Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 144 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another well-known cannabinoid, one of the CBD benefits is that it has no intoxicating effects.
CBD acquired from hemp has different effects than marijuana because of its lack of an ability to produce a “high,” unlike THC. Legally, delta-9 THC cannot be present in any chemical entities in quantities of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Hemp contains less than this amount of THC, while marijuana has a greater concentration.
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Before understanding the CBD benefits and effects, we have to learn about an important system in our body known as the ECS, or endocannabinoid system. It is a critical system that helps the body maintain homeostasis (i.e. balance).
CBD supports the ECS to work more efficiently. Furthermore, some researchers have found that CBD is effective in reducing symptoms of both anxiety and depression. CBD works to ease these symptoms by binding to the CB1 receptor, one of the key receptors in the ECS.
Another anxiety and stress blocker which helps calm the neurons is known as gamma-Aminobutyric acid, or GABA. Some researchers agree that CBD benefits are its ability to help reduce neuronal excitability. If you have a prescription from your doctor, you can look at CBD edibles UK for resources.
There is promising evidence that indicates that CBD benefits include capability of reducing symptoms of depression in animals. However, studies have not been as clear about its effect on humans, although CBD is gaining popularity as a treatment for depression and anxiety.
Some of us assume that anxiety and depression are essentially the same, but they are quite different disorders. Anxiety is characterized by chronic worry, nervousness, and fear, while depression revolves more around sadness, numbness, or a loss of interest in normal activities or hobbies. RELATED: The Potential Of CBD And Cannabis Within The Anxiety And Autism Community
Research indicates that CBD may have a positive influence on insomnia, mood disorders, and pain. It may also be useful for acne and neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. If you have one of these conditions and would like to track your response to CBD benefits, consider The CBD Jotter.
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Some patients who are suffering from depression may also develop social phobias as well, facing difficulties with social events such as public speaking or attending parties. CBD benefits can be used to improve such panic disorders and phobias by decreasing the functioning of the amygdala. However, it’s important to note that research on the effects produced by cannabinoids is still ongoing and evolving.
Before consuming CBD, you should consult with your medical health specialist or primary care physician. CBD benefits may include help with some psychological difficulties, but it is important to adhere to any directions offered by your care provider.
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Not all CBD extracts are produced in the same way; one of the most recommended forms of CBD is in an oil or tincture. A tincture is an alcohol-based solution consumed sublingually, ensuring quick absorption and proper distribution of the cannabinoids throughout the body.
With tinctures, the medicine passes through the gut and may be destroyed by the gastrointestinal system before it can be effective. Because of that, medical experts often suggest consuming CBD as edibles. However, the effectiveness of CBD edibles may differ from person to person based on their metabolism and other factors.
Most people are familiar with the two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD. However, cannabis is a complex plant with complex chemistry. As we continue to research these compounds, we begin to uncover the very nature of the experience we obtain from ingesting the plant. In this article, we’ll be taking a “look under the hood” to see what these cannabinoids are all about. In the near future, the classifications of “sativa” and “indica” will begin to lose importance when selecting your perfect strain. It’s smart to begin to educate yourself in the subtleties that is cannabis.
How Marijuana’s THCV and Other Cannabinoids Can Positively Impact Your LifePhoto by Bacsica/Getty Images
This article was inspired by an LA Times article where they eloquently broke down the cannabinoids using pop culture to help drive the point across.
THC We will start with THC mainly because it’s one of the most known cannabinoids on the market. It’s what everybody is either trying to limit, or to get more of. THC is responsible for your “high” and comes in different forms. We’ve got delta-9-THC, which is what you get when you vape or smoke the plant. Then you’ve got 11-Hydroxy-THC, what happens when the liver processes it. RELATED: These Are The Next Big Cannabinoids To Go Mainstream These days delta-8-THC and delta-10-THC have also grown in popularity namely because it’s currently not illegal according to the Controlled Substance Act and can be derived from Hemp. CBD The second famous cannabinoid is CBD (cannabidiol). People call it the “medical cannabinoid” because it does not get you high and seemingly helps for plenty of ailments. It’s also one of the few cannabinoids that has an FDA-approved medicine on the market. CBD is a nuero-controller, it helps with anxiety, stress, seizure disorders and is widely available virtually everywhere. This is also legal on a federal level.
CBD Capsules Dosage: How Much Cannabinoids Should You Take
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CBG CBG (cannabigerol) can become CBD or THC depending on what happens to it. It’s sometimes referred to as a “Mother Cannabinoid” for this very reason. RELATED: How Cannabigerol Can Help In The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria And Viruses It’s also got similar effects than CBD which is a benefit for people thinking about using it to combat things like cancer, IBS, and so forth. CBN CBN (cannabinol) is a cannabinoid that appears over time as the cannabinoids degrade due to oxidation. If you leave your stash out, CBN will begin to grow in prevalence. RELATED: This Cannabinoid Is Thought To Have The Most Significant Sleep-Inducing Qualities Smoke this CBN weed and you’ve got a powerful sleep aid. It’s also got anti-bacterial properties.
One of Many Cannabinoids Thought To Have The Most Significant Sleep-Inducing Qualities
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CBC Next we’re talking about cannabichromene, which is really not very popular and kind of illusive in the modern market. It’s reported to be similar in effect to that of THC and CBD, except with not such a heavy “narcotic feeling” as with THC alone. It helps with reducing inflammation and blocking pain. THCv THCv or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid that will get you high without giving you the munchies. Researchers have known about this cannabinoids since the 1970s. RELATED: THCV: Powerful Appetite-Suppressing Cannabinoid This is still not as popular as THC, however, with the effect of appetite suppression we can expect this to make its way into the “weight loss industry”. THCa All the cannabinoids start off in their acidic form. THCa is essentially THC in its acidic form, meaning it’s still not psychoactive. Recently, chemist Dr. Mechoulam, known for discovering THC, has been uncovering great results with THCa. This is because in its acidic form, the bioavailability of THC increases a thousand fold. This means greater potential for pain relief and neurodegenerative relief. While THC is in its acidic form, it also doesn’t have any psychoactive properties. The major downside is that it’s not a very stable cannabinoid but this could soon be circumvented with “biological cannabinoid factories”.
study people who purchase recreational marijuana are also looking for pain relief and sleep that may be found in other cannabinoids
Can any strain compare to Girl Scout Cookies? The tasty original is known for high-quality buds and strong effects. It may seem unlikely, however, as this Cherry Cookies strain review will show, this progeny has more than passed the test. A combination of Cookies F2 and Cherry Pie, Cherry Cookies from Purple Caper Seeds has become one of the most favored Girl Scout Cookies descendants in existence.
The Cherry Cookies strain THC level has a range of 14% to 23%, most commonly sitting at 20%. The intensity depends on how you ingest it, making this a versatile strain suitable for any time of the day.
Cherry Cookies is an Indica-dominant hybrid with a 70/30 genetic split. That said, neither of the Cherry Cookies strain Indica or Sativa genes takes precedence when it comes to effect. This strain offers a balanced high of the mind and body, hitting all the right notes in all the right places. The high, recognizable by the cerebral elation and tingly physical sensation, comes on within a few minutes and can last for hours. Download my free grow Bible so you can grow your own Cherry Cookies Strain!
Cherry Cookies weed is ideal if you have a lower THC tolerance. This strain is gentle yet strong, producing a potent high without the inadvertent paranoia that comes with potent strains. Don’t let this fool you – while you won’t find yourself couch-locked or drawing the blinds; the physical high will have you leaning toward low-effort tasks. The mind-altering effects leave your thoughts unrestrained by logic and reality, offering an almost psychedelic experience. It is the perfect companion to join you at the museum or a walk through the park with headphones and a diverse playlist.
While perfect for consuming alone, it is also great for socializing. This exquisite blend of euphoria, calm, and giddiness will have you blooming from wallflower to social butterfly with ease. Who has time to worry about social anxiety when you feel this good? If you tend to overthink to the point of losing all inspiration, Cherry Cookies will help you find your way back to being focused and creative. But do not rely on her when you have a lot to get done – once the physical relaxation sets in, you will be more thoughtful than active. Another Indica-dominant strain with a happy high, Mango Kush induces giggle fits that will leave you ready for good and pleasant moments.
Cherry Cookies is ripe with anti-inflammatory properties that come in handy if you suffer from headaches, nausea, or indigestion. The deep body high helps with body aches, and the Myrcene terpene acts as a much-needed sedative for combating insomnia. It also offers relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD, as well as increasing your appetite.
As the name suggests, the Cherry Cookies fragrance is a blended scent of sweet and tart fruitiness. The white trichomes bring earthy undertones, while the traces of Skunk #1 in its lineage come through with hints of skunky florals. These elements come together to create a scent that is sweet and floral, with touches of sour citrus and woody pine. It is not necessarily a terrible smelling strain of marijuana, but it is considerably pungent. Just like actual cherries, this one tastes pretty much how you would expect it to taste. The trichomes bring an earthiness that adds a nutty, almost woody overtone, balancing the sugary sweet tartness of the cherry flavor. It is a lot smoother on the inhale than the smell would suggest and offers a sweet yet smokey oak swirl on the exhale. How you consume it also plays a role in the strength of flavors experienced.
With its sweet smoke and gentle yet potent high, it’s hard not to love a strain like Cherry Cookies. Find seeds with similar traits in our seedbank.
At the risk of this Cherry Cookies strain review appearing less than impartial, it’s difficult finding notable adverse reactions. The most common side effect is a severe case of cottonmouth and dry eyes, which is a small price to pay for such a potent strain. You may also experience some dizziness.
Still, this is one of the best strains for someone with a low THC tolerance because you are unlikely to feel paranoid and not because the high is mild. Cherry Cookies strain THC level averages at 20% and can knock the socks off even the most experienced chiefer. While it may not cause hallucinations to the extent of harder psychoactive drugs, it is still psychedelic, and you may experience visual distortions as a result.
It can be anxiety-inducing if you are not fully prepared for the full extent of this high, especially if you go into the experience already nervous or uncomfortable. Because it stimulates the appetite, it is also not the best choice if you are not a fan of the munchies.
The high sets in fairly quickly and can last a few hours, and the tingling felt throughout the body is similar to pins and needles, which can be off-putting to some, especially as the novelty wears off. Start slow if you are concerned about the effects.
Cherry Cookies strain seeds are not readily available; however, you can find them in some places or purchase clones. The plant grows easily indoors, outdoors, and with a hydroponic system. Growing Cherry Cookies is moderately easy, depending on which method you choose. Advanced growers will have the least hassle using a hydroponic system, where it can flower in as little as 63 – 70 days. Know the best time to reap your cannabis crop when you download our free mini harvesting guide.
The Cherry Cookies plant is identifiable by large, spade-shaped flowers entwined with flaming orange pistils. These emerald buds drip with pearly white trichomes – a teaser of her psychoactive qualities. When you expose the buds to cold temperatures during the blooming stage, they also present streaks of purple.
This strain needs a stable environment to thrive, which can be tough outdoors. Keep the environment semi-humid at all times, and the temperature a constant 70°F-80°F (or 21°C-26°C). The plant reaches only medium heights, and the buds grow closely together in a dense formation, making indoor growing very manageable.
The buds are so firmly compacted, you may have some trouble breaking them apart, but don’t let this deter you. Both indoor and outdoor growing will offer a moderate to large yield. To develop its vibrant purple shade, expose the buds to cooler temperatures at night just before flowering begins.
Cherry Cookies do best indoors. Flowering takes 8 to 10 weeks and has an average yield. If you can provide a Mediterranean-like climate, this hybrid should thrive outdoors. Expect to harvest in early October. Wondering which marijuana seeds can thrive in dry and warm climate? Explore our wide selection of Mediterranean seeds that love a lot of sun! You can expect a moderate to large yield when you grow Cherry Cookies either indoors or outdoors. Its THC level has a range of 14% to 23%.
Cherry Cookies was bred by Purple Caper Seeds by combining the genetics of Cookies F2 and Cherry Pie strain. Practice and learning are all it takes to grow marijuana like a pro! My blog can help you get started. Have you smoked or grown your own Cherry Cookies Strain? Please share your experience or leave questions in the comments! Happy growing! Robert
The founder of I Love Growing Marijuana, Robert Bergman, is a marijuana growing expert that enjoys sharing his knowledge with the world. He combines years of experience, ranging from small-scale grows to massive operations, with a passion for growing. His articles include tutorials on growing… [read more] There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
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With over 25 years of brand-building and consumer marketing experience serving American Express, MasterCard, PepsiCo and Microsoft — and over eight years in the legal cannabis industry as VP, Licensing & Brand Partnerships at Dope Magazine; Chief Brand Officer at Evergreen Herbal and Chief Brand Architect at The Matters Group — David Paleschuck has played a part in creating many of today’s well-known cannabis brands. In his new book, Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis he examines the commercialization of cannabis and offers best practices in branding and marketing. Here Paleschuck applies his expertise towards understanding brand archetypes.
The 14 Cannabis Brand Archetypes
Brand archetypes categorize universal patterns we intuitively know; helping us to quickly understand a brand’s point of view. And as such, they are an effective marketing “short-cut” embodying common elements. Applying these elements to a brand, helps potential customers identify and understand it – instantly. While all brands are bound to play within the rules and regulations of their respective states and municipalities, they must seek creative ways to make the laws work best for their businesses and more effectively than their competitors in order to succeed.
The number one critical success factor is consistency. A readily available product with a consistent look, feel, dose and flavor is crucial. While consistency might sound inflexible, it is not meant to be. Through consistency, one can better chart a brand roadmap that’s in line and suits the customer’s needs. The cannabis sector is forever shifting. The fewer moving parts in the equation, the easier it is to contain and control the variables.
Calling out specific attributes is difficult as canna-products cross a wide range of form factors, demographics and usage scenarios. Why do we expect to see cannabis-infused edibles packaged like other baked goods and candies? Or cannabis-infused transdermal patches packaged like Band Aids®? Or cannabis-infused sublingual slips packaged like Listerine® breath strips?
The answer is: We have pre-conceived notions about brands and their products; how they’re packaged and under what circumstances we use them. A child-resistant cap or tamper-proof package immediately puts us at ease and makes us feel assured about our safety and consumption.
Brands and color are inextricably linked because color offers an instantaneous method for conveying meaning and message without words. Color is the visual component people remember most about a brand followed closely by shapes, symbols, numbers, and finally words.
In a world where appropriation and mash-ups abound, it’s no surprise that brand archetypes often overlap and are not mutually exclusive. Meaning, many brands span one or more archetype categories.
THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTS THE FOURTEEN MOST PROMINENT CANNABIS BRAND ARCHETYPES:
1. COUNTER-CULTURE
Counter-culture brands are those brands that serve consumers who often define themselves and their activities through rebellion (i.e. not belonging to a certain group) counter cultures simply ‘feed the flames’ of consumer culture by creating a whole new set of goods for ‘rebel consumers’.
2. NOSTALGIC
Research shows that nostalgia gives our lives a sense of continuity and meaning as we get older. As we age, we all develop fond memories of our younger days, from the food we ate, to the games we played, to the music we listened to. It’s no surprise many cannabis brands use nostalgia as a brand pillar.
3. NOVELTY
When a consumer encounters a novel image tied to a brand, they are driven to learn more about it. They compare it to existing information: is it new and how does it fit into what they already know? Novelty is a powerful tool; but, it’s also a dangerous one. The key to using novelty to attract interest, is to make sure it’s a new expression of something the brand always stood for. A great example of a novelty brand is “Impeachmints” manufactured by Evergreen Herbal.
4. FOODIE
Understanding how farm and food relate is essential for marketing to this sought-after demographic. Marketing to Foodies requires staying up to date on the latest trends across the food world. Given the increased importance everyone is placing on food, marketers would be wise to stay current. With the interconnectedness of food culture to almost everything, the relationship with cannabis is clear.
5. REGIONAL
A regional brand reflects the culture and qualities of a particular appellation or terroir. Examples of cannabis strains boasting their geographic origin include Maui Wowie, Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold and Humboldt OG, to name a few. That said, it’s no surprise that many brands seek to capture and leverage these nuanced, regional, and cultural qualities into their brands.
6. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health and wellness brands have honed their messages putting customer’s well-being front and center. They typically focus on product quality, efficacy, benefits, and an overall balanced lifestyle. Successful brands in the health and wellness space do best when they provide their customers with aspirational content, as well as easy access to information and tools that allow them to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
7. CELEBRITY
Celebrity branding is a marketing strategy used by leveraging the celebrity’s social status or fame to help promote a product or service. Brands use celebrities in hopes that the persona and image of the celebrity will be passed on to the product(s) and/or the brand associated with the celebrity.
8. PROHIBITION
Prohibition refers to the banning of the manufacture, storage (whether in barrels or in bottles), transportation, sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The word is also used to refer to a period of time during which such bans are enforced. Today, many cannabis brands are connecting the concept of alcohol prohibition to cannabis legalization. Examples of these prohibition brands include Zoots and Lowell Herb Co. among others.
9. ART & DESIGN
The relationship between art and commerce has always been filled with anxiety. The diminishing impact of traditional advertising has caused brands to seek new ways to capture the attention of consumers. Artists and the art market have taught us how valuable a brand can become by leveraging art and artists. Seattle-based Saints Joints is a perfect example of a cannabis brand working with artists to create collectible, limited edition box packaging.
10. GENDER FOCUSED
While statistics tell us the majority of cannabis consumers are male, the female and LGBTQ segments are an under-developed opportunity — possibly the number one opportunity for those who understand how sexuality, gender, and political perspective resonate in this segment. While many have tried to “pink it & shrink it”, we certainly know that strategy hasn’t worked for brands outside of the cannabis industry.
11. VALUE
A “budget brand” is a brand whose major selling point is its low price and/or value offering. Often, but not always; that may mean lower quality. Since COVID-19, there has been an increase in larger, pre-packaged product offerings, such as pre-ground flower in pouches – rolling papers included.
12. CANNABIS CULTIVATOR
Cultivator brands have taken off with the interest and development in strains, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Cookies is a perfect example of how a brand can grow from strain genetics. Well-known cultivators and cultivator brands include Sherbinskis, Cookies, Exotics, and Ed Rosenthal, among others.
13. LUXURY
Luxury cannabis brands are those that comprise associations of high price, high quality, beauty, rarity, and perhaps, even a degree of non-functionality. One of the best examples of a cannabis luxury brand is the Leira Cannagar, called out by Forbes Magazine as a “gourmet ultra-luxury cannagar.”
14. CHARITY | SOCIAL JUSTICE
People’s willingness to devote their loyalty and money to a cause is directly influenced by the positive connection they have with a brand. The right image, personality, and tone of voice create an identity that your customers (and donors) can relate to, which leads to more sales and better fundraising. A great example of a cannabis charity brand is California’s GIVE.
SUMMARY
How consumers attach themselves to a brand is based on the brand’s ability to tell its story to its customer. A health and wellness brand should not brand and market its product in the same way a recreational brand focused on rebellion would. Different customer segments demand different products, whether real or perceived. It behooves brands to creatively leverage the most recognizable brand archetype elements in order to effectively and efficiently convey who they are and what they stand for. It’s those brands that best differentiate and communicate, that will be recognized and rewarded.
To learn more about the commercialization of cannabis visit brandingbud.com
“The first book of its kind to offer solid best practices in branding and marketing to an industry in dire need of them…. A fascinating overview of an estimated multibillion-dollar sector whose long and complicated history dates back to when forefathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp.” —Iris Dorbian, Forbes.com
One of the most prevalent threats to human beings that have become a global health challenge is drug-resistant infections. This threat increases fears that there is a high possibility of our generation returning to the pre-antibiotic age because such diseases are life-threatening.
Over 700,000 people are dying from drug-resistant infections yearly. This number increases daily, and it has put scientists and researchers on the quest for new antibiotics that will target superbugs.
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Cannabigerol (CBG) is a form of the cannabinoid from cannabis plants and often called the “Mother” of all cannabinoids. Cannabigerol holds an extraordinary place in the heart of cannabis researchers and users because other cannabinoids are derived from its acid.
CBG is also found in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, as in most plant strains; you will find 1% of CBD, unlike the 20-30% of THC in the plant.
So products gotten from CBG are rare and very expensive. Researchers have found that CBG has many benefits to offer the medical world, which has increased its popularity.
Antibiotics are drugs created to prevent and cure bacterial infections, thus saving people from dying when the infection spreads without a cure. But antibiotics are also under severe threat because of the availability of different types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
These bacteria, which overcomes the effects of even the most potent antibiotic, are a problem that has caused the pharmaceutical industry to become stagnated with the creation of new antibiotics. Alongside climate change, the antibiotic-resistant crisis is also seen as a global threat.
As researchers carried out tests for a solution to this threat, it was discovered that natural ingredients in cannabis could proffer a solution to the crisis. According to a recent study, cannabigerol was identified as a chemical from the cannabis plant that can kill stubborn bacteria.
The antibacterial activities of cannabinoids (which are the chemicals in cannabis) effectively suppress and fight off this group of bacteria. RELATED: What Is CBG And Is It Legal?
The research carried out by two MacMaster microbiologists, Dr. Omar El-Halfawy and Dr. Maya Farha, maintain that scientists need to rethink new ways of discovering the next antibiotic. With all focus on cannabigerol, it is evident that this cannabinoid is the future.
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The cannabinoid is also an attractive research area with tremendous potentials for long-term solutions for this crisis. Therefore, scientists in academia hope that their discovery will raise more antimicrobial investigations into the possibilities of cannabinoids.
CBG was proven to effectively kill both the normal bacterial cells and other persister cells that showed excellent resistance to antibiotics. CBG was also effective with preventing and disrupting biofilms which cause build-ups on the person’s skin. RELATED: What You Need To Know About The Healing Benefits Of Marijuana’s CBG
Although these test results are preliminary, there is a very high potential for additional findings and further studies; a powerful solution can come from CBG.
For decades, researchers have agreed that cannabinoids, particularly cannabigerol, have antibacterial properties. For instance, since the 1950s, cannabis extracts have been used as antiseptics in many parts of the world. This realization confirms the fact that cannabinoids still have a lot of untapped potential for antimicrobial development.
The drug properties in cannabinoids are also helpful in the human body, making them a good starting point for the creation of new antibiotics. The team at McMaster University tested 18 varieties of cannabinoids and other related molecules against several antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Photo by Roxana Gonzalez / EyeEm/Getty Images
The tested bacteria also included gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. Well, scientists discovered that cannabigerol showed very high promise as an antibacterial agent.
Researchers also collected different antibiotic-resistant bacteria from local hospitals to observe if the cannabinoids killed the bacteria. They immediately realized that CBG has a unique and extraordinary antibacterial activity against other bacteria groups during their experiments.
Their discovery also revealed that CBG is a non-psychoactive and non-sedative chemical excellent for antibiotic development for both animals and human beings. Interestingly, unlike other cannabinoids such as THC, you cannot get high with CBG. RELATED: MRSA And Cannabis: What’s The Link?
So a combination of significant chemical compounds with an inability to get you high makes cannabigerol the perfect candidate for a solution for this global health crisis. Since CBG cured MRSA-infected mice without any toxic side effects, it means it holds high potentials for human beings.
Scientists also discovered that within 30 minutes of the treatment on mice, CBG stopped the bacterial growth and killed all MRSA bacteria that are tolerant to current antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. Additionally, CBG was also tested against the most brutal gram-negative bacteria.
Sunday May 23, 2021 By Josh Kasoff With the neverending advent of new states across America legalizing cannabis for recreational use, there’s been a discussion about the quality of Dutch cannabis and if it’s on par with American cannabis. From certain cannabis tourists, there have been claims made that Dutch cannabis has been losing its advantage in the wake of American legalization. Is there any truth to this claim? It’s an open secret that a sizable portion of America’s dispensary stock is more than likely grown from imported Dutch strains, so it would seem that Amsterdam still holds some degree of authority in the global cannabis scene. However, reports of inferior product persist. Read on as we take a look at the two of the world’s most iconic cannabis scenes and how they compare. For decades, Amsterdam was the cultural hub of worldwide cannabis and for cannabis tourists across the globe. As the drug laws of the Netherlands are wildly different and far more based in science and addiction reduction than America’s punitive incarceration-based laws, low-level cannabis possession has been decriminalized, and cannabis sales are even allowed in designated coffee shops across the country since the 1970’s. While America spent decades fighting the ultimately fruitless War on Drugs, the Netherlands opened a total of 1,500 coffee shops by the 1990s. Since the initial opening of Amsterdam’s first cannabis coffeeshop The Bulldog in 1975, the country has shown a progressive way to regulate and properly monitor activities once thought of as sinful or improper, and developed a thriving micro-industry for cannabis. It’s difficult to find exact euro amounts of Dutch cannabis sold as their “industry” is far less regulated compared to the meticulous degree that most US states’ industries are, however a 2010 Drug Policy Research Center estimates that the Netherlands sell “somewhere between 50 and 150 metric tons of cannabis at a value of perhaps 300 to 600 million euros a year.” Though they use the moniker of a “coffee shop” and the maximum amount of flower one may purchase is only 5 grams, many of these stores have begun to resemble American dispensaries in recent years and have a varied menu and memorable names to match. However, it would seem they still have a ways to go. With 17 states that have legalized cannabis in the form of vastly different dispensaries, strain offerings and canna-tourism industries that could easily outperform Amsterdam, the claim of superior American cannabis is an understandable one. While the Dutch market isn’t scrutinized by governmental regulators to the point American markets are, that liberation leaves a lot of questions for consumers and tourists visiting the country. There is no mandatory testing for Amsterdam’s cannabis products, and as such, they can be far less dependable. The buds in Dutch coffee shops may look appealing based on visual observation alone, but documented THC and CBD levels are sporadic and difficult to verify. When reviewing a number of websites of Dutch coffee shops, menus of exact strains and cannabinoid/terpene levels aren’t as present as they are in the legal states. For example, High-THC strains are often highlighted, but not the entirety of the menu. While some did have detailed cannabinoid results for each strain, others did not provide THC levels whatsoever. Of the coffee shops websites observed, there was an overall lack of information when compared to a standard American dispensary. In terms of strain offerings, most coffee shops did appear to have a varied menu with a large number of strains, which is true of some American dispensaries, but not all. In contrast, while coffee shops sometimes do offer edibles or other infused preparations, their menus are far more limited than dispensaries. They do, however, often offer non-cannabis edibles, such as psychedelic-infused chocolate. Meanwhile, cannabis concentrates are nearly nonexistent in Amsterdam, and the same goes for CBD-heavy or ratioed products. When speaking about the quality of Dutch cannabis vs. American cannabis, that too is another point of contention. Because cultivating cannabis is illegal by Dutch law, the consistency and quality of the flower fluctuates significantly compared to US dispensaries offering consistent, high-quality strains. A site dedicated to subjects related to the Amsterdam coffee shops agrees that American cannabis is likely of higher quality due to the industries’ recreationally legal status in those states. They even awarded Denver the winner in a comparison of the two famous cannabis cities; citing higher quality, vaster selection, and lower price. It would seem that even Amsterdam thinks America has better cannabis. A subreddit covering Dutch cannabis even has multiple posts warning about the lackluster quality in relation to America. In contrast, more casual smokers may find the lower potency of Dutch cannabis to be enjoyable, as getting more stoned than Willie on 4/20 may not be pleasant to all consumers. Regulatory speaking, there are other major, almost mountain-sized hurdles written in the Dutch cannabis sale and possession laws that greatly diminish the country’s ability to compete with American cannabis. As the city is popular for tourists and locals alike, 100 people visiting any coffee shop in a day isn’t unreasonable. And in the event that all 100 customers purchase the maximum amount, the shop would be dried out in very little time. The state laws vary on the amount of product allowed at American dispensaries (though they all certainly far exceed one pound), but the maximum purchasable amount of any single recreational customer within a 24-hour period usually amounts to about one ounce (28 grams) of flower or its equivalent in concentrate or edibles. This number of flower grams alone exceeds the Amsterdam limit by over five times. Citing the previously mentioned 2010 report by the Drug Policy Research Center, Dutch cannabis made about 300-600 million euros per year. Assuming this factor continued steadily into 2014, then Colorado earned either on par with or above Amsterdam’s longer-existing cannabis within that first year of recreational cannabis sales, with Colorado coming out to almost $650 million in retail sales. Sales have only increased stateside. With recreational cannabis having fully legal status in seventeen states, it’s likely that nearly every legal state is absolutely decimating the Netherlands on total cannabis revenue generated. The final nail in the coffin of the argument that Amsterdam may no longer hold a candle to American cannabis is the recent discovery that the Amsterdam City Council may soon move to ban the sale of cannabis to anyone other than Dutch citizens and nationals. Mayor Femke Halsema sees the constant flock of young tourists visiting Amsterdam only to consume cannabis and “to undermine the criminal organizations that control the drug trade.” Surveys commissioned by Halsema show that coffee shops are a primary reason that tourists visit the city initially, with 57 percent of respondents in one survey affirming that statement. 11 percent of respondents even said they’d refrain from visiting the city entirely if foreign access to coffeeshop cannabis was prohibited. A limited, minimally informative industry that exists in a confusing legal grey area and may possibly phase out a considerable portion of their clientele objectively isn’t an industry that can compare to any of the Legal States. As a pioneer of cannabis reform, Amsterdam will always hold a special place in history. However as the larger the advent of American cannabis legalization grows, the once-illuminating light of Dutch cannabis could dim into nostalgia amidst America’s new blazing glow. Which do you think has the better cannabis, Amsterdam or legalized states? Weigh-in in the comments!
Cannabis plants are dependent on their environment for materials and energy. These key inputs, known as the limiting factors, drive photosynthesis and therefore plant growth. As outlined in the Marijuana Grower’s Handbook, the limiting factors are light, carbon dioxide, nutrients, water, and temperature. Through my work to update the book, which is now the Cannabis Grower’s Handbook, I’ve highlighted another critical limiting factor, oxygen.
Oxygen is required by all of the plant’s living tissues for aerobic respiration. This means everything from the bottom of the roots to the tops of the shoots. If oxygen becomes limited the plant’s respiration rate will dip and its ability to perform its normal activities will decrease. Although, in theory, oxygen could be a limiting factor in the stems, leaves, and flowers, that’s nearly impossible. The place where oxygen stress is a reality is within the plant’s root zone and occurs when oxygen uptake by the plant’s roots outpaces oxygen’s replacement there.
Here’s an excerpt from the new book that includes information to ensure your cannabis plants receive the correct amount of oxygen:
Oxygen Sources for Cannabis Plants
Plants have three sources of oxygen:
● Oxygen released during photosynthesis but held in the plant structure
● Oxygen in the atmosphere (Air is about 21% oxygen)
● Oxygen dissolved in water, which the roots absorb
Cannabis plants are terrestrial, which means that their roots explore the soil or whatever growing medium they are in. Underground roots do not see the light of day, and therefore do not have access to atmospheric oxygen.
There is a lot of oxygen available in the atmosphere, which is about 21% oxygen. The roots’ source of oxygen is through diffusion to the root zone.
Oxygen diffuses 10,000 times slower through water than it does through air. Roots growing in compacted soil or degraded growing medium with little air porosity can quickly lose access to oxygen. The growing medium or soil that cannabis is growing in must have enough air porosity that oxygen can diffuse through the small air spaces in between the soil particles. If the plant’s roots are actively respiring, oxygen stress can occur within 20 to 30 minutes.
The primary way cannabis roots get oxygen is through diffusing through the air pores in the soil or growing medium or via water that is saturated with dissolved oxygen. When soil is watered from the top the draining water creates a vacuum in its wake. This pulls fresh air into the ground.
Cannabis roots can also absorb oxygen that is dissolved in water or nutrient solution. As long as the water is saturated with oxygen, every time plants are irrigated or fertigated the roots get a fresh delivery. As temperatures rise, the rate of respiration in the roots increases.
Although oxygen in the atmosphere is at a concentration of about 21%, oxygen dissolves in water and maxes out at 8.3 ppm at 77°F (25°C). At 68°F (20°C), the dissolved oxygen concentration in water maxes out at 9.1 ppm.
As water temperatures decrease, the saturation level increases. The question arises: does it make sense to decrease the root zone temperature to increase oxygen availability to the roots? Unfortunately, a decrease in root zone temperature also drastically decreases the rate of root respiration, lowering the roots’ metabolism and productivity. Even though more oxygen may be available in a cooler root zone, slower root respiration rates slow the delivery of water and nutrients to the canopy. The ideal root zone and nutrient solution temperature should range between 68°F (20°C) and 72°F (22°C) in water culture and up to 75°F (24°C) in planting mix, where the water is interspersed with air.
Dissolved oxygen, sometimes abbreviated as DO, is the primary source of oxygen for cannabis roots in aeroponic production. Growing cannabis without a physical growing medium requires frequent fertigations with oxygen saturated nutrient solution.
Normal vs. Low Oxygen Levels
Normoxic conditions mean that the level of oxygen is not a limiting factor for respiration in the root tissue. The roots are actively growing and absorbing nutrients and water sufficiently. Root respiration is heavily dependent on temperature and oxygen concentration. If the oxygen concentration declines with a constant root temperature, the rate of respiration will also slow down. As respiration rates drop, the amount of energy available to do work also decreases. This is the energy the roots need to grow, absorb nutrients, and maintain cellular integrity.
The root environment goes from normoxic to hypoxic when the concentration of oxygen in the root zone drops to a level so low that not enough energy is available from respiration for the roots to properly function. Hypoxic root conditions lead to several problems for the plant. The rate of nutrient absorption declines and root growth decreases and dies. Plant roots signal to the leaves to close the stomata. Water absorption through the roots declines and then stops. This decreases the plant’s ability to photosynthesize since the stomata are closed and no longer allow CO2 to enter the leaves. The combined effects of a hypoxic root zone ranges from a smaller yield to plant failure.
As oxygen concentrations continue to decrease in a hypoxic root environment, the root zone eventually becomes anoxic, that is, it has virtually no oxygen. Root respiration stops completely and usually results in root die-off. Not only does this decrease the surface area for nutrient and water absorption, but the dying roots provide entry points for microbial pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi (Jacobs et al., 1997).
An oxygen-enriched environment makes a big difference in plant vigor, ranging from 50 to 60% more growth for cuttings and 30% more for rooted plants. Root growth and development is best with oxygen saturated media, which is why it is so important to have high oxygen levels when taking cuttings for vegetative propagation. Root initiation from shoot tissue requires adequate oxygen levels.
Increasing Oxygen in the Root Zone
Passive approaches capitalize on how cannabis roots get their oxygen. Oxygen naturally diffuses through the air spaces of a porous growing medium/soil. Using a growing medium with particles large enough to leave space for air once the soil drains is essential for allowing the passive movement of oxygen-containing air through the root zone.
Proper management of the irrigation schedule is crucial in optimizing oxygen availability for the roots. Growing plants in fine grain or compacted soil or a growing medium that has low porosity leave little breathing room for the roots.
The reason why cannabis suffers from waterlogged soil is that it is more likely to be hypoxic since the pores in the soil are filled with water.
Irrigating with low oxygen water without allowing the soil to dry out between watering is the worst scenario since oxygen never gets the chance to diffuse through the pores of the growing medium. The water that is being introduced into the root zone is not bringing oxygen with it. Allowing for the growing medium to dry out a bit between irrigations promotes oxygen availability in fine-textured soils.
Irrigating with oxygen-saturated water is another way to passively introduce oxygen to the roots. Waterlogged soil is not harmful to the plants as long as the root zone has plenty of oxygen. Plants can be irrigated continuously as long as the nutrient solution is saturated with oxygen.
This is the theory behind growing in aeroponic production. The roots are constantly being showered with a nutrient solution that is always exposed to air. The high exposure to oxygen allows for constantly saturated water raining down on the roots.
Increasing oxygen concentrations in water is not difficult to do. There is so much oxygen available in the atmosphere that actively bubbling air through water in a storage tank with an aquarium pump attached to an air stone is sufficient.
A pump-over or cascade can also be used to oxygenate water in a storage tank. A pump creates a spray or jet that splashes back into the water and mixes with the air. This increases the DO to saturation. The larger the surface area of air-to-water interaction that occurs, the quicker the water becomes saturated with oxygen.
Increasing the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in fertigation solutions can be done through several methods.
The simplest is a venturi system. Air is drawn into a flowing liquid so when a hole is drilled into the pipe and tubing is attached the water is automatically aerated as it flows. The Mazzei Airjection Irrigation system makes it easy to introduce oxygen-laden air into the water-nutrient solution. Just hook it up to the irrigation line and it draws air into flowing water automatically. It requires no power and has no moving parts.
Bubbling air through the stock solutions and water storage tanks is one of the best ways to introduce oxygen into the system, as it is inexpensive and easy to maintain. Some air pumps can increase the temperature of the nutrient solution, which should be monitored.
Other than air, there are other products that are available that increase dissolved oxygen concentrations that also sanitize the water. Ozone (O3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are strong oxidizing agents that neutralize microorganisms in the water. Both compounds naturally break down to produce oxygen:
Ozone breakdown 2O3 → 3O2
Hydrogen Peroxide breakdown 2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
Ozone has a half-life of about 20 minutes at room temperature. It is an extremely powerful oxidizer and has strong antimicrobial properties. Ozone can be produced on-site with an ozone generator. Ozone generators can be used to bubble ozone through water. Water should be ozonated at night in storage tanks and allowed sufficient time to break down before being applied to the plants. High-concentration ozone in the nutrient solution can oxidize nutrients and potentially damage roots.
Hydrogen peroxide also has oxidative properties although nowhere near as strong as ozone. Hydrogen peroxide should be diluted down to a maximum of 1% of the water volume. (It comes in various percentages from 3% to about. 30% solution). It also breaks down quickly, so it does not stay oxidative for too long. Exposure to light breaks it down more quickly, so it should be stored in an opaque container in a dark location. Much like ozone, hydrogen peroxide has strong antimicrobial properties, which means that it, too, can damage cannabis root tissue if exposed at too high of a concentration. Luckily for both ozone and hydrogen peroxide, neither compound leaves a residue and both break down into molecular oxygen that is available to the roots.
Ozone and hydrogen peroxide neutralize pathogenic bacteria and fungi; however, they also can eliminate beneficial microbes in the root zone. A robust and diverse microbial community in the root zone is beneficial to the health of the plant. When using ozone and hydrogen peroxide to oxygenate the water, it is best to wait before applying so that the ozone and hydrogen peroxide molecules have broken down.
How to Tell When the Root Zone Needs More Oxygen
In the absence of oxygen, roots die off. If hypoxia is suspected, use a soil moisture meter. If the plant can be popped out of its container, the roots can be inspected. Healthy roots are typically white in color and fuzzy with root hairs near their growing tips. In some water culture systems, no root hairs are present. Slimy, brown roots are unhealthy roots, however, some staining from soil, planting media, or nutrients and additives can be normal.
Anaerobic bacteria flourish when a root zone is low in oxygen. These microbes produce ammonia-smelling compounds. Musty or acrid smells are usually indicative of persistent low-oxygen in the root zone.
74 % of Mississippi citizens authorized medical marijuana legalization. The state'' s Supreme Court was aghast– and burned down your house to prevent the new law from taking effect.
Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
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