Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid – Difference, Effects, Use

 

If you’re new to cannabis, the terms “Sativa,” “Indica,” and “Hybrid” probably make you scratch your head in confusion. What do they mean, and why do they matter?
As it turns out, whether your cannabis product is Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid can make all the difference in your overall experience. So, we’re going to cover everything there is to know about the distinct effects and properties of these variants so you can determine which is right for you. Let’s get started!

Species of Cannabis

Chart comparing Indica Sativa and Hybrid cannabis strains.
First, we’ll talk about the various species of cannabis.
Well, we’ll talk about if there are different species of cannabis. Currently, there are three putative species of cannabis which includes:
  • Cannabis sativa
  • Cannabis indica
  • Cannabis rudaralis
Visually, you can tell these three species apart based on their seeds, shape, and size. However, there are other differences to note as well. And yes, we used the word “putative,” meaning “generally considered to be.”
The truth is that we don’t know if they’re all different species or just variations of the same one. For instance, in 2021, several scientists analyzed over 100 cannabis samples and found that they were genetically indistinct on a genome-wide scale.
Instead, they found that the labeling had to do more with a variation of terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in all sorts of plants, including cannabis. A plant’s terpene profile can determine its taste, but there is also speculation that terpenes can act synergistically with cannabinoids.
For example, preliminary research has found that myrcene (also found in hops, lemongrass, and basil) helps cannabinoids cross the blood-brain barrier. But let’s dive a bit more into these main cannabis variants.

Sativa

Sativa
Originating from Eastern Asia, Cannabis sativa was first classified by Carl Linnaeus, the “father of modern taxonomy,” in 1753.
The word “sativa” is Latin for “things that are cultivated.”
In its appearance alone, Sativa tends to be taller and narrower than Indica or Ruderalis. Compared to different cannabis variants, the “fingers” on the leaves of a sativa plant tend to be thinner.
And if you’ve read the 2018 Farm Bill (it’s quite the page-turner), you will notice that the definition of hemp is:
…Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
Yup. Hemp, by law, is Cannabis sativa. But don’t fret if you’re enjoying Indica hemp. In U.S. Code, marijuana is defined as Cannabis sativa as well. It’s just the concentration of Delta-9 THC that matters.

Sativa Terpene Profile & Properties

Cannabis that falls under the Sativa category will have a higher concentration of pinene and limonene.
Pinene is also found in conifers, aka “pine trees.” This terpene gives cannabis its woodsy taste and smell.
Limonene is a terpene found in the peels of citrus fruits and many other plants. It’s what gives many cannabis strains their citrusy hints.
Many cannabis enthusiasts have found Sativas perfect as their go-to option for daytime enjoyment. Some have described this species as having a heavier emphasis on uplifting and energetic effects, but keep in mind that cannabis affects us all a bit differently.
An “absolute” rendition of this profile can be found in our Sativa Live Rosin Gummies

Sativa Strains

Within the Sativa category are specific strains. Some of these strains may lean closer to hybrid, others more towards an “absolute Sativa,” and others in between. Their terpene profiles are generally very similar to one another with some nuances.
Hemp strains are simply marijuana strains crossbred to have a Farm Bill-compliant concentration of Delta-9 THC. They have the same defining terpene profile but differ only in one cannabinoid.
A few of the most well-known and beloved sativa strains include:
  • Blue Dream
  • Sour Diesel
  • Maui Wowie
  • Trainwreck
  • Strawberry Cough
And that about covers Sativa, which brings us to our next category—Indica.

Indica

Indica
Cannabis indica was first classified in 1785 by French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
“Indica” is Latin for “of India.”
That’s because this variant of cannabis originates from, you guessed it, India, specifically near the mountain range known as the Hindu Kush.
Kush? That name kind of rings a bell.
In appearance, Indica plants tend to be shorter and bulkier. Even the fingers on its leaves are much thicker than that of sativa.

Indica Terpene Profile and Properties

Many cannabis plants that fall into Indica have heavier concentrations of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene.
Myrcene can be found in lemongrass, hops, and thyme. It’s what gives cannabis its musky, earthy, and spicy undertones.
Beta-caryophyllene is in plants such as black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and oregano. This terpene is known for its spicy, warm, and peppery flavor. Some have attributed to it the “gassy” aroma of many cannabis strains.
Indicas are generally the choice of connoisseurs for nighttime enjoyment. For many, this variant’s effects are heavier on the relaxation and tranquility side. However, be aware that cannabis products affect everyone a bit differently.
Our Indica Live Rosin Gummies feature an “absolute” indica terpene profile.

Indica Strains

Much like Cannabis Sativa, farmers have bred indica strains into Farm Bill-compliant hemp. These strains have the same terpene profiles as their marijuana counterparts but have a 0.3% or lower concentration of Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Some notable Indica strains include:
  • Northern Lights
  • Hindu Kush
  • Granddaddy Purple
  • Afghani
  • Blueberry
And now, before we get to hybrids, we’ll talk about a less-talked-about cannabis variant— ruderalis.

Ruderalis

ruderalis
Almost everyone and their mother has heard of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. So why isn’t Cannabis ruderalis such a household name?
Cannabis ruderalis was first classified by botanist D.E. Janischewsky in 1924. Its native range spans from Central to Eastern Europe as well as Russia.
In botanical nomenclature, “ruderalis” roughly means “growing among rubble.” Humans have cultivated Ruderalis, but this subset is generally more or so feral.
Cannabis ruderalis is much smaller in stature than its sativa and indica relatives, rarely growing over two feet. Its leaves are also thick but with fewer fingers.
On a commercial level, there hasn’t been a direct niche that Ruderalis can fill. It does contain high amounts of CBD, but with its small stature, farmers are more likely to just go with Sativa or Indica hemp variants. And because it lacks THC potency, farmers don’t really cultivate it as marijuana either.
However, it hasn’t been completely ignored as a cash crop. Ruderalis, with its “weedy” nature, is quite a tough little plant.
Unlike other cannabis variants, Ruderalis enters its flowering cycle based on its maturity rather than the light cycle (the cycle of light and darkness a plant receives). So regardless of lighting conditions, it will still flower. Because of this auto-flowering trait, many have bred Ruderalis into Sativa and Indica strains to bolster them with the robustness of this variant.
And besides that, that’s just about what you need to know about Ruderalis. However, with all this talk about breeding, let’s move on to Hybrids.

Hybrids

When we talk about Sativas, Indicas, and Ruderalis, we’re talking about distinct plant types, their appearance, cannabinoid content, and terpene profiles.
“Hybrid” is a blanket term that can describe many different cannabis plants. It’s pretty much a strain that comes about when crossing any of the main variants.
The exciting part about Hybrids is that they can bring in more variety for cannabis enthusiasts. For example, you can have “absolute” hybrids that are dead in the middle of Sativas and Indicas as far as traits go.
However, you can also have Hybrids that might skew slightly one way or another. The Gelato strain, for example, is a strain considered to be an “Indica-leaning” Hybrid. However, our Hybrid Live Rosin Gummies will feature a perfectly balanced profile directly between Indica and Sativa.
Some notable strains of Hybrid strains include:
  • Gelato
  • Wedding Cake
  • Orange Creamsicle
  • White Widow
  • Strawberry Banana

Differences Between Cannabis Strains

You have the main subsets of cannabis, and then within those groups are strains. So what are the differences between cannabis strains?
It’s going to be similar to the difference between Indica and Sativa or other types.
In general, cannabis strains may differ based on appearance. However, from an experiential perspective, what will set them apart is their terpene profile.
Terpenes give strains their flavor and may have a synergistic effect with cannabinoids. However, things get a bit more complex when you talk about “differences” in effects. So let’s jump into that next.

Possible Effects and Side Effects

The consensus among enthusiasts is that Sativas are more uplifting while Indicas are more relaxing, and Hybrids can offer a little bit of both.
However, the truth is that the effects of any cannabis product will vary from person to person. And then, there are a bit more complicated nuances beyond that as well.
The constant factor of subsets and strains is their terpene profile, which can offer synergy when paired with cannabinoids. Nonetheless, determining the effects will depend on which cannabinoid it’s paired with. For example, smoking a Gelato marijuana flower will yield different outcomes compared to smoking a Gelato hemp flower.
That’s because the primary cannabinoid in one is Delta-9 THC while in the other is CBD. On top of that, you might have something like our Gelato Live Rosin Gummies, which feature the Gelato terpene profile paired with hemp-derived Delta-9. However, Delta-9 THC in edibles will affect someone differently than Delta-9 when it is inhaled.
So with all of these factors, how does someone choose the right strain or variant?

How to Choose the Right Strain For You

When it comes to talking about cannabis strains, their effects, and what you should try, there will be many “experts” trying to push you one way or the other. We wish it were as simple as saying, “Blue Dream will offer you these effects while Northern Lights will offer these.”
So what’s the best way to determine which strain is right for you? The first step is determining what you want out of a hemp product.
Are you looking for relief? Do you want to feel energized? Are you looking for carefree relaxation? Or perhaps it’s a bit of creative inspiration that you’re after.
The second step or the “fun step” is giving these different strains a try and seeing how they affect you firsthand. The key to doing this the right way is by starting with small amounts and then determining if you should take more or less. You might be able to find a strain that’s perfect for you and your needs, but you could be easily dismayed because you took too much and felt overwhelmed.
So, in short, the best approach is to figure out what you want out of cannabis, and then try different strains using a “slow and steady” approach to figure out the right fit. If you’re curious about trying different strains, we offer a sampler bundle featuring each type of our Live Rosin Gummies.

What strains are good for certain conditions?

Here’s another stance that might deviate from what the “experts” will tell you.
If you look up cannabis strains online, there will be plenty of people telling you that “strain X is good for this condition, while strain Y works better for this other condition.”
Well, it would be great if it were that simple, but here’s the truth.
We’re experts in making Farm Bill-compliant hemp products, but we’re not doctors. And due to federal regulations, we’re not at liberty to discuss any potential medical benefits, if any, with any cannabis strain. People out there will say whatever they want about different strains. But when it comes to medical advice, please consult your physician.

About Legality

In the U.S., cannabis comes in two categories—hemp and marijuana.
Hemp is any cannabis or consumable product that contains a 0.3% or lower concentration of Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Marijuana is any cannabis plant or product that exceeds this concentration of Delta-9 THC.
  • Hemp and consumable hemp products are legal on a federal level, which includes: All Delta-9 ( ≤ 0.3%) products
  • All CBD products
The federal government still deems marijuana to be a Schedule I drug. However, state laws will vary, with some banning it altogether, some with exceptions for medicinal use, and others allowing anyone 21 and up to purchase it.
So before you start exploring different strains and their effects, it’s always important to check with your state laws first.
However, you should be able to find a wide range of strains available as hemp and if not, you can surely bet someone out there is working on it.

Summary

We covered a lot in this blog, and hopefully by now you feel like an expert on cannabis variants and strains.
Here is a brief overview:
  • Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis, and Hybrids are the main Cannabis variants.
  • Whether these are different species is debatable, but these variants do have differences in appearance, cannabinoid content, and terpene profiles.
  • Within these main categories are specific strains.
  • Cannabis enthusiasts tend to associate variants and strains with effects, but remember the effects will vary from person to person.
  • Finding the right strain comes down to narrowing down what you want and trying them firsthand.
  • People make many different medicinal claims about strains, but the best source of health-related information is your doctor.
And that just about covers it. Until next time, happy exploring, and Mind Your Mind!

GG#4 ORIGINAL GLUE FEMINIZED SEEDS

Hi everyone! I hope that this GG#4 Original Glue grow report will be of use to those of you who wonder how to grow GG#4 Original Glue indoors and especially during the summer heat.

Gorilla Glue #4 Grow Data

My GG4 strain was the strongest plant compared to her peers. One topping and the ScrOG-style training turned her into a very branchy bush with many large and dense colas. After 14 weeks from seed, she yielded over 3.5 ounces (100g) of potent buds with a focused Sativa-like high.

HOW TO GROW GG#4 ORIGINAL GLUE WHEN HEAT IS AN ISSUE

I know that nobody likes growing weed indoors in summer when keeping the temperature in check is such a huge issue. Where I live, day temps can be as high as 40°C (over 100°F). So I decided to do a run with especially hardy genetics, including the GG4 strain from Original Sensible Seeds.

After reading the GG#4 Original Glue strain info, I thought that I’d found the genetics I was looking for, and to be honest, she did wonderfully in my garden. If you read my original GG#4 Original Glue grow journal, you’d see that I singled her out as a winner and keeper from the start.

The Seedling Phase and Early Veg ORIGINAL GLUE FEMINIZED SEEDS

 

 

I germinated a single seed and planted it in a 5-liter (1.3-gallon) container with amended soil. I put it under a 250W HPS. This is more than enough light for the vegetative stage in my 3’x3’ tent.

I did a trick that I recommend to anyone who’s dealing with the issue of heat. I would turn on the light—for 16 hours a day at this point, and later for 18—in the night hours when the air is a bit cooler. And I would turn the lights off at the peak of the day’s heat. If your grow tent has no light leaks to disrupt the darkness in flower, then you are alright. And if you grow autoflowers, even light leaks shouldn’t worry you.

The air was also quite dry at this point — under 30% RH. So I installed an ultrasonic humidifier to raise it to at least 50 percent. My GG#4 Original Glue looked happy and healthy, at least for such a hot and dry environment. Her leaves might have been a bit wavy, but she chugged along just fine.

I transplanted her into a 20 l (5.3 gal) plastic container in week 3, and she didn’t even seem to notice. She just kept growing and filling out. Maybe, the HESI Root Complex helped because this root growth stimulator is supposed to reduce the stress of repotting.

A Light Feeder Throughout

 

 

The week of the transplant, I also added Atami ATA Calmag to the nutrient solution because extra amounts of calcium and magnesium never hurt and a healthy dose of nitrogen (N) in this product would further stimulate the vegetative growth. And starting from week 4, I began to mix in pH Perfect Connoisseur Grow Parts A & B as my main NPK formula. I would go on using this for the rest of the grow, but always moderately — at 1 ml/l each.

Topped and Scrogged

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to top my GG#4 Original Glue because she was a branchy plant without any training. Finally, I did top her above the 6th node, and the very next week (week 5), I installed the ScrOG net and began tucking the branches. I let only the topmost pair overgrow the ScrOG, but I did my best to weigh them down and make the canopy as flat as possible.

Around this time, there was an issue with whiteflies. These little bastards love hot (and humid) conditions. I was killing them on sight, but one of them managed to leave a lot of bite marks on a fan leaf. Eventually, I cut it off. So much for defoliation in this run lol.

MY GG#4 ORIGINAL GLUE CANNABIS GROW JOURNAL GETS UNEVENTFUL

 

 

I changed the light schedule to 12/12 in week 7, and after just one week, my GG#4 Original Glue was popping flowers everywhere. She had 12 primary branches, and on each of those, there were quite a few secondary branches. Most have made it to the ScrOG even before the flowering stretch began.

I stimulated the process of budding with two Advanced Nutrients products (at 2 ml/l of each):

  • Bud Ignitor does its job by giving a PK boost and is recommended for use for two weeks in mid-flower. I was using it for just one week.
  • Bud Factor-X contains bioactive ingredients which bring out the taste and the smell in buds. Again, I stopped using it after just one week although you can continue giving it right before the final flush.

After this, I returned to the old boring diet — just 2 ml/l of pH Perfect Connoisseur Grow Parts A & B and nothing else. However, the GG4 strain turned out to be a thirsty one. She drank 2 liters per day, or 10% of the whole 20-liter volume of the container. The other reason for her needing so much water was certainly the heat. And it only got worse as the grow progressed.

In my GG#4 Original Glue review, I noted that this was a very resistant variety. She tolerated heat like it was nothing and also thwarted the attacks of whiteflies. And thrips, too. Those didn’t get a hold in my garden either, and not for the lack of trying lol.

In every other respect, it was just smooth sailing. My Gorilla completely filled her part of the ScrOG, was covered in flowers, and smelled great and very strong.

These Long Tightly-Stacked Colas Yield Big

Gorilla Glue #4 at Harvest

All I had to do in late flower was making sure my GG#4 Original Glue got enough water. The flowering tops were stacking up and filling out, forming long and dense colas. Btw, for flowering, I switched from a 250W HPS to a 400W one. It was enough light to penetrate all the way down to the ScrOG level. And below it, there was nothing but naked branches.

After 14 weeks, I chopped my big and gorgeous lady and harvested just under a pound (450 g) wet. This yielded a little over 1.5 ounces (100 g) when the drying was over. And this was just one out of 4 plants in the tent, although definitely the largest.

Gorilla Glue #4 seeds

VIEW STRAIN

The smoke had a pleasantly sour and piney smell and produced exactly the high I like — a strong and long-lasting clear-headed focus of a dominant Sativa. In short, GG#4 Original Glue is a must-have both as a smoke and a cultivar. I recommend that everyone should try it someday. Happy growing!

Gorilla Glue #4 Final Yield

Indica vs Sativa: What’s the Buzz All About?

1. Let’s Talk Weed: Indica vs Sativa

Alright, so you’ve heard about it: the age-old debate between Indica and Sativa. But what does it all mean? 🤔 When it comes to marijuana, these two strains have become buzzwords in the industry. So, what’s the deal? In this article, we’ll break it down for you – from the effects to the flavors, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening in or a boost of creativity, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to dive into the world of Indica vs Sativa and find out which strain is right for you! 🌿💨

2. So, what’s the deal with these two strains?

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with these two weed strains: Indica and Sativa. It’s like comparing apples to oranges – each has its own vibe. 🍎🍊 Indica is your chill buddy, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Sativa, on the other hand, is like a shot of espresso for your brain, great for sparking creativity. 💡 It’s all about what you’re looking for – relaxation or a mental kickstart. So, whether you’re up for a chill night in or a burst of inspiration, there’s a strain waiting for you. Time to figure out which side of the green fence you’re on! 🌿 #IndicaVsSativa

3. Indica: Chill, relaxed vibes

Indica: the OG chill strain. 🌿 If you’re all about unwinding and sinking into the couch after a hectic day, this is your go-to bud. We’re talking about those cozy vibes that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket of relaxation. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite show or simply zoning out, Indica’s got your back. So, kick off your shoes, roll a joint, and let the chill vibes wash over you. It’s all about that laid-back, stress-free state of mind. #IndicaVibes 🍃

4. Sativa: Energizing, creative highs

Sativa: If Indica is like a cozy blanket, Sativa is your espresso shot in a cup! 💥 Need a pick-me-up to get through a busy day or spark some creativity? Sativa’s got your back, offering uplifting highs that keep you focused and motivated. Say goodbye to couch-lock and hello to a burst of energy that’s perfect for daytime adventures or a creative brainstorm sesh. Roll up a Sativa joint, take a few hits, and get ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. It’s all about those energizing vibes and firing up your imagination. #SativaSquad 🔥

5. The Hybrid Blend: A little bit of both

Hitting you up with the best of both worlds, we’ve got the hybrid blend – the ultimate mix of Indica and Sativa strains! 🌿💨 These babies give you a balanced high that’s like a smoothie of relaxation and energy. Perfect for when you want to unwind without feeling groggy or need a boost without getting jittery. So, whether you’re craving the chill vibes of Indica or the energetic buzz of Sativa, hybrids have got you covered! Roll up a joint, take a hit, and let the hybrid magic take you on a ride. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds! #HybridHeaven 🚀

6. The Budtender’s Pick: Which one is right for you?

Feeling indecisive about whether to go for Indica or Sativa? The budtender is here to the rescue! With their expertise in all things cannabis, they can guide you to the perfect strain based on your preferences and needs. Want to chill out after a long day? They’ll hook you up with a mellow Indica. Need a pick-me-up for a creative project? Sativa it is! Just give them a shout-out, spill the beans on what you’re looking for, and let them work their magic. Trust me, they’ve got the insider knowledge to make sure you get the buzz you’re aiming for! #BudtenderKnowsBest 🌿👌

7. Let’s wrap this up, shall we?

So there you have it, folks! Your go-to guide for navigating the Indica vs Sativa dilemma. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your vibe. Next time you step into a dispensary, don’t hesitate to chat up your friendly neighborhood budtender. They’re like cannabis wizards who can sprinkle some magic to ensure your experience leaves you feeling just right. Whether you’re in the mood to unwind with some Indica or get those creative juices flowing with Sativa, they’ve got your back. Embrace the diversity of strains and enjoy the ride! Stay lifted, stay informed, and keep chasing those good vibes. Happy blazing! 🌿🔥 #IndicaVsSativa #BudtenderMagic

is weed legal in ohio

For nearly two months, adults in Ohio have been able to legally use marijuana.

But the state’s recreational program remains in limbo as consumers wait for sales to begin and wonder if lawmakers will change the rules approved by voters in November. Known on the ballot as Issue 2, the new law allows adults 21 and older to buy, consume and grow marijuana.

“There’s so much that’s unknown right now and so much that could change and so much that could stay the same,” said Brian Wingfield, co-founder of Ohio Cannabis Company.

Here’s where the law stands.

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When do legal sales begin?

If nothing changes, operators expect to begin selling adult-use marijuana products around September or October.

The Division of Cannabis Control will make license applications available to marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries by June 7. The state has until Sept. 7 to issue the first round of licenses, which will go to existing medical marijuana businesses and eligible operators under the social equity program.

“It’s amazing the number of people that stop in the dispensaries and ask, ‘Are we allowed to purchase yet?'” Wingfield said.

The division released draft rules on Monday detailing the proposed application process for businesses. Stakeholders have until Feb. 9 to submit feedback, at which point the agency will consider potential changes. The rules will then be available for public comment through Ohio’s Common Sense Initiative, which handles business regulations.

Could sales happen sooner than that?

Theoretically, yes.

The Ohio Senate passed legislation in December that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell adult-use products. Senate leaders, along with Gov. Mike DeWine, worry the illicit market will flourish with legal consumption and no way to legally buy marijuana. In New York, the state took years to issue licenses and left a void that spurred an influx of unregulated stores.

“The thing most people are really concerned about is that people are going to be selling or conveying a product that is unregulated and therefore dangerous,” Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said.

The House has refused to take up the Senate bill, which would also increase taxes, lower the THC content cap for extracts and reduce the number of plants people can grow. Huffman said he wants to send modified legislation to the House by the end of February, with the goal of speeding up legal sales.

House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, previously said he would support allowing medical shops to sell recreational products. Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord − a chief negotiator on marijuana − contends the division can accomplish that through rulemaking, but DeWine’s administration disagrees.

If the Legislature approves such a bill − and doesn’t attach an emergency clause − dispensaries would have 90 days to get their stores ready for the law’s effective date. That means a tighter timeline to prepare for increased demand, which could require more staff, inventory and technology.

“We would start acting very quickly to put some things in place to meet the moment,” said Pete Nischt, vice president of compliance for Klutch Cannabis.

Will lawmakers make other changes?

At this point, it’s unclear if or when the Legislature will do anything.

Callender said DeWine and House and Senate lawmakers agree on several points, such as limiting children’s exposure to advertising and clarifying rules around public smoking. But he said the Senate has “drawn a line in the sand” on limiting home grow and THC content, something Callender believes would undermine the will of voters.

House Republicans also say many issues could be resolved through administrative rules.

“We’re going to continue to look at what could work, either through the rulemaking process or if we have to do something legislatively just to clear up some things,” Stephens said earlier this month. “But the gist, and the important part I think, is the people spoke. Fifty-seven percent voted for it. You have to trust the voters.”

Huffman said he’s still concerned about home grow but noted there are “a lot of different opinions about that.” His cousin, Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, is working on separate legislation to regulate hemp-derived delta-8 THC after DeWine raised alarm bells about minors buying those products. The recreational marijuana law does not deal with delta-8.

Nischt hopes proposals like higher taxes and lower THC content limits come off the table. Otherwise, he said, Ohio will continue struggling to compete with the illicit market and dispensaries in Michigan.

“The program will look different depending on whether it’s throttled back by legislation or if it’s allowed to thrive under the language that people voted on,” Nischt said.

How long does it take for marijuana to grow?

To understand how long it takes for marijuana plants to grow, you must know the phases they go through. These are:

Germination

The germination phase is the period of time in which cannabis seeds develop into seedlings . In case you are using cuttings, the germination process will be identified with your cloning and rooting time.

Seedlings usually take 24 to 72 hours to sprout , however, some may take longer (5 to 15 days), depending on water, humidity and oxygen levels, as well as temperature, which should range between 21 and 24 ºC.

The time it takes to grow will depend on the quality of the seed or the variety, regardless of whether they are   feminized seeds or autoflowering seeds . At GB The Green Brand we have the best cheap marijuana seeds.

How long does it take for marijuana to grow?

How to germinate seeds

There are different germination techniques, but the most used and recommended is germination of marijuana seeds on napkins , in which the seeds are placed on wet pieces of kitchen paper, inside a storage container.

On the other hand, some growers even use germination stimulators that work with the initial metabolism of the seeds and reduce germination time to one day in most cases. However, this will also depend not only on the strain chosen, but on the quality of the seed, the way it has been stored, etc.

Growth

The growing period, also known as the “vegetative phase,” is the main (and probably most important) stage in which plants will experience considerable growth . After transplanting our seedling into a pot or jiffy peat tablet, the growth phase will begin.

It will begin by changing to a photoperiod of 18/6 (hours of light/hours of darkness) for vegetative growth. The duration of this stage depends on different factors such as the type of seed, the strain and even the cultivation method used. This means that autoflowering seeds generally take 3 to 4 weeks indoors, while feminized strains take a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks. Likewise, growing indoors is much faster than growing outdoors.

How long does it take to grow marijuana?

Finally, once you see that our plants have a good size and begin to produce the first flowers, then a new photoperiod will have to be established to move on to the next stage: flowering.

Flowering stage

This is the last phase of plant development. It does not only depend on the time, but also on whether the plants have the necessary characteristics to support the weight of the buds. This is when the photoperiod is usually changed depending on the needs of the plants.

Although autoflowering strains automatically switch to the flowering phase and take about 8 weeks; Seasonal feminized seeds will take about 10-12 weeks and will need a 12/12 photoperiod to induce light stress in the plants.

Likewise, the time schedules recommended by seed banks can be followed as a guide. However, it is important to keep in mind that this stage depends entirely on the development of the buds. The flowers will be ready once they are practically all covered in pistils and trichomes , which will turn amber, honey-colored.

Once the buds have been harvested, the only thing left is to carry out the curing-drying process to obtain a softer, more powerful and aromatic cannabis suitable for consumption.

Again, to know how long marijuana takes to grow , care and variety must be taken into account, since it will take more or less time to grow and reach maximum quality. As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day,” similarly, the journey from planting to harvesting marijuana is a process that requires time and care, to be taken slowly and enjoy the progress.

is weed legal in new york

In New York, the recreational cannabis market hasn’t quite taken off as planned.

It’s been three years since New York legalized marijuana, and the state has awarded few licenses to applicants who want to open cannabis businesses. Today, illicit head shops far outnumber licensed dispensaries. So this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a review of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management, with the goal of speeding up its licensing bureaucracy.

Ashley Southall was covering criminal justice and policing in New York when she lobbied her editors to establish a beat for cannabis in 2022. Since then, she has observed, as she recently wrote, the “fits and starts” of a legal industry trying to take root in one of the world’s largest markets for cannabis.

In an interview, she explained how New York has fallen short of its goals and why the state hopes it can still build a successful market. This conversation has been edited.

Gov. Hochul said the rollout of legal cannabis in New York was “a disaster.” What, in her eyes, has been so disastrous?

There are a few things the governor mentions when she talks about why the program is a disaster. The biggest thing is the proliferation of illicit shops that have jumped the line to open. There are over 2,000 rogue shops in New York City, and about only 85 licensed dispensaries statewide. There are many more unlicensed shops than there are legal places to buy safe, tested weed, which sends tax revenue toward repairing some of the harm of the war on drugs. The state is still trying to figure out how to achieve those central goals of the legalization law.

New York City residents are familiar with the smoke shops that have proliferated in the past 12 to 18 months. Why have these shops been able to open?

For years, New York has had a problem with empty real estate. You can go down streets in the city and see empty storefronts where a bank or a cafe used to be. When legalization passed, there was a sort of cash grab, and landlords began renting to unlicensed sellers. At the time, there wasn’t a lot of clarity about their legal status because there weren’t regulations. The Office of Cannabis Management had not been set up. By the time the state clarified that these shops were illegal because they were not licensed, a lot of stores were already open. Enforcement didn’t follow.

Unlicensed store owners see an opportunity to make money; they also don’t face strong punishment. The fines that the state issues can be contested, and they’re not stiff enough to make business owners think twice. One of the things that the city and the state have tried to do is to put pressure on landlords to evict these stores. So far, that hasn’t been effective.

So there’s no law enforcement agency that can raid an unlicensed store and shut it down?

That’s what the New York City Sheriff’s Office does every day. But after a raid, many of these stores just reopen within a matter of hours or days. Even after a raid, there’s still a process of administrative hearings. The city or state has to make its case and meet evidentiary goals. The stores fight back and say, “We’re not selling weed, we’re selling hemp,” to get around the cannabis law. It can take a while to get a court order that puts a padlock on stores, which is what the state is really seeking. They’re seeking to get them out of business.

Enforcement against unlicensed vendors was not part of legalization law because the people writing it did not anticipate these rogue shops cropping up. So one of the things that held up enforcement as unlicensed shops were multiplying was the need to sort out who was ultimately responsible. That was assigned to the state cannabis and tax agencies, but their resources are limited. So lawmakers now want to give more power to local authorities. It’s high on the agenda of current budget negotiations.

Since legalizing cannabis at the end of 2012, Washington State has seen relative success in that most consumers purchase legal weed. In California, the illicit market is still thriving six years after legalization. Does New York think it’s possible to get on the path of Washington State?

The state has got to get a handle on these shops. You can’t have illegal shops competing with licensed retailers because they’re going to undercut licensed retailers at every turn, especially on price.

But the state also has to change consumer sentiment. A lot of consumers either don’t know or don’t care that many of these shops are unlicensed. They don’t understand why the difference is important. The state has to get the message out that cannabis legalization is not just about a cash grab by the government, but about addressing some of the harms of the war on drugs through tax revenues, which unlicensed shops are not paying.

What should consumers know about the differences between purchasing cannabis at a licensed dispensary versus an unlicensed shop?

At licensed dispensaries, you pay an extra 13 percent for cannabis, and that goes back to state and local governments to invest in education and drug treatment. Some goes to policing, but the largest portion goes toward programs that support people who are affected by the war on drugs. It could be job training, education or housing for people with criminal drug convictions.

A lot of illicit weed is coming from out of state. Some of it is grown legally, but it failed testing, or it hasn’t been tested at all. Some of the products are counterfeit and may be tainted with copper or lead. So there’s a health aspect to this as well.

how long does weed stay in your system

Marijuana, also known as weed, cannabis or pot, is a drug that’s derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Within the plant is a chemical known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces a ‘high’ when someone smokes, ingests or vapes it.

UK statistics show that almost 30% of people aged 16 to 59 have taken marijuana at least once in their lifetime. THC can result in feelings of calmness, relaxation and tranquillity, which can make people want to take this drug over and over again. However, repeated use can result in you developing a harmful addiction to this substance.

Weed might be detected in your system for up to 90 days after you’ve taken the drug, depending on a number of factors, including:

  • The method of testing for cannabis in your system
  • The way in which you consumed the cannabis (for example, smoking it, or ingesting it when it’s been baked or cooked in food)
  • How much cannabis you have been using
  • Various factors relating to your unique body

Read on to find out more about how long marijuana can be detected in your urine, blood, saliva and hair.

How long is cannabis detectable via drug testing?

Cannabis can be detected in your system using a drug test. How long it can be detected after you last used the drug can depend on the method of sampling.

how long does weed stay in your system

Blood

Information published by Drug and Alcohol Information and Support Ireland suggests that, typically, cannabis can be detected in your blood for around 1 to 2 days after use.

The level of use can increase this significantly. A study by Therapeutic Drug Monitoring suggests that in some chronic users, the drug can still be detected in your blood for up to 25 days after your last use.

Urine

The Mayo Clinic Proceedings’Clinical Interpretation of Urine Drug Tests suggests that marijuana can be detected in your urine anywhere from a few days to several weeks after your last use. This depends on the your level of usage. Generally, the guidelines suggest that:

  • Single use can be detected up to 3 days after your last use
  • Moderate use (4 times a week) can be detected 5 to 7 days after your last use
  • Chronic use (every day) can be detected 10 to 15 days after your last use
  • Chronic heavy use (multiple times every day) can be detected up to 30 days after your last use

MedlinePlus states that urine testing is the most common type of test used for detecting marijuana.

Saliva

Saliva is often the method of choice for roadside drug testing of drivers. Saliva tests can pick up cannabis in your system anywhere from 24 to 72 hours after your last use.

Hair

THC makes its way into hair follicles via your bloodstream, making hair testing another option for finding marijuana in your system. A hair test could detect the drug up to 90 days after your last use.

Hair tests tend to be less reliable than other forms of cannabis drug testing. If you’ve been in contact with second-hand marijuana smoke, or your hair comes into physical contact with someone who has touched cannabis, it could find its way onto your hair strands and result in a false positive.

 

What are the factors that affect how long weed stays in your system?

The question of how long marijuana stays in someone’s system depends on a number of factors. Some of these are related to you as a person and others relate to the extent of your use. Many of these relate to your ability to metabolise the drug, rather than anything to do with the test itself.

Here are some of the factors that might affect how long weed stays in your system:

  • Body mass index (BMI): People with more body fat will retain THC for longer. People with lower BMIs have less capacity to ‘store’ THC in their bodies
  • Gender: Females tend to have higher levels of body fat than males, making it more likely that cannabis metabolises slowly in their bodies and is therefore, more likely to be detectable for a longer period of time
  • Genetics: Some people naturally have higher levels of metabolism, reducing the time that weed is detected in your system. On the flip side, others have lower levels of metabolism, meaning that weed can be detectable for longer in their bodies
  • Frequency of usage: Infrequent users will typically be able to ‘clear’ the THC from their bodies faster than chronic users
  • Potency and method of intake: More potent weed has higher levels of THC, meaning it may stay in your system for longer. Weed that’s ingested is also thought to stay in your system for longer than smoking

is weed legal in florida

But even if the referendum passes, it remains uncertain how soon recreational cannabis hopefuls could light up without fear of criminal repercussions.

Currently the state’s Supreme Court is mulling a decision on the language of an amendment that would authorize the use of recreational marijuana for people 21 and older while also allowing individuals to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana. It is sponsored by Smart & Safe Florida, which is backed by the state’s largest medical marijuana producer, Trulieve.

If the Supreme Court decides by April 1 to green light the amendment proposal, voters will be able to decide on Nov. 5 on recreational marijuana, which needs a 60% supermajority to pass.

Is it against the law to smoke marijuana in Florida?

Marijuana is currently only legal in Florida for those who have a Medical Marijuana ID CardM, which is given to those who have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition.

Medical marijuana cards cost $75 and must be renewed every year within 45 days of the card’s expiration for an additional $75 in addition to the potential cost of visiting a physician.

Possession of marijuana under Florida law is still a crime for those without a card. Anyone with 20 grams or less of weed faces up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

How soon could Florida recreational marijuana use become legal?

Even if the Florida Supreme Court approves the ballot initiative and amendment wins at the polls in November, marijuana won’t instantly become legal in Florida.

In fact, the process of taking a successful referendum and enacting it into law can take months and months. Even if the referendum passes, the state legislature can make decisions on how exactly to implement the law, including specific regulations around how much marijuana could be purchased at one time, potency limits, rules around marketing, and any other concerns that arise during the process.

Legalizing cannabis’s: Florida Supreme Court hears challenge to recreational marijuana amendment

For instance, when medical marijuana passed under Amendment 2 through a similar process in 2016, it was not legal to actually purchase smokable cannabis until later as the state legislature ironed out the specifics of the law, which was subject to a lengthy legislative process. It wasn’t until June of 2017 when the Florida legislature passed laws regulating the specifics of medical marijuana, including dispensary limits, qualifying conditions, rules for prescribers and quantities available to users. And despite that months-long process, it was over two years later when the passage of SB 182 authorized the smokeable flower form for medical use under the program, illustrating how the referendum process is not always immediate or straightforward.

On top of that, there could be legal challenges designed to interrupt its codification and tie up implementation in the courts.

In this Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, file photo, marijuana plants grow at GB Sciences Louisiana, in Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana's medical marijuana program will be able to offer raw, smokable cannabis to its patients within months under a bill passed Wednesday, June 2, 2021, by lawmakers trying to give the state's residents cheaper marijuana options to alleviate their medical conditions. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Marijuana file photo
GERALD HERBERT, AP

When do Florida justices have to decide on recreational marijuana?

It’s not clear when exactly the Florida Supreme Court will issue its ruling on the challenge to the ballot language summary. The Florida Supreme Court has until April 1 to hand down a decision on the case after Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody called into question the amendment’s language and potential to violate a requirement that ballot initiatives must stick to a single subject

More: When is Florida’s recreational marijuana amendment possibly on the ballot? What to know

However, if no decision is handed down by the deadline, then the measure would be cleared to be on next year’s ballot.

Although it remains unclear which way the Supreme Court will lean, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently weighed in on the matter, according to cannabis media site Marijuana Moment.“I think the court is going to approve that,” DeSantis is quoted as telling a cannabis lobbyist.

What is the potency of marijuana in Florida?

Marijuana potency has been the subject of much debate among lawmakers as the issue has come to the fore in recent years.

Cannabis flower currently available for sale at Florida’s medical dispensaries is ranges between 20% and 30% THC.

How to grow marijuana outdoors: steps to follow

Choosing the right seeds and pots

First, you will have to choose the type of marijuana seeds you want to grow, whether hemp seeds or CBD seeds , outdoor marijuana seeds , feminized or automatic seeds, choosing those perfect genetics for growing marijuana outdoors.

Once you have the seed, you can germinate it using the napkin method. The next step is to choose the appropriate substrate for the chosen growing area, since the same soil is not needed for a plant that is in a very humid place as in a very dry one.

You should also have a few pots for the plants. Even if it is planted in the field in the ground, it will be necessary to grow the seeds a little before transferring them to their definitive medium, to ensure the survival of the plant in a hostile environment. Specifically, two sizes of pots are needed, such as:

  • One of 7x7x9 cm to place the seeds once they have germinated, when the root has begun to grow. It is placed at a shallow depth.
  • pot for its growth .
Tips for growing marijuana outdoors

The first days of life

After about 10 days, the plant will have stretched almost to the point of bending. Now it will have to be placed in a 3.5 L pot. More or less the trunk, which usually comes out somewhat weak, will have to be buried in about two thirds, which would be about 6 out of 10 cm of the trunk. This prevents it from bending, and it will also grow extra roots in that part that you buried, causing more vigorous growth. You have to water around the edges until the plant begins to absorb more water , since if the trunk gets wet it could end up rotting.

These plants will have to be kept in a place where they receive direct sunlight , if possible, sheltered from the wind and cold, and you may even bring them indoors at night on the coldest nights or on very windy days. When it lifts a hand’s breadth off the ground , about a month old, you can take it outside, as it will have resistance to different attacks.

Choose quality preventative products

It is essential to have three preventive products apart from fertilizers when growing plants outdoors, which are:

  • Neem is used to repel insects such as whiteflies and aphids . You have to use it as soon as spring begins; The first spray that can be given to your plants will be this natural product. It comes from a poisonous plant , so if insects smell like the Neem plant, they will prefer any other plant. Products like ProNeem can be very useful.
  • Fungi Boom , from Boom Nutrients, will prevent the plant from being infected by the typical fungi that attack cannabis plants (botrytis, powdery mildew, mildew…). By applying this fungicide, the structure of the plant will be much thicker, since the product contains silicon. In this way, unwanted insects are also prevented from approaching. It is essential to prevent the appearance of fungi in cannabis cultivation, especially in the first and last weeks of development, which is when plants are most exposed to infection.
  • The Soil Care Boom will kill the worms and larvae , preventing them from destroying the harvest. Sometimes it is very difficult to detect them, since they camouflage themselves very well among the buds. It is always better to be safe than sorry , so you should apply the first spray for the first time at the beginning of June, and repeat every 20 days until there is a month left before cutting.

To spray the plants, it is necessary that they be of a certain size, since a plant that still has a very thin trunk will bend too much and will not support the weight of the water: you need a strong plant.

Fertilizer and pH tables for growing outdoors

Every day, the plants will continue to grow. Although at first water and sun will be enough, little by little it should be fertilized so that it can develop well and control the pH of the irrigation water. If the pH of the water is not measured, when there are deficiencies it will not be known if it is because something is missing or because it does not absorb the nutrients provided to it well, which is what happens when the pH levels are very high or very low.

The pH in marijuana cultivation , during the growth season or phase, should be 5.5 to 5.8, with fertilizers included. There are a large number of marijuana fertilizers available and the plants will appreciate care with organic fertilizers, if you want to exploit the plant to the fullest.

marijuana outdoors

During this period the plant will need fertilizers rich in nitrogen, which is what it needs the most. This can be given in the form of worm humus on the ground and complemented with some other biological fertilizer such as Bio Vega from Canna.

Necessary transplants

Once the plants stop growing then they will need a transplant and a larger pot will be needed , more or less double the size of the one in place at that time. We will wait until it stops growing before it can be transplanted again. Otherwise it won’t grow again.
When summer approaches and the day begins to get shorter, the plants will begin to flower. Therefore, when July or so enters, it is the ideal time to transplant to the final pot.

How to grow marijuana outdoors

When the last transplant is done, the soil can be enriched with guano , such as Guano Boom , whether in a large pot or in a hole in the field. To do this, fill the pot or hole with a good substrate that adapts to our terrain, and mix it with guano, more or less a tablespoon for every 7L of soil.

Bat guano is a slowly absorbed nutrient , with high levels of phosphorus and potassium. A month after putting it in that pot or in the hole with guano, a groove must be made around the trunk to repeat the dose, and the groove must be covered again. When you water it, it will penetrate downwards and there will practically be enough for the entire flowering period. With the help of Blooming Boom , for example, or a complete flowering fertilizer.

With this, you reach the end of an outdoor crop with a quality final product, in a relatively easy way. When you have 15 days left to cut it, you must wash the soil with plenty of water to remove any excess nutrients it has , and so that it is as clean as possible of products when it is cut.

Once the washing is done, you will have to wait for the soil to dry well and then keep it only with water until the day of harvest, when the soil must be dry, to prevent the plant from having a lot of water inside and from running. the risk of the buds rotting inside or any problem of that type. You just have to dry the marijuana, cure it, and everything will be ready to enjoy it. Finally, it is also recommended to use bud peelers if you have a large crop

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