4 minute read
From Farmer to Patient - The Journey of the Cannabis Plant
Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D. & CTC
Have you ever taken the time to really think about how fortunate we are to have flower and what the voyage it undergoes in order to get into your hands? The journey of an organic cannabis flower from grower to consumer involves several steps, each crucial to ensuring a safe, high-quality product reaches the end user. Here's an overview of the process:
I. Cultivation
Seed Selection: Farmers start by selecting high-quality organic cannabis seeds or clones. These plants are cultivated using organic farming methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They pay close attention to which are going to be doing best in their particular growing environment.
Growing Environment: Organic cannabis is typically grown in controlled environments, such as indoor or greenhouse facilities, where conditions like light, humidity, and temperature can be regulated. Outdoors are for the hardiest of cultivars and farmers as it is much more difficult but overall the most nutritious of flower and end product when it comes to terpenes and cannabinoids.
Organic Practices: Organic growers use natural fertilizers, compost, and beneficial insects to maintain soil fertility and protect plants from pests. They avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and synthetic chemicals.
II. Harvesting
Timing: Cannabis plants are carefully monitored, and the timing of harvest is crucial. Harvesting too early or too late can significantly impact the potency and quality of the flower
Hand Harvesting: Organic cannabis flowers are often hand-harvested to ensure delicate handling, preserving the trichomes and cannabinoids. It takes time but is overall the protection of the trichomes that are affected when not handled correctly.
III. Drying & Curing
Drying: After harvest, the flowers are dried in a controlled environment to reduce moisture content. Proper drying prevents mold and mildew growth. There are several methods, but all depend on your location and process.
Curing: The dried flowers are then cured in glass jars, allowing them to develop complex flavors and aromas. Curing also enhances the potency of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Lab Testing: Samples from each batch are sent to a laboratory for testing. This ensures the product is free from contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.
Quality Control: Experienced professionals inspect the flowers for visual cues of quality, including color, trichome density, and overall appearance.
V. Packaging and Labeling
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Organic cannabis products are often packaged in eco-friendly materials, considering sustainability and environmental impact.
Labelling: Proper labelling includes information about the flower, THC/CBD content, cultivation methods, and certification details (organic certification).
VI. Distribution, Retail & Usage
Distribution: Cannabis products, including organic flowers, are distributed to licensed dispensaries and retailers through secure transportation methods.
Retail: Knowledgeable staff at retail outlets assist consumers in choosing the right product based on their preferences and needs. They educate consumers about the organic cultivation process and its benefits. Here is the place where the most education is needed, please be advised and know what you are going in for and do the extra research before entering.
Responsible Consumption: Patients purchase organic cannabis flowers for various purposes, including medicinal and recreational use. Responsible consumption is encouraged, following local regulations and guidelines.
Feedback: Patients may provide feedback to growers and dispensaries, fostering a continuous improvement cycle in the cultivation and distribution processes.
Throughout this journey, adherence to organic farming practices, rigorous quality testing, and consumer education are paramount. This ensures that the organic cannabis flower reaches the consumer in its purest and most potent form, reflecting the care and expertise of the growers and producers involved in its cultivation.
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated and trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.
Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, BCHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.
Go forth, Go Cannabis...
