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By George Mouratidis

At-home cannabis cultivators are always obsessed with maximizing indoor yield…and why shouldn’t they be?

Considering all the time, energy, and money you’re going to spend on your plants, you should be looking for ways to get the most “buds for your buck.”

Unfortunately, marijuana has a nasty tendency to grow in a straight line–and there aren’t many presents under this cannabis “Christmas tree.”

In fact, the only “star” on an untrained cannabis plant is the top cola. All the other “popcorn” buds on the bottom have very little cannabinoid content.

If you want widespread weed production (and who wouldn’t?), you need to put extra effort into training your plant.

Although there are dozens of training strategies online, one of the simplest methods home-growers could use is known as “ScrOGing.”

Although it might sound complicated, ScrOG training is a straightforward and safe way to use your grow space more efficiently.

What Is ScrOG And Why Should I Use It?

The term “ScrOG” is shorthand for a training technique known as “Screen of Green.”

As you might’ve already guessed, this low-stress method involves placing a screen over your marijuana to flatten your plants. Rather than having one central cola that gets all the attention, ScrOGing allows more branches to absorb nutritious light and grow big and strong.

Most home-growers place their ScrOG over their cannabis late in the vegetative stage and wait for their plants to reach the net.

Once your cannabis plants are tall enough, it’s time to gently push lower branches through your ScrOG’s holes. The whole idea is to create a horizontal grow space to maximize marijuana yield.

Secondary Benefits Of Using A ScrOG

The primary reason people use ScrOG is to expose more buds to your grow light.

Thanks to the ScrOG, plants on the bottom of your marijuana strains can absorb more light, which translates to more buds in the flowering stage.

There are, however, a few secondary benefits associated with using a ScrOG. For instance, cultivators who practice ScrOGing don’t have to worry as much about diseases like mold or mildew.

Because your plants are flattened under a ScrOG net, it’s far easier for air to move through your grow tent. This enhanced air circulation decreases the odds of unwelcome pests or fungi sticking to your plants.

Another reason growers love using ScrOG is it provides natural support for their plants’ stems. Stronger stems have an easier time supporting bigger buds, which is good news for your yield.

What’s The Best Size ScrOG Screen?

Since every grower has different space considerations, there’s no “ideal” ScrOG screen. Determining the best fit for your grow space depends on how large your area is and how many flowers you want to grow.

As a rule of thumb, each ScrOG that measures 10 ft2 could usually fit four cannabis plants. Most cannabis growers recommend making each ScrOG opening about 2” x 2” and placing the screen about 25 inches above your plants.

Again, these specifications aren’t written in stone, so feel free to experiment with what works best for your grow tent.

What Do You Need To Build A ScrOG?

Although you could find pre-made trellises at home improvement stores, most people prefer to build a ScrOG at home. Even if you’re not a DIYer, it’s not too challenging to construct a ScrOG well-suited for your grow space.

First off, you have to choose what kind of string to use. Cotton strings are the preferred choice since they are very gentle on buds and simple to install. If you don’t like cotton for whatever reason, other popular options include hemp cords and plastic fencing.

Although some people have used materials like chicken or fishing wire, these are considered the worst choices as they are tough against delicate branches.

When it comes to building your ScrOG’s frame, the two most popular options include PVC piping and 2” x 4” wood pieces. PVC piping has the advantage of being lightweight, but it could give off potentially harmful compounds under intense lighting. Be sure to check the heat resistance of your PVC pipes before buying them. By contrast, lumber is heavier than PVC pipes, but it tends to be a longer-lasting and safer choice.

After you’ve decided what frame and string you’re going to use, all you need are a few fishing hooks to attach your wires to.

Additionally, you could purchase rope ratchets if you want your ScrOG to hang in your grow space.

How To Assemble A ScrOG At Home?

Before you start assembling your ScrOG, you first have to measure your grow tent’s dimensions to figure out what frame will fit in your space. Once you’ve decided how big you want your ScrOG to be, cut your PVC pipes or lumbar strips and assemble with elbow joints.

With your frame completed, it’s time to drill holes on the sides for your fishing hooks. As mentioned earlier, you generally want to make sure each square in your grid measures 2” x 2”, so space out these holes by at least 2”. 

Once you’ve snapped in each of your hooks, it’s time to create a grid with your string. Cut and tie your chosen wire to each hook until you have a neat square design.

Lastly, you could either add legs to your frame or strap a rope ratchet attachment into your grow tent. While both of these methods work, most growers prefer the rope ratchets because they make it easier to adjust your ScrOG’s height. 

What Strains Are Best Suited For ScrOGing?

Technically, you could use ScrOGing on any strain, but this method tends to work the best with sativas.

Since sativa-dominant strains are naturally tall, they are easy to bend through your screen’s holes. Sativas also tend to offer a greater yield with ScrOG as opposed to the bushier indica strains.

When choosing strains for ScrOG, please research the average height of your plants. While you could grow multiple strains under one ScrOG net, they should all be around the same size. This makes it easier to weave your plant stems through the screen’s nets.

Do I Need To Top My Plant Before Using ScrOG?

If you’re researching different ScrOG techniques online, you’ll usually see cultivators recommend topping your plant before putting up your screen.

Although topping is not a requirement, it can make the ScrOGing process easier for home-growers.

For those who don’t already know, topping is a high-stress training method that involves cutting the “top” of your plant’s central stem in the vegetative stage. When done correctly, this technique forces your plant to send all of its energy to two main colas. Not only does topping increase bud production, it also makes your plant grow horizontally—hence why it’s so beneficial for ScrOGing.

The downside of using topping is that it can cause irreparable damage to your plant when done improperly. It’s always best to wait until your plant has at least five nodes before breaking out your scissors. You should also ensure your plant doesn’t show any signs of weakness like nutrient deficiencies, as this could make it impossible for your cannabis to recover.

Even though topping is an excellent addition to ScrOGing, please only attempt this method when you feel confident you could use it to your advantage.

Augment ScrOG With A Bit Of Bending

If you don’t feel comfortable topping your plant just yet, don’t worry! There are many low-stress training strategies you could use to enhance your ScrOG program.

In fact, simple bending techniques during the seedling phase will encourage horizontal growth. All you need to do is pull a plant stem to your pot’s side and secure it with a twist tie. As more stems appear in the center, simply repeat this method to discourage axial dominance.

Although it may seem too good to be true, bending is one of the safest and most effective training techniques used by cannabis pros. Adding bending to your ScrOG session could result in monster yields.

ScrOG vs. SOG – Is There A Difference?

Lastly, we should note that ScrOG has nothing to do with the similar-sounding SOG (short for “Sea of Green”). Although these two training techniques share three letters, they are not the same thing.

In fact, some growers don’t even classify SOG as a training technique. The reason for this is that SOG doesn’t involve manipulating your plants directly. Instead, people who use SOG deliberately change their indoor lighting well ahead of schedule.

Typically, SOG cultivators swap their light schedule from 18/6 to 12/12 after their plants grow for only 4 – 6 weeks. While this stunts your plants’ growth, it does result in faster and larger harvests if you’re growing numerous plants.

Although SOG is a simple way to get big yields in a small space, it requires a significant upfront investment for seeds, potting, and soil. Plus, many home-growers aren’t legally allowed to grow more than four or five marijuana plants at a time.

Since SOG works best with many small plants, indoor growers often get better yields using techniques like ScrOG on the few legal plants they’re allowed to cultivate.

ScrOG – A Safe Way To Secure Sizable Yields

Hopefully we’ve inspired you to add ScrOGing to your cannabis skill set. Once you figure out what screen works for your grow space, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to adjust your canopy for peak bud production.

Please remember Everything But The Plant now offers professional-grade grow tents that are ideal for ScrOG set-ups. To find out more about our grow tent options, please be sure to visit this link.

By George Mouratidis

In terms of climate, marijuana likes it steamy.

This should come as no surprise considering cannabis has thrived for centuries in tropical regions. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t temps that are too hot for pot.

While cannabis usually won’t die when exposed to excessively high temps, there’s a far greater chance your plants will run into issues like nutrient deficiencies, bud burn, or mold.

Even in the best-case scenario, intense heat often leads to diminished marijuana yields and weak effects. For these reasons, home-growers must know how to reduce their grow tent’s temp.

Thankfully, indoor cultivators have come up with many handy tips to keep their tent’s temp stable. But before we get into how to chill your tent’s temp, let’s briefly review the ideal environment for cannabis growth.

What’s A Good Temp For Hemp?

In general, cannabis performs well in warm climates similar to what you’d find in tropical, subtropical, or Mediterranean regions.

It’s usually best to keep your grow space between 70 – 80°F during the day and just a touch cooler at night. Although some strains could “make it” with nighttime temps in the high 60s, it’s usually best to keep your grow tent around the 70°F mark for the best results.

In terms of humidity, most home-growers recommend anywhere from 60 – 70 percent for vegetative plants and 45 – 55 percent during flowering.

The only exception to this rule is if you’re using clones, in which case you need to ramp up humidity levels to the 80 – 90 percent mark. By the way, anyone interested in cloning strains should check out Everything But The Plant’s extensive cloning catalog.

Of course, every cannabis strain has slightly different temp needs. In some cases, growers deliberately expose certain strains to chilly conditions on a few nights to bring out gorgeous purple leaves.

Before you try any of these tricks, however, we recommend doing thorough research on your chosen seeds to find the determine the perfect climate for your grow tent.

How Do I Know My Grow Tent Is Too Hot?

The simplest way to tell whether your grow tent is too hot is to use a high-quality thermometer and hydrometer.

Although you could get a sense for your grow tent’s temp by walking inside every day, the only way to accurately gauge temp and humidity is to monitor levels on these devices.

Beyond using a thermometer and hydrometer, there are a few other warning signs your grow room is getting too hot.

For instance, if you notice your cannabis plant’s leaves curving upwards, then you should think about reducing your grow tent’s heat levels.

Other warning signs of excessive heat include a “rotting” smell, dry soil, bud burn, and a slower-than-average flowering period.

What Can You Do To Cool Your Grow Tent? – Seven Strategies To Consider

Now that you know how crucial climate is for cannabis plants, let’s get into a few of the easiest ways you could bring some chill into your grow tent.

1. Ensure Your Tent Has A Good Exhaust System

The first step to controlling temperature is to make sure your tent has exhaust flaps on the top and bottom. Since hot air rises, the top exhaust helps carry out hot air, while the floor vent primarily brings in cold air.

If possible, you should attach your hot air vent to either a window or chimney to bring the hot air outdoors.

For optimal air circulation, try to keep your vent as straight as possible as it exits your grow tent. Also, be sure to attach a carbon air filter to your exhaust flap if you don’t want nosy neighbors sniffing your ganja goodies.

Luckily for home-growers, exhaust flaps are a standard feature in professional grow tent manufacturing. In fact, all of the grow tents now available on Everything But The Plant have easy-to-use air vents to help cultivators keep fresh air circulating through their grow space.

For more details on our grow tent catalog, be sure to follow this link.

2. Take Care To Examine Your Lighting System

The grow lights you use will contribute the most heat to your grow space. This is especially true in grow tents that have a reflective inner Mylar coating. For this reason, home-growers must research their preferred light’s intensity before making a purchase.

Unfortunately, since every grow light has a different set of specs, it’s difficult to estimate how much heat each model gives off.

While fluorescents tend to give off the least heat, most home-growers don’t use them for the entire growth process. Both HIDs and LEDs give off more heat than fluorescents, but just how much they give off depends on what intensity you’re using.

One thing that’s for sure is that HIDs require more space than LEDs. If you’re living in a home where space is limited, you should focus your search on LEDs rather than HIDs.

Another feature to consider when browsing different grow lights is whether the model you’re looking at has a dimmer option.

Although this feature usually costs more, dimmers offer growers a convenient way to cut your grow room’s temp literally with the flip of a switch. Dimmed lights also better mimic the sunset, which might help increase yields.

To offer cultivators the best choice for their growing space, Everything But The Plant now provides plenty of professional grow lights. Be sure to check out our full grow light catalog on this webpage.

3. Consider A Portable AC Unit Or An Evaporative Cooler

If you’re struggling to keep your grow room temps down with exhaust fans, you might want to consider investing in a professional AC unit.

While this device will increase your energy bill, it remains the easiest way to quickly and reliably cool your grow tent. Plus, many portable AC units now available make temperature control in tight quarters a “breeze.”

Somewhat related to AC units, evaporative coolers are another effective way home-growers could bring down a grow tent’s temperature.

However, anyone who’s planning on using these coolers must remember they will raise humidity levels. Typically, it’s best to use evaporative coolers if you live in a reliably hot and dry climate.

4. Hot Nights, Cool Days – Experiment With A Reverse Light Schedule

One of the most inventive ways home-growers keep their tent’s temps tempered is to reverse their lighting schedule.

Instead of turning your lights on every morning, turn them on before bedtime. Since it’s naturally cooler during the night, there’s less chance your plants will suffer from heat exhaustion compared with the daytime.

As a bonus, running your lights at night could save you some serious ca-ching!

Many cultivators say they’ve successfully used this lighting schedule to reduce their electricity costs. If you are going to use this method, take a close look at your electricity bills and compare them with previous daytime grow cycles.

5. Don’t Boil Your Buds! – A Few Tips For Hydroponics Growers 

If you’re a hydroponics grower, you might already know that hot water could land you into, well, “hot water.”

Reservoir water that has above average temps cannot effectively deliver oxygen or nutrients to your plants. Even worse, hot hydroponics water is a breeding ground for algae and a significant contributor to root rot.

According to most home-growers, the ideal temperature for hydroponics water is between 64°F – 75°F. However, most experienced cultivators urge students to stay closer to the 64°F mark for the best chances of survival.

Here are a few of the simplest ways you could heat-proof your hydroponics water:

• Occasionally throw a plastic bottle full of frozen water into your reservoir.
• Paint your reservoir’s surface white to deflect heat.
• Place the reservoir outside of the grow tent to avoid light exposure.
• Consider purchasing a water chiller device.

By the way, Everything But The Plant now offers many beginner-friendly hydroponics units with built-in nutrient distribution systems. If you’d like to learn more about our hydroponics offerings, please feel free to visit this link.

6. Do Fans Keep Temperature Cool?

You may have noticed we’ve yet to mention adding fans to your grow tent as a means of keeping temps down.

Although fans play an essential role in air circulation, they won’t necessarily reduce your tent’s temperature.

Although fans could bring your tent’s temps down if it’s colder in the surrounding area, it will only re-circulate hot air if you’re living in a warm climate.

This doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t use fans in your grow tent. Although they aren’t reliable for temperature control, fans offer many other benefits for home-growers.

Most significantly, the gentle breeze fans provide will discourage the growth of mold, mildew, and pests. Portable fans also provide your plants with a bit of mild air resistance, which helps stems grow stronger over time.

7. Is Your Pot Too Hot? Turn To These Supplements

Lastly, there are a few nutritional supplements home-growers should know about to revive cannabis plants suffering from heat exhaustion.

Just keep in mind that these tips are only intended to help plants that are already showing signs of distress. Please don’t rely on these supplements to help your plants survive in a sweltering grow tent.

According to most cannabis growers, kelp extract is the most effective supplement for heat-exhausted plants.

Not only does kelp contain a plethora of healing nutrients, it appears to help plants absorb essential minerals and increases their resilience.

Along with kelp extract, the mineral silica also strengthens the cannabis plant’s resistance to heat.

Adding just a touch of this mineral to your plant’s diet could significantly improve your plant’s cells, leading to a firmer stem structure. Indeed, many home-growers use silica on sativa strains to prevent top-heavy buds from snapping stems.

Believe it or not, it also appears silica may offer a few health benefits for humans when taken as a dietary supplement.

If you’re interested in learning more about silica’s potential uses, we encourage you to read through this previous post on Micro Plant Powder.

Control Your Tent’s Temps For Crazy Cannabis Yields

Along with proper watering and nutrition, managing your grow tent’s temperature is essential for a successful cannabis crop. If you begin noticing your tent’s temp veering into the 80°F territory, please try out the tips listed above to keep your cannabis comfy.

For even more info on indoor temperature control, we encourage you to read this previous post.

By George Mouratidis

Even though cannabis cultivation is becoming more widespread, most at-home cultivators continue to grow their plants in private.

Indeed, even states with lax recreational laws require residents to plant cannabis far from public view. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many at-home growers are still proudly “in the closet.”

Although soil remains the dominant growth medium in closet set-ups, that doesn’t mean home-growers can’t use hydroponics.

In fact, there are now dozens of closet-friendly hydroponics systems marketed at home-growers. Any at-home cultivators who want to try their hand at hydroponics could easily create a closet grow set-up.

What Are The Benefits Of Setting Up A Hydroponics Grow Closet?

OK, so now you’re probably wondering why you’d want to use hydroponics in your grow closet. Are these watery systems really worth the worry?

Well, proponents of hydroponics systems claim you can grow more buds in a fraction of the time it takes in soil.

Hydroponics growers also won’t have to worry about soil-related diseases or pests. Thirdly, since you’ll have to add all of your nutrients to the hydroponics unit, you’ll enjoy far greater control over your grow cycle.

However, there are a few trade-offs home-growers need to account for before ditching dirt.

Most significantly, hydroponics units are far less forgiving than soil. Growers who use hydroponics need to be super vigilant about pH and nutrients.

Also, since you have to add so many nutrients to hydroponic set-ups, they tend to be costlier than soil-based mediums.

Should You Use A Grow Tent In Your Hydroponics Closet? 

Once you’ve decided you want to create a hydroponic grow closet, you first have to determine how you’re going to insulate your grow space. For maximum indoor yield, you need to concentrate the power of your grow light and maintain a consistent climate. 

In most cases, home-growers rely on professional grow tents for all their insulation needs. Most of these grow tents have reflective Mylar coatings to help intensify your LED or HID lights.

These tents also have high-thread exteriors to prevent light spillage and create a warm interior. Plus, since grow tents are now available in various sizes, it’s easy to find models that fit in grow closets.

Although a professional tent will make your life easier, that doesn’t mean you need them to set up a hydroponics grow closet.

Indeed, people who are into DIY projects might want to consider building a wooden grow box. There’s also a growing community of cannabis enthusiasts who use computer towers to create a cultivation space.

When setting up your grow closet, the two most important factors are that it works for your plants and that you’re comfortable operating it. As long as you’re supplying your plants with the water, nutrition, ventilation, and light they need, you should have a successful closet grow.

For those interested in learning more specifics on professional grow tents, we encourage you to read this previous post on insulation. You could also look through Everything But The Plant’s impressive assortment of grow tents on this website. 

Are There Pre-Made Hydroponics Units For Closet Grows? 

Once you’ve decided how you’re going to enclose your marijuana plants, you should turn your attention to the right hydroponics system for your space. Although there are many different styles of hydroponics units, they all make use of a reservoir, tubing, and pots for your plants.

In most active hydroponics units, the reservoir will have an air stone and a nutrient pump to supply plants with regular oxygen, water, and nutrients.

For your convenience, most of today’s hydroponics models have automated settings that “feed your weed” at regular intervals. Indeed, many of the hydroponics units on Everything But The Plant have beginner-friendly automation systems, so be sure to check them out on this link. 

Although there are many fantastic pre-made hydroponics systems on the market, DIYers can look into at-home projects.

For instance, some home-growers cut holes on top of a plastic tote, fill the bin with water and nutrients, and place net pots over the water. Other growers use five-gallon buckets and net pots to create a DIY DWC set-up.

Lastly, even though hydroponics units don’t require soil, you may need to buy some form of inert matter to put inside your pots.

The main reason for using these materials is to provide your plants with some stability as they mature. A few of the most commonly used inert materials include coco coir, perlite, and clay pellets.

If you’d like to learn more specifics on different hydroponics styles, then we encourage you to read through this previous blog post.

What Light Works The Best In A Hydroponics Grow Closet?

Understandably, space is a significant concern when evaluating grow lights for cabinet grows. Since closet grows are pretty cramped, you need to ensure the light you’re working with fits comfortably in your grow tent without getting too close to your plants.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all space requirement for grow lights. Each light has a different intensity, and cannabis plants respond differently to grow lights at different stages of development. 

As a rule of thumb, you should have 2.5 – 3 feet of space between your grow light and your plants. The only exception to this rule is fluorescent bulbs. Many home-growers like using fluorescents in the seedling phase because you can place them very close to your plant without burning them.

Thankfully, most manufacturers place a recommended distance on their grow lights to help you accurately gauge what works best for your space. While you’re researching light distance, please don’t forget to figure out the dimensions of your grow light and analyze how it will fit in your grow tent. 

FYI: there are many high-quality LED and HID lights on Everything But The Plant. Click this link to find out more about our grow light portfolio.

Keep Your Plants Moving With Proper Ventilation

Since closets are such a cramped grow environment, it’s imperative to figure out a way to easily keep your grow space well-ventilated. Not only will proper ventilation help regulate temperature and humidity, it also produces heartier plants that are less prone to mold.

Be sure to add a small fan to your grow tent to provide your marijuana with a gentle breeze. You should also double-check your grow space has an exhaust vent on the top to allow hot air to escape. 

Closet growers should also invest in a high-quality carbon filter and attach it to the exhaust inside your tent. This neat contraption uses activated charcoal to suck out all of those dank aromatics before they escape the exhaust vent. Even if you’re living in tight quarters, nobody should catch a whiff of your gardening pot-ject!

The Extra Important Role Of Nutrients In Hydroponics

High-quality nutrients are not optional in hydroponics growing. Unlike soil, hydroponics won’t naturally supply plants with trace amounts of micro or macronutrients. For this reason, you’re 100 percent responsible for adding the proper nutrients to your hydroponics unit.

Before purchasing your grow nutrients, please verify the brand you’re buying is verified for hydroponics. Many novice cultivators make the mistake of using soil-based nutrients in their hydroponics set-up. There are significant differences in the potency and quality of nutrients for soil versus hydroponics, so using the wrong nutrients could seriously alter your grow operation.

But even the highest-quality nutrients won’t mean a thing if your pH is off. The water in your hydroponics system must remain at a constant pH of 5.5 – 6.5 to allow cannabis to absorb nutrients. Having a reliable pH tracker as well as pH adjustment chemicals are crucial for a successful hydroponics operation.

If you’d like to learn more about powder and liquid nutrients, then please feel free to read through this previous blog post. By the way, Everything But The Plant also offers plenty of hydroponics-friendly nutrients on this webpage.

What Strains Are Best Suited For Hydroponics Grow Closets?

It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out that smaller strains do better in smaller places. Hence, most closet growers tend to prefer growing autoflowering and indica strains in their hydroponics unit.

The main challenge with growing sativas at home is that they require a ton of space. Although it’s not impossible to grow these strains in your closet, you’ll need to understand the basics of LST to keep your sativas far enough away from the grow light.

Before choosing what cannabis strain to grow, be sure to do some research on its typical size, appearance, and yield. This data can help you envision how much space your chosen strain will take up, how many plants you could fit in your tent, and the best training method to employ.

Good Luck With Your Hydroponics Grow Closet!

Although hydroponics growing requires more diligence than working with soil, it often rewards home-growers with above-average yields and fast flowering schedules.

Plus, now that there are so many hi-tech hydroponics units on the market, even people with tiny grow closets could give this grow style a go. As long as you keep all the primers listed above in mind, you should have a fantastic experience growing ganja in your hydroponics closet set-up.

If you have any questions about the hydroponics units available on Everything But The Plant, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly staff on this Contact Us page.

By Lydia Kibet

Marijuana consumers in America and different parts of the world are a lucky breed.

If you live in a state where the herb is legal, you can easily access high-quality weed that surpasses previous generations.

Today, the big question remains, is cannabis more potent than the past years?

Well, the answer could be yes or no. As of today, you’ll now find weed with up to 30% THC content, which was not there before.

On the other hand, a 2012 study conducted by Cascini.F. et al., published in Current Drug Abuse Reviews, found that there has been a recent and consistent increase in cannabis potency globally. Older marijuana examined at the University of Mississippi was less potent than today’s weed by 57%.

Perhaps, storage was a major issue back in the day. When we talk about potency, we refer to the THC level. When cannabis is stored inappropriately, it degrades the THC content, hence the less potency. 

While sensimilla may seem to be a weed strain to many, this is not the case. In this article, we’re going to talk about sensimilla and how we first gained access and how to grow it.

So, what exactly is sensimilla?

Surprisingly, the majority of people don’t know what sensimilla is. Some people think it is a specific strain of cannabis.

However, one school of thought suggests that it is a top-shelf marijuana without seeds that is taken care of cautiously.

In reality, sensimilla is Spanish and it means “without seeds.”

It is a highly potent marijuana without seeds – where a female plant is left unfertilized only to produce flowers and not to progress to produce seeds.

Its unfertilized state enhances the production of higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that renders the psychoactive effects commonly known as a ‘high’.

The History of Sensimilla

While marijuana existed and has been grown for the past thousand decades, and was legal, it was outlawed in the western part of the world in the mid-20th century.

For that reason, only a few people in the 1960s took the risk of growing marijuana in America and Europe. As a result, breeders began taking weed seeds from Asia and smuggled marijuana from India, Thailand, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, and Colombia.

It was only a matter of time when seedless marijuana became better known, and breeders came to know about ‘sensimilla.’

It was by far the best weed compared to what they were receiving when it comes to quality.

Back then, sensimilla was illustrated as a female marijuana plant that was prevented from coming into contact with the male plants to prevent pollination. As a result, the technique prevented female plants from producing seeds.

The logic behind the sensimilla growing technique made the unfertilized female flowers have high amounts of resin and developed more branches in clusters.

The growing method is thought to have begun in the mid-1970s in the West. Cannabis breeders were thrilled to find that sensimilla had a higher concentration of THC and other sought-after cannabinoids.

Sensimilla and the Modern Era

Today, marijuana users are spoilt for choice with the massive array of top-shelf cannabis buds available in cannabis dispensaries, unlike the past, where people could depend on substandard schwag that was smuggled into the country illegally.

Due to the recent legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in different parts of the world, it has contributed to the high-quality weed on the market.

If we brought a 1970s weed grower to the modern marijuana industry, the grower would perhaps produce exceptional weed from seeds smuggled from Colombia. Today, with users becoming pickier when choosing weed strains, it is pretty easy to grow top-quality marijuana.

How to Grow Sensimilla

Now that you know what sensimilla is, perhaps, you’re thinking of growing it and have a taste of a high-THC bud.

But, marijuana cultivation can be intimidating, especially for beginners in the block. However, we’re going to explain step-by-step to get started the right way.

As mentioned earlier, sensimilla is a form of marijuana plant without seeds.

Therefore, the goal of growing sensimilla is to prevent the female marijuana plant from coming into contact with pollen from the male plant. The rationale behind the unfertilized female plant is to produce high levels of resin, thus highly potent buds.

Usually, the pollen from the male marijuana plants fertilizes the female plant to produce seeds.

But, when male plants are removed from the growing site, it prevents the pollination. In reality, the energy that would have been used by the female plant in the seed production will be put into use to produce high levels of resins and THC – which means more potency.

Sensimilla Setup – What You Need

First, you need to find out the laws regarding marijuana in your state before getting started.

In the US, marijuana cultivation is subject to strict state regulations.

That’s why it is vital to familiarize yourself with your state laws around growing weed before going ahead. If it is legal, you need to find the necessary tools and equipment.

Depending on the medium you’re going to use (soil or hydroponically), supplies may vary. In this article, we’ll explain using soil as our growing medium.

The necessary supplies you’ll need include high-quality soil, feminized seeds, fertilizers, pots, pruning shears, among others.

But again, you might be asking yourself if to grow sensimilla indoors or outdoors. Well, expert marijuana growers would recommend indoor cannabis growing to avoid the risk of pollination. Check out the steps below:

#1 Germination

First, germinate the feminized seeds – whereby the seeds develop into a plant with the help of water.

To start the germination procedure, put the seeds in a glass filled with tap water and allow it to sit for 15-18 hours.

Once all the seeds have sunk to the bottom, pour the glass of water with seeds in a paper towel.

Then heat the towel with a bowl on top to trap the moisture. Keep checking the seeds after every 5 hours for one day while being careful not to overheat as this will kill the seeds. Once the seeds produce taproots, then, the next step is transplanting.

#2 The vegetative phase

Now that your germinated seeds are ready, transfer them to a soil pot while watching not to overcrowd them.

The soil should have a blend of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer to promote faster growth.

At this point, the plants will grow into the vegetative phase and may need enough space. Therefore, transferring them into bigger pots is recommended.

During the vegetative phase, it is vital to prune the plants to maintain their height and allow free flow of air. Watering should also be done regularly, but be careful not to overdo it.

#3 Identify and remove all of the male plants

This is the most critical stage of growing sensimilla where you need to identify and remove all male plants to avoid the risk of pollination.

You can easily identify the male plants by looking at the following physical features:

• Males plants have broad, stronger stalks and fewer leaves compared to female plants
• Check the nodes – this is where the leaves and the branches lengthen outwards from the stalk
• Male plants have pollen sacs meant to transfer pollen for fertilization while female plants have a stigma that receives pollen

After 4 weeks into the vegetative phase, marijuana plants are in the “pre-flower” stage whereby you cannot see the flowers with a naked eye because they are so tiny.

With the help of a magnifying glass, you can also see small pollen sacs in male plants and bracts in female plants.

Now that you’ve identified male plants, it’s time to remove them from the growing area. Using pruning shears, cut it off 6 inches from the ground and keep them far away from the females.

You might be wondering why we don’t just pull out the male plants from the soil. This is because you’ll disturb the roots of the female plants. For that reason, cutting the stalks would maintain the growth and development of the female plants.

By removing the male plants, you’ll have acted before it’s too late to prevent pollination. At this stage, the plants are ready to flower.

#4 The flowering stage

During the flowering stage, sensimilla plants don’t need pruning anymore.

Feeding the plants with potash and phosphorus allows them to develop studier and healthier flowers. Do not water the plants during the flowering stage. 

While the plants end up drying, this will cause the plants to produce massive amounts of resin. 

#5 Harvesting sensimilla bud

Experts recommend harvesting sensimilla plants by cutting the stalks 6 inches above the ground.

After harvesting, drying and curing the buds is the next step. You can either hang the branches while facing upside down or use drying racks. Keep in mind the longer the drying process takes, the higher the potency.

Once you’re done with the drying process, place your sensimilla buds in sealed airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place.

However, you need to open the containers for the first few weeks to allow moisture to escape. After 4-6 weeks your buds will have cured fully and there you go. Enjoy your first hit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sensimilla

What does sensimilla mean?

Sensimilla is a highly potent type of cannabis that has no seeds. It refers to a female marijuana plant that is not allowed to come into contact with the male plant to prevent fertilization. For that reason, sensimilla plants are known for a high concentration of resins and THC.

Is sensimilla indica or sativa?

The answer to this question is unclear because sensimilla could either be Indica, Sativa, or hybrid so long as the seeds are feminized.

When was sensimilla first developed?

It is believed sensimilla became better known in the mid-1970s. However, the year it was developed is still unclear.

Why is sensimilla more potent than seeded cannabis?

Three reasons explain the high potency levels in sensimilla.

First, seedless marijuana contains higher concentrations of THC compared to seeded cannabis.

Second, plants used in making sensimilla seeds have been selected carefully.

Third, the energy that could be used in the production of seeds is utilized in producing large dense buds.

As a result, sensimilla translates to more robust characteristics.

Wrap up on Sensimilla

It shouldn’t be a surprise today to find everyone looking to get their hands on sensimilla buds.

Today, sensimilla is not such a rare plant. Due to the modern-day sciences, cannabis growers can ensure that marijuana plants are entirely female by utilizing hydroponic techniques, regulated greenhouses, and the ability to get female clones of feminized seeds.

Besides, indoor growing is perfect because plants grown outdoors have been known to fertilize accidentally with male plants.

Finally, sensimilla remains to be a highly sought-after plant due to its reputation, which isn’t surprising when keeping in mind their high-quality yield.

By Lydia Kibet

With the ongoing legalization of cannabis throughout the United States and beyond, more and more people are getting access to both medical and recreational marijuana.

A quickly growing body of research shows that the two primary active cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant – cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – have a massive array of therapeutic benefits. 

It’s no secret; there are several ways to consume cannabis products today – from edibles, flowers, concentrates, topicals, to tinctures.

The cannabis industry is always interesting and fast paced, and it seems there’s always a newer, fancier way to enjoy cannabis. Cannabis tinctures are one of them. 

Today, the popularity of cannabis tinctures is on the rise in states where the herb is legal.

They’re becoming better known and widely used.

While cannabis isn’t for everyone, cannabis tinctures are an excellent method of consumption for both medical and recreational users who want to avoid vaping or smoking.

What are cannabis tinctures?

Before cannabis was prohibited, tinctures were the primary mode of consuming medical marijuana because of its quicker onset and simplicity.

Cannabis tinctures are typically cannabis extracts infused with alcohol. They’re made by absorbing cannabinoids and other plant materials into high-proof alcohol, and the plant matter is strained out.

How to Make Cannabis Tinctures

With the right equipment, it is pretty simple to make cannabis tinctures with a DIY project at home. All you need is a strainer, high-proof alcohol or Everclear, cannabis flower, and a mason jar to collect your tincture.

First of all, you need to choose the right type of alcohol to make the tincture.

When it comes to making tinctures, the kind of alcohol you use determines the final product. However, if you wish to avoid alcohol, plant-based glycerin would be ideal. The only setback of using glycerin is that it is inefficient in interacting with cannabis compounds, resulting in a low potent tincture.

The majority of cannabis connoisseurs recommend using high-proof alcohol.

As a general rule, the higher the alcohol content, the better the cannabis resin dissolves. Everclear is, however, thought to be the best because it is considered safe and highly potent.

Step-by-step guide on how to make cannabis tincture

Before getting started, you need to decarboxylate your cannabis.

First, grind your cannabis into a fine ground and place them in an aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven (230 degrees Fahrenheit for 110 minutes).

Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials follow these steps:

Step #1: Place your decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar with high-proof alcohol like Everclear, and ensure that it is fully submerged.

Step #2: Experts recommend freezing the mason jar for several days or weeks while shaking once a day—the cold assist in separating unnecessary components like chlorophyll from the end product.

Step #3: After a few weeks, strain out the material through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. Once the liquid is no longer passing through the filter, use a pair of gloves to squeeze out the remaining matter.

Step #4: Now that you have your cannabis tincture, it’s time to store it properly. Transfer your tincture into a glass dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, leave the tincture in a mason jar. Exposing the tincture to air and light degrades the quality and potency.

How to Use Cannabis Tinctures

Once you’ve made or bought your tincture, there are four different ways to consume. Depending on your preference, either might be right for you.

Sublingual administration is one of the best ways if you need to experience the effects faster.

Simply place your precise dosage under the tongue and hold for a minute before swallowing.

This allows the absorption of the tincture into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes. Sublingual administration is a revered method among many tincture users because it is fast-acting. After consuming the tincture, onset begins in 15-30 minutes.

Another way to use a cannabis tincture is to drop the tincture dosage in your mouth and swallow it. Like edible cannabis products, the effects won’t be felt immediately like the sublingual method. With the delayed onset, you’ll start to feel the effects in 1-2 hours later.

Topical application is another way to consume cannabis.

Tinctures can be used as ointments applied directly to the affected area of the skin. Cannabis is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. This method is ideal for skin conditions such as acne and skin irritation, although it takes longer to experience the effects.

Lastly, you can infuse cannabis tinctures into your favorite food or beverage from juices, coffee, soup, to salad dressing.

If you mix it with food, it will work just like edibles.

This method is suitable for individuals who don’t like the taste of tinctures. So infusing them into food and drinks would be a perfect way to reap cannabis benefits without the off-putting taste.

Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures 

Cannabis tinctures offer a wide range of advantages over other forms. In fact, they make a great option for first-time cannabis users. Tincture benefits include:

Discrete

Tinctures are a very discreet way to consume cannabis.

They come in a small, portable bottle, and they don’t create smoke or have a cannabis odor. Besides, tinctures can be used on the go, place it in your pocket, purse, or backpack, and you can take your dose anywhere.

Easy to use and dose

Using tincture is incredibly easy. With the help of a dropper, you can easily measure the precise dose, unlike other forms that you may end up overdosing or underdosing.

So, if you’re looking for a quicker method to ingest cannabis, and move on with your daily tasks, tinctures are the best option.

Fast-acting

The effects of a cannabis tincture are swift and can be felt in as little as 15 minutes. This particularly applies to the sublingual method of cannabis consumption.

When you place a few drops under the tongue, the tincture gets absorbed quickly through the blood capillaries, leading to faster effects. The effects also last longer, allowing the user to reap optimal benefits.

Fewer calories

Unlike cannabis edibles, tinctures have a low-calorie content – a great option for anyone looking to manage weight.

Long shelf-life

When cannabis tinctures are correctly stored, they have quite a long shelf-life.

This is due to the alcohol base, which helps preserve the cannabinoids to remain active for an extended period. Properly stored tinctures – in a cold, dry, and dark place can have a shelf life of 2-4 years.

Minimum effective dose

Cannabis tinctures offer an excellent way to understand your minimum effective dosing (MED), or basically the smallest amount of cannabis that is useful in managing the symptoms of your condition.

Once you know your MED, this will save you money, help you choose the right cannabis products with the ideal potency. As a result, more effective treatment!

What to Look for When Buying Cannabis Tinctures

While cannabis tinctures are gaining popularity among consumers, it doesn’t mean you should rush to a dispensary and get a bottle for yourself.

Not all tinctures are created the same, and if you’re not cautious, you might end up losing your hard-earned money for a subpar product.

Here are some key things to know before purchasing a cannabis tincture:

1. Always check the label before buying a cannabis tincture

Since the cannabis industry is highly unregulated, there’s a high chance of mislabeled products sold on the market. That means you need to be extra cautious when purchasing tinctures.

One of the things to look out for is the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA indicates the amount of cannabinoids present and the overall purity. If the listed cannabinoids don’t match the ones on the label, that raises a red flag, and you should steer clear.

2. Cannabis tincture is not CBD oil

Several people confuse the two products, partly due to similar storage bottles, and the process of cultivating them is virtually the same.

However, the hallmark difference is the plant’s constituents. In simple terms, cannabis tinctures are formulated from soaking the cannabis flower in high-proof alcohol and straining out the tincture.

On the other hand, CBD oil is derived by infusing it in a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.

3. Don’t be misled by lower prices

Without a doubt, cannabis tinctures have powerful therapeutic benefits but don’t be lured by cheaper prices.

Top-shelf tinctures are quite expensive.

While you may find more affordable cannabis tinctures out there, a plant-based oil like glycerin might have been used instead of high-proof alcohol, which might not be that effective.

4. Concentration

The concentration or the amount of cannabinoids in the tincture is an essential factor to look at when buying cannabis tinctures.

The product should state not only the amount of cannabinoids present but also in each serving. This will give you an insight into how much cannabinoids you’re consuming, which helps you gauge the product’s efficacy.

That said, consumers should be skeptical of cannabis tinctures that don’t have cannabinoids concentration on the label.

5. Company reliability

When it comes to buying cannabis tinctures, a company’s reliability is an important factor to check out.

Many sketchy brands include false claims on their products to sell poor-quality products. For that reason, consumers should avoid companies that sell products that make extensive health claims.

Cannabis Tincture FAQs

How do I take my tincture?

Cannabis tinctures are often taken sublingually – placing a few drops under the tongue. The blood capillaries rapidly absorb the cannabinoids making it into the bloodstream way faster. Besides, you can also swallow the tincture or infuse it in your favorite food or beverage – however; the effects will be delayed.

How much tincture oil should I take?

Whether you’re taking it for medical or recreational purposes, it is recommended to start small and work your way up gradually. This way, you can easily find the amount of tincture that works for you best.

Do tinctures burn under your tongue?

Cannabis tinctures react differently from one person to another. Some people have reported burns under the tongue after a few drops – high-proof alcohol is responsible for this.

If you’re looking for an alternative, plant-based tinctures formulated with glycerin might be right for you.

How long do the effects of a cannabis tincture start to kick in?

If you administer the tincture sublingually, the effects are likely to kick in 15-45 minutes and peak at about 2 hours.

However, if you swallow the tincture, you’ll experience delayed onset, just like edibles. In fact, the effects of a tincture last longer than smoking or using a vaporizer.

How do you calculate the strength of a tincture?

The strength of a tincture depends on the ratio of decarboxylated cannabis flower to high-proof alcohol. The more cannabis flower you use, the more potent the tincture will be.

As a general rule, start with a small dose and increase up gradually.

Can I vape a cannabis tincture?

Yes, or no.

It depends if the tincture is oil-based or alcohol-based. Never vape a tincture made with high-proof alcohol. However, the confusion comes on how the products have been labeled. Not all cannabis oils can be vaped. Before placing a tincture on your vaporizer, make sure it is formulated using a carrier oil.

How long can you store cannabis tinctures?

Cannabis tinctures have a long-shelf-life if appropriately stored in a cool, dry, and dark place – away from direct sunlight. When stored properly, cannabis tinctures can last for 2-4 years.

Are cannabis tinctures right for you?

Cannabis tinctures are an excellent option for anyone who wants to avoid smoking or vaporizing.

Also, a tincture is ideal for the stoner who would want to enjoy a high in social situations without drawing attention that you would if you smoked a joint or blunt.

Lastly, tinctures are revered by many, including cannabis patients who need a fast-acting method of consuming cannabis.

By Lydia Kibet

Are you an avid weed smoker or cannabis cultivator?

You’ve probably heard about the word ‘schwag weed’ tossed around or heard people complaining about low-quality weed.

Cannabis quality is what distinguishes an enjoyable smoking experience from a bad one.

With a massive collection of different types of weed and strain options available in the market, it can be overwhelming for novice smokers to differentiate between substandard and top-shelf weed.

Surprisingly, unscrupulous dealers out there will sell low-quality marijuana, popularly known as schwag weed to unsuspecting buyers.

However, all is not lost, especially with this article. We’re going to shed some light on tips to identify schwag weed before losing your hard-earned money, as well as covering some frequently asked questions from cannabis enthusiasts.

What is the Meaning Schwag Weed?

Schwag is a slang term in the cannabis culture used to refer to low-quality marijuana that is typically brown in color and overly dry.

Also known as dirty weed, skunkweed, Reggie weed, ditch weed, regs, swag, or schwag weed contains excessive stems, seeds, and other unpleasant plant fibers.

Due to the fast harvesting and packaging process, schwag is often a bag full of plant stems with a foul odor, instead of premium buds.

Trichomes are rare on schwag and therefore has low concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids. For this reason, users barely get high, unless consumed in large amounts to experience the effects.

Most of the time, schwag weed effects are harsh, and users may start coughing or have a sore throat after every hit. Besides, schwag has an unpleasant flavor.

Perhaps, you’re asking yourself, where does schwag originate?

Where Does Schwag Originate?

The cannabis industry is estimated in the billions of dollars per year, with the market growing at a substantial rate.

Several marijuana dispensaries and companies are popping up every day as more investors cash in on this booming industry to cater for the high demand.

As more states continue to legalize recreational marijuana, cultivators strive to produce top-shelf cannabis by carefully selecting specific strains of marijuana to stand out from the crowd.

However, some cultivators who are in the industry for profits end up growing weed on a large scale and rush the cultivation process. The end result is low-quality cannabis like schwag weed.

Schwag is typically associated with weed that comes from Mexico smuggled across the border to the US.

Usually packed with excessive stems and seeds, schwag is unhealthy, substandard weed. As mentioned earlier, a user has to smoke more to achieve the ‘high’ feeling a small amount of top-quality cannabis can give.

Tips for Identifying Schwag Weed

Once you know how to differentiate good and bad weed, you can easily spot dirt weed before you make a purchase. Here are some quick pointers to help you identify schwag weed:

1. Aroma

Schwag weed has a moldy odor and shouldn’t be confused with some earthy smells linked to some cannabis strains. If you’re planning to make a purchase, you shouldn’t shy away from sniffing to identify lousy weed. Compared to the robust scent of high-grade marijuana, schwag’s smell is probably due to weak genetics and oxidation from improper storage. If you sniff a weird smell, perhaps that could be schwag, and you should steer clear.

2. Appearance

Stems and seeds are the first signs of schwag weed.

Stems contain very few cannabinoids, and they give an unpleasant smoke. Stems are typically cut from top-shelf buds, so it doesn’t add any value to your bong or joint.

On the other hand, seeds indicate female marijuana plants that have undergone fertilization. Once pollination takes place, the energy that female plants could have used to produce more THC is diverted to seed production. As a result, a low potent weed like schwag.

3. Color of the bud

Several marijuana strains show a wide range of leaf colors from deep purple, neon green, to pink.

However, if you notice buds brown in color, that’s a clear indication that it has been exposed to oxygen, or it is too old. There’s a reason why schwag is called brown or dirt weed. You can easily recognize schwag by its distinctive brown buds.

4. Texture

Thoroughly cured and stored weed are mostly dry and sticky when touched because of the trichomes.

Overly dry buds that crumble when touched is a sign of schwag weed. This means the buds didn’t cure fully, or they were stored inappropriately.

5. Trichomes

Trichomes are sticky resins that give cannabis the needed potency.

They are glossy crystal-like small outgrowths that look like fine hairs found in high-quality buds, but not present in schwag weed.

Top-quality marijuana growers strive to maximize the production of trichomes by making use of specific genetics and separating male plants in the pre-flowering stage, harvesting at the right time, and storing correctly. Schwag weed is typically grown and attended to with minimal care resulting in fewer trichomes.

6. Watch out for microbial contamination

Powdery mildew is a clear indicator of low-quality weed, which may have adverse side effects.

While it may not be easy to identify mold with a naked eye, using a magnifying glass can help you look at it closely.

You can spot powdery mildew on the leaves surface or sandwiched between trichomes stalks. If your weed looks moldy, don’t smoke it as it may affect your health.

7. Trim

Cannabis buds are trimmed after harvest to remove unnecessary leaves. Substandard buds are machine trimmed, while high-quality buds are hand-trimmed.

Using machines to trim crush the buds and interfere with trichomes that contributes to a higher potency. Untrimmed buds with excess leaves or machine-trimmed buds are signs of rushed cultivation practices popular with schwag weed.

Useful Applications for Schwag

While schwag weed may not be the desired quality for smoking enthusiasts, it may be useful in various ways.

3 Factors that Affect Weed Quality

For cannabis connoisseurs, weed quality determines the smoking experience and whether you’ll get the most out of your weed. However, the quality of weed is determined by the following factors:

1. Cultivation environment

Top-shelf cannabis is cultivated in favorable environments where growers watch the growth cyle with extreme care.

Besides, high-quality marijuana strains are chosen, and the plants are grown with the best soil and organic ingredients. Growers strive to keep trichomes intact with quality weed being hand-trimmed to avoid interrupting with the trichomes they harbor. 

Schwag weed is grown in a harsh environment. As a result, buds form early without trichomes commonly found in high-quality cannabis flowers.

2. Harvesting

Curing is a crucial step in the cannabis cultivation process.

The longer the curing process, the higher the potency of the buds, and the more enjoyable.

If curing is done improperly, the outcome will be a low potent weed like schwag that has a harsh taste. Moreover, poorly cured weed lack the sweet aroma, have moisture, and the stems don’t snap easily.

3. Storage

When we talk about high-quality bud sold by marijuana dispensaries out there, the packaging can be luring like the nugget itself. Top-shelf buds have THC levels plus other cannabinoids listed on the product label. Besides, it should come with a certificate of analysis (COA) tested by a third-party lab to ensure that it is free from pesticides, herbicides, molds, and heavy metals.

On the other hand, schwag weed is often compressed and transported in bricks that contain a mixture of buds, stems, and seeds – hence the name brick weed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Schwag Weed

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about schwag weed. Take a detailed look at these questions as many cannabis enthusiasts tend to have similar questions.

Should I buy schwag weed?

Schwag weed is smokable unless it is moldy, although it may not give you the high you need.

Depending on your preferences and circumstances, schwag weed could be worth a buy. While it has earned a bad reputation, it could make an excellent option for anyone who needs a low tolerance for THC.

Also, financial concerns could be another reason to turn to schwag weed. Since schwag is produced in large quantities, they’re cheaper than more potent cannabis. If you’re on a tight budget and looking to buy weed in large amounts, then, schwag weed might be suitable for you.

What makes it so bad?

With all the high-potency buds out there, what makes schwag so bad?

The simple answer is money.

Grower practice rush cultivation with an appetite for huge profits, resulting in mass production of the low-quality herb. When all you have to do is throw some seeds in the field, and without much care, mother nature does his thing.

Besides, you’re cutting the buds early, sun-drying, and tossing it in a trash compactor to brick.

But, if you can grow it without spending much and the demand exists, then it’s possible to grow fields of dirt weed with minimal care. The bottom line is money-making, not quality.

Why do some cannabis smokers still have a soft spot for schwag weed?

With technology advancements that have sparked several innovations in the marijuana industry, cultivation and production of top-shelf potent weed have become easy.

However, some stoners out there still love schwag, which they say is nostalgic and gives them a soothing experience, unlike today’s marijuana.

Can you grow good weed from schwag seeds?

If you’re that person who loves to try out new things, you might consider growing your own marijuana from schwag seeds.

Is schwag bad in genetics, or is it grown negligently that it never lived up to its full potential?

Well, you can only know this by home growing the seeds. Under favorable conditions, your weed may produce significantly better herb than mid-grade weed.

Conclusion

Finally, it all depends on your preferences, needs, and what you’re trying to achieve. What is best for you may be the worst for someone else. With tons of cannabis strains cultivated by thousands of growers across the globe, your main focus is to find a strain that suits your needs.

By George Mouratidis

When we ask a question like, “How many cannabis plants fit in a 4′ x 4′ grow tent,” we expect a straightforward answer. After all, don’t manufacturers list their max plant capacity on the label somewhere?

Unfortunately, it’s hard to say how many cannabis plants could fit in this tent size. OK, we could say each cannabis plant needs between 1 – 6 square feet, but that doesn’t help home-growers adequately prepare their space. Rather than focusing on standard ranges, we feel it’s more beneficial to explain how different growth factors affect your available area.

Significantly, we recommend that home-growers keep this rhyming phrase in mind: “strain & train.” The strains you plant and the training techniques you use play a massive role in determining how many plants could fit in your tent. That’s not to say other factors influence your tent space, but they usually aren’t as consequential. 

So, to get a more accurate read on how much ganja will fit in your grow tent, we’re going to focus on how different strains and training techniques affect plant size. We’ll also review a few secondary factors to help you better predict how many plants to place in your tent.

How To Train Your Dutch Dragon — Training Techniques & Available Space

Most often, cultivators use at least one training technique to maximize their indoor yield. Although all of these training methods share the same goal (i.e., make more buds), they each have unique spatial requirements. So, when you’re considering how many plants you could fit into your grow tent, one of the first things to research is how training affects them. 

Let’s take a quick look at four of the most popular training techniques and how they alter your grow tent’s capacity. 

The Small & The Many — Sea Of Green Training

On paper, Sea of Green (SOG) training seems too good to be true. With just a simple adjustment to your lighting schedule, SOG promises large yields in a ridiculously short time. And if that wasn’t enough, since SOG plants don’t grow all that tall, home-growers could fit upwards of 16 plants in their 4′ x 4′ grow tent.

The strategy behind SOG is to trick your plants into flowering ahead of the recommended schedule. After only two to three weeks in the vegetative stage, cultivators will deliberately change the lighting schedule to a 12/12 cycle. Home-growers will also trim their plants’ leaves to ensure that “ganja juice” is going into the buds.

Because SOG requires you to skip a few weeks of vegetation, it’s the fastest way to grow a ton of buds. Plus, since you’ve stunted your plants’ development, they will all be significantly shorter—which means you can fit a ton of plants in your grow space. Typically, each SOG cannabis plant only requires one square foot of space.

On the downside, SOG is one of the costlier training strategies because it requires you to plant a ton of seeds. Plus, since SOG plants are smaller than full-grown flowers, they tend to have lower yields per plant. 

While you cumulatively might garner higher yields using SOG, many home-growers can’t afford to plant so many seeds. It’s also important to remember that many states have strict laws on how many marijuana plants you can grow. If there’s a cap on how much cannabis you could grow at home, you’d be better off researching how to get more buds out of your legally-permitted plants. 

The Art Of MJ Bonsai — Low-Stress Training 

Low-stress training (LST) is one of the simplest training techniques, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for beginners. Indeed, many cannabis experts argue that LST is the safest and most effective way to maximize indoor yields. As a bonus, home-growers using LST typically only have to leave two square feet of space per cannabis plant. 

The basic idea behind LST is to bend your plant in such a way that light better penetrates potential buds. To do this, growers strategically turn various stems and tie them down with string or twine. By creating a “level playing field,” LST encourages more buds to grow on the bottom of your plant. 

If you choose to use LST methods, we encourage you to use soft strings or twine rather than metal wires. However, even if you are using string, there’s always a risk you could snap a branch. Please pack an extra dose of patience if it’s your first time using the LST method. 

Also, it’s always best to do the most aggressive bending early in the vegetative stage when branches are the most flexible. By the way, some growers claim it’s easier to work with branches before watering…so it’s worth “tying” out! 

Flattening The Curve — Screen Of Green

Similar to LST, Screen of Green (SCROG) is a training technique that increases bud production by exposing more branches to your grow light. In fact, it’s not uncommon for experienced home-growers to use both LST and SCROG in their grow set-up.

Unlike LST, SCROG involves placing a wire rack over your plants to “flatten” them out. Usually, these racks have wooden frames with string, plastic, or twine linings. As buds continue to reach for the light, home-growers gently push the buds under the wire rack until they notice at least 50 percent coverage. At this point, you should move on to the flowering stage. 

Although SCROG helps growers produce more buds per plant, you won’t be able to fit many pots inside your 4′ x 4′ tent. Since SCROG places emphasis on horizontal training, it should come as no surprise that it requires the most space. 

At a minimum, each SCROG plant needs between four and six square feet to grow adequately. Also, keep in mind that each of your plants needs one foot of separation when using SCROG. 

Is It Safe To Chop The Top?

Of all the high-stress training techniques, topping is one of the most widely used in weed circles. As the name suggests, “topping” involves snipping off what would become the top branch during the seedling phase. 

When done correctly, this technique forces your plant to send all its energy to two growth stems on the side. Advanced growers could take this a step further and top each of these new stems to create four main colas. 

Unlike the standard cannabis plant, topped marijuana plants take on a bush-like appearance. For this reason, pruned plants can take up extra space. Indeed, home-growers using this method should factor in anywhere from two to four feet per cannabis plant. 

Before you break out your scissors, please remember that this technique places a lot of stress on your plant. You should only trim your seedling when you see a minimum of four nodes and healthy leaf production. These features are a good indication that your plant is strong enough to recover from topping as it moves into vegetation. 

How Do Strains Affect Grow Tent Space?

In addition to training style, strain selection plays a significant role in determining how many plants will fit in a 4′ x 4′ grow tent. Since no two strains are alike, home-growers need to research the standard yield, appearance, and height of their chosen variety before purchasing a batch of seeds. 

In particular, cultivators need to be careful when selecting sativa plants. As you might already know, sativa strains tend to grow extremely tall and lanky. Incredibly, some purebred sativas could soar up to 20 feet, so it’s good to have some LST experience. 

By contrast, purebred indicas and autoflowering strains rarely measure above six feet tall. Because these strains are so short in stature, they are ideal for home-growers who only have enough free space for a tiny tent or grow box.

While this indica vs. sativa distinction is useful, please don’t rely so heavily on it when analyzing seeds. Indeed, since there’s so much hybridization in today’s cannabis industry, it pays to take extra time to get the dirt on your preferred strain. The more data you have on your strain’s appearance, the better you can space out your grow session. 

What Pots Make The Most Pot? – A Few Container Considerations 

Another issue indoor growers have to consider is how many pots adequately fit in their grow tent. Unfortunately, there’s no standard pot size for pot, so choosing the “right” container largely depends on what strain you’re growing.

As you’d expect, larger strains have longer roots, which means they need more space to reach their full potential. By contrast, auto strains can usually reach their peak potential in smaller containers.

The best way to begin sorting out your container size is to figure out your strain’s average height. Many cultivators recommend giving your plant a minimum of two gallons per one foot in height. While this is not an exact science, it could give you a “ballpark figure” for the ideal pot size.

Please also keep in mind that your container size does have an impact on yield. As you ramp up the gallons your pots can hold, you’ll have to account for taller and broader plants.

Pro tip: many home-growers favor square pots over circular ones because they tend to give you more space to work with.

How High Could Your Grow Tent Go?

We’ve spent a lot of time going over how to accurately assess your tent’s size, but height is also critical. Even with training techniques like LST, your plants will inevitably rise towards that bright grow light. You must have enough space between your light and your plants to avoid bud burn.

How much space should there be between bud and bulb? Like many other questions in the cannabis world, there’s a lot of debate on this issue. As a rule of thumb, however, you should ensure there’s at least three feet of space between your plants and your light unit.

Most of the 4′ x 4′ grow tents now on the market have a height of five feet, which is generally considered the minimum for a successful grow operation. In some cases, however, five feet might not be enough. For instance, if you like cultivating sativas, you might need a taller tent to accommodate your chosen strains.

You should also consider the size of your grow light when trying to determine your tent’s ideal height. In general, HID units take up more space than LED panels, but every light has unique dimensions customers need to review. 

To get a sense of how diverse today’s grow light market is, be sure to take a peek at Everything But The Plant’s light catalog. Here you’ll find various LED and HID models well suited for any indoor grow. 

Could A 4′ x 4′ Tent Contain Your Cannabis Cravings?

For many home-growers, 4′ x 4′ is the Goldilocks size for grow tents. No matter what training technique you use, these tents typically reward growers with moderate to heavy yields without taking up too much space. 

Just because 4′ x 4′ tents are popular, of course, doesn’t mean they’re the best “fit” for you. You always need to consider the available space you have and the yield you want before picking your grow tent.

Luckily for contemporary cultivators, there are plenty of grow tent sizes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for closet-friendly boxes or massive 10′ x 20′ tents, there are plenty of products to suit each home-grower’s circumstances. Please be sure to look through all of the sizes now available on Everything But The Plant’s grow tent catalog. 

By Lydia Kibet

With several innovations emerging every day, it can be challenging to keep up with the cannabis industry.

For cannabis enthusiasts, when a new kid on the block arrives on the market, you can’t resist showing some interest.

From tinctures, edibles, vapes, sprays, now we have rosin! In a few years, rosin was all the rage and one of the cannabis industry’s buzzy product.

With consumers clamoring for cleaner, purer products that could offer better highs, rosin made an excellent option many. 

Today, the rosin market is skyrocketing rapidly, with several marijuana companies significantly producing better products to stand out from the crowd.

What some people once saw as a fad is now a potential market disruptor. However, the majority of people don’t know what rosin is. We’re going to shed some light on everything you need to know about rosin.

What is Rosin?

As the cannabis market expands continuously in the age of legalization, the popularity of cannabis concentrates is on the rise.

The perceived benefits of concentrates in contrary to flowers, have weed enthusiasts more attracted to higher potencies and extract options that marijuana provides.

With a wide range of concentrates including budder, crumble, shatter, wax, to name a few, rosin is among the recent trend to make waves in the cannabis industry.

Rosin is a process that makes use of both heat and pressure to yield resinous sap from the bud.

Unlike other concentrates, rosin is extracted without the use of solvents resulting in a purer, safer extract.

When the process is done correctly, the end product is a golden yellow sap that is highly potent. Rosin is not only safer, but it is pretty easy to make and cost-effective.

What is Rosin Made of?

Rosin is exceptionally versatile, and it is made of marijuana flower, hash, or kief, then transformed into a solventless hash oil (SHO).

The outcome is a sappy, shatter-like substance that can be consumed as rosin dabs.

If the extraction process is done the right way, rosin can compete with the taste and potency of other solvent-based products out there.

How to Make Rosin

The demand for cannabis concentrates is rising as consumers begin to recognize the benefits of rosin, mainly due to its purer state and the sweet flavor over other products.

Manufacturers are working to create high capacity presses to keep up with the demand and mass-produce top-shelf cannabis extracts. However, the process is pretty simple and can be done right from home.

Unlike extracts such as wax and shatter that call for a well-equipped lab due to the risk of explosion during extraction, you only need to apply heat and pressure when creating rosin. Here is all you need:

• Hair straightener
• Dab tool to collect rosin
• Parchment paper
• Safety gloves
• Cannabis flower

Preferably, you’ll need to use a hair straightener with a variable heat setting or one that doesn’t exceed 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Overheating the material can lead to reduced potency and flavor. Another important thing is, make sure you use a parchment paper, not wax paper, to keep your rosin from sticking while extracting. 

Step #1

Place the marijuana flower between the parchment paper and flatten the bud using your fingers.

You can also break down the bud into smaller pieces to increase the surface area. The parchment paper should be big enough to hold the rosin squeezed out of the bud. 

Alternatively, you can make rosin using kief, hash, or shake by utilizing a heat-resistant mesh bag to hold the material you’re going to press.

When using kief or hash, mesh bags between 25-45 microns is ideal, whereas, for shake or ground buds, 70-120 microns is suitable. 

Step #2

Heat your hair straightener between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit and wear your safety gloves.

Place the parchment paper between the hot plates of the rosin press, then, hold tightly and press for 10-30 seconds depending on the material used.

Step #3

Remove the parchment paper from the rosin press and check your rosin.

The outcome is a thin oil when hot, but when left at room temperature, it will begin to harden. Using your dab tool, carefully collect your rosin for immediate use or storage.

Benefits of Rosin

1. Zero residual solvents

One thing that distinguishes rosin from other cannabis extracts is it is entirely solventless. Unlike butane hash oil (BHO), rosin doesn’t need any solvent to extract. This means the end product is a purer, clean extract. In fact, rosin rivals other concentrates when it comes to potency. If you’re looking for a pure form of extract to dab, rosin might be right for you.

2. Safer to produce

Unlike butane, which is highly flammable and susceptible to explosions, you can safely make rosin at the comfort of your home.

All you need is a rosin press, collection tool, parchment paper, and safety gloves. You don’t have to worry about any risks.

Perhaps this is the reason why rosin has been widely adopted, and its simplicity allows cannabis enthusiasts with no background in chemistry to try out themselves with minimal risks.

3. Simple to make

With the right equipment, you can make rosin in less than 15 minutes. With a combination of heat and pressure, rosin press liquifies terpenes and cannabinoids content in the bud into a resinous sappy substance. The process of making rosin is incredibly simple, and in a matter of minutes, you’ll have a high-quality concentrate.

4. Extremely versatile

There is an incredibly wide range of products that can be created from a rosin press. Depending on how hash oil is produced, it can vary from the color, flavor, and a sappy consistency to a glassy-like solventless shutter. The differences are as a result of the amount of heat and pressure exerted during extraction plus the materials used.

With a rosin press, you can typically create any cannabis concentrate, including shatter, budder, crumble, and wax using solventless extraction. In fact, rosin can be incorporated in nearly all cannabis products, including topicals, salves, and edibles.

5. Cheaper

Producing rosin is way cheaper compared to solvent-based extractions. Once you know how to make rosin, you can expect to save more bucks. This is because of how accessible this form of cannabis is and has a high potency than other standard flowers and oils. With rosin, you can enjoy the high you need without spending much.

6. Higher potency

Rosin is revered by many because of its high potency. Early reports on some rosin extracts showed that rosin could have 50-70 percent THC content compared to flowers that usually have 25-30% of THC. The abundant terpene and cannabinoid content make rosin an excellent option for many cannabis patients. This means less product is needed to experience full effects. And the best thing, it is a purer and cleaner option since there are no additives. 

7. Fast-acting

Since rosin is rich in terpenes and cannabinoids, its high potency means you’ll experience the effects quickly. A small amount of rosin contains a high dose of cannabinoids, and you may want to use larger amounts of standard flowers to get the same effects of rosin. For that reason, rosin is beneficial to patients who need a more fast-acting dose of cannabis.

How to Store Rosin

How you store your rosin will determine its freshness and potency in the future. It is pretty simple to store concentrates than flowers, so long as you consider the following factors: moisture, heat, air, and light. But again, how long do you want to store? Short-term or long-term?

1. Short-term rosin storage

Your rosin will be most likely a resinous sappy substance, depending on the strain of the flower used.

For short-term storage, silicone containers are recommended because they’re easy to clean.

However, you shouldn’t use them if you’re planning to store it for more than seven days. This is because silicone containers aren’t airtight, and oxidation may degrade the potency of your rosin.

2. Long-term rosin storage

To store your resin for long periods, you should cover it with a parchment paper, place it in a vacuum-sealed bag, and then in an airtight container. The container is then placed in a cool, dry, and dark place.

For individuals living in warmer regions, storing rosin in a refrigerator or freezer would be an ideal long-term solution. Another thing to watch out for if you store rosin in a fridge is to allow it to reach room temperature before opening. If you open the container immediately, you might risk spoiling your rosin.

What to Look for When Purchasing Rosin

If you’re looking to purchase rosin from a cannabis dispensary, it is crucial to keep an eye to a couple of things before purchase to ensure that the rosin is of the highest quality. Here are some quick pointers to check:

Color

Rosin should look clean and should be light amber or tan in color. If you notice any green color, that means chlorophyll is present and will possibly lower the efficacy of rosin. Additionally, rosin darker in color indicates poor quality.

Odor

Top-shelf rosin has a strong smell like the flower it came from. However, the scent is as a result of the starting material. So, if the flower is of high-quality, the outcome should be evident. If it has a grassy smell, that indicates a sub-par product, and you shouldn’t purchase.

Absence of plant matter

Small specks or hairs characterize plant matter, which is very rare in commercial rosin. If you spot such features, avoid purchasing.

Sticking to such pointers will help you purchase top-shelf rosin. But, if you decide to do it yourself at home, that would be great!

FAQs About Rosin

What is live rosin?

Depending on your preference, you can create rosin from fresh marijuana flowers or dried and cured flowers. When you use a fresh flower, the result is live rosin, which is flavorsome and aromatic.

What’s the difference between rosin and resin?

Rosin and resin seem too similar, making them easy to confuse. Rosin is a concentrated extract that is created by pressing trichomes using a combination of heat and pressure without using any solvent. Resin, on the other hand, is made using solvent-based extractions such as butane hash oil(BHO) or carbon dioxide (CO2).

Does rosin get you high?

Due to the abundant cannabinoids such as THC and CBD present in rosin, it may create a high. Besides, it is fast-acting, and you cannot compare it with standard flowers.

Why is rosin so expensive?

While rosin is one of the simplest ways to make concentrates, it may be expensive if you purchase than making it yourself. This is typically due to the high concentration of cannabinoids.

Is smoking resin safe?

Rosin is considered safer than other concentrates out there, but it should be consumed carefully because of the high levels of THC.

By Lydia Kibet

The passage of the Farm Bill 2018, which decriminalized the cultivation of hemp and its distribution across the United States, has led to the popularity of hemp. The versatility of the plant is incredible, apart from being a source of cannabidiol (CBD), hemp can also be found in nearly all of our household items.

Hemp cultivation dates back as far as 2800 BC, whereby the practice spread to the Mediterranean countries in the Christian era and throughout Europe during the middle ages. Hemp has long been used for thousands of years for textiles, fuel, food, building materials, among others.

But, what exactly is hemp? How does it differ from the intoxicating forms of cannabis? Let’s dive in to understand better about hemp and its uses.

What is hemp?

Hemp, also referred to as industrial hemp, is a non-intoxicating plant and a member of the cannabis plant.

Both hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis species, but the hallmark difference is the chemical constituent, cultivation methods, and usage. Some people dread when they hear the word hemp because they associate it with marijuana. However, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, unlike marijuana, which is known to give a head-high. So, you won’t get high from consuming hemp.

What is hemp used for?

Hemp is a true wonder plant with an incredible number of uses in the majority of the products we commonly use in our everyday life.

As you read on, you might be surprised to find that the products we depend on and use every day are made from hemp. Here is a list of the most common hemp uses and benefits:

1. Clothing

Hemp has been used in the textile industry for the past decades, which dates back to as long as 8,000 BC.

While it has been used for thousands of years to make clothing and textiles, hemp is today revered for its durability and versatility. Hemp has now broken into realms of high fashion apparel, mixed with silks for more high-end styles.

It has also been used to provide material for shoes, jeans, and sports clothing – where durability is used to best advantage. The fibrous stalks present in hemp, make it suitable for weaving into clothes.

The hemp vs cotton debate has been raging on for years.

When hemp was prohibited, cotton took over, but today nothing beats clothing made of hemp fiber. In fact, making clothing using hemp is cost-effective and lasts longer than cotton. Even better, hemp is environmentally friendly – growing hemp takes far less water compared to growing cotton. Additionally, hemp is a good source of fabric because it is anti-microbial, soft on the skin, and provides UV rays protection.

That said, hemp has remained popular for a long time!

2. Plastics

One major contributor to pollutions in the world is plastics.

With a million tons of plastics dumped in oceans and coastlines each year, it is unfortunate that they take thousands of decades to decompose. Hemp seems to be the future of plastics since it is a viable raw material for plastics production. Such plastics are made by extracting fibers from hemp stems that contain high amounts of cellulose. The cellulose is then used to make biodegradable plastic.

In fact, companies, such as Porsche, have begun to manufacture cars with bodies created with hemp-bioplastic.

This is a clear indicator that we’re moving to a more sustainable future where hemp plastics will play a fundamental role, which is suitable for both the environment and the economy.

3. Paper

For a long time, hemp has been used to make paper, and the first hemp paper was made in China.

Today, trees are used to create paper. However, the only problem is, they take several years to grow and leads to deforestation, which negatively affects the environment, unlike hemp that regenerates in a matter of months and produces a top-shelf paper. Compared to wood pulp, hemp pulp provides 4-5 times more massive fiber, and it is more durable and resistant to tearing.

Paper can be made from either hurd or pulp of the hemp plant. Pulp is preferred because it is simple to make, while hurd is much more durable.

Besides, an acre of hemp can produce the same amount of paper as 4-10 acres of trees in a 20 years cycle. This is because hemp has a faster growth rate and have a higher concentration of cellulose. Generally, hemp paper is much more durable and doesn’t become brittle or yellow over time.

4. Fuel

Yes, biofuel can be made from hemp!

With the limited supply of fossil, scientists are looking for a way to make an environmentally and sustainable fuel, and that could come from hemp. With the widespread cultivation of hemp, it could be a useful resource for biodiesel. As cellulosic ethanol technology continues to become a viable commercial option, biofuel can be made from the fibrous stalks of hemp. 

That said, researchers have discovered that hemp stalks can be transformed into nanomaterials that aid in the development of inexpensive and more efficient supercapacitors. Supercapacitors are used to provide energy to computers, electric cars, cordless tools, among others.

The possibilities that hemp can provide are endless, and scientists are hoping that supercapacitors manufactured from hemp can boost their capacity in an environmentally-friendly manner.

5. Food, Nutrition, and Medicinal Products

Hemp seeds offer a myriad of nutritional benefits from proteins, milk, to medicinal benefits, and they’re mostly featured in healthy recipes.

Hemp seeds contain plant-based protein and healthy fatty acids. That’s why it is called a ‘complete protein’ because it has all the nine essential amino acids that humans get from food. 

Today, many people are switching from cow’s milk to plant milk. Surprisingly, hemp seeds can produce milk when blended with water, and the mixture strained. People say hemp milk packs a punch when it comes to taste, and it is creamy as well. Plus, it contains healthy fat, protein, and low-calorie content.

We couldn’t forget about cannabidiol (CBD) derived from industrial hemp plants. Hemp is all the rage these days in this booming CBD industry, mainly because of the therapeutic benefits that hemp oil offers.

As a dietary supplement, CBD can be infused in nearly anything you can think of, from beverages, edibles, capsules, and even gummy bears!

6. Pet Food and Bedding

Humans are not the only ones who can benefit from hemp, even pets!

Today, the pet market is pretty big, with several hemp-treats for your furry friends – cats and dogs.

Hemp-based pet treats are beneficial in maintaining a pet’s health. Besides, cows and horses may also benefit from hemp bedding to lay on. You can also find hemp dog toys that are very durable, and you can rest assured they’ll last longer due to the hemp’s sturdy textiles. Hemp bedding can be soft and luxurious for your pet!

7. Automotive Industry

When you think of high-end luxury automobiles, hemp is the last thing that comes to your mind.

Today, hemp composite can be found in interiors of cars made by BMW, Audi, Lotus, Mercedes, Honda, to name a few.

The latest BMW i3 electric car has hemp lined door panels instead of traditional materials to reduce weight. The i3 weighs 800 pounds less compared to its market rivals.

The Kestrel, a Canadian-made vehicle, is created with resin-infused hemp stalks to replace fiberglass in the vehicle’s body. The use of hemp leads to a dramatic reduction in weight, improved efficiency, and an ecologically sustainable automobile. 

8. Building Supplies

Hemp has also found its way in the construction industry.

Hempcrete is beneficial in various construction needs, from roof installation, wall construction to flooring. When hemp fibers called hurd is combined with lime, they form hempcrete – a lightweight, mold-resistant, elastic, carbon-negative material that is ideal for insulation.

Insulation created from hemp is increasingly becoming a popular environmentally friendly option to conventional insulation materials such as mineral wool. Once fully cured, hempcrete blocks float in water.

That said, the portability and durability of hemp seem to be the future of the building and construction industry.

9. Multi-purpose Restoration Oil

Hemp oil can be used to maintain and restore different materials, such as leather, by protecting it from tears and cracks. Moreover, it can restore metals and wood as a top coat over particular types of paints.

Final Thoughts on Hemp Uses

Hemp is a wonder plant that can be used to its entirety.

The number of potential uses of hemp is endless – the seeds, stalks, and leaves – all contribute to the many hemp uses. Hemp is so versatile and can be used in textiles, fuel, nutrition, and the construction industry, among many others.

After years of prohibition, the Hemp Farming Act finally legalized industrial hemp at the federal level in the United States. Unfortunately, the plant is illegal in some countries.

We hope to see a shift in the legalization of hemp across the globe because the uses of this plant are incredible.  It will be quite exciting to see where hemp can take us in the future.

By George Mouratidis

Hydroponics has certainly gained a lot of hype amongst contemporary cannabis cultivators.

Indeed, you could say this soilless growing technique is making a “splash” in the marijuana industry.

Even diehard dirt fans are now hypnotized by the pros that hydroponics offers them.

Despite the growing interest in hydroponics, some home-growers have a terrible case of “hydrophobia.” With all the complex lingo surrounding hydroponics, it’s understandable why some novice cultivators feel a bit intimidated.

There are, however, many good reasons you should consider going hydro. 

In this post, we’re going to discuss a few of the essential features to consider if you want to create a hydroponic grow room.

By the end of this post, you should have a basic understanding of what hydroponics entails and whether it’s the right choice for you.

Hydroponics…What The Heck Is It?

Basically, hydroponics refers to a method of growing that uses a soilless medium. Confused? 

Instead of “old school” soil, a hydroponic system will use pure water and plenty of nutrient solutions.

The water and nutrients used in hydroponic units are stored in a reservoir, which usually has an air stone and a nutrient pump. Every hydroponic system has a different design, but they all transport nutrient-rich water from the reservoir to your plant’s roots.

Although a hydroponic set-up could rely on water, many units also require another inert material to keep your plants stable. The most commonly used inert materials include coco coir, rockwool, perlite, and clay pebbles.

We understand how many novice growers might think hydroponics is a revolutionary technique, but it has been around for centuries. In fact, most scientists believe modern-day hydroponics dates back to the 17th century.

Why Use Hydroponics Over A Soil-Based Medium?

If you’re someone who gets good results with soil, then you’re probably wondering why you’d switch to a hydroponic set-up. Well, here’s the main selling point: hydroponics growers generally enjoy higher yields in less time. 

Since hydroponic units bring nutrients to your plants, the roots have no reason to expend any unnecessary energy. This means your plants could spend all their precious vitality pushing upwards to create incredibly dense buds. 

Another major pro for using hydroponics is that you could exert far more control over your grow cycle. Although organic soil is naturally nutrient-dense, it’s also incredibly imprecise. With hydroponics, you know the exact ratios of nutrients you’re putting in at any given moment.

It’s also worth pointing out that hydroponic units are far less susceptible to pest invasions versus soil-based mediums. There’s also no chance of developing soil diseases or mold infestations with a hydroponic set-up.

Even though hydroponic units have many advantages, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect for every grower. Indeed, the main drawback of hydroponic systems is there’s far less room for error. You can’t rely on soil or fertilizer to buffer common nutrient deficiencies.

Honestly, the debate over soil versus hydroponics will never be resolved. Everyone has different growing preferences, so you have to choose the growing medium you feel most comfortable with.

What Goes Into A Standard Hydroponic System? 

No matter what hydroponic style you decide to use, there are a few essential features that go into every system. Here are a few elements everyone needs to know as they set up their hydroponic unit:

Grow table: Also called the “grow tray,” this is the container where you will place your cannabis plants. Typically, you’ll also put some inert material on the grow table to keep your plants upright.

Reservoir: This large tray contains the water and nutrients that will cycle in and out of your grow table. It’s best to use a reservoir with a lid so water won’t evaporate into the air. Also, be sure your reservoir will reflect light to decrease the risk of algae growth.

Nutrient pump: Usually placed inside your reservoir, the nutrient pump helps deliver essential minerals into the grow tray.

Air pump & air stone: The air pump is placed outside of the reservoir and is connected to an air stone. This device is essential for keeping your water well oxygenated as it circulates into your grow tray. Not only does this provide oxygen to your plants, it also gets rid of harmful bacteria.

Tubes: To keep water and air flowing throughout your hydroponic system, you’ll need a tubing network to connect all of the pumps to the grow tray. For the best results, these should be made out of high-quality, BPA-free plastic.

What’s The Best Way To Distinguish Hydroponic Systems? 

Often, new home-growers have trouble wrapping their heads around all the different hydroponic systems. Indeed, if you’re someone just getting into cultivation, hydroponic terms can sound a bit like a foreign language.

To simplify these distinctions, it’s helpful to keep in mind that hydroponics fall into one of two categories: active or passive. Unsurprisingly, active units push nutrients into grow trays via pumps. On the other hand, passive units use wicks to absorb nutrient-rich water and transfer it into your plant’s root system.

Generally, cannabis cultivators prefer active hydroponic systems. Active systems can better provide roots with optimal oxygen, which often leads to healthier plants.

Of the many active systems now available, some of the most popular are deep water culture (DWC), nutrient film technique (NFT), and ebb & flow. Of these three, DWC is the easiest to set up as it only involves placing net pots with seeds and inert matter over reservoir buckets.

Ebb & flow systems have reservoirs underneath grow trays and work by pumping water with the help of an automatic timer. NFT set-ups are similar to ebb & flow, but the grow trays are slightly tilted, so you don’t have to use a timer to supply or drain water.

To take advantage of all these methods, Everything But The Plant now offers high-quality hydroponic units that combine the strengths of these systems. Even if you’re a total beginner, we recommend taking a peek at the diverse hydroponic systems available on this webpage.

Do I Really Need A Grow Tent For Hydroponic Set-Ups? 

Grow tents aren’t technically “essential” for growing hydroponically, but boy will they help you grow great ganja!

Indeed, if you’re growing in a small area like a closet, you simply won’t get good results without taking advantage of all the great features grow tents offer. 

One of the top benefits of using a grow tent is that it helps concentrate the intensity of your grow light thanks to an interior Mylar coating. Better light coverage equals trichome-rich buds! 

Plus, grow tents provide excellent insulation to make it easier to maintain humidity and temperature levels. Even if you live in cold climates, you won’t have any problem keeping your grow space nice and toasty with a professional grow tent. 

Since at-home cultivation has become increasingly popular, there’s a fantastic variety of tent sizes that are perfect for everyone’s grow space.

For more details on professional-grade grow tents, please check out Everything But The Plant’s catalog.

Let’s Talk Nutrition: Are Soil-Based Nutes OK For Hydroponics?

A common mistake first-time hydroponics growers make is to use soil-approved nutrients in their reservoir. Unfortunately, not all nutrients are created equal, so you need to triple-check the nutrients you’re buying are approved for hydroponics.

Remember, plants in hydroponics units don’t have the advantage of all the minerals naturally present in soil.

Nutrient manufacturers consider this fact as they formulate their blends for hydroponics users. For instance, you’ll notice nitrogen counts are far higher in hydroponic nutrients versus soil-based nutes. 

You’ll also notice most hydroponics nutrients have a far longer roster of less significant minerals like magnesium, copper, iron, and sulfur. Plants don’t have difficulty getting micronutrients in good quality soil, but they are prone to deficiencies if you don’t put them into hydroponic systems.

By the way, you don’t want to put any organic materials into a hydroponic unit. Any nutrients that contain substances like guano or fish emulsion can gunk up your reservoir.

Everything But The Plant now offers plenty of high-quality nutrients perfect for any hydroponic system. Be sure to check out our full line of liquid and powder nutrients by clicking this link.

How To Keep Perfect pH In Hydroponics? 

In addition to hydroponics-approved nutrients, cultivators need to keep their grow room well-stocked with pH regulating powders. Keeping your water within the 5.5 – 6.5 range is crucial for a successful hydroponics grow.

Since pH levels are so crucial in hydroponics, many home-growers use automatic pH dosing pumps to automatically raise or lower their water’s pH levels. Although these pumps are pretty handy, please don’t neglect using a pH scanner to manually monitor levels.

Water Wars – Is Reverse Osmosis Really Better Than Tap Water? 

People often assume you need high-quality water to make high-quality plants. While this makes logical sense, the truth is a little, well, “murky.”

Yes, purification systems like reverse osmosis will remove contaminants from tap water, but it also strips your water of beneficial micronutrients. So, not only do you have to spend more to get a reverse osmosis machine, you also have to buy a comprehensive supply of micronutrients. 

On the flipside, tap water often contains traces of chemicals like chlorine that might hinder plant development. Many home-growers also don’t like the fact that they have no control over what compounds are in their tap water. 

However, tap water in developed nations is usually safe to use in hydroponic systems. For extra security, you could always look up your municipality’s water treatment procedures or use a water quality detector at home. Some home-growers also leave their tap water out overnight to evaporate traces of chlorine. 

If you’re someone who likes to work with a “blank canvass,” or you’re trying to grow a particularly demanding strain, then reverse osmosis might be for you. Just recognize you will have to spend a lot more time, energy, and money to produce this purified water.

A Quick Warning On Water Temperature 

While we’re talking about water purity, it’s worth pointing out the importance of water temperature when growing hydroponically. To ward off algae infestations and retain dissolved oxygen, you must keep your water between 64 – 70° F.

The easiest way to cool your water down is to throw a frozen plastic bottle in the reservoir, but there are other strategies you could employ.

For instance, some growers deflect heat off of their reservoir by painting the top white.

You could also use water chillers or cooling coils to great effect. Whatever works for your budget, please do all you can to keep your water within this temperature range. 

One Final Tip: Don’t Skimp On Sanitation! 

Every time you finish a growing cycle in your hydroponic system, you must give your unit a thorough clean to flush out unwanted fungi. In addition to preventing algae, thorough hydroponic cleanings help keep your tubes clog-free.

There are many different methods for cleaning a hydroponic unit, but most cultivators recommend using 35 percent hydrogen peroxide.

After giving your hydroponic unit a light scrub with a moist towel, refill the system with water and let it sit for about one hour. After one hour, add 3 mL of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water into the reservoir.

Once you’ve poured the hydrogen peroxide, turn on your hydroponic unit and let it run for at least four hours. This long cleaning cycle will ensure the hydrogen peroxide gets into every nook and cranny of your device. Lastly, drain all of the hydrogen peroxide and give your hydroponic unit a rinse with pure water.

Also, don’t forget to disinfect any thermometers or tracking devices that you frequently dip into your reservoir. Usually, a cotton swab with 75 percent isopropyl alcohol will get rid of any potential pathogens.

So, Are You Buying The Hydroponics Hype?

We won’t lie; there is a bit of a learning curve involved in transitioning from soil to hydroponics. However, once you get used to working with this medium, you’ll be amazed by the high yields hydroponics could help you achieve.

If you’re just beginning your hydroponics journey, then we strongly suggest looking into the many easy-to-use machines on Everything But The Plant. You’ll be shocked at how adjustable and beginner-friendly hydroponic units are nowadays!