by Leah Bartizal | Sep 10, 2024 | DIY
The 2024 DANK FAIR TWIN CITIES brought together the best of cannabis culture, uniting enthusiasts, cultivators, and industry leaders for an unforgettable day. From rare strains to cutting-edge products, this event showcased everything that makes the cannabis community in Minnesota so vibrant. Let’s take a look at the highlights of the fair, including some major names in the industry, great music, and the incredible energy that filled the air.
This year’s DANK FAIR was a dream for cannabis lovers, featuring top-tier brands that brought their best offerings to the Twin Cities. From boutique growers to large-scale producers, the event was packed with a variety of strains, each with its own unique twist. You could feel the excitement in the crowd as they explored booths featuring some of the most well-known names, offering everything from high-end genetics to must-have accessories. The creativity and passion behind the products truly reflected the heart of the cannabis community.
Beyond the products, DANK FAIR was all about bringing people together. Whether you were chatting with a cultivator, meeting fellow cannabis enthusiasts, or exploring new trends, the event was a hub of connection. Brands were not just there to sell; they were building relationships, telling stories, and sharing the love of cannabis with everyone. The array of vendors brought a wide range of experiences, each contributing to a rich tapestry of cannabis culture that was both inclusive and inspiring.
Keeping the energy alive throughout the event was DJ Kam Bennett, spinning the perfect mix of tracks to keep the crowd buzzing all day long. Meanwhile, the video for this blog post is set to the soundtrack of Vato Been Paid‘s hit single, “Mind on a Million,” adding a powerful vibe to the recap of this unforgettable celebration. The blend of live beats and featured music made the entire experience feel larger than life, giving both the event and the video a unique flair.
From artisanal craft products to innovative cultivation techniques, the DANK FAIR wasn’t just about the present – it was a glimpse into the future of cannabis. The vendors brought more than just strains; they offered tools, knowledge, and inspiration for anyone looking to get deeper into the cannabis lifestyle. It’s clear that this industry is evolving rapidly, and the brands at DANK FAIR are leading the charge in Minnesota and beyond.
The 2024 DANK FAIR TWIN CITIES was a celebration of all things cannabis – from the passionate people behind the products to the beats that kept the day alive. Whether you came for the strains, the music, or the sense of community, this year’s event left a lasting impression. As the cannabis culture in Minnesota continues to grow, events like this remind us why it’s such an exciting time to be part of it all.
by Leah Bartizal | Jul 27, 2024 | DIY
Growing can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is dealing with pests that can damage your plants and reduce your yield. In this blog post, let’s explore the top four pests that commonly affect marijuana plants and discuss the top three ways to treat each pest, complete with specific measurements.
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause significant damage to marijuana plants. They reproduce quickly and can be difficult to control once they’ve established a presence.
Top Treatments:
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture thoroughly on the affected plants, ensuring to cover the undersides of the leaves.
- Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
- Insecticidal Soap:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water.
- Spray the solution directly onto the spider mites and affected areas of the plant.
- Apply every 4-7 days, as needed.
- Predatory Mites:
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) at a rate of 5-10 mites per plant.
- Ensure the growing environment is favorable for the predatory mites to thrive.
- Monitor the population and reintroduce as necessary.
2. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They can weaken plants and transmit diseases.
Top Treatments:
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture on the affected plants, focusing on the undersides of leaves.
- Apply every 7 days until the infestation is controlled.
- Homemade Garlic Spray:
- Blend 2 bulbs of garlic with 1 quart of water and let it steep overnight.
- Strain the mixture and add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap.
- Spray the solution on the infested plants every 4-5 days.
- Beneficial Insects:
- Release ladybugs or lacewings at a rate of 10-20 insects per plant.
- Ensure they have a suitable environment to stay and feed on the aphids.
- Repeat as necessary to keep the aphid population in check.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and wilting.
Top Treatments:
- Yellow Sticky Traps:
- Place yellow sticky traps around your plants to catch adult whiteflies.
- Use one trap per plant or every 2-3 feet in your grow space.
- Replace traps as they become full.
- Insecticidal Soap:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water.
- Spray the solution on the affected plants, focusing on the undersides of leaves.
- Apply every 3-4 days until the whiteflies are controlled.
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture on the infested plants, ensuring to cover the undersides of the leaves.
- Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
4. Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on plant tissue, causing silvery streaks and spots on leaves.
Top Treatments:
- Spinosad Spray:
- Mix 4 tablespoons of spinosad with 1 gallon of water.
- Spray the solution on the affected plants, covering all surfaces.
- Apply every 7-10 days until the thrips are controlled.
- Blue Sticky Traps:
- Place blue sticky traps around your plants to catch adult thrips.
- Use one trap per plant or every 2-3 feet in your grow space.
- Replace traps as they become full.
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture on the infested plants, ensuring to cover all surfaces.
- Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
Pest control is a crucial aspect of successful marijuana growing. By understanding the common pests and their treatment options, you can protect your plants and ensure a healthy harvest. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to keeping pest populations under control. Happy growing!
by Leah Bartizal | Jul 10, 2024 | DIY
As I dive deeper into the world of cannabis cultivation, I’m fascinated by the different approaches growers take to achieve their goals. Two of the most discussed methods are organically grown cannabis and using conventional hydroponic fertilizer solutions. I’ve seen my friends succeed with both techniques, and I’m eager to explore the benefits and challenges of each. Let’s explore each of these a little closer…
Organically Grown Cannabis: Back to Nature
Benefits:
Natural Nutrient Profile: One of my friends swears by organic growing, using natural soil, compost, and organic fertilizers. They always talk about the richer, more complex terpene profile that enhances the plant’s aroma and flavor.
Environmental Impact: Organic growing practices focus on sustainability and caring for the environment. By using fewer synthetic inputs, we can reduce chemical runoff and help preserve soil health. This appeals to my eco-conscious friends who want to make a positive impact.
Health Benefits: For those who prioritize clean consumption, organic cannabis is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, potentially resulting in a purer product. A friend who is very health-conscious prefers this method for that reason.
Challenges:
Consistency and Control: However, I’ve heard that organic growing can be unpredictable. The nutrient availability in the soil can vary, making it more challenging to control and optimize plant growth. One friend mentioned the difficulties of maintaining consistency.
Pest Management: Without synthetic pesticides, organic growers need to be extra vigilant about pests, often relying on manual labor and natural pest control methods. This seems like a lot of work, but my friends who love being hands-on don’t mind.
Yield: Organic methods can sometimes produce lower yields compared to hydroponics, as they rely on natural processes that may not be as optimized for rapid growth. Despite this, some of my friends find the quality worth the trade-off.
Conventional Hydroponic Fertilizer Solutions: Precision and Performance
Benefits:
Controlled Environment: On the other hand, I have friends who are all about hydroponics. They love the precise control over nutrient delivery, leading to consistent growth and potentially higher yields.
Faster Growth: With nutrients delivered directly to the roots, hydroponically grown cannabis can mature faster than soil-grown plants. This appeals to my friends who are eager to see quick results.
Pest and Disease Control: Hydroponic systems often reduce the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases, leading to healthier plants. My friends who are meticulous about plant health find this aspect particularly appealing.
Challenges:
Initial Setup Cost: However, setting up a hydroponic system can be pricey and requires a learning curve to manage effectively. Some of my friends have invested a lot of time and money into getting it right.
Dependency on Technology: Hydroponics relies heavily on technology and consistent monitoring. Any system failure (e.g., pump failure, power outage) can quickly stress or damage plants. A friend shared a story about a power outage that nearly ruined their crop.
Taste and Terpene Profile: Some purists believe hydroponically grown cannabis can lack the depth of flavor and complexity found in organically grown cannabis. This is subjective, but a friend who loves rich flavors always brings this up.
The Final Verdict: Which is Right for You?
So, which method resonates with you? Imagine the lush, earthy aroma of organically grown cannabis, its rich and complex terpene profile tantalizing your senses. Now, picture the precision and performance of hydroponics, delivering consistent, high-yield harvests with remarkable efficiency. Both methods offer unique advantages and can produce exceptional cannabis.
As I learn from my friends’ successes and challenges, I realize that the choice comes down to what aligns with your values and goals. Do you lean towards the natural, sustainable approach of organic growing, or does the controlled, high-tech world of hydroponics appeal to your desire for precision and productivity?
In the end, both paths lead to a rewarding cultivation experience. Whether you choose the traditional route of organic growing or the innovative realm of hydroponics, the key is to find the balance that works best for you, your plants, and your growing philosophy.
Happy growing!
by Leah Bartizal | Jun 4, 2024 | DIY
I am thrilled to announce the launch of High Art Minnesota, a unique platform dedicated to the vibrant and growing cannabis community in the Twin Cities. This new endeavor is more than just a website; it’s a trusted resource designed to protect your privacy while keeping you informed about all the latest happenings within the local cannabis scene. High Art Minnesota is here to serve as your go-to guide for everything cannabis-related, from news and events to trusted product recommendations and community connections.
The idea for High Art Minnesota was born out of my personal journey with mental health and the healing power of cannabis. As someone who has navigated the complexities of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I understand the importance of finding reliable information and supportive communities. Through my experiences with cannabis and the arts, I discovered not only relief but also a passionate community that welcomed me with open arms. High Art Minnesota aims to extend that sense of community and support to others.
What High Art Minnesota Offers:
High Art Minnesota is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in cannabis within the Twin Cities. Here’s what you can expect from our platform:
Privacy Protection: Your privacy is our top priority. We ensure that your personal information is safeguarded, allowing you to explore the site and engage with the community confidently and securely.
Up-to-Date Information: Stay informed with the latest news, trends, and events in the local cannabis scene. From new product launches to community gatherings, High Art Minnesota keeps you in the loop.
Trusted Recommendations: Discover reliable products and services that cater to your needs. Our recommendations are based on thorough research and community feedback, ensuring that you have access to quality options.
Community Connection: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and experiences. High Art Minnesota fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where you can share your stories, ask questions, and find solidarity.
My journey to this point has been deeply personal and transformative. After surviving a traumatic police raid and the loss of a parent to suicide, I faced significant mental health challenges. The stigma surrounding PTSD, depression, and anxiety often left me feeling isolated and misunderstood. However, discovering the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and engaging in creative arts, such as music, pin-up girl photography, and jewelry design, helped me reclaim my narrative and find my community.
Launching High Art Minnesota is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of supportive networks. By sharing my story and creating this platform, I hope to inspire others to seek help, explore new avenues for healing, and connect with a community that understands and supports them. as they learn to grow their own medicine and source from the best medical dispensaries.
I invite you to explore High Art Minnesota and become part of this exciting new chapter. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned enthusiast, our platform is here to provide you with trusted information, protect your privacy, and connect you with a vibrant community in the Twin Cities. Together, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health and cannabis, and celebrate the healing and transformative power they offer while learning about our favorite lady Marijuana.
Join us at High Art Minnesota and be a part of a community that values support, privacy, and the shared journey towards wellness, acceptance and green abundance.
Leah
by Leah Bartizal | Jun 3, 2024 | DIY
Since Minnesota began targeting the illegal sale of raw cannabis flower in many registered hemp retailers, state agents have confiscated a significant amount of product with a substantial retail value.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) reports that inspectors have seized and destroyed 12,094 units of raw cannabis flower—including bags, jars, and pre-rolled joints—with an estimated retail value of $278,000. These illegal products, sourced from 58 different retail locations, totaled nearly 73 pounds of raw cannabis flower.
While it’s been legal to possess and use cannabis in Minnesota since last August, selling it remains illegal until next spring. Although many hemp-derived low-potency products like gummies and beverages have been legal since the summer of 2022, raw cannabis flower occupies a gray area. If it has low THC content, it could be legal. However, most products sold have exceeded the potency levels that separate hemp from marijuana.
The delay in cracking down on illegal sales is due to a gap in the 2023 law intended to regulate hemp products temporarily while establishing the OCM. The Office of Medical Cannabis was given temporary control over the hemp-derived market but not raw flower, only products like gummies and drinks.
This regulatory gap allowed some stores to sell flower that looks, smells, and intoxicates like marijuana, putting law-abiding retailers at a competitive disadvantage. The raw flower was often marketed as hemp with high concentrations of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which, when smoked or vaped, converts to THC.
Due to this loophole, inspectors lacked the authority to test products for THC levels. However, a test arranged by MinnPost earlier this year revealed that the flower being sold exceeded legal THC concentration levels, identifying it as high-potency cannabis.
State regulators devised a solution: an interagency agreement where medical cannabis inspectors could be deputized by the OCM to enforce the ban on raw flower sales. This agreement, effective since March 7, empowered inspectors to confiscate raw flower exceeding potency limits.
Inspectors reviewed certificates of analysis for all hemp-derived products and utilized a mobile testing lab. An enforcement notice to retailers threatened fines “in excess of $1 million” and warned that violators might jeopardize their chances of obtaining recreational licenses next year. However, no fines or citations have been issued so far.
Recent revisions to the state’s cannabis law, signed by Gov. Tim Walz (DFL), include provisions preventing the OCM from issuing licenses to businesses that violated the law after August 1, 2023, unless the violation was deemed a mistake, made in good faith, or did not involve gross negligence.
The updated law also moves all operations of the Office of Medical Cannabis, including regulation of the hemp-derived market, to the OCM starting in July, eliminating the need for the interagency agreement.
David Mendolia, owner of St. Paul Cannabis, was among the retailers who complained about the lack of regulation. He expressed satisfaction that illegal products are being removed from stores but questioned why no citations were issued.
Mendolia highlighted the unfair advantage some stores gained by selling illegal flower, stating, “The places that have been doing it have been reported by those who are better actors over and over and over and over.”
The legality of THCA flower remains contentious. Under federal law, plants with less than 0.3 percent THC by weight are classified as hemp, but when smoked or vaped, these plants can produce illegal concentrations of THC. A recent DEA letter clarified that THCA is considered marijuana, not hemp, suggesting that much of the THCA flower sold in Minnesota—and available online—may be federally illegal.
This story was first published by MinnPost.
by Leah Bartizal | Oct 17, 2023 | DIY
If you’ve been dedicating the last year to growing your own cannabis, and you’ve recently completed a successful harvest, you’re likely eager to indulge in your homegrown buds. However, it’s crucial to remember that your work is only halfway done. The next steps in the process, including drying, trimming, and curing, are vital to elevate the quality, flavor, and smokability of your freshly grown flowers.
The post-harvest steps, whether you’re a commercial cannabis company or a small-scale grower, are pivotal in ensuring the quality of your crop. Each step in the cannabis post-production process offers various methods and techniques, which can significantly impact the final product. To shed light on the best practices and help home growers maximize their harvest, we spoke with three seasoned cultivators.
Emphasized the importance of post-production, noting that it accounts for 50% of producing high-quality end-products. Rushing the drying process or leaving too much fan leaf on the buds can ruin a visually appealing flower.
Also highlighted the need to adapt post-production methods to the specific genetics of each cannabis strain. Different strains require distinct handling during cultivation and post-production.
Drying:
After harvesting, the next step is drying your buds. Proper drying is essential not only for preserving and enhancing terpenes but also for preventing mold and bacteria growth. Different cultivators employ various techniques, such as hanging plants upside down in canopies, maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels, and ensuring even airflow in the drying room.
Curing:
Curing involves placing properly dried cannabis in airtight containers to eliminate harmful bacteria, mold, and chlorophyll. This process contributes to a smoother smoke, retains flavor and terpene profiles, and reduces unwanted chlorophyll. Curing durations can vary, ranging from seven to ten days to as long as 17 to 28 days, depending on factors like bud size.
Trimming:
Trimming involves the removal of sugar and fan leaves from around the bud. It’s a critical step in preserving a product’s shelf-life. The trimming process can vary, with some growers opting for on-stem trimming to minimize handling and disturbance to the trichomes.
Dry Trim vs. Wet Trim:
There’s a debate between dry trimming and wet trimming. Some cultivators prefer dry trimming, while others employ a two-stage method of both wet and dry trimming, adapting their approach to the specific strain.
A Close Shave Vs. Leaving the Leaf:
Preserving the bud structure is a key consideration during the trimming process. While consumers prefer not to see excessive leaf on the buds, it’s equally important not to over-trim. The balance between manicuring the buds and preserving their structure is crucial.
Preserving Terpenes:
Terpenes, the compounds responsible for cannabis strains’ unique aromas and flavors, are essential for crafting a desirable final product. Maintaining terpenes involves careful control of temperature and humidity throughout the post-harvest process.
It’s All About the Humidity:
All three experienced growers stressed the importance of maintaining the correct humidity levels throughout post-production. Proper humidity control, achieved through methods like dehumidifiers and fans, is crucial to preventing mold and preserving the quality of the buds.
Pro Advice for Home Growers:
For home growers, the post-production process is just as critical as it is for commercial cultivators. Proper drying and curing, along with careful trimming, are essential to ensure your hard work results in a high-quality end product. Home growers should create a controlled environment for drying, use glass jars for curing on a small scale, and be mindful of temperature, humidity, and airflow.
Understanding the intricacies of post-production processes in cannabis cultivation can help you appreciate the nuances and craftsmanship that go into producing high-quality cannabis products. Whether you’re a small-scale home grower or a commercial cultivator, the right post-harvest techniques are essential for achieving the best results.
