Hydroponic Chronicles

THC

Cannabis plants produce psychoactive ingredients called
cannabinoids. The main ingredient of the cannabinoids that gives the
high effect is called -delta 9 THC. All strains vary in THC levels that
come in different percentages. Some plants may contain 100% THC
but the “levels” of THC may be low. Other plants have only 60% THC,
but the “levels” of THC may be very high. A good potent plant will
have both levels and quantities very high. Cannabis plants also
produce something called -delta 8 THC. This ingredient is in low
levels but does contribute to the high. When we mention THC levels,
we are talking about both delta 8 and 9 THC.

There are also other ingredients that add to the high such as
CBD, CBN, THCV, CBDV, CDC and CBL, but are only very minor
compared to THC.

The difference between THC levels and THC quantities is that
THC levels are genetic. They are not under the influence of the
grower. THC quantities on the other hand are. This is to do with bud
mass and how much resin can be generated in that bud mass.

Some bud may only contain 20% THC, with a THC level of 5.
The same plant grown under better conditions and light will produce
70% THC, with a THC level of 5. The ‘5’ is genetic. The quantities of
20% and 70% are under the grower’s control.

When examining a strain in a seed-bank catalogue one is
guided to check for the THC levels of that plant to understand how
potent the plant is. Many seed sellers and breeders measure their
plants THC levels and give accounts on how much THC their plants
have. Of course many breeders like to exaggerate on how much THC
their plants produce, but some do not. If you wish to know more about
THC levels it is best to consult your seed-bank or breeder for details.

No complete study of cannabinoids has been made public
since this book’s publication. This is because cross breeding produces
so many different results that it is hard to keep track on what is
happening. Some ‘old timer’ strains are still around and have been
tested. This information can be obtained from the larger seed
production companies in Holland. THC testing is also an expensive
process that requires heavy amounts of research.

The other interesting factor is that some plants do not produce
any THC at all. These plants have been genetically engineered (GM)
to produce very low levels of THC and are mainly used by farmers in
some countries who have permission to grow cannabis for hemp
production ONLY. It is best to keep away from these seeds and strains.
They will not get you high. There is project called the PMP (potency
monitoring project) that is carried out by some government-funded
agencies, but the results are questionable.

From the Cannabis Grow Bible By Greg Green

RESIN

Female plants produce resin glands (Figure 1.12 and 1.14).
Some of these glands may have lots of resin but are not very potent.
Other plants may have little resin but are very potent. Optimal growth
gives rise to a plant that has lots of resin and is very potent. Resin
glands are produced all over the female flowers and new leaves. They
can be seen clearly with the use of a magnifying aid. These resin
glands are correctly called Trichomes. cannabinoids. Photograph by Joop Jumas.
Resin can be rubbed off the bud using the fingers and then
rolled into the palms to create small balls of hand rubbed hashish. It is
within these glands that one is to find the main concentration of
produced cannabinoids and THC. When a plant is in full flowering the
resin gland can explode or break dropping resin down onto the leaves
below. This can also give the leaves their shiny frosty potent look
during flowering. Towards the bottom of the plant are located the fan
leaves. These leaves are generally large and collect most of the light
for plant growth. Because these leaves are far away from the top of the
plant, which produce the most amount of resin glands and buds, they
collect the least amount of resin and are not very potent. It is best to
consider separating these fan leaves from the rest of the plant after
harvest because these leaves will not give you the best quality high.

About the Book

This book will focus on improving marijuana through the use of Indoor hydroponics. The techniques mentioned in this book are for the medicinal uses of cannabis and for those legally able to grow it. 

Indoor-Hydroponic gardening is a lot like building a house, you have all the necessary supplies to build the house: wood, nails, brick mortar and equipment.  You have your blue prints, but this does not make a house.  It makes a pile of rubbish.  You have to put the supplies together in the correct order with skilled labor in order to end up with a house. In a sense, this is what Indoor-Hydroponic gardening is like.  You must know how to properly utilize your supplies and equipment-this is what a guide like this is for! It enables you to finish with a house instead of a pile of rubbish.

If you are new to Hydroponics here is what wiki-pedia has to say-

“Hydroponics (from the Greek words hydro (water) and ponos (labour)) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel or mineral wool. A variety of techniques exist.

Plant physiology researchers discovered in the 19th century that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant’s water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics, but some will do better than others. It is also very easy to do; the activity is often undertaken by very young children with such plants as watercress. Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching and a popular hobby.

Pollen

As you already know, you need pollen from the males to breed.  The males start to show signs of flowering around 2 to 4 weeks before females.  At this time, they should be moved to a different area, somewhere away from the females.  This is done so the males do not accidentally pollinate the females with weak pollen.  The floors in the male grow room should be covered with paper, or glass, to catch the pollen as the plant releases it. Before they begin producing pollen observe the traits of each male, and discard the weak or undesired ones.  Later, you will scrape the pollen off the glass into a bag, or collect the paper off the floor.  However, it is not necessary to collect pollen this way. You could devise your own way to collect the pollen, the possibilities are endless.  The point is not the method by which you collect the pollen, but rather the focus should be on keeping the males and females separate.  The method of collection was just used to give you a general idea of how to collect pollen.

Growing Mediums

In order to serve as a suitable replacement for soil, the substrate must be capable of supporting the root system, accumulating moisture and nutrients. It should be inert, free of insects and diseases, and durable.

Moreover, the substrate should permit adequate aeration of the roots, and have first-rate drainage ability. Plants roots need sufficient access to oxygen from the air, in order to grow and take up water and nutrients. Poor drainage can lead to decreased growth, stunting, wilting, and discoloration of the leaves- in the worst cases “drowning the plant.”

There are several different types of growing mediums used in hydroponic gardening, none of which are soil.  These mediums are considered to be inert because alone they have no nutritional value.  As a substitute, a nutrient solution is supplied to them by some means.  The most popular mediums for hydroponics are Rockwool, Gro-rox, Vermiculite, Perlite, and Coconut fiber.  Sand and gravel are also used but must be thoroughly cleaned before use, which is a problem in its self.  Each of these substances differs in size, volume, and color. But all of them are highly suitable for hydroponics.

 I knew Chris’s medical marijuana work long before I knew the man.  Many years before our first meeting I read a string of his underground pamphlets. How he got my address I will never know, nor will he tell me. Although they were helpful they seemed to be lacking, so I was not surprised when he sent me a copy of this manuscript, asking if I could contribute to the book.  Now, after I read the manuscript, every time I need any advice about cultivating, I open my copy of The Hydroponic Bible.  It has been a godsend to me and my crops.  This book, to the cultivator, is the equivalent of the periodic table to the chemist.  The fist time I read his book I remember thinking, how could he give away so many trade secrets?  Every trick he has discovered he has documented and shared in this book. Why is he helping researchers produce better marijuana?  And, why is he giving away the best trade secrets?  Then it occurred to me; he just wants to help.  The most valuable aspect of this book, to me, is how he accounts for every aspect of Indoor-Hydroponic gardening.  Showing you the struggles many researchers before you have endured. It is a compendium of information that rivals any cultivation book on the market.  I urge all legitimate growers, no matter how much experience they may have in the cultivation field, to take some time to read this book.  It has become a permanent part of my gardening library.

State Laws

As most of you know the penalties for marijuana related crimes varies from state to state.  And while this chapter is more specific, with regard to the distinctiveness of state laws, it is still presented in a generalized manner. We stress the words GENERAL because, ultimately, every case is different. And ultimately, it is impossible to configure ones exact sentence with a chart. It is possible to present you with the possibilities, though.  Now, remember that the punishments can vary depending on a variety of factors and circumstances. Things such as previous convictions, previous drug related charges, and the degree of any other previous or current charges can impact your punishment. 

If the courts take any previous charges into consideration before your sentencing it is called the enhancement phase of the sentencing.  This is where a sentence is recommended by the DA to be increased because of your prior record.  They justify this by arguing that you did not learn a lesson from your last crime.  We recommend that you consult a lawyer- the laws may have changed by the time you read this book. 

Probation

On the other hand, if you have never had any conviction(s) before this will work to your advantage.