cannabis
"The illegality of Cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world."
- Carl Sagan
- Carl Sagan
First things first
The genus Cannabis represents a number of flowering plant species native to Asia. Plants in this genus are annual, dioecious, and have distinctive serrated, compound palmate leaves. These plants, due to their chemical properties, have been the focus of much cultural discourse and scientific research. In the following guide, you'll learn all about Cannabis plants, including a history of their cultivation, the battle over their legality, their chemistry, and how to grow them.
history of cannabis use and cultivation
Cannabis plants and humans have a long, dramatic shared history, beginning between 10,500 and 8,500 years ago in the Prepottery Neolithic B Period. Archaeological evidence shows that for millennia, these plants have been cultivated for their use for fibers and ropes, food and medicine, and for their psychoactive qualities for religious and recreational purposes. The first places to cultivate Cannabis plants were Japan, China and Korea. From there, use and cultivation spread to India, and was incorporated into Hindu practice and culture. The plants and their use continued to spread, and by the 1500s had been established in many places around the world. In 1607, Cannabis plants were being cultivated in the area of what is now Richmond, Virginia by the native American people.
legal information concerning the cultivation of cannabis
In the United States, Cannabis has a tumultuous and long history, dating back to
cannabis chemistry
cannabis species and varietals
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the Hemp family Cannabaceae, which includes 170 species divided into 11 genera. The most well-known of these genera are Humulus (Hops) and Celtis (Hackberry). The genus Cannabis was previously placed in the Nettle family (Urticaceae) or the Mulberry family (Moraceae), and there are three species. These species are classified in different ways by separate authorities; all three species under C. sativa, all three species separated, or C. ruderalis included under C. sativa. For sake of ease of comprehension, they have all been listed as separate species below.
Quick Question: What is the difference between cannabis and hemp?
Although commonly used interchangeably, these two terms represent products derived from the cannabis plant. Hemp products include fiber, seeds (along with their oils and extracts), and leaves. Cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis flowers as recreational and medicinal drugs.
Although commonly used interchangeably, these two terms represent products derived from the cannabis plant. Hemp products include fiber, seeds (along with their oils and extracts), and leaves. Cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis flowers as recreational and medicinal drugs.
caring for cannabis plants
propagation
Bad germination techniques... enough with the unsterilized tissue paper, already!
Bad germination techniques are rife among cannabis growers, especially those working indoors. Many people believe that sticking the seed in a moist tissue and enclosing it in a sealed container like a plastic bag or even an empty CD case will be successful, but most of the time these individuals face issues with fungal and bacterial damping off pathogens. Where legal, if you'd prefer to be successful, follow these steps:
- Soak-sterilize (diluted hydrogen peroxide)
- Place in seed compost no deeper than the width of the seed (john innes seed compost)
- Add warmth (grow light or heating mat) and water.
Bad germination techniques are rife among cannabis growers, especially those working indoors. Many people believe that sticking the seed in a moist tissue and enclosing it in a sealed container like a plastic bag or even an empty CD case will be successful, but most of the time these individuals face issues with fungal and bacterial damping off pathogens. Where legal, if you'd prefer to be successful, follow these steps:
- Soak-sterilize (diluted hydrogen peroxide)
- Place in seed compost no deeper than the width of the seed (john innes seed compost)
- Add warmth (grow light or heating mat) and water.