Category: Cannabis

Bonsai is an art form believed to pave a path toward spiritual enlightenment. The practice of bonsai is an artistic expression celebrating impermanence, the beauty of imperfection, and acceptance of growth, decay and death in nature.

Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in pots, developed from the traditional Chinese art form of penjing. Unlike penjing, which utilizes traditional techniques to produce entirely natural scenery in small pots that mimic the grandiose shapes of real life scenery, the Japanese bonsai only attempts to produce small trees that mimic the shape of real life trees. 

Purposes of bonsai are primary contemplation for the viewer, and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity for the grower. Unlike other plant cultivation practices, bonsai is not intended for production of food or medicine. Instead, bonsai practice focuses on long-term cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a container. 

What is Cannabis Bonsai? 

Cannabis bonsai trees initially gathered momentum as a method of producing clones while saving space. However, many growers found other advantages of this type of planting, increasing its popularity in the cannabis space. 

Cannabis bonsai plants allow the cultivation of cannabis from virtually anywhere. Even an apartment dweller living in the most compact of studios in Toronto can nurture a miniature cannabis plant and reap the benefits of their mini harvest. However, enjoying the fruits of your labour doesn’t exactly align with the historic purposes of bonsai, therefore some could consider this not a true bonsai. 

How to Grow Cannabis Bonsai

The first thing to know is that while growing your own cannabis bonsai is not difficult, it requires patience and dedication. You must fully dedicate yourself to the project to see any sort of results. 

It is important to note, there is some debate as to whether cannabis constitutes a bonsai-suitable plant. Bonsai trees typically have woody, gnarled-looking trunks and take years to grow. In contrast, cannabis is quick-growing and has a more flexible stalk.

Now, let’s get into the steps. 

Choose the plant

To grow a successful cannabis bonsai, a great tip to get started is collecting a quality cutting, paying extra attention to the quality of the genetics. You can opt for either sativa or indica, although indicas have a tendency to work better. We recommend using a small and compact plant such as Purple Punch or Blue Widow. 

Select the pot

To start, you will need pots of 0.5 to 3 litres with holes for drainage. It is not recommended to start with seeds because the roots expand easily. 

Choose the soil 

You can use any soil used for outdoor cultivation but in general, humus or bat guano is recommended. 

Plant the clipping 

Proceed to plant the selected cutting. Remember that it must be healthy, or you must stake it using a wooden stick. This will allow you to train the main stem, be careful not to damage the roots with the stake, preferably insert them simultaneously.

With a string, tie the cutting to the wooden stick. This string will allow you to guide the stem where you want it to go. You must straighten the branches and the stem, doing so by tying strings or threads and applying tension in the desired direction.

Lighting

You will need to place low-power lighting, around 125 to 250 watts, and avoid direct light in order to slow down its growth a little.

Maintenance 

To maintain your bonsai, you must prune it constantly and watch that it is not twisting too much.

How long does it last?

Cannabis bonsai can last for many years if taken care of and maintained properly. Happy growing!

Everyone has their morning routine, some people start their day with a big cup of coffee, some like to get a workout in and others enjoy a fat joint. To each their own, but we know which option we’re choosing. Nothing compares to a wake and bake to set the tone for a brighter day. Whether you have a full day of errands to get through or a more leisurely morning ahead, it’s never a bad time to spark up your favourite strain. Here are our suggestions for a few of the best strains to wake up to. 

Durban Poison

This landrace sativa originates from the South African port city, Durban. It has gained popularity worldwide for its sweet aroma and energetic and uplifting effects. Durban Poison is the perfect strain to help you stay productive through a busy day, making it ideal for a wake and bake sesh. Growers and concentrate enthusiasts will appreciate the oversized resin glands of this strain, deeming it a quality choice for concentrate extraction. The buds are round and chunky, and leave a thick coating of trichomes on the entirety of the plant. 

Acapulco Gold

While the genetic origins are unknown, this rare sativa was originally grown in the coastal climate of Acapulco, Mexico. This landrace was popular during the 1960’s counterculture movement for its potency and unique colour. As arguably one of the most well-known strains, Acapulco Gold has orange hairs resembling a golden hue, with green and brown coloured buds. This strain is said to produce powerful cerebral effects, perfect to smoke any time of the day but ideal for morning use. 

Jack Herer

This strain is named after the late legendary cannabis activist and author of the 1985 book, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.” Jack Herer has received a heavily proliferated status among modern cannabis strains and is reputed to increase energy while relaxing the body just enough to keep moving. Created in the Netherlands, this sativa-dominant bud has a spicy pine scent with an herbal flavour. Jack Herer’s flowers are not particularly visually impressive with pale to medium green leaves in densely-packed buds that are more elongated. 

Lamb’s Bread

Also known as “Lamb’s Breath”, this strain is believed to have been smoked by none other than Bob Marley himself with its origins coming from Jamaica. This sativa has uniquely-shaped, light green buds that resemble a ball of sheep’s wool. The effects of Lamb’s Bread are said to be creative and uplifting with caryophyllene as the dominant terpene. This contributes to the pungent cheesy aroma and sweet, yet spicy flavour the strain is known for.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a prolific strain with somewhat tumultuous origins. According to online sources, the strain gained prominence in New York in the mid 90’s by crossing Chemdawg and Super Skunk. Sour Diesel’s effects are dreamy, cerebral, and energizing and features a pungent flavour profile that smells like diesel. This sativa-hybrid is great for daytime smoking and excellent for wake and bake purposes. 

There is no doubt that bongs and glassware are an excellent method of cannabis consumption. They allow for a smoother inhale as the smoke percolates through the water, enabling you to take bigger tokes while conserving your cannabis supply.

Bongs are definitely a thing of beauty, that is if you take care of them properly. Due to their convenience, it is understandable that the cleaning and maintenance of your bong can sometimes be forgotten. While understandable, it is never acceptable to allow your bong to sit and collect bacteria that you will later inhale. 

Hidden Risks 

There are many hidden dangers of smoking with dirty bong water you may not be aware of. Dirty bong water is a haven for all kinds of bacteria, yeast, fungi and other microbes, all of which form a slime called biofilm. Microbes excrete substances that allow them to easily latch onto surfaces such as the glass and resin found inside your bong. 

When these substances are secreted, the biofilm begins to grow. It serves as protection for the microbes, which is why infections caused by these microbes are so difficult to treat and pose serious health risks. Biofilm is completely resistant to antibiotics, because they aren’t strong enough to penetrate it.

A biofilm can form in any leftover water that has been used to filter cannabis smoke, and any pathogens that grow there can remain in the water when you refill your bong, giving them more chances to enter your throat and lungs.

Common Bacteria 

Here are a few different bacterias that thrive in dirty bong water. 

Compromised Taste

Not only does dirty bong water pose serious health risks, it compromises the taste of your flower. Whether you’re a seasoned stoner or new to smoking, no one wants to be left with a bitter taste in their mouth after a sesh. 

We all know each cannabis strain holds its own unique aroma, taste and effects. It goes without saying that if you pack some great weed, like Girl Scout Cookies, into a bong with caked on resin, dirty bong water and condensation, none of those flavours will come through. In the end, all you’re tasting is resin and stagnant water.

Importance of a Clean Bong 

Cleaning your bong and keeping the water fresh are both necessary tasks and are essential to maintaining a healthy smoke session. If you’re pressed for time or are so couch locked that any effort would be too much, you should at minimum pour out the bong water, leave your piece tipped upside down to dry, and then refill it with fresh water. 

Be sure to fill it with cold, preferably filtered water before you partake. It’s best to clean out your bong at least once a week. This will prevent any pathogens from growing in it that might head into your lungs and make you sick. Besides, who really wants to smoke out of a dirty bong? You’re taking the time to choose the best bud, why ruin the taste? Your lungs and your friends will thank you for it.

Of all the substances in existence, it seems cannabis carries one of the most undeserved and unjustified stigmas. Cannabis culture is full of myths and misconceptions. There’s no denying that cannabis propaganda and fear-mongering PSA’s like the 1930’s Reefer Madness are to blame for sprouting so many of these age-old rumors. We’re here to roll up these myths and set them ablaze. It’s time to filter out the stems and seeds and leave only the facts. 

Myth: Cannabis is a gateway drug

We’ve all heard this common, yet extremely untrue saying that cannabis is a gateway drug. The notion is essentially that cannabis leads users to search for a more intense high in other drugs once building up a tolerance to cannabis. It has been proven time and time again that there is no causal link between cannabis use and the use of other drugs and a vast majority of cannabis users do not go on to use other drugs. 

This flawed gateway hypothesis is one of the principle reasons cited in defence of laws prohibiting the use or possession of cannabis as well as an ineffective care tactic to discourage youth usage. New evidence suggests that cannabis can even serve as an “exit drug,” helping people to reduce or eliminate their use of more harmful drugs such as opiates or alcohol by easing withdrawal symptoms.

Myth: Cannabis was better in the 70’s

If anyone has ever tried to tell you the strength or quality of cannabis is declining, they’d be highly incorrect. While friends or family members will rave about smoking in the good ol’ days, it’s likely cannabis wasn’t the only thing they were smoking. It’s to no surprise that some users would lace or “infuse” their cannabis with additional substances to produce a more psychedelic experience, which was a popular occurrence in the 70’s and 80’s. 

When cannabis subculture began to blow up during this period, the buds were green or brown in colour, leafy and much thinner with visibly prominent stems. Basically equivalent to today’s bush weed. Fast forward to present day, high grade craft cannabis flower is dense and covered in shiny crystal-like trichomes with an aroma so loud you can hear it. 

The fact is, cannabis produced today has the power of modern technology coupled with highly advanced cultivation techniques. Not to mention the knowledge of experienced growers and farmers. Cannabis potency and quality is constantly being tested and improved by industry experts making it the best and strongest it’s ever been. 

Myth: Cannabis doesn’t make you hungry 

The question of why cannabis gives you the munchies would be better suited than if it makes you hungry or not. In order for cannabis or any drug to work, it needs to find receptors in the body. Cannabis, THC specifically, directly impacts the hypothalamus. This part of the brain is responsible for releasing hormones that control and manage feelings like hunger, thirst, fatigue, arousal and more. 

The overwhelming urge to eat everything in your fridge derives from the triggering of reactions in this part of the central nervous system. THC also promotes the release of the hormone ghrelin secreted from the stomach, which stimulates hunger. Next time you’re standing in the kitchen, hovering over your stove at 2 a.m. eating whatever concoction your stoned brain came up with, just remember, we told you so.

Cannabis users alike can recognize the distinct smell of nature’s favourite herb from a mile away. The aroma alone can induce feelings of excitement, comfort and joy. Even if you aren’t a stoner, you’re likely acquainted with the strong odour of cannabis. While we love the pungent, earthy scent the flower produces, we understand not everyone likes or appreciates it. We can all agree the aroma of cannabis is powerful, but that shouldn’t discourage you from exercising your legal right to consume the herb. Have your joint and smoke it too with these methods of concealing the smell.

It’s not uncommon for most people to have their first cannabis experience while living with parents or in their childhood home. For this reason, we feel your pain. Not everyone will have access to a space of their own to openly partake in cannabis consumption, however, there are some ways around it. If you’re attempting to smoke in a bedroom, always make sure there is a window you can open to allow air flow and ventilation. Before you even think about sparking up, roll up a damp towel and stuff it into the crack at the bottom of the door to trap any smoke from escaping the room. 

To further conceal the smell, you can use a personal air filtration device, sometimes referred to as a “sploof”. This will capture the smoke as you exhale into it that will reduce secondhand smoke and eliminate odour. If you can’t get your hands on one of these, you can create your own with dryer sheets, an empty paper towel roll and a rubber band. This will not be as effective, but it’s still better than free blowing smoke into the air. 

Another measure you can take is lighting natural incense, scented candles or diffusing essential oils. These will release strong aromatic compounds into the air that are surprisingly good at covering up the odour of weed. We recommend natural alternatives as opposed to artificial air fresheners as these tend to mix in with the cannabis smell to create an even more noticeable funky aroma. 

Smoking in the bathroom can be an additionally effective technique for those that don’t have access to a bedroom. Start by turning the shower on and make the water hot enough to create steam. The steam from the hot water will mix with the smoke and help dissipate the smell. If the bathroom has a fan, turn this on as well, as this will further help evaporate the steamy smokey mixture. Remember to use the same damp towel trick for the bottom on the door. 

After smoking, the smell can still linger on your person even if you’ve left the area. To avoid carrying the odour with you, take a shower, wash your hair, brush your teeth and put on fresh clothes. If you’re in a pinch, chew some gum and pop some eye drops in to steer clear of any suspicion. 

Cannabis has a well-known habit of announcing itself. Store your stash in air tight containers or smell-proof bags to maintain freshness and to avoid any unwanted aroma. Experiment with these methods next time you’re trying to toke up indoors and see which one works best for you. Happy smoking!

In the wide world of stonerware and cannabis accessories, the bong is one of the most common cannabis consumption methods. Bongs are highly entrenched in cannabis culture, so much so that some connoisseurs go to the extent of naming their pieces and attaching personalities to otherwise inanimate objects. A bong can go beyond simply a smoking apparatus, it is a symbol of a culture that has evolved its own language, humour, etiquette, art, literature and music. 

The anatomy of a bong is varied and more complex than one might think as they come in many shapes and sizes. Let’s break down the different aspects of a standard bong and their individual functions. 

Bowl Piece

The bowl piece is where the dried flower is packed after it’s been through a grinder or broken down. Bowls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, much like the bongs themselves, but they’re mostly made from glass or metal with a hole at the bottom. Some users place a thin-wired metal screen at the base of the bowl piece to avoid having the ash fall through. This helps to longer maintain the overall cleanliness of the bong. 

Downstem

A downstem is an essential feature of your apparatus. It links the bowl piece down to the water in the main chamber of the bong, allowing for smoke to pass through. A basic downstem consists of a hollow tube, typically with a set of slits near the bottom, which acts as a percolator to filter the smoke. There are variations of downstems that further enhance bubbling and cooling of the smoke, however whatever the design, it remains a crucial part of the bong. 

Base

The base is the foundation of the bong and can take many shapes, depending on style. The most common base shapes are beakers, round bases and straight-tubes. These are used to create the water chamber in which the smoke cools as it passes through the water.

Mouthpiece

The final piece of the puzzle is the mouthpiece. Traditional mouthpieces are horizontal and found at the very top of a bong. However, with time, angled mouthpieces are becoming more common, allowing you to take a hit without having to hunch over the bong. The mouthpiece, of course, is where the magic happens, where the filtered smoke reaches its final destination as you inhale. 

The main advantage that draws consumers to using a bong is its ability to cool and filter the smoke through water, offering a smooth draw even when a large amount of smoke is inhaled.

Bongs require less cannabis than say a joint, while still maintaining the aroma and flavour profile of the flower. Through its evolution, bongs today are most commonly hand-blown from glass by artists who blend science and art, creating masterpieces that are both beautiful and functional.

Since recreational cannabis became legal in October of 2018, dispensaries have been popping up on every street corner, quite literally. If you live in a Canadian province that allows it, almost anyone can request to open their own private retail dispensary, creating ample variety for cannabis consumers. Of course with more variety, comes the difficult decision of which to choose. Knowing which pot shop to visit can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it simple and look for stores local to your area. Smaller dispensaries are great for one-on-one sessions with budtenders and perfect for first-time visitors.

Always Bring ID

Once you’ve selected the store you’d like to visit, make sure to bring a valid piece of government-issued photo ID. Remember to always have a physical piece of ID as digital photos or files cannot legally be accepted. Dispensaries also have the right to refuse entry if a valid ID cannot be produced. Budtenders can receive hefty personal fines, in addition to store fines, for allowing underage patrons into the store. 

Entering the Store 

When you first enter any dispensary, there will be a barrier or door separating the entryway from the rest of the store. Reason being, cannabis products cannot be displayed in a way that would make them visible to anyone under the minimum legal purchasing age, even from outside the store. Once inside, expect to see someone at the door, usually accompanied by a sign that reads “Please Wait Here”. It’s possible smaller shops may only have one or two budtenders on shift and in the event someone isn’t at the door, be patient, respect the procedure and don’t enter until someone has checked your ID and given the all clear. 

Cannabis Displays 

Unlike liquor stores, dispensaries cannot sell cannabis or cannabis accessories from a display that allows self-service, meaning anything for sale will be locked in display cases. Don’t expect to see any actual cannabis either, everything is already packaged when shipped to their respective stores. You may get lucky if a dispensary has glass viewing jars or sniffer pots, which allows you to see (and smell) cannabis flower. While the process of purchasing cannabis from a dispensary differs greatly from the purchase of tobacco or alcohol, remember that recreational cannabis is still in its early years of legalization and there are many regulations retail stores must abide by.

Legal Possession Limit

It’s important to note that across Canada, the personal possession limit of dried recreational cannabis is 30 grams. Based on this, the daily purchase limit across the provinces is 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent). There are distinctions across the country however, with respect to at home possession limits, age limits and retail models. It’s a good idea to educate yourself on the specific regulations in your respective province. 

Budtenders 

Budtenders will be the main point of contact when shopping at a dispensary and are essentially the sommelier’s of the cannabis world. They will be able to answer any and all questions from strain profiles to consumption methods and everything in between. While budtenders are extremely knowledgeable, they are not medical professionals and will not be able to answer medical related questions or offer medical advice. They can however, offer recommendations and work with you to find products to best suit your needs. 

If at the end of your visit, your budtender provided you with excellent customer service, feel free to leave them a tip. While tips are never expected, they are always appreciated. Budtenders have your best interests in mind and provide a vital service. They are a key component of the recreational market and can guide you through how to make your dispensary visit a positive one. 

Cannabis Goals

When visiting a dispensary, it’s a good idea to have a cannabis goal in mind. Even if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, try thinking about the effects you’d like to feel or the flavours and aromas you like or dislike. Conversely, if you have a specific strain or product in mind, don’t hesitate to ask your budtender if they carry it. Product inventory varies between dispensaries so if the store you visit doesn’t have the exact product you’re seeking, a budtender can direct you to an alternative option. 

Knowledge is Power

Be prepared to encounter a line at some point however, when it’s your turn at the counter you should not feel the need to rush. Take your time, chat with the budtender and ask questions about the products. The more knowledgeable you are about what you’re consuming, the more confident you’ll be exploring other products and visiting future dispensaries. 

There’s a First for Everything

While legal dispensaries have been open for a few years, it’s never too late to take your first trip. Dispensaries provide a safe space to explore the recreational market which ensures Canadians have the tools to exercise their legal right to purchase cannabis. We understand it can be nerve-wracking for some but now that you know a little more about what to expect, we hope you feel educated, confident and empowered when purchasing cannabis. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

If you’re new to growing cannabis, you might think, with all the information out there, that it’s complicated. But the truth is, cannabis is a weed (yes, that’s where it gets its popular nickname!), and when it’s in its natural habitat, it grows quite easily, without much complication at all.

Unfortunately, when we’re trying to grow in closets, basements, grow rooms, and cooler, unpredictable climates, we can run into problems we didn’t see coming!

One of these issues is something we call ‘foxtailing.’ It’s a common condition, and thankfully, if you act today, there’s a good chance you can save your plants!

In this article, we’re going to cover the following topics:

Table of Contents

What Is the natural habitat of cannabis?

Cannabis can successfully grow almost anywhere in the world, but its native habitat is Asia, specifically, southern Asia where the climate is quite hot and humid. This area also receives a lot of light a day; about 12 hours all year long. Southern Asia doesn’t experience short days in the winter and long days in the summer like Canada does. Because of the stable hot temperatures and few fluctuations in light, the soil that cannabis naturally grows in has a consistent pH of 5-7.

Cannabis doesn’t need absolutely perfect conditions to grow, but replicating these conditions as close as possible will help. That’s why many people choose to grow in closets or grow rooms; here they can best control the atmosphere and give their plants the best possible chance at growing large, potent flowers.

What Is Foxtailing?

Foxtailing is a word used to describe a condition where marijuana flowers become elongated, with wisps of leaves and fewer buds than normal. The flowers begin to resemble a long bushy tail of a fox instead of a plump, full bud.

In a healthy flower, the buds will appear quite compacted, with an unmistakable round plump thickness. Within the flower itself, the buds should be more prominent than the leaves, which should be small and scattered more infrequently between the buds.

Foxtailing buds appear less dense and more spread apart, which is clearly disappointing. You’ll have less yield from foxtailing plants, and there’s also a good chance your weed will be less potent! All is not lost, however. Your buds will still contain some THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, so you can still use the flowers.

Can Foxtailing Be a Good Thing?

It’s important for us to mention that some strains of pot are actually made specifically from foxtailing weed. It’s also possible that you just like the way your weed looks when the plant takes on this wispy appearance. So, foxtailing isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but for the majority of people looking to grow dense, potent flowers, it’s not desirable.

Unfortunately, no matter how much effort you put into growing healthy plants, you may still experience foxtailing. Let’s explore how foxtailing begins.

Why Does Foxtailing Happen?

Just like people, plants tend to be unhealthy when they are dealing with an abundance of stress. But instead of getting stressed out over their work-life balance or an overbearing mother-in-law, marijuana plants get stressed out over simple things, like how much light they are getting or how acidic their soil is.

Remember, in order to grow the healthiest weed possible, we need to try to replicate their natural habitat.

Best conditions for growing weed are stable with as few fluctuations as possible. Here are a few of the things plants require:

If your plants are foxtailing, it’s likely one of these is out of balance and causing your plants undue stress. It’s unclear exactly why cannabis plants foxtail to survive stress, but many varieties of plants will adjust how they grow or how they use their energy when their conditions aren’t ideal. In the case of foxtailing, less energy goes into developing buds.

How Can I Make Sure My Cannabis Doesn’t Foxtail?

cannabis not foxtail

The best, healthiest cannabis plants are ones that come from good genetics, and that are monitored frequently for the healthiest growing conditions.

The genetic component is tricky. If you’re growing from seed, it’s never fully possible to know the genetics, and even if the seed came from a beautiful plant, there’s still no guarantee. As the old adage goes, there’s a bad apple in every bunch.

One of the best ways to grow plants with great genetics is by cloning. (You can read more about that here!) Cloning involves removing sections of your best marijuana plants and repotting them, allowing them to grow into new plants. This means your new plants will have the exact genetics of the old plant.

However, this does require at least one full growth cycle. If you have a friend who has a beautiful, healthy, fruitful plant, they may be willing to help you get started with a trimming. In some instances, you may be able to purchase a starter plant from a genetically superior plant as well.

For a beginner, this may be a great way to start, but if that isn’t possible, choosing to invest in monitoring processes may be the way to go.

Proper monitoring of your plants is easier than you may think, and no matter how great the genetics of your plant are, you’ll need to monitor them to make sure you’re giving them a healthy environment. Even the most genetically superior plants will foxtail, or even die if they aren’t properly monitored.

If you’ve already reached a place of foxtailing, you may be able to save your plant and reverse it. Here’s how!

How Can I Reverse Foxtailing and Save My Cannabis Plants?

As soon as you notice foxtailing, you need to take action. The sooner you adjust the more likely it will be that you can reverse the damage.

Of course, what you need to do is figure out what’s stressing your plant and make adjustments.

Here are the five most common reasons for foxtailing and how to make changes that might help.

If you’ve tried everything and you just can’t seem to get rid of foxtailing, or you have this condition repeatedly, you may need to adjust the type of strain you’re growing. Some strains just need a completely different climate than the one you’re living in, and you may always struggle unless you make a switch. Check with your local seed retailer or supply store for recommendations for your climate.

Don’t want to wait for your harvest? Did you know Weed Me sells high-quality pre-roll designed to be a ready-made product? You won’t have to harvest, grind, or roll – just grab your lighter and you’re ready to go! At Weed Me, we sell the best strains and never compromise quality. Check out our full product selection today!

Did you know seeds — and therefore plants — can be both male and female? Like humans, plants need to have a reproduction mechanism to make new seeds and grow new plants. Most plant species are monoecious, which means they have a reproduction system that allows them to fertilize themselves and produce their own seeds.

But then, there are some plants that grow individual male and female versions of themselves. Cannabis, willow, and kiwis are three examples of species that produce specific male and female plants. With these, the female plant needs to be fertilized by the male plant in order to generate new seeds.

However, in the case of cannabis, what is important to realize is that the male and female plants aren’t exactly created equal. In fact, if you plant weed in your backyard without considering whether you were planting male or female cannabis seeds, you might find yourself very disappointed.

Let’s explore why.

What’s the difference between male and female cannabis plants?

If you don’t know the difference between male and female weed, don’t worry! First, it becomes really obvious as your plants get older. And, this article will also address how to assess the gender if your plants are young. For now, let’s first examine the differences between the two.

The biggest and most important difference between male and female marijuana plants is that female plants produce buds and male plants do not.

So obviously, if you’re growing marijuana to harvest and smoke the buds, you want to make sure you’re planting seeds that will produce female plants, right?

That’s not to say there is nothing good brewing inside a male cannabis plant. The males will still have THC and other cannabinoids in their leaves and stems that can be harvested in the form of resin, hash oil, dabs, or other concentrates.

But for most growers, the priority is to have plenty of large, healthy, colourful buds ready to harvest, dry, and grind, and those beautiful flowers are what we’re looking for.

You’ll want to know early on if you’ve got female or male plants on your hands… more about why in just a minute.

First, let’s explore how you can tell what kind of gender your plants are.

cannabis plants

How can I sex my cannabis plant?

If you’ve got a mature plant, you should be able to easily tell whether or not you have a female or male plant because they look different in a number of ways. Female plants tend to be bushier and have thicker, fuller leaves. Of course, the lady plants also make the largest, most beautiful flowers, too. Male plants look a little shaggier and thinner, and won’t produce large buds, if they produce any at all.

But if you just recently planted seeds or if your plants have recently gone through the process of germination, you can use another method of ‘sexing’ your cannabis, which just means, looking for the plants’ reproductive organs.

To sex your plant, you’ll need to wait until your plant is about 6-weeks post-germination. The exact timeframe will depend on where you are growing, how much light your plants get, what strain you’re growing, etc.

Both genders produce pre-flowers and flowers in the gaps between their stems and branches. So at this early stage, you’ll want to look in the junction between the main plant stalk and one of the stems, usually close to the top of the plant.

The males usually develop first, and what you may see is a round ‘ball’ like sack that contains the plant’s pollen. At first, the ball may be nestled against the plant stem, but in time, it will begin to protrude from the plant on the end of what looks like a tiny stick. This pre-flower is called the staminate. The staminate will eventually look like a hanging bunch of bananas, and you’ll definitely want to cull (remove) the male plants before they’ve reached this point.

Female plant sex organs have a more oval shape with a long, pointed tip. This is called a calyx. Sometimes, pistils emerge and extend from the calyx; they are fine, white and hair-like, but not every cannabis plant will have pistils.

Of course, you can wait till plants are older to see how bushy or large the plants get, but by that point, your male plants may have opened their pollen sacks to pollinate the female plants… and that’s what you want to avoid.

Why do feminine seeds matter? Should I plant a mix of both?

We’ve talked a lot about the different plant genders, but now let’s talk about why we want to separate female and male cannabis plants.

Plants need to be fertilized to make new seeds. ‘Great!’ you’re thinking! We need new seeds, right?

Not necessarily…

Fertilization happens when a male plant opens its pollen sacks and releases the pollen into the air. The female plant’s flowers capture the pollen. This process of pollination fertilizes the female plant’s eggs, similar to how babies are made! The female plant then produces seeds that can grow new plants.

The problem is, once this process begins, the female plants get a little sleepy. Like pregnant moms who are tired and have little time for primping, they’ll spend their energy growing seeds instead of producing flowers.

If you’re growing marijuana for the buds, you don’t want your plant’s energy going into producing seeds! You want big fat flowers!

Conversely, if your female plant is denied the ability to be fertilized, she’ll spend extra energy making buds! She’ll try to make them bigger, stickier, and sweeter to try to capture pollen in the air! Keeping her away from male plants is exceptionally beneficial for your grow.

This is why many people prefer to plant feminized cannabis seeds.

It’s now possible in plant breeding to cultivate plants that make almost all female seeds. While feminized seeds might produce a male plant, the likelihood is only about 1%, so you’ve got a 99% chance of growing a female plant if you purchase and begin your grow with feminized seeds.

Since many provincial laws only allow you to grow four plants at once, you can increase the likelihood you’ll grow female flowers if you start with feminized seed from seed banks.

For a small home crop, you don’t need to plant a mix of both, and only those interested in harvesting their own seeds will see a need to grow both genders. So buying feminized seeds may be in your best interest, especially if you’re new to growing.

How are plants cultivated to produce female seeds?

By now, you’re likely wondering how seed harvesters tell the difference between male and female seeds. Unfortunately, they can’t. What they can do, however, is grow seeds that have a greater chance of being feminized seeds; these plants are more likely to grow into feminine plants.

In order to do this, the plants need to be treated in a way that inhibits male chromosomes. If the plant isn’t making male chromosomes, it’s less likely to produce male seeds. The most common way to produce feminized seeds is to spray the plants daily with colloidal silver. There are other chemicals that can be used as well, but colloidal silver is most easily accessible.

Spraying the plants with colloidal silver makes them unusable, however, so you only want to feminize seeds if you’re growing cannabis to harvest seeds alone. The plant will need to be destroyed after it’s been treated and the seeds have been harvested.

Growing cannabis isn’t overly complicated. But there is a lot to learn in order to make your time and energy worthwhile. If you’re considering growing cannabis from seeds, learn more about the process here.

Do you get enough sleep regularly? If you’re like most Canadians, the answer is probably no. With so many Canadians not getting enough sleep, how might cannabis play a significant role?

Discover how cannabis impacts sleep and how you can promote better sleep habits intentionally. We’ll explore several important topics related to cannabis and sleep, including expectations, withdrawal, edibles, and more. By the end, you may just find yourself sleeping more soundly.

All about Cannabis and Sleep

Cannabis is known to impact our sleep-wake cycle, primarily through the actions of THC and CBD. We know that THC is the primary producer of the cannabis high. It is also responsible for much of the sedation we experience while high. These effects of THC are mediated via the cannabinoid receptors in the brain (Babson & Bonn-Miller, 2014).

The mechanisms that lead THC to produce sedation are not fully understood, but we have some ideas. First, adenosine is a sleep-promoting agent in the brain that appears to increase in response to THC. Second, THC acts upon cannabinoid receptors in the lateral hypothalamus to inhibit our arousal system. These actions combine to produce sedation and push us toward our bed (Babson & Bonn-Miller, 2014).

The studies that have explored the connections between cannabis and sleep have found mixed results overall. We need many more studies on this critical topic at both the animal model and population levels. According to the studies we have, it appears that THC does help people fall asleep. One major issue here is that THC may reduce how fully rested you feel the next day (Babson et al., 2017).

Medical Cannabis and Sleep

If you suffer from sleep issues while using medical cannabis, consult your medical professional team for support. Getting sleep is even more critical than usual when we are suffering from other medical conditions. We certainly also need studies exploring whether cannabis can help people sleep while suffering from various medical disorders.

One study found that people with high scores on PTSD testing were more likely to use cannabis to facilitate better sleep. In fact, improving sleep quality was a primary driver of the motivation behind using medical cannabis in this clinical population (Bonn-Miller et al., 2014).

Creating Positive Expectations

Expectations are important. One reason why is because it impacts how we behave after consuming cannabis. It also plays a significant role in our cannabis use patterns as recreational consumers and medical cannabis patients. Expectations influence the outcome.

At least one study demonstrated how expectations around the positive role of cannabis in one’s life led to better outcomes. This means that if you believe and act like cannabis will help you sleep better, it’ll be more likely to do so (Altman et al., 2019).

The best thing you can do with cannabis is to maintain a positive attitude. It may not sound like much, but it can go a long way. Later, when you discover our cannabis tips to help get better sleep, remember to consider the value of expectations. Before we get to those tips, let’s discuss a few critical cannabis topics related to sleep.

Cannabis Withdrawal

When someone stops consuming cannabis after prolonged or heavy periods of consumption, withdrawal can occur. Of the temporary cannabis withdrawal symptoms, sleep disturbances are common. This disruption to sleep patterns is one of the most impactful cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Medical treatment options can help individuals get through withdrawal and avoid relapse (Babson & Bonn-Miller, 2014).

The fact that cannabis withdrawal causes sleep problems gives us a clue that consumption benefits it in the first place. Cannabis consumers the world over have stories about how cannabis helps them sleep better. It is important to take breaks from cannabis as well, and when you do, pay attention to how it impacts your sleep. During these times, if you’re having trouble, you may want to consider the topic of the next section, CBD.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Sleep

cannabidiol and sleep

We should note that when it comes to cannabis, it’s not all about THC. The second-most popular cannabinoid is called cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive high. But, it does have plenty of other benefits for your health and wellness. And sleep is no exception.

CBD has been shown to have therapeutic potential as a treatment for insomnia. Furthermore, CBD positively benefits those suffering from REM sleep behavior disorders (Babson et al., 2017).

Another fascinating feature of CBD is how it can counteract some of the effects of THC. Consumers who combine THC with CBD report fewer adverse effects than with equal doses of THC alone. Taken together, there are plenty of reasons to think that adding some CBD to your evening doses of THC may provide benefits to your sleep.

Cannabis-Infused Edibles and Beverages

Most of us know by now that edibles hit very differently than smoked or vaped cannabis. While smoke/vaped cannabis produces nearly immediate effects that subside over several hours, edibles take much longer. It can take 30 minutes to several hours to feel the full impact – and up to 12 hours or more for effects to entirely subside.

Certain people enjoy taking edibles in the evening, while most of us need more time for the THC to work through our systems. Personal experience with edibles is critical –  start low and go slow – and don’t take the edible too late in the day. Also, avoid double-dosing until you have a few successful experiences. Stick with a single dose early in the day until you understand the entire edible journey.

While timing is critical with edibles, the dosage is just as important when consuming any product with THC. To help us understand why dosage is so impactful, let’s learn about the biphasic nature of THC.

The Biphasic effects of THC

Research has noted an exciting feature of THC that is relevant to this discussion. Across numerous domains, THC appears to produce opposite effects at low versus high doses. For example, a small amount of THC can reduce anxiety, while a large one can produce anxiety. The term biphasic (two-phases) is used to describe how THC can act in seemingly opposing ways.

With this in mind, it seems that small doses are better suited for sleep promotion. When one consumes large doses, they are more likely to experience a racing mind and sleep inhibition. What is small or large depends on your personal tolerance and experiences with cannabis.

Another exciting feature of this biphasic property also occurs over time. For example, a large dose may be initially highly stimulating. As your body processes the THC over time, the net effects often switch to sedation. This is why many cannabis consumers smoke their last joint several hours before bedtime. Otherwise, you may end up with a much later night than you hoped for.

Sleep-promoting Cannabis Tips

sleep-promoting cannabis tips

You can take advantage of the biphasic nature of THC through intentional evening consumption habits.

  1. Avoid large THC doses in the evening (‘large’ according to your tolerance level). Often, less is more with THC when using it intentionally.
  2. Avoid THC too close to bedtime – Consume your last dose of THC several hours before bedtime (the exact time will depend on your response to cannabis – it can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours before bedtime).
  3. Avoid edibles late in the evenings – your last edible should be roughly 4-6 hours before bedtime or more depending on your tolerance – pay close attention to edible dosing to find what works best for you.
  4. Consider adding more CBD – a higher CBD:THC ratio can take the edge off THC and may improve your sleep quality.
  5. Avoid screen-time in the hour before bedtime. Consider listening to a good album instead. If you can, get off that smartphone and leave it far away from your person.

There you have it. Five simple tips that can help you create a more intentional relationship with cannabis. Whether it helps to hinder your ability to sleep well largely depends on the actions you take. It’s all up to you, and we believe in you.

Conclusion

You can now consider yourself knowledgeable on the topic of cannabis and sleep. We discovered how THC can help or hinder getting good sleep due to the actions of cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Whether cannabis helps you sleep depends on your tolerance, the THC dosage, timing, and expectations. By carefully managing each of those factors, you can give yourself the best chance of a solid night’s sleep.

Citations

Altman, B., Mian, M., Ueno, L., & Earleywine, M. (2021) Examining and validating the factor structure of the cannabis-associated problems questionnaire. Journal of Substance Use 26:3, pages 292-298. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/citedby/10.1080/02791072.2019.1643053?scroll=top&needAccess=true.

Babson, K, & Bonn-Miller, M. (2014). Sleep disturbances: Implications for cannabis use, cannabis use cessation, and cannabis use treatment. Curr Addict Rep 1, 109–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-014-0016-9.

Babson, K.A., Sottile, J. & Morabito, D. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature (2017). Curr Psychiatry Rep 19, 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9.

Bonn-Miller, M., Babson, K., Vandrey, R. (2014). Using cannabis to help you sleep: Heightened frequency of medical cannabis use among those with PTSD. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 136:162-165. DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.12.008.