Marijuana Grower's Handbook

by Ed Rosenthal

  •The loose trichomes that are broken off while manicuring are known as kief. Because kief contains cannabinoids but little vegetation, it is much more concentrated and potent by volume than buds. A screen with a mesh count of about 100 strands per square inch (100 strands per 6.5 sq cm) allows glands to drop through for collection while retaining the plant material on the screen.

  •Many gardeners raise the temperature of the curing-drying space to hasten the drying process. However, many terpenes evaporate between 70-85° F (21-29° C). When they evaporate, the buds taste stale and loses their personality. For this reason, it is important to control the temperature of the curing-drying space.

  •There are two good ways to determine bud dryness, the “stick” test and the joint test. For the stick test, bend the little stem that holds the bud together and if it snaps, it is dry enough. For the joint test, roll a thin joint to see if it stays lit between puffs, if not the bud is still too wet.

  POST-HARVEST

  Leaves and trim, the natural byproduct of growing buds, present an interesting paradox. The bud is the plant’s crown jewel at 5-20% THC. However, cannabis produces THC throughout the plant. Sticky resin glands coat the leaves and bracts, creating a natural protective barrier against insects, disease, herbivores, and the sun’s UV rays.

  When trim and leaves are tossed, 10-20% of the plant’s total THC production is thrown away. When tossing it out, trash is everything that isn’t bud. It you are going to use it, it should be sorted. Stems and woody parts of the plant are not salvageable. The sticks and stems have little THC so they can be trashed.

  The small leaves near the flowers are the most potent, followed by the younger, and then older fan leaves. Any material with visible glands is worth keeping. There are many uses for trash, the most popular being kief, hash, maripills and cannabis food.

  Kief is a powder that consists of the loose glands removed from marijuana buds and plant material. It looks like minute grains of sand. Once kief is made it can be used in a number of ways. The glands are delicious smoked fresh. Kief is also an excellent ingredient for cooking and use in capsules. Without the vegetative matter attached the glands do not impart the dominating “green taste” to edibles.

  Hashish is a collection of marijuana’s resinous glands that have been compressed into balls, cakes, or slabs. Pressing hashish transforms the collected material both chemically and physically. The glands are warmed and some are broken, releasing the sticky oils that contain the psychoactive cannabinoids, as well as the terpenes- the source of marijuana’s smell and taste.

  Eating cannabis foods is a healthy way to use marijuana without inhaling. However, eating marijuana is a different experience than inhaling it. It isn’t an immediate rush. Instead, the sensation begins gradually, about half an hour to an hour after ingestion.

  Things to Know

  •Maripills are capsules filled with processed marijuana and ingested orally. For patients, they are an easy way to measure dose, and a safer alternative to smoking dried buds.

  •In 19th-century Paris, the Club de Hachichins met for the express purpose of eating hashish. Authors and poets whose works we now consider classics were members. In the 1920s, Alice B. Toklas published her infamous brownie recipe that popularized brownies as the cannabis food of choice in modern times.

  GLOSSARY

  Aeroponics: is a technique of growing in which the roots hang in the air of an enclosed chamber. A continuous spray of fine mist irrigates the roots with droplets that cover them with a thin film of highly oxygenated water.

  Anti-transpirants: are compounds applied foliarly that reduce transpiration (see transpiring), and preserve and protect plants from drying out too quickly. Anti-transpirants can also be used to protect leaves from salt burn and fungal diseases.

  Apical Meristem: is the growing tip of the stem. Cells in the apical meristem are capable of dividing indefinitely and their main function is the production of new growth.

  Auto-flower: is a plant that flowers without environmental cues such as light period or heat.

  ATP (Energy Molecule): stands for adenosine triphosphate, and is the energy currency of cells.

  Auxins: are hormones that regulate or modify the growth of plants, including form or shape as well as root formation and bud growth.

  Ballast: is an attachment that converts electrical current to the appropriate current needed to power the light.

  Calyx: are the outer leaves that envelope the bud.

  Cannabidiol (CBD): is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. CBD is not intoxicating. It relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, as well as inhibits cancer cell growth. It does not dock on the brain’s CB1 receptor, but only on the CB2 receptors located in areas outside the brain.

  Capillary Mats: are about 0.25” (60 mm) thick. They are made from soft polyester covered with opaque polyethylene perforated with small holes. They have great wicking ability and are used in sub-irrigation systems.

  Chlorosis: is a reduction in or loss of the normal green coloration caused by a lack of chlorophyll.

  Clorophyll: is the green pigment in plants that photosynthesizes by absorbing light. Chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light.

  Chloroplast: is a semi-autonomous organelle which holds the chlorophyll. It contains some of its own genetic material and has some ability to direct the synthesis of its own proteins.

  Consemilla: refers to a mature marijuana bud with seeds. From the Spanish “con” for “with”, and “semilla” for “seed”, meaning “with seed”.

  Cotyledons: are the pair of embryonic leaves that appear at germination.

  Crimping: a method of bending branches by damaging the tissue to make it easier and create a stronger stem.

  Cytokinins: are plant hormones that work with auxin to promote cell division (general growth) and lateral growth.

  Dopamine: is an essential brain chemical that regulates movement and emotion. A lack of dopamine in the brain contributes to Parkinson’s Disease.

  Fan leaves: are large leaves that collect sunlight. The leaf symbol is commonly associated with cannabis.

  Fertigation: is the application of fertilizers to planting mix using an irrigation system.

  Foot-candle (fc): is a unit used to define the amount of illumination the inside surface of a 1’ (30 cm) radius sphere would be receiving if there were a uniform point source of one candela in the exact center of the sphere.

  Friable: refers to the consistency of the soil; friable soil forms a clod when squeezed into a fist but easily crumbles when it is poked.

  Ganja: is the term for marijuana in Jamaica and is the same as in India. Indian immigrants brought the tradition with them.

  Gibberellins: are plant hormones that stimulate the growth and stretching of leaves and shoots. Unlike auxins they tend to affect the whole plant.

  Hemp: is the common name for plants of the entire genus cannabis, although the term commonly refers to cannabis strains cultivated for industrial (non-drug) use. Hemp is cultivated for oil and fiber.

  Incandescents: are common screw-in lamps powered by an electrically heated filament.

  Hermaphrodite: is a plant which has both male and female flowers. This may be caused genetically, by stress, or by using hormones and chemicals.

  Hydrocarbons: are compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen.

  Kali: is the traditional Jamaican term for the best weed and is named for the Indian killer goddess.

  Light Movers: move lights along a track or circularly for better light distribution.

  Limonene: is a terpene found in citrus rind and many other fruits and flowers, including cannabis. Limonene has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer and anti-depressant properties.

  Lumen: is a unit for measuring light.

  Lux: is a metric measure of light.

  Macronutrients: are the nutrients that are used in large quantities by the plant. They are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K).

  Micronutrients:
are the nutrients that are used in smaller quantities by the plant. They are calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and boron (B).

  Myrcene: is the most prevalent terpene found in most varieties of marijuana. It smells clove-like, earthy, green-vegetative, citrus, fruity with tropical mango or minty nuances. It is a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.

  Necrotic: are dead patches of tissue on a leaf.

  Node: is the spot where the leaf joins the stem.

  Organelles: are specialized bodies within the cell that have a specialized function. In most cases, the organelle is separated from the rest of the cell by selectively permeable membranes and maintains its own DNA.

  Over-winter: describes techniques used to live through the winter season. Insects over-winter as adults, pupae, or eggs.

  PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation): refers to light in the range of 400-700 nanometers.

  Petiole: is the stalk or support that attaches the blade of a leaf to the stem.

  Photosynthesis: is the chemical reaction, powered by energy from light, by which the plant uses light energy to combine water and CO2 to make sugars and release oxygen.

  Phytochrome: is a photoreversible pigment that controls flowering. It exists in two forms: red and far-red sensitive.

  Pinene: is a terpene with an odor associated with pine trees. It is found in many plants including cannabis, rosemary, sage and eucalyptus. It improves memory, increases focus, self-satisfaction and energy.

  Pistil: is the ovule-bearing organ of a flower.

  Rhizosphere: is the area of soil immediately surrounding the plant roots which contains many organisms living in a community.

  Ruderalis: is a variety of cannabis that is not dependant on the light cycle or other environmental cues to flower.

  Serotonin: is a neurotransmitter involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes.

  Short Day Plant: flowers based on a critical dark period.

  Sinsemilla: is Spanish for “without seeds”, this refers to a seedless female flowers.

  Stretching: is the elongation of the stem caused by a combination of heat and inadequate light.

  Supercropping: is a technique of training top branches to grow horizontally so that the primary bud is exposed to more light.

  Terpenes: are the essential oils of plants which create the odors we smell. Plants produce terpenes for three reasons, to attract pollinators, to attract predators of herbivores and to repel or kill herbivores. Marijuana is wind pollinated so it doesn’t need to attract pollinators and outdoors it is resilient to insect predation.

  Tetra-hydrocannibinol (THC): is the main psychoactive substance found in cannabis.

  Transpiration: is the loss of water vapor from a plant to the outside atmosphere. It takes place mainly through the stomata of the leaves. Although its function is disputed, it may reduce leaf temperature, but what is definitely known is that water vapors are emitted through the leaves and water is lost.

  Trichomes: are glands growing off of the leaves and buds that contain THC.

  PEST & DISEASE APPENDIX

  PESTS

  Pests are among the most annoying and difficult problems facing gardeners. The best way to deal with them is to prevent them from entering. No matter the growing method, pests will infect your garden if they are given a chance. Here are some ways of prevent ing them from getting in:

  Pets: Pests enter using pets as transportation. Don’t let your pets in the garden. Their fur also accumulates on sticky buds

  Clothing: Clothing worn outdoors can carry in pests. Even a single pest can be a vector for a fast growing colony. After going outside, wash and dress in freshly laundered clothes.

  Plant Quarantine: Before letting a plant enter a pest-free garden, place it in quarantine and use a pesticide/fungicide spray or dip just to be sure.

  Planting Mix: Make sure the planting mix is composed of inert or pasteurized ingredients. Planting mix that is not inert or pasteurized may contain pests and diseases.

  Pest Highways & Airways: Make sure all air coming into the garden space is filtered. Repair any cracks, holes or other open spaces.

  The larger an insect infestation the harder it is to eradicate. It is easier to deal with a small infection rather than a large one. This section provides information that allows you to recognize and eradicate pests that commonly affect cannabis. In this guide, pests are listed in alphabetical order, but the ones that are most likely to attack your plants are—aphids, fungus gnats, mealy bugs, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. A description of each pest is provided so that you can detect it both from the pest itself and by the damage that is done. Preventative and control methods are provided to both keep the pest away from the plants and get rid of an infestation.

  ANTS

  Ants are abundant both indoors and outdoors. Most of the species that affect marijuana use it for grazing their herds of aphids and mealy bugs.

  Ants can be found in the soil or planting medium, where they nest. They climb the stalk and graze their herds of aphids and mealy bugs on the leaves. They nest in underground colonies causing damage to the roots. The aphids and mealy bugs they herd are severe threats to plants because they suck vital juices.

  Ants are attracted to plants that already have aphids, whiteflies, mealy bugs, and scale. Then they take these pests to new grazing areas. First they spread out on the plant, then move the herd to new plants. Aphids, mealy bugs, and whiteflies secrete a sticky substance known as “honeydew,” a sugar concentrate of the plant’s sap. Ants eat it, but it also supports sooty mold. It is important to exterminate ants because they herd insects, and their nesting results in root damage.

  Ants are social creatures, living in colonies of queens and supported by workers. Some species have only one queen per colony, while others may have several. The ant life cycle begins with an egg laid by a queen, then progresses through a larval and pupal stage, then adulthood. In many species only the oldest adults work outside the colony. 90% of the ants work in the nest. Colonies reproduce when a newly hatched queen selects several males and either walks or flies to a new location.

  Ants regulate their reproductive rates depending on conditions in the colony and the outside environment. They do this partly by regulating the length of the pupal stage and partly by varying how many larvae or pupae are transformed into queens. With suitable weather and ample food and water reproductive rate increase. To protect the plant you need to eliminate the colony, rather than the few ants you see because lost workers are rapidly replaced.

  ANTS HERDING APHIDS

  PREVENTION

  There are many ways to deter ants from wandering into the grow area and getting to the plants.

  + Moats: ants don’t swim so moats prevent them from crawling from floor or table to the container. A simple moat can be made using a wide tray and a support such as a thick piece of Styrofoam or a block of wood. Place the plant container on top of the support. Fill the tray with water. Alternately, place the table legs in a moat.

  + Ants are repulsed by cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves. Make a perimeter of ground spices around the garden that ants will not cross. Teas brewed from these spices also repulses ants.

  + Boric acid, which is sometimes used as an eyewash, also makes a good barrier.

  + Ground diatomaceous earth is often used in swimming pool filters and kills insects with its sharp points, which puncture insects crawling over it. It is effective when it is dry, but not when wet.

  + Sticky cards, flypaper, or petroleum jelly are effective when they are wrapped around the stem. Don’t apply it directly. Instead wrap paper around the stem and then apply the sticky substance to the paper. It is an easy non-toxic solution to ants. Two products that are designed for this are sticky traps and Tanglefoot, a stick-um that is spread on surfaces. Sticky cards also make good barriers.

  CONTROL

  + Spices: Use a cinnamon-clove tea to flush
ants from planting mediums. Ants vacate the premises in the presence of either dry powdered spice or spice tea. Other natural substances repulsive to ants include cayenne pepper, citric extracts, mint extracts, and cream of tartar.

  + Boric Acid baits: Ants are attracted to either in greasy or sugary foods. Sweets and fats mixed with boric acid make a toxic ant lunch.

  + Pyrethrum: Pyrethrum is natural and harvested from chrysanthemum which is lethal to ants. It is available as powders and liquids.

  + Commercial ant baits and stakes use minute amounts of poison to kill ants and carry the toxic substances back to the nest. Many brands are available.

  + Saccharopolyspora spinosa is a beneficial bacteria that kills fire ants and some other species.

  APHIDS

  Aphids are a common indoor pest. They attack plants outdoors in warm weather.

  Aphids are small pear-shaped soft-bodied insects about 1-3 mm long. There are thousands of species that vary in color from green to yellow, black or brown. Depending on the species and the stage of life the aphid is in, it may have wings, wax or “wool” made from webbing they secrete, or other unique features.

  A common trait of apids which ditinguishes them from all other insects is the pair of tailpipe-like cornicles which extend from their abdomen.

  Aphids colonize the stems and undersides of plant leaves. Some species, such as the black bean aphid, are quite noticeable because their color stands out from the plant. Others, such as the green peach orchid, are often colored spring green and blend in with young leaves.

  Aphids puncture stems, branches and leaves and suck sap from them using a straw-like mouth, called a cornicle. To obtain enough protein, aphids suck a lot of juice, refine the protein and excrete the concentrated sugar solution referred to as “honeydew,” which attracts ants that herd the suckers, protecting them from predators. Honeydew is a growth medium for sooty fungus, which causes necrosis of plant tissue.