{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/growing/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2962-markdown","title":"\tDIY Recipe: Cannabis-Infused Broccoli Cheddar Soup","slug":"diy-recipe-cannabis-infused-broccoli-cheddar-soup","content":"Winter’s winding down, but there’s a still a chill in the air. So, what better way to make it through the last bit of the cold season than to indulge in a little comfort food? One of my favorite dishes to help keep me warm is broccoli Cheddar soup.\n\nCreamy, cheesy and packed with nutritious broccoli and garlic, this hot dish is sure to leave you feeling warm and toasty. This soup was a favorite for me growing up and has kept me going through many cold and snowy winters. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe infused version of this dish has all of the comfort and rich flavor of the soups mom used to make. Plus, you’ll get even more relief and the warm fuzzies when the cannabis starts to take effect.\n\nTo make things even better, it’s an incredibly easy soup to make. The whole recipe uses just one pot, making cleaning up a breeze. Plus, it’s a snap to make. It only takes around 30 minutes to create, from start to finish. \n\nIf you want to get creative with it, you can add all kind of additions. The soup goes perfectly in a bread bowl, or you can cut bread into cubes and use them for dipping. Some like to add carrots to their broccoli Cheddar soup, so feel free to chop some up and throw them in when you add the broccoli. Or would you rather add some meat protein to the mix? Bacon is a fantastic addition to throw in at the very end. \n\nWhat are you waiting for? Get started, and try this quick and easy edible for yourself.\n\nRELATED: [CONSUMING CANNABIS EDIBLES TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a567e8fc7e0180007a7826c/consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health)\n\n### Ingredients for Cannabis-Infused Broccoli Cheddar Soup\n\n4–6 servings\n\n* 4 tbsp cannabutter*\n* 2 tbsp flour \n* 1 cup milk\n* 12 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese\n* 1/2 tbsp minced garlic\n* 32 oz chicken broth\n* 14 oz frozen broccoli \n* Salt and pepper to taste\n\nOptional:\n* Bread\n* Carrots \n* Bacon\n\n*Check out our [recipe for cannabutter](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b27915fe98a1000c000243/diy-recipe-cannabutter-or-cannabis-butter). Use your best judgment on dosing based on your previous experiences with edibles. If you have a lower tolerance to cannabis and want to make a less potent soup, you can always substitute plain butter for part of the cannabutter. \n\n#### Cooking Tools:\n\n* Large or medium cooking pot\n* Mixing spatula or spoon \n* Measuring cups and spoons\n\n### How to Make Cannabis-Infused Broccoli Cheddar Soup \n\n1. Before you begin, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have all of your ingredients and cooking tools at the ready and out on a clean surface. \n\n2. Put a medium or large cooking pot on the stove, and turn on low heat. Add the cannabutter, and let it melt (watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t start to burn or brown). \n\n3. Once melted, mix in the garlic and flour, and turn the heat up slightly. Watch for about a minute as the flour lightly browns and makes the mixture a light brown color. \n\n4. Add the chicken broth to the pot, turning the heat on high and stirring every few minutes to ensure even heating. Let the broth heat to a low boil. \n\n5. Once the broth is bubbling at a low boil, mix in the frozen broccoli and the milk. (This is also when you’d want to add in carrots if you’re using them.) Let the mixture come back up to a simmer, and then adjust the heat to keep it simmering. Continue simmering until the broccoli is cooked through and soft. You should be able to break the broccoli apart very easily with your spoon or spatula when it’s finished cooking. \n\n6. When the broccoli has finished cooking and is soft enough to break apart with your spoon or spatula, remove it from the heat and mix in all but half a cup of the cheese. Set the other half cup of cheese aside. \n\n7. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese already includes plenty of salt, so I just add pepper. But if you like your soup a bit more seasoned, you may want more. At this stage, you can also mix in bacon, if you’re including it.\n\n8. Serve immediately in a bowl or bread bowl, adding a touch of pepper and some of the remaining shredded cheese as a garnish on top of each bowl.\n\nPhoto credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/14b42/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/f836f/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/2244e/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 400w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/14b42/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 800w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/47498/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/0e329/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/daa73/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 3648w","srcWebp":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/58556/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/61e93/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/1f5c5/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 400w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/58556/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 800w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/99238/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 1200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/7c22d/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 1600w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/af520/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 3648w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2865-markdown","title":"How to Dry & Cure Your Homegrown Cannabis","slug":"how-to-dry-and-cure-your-homegrown-cannabis","content":"With more and more states offering home-growing options for recreational and medical cannabis consumers, many are growing cannabis for the first time. And whether you’re growing marijuana indoors or outdoors, proper drying and curing is an essential part of the process.\n\nRussell Green is a long-time cannabis farmer and owner of Kure Wellness, a dispensary located in Ukiah, California, in the heart of Mendocino County’s Emerald Triangle. A Mendocino native, Russ began growing cannabis as a teenager, attempting to sprout a few seeds under his bed. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nLater, he grew top-shelf marijuana strains and became an early proponent for the county’s cannabis legalization program. Russ named his dispensary Kure Wellness to underscore the importance of cannabis curing.\n\n“Over the years, I’ve encountered so many farmers who are great cultivators, but they don’t have the facilities, the manpower or the patience to properly cure their crop,” says Russ, adding that improper curing negatively impacts the smell and the taste of your cannabis. “If you’ve ever smoked marijuana that was extremely harsh, had a fresh-grass smell and made you cough uncontrollably, you probably smoked cannabis that wasn’t properly cured,” he explains. \n\nImproper curing can have more serious consequences, too. “Poor drying and curing can result in contaminating your crop with mold, which ruins your harvest and potentially makes consumers very ill. Excellent curing can make the difference between flawless, grade A cannabis and something that’s really unpleasant or even unsafe to consume,” Russ says.\n\nCuring requires experience. “Every farmer has dried and cured a crop too quickly, or stored it when it was too wet,” smiles Russ. Hopefully, by learning these post-harvest basics, you’ll optimize the time and effort you’ve spent growing your cannabis plants.\n\n### What You Need to Properly Dry & Cure Your Marijuana \n\nIt’s entirely possible to harvest on a budget. Here’s a list of the essential items you’ll need, and a few more recommendations for those wanting to take their cure to the next level. \n\n#### Basic Cannabis Curing Supplies \n\n* Metal coat hangers\n* String or clothesline\n* Screens or wire baking racks\n* Adjustable-speed, oscillating fan\n* Indoor thermometer with humidity gauge\n* Plastic garden ID tags\n* Paper grocery bags\n* Contractor bags\n* Airtight plastic storage bins, sized according to your harvest \n* Garden shears and trimming scissors\n* Mason jars\n\n#### Deluxe Cannabis Curing Supplies \n\n* Jeweler’s loupe\n* Dehumidifier\n* Boveda humidifying packs\n* Hygrometer\n* Turkey bags\n* Black storage jars\n\n### Harvesting Your Marijuana Crop: A Mix of Science & Personal Choice \n\n“Familiarize yourself with the look of trichomes on your plant,” says Russ. [Trichomes are the tiny, hair-like appendages](https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/cannabis-trichomes/ ) on cannabis flowers. They look like a mini-mushroom with a round gland on top. The glands contain the sticky, resinous cannabinoid compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydcrocannabinol (THC) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), as well as the [aromatic terpenes that provide additional health benefits](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99e9f4f24d1300077ccb6f/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch) and enhance cannabis’s effects. \n\nThe glands change color as plants age—starting out crystal clear, resembling a drop of water. Over time, they take on a milky or cloudy appearance. At full maturity, the glands are a rich amber color—indicating the plant’s life cycle is near completion.\n\nGenerally, the more amber trichomes on a bud, the more sedating your flowers will be. But a plant with all-amber trichomes isn’t desirable, Russ notes, as aging cannabinoids degrade and trichomes fall off over-mature plants. “In general, most strains are harvestable at about 65 days. Many people harvest when trichomes present at about a 50-50 cloudy-to-amber range. The plant’s chemical makeup changes every day during harvest. Since you’re growing for yourself, feel free to snip off a bud or two and experiment,” he says. \n\nThe Internet is awash in amazing [images of cannabis trichomes](https://cannabisnow.com/the-secret-world-of-trichomes/) that will help identify their development. If you enjoy a cerebral and energetic high, [harvest your cannabis when trichomes are clear to cloudy](https://oaksterdamuniversity.com/when-to-harvest/). If you’re taking cannabis for pain, harvest when you see a predominance of amber trichomes. \n\n“You can see trichomes clearly with the naked eye, but a jeweler’s loupe is really helpful for looking at them,” Russ notes. \n\n“Along with checking trichomes, feel your flowers. They should be as dense as possible. Be patient. Your buds will be airy if you pull too early, and they just won’t produce maximum quality or quantity. You don’t have to harvest your whole plant at once. Take a first cut from your largest stalks. Take two or even three cuts, waiting a week or two between cuts if you’re able. But if you’re growing outdoors, keep your eye on the weather,” advises Russ.\n\nAutumn rains and moisture lodge inside dense buds, increasing the possibility of mold.\n\n### From Dry to High: Proper Drying Is Key to Having Excellent Cannabis\n\nStart by cutting down stalks in 12-to-16-inch-long segments. Russ suggests including a portion of a main stem as a hanger to hang your stalks upside down on your clothesline. You can also try [hanging a few cannabis stems on a coat hanger](https://www.professionalmarijuanagrower.com/articles/november-2017/properly-drying-curing-marijuana/), placing each hanger on your clothesline. \n\nRemove the majority of large leaves if you haven’t already, as they create a harsher end product. It’s helpful to hang similarly sized stalks together, as the dense, upper colas—groups of buds usually near the top of a stalk—will dry much more slowly than the smaller flowers produced in the interior and lower portions of your plant will.\n\nIf you’re interested in making edibles or tinctures, save and dry your fresh-trimmed leaves. And if possible, leave a portion of your original plant in its pot—we’ll tell you why in a minute.\n\n* Give your drying stalks enough space so they’re barely touching. \n* If your colas are extremely heavy and dense, pull individual buds gently apart before you hang them to encourage air circulation. \n* If growing more than one strain, be sure to keep them separate or use plastic tags to identify what’s what. \n* Keep notes on the date you harvested and the dates you dried and began your curing process.\n\n“You can also cut your buds right off the stalk and dry them on screens or baking racks, but they will flatten out unless you constantly turn them,” says Russ. “Screen drying is faster than drying ‘on the stick,’ and that fast drying can create some problems. But using a screen to dry your tiny buds is useful.\n\n“If it’s very cold where you live,” adds Russ, “cutting your buds off the stalks and screen drying them may help inhibit the growths of pathogens as they dry.”  \n\n### Temperature & Humidity Control: The Essence of the Marijuana Curing Process\n\n* Cannabis flowers do best when drying at about 66 degrees F. \n* Depending on your environment, you may have to heat or cool your drying room. \n* Use a room that has good ventilation, and the ability to modify the temperature and humidity.\n* Never expose drying plants to direct sun.\n\n“Professional farmers generally have climate-controlled rooms and use dehumidifiers to keep the humidity at about 50–60%,” says Russ. If your room is too warm, your harvest will crisp up in a heartbeat, creating a very harsh end-product. Drying too slowly increases the risk of mold developing.\n\nUse a thermometer and if possible, a hygrometer to monitor the room’s temperature and humidity. Run an oscillating fan near the plants at low speed, so there’s gentle air circulation on your hanging stalks. \n\nCheck your harvest every day, and be prepared to modify your temperature and humidity several times daily if needed. Place your bulkier stalks closer to a heat source or the ceiling, and your smaller stems in the cooler parts of your drying room.\n\nThe flowers will initially take on a slightly limp appearance. After a few days, they’ll begin to look and smell like buds on dispensary shelves.\n\n### How Do I Know When My Cannabis Flowers Are Dried?\n\nIf you’ve carefully monitored your flowers, they should be dried and ready to cure in about four days for small buds, and about a week or even more for larger stalks.\n\n“The stem-snapping trick is old school, but really effective,” says Russ. Take a few different-sized stalks off of your clothesline. Try to break them in half. Any that bend and don’t crisply snap need a bit more time on the clothesline.\n\n### Check Your Marijuana Flowers Daily \n\nGently feel your buds. Once they feel quite dry on the outside, but still have a bit of moisture inside:\n\n* Lay a few stalks in paper bags for the next phase of curing. \n* Fill the bags no more than a third full, and fold the bag closed. \n* Each day, gently move the stalks around in the bag. Remember that every movement of the stalks will result in a few trichomes falling off of your buds. \n* If stalks are drying too quickly, cut off a small portion of your original plant’s stem. \n* Place stem into the paper bag to gently introduce moisture back into your flowers, which should only take a day or two. \n* If your buds still seem too dry, place your paper sack into a contractor bag to slow the drying process. \n* Continue to check your bags daily. \n* Once buds feel moistened, remove your paper sack from the contractor bag.\n\nThis phase of curing can take another week or even more. At the end of this process, all stems should make a decisive snap when you try to break them, with your buds feeling hard but not dry. By keeping like sizes together, you’re less likely to dry out smaller stalks and can more easily monitor the larger, slower-drying stalks. \n\n### Curing Cannabis: The Waiting Is the Hardest Part \n\n“When I was in high school, my friends would cure a little weed in a rolled-up sandwich bag. They were constantly opening it, closing it, rolling it around and stirring it up,” Russ smiles. Those kids learned from their farmer parents, and their instincts weren’t so far off from professional curing practices.\n\nContinue to monitor room temperature and humidity. And if you’re having a hard time maintaining stable humidity, purchase some Boveda packs and place them into your paper bags to help maintain a stable humidity of about 60%. \n\nThroughout this entire process, be vigilant about looking for the development of mold. If you spot white fuzz or slimy brown mold developing on your buds, remove that stalk immediately. Thoroughly check over stalk and your other bags for mold growth. \n\nOnce your buds are dried, cut them off the stalks to prepare them for the last phase of curing. \n\n### Long-Term Cannabis Storage\n\n“Oxidation is an enemy of cured cannabis. You’re trying to avoid cannabinoid degradation.  Oxygen and light are not your friends, so proper storage following drying is very important. At the dispensary, we store our flowers in black jars, but using mason jars is fine, as long as you keep them out of the sun and in a relatively neutral temperature,” says Russ. \n\n* Fill your jars about two-thirds full, so that buds aren’t squashed, and they can move around. \n* Every day, “burp” your jars—gently shake them and open the lids for a few minutes, allowing for air transfer before closing them back up. \n\nIf your harvest is ample, you can place your buds into plastic bins, as long as the bins are truly airtight. If not, place them into turkey bags or other food-grade plastic bags inside your bins to complete the curing process.\n\nEvery day, continue to burp your jars, turkey bags or plastic bins, moving your buds around, checking for mold and feeling if moisture has returned. If it has, go back a step and return your buds to a paper bag until they feel drier. It’s not unusual to repeat this process, and different strains will dry and cure at entirely different rates.\n\nOnce your buds are stored in jars or bags, the cure still isn’t complete. Veteran growers like Russ emphasize that the final cure can and should take weeks for all of the wonderful elements of the flowers to come together. \n\n“The environment of your containers is important. Moisture can condensate inside your jar or turkey bag and cause mold growth. Typically, do your final storage with your buds just a little on the drier side and never on the wet side. Long-term storage should take place when the flowers are either perfect or too dry. If they’re too moist, you’ll have a disaster,” Russ notes.\n\n### Patience Is Key to Curing Cannabis\n\nFrom start to finish, it’s not unusual for artisan cannabis farmers to take a month or two to dry and cure their crop. Take your time, and remember that like most fruits and vegetables, cannabis flowers are undergoing profound chemical changes long after you harvest them. It’s those amazing changes, heightened by proper drying and curing that will create the magnificent cannabis flowers you’ll be proud to have grown. \n\nPhoto credit: [felixtsao](https://www.flickr.com/people/felixtsao/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/14b42/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/f836f/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 200w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/2244e/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 400w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/14b42/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 800w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/a6b41/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 1088w","srcWebp":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/58556/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/61e93/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 200w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/1f5c5/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 400w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/58556/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 800w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/3fafc/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 1088w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2789-markdown","title":"Legalization Encourages Sustainable Marijuana Farming","slug":"legalization-encourages-sustainable-marijuana-farming","content":"With legalization taking root in states throughout the U.S., [many innovative sustainable farming options have emerged for cannabis growers](https://www.coloradopotguide.com/colorado-marijuana-blog/article/cannabis-sustainability-how-marijuana-can-go-greener/). One of the most important outgrowths of the legal cannabis market in states like California is the necessity of following strict cultivation guidelines.\n\nIn the days when the black market was a farmer’s only option, nothing prevented unscrupulous growers from using questionable methods to bring their bud to harvest. Now that legalized cannabis must be tested before it reaches a retailer’s display case, the focus has rightfully shifted to sustainable growing practices.\n\nBut what exactly is sustainable cannabis farming? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Sustainability: Growing Marijuana for the Future\n\nThe definition of sustainable farming isn’t exclusive to cannabis. Farmers across the world have been adapting sustainable farm practices for decades or longer. There are a few hallmarks of sustainable agriculture, which are outlined succinctly by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program at UC Davis:\n\n“The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.”\n\nOne of the upsides of legalization is the necessity for farmers to incorporate sustainability into their farming practices. These include but aren’t limited to:\n\n* Maintaining soil health\n* Conserving water \n* Using environmentally friendly products in growing and production \n\nSustainability models also support healthy, safe environments for farm workers. \n\nThese days, the crossover between farmers, soil scientists, water control boards, and local and state regulatory agencies can make growing cannabis a daunting enterprise. But there are many indicators that overall, [the cannabis industry is moving toward accepting sustainable agriculture practices](https://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/14/making-the-cannabis-industry-greener/).\n\n### Legal Cannabis Excels in Sensible Water Use\n\nFarmers are working overtime to bring their gardens and industry into a world where [science and technology can help increase crop yields and protect the environment](https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/06/marijuana-organic-cannabis-industry-goes-green-energy-water-pesticides/).  \n\nManaging water use is key to sustainable farming. [Cannabis farmers are responding to the need to protect the environment](https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/02/06/why-californias-cannabis-industry-will-lead-water-innovation) by:\n\n* Installing drip irrigation\n* Using precise infusions of fertilizers to curtail runoff \n* Following best practices from dairy and other agriculture to make every precious drop of water count\n\n### Sustainable Marijuana Farming Can Be Economical \n\nOne of the knocks against cannabis cultivation, especially indoor growers, is the traditionally steep energy costs associated with expensive lighting. But the advent of lower-energy LED lights and other conservation techniques are beginning to show a [downtick in energy use by marijuana growers](https://www.thecannabist.co/2017/03/31/cannabis-industry-energy-use-declining/76454/). \n\nPower companies like [California’s Pacific Gas and Electric offer up to $100,000 in interest-free financing](https://www.greenstate.com/news/cannabis-goes-green-with-sustainable-business-practices/) for LED lighting. This is part of the growing evidence that [sustainable farming is cost effective](https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/marijuana/5904808-151/sustainable-practices-profit-cannabis-companies) for farmers and for the energy grid. There are many more incentives in legalized cannabis states encouraging farmers to replace outdated technology with more sustainable practices.\n\n### Does Sustainable Farming Equal Organic Cannabis? \n\nIf you visit a retailer who claims to sell organic cannabis, Russell Green, founder and owner of Kure Wellness in Ukiah, CA, would respond with: Buyer beware. \n\nFor years, the USDA struggled with manufacturers marketing products as natural or organic before creating strict regulations that defined what these words actually mean. “Today, as unscrupulous marketers tout their wares as organic, the cannabis industry is in much the same situation,” says Russell. “Because cannabis is federally illegal, the USDA will not allow cannabis to be certified as organic,” he explains. \n\nIn fact, the word organic is _literally_ owned by the federal government, with [fines of up to $11,000 per violation for businesses who illegally represent their products as organic](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/enforcement/organic).\n \nMeeting the [high bar for organic cannabis certification is  complicated](https://www.thecannabist.co/2017/01/19/organic-marijuana-cultivation-commercial-usda-nop/68305/). In standard agriculture, inputs up and down the lifecycle of a plant must meet or exceed organic standards in order to be certified.\n\n“The majority of organically based cannabis rooting substrates like coco coir and rock wool generally have inorganic elements added to them. Unfortunately, this means that the vast majority of cannabis seedlings start their lives in a product that would not meet federal organic standards,” Russell continues.\n\nFertilizers are another gray area. Many cannabis companies produce fertilizers containing a combination of synthetic and organic nutrients. Unless a product is consistent with the [USDA’s National Organic Program](https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program), it probably wouldn’t pass muster were the farm able to undergo a USDA compliance review.\n\n### Sustainable Marijuana Certifications to Look Out for \n\n“The best farmers use products and practices that exceed stringent local and state regulatory standards,” says Russell. “As a farmer myself, I look at the types of pesticides and growing practices used by cultivators wanting to sell their products at our store. Most farmers we work with rely solely on [products certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute](https://www.omri.org).” \n\nBecause licensed cannabis retailers in California may only work with licensed marijuana farmers, all flowers and all other products are now subject to lab testing. “There are very few non-organic pesticides available to commercial cultivators. Any cannabis containing traces of unacceptable pesticides will never pass mandatory lab testing, and we’re seeing this play out with product recalls right now,” Russell notes.\n\nIn addition to the type and amount of cannabis in a product, Kure Wellness looks at the other ingredients that make up an edible or ingested item. “We place preference on manufacturers who use certified organic ingredients in their edibles, and we prefer concentrate manufacturers who use solvent-free [extraction] techniques,” says Russell.\n\nFor a fee, a few companies certify farms as meeting organic standards. “Until the USDA certifies farms as organic, we will respect the government’s definition of the word organic and only use it to describe general growing practices, and not entire product lines or farms. Our existing relationships with farmers are the best way to determine use of inorganic chemicals and pesticides. Our standard is, ‘Would we feel comfortable giving this product to our grandmother?’ If the answer is no, we don’t have a deal,” Russell says with a smile.  \n\n### Regenerative Cannabis Farming: The Next Frontier \n\nMany sustainable farmers are upping their game and taking their practices to the next level. DEMPure Farms is one example of a certification company that represents over 60 farms in Oregon, California, Washington and other legal states. They’re committed to a polyculture approach to cannabis farming. To receive their Pure certification, farms are required to:\n\n* Produce food \n* Have pollinator gardens \n* Practice seed-saving \n* Grow in the soil \n\nFarms must also refrain from:\n\n* Using petrochemical solvents \n* Selling or giving their product to manufacturers that extract cannabis oils using solvents \n* Using GMOs \n* Employing synthetic pots or synthetic fertilizers \n\nFor the farms that certify with DEMPure, the philosophy is that sustainability isn’t enough. That’s why they promote no-till farming, using compost and compost tea, cover crops, crop rotation, worm farming and integrating farm animals into the operation. \n\nTo a traditional farmer, it may sound like cannabis farms have come full circle—and are now just plain old farms.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/14b42/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/f836f/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/2244e/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 400w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/14b42/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 800w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/47498/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/0e329/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/1e649/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 1981w","srcWebp":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/58556/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/61e93/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/1f5c5/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 400w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/58556/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 800w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/99238/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 1200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/7c22d/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 1600w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/8aa02/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 1981w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2749-markdown","title":"A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana at Home","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-growing-marijuana-at-home","content":"You may have heard someone say that cannabis is just a weed. Technically, this is true—cannabis grows wild all over the country. But cultivating a high-yield, healthy marijuana plant requires persistence and education. Now that it’s legal to grow cannabis for personal use in California, let’s explore how to get started and problem-solve your cannabis harvest. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Is it Legal to Grow Marijuana in My Backyard? \n\nPer Proposition 64, cities and counties may approve or limit backyard marijuana gardening. [Check the rules for your city](http://www.greenstate.com/explained/what-is-my-local-marijuana-law-in-california/) to see if you can legally grow cannabis plants on your property. Also, be sure to find out whether you can grow indoors or outdoors, as these rules vary from city to city.\n\n### What to do Before You Plant Cannabis \n\n#### Go to Cannabis School\n\n[Ed Rosenthal](https://www.edrosenthal.com) and [Jorge Cervantes](http://ww2.marijuanagrowing.com/about-jorge/) are two respected leaders in the cannabis cultivation world. Their books, workshops and lectures have educated millions of people on cannabis cultivation. If you’re looking for a place to start, look no further than Ed and Jorge.\n\nIf you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, you may want to check out [Oaksterdam University](https://oaksterdamuniversity.com). It runs months-long courses in cannabis cultivation as well as shorter seminars on growing and other cannabis-related topics. You can also do your homework before you plant by visiting a trusted grow shop to pick up some tips and tricks.\n\n#### When it Comes to Cannabis Plants, Girls Rule \n\nAre you planting seeds given to you by a friend? Make sure you learn the difference between [male and female marijuana plants](https://www.cannabis.info/en/blog/difference-male-female-plants). Master gardeners use male plants for breeding, but for beginning cannabis gardeners, male plants aren’t generally useful. This is because male plants don’t produce buds and will pollinate your female plants, resulting in an inferior, seedy crop. \n\nTo avoid growing the wrong kind of plant, buy seeds from a reputable cannabis company. Or to eliminate the possibility of growing male plants, purchase live clones (baby marijuana plants) from your dispensary. But before you even get to that point, it’s a good idea to learn as much about cannabis plant anatomy as you can.\n\n#### Choose the Right Container Size for Your Cannabis \n\nCannabis plants grow so quickly that by harvest time, an outdoor plant’s root ball can fill a 400-gallon pot. Choose strains suited for your environment, whether indoors or outdoors, and plant them in the largest pot possible.\n\n#### Good Soil Grows Good Plants\n\nOne place you certainly don’t want to cut corners is with soil. This isn’t the time for cheap, questionably sourced soil from a discount store. Buy high-quality bagged soil, or ask your grow shop about reputable soil companies. Talk to farmers about making compost tea and building a [soil food web](https://fifthseasongardening.com/mycorr-what-an-introduction-to-the-soil-food-web), which helps your plant’s roots access all of the nutrients they need.\n\n### What to Watch Out for While Your Marijuana Grows\n\n#### Adjusting Your pH Doesn’t Take a Ph.D.\n\nOne of the first things farmers do when starting new plants is [check the pH of their water and soil](https://www.growweedeasy.com/ph). Cannabis thrives in slightly acidic soil, in the vicinity of 5.5 to 6.8. Cannabis growing in unfavorable pH environments can become incapable of up-taking essential nutrients. Keeping an optimum pH is simple and affordable, and is critical to the health of your marijuana plants. \n\n#### How Much Should I Water My Cannabis Plant?\n\nWhen planting your cannabis, make sure you’ve provided adequate drainage. Leave the crown of the plant slightly higher than the soil, even if tiny roots are exposed. Under-watered plants look droopy, with leaves hanging by their stems.\n\nConversely, waterlogged roots are a vector for rot and disease. If the soil feels soggy, let it dry out before watering again. If your plant is in a small pot, tip it sideways and smell the root area. If it smells rotten, you’re probably overwatering, and you may have problems.\n\n#### What Do I Feed My Marijuana Plant?\n\nThe rows upon rows of expensive, unfamiliar products in a grow shop can overwhelm novice gardeners. Do you really need all of these products? Probably not, especially if you’re using healthy garden soil. Indoor farmers are more dependent on nutrients, but a few tips will help simplify nutrient questions.\n\nNitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the building blocks for plant growth. When you visit any grow shop or traditional garden store, notice the three numbers on nutrient packages. These numbers are the product’s NPK ratios. Through the leafing cycle, cannabis needs nutrients containing an equal NPK ratio. These “grow” products usually have a 20-20-20 ratio. During flowering, more phosphorus is needed, thus “bloom” products are often formulated in 10-30-10 ratios.\n\nCannabis also requires calcium, sulfur and magnesium, along with smaller amounts of trace minerals including copper, zinc, iron and more, all of which are usually found in soil blends and nutrients.\n\n#### Measure Once & Measure Again\n\nCannabis plants are voracious feeders. They need nutrients to push their energy into the production of heavy, beautiful buds. Whether you’re building garden soil or working hydroponically, feeding is essential—and feeding missteps can be costly. Every cannabis farmer will tell you about that time they improperly measured their plant food and burned their entire crop.\n\nRead feeding instructions carefully. If you’re trying out a new product, talk to the manufacturer to get specific application guidelines.\n\n### Troubleshooting Your Marijuana Plants\n\nAre leaves yellowing? Browning at the tips? Curling inwards? Showing blackened spots? Falling off prior to harvest time? Leaf problems may foreshadow nutrient issues. One of the best ways to diagnose a problem is to photograph the affected leaves and bring the photos to your grow shop, along with your feeding regimen. There are also [online cannabis growing guides](https://www.growweedeasy.com/cannabis-symptoms-pictures), which can help you narrow down possible problems.\n\n#### Be Proactive About Pest Control  \n\nMany cannabis pests such as aphids, whiteflies and mites may already live in your garden. Taking a proactive approach helps avoid costly and difficult eradication methods.\n\nTo avoid spreading problems to an entire crop, many farmers treat new plants with insecticides and fungicides before planting. Be environmentally responsible and ensure your flowers will be safe to smoke by using products that are organic materials review institute (OMRI) certified. You can even release certain beneficial insects into a grow room or plant bed to help get rid of certain pests. \n\nGet to know what [pest damage on marijuana plants looks like](https://www.growweedeasy.com/bugs-pests-symptoms-marijuana-grow) first. Then be sure to keep your garden area clean, and sterilize your garden tools with alcohol after each use. \n\n#### Is There a Fungus Among Us? \n\nPowdery mildew, bud rot and other molds are the scourge of cannabis farmers, as mold infestations can destroy an entire crop. It takes a trained eye to spot fungus early. And once you do, you must take immediate action to prevent the spread of mold to the entire plant and its neighbors. \n\nPowdery mildew creates patches of a fuzzy, thread-like, white powder that adheres to leaves and is relatively easy to spot. \n\nBud rot is harder to locate. Often, the outer, visible portions of mature buds will look perfect, but when a farmer cracks open a bud, they may discover the interior has turned into brown rot. If you want to inspect the inside of one of your buds during a suspected rot attack, break apart the bud, away from the rest of the plant (and your other plants) to prevent the pores from spreading. \n\nMany products on the market address fungus problems. Depending on the severity of the infestation, cutting away affected leaves along with foliar spraying—applying fertilizer directly to the leaves—is one of the easiest ways to help curtail an infestation. Some farmers swear by aggressively thinning the larger leaves to open up the plant, increase air flow and eliminate excess leaves.\n\n### Tips to Avoid Cannabis Growing Pains\n\n* Wear garden-specific clothing and shoes so that spores and bugs aren’t spread from place to place.\n\n* To eliminate problems before they start, pre-treat your plants with neem oil, a natural oil used as a pesticide in organic farming, or other agents before planting. \n\n* Keep a garden diary to note when problems arose and how you dealt with them. This is also a great way to track nutrients and water so if you have to adjust amounts you know exactly where to begin adding or subtracting.  \n\n* Plant marijuana strains suited for your environment, whether you plan on growing indoors or outdoors.\n\n* Make sure cannabis plants are receiving enough light, but not so much that they burn. If you’re concerned your plants are getting too much light, turn down the bulbs in your indoor grow or cover the plants with a shade cloth if they’re outside.\n\n* To reduce mildew, make sure air can circulate around your plants.\n\n* If you see a problem, don’t wait. Read your books, document with photos and seek advice at your local grow shop immediately. \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/14b42/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/f836f/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg 200w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/2244e/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg 400w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/14b42/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg 800w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/47498/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/0e329/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/de01f/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.jpg 1732w","srcWebp":"/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/58556/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/61e93/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp 200w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/1f5c5/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp 400w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/58556/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp 800w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/99238/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp 1200w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/7c22d/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp 1600w,\n/static/4903012320480e8e4ffec4174861c0c4/e4393/fd5db2e01145b7b0d79d52b9185ea069.webp 1732w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2658-markdown","title":"Unsafe Growing Practices Harm the Environment & Your Health","slug":"unsafe-growing-practices-harm-the-environment-and-your-health","content":"For about 50 years, California’s cannabis market was firmly rooted in the underground. Prior to marijuana legalization this year, many people entered the industry with one motive: the pursuit of the almighty dollar.\n\nIt’s pleasant to imagine a world where all of the farmers who tend the estimated 50,000 cannabis gardens statewide are committed to safe growing practices that support both consumers and the environment. Unfortunately, that thought can be filed under “pipe dreams.” Flagrant disregard for the environment has been one of the most shameful outcomes of the previously unregulated marijuana industry. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nMarijuana legalization advocates hoped that a regulated cannabis market would help to weed out growing practices that result in irreparable damage to the environment—[killing wildlife, endangering watercourses and affecting everyone who lives downstream](http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article148488874.html). \n\nNow, more than ever, it’s imperative that responsible consumers understand where their cannabis comes from. Your health and the environmental health of the regions that supply the bulk of cannabis to California are inextricably connected. And even if you don’t live in California, it’s important to see what’s going on in the state to help make sure the same thing doesn’t happen where you live. \n\n### The Cannabis Black Market Created an Environmental Black Hole \n\nCannabis may be called a weed, but today’s plants are more akin to pedigreed poodles. To create higher yields and to produce more fragrant, stronger strains, the plant has been groomed to perform under lights and in challenging weather conditions—from searing heat to pounding autumnal rains and even snow.\n\nBoth outdoor and indoor growing conditions are vectors for insect pests and fungi that can decimate an entire crop. Cannabis-specific amendments were created to maximize yield, address pest and mold issues, and produce the kindest bud. \n\nInsect pests such as mites, thrips and aphids become immune to pesticides. To save an ailing crop, farmers are often forced to use increasingly dangerous substances, with some growers exercising no concern for the safety of the consumer or the animal life that might come in contact with these products.\n \nRodenticides—rat poisons—are lethal. Countless illegal trespass grows, which are still common on state and federal lands, have been found to be the equivalent of toxic dump sites. This has resulted in the [near-extinction of the Pacific Fisher](https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/521352/), a small, weasel-like animal. Only 500 fishers are left in Northern California, and studies confirm that they’ve been dying due to rat poison consumed at illegal cannabis grows. \n\nA Humboldt County Environmental Impact Report estimates that only 2,300, or 15%, of the 15,000 cannabis gardens in the region have opted into the county’s marijuana legalization process. If you purchase your outdoor marijuana flower from an unregulated source, understand that you could be supporting criminals who are systematically ravaging our forest ecosystems.\n\n### Everything Flows Downstream—Including What’s Used in Illegal Cannabis Grows\n\nThe years of drought have taken an incalculable toll on California’s water resources. And no species is more dependent on healthy, clean water than coho and Chinook salmon, which may be [close to extinction](https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/03/22/how-changing-marijuana-laws-may-affect-californias-water-and-wildlife), in part from the unscrupulous theft of water by illegal marijuana growers. These growers divert water from salmonid breeding sites while others clear-cut forest lands to create unregulated growing sites, creating smothering siltation, which clogs streams and kills fish.\n\nFertilizers, kerosene, diesel and even human waste at illicit marijuana gardens have been discovered in and around our precious watercourses, creating additional concerns for rural residents and ultimately, for everyone coming into contact with these watersheds.\n\n### The Heavy Environmental Costs of Indoor Cannabis Growing\n\nSome cannabis enthusiasts make compelling arguments for the superiority of indoor-cultivated marijuana. But those hothouse flowers come at a price. Unregulated indoor grows are often improperly wired, creating hazardous conditions that have led to dangerous fires threatening entire neighborhoods. \n\nA [recent raid of over 100 residential houses in seven California counties](http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8188077-181/us-seizes-northern-california-pot-growing) yielded 36,000 plants. Illegal indoor operations are often associated with heavy mold and insect infestations, which once introduced to a grow room are virtually impossible to permanently eradicate, forcing growers to depend more and more on powerful—and in some cases illegal—pesticides and fungicides. The chemicals used to grow marijuana in these suburban neighborhoods go right down the drain and into city water tables, creating unknown consequences for local water agencies.\n\nKristen Nevedal, chair of the International Cannabis Farmers Association, studied data [comparing state-issued indoor and outdoor cannabis licenses](https://www.projectcbd.org/green-rush-blues-california-cannabis-after-legalization). Based on California’s various Type 3 licenses (for medium-sized indoor and outdoor growing operations), indoor operations producing six or more annual harvests expends the same amount of energy as adding nearly 300 houses to the electrical grid. Equivalent outdoor gardens expend energy that adds about 82 houses to the grid. But outdoor farmers pay more taxes and are paid less per pound for their cannabis flowers. \n\n### How Safe Is My Cannabis? \n\nBecause cannabis remains federally illegal, there’s a limited amount of knowledge about the effects of pesticides and fungicides on consumers. But as more and more states have adopted regulatory frameworks, a troubling pattern has emerged. Toxic residue has been found in _regulated_ cannabis in Colorado, Oregon and California. \n\nOne UC Davis 2017 study of 20 Northern California marijuana samples concluded that because of the presence of molds and fungi, those with [compromised immune systems and other serious health conditions shouldn’t smoke marijuana](http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article131391629.html). In some cases, [fungi and bacteria can severely affect patient health](http://www.emeraldreport.com/why-testing-weed-for-fungus-may-save-your-life/). [Steep Hill Labs has been working with UC Davis](https://hightimes.com/grow/tainted-the-problem-with-pot-and-pesticides/amp/) to learn more about this issue. Today, legal cannabis sold in licensed dispensaries must be tested for microbiological agents (bacteria and fungi) and chemical residues (pesticides and herbicides). \n\n### Is Cannabis Legalization Addressing CA Environmental Problems? \n\nNorthern California counties are bearing the brunt of this crisis, and recently [Yuba County declared a state of emergency](http://amp.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article192665729.html), in part due to the number of illegal marijuana sites that they’re unable to eradicate. In 2017, Governor Jerry Brown added $1.5 million to his budget to address cleanup of toxic cannabis sites in Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties. \n\nIt’s hoped that a [2017 report drafted by the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture leaves some room for optimism](http://www.thecannifornian.com/cannabis-business/cultivation/report-cannabis-cultivation-wont-harm-californias-environment-growers-stick-new-rules/). The report was praised by the California Growers Association and a number of environmental agencies, whose members hope that the higher standards placed on the industry, as well as beefed-up enforcement efforts, will begin to reduce the allure of the unregulated market.\n\nUltimately, the demise of black market cannabis and the destruction it brings to California’s environment is in the hands of consumers choosing the regulated market over the unregulated one. \n\n### 3 Ways Marijuana Consumers Can Help Preserve CA Ecosystems\n\n**1. Know the source of your medicine.** Make sure you’re purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary by [checking your dispensary’s status](https://aca5.accela.com/bcc/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=Licenses&ShowMyPermitList=N ) on the state’s website.\n\n**2. Stay informed.** Follow the work of the [California Growers Association](https://www.calgrowersassociation.org) and the [International Cannabis Farmers Association](http://icfa.farm), both of which are working for farmers and supporting the best legislative solutions to protect our environment.\n\n**3. Remember, “organic” and “sun-grown” are not legal terms.** Look for cannabis that has been certified by reputable third-party certifiers such as [Clean Green](https://cleangreencertified.com/?_ga=2.244024845.924514412.1523301619-1109615046.1523301619) to ensure your cannabis meets the highest health and environmental safety standards.\n\nPhoto credit: [Chris De Wit](https://unsplash.com/@skyxperience)\n \nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/14b42/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/f836f/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 200w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/2244e/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 400w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/14b42/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 800w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/47498/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/58556/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/61e93/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 200w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/1f5c5/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 400w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/58556/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 800w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/99238/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2587-markdown","title":"How Growing Methods Affect the Cannabis You Consume","slug":"how-growing-methods-affect-the-cannabis-you-consume","content":"Indoors, outdoors or greenhouse—if you’ve been to a medical marijuana dispensary lately, you may have noticed that there can be a big difference in pricing depending on how the cannabis was grown. Clients often ask me whether they should stick with cannabis grown by one of these methods. The truth is, there are reasons why any one of these common growing methods may gain favor in the eyes of a given individual. In this article, part of our series for cannabis newcomers, we’ll discuss how these different growing conditions can affect the cannabis produced. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Why Some Patients Will Pay More for Indoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nOne question new cannabis patients often ask me is why it costs more to purchase indoor cannabis over cannabis grown outdoors. For one, it simply costs more to produce indoor-grown cannabis. While outdoor-grown cannabis relies on natural resources like the sun and soil, an indoor grow requires significant monetary resources to build, install and run things like the physical structure, lighting, air-conditioning and dehumidifiers, soil or hydroponic equipment, irrigation system, fans, nutrients and more—all towards helping recreate the natural environment indoors. This artificial environment often comes with a steep price tag, one that’s passed on to the cannabis consumer. \r\n\r\nOf course, the main reason why some patients are willing to spend more on indoor-grown marijuana products is the quality of the resulting medicine. In many respects, the controlled environment can result in higher-quality cannabis. Indoor grows protect cannabis from the harsh elements of the great outdoors. Cannabis can toughen up when exposed to wind and drastic temperature changes; it can also become pest-ridden and discolored by the sun.\r\n\r\nIn contrast, indoor cannabis flowers are usually more “kind.” This term means that the flower or bud of the plant is softer, tighter, denser as well as more colorful, crystal-covered, flavorful and aromatic. It can also mean that there’s a higher ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes relative to excess plant material. \r\n\r\nWhile some argue that outdoor-grown cannabis can be just as kind and high quality as the indoor variety (and occasionally a cultivator in an ideal outdoor growing environment can and does produce very kind flower), some consumers still prefer indoor-grown cannabis, keeping demand—as well as prices—high for this type of plant. \r\n\r\n### The Downsides of Indoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nOn the down side, the controlled environment that makes indoor-grown cannabis so kind also relies on a lot of electricity. This means that [indoor-grown marijuana isn’t always the most eco-friendly](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56fdadd310f1d5000c000044/marijuanas-dirty-secret-energy-consumption). Indoor grows also use artificial light to drive plant and resin growth; this method doesn’t have the same full spectrum of light that the sun, moon and stars can provide—these natural light sources are able to bring out a more complex array of terpenes and cannabinoids than is usually seen in indoor-grown cannabis. For those who prefer more complex terpene profiles, indoor-grown marijuana may be an inferior option to high-quality sungrown cannabis. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [GROWING MARIJUANA AT HOME](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/583c6e1c925c1a000b5028fe/growing-your-marijuana-at-home)\r\n\r\n### The Benefits of Outdoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nIn contrast to indoor cannabis, outdoor-grown plants tend to be available for much lower prices. Outdoor cannabis can use the natural environment for much of what it needs, and it can grow as much as the sun and nature’s available nutrients allow it to. This allows for cheaper prices, making it much more sustainable for patients who need to consume cannabis as an everyday medicine. \r\n\r\nPrice is one reason folks prefer outdoor-grown cannabis, but patients also often prefer the effects of the complex terpene and cannabinoid profiles brought out by natural light. For those more sensitive to the differences in these chemical components of cannabis, outdoor-grown marijuana may be a better option. \r\n\r\nOutdoor cannabis also has a much lower carbon footprint than most indoor cannabis, because it doesn’t require the large electricity output that indoor-grown cannabis needs for lighting, cooling, dehumidifying and other systems. Patients concerned about the environmental impact of indoor grows often cite it as a reason for why they prefer outdoor-grown cannabis. \r\n\r\n### The Downsides of Outdoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nThat said, outdoor-grown cannabis isn’t environmentally friendly on all counts. Those concerned about sustainability and preserving the environment should be aware that while outdoor-grown cannabis is the best method for reducing your carbon footprint, it’s the absolute worst when it comes to conserving water. Sitting out in the full sun, these plants suck up a lot of water. As well, though some water will make it to the plant, the rest of it will evaporate or sink into the earth. Meanwhile, an indoor grow requires far less water due to its controlled environment.\r\n\r\nThose concerned about the environment should be aware of the cons for each method of growing. Neither option is much better than the other. What it really comes down to is what resource you’re more interested in conserving. \r\n\r\nIn terms of quality, outdoor-grown cannabis can often grow larger, fluffier buds that aren’t as tight or densely packed with cannabinoids. These buds tend to be more weathered by factors like UV exposure, wind, pests and high temperatures than with those produced by other methods of growing.\r\n\r\nThe exposure to the elements can lead to tougher flower that’s discolored to look more brown or gray, with higher percentages of plant material and lipids. This can leave outdoor-grown flower tasting more grassy than indoor or greenhouse cannabis. While some outdoor grows can produce kind, incredibly well-grown flower that can almost pass for indoor-grown cannabis, outdoor cannabis continues to sell for less because of the loss in quality generally experienced in outdoor grows. \r\n\r\n### Reasons Why You May Prefer Greenhouse-Grown Cannabis \r\n\r\nWith this cultivation method, growers combine a partially controlled greenhouse environment with natural sunlight to produce flowers that hover between indoor and outdoor in terms of quality. Like the outdoors, greenhouses produce relatively large plants that have the complex array of terpenes and cannabinoids provided by full-spectrum light exposure.\r\n\r\nBecause it’s grown in a partially controlled environment, greenhouse flower can be kinder than outdoor cannabis. In other words, greenhouse flower tends to be smoother, more flavorful and more visually appealing than that of the outdoor variety, but not quite as much as indoor cannabis tends to be. With a price that’s also usually somewhere between the cost of indoor and outdoor marijuana, many find greenhouse cannabis to be a good compromise between quality and price.  \r\n\r\n### The Downsides of Greenhouse-Grown Cannabis \r\n\r\nGreenhouse flower has many of the benefits of both indoor and outdoor products. Unfortunately, it also shares some of the downsides of both. For one thing, while not as weathered as outdoor plants can get, greenhouse cannabis simply isn’t as kind as indoor-grown marijuana is—some deem this as a major drawback.  \r\n\r\nYou may hear the argument that greenhouse growing combines the best of both worlds as it uses natural light while in a controlled environment. But environmentally, greenhouse growing can be problematic—like indoors, greenhouse still uses a moderate amount of electricity for fans, air-conditioning and supplemental lights. While it isn’t as much as what indoor growing requires, it’s still considerable. In addition, like outdoors, greenhouse also uses a lot of water. So, similar to indoors and outdoors, this method also has a negative impact on the environment.\r\n\r\n### Other Cultivation Styles for Growing Marijuana\r\n\r\nIndoors, outdoors and greenhouse are the three cannabis cultivation methods you’ll most likely come across when shopping for your cannabis. Of course, within each method, growing styles may vary—for example, some cultivators use hydroponics, while others use soil; some use organic methods of growing, while others use synthetic nutrients and pesticides.\r\n\r\nIn addition, with continued technological advances, we’re also seeing new styles of cultivating that combine these growing methods in new and unexpected ways. One example is the use of natural light in entirely indoor spaces. These new methods may help improve quality while driving down the environmental costs of growing cannabis.\r\n\r\nThat said, flower grown with these new methods isn’t yet widely available, so it’s important to understand the more basic methods still used throughout the industry to help you decide what type of cannabis will work for you. The different ways that the plant can be grown can and will have a big effect on your experience. Whether indoors, outdoors or greenhouse, incredible flower can come out of each of these methods. Which type do you prefer? The only way to know for sure is to try them out for yourself. \r\n\r\nIn the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies guide, we get into how cannabis’s many variations—from strains and methods of growing to cannabinoids and terpenes—come together to interact with your individual biochemistry. Ever wonder why some strains can make your friends feel relaxed and happy while making you feel anxious and scattered? Stay tuned to learn more. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Rusty Blazenhoff](https://www.flickr.com/photos/blazenhoff/)\r\n\r\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/14b42/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/f836f/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 200w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/2244e/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 400w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/14b42/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 800w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/719d0/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 1025w","srcWebp":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/58556/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/61e93/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 200w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/1f5c5/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 400w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/58556/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 800w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/d34e0/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 1025w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2101-markdown","title":"Growing Your Marijuana At Home","slug":"growing-your-marijuana-at-home","content":"I find that there is often a lot of confusion surrounding how commercial cannabis is grown. While some cannabis companies provide a myriad of lab tested results that can guarantee the quality of their products, it is not always possible for me to know if I am receiving a clean product that free of pesticides. The best way to get around this issue is to grow flowers yourself in the comfort of your own home. At home grow systems can be easily be created based on your own needs, allowing you to produce beautiful buds that live up to your expectations. \r\n\r\n### Marijuana Grow Laws\r\n\r\nStates that allow legal cannabis, both recreational and medical, have stipulations in their law about personal marijuana cultivation. Some states allow for cultivation of plants by anyone who qualifies for the state cannabis program, or in the case of some recreational legal states, anyone over 21. Most states do have strict laws that outline how many plants you may have and, possibly more important, how many flowering plants you can possess at any given time. It is important to read up on your states laws, so you understand exactly what is allowed and what is not within your state’s borders. \r\n\r\nIn my home state of California, for example, the personal growing laws are soon to change with the implementation of the newly passed Prop 64. The proposition allows for six plants per parcel of land for personal, recreational use, but local jurisdictions can ban outdoor growing. In an area that bans outdoor growing, you are still allowed to have indoor growing systems, which are believed by some to be more secure than plants in your backyard. California also allows medical patients to grow more plants if needed, which gives the law a more variable quality. \r\n\r\nIn Colorado, however, every person over 21 in a household may have up to six plants, but they may not have more than three of those plants flowering at one time. Plants in Colorado must be in a locked and inclosed area, so they all must be grown within an indoor grow system. All of these laws have more details, so it is important to get informed before diving into the world of at home cultivation in order to avoid any problematic run-ins with state or local law enforcement. \r\n\r\n### Growing Inside or Outside\r\n\r\nChoosing to grow inside or outside may be a personal choice for you or it may be one determined by your state. In my home state of California, however, I have the choice in most counties to decide between indoor and outdoor cultivation. There is a great debate in the marijuana community of which grow situation is better, but in the simplest terms, outdoor and indoor grows produce different qualities within their products. I find that indoor-grown cannabis plants tend to be easier to control, higher in THC, and more traditionally aesthetically appealing, but outdoor-grown buds on the other hand produce higher yields and they are a more inexpensive venture to begin.\r\nScientifically speaking, indoor-grown cannabis plants often produce more perfect looking plants and buds. Due to the more controlled environment indoors, they often have a higher content of THC and other cannabinoids. Overall, however, the yields are often smaller from indoor growth because the plants do not receive the same spectrum of UV light from an electronic UV source as they would from the sun. Outdoor plants produce higher yields and overall bigger plants. I have also found them to be less susceptible to pests, because they are more incorporated into their natural outdoor environment rather than being isolated indoors as the only target for pests in that specific area. \r\n\r\n### Grow Boxes - The Way to Go\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to indoor growth, I believe grow boxes are they way to go. When planting marijuana outdoors you must understand the strain of cannabis and what nutrients it needs, as well as the desired exposure to sun and amount of water. Growing indoors, where you are creating an environment for the plant from scratch, grow boxes can help the ease the gardening process and set you up for success, especially for novice cultivators. \r\n\r\nThere are a variety of different grow boxes that range in size and shape, but they all come in either a soil or hydroponic form. Soil grow boxes are essentially an outdoor growing system that is set up inside the house and supplemented with grow lights. Hydroponic grow systems, however, are one of the newest kinds of cannabis cultivation systems on the market and interest me due to their great production possibility. Though they have to be checked more often than soil grow boxes, hydroponic grow systems traditionally produce much bigger yields. Hydroponic growing takes place in water, rather than soil, which is infused with the necessary nutrients for the cannabis plants, which promotes greater efficiency. \r\n\r\n### Selecting Grow Lights\r\n\r\nGrow lights are also a necessary part of setting up your ideal growing situation. The two most common lights are CFLs and LEDs. I highly recommend choosing LED lights, though they are not the cheapest option they are the most efficient, both in terms of energy and cost over time. Some grow boxes come equipped with HID lights, but this kind of light should be definitely avoided because HIDs do not react well to enclosed spaces and can pose safety issues. \r\n\r\nGrowing cannabis on your own is a great way to fully connect with your medication and assure it is completely up to your standards. I find growing my own medication allows me to customize it to my own needs and provides me with they type of cannabis I prefer, so I don't have to compromise based on what is available. Choosing a grow situation should be closely researched based on your own personal needs and the type of cannabis you desire to grow.\r\n\r\n_____________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/14b42/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/f836f/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.jpg 200w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/2244e/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.jpg 400w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/14b42/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.jpg 800w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/47498/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/54ac5/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/58556/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/61e93/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.webp 200w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/1f5c5/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.webp 400w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/58556/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.webp 800w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/99238/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.webp 1200w,\n/static/d758260e4f0e587bd7fa74235b622b3d/5e0b8/ac2a23125e36f5e7f340332cd8621331.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2103-markdown","title":"Beginners Guide to Growing Marijuana & New 'Leaf' System","slug":"beginners-guide-to-growing-marijuana-and-new-leaf-system","content":"The new and tech-savvy [Leaf is the world's first Plug N' Plant cannabis\ngrowing system](http://www.getleaf.co/) and it offers a complete system\nthat includes social media apps, remote controls and remote viewing of\nyour plants. The Leaf system is perfect for beginners that are looking\nto grow their own medicinal marijuana and the technical aspects of the\nLeaf system eliminate many of the worries and [questions that first-time\ngrowers\nhave](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana)\nabout the growing process. There is an overwhelming amount of\ninformation readily available about growing medicinal marijuana and\nmedicinal cannabis, but making sense of that information and applying\nthe information to your personal growing situation can be challenging.\nYou want the best type of plant for your personal condition and you want\nto achieve the optimum growing conditions for your specific strain of\nmarijuana.\n\n### Marijuana and Cannabis as Healing Medicines\n\nAcross North America and around the world, attitudes and legislation\nabout marijuana and about cannabis as effective medicines are changing.\nJustice departments and health professionals are in the process of\nreviewing clinical studies and revising legislation to better serve the\nhealth needs of North American people: in some jurisdictions, the\npreparation of marijuana into medical cannabis is the legislative\nconcern, and in other areas, governments have made access to medical\nmarijuana legal and more accessible. Cannabis and medical marijuana are\nalready legal across Canada, but not always easily accessible - partly\ndue to a reluctance on the part of physicians and nurses to support\nmedical cannabis referrals. In the United States, control of marijuana\nand medical cannabis is regulated by the state. Studies have proven that\nwhen grown, prepared, and used appropriately medical cannabis is a very\neffective medical therapy for [relief from a wide variety of\ndebilitating\nconditions](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/57169cf805483f000c00008b/constance-finleys-story-treating-my-autoimmune-disease-with-cannabis-oil)\nincluding seizure disorders, panic disorders, PTSD, pain control and\nmore.\n\n### Male Versus Female Plants\n\nMarijuana plants are sexual plants, meaning there are male plants and\nthere are female plants. In their naturally growing state, they\nreproduce sexually and produce seeds. Marijuana plants grown for\nmedicinal cannabis are either cloned or started from seeds. To clone a\nplant means to take a cutting, or a slip from the original stem of a\nhealthy adult plant and rooting it to grow a second healthy adult plant.\nWhen medical marijuana growers clone plants, they clone almost\nexclusively females because female marijuana plants produce the\ncompounds used for human therapeutic use. By contrast, the male plant is\nthe pollen producer. The female plant produces the medicinal bud, and if\npollinated, the female marijuana plant produces the seed. Experienced\ngrowers have proven that the gender of the plant produced by a marijuana\nseed can be affected by controlling planting and growing conditions.\nThere are several methods to increase the probability that your\nmarijuana seeds will be 'feminized' and produce a higher percentage of\nmedical cannabis female plants:\n\n-   Monitor and control soil nutrients to keep high nitrogen and low\n    potassium levels\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Keep plants at a high relative humidity (60-70 percent)\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Expose plants to a high frequency light (blue or purple)\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Limit plant exposure to the sun to no more than 14 hours of light\n    per day\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Keep plants at a lower temperature (62-65 degrees Fahrenheit)\n\n### Traditional Cannabis Growing Systems\n\nTraditional cannabis growing systems for both indoor and outdoor growing\nrequire some working knowledge of the following concepts: temperature\ncontrol, light control and soil nutrition. Other broad agricultural\nconcepts are also important including pest control, mildew control and\noutdoor growing conditions including season, weather and planting zone\nspecifics. Monitoring and optimizing soil nutrition is a key component\nof all marijuana growing systems. Healthy soil means healthy plants, and\nhealthy plants produce the cannabis for a healthier you. Growing\nmarijuana to produce medicinal cannabis really requires learning about\nyour own health condition and what strain or variety of marijuana is\ngoing to provide the medical cannabis that is appropriate for providing\ntherapeutic relief for your specific condition. Honest dialogue with\nyour medical professional or knowledgeable local budtender is essential\nto ensuring that you find the strain of marijuana that actually provides\noptimal relief for your [specific medical\ncondition](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/health-conditions).\n\n### Leaf Plug N' Plant Growing System: Perfect For Beginners\n\nIf you are new to growing medical marijuana, the new Leaf Plug N' Plant\ncannabis growing system might be the perfect system to help you learn\nvery quickly all of the different components involved in growing\neffective medical cannabis. If you are an experienced medical marijuana\ngrower, you will find the Leaf system difficult to resist trying out-\nthe range of technical applications and software components are just to\ninteresting to ignore. The compact size and aesthetically pleasing look\nof the Leaf system makes it ideal for any location. It's fits like a bar\nfridge neatly into any room or office. The Leaf features a\nmade-for-cannabis LED grow light custom designed for Leaf by leading\nNASA researchers and made specifically for growing medical cannabis. The\npatent-pending Nutrient Dosing System automatically feeds your plants\nwith the precise blend of nutrients exactly when they need them. Leaf\noptimizes its settings for best size, weight, density and potency. Leaf\ncontinuously monitors the plant environment and automatically adjusts it\nto optimize plant growth. The Leaf phone app provides you with an\nastonishing real time plant growth monitoring system via your phone. The\nLeaf app displays all of your environmental data in real time and you\ncan even watch your plants grow through the built-in HD camera. Leaf's\nphone app also provides you with social media links where you can\nconnect with other medical cannabis growers, compare data, and even\nwatch other peoples' plants grow in real time.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.6260162601626016,"src":"/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/27625/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.png","srcSet":"/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/69585/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.png 200w,\n/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/497c6/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.png 400w,\n/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/27625/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.png 680w","srcWebp":"/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/8829b/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/61e93/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.webp 200w,\n/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/1f5c5/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.webp 400w,\n/static/06787d1349975e4db0add184aecbe926/8829b/e09f07dafdba8ff8de123ccd8ba1ec62.webp 680w","sizes":"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2070-markdown","title":"Marijuana's Dirty Secret: Energy Consumption","slug":"marijuanas-dirty-secret-energy-consumption","content":"As marijuana legalization laws sweep across the country, most consumers\r\nare jumping for joy -- widespread marijuana will cut back on potentially\r\ndangerous prescription drugs and help manage complex symptoms in people\r\nwith a multitude of conditions. While these factors are indeed true,\r\nmarijuana also has a dirty little secret most consumers don't realize:\r\nit's a huge energy hog.\r\n\r\n**Production and Power Supply: How the Two Are Connected**\r\n\r\nAs legalization laws pop up around the country, demand for quality\r\nmarijuana products has skyrocketed. All of this demand has given rise to\r\nhundreds of grow operations striving to produce quality products for\r\nconsumers; unfortunately, commercial marijuana production in cities like\r\nDenver has proven to be a huge strain on local power supplies.\r\n\r\nHere's why: In Denver alone, there are approximately 354 commercial\r\ncannabis grow operations. In 2014, these grow operations consumed a\r\nwhopping [200 million kilowatts of\r\nelectricity](http://www.citylab.com/design/2015/07/weed-growers-are-a-drag-on-denvers-energy-supply/397805/).\r\nWhile this number still represents less than 2 percent of Denver's\r\noverall power supply, electricity usage in the city has been growing at\r\nan annual rate of 1.2 percent, largely due to the [ballooning number of\r\ngrow\r\noperations](http://www.citylab.com/design/2015/07/weed-growers-are-a-drag-on-denvers-energy-supply/397805/).\r\n\r\nThe reason marijuana cultivation is so energy-intensive comes down to\r\nbasic growing practices. Thanks to excessive lights, fans, and cooling\r\nand hydroponic systems required to cultivate cannabis indoors, cannabis\r\ngrow operations consume eight times as much electricity per square foot\r\nas a typical office building. While it may seem like the obvious\r\nsolution is to place cannabis grow operations outdoors, this idea would\r\nbe virtually impossible to do given the current demand for cannabis\r\nproducts across the country.\r\n\r\nWhile an indoor grow operation is considerably more energy-intensive\r\n(indoor grow lamps are an estimated 500x more powerful than reading\r\nlights), the control allowed by an indoor grow operation is necessary to\r\ncontinue producing cannabis on a commercial level.\r\n\r\n**Going Green with Cannabis**\r\n\r\nWhile it's clear cannabis is a significant burden on energy grids around\r\nthe country (cannabis production currently accounts for [3 percent of\r\nCalifornia's total\r\nenergy](http://www.citylab.com/design/2015/07/weed-growers-are-a-drag-on-denvers-energy-supply/397805/)\r\nconsumption), few cities or states have plans in place to deal with the\r\nincreasing demand for cannabis and the strain on the power supply.\r\nFortunately, there are many ways for environmentally minded consumers to\r\nbe part of the solution rather than the problem. Here are a few tips to\r\nsupport cannabis operations that have less impact on the environment:\r\n\r\n-   **Buy from small operations.** Whenever possible, purchase cannabis\r\n    from small, local grow operations. While these operations likely\r\n    still use lights and heating and cooling systems, their impact on\r\n    the energy grid is likely to be far less than that of a major\r\n    corporate operation.\r\n-   **Opt for organic**. While they may be difficult to find, outdoor,\r\n    organic grow operations do still exist. These operations use\r\n    significantly fewer resources than large indoor operations and don't\r\n    spray their plants with toxic pesticides, which is a bonus\r\n    for consumers.\r\n-   **Look for eco-minded cultivators**. Some of the large grow\r\n    operations do more to protect the environment. Look for companies\r\n    that use sustainable energy systems (like solar, wind or hydro\r\n    heating, cooling or energy production) in their\r\n    production practices.\r\n\r\nWhile cannabis is certainly a powerful crop for dozens of purposes, the\r\nfact remains that large grow operations make a significant dent in the\r\nenergy grid of the cities in which they reside. Fortunately, consumers\r\ncan do their part to mitigate this impact by being aware of cannabis's\r\nenergy needs and seeking to support smaller, less harmful operations.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/universityblogspot/8383177905/in/photolist-dLMYJ6-nXCJn9-oVx1Uw-aEZ2rC-bxt93q-6BXw2G-aEZ2Do-mtyw5-68fiK3-4YRKNi-ahwvZu-pF6Hu1-nUQPF1-9Ljzuy-8GtNfE-rBsed-bqnR5J-eyKsaD-5fp63W-cZ5oPQ-2zwwU-99Vyvs-fn16yZ-9KjjZL-rBss4-7FoRbX-jAPEp9-99SqoZ-dAKCto-2gQMFw-7Hpw9n-5fjhJM-7FoX5z-oAF3Pr-d6u4HJ-6RGMBa-otWP8p-99VyCQ-5mdUhS-7FsKsG-7FoQCX-oTKfBZ-rBshd-mUaw7i-5hG64x-8q37K2-oK7JbJ-oRprSb-9a93Sm-mtzso)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/ee604/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.png","srcSet":"/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/69585/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.png 200w,\n/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/497c6/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.png 400w,\n/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/ee604/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.png 800w,\n/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/b491d/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.png 1161w","srcWebp":"/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/58556/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/61e93/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.webp 200w,\n/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/1f5c5/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.webp 400w,\n/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/58556/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.webp 800w,\n/static/7321bc14c3d3100c72185cb55c811871/68746/b55851c7c3767e850bb979133119ef78.webp 1161w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1975-markdown","title":"What Is Hemp & What Is It Used for?","slug":"what-is-hemp-and-what-is-it-used-for","content":"Most people know hemp as a natural-colored fiber that's used to make\r\njewelry and soft goods such as bags and clothing. Few people, however,\r\nknow about hemp's long and controversial history. Despite being one of\r\nthe oldest domestic crops in the world (according to the North American\r\nIndustrial Hemp Council, hemp has been cultivated for at least 12,000\r\nyears), hemp is illegal in many places. Here's what consumers need to\r\nknow about this ancient plant.\r\n\r\n### What Is Hemp?\r\n\r\nContrary to what many people think, hemp isn't simply the cast-off\r\nportion of psychoactive cannabis plants. There are many types of\r\ncannabis plants, and hemp is simply a variety of non-psychoactive\r\ncannabis. While hemp and psychoactive marijuana are technically born\r\nfrom the same species, they're differentiated by their chemical makeup\r\n(hemp contains less than 1% THC), uses and growing methods.\r\n\r\n### What Is Hemp Used for?\r\n\r\nFor thousands of years, hemp has been used to produce textiles, paper,\r\nclothing and household products. The plant offers a source of renewable\r\nmaterials for use in thousands of industries. The [seeds of\r\nhemp](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b51b3c00e901000c00005b/are-hemp-seeds-a-superfood),\r\nfor example, are often used in high-end organic foods, while the extract\r\nfrom the seeds and flowers is commonly used in organic skin lotions. The fibers\r\nand stalks of the hemp plant are used in plastics and as construction\r\nmaterial. Meanwhile, the stalk of the hemp plant is used to make a variety of\r\nthings, including mulch, insulation and cardboard.\r\n\r\nHemp can also be used to develop a wide selection of [hemp CBD\r\nproducts](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f6ea9c65393944020d0000/what-is-hemp-cbd), which offer all of the [medical\r\nbenefits of cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4509e64633100064f0000/hemp-and-cannabis-for-medicinal-purposes-is-there-a-difference) without any of the potentially troublesome psychoactive effects. These\r\nproducts are used to treat nausea, seizures, anxiety disorders,\r\npsychotic disorders and depression. While the [positive medical\r\neffects of CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e12afb6539390006040000/cbd-oil-breaking-the-stereotypes-of-cannabis) are widely known, it's important to note that marijuana-derived CBD may be difficult to access in many areas, while hemp-derived CBD\r\nproducts may be easier to come by.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, there’s much debate\r\nabout whether the effects of hemp- and cannabis-derived CBD products are\r\nthe same. While hemp-derived CBD products may be easier to get a hold of,\r\nthe unfortunate fact is that they're likely not as effective as\r\ncannabis-derived CBD products, which are generally more potent.\r\n\r\n### Hemp Is an Eco-Friendly Crop\r\n\r\nIn addition to being valuable for many industries, hemp is also an\r\nincredibly eco-friendly crop that benefits the land and soil of the\r\nfarmers who grow it. As hemp matures, it consumes large amounts of CO2,\r\ncleanses the soil of toxins, and puts down roots that help prevent soil\r\nerosion and loss of topsoil.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, hemp needs less water than more traditional crops, such as\r\nsoybeans and corn, and requires no pesticides to flourish. Because of\r\nthese traits, hemp is even being investigated as a crop that could\r\npotentially be used to help restore the shrinking Everglades by leaching\r\nagricultural runoff from the ground and stabilizing soil.\r\n\r\n### How Hemp Differs From Marijuana\r\n\r\nAny consumer who pulls a chunk of hemp out of the ground and attempts to\r\nsmoke it will be vastly disappointed. While hemp has many uses,\r\nintoxication simply isn't one of them. Hemp differs from marijuana in\r\nthat it contains an incredibly small amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).\r\n\r\nWhile marijuana generally possesses a THC content of anywhere between\r\n3% and 30%, industrial hemp's levels are generally lower than\r\n1%. With that in mind, a person would have to smoke somewhere\r\nbetween 10–12 industrial hemp cigarettes in a matter of minutes to\r\neven begin to feel the mildest of psychoactive effects.\r\n\r\n### Why Hemp Is Illegal\r\n\r\nGiven its many uses, agricultural benefits and incredibly low potential\r\nfor psychoactivity, many consumers wonder why hemp is illegal. The\r\nanswer is complex. In 1937, the [Marijuana Tax\r\nAct](http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/hemp/taxact/mjtaxact.htm) set\r\nout to regulate the use of cannabis. In doing so, it put strict\r\nregulations and guidelines on the sale and development of _all_ cannabis\r\nvarieties, of which there are hundreds—including hemp.\r\n\r\nIn 1970, the [Controlled Substances\r\nAct](https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/csa.shtml)\r\nwas introduced, classifying all variations of cannabis as a\r\nSchedule I drug. This classification makes hemp illegal for cultivation\r\nin the U.S. Though hemp is grown widely in other countries such as Canada, the U.S. is forced to import all hemp due to the 1970 act.\r\n\r\n### The Future of Hemp\r\n\r\nAs of 2014, states that have developed their own set of industrial hemp\r\nrules and regulations have been allowed to grow hemp for research\r\npurposes. This amendment to the U.S. Farm Bill resulted in states like\r\nOregon and Colorado pioneering hemp agriculture efforts.\r\n\r\nIn early 2015,\r\na bill called the [Industrial Hemp Farming\r\nAct](https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/134/cosponsors)\r\nwas introduced to the Senate and the House. If the bill passes, it would seek to remove the long-standing restrictions on the production and sale of industrial hemp by removing\r\nthe crop from the list of Schedule I controlled substances.\r\n\r\nAccording to Rep. Jared Polis, a Colorado-based democratic sponsor of the bill, \"The\r\nfederal ban on hemp has been a waste of taxpayer dollars that ignores\r\nscience, suppresses innovation and subverts the will of states.\"\r\n\r\nAs it stands now, the U.S. is the world's single largest consumer of\r\nhemp products—and the only major developed country that outlaws production of hemp. Fortunately, many experts in the cannabis industry believe that the legalization of industrial hemp isn't far off.\r\n\r\nIn addition to providing a considerable economic boost for the cities\r\nand states involved in cultivating industrial hemp, removing hemp from\r\nthe list of Schedule I controlled substances would also present a\r\ncleaner, more eco-friendly and more sustainable crop option for farmers\r\neverywhere.\r\n\r\nWhile the legalization of hemp is not yet a sure thing, many industry\r\nexperts feel optimistic about the future of this versatile plant.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Tara Jones](https://www.flickr.com/photos/64630070@N07/5910200203/in/photolist-a1gjBv-cmeHfm-2Rngc5-6g2Hhq-GihwJ-5iv1aB-6VwZmJ-9w9UrP-2CJYsS-6VsWq2-9744JD-2CJYNL-6VsJsT-6fXrRP-7HYYuj-6VwN57-3K1SnT-6dZiwt-cfCWW-6bEbG8-6VwQku-8dLCpy-gfpCMR-6Vt7xa-aJkLtt-9dwQBS-5WoKsz-8mr8h7-aD8aEU-7Q8cD-59rKme-axtmr5-GvbNB-26cjT-Jtn4-4v9b6-5j2Qxc-4kCXBy-3TxWfm-4kCY5Q-7sF39i-BW9z-49mqmp-8TRF6F-6g2CW1-a1jbMJ-xgra1b-6mjYq-gfpCGa-7hNyyW)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/ee604/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.png","srcSet":"/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/69585/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.png 200w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/497c6/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.png 400w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/ee604/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.png 800w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/f3583/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.png 1200w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/17821/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.png 1527w","srcWebp":"/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/58556/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/61e93/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.webp 200w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/1f5c5/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.webp 400w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/58556/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.webp 800w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/99238/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.webp 1200w,\n/static/c3050b651958edc00f6ffa417b439fce/ef7ab/a47e91eaa980f145c8e45c24359dc0a7.webp 1527w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5300,"name":"Growing","slug":"growing","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}