Category: Grow

How to grow cannabis and other grass like a stoned citizen.

Gift Ideas For Ganja Growers – A Comprehensive List Of Pot Related Presents For Stoned Citizens

Ever find yourself trying to figure out what gift to get and where to get it? What do you buy a stoner who might seem to be pretty opinionated about their preferences? Where do you find something unique for the enthusiast who seems to have it all? Selecting a gift for someone, stoned or not, can easily become a very daunting task. Whether the gift is for a birthday, housewarming or simply just because; I saw this and thought of you, we have made a list of gift ideas for that special ganja grower and stoned citizens alike.

Cannabis cultivation and consumption for responsible, and private, adult use has been legalized in South Africa. The official Marijuana Masterplan is currently being finalized by regulators and lawmakers. The legalization, or decriminalization, of cannabis around the world, has played a major role in eradicating the stigma that has long cast a hypercritical shadow over stoned citizens.

The global Covid-19 pandemic has motivated individuals and households to invest the time, capital and energy in cultivating cannabis for home use. You never know, your ganja gift may just be the motivation the giftee needs to consider cannabis cultivation. We have itemized cannabis commodities from some of our favourite designers, brands and stores from around the world.

Here is our list of gifts for pot plant parents and avid aficionados of the holy herb.

PLANTS

Every hobby needs to start somewhere, send your stoner loved one on the journey from seed to smoke by giving the gift of life. Companies like A Pot For Pot and Just Cannabis have complete grow kits available that are perfect for first-time growers or individuals who want to learn more about cannabis cultivation. Their ganja grower bundles include everything one might need, like planters, grow-medium and nutrients; including a simple-to-follow grow guide.

You may also consider adding a specific or collectable strain to an already established grower’s cannabis crop. Sangoma Seeds, Groen Seeds and The High Co have a wide variety of cannabis strains seeds available that have been genetically modified to guarantee the seeds will pop and start flowering when the time comes.

POT PLANTERS

Planters, plant stands or plant hangers make perfect gifts ideas for cannabis cultivators, especially for established or urban growers. Artisanal potters and bespoke designers create beautiful and functional statement pieces that are perfect for interior focussed pot plant parents. These items are generally available from your neighbourhood garden centre, but these are speciality e-commerce websites like Plantify; which stocks a wide range of planters, accessories and supplies.

GROWER GADGET

A ganja grower relies on certain tools and gadgets to offer their plant children the perfect growing conditions and maintain their wellbeing. From lighting to gardening toolsets and all-in-one kits with everything one might need at harvest time. You might have to do some investigating to figure out what gadgets your loved one needs or wants to add to their cultivation collection. For the authentic agriculturalist, perhaps a pair of Kaneshin carbon steel trimming scissors, reusable ganja gardening markers or a nice-looking watering can that could double as a decorative piece when the occasion arises?

STAY IN CONTROL

One of the most frustrating issues home growers face is not always being around to monitor their plant children. SASH has created an IoT controller that manages up to six devices, think irrigation, lighting and fresh air flow; from an application on your smartphone. The device makes decisions based on predefined rules by monitoring the temperature and humidity.

Make life easier for the novice plant parent in your life with an automatic drip irrigation system. This device determines the moisture level in the grow medium and automatically waters the pot plants as it is needed.

GROWER’S GUIDE

Knowledge is power! There is a whole range of textbooks, how-to guides and high-gloss picture books available that cover everything you need to know about cannabis, its cultivation and its many, MANY benefits.

Cannabis 101 is a deep dive into cannabis and a must-have for anybody! This book takes a look at the history of cannabis and the current trend of legalization around the world, the emerging “green rush” industry and the aftermath left by the war on drugs. The medicinal benefits of cannabis are also discussed in great detail along with the many advantages of industrial hemp cultivation. The author is focused on restoring the place of cannabis in society, as a lifestyle and wellness supplement, a recreational substance and as a natural medicine.

Whether you’re new to cannabis and want to familiarize yourself with the basics, or an avid ganja grower wanting to sharpen your existing skills and techniques; Grow Your Own is packed with information to set up your grow, raise your plant children and reap the rewards when harvesting and enjoying your flower.

Hobbyist! Grow your very own bonsai inspired cannabis plant with the help of Cannabonsai: A Beginners Guide! A full step-by-step instruction guide to growing auto-flowering pot plants into Bonsai like creations. You need absolutely no previous experience to deliver up to 10g of smokable flower within 15 weeks.

CANNABIS CHARGED

Once you have harvested and cured cannabis, what is the next step? An impossibly long list of possibilities, most of which starts with extracting all of the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes from raw pot plant material.

The Levo II is an appliance that dries and decarboxylates your cannabis flowers and then infuses the activated cannabis goodness into butter or oils. This device has customizable settings with precise temperature sensors that streamlines stoner herb infusions. The Levo range is currently only available in the United States.

Designed for infusing the essence of the holy herb into butter, oils, AND alcohol and topicals, the MagicalButter machine is the perfect appliance for creating fantastic cannabis-infused oils, tinctures and topicals.

The Ardent FX is literally the adult version of an Easy Bake Oven, an all-in-one portable cannabis kitchen! This device activates, infuses, melts and BAKES a variety of dishes all at the touch of a button.

EDIBLES

A recipe book makes such a lovely gift, it even doubles as a coffee table book. Edibles recipe books are collections of methodologies for marijuana-infused munchies. The recipes are tried and tested by stoned citizens, for stoned citizens.

The Official High Times Cookbook is a classic collectable for cannabis cooks, with contributions from Snoop Dogg, Cheech & Chong and Willie Nelson. It is a definitive guide to cooking with cannabis and includes recipes for delicious marijuana meals, stoner sweets and cannabis cocktails; all paired with delectable colour photos of the creations.

Celebrate the art of cannabis-infused cooking with Bong Appetit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed. This recipe book is based on the popular Munchies and Viceland television series; Bong Appetit. It is filled with ‘high’-end recipes for sweets, savoury dishes and cocktails. The book also includes a dosage chart, suggestions for pairing flavours with cannabis strains, touches on marijuana politics and educates on the science behind infusions.

HIPPIE HASH

Hash has been around for thousands of years, check out this in-depth look at what exactly Hash is, where it comes from and how to make your own at home.

Most stoned citizens who have had their hand at hash making would recommend the ice water method for making DIY hash. Happy Hippie Bags are constructed with the best materials and heavy-duty stitching. Using only ice, water and cannabis flower, leaves and trim; one can create high-quality extracts with no contaminants.

THE GRIND

Most stoned citizens have their preferred, tried and tested methods of grinding their ganja. Some prefer using coffee or spice grinders, others find joy in cutting up their cannabis with a knife on a chopping board. One thing is for sure, few individuals are as crafty as a stoner who would like to crush cannabis without a grinder.

Grinders come in all different shapes, sizes and are made from a variety of materials with specific blade and chamber designs. Make the most of your marijuana with a grinder, whether you are rolling up, loading a bowl or dry vape, or prepare to get cooking with cannabis.

The Tectonic9 is a manual marijuana grinder with an electric vibrating dispenser, it dispenses perfectly ground weed at the touch of a button and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery. This crusher boasts diamond shaped grinding teeth that guarantee a smooth and fluffy grind every time.

The Banana Bros’ OTTO is an electric weed grinder and joint roller, which makes it a great gift for those who have never rolled a joint before. The clever technology behind the OTTO automatically adjusts the pressure, speed and direction of the milling blades; all to the texture and consistency of the cannabis at hand. It comes with unbleached organic paper cones that fit into the lower chamber. Simply load your dried cannabis flower into the grinding chamber, press the button and watch in amazement as the pre-rolled cone fills with ground ganja!

Perhaps you would consider a more personalized pot grinder for your loved one. Something that will remind them of you, or an experience you share! A ceremonial cannabis crusher could be Rick and Morty or Angry Birds themed, it could be a contraption you made or personalized, or even be the loudest and m o st luxurious grinder that has been designed for the rich and famous. We think the Liv grinder is a beautiful and functional statement piece!

May 19, 2021
Cannabis Legalization in South Africa – When Will The Dagga Bill Be Finalized And What Will The Cannabis Codification Look Like

The State of Cannabis Legalization in South Africa has been a proper rollercoaster ride in the last few years. Cannabis cultivation for private use has been decriminalized, yet civilians are still being arrested and prosecuted for cannabis-related misdemeanours. The National Cannabis Master Plan was tabled and open to public commentary, leaving South Africans waiting in anticipation for cannabis legalization in the southernmost republic on the African continent.

Will South Africa see marijuana legalization in the near future? What will regulations around legal cannabis look like? Will stoners, regulators, cultivators, producers and distributors be equally satisfied by the governing law? What are the processes, licensing fees and tax rates suggested by the government? We take a look at the current state of Cannabis Legalization in South Africa, what is being said and what the future holds for Stoned Citizens of our republic.

CANNABIS HISTORY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Cannabis has been a part of South African history for a long time, dating back as far as the 1600s when the first Dutch settlers started bartering with the local indigenous tribes. The first laws prohibiting the cultivation of marijuana was introduced in 1680 and ultimately overturned by 1700. The introduction of the draconian Weeds Act of 1937 guaranteed a comprehensive ban on cannabis in South Africa. The introduction of further legislation in 1971 and 1992 ultimately restricted cannabis use and cultivation indefinitely.

In 2008 it was estimated that cannabis was used by 3.2 million South Africans. The same year Interpol estimated that the country was the fourth-largest producer of cannabis in the world and that a third of the cannabis that is seized around the globe originated from South Africa. The illicit cannabis market has exploded regardless of the status of cannabis legalization in South Africa.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Medical marijuana was legalized in South Africa with the introduction of the 2017 Cultivation of Cannabis and Manufacturer of Cannabis-Related Pharmaceutical Products for Medical and Research Purposes. The governing regulations were published in a Guidance Document in November 2019. The document claimed that the second and final version of the bill would be aligned with SAHPRA’s mandate and implemented by 15 November the same year.

South African citizens may gain access to unregistered medicinal cannabis or cannabinoid containing medicines if so prescribed by a medical practitioner. The prescribing practitioner must apply to the South African Health Products and Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for the use of an unregistered medicine. Medical marijuana is sourced internationally and imported by the Department of Health, because the current status of cannabis legalization in South Africa does not allow for the cultivation and trade of cannabis, even for medicinal reasons.

Medical Cannabis South Africa together with Biodata and Labat Healthcare has launched an observational cannabis study. The study is open to any South African citizen who would like to explore using medical marijuana for chronic pain management. Click here for more details and to access the online application form.

DECRIMINALIZATION

A ruling that was passed by Chief Justice Raymon Zondo in 2018 decriminalized the cultivation, possession and use of cannabis for personal consumption. The court ordered that it should be legal for adults to grow and smoke cannabis in the privacy of their own homes and that it should not be a criminal offence to be in possession of cannabis. The court further ruled that parliament had to ratify the unconstitutionality surrounding the cultivation and consumption of cannabis for private adult use, within a period of 24 months.

CANNABIS FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES BILL

In September 2020 a draft version of the Cannabis For Private Use Bill, drafted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, was tabled in parliament. The aim of the bill was to regulate the cultivation, possession and personal use of cannabis by adults. The bill had some major shortcomings as none of its conclusions was backed by appropriate science or research. The public response had a general consensus of superficial relief, on the one hand, we are taking steps in the right direction. However, on the other hand, the irrational limitations in terms of cultivation and possession are unjustified and were concluded without any scientific or research-based evidence.

UNITED NATIONS

In December 2020 the UN held a session with member countries with the purpose of reviewing and voting on recommendations made by the World Health Organization. The WHO’s recommendations surrounding the classification of cannabis in international drug control treaties were made in January 2019. The organization suggested that cannabis and its derivatives be removed from the list of schedule IV substances in the 1960 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Member countries were allowed two years for intensive and detailed consideration before 53 member states voted on the reclassification.

During the session; 27 member states voted in favour of the reclassification of cannabis. South Africa was one of eight African nations who voted to reclassify cannabis, there was one absentation and 25 votes against. Although cannabis use for non-medical or scientific reasons remains illegal under the convention, reclassification has opened the doors for large scale studies and scientific research. The outcomes of which may motivate other countries to support the legalization of cannabis and benefit from the massive global market it is creating.

DALRRD

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, DALRRD for short, has been the driving force behind the National Cannabis Master Plan (NCMA). The master plan is aimed at diversifying the South African economy by contributing to growth, inclusivity, job creation and poverty alleviation. According to the DALRRD, the National Cannabis Master Plan in its current state has been endorsed by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Cannabis, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the executive committee of DALRRD.

The proposed bill has been made subject to a consultation process with the public and private stakeholders. The department scheduled a virtual workshop to consult the cannabis private sector on the NCMA and provide a broad framework for the development and growth of the cannabis industry as a whole.

The South African government has recently accelerated the development of the masterplan, due to the mounting pressure following the loss of income and exorbitant expenses surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

FIELDS OF GREEN FOR ALL

The dedicated team at Fields of Green For All (FGFA) have worked tirelessly over the last decade to create a manifesto for marijuana reform in South Africa. The manifesto has been curated and revised by local and international industry experts, a devoted bona fide legal team and a group of zealous legalization activists and affiliates. The manifesto provides a large body of evidence along with the relevant research which could assist regulators in finalizing the NCMP and fast-tracking the process of cannabis legalization in South Africa.

FGFA has submitted a Request for Proposal (RFP) in response the the draft NCMA, which included an updated manifesto to be used as a guideline to finalize the Act. Although FGFA largely agrees with the draft NCMP, it has some reservations around the assumptions, terms and ideas put forward by a government body with absolutely no knowledge or experience in the field. The draft bill has categorized the cannabis industry as; Medicine, Food, Industrial and Recreational. FGFA’s Myrtle Clarke is of the opinion that the latter classification should be titled ‘Responsible Adult Use’ instead, to avoid any negative stigma and inaccuracy.

CDCSA

The Cannabis Development Council of South Africa, aka CDCSA, is a registered Non-Governmental Organisation. The NGO was founded with the purpose to represent the interest of the cannabis community in South Africa and oversee reform around cannabis cultivation and use. The CDCSA is in partnership with industry specialists and cannabis reform organisations like Afristar Foundation, as well as the Western Cape Government and Wesgro.

CDCSA envisions establishing a group of cannabis industry leaders who will represent the full diversity of the South African population and drive for full social, economic and political inclusion. The group will represent all the Stoned Citizens of South Affrica when lobbying legislation in parliament, and in turn, support government initiatives to raise awareness around the health risks and socio-economical potential of the marijuana plant.

The CDCSA has developed a Proposed Policy with the primary objectives of facilitating the establishment and promotion of a local cannabis industry. They want to ensure cannabis is made available as a tool for broad-based socio-economical development and advance an inclusive self-regulating association, of duly elected representatives, to regulate and control the legal cannabis industry in its infancy.

THE HAZE CLUB

The Haze Club, aka THC, is a cannabis grow club located in Cape Town. Their business model offers individuals a leased space for the specific purpose of cultivating cannabis for private use. Part of the service THC offers is to act on behalf of its clients in the cultivation, harvesting and processing of their cannabis plants.

The THC facility was raided by the SAPS in 2020, at the time all of the plants and equipment was confiscated from the site. The director and employees are subsequently facing charges of cultivation and trafficking, with a minimum sentence of 15 years. In the meantime, the director has filed a motion to have the cannabis grow club model they use at THC recognised as being in line with the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling.

GMP CERTIFICATION

A letter published on 9 March 2021, by SAHPRA, outlines the application process and requirements to obtain GMP Certification. Cultivators who are in possession of a Section 22C(1)(b) license may apply for GMP Certification. The required license is regulated by the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 and allows for the cultivation of cannabis for the purpose of producing scheduled substances.

The GMP Certificate is issued by SAHPRA once they have conducted an inspection of the facility and they are satisfied that all manufacturing practices are in line with the SA Guide To Good Manufacturing Practises. The certificate limits business activities to cloning, vegetation, flowering, harvesting, trimming, drying and bulk packaging. Sales are not regulated or permitted by the GMP Certification. SAHPRA has confirmed the issuance of licenses for the cultivation and export of cannabis. A total of 16 licences have been issued across the country, each with five-year validity.

Will Private Cannabis Clubs be left in peace to operate and grow cannabis on behalf of their members? Will we be completely happy with the final bill that gets ascendant to Pres. Rama’s office? Will there be enough protocols in place and enforced to ensure the goals outlined in NCMP are being strived to achieve? What does prison reform look like?

Although we have many unanswered questions, we are optimistic that the wheels are turning. I hope those responsible for finalizing the NCMP are working hard, even if it is from home. Cannabis legalization in South Africa might be right around the corner – get ready stoned citizens, a new day is dawning!

March 29, 2021
Study Shows How COVID-19 Fuelled The Homegrown Cannabis Boom

Many years ago most of the UK’s cannabis supply was imported from places such as Morocco and Lebanon. This is no longer the case, as many organised criminal gangs set up growing operations closer to home. The Independent Drug Monitoring Unit estimated that by 2012, 80% of the cannabis used in the UK was homegrown – up from 30% in the late 1990s. It is most likely well over 90% now.

In recent years, the marijuana industry has undergone another major shift. Small-scale growers are popping up all over the show, mainly supplying themselves and their buddies. This has become possible for several reasons, including improvements to growing technology, new strains more suited to indoor growing, and the wealth of information and expertise on the internet. The homegrown trend took itself to new heights during the COVID-19 lockdown and many stoned citizens no longer depend on drug dealers for a fix.

Keeping Up With Cannabis

To monitor the growth of home cultivation and how cannabis markets were evolving, a bunch of clever stoners formed the Global Cannabis Cultivation Research Consortium in 2009. In 2012, they surveyed growers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and the US to find out more about small-scale growing, and how and why these people got involved. Most turned out to be regular citizens – with normal jobs, normal family arrangements, and no more involvement in drug dealing or other crime than any other section of the public.

In 2020, the scientists launched their second international survey to see how cultivation was being affected by legalization and policies. This time, they focused on 18 countries, adding France, Georgia, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal and Uruguay to the original 11, while also running a survey for people in non-participating countries. A global pandemic and national lockdowns had not been part of their planning, but the nerds added questions to find out what effects COVID-19 have on the cannabis industry.

The Findings

With people being forced to spend more time at home, social interactions have been limited, including opportunities to take drugs with friends or to obtain them from the usual sources. Meanwhile, national and international drug supply networks have been disrupted.

The study’s preliminary findings suggest that COVID-19 has affected domestic cannabis cultivation around the world. With nearly 5,000 participants at the time of writing, 16% report only becoming involved in cannabis growing since the pandemic. There are 11% of respondents saying that having more time at home was why they were growing, while 8% cite increased cannabis prices during the pandemic as a motivating factor.

More than one-third of respondents reported that it was harder to meet up in person with people they grew with, or to obtain cannabis through personal social networks or their usual dealer. Yet fewer than one in ten reported that it was harder to get hold of cannabis seeds, growing equipment, or other supplies like fertilisers.

Besides the pandemic, most home growers across the world pointed to other motivations that were in line with our 2012 findings: wanting a product that is healthier and cheaper, while avoiding contact with criminals.

Three-quarters of respondents report that they grow cannabis because they get pleasure from doing so. Nearly half report that they are growing for their own medical use. And while 15% report growing to supply others with cannabis for medical use and 15% supply others for recreational use, our growers are not acting as drug dealers: only 4% reported selling cannabis for profit.

In conclusion, the researchers stressed that these are only preliminary findings. They want to double the number of respondents to at least 10,000 in the coming months, and will publish the final results early in 2022. They do however predict that the growth of home-grown cannabis will see a bigger spike. Once people get the habit of growing their own, there is little reason to go back to buying from dealers. We are willing to bet on it!

March 12, 2021
All You Need To Know About Lamb’s Bread

One would imagine recipes of lamb dishes popping up when surfing the web for “lamb for stoners” but surprisingly that is not the case. Lamb’s Bread, sometimes (mistakenly) called Lamb’s Breath, is a strain of medical marijuana, popular among citizens looking to relieve symptoms associated with chronic stress and depression.

Origin of Lamb Bread

This plant has origins in Jamaica and it is believed to have been one of the favourite strains of Bob Marley.

Look and Smell

Growers say Lamb’s Bread has bright green buds that are sticky and dense. As for the nose, while some connoisseurs might disregard the smell of Lamb’s Bread because of the lack of sweet, citrus or earthy notes, it still carries scents that non-stoners would like. Spicy, cheesy and skunky scents with hints of wood dominate; think Bubba Kush, but with less chocolate and coffee and more spice.

Effects and Benefits

Citizens familiar with medical marijuana know Lamb’s Bread as a sativa strain known to provide energetic and uplifting effects. It’s a great daytime smoke for potheads at work and medical patients alike. The sativa is great for exhaustion, stress, anxiety and headaches, as well as for amplifying creativity and decreasing social inhibitions.

February 25, 2021
This Indoor Cannabis Grow Controller Will Help You Stay On Top Of Your Crop From Anywhere In The World

Planning for indoor cannabis grow can be stressful. From doing research to gathering snippets of advice from growers with the greenest fingers, shopping for and purchasing the best equipment and of course choosing the strain! The last thing any grower wants to experience is not having total control over their grow operation. If only there was an Indoor Cannabis Grow Controller that could do it all.

A South African software developer has just the answer! In conjunction with Application Framework Pty Ltd, Ruan de Kock has produced an innovative product that will keep an eye on your indoor grow when you can not. The SASH controller features six plug points that are controlled from a mobile application with predetermined rules and real-time adjustments. The controller also comes with a camera so you can check in with your plant babies whenever from where ever, as well as a temperature and humidity sensor to keep things under wrap.

Ruan de Kock from SASH took the time to answer some questions we had about the IoT-Controller and why indoor growers should consider using the SASH-IoT to take full advantage of their Indoor Cannabis Grow Controller.

What challenges did you face with your indoor cannabis grow that prompted the creation of the SASH controller?

When I started to grow indoors, I found it very difficult to configure my devices to behave like I wanted them to behave, always finding that I would have made different decisions if I was sitting next to the grow as it happened.
Simple timers and relays did not do the trick and it felt like I was losing out on possible control, just rather leaving everything on, always hoping that it will work.
Not knowing what was happening when I was not at home proved very frustrating, as I did not know the high/low temperatures when I was not present to investigate myself and did not know the cause of problems.
Having to keep a grow journal manually with only the information I knew about felt like I was missing out and was not capturing the complete picture and was never able to go back in time to properly investigate problems.
Always having to remember to take a picture of my grow with my phone camera and then losing the images, was a big challenge.

What is your background in software development in conjunction with indoor growing?

I have been developing software for more than 20 years, nothing directly for indoor growing, but a lot with customers that have unsolved problems who require solutions that fit their needs.
I am also a part-time inventor that has developed solutions for everyday problems I have found, like begin able to flush my toilets with rainwater and with the flip of a switch go back to municipal water.
The first version of SASH was a personal invention I did for myself so that I could do indoor growing at the same level as I do other projects.

How did your personal experience influence the product we now know, as SASH?

Being a developer and inventor, I have high expectations for things I do myself. The needs I experienced during indoor growing fed directly into the product development of SASH.
Also being away from home working and going away for weekends, I could make SASH give me proper feedback and the ability to change behaviour while remote.
Everyone wants to show their friends their progress, I always had old images when wanting to show friends, but as the SASH Controller comes with a camera where images can be captured and uploaded to your journal, having up to date images to show friends was very important.

Can you tell us a little more about SASH and why you believe it’s a valuable tool for indoor growers?

With a SASH Controller, the grower can program more detailed rules for the controller to execute automatically, which is much more in-line with what they wanted.
For instance;
– Keep different minimum temperatures during day and night.
– Put a fan on only 25% of the time when the plant is small and does not need it, but escalate the percentage automatically if it becomes too hot.
– Decrease the extractor fan usage when the heater is on so not to extract all the hot air.
– With an integrated clock backup battery, the SASH Controller restores time automatically after a load shedding, so there’s no updating needed when load shedding has hit.
– Getting feedback about problems on your phone in time for a grower to react accordingly. The grower can configure alert criteria that can notify them when it happens on their mobile application.
– SASH automatically uploads the captured images, temperature and humidity readings to the cloud and attaches them to your journal. Being able to keep a detailed grow journal where a grower can refer back to any day and see what the temperature and humidity was during that time and also add their own information can be very valuable in investigations.

Where can indoor growers get hold of you?

Contact us via email at sash@appframeworks.com, Insta g ram or Facebook

January 27, 2021
Cannabis Indica vs Sativa, Are They Really Different And Is There Truth To The Widely Accepted Anecdotal Evidence?

Everyone remembers the first time they par-toke in the pleasures of Mary Jane. Whether you are a seasoned spliff smoker, an occasional puff-puff-passer or brand new to the ever-evolving environment of cannabis; you are familiar with the Indica vs Sativa conversation. Cannabis strains have historically been divided into three distinct categories; Indica, Sativa and hybrids. Advisory tales have been told about the relaxingly sedative effects of Cannabis Indica and the energized creative reaction from Cannabis Sativa.

Cannabis Taxonomy

Cannabis Sativa was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in the 1750s. He studied plants that were cultivated across the European continent. Linnaeus was of the opinion that Cannabis Sativa was monotypic, meaning the genus only contains one species with no subspecies. Later in 1785 Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published a description of another species of cannabis, based on his study of plants he collected from the Asian continent. Lamarck noted Cannabis Indica was better utilized as an inebriant as the plant fibres were of poor quality.

Indica vs Sativa

You might be familiar with the widely accepted anecdotal evidence suggesting that Indica strains deliver a heavy body high. Whereas its Sativa counterpart will pack an energetic and creative punch. The truth is most modern strains contain characteristics of both Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa, rendering this classification system outdated. Modern technologies have allowed cannabis strains to be tested at a molecular level to determine the cannabinoid makeup and ultimately the effect it may have on the user. Regardless of whether you are a medical or recreational user, there are several thousand cannabis strains, each with a different cannabinoid makeup. Every single person has a unique endocannabinoid fingerprint that will uniquely react to a specific strain’s cannabinoid makeup.

The anatomy of Cannabis Sativa is a taller slim plant with thin, light-green fan leaves. The Cannabis Indica plant is shorter, bushier with woody stalks and broader, darker fan leaves. Cannabis Ruderalis is an auto-flowering plant believed to have adapted to thrive in cooler parts of the globe. Growers and cultivators cross-breed strains to highlight the best of the two chosen parent strains. It is not possible to guess a plant’s biochemical content based on the height, branching of leaf morphology.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring compounds in flowering cannabis plants. There are at least 144 identified cannabinoids found in cannabis flowers. THC, CBD and CBG are the most well-known. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that creates the feeling of being ‘high’. Although THC is known for its anxiety-inducing effects in some users, it assists with pain management, insomnia and depression. CBD can counteract the anxiety brought on by THC and has a whole myriad of health and wellness benefits.

The environment a growing plant is subjected to will affect the cannabinoid makeup. Factors like temperature, humidity, soil, nutrients, sunlight and altitude all affect the quality and quantity of cannabinoids in the flowers.

Landrace Strain

A landrace by definition is a strain that originated and adapted to its native environment. Only landrace strains can truly be classified as either 100% Indica or Sativa. There are thousands of cannabis strains, most created by cultivating plants to produce flowers with a certain cannabinoid and terpene makeup. A grower could decide to bring the best of two strains into one super-strain. A cannabis company may want to cultivate a strain that represents their brand. Whoever it may be or for whatever reason, you can create a strain that has the exact cannabinoid ratio and terpene flavour profile you desire!

Entourage Effect

Cannabinoid and terpenes work in harmony to create the Entourage Effect. The state where all the molecular components in the cannabis work together to create a unique harmonized endocannabinoid experience for the user.

All marijuana that is sold legitimately should have laboratory test results available on request, there are also home test kits available to test the potency of your pot.

Categorisation

Despite the shortcomings with the Indica vs Sativa grouping, it is still the classification of choice in the cannabis industry. A new system is needed to globally classify cannabis based on the cannabinoid makeup and terpene profile. The onset of systematic global legalization will ensure funds become available for research into cannabis and its classifications. Making it easier for users to choose a strain with a specific expected outcome or effect based on their own endocannabinoid system and tolerance.

So remember kids, when choosing the strain for you, simply considering if the strain is Indica vs Sativa dominant will not give you an accurate indication of the effect it may have on your body. Use a trial-and-error system to experiment with strains with different cannabinoid makeups to find a strain with the effects you desire. Once you have mastered the cannabinoid ratio, you can start experimenting with different terpenes to experience the varying effects they may have.

January 27, 2021
5 Mindblowing Facts About Cannabis Caviar

Have you ever wondered about the most expensive cannabis strains in the world? Turns out Cannabis Caviar is in the lead, offering users the best that money can buy!

“What is cannabis caviar?” you might ask. First of, this is not your grandpa’s pot. Cannabis Caviar kicks butt (excuse the pun). It’s made by soaking marijuana buds in a potent stain of hash oil. This is a time-consuming process, as the oil-soaked marijuana buds can take several weeks to dry out.

The saying “patience is a virtue” rings true and the result is potent! The process increases THC content to a staggering 91%. This, along with the hybrid’s hefty price tag, should serve as a warning: APPROACH WITH CAUTION!

To shed some more light on this gift straight from Jah, here are five facts about Cannabis Caviar that will blow your mind.

It’s extremely slow burning

One of the advantages of cannabis caviar is that it extremely slow burning, making it ideal for medical cannabis users looking for a huge hit if THC over a long period of time.

It’s sometimes called Moon Rocks

“Cannabis caviar” may refer to moon rocks, or it may just refer to budheads covered in cannabis oil. In other words, cannabis caviar must be covered in kief to be considered Moon Rocks. Covering the bud in kief before the oil drys is a vital step when making Moon Rocks.

It originates from a hip-hop mixtape colab

The origin of Cannabis Caviar can be traced back to a mixtape project between former Death Row Records executive vice president-turned-marijuana mogul Kurupt and music artist Dr. Zodiak. The duo met in 2013, and quickly went from collaborating on a mixtape to launching the first line of branded Moon Rocks.

Caviar Gold claims to be the strongest weed in the world

One of the name brand Cannabis Caviar companies on the market is called Caviar Gold. They claim that their unique product is the world’s strongest. There secret behind their success? High quality indoor bud that’s infused with oil all the way down to the stem.

Cannabis Caviar’s worst enemy is a grinder

You can consume the potent cannabis bud just about every way you’d like. Glass rigs and pipes, seems to be the preferred method when it comes to smoke it. You can also break it up, sprinkle it on top of ground bud and roll it into a blunt/joint. Whatever you do, don’t put Cannabis Caviar in a grinder, unless it’s an expensive grinder. The texture is way too sticky and greasy for that!

January 8, 2021
5 Fascinating Facts About Cannabis That Will Blow Your Mind

There’s a lot more to know about cannabis than the correct way to smoke it. Over the years, cannabis lovers, scientists, and historians have compiled an array of ever-growing marijuana facts. Here are 5 fascinating facts about cannabis that will blow your mind.

Bhutanese Pigs Are Stoners

In the Kingdom of Bhutan, pigs don’t necessarily fly, but they do get high! For generations, the Bhutanese people have been feeding their pigs cannabis to fatten them up. Marijuana is an appetite stimulant, so the porkers get munchies from eating Thimphu cannabis, which is Bhutan’s most famous strain. The taste profile of Thimphu is described as tasting both sweet and sour, with a hint of earthiness.

Hollywood was once called “Hollyweed”

In 1976 a stoner pulled a prank on the citizens of Los Angeles on New Year’s eve and vandalised the iconic “Hollywood” sign to read “Hollyweed.” The prankster managed to change the letters by using tarps to change the O’s in the sign to E’s.”

Henry Ford Build A Car From Hemp

Henry Ford designed and made a car from hemp in 1941. The automobile used hemp bio-fuel and was almost entirely made of plant material. The only steel in the car was its tubular welded frame, as Ford made the car with 70 percent of cellulose fibres from wheat straw, hemp and sisal, plus 30 percent resin binder.

Men and women react differently to cannabis

Gender differences are real when it comes to cannabis use. Studies show that women have a higher tolerance when it comes to THC. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to get an increased appetite, also known as “munchies”.

Cannabis and Viagra don’t mix

Viagra won’t break down as readily in the blood of someone who’s been toking up, because Marijuana compounds can inhibit certain liver enzymes. Mixing cannabis and Viagra is therefore not a good idea and could cause a heart attack. New research proves that cannabis could actually be more effective in treating erectile dysfunction, best you light one up instead before popping another pill.

November 25, 2020
The latest legalization news on the proposed Marijuana Bill extends the deadline for public comment

In the latest legalization news the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services’ chairperson; Bulelani Magwanishe, announced the extension of the deadline for public comment on the marijuana bill, aka Cannabis For Private Purposes Bill. South Africans now have until 30 November 2020 to submit their thoughts and comments on the proposed bill.

The initial deadline of 9 October 2020 was set by the landmark Constitutional Court ruling on 18 September 2018. But Parliament has failed to meet the Constitutional Court’s deadline of 24 months to make the necessary legislative amendments for the private possession and use of marijuana. The marijuana bill, which was approved by Cabinet in August, has left stoned citizens of the republic wondering if dagga will ever be fully decriminalized and added to the list of countries where marijuana is legal.

Legalize it!

The committee will only start work on the Bill next year because it must first process legislation aimed at strengthening the fight against gender-based violence.

The purpose of the Marijuana Bill

The purpose of the marijuana Bill is to respect the privacy of an adult person; and regulate the possession of cannabis-plant-cultivation material, to cultivate a prescribed quantity of cannabis plants, possess a prescribed quantity of cannabis, consume cannabis, the expungement of criminal records of persons convicted of possession or use of cannabis and to delete and amend provisions with certain laws.

The pencilled marijuana bill currently provides for a 15-year jail term for anyone who deals in cannabis, two-years for smoking in public and up to four-years for smoking in the presence of a child.

The draft cannabis bill sets out limits for use at home, the number of plants allowed to be grown and the amount of dried cannabis flower that can be kept on the premises.

Parliament’s Opportunity

Parliament has the opportunity to produce a sensible, fair and non-discriminatory marijuana bill that removes the cannabis trade from the untaxed, informal sector and allow it to make a significant contribution to the upliftment of rural communities, rejuvenating the South African economy and bulking-up the coffers of the National Treasury.

The justice department has confirmed that the interim relief granted by the Constitutional Court will still be in force until the amendments are enacted by means of a finalized weed bill which has been approved by parliament.

Stoned Citizens say your say! The South African Constitution makes provision for public involvement in lawmaking, oversight and other processes of Parliament. So get your submission drafted, endorsed and mailed to cannabisbill@parliament.gov.za before 30 November!

October 12, 2020
Why All Stoners Worth Their Bud Should Know What Sinsemilla Mean

If you are into cannabis cultivation and an avid grower of ganja, we bet you know what Sinsemilla means. For those out-of-the-know, it’s high time to read on and find out what the word means.

Sinsemilla comes from the Spanish words sin (without) and semilla (seed), translating literally to “without seeds”. Some might argue that Sinsemilla refers to a specific strain, subtype, or geographic location, but they would be wrong.

The word is simply used to describe seedless cannabis flowers that come from unfertilised female plants.

Those who’ve smoked some epic bud before will know that weed without seeds is dope AF. Seedless marjijuana is more potent, tastes better, and is simply of overall higher quality. Any podhead worth his spliff will be quick to tune you that weed with tons of seeds are of poor quality.

Why does shitty weed have seeds in it?

All marijuana that you buy or grow will have seeds. Weed with a bunch of seeds is called ‘stress weed’. It’s highly likely that the plant was exposed to nasty elements that interfered with its growing process.

When a plant becomes stressed, it thinks it is gonna die. Believing it’s at death’s door, the plant starts producing male flowers and pollinates itself.

It certainly gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “go f$ck yourself” because that is literally what the plant is doing. Once this happens, your THC production goes down the drain. The cannabis flowers stop producing resin and start producing seeds.

Long story short, if you find weed with a single seed, keep it safe until you find the time to germinate, grow and nurture it into the dopest pot plant you will ever smoke.

September 6, 2020