What is CBD?
Cannabis as a plant contains various compounds, elements, and constituents which makes it widely desired. Out of the hundreds of compounds contained in cannabis, two predominant ones have been the subject of continuous agricultural and scientific discoveries. These two compounds which are generally known as cannabinoids include Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabinol (CBD).
Why Grow CBD Strains
According to Herbies, CBD is famed for reducing the negative effects of THC on human physiology. For instance, chronic pain which is usually marked by inflammation of the joints is significantly reduced due to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD- rich strains.
Unlike THC, CBD has little to no psychoactive impact on its user’s mental state nor does it induce any euphoric sensation. Hence it is easy to find CBD seeds for sale at trusted online seedbanks or licensed dispensaries.
How to Grow CBD-rich Strains
Whether your CBD dominant strain is an auto-flowering, photoperiod, feminized or regular variety the same elements and tips apply. The only difference lies in the technique and medium of cultivation whether outdoor or indoor. And this is because indoor cultivation and photoperiod cannabis cultivation require a mastery of some requisite farming practices.
Before you begin cultivation, Herbies advises that you should adopt the paper towel method. This process involves the grower putting the CBD-rich seeds in a paper towel placed on a plate with the paper being slightly sprayed for moisture.
After your seed begins to grow, use a pair of clean tweezers to place them gingerly into your planting pots. However, caution has to be exercised as you do not want to shock your baby plant as it interferes with its growth.
Ideal place for growing CBD seeds
Based on their botanical history, most CBD-rich seeds evolved from cannabis ruderalis. And one thing this specie is known for is its resilience and its ability to withstand the harshest of climes. The reason for this is that they were originally found growing in areas that witnessed harsh winters or extreme cold.
Hence, CBD-rich seeds can be groomed both indoors and outdoors. If you decide to grow outdoors, all you need is properly aerated, consistently watered soil and a decent number of viable seeds. However, growing indoors comes at an extra financial cost. This is because it requires you to purchase a good number of LED lights, have a highly functional cooling system in place, a humidifier, your preferred number of sizeable pots and a standard grow room.
Important Variables to consider when Growing high CBD Strains
Temperature
Temperature is an important factor that must not be compromised when planting CBD-rich strains, especially during the vegetative phase. During this stage, the recommended nighttime temperature should be 20°C while the optimal daytime temperature is 27°C. During this period humidity levels should transcend above the 50%-70% range. Anything above this threshold may lead to the appearance of mold and fungi. As the flowering stage progresses to harvest, temperature and humidity should be reduced.
Soil type/pH for optimal growth
Like every other plant, CBD-rich strains require healthy well -aerated, and well-draining soil. The richness may be defined in terms of fertility, the presence of additives like Bat guano, or macronutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Also, the presence of microelements like calcium, iron, and magnesium is necessary for the maintenance of normal functions.
For the vegetative phase, a soil pH of 5.5-6.0 is required while for the budding phase, a pH of 7.0 is needed. In cases, where there is an imbalance in the soil’s pH, pH up and down products can be used for stability.
Nutritional information
Having glistening healthy CBD-rich buds, the nutritional health of your cannabis plant is pivotal as a deficiency in any of the micro or macro nutrients leads to deformities that could have been avoided. For instance, the three macro elements (N, P, K) in conjunction with micronutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc must be present. These nutrients are necessary for the healthy formation of your plants, immunity, and storage of energy which is needed during photosynthesis.
There are 2 acceptable methods of getting plant nutrients and they include:
- Purchasing stored mixed nutrients which have been appropriately apportioned
- Creating your nutrient mix by following normal guidelines
Light
In cannabis cultivation, one of the golden rules is that the higher your plant’s exposure to light, the higher your chances of reaping a bountiful harvest. For indoor growers, it is advisable that you purchase quality LED lights, HID lights, or Fluorescent lights. HID lights have been found to translate to 1g of marijuana per watt.
However, do not as a result of this fact expose your plants to LED lights immediately as the UV rays emitted from the light can damage the plant the same way UV rays from the sun damage the human skin. Hence, proper strategic placement is advised. Low exposure of your plant to a good light source is evinced by yellowing leaves, retarded growth, underdeveloped buds, and falling buds.
Pros and Cons of CBD-rich Cannabis Strains
Below are some of the benefits of high CBD-concentrated cannabis namely
- They have multiple medicinal and clinical applications and they have been used in the treatment of cancer-related symptoms like inflammation, headache, and nausea. They have also been found to be an effective relief for anxiety and insomnia.
- They have little to zero addictive effects or tendencies since they are THC deficient or lack an amount capable of altering the mental state of their users
- They are a good source of several homemade products like CBD oil and topical lotions.
- They are statutorily recognized. Hence its cultivation is not punishable.
Here are some of the demerits of cultivating CBD-rich cannabis seeds
- The grower would not be able to offer any services to the recreational market since it’s mostly requested for its medicinal benefits.
- Its growth spans across a good number of months which may not be a good fit for an impatient grower.
Conclusion
Although medical users usually demand CBD-rich cultivars, some recreational users desirous of getting off the euphoric train to fantasy land can take advantage of CBD-rich strains. Growers who are seeking to break into the cannabis market can explore this option as they have a huge market to satisfy and a worthy cause to fulfill. It is important to note that research must be conducted on trusted and reputable seed banks.
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