Grow Medical Marijuana, The Easy Way, Part II

Grow Medical Marijuana Outdoors, The Easy Way,  Part II

Congratulations, you’ve made great progress in the planning stages of your Medical Marijuana cultivation. You’ve checked the legislation of your State, stockpiled some “skunk seeds”  from Amsterdam, charted the sun pattern of your backyard, plotted out your soil which tested at a ph of 6.0, and there’s a water spigot/w hose nearby. Sun, soil, seeds, and water were the basics of part I. Part II will explore some other issues involved with successful Medical Marijuana growing.

Garden pests can be, well, pests! Most insects cruising through your patch are harmless, and some are garden friendly, like lady-bugs. Since we decided that the growing strain of choice would be Indica, or skunk plants – there is no getting around the pest known as Whitefly, nemesis of many a gardener. Once your plants grow leaves, periodically check the undersides for tiny whiteflies. They may just sit there, or hundreds fly off, (infestation)

but their eggs do damage to the plant. The best remedy, is what the commercial growers use, Encarsia Formosa – a predatory insect. Find a 24hrs. delivery of Encarsia Formosa strips and hang them in your garden. Whitefly won’t stand a chance. You could also use an insecticide soap, but it’s not as effective in my opinion. Left unchecked, Whitefly will wipe out your crop.

The fertilizer that is our most common nutrient mix, is Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium, with trace amounts of some lesser one’s. If you need to use fertilizer, get a package that has numbers on the front like these, 20-30-40. Those are the percentages of the pre-mentioned nutrients. Fertilize early with this inorganic mix. Unless you are really experienced, avoid concentrated formulas, Compost areas are great to grow in also. Many people only fertilize early in the off-season, which is what I recommend. In their zest to enrich the soil, and grow record size buds, a lot of folks end up burning (killing) their plants with the fertilizer. Only mess with fertilizer early, or if the plants go from rich green, to a yellowing color. Sluggish growth or deadening leaves may indicate a need of liquid nutrients. If you are experienced, you may fertilize pre-season, mid, and during flowering. In Cali, just let them grow naturally.

The last area of concern is, thinning out plants. There are a few schools of thought regarding this. One, what ever you sow or plant, just let the crop grow out. For your first garden of Medical Marijuana, I think that is best and easiest. This way you don’t worry about male or female plant identification, you get a chance to maybe see the differences, and finally – if there are both sexes present – get some future seeds from your own crop that will be indigenous to your area. Basically, you are on the way to creating your own strain of Medical Marijuana, how exciting! Secondly, if you have an abundance of seeds, or easy access to seeds, cut the male plants (don’t pull them up, the roots may affect the other plants) out as soon as you know their sex. This will give the females more room, plus, now the female will be seedless, or “sinsemilla”, which many people prefer. Don’t toss out the males, as they are still psycho-active, and may be dried for use.

Finally, remember, Cannabis Indica is basically a weed, and we all know how easily weeds grow.  Joyce

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

Medical Marijuana Access Regulations in Canada

Canada’s initiative to decriminalize marijuana is focused on terminally ill patients who benefit from the use of medical marijuana to relieve unbearable symptoms of chronic and terminal illnesses. The Marijuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) lists specific rules for Canadians to follow.

The (MMAR) gives the Canadian health care system a legal method to regulate individuals who use, cultivate, or store marijuana for medical purposes. The regulations are a result of an Ontario Court of Appeals ruling in 2000 that mandated the Canadian government to create new regulations within the year that focused on the medical marijuana issue. The court order included a stipulation aimed at getting the Canadian government to move on this issue. Basically the courts said that if the Canadian government had not completed the task of setting up regulations for the use of marijuana for medical purposes within the year then the Ontario courts would not prosecute as illegal the use, growth, or storage of marijuana. This clear message from the court was the first step in creating the MMAR. By 2001, the new medical marijuana regulations were in effect.

Research into the benefits of medical marijuana by modern scientists began in the 1800’s and William Brooke O’Shaughnessy of the Medical College in Calcutta is credited with the first research and introduction of the healing properties of marijuana to the Western medical community. For the remainder of the 19th Century, the plant was widely used in Western countries as a medicine for pain relief, muscle spasms, and stomach cramps. During this time it was effective in relieving many symptoms of chronic illness. Even though research continued to show the medicinal benefits of using the plant, new laws were beginning to be enacted in many countries that focused on the use of illegal drugs. Marijuana became one of the drugs encompassed by these new rules and regulations and as a result the ability to use it for medical purposes was taken away by governments that wanted to curb the use of illegal drugs by its citizens.

By eliminating the right to use marijuana legally, it became a black market product. Even though it was key to the relief of many debilitating symptoms of chronic and terminal illnesses, these laws made it illegal to use, grow, or store the plant even for personal use. Even possession of the plant was illegal. Such was the result of the criminalization of marijuana.

Now that the MMAR is in effect, the use of medical marijuana has been decriminalized. Marijuana has not been legalized however, and continues to be illegal to anyone without the proper license or authorization from the Canadian government.

The MMAR was created to regulate the growing, distribution, and use of marijuana for medical purposes. The regulations are broken down into different segments that describe the rules to follow for users, growers, storage facilities, and access to the drug through the Canadian health care system. Each segment provides direction for how a person can get get licensed, license renewals, and the amounts of medical marijuana that can be in possession at any one time. The latest statistics kept by the Canadian government (July 2008). show there are 1476 physicians authorized to prescribe the drug, while the number of Canadians authorized to possess, grow, or store it is 2812.

Medical Marijuana Users

The regulations state that an application must be made to the Canadian government, which includes personal information and identification. An authorization from a medical professional must accompany the license request, which states the types of ailments and the benefits that may be realized by the patient. The regulations also give the procedures for authorized users to follow when confronted by authorities who are inquiring about their use of the drug. All the steps involved in obtaining and maintaining a medical marijuana authorization is listed in the MMAR, and the Canadian government is bound to follow those rules until changed by new regulations or laws.

Marijuana Growers

The grower must make an application to the Canadian government with complete identification papers and plans for growing medicinal marijuana for the Canadian health care system and individual patients. Even though Canada has its own government-controlled herb growing company it is possible for private citizens to grow marijuana under the new regulations.

A plan for production and outlets for disposal must be included in the application so that the growing of the drug can be regulated and the quantity of drug can be monitored. For each license to grow medical marijuana, a limit to the amount a grower can produce is set. A license to grow medicinal marijuana does not give a grower the right to grow as much as they want. The quantity of drug produced must match the distribution points authorized by the Canadian government. All the steps in cultivation are monitored and tracked according to the new MMAR laws. The Canadian health care system is partly responsible for working with government agencies to insure that the regulations do not create a larger illegal marijuana problem by having legal growers producing too much of the drug which might find its way into the illegal markets.

The MMAR also has rules for the storage of marijuana destined for the medical community. An application must be made to the Canadian government that lists personal identification of the owner of the storage property, the property description, and the routes that the drug will take to final disposal.

While one patient may obtain the right to do all three of the regulated acts, individuals may also be able to lawfully grow or store the plant even without the right to consume it. The Canadian government took the most appropriate steps in creating rules that could be easily followed by authorized individuals pertaining to the use of medical marijuana. Now that the MMAR is in effect in Canada, other countries are looking into similar federal regulations to oversee the use of medical marijuana by their own citizens.

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

Medical Marijuana: The Debate Rages On

Marijuana is also known as pot, grass and weed but its formal name is actually cannabis. It comes from the leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa. It is considered an illegal substance in the US and many countries and possession of marijuana is a crime punishable by law. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances which have a very high potential for abuse and have no proven medical use. Over the years several studies claim that some substances found in marijuana have medicinal use, especially in terminal diseases such as cancer and AIDS. This started a fierce debate over the pros and cons of the use of medical marijuana. To settle this debate, the Institute of Medicine published the famous 1999 IOM report entitled Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. The report was comprehensive but did not give a clear cut yes or no answer. The opposite camps of the medical marijuana issue often cite part of the report in their advocacy arguments. However, although the report clarified many things, it never settled the controversy once and for all.

Let’s look at the issues that support why medical marijuana should be legalized.

(1) Marijuana is a naturally occurring herb and has been used from South America to Asia as an herbal medicine for millennia. In this day and age when the all natural and organic are important health buzzwords, a naturally occurring herb like marijuana might be more appealing to and safer for consumers than synthetic drugs.

(2) Marijuana has strong therapeutic potential. Several studies, as summarized in the IOM report, have observed that cannabis can be used as analgesic, e.g. to treat pain. A few studies showed that THC, a marijuana component is effective in treating chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. However, studies on acute pain such as those experienced during surgery and trauma have inconclusive reports. A few studies, also summarized in the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana components have antiemetic properties and are, therefore, effective against nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some researchers are convinced that cannabis has some therapeutic potential against neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Specific compounds extracted from marijuana have strong therapeutic potential. Cannobidiol (CBD), a major component of marijuana, has been shown to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Other cannabinoids have been shown to prevent high intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. Drugs that contain active ingredients present in marijuana but have been synthetically produced in the laboratory have been approved by the US FDA. One example is Marinol, an antiemetic agent indicated for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Its active ingredient is dronabinol, a synthetic delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

(3) One of the major proponents of medical marijuana is the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), a US-based organization. Many medical professional societies and organizations have expressed their support. As an example, The American College of Physicians, recommended a re-evaluation of the Schedule I classification of marijuana in their 2008 position paper. ACP also expresses its strong support for research into the therapeutic role of marijuana as well as exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Similarly, protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws.

(4) Medical marijuana is legally used in many developed countries The argument of if they can do it, why not us? is another strong point. Some countries, including Canada, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, and Finland have legalized the therapeutic use of marijuana under strict prescription control. Some states in the US are also allowing exemptions.

Now here are the arguments against medical marijuana.

(1) Lack of data on safety and efficacy. Drug regulation is based on safety first. The safety of marijuana and its components still has to first be established. Efficacy only comes second. Even if marijuana has some beneficial health effects, the benefits should outweigh the risks for it to be considered for medical use. Unless marijuana is proven to be better (safer and more effective) than drugs currently available in the market, its approval for medical use may be a long shot. According to the testimony of Robert J. Meyer of the Department of Health and Human Services having access to a drug or medical treatment, without knowing how to use it or even if it is effective, does not benefit anyone. Simply having access, without having safety, efficacy, and adequate use information does not help patients.

(2) Unknown chemical components. Medical marijuana can only be easily accessible and affordable in herbal form. Like other herbs, marijuana falls under the category of botanical products. Unpurified botanical products, however, face many problems including lot-to-lot consistency, dosage determination, potency, shelf-life, and toxicity. According to the IOM report if there is any future of marijuana as a medicine, it lies in its isolated components, the cannabinoids and their synthetic derivatives. To fully characterize the different components of marijuana would cost so much time and money that the costs of the medications that will come out of it would be too high. Currently, no pharmaceutical company seems interested in investing money to isolate more therapeutic components from marijuana beyond what is already available in the market.

(3) Potential for abuse. Marijuana or cannabis is addictive. It may not be as addictive as hard drugs such as cocaine; nevertheless it cannot be denied that there is a potential for substance abuse associated with marijuana. This has been demonstrated by a few studies as summarized in the IOM report.

(4) Lack of a safe delivery system. The most common form of delivery of marijuana is through smoking. Considering the current trends in anti-smoking legislations, this form of delivery will never be approved by health authorities. Reliable and safe delivery systems in the form of vaporizers, nebulizers, or inhalers are still at the testing stage.

(5) Symptom alleviation, not cure. Even if marijuana has therapeutic effects, it is only addressing the symptoms of certain diseases. It does not treat or cure these illnesses. Given that it is effective against these symptoms, there are already medications available which work just as well or even better, without the side effects and risk of abuse associated with marijuana.

The 1999 IOM report could not settle the debate about medical marijuana with scientific evidence available at that time. The report definitely discouraged the use of smoked marijuana but gave a nod towards marijuana use through a medical inhaler or vaporizer. In addition, the report also recommended the compassionate use of marijuana under strict medical supervision. Furthermore, it urged more funding in the research of the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids.

So what stands in the way of clarifying the questions brought up by the IOM report? The health authorities do not seem to be interested in having another review. There is limited data available and whatever is available is biased towards safety issues on the adverse effects of smoked marijuana. Data available on efficacy mainly come from studies on synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. THC). This disparity in data makes an objective risk-benefit assessment difficult.

Clinical studies on marijuana are few and difficult to conduct due to limited funding and strict regulations. Because of the complicated legalities involved, very few pharmaceutical companies are investing in cannabinoid research. In many cases, it is not clear how to define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only refer to the use of the botanical product marijuana or does it include synthetic cannabinoid components (e.g. THC and derivatives) as well? Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Marinol) available in the market are extremely expensive, pushing people towards the more affordable cannabinoid in the form of marijuana. Of course, the issue is further clouded by conspiracy theories involving the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulators.

In conclusion, the future of medical marijuana and the settlement of the debate would depend on more comprehensive and comparable scientific research. An update of the IOM report anytime soon is well-needed.

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Medical Marijuana & the Greenhouse Effect

Even in a warm climate growing State like California, gardeners still make use of the Greenhouse. The so-called “greenhouse effect” ensures that heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse. Sunlight enters as short-wave radiation which can pass through glass. Once reflected by the plants and soil, it becomes long-wave radiation which cannot penetrate the glass to get out.

The Medical Marijuana grower now takes over, and nature is relegated to a back-seat driver status. Cultivation under the Greenhouse effect allows for total control of the plants environment – soil, water, temperature and light.

The object of the Greenhouse is to increase the range of plants grown, or to lengthen their useful season Medical Marijuana is also afforded some privacy, as prying neighbors or rip-off artists, do not need to see your lush medicinal wonderland. The best type of Greenhouse is one with a topsoil bottom. A 10×10 box frame of corrugated fiber-glass and 2×4s works wonders. This type of lay-out is great for growing huge Sativa strains or Sativa/Indica mixed varieties. When the plants reach ceiling high, the main stem (cola)
can be cut, or topped off. You may be hesitant to do this at first, but it makes your plants fill out all around, similar to pruning.

In colder climates, it’s probably best to use large pots of soil medium/fertilizer mixes for your plants. Utilizing the winter sun to keep the Greenhouse effect, is foremost in the colder States.

Many growers have an indoor garden, outdoor garden, and Greenhouse – operating all at once. The indoor garden may be a “seeder crop”, designed to produce an abundance of seeds, possibly leading to the next hybrid as well. The outdoor garden could have only the smaller Indica plants growing, and the Greenhouse could have Sativa’s, mixes, and sometimes year-round cultivation going on. As long as your plants are fairly warm, you’ll enjoy the Greenhouse effect.

Caution: make sure you are well hydrated before entering in the Greenhouse to work. While weeding, watering, or checking for pests, you may get a little light headed from the heat build-up, especially during summer months. Try to garden in the morning or late evening, to avoid the Greenhouse effect, affecting you. Have fun, and keep growing American.
Joyce

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