The Cannabis Production: From Seed to Sale The production of cannabis has been hurtled onto center stage in light of ever-growing legalization across many countries around the world. How marijuana is cultivated, of course important to growers, is likely to become one the major factors influencing buyers choice at point of sale. Sowing the seeds of Cannabis Production starts with thoughtful preparation. Furthermore, legal marijuana producers have regulatory guidelines to follow as condition of their licensing. Thus, understanding and implementing these guidelines for all types of cannabis production.
Careful consideration goes into choosing the best strain for a target market. At any rate, the pristine condition of the seeds
and genetics of the strains chosen is vital for a healthy crop. Because of this, producers test many strains before making a choice. Once satisfied they can plant the seeds, the start of what will one day become an exceptional marijuana product.
Climate control matters in cannabis cultivation An elite strain of cannabis requires an elite farming facility. Similarly, marijuana producers mimic the best conditions for growth indoors. They do this by using lights, fans and temperature controls to provide the most suitable climate for growth. Sativa can be more difficult to grow indoors, preferring a more Mediterranean climate. On the other hand, Indica is hardy in colder climates and blooms quicker within indoor facilities. Hybrids offer cannabis growers the best of both worlds. For example, a hybrid can offer the fruitful taste of the Sativa with the quick bloom of the Indica. Legalization has made it possible for cannabis producers to use greenhouses. They can harness the power of the sun for a more sustainable and economic means of growing marijuana. Because of this, many buyers may favour the more natural processes of this method. Clean and organized facilities are a must when using a larger bunker or greenhouse. Cannabis thrives on humidity, as do mites, mould and disease, if cleanliness is not made a priority. An unkept facility can derail an entire operation. Strain in hand, facility built, leads to the next process, the most important, selecting a “mother� plant.
Cloning: The mother of all cannabis yields Plants grown in Marijuana Production facilities, come from the process of cutting clones from the “mother” plant. Mother plants are beautiful, large and healthy, with premium genetics. Less the 1% of plants grown will become a “mother” plant. They must look the part and provide the desired range of THC in each harvest they produce. Mother plants only create new cuttings and only last up to 20 weeks in the role, before retirement. Clones, the name for cuttings are identical in THC and CBD levels as the mother plant. Planting clones from an mother plant allows cannabis producers to maintain a certain standard of quality across their harvests. Most producers track every life stage of a plant from cutting to curing. This allows a customer detailed insight into the life of the plant. This system cements trust between the producer and their customer, while maintaining strict controls within the production facility.
Day 1 to 12: Consistency is key in the marijuana “mother room” Each day teams of botanists manage the cuttings of the “mother” plants. These cuttings need to be equal in size and straight in stature. The cuttings need to be consistent. They need to resemble factory-esque conformity, requiring the same amount of fertilizer, light, CO2, humidity. This uniformity allows for streamlining of the process of marijuana production, resulting in larger and quicker yields. The ideal soil to plant clones, resembles the at-home, greenthumb garden mix. Some producers may opt to grow hydroponically or aeroponically. This process uses water or air combined with the necessary nutrients needed by the plants. Most importantly, the consistency of care continues with digital tracking of the plants and spotless condition of the “mother room”.
Day 12 to 25: Light and nutrients in the vegetation room Approximately, on day 12, the gains strength, and is ready for the next stage of its growth. At this stage, the plant is moved to the vegetation room. Here the plants gain more light and food with nutrients to encourage blooming. The nutrient recipe, consisting of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, is always kept secret to the individual producer. In this room plants grow stronger and support larger buds due to increased nourishment. As the plants near budding, the lighting and fertilizer are manipulated to actively encourage the plants to grow quickly. At this stage, the size of the plants is noticeably different from one day to the next.
Topping and Cropping A variety of techniques to encourage budding during the vegetative stage influence the plants. The idea is to ensure the plant has the maximum exposure to light as possible. The staff also limit the amount of energy needed for the plant to maintain excessive branches. To do this, producers bend, tie, and crop parts of the plant. This technique of topping and cropping the plant, produces more sizeable buds. As the plants near budding, the lighting and fertilizer are manipulated to actively encourage the plants to grow quickly. At this stage, the size of the plants is noticeably different from one day to the next.
Where cannabis goes to bloom The flowering room houses marijuana plants grow large enough to support flowers, or more commonly known as buds. The process of limiting light from 18 hours a day to 12 hours followed by 12 hours of darkness mimics the effects of summer. This effectively tricks the plants into flowering, the goal of the entire cultivation process. At this stage all those involved can finally see the fruits of their labour. The next stop is the trimming room where harvesting of mature plants takes place. Bucked stocks go through a spinning machine that gently removes and excessive leaves and stems. With only the bud left, drying and curing takes place. Extensive quality control measures before heading to market finishes the process.
Conclusion: The technology behind cannabis cultivation is a growing field In conclusion, part of International Cannabis Corp’s mission is to augment the design, development and production of
the world’s most innovative and best performing cannabis products and facilities. It is a focus of ICC to become a leader in advancing technology and research in the field of cannabis cultivation. The process of growing marijuana involves a series of decisions and procedures aimed at producing the highest quality product on the market. Legalization and access to a broader customer base will start to influence producers to grow more conscientiously. The market requires satisfaction in effective symptom relief, level of THC and CBD, taste, texture, purity, and aesthetic. The market will also start to demand that growers use the most organic, sustainable, and environmentally conscious methods of cultivation possible. Cannabis producers have only seeded the technology and advanced techniques that may be possible in the future. Government supported programs and the ability to open the channels of research across the world could mean an even brighter outlook for cannabis farming. Light, nourishment and encouragement; for successful cannabis cultivation and cultivation of tomorrow’s successful leaders in the field.