bract, which then swells until it is split by"]
["the mature seed."]
[]
["Bracts are covered more densely with large resin glands than is any other"]
["part of the plant, and are the most potent part of the harvest. Resin glands"]
["may also be seen on the small leaves that are interspersed among the"]
["flowers."]
[]
["The differences between male and female Cannabis become more apparent as the"]
["plants mature. The same can be said of the differences between varieties."]
["Often, two varieties may appear to be similar, until they actually flowers"]
["and fill out to different forms. These appear in many ways: some varieties"]
["maintain opposite phyllotaxy with long internodes throughout flowering; bud"]
["sizes vary from about one-half inch to about three inches, with a norm of"]
["about one to two inches; buds may be tightly arranged along the stem,"]
["yielding a \"cola\" two feet long and four inches thick; and some varieties"]
["only form buds along their main stem and branch tips, with a few \"buds\""]
["forming along the branches."]
[]
["{Figure 77.  Upper left: Buds form thickly into colas along the top of"]
["the main stem and branches (full bloom).  Upper right: A cola about two"]
["feet long.  Lower left: A huge leafy cola.  Lower right: Long, slim buds"]
["form late in the year when light is weak.  (these four colas are from"]
["Mexican plants.}"]
[]
["When a female is well-pollinated, growth slows and the plant's energy goes"]
["into forming seeds and thus into the continuation of the species. Some"]
["plants (but only the more vigorous ones) will renew flowering even when"]
["pollinated. Females that are not well-pollinated continue to form flowers"]
["rapidly. This extends the normal flowering period, of 10 days to four weeks,"]
["up to eight weeks or more."]
[]
["Individual flowers are pollinated by individual pollen grains. In a matter"]
["of minutes from its landing on a stigma, the pollen grain begins to grow a"]
["microscopic tube, which penetrates the stigma and reaches the awaiting ovule"]
["wrapped within the bracts. The pollen tube is a passageway for the male's"]
["genetic contributions to the formation of the embryo (seed)."]
[]
["The union of the male and female complements of genes completes"]
["fertilisation and initiates seed formation. The stigmas, having served their"]
["purpose, shrivel and die, turning rust or brown colour. On a vigorous"]
["female, the seeds reach maturity in about 10 days. When growing conditions"]
["are poor, the seed may take five weeks to ripen to full size and colour."]
["Naturally, all the flowers do not form, nor are they pollinated at the same"]
["time - and there will be seeds that reach maturity weeks before others do."]
["Although each flower must be individually fertilised to produce a seed, a"]
["single male plant can release many millions of pollen grains. A large female"]
["plant can produce over 10,000 seeds."]
[]
["17.3 Sexual Variants in Cannabis"]
[]
["Cannabis has been studied for many years because of its unusual sexuality."]
["Besides the normal dioecious pattern, where each plant bears exclusively"]
["male or female flowers, it is not uncommon for some plants to have both male"]
["and female flowers. These are called hermaphrodites, or monoecious plants,"]
["or intersexes. Hermaphroditic plants form normal flowers of both sexes in a"]
["wide variety of arrangements, in both random and uniform distributions."]
[]
["Natural Hermaphrodites"]
[]
["Some hermaphrodites seem to be genetically determined (protogenous). That"]
["is, they naturally form flowers of both sexes given normal growing"]
["conditions. Possibly genes carried on the autosomes (the chromosomes other"]
["than the sex chromosomes) modify the normal sexual expression. Monoecious"]
["varieties have been developed by hemp breeders in order to ensure uniform"]
["harvests."]
[]
["It is also possible that these particular are polyploid, which means they"]
["have more than the usual two sets of chromosomes. This kind of hermaphrodite"]
["may have XXY (triploid), or XXYY or XXXY (tetraploid) sex chromosomes."]
["However, no naturally occurring polyploids have ever been verified (by"]
["observation of the chromosomes) in any population of Cannabis. Polyploids"]
["have been induced in Cannabis by using mutagens, such as the alkaloid"]
["colchicine."]
[]
["Whatever then genetic explanation may be, one or more of these natural"]
["hermaphrodites may randomly appear in any garden. They are sometimes"]
["faster-maturing, have larger leaves, and are larger in overall size than"]
["their unisexual siblings. They usually form flowers of both sexes uniformly"]
["in time and distribution, and in some unusual patterns. For example, from"]
["Mexican seed, we have seen a plant on which separate flowering cluster"]
["consisted of both female and male flowers: and upper section of female"]
["flowers had upraised stigmas, and a lower section of male flowers dangled"]
["beneath the female flowers. In other plants from Mexican seed, the growing"]
["tips throughout the plant have female flowers; male flowers sprout from the"]
["leaf axils along the main stem and branches. Plants from \"Thai\" seed"]
["sometimes form male and female flowers on separate branches. Branches with"]
["female flowers tend to predominate, but branches having mostly male flowers"]
["are located throughout the plant."]
[]
["Abnormal Flowers, Intersexes, Reversals"]
[]
["Gender is set in the new plant at the time of fertilisation by its"]
["inheritance of either the X or the Y chromosome from the male (staminate)"]
["plant. With germination of the seed, the environment comes into play."]
["Heritage sets the genetic program, but the environment can influence how the"]
["program runs. (Sexual expression in Cannabis is delicately balanced between"]
["the two.) The photoperiod, for example, controls the plant's sequence of"]
["development. Also, the plant's metabolism and life processes are dependent"]
["on growing conditions. When the environment does not allow a balance to be"]
["maintained, the normal genetic program may not be followed. This is mirrored"]
["by abnormal growth or sexual expression."]
[]
["{Figure 78. Upper left: Abnormal flowers.  Lower left: Male flowers on a"]
["female plant.  Upper right: Sexes on separate branches.  Lower right: Male"]
["flower in female bud (reversing).}"]
[]
["Abnormal Flowers"]
[]
["Abnormal sexual expression includes a whole range of possibilities."]
["Individual flowers may form abnormally, and may contain varying degrees of"]
["both male and female flower parts. For instance, a male flower may bear a"]
["stigma; or an anther may protrude from the bracts of a female flower."]
["Abnormally formed flowers are not often seen on healthy plants, although if"]
["one looks hard enough, a few may be found in most crops. When many of the"]
["flowers are abnormal, an improper photoperiod (coupled with poor health) is"]
["the most likely cause. Abnormal flowers sometimes form on marijuana grown"]
["out of season, such as with winter or spring crops grown under natural"]
["light."]
[]
["Intersexes and Reversals Much more common than abnormally formed flowers is"]
["for the plant's sex to be confused. One may find an isolated male flower or"]
["two; or there may be many clusters of male flowers on an otherwise female"]
["plant, or vice versa. These plants are called intersexes (also"]
["hermaphrodites or monoecious plants). Intersexes due to environment causes"]
["differ from natural hermaphrodite in having random distributions and"]
["proportions of male and female flowers. In more extreme cases, a plant may"]
["completely reverse sex. For example, a female may flowers normally for"]
["several weeks, then put forth new, sparse growth, typical of the male, on"]
["which male flowers develop. The complete reversal from male flowering to"]
["female flowering also happens."]
[]
["All other things being equal, the potency of intersexes and reversed plants"]
["is usually less than that of normal plants. If there are reversals or"]
["intersexes, both of the sexes will usually be affected. Female plants that"]
["reverse to male flowering show the biggest decline. Not only is the grass"]
["less potent, but the amount of marijuana harvested from male flowers is"]
["negligible compared to the amount of marijuana that can be harvested from a"]
["normal female. Plants that change from male to female flowering usually"]
["increase their potency, because of the growth of female flower bracts with"]
["their higher concentration of resin. Female flowers on male plants seldom"]
["form as thickly or vigorously as on a normal female. Between the loss in"]
["potency and the loss in yield because of females changing to males, a crop"]
["from such plants is usually inferior, in both yield and potency, to one from"]
["normal plants."]
[]
["Environmental Effects"]
[]
["Many environmental factors can cause intersexes and sexual reversals. These"]
["include photoperiod, low light intensity, applications of ultraviolet light,"]
["low temperatures, mutilation or severe pruning, nutrient imbalances or"]
["deficiencies, senescence (old age), and applications of various chemicals"]
["(see bibliography on sex determination)."]
[]
["The photoperiod (or time of planting using natural light) is the most"]
["important factor to consider for normal flowering. In 1931, J. Schaffner"]
["(105) showed that the percentage of hemp plants that had confused sexual"]
["characteristics depended on the time of year they were planted. Normal"]
["flowering (less than five percent of the plants are intersexes) occurred"]
["when the seeds were sown in May, June, or July, the months when the"]
["photoperiod is longest and light intensity is strongest. When planted sooner"]
["or later in the year, the percentage of intersexuals increased steadily,"]
["until about 90 percent of the plants were intersexual when planted during"]
["November or early December."]
[]
["Marijuana plants need more time to develop than hemp plants at latitudes in"]
["the United States. Considering potency, size, and normal flowering, the best"]
["time to sow for the summer crop is during the month of April. Farmers in the"]
["south could start the plants as late as June and still expect fully"]
["developed plants."]
[]
["If artificial light is used, the length of the photoperiod can influence"]
["sexual expression. Normal flowering, with about equal numbers of male and"]
["female plants, seems to occur when the photoperiod is from 15 to 17 hours of"]
["light for a period of three to five months. The photoperiod is then"]
["shortened to 12 hours to induce flowering. With longer photoperiods, from 18"]
["to 24 hours a day, the ratio of males to females changes, depending on"]
["whether flowering is induced earlier or later in the plant's life. When the"]
["plants are grown with long photoperiods for six months or more, usually"]
["there are at least 10 percent more male then female plants. When flowering"]
["is induced within three months of age, more females develop. Actually, the"]
["extra males or females are reversed plants, but the reversals occur before"]
["the plants flower in their natural genders."]
[]
["Some plants will flower normally without a cutting of the photoperiod. But"]
["more often, females will not form thick buds unless the light cycle is cut"]
["to a period of 12 hours duration. Don't make the light cycle any shorter"]
["than 12 hours, unless the females have not shown flowers after three weeks"]
["of 12-hour days. Then cut the light cycle to 11 hours. Flowers should appear"]
["in about one week."]
[]
["Anytime the light cycle is cut to less than 11 hours, some intersexes or"]
["reversed plant usually develop. This fact leads to a procedure for"]
["increasing the numbers of female flowers indoors. The crops can be grown for"]
["three months under a long photoperiod (18 or more hours of light). The light"]
["cycle is then cut to 10 hours. Although the harvest is young (about five"]
["months) there will be many more female flower buds than with normal"]
["flowering. More plants will develop female flowers initially, and male"]
["plants usually reverse to females after a few weeks of flowering."]
[]
["Of the other environmental factors that can affect sexual expression in"]
["Cannabis, none are as predictable as the photoperiod. Factors such as"]
["nutrients or pruning affect the plant's overall health and metabolism, and"]
["can be dealt with by two general thoughts. First, good growing conditions"]
["lead to healthy plants and normal flowering: female and male plants occur in"]
["about equal numbers, with few (if any) intersexes or reversed plants. Poor"]
["growing conditions lead to reduced health and vigour, and oftentimes to"]
["confused sex in the adult plant. Second, the age of the plants seems to"]
["influence reversals. Male plants often show female flowers when the plant is"]
["young (vigorous) during flowering. Females seven or more months old (weaker)"]
["often develop male flowers after flowering normally for a few weeks."]
[]
["Anytime the plant's normal growth pattern is disrupted, normal flowering may"]
["be affected. For instance, plant propagated from cuttings sometimes reverse"]
["sex, as do those grown for more than one season."]
[]
["17.4 Sexing the Plants"]
[]
["The female plant is more desirable than the male for marijuana cultivation."]
["The female flowering clusters (bus) are usually the most potent parts of the"]
["harvest. Also, given room to develop, a female generally will yield twice as"]
["much marijuana as her male counterpart. More of her weight consists of"]
["top-quality buds."]
[]
["Because the female yields marijuana in greater quantity and sooner you can"]
["devote your attention to nurturing the females. Where space is limited, such"]
["as in indoor gardens and small outdoor plots most growers prefer to remove"]
["the males as soon as possible, and leave all available space for the"]
["females. To harvest sinsemilla (seedless female buds), you must remove the"]
["male plants before they mature and release pollen."]
[]
["Differences in the appearance of male and female Cannabis become more"]
["apparent toward maturation. During the seedling stage, gender is virtually"]
["impossible to distinguish, although in some varieties the male seedling may"]
["appear slightly taller and may develop more quickly."]
[]
["We know of no way to discover gender with any certainty until each plant"]
["actually forms either pollen-bearing male flowers or seed-bearing female"]
["flowers. However, certain general characteristics may help. Using guidelines"]
["like the following, growers who are familiar with a particular variety can"]
["often predict gender fairly accurately by the middle stage of the plant's"]
["life."]
[]
["Early Vegetative Growth"]
[]
["After the initial seedling stage, female plants generally develop more"]
["complex branching than the male. The male is usually slightly taller and"]
["less branched. (Under artificial light, the differences in height and"]
["branching are less apparent throughout growth.)"]
[]
["Some plants develop a marked swelling at the nodes, which is more common and"]
["pronounced on female plants."]
[]
["Middle Vegetative Growth"]
[]
["In the second to fourth months of growth, plants commonly form a few"]
["isolated flowers long before the actual flowering stage begins. These"]
["premature flowers are most often found between the eighth and twelfth nodes"]
["on the main stem. Often they appear near each stipule (leaf spur) on several"]
["successive nodes, at a distance two to six nodes below the growing tip."]
["These individual flowers may not develop fully and are often hard to"]
["distinguish as male or female flowers. The fuzzy white stigmas of the female"]
["flower may not appear, and the male flowers seldom opens but remains a"]
["tightly closed knob. However, the male flower differs from the female; it is"]
["raised on a tiny stalk, and the knob is symmetrical. The female flower"]
["appear stalkless and more leaflike."]
[]
["The presence of premature female flowers does not assure that the plant is a"]
["female, but premature male flowers almost always indicate a male plant."]
["Unfortunately, it is much less common for male plants to develop premature"]
["male flowers than for female flowers to appear on either plant. For example,"]
["in one garden of 25 mixed-variety plants, by age 14 weeks, 15 plants showed"]
["well-formed, premature female flowers with raised stigmas. Eight of these"]
["plants matured into females and seven became males. Only two plants showed"]
["premature male flowers and both of these developed into males. The eight"]
["remaining plants did not develop premature flowers or otherwise"]
["distinguishable organs until the actual flowering stage at the age of 21"]
["weeks. From these eight, there were four females, three males, and one plant"]
["bearing both male and female flowers (hermaphrodite). It does seem, however,"]
["that plants bearing well-formed female flowers, on several successive node,"]
["usually turn out to be females."]
[]
["Preflowering"]
[]
["In the week or two prior to flowering and throughout flowering, many common"]
["marijuana varieties follow two general growth patterns which depend on"]
["gender. With these varieties, you can tell gender by the spacing between the"]
["leaves (internodes). For the female, the emphasis is on compact growth. Each"]
["new leaf grows closer to the last, until the top of the plant is obscured by"]
["tightly knit leaves. The male elongates just prior to showing flowers. New"]
["growth is spaced well apart and raises the male to a taller stature. This"]
["may by the first time the male shows its classic tall, loosely arranged"]
["profile."]
[]
["{Figure 79.  Premature flowers are found on the main stem next to the"]
["leaf spurs. Upper left: Early female flower without stigmas. Lower left:"]
["Undifferentiated (indistinguishable). Centre: Early male flower. Upper"]
["and lower right: Well-formed female flowers on successive nodes usually"]
["indicate a female.}"]
[]
["17.5 Sinsemilla"]
[]
["Sinsemilla ((The word \"sinsemilla\" comes from the Spanish, and means"]
["without seeds. It is also spelled \"sansimilla.\")) is any marijuana"]
["consisting of seedless female flower buds. Sinsemilla is not a variety of"]
["marijuana; it is the seedless condition that results when the female flowers"]
["are not fertilised with pollen."]
[]
["In the United States, most sinsemilla comes in the form of Thai sticks that"]
["are imported from Southeast Asia and Japan. Thai sticks are made up of"]
["seedless buds wrapped around a sliver of bamboo or a long wooden matchstick."]
["The buds, which may be on one or more stems, are secured with a hemp fibre"]
["wound around the stick. A growing amount of fine sinsemilla now comes from"]
["domestic sources, such as Hawaii and California. The grass is usually boxed"]
["or bagged with pure buds that are manicured (extraneous leaf removed)."]
["Infrequently sinsemilla comes from Mexico and, rarely, from Colombia."]
[]
["Sinsemilla has a reputation as high-potency marijuana, with a sweet taste"]
["and mild smoke. It doesn't have the harsh, gagging qualities of the usual"]
["Colombian and Mexican grasses. These qualities, however, have nothing to do"]
["with sinsemilla as such. The potency of any grass depends primarily on the"]
["variety and development of the plant, and the taste and mildness of the"]
["smoke depend on the condition of the plant when harvested and the cure."]
["Heavily seeded grass can be as mild and sweet-smoking as sinsemilla when it"]
["is properly handled."]
[]
["When buying grass, remember that sinsemilla indicates a conscientious effort"]
["on the grower's part to bring you the best possible product. Sinsemilla is"]
["almost pure smoking material with no wasted weight in seeds. An ounce of"]
["sinsemilla has about twice as much smoking material as a typical seeded"]
["ounce. Also, any marijuana that is fresh, with intact buds, indicated less"]
["deterioration of cannabinoids. {Figure 80. Thai Sticks.}"]
[]
["Sinsemilla is becoming a preferred form of grass with homegrowers, many of"]
["whom believe that a seedless female is more potent than a seeded one,"]
["reasoning that the plant's energy goes to the production of resin rather"]
["than seed. There seem to be no scientific studies on this point. Many"]
["experienced growers believe the difference is small, perhaps 10 percent."]
[]
["From observing the resin glands on the bracts, one sees that they continue"]
["to develop in size after pollination. Any difference from the unseeded state"]
["is not apparent. Whether pollination does in fact hamper or lessen resin"]
["production or potency is questionable. but the effect on the plant as a"]
["whole can be dramatic. Usually when the female is well-pollinated, growth"]
["noticeably slows, and the plant enters the last phase of life, which is seed"]
["set. Seed set is a period of incubation, in which the seeds grow and reach"]
["their mature state. New growth forms more slowly and lack the vitality of"]
["the bloom before pollination. The plant's reaction to pollination is"]
["relative. The more thoroughly pollinated the female is, the more pronounced"]
["the change in rhythm from vigorous to incubation. A plant on which only a"]
["few flowers have been fertilised continues to actively form flowers as"]
["sinsemilla."]
[]
["Not all plants react alike to pollination. When the weather is good and the"]
["plant vigorous, even a well-seeded plant may bloom a second or third time"]
["before the rate of growth starts a final decline."]
[]
["To put this in perspective, the main advantage to growing sinsemilla is that"]
["the plant remains in a flowering state for a longer period of time. Flowers"]
["may rapidly form for four to ten weeks. The flower buds develop larger and"]
["more thickly along the stems, yielding more top-quality grass (more buds)"]
["than in the seeded condition."]
[]
["Anyone can grow sinsemilla. Simply remove the male plants before they"]
["release pollen. Given a normal spring planting, males usually flowers in"]
["August and September, but may being to flower as early as mid-July. Under"]
["artificial lights, males sometimes flower after only three months, and"]
["before the grower has shortened the photoperiod. Even though the females are"]
["not flowering, remove the males from the room before any flowers open."]
["Indoor, the pollen will collect as dust and can fertilise the females weeks"]
["later."]
[]
["Male flowers mature quickly, in about one to two weeks after the immature"]
["buds are first visible. Check each plant about twice a week to make sure you"]
["harvest all the males before any shed pollen. If you can't visit your garden"]
["consistently, then thin the garden, using the preceding section on \"Sexing\""]
["as a guide. Even though you may not get all the males, the females will be"]
["more lightly seeded. Actually, even in carefully watched gardens, the"]
["females may have a few seeds. Pollination may come from on occasional male"]
["flower on a basically female plant, or a female may reverse and form male"]
["flowers. And pollen may come from a neighbour's garden, a problem that is"]
["becoming more common. But in practical terms, an occasional seed makes no"]
["difference. The female can form thousands of flowers, and when only a few"]
["are pollinated, there is little impact on the plant's growth."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 18"]
["PROPAGATION AND BREEDING"]
[]
["18.2 Producing Seeds"]
[]
["Marijuana is naturally prolific. It has been estimated that a single male"]
["plant can produce over 500 million pollen grains 41. A large female plant"]
["can bear tens of thousands of seeds. In nature, pollen is carried from the"]
["male flowers to the stigmas of the female flowers by air currents or the"]
["wind. Indoors or out, if the plants are simply left on their own, most"]
["gardens produce many more seeds than are needed for the next crop."]
[]
["Seeds usually become viable within two weeks after pollination, although"]
["they may not have developed good colour by this time. The colour can take"]
["several more weeks to develop, particularly indoors or late in the year,"]
["when the light is not as strong. Once seeds are plump, well-formed, and of a"]
["mature size, most of them will be viable. When seeds have also developed"]
["good colour, their viability should be over 90 percent."]
[]
["Pollination may also be carried out artificially. Pollen can be collected"]
["and the transferred to the female flowers with a cotton swab or artist's"]
["brush, or shaken directly over the flowers. Store pollen in a clean, open"]
["container and keep in a dry area at moderate temperature. Remove any flowers"]
["or vegetative matter from the pollen, because they encourage fungal attack."]
[]
["Once advantage of artificial pollination is that only the flowers on certain"]
["plants need be pollinated. This allows you to harvest most of your grass as"]
["sinsemilla, while developing seed on part of the plant. If you have only a"]
["few plants, pollinate a single branch, or perhaps only a few lower buds, in"]
["order to leaves the most potent buds seedless."]
[]
["A good way to insure a thorough pollination, and to avoid contaminating"]
["other females, is to loosely tie a transparent bag containing pollen"]
["directly over individual buds, branches, or whole plants. Shake the bag to"]
["distribute the pollen and carefully remove it from several hours to a few"]
["days later."]
[]
["To avoid contaminating a sinsemilla crop, you must remove any males from the"]
["garden before their flowers open. Males in pots can simply be moved to"]
["another area or room if you want to keep them growing. Male plants can"]
["complete development even in low light; so they do not need artificial"]
["light. Otherwise, the best procedure is to harvest the males intact by"]
["cutting them at their base after some flowers have formed distinct (but"]
["unopened) buds. Hang the whole plants upside down in a sheltered area where"]
["there is moderate light and where temperatures and humidity are not extreme."]
["Place clean plates or sheet plastic beneath the plants to catch falling"]
["pollen. Generally there is enough stored water in the plant for the unopened"]
["flowers to mature and drop pollen. Well-formed flowers may open the next"]
["day. Usually all the flowers that are going to open will do so within two"]
["weeks."]
[]
["Pollen gradually loses viability with time, but pollen that is about three"]
["weeks old generally has sufficient viability for good seed production."]
["However, the age of the pollen may influence the sex ratio of the next"]
["generation."]
[]
["For instance, in a 1961 study with hemp plants 97, the percentage of females"]
["in the next generation was 20 percent higher than in the control plants"]
["(natural pollination) when pollen 14 to 17 days old was used. A small"]
["increase in female-to-male ratios also occurred when pollen was fresh (six"]
["hours or less). The age of the stigmas appeared not to affect the sex ratio."]
[]
["18.3 Producing Female Seeds"]
[]
["If it were possible to know which seeds are female and which are male,"]
["marijuana growing would be even simpler than it is. There is not practical"]
["way to discern the gender of a seed - but there is a simpler procedure for"]
["producing seeds that will all grow into female plants."]
[]
["To produce female seeds, the plants are fertilised with pollen with male"]
["flowers that appear on a basically female plant. Such flowers appear on"]
["intersexes, reversed females, and hermaphrodites (see section 17). Female"]
["plants have an XX complement of sex chromosomes; therefore, the pollen from"]
["the male flowers that form on female plants can only carry an X chromosome."]
["All seeds produced from flowers fertilised with this \"female\" pollen will"]
["thus have an XX pair of sex chromosomes, which is the female genotype."]
[]
["Although the male Cannabis plant can produce female flowers, it cannot"]
["produce seed; so there is no chance of mistakenly producing seed on a male"]
["plant. It is possible to use pollen from an intersexual plant that is"]
["basically male (XY); the resulting crop of seeds will have the normal 1:1"]
["ratio of males to females. For this reason, choose a plant that is"]
["distinctly female as a pollen source. A female plant with a few random"]
["male-flower clusters, or a female plant that has reversed sex are both good"]
["pollen sources. The seed bearer can be any female, female intersex, or"]
["reversed-female plant."]
[]
["In most crops, careful inspection of all the females usually reveals a few"]
["male flowers. And often, when females are left flowering for an extended"]
["period of time, some male flowers will develop. If no male flowers form, you"]
["can help to induce male flowers on female plants by severe pruning. One such"]
["procedure is to take the bulk of the harvest, but to leave behind some green"]
["leaves to maintain growth (as described in the section on \"Double Harvests\""]
["in section 20). Most of the plants will continue to form female flowers, but"]
["male flowers are also likely to form. At times, the plants may not grow"]
["particularly well, and may in fact form distorted and twisted leaves, but"]
["they will produce viable seeds as long as some stigmas were white when"]
["pollinated. (Remember, it only takes a few fertile buds to produce hundreds"]
["of seeds.) Pollinate the female flowers by hand as soon as pollen becomes"]
["available."]
[]
["{Figure 82.  A solitary male flower on a female plant provides \"female\""]
["pollen.  (Also see Figure 84 for a female reversing sex.)}"]
["{Figure 83.  Growth may not be vigorous, but seeds will form if stigmas are"]
["white when pollinated.}"]
[]
["Under artificial lights, turn the light cycle down to eight hours after"]
["cutting the plants back. The short cycle helps to induce male flowers on"]
["female plants."]
[]
["Male-free seed can also be produced by pollen from a natural hermaphrodites."]
["The progeny, however, may inherit the hermaphroditic trait, resulting in a"]
["crop with some hermaphrodites as well as females. This could be a problem if"]
["you want to grow sinsemilla the next crop."]
[]
["18.4 Breeding"]
[]
["Breeding Cannabis is done simply by selecting certain plants to be the"]
["pollinators and the seeds bearers. Characteristics such as fast growth,"]
["early maturation, and high potency might be the reasons for choosing one"]
["plant over another. Selection can be by means of the male plants, the"]
["females, or both. A simple procedure would be to harvest all male plants,"]
["sample each for potency, and use the most potent plant for the pollen"]
["source. At harvest, compare the seeded females for potency, and use seeds"]
["from the most potent plant for the pollen source. At harvest, compare the"]
["seeded females for potency, and use seeds from the most potent plant for the"]
["following generation."]
[]
["There are two basic approaches to breeding. One is inbreeding, and the other"]
["is outbreeding. Inbreeding involves starting with a single variety and"]
["crossing individuals to produce seeds. In this way, certain desirable"]
["characteristics that the parents have in common will probably be perpetuated"]
["by the offspring."]
[]
["Certain variants with unusual characteristics, such as three leaves to a"]
["node instead of the usual two leaves, can be inbred continuously until all"]
["progeny carry the trait. One problem with inbreeding is that other desirable"]
["characteristics may be lost as the new population becomes more homogeneous."]
["Inbreeding plants indoors seems to lead in a loss in potency by the fourth"]
["generation. (Preceding generations were considered comparable to the"]
["original imported grass.)"]
[]
["Outbreeding is crossing two different varieties. Offspring from parents of"]
["two different varieties are called hybrids. Cannabis hybrids exhibit a"]
["common phenomenon on plants called \"hybrid vigour.\" For reasons not wholly"]
["understood, hybrids are often healthier, larger, and more vigorous than"]
["either of their parents. {Figure 84. Upper left: An old female reversing to"]
["male flowering. Lower left: Three leaves to a node (trifoliate). Upper"]
["right: A plant with three leaves to a node alternating with one leaf on next"]
["node. Lower right: Three-leafed plants sometimes split into two growing"]
["shoots.}"]
[]
["A reference to cannabinoid content of hybrids from crosses between"]
["chemotypes was made in a 1972 study by the Canadian Department of"]
["Agriculture: \"The ratio of THC to CBD in hybrids was approximately"]
["intermediate between the parents ... there was also occasionally a small but"]
["significant deviation toward one of the parents - not necessarily the one"]
["with the higher or lower ratio of THC to CBD.\" 51 This means that a cross"]
["between a midwestern weedy hemp (type III) and a fine Mexican marijuana"]
["(type I) would yield offspring with intermediate amounts of THC and CBD, and"]
["which hence would be considered type II plants."]
[]
["Homegrowers have mentioned that inbreeding plants often led to a decrease in"]
["potency after several generation. Outbreeding maintained potency, and"]
["sometimes (some growers claimed) led to increases in potency."]
[]
["One area in which breeding can be useful for homegrowers is the breeding of"]
["early-maturing plants for northern farmer. Farmers in the north should"]
["always plant several varieties of marijuana. Mexican varieties generally are"]
["the fastest to mature. Individual plants that mature early and are also"]
["satisfactorily potent are used for the seed source in next year's crop. This"]
["crop should also mature early. Some growers cross plants from homegrown seed"]
["with plants from imported seed each year. This assures a maintenance of"]
["high-potency stock."]
[]
["Potency Changes Over Generations"]
[]
["It is well-established that plants of the P1 generation (parentals, or the"]
["first homegrown plants from imported seed) maintain their chemical"]
["characteristics. (For example, type I plants yield type I progeny whose"]
["cannabinoids are about equal both quantitatively and qualitatively to those"]
["in their native grown parents.) This fact is shown by Table 25."]
[]
["In the study 66 from which Table 25 has been adapted, individual plants"]
["within varieties differed by more than four times in CBD content and by more"]
["than three times in THC content. The researchers also noted that illicit"]
["marijuana samples contained proportionately less leaf material and"]
["proportionately more stem and seed material than samples grown in"]
["Mississippi. (Mississippi samples may be more dilute.) New Hampshire and"]
["Panama samples were nearly equal in terms of the sum of THC plus CBN."]
[]
["One of the questions that persists in marijuana lore is what effect if any a"]
["change in latitude has on the plant chemotype over a period of generations."]
["Non-drug types of Cannabis usually originate above 30 degrees latitude in"]
["temperate areas. Drug types of Cannabis usually originate in tropical or"]
["semitropical areas below the 30-degree parallel. Whether this is due"]
["entirely to cultural practices is questionable. More likely, the environment"]
["(natural selection) is the prime force, and cultural practices reinforce"]
["rather than determine chemotype."]
[]
["Cannabis is notorious for its adaptability. Historically, there are many"]
["statements that the drug type of Cannabis will revert to the \"fibre\" type"]
["when planted in temperate areas, whereas the fibre type will revert to the"]
["drug type after several generations in a tropical area. That a change in"]
["chemotype is actually caused by transfer between tropical and temperate"]
["areas has not been verified scientifically. (Such studies are ongoing in"]
["Europe.) If such changes occur, it is also not known whether the change is"]
["quantitave (the plant produces less total cannabinoids) or whether it is"]
["qualitative (succeeding generations, for example, change from being high in"]
["THC and low in CBD to being high in CBD and low in THC)."]
[]
["We believe that qualitative changes can occur within a few generations, but"]
["can only guess what environmental factor(s) might be responsible for such a"]
["change. Probably the change has more to do with adaption of general growth"]
["and developmental characteristics than with particular advantages that"]
["production of either CBD or THC may bestow upon the plants."]
[]
["The reason we suspect a change in chemotype is that these changes occur"]
["rapidly in evolutionary terms, in a matter of several generations. This"]
["rapidity implies that some very strong selective pressure are acting on the"]
["plant populations. Also, changes in the chemotype seem to occur globally,"]
["which implies that the selective pressures responsible are globally uniform"]
["rather than local phenomena. Such globally uniform pressures might be light"]
["intensity, daylength, ambient temperatures, and the length of the growing"]
["season. For example, in populations adapting to temperate areas, those"]
["plants that are able to grow well under relatively lower light intensity and"]
["cooler temperatures, and which are able to complete development in a"]
["relatively short growing season, would be favoured over siblings with more"]
["tropical characteristics."]
[]
["Adaption acts on populations by means of whole organisms which are reacting"]
["to a total environment. Shifts in the chemotype of the population are"]
["probably linked genetically to the strong selective pressures exerted on the"]
["populations by the need to adapt general growth and maturation to either"]
["northern (temperate) or southern (tropical) conditions. {From the northern"]
["hemisphere.}"]
[]
["18.5 Cuttings"]
[]
["Marijuana growing often transcends the usual relationship between plant and"]
["growers. You may find yourself particularly attached to one of your plants."]
["Cuttings offer you a way to continue the relationship long beyond the normal"]
["lifespan of one plant."]
[]
["To take a cutting, use scissors or a knife to clip an active shoot about"]
["four to sic inches below the tip. Cannabis does not root easily compared to"]
["other soft-stemmed plants. Cuttings can be rooted directly in vermiculite,"]
["Jiffy-MIX, a light soil, or in a glass of water. The cutting is ready to"]
["plant when roots are about an inch long, in about three to four weeks. A"]
["transplant compound such as Rootone can be used to encourage root growth and"]
["precent fungi from forming."]
[]
["Keep the mixture consistently moist but not too saturated. Roots need oxygen"]
["as well as water in order to grow. Change the water daily if the cutting are"]
["in a glass of water. Cuttings root best in moderate light, not in intense"]
["light (HID's) or direct sunlight. The best light is fluorescent set on"]
["constant light (24 hour photoperiod)."]
[]
["{Picture.  Comparing rooting mediums.  Left to right: One, roots both in"]
["and removed from rockwool cube; two, perlite; three and four, perlite"]
["vermiculture mixture; five, vermiculite; not shown: cuttings died in"]
["peat-pellets.  Best rooting was in perlite-vermiculite mixture.  Pure"]
["vermiculite also worked well.}"]
[]
["Cuttings taken from the same plant are genetically identical and are clones."]
["Clones eliminate genetic differences between individuals, and hence are"]
["particularly useful in scientific experiments. By using clones, one can"]
["attribute variations between individuals specifically to outside factors."]
["This would be particularly useful when testing, for example, the affect of"]
["fertilisers on potency. In the 1980's, scientists finally began to use this"]
["useful tool in Cannabis experiments."]
[]
["18.6 Grafting"]
[]
["One of the most persistent myths in marijuana lore concerns grafting"]
["Cannabis to its closest relative. Humulus, the hops plant of beer-making"]
["fame. The myth is that a hops scion (shoot or top portion of the stem)"]
["grafted to a marijuana stock (lower stem and root) will contain the active"]
["ingredients of marijuana. The beauty of such a graft is that it would be"]
["difficult to identify as marijuana and, possible, the plant would not be"]
["covered under marijuana statutes. Unfortunately, the myth is false. It is"]
["possible to successfully graft Cannabis with Humulus, but the hops portion"]
["will not contain any cannabinoids."]
[]
["In 1975, the research team of Crombie and Crombie grafted hops scions on"]
["Cannabis stocks from both hemp and marijuana (Thailand) plants 205. Cannabis"]
["scions were also grafted to hops stocks. In both cases, the Cannabis portion"]
["of the graft continued to produce its characteristic amounts of cannabinoids"]
["when compared to ungrafted controls, but the hops portions of the grafts"]
["contained no cannabinoids. This experiment was well-designed and carried"]
["out. Sophisticated methods were used for detecting THC, THCV, CBD, CBC, CBN,"]
["and CBG. Yet none of these were detected in the hops portions."]
[]
["The grafting myth grew out of work by H.E. Warmke, which was carried out for"]
["the government during the early 1940's in an attempt to develop hemp strains"]
["that would not contain the \"undesirable\" drug 58. The testing procedure for"]
["the active ingredients was crude. Small animals, such as the water flea"]
["Daphnia, were immersed in water with various concentration of acetone"]
["extracts from hemp. The strength of the drug was estimated by the number of"]
["animals killed in a given period of time. As stated by Warmke, \"The Daphnia"]
["assay is not specific for the marijuana drug ... once measures any and all"]
["toxic substances in hemp (or hop) leaves that are extracted with acetone,"]
["whether or not these have specific marijuana activity.\" Clearly it was other"]
["compounds, not cannabinoids, that were detected in these grafting"]
["experiments."]
[]
["Unfortunately, this myth has caused some growers to waste a lot of time and"]
["effort in raising a worthless stash of hops leaves. It has also leg growers"]
["to some false conclusions about the plant. For instance, if the hops scion"]
["contains cannabinoids, the reasonable assumption is that the cannabinoids"]
["are being produced in the Cannabis part and translocated to the hops scion,"]
["or that the Cannabis root or stem is responsible for producing the"]
["cannabinoids precursors."]
[]
["From this assumption, growers also get the idea that the resin is flowing in"]
["the plant. The myth has bolstered the ideas that cutting, splitting, or"]
["bending the stem will send the resin up the plant or prevent the resin from"]
["going down the plant. As explained in our discussion of resin glands in"]
["section 2, these ideas are erroneous. Only a small percentage of the"]
["cannabinoids are present in the internal tissues (laticiferous cells) of the"]
["plant. Almost all the cannabinoids are contained and manufactured in the"]
["resin glands, which cover the outer surfaces of the above-ground plant"]
["parts. Cannabinoids remain in the resin glands and are not translocated to"]
["other plant parts."]
[]
["We have heard several claims that leaves from hops grafted on marijuana were"]
["psychoactive. Only one such case claimed to be first hand, and we never did"]
["see or smoke the material. We doubt these claims. Hops plants do have resin"]
["glands similar to those on marijuana, and many of the substances that make"]
["up the resin are common to both plants. But of several species and many"]
["varieties of hops tested with modern techniques for detecting cannabinoids,"]
["no cannabinoids have ever been detected 212."]
[]
["The commercially valuable component of hops is lupulin, a mildly"]
["psychoactive substance used to make beer. To our knowledge, no other known"]
["psychoactive substances has been isolated from hops. But since these"]
["grafting claims persist, perhaps pot-heads should take a closer look at the"]
["hops plant."]
[]
["Most growers who have tried grafting Cannabis and Humulus are unsuccessful."]
["Compared to many plants, Cannabis does not take grafts easily. Most of the"]
["standard grafting techniques you've probably seen for grafting Cannabis"]
["simply don't work. For example, at the University of Mississippi,"]
["researchers failed to get one successful graft from the sixty that were"]
["attempted between Cannabis and Humulus. A method that works about 40 percent"]
["of the time is as follows. (Adapted from 205)"]
[]
["Start the hops plants one to two weeks before the marijuana plants. Plant"]
["the seeds within six inches of each other or start them in separate six-inch"]
["pots. The plants are ready to graft when the seedling are strong (about five"]
["and four weeks respectively) but their stem has not lost their soft texture."]
["Make a diagonal incision about halfway through each stem at approximate the"]
["same levels (hops is a vine). Insert the cut portions into each other. Seal"]
["the graft with cellulose tape, wound string, or other standard grafting"]
["materials. In about two weeks, the graft will have taken. Then cut away the"]
["unwanted Cannabis top and the hops bottom to complete the graft. Good luck,"]
["but don't expect to get high from the hops leaves. {Smoking any plant's"]
["leaves will give a short, slight buzz.}"]
[]
["18.7 Polyploids"]
[]
["H.R. Warmke also experimented with breeding programs during the war years."]
["Polyploid Cannabis plants were produced by treatment with the alkaloid"]
["colchicine. Colchicine interferes with normal mitosis, the process in which"]
["cells are replicated. During replication, the normal doubling of chromosomes"]
["occurs, but colchicine prevents normal separation of the chromosomes into"]
["two cells. The cell then is left twice (or more then) the normal chromosome"]
["count."]
[]
["Warmke's experiments concluded that polyploids contained higher"]
["concentrations of the \"active ingredient.\" However, the procedure for"]
["measuring that ingredient was much the same is described for grafting, with"]
["probably similar shortcomings."]
[]
["Polyploid Cannabis has been found to be larger, with larger leaves and"]
["flowers. Recent experience has shown that polyploids are not necessarily"]
["higher in potency. Usually they are about equal to diploid siblings."]
[]
["Colchicine is a highly poisonous substance. The simplest and safest way to"]
["induce polyploids is to soak seeds in a solution of colchicine derived from"]
["bulbs of winter or autumn crocus (Colchicum). Mash the bulbs and add an"]
["equal part of water. Strain through filter paper (or paper towels). Soak"]
["seeds in the solution and plant when they start to germinate. Cultivate as"]
["usual."]
[]
["Only some of the seeds will become polyploid. Polyploid sprouts generally"]
["have thicker stems, and the leaves are often unusually shaped, with"]
["uneven-sized blades. Leaves also may contain more than the usual number of"]
["blades. As the plant grows, leaves should return to normal form, but"]
["continue to be larger and with more blades."]
[]
["If no polyploids sprout, use less water in preparing the solution."]
[]
["Colchicine is also a prescribed drug for treatment of gout and is taken in"]
["pill form. These usually contain .6 mg per tablet. Use 10 tablets per ounce"]
["of water, and soak the seeds as described above."]
[]
["Colchicine is also sold by mail-order firms which advertise in magazines"]
["such as Head or High Times."]
[]
["Because colchicine is a poison, it should be handled carefully. It is not"]
["known if plants from seeds treated with colchicine will contain a harmful"]
["amount of colchicine when plants are grown. Harm is unlikely, because the"]
["uptake by the seed is so small, and because the colchicine would be further"]
["diluted during growth, as well as diminished by smoking. But we cannot"]
["guarantee that you can safely smoke colchicine-treated plants."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 19"]
["EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON POTENCY"]
[]
["This chapter deals only with the influence of the environment on the potency"]
["of your crop. Differences or changes in potency can also result from"]
["inherent differences between plants, such as in their variety or growth"]
["stage, from chemical degradation of the harvested marijuana, and from"]
["genetic processes that take place over several generations of plantings"]
["((For discussion of these other causes of differences in potency, see the"]
["following sections: \"Cannabis Chemotypes\" in section 2; \"Inherent"]
["Variations\" in section 3' \"Breeding\" in section 18; \"Potency and"]
["Decomposition\" in section 20; and \"Storage\" in section 21.))"]
[]
["We have emphasised the heredity is the most important factor that determines"]
["potency. Potent marijuana grows from seeds of potent marijuana. A healthy,"]
["mature plant bears an abundance of flowers, guaranteeing you a potent"]
["harvest."]
[]
["Some researchers have investigated the impact of the environment on relative"]
["potency, since this question is of interest to officials concerned with"]
["marijuana control as well as to marijuana growers. Their primary goal has"]
["been to discover the gross effects of different environments rather than to"]
["single out the effects of any particular factor. A consensus is that the"]
["impact of environment on potency is small relative to that of the plant's"]
["heredity. Nevertheless, where scientists have commented on this question,"]
["the common denominator for higher potency has been stress."]
[]
["19.2 Stress"]
[]
["Stress in anything that detracts from the plant's health or vigour."]
["Environmental factors such as competition from other plants, low water"]
["availability, and poor soil conditions are examples of stress factors."]
[]
["In many marijuana-growing cultures, farmers have practices that are"]
["stress-related; splitting the base, severe pruning, bending or contorting"]
["the stem, and water deprivation are common examples. Of course, the fact"]
["that marijuana-growing cultures have such practices does not mean that these"]
["practices actually increase potency, or that this is, or ever was, their"]
["intent. This original meaning may well have been forgotten centuries ago."]
["For instance, cultivation of sinsemilla has been practiced for centuries,"]
["not for potency, but because the seedless product is easier to process or"]
["smoke."]
[]
["There does seem to be some underlying relationship between stress and higher"]
["potency. Stress factors may slow growth in general, but at the same time,"]
["may not slow the synthesis of cannabinoids. Potency may be affected in much"]
["the same way by growth factors that are not considered stressful. As"]
["described previously, marijuana plants grow more compactly and have smaller"]
["leaves under conditions of relatively warm temperatures, or strong sunlight,"]
["or a dry atmosphere; they grow taller and have larger leaves when grown"]
["under cool temperatures, moderate light, or a humid atmosphere. Higher"]
["relative potency seems to correlate with conditions which favour compact"]
["development of the plant and its parts."]
[]
["The rate of cannabinoids synthesis relative to photosynthesis may be"]
["affected in ways not apparent. Sunlight, for instance, is a growth factor."]
["In almost all cases, the more sunlight the plants receive, the faster and"]
["larger they will grow. Yet plants grown with intense sunlight seem to"]
["maximise potency. Intense sunlight can raise plants' internal temperatures"]
["to levels that interfere with the photosynthesis cycle. Absorption of light"]
["energy and conversion to biochemical energy continues unimpeded, but the"]
["synthesis of sugars is impeded. (Under a midday sun, this phenomenon has"]
["been observed in other field crops. (206)) In marijuana, cannabinoids"]
["synthesis may continue unaffected at these higher temperatures. This might"]
["account, in part, for the slightly higher potency of plants grown in"]
["tropical zones."]
[]
["The subject of potency is mired in confusion and mystery, largely because of"]
["fertiliser and soil ads, marijuana-growing books, and individuals who"]
["promise ways of increasing potency or growing super grass. There are no"]
["magic formulas or secrets to divulge that will make or break the potency of"]
["your crop. We have tried to play down this type of thinking throughout this"]
["book. Choice of seed, and a harvest of well-developed buds, far outweigh any"]
["other factors in determining potency."]
[]
["We know of no one who has demonstrated that manipulation of any particular"]
["environmental factor leads to higher potency. This lack of demonstration"]
["probably exists for two reasons: (1) environmental effects on potency are"]
["relatively small compared to the effects of inheritable traits, and hence"]
["are not easy to discern; and (2) \"increased potency\" is difficult to prove"]
["((Most scientific experiments are observations, and test effects or compare"]
["results rather than try to prove something.)) The variations in potency"]
["within any variety, and within each plant, require stringent methods of"]
["sampling for comparative tests. And since potency also changes with time,"]
["meaningful comparisons can be difficult to make. Scientific papers reflect"]
["this difficulty."]
[]
["An experiment on potency must account for inherent variations in potency"]
["before environmental effects can be analysed. Samples would need to be"]
["equivalent in terms of variety, growth stage and development, sex, plant"]
["part, and the position of the part on the plant. A simple way to do this"]
["would be to harvest females when each reached full bloom and then compare"]
["the uppermost buds from each plant."]
[]
["Most of the research on potency done to date either has not reported"]
["sampling techniques or did not account for certain inherent variations. In"]
["the extreme case, all vegetative matter from one plant was mixed together,"]
["and the THC concentration in a sample of this matter was compared with that"]
["in a similar sample of mixed marijuana from another plant. Such practices"]
["can give misleading results. Consider the fact that an unhealthy plant will"]
["have dropped many of its lower, less-potent leaves. A healthy plant has more"]
["leaf overall and retains more of its lower leaves. There is a good chance"]
["that the unhealthy plant will test higher in average THC content, because"]
["proportionately shoots, which are relatively more potent. Such a sampling"]
["error could create the impression that stress is positively correlated with"]
["potency."]
[]
["Marijuana scientists have recognised the need for testing equivalent samples"]
["and for setting standards for testing. In 1974, the English scientist John"]
["Fairburn (68) published a number of well-controlled experiments concerning"]
["potency and light. This is a hopeful sign that more meaningful experiments"]
["will be forthcoming."]
[]
["We have said that the common denominator for increasing potency is stress."]
["Let's put that in perspective."]
[]
["You cannot go wrong if you grow the largest and healthiest plants possible."]
["Our experience has been that the most potent plants are more often the"]
["healthiest and most vigorous in the garden."]
[]
["Factors that limit growth rate are probably related to potency, and if"]
["growth rate is relatively slower, cannabinoids concentrations may be higher."]
["Plants whose average yield is six ounces may be slightly more potent than"]
["plants whose average yield is eight ounces. Factors related to potency"]
["affect growth rate rather than ruin the plant's health. When a plant is so"]
["traumatised that it is barely surviving, potency as well as growth rate"]
["declines."]
[]
["Obviously, if the growth rate is slower, the harvest will be smaller. Any"]
["difference in potency due to stress is quite small, but the difference in"]
["yield can make the difference between harvesting an ounce and harvesting"]
["several pounds (ie., don't get carried away with the practice of stressing"]
["the plants). If you wish to stress the plant, wait until it is firmly"]
["established and growing well."]
[]
["Outdoors, don't stress the plant until at least the middle of its life. You"]
["want the plant to be large enough to bear a good harvest of buds. Water"]
["deprivation is a good method of limiting growth outdoors. However, wilted"]
["plants must be watered, or they will die."]
[]
["Competition from other weeds has been correlated with higher potency in two"]
["recent studies (71,74). You might prefer not to weed your patch after the"]
["seedling stage. (Initially, weeding is necessary because indigenous weeds"]
["generally outgrow marijuana seedlings.)"]
[]
["Another safe way of applying stress is to remove all large leaves from the"]
["plant once it has begun to flower."]
[]
["Indoors, the plants are already in a delicate state. We advise indoor"]
["growers to grow the largest and healthiest plants possible for best results."]
[]
["19.3 Nutrients"]
[]
["Most growers show a keen interest in fertilising, since it is one factor"]
["over which they have some control. Most growers also feel that nutrients,"]
["which play such an important part in plant growth, probably have a"]
["relationship to the potency, and this is a reasonable assumption. In"]
["marijuana lore, potency is sometimes attributed to particular soil types"]
["(for instance, red dirt, which is iron-rich) or to presence or lack or"]
["certain nutrients (for examples, nitrogen or potassium deficiency)."]
[]
["The relationship of potency to soil conditions, in particular the nutrient"]
["content, has been looked at recently by several research groups. In two such"]
["studies, (71,74) the cannabinoid content of naturalised weedy hemp stands in"]
["the Midwest was examined. Variations in potency were then correlated to soil"]
["properties, such as N, P, and K content. The two papers came to similar"]
["conclusions. First, stands growing in areas where they were under stress"]
["tended to produce less biomass (yield) but were more potent overall. Second,"]
["when nutrients or other growth factors, such as height and weight of plants"]
["or root size, were correlated with potency, potency was almost always"]
["correlated positively with positive growth factors. That is, higher potency"]
["occurred when the plants were growing with adequate or high amounts of"]
["nutrients present, not when nutrients were inadequate."]
[]
["What appears to be a contradiction (stress leads to higher potency, or good"]
["growing condition lead to higher potency) may be explainable in terms of"]
["what these experiments actually measured."]
[]
["A basic assumption in these studies was that all the plants were relatively"]
["homogeneous genetically, since they may have originated from a single stock"]
["of hemp grown during World War II. Assuming this is true, then variations"]
["between stands would be due to differences in local environmental factors."]
["However, since environmental condition differed locally for separate stands,"]
["one cannot tell whether variations in potency between stands are due to"]
["present environmental factors (phenotypic responses) or reflect thirty years"]
["of adaption by each stand to its local environment (genotypic shifts)."]
[]
["It may be that positive growth factors are associated with higher potency in"]
["phenotypes (plants now growing), whereas stress leads to higher potency in"]
["succeeding generations, because of selective pressure. It is interesting"]
["that both papers reported strong positive correlations between higher"]
["potency and competition from other weeds, since competition between plants"]
["does exert strong selective pressures."]
[]
["The following list of possible effects of nutrients on potency has been"]
["adapted from these four studies. (63,71,74,231)"]
[]
["Nitrogen"]
[]
["Nitrogen was positively correlated with higher potency. Once controversy in"]
["marijuana lore is whether a nitrogen deficiency during flowering increases"]
["potency. We have grown plants with N deficiencies, and they seemed no more"]
["potent than those grown with high amounts of nitrogen available. However,"]
["the N-deficient plants did produce a much smaller harvest."]
[]
["Phosphorus"]
[]
["P has been correlated positively with higher potency in all studies that"]
["have examined this factor. Phosphorus is necessary for good flower"]
["development and seed production. Give the plants a steady supply of"]
["phosphorus throughout growth and in particular during flowering."]
[]
["Potassium"]
[]
["K has been correlated both positively and negatively with potency. More"]
["often, it has been found to be negatively correlated. As discussed"]
["previously, plants that show some potassium deficiencies may grow well; so"]
["you may choose not to treat minor symptoms of K deficiency often grows"]
["vigorously with little harm other than the spotting and the loss of some"]
["lower leaves. It should not be necessary to fertilise with potassium during"]
["flowering unless deficiency symptoms are severe and the plant has ceased"]
["growing."]
[]
["Calcium"]
[]
["Abundant Ca levels have been consistently correlated with higher potency."]
[]
["Magnesium"]
[]
["Mg has been negatively correlated with potency. However, this may have been"]
["dur to the interaction of Ca and Mg, and may reflect Ca's strong positive"]
["correlation to potency, rather than the negative effects of Mg per se."]
["Plants that show Mg deficiencies must be fertilised, or they will quickly"]
["lose most of their leaves and barely remain alive."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 20"]
["HARVESTING"]
[]
["Figure 30 is a hypothetical plot of the increase in potency of a male plant"]
["and a female during the course of their growth. (Potency is measured by the"]
["percentage by weight of THC in a dried sample of the uppermost leaves or"]
["growing shoots until flowers appear.) It shoes that generally potency"]
["increases as the plant develops. Cues such as phyllotaxy changes and rate of"]
["growth are helpful indicator to changes in development and the chronological"]
["age of the plant has little significance."]
[]
["The development of the cannabinoids, resin glands, and, in practical terms,"]
["the potency in the living plant is not clearly understood. We believe that,,"]
["for the most part, potency does not increase steadily throughout the entire"]
["plant. Rather, each plant part reaches a point of maximum potency as it"]
["individually develops. A leaf that is formed when the plant is four weeks"]
["old does not increase in potency during the rest of the season. To say that"]
["potency is increasing means that the leaves that are now forming are more"]
["potent than those previously formed."]
[]
["We also believe that cannabinoid formation is very fast as each plant part"]
["forms. Once matured (for example, when a leaf is fully expanded),"]
["cannabinoids are decomposing. This is one reason why the potency can"]
["decrease as well as increase during growth, especially late in the season,"]
["after the flowers have formed. The practical aspects of these points are"]
["detailed in the following sections."]
[]
["20.2 Harvesting During Growth: Leaves and Growing Shoots"]
[]
["Leaves"]
[]
["We have emphasised that you should harvest grass during the course of the"]
["season. One reason is to assure yourself a return for your efforts. It is a"]
["sad commentary on our times that the greatest danger in growing marijuana"]
["outdoors is that the plants may be ripped off. On a more positive note,"]
["vegetative shoots and leaves can be surprisingly potent and should be"]
["sampled."]
[]
["The potency of each new set of leaves is higher than the last pair until a"]
["plateau is reached, usually during the middle of vegetative growth."]
["Thereafter potency of new leaves stays about the same as in those preceding."]
["Often there is a noticeable decline in potency just prior to flowering."]
["Leaves that form during flowering are usually more potent than those formed"]
["during the vegetative plateau. Leaves that form after the bloom are less"]
["potent."]
[]
["Of course, not all varieties or individual plants will follow this rhythm."]
["Faster-developing plants may reach the plateau sooner, and slower plants"]
["later. Potency of plants that have a longer life cycle may stay at the"]
["vegetative plateau for several months. Some plants do not seem to experience"]
["any drop in potency before flowering. Potency of these plants continues to"]
["increase gradually after the initial quick increase during early vegetative"]
["growth."]
[]
["Whenever you harvest green leaves during growth, you should always take the"]
["uppermost leaves, since these are the most potent. Also, the smaller leaves"]
["that form on the branches are more potent than the large leaves on the main"]
["stem. These large stem leaves (fan, shade, or sun leaves) are often the"]
["first leaves that growers pick. But these are the least potent of all"]
["leaves, and the may not get you high at all. As long as these leaves are"]
["healthy and green, let them stay on the plant for the plant's growth. Many"]
["growers simply use these leaves for mulch or compost as they die."]
[]
["Don't think that you should harvest each leaf as soon as it appears; this"]
["procedure would seriously affect normal growth and result in a small harvest"]
["of buds. The potency of individual leaves does not increase during the"]
["course of the season, but the decrease in potency is not great. Some of the"]
["loss in potency may even be made up for by the loss in tissue weight that a"]
["leaf experiences as it dies. Many growers prefer to harvest leaves during"]
["growth only after they lose colour, preferring the taste of the smoke to"]
["that of green leaves."]
[]
["Leaves should always be harvested if they die; with indoor gardens, remove"]
["any leaves that show signs of insects or other pests."]
[]
["Do keep yourself supplied with grass (that is the reason you are growing the"]
["plant); just don't overdo it. The main harvest is made up of buds, and you"]
["want a large, healthy plant that can support vigorous flowering. The larger"]
["and healthier a plant is, the more leaf you can harvest without seriously"]
["affecting the plant."]
[]
["Growing Shoots"]
[]
["You may prefer not to clip the growing shoot of the main stem. This forms"]
["the largest and most potent cola by harvest time. Plants grown close"]
["together usually are not clipped, so that the plants may grow as tall as"]
["possible. Where there is much space between plants, the main shoot is"]
["clipped to encourage the plant to develop its branches, which fill the"]
["available space."]
[]
["The potency of growing shoots follows the rhythm described for new leaves."]
["However, growing shoots can be the most potent parts of the harvest when"]
["picked at the right time. Shoots sometimes reach a very high peak of potency"]
["during the middle of vegetative growth. Outdoor gardens should be samples"]
["from mid-June through July, since this is the period in which shoots usually"]
["reach their peak."]
[]
["Potency also fluctuates according to local weather conditions. Try to"]
["harvest after a period of clear, sunny weather. Potency may declining for"]
["several days after a period of cloudy weather or heavy rainfall. After a"]
["heavy rain, harvest the shoots a week or two later, since the shoots often"]
["peak in potency during a burst of fast growth."]
[]
["Growing shoots can be harvested from each plant at least twice during"]
["growth. The first clipping may not give you much worthwhile grass, but it is"]
["done when the plants are young (roughly six weeks old) to force the plant to"]
["develop several growing shoots which are harvest about six to eight weeks"]
["later. The main shoot is clipped, leaving about four or five nodes below the"]
["cut. Two shoots should start to grow from each node, the strongest at the"]
["top of the plant and the weakest at the bottom. (This difference is more"]
["pronounced under artificial light, since the light is strongest on the top"]
["of the plants.) Each plant should produce at least six strong growing shoots"]
["after this first clipping. The yield from growing shoots can be considerable"]
["(especially during the summer marijuana drought) and will probably keep you"]
["supplied until the main harvest."]
[]
["A third harvest of shoot can be made later if the plants have a long growing"]
["season or are indoors. You don't want to clip shoots from the plants just"]
["prior to or during flowering, since doing so cuts down on the harvest of"]
["buds. Each plant should have at least twelve growing shoots after being"]
["clipped twice previously. You might harvest only a few shoots from each"]
["plant if the time for flowering is near."]
[]
["20.3 Male Plants"]
[]
["Male plants usually do not have the dramatic increase in potency during"]
["flowering that the females do. Male flowers take about two weeks to mature,"]
["from the time they are first visible as tiny knob-like buds. New flowers"]
["continue to appear for several weeks."]
[]
["When male flowers open and are about to release pollen, they reach their"]
["maximum potency. Since all flowers do not mature at the same time, for"]
["maximum potency the plants should be harvested after the first few flowers"]
["have opened."]
[]
["Male flowers actually make up little of the total weight of the harvest, and"]
["few new leaves form once flowering begins. There is no significant loss in"]
["either potency or yield if the male is harvested before its flowers open."]
["Once male flowers appear, there is little change in their potency. Also,"]
["once the flowers do open and release pollen, they shortly fall from the"]
["plant and are lost to the harvest."]
[]
["Males should therefore be harvested before any flowers open unless you want"]
["the females to produce seeds. In a small garden, male flower clusters can be"]
["individually harvested as they mature. Most growers treat male flowers more"]
["as a novelty. Potency of male flowers is quite variable, and seldom are they"]
["as good as the female flowers. To remove male plants, cut them near the base"]
["of the stem. Don't rip them up by the roots if they are near females that"]
["will be left to grow."]
[]
["Male plants normally begin to lose their vigour after the initial bloom."]
["When the weather is mild, or the plants are indoors, they can be encouraged"]
["to bloom a second and sometimes a third time before they finally die."]
[]
["20.4 Harvesting Female Buds"]
[]
["The decision of when to harvest females can be simplified by understanding"]
["that you want to pick the buds after they have developed fully, but before"]
["degradation processes begin to lower potency. There are two criteria you can"]
["use to tell when the plants have reached full bloom. The first is"]
["recognising the rhythm, with which the plants are blooming. A second is the"]
["condition of the flowers as judged by the health of the stigmas and the"]
["colour of the resin."]
[]
["Sinsemilla"]
[]
["Since sinsemilla flowers are not pollinated, the flowering period may last"]
["for many weeks. The most common rhythm for sinsemilla is that plants go"]
["through a stage of rapid bud formation, and the plants do indeed bloom. This"]
["bloom often lasts four to five weeks. The bloom ends when the rate at which"]
["new flowers form noticeably declines. At his time you should be able to"]
["sense that the bloom is completed. Buds are at their peak potency about one"]
["week after flower formation slows. This is the time to harvest. True, the"]
["plant may continue to grow slowly, but the main harvest is ready and should"]
["be taken."]
[]
["With sinsemilla, some marijuana varieties have an extended bloom that may"]
["last more than two months. With this rhythm, the rate at which the buds form"]
["is drawn out, and progresses at a slower but steadier pace. The point at"]
["which the bloom is essentially over may not be as obvious as in the first"]
["case. Here, use the condition of the buds to make your decision. Stigmas"]
["wither first at the base of the buds (older flowers). Those stigmas at the"]
["top of the buds (younger) will still be white and healthy, although their"]
["tips are often brown. Harvest the plants when about half the stigmas in the"]
["buds have withered. The coating of resin glands should still be clear or"]
["white, with only a few golden or browned gland heads."]
[]
["A third type of flowering rhythm is sometimes seen on plants from Thai seed."]
["Flower buds bloom and ripen at different times. These plants also have an"]
["extended flowering stage that can last for over two months. You may choose"]
["to harvest individual buds, colas, or branches as they ripen."]
[]
["Seeds"]
[]
["If your primary interest is seeds, the plant should be harvested after the"]
["seeds have developed their mature colour. Mature seeds can be seen splitting"]
["their sheaths or bracts. When enough seeds have ripened, the plants should"]
["be harvested. If the plants are left in the ground and die, many of the"]
["seeds will fall from the plant."]
[]
["For most growers, potency will be of primary interest, seeds only a"]
["secondary. With seeded marijuana, flowering is initially rapid until the"]
["plant is well-pollinated. If pollination occurs early in flowering, the"]
["plants often bloom for another week or two. Generally, you want the plants"]
["to flower for at least four weeks before picking, and usually longer, about"]
["six to seven weeks."]
[]
["With seeded marijuana, the bloom is of shorter duration than with"]
["sinsemilla. Once growth slows, wait another two to three weeks before"]
["harvesting. All the seeds may not be matured, particularly at the top of the"]
["bud. But potency of the buds should be about maximum at this time."]
[]
["20.5 Weather"]
[]
["Because of such variables as variety and growing conditions, there can be so"]
["much variation in the ripening process that no one criterion for judging"]
["when maximum potency is reached will be reliable for all cases."]
[]
["Warm, sunny weather encourages rapid flowering and a long period of"]
["receptivity by the stigmas. Cool, rainy weather can wither the stigmas and"]
["dampen the vigour of the bloom."]
[]
["If brief frost or long, cool rain has withered the stigmas, use the plants'"]
["growth as a guideline, because ultimately this is the most important"]
["criterion. You want the buds to reach a mature size, and to ripen for about"]
["another week. You do not want the buds to be left on the plant longer than"]
["necessary."]
[]
["Ideally, harvesting should follow a period of warm, sunny weather. In"]
["northern and mountainous parts of the country, many tropical varieties will"]
["note flower until late in the season, when the weather has cooled and"]
["night-time frosts are threatening. Most mature plant can withstand mild"]
["frosts and continue to grow well if daytime temperatures are mild. In this"]
["case, let the plants mature, since formation of the buds is more important"]
["than the weather in determining potency. Watch the plants carefully, and"]
["harvest when the buds reach mature size. Marijuana killed by frost may smoke"]
["harshly, but potency does not seem affected. Well-formed buds should be"]
["picked if heavy rains are expected. Cannabinoids are not water-soluble, but"]
["gland heads will be washed away."]
[]
["Barring a catastrophe, such as a long frost, death to Cannabis is usually"]
["not sudden. The plants will continue to grow, and may infact rejuvenate the"]
["next year if the stalks are left in the ground. But after the main bloom,"]
["the growth that follows is usually much less vigorous and sometimes forms"]
["abnormally. Leaves at this time are simplified, and have one blade. Later"]
["leaves are smaller, and tend to have entire margins (no serrations)."]
["Sometimes they are twisted or misshaped, as are the flowers that form along"]
["with them. This slow growth that follows the initial bloom will contribute"]
["little to the weight of the harvest. Additionally, this post-bloom growth is"]
["much less potent than the original bloom. Resin glands on these plant parts"]
["are feeble and poorly developed. When this abnormal growth forms, the time"]
["for harvesting is past. {See Figure 83.}"]
[]
["When a plant seems to persist in growing, and you are not sure bloom is"]
["past, the best procedure to follow is to try for a double harvest."]
[]
["Double Harvests"]
[]
["Most marijuana plants take at least five months to reach maturity. Once the"]
["plant has reached maturity, it is forming its most potent marijuana, and"]
["should not be cut down completely. You can often induce the females to"]
["flower a second (and sometimes a third) time, especially if the plants are"]
["indoors or if the weather is expected to stay mild for several more weeks."]
[]
["To encourage a second bloom, first take the bulk of the harvest: all but the"]
["smallest buds, and most of the leaf. Some green leaves should be left on the"]
["plant to maintain the plant's growth. After harvesting, give the plants a"]
["thorough watering, and water with a soluble, complete fertiliser that"]
["provides a good supply of both N and P. This will encourage new growth and"]
["continued flowering."]
[]
["Indoors, the best procedure is to treat the plants like a hedge. Cut all the"]
["plants back to equal heights, about two to three feet tall. Remove most of"]
["the grass, but again leave a few green leaves on the plant. Don't remove"]
["lower branches even if they are leafless, since these will sprout again."]
["Lower the light system to the tops of the plants, and maintain the daily"]
["cycle at about 12 hours. The second crop of buds will be ready for harvest"]
["in four to eight weeks. With this system, the plants appear like dense"]
["hedges of buds. If the second crop of buds forms quickly, you should try for"]
["a third crop. Continue to fertilise the plants regularly, and watch for"]
["signs of magnesium deficiencies, which often show up when the plants have"]
["been growing for an extended time."]
[]
["Double and triple harvests are one of the benefits of indoor growing."]
["Although plants are relatively small indoors, the original harvest of buds"]
["can be triples in the next four months."]
[]
["20.6 Potency and Decomposition"]
[]
["We have said that when buds are picked too late, the potency may decline"]
["because of decomposition of the cannabinoids, especially THC."]
[]
["In section 21, Tables 26-29 give measured rates of decomposition of the"]
["major cannabinoids due to exposure to light and air. Light rapidly"]
["decomposes THC into unknown products (possibly polymers (122,164)). Light"]
["also converts CBD to CBS and CBC to CBL. Air (oxygen) slowly converts THC to"]
["the less active CBN. Conversion to CBN is hastened by higher temperatures."]
[]
["Degradative processes do not occur as quickly in the living plant as when"]
["the cannabinoids are purified or in solution, as is shown by the data in"]
["Tables 27-30 in section 21 {Tables on disk only}. Resin glands seem to"]
["function well in storing the cannabinoids in dried plant material. However,"]
["the rates of decomposition in Tables 27 and 28 are for samples exposed to"]
["north light and a maximum of 80F temperatures. Temperature would be higher,"]
["and light stronger, under full sunlight."]
[]
["Studies with fresh plant material usually show negligible CBN content in"]
["fresh marijuana from immature plants. When mature buds are tested, their CBN"]
["content is generally equal to at least five percent of their THC content."]
["When growing temperatures are higher, such as in the tropics, CBN content"]
["can account for more than 20 percent of the original THC. Even if we assume"]
["a low figure, such as five percent conversion of THC to CBN, there is"]
["actually a much greater decline in THC content because of the simultaneous"]
["degradation of THC by light."]
[]
["When the slow rate at which THC oxidises to CBN is considered, five percent"]
["decomposition in a period of less than two months represents considerable"]
["exposure of the THC to air, and most of this exposure occurs in the last"]
["critical weeks when the resin glands begin to degenerate. Plates 8 and 11-13"]
["show the condition of the resin glands on several different kinds of"]
["marijuana."]
[]
["Stalked glands that cover the female flower bracts sometimes rupture or"]
["secrete cannabinoids through pores in the glands head. Secretion is not a"]
["continuous flow, but more of an emptying of the glands' contents. At this"]
["time, gland heads may dehisce. Also, because of their abundance and raised"]
["positions, resin glands on the female bracts are exposed to strong sunlight"]
["and possible physical damage. These conditions may explain the significant"]
["decline in potency of buds that are overripe."]
[]
["Leaves are also affected by decomposition of the cannabinoids, but not as"]
["quickly or seriously as the buds, probably because the resin glands on the"]
["leaves are most numerous on the undersurface, where they are somewhat"]
["protected from light. These glands rarely rupture or secrete cannabinoids."]
["Often they are intact, clear, and apparently unchanged for many weeks on the"]
["living plant."]
[]
["As the plates show, one can, with the naked eye, see the glands change"]
["colour, from colourless or white to golden, and then to reddish or brown."]
["THC is colourless. If the colour changes of the resin do indicate"]
["decomposition of THC, then decomposition in the stalked glands that cover"]
["the buds can be considerable."]
[]
["We have smoked buds that seemed to lose about half their potency when left"]
["on the plant for an addition three weeks. Colour changes are after the fact."]
["If many of the glands are beginning to brown, the grass should be harvested."]
[]
["20.7 Timing the Harvest"]
[]
["Many growers will disagree with us on when the best time is to harvest the"]
["buds (female plants). When the plants are left in the ground, and are alive"]
["but past the main bloom, the resinous qualities of the plant may become more"]
["apparent. The bracts and tiny leaves may swell in size, and the leaves feel"]
["thicker. The coating of resin glands will change colour. Leaves often yellow"]
["and fall form the plant. Much of the green colour in the flowering buds may"]
["also be lost. Harvests of these buds more closely resembles commercial"]
["Colombian grass than typical homegrown. The resin content of the dried buds"]
["may be higher, and the grass will smoke more harshly than if the buds were"]
["younger when picked. You may prefer these qualities in your grass, and some"]
["growers insist this grass is stonier. We feel that the grass will give you"]
["the highest high when it is picked as described previously. Smoking is a"]
["personal experience, and you should try different approaches and come to"]
["your own conclusions."]
[]
["The first time you grow marijuana is largely a learning experience. Most"]
["growers can't wait to start their second crop, because they are certain that"]
["they'll improve on both the quantity and the quality of their crop, and this"]
["is usually true. The wise grower will not put all his proverbial eggs in one"]
["basket. It is a good idea to monitor potency by taking samples every few"]
["days when harvest time is drawing near, just as such monitoring is for"]
["deciding when to harvest growing shoots during vegetative growth."]
[]
["In any garden, some of the plants will mature sooner than others. Use the"]
["plant(s) that is earliest to mature to decide at what point in its"]
["development the plant reaches maximum potency. This finding then serves as a"]
["guide for harvesting the rest of the plants."]
[]
["Try to use buds from approximately the same position on the plant each time"]
["you sample. Take only enough to make a joint or two. The more you"]
["standardise your testing (and this includes your smoking evaluation), the"]
["more accurate your results may be."]
[]
["20.8 Final Harvesting"]
[]
["The time of harvest is a time of joy. It is also a time for caution. Unless"]
["the safety of your garden is assured, you will want to harvest quickly,"]
["quietly and as efficiently as possible. Ideally, each plant is harvested as"]
["it matures, but some of you will have to harvest all at once."]
[]
["It is best to take cardboard boxes or large, sturdy bags to carry the"]
["harvest. You want to harvest the plants with as little crushing or damage to"]
["the flowers as possible."]
[]
["Bring a strong knife, heavy shears, or clippers for cutting the stalks. The"]
["quickest way to harvest is to cut each plant at its base. Once the plants"]
["are on the ground, cut the stalks into manageable lengths for boxing or"]
["bagging. Separate large branches as needed for packing."]
[]
["The bagged or boxed material should be moved to the curing or drying area as"]
["soon as possible. If you let the plants sit in the trunk of a car or in"]
["plastic bags, they will start to ferment and small in less than a day."]
[]
["  ------------------------------------------------------------------------"]
[]
["Chapter 21"]
["AFTER THE HARVEST"]
[]
["Once the marijuana plant is harvested, it ceases to produce cannabinoids and"]
["resins, and the main changes in potency that occur are degradative. However,"]
["when the material is handled carefully, dried or cured properly, and then"]
["stored well, little degradation will occur. During drying or curing, the"]
["resin content may seem to increase, as the plant's tissues shrink away from"]
["their resinous coating."]
[]
["More than 70 percent of the fresh weight of the plant os water. Drying is"]
["done to evaporate most of this water, so the marijuana will burn evenly and"]
["smoke smoothly. Additionally, the cannabinoids in fresh plant material are"]
["mostly in the acid forms, which are not psychoactive. The acid cannabinoids"]
["decarboxylate (they lose the gas, carbon dioxide) during the drying or"]
["curing processes, which convert them to their psychoactive neutral forms."]
["Decarboxylation is complete if the marijuana is actually smokes. For this"]
["reason, no special procedures are needed to decarboxylate the marijuana"]
["unless it will be eaten. In that case, the recipe should include a period of"]
["dry heating. The heat converts the cannabinoids to their psychoactive"]
["neutral forms, and also melts the sharp-pointed cystolith hairs that cover"]
["leaves, stems and petioles. Cystolith hairs can cause stomach pains if you"]
["eat uncooked marijuana or chew on raw marijuana, which we strongly advise"]
["you not to do."]
[]
["Commercial marijuana us usually composed of just the flower tops (colas),"]
["which have been stripped, manicured, cured, and dried. Homegrowers often do"]
["not cure their crop before drying, and if the smoke is smooth, there is no"]
["reason not to dry it directly. But harsh-smoking marijuana can be cured so"]
["that the smoke is smoother. Curing has little affect on potency when done"]
["properly."]
[]
["21.2 Stripping"]
[]
["Stripping, the removal of large leaves, is usually done soon after"]
["harvesting. Fan leaves are stripped because they are much less potent than"]
["the colas that they cover, and do not cure as well as the prime material. In"]
["commercial growing areas, the fan leaves are often stripped in the field and"]
["form a green manure. But fan leaves are sometimes quite potent, especially"]
["if they are recent growth. The lower leaves are usually weak, but they can"]
["be used in cooking or concentrated in an extract."]
[]
["The easiest time to strip fan leaves is after they have wilted, because they"]
["are easier to pull off when they are limp then when they are turgid. Wilting"]
["takes place in less than an hour if the plants are in a well-ventilated"]
["space. Plants placed in a plastic bag in a cool area may take a day or more"]
["to wilt."]
[]
["Some growers leave the fan leaves on until the plants have dried. After the"]
["buds are removed, they strip the remaining leaves by running their (gloved)"]
["hands from the base of stems and branches toward their tips. The fan leaves"]
["disintegrate into shake."]
[]
["21.3 Grading and Manicuring"]
[]
["Grading and manicuring are important steps in preparing fine grass. Grading"]
["is done by separating the plants according to variety, sex, and the"]
["particular stash uniform, and the quality of the better grades is not"]
["diluted. Plant parts are usually graded as follows: main top colas, small"]
["side colas, immature buds, leaves accompanying flowers, and fan and stray"]
["leaves. This is important, because the differences in potency will be"]
["considerable. For instance, the buds on a Colombian homegrown will be top"]
["quality, but the lower leaves will be more like a low-grade commercial"]
["Mexican."]
[]
["Manicuring is done to remove the extraneous leaf from the colas. First the"]
["large fan leaves are stripped. The exposed colas are then trimmed with"]
["scissors to remove the ends of leaves that stick out from the colas. Plants"]
["should be manicured and (usually) graded before drying, since dried material"]
["crumbles into shake when handled. Also, leaves dry much more quickly than"]
["buds, and different plant parts cure at their own rates."]
[]
["Male flowers are often treated as a novelty by growers, who make"]
["individually rolled sticks from them, as follows. Hang the plants upside"]
["down; the leaves will wilt and hang down, covering the male flower clusters."]
["Then roll each cluster within its leaves between the palms of your hands, to"]
["compress the cluster into a joint-shaped mass. Dry the \"stick\" in a warm"]
["dark place. Rolling the grass ruptures many of the glands; so dried sticks"]
["should be stored carefully until each is used."]
[]
["Hashish"]
[]
["When you handle your crop, you may notice a resin build-up on your hands and"]
["the tools you are using. This resin can be collected by rubbing and scraping"]
["it into a ball. It makes a quality hash that is several times as"]
["concentrated as the grass."]
[]
["Small quantities of hash can be made by rubbing resinous plant parts across"]
["a thin, fine mesh screen. The resin is then scraped off the screen and"]
["rolled into finger shapes. Hash can also be made by thrashing fresh plants"]
["over a mesh screen inside an enclosed box whose floor is lined with sheet"]
["plastic. A box about one yard square is a suitable size. On one side of the"]
["box a hole is made large enough for the colas to be shaken by hand. In this"]
["way, the resin glands are knocked loose, but are contained by the box and"]
["settle on the plastic."]
[]
["Plastic or paper should be placed beneath the marijuana during manicuring,"]
["grading, or drying. Besides fallen grass, a considerable amount of glands"]
["and fine shake can be caught and compressed to a hash-like mass."]
[]
["21.4 Curing"]
[]
["Curing is a process employed to naturally enhance the bouquet, flavour, and"]
["texture of marijuana. Curing does not lower potency when done correctly,"]
["although poor curing methods often result in some less of THC."]
[]
["Curing is not an essential procedure, and many growers prefer the \"natural\""]
["flavour of uncured grass. Sweet sinsemilla buds usually are not cured."]
[]
["Curing is most successful on plants which have \"ripened\" and are beginning"]
["to lose chlorophyll. It is less successful on growing tips and other"]
["vigorous parts which are immature. These parts may only lose some"]
["chlorophyll."]
[]
["Curing proceeds while the leaf is still alive, for until it dries, many of"]
["the leaf's life processes continue. Since the leaf's ability to produce"]
["sugars is thwarted, it breaks down stored starch to simple sugars, which are"]
["used for food. This gives the grass a sweet or earthy aroma and taste. At"]
["the same time, many of the complex proteins and pigments, such as"]
["chlorophyll, are broken down in enzymatic processes. This changes the colour"]
["of the leaf from green to various shades of yellow, brown, tan, or red,"]
["depending primarily on the variety, but also on growing environment and cure"]
["technique. The destruction of chlorophyll eliminates the minty taste that is"]
["commonly associated with green homegrown."]
[]
["There are several methods of curing, most of which were originally designed"]
["to cure large quantities of tobacco. Some of them can be modified by the"]
["home grower to use for small marijuana harvests as well as large harvests."]
["The methods used to cure marijuana are the air, flue, sweat, sun, and water"]
["cures."]
[]
["Air Curing"]
[]
["Air curing is a technique developed in the United States for curing pipe and"]
["cigar tobacco. It was originally done in specially constructed barns made"]
["with ventilator slats which could be sealed; a small shed or metal building"]
["can easily be adapted for this use. However, this method of curing works"]
["only when there is enough material to keep the air saturated with moisture."]
[]
["Wires are strung across the barn, and the marijuana plants or plant parts"]
["are hung from them, using string, wire twists, or the crooks of branches."]
["The plants material should be closely spaced, but there should be enough"]
["room between branches (a few inches) so that air circulates freely. The"]
["building is kept unventilated until all the material loses some chlorophyll"]
["(green colour). This loss occurs rapidly during warm sunny weather because"]
["heat builds up, which hastens the cure. In wet or overcast weather, the"]
["temperature in the chamber will be cooler, and the process will proceed more"]
["slowly. If these conditions last for more than a day or two, unwanted mould"]
["may grow on the plants. The best way to prevent mould from forming is to"]
["raise the temperature to 90F by using a heater."]
[]
["After the leaves have lost their deep green and become pale, the ventilator"]
["or windows are opened slightly, so that the temperature and humidity are"]
["lowered and the curing process is slowed. The process then continues until"]
["all traces of chlorophyll are eliminated. The entire process may take six"]
["weeks. Then the ventilators are opened, and an exhaust fan installed if"]
["necessary, to dry the material to the point that it can be smoked but still"]
["is moist, that is, bends rather than crumbles or powders when rubbed between"]
["thumb and forefinger."]
[]
["Flue Curing"]
[]
["Flue curing differs from air curing in that the process is speeded up by"]
["using an external source of heat, and the air circulation is more closely"]
["regulated. This method can be used with small quantities of material in a"]
["small, airtight curing box constructed for the purpose. Large quantities can"]
["be hung in a room or barn as described in Air Curing."]
[]
["A simple way to control the temperature when curing or drying small amounts"]
["of marijuana is to place the material to be cured in a watertight box (or a"]
["bottle) with ventilation holes on the top. Place the box in a water-filled"]
["container, such as a pot, fish-tank, or bathtub. The curing box contains air"]
["and will float. The water surrounding the box is maintained at the correct"]
["temperature by means of a stove or hotplate, fish-tank or water-bed heater,"]
["or any inexpensive immersible heater. Temperature of the water is monitored."]
[]
["With the marijuana loosely packed, maintain water temperature at 90 degrees."]
["After several days, the green tissue turns a pale yellow-green or murky"]
["colour, indicating yellow or brown pigments. Then increase temperature, to"]
["about 100 degrees, until all traces of green disappear. Raise the"]
["temperature once again, this time to 115 degrees, until a full, ripe colour"]
["develops. Also increase ventilation at this time, so that the marijuana"]
["dries. Plants dried at high temperature tend to be brittle; so lower the"]
["temperature before drying is completed. This last phase of drying can be"]
["done at room temperature, out of the water bath. The whole process takes a"]
["week or less."]
[]
["Marijuana cured by this technique turns a deep brown colour. Immature"]
["material may retain some chlorophyll and have a slight greenish cast. Taste"]
["is rich yet mild."]
[]
["Sweat Curing"]
[]
["Sweat curing is the technique most widely used in Colombia. Long branches"]
["containing colas are layered in piles about 18 inches high and a minimum of"]
["two feet square, more often about ten by fifteen feet. Sweat curing actually"]
["incorporates the fermenting process. Within a few hours the leaves begin to"]
["heat up from the microbial action in the same way that a compost pile"]
["ferments. Then change in colour is very rapid; watch the pile carefully, so"]
["that it does not overheat and rot the colas. Each day unpack the piles, and"]
["remove the colas that have turned colour. Within four or five days, all the"]
["colas will have turned colour. They are then dried. One way to prevent rot"]
["while using this method is to place cotton sheets, rags, or paper towels"]
["between each double layer of colas. The towels absorb some of the moisture"]
["and slow down the process."]
[]
["Sweat curing can be modified for use with as little marijuana as two large"]
["plants. Pack the marijuana tightly in a heavy paper sack (or several layers"]
["of paper bags), and place it in the sun. The light is converted to heat and"]
["helps support the sweat."]
[]
["Another variation of the sweat process occurs when fresh undried marijuana"]
["is bricked. The bricks are placed in piles, and they cure while being"]
["transported."]
[]
["A simple procedure for a slow sweat cure is to roll fresh marijuana in"]
["plastic bags. Each week, open the bag for about an hour to evaporate some"]
["water. In about six weeks, the ammonia smell will dissipate somewhat, and"]
["the grass should be dried. This cure works well with small quantities of"]
["mediocre grass, since it concentrates the material."]
[]
["Sun Curing"]
[]
["A quick way to cure small quantities of marijuana os to loosely fill a"]
["plastic bag or glass jar, or place a layer between glass or plastic sheets,"]
["and expose the material to the sun. Within a few hours the sun begins to"]
["bleach it. Turn the marijuana every few hours, so that all parts are exposed"]
["to the sun. An even cure is achieved in one to two days {(see Plate 16)}."]
["Some degradation of THC may occur using this method."]
[]
["Water Cure"]
[]
["Unlike other curing methods, the water cure is performed after the marijuana"]
["is dried. Powder and small pieces are most often used, but the cure also"]
["works with whole colas. The material is piled loosely in a glass or ceramic"]
["pot which is filled with luke-warm water. (When hot water is used, some of"]
["the THC is released in oils, which escape and float to the top of the"]
["water.) Within a few hours many of the non-psychoactive water-soluble"]
["substances dissolve. An occasional gentle stirring speeds the process. The"]
["water is changed and the process repeated. Then the grass is dried again for"]
["smoking."]
[]
["THC is not water-soluble; so it remains on the plant when it is soaked. By"]
["eliminating water-soluble substances (pigments, proteins, sugars, and some"]
["resins), which may make up 25 percent of the plant material by weight, this"]
["cure may increase the concentration of THC by up to a third."]
[]
["Marijuana cured by this method has a dark, almost black colour, and looks"]
["twisted and curled, something like tea leaves. The water cure is frequently"]
["used to cure dried fan leaves and poor-quality grass."]
[]
["21.5 Drying"]
[]
["Living marijuana leaves are 80 percent water; colas are about 70 percent"]
["water. Marijuana dried for smoking contains only eight to 10 percent water,"]
["or about 10 percent of the original amount. There are several methods used"]
["to evaporate water; these have little effect on potency, but can affect the"]
["taste, bouquet, and smoothness of the smoke. Generally, the slower the dry,"]
["the smoother the taste. Excess drying and drying methods that use heat will"]
["evaporate some of the volatile oils that give each grass its unique taste"]
["and aroma."]
[]
["Grasses which are dried as part of the curing process usually have a smooth,"]
["mild taste, because of the elimination of chlorophyll and various proteins."]
["Cured marijuana may also be a little sweeter than when first picked, because"]
["the curing converts some of the plant's starch to simple sugars."]
[]
["Some grasses are tasty and smooth-smoking when they are dried without"]
["curing, especially fresh homegrown buds which retain their volatile oils and"]
["sugar. Many homegrowers have acquired a taste for \"natural\" uncured grass,"]
["with its minty chlorophyll flavour; such marijuana is dried directly after"]
["harvesting. {Figure 89, Male plants drying on a tree. Cheesecloth holds"]
["loose leaf for drying.}"]
[]
["Slow Drying"]
[]
["Slow drying is probably the method most commonly used to dry marijuana."]
["Because of the slowness of the dry, a slight cure takes place, eliminating"]
["the bite sometimes associated with quickly dried grass."]
[]
["There are many variations of the technique, but most commonly whole plants"]
["or separated colas are suspended upside down from a drawn string or from"]
["pegs on a wall in a cool dark room, closet, or other enclosed space. A large"]
["number of plants may take a week or two to dry. The drying time for small"]
["numbers of plants can be increased (for a slight cure) by placing the plants"]
["in large, open paper sacks that have ventilation holes cut in their sides."]
["The drying room should have no heavy drafts, but mould may form on the"]
["plants if the air is stagnant. If weather is rainy or the air humid,"]
["increase ventilation and watch for any mould. Plants should be dried quickly"]
["under moderate heat if any mould appears."]
[]
["Many experienced growers prefer slow drying to curing. There is little"]
["chance of error with this method, and buds usually smoke smooth and develop"]
["a pliable consistency. Slow-dried ripe buds retain their delicious, sweet"]
["aroma and taste."]
[]
["Fast Drying"]
[]
["The fast dry-method produces a harsher smoke than slow drying, but it is"]
["often the most convenient method to use. The plants are suspended in the"]
["same way as for slow drying, but the temperature in the drying area is"]
["increased to between 90 and 115 degrees, often by means of electric or gas"]
["heater. The drying area is kept well-ventilated with a fan. As the plants"]
["dry, they are removed from the drying area. By this method, plants in a"]
["tightly packed room can be dried in less than four days, but the exhaust"]
["will contain the deliciously pungent odour of drying marijuana."]
[]
["Indoor growers often hang plants to dry over radiators or stream pipes."]
["Leaves are dried by placing them on a tray over a radiator or on top of the"]
["light fixture."]
[]
["Marijuana that is fast-dried retains its original green colour and minty"]
["taste."]
[]
["Oven Drying"]
[]
["Oven drying is often used by gardeners to sample their crop. Small"]
["quantities of material can be quickly dried by being placed in a 150 to 200"]
["oven for about 10 minutes. Larger quantities can be dried in trays that"]
["contain a single layer of material or in a dehydrator. Oven-dried and"]
["dehydrator-dried marijuana usually has a harsh taste and bite, and loses"]
["much of its bouquet. The method is often used to dry marijuana which has"]
["been cured and dried but is too moist to smoke, or to dry marijuana which is"]
["to be used for cooking or extractions. It is an adequate method for"]
["obtaining dry material for testing and emergencies, but the main harvest"]
["should not be dried in this way. Oven drying works best with leaves. When"]
["leaves are dried together with buds or shoots, remove the material from the"]
["oven periodically, to separate the faster-drying leaf material (before it"]
["burns) from the slower drying buds. One way to do this is to place all the"]
["material on a wire screen over a tray. Every few minutes rub the material"]
["across the screen. Dried material falls unto the tray and is removed from"]
["the oven. Repeat until all the material has dried."]
[]
["Oven curing works well when closely watched. Dried marijuana that is left in"]
["the oven will lose potency quickly. Any time the marijuana begins to char,"]
["most of the potency will already have been lost. This should not be a"]
["problem unless you are careless, or allow the temperature to go above 200"]
["degrees."]
[]
["Sun Drying"]
[]
["Some growers dry their crops right in the field. There are many methods of"]
["sun drying. In Oregon, some growers break the main stem about two feet from"]
["the ground. The leaves and buds dry gradually, since they are still partly"]
["attached to the plant. Other growers spread burlap and cover it with plants"]
["left to dry. Fan leaves are left on the plants to protect the drying buds"]
["from the sun. The grass is manicured after drying. Growers in Arizona shade"]
["drying plants with cheesecloth."]
[]
["Sun-dried marijuana usually has a taste similar to that of oven-dried. Often"]
["the sun bleaches it slightly but also destroy some of the delicate bouquet."]
["Prolonged exposure to the sun will decrease potency, although there is no"]
["noticeable loss if drying is done quickly."]
[]
["Dry Ice"]
[]
["Many homegrowers have written to us that the dry-ice cure increases the"]
["potency of marijuana considerably, and we would be remiss not to mention it."]
[]
["Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. When it melts (sublimates), it turns from"]
["a solid directly into a gas. This gas absorbs some moisture from the frozen"]
["marijuana and partially dries it."]
[]
["There are many variations of the dry-ice method. Fresh or partially dried"]
["material is usually used, although some enthusiasts claim that the cure also"]
["works with dried material. The marijuana is placed in a coffee can or"]
["similar container with a lid, along with at least an equal volume of dry"]
["ice. Puncture the lid so that the gas can escape as it evaporates. Place the"]
["can in a freezer to prolong the evaporation process. When the dry ice is"]
["gone, the grass is dried, but still moist."]
[]
["Some growers claim that simply freezing the grass increases potency. They"]
["often freeze fan leaves or other less-potent material for a couple of months"]
["before smoking it. This is said to work only with fresh (wet or dried)"]
["grass."]
[]
["21.6 Fermentation"]
[]
["When vegetation dries, the individual cells which maintained life processes"]
["die. But marijuana can still be conditioned by means of fermentation."]
["Fermentation is the process in which microbes and plant enzymes break down"]
["complex chemicals into simpler ones, mainly starch and sugars into alcohol"]
["and simple acids. In the process chlorophyll is destroyed, giving the"]
["material a more ripened appearance. If the fermentation is stopped early,"]
["the marijuana has a sweeter taste because of the sugars which the ferment"]
["produced."]
[]
["Fermentation occurs when the moisture content of the marijuana is raised"]
["above 15 percent and the temperature is above 60 degrees. The more tightly"]
["packed the material, that faster the ferment proceeds. The rate of ferment"]
["is controlled primarily by varying the moisture content, but each batch"]
["proceeds at its own rate because of differences between plants in nitrogen"]
["content. (Nitrogen is necessary to maintain fermenting bacteria.) The"]
["process is delicate; should the ferment proceed too rapidly, the marijuana"]
["may be converted to compost. Watch the fermentation closely. After the"]
["desired colour or flavour (from a dried sample) is reached, dry the grass"]
["quickly to stop the process."]
[]
["During fermentation, flavourings can be added to give the marijuana a spicy"]
["aroma. Such spices as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, sage, or vanilla are"]
["placed between the fermenting material. Orange, lemon, or lime peels are"]
["also used. About half an ounce of spice or four ounces of peel are used for"]
["each cubic foot of material to be fermented. The spices are wrapped in cloth"]
["sachets. The citrus peels are strung. They can be placed between the layers"]
["of marijuana."]
[]
["There are two types of fermentations: self-generating and forced. They are"]
["best used with leaves or immature plants."]
[]
["Self-Generating Fermentation"]
[]
["Self-generating fermentation proceeds rapidly only when there is enough"]
["material to make a heap at least one cubic yard large. When smaller"]
["quantities are used, too much of the heat generated by the bacteria is"]
["dissipated, so that the process is slow and is more properly considered"]
["aging."]
[]
["Place the material in a large container or in a pile with a tarpaulin placed"]
["over it, and lightly spray it with a mister if it is dry. Let the pile heat"]
["up for a few days, and then break it down. If it is repacked, the marijuana"]
["will develop a dull matte appearance and lose its sugars. IF the process is"]
["allowed to proceed even further, the marijuana will disintegrate."]
[]
["Forced Fermentation"]
[]
["Forced fermentation can be used with small quantities of material. It"]
["requires an enclose chamber in which heat and humidity can be regulated."]
[]
["Pack the marijuana loosely in a kiln or other chamber, and raise the"]
["temperature to 135 degrees. Maintain humidity at 75 percent. Check the"]
["progress of the ferment periodically. Within a week the ferment should be"]
["completed. During this ferment there is a release of ammonia compounds,"]
["resulting in some foul odours, but upon completion of the ferment and"]
["drying, the marijuana should smoke sweet and mellow."]
[]
["21.7 Storage"]
[]
["THC is degraded by both heat and light. Table 26 shows results of an"]
["experiment conducted at the University of Mississippi, in which marijuana"]
["was stored under varying temperature conditions171. These results indicate"]
["that marijuana stored at room temperature (72) or below, and in darkness for"]
["up to two years will lose only an insignificant amount of its original"]
["potency; whereas marijuana stored in darkness at 97 or above will lose"]
["almost all its potency within two years."]
[]
["In another experiment,164 Fairbairn stored dried marijuana at different"]
["temperatures in both light and dark conditions. The samples in light were"]
["exposed to a north-facing windows (no direct sunlight). The results are"]
["shown in Table 27."]
[]
["Fairbairn also performed an experiment to discover the effect of air on"]
["THC164. Freshly prepared Cannabis resin was stored as a loose powder, a"]
["compressed powder, and an unbroken lump for one year at 68 degrees F (about"]
["room temperature). Samples were stored under two conditions: in light and"]
["air, and in darkness and air. The results are shown in Table 28."]
[]
["Fairbairn experimented further with pure cannabinoids and extracts of"]
["marijuana dissolved in petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol"]
["(alcohol)165. The results, in Tables 29 and 30, show that the THC and CBD in"]
["solution are much more unstable than when they are left in marijuana,"]
["especially if they are held by the plant in undamaged glands, where they are"]
["protected from exposure to air and, to some degree, light. Crude extracts"]
["seem more stable than highly refined cannabinoids, especially CBD, which is"]
["very unstable in refined solutions."]
[]
["Extract makers and purchasers should limit the exposure of the solution to"]
["light and heat as well as to air. Oils and extracts should be kept"]
["refrigerated in opaque, sealed container. Notice that THC is almost"]
["completely degraded in a few weeks when it is held in solution and exposed"]
["to light. Red oil, hash oil, and honey oil must be stored in light-tight"]
["containers to preserve potency."]
[]
["From the tables, you can see that light is the primary factor that causes"]
["decomposition of THC. The decomposition products are unknown, but are"]
["suspected to be polymers or resins. We also do not know whether the rate of"]
["decomposition would be faster in direct sunlight."]
[]
["Air (oxygen) acts much more slowly to convert THC to CBN. Decomposition of"]
["THC to CBN is not significant unless temperatures are in the nineties or"]
["higher. However, such high temperatures can occur in grass that is packed"]
["before it is properly dried. The moisture that is left supports microbial"]
["activity, which heats the grass internally, as occurs during certain types"]
["of curing. Potency of cured grass is not lowered significantly when the cure"]
["is done properly and when the buds are left intact during the process."]
[]
["The figures for powdered and compressed grass in Table 28 show that both"]
["light and air cause rapid decomposition when the resin is exposed through"]
["breaking of the resin glands. Intact resin glands appear to function well in"]
["storing the cannabinoids. For this reason, it is important to handle fresh"]
["and dried grass carefully, in order not to crush the material and thus break"]
["the glands, especially in the buds, which have a cover of raised resin"]
["glands. Most well-prepared marijuana will have intact, well-preserved buds."]
[]
["The best place to store marijuana is in a dark container in a refrigerator"]
["or freezer. Cannabis should be stored uncleaned, so that the glands"]
["containing the THC are not damaged, since damage causes their precious"]
["contents to be exposed to light and air. Marijuana should be cleaned only"]
["when it is about to be smoked."]
[]
["Many growers place a fresh lemon, orange, or lime peel in with each lid of"]
["stored grass. The peel helps to retain moisture, which keeps the buds"]
["pliable, and also gives the grass a pleasant bouquet."]
[]
["Most growers take well-earned pride in the quality of the marijuana that"]
["they grow. By supplying yourself with an herb which may play an important"]
["role in your life, you gain a feeling of self-sufficiency that can be"]
["infectious."]
[]
["Since your homegrown is well-tended and fresh, it has a sweet flavourful"]
["taste, far superior to that of commercial grass. And there need be no fear"]
["of contamination from herbicides, pesticides, adulterants, or other foreign"]
["matter. By growing your own, you come to the pleasant realisation that you"]
["are free from the vagaries and paranoia of the marijuana market - not to"]
["mention how little a home garden costs. All of these feeling can add up to a"]
["very heady experience."]
[]
["In a time of quiet contemplation, you might also reflect on the experiences"]
["that brought you this wondrous herb from a tiny seed. There is a tradition"]
["of mutual nurture and support between humanity and this plant that goes back"]
["10,000 years."]
[]
["You are now part of this continuing tradition."]
[]
["As you probably realised while reading this book, some of the practical"]
["information came to us through letters from growers. We appreciate these"]
["letters and will continue to refer to them when we update and improve future"]
["editions of the Marijuana Grower's Guide. We would also like to hear ideas,"]
["criticisms, and feedback from our readers. Other research material and"]
["copies of professional research are also welcome."]
[]
["        Wishing you a Happy Harvest,"]
["        Mel Frank"]
["        Ed Rosenthal"]
[]
["BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTES"]
[]
["Historical"]
[]
["1.      Aldrich, M. A. 1971. A Brief Legal History of Marijuana.  Presented"]
["        to the Western Inst. of Drug Problems Marijuana Conf., Portland,"]
["        Oregon, Aug. 7, 1971. 14pp."]
["2.      Frazier, J. 1974. The Marijuana Farmers, Hemp Cults, and Cultures."]
["        133pp Solar Age Press, New Orleans, La."]
["3.      Godwin, H. 1967. Pollen Analytic Evidence for the Cultivation of"]
["        Cannabis in England. Rev. Paleobotany Palnyol. 4:71-80."]
["4.      Godwin, H. 1967. The Ancient Cultivation of Hemp. Antiquity"]
["        41:42-50, 137-138."]
["5.      Jain, S., and Tarafder, C. 1970. Medicinal Plant Lore of the Santals"]
["        Tribe in S.E. Asia, Econ. Botany 24:241-249."]
["6.      Kamstra, J. 1974, Weed: Adventures of a Dope Smuggler. 267 pp. Harper"]
["        and Row. New York."]
["7.      Keng, Hsuan. 1974. Economic Plants of Ancient N. China as Mentioned"]
["        in Shih Ching (Book of Poetry). Econ. Botany 28 (4): 391-410."]
["8.      Li, Hui-Lin. 1974. An Archaeological and Historical Account of"]
["        Cannabis in China. Econ. Botany 28 (4): 437-448."]
["9.      Li, Hui-Lin. 1974. The Origin and Use of Cannabis in Eastern Asia:"]
["        Linguistic-Cultural Implications. Econ. Botany (3):293-303."]
["10.     Li, Hui-Lin. 1974, The Origin of Plants in S.E. Asia. Econ Botany"]
["        24 (1):9-10."]
["11.     Musto, D.F. 1972, The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. Arch Gen. Psychiat."]
["        26:101-107."]
["12.     Rea, Mary-Alice F. 1975. Early Introduction of Economic Plants into"]
["        New England. Econ Botany 29(4):333-356."]
["13.     Rubin, V., and Comitas, L. 1975. Ganja in Jamaica: A Medical"]
["        Anthropological Study of Chronic Marijuana Use. 206pp."]
["        Moulton/MacFarlane Pub. Scotch Plains, N.J."]
["14.     Schultes, R.E. 1967. Man and Marijuana. Nat Hist. 82:59-63, 80,82."]
["16.     Shakespeare, P.P. 1977. The Book of Pot. 96pp. A and W Visual"]
["        Library. New York."]
[]
["Botany"]
[]
["17.     Anderson, L.C. 1974. A Study of Systematic Wood Anatomy in Cannabis."]
["        Botanical Museum Leaflets, Harvard Univ. 24 (2):29-36."]
["18.     Andre, Cl., and Vercruysse, A. 1976. Histochemical Study of the"]
["        Stalked Glandular Hairs of the Female Cannabis Plants, Using Fast"]
["        Blue Salt. Plant Medica 29:361-366."]
["19.     Bazzaz, F.A., Dusek, D., Sieger, D.S., and Haney, A.W. 1975."]
["        Photosynthesis and Cannabinoid Content of Temperate and Tropical"]
["        Populations of Cannabis sativa. Biochem. Syst. Econ. 3:15-18."]
["20.     Boucher, F., Cosson, L., Unger, J., and Paris, M. 1974. Cannabis"]
["        sativa L.: Chemical Races or Varieties. Plantes Medicinales et"]
["        Phytother. 8 (1):20-31. (French)"]
["21.     Breslavetz, L.P. 1935. Abnormal Development of Pollen in Different"]
["        Races and Grafts of Hemp. Genetica 17:157-170."]
["22.     Clark, R.C. 1977. The Botany and Ecology of Cannabis. 64pp. Pods"]
["        Press. Ben Lomond, Calif."]
["23.     Darlington, C.D. 1964. Oil and Fiber Plants. In Chromosomal Botany"]
["        and the Origin of Cultivated Plants. Allen and Unwin. London. Pp."]
["        182-183."]
["24.     Davidan, G.G. 1972. Hemp. Bull. Applied Bot., Gen., and Plant"]
["        Breeding 48 (3): 9pp. Leningrad. (Russian)"]
["25.     Dayandan, P., and Kaufman, P.B. 1976. Trichomes of Cannabis sativa"]
["        (Cannabaceae). Amer. J. Botany 63(5):578-591."]
["26.     De Pasquale, A. 1974. Ultrastructure of the Cannabis sativa Glands."]
["        Plant Medica 25: 239-248."]
["27.     De Pasquale, A., Tumino, G., and Coasta de Pasquale, R. 1974."]
["        Micromorphology of the Epidermic Surfaces of Female Plants of"]
["        Cannabis sativa L. Bull. Narc. 26 (4):27-40."]
["28.     Emboden, W.A. 1974. Cannabis, a Polytypic Genus. Econ. Botany"]
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["        in a Higher Plant: Cannabis sativa. Phytochem. 15(2):325-326."]
[]
["Storage/Smoking"]
[]
["161.    Agurell, S., and Leander, K. 1971. Stability, Transfer, and"]
["        Absorption of Cannabinoid Consituents of Cannabis (Hashish) during"]
["        Smoking. Acta Pharm. Suevica 8:391-402."]
["162.    Chiesa, E.P., Rondina, R.V.D., and Couisso, J.D. 1973. Chemical"]
["        Composition and Potential Activity of Argentine Marijuana. J."]
["        Pharmaceut. Pharmacol. 25:953-956."]
["163.    Coffman, C.B., and Gentner, W.a 1974. Cannabis sativa L.:Effect of"]
["        Drying Time and Temperature on Cannabinoid Profile of Stored Leaf"]
["        Tissue. Bull. Narc. 26(1):68-70."]
["164.    Fairburn, J.W., Liebman, J.A., and Rowan, M.G. 1976. The Stability"]
["        of Cannabis and its Preparations on Storage. J. Pharmaceut."]
["        Pharmacol. 28(1):1-7."]
["165.    Jones, L.A., and Foote, R.S. 1975. Cannabis Smoke Condensate:"]
["        Identification of Some Acids, Bases, and Phenols. J. Agric. Food"]
["        Chem. 23(6):1129-1131."]
["166.    Kinzer, W., et al. 1974. The Fate of the Cannabinoid Components"]
["        of Marijuana during Smoking. Bull. Narc. 26(3):41-53."]
["167.    Koehler, B. 1946. Hemp-Seed Treatment in Relation to Different"]
["        Dosages and Conditions of Storage. Phytopathol. 36:937-943."]
["168.    Patel, A.R., and Gori, G.B. 1975. Preparation and Monitoring of"]
["        Marijuana Smoke-Condensate Smaples. Bull. Narc. 27(3):47-54."]
["169.    Savaki, H.E., Cunah, J. Carlini, E.A., and Kepholas, T.A. 1976."]
["        Pharmacological Activity of Three Fractions of Obtained by Smoking"]
["        Cannabis through a Water Pipe. Bull. Narc. 28(2):49-56."]
["170.    Turner, C.E., and Hadley, K.W. 1975. Constituents of Cannabis sativa"]
["        L., IX:Stability of Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Cannabinoids"]
["        in Chloroform. J. Pharm. Sci. 64(2):357-359."]
["171.    Turner, C.E., et al. 1973. Constituents of Cannabis sativa L.,"]
["        IV:Stability of Cannabinoids in Stored Plant Material. J. Pharm."]
["        Sci. 62(10):1601-1605."]
["172.    Turner, C.E., Hadley, K.W., and Davis, K.H. 1973. Constituents of"]
["        Cannabis sativa L., V:Stability of an Analytical Sample Extracted"]
["        with Chloroform. Acta Pharm. Jugoslav. 23(2):89-94."]
["173.    Turner, C.E., and Hadley, K.W. 1973. Preservation of Cannabis. J."]
["        Amer. Med. Assn (Letters) 223(9):1043."]
[]
["Pharmacology"]
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["174.    Argurell, S., et al. 1973. Quantitation of THC in Plasme from"]
["        Cannabis Smokers. J. Pharmaceut. Pharmacol. 25:554-558."]
["175.    Argurell, S., and Nillson, J.L.G. 1972. The Chemistry and Biological"]
["        Activity of Cannabis. Bull. NArc. 24(4):2935-2937."]
["176.    Argurell, S. 1970. Chemical and Pharmacological Studies of Cannabis."]
["        In Joyce and Curry (see note 14) pp. 175-191."]
["177.    Christensen, H.D., et al. 1975. Activity of Delta-8- and Delta-9-THC"]
["        and Related Compounds in the Mouse. Science 31:165-167."]
["178.    Davis, W.M.J. 1972. A Simple Method for the Preparation of"]
["        Injectables of THC and Cannabis Extracts. J. Pharmaceut. Pharmacol."]
["        24:176."]
["179.    Edery, H., Grunfield, Y., Ben-Zvi, Z., and Mechoulam, R. 1971."]
["        Structural Requiremtns for Cannabinoid Activity. Annals N.Y. Acad."]
["        Sci:40-53."]
["180.    Gill, E.W., and Paton, W.D.M. 1970. Pharmacological Experiments in"]
["        vitro on the Active Principles of Cannabis. In Joyce and Curry (see"]
["        note 14), pp165-173."]
["181.    Gill, E.W., Paton, W.D.M., and Pertwee, R.G. 1970. Preliminary"]
["        Experiments on Chemistry and Pharmacology of Cannabis. Nature"]
["        228:134-136."]
["182.    Haagen-Smit, A.J., et al. A Physiologically Active Principle from"]
["        Cannabis sativa (Marijuana). Science 90 (2372):602-603."]
["183.    Hollister, L.E., and Gillespie. H. 1975. Interactions in Man of THC,"]
["        II:CBN and CBD. Clin. Pharm. Therap. 18:80-83."]
["184.    Kabelik, J., Krejci, Z., and Santavy, F. 1960. Cannabis as a"]
["        Medicant. Bull. Narc. 12(3):5-23."]
["185.    Karniol, I.G., et al. 1975. Effects of THC and CBN in Man. Pharacol."]
["        13:502-512."]
["186.    Karniol, I.G., and Carlini, E.A. 1973. Pharmacological Interaction"]
["        between CBD and THC. Psychopharmacologia 33:53-70."]
["187.    Lemberger, L., et al. 1971. THC: Metabolism and Disposition in"]
["        Long-Term Marijuana Smokers. Science 173:72-74."]
["188.    Maugh, T.H. 1974. Marijuana: The Grass May No Longer Be Greener."]
["        Science 185:683-685."]
["189.    McCallum, N.K. 1975. The Effect of CBN on delta-1 THC Clearance"]
["        from the Blood. Experientia 31(8):957-958."]
["190.    McCallum, N.K. 1975. An Inhalation Aerosol of THC J. Pharmaceut."]
["        Pharmacol. (Communications) 28:86-97."]
["191.    Paton, W.D.M. Pharmacology of Marijuana. 1975. Ann. Rev. Pharm."]
["        15:191-219."]
["192.    Perez-Reyes, M. Timmons, M.C., Davis, K.H., and Wall, E.M. 1973."]
["        A Comparison of the Pharmacological Activity in Man of Intravenously"]
["        Administered Delta-nine-THC, CBN, and CBD. Experientia 29:1368-1369."]
["193.    Powel, G., Salmon, M., and Bembry, T.H. 1941. The Active Principle of"]
["        Marijuana. Science 93(2422):521-522."]
["194.    Mikuriya, T.H. 1973. Marijuana:Medical Papers. 475 pp. Medi-Comp"]
["        Press, Oakland, Calif."]
["195.    Sallen, S.E., et al. 1975. Antiemetic Effect of THC in Patients"]
["        Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy. New England Med. J. 293(16):795-798."]
["196.    Segelman, A.B., and Sofia, R.D. 1973. Cannabis sativa L."]
["        (Marijuana), IV:Chemical Basis for Increased Potency Related to a"]
["        Novel Method of Preparation. J. Pharm. Sci. 62(12):2044-2046."]
["197.    Turner, C.E. 1974. Active Substances in Marijuana. Arch. de Incest."]
["        Medica 5(1):135-140."]
[]
["Miscellaneous"]
[]
["198.    Bear, F.E. 1942. Soils and Fertilisers. 374 pp. John Wiley and Sons."]
["        New York."]
["199.    Bickford, E.D., and Dunn, S. 1972. Lighting for Plant Growth."]
["        221 pp. Kent State Unic. Press. Kent, Ohio."]
["200.    Black, C.A. 1968. Soil Plant Relationships. 2d ed. John Wiley and"]
["        Sons. New York."]
["201.    Bradshaw, A.D. 1972. Some of the Evolutionary Consequences of Being"]
["        a Plant. Evolutionary Biology 5:25-47. Appleton-Century-Crofts."]
["202.    Canham, A.E. 1966. Artificial Light in Horticulture. 212pp. Centrex"]
["        Pub. Einhoven, the Netherlands."]
["203.    Chichilo, P., and Whittabker, C.W. 1961. Trace Elements in"]
["        Agricultural Limestones of the United States. Agronomy J."]
["        53(3):143-144."]
["204.    Common Weeds of the United States. 1970. 463 pp. USDA. Washington,"]
["        D.C."]
["205.    Crombie, L., and Crombie, W.M.L. 1975. Cannabinoid Formation in"]
["        Cannabis sativa Grafted Inter-Racially, and with Two Humulus Species."]
["        Phytochem. 14:409-412."]
["206.    Devlin, R.M. 1969. Plant Physiology. 2d ed. 446 pp. Van Nostrand"]
["        Reinhold. New York."]
["207.    DeWit, J.M.J., and Harian, J.R. 1975. Weeds and Domesticates:"]
["        Evolution in the Man-Made Habitat. Econ. Botany 29(2):99-107."]
["208.    Donahue, R.L., Shickluna, J.C., and Robertson, L.S. 1971. Soils:"]
["        An Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth. 3d ed. 587 pp."]
["        Prentice-Hall. Englewood Cliffs, N.J."]
["209.    Duke, W.B., Hagin, R.D., Hunt, J.F., and Lindscott, D.L. 1975."]
["        Metal Halide Lamps for Supplemental Lighting in Greesnhouses: Crop"]
["        Responses and Spectral Distribution. Agronomy J. 67:49-53."]
["210.    Ehrlich, P.R., and Rayen, P.H. 1969. Differentiation of Populations."]
["        Science 165:1228-1231."]
["211.    Encyclopaedia Brittanica. 1894. Vol. III:627-628. Vol. XI:647-649,"]
["        843. Vol XVII:231-233, 739-745."]
["212.    Fenselau, C., Kelly, S., Salmon, M., and Billets, S. 1976. The"]
["        Abscence of THC  from Hops. Food Socmet. Toxicol. 14(1):35-39."]
["213.    Getting the Bugs Out of Organic Gardening.  1973. 115 pp. Rodale"]
["        Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["214.    Golueke, C.G. 1972. Composting: A Study of the Process and its"]
["        Principles. 110pp. Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["215.    Hall, A.D. 1912. Fertilisers and Manures. 384 pp. E.P. Dutton."]
["        New York."]
["216.    Harlan, J.R. 1976. The Plants and Animals that Nourish Man."]
["        Scientific Amer. (Sept):89-97."]
["217.    Henis, C.Y., and Mitchell, R. 1973. Effect of Biogenic Amines and"]
["        Cannabinoids on Bacterial Chemotaxis. Bacteriol. 115(3):1215-1218."]
["218.    Lentz, P.L., Turner, C.E., Robertson, L.W., and Getner, W.A. 1974."]
["        First American Record of Cercospora Cannabina, with Notes on the"]
["        Identification of C. cannabina and C. cannabis. Plant Disease"]
["        Reporter 58 (2):165-168."]
["219.    Levin, D.A. 1973. The Role of Trichomes in Plant Defense. Q. Rev."]
["        Biol. 48 (1):3-15."]
["220.    McVickar, M.H., Bridger, G.L., and Nelson, L.B., eds. 1963."]
["        Fertiliser Technology and Usage. 464 pp. Soil Society of America."]
["        Madison, Wisc."]
["221.    Organic Fertilisers: Which Ones and How to Use Them. 1973. 129 pp."]
["        Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["222.    Rorison, I.H., ed. 1969. Ecological Aspects of Mineral Nutrition in"]
["        Plants. 484 pp. Blackwell Sci. Pub., no. 81. Oxford, England."]
["223.    Stevenson and Brown. 1918. Soil Survey of Iowa Report No. 2,"]
["        Pottawattamie County Soils. 27 pp. Iowa State College of Agriculture"]
["        and Mechanical Arts. Ames, Iowa."]
["224.    Stout, R., and Clemence, R. 1971. The Ruth Stout No-Work Garden"]
["        Book. 218 pp. Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["225.    Sunset Western Garden Book. 1967. 448 pp. Lane Publishing. Menlo"]
["        Park, Calif."]
["226.    Teuscher, H., and Adler, D. 1960. The Soil and its Fertility."]
["        446 pp. Reinhold Publishing. New York."]
["227.    Thompson, L. 1957. Soils and Fertility. 2ed ed. 327 pp. McGraw-Hill,"]
["        New York."]
["228.    Vegetable Gardening. 16th ed. 1972. 72 pp. Lane Books. Menlo Park,"]
["        Calif."]
["229.    Wheeler, H.J. 1924. Manures and Fertilisers. 389 pp. Macmillan."]
["        New York."]
["230.    Yepsen, R.B., Jr., ed. 1976. Organic Plant Protection. 688 pp."]
["        Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pa."]
["231.    Coffman, C.B., and Gentner, W.A. 1975. Cannabinoid Profile and"]
["        Elemental Uptake of Cannabis sativa L. as Influenced by Soil"]
["        Characteristics. Agronomy J. 67:491-497."]
["232.    Shearer, T.M., and Chalmers, D. 1970. Tobacco Growing in the"]
["        British Isles. 31 pp. Scottish Amateur Tobacco Growing and Curing"]
["        Assn. Kirckcoldy, Scotland."]
[{"$nulls":11},"»Back To Index"]
{"$rows_empty":34}
[{"$nulls":11},"»Back To Index"]
["Marijuana Botany "]
[]
["An Advanced Study: The Propagation and Breeding of Distinctive Cannabis "]
[]
["by Robert Connell Clarke "]
[]
["  "]
[]
["Chapter 1 - Sinsemilla Life Cycle of Cannabis "]
[]
["Cannabis is a tall, erect, annual herb. Provided with an open sunny environment, light well-drained composted soil, and ample irrigation, Cannabis can grow to a height of 6 meters (about 20 feet) in a 4-6 month growing"]
["season. Exposed river banks, meadows, and agricultural lands are ideal habitats for Cannabis since all offer good sunlight. In this example an imported seed from Thailand is grown without pruning and becomes a large"]
["female plant. A cross with a cutting from a male plant of Mexican origin results in hybrid seed which is stored for later planting. This example is representative of the outdoor growth of Cannabis in temperate climates. "]
[]
["Seeds are planted in the spring and usually germinate in 3 to 7 days. The seedling emerges from the ground by the straightening of the hypocotyl (embryonic stem). The cotyledons (seed leaves) are slightly unequal in size,"]
["narrowed to the base and rounded or blunt to the tip. The hypocotyl ranges from 1 to 10 centimeters (1A to 3 inches) in length. About 10 centimeters or less above the cotyledons, the first true leaves arise, a pair of"]
["oppositely oriented single leaflets each with a distinct petiole (leaf stem) rotated one-quarter turn from the cotyledons. Subsequent pairs of leaves arise in opposite formation and a variously shaped leaf sequence develops"]
["with the second pair of leaves having 3 leaflets, the third 5 and so on up to 11 leaflets. Occasionally the first pair of leaves will have 3 leaflets each rather than 1 and the second pair, 5 leaflets each. "]
[]
["If a plant is not crowded, limbs will grow from small buds (located at the intersection of petioles) along the main stem. Each sinsemilla (seedless drug Cannabis) plant is provided with plenty of room to grow long axial"]
["limbs and extensive fine roots to increase floral production. Under favorable conditions Cannabis grows up to 7 centimeters (21A inches) a day in height during the long days of summer. "]
[]
["Cannabis shows a dual response to daylength; during the first two to three months of growth it responds to increasing daylength with more vigorous growth, but in the same season the plant requires shorter days to flower"]
["and complete its life cycle. "]
[]
["LIFE CYCLE OF CANNABIS I Juvenile Stage "]
[]
["Cannabis flowers when exposed to a critical daylength which varies with the strain. Critical daylength applies only to plants which fail to flower under continuous illumination, since those which flower under continuous"]
["illumination have no critical daylength. Most strains have an absolute requirement of inductive photoperiods (short days or long nights) to induce fertile flowering and less than this will result in the formation of"]
["undifferentiated primordia (unformed flowers) only. "]
[]
["The time taken to form primordia varies with the length of the inductive photoperiod. Given 10 hours per day of light a strain may only take 10 days to flower, whereas if given 16 hours per day it may take up to 90 days."]
["Inductive photoperiods of less than 8 hours per day do not seem to accelerate primordia formation. Dark (night) cycles must be uninterrupted to induce flowering (see appendix). "]
[]
["Cannabis is a dioecious plant, which means that the male and female flowers develop on separate plants, although monoecious examples with both sexes on one plant are found. The development of branches containing"]
["flowering organs varies greatly between males and females: the male flowers hang in long, loose, multi-branched, clustered limbs up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long, while the female flowers are tightly crowded"]
["between small leaves. "]
[]
["Note: Female Cannabis flowers and plants will be referred to as pistillate and male flowers and plants will be referred to as staminate in the remainder of this text. This convention is more accurate and makes examples of"]
["complex aberrant sexuality easier to understand. "]
[]
["The first sign of flowering in Cannabis is the appearance of undifferentiated flower primordia along the main stem at the nodes (intersections) of the petiole, behind the stipule (leaf spur). In the prefloral phase, the sexes of"]
["Cannabis are indistinguishable except for general trends in shape. "]
[]
["When the primordia first appear they are undifferentiated sexually, but soon the males can be identified by their curved claw shape, soon followed by the differentiation of round pointed flower buds having five radial"]
["segments. The females are recognized by the enlargement of a symmetrical tubular calyx (floral sheath). They are easier to recognize at a young age than male primordia. The first female calyxes tend to lack paired pistils"]
["(pollen-catching appendages) though initial male flowers often mature and shed viable pollen. In some individuals, especially hybrids, small non-flowering limbs will form at the nodes and are often confused with male"]
["primordia. "]
[]
["Cultivators wait until actual flowers form to positively determine the sex of Cannabis "]
[]
["The female plants tend to be shorter and have more branches than the male. Female plants are leafy to the top with many leaves surrounding the flowers, while male plants have fewer leaves near the top with few if any"]
["leaves along the extended flowering limbs. "]
[]
["*The term pistil has developed a special meaning with respect to Cannabis which differs slightly from the precise botanical definition. This has come about mainly from the large number of cultivators who have casual"]
["knowledge of plant anatomy but an intense interest in the reproduction of Cannabis. The precise definition of pistil refers to the combination of ovary, style and stigma. In the more informal usage, pistil refers to the fused"]
["style and stigma. The informal sense is used throughout the book since it has become common practice among Cannabis cultivators. "]
[]
["The female flowers appear as two long white, yellow, or pink pistils protruding from the fold of a very thin membranous calyx. The calyx is covered with resin exuding glandular trichomes (hairs). Pistillate flowers are"]
["borne in pairs at the nodes one on each side of the petiole behind the stipule of bracts (reduced leaves) which conceal the flowers. The calyx measures 2 to 6 millimeters in length and is closely applied to, and completely"]
["contains, the ovary. "]
[]
["In male flowers, five petals (approximately 5 millimeters, or 3/16 inch, long) make up the calyx and may be yellow, white, or green in color. They hang down, and five stamens (approximately 5 millimeters long)"]
["emerge, consisting of slender anthers (pollen sacs), splitting upwards from the tip and suspended on thin filaments. The exterior surface of the staminate calyx is covered with non-glandular trichomes. The pollen grains are"]
["nearly spherical slightly yellow, and 25 to 30 microns (p) in diameter. The surface is smooth and exhibits 2 to 4 germ pores. "]
[]
["Before the start of flowering, the phyllotaxy (leaf arrangement) reverses and the number of leaflets per leaf decreases until a small single leaflet appears below each pair of calyxes. The phyllotaxy also changes from"]
["decussate (opposite) to alternate (staggered) and usually remains alternate throughout the floral stages regardless of sexual type. "]
[]
["The differences in flowering patterns of male and female plants are expressed in many ways. Soon after dehiscence (pollen shedding) the staminate plant dies, while the pistillate plant may mature up to five months after"]
["viable flowers are formed if little or no fertilization occurs. Compared with pistillate plants, staminate plants show a more rapid increase in height and a more rapid decrease in leaf size to the bracts which accompany the"]
["flowers. Staminate plants tend to flower up to one month earlier than pistillate plants; however, pistillate plants often differentiate primordia one to two weeks before staminate plants. "]
[]
["Many factors contribute to determining the sexuality of a flowering Cannabis plant. Under average conditions with a normal inductive photoperiod, Cannabis will bloom and produce approximately equal numbers of pure"]
["staminate and pure pistillate plants with a few hermaphrodites (both sexes on the same plant). Under conditions of extreme stress, such as nutrient excess or deficiency, mutilation, and altered light cycles, populations have"]
["been shown to depart greatly from the expected one-to-one staminate to pistillate ratio. "]
[]
["Just prior to dehiscence, the pollen nucleus divides to produce a small reproductive cell accompanied by a large vegetative cell, both of which are contained within the mature pollen grain. Germination occurs 15 to 20"]
["minutes after contact with a pistil. As the pollen tube grows the vegetative cell remains in the pollen grain while the generative cell enters the pollen tube and migrates toward the ovule. The generative cell divides into"]
["two gametes (sex cells) as it travels the length of the pollen tube. "]
[]
["Pollination of the pistillate flower results in the loss of the paired pistils and a swelling of the tubular calyx where the ovule is enlarging. The staminate plants die after shedding pollen. After approximately 14 to 35 days"]
["the seed is matured and drops from the plant, leaving the dry calyx attached to the stem. This completes the normally 4 to 6 month life cycle, which may take as little as 2 months or as long as 10 months. Fresh seeds"]
["approach 100% viability, but this decreases with age. "]
[]
["The hard mature seed is partially surrounded by the calyx and is variously patterned in grey, brown, or black. Elongated and slightly compressed, it measures 2 to 6 millimeters (1/16 to 3/16 inch) in length and 2 to 4"]
["millimeters (1/16 to 1/8 inch) in maximum diameter. "]
[]
["Careful closed pollinations of a fewselected limbs yield hundreds of seeds of known parentage, which are removed after they are mature and beginning to fall from the calyxes. The remaining floral clusters are sinsemilla or"]
["seedless and continue to mature on the plant. As the unfertilized calyxes swell, the glandular trichomes on the surface grow and secrete aromatic THC-laden resins. The mature, pungent, sticky floral clusters are harvested,"]
["dried, and sampled. The preceding simplified life cycle of sinsemilla Cannabis exemplifies the production of valuable seeds without compromising the production of seedless floral clusters. "]
[]
["  "]
["  "]
[]
["  "]
[]
["Chapter 2 - Propagation of Cannabis "]
[]
["Make the most of the Indian Hemp Seed and sow it every where. "]
[]
[{"$error":"#NAME?"}]
[]
["  "]
[]
["Sexual versus Asexual Propagation "]
[]
["Cannabis can be propagated either sexually or asexually. Seeds are the result of sexual propagation. Because sexual propagation involves the recombination of genetic material from two parents we expect to observe"]
["variation among seedlings and offspring with characteristics differing from those of the parents. Vegetative methods of propagation (cloning) such as cuttage, layerage, or division of roots are asexual and allow exact"]
["replication of the parental plant without genetic variation. Asexual propagation, in theory, allows strains to be preserved unchanged through many seasons and hundreds of individuals. "]
[]
["When the difference between sexual and asexual propagation is well understood then the proper method can be chosen for each situation. The unique characteristics of a plant result from the combination of genes in"]
["chromosomes present in each cell, collectively known as the genotype of that individual. The expression of a genotype, as influenced by the environment, creates a set of visible characteristics that we collectively term the"]
["phenotype. The function of propagation is to preserve special genotypes by choosing the proper technique to ensure replication of the desired characteristics. "]
[]
["If two clones from a pistillate Cannabis plant are placed in differing environments, shade and sun for in stance, their genotypes will remain identical. However, the clone grown in the shade will grow tall and slender and"]
["mature late, while the clone grown in full sun will remain short and bushy and mature much earlier. "]
[]
["Sexual Propagation "]
[]
["Sexual propagation requires the union of staminate pollen and pistillate ovule, the formation of viable seed, and the creation of individuals with newly recombinant genotypes. Pollen and ovules are formed by reduction"]
["divisions (meiosis) in which the 10 chromosome pairs fail to replicate, so that each of the two daughter-cells contains one-half of the chromosomes from the mother cell. This is known as the haploid (in) condition where"]
["in = 10 chromosomes. The diploid condition is restored upon fertilization resulting in diploid (2n) individuals with a haploid set of chromosomes from each parent. Offspring may resemble the staminate, pistillate, both,"]
["or neither parent and considerable variation in offspring is to be expected. Traits may be controlled by a single gene or a combination of genes, resulting in further potential diversity. "]
[]
["The terms homozygous and heterozygous are useful in describing the genotype of a particular plant. If the genes controlling a trait are the same on one chromosome as those on the opposite member of the chromosome"]
["pair (homologous chromosomes), the plant is homozygous and will \"breed true\" for that trait if self-pollinated or crossed with an individual of identical genotype for that trait. The traits possessed by the homozygous"]
["parent will be transmitted to the offspring, which will resemble each other and the parent. If the genes on one chromosome differ from the genes on its homologous chromosome then the plant is termed heterozygous; the"]
["resultant offspring may not possess the parental traits and will most probably differ from each other. Imported Cannabis strains usually exhibit great seedling diversity for most traits and many types will be discovered. "]
[]
["To minimize variation in seedlings and ensure preservation of desirable parental traits in offspring, certain careful procedures are followed as illustrated in Chapter III. The actual mechanisms of sexual propagation and seed"]
["production will be thoroughly explained here. "]
[]
["The Life Cycle and Sinsemilla Cultivation "]
[]
["A wild Cannabis plant grows from seed to a seedling, to a prefloral juvenile, to either pollen- or seed-bearing adult, following the usual pattern of development and sexual reproduction. Fiber and drug production both"]
["interfere with the natural cycle and block the pathways of inheritance. Fiber crops are usually harvested in the juvenile or prefloral stage, before viable seed is produced, while sinsemilla or seedless marijuana cultivation"]
["eliminates pollination and subsequent seed production. In the case of cultivated Cannabis crops, special techniques must be used to produce viable seed for the following year without jeopardizing the quality of the final"]
["product. "]
[]
["Modern fiber or hemp farmers use commercially produced high fiber content strains of even maturation. Monoecious strains are often used because they mature more evenly than dioecious strains. The hemp breeder sets up"]
["test plots where phenotypes can be recorded and controlled crosses can be made. A farmer may leave a portion of his crop to develop mature seeds which he collects for the following year. If a hybrid variety is grown, the"]
["offspring will not ail resemble the parent crop and desirable characteristics may be lost. "]
[]
["Growers of seeded marijuana for smoking or hashish production collect vast quantities of seeds that fall from the flowers during harvesting, drying, and processing. A mature pistillate plant can produce tens of thousands of"]
["seeds if freely pollinated. Sinsemilla marijuana is grown by removing all the staminate plants from a patch, eliminating every pollen source, and allowing the pistillate plants to produce massive clusters of unfertilized"]
["flowers. "]
[]
["Various theories have arisen to explain the unusually potent psychoactive properties of unfertilized Cannabis. In general these theories have as their central theme the extraordinarily long, frustrated struggle of the pistillate"]
["plant to reproduce, and many theories are both twisted and romantic. What actually happens when a pistillate plant remains unfertilized for its entire life and how this ultimately affects the cannabinoid (class of molecules"]
["found only in Cannabis) and terpene (a class of aromatic organic compounds) levels remains a mystery. It is assumed, how ever, that seeding cuts the life of the plant short and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol the major"]
["psychoactive compound in Cannabis) does not have enough time to accumulate. Hormonal changes associated with seeding definitely affect all metabolic processes within the plant including cannabinoid biosynthesis. The"]
["exact nature of these changes is unknown but probably involves imbalance in the enzymatic systems controlling cannabinoid production. Upon fertilization the plant’s energies are channeled into seed production instead of"]
["increased resin production. Sinsemilla plants continue to produce new floral clusters until late fail, while seeded plants cease floral production. It is also suspected that capitate-stalked trichome production might cease when"]
["the calyx is fertilized. If this is the case, then sinsemilla may be higher in THC because of uninterrupted floral growth, trichome formation and cannabinoid production. What is important with respect to propagation is"]
["that once again the farmer has interfered with the life cycle and no naturally fertilized seeds have been produced. "]
[]
["The careful propagator, however, can produce as many seeds of pure types as needed for future research without risk of pollinating the precious crop. Staminate parents exhibiting favorable characteristics are reproductively"]
["isolated while pollen is carefully collected and applied to only selected flowers of the pistillate parents. "]
[]
["Many cultivators overlook the staminate plant, considering it useless if not detrimental. But the staminate plant contributes half of the genotype expressed in the offspring. Not only are staminate plants preserved for"]
["breeding, but they must be allowed to mature, uninhibited, until their phenotypes can be determined and the most favorable individuals selected. Pollen may also be stored for short periods of time for later breeding. "]
[]
["Biology of Pollination "]
[]
["Pollination is the event of pollen landing on a stigmatic surface such as the pistil, and fertilization is the union of the staminate chromosomes from the pollen with the pistillate chromosomes from the ovule. "]
[]
["Pollination begins with dehiscence (release of pollen) from staminate flowers. Millions of pollen grains float through the air on light breezes, and many land on the stigmatic surfaces of nearby pistillate plants. If the"]
["pistil is ripe, the pollen grain will germinate and send out a long pollen tube much as a seed pushes out a root. The tube contains a haploid (in) generative nucleus and grows downward toward the ovule at the base of the"]
["pistils. When the pollen tube reaches the ovule, the staminate haploid nucleus fuses with the pistillate haploid nucleus and the diploid condition is restored. Germination of the pollen grain occurs 15 to 20 minutes after"]
["contact with the stigmatic surface (pistil); fertilization may take up to two days in cooler temperatures. Soon after fertilization, the pistils wither away as the ovule and surrounding calyx begin to swell. If the plant is"]
["properly watered, seed will form and sexual reproduction is complete. It is crucial that no part of the cycle be interrupted or viable seed will not form. If the pollen is subjected to extremes of temperature, humidity, or"]
["moisture, it will fail to germinate, the pollen tube will die prior to fertilization, or the embryo will be unable to develop into a mature seed. Techniques for successful pollination have been designed with all these criteria"]
["in mind. "]
[]
["Controlled versus Random Pollinations "]
[]
["The seeds with which most cultivators begin represent varied genotypes even when they originate from the same floral cluster of marijuana, and not all of these genotypes will prove favorable. Seeds collected from"]
["imported shipments are the result of totally random pollinations among many genotypes. If elimination of pollination was at tempted and only a few seeds appear, the likelihood is very high that these pollinations were"]
["caused by a late flowering staminate plant or a hermaphrodite, adversely affecting the genotype of the offspring. Once the offspring of imported strains are in the hands of a competent breeder, selection and replication of"]
["favorable phenotypes by controlled breeding may begin. Only one or two individuals out of many may prove acceptable as parents. If the cultivator allows random pollination to occur again, the population not only fails"]
["to improve, it may even degenerate through natural and accidental selection of unfavorable traits. We must therefore turn to techniques of controlled pollination by which the breeder attempts to take control and deter mine"]
["the genotype of future offspring. "]
[]
["Data Collection "]
[]
["Keeping accurate notes and records is a key to successful plant-breeding. Crosses among ten pure strains (ten staminate and ten pistillate parents) result in ten pure and ninety hybrid crosses. It is an endless and inefficient"]
["task to attempt to remember the significance of each little number and colored tag associated with each cross. The well organized breeder will free himself from this mental burden and possible confusion by entering vital"]
["data about crosses, phenotypes, and growth conditions in a system with one number corresponding to each member of the population. "]
[]
["The single most important task in the proper collection of data is to establish undeniable credibility. Memory fails, and remembering the steps that might possibly have led to the production of a favorable strain does not"]
["constitute the data needed to reproduce that strain. Data is always written down; memory is not a reliable record. A record book contains a numbered page for each plant, and each separate cross is tagged on the pistillate"]
["parent and recorded as follows: \"seed of pistillate parent X pollen or staminate parent.\" Also the date of pollination is included and room is left for the date of seed harvest. Samples of the parental plants are saved as"]
["voucher specimens for later characterization and analysis. "]
[]
["Pollination Techniques "]
[]
["Controlled hand pollination consists of two basic steps: collecting pollen from the anthers of the staminate parent and applying pollen to the receptive stigmatic surfaces of the pistillate parent. Both steps are carefully con"]
["trolled so that no pollen escapes to cause random pollinations. Since Cannabis is a wind-pollinated species, enclosures are employed which isolate the ripe flowers from wind, eliminating pollination, yet allowing enough"]
["light penetration and air circulation for the pollen and seeds to develop without suffocating. Paper and very tightly woven cloth seem to be the most suitable materials. Coarse cloth allows pollen to escape and plastic"]
["materials tend to collect transpired water and rot the flowers. Light-colored opaque or translucent reflective materials remain cooler in the sun than dark or transparent materials, which either absorb solar heat directly or"]
["create a greenhouse effect, heating the flowers inside and killing the pollen. Pollination bags are easily constructed by gluing together vegetable parchment (a strong breathable paper for steaming vegetables) and clear"]
["nylon oven bags (for observation windows) with silicon glue. Breathable synthetic fabrics such as Gore-Tex are used with great success. Seed production requires both successful pollination and fertilization, so the"]
["conditions inside the enclosures must remain suitable for pollen-tube growth and fertilization. It is most convenient and effective to use the same enclosure to collect pollen and apply it, reducing contamination during"]
["pollen transfer. Controlled \"free\" pollinations may also be made if only one pollen parent is allowed to remain in an isolated area of the field and no pollinations are caused by hermaphrodites or late-maturing staminate"]
["plants. If the selected staminate parent drops pollen when there are only a few primordial flowers on the pistillate seed parent, then only a few seeds will form in the basal flowers and the rest of the flower cluster will be"]
["seedless. Early fertilization might also help fix the sex of the pistillate plant, helping to prevent hermaphrodism. Later, hand pollinations can be performed on the same pistillate parent by removing the early seeds from"]
["each limb to be re-pollinated, so avoiding confusion. Hermaphrodite or monoecious plants may be isolated from the remainder of the population and allowed to freely self-pollinate if pure-breeding offspring are desired to"]
["preserve a selected trait. Selfed hermaphrodites usually give rise to hermaphrodite offspring. "]
[]
["Pollen may be collected in several ways. If the propagator has an isolated area where staminate plants can grow separate from each other to avoid mutual contamination and can be allowed to shed pollen without"]
["endangering the remainder of the population, then direct collection may be used. A small vial, glass plate, or mirror is held beneath a recently-opened staminate flower which appears to be releasing pollen, and the pollen is"]
["dislodged by tap ping the anthers. Pollen may also be collected by placing whole limbs or clusters of staminate flowers on a piece of paper or glass and allowing them to dry in a cool, still place. Pollen will drop from"]
["some of the anthers as they dry, and this may be scraped up and stored for a short time in a cool, dark, dry spot. A simple method is to place the open pollen vial or folded paper in a larger sealable container with a dozen"]
["or more fresh, dry soda crackers or a cup of dry white rice. The sealed container is stored in the refrigerator and the dry crackers or rice act as a desiccant, absorbing moisture from the pollen. "]
[]
["Any breeze may interfere with collection and cause contamination with pollen from neighboring plants. Early morning is the best time to collect pollen, as it has not been exposed to the heat of the day. All equipment"]
["used for collection, including hands, must be cleaned before continuing to the next pollen source. This ensures protection of each pollen sample from contamination with pollen from different plants. "]
[]
["Staminate flowers will often open several hours before the onset of pollen release. If flowers are collected at this time they can be placed in a covered bottle where they will open and release pollen within two days. A"]
["carefully sealed paper cover allows air circulation, facilitates the release of pollen, and prevents mold. "]
[]
["Both of the previously described methods of pollen collection are susceptible to gusts of wind, which may cause contamination problems if the staminate pollen plants grow at all close to the remaining pistillate plants."]
["There fore, a method has been designed so that controlled pollen collection and application can be performed in the same area without the need to move staminate plants from their original location. Besides the advantages"]
["of convenience, the pollen parents mature under the same conditions as the seed parents, thus more accurately expressing their phenotypes. "]
[]
["The first step in collecting pollen is, of course, the selection of a staminate or pollen parent. Healthy individuals with well-developed clusters of flowers are chosen. The appearance of the first staminate primordia or male"]
["sex signs often brings a feeling of panic (\"stamenoia\") to the cultivator of seedless Cannabis, and potential pollen parents are prematurely removed. Staminate primordia need to develop from one to five weeks before the"]
["flowers open and pollen is released. During this period the selected pollen plants are carefully watched, daily or hourly if necessary, for developmental rates vary greatly and pollen may be released quite early in some"]
["strains. The remaining staminate plants that are unsuitable for breeding are destroyed and the pollen plants specially labeled to avoid confusion and extra work. "]
[]
["As the first flowers begin to swell, they are removed prior to pollen release and destroyed. Tossing them on the ground is ineffective because they may release pollen as they dry. When the staminate plant enters its full"]
["floral condition and more ripe flowers appear than can be easily controlled, limbs with the most ripe flowers are chosen. It is usually safest to collect pollen from two limbs for each intended cross, in case one fails to"]
["develop. If there are ten prospective seed parents, pollen from twenty limbs on the pollen parent is collected. In this case, the twenty most flowered limb tips are selected and all the remaining flowering clusters on the"]
["plant are removed to prevent stray pollinations. Large leaves are left on the remainder of the plant but are removed at the limb tips to minimize condensation of water vapor released inside the enclosure. The portions"]
["removed from the pollen parent are saved for later analysis and phenotype characterization. "]
[]
["The pollination enclosures are secured and the plant is checked for any shoots where flowers might develop outside the enclosure. The completely open enclosure is slipped over the limb tip and secured with a tight but"]
["stretchable seal such as a rubber band, elastic, or plastic plant tie-tape to ensure a tight seal and prevent crushing of the vascular tissues of the stem. String and wire are avoided. If enclosures are tied to weak limbs they"]
["may be supported; the bags will also remain cooler if they are shaded. Hands are always washed before and after handling each pollen sample to prevent accidental pollen transfer and contamination. "]
[]
["Enclosures for collecting and applying pollen and preventing stray pollination are simple in design and construction. Paper bags make convenient enclosures. Long narrow bags such as light-gauge quart-bottle bags, giant"]
["popcorn bags or bakery bags provide a convenient shape for covering the limb tip. The thinner the paper used the more air circulation is allowed, and the better the flowers will develop. Very thick paper or plastic bags are"]
["never used. Most available bags are made with water soluble glue and may come apart after rain or watering. All seams are sealed with waterproof tape or silicon glue and the bags should not be handled when wet since"]
["they tear easily. Bags of Gore-Tex cloth or vegetable parchment will not tear when wet. Paper bags make labeling easy and each bag is marked in waterproof ink with the number of the individual pollen parent, the date"]
["and time the enclosure was secured, and any useful notes. Room is left to add the date of pollen collection and necessary information about the future seed parent it will pollinate. "]
[]
["Pollen release is fairly rapid inside the bags, and after two days to a week the limbs may be removed and dried in a cool dark place, unless the bags are placed too early or the pollen parent develops very slowly. To inspect"]
["the progress of pollen release, a flashlight is held behind the bag at night and the silhouettes of the opening flowers are easily seen. In some cases, clear nylon windows are in stalled with silicon glue for greater visibility."]
["When flowering is at its peak and many flowers have just opened, collection is completed, and the limb, with its bag attached, is cut. If the limb is cut too early, the flowers will not have shed any pollen; if the bag"]
["remains on the plant too long, most of the pollen will be dropped inside the bag where heat and moisture will destroy it. When flowering is at its peak, millions of pollen grains are released and many more flowers will"]
["open after the limbs are collected. The bags are collected early in the morning before the sun has time to heat them up. The bags and their contents are dried in a cool dark place to avoid mold and pollen spoilage. If pollen"]
["becomes moist, it will germinate and spoil, therefore dry storage is imperative. "]
[]
["After the staminate limbs have dried and pollen re lease has stopped, the bags are shaken vigorously, allowed to settle, and carefully untied. The limbs and loose flowers are removed, since they are a source of moisture that"]
["could promote mold growth, and the pollen bags are re sealed. The bags may be stored as they are until the seed parent is ready for pollination, or the pollen may be re moved and stored in cool, dry, dark vials for later use"]
["and hand application. Before storing pollen, any other plant parts present are removed with a screen. A piece of fuel filter screening placed across the top of a mason jar works well, as does a fine-mesh tea strainer. "]
[]
["Now a pistillate plant is chosen as the seed parent. A pistillate flower cluster is ripe for fertilization so long as pale, slender pistils emerge from the calyxes. Withered, dark pistils protruding from swollen, resin encrusted"]
["calyxes are a sign that the reproductive peak has long passed. Cannabis plants can be successfully pollinated as soon as the first primordia show pistils and until just before harvest, but the largest yield of uniform, healthy"]
["seeds is achieved by pollinating in the peak floral stage. At this time, the seed plant is covered with thick clusters of white pistils. Few pistils are brown and withered, and resin production has just begun. This is the most"]
["receptive time for fertilization, still early in the seed plant’s life, with plenty of time remaining for the seeds to mature. Healthy, well flowered lower limbs on the shaded side of the plant are selected. Shaded buds will not"]
["heat up in the bags as much as buds in the hot sun, and this will help protect the sensitive pistils. When possible, two terminal clusters of pistillate flowers are chosen for each pollen bag. In this way, with two pollen"]
["bags for each seed parent and two clusters of pistillate flowers for each bag, there are four opportunities to perform the cross successfully. Remember that production of viable seed requires successful pollination,"]
["fertilization and embryo development. Since interfering with any part of this cycle precludes seed development, fertilization failure is guarded against by duplicating all steps. "]
[]
["Before the pollen bags are used, the seed parent information is added to the pollen parent data. Included is the number of the seed parent, the date of pollination, and any comments about the phenotypes of both parents."]
["Also, for each of the selected pistillate clusters, a tag containing the same information is made and secured to the limb below the closure of the bag. A warm, windless evening is chosen for pollination so the pollen tube"]
["has time to grow before sunrise. After removing most of the shade leaves from the tips of the limbs to be pollinated, the pollen is tapped away from the mouth of the bag. The bag is then carefully opened and slipped over"]
["two inverted limb tips, taking care not to release any pollen, and tied securely with an expandable band. The bag is shaken vigorously, so the pollen will be evenly dispersed throughout the bag, facilitating complete"]
["pollination. Fresh bags are sometimes used, either charged with pollen prior to being placed over the limb tip, or injected with pollen, using a large syringe or atomizer, after the bag is placed. However, the risk of"]
["accidental pollination with injection is higher. "]
[]
["If only a small quantity of pollen is available it may be used more sparingly by diluting with a neutral powder such as flour before it is used. When pure pollen is used, many pollen grains may land on each pistil when"]
["only one is needed for fertilization. Diluted pollen will go further and still produce high fertilization rates. Diluting 1 part pollen with 10 to 100 parts flour is common. Powdered fungicides can also be used since this"]
["helps retard the growth of molds in the maturing, seeded, floral clusters. "]
[]
["The bags may remain on the seed parent for sometime; seeds usually begin to develop within a few days, buttheir development will be retarded by the bags. The propagator waits three full sunny days, then carefully"]
["removes and sterilizes or destroys the bags. This way there is little chance of stray pollination. Any viable pollen that failed to pollinate the seed parent will germinate in the warm moist bag and die within three days,"]
["along with many of the unpollinated pistils. In particularly cool or overcast conditions a week may be necessary, but the bag is removed at the earliest safe time to ensure proper seed development without stray"]
["pollinations. As soon as the bag is removed, the calyxes begin to swell with seed, indicating successful fertilization. Seed parents then need good irrigation or development will be retarded, resulting in small, immature,"]
["and nonviable seeds. Seeds develop fastest in "]
[]
["warm weather and take usually from two to four weeks to mature completely. In cold weather seeds may take up to two months to mature. If seeds get wet in fall rains, they may sprout. Seeds are removed when the calyx"]
["begins to dry up and the dark shiny perianth (seed coat) can be seen protruding from the drying calyx. Seeds are labeled and stored in a cool, dark, dry place, This is the method employed by breeders to create seeds of known"]
["parentage used to study and improve Cannabis genetics. "]
[]
["Seed Selection "]
[]
["Nearly every cultivated Cannabis plant, no matter what its future, began as a germinating seed; and nearly all Cannabis cultivators, no matter what their intention, start with seeds that are gifts from a fellow cultivator or"]
["extracted from imported shipments of marijuana. Very little true control can be exercised in seed selection unless the cultivator travels to select growing plants with favorable characteristics and personally pollinate them."]
["This is not possible for most cultivators or researchers and they usually rely on imported seeds. These seeds are of unknown parentage, the product of natural selection or of breeding by the original farmer, Certain basic"]
["problems affect the genetic purity and predictability of collected seed. "]
[]
["              1 - If a Cannabis sample is heavily seeded, then the majority of the male plants were allowed to mature and release pollen, Since Cannabis is wind-pollinated, many pollen parents (including early and"]
["              late maturing staminate and hermaphrodite plants) will contribute to the seeds in any batch of pistillate flowers. If the seeds are all taken from one flower cluster with favorable characteristics, then at"]
["              least the pistillate or seed parent is the same for all those seeds, though the pollen may have come from many different parents. This creates great diversity in offspring. "]
[]
["              2 - In very lightly seeded or nearly sinsemilla Cannabis, pollination has largely been prevented by the removal of staminate parents prior to the release of pollen. The few seeds that do form often result"]
["              from pollen from hermaphrodite plants that went undetected by the farmer, or by random wind-borne pollen from wild plants or a nearby field. Hermaphrodite parents often produce hermaphrodite"]
["              offspring and this may not be desirable. "]
[]
["              3 - Most domestic Cannabis strains are random hybrids. This is the result of limited selection of pollen parents, impure breeding conditions, and lack of adequate space to isolate pollen parents from the"]
["              remainder of the crop."]
[]
["When selecting seeds, the propagator will frequently look for seed plants that have been carefully bred locally by another propagator. Even if they are hybrids there is a better chance of success than with imported seeds, pro"]
["vided certain guidelines are followed: "]
[]
["              1 - The dried seeded flower clusters are free of staminate flowers that might have caused hermaphrodite pollinations. "]
[]
["              2 - The flowering clusters are tested for desirable traits and seeds selected from the best. "]
[]
["              3 - Healthy, robust seeds are selected. Large, dark seeds are best; smaller, paler seeds are avoided since these are usually less mature and less viable. "]
[]
["              4 - If accurate information is not available about the pollen parent, then selection proceeds on common sense and luck. Mature seeds with dried calyxes in the basal portions of the floral clusters along"]
["              the main stems occur in the earliest pistillate flowers to appear and must have been pollinated by early-maturing pollen parents. These seeds have a high chance of producing early-maturing offspring."]
["              By contrast, mature seeds selected from the tips of floral clusters, often surrounded by immature seeds, are formed in later-appearing pistillate flowers. These flowers were likely pollinated by"]
["              later-maturing staminate or hermaphrodite pollen parents, and their seeds should mature later and have a greater chance of producing hermaphrodite off spring. The pollen parent also exerts some"]
["              influence on the appearance of the resulting seed. If seeds are collected from the same part of a flower cluster and selected for similar size, shape, color, and perianth patterns, then it is more likely that"]
["              the pollinations represent fewer different gene pools and will produce more uniform offspring. "]
[]
["              5 - Seeds are collected from strains that best suit the locality; these usually come from similar climates and latitudes. Seed selection for specific traits is discussed in detail in Chapter III. "]
[]
["              6 - Pure strain seeds are selected from crosses between parents of the same origin. "]
[]
["              7 - Hybrid seeds are selected from crosses between pure strain parents of different origins. "]
[]
["              8 - Seeds from hybrid plants, or seeds resulting from pollination by hybrid plants, are avoided, since these will not reliably reproduce the phenotype of either parent."]
[]
["Seed stocks are graded by the amount of control exerted by the collector in selecting the parents. Grade #1 - Seed parent and pollen parent are known and there is absolutely no possibility that the seeds resulted from pollen"]
["contamination. "]
[]
["Grade #2 - Seed parent is known but several known staminate or hermaphrodite pollen parents are involved. Grade #3 - Pistillate parent is known and pollen parents are unknown. "]
[]
["Grade #4 - Neither parent is known, but the seeds are collected from one floral cluster, so the pistillate seed parent age traits may be characterized. "]
[]
["Grade #5 - Parentage is unknown but origin is certain, such as seeds collected from the bottom of a bag of imported Cannabis. "]
[]
["Grade #6 - Parentage and origin are unknown. "]
[]
["Asexual Propagation "]
[]
["Asexual propagation (cloning) allows the preservation of genotype because only normal cell division (mitosis) occurs during growth and regeneration. The vegetative (non-reproductive) tissue of Cannabis has 10 pairs of"]
["chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell. This is known as the diploid (2n) condition where 2n = 20 chromosomes. During mitosis every chromosome pair replicates and one of the two identical sets of chromosome pairs"]
["migrates to each daughter cell, which now has a genotype identical to the mother cell. Consequently, every vegetative cell in a Cannabis plant has the same genotype and a plant resulting from asexual propagation will"]
["have the same genotype as the mother plant and will, for all practical purposes, develop identically under the same environmental conditions. "]
[]
["In Cannabis, mitosis takes place in the shoot apex (meristem), root tip meristems, and the meristematic cambium layer of the stalk. A propagator makes use of these meristematic areas to produce clones that will grow"]
["and be multiplied. Asexual propagation techniques such as cuttage, layerage, and division of roots can ensure identical populations as large as the growth and development of the parental material will permit. Clones can be"]
["produced from even a single cell, because every cell of the plant possesses the genetic information necessary to regenerate a complete plant. "]
[]
["Asexual propagation produces clones which perpetuate the unique characteristics of the parent plant. Because of the heterozygous nature of Cannabis, valuable traits may be lost by sexual propagation that can be preserved"]
["and multiplied by cloning. Propagation of nearly identical populations of all-pistillate, fast growing, evenly maturing Cannabis is made possible through cloning. Any agricultural or environmental influences will affect"]
["all the members of that clone equally. "]
[]
["The concept of clone does not mean that all members of the clone will necessarily appear identical in all characteristics. The phenotype that we observe in an individual is influenced by its surroundings. Therefore,"]
["members of the clone will develop differently under varying environmental conditions. These influences do not affect genotype and therefore are not permanent. Cloning theoretically can pre serve a genotype forever. Vigor"]
["may slowly decline due to poor selection of clone material or the constant pressure of disease or environmental stress, but this trend will re verse if the pressures are removed. Shifts in genetic composition occasionally"]
["occur during selection for vigorous growth. However, if parental strains are maintained by in frequent cloning this is less likely. Only mutation of a gene in a vegetative cell that then divides and passes on the mutated"]
["gene will permanently affect the genotype of the clone. If this mutated portion is cloned or reproduced sexually, the mutant genotype will be further replicated. Mutations in clones usually affect dominance relations and are"]
["therefore noticed immediately. Mutations may be induced artificially (but without much predictability) by treating meristematic regions with X-rays, colchicine, or other mutagens. "]
[]
["The genetic uniformity provided by clones offers a control for experiments designed to quantify the subtle effects of environment and cultural techniques. These subtleties are usually obscured by the extreme diversity"]
["resulting from sexual propagation. However, clonal uniformity can also invite serious problems. If a population of clones is subjected to sudden environmental stress, pests, or disease for which it has no defense, every"]
["member of the clone is sure to be affected and the entire population may be lost. Since no genetic diversity is found within the clone, no adaptation to new stresses can occur through recombination of genes as in a"]
["sexually propagated population. "]
[]
["In propagation by cuttage or layerage it is only necessary for a new root system to form, since the meristematic shoot apex comes directly from the parental plant. Many stem cells, even in mature plants, have the"]
["capability of producing adventitious roots. In fact, every vegetative cell in the plant contains the genetic information needed for an entire plant. Adventitious roots appear spontaneously from stems and old roots as opposed"]
["to systemic roots which appear along the developing root system originating in the embryo. In humid conditions (as in the tropics or a green house) adventitious roots occur naturally along the main stalk near the ground"]
["and along limbs where they droop and touch the ground. "]
[]
["Rooting "]
[]
["A knowledge of the internal structure of the stem is helpful in understanding the origin of adventitious roots. "]
[]
["The development of adventitious roots can be broken down into three stages: (1) the initiation of meristematic cells located just outside and between the vascular bundles (the root initials), (2) the differentiation of these"]
["meristematic cells into root primordia, and (3) the emergence and growth of new roots by rupturing old stem tissue and establishing vascular connections with the shoot. "]
[]
["As the root initials divide, the groups of cells take on the appearance of a small root tip. A vascular system forms with the adjacent vascular bundles and the root continues to grow outward through the cortex until the tip"]
["emerges from the epidermis of the stem. Initiation of root growth usually begins within a week and young roots appear within four weeks. Often an irregular mass of white cells, termed callus tissue, will form on the"]
["surface of the stem adjacent to the areas of root initiation. This tissue has no influence on root formation. However, it is a form of regenerative tissue and is a sign that conditions are favorable for root initiation. "]
[]
["The physiological basis for root initiation is well understood and allows many advantageous modifications of rooting systems. Natural plant growth substances such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins are certainly"]
["responsible for the control of root initiation and the rate of root formation. Auxins are considered the most influential. Auxins and other growth substances are involved in the control of virtually all plant processes: stem"]
["growth, root formation, lateral bud inhibition, floral maturation, fruit development, and determination of sex. Great care is exercised in application of artificial growth substances so that detrimental conflicting reactions in"]
["addition to rooting do not occur. Auxins seem to affect most related plant species in the same way, but the mechanism of this action is not yet fully understood. "]
[]
["Many synthetic compounds have been shown to have auxin activity and are commercially available, such as napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indolebutyric acid (IBA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 DPA), but only"]
["indoleacetic acid has been isolated from plants. Naturally occurring auxin is formed mainly in the apical shoot men stem and young leaves. It moves downward after its formation at the growing shoot tip, but massive"]
["concentrations of auxins in rooting solutions will force travel up the vascular tissue. Knowledge of the physiology of auxins has led to practical applications in rooting cuttings. It was shown originally by Went and later"]
["by Thimann and Went that auxins promote adventitious root formation in stem cuttings. Since application of natural or synthetic auxin seems to stimulate adventitious root formation in many plants, it is assumed that"]
["auxin levels are associated with the formation of root initials. Further research by Warmke and Warmke (1950) suggested that the levels of auxin may determine whether adventitious roots or shoots are formed, with high"]
["auxin levels promoting root growth and low levels favoring shoots. "]
[]
["Cytokinins are chemical compounds that stimulate cell growth. In stem cuttings, cytokinins suppress root growth and stimulate bud growth. This is the opposite of the reaction caused by auxins, suggesting that a natural"]
["balance of the two may be responsible for regulating nor mal plant growth. Skoog discusses the use of solutions of equal concentrations of auxins and cytokinins to pro mote the growth of undifferentiated callus tissues."]
["This may provide a handy source of undifferentiated material for cellular cloning. "]
[]
["Although Cannabis cuttings and layers root easily, variations in rootability exist and old stems may resist rooting. Selection of rooting material is highly important. Young, firm, vegetative shoots, 3 to 7 millimeters"]
["(1/8 to ? inch) in diameter, root most easily. Weak, unhealthy plants are avoided, along with large woody branches and reproductive tissues, since these are slower to root. Stems of high carbohydrate content root most"]
["easily. Firmness is a sign of high carbohydrate levels in stems but may be con fused with older woody tissue. An accurate method of determining the carbohydrate content of cuttings is the iodine starch test. The freshly"]
["cut ends of a bundle of cuttings are immersed in a weak solution of iodine in potassium iodide. Cuttings containing the highest starch content stain the darkest; the samples are rinsed and sorted accordingly. High nitrogen"]
["content cuttings seem to root more poorly than cuttings with medium to low nitrogen content. Therefore, young, rapidly-growing stems of high nitrogen and low carbohydrate content root less well than slightly older"]
["cuttings. For rooting, sections are selected that have ceased elongating and are beginning radial growth. Staminate plants have higher average levels of carbohydrates than pistillate plants, while pistillate plants exhibit"]
["higher nitrogen levels. It is unknown whether sex influences rooting, but cuttings from vegetative tissue are taken just after sex determination while stems are still young. For rooting cloning stock or parental plants, the"]
["favorable balance (low nitrogen-to-high carbohydrate) is achieved in several ways: "]
[]
["              1 - Reduction of the nitrogen supply will slow shoot growth and allow time for carbohydrates to accumulate. This can be accomplished by leaching (rinsing the soil with large amounts of fresh water),"]
["              withholding nitrogenous fertilizer, and allowing stock plants to grow in full sun light. Crowding of roots reduces excessive vegetative growth and allows for carbohydrate accumulation. "]
[]
["              2 - Portions of the plant that are most likely to root are selected. Lower branches that have ceased lateral growth and begun to accumulate starch are the best. The carbohydrate-to-nitrogen ratio rises as"]
["              you move away from the tip of the limb, so cuttings are not made too short. "]
[]
["              3 - Etiolation is the growth of stem tissue in total darkness to increase the possibility of root initiation. Starch levels drop, strengthening tissues and fibers begin to soften, cell wall thickness"]
["              decreases, vascular tissue is diminished, auxin levels rise, and undifferentiated tissue begins to form. These conditions are very conducive to the initiation of root growth. If the light cycle can be con"]
["              trolled, whole plants can be subjected to etiolation, but usually single limbs are selected for cloning and wrapped for several inches just above the area where the cutting will be taken. This is done two"]
["              weeks prior to rooting. The etiolated end may then be unwrapped and inserted into the rooting medium. Various methods of layers and cuttings rooted below soil level rely in part on the effects of"]
["              etiolation. "]
[]
["              4 - Girdling a stem by cutting the phloem with a knife or crushing it with a twisted wire may block the downward mobility of carbohydrates and auxin and rooting cofactors, raising the concentration of"]
["              these valuable components of root initiation above the girdle. "]
[]
["               "]
[]
["Making Cuttings "]
[]
["Cuttings of relatively young vegetative limbs 10 to 45 centimeters (4 to 18 inches) are made with a sharp knife or razor blade and immediately placed in a container of clean, pure water so the cut ends are well covered. It"]
["is essential that the cuttings be placed in water as soon as they are removed or a bubble of air (embolism) may enter the cut end and block the transpiration stream in the cutting, causing it to wilt. Cuttings made under"]
["water avoid the possibility of an embolism. If cuttings are exposed to the air they are cut again before being inserted into the rooting medium. "]
[]
["The medium should be warm and moist before cut tings are removed from the parental plant. Rows of holes are made in the rooting medium with a tapered stick, slightly larger in diameter than the cutting, leaving at least"]
["10 centimeters (4 inches) between each hole. The cuttings are removed from the water, the end to be rooted treated with growth regulators and fungicides (such as Rootone F or Hormex), and each cutting placed in its hole."]
["The cut end of the shoot is kept at least 10 centimeters (4 inches) from the bottom of the medium. The rooting medium is lightly tamped around the cutting, taking care not to scrape off the growth regulators. During the"]
["first few days the cuttings are checked frequently to make sure every thing is working properly. The cuttings are then watered with a mild nutrient solution once a day. "]
[]
["Hardening-off "]
[]
["The cuttings usually develop a good root system and will be ready to transplant in three to six weeks. At this time the hardening-off process begins, preparing the delicate cuttings for a life in bright sunshine. The cuttings"]
["are removed and transplanted to a sheltered spot such as a greenhouse until they begin to grow on their own. It is necessary to water them with a dilute nutrient solution or feed with finished compost as soon as the"]
["hardening-off process begins. Young roots are very tender and great care is necessary to avoid damage. When vegetative cuttings are placed outside under the prevailing photoperiod they will react accordingly. If it is not the"]
["proper time of the year for the cuttings to grow and mature properly (near harvest time, for example) or if it is too cold for them to be put out, then they may be kept in a vegetative condition by supplementing their light"]
["to increase daylength. Alternatively they may be induced to flower indoors under artificial conditions. "]
[]
["After shoots are selected and prepared for cloning, they are treated and placed in the rooting medium. Since the discovery in 1984 that auxins such as IAA stimulate the production of adventitious roots, and the subsequent"]
["discovery that the application of synthetic auxins such as NAA increase the rate of root production, many new techniques of treatment have appeared. It has been found that mixtures of growth regulators are often more"]
["effective than one alone. IAA and NAA a—e often combined with a small percentage of certain phenoxy compounds and fungicides in commercial preparations. Many growth regulators deteriorate rapidly, and fresh"]
["solutions are made up as needed. Treatments with vitamin B1 (thiamine) seem to help roots grow, but no inductive effect has been noticed. As soon as roots emerge, nutrients are necessary; the shoot cannot maintain"]
["growth for long on its own reserves. A complete complement of nutrients in the rooting medium certainly helps root growth; nitrogen is especially beneficial. Cuttings are extremely susceptible to fungus attack, and"]
["conditions conducive to rooting are also favorable to the growth of fungus. \"Cap tan \" is a long-lasting fungicide that is sometimes applied in powdered form along with growth regulators. This is done by rolling the basal"]
["end of the cutting in the powder before placing it in the rooting medium. "]
[]
["Oxygen and Rooting "]
[]
["The initiation and growth of roots depends upon atmospheric oxygen. If oxygen levels are low, shoots may fail to produce roots and rooting will certainly be inhibited. It is very important to select a light, well-aerated"]
["rooting medium. In addition to natural aeration from the atmosphere, rooting media may be enriched with oxygen (02) gas; enriched rooting solutions have been shown to increase rooting in many plant species. No"]
["threshold for damage by excess oxygenation has been determined, although excessive oxygenation could displace carbon dioxide which is also vital for proper root initiation and growth. If oxygen levels are low, roots will"]
["form only near the surface of the medium, whereas with adequate oxygen levels, roots will tend to form along the entire length of the implanted shoot, especially at the cut end. "]
[]
["Oxygen enrichment of rooting media is fairly simple. Since shoot cuttings must be constantly wetted to ensure proper rooting, aeration of the rooting media may be facilitated by aerating the water used in irrigation. Mist"]
["systems achieve this automatically because they deliver a fine mist (high in dissolved oxygen) to the leaves, from where much of it runs off into the soil, aiding rooting. Oxygen enrichment of irrigation water is"]
["accomplished by installing an aerator in the main water line so that atmospheric oxygen can be absorbed by the water. An increase in dissolved oxygen of only 20 parts per million may have a great influence on rooting."]
["Aeration is a convenient way to add oxygen to water as it also adds carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Air from a small pump or bottled oxygen may also be supplied directly to the rooting media through tiny tubes"]
["with pin holes, or through a porous stone such as those used to aerate aquariums. "]
[]
["Rooting Media "]
[]
["Water is a common medium for rooting. It is inexpensive, disperses nutrients evenly, and allows direct observation of root development. However, several problems arise. A water medium allows light to reach the"]
["submerged stem, delaying etiolation and slowing root growth. Water also promotes the growth of water molds and other fungi, sup ports the cutting poorly, and restricts air circulation to the young roots. In a well aerated"]
["solution, roots will appear in great profusion at the base of the stem, while in a poorly aerated or stagnant solution only a few roots will form at the surface, where direct oxygen exchange occurs. If rootings are made in"]
["pure water, the solution might be replaced regularly with tap water, which should contain sufficient oxygen for a short period. If nutrient solutions are used, a system is needed to oxygenate the solution. The nutrient"]
["solution does become concentrated by evaporation, and this is watched. Pure water is used to dilute rooting solutions and refill rooting containers. "]
[]
["Soil Treatment "]
[]
["Solid media provide anchors for cuttings, plenty of darkness to promote etiolation and root growth, and sufficient air circulation to the young roots. A high-quality soil with good drainage such as that used for seed"]
["germination is often used but the soil must be carefully sterilized to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus. A small amount of soil can easily be sterilized by spreading it out on a cookie sheet and heating it in"]
["an oven set at \"low,\" approximately 820 C (180~ F), for thirty minutes. This kills most harmful bacteria and fungus as well as nematodes, in sects and most weed seeds. Overheating the soil will cause the breakdown of"]
["nutrients and organic complexes and the formation of toxic compounds. Large amounts of soil may be treated by chemical fumigants. Chemical fumigation avoids the breakdown of organic material by heat and may result"]
["in a better rooting mix. Formaldehyde is an excellent fungicide and kills some weed seeds, nematodes, and in sects. One gallon of commercial formalin (40% strength) is mixed with 50 gallons of water and slowly applied"]
["until each cubic foot of soil absorbs 2-4 quarts of solution. Small containers are sealed with plastic bags; large flats and plots are covered with polyethylene sheets. After 24 hours the seal is removed and the soil is allowed"]
["to dry for two weeks or until the odor of formaldehyde is no longer present. The treated soil is drenched with water prior to use. Fumigants such as formaldehyde, methyl bromide or other lethal gases are very dangerous"]
["and cultivators use them only outside with appropriate protection for themselves. "]
[]
["It is usually much simpler and safer to use an artificial sterile medium for rooting. Vermiculite and perlite are often used in propagation because of their excellent drain age and neutral pH (a balance between acidity and"]
["alkalinity). No sterilization is needed because both products are manufactured at high heat and contain no organic material. It has been found that a mixture of equal portions of medium and large grade vermiculite or perlite"]
["promotes the greatest root growth. This results from increased air circulation around the larger pieces. A weak nutrient solution, including micro-nutrients, is needed to wet the medium, because little or no nutrient"]
["material is supplied by these artificial media. Solutions are checked for pH and corrected to neutral with agricultural lime, dolomite lime, or oyster shell lime. "]
[]
["Layering "]
[]
["Layering is a process in which roots develop on a stem while it remains attached to, and nutritionally sup ported by the parent plant. The stem is then detached and the meristematic tip becomes a new individual, growing"]
["on its own roots, termed a layer. Layering differs from cutting because rooting occurs while the shoot is still attached to the parent. Rooting is initiated in layering by various stem treatments which interrupt the downward"]
["flow of photosynthates (products of photosynthesis) from the shoot tip. This causes the accumulation of auxins, carbohydrates and other growth factors. Rooting occurs in this treated area even though the layer remains"]
["attached to the parent. Water and mineral nutrients are supplied by the parent plant because only the phloem has been interrupted; the xylem tissues connecting the shoot to the parental roots remain intact (see illus. 1,"]
["page 29). In this manner, the propagator can overcome the problem of keeping a severed cutting alive while it roots, thus greatly in creasing the chances of success. Old woody reproductive stems that, as cuttings, would"]
["dry up and die, may be rooted by layering. Layering can be very time-consuming and is less practical for mass cloning of parental stock than removing and rooting dozens of cuttings. Layering, however, does give the"]
["small-scale propagator a high-success alternative which also requires less equipment than cuttings. "]
[]
["Techniques of Layering "]
[]
["Almost all layering techniques rely on the principle of etiolation. Both soil layering and air layering involve depriving the rooting portion of the stem of light, promoting rooting. Root-promoting substances and"]
["fungicides prove beneficial, and they are usually applied as a spray or powder. Root formation on layers depends on constant moisture, good air circulation and moderate temperatures at the site of rooting. "]
[]
["Soil Layering "]
[]
["Soil layering may be performed in several ways. The most common is known as tip layering. A long, supple vegetative lower limb is selected for layering, carefully bent so it touches the ground, and stripped of leaves"]
["and small shoots where the rooting is to take place. A narrow trench, 6 inches to a foot long and 2 to 4 inches deep, is dug parallel to the limb, which is placed along the bottom of the trench, secured with wire or wooden"]
["stakes, and buried with a small mound of soil. The buried section of stem may be girdled by cutting, crushed with a loop of wire, or twisted to disrupt the phloem tissue and cause the accumulation of substances which"]
["promote rooting. It may also be treated with growth regulators at this time. "]
[]
["Serpentine layering may be used to create multiple layers along one long limb. Several stripped sections of the limb are buried in separate trenches, making sure that at least one node remains above ground between each"]
["set of roots to allow shoots to develop. The soil surrounding the stem is kept moist at all times and may require wetting several times a day. A small stone or stick is inserted under each exposed section of stem to prevent"]
["the lateral shoot buds rotting from constant contact with the moist soil surface. Tip layers and serpentine layers may be started in small containers placed near the parental plant. Rooting usually begins within two weeks,"]
["and layers may be re moved with a sharp razor or clippers after four to six weeks. If the roots have become well established, transplanting may be difficult without damaging the tender root system. Shoots on layers"]
["continue to grow under the same conditions as the parent, and less time is needed for the clone to acclimatize or harden-off and begin to grow on its own than with cuttings. "]
[]
["In air layering, roots form on the aerial portions of stems that have been girdled, treated with growth regulators, and wrapped with moist rooting media. Air layering is an ancient form of propagation, possibly invented by"]
["the Chinese. The ancient technique of goo tee uses a ball of clay or soil plastered around a girdled stem and held with a wrap of fibers. Above this is suspended a small container of water (such as a bamboo section) with a"]
["wick to the wrapped gootee; this way the gootee remains moist. "]
[]
["The single most difficult problem with air layers is the tendency for them to dry out quickly. Relatively small amounts of rooting media are used, and the position on aerial parts of the plant exposes them to drying winds"]
["and sun. Many wraps have been tried, but the best seems to be clear polyethylene plastic sheeting which allows oxygen to enter and retains moisture well. Air layers are easiest to make in greenhouses where humidity is"]
["high, but they may also be used outside as long as they are kept moist and don’t freeze. Air layers are most useful to the amateur propagator and breeder because they take up little space and allow the efficient cloning of"]
["many individuals. "]
[]
["Making an Air Layer "]
[]
["A recently sexed young limb 3-10 mm (1/8 to 3/8 inch) in diameter is selected. The site of the layer is usually a spot 30 centimeters (12 inches) or more from the limb tip. Unless the stem is particularly strong and"]
["woody, it is splinted by positioning a 30 centimeter (12 inch) stick of approximately the same diameter as the stem to be layered along the bottom edge of the stem. This splint is tied in place at both ends with a piece of"]
["elastic plant-tie tape. This enables the propagator to handle the stem more confidently. An old, dry Cannabis stem works well as a splint. Next, the stem is girdled between the two ties with a twist of wire or a diagonal"]
["cut. After girdling, the stem is sprayed or dusted with a fungicide and growth regulator, surrounded with one or two handfuls of unmilled sphagnum moss, and wrapped tightly with a small sheet of clear polyethylene film"]
["(4-6 mil). The film is tied securely at each end, tightly enough to make a waterproof seal but not so tight that the phloem tissues are crushed. If the phloem is crushed, compounds necessary for rooting will accumulate"]
["outside of the medium and rooting will be slowed. Plastic florist’s tape or electrician’s tape works well for sealing air layers. Although polyethylene film retains moisture well, the moss will dry out eventually and must"]
["be remoistened periodically. Unwrapping each layer is impractical and would disturb the roots, so a hypodermic syringe is used to inject water, nutrients, fungicides, and growth regulators. If the layers become too wet the"]
["limb rots. Layers are checked regularly by injecting water until it squirts out and then very lightly squeezing the medium to remove any extra water. Heavy layers on thin limbs are supported by tying them to a large"]
["adjacent limb or a small stick anchored in the ground. Rooting begins within two weeks and roots will be visible through the clear plastic within four weeks. When the roots appear adequately developed, the layer is"]
["removed, carefully unwrapped, and transplanted with the moss and the splint intact. The layer is watered well and placed in a shady spot for a few days to allow the plant to harden-off and adjust to living on its own root"]
["system. It is then placed in the open. In hot weather, large leaves are removed from the shoot before removing the layer to prevent excessive transpiration and wilting. "]
[]
["Layers develop fastest just after sexual differentiation. Many layers may be made of staminate plants in order to save small samples of them for pollen collection and to conserve space. By the time the pollen parents begin"]
["to flower profusely, the layers will be rooted and may be cut and removed to an isolated area. Layers taken from pistil late plants are used for breeding, or saved and cloned for the following season. "]
[]
["Layers often seem rejuvenated when they are re moved from the parent plant and begin to be supported by their own root systems. This could mean that a clone will continue to grow longer and mature later than its parent"]
["under the same conditions. Layers removed from old or seeded parents will continue to produce new calyxes and pistils instead of completing the life cycle along with the parents. Rejuvenated layers are useful for"]
["off-season seed production. "]
[]
["Grafting "]
[]
["Intergeneric grafts between Cannabis and Humulus (hops) have fascinated researchers and cultivators for decades. Warmke and Davidson (1943) claimed that Humbles tops grafted upon Cannabis roots produced \". . . as"]
["much drug as leaves from intact hemp plants, even though leaves from intact hop plants are completely nontoxic.\" According to this research, the active ingredient of Cannabis was being produced in the roots and"]
["transported across the graft to the Humulus tops. Later research by Crombie and Crombie (1975) entirely disproves this theory. Grafts were made between high and low THC strains of Cannabis as well as intergeneric"]
["grafts between Cannabis and Humulus, Detailed chromatographic analysis was performed on both donors for each graft and their control populations. The results showed \". . . no evidence of transport of inter mediates or"]
["factors critical to cannabinoid formation across the grafts.\" "]
[]
["Grafting of Cannabis is very simple. Several seedlings can be grafted together into one to produce very interesting specimen plants. One procedure starts by planting one seed ling each of several separate strains close"]
["together in the same container, placing the stock (root plant) for the cross in the center of the rest. When the seedlings are four weeks old they are ready to be grafted. A diagonal cut is made approximately half-way through"]
["the stock stem and one of the scion (shoot) seedlings at the same level. The cut portions are slipped together such that the inner cut surfaces are touching. The joints are held with a fold of cellophane tape. A second scion"]
["from an adjacent seedling may be grafted to the stock higher up the stem. After two weeks, the unwanted portions of the grafts are cut away. Eight to twelve weeks are needed to complete the graft, and the plants are"]
["maintained in a mild environment at all times. As the graft takes, and the plant begins to grow, the tape falls off. "]
[]
["Pruning "]
[]
["Pruning techniques are commonly used by Cannabis cultivators to limit the size of their plants and promote branching. Several techniques are available, and each has its advantages and drawbacks. The most common"]
["method is meristem pruning or stem tip removal. In this case the growing tip of the main stalk or a limb is removed at approximately the final length desired for the stalk or limb. Below the point of removal, the next"]
["pair of axial growing tips begins to elongate and form two new limbs. The growth energy of one stem is now divided into two, and the diffusion of growth energy results in a shorter plant which spreads horizontally. "]
[]
["Auxin produced in the tip meristem travels down the stem and inhibits branching. When the meristem is re moved, the auxin is no longer produced and branching may proceed uninhibited. Plants that are normally very tall"]
["and stringy can be kept short and bushy by meristem pruning. Removing meristems also removes the newly formed tissues near the meristem that react to changing environmental stimuli and induce flowering. Pruning"]
["during the early part of the growth cycle will have little effect on flowering, but plants that are pruned late in life, supposedly to promote branching and floral growth, will often flower late or fail to flower at all. This"]
["happens because the meristemic tissue responsible for sensing change has been removed and the plant does not measure that it is the time of the year to flower. Plants will usually mature fastest if they are allowed to grow"]
["and develop without interference from pruning. If late maturation of Cannabis is desired, then extensive pruning may work to delay flowering. This is particularly applicable if a staminate plant from an early maturing"]
["strain is needed to pollinate a late-maturing pistil late plant. The staminate plant is kept immature until the pistillate plant is mature and ready to be pollinated. When the pistillate plant is receptive, the staminate plant is"]
["allowed to develop flowers and release pollen. "]
[]
["Other techniques are available for limiting the size and shape of a developing Cannabis plant without removing meristematic tissues. Trellising is a common form of modification and is achieved in several ways. In many"]
["cases space is available only along a fence or garden row. Posts 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) long may be driven into the ground 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) apart and wires stretched between them at 30 to 45 centimeters (12"]
["to 18 inches) intervals, much like a wire fence or grape trellis. Trellises are ideally oriented on an east-west axis for maxi mum sun exposure. Seedlings or pistillate clones are placed between the posts, and as they grow"]
["they are gradually bent and attached to the wire. The plant continues to grow upward at the stem tips, but the limbs are trained to grow horizontally. They are spaced evenly along the wires by hooking the upturned tips"]
["under the wire when they are 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) long. The plant grows and spreads for some distance, but it is never allowed to grow higher than the top row of wire. When the plant be gins to flower,"]
["the floral clusters are allowed to grow up ward in a row from the wire where they receive maximum sun exposure. The floral clusters are supported by the wire above them, and they are resistant to weather damage. Many"]
["cultivators feel that trellised plants, with increased sun exposure and meristems intact, produce a higher yield than freestanding unpruned or pruned plants. Other growers feel that any interference with natural growth"]
["patterns limits the ultimate size and yield of the plant. "]
[]
["Another method of trellising is used when light exposure is especially crucial, as with artificial lighting systems. Plants are placed under a horizontal or slightly slanted flat sheet of 2 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches)"]
["poultry netting which is suspended on a frame 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) from the soil surface perpendicular to the direction of incoming light or to the lowest path of the sun. The seedlings or clones begin to"]
["grow through the netting al-‘ most immediately, and the meristems are pushed back down under the netting, forcing them to grow horizon tally outward. Limbs are trained so that the mature plant will cover the entire"]
["frame evenly. Once again, when the plant begins to flower, the floral clusters are allowed to grow upward through the wire as they reach for the light. This might prove to be a feasible commercial cultivation technique,"]
["since the flat beds of floral clusters could be mechanically harvested. Since no meristem tissues are re moved, growth and maturation should proceed on schedule. This system also provides maximum light exposure for all"]
["the floral clusters, since they are growing from a plane perpendicular to the direction of light. "]
[]
["Sometimes limbs are also tied down, or crimped and bent to limit height and promote axial growth without meristem removal. This is a particularly useful technique for greenhouse cultivation, where plants often reach"]
["the roof or walls and burn or rot from the intense heat and condensation of water on the inside of the greenhouse. To prevent rotting and burning while leaving enough room for floral clusters to form, the limbs are bent at"]
["least 60 centimeters (24 inches) beneath the roof of the green house. Tying plants over allows more light to strike the plant, promoting axial growth. Crimping stems and bending them over results in more light exposure"]
["as well as inhibiting the flow of auxin down the stem from the tip. Once again, as with meristem removal, this promotes axial growth. "]
[]
["Limbing is another common method of pruning Cannabis plants. Many small limbs will usually grow from the bottom portions of the plant, and due to shading they re main small and fail to develop large floral clusters."]
["If these atrophied lower limbs are removed, the plant can devote more of its floral energies to the top parts of the plant with the most sun exposure and the greatest chance of pollination. The question arises of whether"]
["removing entire limbs constitutes a shock to the growing plant, possibly limiting its ultimate size. It seems in this case that shock is minimized by removing entire limbs, including proportional amounts of stems,"]
["leaves, meristems, and flowers; this probably results in less metabolic imbalance than if only flowers, leaves, or meristems were removed. Also, the lower limbs are usually very small and seem of little significance in the"]
["metabolism of the total plant. In large plants, many limbs near the central stalk also become shaded and atrophied and these are also sometimes removed in an effort to increase the yield of large floral clusters on the sunny"]
["exterior margins. "]
[]
["Leafing is one of the most misunderstood techniques of drug Cannabis cultivation. In the mind of the cultivator, several reasons exist for removing leaves. Many feel that large shade leaves draw energy from the flowering"]
["plant, and therefore the flowering clusters will be smaller. It is felt that by removing the leaves, surplus energy will be available, and large floral clusters will be formed. Also, some feel that inhibitors of flowering,"]
["synthesized in the leaves during the long noninductive days of summer, may be stored in the older leaves that were formed during the noninductive photoperiod. Possibly, if these inhibitor-laden leaves are removed, the"]
["plant will proceed to flower, and maturation will be accelerated. Large leaves shade the inner portions of the plant, and small atrophied floral clusters may begin to develop if they receive more light. "]
[]
["In actuality, few if any of the theories behind leafing give any indication of validity. Indeed, leafing possibly serves to defeat its original purpose. Large leaves have a definite function in the growth and development of"]
["Cannabis. Large leaves serve as photosynthetic factories for the production of sugars and other necessary growth sub stances. They also create shade, but at the same time they are collecting valuable solar energy and"]
["producing foods that will be used during the floral development of the plant. Premature removal of leaves may cause stunting, because the potential for photosynthesis is reduced. As these leaves age and lose their ability"]
["to carry on photo synthesis they turn chlorotie (yellow) and fall to the ground. In humid areas care is taken to remove the yellow or brown leaves, because they might invite attack by fungus. During chlorosis the plant"]
["breaks down substances, such as chlorophylls, and translocates the molecular components to a new growing part of the plant, such as the flowers. Most Cannabis plants begin to lose their larger leaves when they enter the"]
["flowering stage, and this trend continues until senescence. It is more efficient for the plant to reuse the energy and various molecular components of existing chlorophyll than to synthesize new chlorophyll at the time of"]
["flowering. During flowering this energy is needed to form floral clusters and ripen seeds. "]
[]
["Removing large amounts of leaves may interfere with the metabolic balance of the plant. If this metabolic change occurs too late in the season it could interfere with floral development and delay maturation. If any floral"]
["inhibitors are removed, the intended effect of accelerating flowering will probably be counteracted by metabolic upset in the plant. Removal of shade leaves does facilitate more light reaching the center of the plant, but if"]
["there is not enough food energy produced in the leaves, the small internal floral clusters will probably not grow any larger. Leaf removal may also cause sex reversal resulting from a metabolic change. "]
[]
["If leaves must be removed, the petiole is cut so that at least an inch remains attached to the stalk. Weaknesses in the limb axis at the node result if the leaves are pulled off at the abscission layer while they are still green."]
["Care is taken to see that the shriveling petiole does not invite fungus attack. "]
[]
["It should be remembered that, regardless of strain or environmental conditions, the plant strives to reproduce, and reproduction is favored by early maturation. This produces a situation where plants are trying to mature and"]
["reproduce as fast as possible. Although the purpose of leafing is to speed maturation, disturbing the natural progressive growth of a plant probably interferes with its rapid development. "]
[]
["Cannabis grows largest when provided with plentiful nutrients, sunlight, and water and left alone to grow and mature naturally. It must be remembered that any alteration of the natural life cycle of Cannabis will affect"]
["productivity. Imaginative combinations and adaptations of propagation techniques exist, based on specific situations of cultivation. Logical choices are made to direct the natural growth cycle of Cannabis to favor the"]
["timely maturation of those products sought by the cultivator, without sacrificing seed or clone production. "]
["  "]
["  "]
[]
[]
["  "]
[]
["Chapter 3 Breeding of Cannabis "]
[]
["The greatest service which can be rendered to any country is to add a useful plant to its culture. "]
[]
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[]
["  "]
[]
["Genetics "]
[]
["Although it is possible to breed Cannabis with limited success without any knowledge of the laws of inheritance, the full potential of diligent breeding, and the line of action most likely to lead to success, is realized by"]
["breeders who have mastered a working knowledge of genetics. "]
[]
["As we know already, all information transmitted from generation to generation must be contained in the pollen of the staminate parent and the ovule of the pistillate parent. Fertilization unites these two sets of genetic"]
["information, a seed forms, and a new generation is begun. Both pollen and ovules are known as gametes, and the transmitted units determining the expression of a character are known as genes. Individual plants have two"]
["identical sets of genes (2n) in every cell except the gametes, which through reduction division have only one set of genes (in). Upon fertilization one set from each parent combines to form a seed (2n). "]
[]
["In Cannabis, the haploid (in) number of chromosomes is 10 and the diploid (2n) number of chromosomes is 20. Each chromosome contains hundreds of genes, influencing every phase of the growth and development of"]
["the plant. "]
[]
["If cross-pollination of two plants with a shared genetic trait (or self-pollination of a hermaphrodite) results in off spring that all exhibit the same trait, and if all subsequent (inbred) generations also exhibit it, then we say"]
["that the strain (i.e., the line of offspring derived from common ancestors) is true-breeding, or breeds true, for that trait. A strain may breed true for one or more traits while varying in other characteristics. For example, the"]
["traits of sweet aroma and early maturation may breed true, while off spring vary in size and shape. For a strain to breed true for some trait, both of the gametes forming the offspring must have an identical complement of"]
["the genes that influence the expression of that trait. For example, in a strain that breeds true for webbed leaves, any gamete from any parent in that population will contain the gene for webbed leaves, which we will"]
["signify with the letter w. Since each gamete carries one-half (in) of the genetic complement of the offspring, it follows that upon fertilization both \"leaf shape\" genes of the (2n) offspring will be w. That is, the offspring,"]
["like both parents, are ww. In turn, the offspring also breed true for webbed leaves because they have only w genes to pass on in their gametes. "]
[]
["On the other hand, when a cross produces offspring that do not breed true (i.e., the offspring do not all resemble their parents) we say the parents have genes that segregate or are hybrid. Just as a strain can breed true for"]
["one or more traits, it can also segregate for one or more traits; this is often seen. For example, consider a cross where some of the offspring have webbed leaves and some have normal compound-pinnate leaves. (To"]
["continue our system of notation we will refer to the gametes of plants with compound-pinnate leaves as W for that trait. Since these two genes both influence leaf shape, we assume that they are related genes, hence the"]
["lower-case w and upper-case W notation instead of w for webbed and possibly P for pinnate.) Since the gametes of a true-breeding strain must each have the same genes for the given trait, it seems logical that gametes"]
["which produce two types of offspring must have genetically different parents. "]
[]
["Observation of many populations in which offspring differed in appearance from their parents led Mendel to his theory of genetics. If like only sometimes produces like, then what are the rules which govern the outcome"]
["of these crosses? Can we use these rules to predict the outcome of future crosses? "]
[]
["Assume that we separate two true-breeding populations of Cannabis, one with webbed and one with compound-pinnate leaf shapes. We know that all the gametes produced by the webbed-leaf parents will contain genes for"]
["leaf-shape w and all gametes produced by the compound-pinnate individuals will have W genes for leaf shape. (The offspring may differ in other characteristics, of course.) "]
[]
["If we make a cross with one parent from each of the true-breeding strains, we will find that 100% of the off spring are of the compound-pinnate leaf phenotype. (The expression of a trait in a plant or strain is known as the"]
["phenotype.) What happened to the genes for webbed leaves contained in the webbed leaf parent? Since we know that there were just as many w genes as W genes combined in the offspring, the W gene must mask the"]
["expression of the w gene. We term the W gene the dominant gene and say that the trait of compound-pinnate leaves is dominant over the recessive trait of webbed leaves. This seems logical since the normal phenotype in"]
["Cannabis has compound-pinnate leaves. It must be remembered, however, that many useful traits that breed true are recessive. The true-breeding dominant or recessive condition, WW or ww, is termed the homozygous"]
["condition; the segregating hybrid condition wW or Ww is called heterozygous. When we cross two of the F1 (first filial generation) offspring resulting from the initial cross of the ~1 (parental generation) we observe two"]
["types of offspring. The F2 generation shows a ratio of approximately 3:1, three compound pinnate type-to-one webbed type. It should be remembered that phenotype ratios are theoretical. The real results may vary from"]
["the expected ratios, especially in small samples. "]
[]
["In this case, compound-pinnate leaf is dominant over webbed leaf, so whenever the genes w and W are combined, the dominant trait W will be expressed in the phenotype. In the F2 generation only 25% of the offspring"]
["are homozygous for W so only 25% are fixed for W. The w trait is only expressed in the F2 generation and only when two w genes are combined to form a double-recessive, fixing the recessive trait in 25% of the"]
["offspring. If compound-pinnate showed incomplete dominance over webbed, the genotypes in this example would remain the same, but the phenotypes in the F1 generation would all be intermediate types resembling both"]
["parents and the F2 phenotype ratio would be 1 compound-pinnate :2 intermediate :1 webbed. "]
[]
["The explanation for the predictable ratios of offspring is simple and brings us to Mendel's first law, the first of the basic rules of heredity: "]
[]
["              I. Each of the genes in a related pair segregate from each other during gamete formation. "]
[]
["              A common technique used to deduce the genotype of the parents is the back-cross. This is done by crossing one of the F1 progeny back to one of the true-breeding P1 parents. If the resulting ratio of"]
["              phenotypes is 1:1 (one heterozygous to one homozygous) it proves that the parents were indeed homozygous dominant WW and homozygous-recessive ww. "]
[]
["              The 1:1 ratio observed when back-crossing F1 to P1 and the 1:2:1 ratio observed in F1 to F1 crosses are the two basic Mendelian ratios for the inheritance of one character controlled by one pair of"]
["              genes. The astute breeder uses these ratios to determine the genotype of the parental plants and the relevance of genotype to further breeding. "]
[]
["              This simple example may be extended to include the inheritance of two or more unrelated pairs of genes at a time. For instance we might consider the simultaneous inheritance of the gene pairs T"]
["              (tall)/t (short) and M (early maturation)/m (late maturation). This is termed a polyhybrid instead of monohybrid cross. Mendel's second law allows us to predict the outcome of polyhybrid crosses also: "]
[]
["              II. Unrelated pairs of genes are inherited independently of each other. "]
[]
["              If complete dominance is assumed for both pairs of genes, then the 16 possible F2 genotype combinations will form 4 F2 phenotypes in a 9:3:3:1 ratio, the most frequent of which is the"]
["              double-dominant tall/early condition. In complete dominance for both gene pairs would result in 9 F2 phenotypes in a 1:2:1:2:4:2:1:2:1 ratio, directly reflecting the genotype ratio. A mixed dominance"]
["              condition would result in 6 F2 phenotypes in a 6:3:3:2:1:1 ratio. Thus, we see that a cross involving two independently assorting pairs of genes results in a 9:3:3:1 Mendelian phenotype ratio only if"]
["              dominance is complete. This ratio may differ, depending on the dominance conditions present in the original gene pairs. Also, two new phenotypes, tall/late and short/early, have been created in the F2"]
["              generation; these phenotypes differ from both parents and grand parents. This phenomenon is termed recombination and explains the frequent observation that like begets like, but not exactly like. "]
[]
["              A polyhybrid back-cross with two unrelated gene pairs exhibits a 1:1 ratio of phenotypes as in the mono-hybrid back-cross. It should be noted that despite dominance influence, an F1 back-cross with"]
["              the P1 homozygous-recessive yields the homozygous-recessive phenotype short/late 25% of the time, and by the same logic, a back cross with the homozygous-dominant parent will yield the"]
["              homozygous dominant phenotype tall/early 25% of the time. Again, the back-cross proves invaluable in determining the F1 and P1 genotypes. Since all four phenotypes of the back-cross progeny"]
["              contain at least one each of both recessive genes or one each of both dominant genes, the back-cross phenotype is a direct representation of the four possible gametes produced by the F1 hybrid. "]
[]
["              So far we have discussed inheritance of traits con trolled by discrete pairs of unrelated genes. Gene inter action is the control of a trait by two or more gene pairs. In this case genotype ratios will remain"]
["              the same but phenotype ratios may be altered. Consider a hypothetical example where 2 dominant gene pairs Pp and Cc control late-season anthocyanin pigmentation (purple color) in Cannabis. If P is"]
["              present alone, only the leaves of the plant (under the proper environmental stimulus) will exhibit accumulated anthocyanin pigment and turn a purple color. If C is present alone, the plant will remain"]
["              green through out its life cycle despite environmental conditions. If both are present, however, the calyxes of the plant will also exhibit accumulated anthocyanin and turn purple as the leaves do. Let us"]
["              assume for now that this may be a desirable trait in Cannabis flowers. What breeding techniques can be used to produce this trait? "]
[]
["              First, two homozygous true-breeding ~1 types are crossed and the phenotype ratio of the F1 offspring is observed. "]
[]
["              The phenotypes of the F2 progeny show a slightly altered phenotype ratio of 9:3:4 instead of the expected 9:3:3:1 for independently assorting traits. If P and C must both be present for any anthocyanin"]
["              pigmentation in leaves or calyxes, then an even more distorted phenotype ratio of 9:7 will appear. "]
[]
["              Two gene pairs may interact in varying ways to pro duce varying phenotype ratios. Suddenly, the simple laws of inheritance have become more complex, but the data may still be interpreted."]
[]
["Summary of Essential Points of Breeding "]
[]
["              1 - The genotypes of plants are controlled by genes which are passed on unchanged from generation to generation. "]
[]
["              2 - Genes occur in pairs, one from the gamete of the staminate parent and one from the gamete of the pistillate parent. "]
[]
["              3 - When the members of a gene pair differ in their effect upon phenotype, the plant is termed hybrid or heterozygous. "]
[]
["              4 - When the members of a pair of genes are equal in their effect upon phenotype, then they are termed true-breeding or homozygous. "]
[]
["              5 - Pairs of genes controlling different phenotypic traits are (usually) inherited independently. "]
[]
["              6 - Dominance relations and gene interaction can alter the phenotypic ratios of the F1, F2, and subsequent generations. "]
[]
["               "]
[]
["Polyploidy "]
[]
["Polyploidy is the condition of multiple sets of chromosomes within one cell. Cannabis has 20 chromosomes in the vegetative diploid (2n) condition. Triploid (3n) and tetraploid (4n) individuals have three or four sets of"]
["chromosomes and are termed polyploids. It is believed that the haploid condition of 10 chromosomes was likely derived by reduction from a higher (polyploid) ancestral number (Lewis, W. H. 1980). Polyploidy has not"]
["been shown to occur naturally in Cannabis; however, it may be induced artificially with colchicine treatments. Colchicine is a poisonous compound extracted from the roots of certain Colchicum species; it inhibits"]
["chromosome segregation to daughter cells and cell wall formation, resulting in larger than average daughter cells with multiple chromosome sets. The studies of H. E. Warmke et al. (1942-1944) seem to indicate that"]
["colchicine raised drug levels in Cannabis. It is unfortunate that Warmke was unaware of the actual psychoactive ingredients of Cannabis and was therefore unable to extract THC. His crude acetone extract and archaic"]
["techniques of bioassay using killifish and small freshwater crustaceans are far from conclusive. He was, however, able to produce both triploid and tetraploid strains of Cannabis with up to twice the potency of dip bid"]
["strains (in their ability to kill small aquatic organisms). The aim of his research was to \"produce a strain of hemp with materially reduced marijuana content\" and his results indicated that polyploidy raised the potency of"]
["Cannabis without any apparent increase in fiber quality or yield. "]
[]
["Warmke's work with polyploids shed light on the nature of sexual determination in Cannabis. He also illustrated that potency is genetically determined by creating a lower potency strain of hemp through selective breeding"]
["with low potency parents. "]
[]
["More recent research by A. I. Zhatov (1979) with fiber Cannabis showed that some economically valuable traits such as fiber quantity may be improved through polyploidy. Polyploids require more water and are usually"]
["more sensitive to changes in environment. Vegetative growth cycles are extended by up to 30-40% in polyploids. An extended vegetative period could delay the flowering of polyploid drug strains and interfere with the"]
["formation of floral clusters. It would be difficult to determine if cannabinoid levels had been raised by polyploidy if polyploid plants were not able to mature fully in the favorable part of the season when cannabinoid"]
["production is promoted by plentiful light and warm temperatures. Greenhouses and artificial lighting can be used to extend the season and test polyploid strains. "]
[]
["The height of tetraploid (4n) Cannabis in these experiments often exceeded the height of the original diploid plants by 25-30%. Tetraploids were intensely colored, with dark green leaves and stems and a well developed"]
["gross phenotype. Increased height and vigorous growth, as a rule, vanish in subsequent generations. Tetraploid plants often revert back to the diploid condition, making it difficult to support tetraploid populations."]
["Frequent tests are performed to determine if ploidy is changing. "]
[]
["Triploid (3n) strains were formed with great difficulty by crossing artificially created tetraploids (4n) with dip bids (2n). Triploids proved to be inferior to both diploids and tetraploids in many cases. "]
[]
["De Pasquale et al. (1979) conducted experiments with Cannabis which was treated with 0.25% and 0.50% solutions of colchicine at the primary meristem seven days after generation. Treated plants were slightly taller and"]
["possessed slightly larger leaves than the controls, Anomalies in leaf growth occurred in 20% and 39%, respectively, of the surviving treated plants. In the first group (0.25%) cannabinoid levels were highest in the plants"]
["without anomalies, and in the second group (0.50%) cannabinoid levels were highest in plants with anomalies, Overall, treated plants showed a 166-250% increase in THC with respect to controls and a decrease of CBD"]
["(30-33%) and CBN (39-65%). CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol) are cannabinoids involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of THC. THC levels in the control plants were very low (less than 1%). Possibly"]
["colchicine or the resulting polyploidy interferes with cannabinoid biogenesis to favor THC. In treated plants with deformed leaf lamina, 90% of the cells are tetraploid (4n 40) and 10% diploid (2n 20). In treated plants"]
["without deformed lamina a few cells are tetraploid and the remainder are triploid or diploid. "]
[]
["The transformation of diploid plants to the tetraploid level inevitably results in the formation of a few plants with an unbalanced set of chromosomes (2n + 1, 2n - 1, etc.). These plants are called aneuploids. Aneuploids"]
["are inferior to polyploids in every economic respect. Aneuploid Cannabis is characterized by extremely small seeds. The weight of 1,000 seeds ranges from 7 to 9 grams (1/4 to 1/3 ounce). Under natural conditions diploid"]
["plants do not have such small seeds and average 14-19 grams (1/2-2/3 ounce) per 1,000 (Zhatov 1979). "]
[]
["Once again, little emphasis has been placed on the relationship between flower or resin production and polyploidy. Further research to determine the effect of polyploidy on these and other economically valuable traits of"]
["Cannabis is needed. "]
[]
["Colchicine is sold by laboratory supply houses, and breeders have used it to induce polyploidy in Cannabis. However, colchicine is poisonous, so special care is exercised by the breeder in any use of it. Many clandestine"]
["cultivators have started polyploid strains with colchicine. Except for changes in leaf shape and phyllotaxy, no out standing characteristics have developed in these strains and potency seems unaffected. However, none of the"]
["strains have been examined to determine if they are actually polyploid or if they were merely treated with colchicine to no effect. Seed treatment is the most effective and safest way to apply colchicine. * In this way, the"]
["entire plant growing from a colchicine-treated seed could be polyploid and if any colchicine exists at the end of the growing season the amount would be infinitesimal. Colchicine is nearly always lethal to Cannabis seeds,"]
["and in the treatment there is a very fine line between polyploidy and death. In other words, if 100 viable seeds are treated with colchicine and 40 of them germinate it is unlikely that the treatment induced polyploidy in any"]
["of the survivors. On the other hand, if 1,000 viable treated seeds give rise to 3 seedlings, the chances are better that they are polyploid since the treatment killed all of the seeds but those three. It is still necessary to"]
["determine if the offspring are actually polyploid by microscopic examination. "]
[]
["The work of Menzel (1964) presents us with a crude map of the chromosomes of Cannabis, Chromosomes 2-6 and 9 are distinguished by the length of each arm. Chromosome 1 is distinguished by a large knob on one"]
["end and a dark chromomere 1 micron from the knob. Chromosome 7 is extremely short and dense, and chromosome 8 is assumed to be the sex chromosome. In the future, chromosome *The word \"safest\" is used here as a"]
["relative term. Coichicine has received recent media attention as a dangerous poison and while these accounts are probably a bit too lurid, the real dangers of exposure to coichicine have not been fully researched. The"]
["possibility of bodily harm exists and this is multiplied when breeders inexperienced in handling toxins use colchicine. Seed treatment might be safer than spraying a grown plant but the safest method of all is to not use"]
["colchicine. mapping will enable us to picture the location of the genes influencing the phenotype of Cannabis. This will enable geneticists to determine and manipulate the important characteristics contained in the gene"]
["pool. For each trait the number of genes in control will be known, which chromosomes carry them, and where they are located along those chromosomes. "]
[]
["Breeding "]
[]
["All of the Cannabis grown in North America today originated in foreign lands. The diligence of our ancestors in their collection and sowing of seeds from superior plants, together with the forces of natural selection, have"]
["worked to create native strains with localized characteristics of resistance to pests, diseases, and weather conditions. In other words, they are adapted to particular niches in the ecosystem. This genetic diversity is nature's"]
["way of protecting a species. There is hardly a plant more flexible than Cannabis. As climate, diseases, and pests change, the strain evolves and selects new defenses, programmed into the genetic orders contained in each"]
["generation of seeds. Through the importation in recent times of fiber and drug Cannabis, a vast pool of genetic material has appeared in North America. Original fiber strains have escaped and become acclimatized (adapted"]
["to the environment), while domestic drug strains (from imported seeds) have, unfortunately, hybridized and acclimatized randomly, until many of the fine gene combinations of imported Cannabis have been lost. "]
[]
["Changes in agricultural techniques brought on by technological pressure, greed, and full-scale eradication programs have altered the selective pressures influencing Cannabis genetics. Large shipments of inferior Cannabis"]
["containing poorly selected seeds are appearing in North America and elsewhere, the result of attempts by growers and smugglers to supply an ever increasing market for marijuana. Older varieties of Cannabis, associated"]
["with long standing cultural patterns, may contain genes not found in the newer commercial varieties. As these older varieties and their corresponding cultures become extinct, this genetic information could be lost forever."]
["The increasing popularity of Cannabis and the requirements of agricultural technology will call for uniform hybrid races that are likely to displace primitive populations worldwide. "]
[]
["Limitation of genetic diversity is certain to result from concerted inbreeding for uniformity. Should inbred Cannabis be attacked by some previously unknown pest or disease, this genetic uniformity could prove disastrous"]
["due to potentially resistant diverse genotypes having been dropped from the population. If this genetic complement of resistance cannot be reclaimed from primitive parental material, resistance cannot be introduced into"]
["the ravaged population. There may also be currently unrecognized favorable traits which could be irretrievably dropped from the Cannabis gene pool. Human intervention can create new phenotypes by selecting and"]
["recombining existing genetic variety, but only nature can create variety in the gene pool itself, through the slow process of random mutation. "]
[]
["This does not mean that importation of seed and selective hybridization are always detrimental. Indeed these principles are often the key to crop improvement, but only when applied knowledgeably and cautiously. The"]
["rapid search for improvements must not jeopardize the pool of original genetic information on which adaptation relies. At this time, the future of Cannabis lies in government and clandestine collections. These collections"]
["are often inadequate, poorly selected and badly maintained. Indeed, the United Nations Cannabis collection used as the primary seed stock for worldwide governmental research is depleted and spoiled. "]
[]
["Several steps must be taken to preserve our vanishing genetic resources, and action must be immediate: "]
[]
["       Seeds and pollen should be collected directly from reliable and knowledgeable sources. Government seizures and smuggled shipments are seldom reliable seed sources. The characteristics of both parents must be"]
["       known; consequently, mixed bales of randomly pollinated marijuana are not suitable seed sources, even if the exact origin of the sample is certain. Direct contact should be made with the farmer-breeder"]
["       responsible for carrying on the breeding traditions that have produced the sample. Accurate records of every possible parameter of growth must be kept with carefully stored triplicate sets of seeds. "]
["       Since Cannabis seeds do not remain viable forever, even under the best storage conditions, seed samples should he replenished every third year. Collections should be planted in conditions as similar as possible"]
["       to their original niche and allowed to reproduce freely to minimize natural and artificial selection of genes and ensure the preservation of the entire gene pool. Half of the original seed collection should be retained"]
["       until the viability of further generations is confirmed, and to provide parental material for comparison and back-crossing. Phenotypic data about these subsequent generations should be carefully recorded to aid in"]
["       understanding the genotypes contained in the collection. Favorable traits of each strain should be characterized and catalogued. "]
["       It is possible that in the future, Cannabis cultivation for resale, or even personal use, may be legal but only for approved, patented strains. Special caution would be needed to preserve variety in the gene pool"]
["       should the patenting of Cannabis strains become a reality. "]
["       Favorable traits must be carefully integrated into existing strains. "]
[]
["The task outlined above is not an easy one, given the current legal restrictions on the collection of Cannabis seed. In spite of this, the conscientious cultivator is making a contribution toward preserving and improving the"]
["genetics of this interesting plant. "]
[]
["Even if a grower has no desire to attempt crop improvement, successful strains have to be protected so they do not degenerate and can be reproduced if lost. Left to the selective pressures of an introduced environment, most"]
["drug strains will degenerate and lose potency as they acclimatize to the new conditions. Let me cite an example of a typical grower with good intentions. "]
[]
["A grower in northern latitudes selected an ideal spot to grow a crop and prepared the soil well. Seeds were selected from the best floral clusters of several strains avail able over the past few years, both imported and"]
["domestic. Nearly all of the staminate plants were removed as they matured and a nearly seedless crop of beautiful plants resulted. After careful consideration, the few seeds from accidental pollination of the best flowers"]
["were kept for the following season, These seeds produced even bigger and better plants than the year before and seed collection was performed as before. The third season, most of the plants were not as large or desirable as"]
["the second season, but there were many good individuals. Seed collection and cultivation the fourth season resulted in plants inferior even to the first crop, and this trend continued year after year. What went wrong? The"]
["grower collected seed from the best plants each year and grew them under the same conditions. The crop improved the first year. Why did the strain degenerate? "]
[]
["This example illustrates the unconscious selection for undesirable traits. The hypothetical cultivator began well by selecting the best seeds available and growing them properly. The seeds selected for the second season"]
["resulted from random hybrid pollinations by early-flowering or overlooked staminate plants and by hermaphrodite pistil late plants. Many of these random pollen-parents may be undesirable for breeding since they may"]
["pass on tendencies toward premature maturation, retarded maturation, or hermaphrodism. However, the collected hybrid seeds pro duce, on the average, larger and more desirable offspring than the first season. This"]
["condition is called hybrid vigor and results from the hybrid crossing of two diverse gene pools. The tendency is for many of the dominant characteristics from both parents to be transmitted to the F1 off spring, resulting in"]
["particularly large and vigorous plants. This increased vigor due to recombination of dominant genes often raises the cannabinoid level of the F1 offspring, but hybridization also opens up the possibility that undesirable"]
["(usually recessive) genes may form pairs and express their characteristics in the F2 offspring. Hybrid vigor may also mask inferior qualities due to abnormally rapid growth. During the second season, random pollinations"]
["again accounted for a few seeds and these were collected. This selection draws on a huge gene pool and the possible F2 combinations are tremendous. By the third season the gene pool is tending toward early-maturing"]
["plants that are acclimatized to their new conditions instead of the drug-producing conditions of their native environment. These acclimatized members of the third crop have a higher chance of maturing viable seeds than the"]
["parental types, and random pollinations will again increase the numbers of acclimatized individuals, and thereby increase the chance that undesirable characteristics associated with acclimatization will be transmitted to the"]
["next F2 generation. This effect is compounded from generation to generation and finally results in a fully acclimatized weed strain of little drug value. "]
[]
["With some care the breeder can avoid these hidden dangers of unconscious selection. Definite goals are vital to progress in breeding Cannabis. What qualities are desired in a strain that it does not already exhibit? What"]
["characteristics does a strain exhibit that are unfavorable and should be bred out? Answers to these questions suggest goals for breeding. In addition to a basic knowledge of Cannabis botany, propagation, and genetics, the"]
["successful breeder also becomes aware of the most minute differences and similarities in phenotype. A sensitive rapport is established between breeder and plants and at the same time strict guidelines are followed. A"]
["simplified explanation of the time-tested principles of plant breeding shows how this works in practice. "]
[]
["Selection is the first and most important step in the breeding of any plant. The work of the great breeder and plant wizard Luther Burbank stands as a beacon to breeders of exotic strains. His success in improving hundreds"]
["of flower, fruit, and vegetable crops was the result of his meticulous selection of parents from hundreds of thou sands of seedlings and adults from the world over. "]
[]
["Bear in mind that in the production of any new plant, selection plays the all-important part. First, one must get clearly in mind the kind of plant he wants, then breed and select to that end, always choosing through a"]
["series of years the plants which are approaching nearest the ideal, and rejecting all others. "]
[]
["       Luther Burbank (in James, 1964) "]
[]
["Proper selection of prospective parents is only possible if the breeder is familiar with the variable characteristics of Cannabis that may be genetically controlled, has a way to accurately measure these variations, and has"]
["established goals for improving these characteristics by selective breeding. A detailed list of variable traits of Cannabis, including parameters of variation for each trait and comments pertaining to selective breeding for or"]
["against it, are found at the end of this chapter. By selecting against unfavorable traits while selecting for favorable ones, the unconscious breeding of poor strains is avoided. "]
[]
["The most important part of Burbank's message on selection tells breeders to choose the plants \"which are approaching nearest the ideal,\" and REJECT ALL OTHERS! Random pollinations do not allow the control needed"]
["to reject the undesirable parents. Any staminate plant that survives detection and roguing (removal from the population), or any stray staminate branch on a pistillate her maphrodite may become a pollen parent for the"]
["next generation. Pollination must be controlled so that only the pollen- and seed-parents that have been carefully selected for favorable traits will give rise to the next generation. "]
[]
["Selection is greatly improved if one has a large sample to choose from! The best plant picked from a group of 10 has far less chance of being significantly different from its fellow seedlings than the best plant selected"]
["from a sample of 100,000. Burbank often made his initial selections of parents from samples of up to 500,000 seedlings. Difficulties arise for many breeders because they lack the space to keep enough examples of each"]
["strain to allow a significant selection. A Cannabis breeder's goals are restricted by the amount of space available. Formulating a well defined goal lowers the number of individuals needed to perform effective crosses."]
["Another technique used by breeders since the time of Burbank is to make early selections. Seedling plants take up much less space than adults. Thousands of seeds can be germinated in a flat. A flat takes up the same space"]
["as a hundred 10-centimeter (4-inch) sprouts or six-teen 30-centimeter (12-inch) seedlings or one 60-centimeter (24-inch) juvenile. An adult plant can easily take up as much space as a hundred flats. Simple arithmetic shows"]
["that as many as 10,000 sprouts can be screened in the space required by each mature plant, provided enough seeds are available. Seeds of rare strains are quite valuable and exotic; however, careful selection applied to"]
["thousands of individuals, even of such common strains as those from Colombia or Mexico, may produce better offspring than plants from a rare strain where there is little or no opportunity for selection after germination."]
["This does not mean that rare strains are not valuable, but careful selection is even more important to successful breeding. The random pollinations that produce the seeds in most imported marijuana assure a hybrid"]
["condition which results in great seed ling diversity. Distinctive plants are not hard to discover if the seedling sample is large enough. "]
[]
["Traits considered desirable when breeding Cannabis often involve the yield and quality of the final product, but these characteristics can only be accurately measured after the plant has been harvested and long after it is"]
["possible to select or breed it. Early seedling selection, therefore, only works for the most basic traits. These are selected first, and later selections focus on the most desirable characteristics exhibited by juvenile or adult"]
["plants. Early traits often give clues to mature phenotypic expression, and criteria for effective early seedling selection are easy to establish. As an example, particularly tall and thin seedlings might prove to be good parents"]
["for pulp or fiber production, while seed lings of short internode length and compound branching may be more suitable for flower production. However, many important traits to be selected for in Cannabis floral clusters"]
["cannot be judged until long after the parents are gone, so many crosses are made early and selection of seeds made at a later date. "]
[]
["Hybridization is the process of mixing differing gene pools to produce offspring of great genetic variation from which distinctive individuals can be selected. The wind performs random hybridization in nature. Under"]
["cultivation, breeders take over to produce specific, controlled hybrids. This process is also known as cross-pollination, cross-fertilization, or simply crossing. If seeds result, they will produce hybrid offspring exhibiting"]
["some characteristics from each parent. "]
[]
["Large amounts of hybrid seed are most easily produced by planting two strains side by side, removing the staininate plants of the seed strain, and allowing nature to take its course. Pollen- or seed-sterile strains could be"]
["developed for the production of large amounts of hybrid seed without the labor of thinning; however, genes for sterility are rare. It is important to remember that parental weak nesses are transmitted to offspring as well as"]
["strengths. Because of this, the most vigorous, healthy plants are al ways used for hybrid crosses. "]
[]
["Also, sports (plants or parts of plants carrying and expressing spontaneous mutations) most easily transmit mutant genes to the offspring if they are used as pollen parents. If the parents represent diverse gene pools,"]
["hybrid vigor results, because dominant genes tend to carry valuable traits and the differing dominant genes inherited from each parent mask recessive traits inherited from the other. This gives rise to particularly large,"]
["healthy individuals. To increase hybrid vigor in offspring, parents of different geo graphic origins are selected since they will probably represent more diverse gene pools. "]
[]
["Occasionally hybrid offspring will prove inferior to both parents, but the first generation may still contain recessive genes for a favorable characteristic seen in a parent if the parent was homozygous for that trait. First"]
["generation (F1) hybrids are therefore inbred to allow recessive genes to recombine and express the desired parental trait. Many breeders stop with the first cross and never realize the genetic potential of their strain. They fail"]
["to produce an F2 generation by crossing or self-pollinating F1 offspring. Since most domestic Cannabis strains are F1 hybrids for many characteristics, great diversity and recessive recombination can result from"]
["inbreeding domestic hybrid strains. In this way the breeding of the F1 hybrids has already been accomplished, and a year is saved by going directly to F2 hybrids. These F2 hybrids are more likely to express recessive"]
["parental traits. From the F2 hybrid generation selections can be made for parents which are used to start new true-breeding strains. Indeed, F2 hybrids might appear with more extreme characteristics than either of the P~"]
["parents. (For example, P1 high-THC X P1 low-THC yields F1 hybrids of intermediate THC content. Selfing the F1 yields F2 hybrids, of both P1 [high and low THC] phenotypes, inter mediate F1 phenotypes, and"]
["extra-high THC as well as extra-low THC phenotypes.) "]
[]
["Also, as a result of gene recombination, F1 hybrids are not true-breeding and must be reproduced from the original parental strains. When breeders create hybrids they try to produce enough seeds to last for several"]
["successive years of cultivation, After initial field tests, undesirable hybrid seeds are destroyed and desirable hybrid seeds stored for later use. If hybrids are to be reproduced, a clone is saved from each parental plant to"]
["preserve original parental genes. "]
[]
["Back-crossing is another technique used to produce offspring with reinforced parental characteristics. In this case, a cross is made between one of the F~ or subsequent offspring and either of the parents expressing the"]
["desired trait. Once again this provides a chance for recombination and possible expression of the selected parental trait. Back-crossing is a valuable way of producing new strains, but it is often difficult because Cannabis is"]
["an annual, so special care is taken to save parental stock for back-crossing the following year. Indoor lighting or greenhouses can be used to protect breeding stock from winter weather. In tropical areas plants may live"]
["outside all year. In addition to saving particular parents, a successful breeder always saves many seeds from the original P1 group that produced the valuable characteristic so that other P1 plants also exhibiting the"]
["characteristic can be grown and selected for back-crossing at a later time. "]
[]
["       Several types of breeding are summarized as follows: "]
["              1 - Crossing two varieties having outstanding qualities (hybridization)."]
[]
["2 - Crossing individuals from the F1 generation or selfing F1 individuals to realize the possibilities of the original cross (differentiation). "]
[]
["3 - Back crossing to establish original parental types. "]
[]
["4 - Crossing two similar true-breeding (homozygous) varieties to preserve a mutual trait and restore vigor. "]
[]
["It should be noted that a hybrid plant is not usually hybrid for all characteristics nor does a true-breeding strain breed true for all characteristics. When discussing crosses, we are talking about the inheritance of one or a few"]
["traits only. The strain may be true-breeding for only a few traits, hybrid for the rest. Monohybrid crosses involve one trait, dihybrid crosses involve two traits, and so forth. Plants have certain limits of growth, and"]
["breeding can only pro duce a plant that is an expression of some gene already present in the total gene pool. Nothing is actually created by breeding; it is merely the recombination of existing genes into new genotypes."]
["But the possibilities of recombination are nearly limitless. "]
[]
["The most common use of hybridization is to cross two outstanding varieties. Hybrids can be produced by crossing selected individuals from different high-potency strains of different origins, such as Thailand and Mexico."]
["These two parents may share only the characteristic of high psycho activity and differ in nearly every other respect. From this great exchange of genes many phenotypes may appear in the F2 generation. From these"]
["offspring the breeder selects individuals that express the best characteristics of the parents. As an example, consider some of the offspring from the P1 (parental) cross: Mexico X Thailand. In this case, genes for high drug"]
["content are selected from both parents while other desirable characteristics can be selected from either one. Genes for large stature and early maturation are selected from the Mexican seed-parent, and genes for large calyx"]
["size and sweet floral aroma are selected from the Thai pollen parent. Many of the F1 offspring exhibit several of the desired characteristics. To further promote gene segregation, the plants most nearly approaching the ideal"]
["are crossed among themselves. The F2 generation is a great source of variation and recessive expression. In the F2 generation there are several individuals out of many that exhibit all five of the selected characteristics."]
["Now the process of inbreeding begins, using the desirable F2 parents. "]
[]
["If possible, two or more separate lines are started, never allowing them to interbreed. In this case one accept able staminate plant is selected along with two pistillate plants (or vice versa). Crosses between the pollen"]
["parent and the two seed parents result in two lines of inheritance with slightly differing genetics, but each expressing the desired characteristics. Each generation will produce new, more acceptable combinations. "]
[]
["If two inbred strains are crossed, F1 hybrids will be less variable than if two hybrid strains are crossed. This comes from limiting the diversity of the gene pools in the two strains to be hybridized through previous"]
["inbreeding. Further independent selection and inbreeding of the best plants for several generations will establish two strains which are true-breeding for all the originally selected traits. This means that all the offspring"]
["from any parents in the strain will give rise to seedlings which all exhibit the selected traits. Successive inbreeding may by this time have resulted in steady decline in the vigor of the strain. "]
[]
["When lack of vigor interferes with selecting phenotypes for size and hardiness, the two separately selected strains can then be interbred to recombine nonselected genes and restore vigor. This will probably not interfere"]
["with breeding for the selected traits unless two different gene systems control the same trait in the two separate lines, and this is highly unlikely. Now the breeder has produced a hybrid strain that breeds true for large size,"]
["early maturation, large sweet-smelling calyxes, and high THC level. The goal has been reached! "]
[]
["Wind pollination and dioecious sexuality favor a heterozygous gene pool in Cannabis. Through Anbreeding, hybrids are adapted from a heterozygous gene pool to a homozygous gene pool, providing the genetic stability"]
["needed to create true-breeding strains. Establishing pure strains enables the breeder to make hybrid crosses with a better chance of predicting the outcome. Hybrids can be created that are not reproducible in the F2"]
["generation. Commercial strains of seeds could be developed that would have to be purchased each year, because the F1 hybrids of two pure-bred lines do not breed true. Thus, a seed breeder can protect the investment in the"]
["results of breeding, since it would be nearly impossible to reproduce the parents from F2 seeds. "]
[]
["At this time it seems unlikely that a plant patent would be awarded for a pure-breeding strain of drug Cannabis. In the future, however, with the legalization of cultivation, it is a certainty that corporations with the time,"]
["space, and money to produce pure and hybrid strains of Cannabis will apply for patents. It may be legal to grow only certain patented strains produced by large seed companies. Will this be how government and industry"]
["combine to control the quality and quantity of \"drug\" Cannabis? "]
[]
["Acclimatization "]
[]
["Much of the breeding effort of North American cultivators is concerned with acclimatizing high-THC strains of equatorial origin to the climate of their growing area while preserving potency. Late-maturing, slow, and"]
["irregularly flowering strains like those of Thailand have difficulty maturing in many parts of North America. Even in a green house, it may not be possible to mature plants to their full native potential. "]
[]
["To develop an early-maturing and rapidly flowering 8train, a breeder may hybridize as in the previous example. However, if it is important to preserve unique imported genetics, hybridizing may be inadvisable."]
["Alternatively, a pure cross is made between two or more Thai plants that most closely approach the ideal in blooming early. At this point the breeder may ignore many other traits and aim at breeding an earlier-maturing"]
["variety of a pure Thai strain. This strain may still mature considerably later than is ideal for the particular location unless selective pressure is exerted. If further crosses are made with several individuals that satisfy other"]
["criteria such as high THC content, these may be used to develop another pure Thai strain of high THC content. After these true-breeding lines have been established, a dihybrid pure cross can be made in an attempt to"]
["produce an F1 generation containing early-maturing, high-THC strains of pure Thai genetics, in other words, an acclimatized drug strain. "]
[]
["Crosses made without a clear goal in mind lead to strains that acclimatize while losing many favorable characteristics. A successful breeder is careful not to overlook a characteristic that may prove useful. It is imperative"]
["that original imported Cannabis genetics be preserved intact to protect the species from loss of genetic variety through excessive hybridization. A currently unrecognized gene may be responsible for controlling resistance"]
["to a pest or disease, and it may only be possible to breed for this gene by back-crossing existing strains to original parental gene pools. "]
[]
["              Once pure breeding lines have been established, plant breeders classify and statistically analyze the offspring to determine the patterns of inheritance for that trait. This is the system used by Gregor"]
["              Mendel to formulate the basic laws of inheritance and aid the modern breeder in predicting the outcome of crosses,"]
[]
["              1 - Two pure lines of Cannabis that differ in a particular trait are located. "]
[]
["              2 - These two pure-breeding lines are crossed to pro duce an F1 generation. "]
[]
["              3 - The F1 generation is inbred. "]
[]
["              4 - The offspring of the F1 and F2 generations are classified with regard to the trait being studied. "]
[]
["              5 - The results are analyzed statistically. "]
[]
["              6 - The results are compared to known patterns of inheritance so the nature of the genes being selected for can be characterized. "]
[]
["               "]
[]
["Fixing Traits "]
[]
["Fixing traits (producing homozygous offspring) in Cannabis strains is more difficult than it is in many other flowering plants. With monoecious strains or hermaphrodites it is possible to fix traits by self-pollinating an"]
["individual exhibiting favorable traits. In this case one plant acts as both mother and father. However, most strains of Cannabis are dioecious, and unless hermaphroditic reactions can be induced, another parent exhibiting"]
["the trait is required to fix the trait. If this is not possible, the unique individual may be crossed with a plant not exhibiting the trait, inbred in the F1 generation, and selections of parents exhibiting the favorable trait made"]
["from the F2 generation, but this is very difficult. "]
[]
["If a trait is needed for development of a dioecious strain it might first be discovered in a monoecious strain and then fixed through selfing and selecting homozygous offspring. Dioecious individuals can then be selected"]
["from the monoecious population and these individuals crossed to breed out monoecism in subsequent generations. "]
[]
["Galoch (1978) indicated that gibberellic acid (GA3) promoted stamen production while indoleacetic acid (IAA), ethrel, and kinetin promoted pistil production in prefloral dioecious Cannabis. Sex alteration has several"]
["useful applications. Most importantly, if only one parent expressing a desirable trait can be found, it is difficult to perform a cross unless it happens to be a hermaphrodite plant. Hormones might be used to change the sex"]
["of a cutting from the desirable plant, and this cutting used to mate with it. This is most easily accomplished by changing a pistillate cutting to a staminate (pollen) parent, using a spray of 100 ppm gibberellic acid in"]
["water each day for five consecutive days. Within two weeks staminate flowers may appear. Pollen can then be collected for selfing with the original pistillate parent. Offspring from the cross should also be mostly"]
["pistillate since the breeder is selfing for pistillate sexuality. Staminate parents reversed to pistillate floral production make inferior seed-parents since few pistillate flowers and seeds are formed. "]
[]
["If entire crops could be manipulated early in life to produce all pistillate or staminate plants, seed production and seedless drug Cannabis production would be greatly facilitated. "]
[]
["Sex reversal for breeding can also be accomplished by mutilation and by photoperiod alteration. A well-rooted, flourishing cutting from the parent plant is pruned back to 25% of its original size and stripped of all its"]
["remaining flowers. New growth will appear within a few days, and several flowers of reversed sexual type often appear. Flowers of the unwanted sex are removed until the cutting is needed for fertilization. Extremely short"]
["light cycles (6-8 hour photoperiod) can also cause sex reversal. How ever, this process takes longer and is much more difficult to perform in the field. "]
[]
["Genotype and Phenotype Ratios "]
[]
["It must be remembered, in attempting to fix favorable characteristics, that a monohybrid cross gives rise to four possible recombinant genotypes, a dihybrid cross gives rise to 16 possible recombinant genotypes, and so"]
["forth. "]
[]
["Phenotype and genotype ratios are probabilistic. If recessive genes are desired for three traits it is not effective to raise only 64 offspring and count on getting one homozygous recessive individual. To increase the"]
["probability of success it is better to raise hundreds of offspring, choosing only the best homozygous recessive individuals as future parents. All laws of inheritance are based on chance and offspring may not approach"]
["predicted ratios until many more have been phenotypically characterized and grouped than the theoretical minimums. "]
[]
["The genotype of each individual is expressed by a mosaic of thousands of subtle overlapping traits. It is the sum total of these traits that determines the general phenotype of an individual. It is often difficult to determine"]
["if the characteristic being selected is one trait or the blending of several traits and whether these traits are controlled by one or several pairs of genes. It often makes little difference that a breeder does not have plants that are"]
["proven to breed true. Breeding goals can still be established. The selfing of F1 hybrids will often give rise to the variation needed in the F2 generation for selecting parents for subsequent generations, even if the"]
["characteristics of the original parents of the F1 hybrid are not known. It is in the following generations that fixed characteristics appear and the breeding of pure strains can begin. By selecting and crossing individuals that"]
["most nearly approach the ideal described by the breeding goals, the variety can be continuously improved even if the exact patterns of inheritance are never deter mined. Complementary traits are eventually combined into"]
["one line whose seeds reproduce the favorable parental traits. Inbreeding strains also allows weak recessive traits to express themselves and these abnormalities must be diligently removed from the breeding population."]
["After five or six generations, strains become amazingly uniform. Vigor is occasionally restored by crossing with other lines or by backcrossing. "]
[]
["Parental plants are selected which most nearly approach the ideal. If a desirable trait is not expressed by the parent, it is much less likely to appear in the offspring. It is imperative that desirable characteristics be hereditary"]
["and not primarily the result of environment and cultivation. Acquired traits are not hereditary and cannot be made hereditary. Breeding for as few traits as possible at one time greatly increases the chance of success. In"]
["addition to the specific traits chosen as the aims of breeding, parents are selected which possess other generally desirable traits such as vigor and size. Determinations of dominance and recessiveness can only be made by"]
["observing the outcome of many crosses, although wild traits often tend to be dominant. This is one of the keys to adaptive survival. However, all the possible combinations will appear in the F2 generation if it is large"]
["enough, regardless of dominance. "]
[]
["Now, after further simplifying this wonderful system of inheritance, there are additional exceptions to the rules which must be explored. In some cases, a pair of genes may control a trait but a second or third pair of genes"]
["is needed to express this trait. This is known as gene inter action. No particular genetic attribute in which we may be interested is totally isolated from other genes and the effects of environment. Genes are occasionally"]
["transferred in groups instead of assorting independently. This is known as gene linkage, These genes are spaced along the same chromosome and may or may not control the same trait. The result of linkage might be that"]
["one trait cannot be inherited without another. At times, traits are associated with the X and Y sex chromosomes and they may be limited to expression in only one sex (sex linkage). Crossing over also interferes with the"]
["analysis of crosses. Crossing over is the exchanging of entire pieces of genetic material between two chromosomes. This can result in two genes that are normally linked appearing on separate chromosomes where they"]
["will be independently inherited. All of these processes can cause crosses to deviate from the expected Mendelian outcome. Chance is a major factor in breeding Cannabis, or any introduced plant, and the more crosses a"]
["breeder attempts the higher are the chances of success. "]
[]
["Variate, isolate, intermate, evaluate, multiplicate, and disseminate are the key words in plant improvement. A plant breeder begins by producing or collecting various prospective parents from which the most desirable ones"]
["are selected and isolated. Intermating of the select parents results in offspring which must be evaluated for favorable characteristics. If evaluation indicates that the offspring are not improved, then the process is repeated."]
["Improved off spring are multiplied and disseminated for commercial use. Further evaluation in the field is necessary to check for uniformity and to choose parents for further intermating. This cyclic approach provides a"]
["balanced system of plant improvement. "]
[]
["              The basic nature of Cannabis makes it challenging to"]
[]
["breed. Wind pollination and dioecious sexuality, which "]
[]
["account for the great adaptability in Cannabis, cause many "]
[]
["problems in breeding, but none of these are insurmountable. Developing a knowledge and feel for the plant is more important than memorizing Mendelian ratios. The words of the great Luther Burbank say it well,"]
["Heredity is indelibly fixed by repetition. "]
[]
["The first set of traits concerns Cannabis plants as a whole while the remainder concern the qualities of seedlings, leaves, fibers, and flowers. Finally a list of various Cannabis strains is provided along with specific"]
["characteristics. Following this order, basic and then specific selections of favorable characteristics can be made. "]
[]
["       List of Favorable Traits of Cannabis "]
[]
["       in Which Variation Occurs "]
["              1. General Traits "]
["                    a) Size and Yield "]
[]
["                    b) Vigor "]
[]
["                    c) Adaptability "]
[]
["                    d) Hardiness "]
[]
["                    e) Disease and Pest Resistance "]
[]
["                    f) Maturation "]
[]
["                    g) Root Production "]
[]
["                    h) Branching "]
[]
["                    i) Sex"]
["              2. Seedling Traits "]
[]
["              3. Leaf Traits "]
[]
["              4. Fiber Traits "]
[]
["              5. Floral Traits "]
["                    a) Shape "]
[]
["                    b) Form "]
[]
["                    c) Calyx Size "]
[]
["                    d) Color "]
[]
["                    e) Cannabinoid Level "]
[]
["                    f) Taste and Aroma "]
[]
["                    g) Persistence of Aromatic Principles and Cannabinoids "]
[]
["                    h) Trichome Type "]
[]
["                    i) Resin Quantity and Quality "]
[]
["                    j) Resin Tenacity "]
[]
["                    k) Drying and Curing Rate "]
[]
["                    I) Ease of Manicuring "]
[]
["                    m) Seed Characteristics "]
[]
["                    n) Maturation "]
[]
["                    o) Flowering "]
[]
["                    p) Ripening "]
[]
["                    q) Cannabinoid Profile"]
["              6. Gross Phenotypes of Cannabis Strains "]
[]
["                "]
["                    1. General Traits "]
["                           a) Size and Yield - The size of an individual Cannabis plant is determined by environmental factors such as room for root and shoot growth, adequate light and nutrients, and proper"]
["                           irrigation. These environmental factors influence the phenotypic image of genotype, but the genotype of the individual is responsible for overall variations in gross morphology,"]
["                           including size. Grown under the same conditions, particularly large and small individuals are easily spotted and selected. Many dwarf Cannabis plants have been re ported and"]
["                           dwarfism may be subject to genetic control, as it is in many higher plants, such as dwarf corn and citrus. Cannabis parents selected for large size tend to produce offspring of a larger"]
["                           average size each year. Hybrid crosses between tall (Cannabis sativa-Mexico) strains and short (Cannabis ruderalis-Russia) strains yield F1 offspring of intermediate height (Beutler"]
["                           and der Marderosian 1978). Hybrid vigor, however, will influence the size of offspring more than any other genetic factor. The increased size of hybrid offspring is often amazing and"]
["                           accounts for much of the success of Cannabis cultivators in raising large plants. It is not known whether there is a set of genes for \"gigantism\" in Cannabis or whether polyploid"]
["                           individuals really yield more than diploid due to increased chromosome count. Tetraploids tend to be taller and their water re quirements are often higher than diploids. Yield is"]
["                           determined by the overall production of fiber, seed, or resin and selective breeding can be used to increase the yield of any one of these products. However, several of these traits may"]
["                           be closely related, and it may be impossible to breed for one without the other (gene linkage). Inbreeding of a pure strain increases yield only if high yield parents are selected. High"]
["                           yield plants, staminate or pistillate, are not finally selected until the plants are dried and manicured. Because of this, many of the most vigorous plants are crossed and seeds selected"]
["                           after harvest when the yield can be measured. "]
[]
["                           b) Vigor - Large size is often also a sign of healthy vigorous growth. A plant that begins to grow immediately will usually reach a larger size and produce a higher yield in a short"]
["                           growing season than a sluggish, slow-growing plant. Parents are always selected for rich green foliage and rapid, responsive growth. This will ensure that genes for certain"]
["                           weaknesses in overall growth and development are bred out of the population while genes for strength and vigor remain. "]
[]
["                           c) Adaptability - It is important for a plant with a wide distribution such as Cannabis to be adaptable to many different environmental conditions. Indeed, Cannabis is one of the"]
["                           most genotypically diverse and phenotypically plastic plants on earth; as a result it has adapted to environ mental conditions ranging from equatorial to temperate climates. Domestic"]
["                           agricultural circumstances also dictate that Cannabis must be grown under a great variety of conditions, "]
[]
["                           Plants to be selected for adaptability are cloned and grown in several locations. The parental stocks with the highest survival percentages can be selected as prospective parents for an"]
["                           adaptable strain. Adaptability is really just another term for hardiness under varying growth conditions. "]
[]
["                           d) Hardiness - The hardiness of a plant is its overall resistance to heat and frost, drought and overwatering, and so on. Plants with a particular resistance appear when adverse"]
["                           conditions lead to the death of the rest of a large population. The surviving few members of the population might carry inheritable resistance to the environmental factor that"]
["                           destroyed the majority of the population. Breeding these survivors, subjecting the offspring to continuing stress conditions, and selecting carefully for several generations should"]
["                           result in a pure-breeding strain with increased resistance to drought, frost, or excessive heat. "]
[]
["                           e) Disease and Pest Resistance - In much the same way as for hardiness a strain may be bred for resistance to a certain disease, such as damping-off fungus. If flats of seedlings are"]
["                           infected by damping-off disease and nearly all of them die, the remaining few will have some resistance to damping-off fungus. If this resistance is inheritable, it can be passed on to"]
["                           subsequent generations by crossing these surviving plants. Subsequent crossing, tested by inoculating flats of seedling offspring with damping-off fungus, should yield a more"]
["                           resistant strain. "]
[]
["                           Resistance to pest attack works in much the same way. It is common to find stands of Cannabis where one or a few plants are infested with insects while adjacent plants are"]
["                           untouched. Cannabinoid and terpenoid resins are most probably responsible for repelling insect attack, and levels of these vary from plant to plant. Cannabis has evolved defenses"]
["                           against insect attack in the form of resin-secreting glandular trichomes, which cover the reproductive and associated vegetative structures of mature plants. Insects, finding the resin"]
["                           disagreeable, rarely attack mature Cannabis flowers. However, they may strip the outer leaves of the same plant because these develop fewer glandular tri chomes and protective"]
["                           resins than the flowers. Non-glandular cannabinoids and other compounds produced within leaf and stem tissues which possibly inhibit insect attack, may account for the varying"]
["                           resistance of seedlings and vegetative juvenile plants to pest infestation. With the popularity of greenhouse Cannabis cultivation, a strain is needed with increased resistance to mold,"]
["                           mite, aphid,- or white fly infestation. These problems are often so severe that greenhouse cultivators destroy any plants which are attacked. Molds usually reproduce by wind-borne"]
["                           spores, so negligence can rapidly lead to epidemic disaster. Selection and breeding of the least infected plants should result in strains with increased resistance. "]
[]
["                           f) Maturation - Control of the maturation of Cannabis is very important no matter what the reason for growing it. If Cannabis is to be grown for fiber it is important that the"]
["                           maximum fiber content of the crop be reached early and that all of the individuals in the crop mature at the same time to facilitate commercial harvesting. Seed production requires"]
["                           the even maturation of both pollen and seed parents to ensure even setting and maturation of seeds. An uneven maturation of seeds would mean that some seeds would drop and be"]
["                           lost while others are still ripening. An understanding of floral maturation is the key to the production of high quality drug Cannabis. Changes in gross morphology are accompanied"]
["                           by changes in cannabinoid and terpenoid production and serve as visual keys to deter mining the ripeness of Cannabis flowers. "]
[]
["                           A Cannabis plant may mature either early or late, be fast or slow to flower, and ripen either evenly or sequentially. "]
[]
["                           Breeding for early or late maturation is certainly a reality; it is also possible to breed for fast or slow flowering and even or sequential ripening. In general, crosses between"]
["                           early-maturing plants give rise to early-maturing offspring, crosses between late-maturing plants give rise to late-maturing offspring, and crosses between late- and early-maturing"]
["                           plants give rise to offspring of intermediate maturation. This seems to indicate that maturation of Cannabis is not controlled by the simple dominance and recessiveness of one gene"]
["                           but probably results from incomplete dominance and a combination of genes for separate aspects of maturation. For instance, Sorghum maturation is controlled by four separate"]
["                           genes. The sum of these genes produces a certain phenotype for maturation. Al though breeders do not know the action of each specific gene, they still can breed for the total of"]
["                           these traits and achieve results more nearly approaching the goal of timely maturation than the parental strains. "]
[]
["                           g) Root Production - The size and shape of Cannabis root systems vary greatly. Although every embryo sends out a taproot from which lateral roots grow, the individual growth"]
["                           pattern and final size and shape of the roots vary considerably. Some plants send out a deep taproot, up to 1 meter (39 inches) long, which helps support the plant against winds and"]
["                           rain. Most Cannabis plants, however, produce a poor taproot which rarely extends more than 30 centimeters (1 foot). Lateral growth is responsible for most of the roots in Cannabis"]
["                           plants. These fine lateral roots offer the plant additional support but their primary function is to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. A large root system will be able to feed and"]
["                           support a large plant. Most lateral roots grow near the surface of the soil where there is more water, more oxygen, and more avail able nutrients. Breeding for root size and shape"]
["                           may prove beneficial for the production of large rain- and wind-resistant strains. Often Cannabis plants, even very large ones, have very small and sensitive root systems. Recently,"]
["                           certain alkaloids have been discovered in the roots of Cannabis that might have some medical value. If this proves the case, Cannabis may be cultivated and bred for high alkaloid"]
["                           levels in the roots to be used in the commercial production of pharmaceuticals. "]
[]
["                           As with many traits, it is difficult to make selections for root types until the parents are harvested. Because of this many crosses are made early and seeds selected later. "]
[]
["                           h) Branching - The branching pattern of a Cannabis plant is determined by the frequency of nodes along each branch and the extent of branching at each node. For examples, consider"]
["                           a tall, thin plant with slender limbs made up of long internodes and nodes with little branching (Oaxaca, Mexico strain). Compare this with a stout, densely branched plant with"]
["                           limbs of short internodes and highly branched nodes (Hindu Kush hashish strains). Different branching patterns are preferred for the different agricultural applications of fiber, flower,"]
["                           or resin production. Tall, thin plants with long internodes and no branching are best adapted to fiber production; a short, broad plant with short inter nodes and well developed"]
["                           branching is best adapted to floral production. Branching structure is selected that will tolerate heavy rains and high winds without breaking. This is quite advantageous to outdoor"]
["                           growers in temperate zones with short seasons. Some breeders select tall, limber plants (Mexico) which bend in the wind; others select short, stiff plants (Hindu Kush) which resist"]
["                           the weight of water without bending. "]
[]
["                           i) Sex - Attempts to breed offspring of only one sexual type have led to more misunderstanding than any other facet of Cannabis genetics. The discoveries of McPhee (1925) and"]
["                           Schaffner (1928) showed that pure sexual type and hermaphrodite conditions are inherited and that the percentage of sexual types could be altered by crossing with certain"]
["                           hermaphrodites. Since then it has generally been assumed by researchers and breeders that a cross between ANY unselected hermaphrodite plant and a pistillate seed-parent should"]
["                           result in a population of all pistillate offspring. This is not the case. In most cases, the offspring of hermaphrodite parents tend toward hermaphrodism, which is largely unfavorable"]
["                           for the production of Cannabis other than fiber hemp. This is not to say that there is no tendency for hermaphrodite crosses to alter sex ratios in the offspring. The accidental release"]
["                           of some pollen from predominantly pistillate hermaphrodites, along with the complete eradication of nearly every staminate and staminate hermaphrodite plant may have led to a"]
["                           shift in sexual ratio in domestic populations of sinsemilla drug Cannabis. It is commonly observed that these strains tend toward 60% to 80% pistillate plants and a few pistillate"]
["                           hermaphrodites are not uncommon in these populations. "]
[]
["                           However, a cross can be made which will produce nearly all pistillate or staminate individuals. If the proper pistillate hermaphrodite plant is selected as the pollen-parent and a pure"]
["                           pistillate plant is selected as the seed-parent it is possible to produce an F1, and subsequent generations, of nearly all pistillate offspring. The proper pistillate hermaphrodite"]
["                           pollen-parent is one which has grown as a pure pistillate plant and at the end of the sea son, or under artificial environmental stress, begins to develop a very few staminate flowers."]
["                           If pollen from these few staminate flowers forming on a pistillate plant is applied to a pure pistillate seed parent, the resulting F1 generation should be almost all pistillate with"]
["                           only a few pistillate hermaphrodites. This will also be the case if the selected pistillate hermaphrodite pollen source is selfed and bears its own seeds. Remember that a selfed"]
["                           hermaphrodite gives rise to more hermaphrodites, but a selfed pistillate plant that has given rise to a limited number of staminate flowers in response to environmental stresses"]
["                           should give rise to nearly all pistillate offspring. The F1 offspring may have a slight tendency to produce a few staminate flowers under further environmental stress and these are"]
["                           used to produce F2 seed. A monoecious strain produces 95+% plants with many pistillate and staminate flowers, but a dioecious strain produces 95+% pure pistillate or staminate"]
["                           plants. A plant from a dioecious strain with a few inter sexual flowers is a pistillate or staminate hermaphrodite. Therefore, the difference between monoecism and her maphrodism is"]
["                           one of degree, determined by genetics and environment. "]
[]
["                           Crosses may also be performed to produce nearly all staminate offspring. This is accomplished by crossing a pure staminate plant with a staminate plant that has produced a few"]
["                           pistillate flowers due to environmental stress, or selfing the latter plant. It is readily apparent that in the wild this is not a likely possibility. Very few staminate plants live long"]
["                           enough to produce pistillate flowers, and when this does happen the number of seeds produced is limited to the few pistillate flowers that occur. In the case of a pistillate"]
["                           hermaphrodite, it may produce only a few staminate flowers, but each of these may produce thou sands of pollen grains, any one of which may fertilize one of the plentiful pistillate"]
["                           flowers, producing a seed. This is another reason that natural Cannabis populations tend toward predominantly pistillate and pistillate hermaphrodite plants. Artificial hermaphrodites"]
["                           can be produced by hormone sprays, mutilation, and altered light cycles. These should prove most useful for fixing traits and sexual type. "]
[]
["                           Drug strains are selected for strong dioecious tendencies. Some breeders select strains with a sex ratio more nearly approaching one than a strain with a high pistillate sex ratio. They"]
["                           believe this reduces the chances of pistillate plants turning hermaphrodite later in the season."]
["                    2. Seedling Traits "]
[]
["                    Seedling traits can be very useful in the efficient and purposeful selection of future parental stock. If accurate selection can be exercised on small seedlings, much larger populations can be"]
["                    grown for initial selection, as less space is required to raise small seedlings than mature plants. Whorled phyllotaxy and resistance to damping-off are two traits that may be selected just after"]
["                    emergence of the embryo from the soil. Early selection for vigor, hardiness, resistance, and general growth form may be made when the seedlings are from 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet)"]
["                    tall. Leaf type, height, and branching are other criteria for early selection. These early-selected plants cannot be bred until they mature, but selection is the primary and most important step in"]
["                    plant improvement. "]
[]
["                    Whorled phyllotaxy is associated with subsequent anomalies in the growth cycle (i.e., multiple leaflets and flattened or clubbed stems). Also, most whorled plants are staminate and whorled"]
["                    phyllotaxy may be sex-linked. "]
[]
["                    3. Leaf Traits "]
[]
["                    Leaf traits vary greatly from strain to strain. In addition to these regularly occurring variations in leaves, there are a number of mutations and possible traits in leaf shape. It may turn out that"]
["                    leaf shape is correlated with other traits in Cannabis. Broad leaflets might be associated with a low calyx-to-leaf ratio and narrow leaflets might be associated with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio. If"]
["                    this is the case, early selection of seedlings by leaflet shape could determine the character of the flowering clusters at harvest. Both compound and webbed leaf variations seem to be hereditary,"]
["                    as are general leaf characteristics. A breeder may wish to develop a unique leaf shape for an ornamental strain or increase leaf yield for pulp production. "]
[]
["                    A peculiar leaf mutation was reported from an F1-Colombian plant in which two leaves on the plant, at the time of flowering, developed floral clusters of 5-10 pistil late calyxes at the"]
["                    intersection of the leaflet array and the petiole attachment, on the adaxial (top) side of the leaf. One of these clusters developed a partial staminate flower but fertilization was unsuccessful. It is"]
["                    unknown if this mutation is hereditary. "]
[]
["                    From Afghanistan, another example has been observed with several small floral clusters along the petioles of many of the large primary leaves. "]
[]
["                    4. Fiber Traits "]
[]
["                    More advanced breeding has occurred in fiber strains than any other type of Cannabis. Over the years many strains have been developed with improved maturation, in creased fiber content, and"]
["                    improved fiber quality as regards length, strength, and suppleness. Extensive breeding programs have been carried on in France, Italy, Russia, and the United States to develop better varieties"]
["                    of fiber Cannabis. Tall limbless strains that are monoecious are most desirable. Monoeciousness is favored, because in dioecious populations the staminate plants will mature first and the"]
["                    fibers will become brittle before the pistillate plants are ready for harvest. The fiber strains of Europe are divided into northern and southern varieties. The latter require higher temperatures and"]
["                    a longer vegetative period and as a result grow taller and yield more fiber. "]
[]
["                    5. Floral Traits "]
[]
["                    Many individual traits determine the floral characteristics of Cannabis This section will focus on the individual traits of pistillate floral clusters with occasional comments about similar traits"]
["                    in staminate floral clusters. Pistillate flowering clusters are the seed-producing organs of Cannabis; they remain on the plant and go through many changes that cannot be compared to"]
["                    staminate plants. "]
["                           a) Shape - The basic shape of a floral cluster is determined by the internode lengths along the main floral axis and within individual floral clusters. Dense, long clusters result when"]
["                           internodes are short along a long floral axis and there are short internodes within the individual compact floral clusters (Hindu Kush). Airy clusters result when a plant forms a"]
["                           stretched floral axis with long internodes between well-branched individual floral clusters (Thailand). "]
[]
["                           The shape of a floral cluster is also determined by the general growth habit of the plant. Among domestic Cannabis phenotypes, for instance, it is obvious that floral clusters from a"]
["                           creeper phenotype plant will curve upwards at the end, and floral clusters from the huge upright phenotype will have long, straight floral clusters of various shapes. Early in the"]
["                           winter, many strains begin to stretch and cease calyx production in preparation for rejuvenation and sub sequent vegetative growth in the spring. Staminate plants also exhibit"]
["                           variation in floral clusters. Some plants have tight clusters of staminate calyxes resembling inverted grapes (Hindu Kush) and others have long, hanging groups of flowers on long,"]
["                           exposed, leafless branches (Thailand). "]
[]
["                           b) Form - The form of a floral cluster is determined by the numbers and relative proportions of calyxes and flowers. A leafy floral cluster might be 70% leaves and have a"]
["                           calyx-to-leaf ratio of 1-to-4. It is obvious that strains with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio are more adapted to calyx production, and therefore, to resin production. This factor could be"]
["                           advantageous in characterizing plants as future parents of drug strains. At this point it must be noted that pistillate floral clusters are made up of a number of distinct parts. They"]
["                           include stems, occasional seeds, calyxes, inner leaves subtending calyx pairs (small, resinous, 1-3 leaflets), and outer leaves subtending entire floral clusters (larger, little resin, 3-11"]
["                           leaflets). The ratios (by dry weight) of these various portions vary by strain, degree of pollination, and maturity of the floral clusters. Maturation is a reaction to environmental"]
["                           change, and the degree of maturity reached is subject to climatic limits as well as breeder's preference. Because of this interplay between environment and genetics in the control of"]
["                           floral form it is often difficult to breed Cannabis for floral characteristics. A thorough knowledge of the way a strain matures is important in separating possible inherited traits of"]
["                           floral clusters from acquired traits. Chapter IV, Maturation and Harvesting of Cannabis, delves into the secrets and theories of maturation. For now, we will assume that the"]
["                           following traits are described from fully mature floral clusters (peak floral stage) before any decline. "]
[]
["                           c) Calyx Size - Mature calyxes range in size from 2 to 12 millimeters (1/16 to 3/8 inch) in length. Calyx size is largely dependent upon age and maturity. Calyx size of a floral"]
["                           cluster is best expressed as the average length of the mature viable calyxes. Calyxes are still considered viable if both pistils appear fresh and have not begun to curl or change"]
["                           colors. At this time, the calyx is relatively straight and has not begun to swell with resin and change shape as it will when the pistils die. It is generally agreed that the production"]
["                           of large calyxes is often as important in deter mining the psychoactivity of a strain as the quantity of calyxes produced. Hindu Kush, Thai, and Mexican strains are some of the most"]
["                           psychoactive strains, and they are often characterized by large calyxes and seeds. "]
[]
["                           Calyx size appears to be an inherited trait in Cannabis. Completely acclimatized hybrid strains usually have many rather small calyxes, while imported strains with large calyxes"]
["                           retain that size when inbred. "]
[]
["                           Initial selection of large seeds increases the chance that offspring will be of the large-calyx variety. Aberrant calyx development occasionally results in double or fused calyxes, both"]
["                           of which may set seed. This phenomenon is most pronounced in strains from Thailand and India. "]
[]
["                           d) Color - The perception and interpretation of color in Cannabis floral clusters is heavily influenced by the imagination of the cultivator or breeder. A gold strain does not appear"]
["                           metallic any more than a red strain resembles a fire engine. Cannabis floral clusters are basically green, but changes may take place later in the season which alter the color to"]
["                           include various shades. The intense green of chlorophyll usually masks the color of accessory pigments, Chlorophyll tends to break down late in the season and anthocyanin"]
["                           pigments also contained in the tissues are unmasked and allowed to show through. Purple, resulting from anthocyanin accumulation, is the most common color in living Cannabis,"]
["                           other than green. This color modification is usually triggered by seasonal change, much as the leaves of many deciduous trees change color in the fall. This does not mean, however,"]
["                           that expression of color is controlled by environment alone and is not an inheritable trait. For purple color to develop upon maturation, a strain must have the genetically controlled"]
["                           metabolic potential to pro duce anthocyanin pigments coupled with a responsiveness to environmental change such that anthocyanin pigments are unmasked and become visible."]
["                           This also means that a strain could have the genes for expression of purple color but the color might never be expressed if the environmental conditions did not trigger anthocyanin"]
["                           pigmentation or chlorophyll breakdown. Colombian and Hindu Kush strains often develop purple coloration year after year when subjected to low night temperatures during"]
["                           maturation. Color changes will be discussed in more detail in Chapter IV-Maturation and Harvesting of Cannabis. "]
[]
["                           Carotenoid pigments are largely responsible for the yellow, orange, red, and brown colors of Cannabis. They also begin to show in the leaves and calyxes of certain strains as the"]
["                           masking green chlorophyll color fades upon maturation. Gold strains are those which tend to reveal underlying yellow and orange pigments as they mature. Red strains are usually"]
["                           closer to reddish brown in color, although certain carotenoid and anthocyanin pigments are nearly red and localized streaks of these colors occasionally appear in the petioles of very"]
["                           old floral clusters. Red color in pressed, imported tops is often a result of masses of reddish brown dried pistils. "]
[]
["                           Several different portions of floral cluster anatomy may change colors, and it is possible that different genes may control the coloring of these various parts. "]
[]
["                           The petioles, adaxial (top) surfaces, and abaxial (bot tom) surfaces of leaves, as well as the stems, calyxes, and pistils color differently in various strains. Since most of the outer"]
["                           leaves are removed during manicuring, the color ex pressed by the calyxes and inner leaves during the late flowering stages will be all that remains in the final product. This is why"]
["                           strains are only considered to be truly purple or gold if the calyxes maintain those colors when dried. Anthocyanin accumulation in the stems is sometimes considered a sign of"]
["                           phosphorus deficiency but in most situations results from unharmful excesses of phosphorus or it is a genetic trait. Also, cold temperatures might interfere with phosphorus uptake"]
["                           resulting in a deficiency. Pistils in Hindu Kush strains are quite often magenta or pink in color when they first appear. They are viable at this time and turn reddish brown when they"]
["                           wither, as in most strains. Purple coloration usually indicates that pistillate plants are over-mature and cannabinoid biosynthesis is slowing down during cold autumn weather. "]
[]
["                           e) Cannabinoid Level - Breeding Cannabis for cannabinoid level has been accomplished by both licensed legitimate and clandestine researchers. Warmke (1942) and Warmke and"]
["                           Davidson (1943-44) showed that they could significantly raise or lower the cannabinoid level by selective breeding. Small (1975a) has divided genus Cannabis into four distinct"]
["                           chemotypes based on the relative amounts of THC and CBD. Recent research has shown that crosses between high THC: low CBD strains and low THC: high CBD strains yield"]
["                           offspring of cannabinoid content intermediate between the two parents. Beutler and der Marderosian (1978) analyzed the F1 offspring of the controlled cross C. Sativa (Mexico-high"]
["                           THC) X C. ruderalis (Russia-low THC) and found that they fell into two groups intermediate between the parents in THC level. This indicates that THC production is most likely"]
["                           controlled by more than one gene. Also the F1 hybrids of lower THC (resembling the staminate parent) were twice as frequent as the higher THC hybrids (resembling the pistillate"]
["                           parent). More re search is needed to learn if THC production in Cannabis is associated with the sexual type of the high THC parent or if high THC characteristics are recessive."]
["                           According to Small (1979) the cannabinoid ratios of strains grown in northern climates are a reflection of the cannabinoid ratio of the pure, imported, parental strain. This indicates"]
["                           that cannabinoid phenotype is genetically controlled, and the levels of the total cannabinoids are determined by environment. Complex highs produced by various strains of drug"]
["                           Cannabis may be blended by careful breeding to produce hybrids of varying psychoactivity, but the level of total psychoactivity is dependent on environment. This is also the telltale"]
["                           indication that unconscious breeding with undesirable low-THC parents could rapidly lead to the degeneration rather than improvement of a drug strain. It is obvious that individuals"]
["                           of fiber strains are of little if any use in breeding drug strains. "]
[]
["                           Breeding for cannabinoid content and the eventual characterization of varying highs produced by Cannabis is totally subjective guesswork without the aid of modern analysis"]
["                           techniques. A chromatographic analysis system would allow the selection of specific cannabinoid types, especially staminate pollen parents. Selection of staminate parents always"]
["                           presents a problem when breeding for cannabinoid content. Staminate plants usually express the same ratios of cannabinoids as their pistiliate counterparts but in much lower"]
["                           quantities, and they are rarely allowed to reach full maturity for fear of seeding the pistillate portion of the crop. A simple bioassay for THC content of staminate plants is performed"]
["                           by leaving a series of from three to five numbered bags of leaves and tops of various prospective pollen parents along with some rolling papers in several locations frequented by a"]
["                           steady repeating crowd of marijuana smokers. The bag completely consumed first can be considered the most desirable to smoke and possibly the most psychoactive. It would be"]
["                           impossible for one per son to objectively select the most psychoactive staminate plant since variation in the cannabinoid profile is subtle. The bioassay reported here is in effect an"]
["                           unstructured panel evaluation which averages the opinions of unbiased testers who are exposed to only a few choices at a time. Such bioassay results can enter into selecting the"]
["                           staminate parent. "]
[]
["                           It is difficult to say how many genes might control THC-acid synthesis. Genetic control of the biosynthetic pathway could occur at many points through the action of enzymes"]
["                           controlling each individual reaction. It is generally accepted that drug strains have an enzyme system which quickly converts CBD-acid to THC-acid, favoring THC-acid"]
["                           accumulation. Fiber strains lack this enzyme activity, so CBD-acid accumulalion is favored since there is little con version to THC-acid. These same enzyme systems are probably"]
["                           also sensitive to changes in heat and light. "]
[]
["                           It is supposed that variations in the type of high associated with different strains of Cannabis result from varying levels of cannabinoids. THC is the primary psycho active"]
["                           ingredient which is acted upon synergistically by small amounts of CBN, CBD, and other accessory cannabinoids. Terpenes and other aromatic constituents of Cannabis might also"]
["                           potentiate or suppress the effect of THC. We know that cannabinoid levels may be used to establish cannabinoid phenotypes and that these phenotypes are passed on from parent to"]
["                           offspring. Therefore, cannabinoid levels are in part determined by genes. To accurately characterize highs from various individuals and establish criteria for breeding strains with"]
["                           particular cannabinoid contents, an accurate and easy method is needed for measuring cannabinoid levels in prospective parents. Inheritance and expression of cannabinoid chemotype"]
["                           is certainly complex. "]
[]
["                           f) Taste and Aroma - Taste and aroma are closely linked. "]
[]
["                           As our senses for differentiating taste and aroma are connected, so are the sources of taste and aroma in Cannabis. Aroma is produced primarily by aromatic terpenes produced as"]
["                           components of the resin secreted by glandular trichomes on the surface of the calyxes and subtending leaflets. When a floral cluster is squeezed, the resinous heads of glandular"]
["                           trichomes rupture and the aromatic terpenes are exposed to the air. There is often a large difference between the aroma of fresh and dry floral clusters. This is explained by the"]
["                           polymerization (joining together in a chain) of many of the smaller molecules of aromatic terpenes to form different aromatic and nonaromatic terpene polymers. This happens as"]
["                           Cannabis resins age and mature, both while the plant is growing and while curing after harvest. Additional aromas may interfere with the primary terpenoid components, such as"]
["                           ammonia gas and other gaseous products given off by the curing, fermentation or spoilage of the tissue (non-resin) portion of the floral clusters. "]
[]
["                           A combination of at least twenty aromatic terpenes (103 are known to occur in Cannabis) and other aromatic compounds control the aroma of each plant. The production of each"]
["                           aromatic compound may be influenced by many genes; therefore, it is a complex matter to breed Cannabis for aroma. Breeders of perfume roses often are amazed at the complexity of"]
["                           the genetic control of aroma, Each strain, however, has several characteristic aromas, and these are occasionally transmitted to hybrid offspring such that they resemble one or both"]
["                           parents in aroma. Many times breeders complain that their strain has lost the de sired aromatic characteristics of the parental strains. Fixed hybrid strains will develop a characteristic"]
["                           aroma that is hereditary and often true-breeding. The cultivator with preservation of a particular aroma as a goal can clone the individual with a desired aroma in addition to breeding"]
["                           it. This is good insurance in case the aroma is lost in the off spring by segregation and recombination of genes. "]
[]
["                           The aromas of fresh or dried clusters are sampled and compared in such a way that they are separated to avoid confusion. Each sample is placed in the corner of a twice-folded, labeled"]
["                           piece of unscented writing paper at room temperature (above 650). A light squeeze will release the aromatic principles contained within the resin exuded by the ruptured glandular"]
["                           trichome head. When sampling, never squeeze a floral cluster directly, as the resins will ad here to the fingers and bias further sampling. The folded paper conveniently holds the"]
["                           floral cluster, avoids confusion during sampling, and contains the aromas as a glass does in wine tasting. "]
[]
["                           Taste is easily sampled by loosely rolling dried floral clusters in a cigarette paper and inhaling to draw a taste across the tongue. Samples should be approximately the same size. "]
[]
["                           Taste in Cannabis is divided into three categories according to usage: the taste of the aromatic components carried by air that passes over the Cannabis when it is in haled without"]
["                           being lighted; the taste of the smoke from burning Cannabis; and the taste of Cannabis when it is consumed orally. These three are separate entities. "]
[]
["                           The terpenes contained in a taste of unlighted Cannabis are the same as those sensed in the aroma, but perceived through the sense of taste instead of smell. Orally ingested Cannabis"]
["                           generally tastes bitter due to the vegetative plant tissues, but the resin is characteristically spicy and hot, somewhat like cinnamon or pepper. The taste of Cannabis smoke is"]
["                           determined by the burning tissues and vaporizing terpenes. These terpenes may not be detected in the aroma and unlighted taste. "]
[]
["                           Biosynthetic relationships between terpenes and cannabinoids have been firmly established. Indeed, cannabinoids are synthesized within the plant from terpene precursors. It is"]
["                           suspected that changes in aromatic terpene levels parallel changes in cannabinoid levels during maturation. As connections between aroma and psycho activity are uncovered, the"]
["                           breeder will be better able to make field selections of prospective high-THC parents without complicated analysis. "]
[]
["                           g) Persistence of Aromatic Principles and Cannabinoids - Cannabis resins deteriorate as they age, and the aromatic principles and cannabinoids break down slowly until they are"]
["                           hardly noticeable. Since fresh Cannabis is only available once a year in temperate regions, an important breeding goal has been a strain that keeps well when packaged."]
["                           Packageability and shelf life are important considerations in the breeding of fresh fruit species and will prove equally important if trade in Cannabis develops after legalization. "]
[]
["                           h) Trichome Type - Several types of trichomes are present on the epidermal surfaces of Cannabis. Several of these trichomes are glandular and secretory in nature and are divided into"]
["                           bulbous, capitate sessile, and capitate stalked types. Of these, the capitate stalked glandular trichomes are apparently responsible for the intense secretion of cannabinoid laden resins."]
["                           Plants with a high density of capitate stalked trichomes are a logical goal for breeders of drug Cannabis. The number and type of trichomes is easily characterized by observation"]
["                           with a small hand lens (lOX to 50X). Recent research by V. P. Soroka (1979) concludes that a positive correlation exists between the number of glandular trichomes on leaves and"]
["                           calyxes and the various cannabinoid contents of the floral clusters. In other words, many capitate stalked trichomes means higher THC levels. "]
[]
["                           i) Resin Quantity and Quality - Resin production by the glandular trichomes varies. A strain may have many glandular trichomes but they may not secrete very much resin. Resin"]
["                           color also varies from strain to strain. Resin heads may darken and become more opaque as they mature, as suggested by several authors. Some strains, however, pro duce fresh"]
["                           resins that are transparent amber instead of clear and colorless, and these are often some of the most psycho active strains. Transparent resins, regardless of color, are a sign that the"]
["                           plant is actively carrying out resin biosynthesis. When biosynthesis ceases, resins turn opaque as cannabinoid and aromatic levels decline. Resin color is certainly an indication of"]
["                           the conditions inside the resin head, and this may prove to be another important criterion for breeding. "]
[]
["                           j) Resin Tenacity - For years strains have been bred for hashish production. Hashish is formed from detached resin heads. In modern times it might be feasible to breed a strain with"]
["                           high resin production that gives up its precious covering of resin heads with only moderate shaking, rather than the customary flailing that also breaks up the plant. This would"]
["                           facilitate hashish production. Strains that are bred for use as marijuana would benefit from extremely tenacious resin heads that would not fall off during packaging and shipment. "]
[]
["                           k) Drying and Curing Rate - The rate and extent to which Cannabis dries is generally determined by the way it is dried, but, all conditions being the same, some strains dry much"]
["                           more rapidly and completely than others. It is assumed that resin has a role in preventing desiccation and high resin content might retard drying. However, it is a misconception that"]
["                           resin is secreted to coat and seal the surface of the calyxes and leaves. Resin is secreted by glandular trichomes, but they are trapped under a cuticle layer surrounding the head cells of"]
["                           the trichome holding the resin away from the surface of the leaves. There it would rarely if ever have a chance to seal the surface of the epidermal layer and prevent the transpiration"]
["                           of water. It seems that an alternate reason must be found for the great variations in rate and extent of drying. Strains may be bred that dry and cure rapidly to save valuable time. "]
["                                  1) Ease of Manicuring - One of the most time-consuming aspects of commercial drug Cannabis production is the seemingly endless chore of manicuring, or removing the"]
["                                  larger leaves from the floral clusters. These larger outer leaves are not nearly as psychoactive as the inner leaves and calyxes, so they are usually removed before selling as"]
["                                  marijuana. Strains with fewer leaves obviously require less time to manicure. Long petioles on the leaves facilitate removal by hand with a small pair of scissors. If there"]
["                                  is a marked size difference between very large outer leaves and tiny, resinous inner leaves it is easier to manicure quickly because it is easier to see which leaves to remove."]
["                           m) Seed Characteristics - Seeds may be bred for many characteristics including size, oil content, and protein con tent. Cannabis seed is a valuable source of drying oils, and"]
["                           Cannabis-seed cake is a fine feed for ranch animals. Higher-protein varieties may be developed for food. Also, seeds are selected for rapid germination rate. "]
[]
["                           n) Maturation - Cannabis strains differ greatly as to when they mature and how they respond to changing environment. Some strains, such as Mexican and Hindu Kush, are famous"]
["                           for early maturation, and others, such as Colombian and Thai, are stubborn in maturing and nearly always finish late, if at all. Imported strains are usually characterized as either"]
["                           early, average, or late in maturing; however, a particular strain may produce some individuals which mature early and others which mature late. Through selection, breeders have, on"]
["                           the one hand, developed strains that mature in four weeks, outdoors under temperate conditions; and on the other hand, they have developed green house strains that mature in up to"]
["                           four months in their protected environment. Early maturation is extremely advantageous to growers who live in areas of late spring and early fall freezes. Consequently, especially"]
["                           early-maturing plants are selected as parents for future early-maturing strains. "]
[]
["                           o) Flowering - Once a plant matures and begins to bear flowers it may reach peak floral production in a few weeks, or the floral clusters may continue to grow and develop for"]
["                           several months. The rate at which a strain flowers is independent of the rate at which it matures, so a plant may wait until late in the season to flower and then grow extensive,"]
["                           mature floral clusters in only a few weeks. "]
[]
["                           p) Ripening - Ripening of Cannabis flowers is the final step in their maturation process Floral clusters will usually mature and ripen in rapid succession, but sometimes large floral"]
["                           clusters will form and only after a period of apparent hesitation will the flowers begin to produce resin and ripen. Once ripening starts it usually spreads over the entire plant, but"]
["                           some strains, such as those from Thailand, are known to ripen a few floral clusters at a time over several months. Some fruit trees are similarly everbearing with a yearlong season"]
["                           of production. Possibly Cannabis strains could be bred that are true everbearing perennials that continue to flower and mature consistently all year long. "]
[]
["                           q) Cannabinoid Profile - It is supposed that variations in the type of high associated with different strains of Cannabis result from varying levels of cannabinoids. THC is the"]
["                           primary psychoactive ingredient which is acted upon synergistically by small amounts of CBN, CBD, and other accessory cannabinoids. We know that cannabinoid levels may be"]
["                           used to establish cannabinoid phenotypes and that these phenotypes are passed on from parent to offspring. Therefore, cannabinoid levels are in part determined by genes. To"]
["                           accurately characterize highs from various individuals and establish criteria for breeding strains with particular cannabinoid contents, an accurate and easy method is necessary for"]
["                           measuring cannabinoid levels in prospective parents. "]
[]
["                           Various combinations of these traits are possible and inevitable. The traits that we most often see are most likely dominant and any effort to alter genetics and improve Cannabis"]
["                           strains are most easily accomplished by concentrating on the major phenotypes for the most important traits. The best breeders set high goals of a limited scope and adhere to their"]
["                           ideals."]
["                    6. Gross Phenotypes of Cannabis Strains "]
[]
["                    The gross phenotype or general growth form is deter mined by size, root production, branching pattern, sex, maturation, and floral characteristics. Most imported varieties have characteristic"]
["                    gross phenotypes although there tend to be occasional rare examples of almost every phenotype in nearly every variety. This indicates the complexity of genetic control determining gross"]
["                    phenotype. Hybrid crosses between imported pure varieties were the beginning of nearly every domestic strain of Cannabis. In hybrid crosses, some dominant characteristics from each parental"]
["                    variety are exhibited in various combinations by the F1 offspring. Nearly all of the offspring will resemble both parents and very few will resemble only one parent. This sounds like it is"]
["                    saying a lot, but this F1 hybrid generation is far from true-breeding and the subsequent F2 generation will exhibit great variation, tending to look more like one or the other of the original"]
["                    imported parental varieties, and will also exhibit recessive traits not apparent in either of the original parents. If the F1 offspring are desirable plants it will be difficult to continue the hybrid"]
["                    traits in subsequent generations. Enough of the original F1 hybrid seeds are produced so they may be used year after year to pro-duce uniform crops of desirable plants."]
["       Phenotypes and Characteristics "]
[]
["       of Imported Strains"]
[]
["Following is a list of gross phenotypes and characteristics for many imported strains of Cannabis. "]
[]
["       1. Fiber Strain Gross Phenotypes (hemp types) "]
[]
["       2. Drug Strain Gross Phenotypes "]
["              a) Colombia - highland, lowland (marijuana) "]
[]
["              b) Congo - (marijuana) "]
[]
["              c) Hindu Kush - Afghanistan and Pakistan (hashish) "]
[]
["              d) Southern India - (ganja marijuana) "]
[]
["              e) Jamaica - Carribean hybrids "]
[]
["              f) Kenya - Kisumu (dagga marijuana) "]
[]
["              g) Lebanon - (hashish) "]
[]
["              h) Malawi, Africa - Lake Nyasa (dagga marijuana) "]
[]
["              i) Mexico - Michoacan, Oaxaca, Guerrero (marijuana) "]
[]
["              j) Morocco - Rif mountains (kif marijuana and hashish) "]
[]
["              h) Nepal - wild (ganja marijuana and hashish) "]
[]
["              1) Russian - ruderalis (uncultivated) "]
[]
["              m) South Africa - (dagga marijuana) "]
[]
["              n) Southeast Asia - Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam (ganja marijuana)"]
["       3. Hybrid Drug Phenotypes "]
["              a) Creeper Phenotype "]
[]
["              b) Huge Upright Phenotype"]
[]
["In general the F1 and F2 pure-bred offspring of these imported varieties are more similar to each other than they are to other varieties and they are termed pure strains. "]
[]
["However, it should be remembered that these are average. Gross phenotypes and recessive variations within each trait will occur. In addition, these representations are based on unpruned plants growing in ideal conditions"]
["and stress will alter the gross phenotype. Also, the protective environment of a greenhouse tends to obscure the difference between different strains. This section presents information that is used in the selection of pure"]
["strains for breeding. "]
[]
["       1. Fiber Strain Gross Phenotypes Fiber strains are characterized as tall, rapidly maturing, limbless plants which are often monoecious. This growth habit has been selected by generations of fiber-producing"]
["       farmers to facilitate forming long fibers through even growth and maturation. Monoecious strains mature more evenly than dioecious strains, and fiber crops are usually not grown long enough to set seed which"]
["       interferes with fiber production. Most varieties of fiber Cannabis originate in the northern temperate climates of Europe, Japan, China and North America. Several strains have been selected from the prime hemp"]
["       growing areas and offered commercially over the last fifty years in both Europe and America. Escaped fiber strains of the midwestern United States are usually tall, skinny, relatively poorly branched, weakly"]
["       flowered, and low in cannabinoid production. They represent an escaped race of Cannabis sativa hemp. Most fiber strains contain CBD as the primary cannabinoid and little if any THC. "]
[]
["         "]
[]
["       2. Drug Strain Gross Phenotypes Drug strains are characterized by Delta1-THC as the primary cannabinoid, with low levels of other accessory cannabinoids such as THCV, CBD, CBC, and CBN. This results"]
["       from selective breeding for high potency or natural selection in niches where Delta1-THC biosynthesis favors survival. "]
["              a) Colombia - (0 to 10 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Colombian Cannabis originally could be divided into two basic strains: one from the low-altitude humid coastal areas along the Atlantic near Panama, and the other from the more arid mountain areas"]
["              inland from Santa Marta. More recently, new areas of cultivation in the interior plateau of southern central Colombia and the highland valleys stretching southward from the Atlantic coast have become"]
["              the primary areas of commercial export Cannabis cultivation. Until recent years high quality Cannabis was available through the black market from both coastal and highland Colombia. Cannabis was"]
["              introduced to Colombia just over 100 years ago, and its cultivation is deeply rooted in tradition. Cultivation techniques often involve transplanting of selected seedlings and other individual attention."]
["              The production of \"la mona amarilla\" or gold buds is achieved by girdling or removing a strip of bark from the main stem of a nearly mature plant, thereby restricting the flow of water, nutrients, and"]
["              plant products. Over several days the leaves dry up and fall off as the flowers slowly die and turn yellow. This produces the highly prized \"Colombian gold\" so prevalent in the early to middle 1970s"]
["              (Partridge 1973). Trade names such as \"punta roja\" (red tips [pistils] ), \"Cali Hills,\" \"choco,\" \"lowland,\" \"Santa Marta gold,\" and \"purple\" give us some idea of the color of older varieties and the"]
["              location of cultivation. "]
[]
["              In response to an incredible demand by America for Cannabis, and the fairly effective control of Mexican Cannabis importation and cultivation through tightening border security and the use of"]
["              Paraquat, Colombian farmers have geared up their operations. Most of the marijuana smoked in America is imported from Colombia. This also means that the largest number of seeds available for"]
["              domes tic cultivation also originate in Colombia. Cannabis agri-business has squeezed out all but a few small areas where labor-intensive cultivation of high quality drug Cannabis such as \"Ia mona"]
["              amarilla\" can continue. The fine marijuana of Colombia was often seedless, but commercial grades are nearly always well seeded. As a rule today, the more remote highland areas are the centers of"]
["              commercial agriculture and few of the small farmers remain. It is thought that some highland farmers must still grow fine Cannabis, and occasional connoisseur crops surface. The older seeds from the"]
["              legendary Colombian strains are now highly prized by breeders. In the heyday of \"Colombian gold\" this fine cerebral marijuana was grown high in the mountains. Humid lowland marijuana was"]
["              characterized by stringy, brown, fibrous floral clusters of sedative narcotic high. Now highland marijuana has become the commercial product and is characterized by leafy brown floral clusters and"]
["              sedative effect. Many of the unfavorable characteristics of imported Colombian Cannabis result from hurried commercial agricultural techniques combined with poor curing and storage. Colombian seeds"]
["              still contain genes favoring vigorous growth and high THC production. Colombian strains also contain high levels of CBD and CBN, which could account for sedative highs and result from poor"]
["              curing and storage techniques. Domestic Colombian strains usually lack CBD and CBN. The commercial Cannabis market has brought about the eradication of some local strains by hybridizing with"]
["              commercial strains. "]
[]
["              Colombian strains appear as relatively highly branched conical plants with a long upright central stem, horizontal limbs and relatively short internodes. The leaves are characterized by highly serrated"]
["              slender leaflets (7-11) in a nearly complete to overlapping circular array of varying shades of medium green. Colombian strains usually flower late in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and"]
["              may fail to mature flowers in colder climates. These strains favor the long equatorial growing seasons and often seem insensitive to the rapidly decreasing daylength during autumn in temperate"]
["              latitudes. Because of the horizontal branching pattern of Colombian strains and their long growth cycle, pistillate plants tend to produce many flowering clusters along the entire length of the stem back"]
["              to the central stalk. The small flowers tend to produce small, round, dark, mottled, and brown seeds. Imported and domestic Colombian Cannabis often tend to be more sedative in psychoactivity than"]
["              other strains. This may be caused by the synergistic effect of THC with higher levels of CBD or CBN. Poor curing techniques on the part of Colombian farmers, such as sun drying in huge piles"]
["              resembling com post heaps, may form CBN as a degradation product of THC. Colombian strains tend to make excellent hybrids with more rapidly maturing strains such as those from Central and"]
["              North America. "]
[]
["              b) Congo - (5 north to 5 south latitude) "]
[]
["              Most seeds are collected from shipments of commercial grade seeded floral clusters appearing in Europe. "]
[]
["              c) Hindu Kush Range - Cannabis indica (Afghanistan and Pakistan) - (30 to 37 north latitude) "]
[]
["              This strain from the foothills (up to 3,200 meters [10,000 feetj) of the Hindu Kush range is grown in small rural gardens, as it has been for hundreds of years, and is used primarily for the production of"]
["              hashish. In these areas hashish is usually made from the resins covering the pistil late calyxes and associated leaflets. These resins are re moved by shaking and crushing the flowering tops over a silk"]
["              screen and collecting the dusty resins that fall off the plants. Adulteration and pressing usually follow in the production of commercial hashish. Strains from this area are often used as type examples for"]
["              Cannabis indica. Early maturation and the belief by clandestine cultivators that this strain may be exempt from laws controlling Cannabis sativa and indeed may be legal, has resulted in its proliferation"]
["              throughout domestic populations of \"drug\" Cannabis. Names such as \"hash plant\" and \"skunk weed\" typify its acrid aroma reminiscent of \"primo\" hashish from the high valleys near Mazar-i-Sharif,"]
["              Chitral, and Kandahar in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "]
[]
["              This strain is characterized by short, broad plants with thick, brittle woody stems and short internodes. The main stalk is usually only four to six feet tall, but the relatively unbranched primary limbs"]
["              usually grow in an upright fashion until they are nearly as tall as the central stalk and form a sort of upside-down conical shape. These strains are of medium size, with dark green leaves having 5 to 9"]
["              very wide, coarsely serrated leaflets in a circular array. The lower leaf surface is often lighter in color than the upper surface. These leaves have so few broad coarse leaflets that they are often compared to"]
["              a maple leaf. Floral clusters are dense and appear along the entire length of the primary limbs as very resinous leafy balls. Most plants produce flowering clusters with a low calyx-to-leaf ratio, but the"]
["              inner leaves associated with the calyxes are usually liberally encrusted with resin. Early maturation and extreme resin production is characteristic of these strains. This may be the result of"]
["              acclimatization to northern temperate latitudes and selection for hashish production. The acrid smell associated with strains from the Hindu Kush appears very early in the seedling stage of both"]
["              staminate and pistillate individuals and continues throughout the life of the plant. Sweet aromas do often develop but this strain usually loses the sweet fragrance early, along with the clear, cerebral"]
["              psychoactivity. "]
[]
["              Short stature, early maturation, and high resin production make Hindu Kush strains very desirable for hybridizing and indeed they have met with great popularity. The gene pool of imported Hindu Kush"]
["              strains seems to be dominant for these desirable characteristics and they seem readily passed on to the F1 hybrid generation. A fine hybrid may result from crossing a Hindu Kush variety with a"]
["              late-maturing, tall, sweet strain from Thailand, India, or Nepal. This produces hybrid offspring of short stature, high resin content, early maturation, and sweet taste that will mature high quality flowers"]
["              in northern climates. Many hybrid crosses of this type are made each year and are currently cultivated in many areas of North America. Hindu Kush seeds are usually large, round, and dark grey or black"]
["              in coloring with some mottling. "]
[]
["              d) India Centra1 Southern - Kerala, Mysore, and Madras regions (10 to 20 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Ganja (or flowering Cannabis tops) has been grown in India for hundreds of years. These strains are usually grown in a seedless fashion and are cured, dried, and smoked as marijuana instead of being"]
["              converted to hashish as in many Central Asian areas. This makes them of considerable interest to domestic Cannabis cultivators wishing to reap the benefits of years of selective breeding for fine ganja"]
["              by Indian farmers. Many Europeans and Americans now live in these areas of India and ganja strains are finding their way into domestic American Cannabis crops. "]
[]
["              Ganja strains are often tall and broad with a central stalk up to 12 feet tall and spreading highly-branched limbs. The leaves are medium green and made up of 7 to 11 leaf lets of moderate size and"]
["              serration arranged in a circular array. The frond-like limbs of ganja strains result from extensive compound branching so that by the time floral clusters form they grow from tertiary or quaternary limbs."]
["              This promotes a high yield of floral clusters which in ganja strains tend to be small, slender, and curved. Seeds are usually small and dark. Many spicy aromas and tastes occur in Indian ganja strains and"]
["              they are extremely resinous and psychoactive. Medicinal Cannabis of the late 1800s and early 1900s was usually Indian ganja. "]
[]
["              e) Jamaica - (18 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Jamaican strains were not uncommon in the late 1960s and early 1970s but they are much rarer today. Both green and brown varieties are grown in Jamaica. The top-of-the-line seedless smoke is known"]
["              as the \"lamb's bread\" and is rarely seen outside Jamaica. Most purported Jamaican strains appear stringy and brown much like low land or commercial Colombian strains. Jamaica's close proximity to"]
["              Colombia and its position along the routes of marijuana smuggling from Colombia to Florida make it likely that Colombian varieties now predominate in Jamaica even if these varieties were not"]
["              responsible for the original Jamaican strains. Jamaican strains resemble Colombian strains in leaf shape, seed type and general morphology but they tend to be a little taller, thinner, and lighter green."]
["              Jamaican strains produce a psychoactive effect of a particularly clear and cerebral nature, unlike many Colombian strains. Some strains may also have come to Jamaica from the Caribbean coast of"]
["              Mexico, and this may account for the introduction of cerebral green strains. "]
[]
["              f) Kenya - Kisumu (5 north to 5 south latitude) "]
[]
["              Strains from this area have thin leaves and vary in color from light to dark green. They are characterized by cerebral psychoactivity and sweet taste. Hermaphrodites are common. "]
[]
["              g) Lebanon - (34 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Lebanese strains are rare in domestic Cannabis crops but do appear from time to time. They are relatively short and slender with thick stems, poorly developed limbs, and wide, medium-green leaves"]
["              with 5 to 11 slightly broad leaflets. They are often early-maturing and seem to be quite leafy, reflecting a low calyx-to-leaf ratio. The calyxes are relatively large and the seeds flattened, ovoid and dark"]
["              brown in color. As with Hindu Kush strains, these plants are grown for the production of screened and pressed hashish, and the calyx-to-leaf ratio may be less important than the total resin production"]
["              for hashish making. Lebanese strains resemble Hindu Kush varieties in many ways and it is likely that they are related. "]
[]
["              h) Malawi, Africa - (10 to 15 south latitude) "]
[]
["              Malawi is a small country in eastern central Africa bordering Lake Nyasa. Over the past few years Cannabis from Malawi has appeared wrapped in bark and rolled tightly, approximately four ounces at a"]
["              time. The nearly seedless flowers are spicy in taste and powerfully psycho active. Enthusiastic American and European Cannabis cultivators immediately planted the new strain and it has be come"]
["              incorporated into several domestic hybrid strains. They appear as a dark green, large plant of medium height and strong limb growth. The leaves are dark green with coarsely serrated, large, slender"]
["              leaflets arranged in a narrow, drooping, hand-like array. The leaves usually lack serrations on the distal (tip portion) 20% of each leaflet. The mature floral clusters are sometimes airy, resulting from"]
["              long internodes, and are made up of large calyxes and relatively few leaves. The large calyxes are very sweet and resinous, as well as extremely psychoactive. Seeds are large, shortened, flattened, and"]
["              ovoid in shape with a dark grey or reddish brown, mottled perianth or seed coat. The caruncle or point of attachment at the base of the seed is uncommonly deep and usually is surrounded by a sharp"]
["              edged lip. Some individuals turn a very light yellow green in the flowering clusters as they mature under exposed conditions. Although they mature relatively late, they do seem to have met with"]
["              acceptance in Great Britain and North America as drug strains. Seeds of many strains appear in small batches of low-quality African marijuana easily available in Amsterdam and other European cities."]
["              Phenotypes vary considerably, however, many are similar in appearance to strains from Thailand. "]
[]
["              i) Mexico - (15 to 27 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Mexico had long been the major source of marijuana smoked in America until recent years. Efforts by the border patrols to stop the flow of Mexican marijuana into the United States were only"]
["              minimally effective and many varieties of high quality Mexican drug Cannabis were continually available. Many of the hybrid strains grown domestic ally today originated in the mountains of Mexico."]
["              In recent years, however, the Mexican government (with monetary backing by the United States) began an intensive pro gram to eradicate Cannabis through the aerial spraying of herbicides such as"]
["              Paraquat. Their program was effective, and high quality Mexican Cannabis is now rarely available. It is ironic that the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) is using domestic Mexican Cannabis"]
["              strains grown in Mississippi as the pharmaceutical research product for chemotherapy and glaucoma patients. In the prime of Mexican marijuana cultivation from the early 1960s to the middle 1970s,"]
["              strains or \"brands\" of Cannabis were usually affixed with the name of the state or area where they were grown. Hence names like \"Chiapan,\" \"Guerreran,\" \"Nayarit,\" \"Michoacan,\" \"Oaxacan,\" and"]
["              \"Sinaloan\" have geo graphic origins behind their common names and mean something to this very day. All of these areas are Pacific coastal states extending in order from Sinaloa in the north at 27;"]
["              through Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Oaxaca; to Chiapas in the south at 15 - All of these states stretch from the coast into the mountains where Cannabis is grown. "]
[]
["              Strains from Michoacan, Guerrero, and Oaxaca were the most common and a few comments may be ventured about each and about Mexican strains in general. "]
[]
["              Mexican strains are thought of as tall, upright plants of moderate to large size with light to dark green, large leaves. The leaves are made up of long, medium width, moderately serrated leaflets arranged"]
["              in a circular array. The plants mature relatively early in comparison to strains from Colombia or Thailand and produce many long floral clusters with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio and highly cerebral"]
["              psychoactivity. Michoacan strains tend to have very slender leaves and a very high calyx-to-leaf ratio as do Guerreran strains, but Oaxacan strains tend to be broader-leafed, often with leafier floral"]
["              clusters. Oaxacan strains are generally the largest and grow vigorously, while Michoacan strains are smaller and more delicate. Guerreran strains are often short and develop long, upright lower limbs."]
["              Seeds from most Mexican strains are fairly large, ovoid, and slightly flattened with a light colored grey or brown, unmottled perianth. Smaller, darker, more mottled seeds have appeared in Mexican"]
["              marijuana during recent years. This may indicate that hybridization is taking place in Mexico, possibly with introduced seed from the largest seed source in the world, Colombia. No commercial seeded"]
["              Cannabis crops are free from hybridization and great variation may occur in the offspring. More recently, large amounts of hybrid domestic seed have been introduced into Mexico. It is not uncommon"]
["              to find Thai and Afghani phenotypes in recent shipments of Cannabis from Mexico. "]
[]
["              j) Morocco, Rif Mountains - (35 north latitude) "]
[]
["              The Rif mountains are located in northernmost Morocco near the Mediterranean Sea and range up to 2,500 meters (8,000 feet). On a high plateau surrounding the city of Ketama grows most of the"]
["              Cannabis used for kif floral clusters and hashish production. Seeds are broad-sown or scattered on rocky terraced fields in the spring, as soon as the last light snows melt, and the mature plants are"]
["              harvested in late August and September. Mature plants are usually 1 to 2 meters (4 to 6 feet) tall and only slightly branched. This results from crowded cultivation techniques and lack of irrigation. Each"]
["              pistillate plant bears only one main terminal flower cluster full of seeds. Few staminate plants, if any, are pulled to prevent pollination. Although Cannabis in Morocco was originally cultivated for"]
["              floral clusters to be mixed with tobacco and smoked as kif, hashish production has begun in the past 30 years due to Western influence. In Morocco, hashish is manufactured by shaking the entire plant"]
["              over a silk screen and collecting the powdery resins that pass through the screen. It is a matter of speculation whether the original Moroccan kif strains might be extinct. It is reported that some of these"]
["              strains were grown for seedless flower production and areas of Morocco may still exist where this is the tradition. "]
[]
["              Because of selection for hashish production, Moroccan strains resemble both Lebanese and Hindu Kush strains in their relatively broad leaves, short growth habit, and high resin production. Moroccan"]
["              strains are possibly related to these other Cannabis indica types. "]
[]
["              k) Nepal - (26 to 30 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Most Cannabis in Nepal occurs in wild stands high in the Himalayan foothills (up to 3,200 meters [10,000 feet]). Little Cannabis is cultivated, and it is from select wild plants that most Nepalese"]
["              hashish and marijuana originate. Nepalese plants are usually tall and thin with long, slightly branched limbs. The long, thin flowering tops are very aromatic and reminiscent of the finest fresh \"temple"]
["              ball\" and \"finger\" hashish hand-rubbed from wild plants. Resin production is abundant and psychoactivity is high Few Nepalese strains have appeared in domestic Cannabis crops but they do seem to"]
["              make strong hybrids with strains from domestic sources and Thailand. "]
[]
["              I) Russian - (35 to 60 north latitude) Cannabis ruderalis (uncultivated) "]
[]
["              Short stature (10 to 50 centimeters [3 to 18 inches]) and brief life cycle (8 to 10 weeks), wide, reduced leaves and specialized seeds characterize weed Cannabis of Russia. Janischewsky (1924) discovered"]
["              weedy Cannabis and named it Cannabis ruderalis. Ruderalis could prove valuable in breeding rapidly maturing strains for commercial use in temperate latitudes. It flowers when approximately 7 weeks"]
["              old without apparent dependence on daylength. Russian Cannabis ruderalis is nearly always high in CBD and low in THC. "]
[]
["              m) South Africa - (22 to 35 south latitude) "]
[]
["              Dagga of South Africa is highly acclaimed. Most seeds have been collected from marijuana shipments in Europe. Some are very early-maturing (September in northern latitudes) and sweet smelling."]
["              The stretched light green floral clusters and sweet aroma are comparable to Thai strains. "]
[]
["              n) Southeast Asia - Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam (10 to 20 north latitude) "]
[]
["              Since American troops first returned from the war in Vietnam, the Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese strains have been regarded as some of the very finest in the world. Currently most"]
["              Southeast Asian Cannabis is produced in northern and eastern Thailand. Until recent times, Cannabis farming has been a cottage industry of the northern mountain areas and each family grew a small"]
["              garden. The pride of a farmer in his crop was reflected in the high quality and seedless nature of each carefully wrapped Thai stick. Due largely to the craving of Americans for exotic marijuana,"]
["              Cannabis cultivation has become a big business in Thailand and many farmers are growing large fields of lower quality Cannabis in the eastern lowlands. It is suspected that other Cannabis strains,"]
["              brought to Thailand to replenish local strains and begin large plantations, may have hybridized with original Thai strains and altered the resultant genetics. Also, wild stands of Cannabis may now be"]
["              cut and dried for export. "]
[]
["              Strains from Thailand are characterized by tall meandering growth of the main stalk and limbs and fairly extensive branching. The leaves are often very large with 9 to 11 long, slender, coarsely serrated"]
["              leaflets arranged in a drooping hand like array. The Thai refer to them as \"alligator tails\" and the name is certainly appropriate. "]
[]
["              Most Thai strains are very late-maturing and subject to hermaphrodism. It is not understood whether strains from Thailand turn hermaphrodite as a reaction to the extremes of northern temperate weather"]
["              or if they have a genetically controlled tendency towards hermaphrodism. To the dismay of many cultivators and researchers, Thai strains mature late, flower slowly, and ripen unevenly. Retarded floral"]
["              development and apparent disregard for changes in photoperiod and weather may have given rise to the story that Cannabis plants in Thailand live and bear flowers for years. Despite these shortcomings,"]
["              Thai strains are very psychoactive and many hybrid crosses have been made with rapidly maturing strains, such as Mexican and Hindu Kush, in a successful attempt to create early-maturing hybrids of"]
["              high psychoactivity and characteristic Thai sweet, citrus taste. The calyxes of Thai strains are very large, as are the seeds and other anatomical features, leading to the misconception that strains may be"]
["              polyploid. No natural polyploidy has been discovered in any strains of Cannabis though no one has ever taken the time to look thoroughly. The seeds are very large, ovoid, slightly flattened, and light"]
["              brown or tan in color. The perianth is never mottled or striped except at the base. Greenhouses prove to be the best way to mature stubborn Thai strains in temperate climes."]
["       3. Hybrid Drug Phenotypes "]
["              a) Creeper Phenotype - This phenotype has appeared in several domestic Cannabis crops and it is a frequent phenotype in certain hybrid strains. It has not yet been deter mined whether this trait is"]
["              genetically controlled (dominant or recessive), but efforts to develop a true-breeding strain of creepers are meeting with partial success. This phenotype appears when the main stalk of the seedling has"]
["              grown to about 1 meter (3 feet) in height. It then begins to bend at approximately the middle of the stalk, up to 700 from the vertical, usually in the direction of the sun. Sub sequently, the first limbs"]
["              sag until they touch the ground and begin to grow back up. In extremely loose mulch and humid conditions the limbs will occasionally root along the bottom surface. Possibly as a result of increased"]
["              light exposure, the primary limbs continue to branch once or twice, creating wide frond-like limbs of buds resembling South Indian strains. This phenotype usually produces very high flower yields."]
["              The leaves of these creeper phenotype plants are nearly always of medium size with 7-11 long, narrow, highly serrated leaflets. "]
[]
["              b) Huge Upright Phenotype - This phenotype is characterized by medium size leaves with narrow, highly serrated leaflets much like the creeper strains, and may also be an acclimatized North American"]
["              phenotype. In this phenotype, however, a long, straight central stalk from 2 to 4 meters (6.5 to 13 feet) tall forms and the long, slender primary limbs grow in an upright fashion until they are nearly"]
["              as tall or occasionally taller than the central stalk. This strain resembles the Hindu Kush strains in general shape, except that the entire domestic plant is much larger than the Hindu Kush with long,"]
["              slender, more highly branched primary limbs, much narrower leaflets, and a higher calyx-to-leaf ratio. These huge upright strains are also hybrids of many different imported strains and no specific"]
["              origin may be determined."]
[]
["The preceding has been a listing of gross phenotypes for several of the many strains of Cannabis occurring world wide. Although many of them are rare, the seeds appear occasionally due to the extreme mobility of"]
["American and European Cannabis enthusiasts. As a consequence of this extreme mobility, it is feared that many of the world's finest strains of Cannabis have been or may be lost forever due to hybridization with foreign"]
["Cannabis populations and the socio-economic displacement of Cannabis cultures worldwide. Collectors and breeders are needed to preserve these rare and endangered gene pools before it is too late. "]
[]
["Various combinations of these traits are possible and inevitable. The traits that we most often see are most likely dominant and the improvement of Cannabis strains through breeding is most easily accomplished by"]
["concentrating on the dominant phenotypes for the most important traits. The best breeders set high goals of limited scope and ad here to their ideals. "]
["  "]
[]
[" Chapter 4 - Maturation and Harvesting of Cannabis "]
[]
["To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: "]
["A time to be born, and a time to die; "]
["a time to plant, and a time to pluck up "]
["that which is planted, "]
[]
[{"$error":"#NAME?"}]
[]
["  "]
[]
["Maturation "]
[]
["The maturation of Cannabis is normally annual and its timing is influenced by the age of the plant, changes in photoperiod, and other environmental conditions. When a plant reaches an adequate age for flowering (about"]
["two months) and the nights lengthen following the summer solstice (June 21-22), flowering begins. This is the triggering of the reproductive phase of the life cycle which is followed by senescence and eventual death. The"]
["leaves of Cannabis plants form fewer leaflets during flowering until the floral clusters are formed of trileaflet and mono-leaflet leaves. This is a reversal of the heteroblastic (variously shaped) trend of increased leaflet"]
["number through the pre-floral stage. "]
[]
["The staminate and pistillate sexes of the same strain mature at different rates. Staminate plants are usually the first to begin flowering and releasing pollen. In fact, much pollen is released when the pistillate plants show"]
["only a few pairs of primordial flowers. It would seem more effective for the staminate plant to release pollen when the pistillate plants are in heavy flower to ensure good seed production. Upon deeper investigation,"]
["however, it becomes obvious that early pollination is advantageous to survival. Pollinations that take place early form seeds that ripen in the warm days of summer when the pistillate plant is healthy and there is less"]
["chance of frost damage or predation by herbivores. If conditions are favorable, the staminate plant will continue to produce pollen for some time and will also fertilize many new pistillate flowers as they appear. After a"]
["month or more of shedding pollen the staminate plants enter senescence. This period is marked by the yellowing and dropping of the foliage leaves, followed by diminished flower and pollen production. Eventually, all the"]
["leaves drop, and the spent, lifeless stamens hang in the breeze until fungi and bacteria return them to the soil. "]
[]
["Pistillate plants continue to develop up to three months longer as they mature seeds. As the calyxes of the first flowers to be pollinated dry out, each releases a single seed which falls to the ground. Since new pistillate"]
["flowers are continually produced and fertilized, there are nearly always seeds ranging in maturity from freshly fertilized ovules to large, dark, mature seeds. In this way the plant is able to take advantage of favorable"]
["conditions throughout several months. The effectiveness of this type of reproduction is demonstrated by the spread of escaped Cannabis strains in the midwestern United States. In these areas Can nabis abounds and"]
["multiplies each year, through the timely dehiscence of millions of pollen grains and the fertilization of thousands of pistillate flowers, resulting in thousands of viable seeds from each pistillate plant. As the pistillate plant"]
["senesces, the leaves turn yellow and drop, along with the remaining mature seeds. The rest of the plant eventually dies and decomposes. "]
[]
["Although the staminate plants begin to release pollen before the pistillate plant has begun to form floral clusters, pistillate plants actually differentiate sexually and form a few viable flowers long before most of the"]
["staminate plants begin to release pollen. This ensures that the first pollen released has a chance to fertilize at least a few flowers and produce seeds. The production of prominent pistils makes pistillate plants the first to be"]
["recognizable in a crop, so early selection of seed-parents is quite easy. Often the primordia of staminate plants first appear as vegetative growth at the nodes along the main stalk and do not differentiate flowers for several"]
["weeks. Pistillate plants also may develop vegetative growth in place of the usual primordial calyxes and this growth makes staminate plants indistinguishable from pistillate plants for some time. This is often frustrating"]
["to sinsemilla Cannabis cultivators, since the staminate plants that are hesitant to differentiate sex take up valuable space that could be utilized by pistillate plants. Also, juvenile pistillate plants are occasionally mistaken"]
["for staminate plants if they are slow to form calyxes, since vegetative growth at the nodes could appear to be staminate primordia. "]
[]
["Latitude and Photoperiod "]
[]
["Change in photoperiod is the factor that usually triggers the developmental stages of Cannabis. Photoperiod and seasonal cycles are determined by latitude. The most even photoperiods and mildest seasonal variations are"]
["found near the equator, and the most widely fluctuating photoperiods and most radical seasonal variations are found in polar and high altitude locations. Areas in intermediate latitudes show more pronounced seasonal"]
["variation depending on their distance from the equator or height in altitude. A graph of light cycles based on latitude is helpful in exploring the maturation and cycles of Cannabis from various latitudes and the genetic"]
["adaptations of strains to their native environments. "]
[]
["The wavy lines follow the changes in photoperiod (daylength) for two years at various latitudes. Follow, for example, the photoperiod for 400 north latitude (Northern California) which begins along the left-hand margin"]
["with a 15-hour photoperiod on June 21 (summer solstice). As the months progress to the right, the days get shorter and the line representing photoperiod slopes downward. During July the daylength decreases to 14 hours"]
["and Cannabis plants begin to flower and produce THC. (Increased THC production is represented by an increase in the size of the dots along the line of photoperiod.) As the days get shorter the plants flower more profusely"]
["and produce more THC until a peak period is reached during October and November. After this time the photoperiod drops below 10 hours and THC production slows. High-THC plants may continue to develop until the"]
["winter solstice (shortest day of the year, around December 21) if they are protected from frost. At this point a new vegetative light cycle starts and THC production ceases. New seedlings are planted when the days begin to"]
["get long (12-14 hours) and warm from March to May. Farther north at 600 latitude the day-length changes more radically and the growing season is shorter. These conditions do not favor THC production. "]
[]
["Light cycles and seasons vary as one approaches the equator. Near 200 north latitude (Hawaii, India, and Thailand where most of the finest drug Cannabis originates), the photoperiod never varies out of the range critical for"]
["THC production, between 10 and 14 hours. The light cycle at 200 north latitude starts at the summer solstice when the photoperiod is just a little over 13 hours. This means that a long season exists that starts earlier and"]
["finishes later than at higher latitudes. However, because the photoperiod is never too long to induce flowering, Cannabis may also be grown in a short season from December through March or April (90 to 120 days)."]
["Strains from these latitudes are often not as responsive to photoperiod change, and flowering seems strongly age-determined as well as light determined. Most strains of Cannabis will begin to flower when they are 60 days"]
["old if photoperiod does not exceed 13 hours. At 200 latitude, the photoperiod never exceeds 14 hours, and easily induced strains may begin flowering at nearly any time during the year. "]
[]
["Equatorial areas gain and lose daylength twice during the year as the sun passes north and south of the equator, resulting in two identical photoperiodic seasons. Rainfall snd altitude determine the growing season of each"]
["area, but at some locations along the equator it is possible to grow two crops of fully mature Cannabis in one year. By locating a particular latitude on the chart, and noting local dates for the last and first frosts and wet"]
["and dry seasons, the effective growing season may be determined. If an area has too short an effective growing season for drug Cannabis, a greenhouse or other shelter from cold, rainy conditions is used. The timing of"]
["planting and length of the growing season in these marginal conditions can also be determined from this chart. "]
[]
["For instance, assume a researcher wishes to grow a crop of Cannabis near Durban, South Africa, at 300 south latitude. Consulting the graph of maturation cycles will reveal that a long-photoperiod season, adequate for the"]
["maturation of drug Cannabis, exists from October through June. Local weather conditions indicate that average temperature ranges from 60~ to 80~ F. and annual precipitation from 30 to 50 inches. Early storms from the"]
["east in June could damage plants and some sort of storm protection might be necessary. Any estimates made from this chart sre generally accurate for photoperiod; however, local weather conditions are always taken into"]
["account. "]
[]
["Combination and simplification of the earth’s climatic bands where Cannabis is grown yields an equatorial zone, north and south subtropical zones, north and south temperate zones, arctic and antarctic zones. A discussion"]
["of the maturation cycle for drug Cannabis in each zone follows. "]
[]
["Equatorial Zone - (15 south latitude to 15 north latitude) "]
[]
["At the equator the sun is high in the sky all year long. The sun is directly overhead twice a year at the equinoxes, March 22 and September 22, as it passes to the north and then the south. The days get shortest twice a year"]
["on each equinox. As a result, the equatorial zone has two times during the year when floral induction can take place and two distinct seasons, These seasons may overlap but they are usually five to six months long and"]
["unless the weather forbids, the fields may be used twice a year. Colombia, southern India, Thailand, and Malawi all lie on the fringes of the equatorial zone between 10 and 15 latitude. It is interesting to note that few if"]
["any areas of commercial Cannabis cultivation, other than Colombia, lie within the heart of the equatorial zone. This could be because most areas along the equator or very near to it are extremely humid at lower altitudes,"]
["so it may be impossible to find a dry enough place to grow one crop of Cannabis, much less two. Wild Cannabis occurs in many equatorial areas but it is of relatively low quality for fiber or drug production. Under"]
["cultivation, however, equatorial Cannabis has great potential for drug production. "]
[]
["Northern and Southern Subtropical Zones - (15 to 30 north and south latitudes) "]
[]
["The northern subtropical zone is one of the largest Cannabis producing areas in the world, while the southern subtropical zone has little Cannabis. These areas usually have a long season from February-March through"]
["October-December in the northern hemisphere and from September-October through March-June in the southern hemisphere. A short season may also exist from December or January through March or April in the"]
["northern hemisphere, spanning from 90 to 120 days. In Hawaii, Cannabis cultivators sometimes make use of a third short season from June through September or September through December, but these short seasons"]
["actually break up the long subtropical season during which some of the world’s most potent Cannabis is grown. Southeast Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Pakistan, Nepal, and India are all major Cannabis-producing"]
["areas located in the northern subtropical zone. "]
[]
["North and South Temperate Zones - (30 to 60 north and south latitudes) "]
[]
["The temperate zones have one medium to long season stretching from March-May through September-December in the northern hemisphere and from September-November through March-June in the southern hemisphere."]
["Central China, Korea, Japan, United States, southern Europe, Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Kashmir are all in the north temperate zone. Many of these nations are producers of large"]
["amounts of fiber as well as drug Cannabis. The south temperate zone includes only the southern portions of Australia, South America, and Africa. Some Cannabis grows in all three of these areas, but none of them are"]
["well known for the cultivation of drug Cannabis. "]
[]
["Arctic and Antarctic Zones - (60 to 70 north and south latitudes) "]
[]
["The arctic and antarctic zones are characterized by a short, harsh growing season that is not favorable for the growth of Cannabis, The arctic season begins during the very long days of June or July, as soon as the ground"]
["thaws, and continues until the first freezes of September or October. The photoperiod is very long when the seedlings appear, but the days rapidly get shorter and by September the plants begin to flower. Plants often get"]
["quite large in these areas, but they do not get a long enough season to mature completely and the cultivation of drug Cannabis is not practical without a greenhouse. Parts of Russia, Alaska, Canada, and northern Europe"]
["are within the arctic zone and only small stands of escaped fiber and drug Cannabis grow naturally. Cultivated drug strains are grown in Alaska, Canada, and northern Europe in limited quantities but little is grown on a"]
["commercial scale. Rapidly maturing, acclimatized hybrid strains from temperate North America are probably the best suited for growth in this area. Fiber strains also grow well in some arctic areas. Breeding programs with"]
["Russian Cannabis ruderalis could yield very short season drug strains. "]
[]
["It becomes readily apparent that most of the drug Cannabis occurs in the northern subtropical and northern temperate zones of the world. It is striking that there are many unutilized areas suitable for the cultivation of drug"]
["Cannabis the world over. It is also readily apparent that the equatorial zone and subtropical zones have the advantage of an extra full or partial season for the cultivation of Cannabis. "]
[]
["Strains that have become adapted to their native latitude will tend to flower and mature under domestic cultivation in much the same pattern as they would in their native conditions. For example, in northern temperate"]
["areas, strains from Mexico (subtropical zone) will usually completely mature by the end of October while strains from Colombia (equatorial zone) will usually not mature until December. By understanding this, strains"]
["may be selected from latitudes similar to the area to be cultivated so that the chances of growing drug Cannabis to maturity are maximized. The short season of Hawaii, Mexico, and other subtropical areas constitutes a"]
["separate set of environmental factors (distinct from the long season) that influence genotype and favor selection of a separate short-season strain. The maturation characteristics can vary greatly between these two strains"]
["because of the length of the season and differences in response to photoperiod. For that reason, it is usually necessary to determine if Hawail and California strains have been bred specifically for either the short or long"]
["season, or if they are used indiscriminately for both seasons. Sometimes the only information available is what season the ~1 seed plant was grown. It may not be practical to grow a long-season strain from Hawaii in a"]
["temperate growing area, but a short season strain might do very well. "]
[]
["Moon Cycles "]
[]
["Since ancient times man has observed the effect of the moon on living organisms, especially his crops. Planting and harvest dates based on moon cycles are still found in the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The moon takes 28 to"]
["29 days to completely orbit the earth. This cycle is divided into four one-week phases. It starts as the new moon waxes (begins to enlarge) for a week until the quarter moon and another week until the moon is full. Then"]
["the waning (shrinking) cycle begins and the moon passes back for two weeks through another quarter to reach the beginning of the cycle with a new moon. Most cultivators agree that the best time for planting is on the"]
["waxing moon, and the best time to harvest is on the waning moon. Exact new moons, full moons, and quarter moons are avoided as these are times of interplanetary stress. Planting, germinating, grafting, and layering are"]
["most favored during phases 1 and 2. The best time is a few days before the full moon. Phases 3 and 4 are most beneficial for harvesting and pruning. "]
[]
["Root growth seems accelerated at the time of the new moon, possibly as a response to increased gravitational pull from the alignment of sun and moon. It also seems that floral cluster formation is slowed by the full"]
["moon. Strong, full moonlight is on the borderline of being enough light to cease floral induction entirely. Although this never happens, if a plant is just about to begin floral growth, it may be delayed a week by a few"]
["nights of bright moonlight. "]
[]
["Conversely, plants begin floral growth during the dark nights of the new moon. More research is needed to explain the mysterious effects of moon cycles on Cannabis "]
[]
["Floral Maturation "]
[]
["The individual pistillate calyxes and the composite floral clusters change as they mature. External changes indicate that internal biochemical metabolic changes are also occurring. When the external changes can be"]
["connected with the invisible internal metabolic changes, then the cultivator is in a better position to decide when to har vest floral clusters. With years of experience this becomes intuition, but there are general correlations"]
["which can put the process in more objective terms. "]
[]
["The calyxes first appear as single, thin, tubular, green sheaths surrounding an ovule at the basal attached end with a pair of thin white, yellowish green, or purple pistils attached to the ovule and protruding from the tip"]
["fold of the calyx. As the flower begins to age and mature, the pistils grow longer and the calyx enlarges slightly to its full length. Next, the calyx begins to swell as resin secretion increases, and the pistils reach their peak"]
["of reproductive ripeness. From this point on, the pistils begin to swell and darken slightly, and the tips may begin to curl and turn reddish brown. At this stage the pistillate flower is past its reproductive peak, and it is"]
["not likely that it will produce a viable seed if pollinated. Without pollination the calyx begins to swell almost as if it had been fertilized and resin secretion reaches a peak. The pistils eventually wither and turn a reddish or"]
["orange brown. By this time, the swollen calyx has accumulated an incredible layer of resin, but secretion has slowed and few fresh terpenes and cannabinoids are being produced. Falling pistils mark the end of the"]
["developmental cycle of the individual pistillate calyx. The resins turn opaque and the calyx begins to die. "]
[]
["The biosynthesis of cannabinoids and terpenes parallels the developmental stages of the calyx and associated resin-producing glandular trichomes. Also, the average developmental stage of the accumulated individual calyxes"]
["determines the maturational state of the entire floral cluster. Thus, determination of maturational stage and timing of the harvest is based on the average calyx and resin condition, along with general trends in morphology"]
["and development of the plant as a whole. "]
[]
["The basic morphological characteristics of floral maturation are measured by calyx-to-leaf ratio and internode length within floral clusters. Calyx-to-leaf ratios are highest during the peak floral stage. Later stages are"]
["usually characterized by decreased calyx growth and increased leaf growth. Internode length is usually very short between pairs of calyxes in tight dense clusters. At the end of the maturation cycle, if there is still growth,"]
["the internode length may increase in response to increased humidity and lowered light conditions. This is most often a sign that the floral clusters are past their reproductive peak; if so, they are preparing for rejuvenation"]
["and the possibility of re-growth the following season. At this time nearly all resin secretion has ceased at temperate latitudes (due to low temperatures), but may still continue in equatorial and subtropical areas that have a"]
["longer and warmer growing season. Greenhouses have been used in temperate latitudes to simulate tropical environments and extend the period of resin production. It should be remembered that greenhouses also tend to"]
["cause a stretched condition in the floral clusters in response to high humidity, high temperatures, lowered light intensity, and restricted air circulation. "]
[]
["Simulation of the native photoperiod of a certain strain is achieved through the use of blackout curtains and supplemental lighting in a greenhouse or indoor environment. The localized light cycle particular to a strain may"]
["be estimated from the graph of maturation patterns at various latitudes (p.124). In this way it is possible to reproduce exotic foreign environments to more accurately study Cannabis, Tight clusters of calyxes and leaves"]
["are characteristic of ripe outdoor Cannabis. Some strains, however, such as those from Thailand, tend to have longer internodes and appear airy and stretched. This seems to be a genetically controlled adaptation to their"]
["native environment. Imported examples from Thailand also have long internodes in the pistillate floral clusters. Thai strains may not develop tight floral clusters even in the most arid and exposed conditions; however, this"]
["condition is furthered as rejuvenation begins during autumn days of decreasing photoperiod. "]
[]
["Cannabinoid Biosynthesis "]
[]
["Since resin secretion and associated terpenoid and cannabinoid biosynthesis are at their peak just after the pistils have begun to turn brown but before the calyx stops growing, it seems obvious that floral clusters should be"]
["harvested during this time. More subtle variations in terpenoid and cannabinoid levels also take place within this period of maximum resin secretion, and these variations influence the nature of the resin’s psychoactive"]
["effect. "]
[]
["The cannabinoid ratios characteristic of a strain are primarily determined by genes, but it must be remembered that many environmental factors, such as light, temperature, and humidity, influence the path of a molecule"]
["along the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway. These environmental factors can cause an atypical final cannabinoid profile (cannabinoid levels and ratios). Not all cannabinoid molecules begin their journey through the"]
["pathway at the same time, nor do all of them complete the cycle and turn into THC molecules simultaneously. There is no magical way to influence the cannabinoid biosynthesis to favor THC production, but certain"]
["factors involved in the growth and maturation of Cannabis do affect final cannabinoid levels, These factors may be controlled to some extent by proper selection of mature floral clusters for harvesting, agricul tural"]
["technique, and local environment. In addition to genetic and seasonal influences, the picture is further modified by the fact that each individual calyx goes through the cannabinoid cycle fairly independently and that during"]
["peak periods of resin secretion new flowers are produced every day and begin their own cycle. This means that at any given time the ratio of calyx-to-leaf, the average calyx condition, the condition of the resins, and"]
["resultant cannabinoid ratios indicate which stage the floral cluster has reached. Since it is difficult for the amateur cultivator to determine the cannabinoid profile of a floral cluster without chromatographic analysis, this"]
["discussion will center on the known and theoretical correlations between the external characteristics of calyx and resin and internal cannabinoid profile. A better understanding of these subtle changes in cannabinoid ratios"]
["may be gleaned by observing the cannabinoid biosynthesis. Focus on the lower left-hand corner of the chart. Next, follow the chain of reactions until you find the four isomers of THC acid (tetrahydro-cannabinolic acid),"]
["toward the right side of the page at the crest of the reaction sequence, and realize that there are several steps in a long series of reactions that precede and follow the formation of THC acids, the major psychoactive"]
["cannabinoids. Actually, THC acid and the other necessary cannabinoid acids are not psychoactive until they decarboxylate (lose an acidic carboxyl group [COOHI). It is the cannabinoid acids which move along the"]
["biosynthetic pathway, and these acids undergo the strategic reactions that determine the position of any particular cannabinoid molecule along the pathway. After the resins are secreted by the glandular trichome they begin"]
["to harden and the cannabinoid acids begin to decarboxylate. Any remaining cannabinoid acids are decarboxylated by heat within a few days after harvesting. Other THC acids with shorter side-chains also occur in certain"]
["strains of Cannabis. Several are known to be psychoactive and many more are suspected of psychoactivity. The shorter propyl (three-carb on) and methyl (one-carbon) side-chain homologs (similarly shaped molecules) are"]
["shorter acting than pen tyl (five-carbon) THCs and may account for some of the quick, flashy effects noted by some marijuana users. We will focus on the pentyl pathway but it should be noted that the propyl and methyl"]
["pathways have homologs at nearly every step along the pentyl pathway and their synthesis is basically identical. "]
[]
["The first step in the pentyl cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway is the combination of olivetolic acid with geranyl pyrophosphate. Both of these molecules are derived from terpenes, and it is readily apparent that the"]
["biosynthetic route of the aromatic terpenoids may be a clue to formation of the cannabinoids. The union of these two molecules forms CBG acid (cannabigerolic acid) which is the basic cannabinoid precursor molecule."]
["CBG acid may be converted to CBGM (CBG acid monomethyl ether), or a hydroxyl group (OH) attaches to the geraniol portion of the molecule forming hydroxy-CBG acid. Through the formation of a transition-state"]
["molecule, either CBC acid (cannabichromenic acid) or CBD acid (cannabidiolic acid) is formed. CBD acid is the precursor to the THC acids, and, although CBD is only mildly psychoactive by itself, it may act with THC"]
["to modify the psychoactive effect of the THC in a sedative way. CBC is also mildly psychoactive and may interact synergistically with THC to alter the psychoactive effect (Turner et al. 1975). Indeed, CBD may suppress"]
["the effect of THC and CBC may potentiate the effect of THC, although this has not yet been proven. All of the reactions along the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway are enzyme-controlled but are affected by"]
["environmental conditions. "]
[]
["Conversion of CBD acid to THC acid is the single most important reaction with respect to psychoactivity in the entire pathway and the one about which we know the most. Personal communication with Raphael"]
["Mechoulam has centered around the role of ultraviolet light in the bio-synthesis of THC acids and minor cannabinoids. In the laboratory, Mechoulam has converted CBD acid to THC acids by exposing a solution of CBD"]
["acid in n-hexane to ultraviolet light of 235-285 nm. for up to 48 hours. This reaction uses atmospheric oxygen molecules (02) and is irreversible; however, the yield of the conversion is only about 15% THC acid, and"]
["some of the products formed in the laboratory experiment do not occur in living specimens. Four types of isomers or slight variations of THC acids (THCA) exist. Both Delta1-THCA and Delta6-THCA are naturally"]
["occurring isomers of THCA resulting from the positions of the double bond on carbon 1 or carbon 6 of the geraniol portion of the molecule They have approximately the same psychoactive effect; however, Delta1-THC"]
["acid is about four times more prevalent than Delta6-THC acid in most strains. Also Alpha and Beta forms of Delta1-THC acid and Delta6-THC acid exist as a result of the juxtaposition of the hydrogen (H) and the"]
["carboxyl (COOH) groups on the olivetolic acid portion of the molecule It is suspected that the psychoactivity of the a and ~ forms of the THC acid molecules probably does not vary, but this has not been proven. Subtle"]
["differences in psychoactivity not detected in animals by laboratory instruments, but often discussed by marijuana aficionados, could be attributed to additional synergistic effects of the four isomers of THC acid. Total"]
["psycho-activity is attributed to the ratios of the primary cannabinoids of CBC, CBD, THC and CBN; the ratios of methyl, propyl, and pentyl homologs of these cannabinoids; and the isomeric variations of each of these"]
["cannabinoids. Myriad subtle combinations are sure to exist. Also, terpenoid and other aromatic compounds might suppress or potentiate the effects of THCs. "]
[]
["Environmental conditions influence cannabinoid biosynthesis by modifying enzymatic systems and the resultant potency of Cannabis. High altitude environments are often more arid and exposed to more intense sunlight"]
["than lower environments. Recent studies by Mobarak et al. (1978) of Cannabis grown in Afghanistan at 1,300 meters (4,350 feet) elevation show that significantly more propyl cannabinoids are formed than the respective"]
["pentyl homo-logs. Other strains from this area of Asia have also exhibited the presence of propyl cannabinoids, but it cannot be discounted that altitude might influence which path of cannabinoid biosynthesis is favored."]
["Aridity favors resin production and total cannabinoid production; however, it is unknown whether arid conditions promote THC production specifically. It is suspected that increased ultraviolet radiation might affect"]
["cannabinoid production directly. Ultra-violet light participates in the biosynthesis of THC acids from CBD acids, the conversion of CBC acids to CCY acids, and the conversion of CBD acids to CBS acids. However, it is"]
["unknown whether increased ultraviolet light might shift cannabinoid synthesis from pentyl to propyl pathways or influence the production of THC acid or CBC acid instead of CBD acid. "]
[]
["The ratio of THC to CBD has been used in chemotype determination by Small and others. The genetically determined inability of certain strains to convert CBD acid to THC acid makes them a member of a fiber"]
["chemotype, but if a strain has the genetically determined ability to convert CBD acid to THC acid then it is considered a drug strain. It is also interesting to note that Turner and Hadley (1973) discovered an African strain"]
["with a very high THC level and no CBD although there are fair amounts of CBC acid present in the strain. Turner* states that he has seen several strains totally devoid of CBD, but he has never seen a strain totally devoid"]
["of THC. Also, many early authors confused CBC with CBD in analyzed samples because of the proximity of their peaks on gas liquid chromatograph (GLC) results. If the biosynthetic pathway needs alteration to include"]
["an enzymatically controlled system involving the direct conversion of hydroxy-CBG acid to THC acid through allylic rearrangement of hydroxy-CBG acid and cyclization of the rearranged intermediate to THC acid, as"]
["Turner and Hadley (1973) suggest, then CBD acid would be bypassed in the cycle and its absence explained. Another possibility is that, since CBC acid is formed from the same symmetric intermediate that is allylically"]
["rearranged before forming CBD acid, CBC acid may be the accumulated intermediate, the reaction may be reversed, and through the symmetric intermediate and the usual allylic rearrangement CBD acid would be formed but"]
["directly converted to THC acid by a similar enzyme system to that which reversed the formation of CBC acid. If this happened fast enough no CBD acid would be detected. It is more likely, however, that CBDA in drug"]
["strains is converted directly to THCA as soon as it is formed and no CBD builds up. Also Turner, Hemphill, and Mahlberg (1978) found that CBC acid was contained in the tissues of Cannabis but not in the resin secreted"]
["by the glandular trichomes. In any event, these possible deviations from the accepted biosynthetic pathway provide food for thought when trying to decipher the mysteries of Cannabis strains and varieties of psychoactive"]
["effect. "]
[]
["Returning to the more orthodox version of the cannabinoid biosynthesis, the role of ultraviolet light should be reemphasized. It seems apparent that ultraviolet light, normally supplied in abundance by sunlight, takes part"]
["in the conversion of CBD acid to THC acids. Therefore, the lack *Carlton Thrner 1979: personal communication. of ultraviolet light in indoor growing situations could account for the limited psychoactivity of Cannabis"]
["grown under artificial lights. Light energy has been collected and utilized by the plant in a long series of reactions resulting in the formation of THC acids. Farther along the pathway begins the formation of degradation"]
["products not metabolically produced by the living plant. These cannabinoid acids are formed through the progressive degradation of THC acids to CBN acid (cannabinolic acid) and other cannabinoid acids. The degradation is"]
["accomplished primarily by heat and light and is not enzymatically controlled by the plant. CBN is also suspected of synergistic modification of the psychoactivity of the primary cannabinoids, THCs. The cannabinoid"]
["balance between CBC, CBD, THC, and CBN is determined by genetics and maturation. THC production is an ongoing process as long as the glandular trichome remains active. Variations in the level of THC in the same"]
["trichome as it matures are the result of THC acid being broken down to CBN acid while CBD acid is being converted to THC acid. If the rate of THC biosynthesis exceeds the rate of THC breakdown, the THC level in the"]
["trichome rises; if the breakdown rate is faster than the rate of biosynthesis, the THC level drops. Clear or slightly amber transparent resin is a sign that the glandular trichome is still active. As soon as resin secretion"]
["begins to slow, the resins will usually polymerize and harden. During the late floral stages the resin tends to darken to a transparent amber color. If it begins to deteriorate, it first turns translucent and then opaque brown or"]
["white. Near-freezing temperatures during maturation will often result in opaque white resins. During active secretion, THC acids are constantly being formed from CBD acid and breaking down into CBN acid. "]
[]
["Harvest Timing "]
[]
["With this dynamic picture of the biosynthesis and degradation of THC acids as a frame of reference, the logic behind harvesting at a specific time is easier to understand. The usual aim of timing the moment of harvest is"]
["to ensure high THC levels modified by just the proper amounts of CBC, CBD and CBN, along with their propyl homologs, to approximate the desired psychoactive effect. Since THC acids are being broken down into"]
["CBN acid at the same time they are being made from CBD acid, it is important to harvest at a time when the production of THC acids is higher than the degradation of THC acids. Every experienced cultivator inspects a"]
["number of indicating factors and knows when to harvest the desired type of floral clus ters. Some like to harvest early when most of the pistils are still viable and at the height of reproductive potential. At this time the"]
["resins are very aromatic and light; the psychoactive effect is characterized as a light cerebral high (possibly low CBC and CBD, high THC, low CBN). Others harvest as late as possible, desiring a stronger, more resinous"]
["marijuana characterized by a more intense body effect and an inhibited cerebral effect (high CBC and CB]), high THC, high CBN). Harvesting and testing several floral clusters every few days over a period of several weeks"]
["gives the cultivator a set of samples at all stages of maturation and creates a basis for deciding when to harvest in future seasons. The following is a description of each of the growth phases as to morphology, terpene"]
["aroma, and relative psychoactivity. "]
[]
["Premature Floral Stage "]
[]
["At this stage floral development is slightly beyond primordial and only a few clusters of immature pistillate flowers appear at the tips of limbs in addition to the primordial pairs along the main stems. By this stage stem"]
["diameter within the floral clusters is very nearly maximum. The stems are easily visible between the nodes and form a strong framework to support future floral development. Larger vegetative leaves (5-7 leaflets)"]
["predominate and smaller tri-leaflet leaves are beginning to form in the new floral axis. A few narrow, tapered calyxes may be found nestled in the leaflets near the stem tips and the fresh pistils appear as thin, feathery,"]
["white filaments stretching to test the surroundings. During this stage the surface of the calyxes is lightly covered with fuzzy, hair-like, non-glandular trichomes, but only a few bulbous and capitate-sessile glandular"]
["trichomes have begun to develop. Resin secretion is minimal, as indicated by small resin heads and few if any capitate-stalked, glandular trichomes. There is no drug yield from plants at the premature stage since THC"]
["production is low, and there is no economic value other than fiber and leaf. Terpene production starts as the glandular trichomes begin to secrete resin; premature floral clusters have no terpene aromas or tastes. Total"]
["cannabinoid production is low but simple cannabinoid phenotypes, based on relative amounts of THC and CBD, may be determined. By the pre-floral stage the plant has akeady established its basic chemotype as a fiber or"]
["drug strain. A fiber strain rarely produces more than 2% THC, even under perfect agricultural conditions. This indicates that a strain either produces some varying amount of THC (up to 13%) and little CBD and is termed"]
["a drug strain or produces practically no THC and high CBD and is termed a fiber strain, This is genetically controlled. "]
[]
["The floral clusters are barely psychoactive at this stage, and most marijuana smokers classify the reaction as more an \"effect\" than a \"high.\" This most likely results from small amounts of THC as well as trace amounts"]
["of CBC and CBD. CBD production begins when the seedling is very small. THC production also begins when the seedling is very small, if the plant originates from a drug strain. However, THC levels rarely exceed 2%"]
["until the early floral stage and rarely produce a \"high\" until the peak floral stage. "]
[]
["Early Floral Stage "]
[]
["Floral clusters begin to form as calyx production increases and internode length decreases. Tri-leaflet leaves are the predominant type and usually appear along the secondary floral stems within the individual clusters. Many"]
["pairs of calyxes appear along each secondary floral axis and each pair is subtended by a tri-leaflet leaf. Older pairs of calyxes visible along the primary floral axis during the premature stage now begin to swell, the pistils"]
["darken as they lose fertility, and some resin secretion is observed in trichomes along the veins of the calyx. The newly produced calyxes show few if any capitate-stalked trichomes. As a result of low resin production, only"]
["a slight terpene aroma and psychoactivity are detectable. The floral clusters are not ready for harvest at this point. Total cannabinoid production has increased markedly over the premature stage but THC levels (still less"]
["than 3%) are not high enough to produce more than a subtle effect. "]
[]
["Peak Floral Stage "]
[]
["Elongation growth of the main floral stem ceases at this stage, and floral clusters gain most of their size through the addition of more calyxes along the secondary stems until they cover the primary stem tips in an"]
["overlapping spiral. Small reduced mono-leaflet and tri-leaflet leaves subtend each pair of calyxes emerging from secondary stems within the floral clusters. These subtending leaves are correctly referred to as bracts. Outer"]
["leaves begin to wilt and turn yellow as the pistillate plant reaches its reproductive peak. In the primordial calyxes the pistils have turned brown; however, all but the oldest of the flowers are fertile and the floral clusters are"]
["white with many pairs of ripe pistils. Resin secretion is quite advanced in some of the older infertile calyxes, and the young pistillate calyxes are rapidly producing capitate-stalked glandular trichomes to protect the"]
["precious unfertilized ovule. Under wild conditions the pistillate plant would be starting to form seeds and the cycle would be drawing to a close. When Cannabis is grown for sinsemilla floral production, the cycle is"]
["interrupted. Pistillate plants remain unfertilized and begin to produce capitate -stalked trichomes and accumulate resins in a last effort to remain viable. Since capitate-stalked trichomes now predominate, resin and THC"]
["production increase. The elevated resin heads appear clear, since fresh resin is still being secreted, often being produced in the cellular head of the trichome. At this time THC acid production is at a peak and CBD acid"]
["levels remain stable as the molecules are rapidly converted to THC acids, THC acid synthesis has not been active long enough for a high level of CBN acid to build up from the degradation of THC acid by light and heat."]
["Terpene production is also nearing a peak and the floral clusters are beautifully aromatic. Many cultivators prefer to pick some of their strains during this stage in order to produce marijuana with a clear, cerebral,"]
["psychoactive effect. It is believed that, in peak floral clusters, the low levels of CBD and CBN allow the high level of THC to act without their sedative effects. Also, little polymerization of resins has occurred, so aromas"]
["and tastes are often less resinous and tar like than at later stages. Many strains, if they are harvested in the peak floral stage, lack the completely developed aroma, taste and psychoactive level that appear after curing."]
["Cultivators wait longer for the resins to mature if a different taste and psychoactive effect is desired. "]
[]
["This is the point of optimum harvest for some strains, since most additional calyx growth has ceased. However, a subsequent flush of new calyx growth may occur and the plant continue ripening into the late floral stage. "]
[]
["Late Floral Stage "]
[]
["By this stage plants are well past the main reproductive phase and their health has begun to decline. Many of the larger leaves have dropped off, and some of the small inner leaves begin to change color. Autumn colors"]
["(purple, orange, yellow, etc.) begin to appear in the older leaves and calyxes at this time; many of the pistils turn brown and begin to fall off. Only the last terminal pistils are still fertile and swollen calyxes predominate."]
["Heavy layers of protec tive resin heads cover the calyxes and associated leaves. Production of additional capitate-stalked glandular trichomes is rare, although some existing trichomes may still be elongating and secreting"]
["resins. As the previously secreted resins mature, they change color. The polymerization of small terpene molecules (which make up most of the resin) produces long chains and a more viscous and darker-colored resin. The"]
["ripening and darkening of resins follows the peak of psychoactive cannabinoid synthesis and the transparent amber color of mature resin is usually indicative of high THC content. Many cultivators agree that transparent"]
["amber resins are a sign of high-quality drug Cannabis and many of the finest strains exhibit this characteristic. Particularly potent Cannabis from California, Hawaii, Thailand, Mexico, and Colombia is often encrusted"]
["with transparent amber colored instead of clear resin heads. This is also characteristic of Cannabis from other equatorial, subtropical and temperate zones where the growing season is long enough to accommodate long term"]
["resin production and maturation. Many areas of North America and Europe have too short a season to fully mature resins unless a greenhouse is used. Specially acclimatized strains are another possibility. They develop"]
["rapidly and begin maturing in time to ripen amber resins while the weather is still warm and dry. "]
[]
["The weight yield of floral clusters is usually highest at this point, but strains may begin to grow an excess of leaves in late-stage clusters to catch additional energy from the rapidly diminishing autumn sun. Total resin"]
["accumulation is highest at this stage, but the period of maximum resin production has passed. If climatic conditions are harsh, resins and cannabinoids will begin to decompose. As a result, resin yield may appear high"]
["even if many of the resin heads are missing or have begun to deteriorate and the overall psychoactivity of the resin has dropped. THC decomposes to CBN in the hot sun and will not remain intact or be replaced after the"]
["metabolic processes of the plant have ceased. Since cannabinoids are so sensitive to decomposition by sunlight, the higher psychoactivity of amber resins may be a secondary effect. It may be that the THC is better"]
["protected from the sun by amber or opaque resins than by clear resins. Some late maturing strains develop opaque, white resin heads as a result of terpene polymerization and THC decomposition. Opaque resin heads are"]
["usually a sign that the floral clusters are over-mature. "]
[]
["Late floral clusters exhibit the full potential of resin production, aromatic principles, and psychoactive effect. Complex mixtures of many mon oterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons along with alcohols, ethers, esters,"]
["and ketones determine the aroma and flavor of mature Cannabis. The levels of the basic terpenes and their polymerized by-products fluctuate as the resin ripens. The aromas of fresh floral clusters are usually preserved after"]
["drying, as by the late floral stage, a high proportion of ripe resins are present on the mature calyxes of the fresh plant. Cannabinoid production favors high THC acid and rising CBN acid content at this stage, since most"]
["active biosynthesis has ceased and more THC acid is being broken down into CBN acid than is being produced from CBD acid. CBD acid may accumulate because not enough energy is available to complete its conversion"]
["to THC acid. The THC-to-CBD ratio in the harvested floral clusters certainly begins to drop as biosynthesis slows, because THC acid levels decrease as it decom poses, and at the same time CBD acid levels remain or rise"]
["intact since CBD does not decompose as rapidly as THC acid. This tends to produce marijuana characterized by more somatic and sedative effects. Some cultivators prefer this to the more cerebral and clear psychoactivity of"]
["the peak floral stage. "]
[]
["Senescence or Rejuvenation Stage "]
[]
["After a pistillate plant finishes floral maturation, the production of pistillate calyxes ceases and the plant continues senescence (decline towards death). In unusual situations, however, rejuvenation will begin and the plant"]
["will sprout new vegetative growth in preparation for the following season. Senescence is often highlighted by striking color changes in the floral clusters. Leaves, calyxes, and stems display auxiliary pigments ranging in"]
["color from yellow through red to deep purple. Eventually a brown shade pre-dominates and death is near. In warm areas, rejuvenation starts as vegetative shoots form within the floral clusters. These shoots are usually"]
["made up of unserrated single leaflets separated by thin stems with long internodes. It is as if the plant were reaching for limited winter light. Leaf production is accelerated as plants reach the rejuvenation stage, and resin"]
["production completely stopped. Floral clusters left to ripen until the bitter end usually produce inferior marijuana of lowered THC level, especially outdoors in bad weather. "]
[]
["Terpene secretion changes along with cannabinoid secretion and psychoactive effect. Various terpenes, terpene polymers, and other aromatic principles are produced and ripen at different times in the development of the"]
["plant. If these changes in aromatic principles are directly correlated with changes in cannabinoid production, then harvest selections for cannabinoid level may be possible based on the aroma of the ripening floral clusters. "]
[]
["It is important to understand differences in the anatomy of floral clusters for each Cannabis strain. Trends in the relative quantity (dry weight) of various parts (such as leaves, calyxes and trichomes) at various harvest dates"]
["are characteristic of particular strains and may vary widely. Some generalizations can be made. In most cases, the percentage of stem weight steadily decreases as the floral cluster matures. Rejuvenation growth can account"]
["for a sudden increase in stem percentage. The percentage of inner leaves usually starts very low and climbs rapidly as the floral clus ters mature. This often reflects increased leaf growth near the end of the season. In many"]
["strains the percentage of inner leaves drops sharply during the peak floral stage and rises again as calyx production slows and leaf production increases in the late floral stage. "]
[]
["Calyx production follows two basic patterns. In one, the percentage of calyxes climbs gradually and levels out during the peak floral stage. It begins to decline in the late floral stage, and leaf production increases as calyx"]
["production ceases. Other strains continue to produce calyxes at the expense of leaves, and the calyx percentage increases steadily throughout maturation. In both cases, there is some tendency for calyx percentage to level"]
["out during the peak floral stage irrespective of whether leaf growth accelerates or calyx growth continues at a later stage. "]
[]
["Resins generally accumulate steadily while the plant matures, but strains may vary as to the stage of peak resin secretion. Seed percentage increases exponentially with time if the crop is well fertilized, but most samples"]
["of drug Cannabis grown domestically are nearly seedless. "]
[]
["To determine dry weight, samples are harvested, labeled, and air dried until the central stem of the floral cluster will snap when bent. In plant research, dry weight is done in ovens at higher temperatures, but these higher"]
["temperatures would ruin the Cannabis. The dry floral cluster is weighed. The outer leaves, inner leaves, calyxes, seeds, and stems are segregated and each group weighed individually. The percentage is determined by"]
["dividing the individual dry weights by the total dry weight. "]
[]
["Calyx percentage ranges from 30 to 70% of the dry weight of the seedless floral clusters, depending on variety and harvest date. Inner leaf percentages fluctuate between 15 and 45% of dry weight; stems range from 10 to"]
["30%. It seems obvious that for drug harvesting a maximum calyx production is important to quality resin production. A strain where maximum calyx production occurs simultaneously with peak resin production is a"]
["breeding goal not yet attained. "]
[]
["Harvesting Cannabis at the proper time requires information on how floral clusters mature and a decision on the part of the cultivator as to what type of floral clusters are desired. With harvesting as with other techniques"]
["of cultivation, the path to success is straightened when a definite goal is established. Personal preference is always the ultimate deciding factor. "]
[]
["  "]
[]
["Factors Influencing THC Production "]
[]
["Many factors influence the production of THC. In general, the older a plant, the greater its potential to produce THC. This is true, however, only if the plant remains healthy and vigorous, THC production requires the"]
["proper quantity and quality of light. It seems that none of the biosynthetic processes operate efficiently when low light conditions prevent proper photosynthesis. Research has shown (Valle et al. 1978) that twice as much"]
["THC is produced under a 12-hour photoperiod than under a 10-hour photoperiod. Warm temperatures are known to promote metabolic activity and the production of THC. Heat also promotes resin secretion, possibly in"]
["response to the threat of floral desiccation by the hot sun, Resin collects in the heads of glandular trichomes and does not directly seal the pores of the calyx to prevent desiccation. Resin heads may serve to break up the"]
["rays of the sun so that fewer of them strike the leaf surface and raise the temperature. However, light and heat also destroy THC. In a drug strain, a bio-synthetic rate must be maintained such that substantially more THC"]
["is produced than is broken down. Humidity is an interesting parameter of THC production and one of the least understood. Most high-quality drug Cannabis grows in areas that are dry much of the time at least during the"]
["maturation period. It follows that increased resin produc. tion in response to arid conditions might account for increased THC production. High-THC strains, however, also grow in very humid conditions (greenhouses and"]
["equatorial zones) and produce copious quantities of resin. Cannabis seems not to produce more resins in response to dry soil, as it does to a dry atmosphere. Drying out plants by with-holding water for the last weeks of"]
["flowering does not stimulate THC production, although an arid atmosphere may do so. A Cannabis plant in flower requires water, so that nutrients are available. for operating the various bio-synthetic pathways. "]
[]
["There is really no confirmed method of forcing increased THC production. Many techniques have developed through misinterpretations of ancient tradition. In Colombia, farmers girdle the stalk of the main stem, which"]
["cuts off the flow of water and nutrients between the roots and the shoots. This technique may not raise the final THC level, but it does cause rapid maturation and yellow gold coloration in the floral cluster (Partridge"]
["1973). Impaling with nails, pine splinters, balls of opium, and stones are clandestine folk methods of promoting flowering, taste and THC production. However none of these have any valid documentation from the"]
["original culture or scientific basis. Symbiotic relationships between herbs in companion plantings are known to influence the production of essential oils. Experiments might be carried out with different herbs, such as"]
["stinging nettles, as companion plants for Cannabis, in an effort to stimulate resin production. In the future, agricultural techniques may be discovered which specifically promote THC biosynthesis. "]
[]
["In general, it is considered most important that the plant be healthy for it to produce high THC levels. The genotype of the plant, a result of seed selection, is the primary factor which determines the THC levels. After"]
["that, the provision of adequate organic nutrients, water, sunlight, fresh air, growing space, and time for maturation seems to be the key to producing high-THC Cannabis in all circumstances. Stress resulting from"]
["inadequacies in the environment limits the true expression of phenotype and cannabinoid potential. Cannabis finds a normal adaptive defense in the production of THC laden resins, and it seems logical that a healthy plant"]
["is best able to raise this defense. Forcing plants to produce is a perverse ideal and alien to the principles of organic agriculture. Plants are not machines that can be worked faster and harder to produce more. The life"]
["processes of the plant rely on delicate natural balances aimed at the ultimate survival of the plant until it reproduces. The most a Cannabis cultivator or researcher can expect to do is provide all the requisites for healthy"]
["growth and guide the plant until it matures. "]
[]
["Flowering in Cannabis may be forced or accelerated by many different techniques. This does not mean that THC production is forced, only that the time before and during flowering is shortened and flowers are produced"]
["rapidly. Most techniques involve the deprivation of light during the long days of summer to promote early floral induction and sexual differentiation. This is sometimes done by moving the plants inside a completely dark"]
["structure for 12 hours of each 24-hour day until the floral clusters are mature. This stimulates an autumn light cycle and promotes flowering at any time of the year. In the field, covers may be made to block out the sun"]
["for a few hours at sunrise or sunset, and these are used to cover small plants. Photoperiod alteration is most easily accomplished in a greenhouse, where blackout curtains are easily rolled over the plants. Drug Cannabis"]
["production requires 11-12 hours of continuous darkness to induce flowering and at least 10 hours of light for adequate THC production (Valle et al. 1978). In a greenhouse, supplemental lighting need be used only to"]
["extend daylength, while the sun supplies the energy needed for growth and THC biosynthesis. It is not known why at least 10 hours (and preferably 12 or 13 hours) of light are needed for high THC production. This is not"]
["dependent on accumulated solar energy since light responses can be activated and THC production increased with only a 40-watt bulb. A reasonable theory is that a light-sensitive pigment in the plant (possibly"]
["phytochrome) acts as a switch, causing the plant to follow the flowering cycle. THC production is probably associated with the induction of flowering resulting from the photoperiod change. "]
[]
["Cool night temperatures seem to promote flowering in plants that have previously differentiated sexually. Extended cold periods, however, cause metabolic processes to slow and maturation to cease. Most temperate"]
["Cannabis strains are sensitive to many of the signs of an approaching fall season and respond by beginning to flower. In contrast, strains from tropical areas, such as Thailand, often seem unresponsive to any signs of fall"]
["and never speed up development. "]
[]
["Contrary to popular thought, planting Cannabis strains later in the season in temperate latitudes may actually promote earlier flowering. Most cultivators believe that planting early gives the plant plenty of time to flower"]
["and it will finish earlier. This is often not true. Seedlings started in February or March grow for 4-5 months of increasing photoperiod before the days begin to get shorter following the solstice in June. Huge vegetative"]
["plants grow and may form floral inhibitors during the months of long photo-period. When the days begin to get shorter, these older plants may be reluctant to flower because of the floral inhibitors formed in the pre-floral"]
["leaves. Since floral cluster formation takes 6-10 weeks, the initial delay in flowering could push the harvest date into November or December. Cannabis started during the short days of December or January will often"]
["differentiate sex by March or April. Usually these plants form few floral clusters and rejuvenate for the long season ahead. No increased potency has been noticed in old rejuvenated plants. Plants started in late June or early"]
["July, after the summer solstice, are exposed only to days of decreasing photoperiod. When old enough they begin flowering immediately, possibly because they haven’t built up as many long-day floral inhibitors. They"]
["begin the 6-10 week floral period with plenty of time to finish during the warmer days of October. These later plantings yield smaller plants because they have a shorter vegetative cycle. This may prove an advantage. in"]
["greenhouse research, where it is common for plants to grow far too large for easy handling before they begin to flower. Late plantings after the summer solstice receive short inductive photoperiods almost immediately."]
["However, flowering is delayed into September since the plant must grow before it is old enough to flower. Although flowering is delayed, the small plants rapidly produce copious quantities of flowers in a final effort to"]
["reproduce. "]
[]
["Extremes in nutrient concentrations are considered influential in both the sex determination and floral development of Cannabis. High nitrogen levels in the soil during the seedling stage seem to favor pistillate plants, but"]
["high nitrogen levels during flowering often result in delayed maturation and excessive leafing in the floral clusters. Phosphorus and potassium are both vital to the floral maturation of Cannabis. High-phosphorus"]
["fertilizers known as \"bloom boosters\" are available, and these have been shown to accelerate flowering in some plants. However, Cannabis plants are easily burned with high phosphorus fertilizers since they are usually"]
["very acidic. A safer method for the plant is the use of natural phosphorus sources, such as colloidal phosphate, rock phosphate, or bone meal; these tend to cause less shock in the maturing plant. They are a source of"]
["phosphorus that is readily available as well as long-term in effect. Chemical fertilizers sometimes produce floral clusters with a metallic, salty flavor. Extremes in nutrient levels usually affect the growth of the entire plant"]
["in an adverse way. "]
[]
["Hormones, such as gibberellic acid, ethylene, cytokinins and auxins, are readily available and can produce some strange effects. They can stimulate flowering in some cases, but they also stimulate sex reversal. Plant"]
["physiology is not simple, and results are usually unpredictable. "]
[]
["Harvesting, Drying, and Curing "]
[]
["Cannabis is cultivated for the harvest of several different commercial products. Pulp, fiber, seed, drugs, and resin are produced from various parts of the Cannabis plant. The methods of harvesting, drying, curing, and"]
["storing various plant parts are determined by the intended use of the plant. Pulp is made from the leaves of juvenile plants and from waste products of fiber and drug production. Fibers are produced from the stems of the"]
["Cannabis plant. The floral clusters are responsible for the production of seeds, drugs, and aromatic resins. "]
[]
["If plants are to be used solely as a pulp source for paper production, they may be harvested at any point in the life cycle when they are large enough to produce a reasonable yield of leaves and small stems. The leaves and"]
["small stems are stripped from the larger stalks, and after drying they are bailed and stored or made directly into paper pulp. Cannabis contains approximately 67% cellulose and 16% hemicellulose; this makes a fine"]
["resilient paper. In Italy, the finest Bibles are printed on hemp paper. "]
[]
["Fiber or hemp Cannabis is usually grown in large, crowded fields. Crowding of seedlings results in tall, thin plants with few limbs and long, straight fibers. The total field is harvested when the fiber content reaches the"]
["correct level but before the fibers begin to lignify or harden. The cut stalks are stripped of leaves and bundled to dry. Fibers are extracted by natural or chemical retting, Retting is the breaking down of the outside skin layer"]
["and tissues that join the fibers into bundles, so that the individual fibers are freed. Natural retting is accomplished by soaking the stalks in water and laying them out on the ground, where they are attacked by decay"]
["organisms such as fungi and bacteria. Dew may also wet the stalks, and they are turned frequently to evenly wet them and avoid excessive decay. Continued soaking, attack by organisms, and pounding of the stalks results"]
["in the liberation of individual fibers from their vascular bundles. Natural retting takes from one week to a month. The fibers are thoroughly dried, wrapped in bundles and stored in a cool, dry area. The yield of fiber is"]
["approximately 25% of the weight of the dried stalks. "]
[]
["Seeds are harvested by cutting fields of seeded pistillate plants and removing the seeds either by hand or machine. Cannabis seeds usually fall easily from the floral clusters when mature. The remainder of the plant may be"]
["used as pulp material or low-grade marijuana. The Indian tradition of preparing ganja is by walking on it and rolling it between the palms to remove excess seeds and leaves. "]
[]
["Seeds are allowed to dry completely and all vegetable debris is removed before storage. This prevents spoilage caused by molds and other fungi. Seeds to be used for oil production may be stored in bags, boxes, or jars, and"]
["not exposed to excess humidity (causing them to germinate) or excessive aridity (causing them to dry out and crack). Seeds preserved for future germination are thoroughly air dried in paper envelopes or cloth sacks and"]
["stored in air-tight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. Freezing may also dry out seeds and cause them to crack. If seeds are carefully stored, they remain viable for a number of years. As a batch of seeds ages, fewer and"]
["fewer of them will germinate, but even after 5 to 6 years a small percentage of the seeds usually still germinate. Old batches of seeds also tend to germinate slowly (up to 5 weeks). This means that a batch of seeds for"]
["cultivation might be stored for a longer time if the initial sample is large enough to provide sufficient seeds for another generation. If a strain is to be preserved, it is necessary to grow and reproduce it every three years, so"]
["that enough viable seeds are always available. "]
[]
["Curing Floral Clusters "]
[]
["Harvesting, drying, curing, and storage of Cannabis floral clusters to preserve and enhance appearance, taste, and psychoactivity is often discussed among cultivators. More floral clusters are ruined by poor handling after"]
["harvest than by any other single cause. When the plant is harvested, the production of fine floral clusters for smoking begins. Cannabis floral clusters are harvested by two basic methods: either individually, by cutting"]
["them from the stalks and carefully packaging them in shallow boxes or trays, or all simultaneously by uprooting or cutting off the entire plant. In instances where the floral clusters mature sequentially, individual harvest"]
["is used because the entire plant is not ripe at any given time. Removing individual clusters also makes drying easier and quicker because the stalks are divided into shorter pieces. Floral clusters will dry much more slowly"]
["if the plant is dried whole. This means that all of the water in the plant must pass through the stomata on the surface of the leaves and calyxes instead of through cut stem ends. The stomata close soon after harvest and"]
["drying is slowed since little water vapor escapes. "]
[]
["Boiling attached Cannabis roots after harvesting whole plants, but before drying, is an interesting technique. Origi nally it was thought by cultivators that boiling the roots would force resins to the floral clusters. In"]
["actuality, there are very few resins within the vascular system of the plant and most of the resins have been secreted in the heads of glandular trichomes. Once resins are secreted they are no longer water-soluble and are not"]
["part of the vascular system. As a result, neither boiling nor any other process will move resins and cannabinoids around the plant. However, boiling the roots does lengthen the drying time of the whole plant. Boiling the"]
["roots shocks the stomata of the leaves and forces them to close immediately; less water vapor is allowed to escape and the floral clusters dry more slowly. If the leaves are left intact when drying, the water evaporates"]
["through the leaves instead of through the flowers. "]
[]
["Whole plants, limbs, and floral clusters are usually hung upside down or laid out on screen trays to dry. Many cultivators believe that hanging floral clusters upside-down to dry makes the resins flow by gravity to the"]
["limb tips. As with boiling roots, little if any transport of cannabinoids and resins through the vascular system occurs after the plant is harvested. Inverted drying does cause the leaves to hang next to the floral clusters as"]
["they dry, and the resins are protected from rubbing off during handling. Floral clusters also appear more attractive and larger if they are hung to dry. When laid out flat to dry, floral clusters usually develop a flattened,"]
["slightly pressed profile, and the leaves do not dry around the floral clusters and protect them. Also, the floral clusters are usually turned to prevent spoilage; this requires extra handling. It is easy to bruise the clusters"]
["during handling, and upon drying, bruised tissue will turn dark green or brown. Resins are very fragile and fall from the outside of the calyx if shaken. The less handling the floral clusters receive the better they look, taste"]
["and smoke. Floral clusters, including large leaves and stems, usually dry to about 25% of their original fresh weight. When dry enough to store without the threat of mold, the central stem of the floral cluster will snap"]
["briskly when bent. Usually about 10% water remains in dry, stored Cannabis floral clusters prepared for smoking. If some water content is not maintained, the resins will lose potency and the clusters will disintegrate into"]
["a useless powder exposed to decomposition by the atmosphere. "]
[]
["As floral clusters dry, and even after they are sealed and packaged, they continue to cure. Curing removes the unpleasant green taste and allows the resins and cannabinoids to finish ripening. Drying is merely the removal"]
["of water from the floral clusters so they will be dry enough to burn. Curing takes this process one step farther to produce tasty and psychoactive marijuana. If drying occurs too rapidly, the green taste will be sealed into"]
["the tissues and may remain there indefinitely. A floral cluster is not dead after harvest any more than an apple is. Certain metabolic activities take place for some time, much like the ripening and eventual spoiling of an"]
["apple after it is picked. During this period, cannabinoid acids decarboxylate into the psychoactive cannabinoids and terpenes isomerize to create new polyterpenes with tastes and aromas different from fresh floral clusters. It"]
["is suspected that cannabinoid biosynthesis may also continue for a short time after harvest. Taste and aroma also improve as chlorophylls and other pigments begin to break down. When floral clusters are dried slowly they"]
["are kept at a humidity very near that of the inside of the stomata. Alternatively, sealing and opening bags or jars or clusters is a procedure that keeps the humidity high within the container and allows the periodic venting"]
["of gases given off during curing. It also exposes the clusters to fresh air needed for proper curing. "]
[]
["If the container is airtight and not vented, then rot from anaerobic bacteria and mold is often seen. Paper boxes breathe air but also retain moisture and are often used for curing Cannabis. Dry floral clusters are usually"]
["trimmed of outer leaves just prior to smoking. This is called manicuring. "]
[]
["The leaves act as a wrapper to protect the delicate floral clusters. If manicured before drying, a significant increase in the rate of THC breakdown occurs. "]
[]
["Storage "]
[]
["Cannabis floral clusters are best stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration will retard the breakdown of cannabinoids, but freezing has adverse effects. Freezing forces moisture to the surface from the inside of the floral"]
["tissues and this may harm the resins secreted on the surface. Floral clusters with the shade leaves intact are well protected from abrasion and accidental removal of resins, but manicured floral clusters are best tightly packed"]
["so they do not rub together. Glass jars and plastic freezer bags are the most common containers for the storage of floral clusters. Polyethylene plastic sandwich or trash bags are not suited to long-term storage since they"]
["breathe air and water vapor. This may cause the floral clusters to dry out excessively and lose potency. Heat-sealed boilable plastic pouches do not breathe and are frequently used for storage. Glass canning jars are also very"]
["air-tight, but glass breaks. It is feared by some connoisseurs that plastic may also impart an unpleasant taste to the floral clusters. In either case, additional care is usually taken to protect the floral clus ters from light so"]
["another opaque container is used to cover the clear glass or plastic wrapping. Clusters are not sealed permanently until they have finished curing. Curing involves the presence of oxygen, and sealing floral clusters will end"]
["the free exchange of oxygen and end curing. However, oxygen also causes the slow breakdown of THC to CBN, so after the curing process is completed, the container is completely sealed. Any oxygen present in the"]
["container will be used up and no more can enter. Nitrogen has been suggested as a packing medium because it is very non-reactive and inexpensive. Jars or bags may be flooded with nitrogen to displace air and then sealed."]
["Vacuum-sealing machines are available for Mason jars and may be modified to vacuum-sealed bags. "]
[]
["The proper harvesting, curing, and storage of Cannabis closes the season and completes’ the life cycle. Cannabis is certainly a plant of great economic potential and scientific interest; its rich genetic diversity deserves"]
["preservation and its possible beneficial uses deserve more research. "]
[]
["He who sows the ground with care and diligence acquires greater stock of religious merit than he could gain by the repetition of ten thousand prayers. "]
[]
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