Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower's Bible Read Free Page B

can contain up to 25 percent ∆ 9 THC. In potent varieties of marijuana, perhaps all of the mind-bending effects are derived from ∆ 9 THC. ∆ 8 THC is found in very low concentrations in cannabis. It also gets you high, but there is so little ∆ 8 THC in most cannabis that researchers, breeders, and growers concentrate on the more abundant and potent ∆ 9 THC. To simplify matters we will refer to both ∆ 9 THC and ∆ 8 THC as THC.
    Cannabidiol, known as CBD, also appears in virtually all varieties of cannabis. The amount of CBD varies enormously, from a trace to more than 95 percent of all cannabinoids present in a plant. CBD generally has a sedative effect regarding the high you experience. CBD, when combined with THC, tends to postpone the beginning of the high, but the good part is that CBD can make it last twice as long. Whether CBD increases or decreases the force of the high is subjective and must be discerned by each smoker.
    Cannabinol, or CBN, is produced as THC oxidizes or degrades. Only a trace of CBN exists in fresh bud. Stored and cured tops or hashish have higher levels of CBN that has converted from THC. Marijuana with high levels of CBN generally makes the toker feel disoriented, often sleepy or groggy, referred to as a stupefying high. At best, CBN contains only 10 percent of the psychoactive potency of the original THC.
    Tetrahydrocannabivarin, called THCV, is the shorter three-carbon propyl that replaces the five-carbon pentyl chain. This compound is associated with the fragrance of the plant. In other words, very pungent-smelling marijuana normally contains THCV. Warmer temperatures bring out more smell. THCV is found in very potent marijuana that originates in Southeast and Central Asia as well as regions in Africa. Concentrations of THCV usually make the high come on quicker and disappear sooner. There is still much research to do on this cannabinoid.

    Here is a look at a THC molecule.
    Cannabichromene, or CBC, may make up to 20 percent of the cannabinoid profile in a plant. Little study has been done on this cannabinoid. So far, researchers believe it may interact with THC to make the high more intense.
    For a complete background on cannabinoids, including chemical diagrams, resin profiles, and production of cannabinoids, see the classic book, Marijuana Grower’s Guide, by Mel Frank, Redeye Press, 1997, 330 pages.

Three excellent reference books that all indoor marijuana horticulturists should have on hand are: the Marijuana Grower’s Guide, by Mel Frank (Redeye Press), Marijuana Botany, by Robert Connell Clarke (Ronin Press), and Hemp Diseases and Pests by J. M. McPartland, R C. Clarke, and D. P. Watson (CABI Publishing). The books are classic cultivation and breeding guides. For more valuable background information on gardening, read some of the 20 magazines we list in the back of this book, and hit the Internet sites listed in this chapter. You may also want to attend some of the cannabis fairs listed in the Introduction. Also, read such publications as Organic Gardening, Sunset, Mother Earth News, etc., and the gardening section of your local newspaper.

Safety and Security!
    Unfortunately we must include a security chapter in this book. You must keep your crop secure from police and thieves alike. Ironically, the police will cause you more problems than thieves!
    Successful indoor growers are good citizens and keep a low profile. They keep their yard and home clean and in excellent repair. They always drive a street-legal car and there are no outstanding warrants on the drivers. Remember, an overdue traffic ticket turns into a warrant for the violator’s arrest. Smart growers pay bills on time, are nice to neighbors, and do not throw noisy, wild, crazy parties.
    Do not throw out any garbage that could prove that you grow. Cops pick through it like rats to find evidence to make a case against gardeners. Growers live by the motto “loose lips sink ships.”
    Never have seeds or grow