by Leah Bartizal | Dec 20, 2023 | Seed Talk
Cultivators often seek out feminized seeds for their cannabis growing endeavors due to the exclusive yield of female plants. Female cannabis plants are favored for their ability to develop high levels of cannabinoids, contributing to increased potency in harvested buds.
Feminized seeds, while slightly pricier, streamline the cultivation process. This cost difference is a result of the sex reversal process employed during breeding, which includes frequent foliar spray applications.
Distinguishing Feminized from Regular Seeds
In contrast to regular seeds, which yield a 50% chance of male and 50% chance of female plants, feminized seeds eliminate the risk of male plants entirely. Male cannabis plants lack bud and cannabinoid production, focusing instead on pollen for fertilizing nearby female plants. Opting for female cannabis seeds ensures a concentration on maximizing bud production and overall potency.
The Allure of “Sinsemilla”
The appeal of “sinsemilla” or seedless cannabis lies in the absence of seeds, resulting in a product with higher cannabinoid levels. This type of cannabis is highly sought after for its premium quality. By avoiding the pollination of female plants, energy is directed towards developing cannabinoid-rich flowers rather than seed production.
Choosing Feminized Cannabis Seeds
When deciding between regular and feminized cannabis seeds, several factors come into play. Consider the size of your garden, the time investment you’re willing to make, and the allowable plant count in your region. Larger cultivation operations may struggle with identifying and removing male plants in a timely manner, while grow tents may lack the space for non-bud-producing male plants. In regions with restrictions on the number of plants allowed, opting for feminized seeds becomes a practical choice to ensure each plant contributes to bud production.
Understanding the Feminization Process
For those unfamiliar with cannabis breeding, creating feminized cannabis seeds involves the foliar application of a silver-based solution during the flowering stage. This process inhibits ethylene production necessary for female plants to form flowers, causing them to develop male pollen sacs. The pollen from these sacs is then used to pollinate other female plants, resulting in the creation of feminized seeds. Although this method is time-consuming and requires a financial investment, it ensures a high success rate, with approximately 99.99% of the resulting seeds being female.
by Leah Bartizal | Oct 17, 2023 | Minnesota Cannabis News
On August 1st, Minnesota joined the growing list of states legalizing recreational cannabis use. Coincidentally, residents immediately began searching for marijuana seeds.
Back in 2012, Colorado and Washington pioneered the legalization of recreational cannabis use, and over the past decade, nearly two dozen jurisdictions, including three territories (most recently the US Virgin Islands) and the District of Columbia, have followed suit. Today, about half of Americans reside in states where cannabis is legally accessible.
With the widespread acceptance and regulation of cannabis, more consumers have developed a keen interest in cultivating their own plants and cultivating their own buds at home. However, the ability to buy seeds comes with certain restrictions, as most states limit the number of plants that can be grown in a household simultaneously.
Many aspiring home growers aim to save money by producing their supply, and some relish the opportunity to nurture a plant from seed to flower in their own gardens. In certain states, buying seeds remains the only legal way to obtain cannabis.
For instance, in Minnesota, most recreational dispensaries won’t be operational until 2025. This delay is due to the state needing time to establish an oversight system for its forthcoming retail market. A few recreational stores have opened in tribal nations, which have sovereignty and can operate independently from the state.
Virginia finds itself in a different situation. In 2021, the state legislature legalized recreational cannabis use and possession, but they haven’t set up the necessary regulations to create a commercial marketplace for cannabis products. In the interim, some local horticulture companies and smoke shops have resorted to selling or even giving away seeds as a workaround.
After Maryland legalized recreational cannabis in July, volunteers from the local advocacy group Maryland Marijuana Justice organized a statewide seed giveaway, distributing 30,000 cannabis seeds to the public for free. They saw this as a milestone in cannabis policy reform.
In Minnesota, shops only began selling seeds last month, but some retailers have been selling them for a while due to the unclear legal status of seeds. Online cannabis seed banks, serving customers nationwide, have seen a significant increase in business, particularly in the first two years of the pandemic.
The reasoning was simple: if you’re concerned about obtaining your medicine, you’re more likely to grow your own. However, many seed shipments have been confiscated by the US Postal Service.
Cannabis seeds occupy a peculiar place in the intersection of botany and the law. While cannabis itself remains a Schedule I controlled substance, seeds contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component responsible for the euphoric high. Due to an intriguing provision in agricultural laws, the THC content, or lack thereof, in cannabis seeds might classify them as ordinary seeds.
In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp production, a specific cannabis variety characterized by low THC levels. Hemp has various applications, from energy production to agriculture and manufacturing. However, hemp can’t produce a high because it contains less than 0.3% THC when dry.
In the past year, a lawyer named Shane Pennington specializing in federal cannabis regulation wrote a letter to the Drug Enforcement Agency to clarify the status of cannabis seeds. He argued that cannabis seeds, with their negligible THC content, should be considered akin to hemp. The agency surprisingly agreed with Pennington, a determination now known as the “Pennington letter.”
Pennington felt vindicated by this letter but cautioned that due to the novelty of this legal area, individuals could still face issues if authorities continue to enforce outdated or conflicting laws. “People need to be very careful,” he emphasized.
In a way, cannabis seeds straddle a gray area. On their own, they escape strict control due to their minimal THC content. However, because they have the potential to evolve into controlled substances through careful cultivation, sellers often adopt unusual marketing strategies to mitigate risks.
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.
