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UVSS HEMPOLOGY 101 CLUB LESSON #15 : GROWING CANNABIS - Part 1 |
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Cultivating cannabis for recreational and medical purposes has become a science over the past couple of decades. Individuals, governments and drug companies around the world have developed different methods of growing cannabis that accommodate for the legal, economic and technological opportunities and disadvantages of each specific market. In the US, the National Institute of Drug Abuse took control of the cannabis research project at the University of Mississippi in 1974 and has produced low-grade herb from there since. This is the only legal source of cannabis for research being done in the US. In 1978, as a result of a lawsuit, they began to distribute cannabis cigarettes with a maximum of 4% THC to individuals with medical problems. Only 7 people were able to qualify for this program before it was cancelled in 1992. Most countries contract the growing of cannabis for research and medical purposes to pharmaceutical companies whose primary goal is the development of oral and topical cannabis products. In Canada, Prairie Plant Systems has been growing cannabis in a mine near Flin Flon Manitoba for Health Canada since they signed a contract in Dec 2000. While the 12.5% THC is higher than the cannabis grown by NIDA, it may be less healthy because of the polluted air and water. Many individuals with access to compassion clubs or other suppliers are completely unsatisfied with the PPS products as it is not as potent or flavourful as most cannabis available on the black market. There are many important factors to consider when starting growing cannabis. Before starting to grow seriously you should buy a good book on the subject so that you have a basic understanding of the different obstacles you must overcome to grow excellent herb. There are many excellent forums on the net that growers use to discuss currents trends in technology, law and genetics. Almost anyone can grow pot but it takes times, care, money and attention to detail to grow really good herb. Growing a few plants in a concealed backyard is the best way to supply yourself throughout the year with little legal risk, cost or effort. Larger outdoor operations must be very well hidden with water accessible. Though police rarely charge anyone for growing outdoors because they are difficult to catch in the act, they do like to destroy crops and thieves are always on the prowl looking for gardens, so the fewer visits to your site the better. The legal risks go up when growing indoors, but so does the profit ratio. Having a smaller indoor garden with 2 to 4 lights minimizes the potential problems that come with a larger grow-op while still providing the grower with enough income to maintain a house. To reduce the chance of being caught, a number of precautions should be taken. These include, but are not limited to; making sure the equipment cannot be heard from the neighbouring properties in the middle of the night, eliminating the smell from the vents and keeping quiet about your activities, even from some of your best friends.
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Many fertilizer companies recommend using more of
their product than necessary to maximize sales. Over-fertilizing is
the most common mistake made by growers who are often more concerned about
the yield of the plant than whether or not it burns with a white
ash. Bugs, mold and lack of airflow are other common problems that
growers must deal with. Using clones is often the easiest way to
grow, though finding a good source for clones is not always
possible. Seed banks generally consistently supply quality seeds,
with thousands of stable indica and sativa strains available around the
world. Constant improvements in genetics allow growers to maximize
yield and potency. Curing is as important as growing.
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| International Hempology 101
Society www.hempology.ca |
Cannabis Buyers' Clubs of Canada www.cbc-canada.ca |
