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How to Grow Cannabis? – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

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>> Download e-Book Version <<

Overview of the e-book

This e-book will provide a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to start growing cannabis. It will cover everything from choosing the right cannabis strain to setting up a grow space to caring for and harvesting your cannabis plants. It will also include information about the legal and regulatory aspects of growing cannabis, pests, and disease control, as extracting and processing cannabis.

This e-book is meant merely as an introductory guide. We have listed additional resources for further learning at the back of this e-book.

Benefits of growing your own cannabis

Growing your own cannabis has several benefits, including:

  1. Cost savings: Growing your own cannabis can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to purchase cannabis from dispensaries or other sources.
  2. Quality control: When you grow your own cannabis, you have complete control over the growing conditions, which can lead to higher-quality buds.
  3. Personalized strains: You can experiment with different strains and growing techniques to find the perfect strains and methods that work for you.
  4. Privacy: Growing your own cannabis can also provide a sense of privacy, as you won’t have to rely on dispensaries or other sources for your cannabis.
  5. Connection to nature: Growing your own cannabis can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. It allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the plant’s life cycle.
  6. Legal compliance: If you live in a state or country where cannabis cultivation is legal, growing your own cannabis can ensure that you comply with the law.

 

The legal and regulatory considerations of growing cannabis vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

United States

how to grow cannabis in USA as per legal guidelines
  1. Federal law: In the United States, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This means that it is illegal to cultivate, possess, or distribute cannabis, even in states where it is legal. However, the federal government has adopted a policy of non-interference with state-legal cannabis programs.
  2. State laws: Some states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, while others have decriminalized possession or have medical cannabis programs. It’s important to check the laws of your state to determine what is legal and what is not.
  3. Local laws: Some municipalities have enacted their own rules and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation. Before starting to grow cannabis, you should check your local laws to see if there are any additional restrictions or requirements.
  4. Licensing and permitting: Many states and municipalities require growers to obtain licenses and permits to grow cannabis legally. These requirements vary widely and may include background checks, fingerprinting, and security measures.
  5. Personal possession limits: Some states and municipalities limit how much cannabis an individual can possess or grow. It’s essential to check your local laws to see what the limits are in your area and to make sure you comply.

Canada

how to grow cannabis in Canada as per legal guidelines

In Canada, the cultivation of cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use under the Cannabis Act, which came into effect in October 2018. However, there are still some legal and regulatory considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Possession limits: Adults in Canada can legally possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public. However, possession limits may vary in some provinces, so it’s important to check the laws of your province.
  2. Growing limits: Adults can grow up to four cannabis plants per residence (not per person) for personal use. However, some provinces and municipalities have their own regulations, so it’s important to check the laws of your province and municipality.
  3. Licensing and permit: To grow cannabis for commercial purposes, you require a license from Health Canada.
  4. Age limits: The minimum age to buy, possess, and cultivate cannabis in Canada is 18. However, some provinces have set the minimum age to 19.
  5. Public consumption: Public consumption of cannabis is illegal in Canada, and each province and territory has its own regulations regarding where to consume cannabis.
  6. Advertising and packaging: There are strict regulations on advertising, packaging and labelling of cannabis products. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before growing.
  7. Medical use: Patients with medical authorization from a healthcare practitioner can possess and grow more cannabis than recreational users, but they still need to comply with the laws and regulations.
  8. Sharing and gifting: Giving or sharing cannabis with a minor is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

Europe

How to Grow Cannabis in Europe

The legal and regulatory considerations of growing cannabis in Europe vary depending on the country and jurisdiction.

  1. Medicinal use: Some European countries have legalized cannabis for medical purposes. However, the laws and regulations vary widely among countries and regions. Some countries have a national program, while others rely on individual prescriptions.
  2. Recreational use: The possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for recreational use remain illegal in most European countries. However, some countries, such as the Netherlands and Spain, have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis and have a tolerance policy towards its use in certain areas.
  3. Possession limits: Possession limits vary among countries and regions. For example, in Spain and Portugal, possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal use is considered a minor infraction. In the Netherlands, possession of up to 5 grams is allowed.
  4. Growing limits: Growing cannabis for personal use is illegal in most European countries and can result in severe penalties.
  5. Licensing and permitting: Cultivating cannabis for commercial purposes is illegal in most European countries, and no licenses or permits are available.
  6. Public consumption: Public consumption of cannabis is illegal in most European countries and can result in fines or penalties.
  7. Advertising and packaging: There are strict regulations on advertising, packaging and labelling of cannabis products. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before growing cannabis.
  8. Import and export: Importing or exporting cannabis is illegal in most European countries and can result in severe penalties.

Choosing a Cannabis Strain

choosing the right cannabis strain

Understanding the different types of cannabis

There are different types of cannabis:

  1. Cannabis sativa: This type of cannabis is known for its tall, thin plants with narrow leaves. Sativa strains are uplifting and energizing, and consumers often use them during the day. They produce a more cerebral and energizing high, which can help with creativity, focus, and sociability.
  2. Cannabis indica: This type of cannabis is known for its short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica strains are generally relaxing and sedating; people often use them at night. They produce a more body-centered high, which can help with relaxation, sleep, and pain relief.
  3. Cannabis ruderalis: This type of cannabis is a wild or feral type of cannabis. It is a small, low-THC plant in Eastern Europe and Russia. It is not as well-known as the other two types, and consumers don’t commonly use it for recreational or medical purposes. Still, it is considered a genetic resource for breeding auto-flowering cannabis strains.
  4. Hybrid: This type of cannabis is a crossbreed between different strains of cannabis sativa and indica. Hybrids can combine the characteristics of both sativa and indica strains. Growers can breed them with desired traits such as increased yield, improved taste or aroma, or higher THC or CBD content.

It’s also important to note that within each category are various subcategories and strains, each with unique characteristics and effects. The genetic makeup of each strain will determine the plant’s growth pattern, the colour of the buds, the aroma, the taste, and the overall effect.

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid

Indica strains:

Sativa strains:

Hybrid strains:

It’s important to note that these are general characteristics and that the effects of a specific strain can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the method of consumption. Also, remember that breeding practices and naming conventions can vary from seed bank to seed bank, so there may be some variation in the effects and characteristics of strains labeled as Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains.

Choosing the right cannabis strain for your needs

Choosing the right cannabis strain for your needs can be a bit of a trial-and-error process, but there are a few things to consider that can help narrow down your options:

  1. Purpose: The first step is determining what you want to use cannabis for. Are you looking for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia? Are you looking for something to help with focus and creativity? Understanding what you hope to gain from using cannabis can help you identify which strains may be best suited for your needs.
  2. Genetics: Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you can start to narrow down your options by looking at the genetics of different strains. Indica strains, for example, are known for their relaxing and sedating effects. In contrast, Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. Hybrid strains can have a combination of both effects, depending on the genetic makeup.
  3. THC and CBD content: The next step is to consider the THC and CBD content of the strains. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. At the same time, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound known for its medicinal properties. Some strains are higher in THC and lower in CBD, while others are higher in CBD and lower in THC.
  4. Aroma and Flavor: Some strains have specific aroma and flavor profiles which can greatly impact the experience of consuming cannabis. If you are sensitive to the smell or taste of cannabis, this is something to consider when choosing a strain.
  5. Grow characteristics: Some strains are more difficult to grow than others, which is something to consider if you’re planning on growing your own cannabis. Some strains are more prone to mold or pests, while others are more resistant.
  6. Personal preference: Finally, it’s important to remember that the effects of a strain can vary depending on the individual, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and experiences.

Setting Up Your Cannabis Grow Space

Setting Up Your Cannabis Grow Space

Choosing the right location

Choosing the right location for your cannabis to grow space is important in growing your own cannabis. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a location:

  1. Light: One of the most important factors for growing cannabis is having access to the right amount of light. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow, so it’s important to find a location with plenty of natural light. A south-facing window or a grow tent with artificial lights are good options.
  2. Temperature: Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. It’s important to find a location to maintain these temperatures, especially during the flowering stage.
  3. Humidity: Cannabis plants prefer humidity levels between 40-60%. The plants may become dry and stressed if the humidity is too low. The plants may be more susceptible to mold and mildew if the humidity is too high.
  4. Ventilation: Good ventilation is important to keep your plants healthy and prevent mould and mildew. Make sure your location has good airflow, and you can exhaust the hot air and bring in the fresh air.
  5. Security: Growing cannabis can be a sensitive topic, and it’s important to consider your growing space’s security. Make sure to keep your plants in a private and secure location where others can’t see them.
  6. Legal considerations: It’s important to check the laws and regulations of your area before setting up a grow.

Building and outfitting your grow space

Building and outfitting a cannabis grow space can be a bit of a process. Still, with the right planning and equipment, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few steps to consider when building and outfitting your cannabis grow space:

  1. Choose a location: As mentioned earlier. Choosing a location with the right amount of light, temperature, humidity, and ventilation is important. A spare room, a closet, or a grow tent are all good options for a grow space.
  2. Build your grow space: Depending on your chosen location, you may need to modify the space to create the right environment for your plants. This could include installing lights, building a grow tent, or adding insulation to a room.
  3. Choose the right equipment: You will need a few key pieces of equipment to set up your growing space. This includes:
  4. Lights: You will need a light source to give your plants the energy they need to grow. HID (high-intensity discharge) lights, LED lights, or CFL (compact fluorescent) lights are all popular choices.
  5. Grow medium: You will need a grow medium to hold your plants. Soil, coco coir, or hydroponics systems are all popular options.
  6. Watering system: You will need a way to water your plants. A watering can, a watering wand, or a drip irrigation system are all good options.
  7. Ventilation: You will need a way to exhaust hot air and bring in the fresh air. This could include a fan, an air conditioning unit, or a dehumidifier.
  8. Pest control: Having a way to control pests is important for maintaining the health of your plants. Insecticides, sticky traps, or beneficial insects are all options.
  9. Add nutrients: Your plants will need nutrients to grow. You can add these to the water or the soil. A good quality fertilizer will provide your plants with the necessary macro and micronutrients they need to grow healthy.
  10. Monitor and maintain: Once you have your grow space set up, it’s important to monitor your plants regularly to ensure they are healthy and getting the right amount of light, water, and nutrients. This includes checking the pH levels of the soil or water, monitoring temperature and humidity, and checking for pests or diseases.

Lighting, ventilation, and temperature control

Setting Up Your Cannabis Grow Space Lighting, ventilation, and temperature control

Lighting, ventilation, and temperature control are all critical factors in growing cannabis. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each:

  1. Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for cannabis growth. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow, and the right spectrum of light will determine the rate of photosynthesis, affecting the plant’s health, growth, and yield. The most common light sources used in growing cannabis are HID (high-intensity discharge), LED, and CFL (compact fluorescent) lights. It’s important to remember that cannabis plants have different light requirements during different stages of growth, so it’s important to adjust the light accordingly.
  2. Ventilation: Good ventilation is important to keep your plants healthy and prevent mold and mildew. Cannabis plants release a lot of moisture during the growing process, so it’s important to have a way to remove that moisture from the growing space. You can use a fan or air conditioning to bring fresh air and remove hot air.
  3. Temperature control: Temperature control is also an important factor in growing cannabis. Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. It’s important to monitor the temperature in your grow space and make adjustments to keep your plants healthy. High temperatures can lead to stress and slow growth, while low temperatures can lead to mold and mildew.

By providing the right lighting, ventilation, and temperature control, you can create an optimal environment for your cannabis

What are Clones?

germinating seeds vs. buying clones

Cannabis plant clones are exact genetic copies of a parent plant. They are created by taking a cutting from a mature female cannabis plant and rooting it to create a new plant. The new plant will be genetically identical to the parent plant. It will have the same characteristics, including growth habits, yield, and potency.

Clones are usually female, as most commercial cannabis cultivation focuses on producing buds, which female plants produce. Clones are a preferred cultivation method for commercial growers, allowing them to produce a consistent crop with predictable yields and characteristics.

How to take a clone?

To take a clone, you would need to select a healthy and mature female plant and use a sharp and clean cutting tool to take a cutting from the mother plant. The cutting should have at least 2-3 nodes (sets of leaves) and must be placed in a rooting hormone and then in a rooting medium (such as rock wool, soil, or water) to encourage root growth.

Once the cutting has developed roots, you can transplant it into a growing medium. It will grow into a new identical cannabis plant.

We often use clones in hydroponic systems and indoor cannabis grow rooms, as they allow the growers to control the environment and produce plants genetically identical to the mother plant. However, it’s important to note that clones can be more susceptible to disease and pests than seed-grown cannabis plants.

Seeds vs Clones

Both growing cannabis from seeds and growing from clones have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Growing Cannabis from seeds:

  • Advantages:
    • Growing from a cannabis seed allows you to create a diverse genetic pool, which is useful for breeding or creating new cannabis strains.
    • Seed-grown cannabis plants tend to be hardier and more resilient than clone-grown cannabis plants.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Germinating cannabis seeds can be more difficult than taking the clones, and not all seeds will germinate.
    • It can take longer for seed-grown cannabis plants to reach maturity and begin flowering.
    • You cannot assume a plant’s gender until the pre-flowering stage; some may turn out to be males, which is not useful for flower production.

Growing cannabis from clones:

  • Advantages:
    • Clones are exact genetic copies of the parent plant, which means you know exactly what you are getting in terms of growth habits, yield, and potency.
    • You can take clones from a mature cannabis plant, which means they will begin to flower sooner than seed-grown cannabis plants.
    • Clones are usually female, so you don’t have to worry about male plants.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Clones can be difficult to obtain, and the selection of cannabis strains may be limited.
    • Clones can be more susceptible to disease and pests than seed-grown cannabis plants.
    • Clones can be more delicate and may not have the same level of resilience as seed-grown cannabis plants.

In general, growing from a cannabis seed is more versatile, but it is also more unpredictable. Growing from clones is more predictable, but it is also more limited. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your preference and experience.

How to germinate cannabis seeds

How to germinate cannabis seeds
Beginner’s Guide to Growing Cannabis

If you go the seed route, you’ll have to germinate the seeds. There are several methods for germinating cannabis seeds, including:

  1. Paper towel method: This method involves placing the cannabis seeds between damp paper towels in a warm and dark place until the seeds sprout. Once the taproot appears, you can plant the seeds in soil or another growing medium.
  2. Direct soil method: This method involves planting the cannabis seeds directly into the soil or another growing medium and then keeping the soil moist until the seeds sprout.
  3. Rockwool method: This method involves placing the seeds in rockwool cubes, which are made of compressed rock fibres, and then keeping the cubes moist until the seeds sprout.

Regardless of the method chosen, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • The temperature should be warm, around 70-90°F (21-32°C)
  • The humidity should be high, around 80-90%
  • You should keep the seeds in a dark place until taproots appear
  • The seeds should be kept moist but not soaking wet to avoid mould.

Not all cannabis seeds will germinate; some may be old, damaged or low quality, so it’s recommendable to germinate more than the needed number of cannabis plants.

Plant Care and Maintenance

Cannabis Plant Care and Maintenance

Watering and feeding cannabis plants

Watering and feeding cannabis plants are important steps in maintaining the health and growth of your plants. Here’s a general overview of how to water and feed cannabis plants:

Watering:

Feeding:

It’s important to monitor your cannabis plants and their needs closely, as the watering and feeding schedule may vary depending on factors such as the size of the cannabis plants, the stage of growth and the environmental conditions. Regularly checking the pH level of the soil or water is also important.

Pruning and training cannabis plants

Pruning and training cannabis plants are important techniques for promoting healthy growth and increasing yield. Here’s a general overview of how to prune and train cannabis plants:

Pruning:

Training:

  • Training manipulates the plant’s shape and growth pattern to optimize yield and light exposure.
  • Several techniques are used to train cannabis plants, such as LST (Low-Stress Training), ScroG (Screen of Green), and topping.
  • LST involves bending the plant branches to expose more of the lower buds to light.
  • ScroG involves using a screen to hold the plant’s branches in a horizontal position and exposing the buds on the plant’s lower branches to light.
  • Topping is the process of cutting the top of the cannabis plant to promote bushier growth.
  • Training your cannabis plants can help to improve yield and light exposure. It will also help reduce the plants’ height, making them more manageable and easier to maintain.

It’s important to remember that cannabis plants have different needs during different stages of growth, so it’s important to adjust your pruning and training schedule accordingly. It’s also important to closely monitor your cannabis plants and their needs, as over-pruning or over-training can stress the plants and lead to reduced growth and yield.

Pest and disease control

Pest and disease control are important considerations in growing cannabis. Here’s a general overview of some common pests and diseases and how to control them:

Pest control:

Disease control:

  • Common cannabis diseases include powdery mildew, botrytis, and fusarium.
  • These diseases can cause damage to the leaves, buds, and roots.
  • To control diseases, you can use fungicides, maintain good air circulation, keep the humidity levels in check, and avoid overcrowding your cannabis plants.

Prevention is key when it comes to disease and pest control. It’s important to maintain a clean and well-ventilated grow space, keep humidity levels in check, avoid overcrowding the plants, and not overwater or over-fertilize.

It’s important to remember that cannabis laws vary from state to state and country to country, so you should check your local laws and regulations before using any pesticides or fungicides in your grow space. Additionally, it’s important always to follow the instructions on the product labels when using any chemical control methods.

Harvesting and Processing the Cannabis Plants

Harvesting and Processing the Cannabis Plants

Timing your harvest

Timing your cannabis harvests is an important step in growing cannabis. Here’s a general overview of how to time your harvests:

  1. Understanding the growth stages: Cannabis plants have different needs during different stages of growth. The vegetative stage is when the cannabis plant grows leaves and stems, while the flowering stage is when the plant produces buds.
  2. Identifying the trichomes: Trichomes are small, hair-like structures on the buds of the cannabis plant that contain the majority of the plant’s THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. You can use a microscope or a magnifying glass to examine the trichomes and determine when the buds are ready for harvest. As trichomes turn from clear to cloudy, it’s a sign that the cannabis plant is mature and ready for harvest.
  3. Harvest timing: Harvest timing depends on the cannabis strain you are growing, but most cannabis strains are ready to harvest after 8-12 weeks of flowering. Indica strains tend to be ready for harvest earlier than sativa strains.
  4. Harvesting the buds: When they are ready for harvest, it’s important to cut them from the plant with a pair of scissors or pruning shears. It’s best to do this in the morning when the humidity levels are low and to handle the buds gently to avoid damaging them.

It’s important to note that cannabis laws vary from state to state and country to country, so you should check your local laws and regulations before harvesting your cannabis. Additionally, it’s important to monitor your cannabis plants and their needs closely, as over-harvesting or under-harvesting can affect the quality and yield of your buds.

Trimming and drying your cannabis buds

Trimming and drying cannabis buds is an important step in growing cannabis.

Trimming and drying cannabis buds is an important step in growing cannabis. Here’s a general overview of how to trim and dry your buds:

Trimming

  • Trimming is the process of removing the leaves from the buds.
  • Some prefer to trim the cannabis buds when they are dry, while others prefer a “wet” trim. Whatever makes removing the leaves easier for you.
  • You can trim the buds by hand with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, or you can use a bud trimmer machine.

Drying:

  • Drying removes moisture from the cannabis buds to make them ready for consumption.
  • The drying process should occur in a dark, well-ventilated area with low humidity and a temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
  • Hang the cannabis buds upside down from strings or a drying rack, or place them on a mesh screen.
  • The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of the grow space.
  • Once the cannabis buds are dry, you can store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

It’s important to note that the drying process is important for preserving the cannabis buds and getting the right moisture level. If the buds are not dry enough, they may develop mould or mildew. If they are too dry, they may lose potency or taste. It’s important to handle the cannabis buds gently during the trimming and drying process to avoid damaging them.

Extracting and processing your cannabis

There are several ways to extract and process cannabis that you have grown, including:

  1. Dry Sift: This method involves using a series of screens to separate the trichomes (the resin glands that contain the majority of the plant’s active compounds) from the rest of the plant material.
  2. Ice Water Extraction: This method involves freezing cannabis buds and then agitating them in a container of ice water. The trichomes will break off and can be collected and pressed into a “hash” or “kief.”
  3. Solvent Extraction: This method involves using a solvent, such as ethanol or butane, to extract the active compounds from the plant material. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated extract.
  4. CO2 Extraction: This method involves using high pressure and extremely low temperatures to extract the active compounds from the plant material using carbon dioxide as a solvent.

Once you extract the cannabis, it can be further processed into various products such as oil, wax, shatter, and more.

It’s important to note that some of the above methods require specific equipment and experience. Also, some methods, like solvent extraction, must be handled cautiously as solvents are flammable and can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Conclusion

To sum up, growing cannabis involves several steps, including:

  1. Germinating seeds: This involves starting the growth process by placing cannabis seeds in a warm, humid environment until they sprout. (Alternatively, you can use a clone.)
  2. Vegetative stage: Once the cannabis seeds have sprouted, you move them to a growing area with appropriate light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. The cannabis plants will grow leaves and branches during this stage.
  3. Flowering stage: Once the cannabis plants have reached a certain size and maturity, you induce them to enter the flowering stage by reducing the amount of light they receive each day. This will cause the plants to produce buds containing most of the active compounds.
  4. Harvesting: Once the cannabis buds have reached maturity, they are harvested, dried, and cured.
  5. Processing: After you harvest the cannabis plants, they are processed to extract the active compounds, which you can use to make various products such as oil, wax, shatter, etc.

Growing your own cannabis can have several benefits, including:

  1. Cost savings: Growing your own cannabis can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for the cost of purchasing it from a dispensary or dealer.
  2. Control over quality: When you grow your own cannabis, you have control over the quality and purity of the plant, ensuring that you are consuming a safe and high-quality product.
  3. Customization: Growing your own cannabis allows you to customize the strain and growing conditions to suit your personal preferences and needs.
  4. Self-sufficiency: Cultivating your own cannabis can give you a sense of self-sufficiency and accomplishment.
  5. Legalization: In some places, growing your own cannabis is legal and regulated, making it an easy, cost-effective option. And a safer option if you don’t trust the black or legal markets.

Additional resources for further learning

Here is the list of books that pair well with this e-book if this is a hobby you’d like to get into deeper.

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Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

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What are the five cannabis stories you might have missed? Nowadays, it’s impossible to keep up with cannabis news stories across the world. Whether it’s banking reform and rescheduling in the United States, legalization in Europe or Thailand, or Canada’s experiment with corporate legalization.

Here are five cannabis stories you might have missed.

Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed

Suing Over Cannabis Rescheduling

Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed

U.S. Attorney Matthew Zorn is suing the Biden Administration over cannabis rescheduling, particularly over the secrecy of it all. If you missed this cannabis story, here are the details.

Last month, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) suggesting they reschedule cannabis.

Currently, the U.S. government lists cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, in the same category as heroin. The HHS letter suggests it should be a Schedule 3. Cannabis would still be a controlled substance but with fewer restrictions.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Zorn has filed an official complaint in the U.S. District Court. He says the letter “has become an item of public interest.” He has asked the court to force the Biden Administration to release “improperly held agency records.”

Zorn tried a Freedom of Information Act request but to no avail. HHS “has not produced the requested record” and “did not make a timely determination within 20 days,” the complaint alleges.

60% Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Problems Linked to “Cannabis Use Disorder”

Another day, another study finding an “association” between cannabis and something terrible. This time, it’s cardiovascular problems. You haven’t missed much if you missed this cannabis news story.

Here are some problems with the study:

Correlation is not Causation. Like most of these “cannabis is bad for you” studies, the researchers have merely made an association. Fortunately, this study explicitly states there is no causation. They simply found an association after controlling for variables. 

Confounding Variables. While the study adjusts for some variables, it says it cannot account for tobacco smoking due to data limitations. This is obviously a significant limitation.

Smoking cigarettes is a far more significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases than smoking cannabis.

Not being able to parse out this variable makes the study beyond useless. It’s literally disinformation. If you missed this cannabis news story, then you’re better off for it. 

Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed

Sampling Cannabis in British Columbia

Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed

You might have missed this cannabis story out of British Columbia, Canada.

After years of stigma and drug war propaganda, the British Columbia government is finally starting to loosen their cannabis rules and regulations.

Licensed producers can now provide samples for retailers. The Grow Up Conference and Expo was the first cannabis industry event to take advantage of the new rules.

Advocates say the new regulations will benefit the industry in several ways. Retailers will now be able to see the product they’re buying and sample it for their customers.

Unfortunately, retailers cannot provide samples to customers yet. But the industry is hopeful that it’s in the works. That’s undoubtedly a cannabis new story we wouldn’t want to miss.

Thailand To Reconsider Cannabis Decriminalization

You might have missed this vital cannabis news story: Thailand may re-criminalize cannabis.

Two years ago, Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis. But its government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has vowed to roll back cannabis legalization.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television in New York while attending the UN General Assembly, Srettah made clear that residents of the country will only be able to use cannabis for medical reasons.

“It’s just for medical reasons. We need to rewrite the law,” he said.

Current legislation has cannabis removed from a list of narcotics. Individuals are supposed to notify their local government if they want to cultivate plants at home. But so far, the government has not created any regulations regarding cultivation and sales. 

This regulatory vacuum has created a “free-for-all” industry much like the “wild-west” of British Columbia before Justin Trudeau’s corporate cannabis takeover.

While some estimated Thailand’s cannabis market may be worth nearly $2 billion, the new government ensures that money will remain in the black market.

Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed

SAFER Banking Almost a Reality

Five Cannabis Stories You Might Have Missed

We covered this one, but you might have missed this important cannabis news story.

Less than a week after being re-introduced, the SAFER Banking Act found approval by the Senate Banking Committee on September 27. The committee voted 14-9 to advance the legislation to the Senate floor.

The text of the new amendment is not yet available publicly. But give it enough time, and U.S. Attorney Matthew Zorn may sue to get the details released. 

But overall, thanks to this committee, the movement toward cannabis reform in the United States just got a shot in the arm.





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What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis? – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

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What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis? “You don’t hear me talk about the war on drugs. I’m not a war on drugs person,” Ramaswamy said when he appeared at a Free State Project event in New Hampshire last June.

Vivek Ramaswamy is an American entrepreneur seeking the Republican nomination to run for President of the United States.

Ramaswamy told the crowd he was “probably the only person in the modern history” of the Republican Party to talk about decriminalizing drugs for people with PTSD and other mental health problems.

Psychedelics,” he said specifically. “From ayahuasca to ketamine… That’s gotta be part of the solution.”

But what is Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis? He told Fox News:

We got to catch up with the times. It’s not a popular position in the Republican Party, but I’d just, again, I guess I’m going to speak the truth. Whether you vote for me or not is your choice. I think the time has come to decriminalize it.

Later, a spokesperson from his campaign said:

The current state-level ‘legalization‘ farce contributes to the culture of lawbreaking. It’s literally against the law. For us to pretend otherwise only undermines the rule of law in this country. For that reason, Vivek favors the federal legalization of marijuana.

What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis?

Vivek Ramaswamy's Position on Cannabis

What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis? Decriminalization or legalization? Once upon a time, those meant the same thing. And indeed, in America, this may still ring true.

Vivek isn’t shy about wanting to rule by executive fiat. Suppose he’s the next U.S. President and unilaterally deschedules cannabis. Not a rescheduling, a complete descheduling.

As far as the federal government is concerned – cannabis is not its business.

Is that decriminalization or legalization? For operators in legal states, it certainly helps their tax situation. And why would the financial system fear a plant the government has delisted as a controlled substance?

Is that legalization or decriminalization? Or are those terms synonymous?

If a Ramaswamy Administration removed cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act entirely, there would be a few implications.

Implications of De-Scheduling Cannabis

Opinion: Why did Cronos delay their year end filing?

Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis could empower state-level regulations. If the federal government takes a literal hands-off approach, you could argue that’s not legalization.

But is legalization ideal? Should Washington D.C. force states like Idaho to legalize? Suppose people in Idaho want to consume cannabis legally. There are 23 other states they can move to, including next-door neighbors.

Even if all 50 states legalized – isn’t it better to have local regulation of a competitive and complex modern industry? Think of the supply chain: cultivation, production, packaging, distribution, sales, marketing, and everything in between.

Do you want D.C. bureaucrats in charge of all that? Isn’t that how lobbyists capture the process and rig the rules against the little guys?

When The Feds Do Get Involved

Of course, some will argue Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis can’t be entirely hands-off. Somebody is going to have to regulate interstate commerce and international trade.

Imports and exports are federal jurisdiction and always have been. Of course, Vivek’s brand of governing may detest interstate regulation. A Ramaswamy Administration may create a free-for-all for all industries, not only cannabis.

One can hope.

And, of course, FDA bureaucrats will want to control aspects of cannabis, especially if it’s used in food products or marketed as a medical treatment. In a sense, descheduling and taking a hands-off approach empowers the existing bureaucracy.

But Vivek can use the stroke of the Presidential pen and tell the FDA to buzz off. Such is the state of the American “republic.”

Of course, if Vivek Ramaswamy becomes President, he won’t be able to decline the tax revenue. Who can, really? Except for maybe Ron Paul.

So, the federal government may tax cannabis. And so Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis matters a great deal. 

But there’s something else. And it involves Vivek’s policy on the Federal Reserve Bank.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis & Money Could Change the World 

Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis and money could change the world. And here’s how.

Experts must control money. That’s what the experts say. That’s why supply and demand don’t determine interest rates. You can’t trust free markets, they say. You need a central planning committee of experts.

But when the hell has that ever worked? This is not the 1920s, this is the 2020s. We have evidence of central planning, and the results are far worse than any of the theoretical excesses of free-market capitalism.

But suppose the experts are right about one thing. The price of money is too volatile to leave to a truly random process. That there should be a more market-based approach to price stability.

As in, leave it to the experts, but not the boardroom suits. Leave it to the people who are actually buying and selling in the market on a daily basis.

Like Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis, his proposal for the Federal Reserve is a breath of fresh air—a novel idea in an age of corporate-state shallowness.

What is a Government Gold Standard?

Vivek Ramaswamy's Position on Cannabis

A country on a gold standard exchanges its currency for gold at a fixed rate, say, $35 an ounce. And vice versa. So, if the market price of gold goes beyond $35, people bring in their dollars to exchange for gold.

This process means the number of dollars in circulation decreases, so the value of the dollar increases. This continues until the market price of gold is back to $35.

If the market price drops below $35, the same process works in reverse. Historically common, it’s not without its flaws. Governments tinker with the mechanism like a curious 12-year-old who takes apart the television to see how it works (and ends up breaking it in the process).

A gold standard keeps the value of the money constant relative to the market price of gold. Economists have all kinds of critics and rebuttals as to why that wouldn’t work today in the “modern” economy.

To their credit, relying on gold as the sole commodity backing the government currency does run into problems. Especially when governments are always trying to cheat the system.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis stems from listening to the people and the real experts (i.e. not “public health”). He is responding with the correct answers. He has – more or less – done the same with the subject of the Federal Reserve and the money.

What is a Commodity Bundle Standard?

Vivek Ramaswamy's Position on Cannabis

Vivek Ramaswamy should combine his positions on money and cannabis. 

Vivek wants a commodity bundle standard to help solve the problem of using government currency. In this system, the market defines the U.S. Dollar as a collection of commodities. This collection or bundle is valued by what’s in it.

For example, suppose you had one million dollars. You take it to the bank and demand your bundle. It could consist of a few pounds of gold and silver, but it’d mostly be a claim on commodities (i.e. 100 pounds of grade A beef, 10 barrels of crude oil, 1,000 board feet of lumber).

Likewise, anyone who brings in a bundle (the claim on commodities) gets a million dollars. This keeps the bundle’s price at a million dollars and, thus, a stable purchasing power, assuming nobody is messing with the bundle.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis & Money Could Change the World 

Vivek Ramaswamy could combine his positions on money and cannabis by including 1,000 pounds of industrial hemp biomass and 500 grams of premium-grade cannabis flower in the commodity bundle.

Regarding “changing the world,” you’ll have to refer to some of our past posts on the subject

The main takeaway: eliminating the elite’s ability to create money out of thin air and charge interest on it can only be construed as a step in the right direction. 

In fact, it’s the first step. 





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Regulating Cannabis like Fish – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

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Regulating cannabis like fish? Excuse me, what? According to Leah Heise, the cannabis industry can learn much from commercial fishing.

An accomplished cannabis exec, Leah’s been the CAO of Ascend Wellness Holdings, the CEO of Women Grow, CXO of 4Front Ventures and President of Chesapeake Integrated Health Institute.

While at Ascend, Leah focused on growing the business from 73 employees to more than 1300 in less than 18 months, taking the company from $19M in revenue in 2019 to a $1.6B market cap in 2021.

Leah is also a medical cannabis patient, having discovered the herb after being hospitalized over 35 times for pancreatitis.

Leah Heise is a cannabis expert. Her expertise is unparalleled, unlike the so-called “experts” in the media who spew drug war propaganda.

So when she says the cannabis industry has much to learn from commercial fisheries, our ears perk up.

Regulating cannabis like fish? Say what?

Regulating Cannabis from Stigma 

Regulating Cannabis like Fish
Leah Heise

Having experience in the regulatory landscape, Leah knows what’s working and what’s doomed to fail. And unfortunately, most legal states have been regulating cannabis from a position of stigma.

“We do everything by piecemeal, by litigation. It’s very costly to the system and there’s just a better, more streamlined way to do it,” says Leah. “And I think that potentially regulating it similar to a commercial fishing industry may be the way to do it.”

Of course, Leah points out that there are other options, and this is just one of many ideas. But, she says, “These regulators need to understand the things they are regulating.”

“They’re doing it from a place of stigma and lack of education,” Leah says. “We have to turn back one hundred years of stigma and propaganda.”

Whether it’s racial stigma or false beliefs that cannabis will rot your brain, Leah emphasizes education. From scientific papers proving cannabis’ efficacy to patient stories to studies that associate legal cannabis with fewer cases of domestic abuse and alcoholism.

“The industry and the plant need a rebrand,” says Leah. “It’s not Cheech and Chong. It’s everyone; it’s diverse. Anybody could be using this, from your great-grandmother to your child, depending on what they have. It’s not going to make their brains die or reduce IQ.”

Regulators Need Education

Simply put, the public (and many regulators) are uneducated on cannabis. Drug warriors amplify its alleged harms while marginalizing its medical and therapeutic benefits.

But how would regulating cannabis like fish help? Leah admits that if the feds get involved, a strong regulatory body needs to be created.

“Or just let the states do it,” she says. “We don’t necessarily need another layer on top.”

But suppose the federal government does step in and institute national cannabis regulations. What can we learn from the commercial fishing industry?

Regulating Cannabis like Fish

What can the cannabis industry learn from commercial fishing? How does one regulate cannabis like fish?

“Fisheries is a highly regulated industry,” says Leah. “Because the government’s trying to balance the interests of the environmental groups with the interest of the commercial fishing industry.”

Yes, they are separate products, but both are natural and come from the Earth. Likewise, generations of people work in the industry, whether it’s multiple generations of fishermen (and women). Or the legacy farmers in the cannabis industry (especially in black and brown communities).

With the commercial fishing industry, there’s the problem of overfishing. “In an effort to save the planet, and the fisheries themselves, the federal government has stepped in,” says Leah.

And she sees opportunities for the cannabis industry and its regulators to learn from the commercial fishing industry.

Commercial fishing regulators don’t regulate from a place of stigma. “I haven’t seen a single state,” says Leah, referring to legal cannabis states, “where there’s not a massive lawsuit. And even with Schedule III, there’s going to be lawsuits.”

Learning from the Commercial Fishing Industry

Leah prefers a more comprehensive way of regulating cannabis, which borrows from the successes of the commercial fishing industry.

“They design things called fishery management plans,” she says. “Scientists in the government will come forward and say, ‘okay we’re starting to see Atlantic sea scallops start to collapse. We’re seeing a decline in the number of new pollock. And we need to come up with a fishery management plan to work this.’”

Leah says the commercial fishing industry has councils with different stakeholders, from environmental groups to commercial industries to recreational groups.

“They come together to regulate themselves,” says Leah. “It speeds up the process and really eliminates a lot of the issues in terms of getting sued, because stakeholders at least feel like they have a voice.”

“Nobody walks away happy,” Leah adds. “Which is kind of what happens with any real decent negotation, right? Everybody’s giving a little.”

Leah thinks having a board of stakeholders would prevent things like canopy caps or taxing inside the supply chain. Things that ultimately hurt the industry and only empower illicit markets.

The problem, says Leah, is that current cannabis regulators “aren’t holistically looking to see what the impacts are,” of the various regulations they’ve instituted.

Regulating Cannabis like Fish – Unintended Consequences?

Regulating Cannabis like Fish

Is there any state already doing this? What are the odds D.C. will create cannabis regulations that embody the principles of the commercial fishing industry?

One of the biggest problems, says Leah, is the lack of money on the enforcement side. From her regulator days, Leah recalls:

We were handed often times very dense regulations to enforce. But we weren’t given the money that we needed to be given to it, to hire the people, and train the people we needed to actually enforce those regulations.

The result is cannabis operators openly flaunting the rules because paying the fines is sometimes cheaper than observing the regulations.

There’s also debate on how heavy cannabis regulations should be. Should we regulate it like alcohol? Or should we consider cannabis a vegetable no more dangerous than a carrot?

“I think that the polarization that exists in this industry exists in the country,” says Leah, so there’s no easy answer.

Unintended Consequences

Bill Gates & Justin Trudeau

But one thing to watch out for is the unintended consequences of regulation. Leah recalls visiting Africa, particularly Botswana, about a year ago.

“The Gates Foundation had contributed billions of dollars worth of mosquito nets,” Leah recalls.

They thought that giving people mosquito nets would eliminate malaria. But what they didn’t understand is that [the Bostwanans] needed food. So what the people did was they used the nets to fish with. But the nets were covered with pesticides. It killed off all the fish. And you still have malaria, and you have no food, and it’s because there wasn’t really a holistic decision in that instance. [The Gates Foundation] wasn’t informed enough to answer what the real primary need was.

Unintended consequences are an unavoidable fact of life. In Canada, for example, the government legalized cannabis from a position of stigma and propaganda. The result is a thriving black market catering to consumer demands the legal market can’t fulfil.

With that in mind, we asked Leah how likely, on a scale of one to ten, would the United States legalize and regulate according to rational and holistic principles? Will authorities regulate cannabis like fish?

If ten is the ideal and one is stigma and propaganda, what’s the verdict?

“I think it’s going to be less than 5,” says Leah. And like the situation in Canada or the more restricted US legal states, the consequences of regulating from stigma suggest a robust illicit market.

“You can decide to go the legal route or you can decide to go the illegal route,” says Leah. “But you’re not going to make it go away.”





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