“The cannabis plant has been around for thousands of years and has been used as a medicine for most of that time. It's a very complex plant with a lot of moving parts. The more you learn about it, the more you realize how little you know.”

- Steve DeAngelo, Cannabis Activist and Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Harborside Health Center

Welcome back, Cannabis Khan community! After a brief hiatus, we're thrilled to return with renewed energy and expanded vision for our blog.

Here at Cannabis Khan, we're committed to providing a diverse range of content that caters to all aspects of the cannabis world. While our deep dives into individual cannabis strains will continue, we're excited to broaden our scope. Our goal is to offer a well-rounded look at the multifaceted universe of cannabis - going beyond just strain-specific growing tips!

In the coming weeks and just in general moving forward, you can expect a rich tapestry of content. We'll be exploring various ways cannabis can positively influence and benefit our lives. From cultivation techniques and specific medicinal benefits to creative recipes (think cannabis-infused butters and herbal teas), we're here to inform, inspire, and engage.

To kick off this new chapter, we're diving into essential knowledge for aspiring cannabis growers. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned gardener venturing into cannabis cultivation, these 10 facts will set you on the path to success. Let's get growing!

1. Cannabis is a resilient plant, but it's not invincible

While cannabis has earned the nickname "weed" for its ability to grow in various conditions (did you know that's where the term came from?), don't be fooled – it still requires proper care and attention. Respect the plant, and it will reward you with bountiful harvests.

Pay attention to signs of stress like yellowing or spotted leaves or drooping, and adjust your care routine accordingly. Remember, a healthy plant is more resistant to pests and diseases.

2. Genetics matter – choose your seeds wisely

Your end product is only as good as the genetics you start with. Be diligent in your research on where you are obtaining your seeds; be sure to research reputable seed banks and choose strains that align with your growing environment and desired effects. Consider factors like plant height, flowering time, and resistance to mold or pests. Don't shy away from asking for recommendations from experienced growers or seed bank representatives.

3. Light is life for your cannabis plants

Cannabis thrives on light (I mean, don't almost all living things?). Whether you're growing outdoors or indoors, understanding light cycles is absolutely crucial for vegetative growth and flowering.

Pro tip: Invest in a quality grow light if you're cultivating indoors. For outdoor grows, ensure your plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. During the flowering stage, maintaining a strict light schedule (typically 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness) is crucial for bud development.

Pro tip #2: If growing indoors, we highly recommend investing in a quality grow tent, like those made by AC Infinity. Having a set up like this allows you to have a high level of control of your grow environment, including temperature and humidity levels, as well as control over the lighting schedule.

4. Soil quality can make or break your grow

Your plants are only as healthy as the soil they grow in! This is important.

Opt for high-quality, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Your plants will thank you with lush growth and potent buds. Consider adding perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration. If you're feeling adventurous, try creating your own super soil mix with added beneficial microorganisms. But be cautious with this if you are just starting out - sometimes it's best to just stick to the basics until you know what you're doing.

5. pH balance is the secret sauce

Now, this next section here cannot be overstated:

Maintaining the right pH level in your soil or hydroponic solution is crucial for nutrient uptake.

Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for soil, and 5.5 to 6.5 for hydroponic setups. Invest in a reliable pH meter and adjust regularly.

Remember, different nutrients are absorbed optimally at different pH levels, so slight fluctuations within the ideal range can be beneficial. Just be sure to double check on the site where you purchased your nutrient for what they say is optimal range for their specific brand, but if in-doubt, stick with a 6.0-7.0 range, if growing in soil.

Consider investing in some simple pH solutions that can be easily purchased online or at a local gardening store. We recommend obtaining and having in stock one solution to increase pH (make more basic/alkaline), and one to decrease pH (make more acidic), as you don't know what you'll need until you test with the pH meter.

6. Patience is a virtue in cannabis cultivation

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a quality cannabis crop. From seed to harvest, you're looking at 3-5 months for most strains.

It's a journey, so embrace it, and learn from each stage of growth.

As you approach the end of the flowering stage and start to feel like your plants might be ready for harvest, it's crucial to resist the urge to harvest prematurely. Instead, take these important steps:

1. Invest in a 60x microscope:

   • You can find affordable options for as little as $5-$10 online or in gardening stores.

   • This tool is invaluable for accurately assessing trichome maturity.

2. Inspect the trichomes closely:

   • Use your microscope to examine the trichomes on various parts of your buds.

   • Look at multiple buds and sites on the plant for a comprehensive assessment.

3. Understand trichome colors:

   • Clear trichomes: Not ready. The plant is still developing cannabinoids.

   • Milky white trichomes: Peak THC content. This is generally the ideal time to harvest.

   • Amber trichomes: THC is beginning to degrade into CBN, which can produce more sedative effects.

4. Aim for the sweet spot:

   • For most strains, aim for mostly milky white trichomes.

   • It's okay if you see a few amber trichomes starting to appear.

   • The exact ratio can vary based on personal preference and desired effects.

5. Continue monitoring:

   • Check your plants every day as you near harvest time.

   • Trichomes can change quickly in the final days.

Remember, rushing to harvest can significantly impact the potency and quality of your final product. By using a microscope and paying close attention to trichome development, you ensure that you're harvesting your cannabis at the peak of its potency and flavor profile. This extra bit of patience and attention to detail in the final stretch can make a world of difference in the quality of your harvest.

7. Climate control is key

Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity is crucial throughout your cannabis growing journey. Each stage requires different conditions for optimal growth:

1. Vegetative Stage:

   • Daytime temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)

   • Nighttime temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)

   • Relative Humidity: 50-70%

   • Higher temperatures and humidity encourage vigorous growth during this stage.

2. Flowering Stage:

   • Daytime temperature: 65-80°F (18-26°C)

   • Nighttime temperature: 55-70°F (13-21°C)

   • Relative Humidity: 40-50%

   • Cooler temperatures promote denser bud formation and enhance terpene production.

3. Late Flowering (last 2-3 weeks):

   • Consider lowering temperatures slightly to 60-75°F (15-24°C) to bring out colors and boost trichome production.

4. Drying:

   • Consistent temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)

   • Relative Humidity: 45-55%

   • Stable, cooler conditions preserve terpenes and promote a slow, even dry.

5. Curing:

   • Temperature: Around 70°F (21°C)

   • Relative Humidity in jars: 58-62% (using humidity packs are highly recommended for the curing part of the process)

Key Points:

• Monitor your grow space regularly and invest in reliable temperature and humidity control equipment (AC Infinity grow tent, Air Conditioning units, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, etc.).

• Be mindful of the temperature difference between day and night (DIF), as it can affect plant growth and structure.

• Adjust your climate control strategy as you move through different growth stages.

• Some strains may have specific preferences, so always observe your plants and be ready to make slight adjustments. If available on the site where you purchased your seeds, inquire for specifics recommendations on environmental conditions on growing that strain).

Remember, consistent climate control not only promotes healthy growth but also helps prevent issues like mold, mildew, and pest infestations. Your attention to these details will significantly impact the quality and quantity of your final harvest.

8. Less is more when it comes to nutrients

It's easy to get excited and over-fertilize, but this can lead to nutrient burn.

Start with lower doses and gradually increase as needed. Remember, it's easier to add nutrients than to remove them.

Pay attention to your plants – they'll tell you what they need. Yellowing lower leaves often indicate nitrogen deficiency, while burnt leaf tips suggest nutrient burn.

When it comes to searching for which nutrient brand you want to use, you have of course some freedom here. However, we do recommend using a nutrient that is made for feeding cannabis specifically. Some brands we recommend looking at are Canna, Fox Farm, General Hydroponics, and Emerald Harvest, just to name a few that we trust.

9. Male plants can crash the party

Unless you're breeding, male plants are NOT your friends.

Learn to identify and remove them early to prevent pollination of your female plants, which can reduce the quality and quantity of your harvest. Look for pollen sacs on male plants, which appear a few weeks into the flowering stage. If you're unsure, isolate suspected males until you can confirm their sex.

Source: Ditchfield, J., & Thomas, M. (2014). Male cannabis flowers In The Medical Cannabis Guidebook (p. 162). Green Candy Press.

10. Proper drying and curing are the final touches of craftsmanship!

The work isn't over at harvest time. Proper drying and curing are essential for bringing out the best flavors, aromas, and effects of your cannabis.

Don't rush this final stage – it's worth the wait! Aim for a slow dry in a dark room with temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and 45-55% humidity. Follow this with a cure in airtight jars, "burping" them daily for the first week or two to release excess moisture. Burping means you will open the jars to let them air out for about 10-15 minutes daily for the first week, and then can reduce to every few days, depending on how the curing is going. We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks for curing, but ideally 2-4 weeks. However, you can start testing small samples at the 7-10 day mark!

Remember, growing cannabis is both an art and a science. It's a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the process!

Stay tuned for more in-depth guides and our upcoming DIY grow course.

Happy growing, Cannabis Khan community!