Growing pot

Growing Cannabis is taking the country by storm. Whether it’s licensed growers, greenhouse companies, or even home gardeners, marijuana has become a crop that people are paying attention to.

Much of this is because of the research being done on the benefits of this plant in pain management, epilepsy, glaucoma, anxiety, arthritis and diet. Marijuana is grown primarily for the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is the psychoactive element in the plant that makes you ‘high’. The level of THC present in available varieties of plants has increased over the years through breeding programs, making today’s marijuana significantly stronger than plants in the ’60s, the boom of pot usage. Also present is cannabidol (CBD), which affects the brain without the high. Unfortunately, the cannabidol properties have been reduced through breeding programs designed to increase the THC levels.

Marijuana is a flowering plant that has both male and female sexed plants with the females producing the buds and seeds. It is treated like an annual in northern climates. These plants smell strong—really strong—like ‘Oh HELL NO!’ strong. Planting on a patio or in the backyard is going to irritate your neighbours because of the intense skunk-like funk of these budding plants.

To grow these plants well, you need about 16 hours of sunlight a day. The increased sun encourages root and leaf growth that are important to the health of the plant but are not what most growers are looking for. The THC resides in the buds of the cannabis plant. The plant will set buds when light levels begin to drop. Through selective breeding programs, there are many strains of marijuana that are auto-flowering and will set flowers earlier in the season even when the days are long.

When it comes to choosing plant strains, there are some terms you should be aware of. Sativa plants are tall and scraggly and prefer hot and moist conditions as they are commonly found in Mexico and Southern Asia. These plants can grow between 8- and 12-feet tall, easily towering over everything else in the garden.

Indica are shorter, bushier plants and better suited towards growing in colder and harsher climates. Don’t let their stature fool you, Indica plants are known for the strength of buzz from the THC.

Both varieties need some special care when it comes to planting in the garden. The roots of these plants are very important. They need to be cared for with good, loose soil. They do not do well in heavy clay situations. When container planting, provide lots of space for heavy root development. Also ensure that your containers have adequate drainage. Marijuana plants need significant watering however the roots are susceptible to drowning.

Here are some simple ricks you can do to grow healthy cannabis plants

1. Mist them with a soluble solution high in nitrogen. Beware of adding fertilizer to the soil to avoid root-burn. Damaging the roots of these plants definitely impacts bud production.
2. Always start your plants from seeds. Many professional growers will use clones or cuttings for propagation, but this has to be done in a carefully controlled situation to prevent the genetic spread of weak strains.
3. Make sure to plant female seeds to ensure that you get buds. If you are purchasing your seeds from a reputable supplier, they are able to guarantee you some feminized seeds. If you are growing out some seeds from your neighbour, grow more than you think you need to ensure that you get at least one female plant.
4. Cannabis is harvested when the white hair-like pistils begin to look ‘rusty’. This orange colour is a sign that the buds have matured, however some growers prefer to harvest early and more frequently to test levels of THC present.
5. Cure your buds in a dark dry place that has some airflow. The curing process will bring out a more mellow flavour, as the healthy bacteria will break down the sugars and chlorophyll. Pay attention though, you can over dry your bud losing potency.

Whatever your personal opinion, the efficacy of growing marijuana, this plant continues to be popping up all around us and like all of the other plants in the garden. Knowledge is key. As the government has stated, the plant isn’t the problem, its how we use it. Many of our garden specimens like castor beans, rhubarb, datura and monkshood all have more ominous uses that we choose to overlook. Maybe one day Cannabis will bay the same, just another herb in the kitchen garden.

carson@carsonarthur.com