<p>Terpenes are one of the many compounds in the cannabis plant, and they serve an important purpose. Whether you use cannabis or its by-products or grow the plant, you should familiarize yourself with what terpenes are and why they matter.</p><h2>Defining Terpenes</h2><p>Terpenes are aromatic oils that you can find in cannabis plants. These aromatic oils give each strain its distinctive flavor. The same gland of the plant that creates cannabinoids also produces terpenes.</p><h3>The Variety</h3><p>So far, experts have discovered over 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant. Each strain of cannabis has its unique terpene composition and type. Although there are over 100 terpenes in cannabis plants, some experts believe that there are more than 20,000 terpenes across all kinds of plants.</p><h3>Prevalence</h3><p>You are more likely to find higher quantities of terpenes in female plants’ flowers than those of male plants.</p><h2>Terpenes Interact With Other Compounds</h2><p>Scientists know that the terpenes in cannabis plants interact with the other compounds found in these plants as well. Specifically, terpenes interact with cannabinoids synergistically.</p><p>Some experts believe that terpenes are essential for determining the effects of a cannabis strain. This idea comes from the way that people have bred cannabis recently so that it has high THC content. That breeding reduced quantities of CBD and other cannabinoids.</p><h2>What Terpenes Do</h2><p>Terpenes serve multiple roles in the cannabis plant. They are important for telling the various cannabis strains apart from each other. Depending on the terpene, they can serve specific functions, from relaxation to focus.</p><h3>The Evolutionary Purpose</h3><p>Despite the various benefits of terpenes for humans, the cannabis plant did not evolve this compound for our benefit. Instead, cannabis plants developed terpenes as an adaptive element. The terpenes initially repelled predators while attracting pollinators. This helped the cannabis plants stay safe and reproduce. Terpenes also help protect the flowers of plants from fungus and bacteria.</p><p>Terpenes can even protect the plants from the sun’s harmful UV rays.</p><h3>It Varies by Terpene</h3><p>The critical thing to remember is that each terpene will have its own set of benefits on humans. The terpenes in some strains of cannabis will promote stress-relief and relaxation. Linalool, for example, is a sleep aid. Terpenes in certain strains of cannabis will improve acuity and focus. Certain terpenes, such as humulene, can suppress appetite. The list of potential effects of terpenes is extensive, with the impact depending on the terpene in question.</p><h2>The Entourage Effect</h2><p>The entourage effect is also important for terpenes. This effect refers to the way that a terpene’s effect profile can change when other compounds are present. It can also refer to the intensification of the effects of various cannabis elements when other cannabis compounds are present.</p><p>This happens because the terpenes found in cannabis encourage cannabinoids to pass into your bloodstream. This can speed up the benefits of the cannabinoids.</p><h2>What Influences Terpene Development</h2><p>Many factors will influence how many terpenes a plant develops. These include age and maturation, weather, climate, soil type, and fertilizers. There may even be different levels of terpenes in cannabis plants depending on the time of the day.</p><h2>Common Cannabis Terpenes</h2><p>To ensure you fully understand what terpenes are and the variations in roles they can play, take a look at a few of the more common cannabis terpenes.</p><h3>Alpha-bisabolol</h3><p>Alpha-bisabolol also goes by the names bisabolol or levomenol. It is present in the candeia tree and the chamomile flower. This terpene is particularly common in cosmetics, but it has gain attention due to potential medical benefits. It is an antioxidant that also has analgesic and anti-irritation properties, making it potentially useful for treating wounds and bacterial infections.</p><h3>Alpha-pinene</h3><p>Alpha-pinene, sometimes called pinene, is also found in dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, and pine needles. There is also a beta-pinene terpene. It may be useful in treating ulcers, pain, asthma, inflammation, cancer, Crohn’s, arthritis, and anxiety. It counteracts some of the effects of THC and produces effects like memory retention and alertness. This terpene smells like pine and vaporizes at 311 degrees Fahrenheit (155 degrees Celsius).</p><h3>Beta-caryophyllene</h3><p>Beta-caryophyllene is also present in black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. It has an aroma that is spicy or woody, reminiscent of cloves or pepper. This terpene provides stress relief, and its potential medical applications include treating depression, ulcers, anxiety, and pain.&nbsp; It vaporizes at 266 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius).</p><p>Some experts believe that beta-caryophyllene is the only terpene that directly activates one of the cannabinoid receptors in the body. It does this by binding to the CB2 receptors.</p><h3>Borneol</h3><p>Borneol has an herbal and minty scent and is found in camphor, rosemary, and mint. It works well as a natural insect repellent, helping prevent mosquito-borne diseases. It is also common in traditional Chinese medicine.</p><h3>Camphene</h3><p>Camphene is the terpene that smells like damp woodlands, musky earth, and fir needles. Its smell sometimes has people confuse it with myrcene, the most common terpene in cannabis. Camphene has potential as an antioxidant, particularly when combined with vitamin C. It also has the potential for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, which reduces cardiovascular risk.</p><h3>Delta-3-carene</h3><p>Delta-3-carene is present in cedar, pine, bell peppers, basil, and rosemary. It has a sweet aroma similar to that of the cypress tree. The chief medical application of delta-3-carene is in healing broken bones. This may mean that it can help those with osteoporosis, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. There is also evidence that this terpene helps with memory retention, giving it promise for treating Alzheimer’s.</p><h3>Eucalyptol</h3><p>Eucalyptol, or cineole, is, unsurprisingly, the primary terpene found in the eucalyptus tree. It can also be found in some cannabis strains, although most only have small quantities. In most cases, it will account for about 0.06 percent of the complete terpene profile of a strain. Eucalyptol is commonly used in medicine and cosmetics. For the former application, it can relieve pain while slowing down fungal and bacterial growth. There is also some early research that eucalyptol may help with Alzheimer’s.</p><h3>Humulene</h3><p>Humulene is also in hops, cloves, basil, and coriander. It smells earthy or woody, similar to hops. It may have anti-inflammatory applications in medicine. It also has anti-fungal properties that protect the cannabis plant, preventing it from growing fungi. The smell of humulene also makes this one of the terpenes that repel pests that could threaten the plant. This terpene vaporizes at 222 degrees Fahrenheit (106 degrees Celsius). You can find very low levels of humulene in many strains of cannabis, but the key here is that it is in low amounts.</p><h3>Limonene</h3><p>Limonene is also present in juniper, peppermint, rosemary, and fruit rinds. It smells like citrus, hence the name. It can elevate the mood of the consumer and relieve stress. There are medical applications for it to potentially treat depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, and even cancer. It is also commonly used for weight loss and is common in a range of flavorings, including bubblegum. Limonene vaporizes at 348 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius).</p><h3>Linalool</h3><p>Linalool is also present in lavender and has a floral scent. It enhances your mood and can have sedative effects. There is potential for it in treating inflammation, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. There is also some evidence that linalool has anticonvulsant effects, helping those with seizures. Studies with mice showed that this terpene reduced seizure severity. It vaporizes at 388 degrees Fahrenheit (198 degrees Celsius).</p><h3>Myrcene</h3><p>When most people think of a cannabis terpene, they imagine myrcene. This is the most common terpene in marijuana and the one responsible for the main fragrance associated with cannabis.</p><p>Myrcene is a terpene that is also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and mango. It smells herbal, earthy, musky, or like cloves or cardamom. It produces relaxing or sedating effects. This terpene has medical potential as an antioxidant and for treating inflammation, pain, and insomnia. It vaporizes at 332 degrees Fahrenheit (167 degrees Celsius).</p><p>Myrcene is one of the primary terpenes in cannabis. Some plants even have as much as 65 percent of their terpene profile as myrcene. Myrcene can also help determine the classification of a strain as sativa or indica. If the plant has over 0.5 percent myrcene, it will be indica.</p><h3>Ocimene</h3><p>You can also find ocimene in mint, pepper, parsley, mangos, basil, kumquats, and orchids. It smells sweet, woody, or herbal. Medicinal potentials for this terpene include anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and decongestant. It vaporizes at 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).</p><h3>Terpinolene</h3><p>Terpinolene is also present in lilacs, cumin, apples, conifers, tea tree, and nutmeg. It smells herbal, piney, and floral. Its potential medical value includes sedative, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. It vaporizes at 366 degrees Fahrenheit (186 degrees Celsius).</p><h3>Trans-nerolido</h3><p>Trans-nerolido is a secondary terpene that is common in tea tree oil, lemongrass, and jasmine. It smells like apples, citrus, and rose, with a floral, woody, and citrus scent. It has anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties.</p><h2>Terpene Vaporization</h2><p>You will notice that all of the above terpenes have distinct vaporization points. This is important because carbonization will destroy many terpenes, which it also does to cannabinoids. The ideal temperature for terpenes varies. Because of this, those who want to get the most from a range of terpenes should consider a portable vaporizer that has temperature control.</p><h2>Legality of Terpenes</h2><p>Given the complex legal status of cannabis, many wonder whether terpenes are legal. Before wondering this, keep in mind that terpenes are not just found in cannabis plants. Since terpenes are in a full range of plants, such as lavender, hops, and pine, it would be impractical and ridiculous for them to be illegal.</p><h3>The FDA Says Terpenes Are Safe</h3><p>Not only are terpenes legal, but the FDA says they are safe to consume.</p><h3>Why They Cannot Be Illegal</h3><p>It would only be impractical to make terpenes illegal. Otherwise, it would not be legal to have flowers, citrus fruits, or certain trees. It is not even practical to make the terpenes found in cannabis plants illegal and allow for others. This comes from the large overlap between terpenes in cannabis and other plants. For example, the government is not going to ban peppermint by making limonene illegal just because it is found in some strains of cannabis.</p><h2>How Terpenes Affect Your Choice of Strain</h2><p>When you decide which strain of cannabis to use, you should be sure to consider the terpene profile. You can even find terpene profiles for many products made from cannabis, such as CBD oils. This information is not always available, but an increasing number of manufacturers include it. But why should you care about the terpenes in your cannabis or cannabis product?</p><h3>Scent</h3><p>One of the biggest reasons to pay attention to the terpene profile in your chosen cannabis is because of the scent. You want to enjoy the smell of the cannabis you use since you will be exposed to the scent for a long time. Carefully choosing based on terpenes can help ensure you are happy while smoking your cannabis or using your marijuana-based product.</p><h3>Effects</h3><p>The major reason to consider terpenes when choosing your cannabis is that they all have different effects. As mentioned, some terpenes will help you focus while others will help you relax. Some will help you fall asleep while others will help you stay energetic. This means that you can ensure you get what you want out of your cannabis by choosing one with the appropriate terpenes. If, for example, you want to use marijuana to boost your mood, look for a strain with limonene. If your goal is pain relief, look for beta-caryophyllene.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Terpenes are compounds in the cannabis plant that give it its distinctive smell. There are over 100 different cannabis terpenes, with each strain having a unique terpene profile. Each terpene produces various additional benefits, such as relaxation, memory retention, or pain relief. Terpenes also interact with cannabinoids to increase their effectiveness. Terpenes are not unique to the cannabis plant as thousands of types of plants have them. As such, terpenes are legal, and you encounter them daily, even on days you do not use cannabis.</p>

Terpenes are one of the many compounds in the cannabis plant, and they serve an
important purpose. Whether you use cannabis or its by-products or grow the
plant, you should familiarize yourself with what terpenes are and why they
matter.

DEFINING TERPENES
Terpenes are aromatic oils that you can find in cannabis plants. These aromatic
oils give each strain its distinctive flavor. The same gland of the plant that
creates cannabinoids also produces terpenes.

THE VARIETY
So far, experts have discovered over 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant. Each
strain of cannabis has its unique terpene composition and type. Although there
are over 100 terpenes in cannabis plants, some experts believe that there are
more than 20,000 terpenes across all kinds of plants.

PREVALENCE
You are more likely to find higher quantities of terpenes in female plants’
flowers than those of male plants.

TERPENES INTERACT WITH OTHER COMPOUNDS
Scientists know that the terpenes in cannabis plants interact with the other
compounds found in these plants as well. Specifically, terpenes interact with
cannabinoids synergistically.

Some experts believe that terpenes are essential for determining the effects of
a cannabis strain. This idea comes from the way that people have bred cannabis
recently so that it has high THC content. That breeding reduced quantities of
CBD and other cannabinoids.

WHAT TERPENES DO
Terpenes serve multiple roles in the cannabis plant. They are important for
telling the various cannabis strains apart from each other. Depending on the
terpene, they can serve specific functions, from relaxation to focus.

THE EVOLUTIONARY PURPOSE
Despite the various benefits of terpenes for humans, the cannabis plant did not
evolve this compound for our benefit. Instead, cannabis plants developed
terpenes as an adaptive element. The terpenes initially repelled predators while
attracting pollinators. This helped the cannabis plants stay safe and reproduce.
Terpenes also help protect the flowers of plants from fungus and bacteria.

Terpenes can even protect the plants from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

IT VARIES BY TERPENE
The critical thing to remember is that each terpene will have its own set of
benefits on humans. The terpenes in some strains of cannabis will promote
stress-relief and relaxation. Linalool, for example, is a sleep aid. Terpenes in
certain strains of cannabis will improve acuity and focus. Certain terpenes,
such as humulene, can suppress appetite. The list of potential effects of
terpenes is extensive, with the impact depending on the terpene in question.

THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT
The entourage effect is also important for terpenes. This effect refers to the
way that a terpene’s effect profile can change when other compounds are present.
It can also refer to the intensification of the effects of various cannabis
elements when other cannabis compounds are present.

This happens because the terpenes found in cannabis encourage cannabinoids to
pass into your bloodstream. This can speed up the benefits of the cannabinoids.

WHAT INFLUENCES TERPENE DEVELOPMENT
Many factors will influence how many terpenes a plant develops. These include
age and maturation, weather, climate, soil type, and fertilizers. There may even
be different levels of terpenes in cannabis plants depending on the time of the
day.

COMMON CANNABIS TERPENES
To ensure you fully understand what terpenes are and the variations in roles
they can play, take a look at a few of the more common cannabis terpenes.

ALPHA-BISABOLOL
Alpha-bisabolol also goes by the names bisabolol or levomenol. It is present in
the candeia tree and the chamomile flower. This terpene is particularly common
in cosmetics, but it has gain attention due to potential medical benefits. It is
an antioxidant that also has analgesic and anti-irritation properties, making it
potentially useful for treating wounds and bacterial infections.

ALPHA-PINENE
Alpha-pinene, sometimes called pinene, is also found in dill, parsley, basil,
rosemary, and pine needles. There is also a beta-pinene terpene. It may be
useful in treating ulcers, pain, asthma, inflammation, cancer, Crohn’s,
arthritis, and anxiety. It counteracts some of the effects of THC and produces
effects like memory retention and alertness. This terpene smells like pine and
vaporizes at 311 degrees Fahrenheit (155 degrees Celsius).

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE
Beta-caryophyllene is also present in black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. It has
an aroma that is spicy or woody, reminiscent of cloves or pepper. This terpene
provides stress relief, and its potential medical applications include treating
depression, ulcers, anxiety, and pain. It vaporizes at 266 degrees Fahrenheit
(130 degrees Celsius).

Some experts believe that beta-caryophyllene is the only terpene that directly
activates one of the cannabinoid receptors in the body. It does this by binding
to the CB2 receptors.

BORNEOL
Borneol has an herbal and minty scent and is found in camphor, rosemary, and
mint. It works well as a natural insect repellent, helping prevent
mosquito-borne diseases. It is also common in traditional Chinese medicine.

CAMPHENE
Camphene is the terpene that smells like damp woodlands, musky earth, and fir
needles. Its smell sometimes has people confuse it with myrcene, the most common
terpene in cannabis. Camphene has potential as an antioxidant, particularly when
combined with vitamin C. It also has the potential for lowering triglycerides
and cholesterol in the blood, which reduces cardiovascular risk.

DELTA-3-CARENE
Delta-3-carene is present in cedar, pine, bell peppers, basil, and rosemary. It
has a sweet aroma similar to that of the cypress tree. The chief medical
application of delta-3-carene is in healing broken bones. This may mean that it
can help those with osteoporosis, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. There is also
evidence that this terpene helps with memory retention, giving it promise for
treating Alzheimer’s.

EUCALYPTOL
Eucalyptol, or cineole, is, unsurprisingly, the primary terpene found in the
eucalyptus tree. It can also be found in some cannabis strains, although most
only have small quantities. In most cases, it will account for about 0.06
percent of the complete terpene profile of a strain. Eucalyptol is commonly used
in medicine and cosmetics. For the former application, it can relieve pain while
slowing down fungal and bacterial growth. There is also some early research that
eucalyptol may help with Alzheimer’s.

HUMULENE
Humulene is also in hops, cloves, basil, and coriander. It smells earthy or
woody, similar to hops. It may have anti-inflammatory applications in medicine.
It also has anti-fungal properties that protect the cannabis plant, preventing
it from growing fungi. The smell of humulene also makes this one of the terpenes
that repel pests that could threaten the plant. This terpene vaporizes at 222
degrees Fahrenheit (106 degrees Celsius). You can find very low levels of
humulene in many strains of cannabis, but the key here is that it is in low
amounts.

LIMONENE
Limonene is also present in juniper, peppermint, rosemary, and fruit rinds. It
smells like citrus, hence the name. It can elevate the mood of the consumer and
relieve stress. There are medical applications for it to potentially treat
depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, and even cancer. It is also commonly
used for weight loss and is common in a range of flavorings, including
bubblegum. Limonene vaporizes at 348 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius).

LINALOOL
Linalool is also present in lavender and has a floral scent. It enhances your
mood and can have sedative effects. There is potential for it in treating
inflammation, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. There
is also some evidence that linalool has anticonvulsant effects, helping those
with seizures. Studies with mice showed that this terpene reduced seizure
severity. It vaporizes at 388 degrees Fahrenheit (198 degrees Celsius).

MYRCENE
When most people think of a cannabis terpene, they imagine myrcene. This is the
most common terpene in marijuana and the one responsible for the main fragrance
associated with cannabis.

Myrcene is a terpene that is also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and mango.
It smells herbal, earthy, musky, or like cloves or cardamom. It produces
relaxing or sedating effects. This terpene has medical potential as an
antioxidant and for treating inflammation, pain, and insomnia. It vaporizes at
332 degrees Fahrenheit (167 degrees Celsius).

Myrcene is one of the primary terpenes in cannabis. Some plants even have as
much as 65 percent of their terpene profile as myrcene. Myrcene can also help
determine the classification of a strain as sativa or indica. If the plant has
over 0.5 percent myrcene, it will be indica.

OCIMENE
You can also find ocimene in mint, pepper, parsley, mangos, basil, kumquats, and
orchids. It smells sweet, woody, or herbal. Medicinal potentials for this
terpene include anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and
decongestant. It vaporizes at 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).

TERPINOLENE
Terpinolene is also present in lilacs, cumin, apples, conifers, tea tree, and
nutmeg. It smells herbal, piney, and floral. Its potential medical value
includes sedative, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant
properties. It vaporizes at 366 degrees Fahrenheit (186 degrees Celsius).

TRANS-NEROLIDO
Trans-nerolido is a secondary terpene that is common in tea tree oil,
lemongrass, and jasmine. It smells like apples, citrus, and rose, with a floral,
woody, and citrus scent. It has anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-fungal,
antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties.

TERPENE VAPORIZATION
You will notice that all of the above terpenes have distinct vaporization
points. This is important because carbonization will destroy many terpenes,
which it also does to cannabinoids. The ideal temperature for terpenes varies.
Because of this, those who want to get the most from a range of terpenes should
consider a portable vaporizer that has temperature control.

LEGALITY OF TERPENES
Given the complex legal status of cannabis, many wonder whether terpenes are
legal. Before wondering this, keep in mind that terpenes are not just found in
cannabis plants. Since terpenes are in a full range of plants, such as lavender,
hops, and pine, it would be impractical and ridiculous for them to be illegal.

THE FDA SAYS TERPENES ARE SAFE
Not only are terpenes legal, but the FDA says they are safe to consume.

WHY THEY CANNOT BE ILLEGAL
It would only be impractical to make terpenes illegal. Otherwise, it would not
be legal to have flowers, citrus fruits, or certain trees. It is not even
practical to make the terpenes found in cannabis plants illegal and allow for
others. This comes from the large overlap between terpenes in cannabis and other
plants. For example, the government is not going to ban peppermint by making
limonene illegal just because it is found in some strains of cannabis.

HOW TERPENES AFFECT YOUR CHOICE OF STRAIN
When you decide which strain of cannabis to use, you should be sure to consider
the terpene profile. You can even find terpene profiles for many products made
from cannabis, such as CBD oils. This information is not always available, but
an increasing number of manufacturers include it. But why should you care about
the terpenes in your cannabis or cannabis product?

SCENT
One of the biggest reasons to pay attention to the terpene profile in your
chosen cannabis is because of the scent. You want to enjoy the smell of the
cannabis you use since you will be exposed to the scent for a long time.
Carefully choosing based on terpenes can help ensure you are happy while smoking
your cannabis or using your marijuana-based product.

EFFECTS
The major reason to consider terpenes when choosing your cannabis is that they
all have different effects. As mentioned, some terpenes will help you focus
while others will help you relax. Some will help you fall asleep while others
will help you stay energetic. This means that you can ensure you get what you
want out of your cannabis by choosing one with the appropriate terpenes. If, for
example, you want to use marijuana to boost your mood, look for a strain with
limonene. If your goal is pain relief, look for beta-caryophyllene.

CONCLUSION
Terpenes are compounds in the cannabis plant that give it its distinctive smell.
There are over 100 different cannabis terpenes, with each strain having a unique
terpene profile. Each terpene produces various additional benefits, such as
relaxation, memory retention, or pain relief. Terpenes also interact with
cannabinoids to increase their effectiveness. Terpenes are not unique to the
cannabis plant as thousands of types of plants have them. As such, terpenes are
legal, and you encounter them daily, even on days you do not use cannabis.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Whether you use cannabis or its by-products or grow the plant, you should familiarize yourself with what terpenes are

<p>People have been growing cannabis plants for thousands of years. If you live in an area where it is legal to possess and grow cannabis, then you can grow the plants. There are two main methods of growing cannabis, from seeds or cuttings. If you choose to grow from seeds, the first step to the process will be to germinate the seeds. The process can be more intuitive than you may realize at first.</p><h2>How Long It Takes</h2><p>Before you start germinating cannabis seeds, make sure you understand how long this task will take. Most cannabis seeds will germinate within between three and seven days. Some other types, however, may take longer, with some taking up to 10 or 15 days.</p><h2>How to Tell When Germination Is Complete</h2><p>Once the seeds germinate, they will have small white taproots that come out of one end. This is a sign that you are ready to plant the seeds.</p><h2>The Basics to Control</h2><p>Keep in mind that for the cannabis seeds to germinate, you will need to provide it with the proper temperature light and humidity or moisture. You should be able to control these factors enough to germinate seeds without any special equipment. Even so, investing in monitoring and control equipment for these factors can increase the chances of your seeds growing.</p><h2>Choose Your Seeds</h2><p>Before you can germinate your cannabis seeds, you will have to select the seeds that you want to grow. There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, so you can choose a strain that has substantial amounts of the ones you want. Of these, you will be most interested in CBD and THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and associated with most of the benefits of cannabis, such as relief from pain and nausea. THC is psychoactive and can enhance the effects of CBD when the two are used together, something known as the entourage effect.</p><p>In addition to choosing the seeds based on the content of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, you should also think about the aroma, and whether you prefer Sativa, Indica, or Ruderalis.</p><h3>Regular Vs. Feminized Seeds</h3><p>Your seeds will either be regular or feminized. Regular seeds include both males and females while feminized seeds only have females. Feminized seeds can save you the time and effort in identifying the sex of the seeds during growth. You never want to grow male and female cannabis seeds together unless your goal is producing more plants. The males will pollinate the females, causing the females’ energy to focus on reproduction instead of producing buds. The resulting buds are less potent and desirable.</p><h3>Do You Want Autoflowering Seeds?</h3><p>You should also consider whether you want autoflowering cannabis seeds. These will automatically move to the flowering stage of growth from the vegetative stage as they age. This is opposed to the change occurring based on the amount of light received. Some autoflowering seeds will also grow more quickly.</p><h2>Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Growing</h2><p>Most people who choose to grow cannabis will do so indoors. The only issue with indoor growing is that it can be highly inefficient, causing an increase in energy bills. However, outdoor growing also has issues, including fluctuating weather conditions and potential legal restrictions. In most states, you cannot legally grow cannabis outside, eliminating the choice for you.</p><p>Regardless of where you plan to grow your cannabis plants, you will need to germinate the seeds indoors. You can still decide at this stage if you will grow the plants inside. This gives you time to prepare the growing area so you can plant your germinated seeds immediately.</p><p>In addition to legal restrictions that may require you to grow your cannabis indoors, most people choose this method thanks to the ability to control the growing conditions. By controlling light, humidity, and temperature, you can grow cannabis inside all year round.</p><h2>Germinate With a Wet Paper Towel</h2><p>The most popular method of germinating cannabis seeds is to use wet paper towels. You will need your seeds, distilled water, clean plates, paper towels, tweezers to handle the seeds, good potting soil, compact fluorescent lights, a grow light timer, a seed tray, and a pH test kit. Always handle the seeds with the tweezers instead of your hands, as this will improve their chances of flourishing.</p><h3>Soak the Seeds</h3><p>Start the process by soaking your seeds in distilled water. Before doing so, use pH test strips to confirm the water’s pH is somewhere from 5.8 to 6.5.</p><p>The seeds should float when you first place them in the water, but they will start to sink eventually. You can encourage this by tapping the seeds using your tweezers. Many growers consider this step of soaking the seeds optional.</p><h3>Lay Out the Seeds</h3><p>After soaking the seeds, lay two layers of paper towels on a dinner plate. Moisten the towels using room temperature distilled water, but drain off the excess moisture. Spread the seeds out in the center of your paper towels. Make sure there is some distance between each, giving them room to start germinating. Once you spread the seeds out, cover them with two paper towels (also moistened with distilled water) then place another dinner plate over it. The second plate will ensure your seeds stay warm.</p><h3>Storing and Checking</h3><p>Put the plates with the paper towels and seeds somewhere that is dark and warm. The seeds’ ideal temperature of germination is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><p>Make sure to check the seeds regularly throughout the entire germination process. You will likely need to remoisten the paper towels a few times. Whenever you remoisten the towels, make sure you drain the excess water afterward.</p><h3>Planting the Germinated Seeds</h3><p>Once germination is done, you are ready to plant the seeds. Fill your seed tray or plastic cups using quality potting soil. Saturate the soil with water. Create one-fourth inch holes in each slot of the seed tray. Place each seed inside, ensuring the taproot faces down. Cover the seeds using loose soil, never tapping it down. Keep the soil moist with a spray bottle.</p><p>Within about four to six days, you will likely see sprouts. By 10 to 14 days, the seedlings will likely have leaves. You should put the seed tray underneath fluorescent grow lights. Remember that seedlings and germinated seeds will need 24 hours of light. After you spot the leaves, you can reduce this to 16 hours.</p><h2>Germinate With Rockwool Cubes</h2><p>Another popular option for germinating cannabis seeds is to use Rockwool cubes. The cubes do better at water retention compared to paper towels. They also make transplantation after planting easier, and the cubes keep the pH consistent. This method of germinating the seeds requires similar tools, including a pH test kit, tweezers, good potting soil, your grow light timer, compact fluorescent lights, and a seed tray. You will also need the cannabis seeds, one-inch Rockwool cubes, pH balancing chemicals, plastic or metal tweezers, a waterproof tray, and a small pointed object, like a clean nail or toothpick.</p><h3>Prepare the Rockwool Cubes</h3><p>Before you start germinating your seeds with this method, stabilize and hydrate your Rockwool cubes. This is necessary since cannabis seeds prefer a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, but Rockwool cubes naturally have a pH of 7.8.</p><p>To prepare the Rockwool cubes, start by testing the water you plan to use. If the pH is not ideal, you can decrease its pH value, acidifying it, by adding small quantities of lime juice. Add a few drops, then measure again. Take this process slow since a pH of under five will need you to raise the pH or for you to start over.</p><p>Once the pH reaches the proper level, soak your Rockwool cubes in the water for an hour. Take the Rockwool cubes out of the water, without draining them at all. Store the leftover water in a spray bottle or something similar. It has the perfect pH level for watering your cannabis seeds.</p><h3>Set Up the Rockwool Cubes</h3><p>Once the Rockwool cubes are soaked, you can go ahead and prepare them for your seeds. Place the soaked cubes in your waterproof tray. If your cubes do not come with preformed holes, poke some using a clean, pointy object. The holes should be about one-fourth inch and wide enough for a seed to fill it.</p><h3>Set Up the Seeds</h3><p>Now, you can place a cannabis seed in every hole. Remember to complete this process with the tweezers, so you do not touch the seeds. Use the tweezers, or a toothpick, to push the seeds gently down to the bottom of the hole. Finally, cover each hole with another tiny piece of Rockwool. This will create the moist, dark environment the seeds need to germinate.</p><p>Cover your tray using saran wrap or a clear plastic dome. This will further help with the humid environment, as it retains heat and traps moisture. Put the covered tray under a 40-watt fluorescent tube, with two to three inches between the light and plants. Leave the light on 24/7. The seeds will not need the light until the sprouts poke through the cube, but since you cannot monitor them 24/7, it is best to have the light ready ahead of time.</p><h3>Maintaining and Germinating the Seeds</h3><p>Keep a thermometer by the tray’s neck, under your saran wrap or dome. This will let you check if the temperature stays between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on the Rockwool cubes two or three times every day. Use your pH-balanced water to remoisten the cubes if necessary. Remember to keep the cubes damp, not drenched.</p><h3>Transplanting the Germinated Seeds</h3><p>The roots of the germinated seeds should start poking out of your Rockwool cubes after two to three weeks. This is the ideal time to transplant the seeds, as you do not want the roots to start tangling. Grab a slab of Rockwool and cut holes that are one-inch deep and 1 1/4-inch wide. Carefully place your Rockwool cubes with the seedlings into each of those holes. Use tongs with extreme caution, so you do not damage or touch the roots of the cannabis seeds.</p><p>When placing the cubes in the Rockwool slab, ensure that the cubes are not lower than the surface around it. If it cannot fit at the same height, have it stick out slightly. If you place the cube too low, water can pool, leading to stem rot.</p><h2>Germinate Directly in Soil</h2><p>Another option is to germinate the cannabis seeds right into your soil. This will reduce the chances of damaging the seedling during transplantation. To make this easy, get a seed propagation kit and follow its instructions. You can also create your own with the seeds, a waterproof tray, small peat cups, a 40-watt fluorescent grow light, pH test strips, pH-balanced water, a thermometer, and saran wrap.</p><h3>Get the Right Soil</h3><p>For this process, start by choosing the right soil. The pH should be 5.5-7. It should also drain well. You may want to add a mycorrhizae mixture to the soil, as it provides fungi that help with the growth of plant roots.</p><h3>Prepare the Soil and Seeds</h3><p>Use the soil mix to fill your peat cups. Then make a hole in the center of each cup about one-fourth inch deep using your finger. Place one seed in the hole before loosely covering it with soil. Put the cups in your waterproof tray and moisten the soil without drenching it using the pH-balanced water. Make a dome on the tray with saran wrap, supporting it with toothpicks.</p><p>Place your tray and cups with seeds and soil three inches under your light. Leave the light on for 24 hours until you notice sprouting.</p><h3>Monitoring the Seeds</h3><p>Check the set-up two or three times each day to ensure it stays moist, spraying it with the pH-balanced water if necessary. Make sure also to monitor the temperature of the area. Once the seeds sprout, you can continue growing them like you normally would, transplanting them to larger pots when necessary.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>No matter which method you choose for germinating your cannabis seeds, make sure to provide the seeds with the proper pH level and the proper temperatures, humidity, and moisture. You should notice the seeds germinating within just a few days or a week, getting you ready for your next step in growing cannabis.</p>

People have been growing cannabis plants for thousands of years. If you live in
an area where it is legal to possess and grow cannabis, then you can grow the
plants. There are two main methods of growing cannabis, from seeds or cuttings.
If you choose to grow from seeds, the first step to the process will be to
germinate the seeds. The process can be more intuitive than you may realize at
first.

HOW LONG IT TAKES
Before you start germinating cannabis seeds, make sure you understand how long
this task will take. Most cannabis seeds will germinate within between three and
seven days. Some other types, however, may take longer, with some taking up to
10 or 15 days.

HOW TO TELL WHEN GERMINATION IS COMPLETE
Once the seeds germinate, they will have small white taproots that come out of
one end. This is a sign that you are ready to plant the seeds.

THE BASICS TO CONTROL
Keep in mind that for the cannabis seeds to germinate, you will need to provide
it with the proper temperature light and humidity or moisture. You should be
able to control these factors enough to germinate seeds without any special
equipment. Even so, investing in monitoring and control equipment for these
factors can increase the chances of your seeds growing.

CHOOSE YOUR SEEDS
Before you can germinate your cannabis seeds, you will have to select the seeds
that you want to grow. There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, so you can
choose a strain that has substantial amounts of the ones you want. Of these, you
will be most interested in CBD and THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and associated
with most of the benefits of cannabis, such as relief from pain and nausea. THC
is psychoactive and can enhance the effects of CBD when the two are used
together, something known as the entourage effect.

In addition to choosing the seeds based on the content of cannabinoids like THC
and CBD, you should also think about the aroma, and whether you prefer Sativa,
Indica, or Ruderalis.

REGULAR VS. FEMINIZED SEEDS
Your seeds will either be regular or feminized. Regular seeds include both males
and females while feminized seeds only have females. Feminized seeds can save
you the time and effort in identifying the sex of the seeds during growth. You
never want to grow male and female cannabis seeds together unless your goal is
producing more plants. The males will pollinate the females, causing the
females’ energy to focus on reproduction instead of producing buds. The
resulting buds are less potent and desirable.

DO YOU WANT AUTOFLOWERING SEEDS?
You should also consider whether you want autoflowering cannabis seeds. These
will automatically move to the flowering stage of growth from the vegetative
stage as they age. This is opposed to the change occurring based on the amount
of light received. Some autoflowering seeds will also grow more quickly.

CHOOSE BETWEEN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GROWING
Most people who choose to grow cannabis will do so indoors. The only issue with
indoor growing is that it can be highly inefficient, causing an increase in
energy bills. However, outdoor growing also has issues, including fluctuating
weather conditions and potential legal restrictions. In most states, you cannot
legally grow cannabis outside, eliminating the choice for you.

Regardless of where you plan to grow your cannabis plants, you will need to
germinate the seeds indoors. You can still decide at this stage if you will grow
the plants inside. This gives you time to prepare the growing area so you can
plant your germinated seeds immediately.

In addition to legal restrictions that may require you to grow your cannabis
indoors, most people choose this method thanks to the ability to control the
growing conditions. By controlling light, humidity, and temperature, you can
grow cannabis inside all year round.

GERMINATE WITH A WET PAPER TOWEL
The most popular method of germinating cannabis seeds is to use wet paper
towels. You will need your seeds, distilled water, clean plates, paper towels,
tweezers to handle the seeds, good potting soil, compact fluorescent lights, a
grow light timer, a seed tray, and a pH test kit. Always handle the seeds with
the tweezers instead of your hands, as this will improve their chances of
flourishing.

SOAK THE SEEDS
Start the process by soaking your seeds in distilled water. Before doing so, use
pH test strips to confirm the water’s pH is somewhere from 5.8 to 6.5.

The seeds should float when you first place them in the water, but they will
start to sink eventually. You can encourage this by tapping the seeds using your
tweezers. Many growers consider this step of soaking the seeds optional.

LAY OUT THE SEEDS
After soaking the seeds, lay two layers of paper towels on a dinner plate.
Moisten the towels using room temperature distilled water, but drain off the
excess moisture. Spread the seeds out in the center of your paper towels. Make
sure there is some distance between each, giving them room to start germinating.
Once you spread the seeds out, cover them with two paper towels (also moistened
with distilled water) then place another dinner plate over it. The second plate
will ensure your seeds stay warm.

STORING AND CHECKING
Put the plates with the paper towels and seeds somewhere that is dark and warm.
The seeds’ ideal temperature of germination is between 70 and 90 degrees
Fahrenheit.

Make sure to check the seeds regularly throughout the entire germination
process. You will likely need to remoisten the paper towels a few times.
Whenever you remoisten the towels, make sure you drain the excess water
afterward.

PLANTING THE GERMINATED SEEDS
Once germination is done, you are ready to plant the seeds. Fill your seed tray
or plastic cups using quality potting soil. Saturate the soil with water. Create
one-fourth inch holes in each slot of the seed tray. Place each seed inside,
ensuring the taproot faces down. Cover the seeds using loose soil, never tapping
it down. Keep the soil moist with a spray bottle.

Within about four to six days, you will likely see sprouts. By 10 to 14 days,
the seedlings will likely have leaves. You should put the seed tray underneath
fluorescent grow lights. Remember that seedlings and germinated seeds will need
24 hours of light. After you spot the leaves, you can reduce this to 16 hours.

GERMINATE WITH ROCKWOOL CUBES
Another popular option for germinating cannabis seeds is to use Rockwool cubes.
The cubes do better at water retention compared to paper towels. They also make
transplantation after planting easier, and the cubes keep the pH consistent.
This method of germinating the seeds requires similar tools, including a pH test
kit, tweezers, good potting soil, your grow light timer, compact fluorescent
lights, and a seed tray. You will also need the cannabis seeds, one-inch
Rockwool cubes, pH balancing chemicals, plastic or metal tweezers, a waterproof
tray, and a small pointed object, like a clean nail or toothpick.

PREPARE THE ROCKWOOL CUBES
Before you start germinating your seeds with this method, stabilize and hydrate
your Rockwool cubes. This is necessary since cannabis seeds prefer a pH between
5.5 and 6.5, but Rockwool cubes naturally have a pH of 7.8.

To prepare the Rockwool cubes, start by testing the water you plan to use. If
the pH is not ideal, you can decrease its pH value, acidifying it, by adding
small quantities of lime juice. Add a few drops, then measure again. Take this
process slow since a pH of under five will need you to raise the pH or for you
to start over.

Once the pH reaches the proper level, soak your Rockwool cubes in the water for
an hour. Take the Rockwool cubes out of the water, without draining them at all.
Store the leftover water in a spray bottle or something similar. It has the
perfect pH level for watering your cannabis seeds.

SET UP THE ROCKWOOL CUBES
Once the Rockwool cubes are soaked, you can go ahead and prepare them for your
seeds. Place the soaked cubes in your waterproof tray. If your cubes do not come
with preformed holes, poke some using a clean, pointy object. The holes should
be about one-fourth inch and wide enough for a seed to fill it.

SET UP THE SEEDS
Now, you can place a cannabis seed in every hole. Remember to complete this
process with the tweezers, so you do not touch the seeds. Use the tweezers, or a
toothpick, to push the seeds gently down to the bottom of the hole. Finally,
cover each hole with another tiny piece of Rockwool. This will create the moist,
dark environment the seeds need to germinate.

Cover your tray using saran wrap or a clear plastic dome. This will further help
with the humid environment, as it retains heat and traps moisture. Put the
covered tray under a 40-watt fluorescent tube, with two to three inches between
the light and plants. Leave the light on 24/7. The seeds will not need the light
until the sprouts poke through the cube, but since you cannot monitor them 24/7,
it is best to have the light ready ahead of time.

MAINTAINING AND GERMINATING THE SEEDS
Keep a thermometer by the tray’s neck, under your saran wrap or dome. This will
let you check if the temperature stays between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check on the Rockwool cubes two or three times every day. Use your pH-balanced
water to remoisten the cubes if necessary. Remember to keep the cubes damp, not
drenched.

TRANSPLANTING THE GERMINATED SEEDS
The roots of the germinated seeds should start poking out of your Rockwool cubes
after two to three weeks. This is the ideal time to transplant the seeds, as you
do not want the roots to start tangling. Grab a slab of Rockwool and cut holes
that are one-inch deep and 1 1/4-inch wide. Carefully place your Rockwool cubes
with the seedlings into each of those holes. Use tongs with extreme caution, so
you do not damage or touch the roots of the cannabis seeds.

When placing the cubes in the Rockwool slab, ensure that the cubes are not lower
than the surface around it. If it cannot fit at the same height, have it stick
out slightly. If you place the cube too low, water can pool, leading to stem
rot.

GERMINATE DIRECTLY IN SOIL
Another option is to germinate the cannabis seeds right into your soil. This
will reduce the chances of damaging the seedling during transplantation. To make
this easy, get a seed propagation kit and follow its instructions. You can also
create your own with the seeds, a waterproof tray, small peat cups, a 40-watt
fluorescent grow light, pH test strips, pH-balanced water, a thermometer, and
saran wrap.

GET THE RIGHT SOIL
For this process, start by choosing the right soil. The pH should be 5.5-7. It
should also drain well. You may want to add a mycorrhizae mixture to the soil,
as it provides fungi that help with the growth of plant roots.

PREPARE THE SOIL AND SEEDS
Use the soil mix to fill your peat cups. Then make a hole in the center of each
cup about one-fourth inch deep using your finger. Place one seed in the hole
before loosely covering it with soil. Put the cups in your waterproof tray and
moisten the soil without drenching it using the pH-balanced water. Make a dome
on the tray with saran wrap, supporting it with toothpicks.

Place your tray and cups with seeds and soil three inches under your light.
Leave the light on for 24 hours until you notice sprouting.

MONITORING THE SEEDS
Check the set-up two or three times each day to ensure it stays moist, spraying
it with the pH-balanced water if necessary. Make sure also to monitor the
temperature of the area. Once the seeds sprout, you can continue growing them
like you normally would, transplanting them to larger pots when necessary.

CONCLUSION
No matter which method you choose for germinating your cannabis seeds, make sure
to provide the seeds with the proper pH level and the proper temperatures,
humidity, and moisture. You should notice the seeds germinating within just a
few days or a week, getting you ready for your next step in growing cannabis.

How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds

This guide will help you to germinate cannabis seeds through various mediums -- rockwool cubes, paper towel, or soil.

<p>If you plan on growing cannabis plants, then you should take the time to learn how long the seeds can last. You do not want to spend money on seeds and then wait too long to use them and waste your money. You also do not want to risk growing cannabis of poor quality because you waited too long to use the seeds. So, how long do cannabis seeds last and what happens if you try to grow them after this date?</p><h2>Specific Numbers</h2><p>Most people will find that marijuana seeds can still sprout without a problem after a few years. You can likely get them to sprout even if you store the seeds for five or six years. Many people have experienced success in growing seeds that are of this age. There are also articles from experts that indicate you can grow seeds that are 15-20 years old. There is a consensus that you can expect seeds in the fridge to last at least a decade when cared for properly.</p><p>If you have patience and are willing to waste time and resources on seeds that may not sprout, you can try to grow any seeds. There are some stories of universities germinating an ancient cannabis seed. You can also easily find people on forums who claim to have successfully grown seeds that were at least several decades old. Of course, for an old seed to successfully grow, it must have been stored in the ideal conditions, and you need some luck.</p><h2>Ask the Seller</h2><p>Depending on where you buy your cannabis seeds, you may be able to ask the seller how long the seeds will last. Large companies should have a reasonable idea of the lifespan of their seeds. This is less likely to be the case if you get the seed from someone you know, as they will be unlikely to provide consistent quality for the seeds.</p><h2>It Depends on the Strain</h2><p>It is also important to keep in mind that not all strains will last for the same amount of time. Some strains will have hardier seeds, while others will have weaker seeds. You can probably find information on the hardiness of the more common strains in forums online, but otherwise, you will have to guess and hope for the best or determine it yourself.</p><h2>Ideal Storage Conditions</h2><p>To preserve the life of your cannabis seeds, and have them remain viable as long as possible, store them in the proper conditions.</p><h3>A Cool, Dark, Dry Place</h3><p>The most important factors in deciding where to store your cannabis seeds are light, moisture, and temperature. You want to choose a spot that is cool and dark. Warmer temperatures give the seeds signals to sprout. The same is true of moisture. As such, you want to avoid moisture and heat.</p><p>Ideally, you want the relative humidity to be about 20-30 percent and the temperature to be around 6-8 degrees Celsius.</p><h3>Store With Drying Gel</h3><p>To ensure that the seeds do not get any moisture, consider including a pouch of silica gel or something similar inside the container. This will ensure that no moisture interferes with your seeds.</p><h3>Suggested Locations</h3><p>Since you want to store the cannabis seeds in a dry, cool, dark place, consider your basement or the fridge. Just make sure that whatever location you choose is free from moisture.</p><h3>You Can Freeze Seeds</h3><p>In cases where you know that you will not use the seeds anytime soon, then you may want to consider freezing them instead. Place the seeds in a bag and vacuum seal it so that there is no extra air. Then, put this vacuum-sealed bag inside another airtight container. Stick the entire thing in your freezer, setting the temperature to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><h3>What to Know When Freezing Seeds</h3><p>Freezing seeds is straightforward, but you need to keep a few things in mind. You cannot refreeze seeds. If you try to freeze them after thawing them out, the seed will almost always die. You will also need to give yourself enough time to thaw out the frozen seed before you plant it. This should take around 12 hours, but the time can vary based on the conditions you froze it in and the conditions of the room where you thaw it out.</p><h2>Differences in Growing Older Seeds</h2><p>If you try to grow cannabis seeds that have been stored for too long, they will struggle to sprout. You should expect them to take longer to sprout and fewer of them to successfully sprout. As more time passes, fewer seeds will germinate successfully.</p><p>There is also the fact that at a certain age, a race begins between decay and germination. The seeds will be more prone to decay as they are older, so the extended time required for germination may be too long. In this case, you will plant them and introduce the proper conditions for growth, but the seed will begin decaying before it can germinate.</p><h2>The Basic Steps for Growing Old Seeds</h2><p>The main difference when growing older seeds compared to new cannabis seeds is that the shells will be harder. This means that they will require longer exposure to water to penetrate the thick shell.</p><h3>Germinating in a Glass</h3><p>You should start by putting your seeds in a glass of water for about 24 hours. You can add several drops of hydrogen peroxide to help soften the shell. By softening the shell, you speed up the process of the water penetrating the shell.</p><p>While growing the seeds, ensure that your liquid is around 22 degrees Fahrenheit, not cold. You should also be sure to keep it away from light sources. Keep an eye on your seeds during the 24-hour soaking period. If you notice them opening up, take them out of the glass. Otherwise, the seeds may drown. After 24 hours, move the seeds to a wet paper towel.</p><h3>Germinating With Wet Paper Towels</h3><p>Another popular option for germinating the cannabis seeds is to use wet paper towels and some dishes. Soak a paper towel in water and place it on top of a plate. Put the cannabis seeds on top of the paper towel, making sure you space them out enough. Place another wet paper towel on top.</p><p>This method is incredibly common, but there is some debate with purists. Those purists argue that the paper towels may have chemicals like chlorine that could get in the way of germination. The benefit of using paper towels is that you cannot accidentally drown your seeds like you could with the glass of water method.</p><h3>Germinating in the Soil</h3><p>If you want, you can also choose to germinate your cannabis seeds right in the soil. You will need to choose soil that is well-nourished and an area with plenty of light. You can also encourage the germination by using a teaspoon of fulvic acid diluted in a liter of water to wet your location. Instead of the fulvic acid in the water, you could also use carbonated water. The CO2 from the carbonated water will encourage the liquid to get into the seed, speeding up germination</p><h3>Products to Enhance Germination</h3><p>For those who are concerned about the ability of their old seeds to germinate, you can buy something to help. There are enhancers and enzymes designed to encourage germination. These products should also help with the very early development of the seeds.</p><p>One of the most popular of these products is Jiffy 7. This is a compressed pill made up of dried peat. You soak it for a few minutes until it becomes soil in a small sack. This soil was developed to encourage germination thanks to its sterilization, inclusion of key nutrients, pH neutrality, and ideal structure. If you are struggling to get older seeds to germinate, this can be a good option.</p><h3>How Long Germination Will Take</h3><p>For normal seeds, germination takes about 48 to 72 hours. For old seeds, this will take even longer, possibly up to five or six days. In some cases, it may even take weeks.</p><h2>Tips to Grow Old Seeds</h2><p>In the case of seeds that you want to grow, but are too old, there are some tricks you can try to increase their chances.</p><h3>Use Hydrogen Peroxide</h3><p>Some people suggest using diluted hydrogen peroxide to help your older seeds grow. The key is to use a diluted solution since you do not want to expose the seeds to a highly concentrated solution. The idea is that the hydrogen peroxide will help reduce the risk of bacteria starting the decomposition process.</p><h3>A Last Resort: Use Sandpaper</h3><p>If all else fails and your seeds are still not germinating, you can take matters into your own hands with some sandpaper. Use it to scrape off the seed’s outer layer. This will create micro-abrasions that could give water a chance to enter. Just ensure that you create minor micro-abrasions.</p><p>To use this method, get very fine sandpaper and roll it up with the rough side facing in. Secure it in place using tape. Put your seeds inside and place your hands over the openings of your sandpaper roll. Shake it for a few minutes, and you should hopefully see results.</p><h3>A Last Resort: Use a Knife</h3><p>Another last resort method is to grab a knife and cut your seed transversely. Only cut the seed very lightly. As with the sandpaper, the goal is to provide an opening that will encourage the water to get into the shell so that germination can occur.</p><h2>Growing Old Seeds Past Germination</h2><p>Once you get your old seeds to germinate, the hardest part is done. You should handle the newly germinated cannabis plants carefully for a few days. After about a week, the plant should grow just like any other cannabis plants in your garden.</p><h2>The Ideal Timeframe</h2><p>With all of the information given, there is still an ideal period in which to use your cannabis seeds. You should generally try to use them within about two years and store them in the proper conditions. This means a dry, dark, and cool place in an airtight container. If you use the cannabis seeds within about two years, you are unlikely to experience germination problems due to the age of the plant. There should also be no other ill effects when growing the seeds.</p><h2>Where to Get Seeds</h2><p>Now that you know how long your cannabis seeds will last for, where do you get them? A quick online search will show you dozens, if not hundreds, of online retailers that sell cannabis seeds. You might be able to buy cannabis seeds at a local shop, but this is not always a given. If you have a favorite local cannabis shop, ask if they sell seeds or could they get you some through their channels. If not, consider ordering online.</p><p>No matter where you choose to get your seeds, make sure you do your research. You should buy seeds from the strain of cannabis that has the features you want, such as aroma and potency. You will also want to pay attention to whether the seeds are regular, autoflowering, or feminized, as these are all different and appeal to different types of growers.</p><p>Of course, you should also look into the reputation of the seller you buy seeds from. If you buy online, look for guarantees and a reasonably long history.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>When you store them properly in a dark, cool, and dry environment, cannabis seeds should still be in peak condition after about two years. There is no set time limit as to how long cannabis seeds last. With a bit of luck and proper storage, you can successfully grow seeds that are decades old, or even older. Increase your chances of long-lasting seeds by storing them properly. If you know you will not use them soon, consider freezing the seeds so they last longer. Just remember that if your seeds get older, you may need more patience when you start the germination process.</p>

If you plan on growing cannabis plants, then you should take the time to learn
how long the seeds can last. You do not want to spend money on seeds and then
wait too long to use them and waste your money. You also do not want to risk
growing cannabis of poor quality because you waited too long to use the seeds.
So, how long do cannabis seeds last and what happens if you try to grow them
after this date?

SPECIFIC NUMBERS
Most people will find that marijuana seeds can still sprout without a problem
after a few years. You can likely get them to sprout even if you store the seeds
for five or six years. Many people have experienced success in growing seeds
that are of this age. There are also articles from experts that indicate you can
grow seeds that are 15-20 years old. There is a consensus that you can expect
seeds in the fridge to last at least a decade when cared for properly.

If you have patience and are willing to waste time and resources on seeds that
may not sprout, you can try to grow any seeds. There are some stories of
universities germinating an ancient cannabis seed. You can also easily find
people on forums who claim to have successfully grown seeds that were at least
several decades old. Of course, for an old seed to successfully grow, it must
have been stored in the ideal conditions, and you need some luck.

ASK THE SELLER
Depending on where you buy your cannabis seeds, you may be able to ask the
seller how long the seeds will last. Large companies should have a reasonable
idea of the lifespan of their seeds. This is less likely to be the case if you
get the seed from someone you know, as they will be unlikely to provide
consistent quality for the seeds.

IT DEPENDS ON THE STRAIN
It is also important to keep in mind that not all strains will last for the same
amount of time. Some strains will have hardier seeds, while others will have
weaker seeds. You can probably find information on the hardiness of the more
common strains in forums online, but otherwise, you will have to guess and hope
for the best or determine it yourself.

IDEAL STORAGE CONDITIONS
To preserve the life of your cannabis seeds, and have them remain viable as long
as possible, store them in the proper conditions.

A COOL, DARK, DRY PLACE
The most important factors in deciding where to store your cannabis seeds are
light, moisture, and temperature. You want to choose a spot that is cool and
dark. Warmer temperatures give the seeds signals to sprout. The same is true of
moisture. As such, you want to avoid moisture and heat.

Ideally, you want the relative humidity to be about 20-30 percent and the
temperature to be around 6-8 degrees Celsius.

STORE WITH DRYING GEL
To ensure that the seeds do not get any moisture, consider including a pouch of
silica gel or something similar inside the container. This will ensure that no
moisture interferes with your seeds.

SUGGESTED LOCATIONS
Since you want to store the cannabis seeds in a dry, cool, dark place, consider
your basement or the fridge. Just make sure that whatever location you choose is
free from moisture.

YOU CAN FREEZE SEEDS
In cases where you know that you will not use the seeds anytime soon, then you
may want to consider freezing them instead. Place the seeds in a bag and vacuum
seal it so that there is no extra air. Then, put this vacuum-sealed bag inside
another airtight container. Stick the entire thing in your freezer, setting the
temperature to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN FREEZING SEEDS
Freezing seeds is straightforward, but you need to keep a few things in mind.
You cannot refreeze seeds. If you try to freeze them after thawing them out, the
seed will almost always die. You will also need to give yourself enough time to
thaw out the frozen seed before you plant it. This should take around 12 hours,
but the time can vary based on the conditions you froze it in and the conditions
of the room where you thaw it out.

DIFFERENCES IN GROWING OLDER SEEDS
If you try to grow cannabis seeds that have been stored for too long, they will
struggle to sprout. You should expect them to take longer to sprout and fewer of
them to successfully sprout. As more time passes, fewer seeds will germinate
successfully.

There is also the fact that at a certain age, a race begins between decay and
germination. The seeds will be more prone to decay as they are older, so the
extended time required for germination may be too long. In this case, you will
plant them and introduce the proper conditions for growth, but the seed will
begin decaying before it can germinate.

THE BASIC STEPS FOR GROWING OLD SEEDS
The main difference when growing older seeds compared to new cannabis seeds is
that the shells will be harder. This means that they will require longer
exposure to water to penetrate the thick shell.

GERMINATING IN A GLASS
You should start by putting your seeds in a glass of water for about 24 hours.
You can add several drops of hydrogen peroxide to help soften the shell. By
softening the shell, you speed up the process of the water penetrating the
shell.

While growing the seeds, ensure that your liquid is around 22 degrees
Fahrenheit, not cold. You should also be sure to keep it away from light
sources. Keep an eye on your seeds during the 24-hour soaking period. If you
notice them opening up, take them out of the glass. Otherwise, the seeds may
drown. After 24 hours, move the seeds to a wet paper towel.

GERMINATING WITH WET PAPER TOWELS
Another popular option for germinating the cannabis seeds is to use wet paper
towels and some dishes. Soak a paper towel in water and place it on top of a
plate. Put the cannabis seeds on top of the paper towel, making sure you space
them out enough. Place another wet paper towel on top.

This method is incredibly common, but there is some debate with purists. Those
purists argue that the paper towels may have chemicals like chlorine that could
get in the way of germination. The benefit of using paper towels is that you
cannot accidentally drown your seeds like you could with the glass of water
method.

GERMINATING IN THE SOIL
If you want, you can also choose to germinate your cannabis seeds right in the
soil. You will need to choose soil that is well-nourished and an area with
plenty of light. You can also encourage the germination by using a teaspoon of
fulvic acid diluted in a liter of water to wet your location. Instead of the
fulvic acid in the water, you could also use carbonated water. The CO2 from the
carbonated water will encourage the liquid to get into the seed, speeding up
germination

PRODUCTS TO ENHANCE GERMINATION
For those who are concerned about the ability of their old seeds to germinate,
you can buy something to help. There are enhancers and enzymes designed to
encourage germination. These products should also help with the very early
development of the seeds.

One of the most popular of these products is Jiffy 7. This is a compressed pill
made up of dried peat. You soak it for a few minutes until it becomes soil in a
small sack. This soil was developed to encourage germination thanks to its
sterilization, inclusion of key nutrients, pH neutrality, and ideal structure.
If you are struggling to get older seeds to germinate, this can be a good
option.

HOW LONG GERMINATION WILL TAKE
For normal seeds, germination takes about 48 to 72 hours. For old seeds, this
will take even longer, possibly up to five or six days. In some cases, it may
even take weeks.

TIPS TO GROW OLD SEEDS
In the case of seeds that you want to grow, but are too old, there are some
tricks you can try to increase their chances.

USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Some people suggest using diluted hydrogen peroxide to help your older seeds
grow. The key is to use a diluted solution since you do not want to expose the
seeds to a highly concentrated solution. The idea is that the hydrogen peroxide
will help reduce the risk of bacteria starting the decomposition process.

A LAST RESORT: USE SANDPAPER
If all else fails and your seeds are still not germinating, you can take matters
into your own hands with some sandpaper. Use it to scrape off the seed’s outer
layer. This will create micro-abrasions that could give water a chance to enter.
Just ensure that you create minor micro-abrasions.

To use this method, get very fine sandpaper and roll it up with the rough side
facing in. Secure it in place using tape. Put your seeds inside and place your
hands over the openings of your sandpaper roll. Shake it for a few minutes, and
you should hopefully see results.

A LAST RESORT: USE A KNIFE
Another last resort method is to grab a knife and cut your seed transversely.
Only cut the seed very lightly. As with the sandpaper, the goal is to provide an
opening that will encourage the water to get into the shell so that germination
can occur.

GROWING OLD SEEDS PAST GERMINATION
Once you get your old seeds to germinate, the hardest part is done. You should
handle the newly germinated cannabis plants carefully for a few days. After
about a week, the plant should grow just like any other cannabis plants in your
garden.

THE IDEAL TIMEFRAME
With all of the information given, there is still an ideal period in which to
use your cannabis seeds. You should generally try to use them within about two
years and store them in the proper conditions. This means a dry, dark, and cool
place in an airtight container. If you use the cannabis seeds within about two
years, you are unlikely to experience germination problems due to the age of the
plant. There should also be no other ill effects when growing the seeds.

WHERE TO GET SEEDS
Now that you know how long your cannabis seeds will last for, where do you get
them? A quick online search will show you dozens, if not hundreds, of online
retailers that sell cannabis seeds. You might be able to buy cannabis seeds at a
local shop, but this is not always a given. If you have a favorite local
cannabis shop, ask if they sell seeds or could they get you some through their
channels. If not, consider ordering online.

No matter where you choose to get your seeds, make sure you do your research.
You should buy seeds from the strain of cannabis that has the features you want,
such as aroma and potency. You will also want to pay attention to whether the
seeds are regular, autoflowering, or feminized, as these are all different and
appeal to different types of growers.

Of course, you should also look into the reputation of the seller you buy seeds
from. If you buy online, look for guarantees and a reasonably long history.

CONCLUSION
When you store them properly in a dark, cool, and dry environment, cannabis
seeds should still be in peak condition after about two years. There is no set
time limit as to how long cannabis seeds last. With a bit of luck and proper
storage, you can successfully grow seeds that are decades old, or even older.
Increase your chances of long-lasting seeds by storing them properly. If you
know you will not use them soon, consider freezing the seeds so they last
longer. Just remember that if your seeds get older, you may need more patience
when you start the germination process.

How Long Do Cannabis Seeds Last?

If you plan on growing cannabis plants, then you should take the time to learn how long the seeds can last. 

<p>You may have heard of the Cannabis Cup, which is a major event in the world of marijuana. The Cannabis Cup offers prestigious rewards and is a big event, where the best of the best in the industry get to show off.</p><h2>Founding the Cup</h2><p>Steven Hager founded the Cannabis Cup in 1988, also known as the “High Times” Cannabis Cup. He created the Cup as a way for product manufacturers and cultivators of cannabis to show off their products. It also gives them a chance to compete to earn titles and status.</p><h3>It Includes Everything</h3><p>From the start, the Cannabis Cup has honored every single step in the process of producing and using cannabis. There is judging for plants, final products, and accessories. You can find a range of products related to marijuana during the expo, as well as various businesses that interact with cannabis in some way.</p><h3>Participation Requirements</h3><p>To participate in the Cannabis Cup, manufacturers and cultivators must submit their products for independent testing. This verifies their potencies for both THC and CBD.</p><h3>Educational</h3><p>In addition to showcasing cannabis and cannabis-related products, the Cannabis Cup also provides educational seminars. These workshops and seminars are perfect for spreading knowledge about cannabis to the public. Topics include everything from uses to history to growing.</p><h2>Judging</h2><p>No competition would be complete without judging, and the Cannabis Cup features judging for multiple categories. The event organizers gather a group of expert judges that come from various locations around the world. This diversity eliminates bias and provides multiple perspectives during the judging.</p><h2>Categories</h2><p>Some of the most popular categories of the Cannabis Cup include Best Sativa, Best Indica, Best Hybrid, Best Imported Hash, Best Nederhash, Best Hash, Best New Product, Best Glass, and Best Booth. Some categories encourage the attendees to vote on the winner, including those for Best Glass, Best Booth, and Best Products.</p><h2>Location</h2><p>The first Cannabis Cup took place in Amsterdam, a city known for its openness to marijuana. Over the years, nearly every single annual Cannabis Cup occurred in Amsterdam, the last of which was in 2014. After27 years of hosting the Cannabis Cup, a decision to switch locations was made due to a combination of factors. Those concerns included uncertainty regarding the future of cannabis laws in the country and the improved climate towards cannabis in other areas of the world.</p><p>As cannabis spreads in legality, other cities have also started holding their version of the Cannabis Cup. Many of these events focus on medical cannabis instead of or in addition to recreational cannabis.</p><p>Some of the current Cannabis Cups that you may see include those held in Southern and Northern California, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Colorado, Rhode Island, Portland, and the U.S. Midwest.</p><h3>Variations Across Locations</h3><p>The first Cannabis Cup to take place in the United States was in 2010. The “High Times” Medical Cannabis Cup was created to celebrate states with legal medical marijuana. It provides the expected activities and products, but the focus is all on medical marijuana.</p><p>The U.S. Cannabis Cup is for those states that legalized recreational use of marijuana. It includes very similar events to those in the main Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam. In other words, judges give out trophies for various categories after testing strains, and attendees vote for some categories.</p><h2>The Film</h2><p>You can experience the Cannabis Cup without attending thanks to DVDs made to document the events. Following the 2003 festival, producers made “High Times Presents: The Cannabis Cup.” During the summer of 2008, there was a film of the previous year’s event, which marked the 20th anniversary. That particular Cannabis Cup was hosted by Redman and Tommy Chong.</p><h2>The 2010 Amsterdam Cannabis Cup Police Raid</h2><p>In 2010, police raided the location of the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup for the first time. This experience did not end well and contributed to the location of the Cannabis Cup changing after 2014.</p><p>The raid was incredibly controversial and followed conservatives coming into power in the Netherlands that year. Those conservatives had already closed some of the country’s coffee shops, venues known for their cannabis in addition to coffee.</p><p>At the time of the event, most of the information regarding the raid came from tweets. The police told the authorities that they had seen booths giving out cannabis, which was against the rules. Based on that, they shut the event down and made everyone leave except the exhibitors.</p><p>Following the drama, one of the “High Times” attorneys released a statement. According to David Holland, the problem came down to a permit misunderstanding. No one was arrested, and the attendees were never in any danger of being arrested or otherwise harmed. According to him, the police were only ensuring that no vendor gave out more cannabis than allowed. The Opium Law required that all vendors be within a 500-gram limit at the venue, and only one was slightly over.</p><p>The police, organizers of the Cannabis Cup, and the vendors worked everything out amicably. The event continued the next day. Even so, the police presence brought a stigma and negative media attention to the event.</p><h2>A Look at Past Winners</h2><p>Many of the previous winners of the Cannabis Cup are still in business today, doing very well for themselves. If you look at the past winners of the Cup, you will also notice some repeat winners, showing which companies consistently produce quality products. Here are just a few of the winners over the years:</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>1st Cannabis Cup in 1988</strong></td><td>Skunk #1 – Cultivator’s Choice</td></tr><tr><td><strong>2nd Cannabis Cup in 1989</strong></td><td>Early Pearly/Skunk #1 and Northern Lights #5/Haze – Seed Bank, Snocap – David Swenson</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3rd Cannabis Cup in 1990</strong></td><td>Northern Lights #5 – Seed Bank</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4th Cannabis Cup in 1991</strong></td><td>Skunk – Free City</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5th Cannabis Cup in 1992</strong></td><td>Haze and Skunk #1 – Homegrown Fantasy</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6th Cannabis Cup in 1993</strong></td><td>Haze and Northern Lights #5 – Sensi Seed Bank</td></tr><tr><td><strong>7th Cannabis Cup in 1994</strong></td><td>Jack Herer – Sensi Seed Bank</td></tr><tr><td><strong>8th Cannabis Cup in 1995</strong></td><td>White Widow – Green House</td></tr><tr><td><strong>9th Cannabis Cup in 1996</strong></td><td>White Russian – De Dampkring</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10th Cannabis Cup in 1997</strong></td><td>Peace Maker – De Dampkring</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>The most recent Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam was in 2014. First-place winners at that event included:</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Best Coffeeshop Strain</strong></td><td>Cookies Kush – Barney’s Coffeeshop</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Sativa by a Seed Company</strong></td><td>Tangie Crockett’s Cut – Crockett Family Farms</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Indica by a Seed Company</strong></td><td>Colorado Bubba – The Vault Genetics</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Hybrid by a Seed Company</strong></td><td>Larry OG – The Vault Genetics</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Import Hash by a Coffeeshop</strong></td><td>Super Lemon Haze Cream – The Green House</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Import Hash by a Seed Company</strong></td><td>Super Lemon OG Concentrate – Loud Pack Extractions &amp; Greenwolf, LA</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Nederhash by a Coffeeshop</strong></td><td>Barney’s Coffeeshop – Cookies Ice-Cream</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Nederhash by a Seed Company</strong></td><td>The Kong 73 Non-Solvent Hash – The Vault Genetics</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Highest CBD – Concentrates</strong></td><td>CBD Simple: CannaVest</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Highest CBD – Flowers</strong></td><td>CBD Rene by House of the Great Gardener</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Product</strong></td><td>The Loud Seeds Gift Bag</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best Glass</strong></td><td>Roor – Sublimator</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Looking at the winners from the 2014 Amsterdam Cannabis Cup gives you a good idea of how much the various categories have expanded over the years. There were a dozen categories, each with honors for first, second, and third place. Only two of these categories, the highest CBDs, only had a single winner. This shows that the Cannabis Cup was sizable enough to attract enough vendors to justify requiring so many winners and categories. It also indicates enough diversity in products and offerings. After all, the Cannabis Cup did not give honor to every vendor, so offering 36 titles shows significant participation.</p><p>The most recent Cannabis Cup event with results listed on the official website is the So-Cal 2018 event. Categories for that event included:</p><ul><li><strong>Best Indica Flower</strong></li><li><strong>Best Hybrid Flower</strong></li><li><strong>Best Sativa Flower</strong></li><li><strong>Best Indica Concentrate</strong></li><li><strong>Best Hybrid Concentrate</strong></li><li><strong>Best Sativa Concentrate</strong></li><li><strong>Best Non-Solvent Hash</strong></li><li><strong>Best Edible</strong></li><li><strong>Best Topical</strong></li><li><strong>Best CBD Flower</strong></li><li><strong>Best CBD Concentrate</strong></li><li><strong>Best Medically Infused Product</strong></li><li><strong>Best Vape Pen Cartridges</strong></li><li><strong>Best Preroll</strong></li><li><strong>Best CBD Edibles</strong></li><li><strong>Best CBD Cartridges</strong></li><li><strong>Best Booth</strong></li><li><strong>Best Product</strong></li><li><strong>Best Glass</strong></li><li><strong>Best Vape Pen</strong></li></ul><p>The wide range of categories, once again most with winners for first, second, and third places, indicates a high level of participation.</p><h2>The Counterculture Hall of Fame</h2><p>In addition to the Cannabis Cup, there are other cannabis-related events and honors throughout the world. The Counterculture Hall of Fame is designed to honor those who influenced the shaping of the cannabis industry. This Hall of Fame began in 1997. Bob Marley was among the first to be inducted, with his induction occurring that same year. In 2012, Steve Hager was inducted. Other inductees include Louis Armstrong, Peter Tosh, Tommy Chong, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Cheech Marin, Tom Forcade, Coke La Rock, Jack Herer, John Grigs, Ben Dronkers, Alexander Shulgin, and Ann Shulgin.</p><h2>Other Cannabis Events</h2><p>It should come as no surprise that the Cannabis Cup is not the only major marijuana event. There are various events around the world throughout the year, with a focus on countries with more marijuana-friendly laws.</p><h3>Cannabis Business Summit and Expo</h3><p>The next of these annual events will be in June 2020 in San Francisco. It is a business-to-business event that provides commerce and education to empower the industry. The National Cannabis Industry Association hosts this event</p><h3>Cannabis Conference</h3><p>This year’s Cannabis Conference was in April in Las Vegas, but you can already get a super early bird ticket for the next year’s event in April 2020, also in Las Vegas. This event offers insights into cannabis business operations and cultivation, customer engagement, and retail management. It also began offering insights on cultivating and selling hemp and products derived from hemp.</p><h3>Cannabiz Expo</h3><p>May 2019 also saw the most recent Cannabiz Expo in Sacramento, California. This was the second time the annual event was held. Instead of focusing on the plants and products like the Cannabis Cup, the Cannabiz Expo focuses on businesses in the marijuana industry. It is an opportunity for networking and connecting with legal experts, grow operations, dispensary owners, and anyone else in the industry. The next event will be in May 2020, also in Sacramento.</p><h3>CannaGrow Expo</h3><p>The most recent CannaGrow Expo was in August in Palm Springs, California, with the next one planned for November 2020, marking the tenth year of the expo. The expo dedicates itself to the science and art of growing cannabis. It prides itself on being open to everyone over 18 years old. It tries to appeal to cannabis growers, grow managers, grow enthusiasts, and extractors. There are dozens of cultivation-focused educational sessions, a vendor expo hall, and plenty of networking opportunities.</p><h3>HempFest Cannabis Expo</h3><p>HempFest Cannabis Expo is a Canadian event with multiple events in cities like Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Hamilton, Halifax, and Edmonton throughout the year. It is a chance for people to learn about and try products as well as an opportunity for businesses in the industry to connect. Upcoming events include October dates for HempFest CUP and Calgary and 2020 dates for Edmonton and Saskatoon.</p><h3>MJBizCon</h3><p>MJBizCon is one of the biggest cannabis events, greatly appealing to marijuana businesses. There are more than a thousand exhibitors, networking events, and high-profile speakers. This convention is more expensive to attend than other events, but those in the business agree that it is worth it. The next event is in September in Toronto, with others planned for September and October in Bogota, and December in Las Vegas. There will also be at least three events in 2020, including the MJBizCon NEXT, MJBizDaily’s European Cannabis Symposium, and The Hemp Industry Daily Conference.</p><h3>Some Events Include Awards</h3><p>Some of these other cannabis events also include awards and competitions. MJBizCon, for example, honors companies and individuals that have strong market influence or success, or have made significant advancements in the industry.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>The Cannabis Cup was created in 1988 as a way to honor those who participate in the cannabis industry while also spreading education. The event began in Amsterdam and now occurs in multiple cities throughout the world, still going strong. While the Cannabis Cup is an important event in the cannabis industry, it is far from the only one.</p>

You may have heard of the Cannabis Cup, which is a major event in the world of
marijuana. The Cannabis Cup offers prestigious rewards and is a big event, where
the best of the best in the industry get to show off.

FOUNDING THE CUP
Steven Hager founded the Cannabis Cup in 1988, also known as the “High Times”
Cannabis Cup. He created the Cup as a way for product manufacturers and
cultivators of cannabis to show off their products. It also gives them a chance
to compete to earn titles and status.

IT INCLUDES EVERYTHING
From the start, the Cannabis Cup has honored every single step in the process of
producing and using cannabis. There is judging for plants, final products, and
accessories. You can find a range of products related to marijuana during the
expo, as well as various businesses that interact with cannabis in some way.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
To participate in the Cannabis Cup, manufacturers and cultivators must submit
their products for independent testing. This verifies their potencies for both
THC and CBD.

EDUCATIONAL
In addition to showcasing cannabis and cannabis-related products, the Cannabis
Cup also provides educational seminars. These workshops and seminars are perfect
for spreading knowledge about cannabis to the public. Topics include everything
from uses to history to growing.

JUDGING
No competition would be complete without judging, and the Cannabis Cup features
judging for multiple categories. The event organizers gather a group of expert
judges that come from various locations around the world. This diversity
eliminates bias and provides multiple perspectives during the judging.

CATEGORIES
Some of the most popular categories of the Cannabis Cup include Best Sativa,
Best Indica, Best Hybrid, Best Imported Hash, Best Nederhash, Best Hash, Best
New Product, Best Glass, and Best Booth. Some categories encourage the attendees
to vote on the winner, including those for Best Glass, Best Booth, and Best
Products.

LOCATION
The first Cannabis Cup took place in Amsterdam, a city known for its openness to
marijuana. Over the years, nearly every single annual Cannabis Cup occurred in
Amsterdam, the last of which was in 2014. After27 years of hosting the Cannabis
Cup, a decision to switch locations was made due to a combination of factors.
Those concerns included uncertainty regarding the future of cannabis laws in the
country and the improved climate towards cannabis in other areas of the world.

As cannabis spreads in legality, other cities have also started holding their
version of the Cannabis Cup. Many of these events focus on medical cannabis
instead of or in addition to recreational cannabis.

Some of the current Cannabis Cups that you may see include those held in
Southern and Northern California, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Colorado, Rhode Island,
Portland, and the U.S. Midwest.

VARIATIONS ACROSS LOCATIONS
The first Cannabis Cup to take place in the United States was in 2010. The “High
Times” Medical Cannabis Cup was created to celebrate states with legal medical
marijuana. It provides the expected activities and products, but the focus is
all on medical marijuana.

The U.S. Cannabis Cup is for those states that legalized recreational use of
marijuana. It includes very similar events to those in the main Cannabis Cup in
Amsterdam. In other words, judges give out trophies for various categories after
testing strains, and attendees vote for some categories.

THE FILM
You can experience the Cannabis Cup without attending thanks to DVDs made to
document the events. Following the 2003 festival, producers made “High Times
Presents: The Cannabis Cup.” During the summer of 2008, there was a film of the
previous year’s event, which marked the 20th anniversary. That particular
Cannabis Cup was hosted by Redman and Tommy Chong.

THE 2010 AMSTERDAM CANNABIS CUP POLICE RAID
In 2010, police raided the location of the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup for the first
time. This experience did not end well and contributed to the location of the
Cannabis Cup changing after 2014.

The raid was incredibly controversial and followed conservatives coming into
power in the Netherlands that year. Those conservatives had already closed some
of the country’s coffee shops, venues known for their cannabis in addition to
coffee.

At the time of the event, most of the information regarding the raid came from
tweets. The police told the authorities that they had seen booths giving out
cannabis, which was against the rules. Based on that, they shut the event down
and made everyone leave except the exhibitors.

Following the drama, one of the “High Times” attorneys released a statement.
According to David Holland, the problem came down to a permit misunderstanding.
No one was arrested, and the attendees were never in any danger of being
arrested or otherwise harmed. According to him, the police were only ensuring
that no vendor gave out more cannabis than allowed. The Opium Law required that
all vendors be within a 500-gram limit at the venue, and only one was slightly
over.

The police, organizers of the Cannabis Cup, and the vendors worked everything
out amicably. The event continued the next day. Even so, the police presence
brought a stigma and negative media attention to the event.

A LOOK AT PAST WINNERS
Many of the previous winners of the Cannabis Cup are still in business today,
doing very well for themselves. If you look at the past winners of the Cup, you
will also notice some repeat winners, showing which companies consistently
produce quality products. Here are just a few of the winners over the years:

1st Cannabis Cup in 1988Skunk #1 – Cultivator’s Choice2nd Cannabis Cup in 1989
Early Pearly/Skunk #1 and Northern Lights #5/Haze – Seed Bank, Snocap – David
Swenson3rd Cannabis Cup in 1990Northern Lights #5 – Seed Bank4th Cannabis Cup in
1991Skunk – Free City5th Cannabis Cup in 1992Haze and Skunk #1 – Homegrown
Fantasy6th Cannabis Cup in 1993Haze and Northern Lights #5 – Sensi Seed Bank7th
Cannabis Cup in 1994Jack Herer – Sensi Seed Bank8th Cannabis Cup in 1995White
Widow – Green House9th Cannabis Cup in 1996White Russian – De Dampkring10th
Cannabis Cup in 1997Peace Maker – De DampkringThe most recent Cannabis Cup in
Amsterdam was in 2014. First-place winners at that event included:

Best Coffeeshop StrainCookies Kush – Barney’s CoffeeshopBest Sativa by a Seed
CompanyTangie Crockett’s Cut – Crockett Family FarmsBest Indica by a Seed
CompanyColorado Bubba – The Vault GeneticsBest Hybrid by a Seed CompanyLarry OG
– The Vault GeneticsBest Import Hash by a CoffeeshopSuper Lemon Haze Cream – The
Green HouseBest Import Hash by a Seed CompanySuper Lemon OG Concentrate – Loud
Pack Extractions & Greenwolf, LABest Nederhash by a CoffeeshopBarney’s
Coffeeshop – Cookies Ice-CreamBest Nederhash by a Seed CompanyThe Kong 73
Non-Solvent Hash – The Vault GeneticsHighest CBD – ConcentratesCBD Simple:
CannaVestHighest CBD – FlowersCBD Rene by House of the Great GardenerBest
ProductThe Loud Seeds Gift BagBest GlassRoor – SublimatorLooking at the winners
from the 2014 Amsterdam Cannabis Cup gives you a good idea of how much the
various categories have expanded over the years. There were a dozen categories,
each with honors for first, second, and third place. Only two of these
categories, the highest CBDs, only had a single winner. This shows that the
Cannabis Cup was sizable enough to attract enough vendors to justify requiring
so many winners and categories. It also indicates enough diversity in products
and offerings. After all, the Cannabis Cup did not give honor to every vendor,
so offering 36 titles shows significant participation.

The most recent Cannabis Cup event with results listed on the official website
is the So-Cal 2018 event. Categories for that event included:

 * Best Indica Flower
 * Best Hybrid Flower
 * Best Sativa Flower
 * Best Indica Concentrate
 * Best Hybrid Concentrate
 * Best Sativa Concentrate
 * Best Non-Solvent Hash
 * Best Edible
 * Best Topical
 * Best CBD Flower
 * Best CBD Concentrate
 * Best Medically Infused Product
 * Best Vape Pen Cartridges
 * Best Preroll
 * Best CBD Edibles
 * Best CBD Cartridges
 * Best Booth
 * Best Product
 * Best Glass
 * Best Vape Pen

The wide range of categories, once again most with winners for first, second,
and third places, indicates a high level of participation.

THE COUNTERCULTURE HALL OF FAME
In addition to the Cannabis Cup, there are other cannabis-related events and
honors throughout the world. The Counterculture Hall of Fame is designed to
honor those who influenced the shaping of the cannabis industry. This Hall of
Fame began in 1997. Bob Marley was among the first to be inducted, with his
induction occurring that same year. In 2012, Steve Hager was inducted. Other
inductees include Louis Armstrong, Peter Tosh, Tommy Chong, William S.
Burroughs, Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Cheech Marin, Tom Forcade,
Coke La Rock, Jack Herer, John Grigs, Ben Dronkers, Alexander Shulgin, and Ann
Shulgin.

OTHER CANNABIS EVENTS
It should come as no surprise that the Cannabis Cup is not the only major
marijuana event. There are various events around the world throughout the year,
with a focus on countries with more marijuana-friendly laws.

CANNABIS BUSINESS SUMMIT AND EXPO
The next of these annual events will be in June 2020 in San Francisco. It is a
business-to-business event that provides commerce and education to empower the
industry. The National Cannabis Industry Association hosts this event

CANNABIS CONFERENCE
This year’s Cannabis Conference was in April in Las Vegas, but you can already
get a super early bird ticket for the next year’s event in April 2020, also in
Las Vegas. This event offers insights into cannabis business operations and
cultivation, customer engagement, and retail management. It also began offering
insights on cultivating and selling hemp and products derived from hemp.

CANNABIZ EXPO
May 2019 also saw the most recent Cannabiz Expo in Sacramento, California. This
was the second time the annual event was held. Instead of focusing on the plants
and products like the Cannabis Cup, the Cannabiz Expo focuses on businesses in
the marijuana industry. It is an opportunity for networking and connecting with
legal experts, grow operations, dispensary owners, and anyone else in the
industry. The next event will be in May 2020, also in Sacramento.

CANNAGROW EXPO
The most recent CannaGrow Expo was in August in Palm Springs, California, with
the next one planned for November 2020, marking the tenth year of the expo. The
expo dedicates itself to the science and art of growing cannabis. It prides
itself on being open to everyone over 18 years old. It tries to appeal to
cannabis growers, grow managers, grow enthusiasts, and extractors. There are
dozens of cultivation-focused educational sessions, a vendor expo hall, and
plenty of networking opportunities.

HEMPFEST CANNABIS EXPO
HempFest Cannabis Expo is a Canadian event with multiple events in cities like
Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Hamilton, Halifax, and Edmonton throughout the
year. It is a chance for people to learn about and try products as well as an
opportunity for businesses in the industry to connect. Upcoming events include
October dates for HempFest CUP and Calgary and 2020 dates for Edmonton and
Saskatoon.

MJBIZCON
MJBizCon is one of the biggest cannabis events, greatly appealing to marijuana
businesses. There are more than a thousand exhibitors, networking events, and
high-profile speakers. This convention is more expensive to attend than other
events, but those in the business agree that it is worth it. The next event is
in September in Toronto, with others planned for September and October in
Bogota, and December in Las Vegas. There will also be at least three events in
2020, including the MJBizCon NEXT, MJBizDaily’s European Cannabis Symposium, and
The Hemp Industry Daily Conference.

SOME EVENTS INCLUDE AWARDS
Some of these other cannabis events also include awards and competitions.
MJBizCon, for example, honors companies and individuals that have strong market
influence or success, or have made significant advancements in the industry.

CONCLUSION
The Cannabis Cup was created in 1988 as a way to honor those who participate in
the cannabis industry while also spreading education. The event began in
Amsterdam and now occurs in multiple cities throughout the world, still going
strong. While the Cannabis Cup is an important event in the cannabis industry,
it is far from the only one.

History of the Cannabis Cup

A household name amongst the cannabis community; find out how this festival started and some of the cannabis cup winners

<p>THC is the main psychoactive component and one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis. But you may not realize that there are various types of THC. Take a closer look at delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC to see how they are similar and different.</p><h2>Understanding Delta-9-THC</h2><p>Most people who only know about a handful of the cannabinoids found in cannabis will be aware of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated as delta-9-THC. When most people use the term THC, this is the specific cannabinoid they mean.</p><h2>Understanding Delta-8-THC</h2><p>Delta-8-THC is an analog of THC that has neuroprotective, analgesic, appetite-stimulating, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties. Most importantly, it has a reduced psychotropic potency compared to delta-9-THC.</p><p>There are our major cannabinoids in dried cannabis, including both delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC. Delta-8-THC, however, has very low concentrations, typically around 0.01 percent, in the dried flower.</p><h2>Main Differences</h2><p>Compared to delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC only has a few atomic bonds that are different. Although less strong, it is still potent and offers a “high.” The effects also tend to be less sedative. It is also important to note that concentrations of delta-8-THC in cannabis are much smaller than those of delta-9-THC.</p><h2>Comparing Potency</h2><p>Both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are psychoactive, but delta-9-THC is slightly more psychoactive. Research agrees that comparing the strength of delta-8-THC to delta-9-THC in terms of potency would give you a 2-3 ratio. This makes delta-8-THC more potent than THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). THCV is about 25 percent as potent as THC and gives the energetic “high” to certain strains.</p><h2>Comparing Structure</h2><p>Both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC have the same number of atoms in their molecular structure. The difference is where the double bond is positioned on the molecule, with “delta” indicating the location of that double bond.</p><h2>Comparing Landing Sites</h2><p>If you look at where delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC end up in the body, you will not spot many differences. Both have the same primary landing site, which is CB1 or cannabinoid receptor 1. This receptor is responsible for sleep, pain, movement, mood, and other functions.</p><p>The difference comes from the fact that delta-8-THC can also connect to CB2 or cannabinoid receptor 2. CB2 is part of the immune system’s communication.</p><h2>Comparing Reactions and Effects</h2><p>Using delta-8-THC or delta-9-THC will give you similar reactions, including the psychoactive effects, pain relief, and being relaxed. The difference is that the slightly reduced potency of delta-8-THC tends to make users feel more clear-headed and lucid. It also tends to have more of an energetic feel to it than delta-9-THC.</p><p>Most people who use delta-8-THC also report that they do not notice a loss of focus or productivity when using it. By contrast, a loss of productivity or focus is common with delta-9-THC users.</p><p>You will hear descriptions of people who have used both types of THC. They indicated that delta-8-THC gave them a less impaired “high” and that they were clear-headed, engaged, and without anxiety or fogginess.</p><h2>Research on Delta-8-THC</h2><p>Some studies in rodents indicate that delta-8-THC increases acetylcholine. This is a brain chemical responsible for memory and learning. Experts believe that acetylcholine deficiencies contribute to cognitive and memory issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease. As such, delta-8-THC may eventually provide a treatment or prevention strategy for these types of conditions.</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1159836" target="_blank">A 1975 study</a> explored the impact of delta-8-THC on rats with cancer. They discovered that the cannabinoid shrank the tumor size. That same study also showed dose-dependent reductions in tumor growth and size from delta-9-THC, a decrease in tumor size from CBN, and no changes from CBD. In other words, delta-9-THC reduced growth while delta-8-THC not only reduced growth but also shrank the tumors.</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7776837" target="_blank">A 1995 study</a> in Jerusalem involved giving kids between ages 3-13 with hematologic cancers delta-8-THC. They had previously received different treatments for their disease. Before and after chemo, the kids received the delta-8-THC treatments, which successfully prevented nausea and made side effects negligible. This shows the promise of delta-8-THC, even though the study is now old and had a small sample size of just eight patients. The research did repeat the experiment for 480 treatments, with a 100-percent effective rate.</p><h2>Delta-8-THC May Help Hangovers</h2><p>Some people claim that using delta-8-THC could help them overcome hangovers, with some clinical science supporting this claim. The ability of delta-8-THC to help with hangovers likely comes from its combined ability to provide energy and reduce nausea. Because of its slightly reduced potency compared to delta-9-THC, using it for hangovers can leave you clear-headed.</p><h2>Extracts of Both Exist</h2><p>Most of the THC extracts that you find on the market today will feature delta-9-THC. Unless the extract specifies otherwise, you should always assume that the THC within it is delta-9-THC.</p><p>However, some companies are creating extracts or distillates of delta-8-THC. This is growing in popularity as a way to get the same benefits of delta-9-THC extracts but with reduced psychoactive effects.</p><h3>Oleum’s Delta-8-THC Distillate</h3><p>One of the companies offering a delta-8-THC extract is Oleum. This company makes the product via thin-film distillation, which is fractional distillation. The process isolates delta-8-THC by controlling scientific equipment, vacuums, and temperature. It developed a process that lets its team convert delta-9-THC into delta-8-THC. The process also lets it isolate and purify cannabinoids by getting rid of undesirable compounds, like impurities and solvents.</p><p>The unique method used by Oleum lets it create a much more concentrated delta-8-THC product than other available products. Most of the dried cannabis flower you come across will have less than 1 percent delta-8-THC. As such, companies that want to create a higher concentration need to convert, isolate, extract, and refine the dried cannabis flower. In the case of Oleum’s AquaTek D8 Distillate, the product contains 58 percent delta-8-THC. It also has 7.9 percent delta-9-THC and 0.35 percent CBD.</p><p>The company does not include any additives or preservatives in this product. Instead, the ratios come about naturally based on the starting material and the processes that the dried cannabis undergoes. The company also keeps each distillation specific to a particular strain. This lets it record the resulting concentrations and profiles so it can create consistent products in the future.</p><h3>Evolab’s Vaporized Delta-8-THC</h3><p>Another one of the many companies offering delta-8-THC products is Evolab. Those who use its product report slightly reduced psychoactive effects as well as having more energy compared with vaporizing delta-9-THC. According to Ecolab, delta-8-THC is more upbeat, productive, and energetic than delta-9-THC.</p><h3>Other Products</h3><p>A quick online search will show you numerous other products that focus on delta-8-THC. Just some of the other companies offering these products include Empire Experience, Marley Naturals, and C&amp;D Farms. More are likely to keep arising.</p><h2>Converting Delta-9-THC to Delta-8-THC</h2><p>One of the common themes among companies that offer products with delta-8-THC is that they will convert some of the delta-9-THC in cannabis into delta-8. Without this step, the concentrations of delta-8-THC would be too low.</p><h3>Spinning Band Distillation System</h3><p>The most common method of converting delta-9-THC to delta-8-THC involves using a spinning band distillation system. You start by extracting and winterizing crude cannabis oil. Combine this with 4 percent acidic alumina silicate. You then distill the cannabis oil, collecting the resulting THC distillate as normal. The combination of the boiling heat flask with the acidic alumina silicate will cause a change to the THC’s molecular structure. This method leads to a conversion rate of 90 to 95 percent at a minimum.</p><h3>Leave It to the Professionals</h3><p>Of course, you should not try converting delta-9-THC to delta-8-THC yourself. This is something that requires professional equipment and chemicals that could be dangerous if used incorrectly. You do not want to hurt yourself during the process. You also do not want to create a dangerous substance instead of delta-8-THC accidentally and then ingest it.</p><h2>Finding Each</h2><p>Even with the increase in the availability of delta-8-THC products, it is much easier to find delta-9-THC. This starts with the fact that delta-9-THC appears in cannabis in higher concentrations. That means that if you smoke marijuana or consume a cannabis edible, you will automatically ingest higher quantities of delta-9-THC than delta-8-THC.</p><p>From there, the number of product offerings of each is not equal. Since delta-9-THC appears in cannabis in higher concentrations, it is easier for manufacturers to create products that include it. Nearly any product on the market that says it contains THC will have delta-9-THC. By contrast, delta-8-THC requires special care to increase its concentration since cannabis plants naturally have such limited quantities.</p><p>Even so, the two are among the four major cannabinoids found in cannabis. This means that cannabis has them in higher concentrations than other cannabinoids. In other words, simply smoking cannabis will give you more delta-8-THC than it would most other cannabinoids, although you will still get more delta-9-THC.</p><h2>Why Delta-8-THC Matters</h2><p>Experts feel that delta-8-THC has a great deal of potential. It provides similar benefits to delta-9-THC, such as pain reduction and nausea relief, but is more stable and efficient. The reduction in the potency of psychoactive effects can also make it useful in the future, especially in applications when people do not want the psychoactive components.</p><p>The main reason that delta-8-THC is so important is its potential benefits. Experts believe that like delta-9-THC, it can stimulate appetite, relieve pain, enhance memory, protect the brain from inflammation and stress, reduce anxiety related to stress, and help with vomiting and nausea.</p><p>Experts believe that delta-8-THC could help people with inflammatory brain conditions, nausea, mood-related problems, loss of appetite, cancer, anxiety, and dementia, among other conditions.</p><h3>Entourage Effect</h3><p>The reduced potency also makes it a strong choice for those who cannot get full symptom relief with just CBD and need a small quantity of THC to help. This benefit plays off the entourage effect, which is how CBD combined with THC can frequently produce better outcomes than just CBD alone. That applies to everything from pain relief to nausea.</p><p>Some people will even notice that adding delta-8-THC to delta-9-THC produces the entourage effect. This would let you spend less on the cannabis products you take or take smaller quantities while getting enhanced effects.</p><h3>Offering an Alternative</h3><p>The best thing about delta-8-THC is that it may offer an alternative to delta-9-THC for those who react poorly for some reason. Although the difference in potency is slight, this may be enough to make delta-8-THC a possibility without negative reactions for those who have poor reactions to delta-9-THC.</p><h2>The Future of Delta-8-THC</h2><p>Unfortunately, cannabis’s Schedule I classification makes it nearly impossible to research delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC in the United States. This means that experts cannot conduct clinical studies with humans, holding back the advances in using these types of THC.</p><h2>What About Other Delta-THCs?</h2><p>Considering that both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC have products now available and ongoing research, it is natural to wonder about other delta-THCs. Scientists know that delta-1-THC, delta-2-THC, etc. exist but they are not that important for humans. This comes down to the location where those compounds’ chemical bonds occur. It is chemically impossible for humans to be affected by these other delta-THCs. As such, you should not expect to hear about them anytime soon.</p><h2>Summary</h2><p>Delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are incredibly similar, with slight differences in chemical structure. When most people discuss the THC found in cannabis, they refer to delta-9-THC. This is the better-known type of THC, and it is present in larger concentrations in cannabis. Both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are present in higher quantities than most other cannabinoids, as both are considered in the four major cannabinoids. Even so, there is a vast difference in the quantities present.</p><p>While delta-9-THC is typically present in cannabis in full percentages, delta-8-THC is only present in fractions of a percent. This makes it harder to find delta-8-THC products as manufacturers must increase the concentration. They achieve this through various methods, including converting delta-9-THC to delta-8-THC.</p><p>Either of these two forms of THC produces similar benefits, like pain relief and a “high,” but in different ways. Delta-8-THC is a bit less potent and produces a “high” that lets you keep your clear head.</p><p>The bottom line is that delta-8-THC is still less known but holds a great deal of promise in treating a range of conditions.&nbsp;</p>

THC is the main psychoactive component and one of the cannabinoids found in
cannabis. But you may not realize that there are various types of THC. Take a
closer look at delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC to see how they are similar and
different.

UNDERSTANDING DELTA-9-THC
Most people who only know about a handful of the cannabinoids found in cannabis
will be aware of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated as delta-9-THC. When
most people use the term THC, this is the specific cannabinoid they mean.

UNDERSTANDING DELTA-8-THC
Delta-8-THC is an analog of THC that has neuroprotective, analgesic,
appetite-stimulating, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties. Most importantly,
it has a reduced psychotropic potency compared to delta-9-THC.

There are our major cannabinoids in dried cannabis, including both delta-9-THC
and delta-8-THC. Delta-8-THC, however, has very low concentrations, typically
around 0.01 percent, in the dried flower.

MAIN DIFFERENCES
Compared to delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC only has a few atomic bonds that are
different. Although less strong, it is still potent and offers a “high.” The
effects also tend to be less sedative. It is also important to note that
concentrations of delta-8-THC in cannabis are much smaller than those of
delta-9-THC.

COMPARING POTENCY
Both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are psychoactive, but delta-9-THC is slightly
more psychoactive. Research agrees that comparing the strength of delta-8-THC to
delta-9-THC in terms of potency would give you a 2-3 ratio. This makes
delta-8-THC more potent than THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). THCV is about 25
percent as potent as THC and gives the energetic “high” to certain strains.

COMPARING STRUCTURE
Both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC have the same number of atoms in their
molecular structure. The difference is where the double bond is positioned on
the molecule, with “delta” indicating the location of that double bond.

COMPARING LANDING SITES
If you look at where delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC end up in the body, you will
not spot many differences. Both have the same primary landing site, which is CB1
or cannabinoid receptor 1. This receptor is responsible for sleep, pain,
movement, mood, and other functions.

The difference comes from the fact that delta-8-THC can also connect to CB2 or
cannabinoid receptor 2. CB2 is part of the immune system’s communication.

COMPARING REACTIONS AND EFFECTS
Using delta-8-THC or delta-9-THC will give you similar reactions, including the
psychoactive effects, pain relief, and being relaxed. The difference is that the
slightly reduced potency of delta-8-THC tends to make users feel more
clear-headed and lucid. It also tends to have more of an energetic feel to it
than delta-9-THC.

Most people who use delta-8-THC also report that they do not notice a loss of
focus or productivity when using it. By contrast, a loss of productivity or
focus is common with delta-9-THC users.

You will hear descriptions of people who have used both types of THC. They
indicated that delta-8-THC gave them a less impaired “high” and that they were
clear-headed, engaged, and without anxiety or fogginess.

RESEARCH ON DELTA-8-THC
Some studies in rodents indicate that delta-8-THC increases acetylcholine. This
is a brain chemical responsible for memory and learning. Experts believe that
acetylcholine deficiencies contribute to cognitive and memory issues, such as
Alzheimer’s disease. As such, delta-8-THC may eventually provide a treatment or
prevention strategy for these types of conditions.

A 1975 study [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1159836] explored the impact
of delta-8-THC on rats with cancer. They discovered that the cannabinoid shrank
the tumor size. That same study also showed dose-dependent reductions in tumor
growth and size from delta-9-THC, a decrease in tumor size from CBN, and no
changes from CBD. In other words, delta-9-THC reduced growth while delta-8-THC
not only reduced growth but also shrank the tumors.

A 1995 study [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7776837] in Jerusalem involved
giving kids between ages 3-13 with hematologic cancers delta-8-THC. They had
previously received different treatments for their disease. Before and after
chemo, the kids received the delta-8-THC treatments, which successfully
prevented nausea and made side effects negligible. This shows the promise of
delta-8-THC, even though the study is now old and had a small sample size of
just eight patients. The research did repeat the experiment for 480 treatments,
with a 100-percent effective rate.

DELTA-8-THC MAY HELP HANGOVERS
Some people claim that using delta-8-THC could help them overcome hangovers,
with some clinical science supporting this claim. The ability of delta-8-THC to
help with hangovers likely comes from its combined ability to provide energy and
reduce nausea. Because of its slightly reduced potency compared to delta-9-THC,
using it for hangovers can leave you clear-headed.

EXTRACTS OF BOTH EXIST
Most of the THC extracts that you find on the market today will feature
delta-9-THC. Unless the extract specifies otherwise, you should always assume
that the THC within it is delta-9-THC.

However, some companies are creating extracts or distillates of delta-8-THC.
This is growing in popularity as a way to get the same benefits of delta-9-THC
extracts but with reduced psychoactive effects.

OLEUM’S DELTA-8-THC DISTILLATE
One of the companies offering a delta-8-THC extract is Oleum. This company makes
the product via thin-film distillation, which is fractional distillation. The
process isolates delta-8-THC by controlling scientific equipment, vacuums, and
temperature. It developed a process that lets its team convert delta-9-THC into
delta-8-THC. The process also lets it isolate and purify cannabinoids by getting
rid of undesirable compounds, like impurities and solvents.

The unique method used by Oleum lets it create a much more concentrated
delta-8-THC product than other available products. Most of the dried cannabis
flower you come across will have less than 1 percent delta-8-THC. As such,
companies that want to create a higher concentration need to convert, isolate,
extract, and refine the dried cannabis flower. In the case of Oleum’s AquaTek D8
Distillate, the product contains 58 percent delta-8-THC. It also has 7.9 percent
delta-9-THC and 0.35 percent CBD.

The company does not include any additives or preservatives in this product.
Instead, the ratios come about naturally based on the starting material and the
processes that the dried cannabis undergoes. The company also keeps each
distillation specific to a particular strain. This lets it record the resulting
concentrations and profiles so it can create consistent products in the future.

EVOLAB’S VAPORIZED DELTA-8-THC
Another one of the many companies offering delta-8-THC products is Evolab. Those
who use its product report slightly reduced psychoactive effects as well as
having more energy compared with vaporizing delta-9-THC. According to Ecolab,
delta-8-THC is more upbeat, productive, and energetic than delta-9-THC.

OTHER PRODUCTS
A quick online search will show you numerous other products that focus on
delta-8-THC. Just some of the other companies offering these products include
Empire Experience, Marley Naturals, and C&D Farms. More are likely to keep
arising.

CONVERTING DELTA-9-THC TO DELTA-8-THC
One of the common themes among companies that offer products with delta-8-THC is
that they will convert some of the delta-9-THC in cannabis into delta-8. Without
this step, the concentrations of delta-8-THC would be too low.

SPINNING BAND DISTILLATION SYSTEM
The most common method of converting delta-9-THC to delta-8-THC involves using a
spinning band distillation system. You start by extracting and winterizing crude
cannabis oil. Combine this with 4 percent acidic alumina silicate. You then
distill the cannabis oil, collecting the resulting THC distillate as normal. The
combination of the boiling heat flask with the acidic alumina silicate will
cause a change to the THC’s molecular structure. This method leads to a
conversion rate of 90 to 95 percent at a minimum.

LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS
Of course, you should not try converting delta-9-THC to delta-8-THC yourself.
This is something that requires professional equipment and chemicals that could
be dangerous if used incorrectly. You do not want to hurt yourself during the
process. You also do not want to create a dangerous substance instead of
delta-8-THC accidentally and then ingest it.

FINDING EACH
Even with the increase in the availability of delta-8-THC products, it is much
easier to find delta-9-THC. This starts with the fact that delta-9-THC appears
in cannabis in higher concentrations. That means that if you smoke marijuana or
consume a cannabis edible, you will automatically ingest higher quantities of
delta-9-THC than delta-8-THC.

From there, the number of product offerings of each is not equal. Since
delta-9-THC appears in cannabis in higher concentrations, it is easier for
manufacturers to create products that include it. Nearly any product on the
market that says it contains THC will have delta-9-THC. By contrast, delta-8-THC
requires special care to increase its concentration since cannabis plants
naturally have such limited quantities.

Even so, the two are among the four major cannabinoids found in cannabis. This
means that cannabis has them in higher concentrations than other cannabinoids.
In other words, simply smoking cannabis will give you more delta-8-THC than it
would most other cannabinoids, although you will still get more delta-9-THC.

WHY DELTA-8-THC MATTERS
Experts feel that delta-8-THC has a great deal of potential. It provides similar
benefits to delta-9-THC, such as pain reduction and nausea relief, but is more
stable and efficient. The reduction in the potency of psychoactive effects can
also make it useful in the future, especially in applications when people do not
want the psychoactive components.

The main reason that delta-8-THC is so important is its potential benefits.
Experts believe that like delta-9-THC, it can stimulate appetite, relieve pain,
enhance memory, protect the brain from inflammation and stress, reduce anxiety
related to stress, and help with vomiting and nausea.

Experts believe that delta-8-THC could help people with inflammatory brain
conditions, nausea, mood-related problems, loss of appetite, cancer, anxiety,
and dementia, among other conditions.

ENTOURAGE EFFECT
The reduced potency also makes it a strong choice for those who cannot get full
symptom relief with just CBD and need a small quantity of THC to help. This
benefit plays off the entourage effect, which is how CBD combined with THC can
frequently produce better outcomes than just CBD alone. That applies to
everything from pain relief to nausea.

Some people will even notice that adding delta-8-THC to delta-9-THC produces the
entourage effect. This would let you spend less on the cannabis products you
take or take smaller quantities while getting enhanced effects.

OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE
The best thing about delta-8-THC is that it may offer an alternative to
delta-9-THC for those who react poorly for some reason. Although the difference
in potency is slight, this may be enough to make delta-8-THC a possibility
without negative reactions for those who have poor reactions to delta-9-THC.

THE FUTURE OF DELTA-8-THC
Unfortunately, cannabis’s Schedule I classification makes it nearly impossible
to research delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC in the United States. This means that
experts cannot conduct clinical studies with humans, holding back the advances
in using these types of THC.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER DELTA-THCS?
Considering that both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC have products now available
and ongoing research, it is natural to wonder about other delta-THCs. Scientists
know that delta-1-THC, delta-2-THC, etc. exist but they are not that important
for humans. This comes down to the location where those compounds’ chemical
bonds occur. It is chemically impossible for humans to be affected by these
other delta-THCs. As such, you should not expect to hear about them anytime
soon.

SUMMARY
Delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are incredibly similar, with slight differences in
chemical structure. When most people discuss the THC found in cannabis, they
refer to delta-9-THC. This is the better-known type of THC, and it is present in
larger concentrations in cannabis. Both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are present
in higher quantities than most other cannabinoids, as both are considered in the
four major cannabinoids. Even so, there is a vast difference in the quantities
present.

While delta-9-THC is typically present in cannabis in full percentages,
delta-8-THC is only present in fractions of a percent. This makes it harder to
find delta-8-THC products as manufacturers must increase the concentration. They
achieve this through various methods, including converting delta-9-THC to
delta-8-THC.

Either of these two forms of THC produces similar benefits, like pain relief and
a “high,” but in different ways. Delta-8-THC is a bit less potent and produces a
“high” that lets you keep your clear head.

The bottom line is that delta-8-THC is still less known but holds a great deal
of promise in treating a range of conditions.

Delta 8-THC Vs. Delta 9

Did you know there are various types of THC? Find out the differences between Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC.

<p>Anyone who decides to grow cannabis plants will likely know or soon learn that cannabis plants can be male or female. Females are the more sought after plants as they produce large resinous buds that you dry, cure, and then smoke or consume. Because of that, most people have only female cannabis plants in their garden, or at least almost all female plants.</p><p>Just because male cannabis plants do not produce buds, this does not mean that they are useless. You can do several things with the male cannabis plants that do not involve just throwing them out.</p><h2>Understanding Males, Females, and Pollen</h2><p>Before going into details about what to do with your male cannabis plants, ensure you understand the differences. Male plants produce fine pollen, which travels on the wind to find the female plants. Pollen sacs contain five petioles in a yellow-white color. These petioles protect the interior, with its anthers carrying the pollen. At maturation, the pods open and the anthers release the pollen.</p><p>The female plants feature pistils with a sticky resin that helps them catch the fine cannabis pollen. After pollination, the pistils will dry and die back. This leads to the formation of the seeds. In six weeks or more, the seeds will move onto the next step, perhaps visibly opening the calyx.</p><h2>The Existence of Male Plants Is Good for Cannabis</h2><p>As a dioecious plant, cannabis evolved to have both male and female plants, which works to the benefit of all cannabis plants. Because males and females grow separately instead of within the same plant, there is a higher level of genetic diversity in cannabis plants. As with humans or any other living thing, genetic diversity helps with vitality and strength.</p><p>It is common for hobby growers to use clones for an entire grow of cannabis plants, or to use one feminized strain. Doing so may be easy, but it will lead to weakness in your plants. The lack of diversity can increase your plants’ sensitivity to pests and diseases. It can also weaken the defenses of the plants.</p><h3>Keep Them to Encourage Cannabis Health and Diversity</h3><p>Because of the benefits associated with male cannabis plants to the diversity and strength of cannabis around the world, it is wise to keep your male plants. If you discard otherwise healthy cannabis plants that are male, this may lead to issues with the future sustainability of cannabis.</p><p>This is not a far-fetched idea. People selectively breed bananas to produce fruits with no seeds and engage in similar selective breeding with other plants. This has put bananas at risk due to the lack of seeds and selective breeding. Just a single person getting rid of male cannabis plants is unlikely to have a substantial impact on the future of the species, but if everyone followed suit, it would.</p><p>Essentially, keeping the male cannabis plants and finding alternative uses for them helps the species survive.</p><h2>Breeding</h2><p>Most people who choose to keep male cannabis plants will do so for breeding purposes. After all, you need the male plants to pollinate the females, or you will not be able to produce more cannabis. The only exception will be if you grow from clones.</p><h3>Why Breed Your Own Cannabis Strain?</h3><p>Beginner growers will not necessarily want to breed their own cannabis strains, but once you become familiar with growing cannabis, this may become appealing. This can take your hobby to the next level and give you the chance to create your own one-of-a-kind strain with buds that have the effects that you want.</p><p>Breeding cannabis strains yourself lets you focus on the features that you want, whether it is a particular flavor or potency. Even if there is not a specific aroma or flavor you want from the cannabis, there are reasons to breed your own. You may find yourself with better yields, more resinous cannabis plants, and better “highs.”</p><h2>Choosing Males for Breeding</h2><p>If you plan to use male cannabis plants for breeding, try to choose a plant with strong genetic material. This is crucial because the males will provide half of the seeds’ genetic makeup. You want to look for factors like rate of growth, resistance to mold and pests, shape, and climate resilience.</p><p>Most breeders end up choosing their males via elimination. This takes out some of the guesswork from the process, making it easy to find the ideal male without too much research.</p><h3>Eliminate Options Based on Growth Rate</h3><p>Start by eliminating males that grow too tall or too quick. Those traits typically indicate buds that lack in quality, although this is not always the case.</p><h3>Eliminate Options Based on Flowering</h3><p>Next, get rid of any autoflowering male as well as male plants that flower too early. There might be a higher chance of the plant becoming intersex if it flowers at unexpected moments.</p><h3>Select Based on Aroma</h3><p>You will likely prefer a cannabis plant that has a strong, pleasant scent. To increase your chances of this result, choose males that also have a nice aroma.</p><h3>Select for Quality Stems</h3><p>Look at the remaining male cannabis plants and choose ones that have strong stems. You want to look for males with large and hollow stems. Get rid of the plants that have pithy stems. Growers with experience have noticed that cannabis plants with stronger, quality stems tend to have higher THC content.</p><h3>Select Based on Bud Structure</h3><p>You can also look at the bud structure of the potential males and keep those with ideal structure. You want to look for airy bed structure while avoiding buds that are dense or tightly packed. This type of selection should improve your chances of good yields.</p><h2>Producing Concentrates and Other THC Products</h2><p>Many people do not realize that male cannabis plants can also provide psychoactive properties. Females will do a better job at this, but males still contain small quantities of cannabinoids. You can find those cannabinoids in the sacs, stems, and leaves of male cannabis plants. You will find less in their buds than you would on females.</p><p>You should not expect to get a strong concentrate from male cannabis. However, you will still find more THC in the flowers of males than that in leaves of females.</p><p>This means that you can use male cannabis plants to produce concentrates, just as you would with females. Choose your favorite extraction method and turn the male cannabis plants into oils or hash.</p><h3>Use It Like You Would Leftover Sugar Leaves From Females</h3><p>It is common for growers to use the remaining sugar leaves from female plants once harvest arrives. You can do the same thing with nearly any part of the male plant. Use them to make hash, concentrates, cannabutter, or similar items.</p><h2>Make Tea or Juice</h2><p>Yet another option for male cannabis plants that takes advantage of their health benefits is turning them into a drink. Cannabis juice contains numerous nutrients, earning it a positive reputation among those who are health-conscious. In most cases, tea or juice will give you the benefits of the cannabinoids like CBD but no “high,” so you will not have to worry about interference with your daily life.</p><p>Males work nearly just as well as females for making juice or tea. The only difference is that you will have lower quantities of cannabinoids in the final drink. To turn male cannabis plants into juice or tea, follow the same steps you would for females. Just remove the larger leaves and thicker stalks first, as these can bring a bitter taste.</p><h2>Making Hemp Fiber</h2><p>Not everyone uses cannabis plants for their THC and CBD content. Hemp is also very useful and versatile material. It works well in a range of applications, including the making of hemp rope and hemp cloth.</p><p>Male plants actually excel at producing hemp fiber, as the material will be softer and have a higher resistance. By contrast, the material made using female plants tends to be coarser as well as stronger.</p><p>Because male cannabis plants produce softer hemp, most people who want hemp for household items like clothing and tablecloths will opt for male plants. By contrast, the female plants’ strength makes them good for rope and tougher applications.</p><h3>Can You Make Your Own Hemp Fiber?</h3><p>You may not think to keep male cannabis plants to make hemp fiber. It doesn’t make sense if you are not a commercial grower. After all, few people make their own hemp. Despite this being a less common hobby, it is still entirely possible to make your own hemp at home. There are numerous guides and tools available online to help you. If the idea sounds interesting, you could find yourself with a new hobby that produces useful crafts. Alternatively, you could see if any of your friends or family already has that hobby or would be interested in starting.</p><h2>Improving Overall Garden Health</h2><p>Most people choose to grow cannabis in their gardens to produce the buds and get the cannabinoids from the plant, but this is not the only purpose. Cannabis plants, male or female, can actually provide numerous other benefits to your garden. This can help a range of plants, from veggies to other flowers.</p><h3>Providing Terpenes</h3><p>Just like females, male cannabis plants produce terpenes, which are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its smell. These terpenes also help with controlling diseases and pests. This means that if you include male cannabis plants in your garden, they may help you keep away diseases and pests, encouraging the health of your other plants.</p><p>You can also dry some of the material from your male cannabis plant and then place that throughout your garden. This could provide the same benefits thanks to the terpene-rich oils. In fact, many of the natural bug sprays you find for sale take advantage of those terpene-rich oils found in cannabis plants, both male and female.</p><h3>Improving Soil Quality</h3><p>If you choose to include male cannabis plants in your garden, you may also notice an improvement to your soil quality. This comes from the long taproots associated with cannabis plants. Growers love taproots thanks to their ability to reach deep into the ground, where they break up low-quality soil. This improves the soil quality by allowing nutrients and moisture to get in it.</p><p>In addition to improving the nutrient and moisture content of the soil, taproots also help the soil stay in place. That helps your garden during heavy rainfalls by stopping nutrient runoff and preventing soil loss.</p><h2>Cautions When Keeping Male Cannabis Plants</h2><p>With so many potential uses for male cannabis plants, there is no reason to dispose of them. If you do decide to keep your male cannabis plants, just keep a few key factors in mind.</p><h3>Keep Them Away From Female Cannabis Plants</h3><p>Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to ensure your male cannabis plants remain far away from the female cannabis plants. Cannabis pollen is excellent at traveling, easily covering long distances in search of a female. You do not want this to happen with your female plants unless planned.</p><p>The pollination is crucial for reproducing cannabis plants, but it will reduce the quality of buds your female cannabis plants produce. That is why most growers do not pollinate their bud-producing females. Essentially, pollinated females will focus energy on breeding instead of producing the cannabinoid-rich buds you want. This will lead to lower-quality buds with reduced potency.</p><h3>Do Not Go Over the Legal Limit</h3><p>You should also always keep the law in mind if you decide to let your male cannabis plants grow. Depending on where you live, there may be legal restrictions as to how many cannabis plants you can legally grow. This figure includes both males and females. As such, you may need to discard your males if you have too many and choose the females for their cannabinoid-rich buds.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Just because male cannabis plants do not produce THC in the same quantities as females, this does not mean they are useless. You can still use them for breeding, making THC or CBD concentrates, making hemp, and protecting the rest of your garden. You only need to discard the males if you want to or do not have enough resources to keep them.</p>

Anyone who decides to grow cannabis plants will likely know or soon learn that
cannabis plants can be male or female. Females are the more sought after plants
as they produce large resinous buds that you dry, cure, and then smoke or
consume. Because of that, most people have only female cannabis plants in their
garden, or at least almost all female plants.

Just because male cannabis plants do not produce buds, this does not mean that
they are useless. You can do several things with the male cannabis plants that
do not involve just throwing them out.

UNDERSTANDING MALES, FEMALES, AND POLLEN
Before going into details about what to do with your male cannabis plants,
ensure you understand the differences. Male plants produce fine pollen, which
travels on the wind to find the female plants. Pollen sacs contain five petioles
in a yellow-white color. These petioles protect the interior, with its anthers
carrying the pollen. At maturation, the pods open and the anthers release the
pollen.

The female plants feature pistils with a sticky resin that helps them catch the
fine cannabis pollen. After pollination, the pistils will dry and die back. This
leads to the formation of the seeds. In six weeks or more, the seeds will move
onto the next step, perhaps visibly opening the calyx.

THE EXISTENCE OF MALE PLANTS IS GOOD FOR CANNABIS
As a dioecious plant, cannabis evolved to have both male and female plants,
which works to the benefit of all cannabis plants. Because males and females
grow separately instead of within the same plant, there is a higher level of
genetic diversity in cannabis plants. As with humans or any other living thing,
genetic diversity helps with vitality and strength.

It is common for hobby growers to use clones for an entire grow of cannabis
plants, or to use one feminized strain. Doing so may be easy, but it will lead
to weakness in your plants. The lack of diversity can increase your plants’
sensitivity to pests and diseases. It can also weaken the defenses of the
plants.

KEEP THEM TO ENCOURAGE CANNABIS HEALTH AND DIVERSITY
Because of the benefits associated with male cannabis plants to the diversity
and strength of cannabis around the world, it is wise to keep your male plants.
If you discard otherwise healthy cannabis plants that are male, this may lead to
issues with the future sustainability of cannabis.

This is not a far-fetched idea. People selectively breed bananas to produce
fruits with no seeds and engage in similar selective breeding with other plants.
This has put bananas at risk due to the lack of seeds and selective breeding.
Just a single person getting rid of male cannabis plants is unlikely to have a
substantial impact on the future of the species, but if everyone followed suit,
it would.

Essentially, keeping the male cannabis plants and finding alternative uses for
them helps the species survive.

BREEDING
Most people who choose to keep male cannabis plants will do so for breeding
purposes. After all, you need the male plants to pollinate the females, or you
will not be able to produce more cannabis. The only exception will be if you
grow from clones.

WHY BREED YOUR OWN CANNABIS STRAIN?
Beginner growers will not necessarily want to breed their own cannabis strains,
but once you become familiar with growing cannabis, this may become appealing.
This can take your hobby to the next level and give you the chance to create
your own one-of-a-kind strain with buds that have the effects that you want.

Breeding cannabis strains yourself lets you focus on the features that you want,
whether it is a particular flavor or potency. Even if there is not a specific
aroma or flavor you want from the cannabis, there are reasons to breed your own.
You may find yourself with better yields, more resinous cannabis plants, and
better “highs.”

CHOOSING MALES FOR BREEDING
If you plan to use male cannabis plants for breeding, try to choose a plant with
strong genetic material. This is crucial because the males will provide half of
the seeds’ genetic makeup. You want to look for factors like rate of growth,
resistance to mold and pests, shape, and climate resilience.

Most breeders end up choosing their males via elimination. This takes out some
of the guesswork from the process, making it easy to find the ideal male without
too much research.

ELIMINATE OPTIONS BASED ON GROWTH RATE
Start by eliminating males that grow too tall or too quick. Those traits
typically indicate buds that lack in quality, although this is not always the
case.

ELIMINATE OPTIONS BASED ON FLOWERING
Next, get rid of any autoflowering male as well as male plants that flower too
early. There might be a higher chance of the plant becoming intersex if it
flowers at unexpected moments.

SELECT BASED ON AROMA
You will likely prefer a cannabis plant that has a strong, pleasant scent. To
increase your chances of this result, choose males that also have a nice aroma.

SELECT FOR QUALITY STEMS
Look at the remaining male cannabis plants and choose ones that have strong
stems. You want to look for males with large and hollow stems. Get rid of the
plants that have pithy stems. Growers with experience have noticed that cannabis
plants with stronger, quality stems tend to have higher THC content.

SELECT BASED ON BUD STRUCTURE
You can also look at the bud structure of the potential males and keep those
with ideal structure. You want to look for airy bed structure while avoiding
buds that are dense or tightly packed. This type of selection should improve
your chances of good yields.

PRODUCING CONCENTRATES AND OTHER THC PRODUCTS
Many people do not realize that male cannabis plants can also provide
psychoactive properties. Females will do a better job at this, but males still
contain small quantities of cannabinoids. You can find those cannabinoids in the
sacs, stems, and leaves of male cannabis plants. You will find less in their
buds than you would on females.

You should not expect to get a strong concentrate from male cannabis. However,
you will still find more THC in the flowers of males than that in leaves of
females.

This means that you can use male cannabis plants to produce concentrates, just
as you would with females. Choose your favorite extraction method and turn the
male cannabis plants into oils or hash.

USE IT LIKE YOU WOULD LEFTOVER SUGAR LEAVES FROM FEMALES
It is common for growers to use the remaining sugar leaves from female plants
once harvest arrives. You can do the same thing with nearly any part of the male
plant. Use them to make hash, concentrates, cannabutter, or similar items.

MAKE TEA OR JUICE
Yet another option for male cannabis plants that takes advantage of their health
benefits is turning them into a drink. Cannabis juice contains numerous
nutrients, earning it a positive reputation among those who are
health-conscious. In most cases, tea or juice will give you the benefits of the
cannabinoids like CBD but no “high,” so you will not have to worry about
interference with your daily life.

Males work nearly just as well as females for making juice or tea. The only
difference is that you will have lower quantities of cannabinoids in the final
drink. To turn male cannabis plants into juice or tea, follow the same steps you
would for females. Just remove the larger leaves and thicker stalks first, as
these can bring a bitter taste.

MAKING HEMP FIBER
Not everyone uses cannabis plants for their THC and CBD content. Hemp is also
very useful and versatile material. It works well in a range of applications,
including the making of hemp rope and hemp cloth.

Male plants actually excel at producing hemp fiber, as the material will be
softer and have a higher resistance. By contrast, the material made using female
plants tends to be coarser as well as stronger.

Because male cannabis plants produce softer hemp, most people who want hemp for
household items like clothing and tablecloths will opt for male plants. By
contrast, the female plants’ strength makes them good for rope and tougher
applications.

CAN YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEMP FIBER?
You may not think to keep male cannabis plants to make hemp fiber. It doesn’t
make sense if you are not a commercial grower. After all, few people make their
own hemp. Despite this being a less common hobby, it is still entirely possible
to make your own hemp at home. There are numerous guides and tools available
online to help you. If the idea sounds interesting, you could find yourself with
a new hobby that produces useful crafts. Alternatively, you could see if any of
your friends or family already has that hobby or would be interested in
starting.

IMPROVING OVERALL GARDEN HEALTH
Most people choose to grow cannabis in their gardens to produce the buds and get
the cannabinoids from the plant, but this is not the only purpose. Cannabis
plants, male or female, can actually provide numerous other benefits to your
garden. This can help a range of plants, from veggies to other flowers.

PROVIDING TERPENES
Just like females, male cannabis plants produce terpenes, which are the aromatic
oils that give cannabis its smell. These terpenes also help with controlling
diseases and pests. This means that if you include male cannabis plants in your
garden, they may help you keep away diseases and pests, encouraging the health
of your other plants.

You can also dry some of the material from your male cannabis plant and then
place that throughout your garden. This could provide the same benefits thanks
to the terpene-rich oils. In fact, many of the natural bug sprays you find for
sale take advantage of those terpene-rich oils found in cannabis plants, both
male and female.

IMPROVING SOIL QUALITY
If you choose to include male cannabis plants in your garden, you may also
notice an improvement to your soil quality. This comes from the long taproots
associated with cannabis plants. Growers love taproots thanks to their ability
to reach deep into the ground, where they break up low-quality soil. This
improves the soil quality by allowing nutrients and moisture to get in it.

In addition to improving the nutrient and moisture content of the soil, taproots
also help the soil stay in place. That helps your garden during heavy rainfalls
by stopping nutrient runoff and preventing soil loss.

CAUTIONS WHEN KEEPING MALE CANNABIS PLANTS
With so many potential uses for male cannabis plants, there is no reason to
dispose of them. If you do decide to keep your male cannabis plants, just keep a
few key factors in mind.

KEEP THEM AWAY FROM FEMALE CANNABIS PLANTS
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to ensure your male cannabis
plants remain far away from the female cannabis plants. Cannabis pollen is
excellent at traveling, easily covering long distances in search of a female.
You do not want this to happen with your female plants unless planned.

The pollination is crucial for reproducing cannabis plants, but it will reduce
the quality of buds your female cannabis plants produce. That is why most
growers do not pollinate their bud-producing females. Essentially, pollinated
females will focus energy on breeding instead of producing the cannabinoid-rich
buds you want. This will lead to lower-quality buds with reduced potency.

DO NOT GO OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT
You should also always keep the law in mind if you decide to let your male
cannabis plants grow. Depending on where you live, there may be legal
restrictions as to how many cannabis plants you can legally grow. This figure
includes both males and females. As such, you may need to discard your males if
you have too many and choose the females for their cannabinoid-rich buds.

CONCLUSION
Just because male cannabis plants do not produce THC in the same quantities as
females, this does not mean they are useless. You can still use them for
breeding, making THC or CBD concentrates, making hemp, and protecting the rest
of your garden. You only need to discard the males if you want to or do not have
enough resources to keep them.

What to Do With Male Cannabis Plants

Just because male cannabis plants do not produce buds, this does not mean that they are useless.

<p>Cannabis has numerous health benefits associated with it. From relieving pain to reducing nausea, cannabis can sometimes seem like a miracle substance. One of the questions that come up regarding cannabis is whether it can actually kill cancer cells. You may read sources indicating that it has the potential to fight cancer, but is this really the case?</p><h2>The Short Answer</h2><p>The quick answer is that early research shows that cannabis might be able to kill cancer cells, but we need more research. For now, it is best to rely on traditional cancer treatments, and maybe supplement them with cannabis with your doctor’s approval.</p><p>Cannabis definitely can help with cancer symptoms, though. It can reduce nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain associated with cancer and its treatments. So while we need more research to show cannabis can kill cancer cells, it can still improve quality of life for those with the disease.</p><p>That is just a quick summary. The relationship between cannabis and treating cancer is much more complex. Take a look at the aspects of cannabis that help it fight cancer and cancer symptoms, and the research already completed on the topic.</p><h2><strong>The Role of Cannabinoids</strong></h2><p>The evidence that shows cannabis may kill cancer cells indicates that this is thanks to the cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis. Cannabinoids are commonly used for treating pain, inflammation, nausea, and seizures. These are all already accepted uses of CBD, and the FDA has already approved a medication that includes CBD and THC to treat epilepsy and seizures.</p><h3>CBD Is Non-psychoactive</h3><p>For those unfamiliar with it, CBD is a cannabinoid in cannabis that does not have any psychoactive properties. The psychoactive nature of cannabis mostly comes from THC. So as long as a CBD product does not contain THC, it should not interfere with daily functioning due to getting “high.”</p><h3>How CBD Works</h3><p>CBD provides its range of benefits by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The body’s cannabinoid receptors contain some nerve and brain cells, indicating that cannabinoids like CBD may help the immune system.</p><h2>Success in Cancer Research on Animals</h2><p>So far, most of the studies regarding the ability of cannabis to kill cancer cells are either test tube studies or animal studies. Scientists have already conducted multiple animal studies to explore how cannabis impacts cancer cells, with good results.</p><h3>Colon Inflammation</h3><p>One study conducted on mice found that the presence of cannabinoids led to a reduction in colon inflammation. That drop in colon inflammation, in turn, reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.</p><h3>Protecting Normal Cells While Attacking Cancer</h3><p>Other research on animals has shown that cannabinoids can protect the body’s normal cells at the same time that they attack and kill the cancer cells. These studies will restrict blood flow to cancer cells, leading to those cells becoming malnourished. This will either stunt the growth of the cancer cells or completely stop it.</p><p>The result is that using cannabis to treat cancer either stopped or noticeably reduced the growth of tumors.</p><h3>Delta-9-THC</h3><p>Other studies have looked at Delta-9-THC and its impact on liver cancer with favorable results. Scientists found that this particular compound in cannabis would kill the cancer cells related to liver cancer. There are also similar results for non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.</p><p>In breast cancer research, cannabinoids had minimal effect on the normal cells in breasts but caused the death of the cancer cells.</p><h2>Studies on Humans With Cancer</h2><p>Scientists have not yet conducted any large-scale studies on people to see whether cannabis can really kill cancer cells. There are multiple small studies, but they require larger groups of participants, or the results are not yet reported. In some cases, the results are inconclusive.</p><h2>THC and CBD Cause Cancer Cell Death</h2><p>The early research into the impact of cannabis on cancer cells indicates that THC has anti-cancer properties. It works through the body’s cannabinoid receptors to provide anti-tumor effects.</p><p>To understand how THC helps kill cancer cells, you need to look at apoptosis, which is the body’s natural process of destroying cells as an organism grows. Cancer cells will not acknowledge signals from the body, telling them to destroy cell growth. As cancer cells grow, this problem gets worse, but the endocannabinoid system and THC can step in.</p><p>The endocannabinoid system will help modulate the death and growth of cells, but at some point, it cannot handle it. At this point, metastasis occurs as the cancer cells spread. There are two primary receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CB1 and CB2 receptors. They are typically found in your brain and immune system, respectively. THC binds with CB1 receptors, regulating cerebral functions like behavior and mood. CBD connects to CB2 receptors to let the body know about any invaders in the body.</p><p>This lets the endocannabinoid system know that something is wrong so it can promote the destruction of the invaders, which are the cancer cells. At the same time, the process reduces the spread of cancer by reducing the ability of tumors to reproduce, metastasize, and participate in angiogenesis.</p><h2><strong>We Don’t Know Which Receptor Produces the Effects</strong></h2><p>The problem is that while there is early evidence that the THC in cannabis causes cancer cell death, experts do not know the details. Most importantly, experts need to determine the main cannabinoid receptors that lead to this effect.</p><p>Once scientists identify the receptors involved, they can develop treatments that directly target tumor cells to kill or stop their growth.</p><h2><strong>Cannabis Can Definitely Reduce Chemo Symptoms</strong></h2><p>While we still need to conduct more research on cannabis’s ability to kill cancer cells, there is already clear evidence that it can help those undergoing chemotherapy. This relief comes in the form of alleviating the symptoms associated with chemotherapy.</p><p>Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, and changes in appetite. Cannabis can help with all of these issues, especially relieving nausea after treatment. Some studies even indicate that CBD can reduce nausea from chemo that does not diminish with traditional nausea medications.</p><h3>Improves the Use of Chemo</h3><p>By relieving some of the most bothersome side effects of chemotherapy, cannabis could encourage people to go further with their chemo treatments. Since the chemo kills cancer cells, that would mean that cannabis indirectly helps fight cancer. While a direct link between cannabis and killing cancer cells would be better, this is at least a step in the right direction.</p><h3>Proven Methods With Approval</h3><p>Nabilone and dronabinol are both FDA-approved and contain cannabinoids, including delta-9-THC. These medications treat vomiting and nausea due to chemo. These successfully provide treatment to patients that did not experience relief from traditional anti-nausea treatments. Clinical trials indicated that these drugs work at least as well, if not better than other drugs for reducing vomiting and nausea.</p><p>Nabiximols is an oral spray that contains CBD and delta-9-THC. A placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blind study in Spain successfully showed it treats vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy. This was a small study.</p><p>There have been 10 smaller trials looking at inhaling cannabis to treat vomiting and nausea from chemo, with success.</p><h3>Studies Related to Cannabis Treating Specific Symptoms</h3><p>Studies have shown that taking delta-9-THC by mouth can increase appetite in some cases. In advanced cancer patients, delta-9-THC had similar results to an appetite stimulant, megestrol. For HIV/AIDS patients, however, it had better results than a placebo.</p><p>Combining vaporized cannabis with morphine reduced pain better than just morphine. Using vaporized cannabis with oxycodone did not increase the pain relief of oxycodone. Randomized trials of inhaled cannabis show those with nerve pain experience relief. Cannabis extracts sprayed under the tongue of advanced cancer patients showed some increased pain control. Some side effects are felt when used in high doses. Two separate studies showed that taking delta-9-THC by mouth relieves cancer-related pain.</p><h2>How You Can Use Cannabis for Treating Cancer</h2><p>The National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Department of Health indicates that cannabinoids and delta-9-THC can help treat cancer side effects and the disease itself as an herbal tea, when smoked, as an edible, or sprayed under the tongue.</p><p>Scientists have also looked into how cancer cells react to cannabis oil injected into them. The cells become weaker and can eventually die. This is incredibly promising, but we would need an effective method of delivering cannabis oil to every single cancer cell.</p><h3>National Cancer Institute Suggested Methods</h3><p>According to the National Cancer Institute, some studies involve taking CBD by mouth as a way to treat solid tumors. There are also studies with an oral spray that combines CBD and delta-9-THC to treat recurring glioblastoma multiforme. In the case of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CBD taken by mouth may help treat acute versions of graft-versus-host disease.</p><h2><strong>Potential Side Effects</strong></h2><p>Cannabis and cannabinoids may lead to side effects, although these are typically milder than the side effects associated with traditional medicines for cancer. Potential side effects include bloodshot eyes, muscle relaxation, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, paranoia, and hallucinations.</p><h2><strong>How to Use This Info to Treat Cancer</strong></h2><p><strong>Cannabis Should Supplement, Not Replace Traditional Cancer Treatments</strong></p><p>Before anyone uses cannabis to try to kill cancer cells, they should always consult their doctor. Since this treatment is not yet proven, it is safest to stick to proven treatment methods like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. You can likely supplement those with cannabis as a new angle of attack on the cancer cells. Until cannabis’s ability to kill cancer cells is explicitly proven, do not give up on traditional, proven treatments just to try cannabis. It should be used as a supplemental treatment or an option if the conventional treatments do not work.</p><h3>Always Consult Your Doctor Before Taking Cannabis for Cancer</h3><p>Furthermore, you should never start using cannabis to treat your cancer without first consulting your doctor. Cannabis can interact with certain medications, and you do not want to reduce the effectiveness of your treatments. Additionally, your doctor may be able to provide you some suggestions as to the quantities and strains of cannabis to try.</p><p>Your doctor will likely be familiar with the latest research related to cannabis for killing cancer, so they can let you know about any advances. This will let you take advantage of the most recent developments and get the most from the use of cannabis.</p><h2>The Most Recent Developments and the Future</h2><p>Recently, researchers from India’s Amity University published a scientific review that examines and explains the various pieces of scientific literature regarding how cannabinoids fight cancer. The review also outlined the evidence showing that cannabis helps with pain relief, fight nausea, and stimulate appetite in cancer patients. Most studies under review were in vitro, involving test tubes.</p><p>The review strongly encourages officials to change the legal status of cannabis so that more research can occur.</p><h3>The Future</h3><p>As mentioned, experts still need to conduct more research into cannabis’s ability to kill cancer cells. As more states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, this research should be forthcoming. However, while cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, it will be extremely challenging for scientists to make any significant advances as their research proposals may not receive approval.</p><h2><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></h2><p>For now, there are indications that cannabis can probably kill cancer cells, but scientists still need to conduct more research. Most of the studies so far involve test tubes or animals, so we would need human studies to confirm that cannabis can kill cancer cells. This poses challenges, as no scientist will deny a patient the traditional treatments that work in favor of an experimental treatment.</p><p>For now, those who are fighting cancer can consider using cannabis to supplement their treatments, with doctor approval. It can also be an option for those with cancer that does not respond to other methods.</p><p>As we wait for more research, cancer patients can continue to use cannabis and cannabis-related products like CBD oils to relieve the symptoms associated with cancer and chemo, such as pain and nausea.</p>

Cannabis has numerous health benefits associated with it. From relieving pain to
reducing nausea, cannabis can sometimes seem like a miracle substance. One of
the questions that come up regarding cannabis is whether it can actually kill
cancer cells. You may read sources indicating that it has the potential to fight
cancer, but is this really the case?

THE SHORT ANSWER
The quick answer is that early research shows that cannabis might be able to
kill cancer cells, but we need more research. For now, it is best to rely on
traditional cancer treatments, and maybe supplement them with cannabis with your
doctor’s approval.

Cannabis definitely can help with cancer symptoms, though. It can reduce nausea,
loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain associated with cancer and its treatments.
So while we need more research to show cannabis can kill cancer cells, it can
still improve quality of life for those with the disease.

That is just a quick summary. The relationship between cannabis and treating
cancer is much more complex. Take a look at the aspects of cannabis that help it
fight cancer and cancer symptoms, and the research already completed on the
topic.

THE ROLE OF CANNABINOIDS
The evidence that shows cannabis may kill cancer cells indicates that this is
thanks to the cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
in cannabis. Cannabinoids are commonly used for treating pain, inflammation,
nausea, and seizures. These are all already accepted uses of CBD, and the FDA
has already approved a medication that includes CBD and THC to treat epilepsy
and seizures.

CBD IS NON-PSYCHOACTIVE
For those unfamiliar with it, CBD is a cannabinoid in cannabis that does not
have any psychoactive properties. The psychoactive nature of cannabis mostly
comes from THC. So as long as a CBD product does not contain THC, it should not
interfere with daily functioning due to getting “high.”

HOW CBD WORKS
CBD provides its range of benefits by interacting with the body’s
endocannabinoid system. The body’s cannabinoid receptors contain some nerve and
brain cells, indicating that cannabinoids like CBD may help the immune system.

SUCCESS IN CANCER RESEARCH ON ANIMALS
So far, most of the studies regarding the ability of cannabis to kill cancer
cells are either test tube studies or animal studies. Scientists have already
conducted multiple animal studies to explore how cannabis impacts cancer cells,
with good results.

COLON INFLAMMATION
One study conducted on mice found that the presence of cannabinoids led to a
reduction in colon inflammation. That drop in colon inflammation, in turn,
reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.

PROTECTING NORMAL CELLS WHILE ATTACKING CANCER
Other research on animals has shown that cannabinoids can protect the body’s
normal cells at the same time that they attack and kill the cancer cells. These
studies will restrict blood flow to cancer cells, leading to those cells
becoming malnourished. This will either stunt the growth of the cancer cells or
completely stop it.

The result is that using cannabis to treat cancer either stopped or noticeably
reduced the growth of tumors.

DELTA-9-THC
Other studies have looked at Delta-9-THC and its impact on liver cancer with
favorable results. Scientists found that this particular compound in cannabis
would kill the cancer cells related to liver cancer. There are also similar
results for non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.

In breast cancer research, cannabinoids had minimal effect on the normal cells
in breasts but caused the death of the cancer cells.

STUDIES ON HUMANS WITH CANCER
Scientists have not yet conducted any large-scale studies on people to see
whether cannabis can really kill cancer cells. There are multiple small studies,
but they require larger groups of participants, or the results are not yet
reported. In some cases, the results are inconclusive.

THC AND CBD CAUSE CANCER CELL DEATH
The early research into the impact of cannabis on cancer cells indicates that
THC has anti-cancer properties. It works through the body’s cannabinoid
receptors to provide anti-tumor effects.

To understand how THC helps kill cancer cells, you need to look at apoptosis,
which is the body’s natural process of destroying cells as an organism grows.
Cancer cells will not acknowledge signals from the body, telling them to destroy
cell growth. As cancer cells grow, this problem gets worse, but the
endocannabinoid system and THC can step in.

The endocannabinoid system will help modulate the death and growth of cells, but
at some point, it cannot handle it. At this point, metastasis occurs as the
cancer cells spread. There are two primary receptors in the endocannabinoid
system, CB1 and CB2 receptors. They are typically found in your brain and immune
system, respectively. THC binds with CB1 receptors, regulating cerebral
functions like behavior and mood. CBD connects to CB2 receptors to let the body
know about any invaders in the body.

This lets the endocannabinoid system know that something is wrong so it can
promote the destruction of the invaders, which are the cancer cells. At the same
time, the process reduces the spread of cancer by reducing the ability of tumors
to reproduce, metastasize, and participate in angiogenesis.

WE DON’T KNOW WHICH RECEPTOR PRODUCES THE EFFECTS
The problem is that while there is early evidence that the THC in cannabis
causes cancer cell death, experts do not know the details. Most importantly,
experts need to determine the main cannabinoid receptors that lead to this
effect.

Once scientists identify the receptors involved, they can develop treatments
that directly target tumor cells to kill or stop their growth.

CANNABIS CAN DEFINITELY REDUCE CHEMO SYMPTOMS
While we still need to conduct more research on cannabis’s ability to kill
cancer cells, there is already clear evidence that it can help those undergoing
chemotherapy. This relief comes in the form of alleviating the symptoms
associated with chemotherapy.

Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting,
and changes in appetite. Cannabis can help with all of these issues, especially
relieving nausea after treatment. Some studies even indicate that CBD can reduce
nausea from chemo that does not diminish with traditional nausea medications.

IMPROVES THE USE OF CHEMO
By relieving some of the most bothersome side effects of chemotherapy, cannabis
could encourage people to go further with their chemo treatments. Since the
chemo kills cancer cells, that would mean that cannabis indirectly helps fight
cancer. While a direct link between cannabis and killing cancer cells would be
better, this is at least a step in the right direction.

PROVEN METHODS WITH APPROVAL
Nabilone and dronabinol are both FDA-approved and contain cannabinoids,
including delta-9-THC. These medications treat vomiting and nausea due to chemo.
These successfully provide treatment to patients that did not experience relief
from traditional anti-nausea treatments. Clinical trials indicated that these
drugs work at least as well, if not better than other drugs for reducing
vomiting and nausea.

Nabiximols is an oral spray that contains CBD and delta-9-THC. A
placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blind study in Spain successfully
showed it treats vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy. This was a small study.

There have been 10 smaller trials looking at inhaling cannabis to treat vomiting
and nausea from chemo, with success.

STUDIES RELATED TO CANNABIS TREATING SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS
Studies have shown that taking delta-9-THC by mouth can increase appetite in
some cases. In advanced cancer patients, delta-9-THC had similar results to an
appetite stimulant, megestrol. For HIV/AIDS patients, however, it had better
results than a placebo.

Combining vaporized cannabis with morphine reduced pain better than just
morphine. Using vaporized cannabis with oxycodone did not increase the pain
relief of oxycodone. Randomized trials of inhaled cannabis show those with nerve
pain experience relief. Cannabis extracts sprayed under the tongue of advanced
cancer patients showed some increased pain control. Some side effects are felt
when used in high doses. Two separate studies showed that taking delta-9-THC by
mouth relieves cancer-related pain.

HOW YOU CAN USE CANNABIS FOR TREATING CANCER
The National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Department of Health indicates that
cannabinoids and delta-9-THC can help treat cancer side effects and the disease
itself as an herbal tea, when smoked, as an edible, or sprayed under the tongue.

Scientists have also looked into how cancer cells react to cannabis oil injected
into them. The cells become weaker and can eventually die. This is incredibly
promising, but we would need an effective method of delivering cannabis oil to
every single cancer cell.

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE SUGGESTED METHODS
According to the National Cancer Institute, some studies involve taking CBD by
mouth as a way to treat solid tumors. There are also studies with an oral spray
that combines CBD and delta-9-THC to treat recurring glioblastoma multiforme. In
the case of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CBD taken by
mouth may help treat acute versions of graft-versus-host disease.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Cannabis and cannabinoids may lead to side effects, although these are typically
milder than the side effects associated with traditional medicines for cancer.
Potential side effects include bloodshot eyes, muscle relaxation, low blood
pressure, fast heartbeat, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, paranoia, and
hallucinations.

HOW TO USE THIS INFO TO TREAT CANCER
Cannabis Should Supplement, Not Replace Traditional Cancer Treatments

Before anyone uses cannabis to try to kill cancer cells, they should always
consult their doctor. Since this treatment is not yet proven, it is safest to
stick to proven treatment methods like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. You
can likely supplement those with cannabis as a new angle of attack on the cancer
cells. Until cannabis’s ability to kill cancer cells is explicitly proven, do
not give up on traditional, proven treatments just to try cannabis. It should be
used as a supplemental treatment or an option if the conventional treatments do
not work.

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING CANNABIS FOR CANCER
Furthermore, you should never start using cannabis to treat your cancer without
first consulting your doctor. Cannabis can interact with certain medications,
and you do not want to reduce the effectiveness of your treatments.
Additionally, your doctor may be able to provide you some suggestions as to the
quantities and strains of cannabis to try.

Your doctor will likely be familiar with the latest research related to cannabis
for killing cancer, so they can let you know about any advances. This will let
you take advantage of the most recent developments and get the most from the use
of cannabis.

THE MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND THE FUTURE
Recently, researchers from India’s Amity University published a scientific
review that examines and explains the various pieces of scientific literature
regarding how cannabinoids fight cancer. The review also outlined the evidence
showing that cannabis helps with pain relief, fight nausea, and stimulate
appetite in cancer patients. Most studies under review were in vitro, involving
test tubes.

The review strongly encourages officials to change the legal status of cannabis
so that more research can occur.

THE FUTURE
As mentioned, experts still need to conduct more research into cannabis’s
ability to kill cancer cells. As more states legalize cannabis for medical and
recreational use, this research should be forthcoming. However, while cannabis
remains illegal at the federal level, it will be extremely challenging for
scientists to make any significant advances as their research proposals may not
receive approval.

THE BOTTOM LINE
For now, there are indications that cannabis can probably kill cancer cells, but
scientists still need to conduct more research. Most of the studies so far
involve test tubes or animals, so we would need human studies to confirm that
cannabis can kill cancer cells. This poses challenges, as no scientist will deny
a patient the traditional treatments that work in favor of an experimental
treatment.

For now, those who are fighting cancer can consider using cannabis to supplement
their treatments, with doctor approval. It can also be an option for those with
cancer that does not respond to other methods.

As we wait for more research, cancer patients can continue to use cannabis and
cannabis-related products like CBD oils to relieve the symptoms associated with
cancer and chemo, such as pain and nausea.

Can Cannabis Cure Cancer?

You may read sources indicating that it has the potential to fight cancer, but is this really the case?

<p>With the popularity of cannabis vape pens, it is common to wonder whether this method of consuming cannabis is safe. The answer is more complicated than it seems, but they can be relatively safe, provided you use them correctly and choose the proper pen and oil.</p><p>You should make sure to educate yourself about the benefits and risks of using a cannabis vape pen before you start to do so. This will help you make an informed decision as to whether this is the right option for you.</p><h2>Dry Herbs vs. Liquids</h2><p>Before getting into whether cannabis vape pens are safe to use, keep in mind that there are two main varieties. While most people picture the vape pens that take a cannabis oil or another type of liquid, there are also vape pens that let you place the cannabis flowers inside. When you use that type of vape pen, you vaporize the cannabis herb, giving you a slightly different result. Some refer to these as traditional vaporizers.</p><p>Most CBD vape pens that use a liquid function very similarly to an e-cigarette. There will be a mouthpiece, a battery, and a spot to place your e-liquid cartridge. There may also be additional features. The main difference between a cannabis vape pen and the e-cigarettes is the type of liquid you put inside.</p><h3><i>Comparing Safety</i></h3><p>When you use a traditional vaporizer with dry herbs, you will only inhale the natural components in the cannabis. That does include some harmful elements, such as tar, but you may inhale worse chemicals with newer vape pens that rely on liquids. Those liquid vape pens will bring the concentrated carcinogens and contaminants directly into your bloodstream. The problem here is the level of concentration.</p><h2>Compared to Smoking</h2><p>Right off the bat, there is evidence that using cannabis vape pens is safer than smoking a traditional cigarette. In fact, smoking an e-cigarette (instead of a cannabis vape pen) would also be safer. That is because of the lack of combustion. The act of lighting a cigarette on fire and causing it to burn can cause carbon monoxide, tar, and other chemicals to be released. In other words, e-cigarettes are already safer than regular cigarettes, and cannabis vape pens have the same advantages as those e-cigarettes.</p><p>From there, the questions become whether cannabis vape pens are safer than e-cigarettes and whether safer is safe enough.</p><h3><i>Vaping Offers Similar Benefits for Cannabis, as Well</i></h3><p>Early research shows that vaping cannabis instead of smoking it will provide similar benefits to using an e-cigarette instead of smoking a traditional cigarette. That comes down to the fact that all plants will produce many more carcinogens when undergoing combustion than in other circumstances.</p><p>Additionally, when you smoke cannabis, small quantities of tar are released into your body. In fact, the American Lung Association found that since marijuana smokers tend to inhale for a longer time than cigarette smokers, each breath of cannabis comes with a higher level of exposure to tar.</p><h3><i>Studies Back Up Lung Benefits of Vaping Over Smoking</i></h3><p>When comparing vaping cannabis and smoking it, there are already a few studies that back up the benefits of vaping. A 2007 study from the Harm Reduction Journal indicated that vaping marijuana will reduce the respiratory issues associated with smoking marijuana using a combustible method, such as pipes or bongs. However, it is important to note that this research is still minimal, and experts need to complete long-term research.</p><h2>The Mixing Agents</h2><p>One of the key factors determining whether a cannabis vape pen is safe is the mixing agent in the oil. You cannot smoke a vape pen without using a mixing agent since this will thin out the cannabis oil. Some of the most common mixing agents that manufacturers use are propylene glycol and e-cigarette liquid. Polyethylene glycol is also very popular.</p><h3><i>Why Mixing Agents Are Necessary</i></h3><p>Vape oil producers have to include mixing or thinning agents in the oil; otherwise, it would be too viscous. In that state, it would be impossible for the vape pen to turn it into vapor. Instead, it would just damage the pen.</p><h3><i>A Closer Look at Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol</i></h3><p>Propylene glycol is complicated in terms of safety. That is because when you heat this chemical, it will create carbonyls. Carbonyls are chemicals that can cause cancer, and they include formaldehyde. For those unfamiliar with it, formaldehyde can cause pregnancy-related issues, including potential spontaneous abortions and low weight at birth. Additionally, experts classify formaldehyde as a carcinogen in group 1.</p><p>While that sounds dangerous, there is good news. Specifically, the oral toxicity rate of propylene glycol is very low. In fact, its toxicity rate is low enough that you can commonly find it in food, when breathing it in or heating the item will not happen. You should also know that the FDA classifies propylene glycol as “generally safe” as an additive. There are further complications since various devices will heat the chemical at a different temperature and every user of a vape pen will inhale varying amounts of vapor, changing their risk slightly.</p><p>Overall, there is a small risk associated with inhaling or absorbing propylene glycol through the mouth, but it is unlikely to cause an issue for you, and the FDA deems it safe enough to allow its use. Polyethylene glycol has a similar risk.</p><h2>Other Issues with the Oil</h2><h3><i>Waxy Plant Materials</i></h3><p>There is also a risk that your chosen cannabis vape oil will contain some waxy plant material. This would come from the hemp leaves’ protective outer covering. Manufacturers can get rid of the waxy plant materials, such as cuticle wax, via winterization, but they do not always stake this step since it would add to the production time and cost.</p><p>If the manufacturer does not winterize the product, the cuticle wax will remain. This is still the case even when the oil heats since the vape pen will do so at low temperatures to avoid burning the e-liquid. Since the cuticle wax is still there, it will be in the liquid and make its way to your body. The waxy parts can join as a clump before settling in your lungs. Experts still need to conduct more research with this, but it is a risk to be aware of.</p><p>You can avoid this problem by choosing your vaping oil carefully and opting for one without waxy plant materials.</p><h3><i>Carrier Oils</i></h3><p>The cannabis oil you use in your vape pen will always include a carrier oil that makes it easier to consume the cannabis and its cannabinoids. Common carrier oils include hemp seed oil and MCT or coconut. The problem is that the oil itself is not great for the body. These oil globules could get stuck in the airways and cause health complications, such as lipoid pneumonia.</p><h2>Potentially Leaking Metals</h2><p>One study from 2018 from Johns Hopkins discovered that metals can leak from the heating coils in certain types of e-cigarettes. Given the similar construction of many vape pens, it is logical to assume that this would be a concern for cannabis vape pens, as well.</p><h2>Concentration Is Still an Issue</h2><p>Experts also express concern about the concentration of carcinogens and chemicals found in vape pen oils. You will be exposed to anything the plant was during its growing cycle, including heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides. While this would also be the case if you smoked cannabis with a pipe or another similar method, these chemicals will be more concentrated with a vape pen.</p><p>There is also the issue that some extraction methods to turn cannabis into the extract involve harsh solvents. Manufacturers try to get rid of any remaining solvent, but it some remains, it will be in a high concentration when you inhale.</p><h2>Safety in Terms of Dosage Control</h2><p>When considering the safety of a cannabis vape pen, you must also consider the dosage. Using small quantities of THC and CBD is perfectly safe, but you do not want to risk consuming too much of either, regardless of your intake method. That could lead to a stronger reaction to the cannabis than you intended. It may also increase your risk of side effects. Of course, the most likely effect of consuming too much THC is simply getting higher than you want and not being able to drive or do anything important right away.</p><p>The need to control dosing can be somewhat of a safety concern with cannabis vape pens, although most people will still be fine. Naturally, some people will inhale more of the vape oil than others do, leading to stronger effect. Unfortunately, there is no good method of determining how much of the oil vapor you inhale and how much dissipates.</p><p>The best way to overcome this challenge is to just take it slow and cautiously until you become familiar with your vape pen and the vape oils you use. Start by trying the vape pen in a safe environment, such as your home, when you do not have any commitment for the rest of the day. That way, if you accidentally inhale more THC than you think, you can just wait for the edge to come off.</p><h3><i>You May Get Higher if You Use Infrequently</i></h3><p>While everyone should be aware of the dosage difficulties with cannabis vape pens, this is particularly important for those who user marijuana infrequently. A 2018 study that Johns Hopkins Medicine conducted found that those who use cannabis infrequently may experience a greater higher when they vape weed than if they smoke it. This may be good or bad depending on your outlook, but it is definitely something to be aware of. A similar small study in 2018 from JAMA had similar findings.</p><p>That second study also found something else that those who rarely vape should consider. If you vape infrequently, you may be more likely to have increased vomiting, nausea, anxiety, and hallucinations when you do vape cannabis, compared with smoking it with a bong or pipe.</p><h2>Benefits of Vaping Cannabis or CBD</h2><p>Many people choose to take the small risks associated with vaping with a cannabis pen due to the overwhelming benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a key substance in cannabis and will be in nearly every vape pen oil you find. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide a range of health benefits, from pain relief to relaxation to overcoming insomnia.</p><p>While there are other methods of taking CBD, such as sublingually, in edibles, or in capsules, vaping is growing in popularity due to its efficiency. Vaped CBD has improved bioavailability, which means that your body can use it more efficiently. Vape manufacturers regularly claim that vaping CBD will increase the potency of the cannabidiol fourfold due to its improved efficiency.</p><h2>How to Safely Use a Cannabis Vape Pen</h2><p>If you decide that the benefits of using a cannabis vape pen outweigh the minor potential risks, then you should take a few steps to stay safe while vaping. Start by doing your research on the products you plan to use, both for the vape pen itself and for the liquid. Opt for manufacturers that are reputable with positive reviews. Since you cannot avoid mixing agents, like propylene glycol, just try to find a vape oil that has it in lower quantities.</p><p>You should also make it a point to start slowly with vaping, just like you would with any other cannabis product. Starting with smaller quantities gives you the chance to see how you react to the given dose, so you can make adjustments. This way, you will not find yourself with a commitment you cannot attend due to using a higher dose than you thought.</p><h2>The Bottom Line</h2><p>There are some minor risks associated with using cannabis vape pens, such as exposure to small quantities of potential carcinogens. The FDA considers the materials that give off these chemicals to be safe in small doses, so you are unlikely to experience those side effects. Even so, you should be aware of the potential side effects of vaping cannabis before doing so.&nbsp;</p>

With the popularity of cannabis vape pens, it is common to wonder whether this
method of consuming cannabis is safe. The answer is more complicated than it
seems, but they can be relatively safe, provided you use them correctly and
choose the proper pen and oil.

You should make sure to educate yourself about the benefits and risks of using a
cannabis vape pen before you start to do so. This will help you make an informed
decision as to whether this is the right option for you.

DRY HERBS VS. LIQUIDS
Before getting into whether cannabis vape pens are safe to use, keep in mind
that there are two main varieties. While most people picture the vape pens that
take a cannabis oil or another type of liquid, there are also vape pens that let
you place the cannabis flowers inside. When you use that type of vape pen, you
vaporize the cannabis herb, giving you a slightly different result. Some refer
to these as traditional vaporizers.

Most CBD vape pens that use a liquid function very similarly to an e-cigarette.
There will be a mouthpiece, a battery, and a spot to place your e-liquid
cartridge. There may also be additional features. The main difference between a
cannabis vape pen and the e-cigarettes is the type of liquid you put inside.

COMPARING SAFETY
When you use a traditional vaporizer with dry herbs, you will only inhale the
natural components in the cannabis. That does include some harmful elements,
such as tar, but you may inhale worse chemicals with newer vape pens that rely
on liquids. Those liquid vape pens will bring the concentrated carcinogens and
contaminants directly into your bloodstream. The problem here is the level of
concentration.

COMPARED TO SMOKING
Right off the bat, there is evidence that using cannabis vape pens is safer than
smoking a traditional cigarette. In fact, smoking an e-cigarette (instead of a
cannabis vape pen) would also be safer. That is because of the lack of
combustion. The act of lighting a cigarette on fire and causing it to burn can
cause carbon monoxide, tar, and other chemicals to be released. In other words,
e-cigarettes are already safer than regular cigarettes, and cannabis vape pens
have the same advantages as those e-cigarettes.

From there, the questions become whether cannabis vape pens are safer than
e-cigarettes and whether safer is safe enough.

VAPING OFFERS SIMILAR BENEFITS FOR CANNABIS, AS WELL
Early research shows that vaping cannabis instead of smoking it will provide
similar benefits to using an e-cigarette instead of smoking a traditional
cigarette. That comes down to the fact that all plants will produce many more
carcinogens when undergoing combustion than in other circumstances.

Additionally, when you smoke cannabis, small quantities of tar are released into
your body. In fact, the American Lung Association found that since marijuana
smokers tend to inhale for a longer time than cigarette smokers, each breath of
cannabis comes with a higher level of exposure to tar.

STUDIES BACK UP LUNG BENEFITS OF VAPING OVER SMOKING
When comparing vaping cannabis and smoking it, there are already a few studies
that back up the benefits of vaping. A 2007 study from the Harm Reduction
Journal indicated that vaping marijuana will reduce the respiratory issues
associated with smoking marijuana using a combustible method, such as pipes or
bongs. However, it is important to note that this research is still minimal, and
experts need to complete long-term research.

THE MIXING AGENTS
One of the key factors determining whether a cannabis vape pen is safe is the
mixing agent in the oil. You cannot smoke a vape pen without using a mixing
agent since this will thin out the cannabis oil. Some of the most common mixing
agents that manufacturers use are propylene glycol and e-cigarette liquid.
Polyethylene glycol is also very popular.

WHY MIXING AGENTS ARE NECESSARY
Vape oil producers have to include mixing or thinning agents in the oil;
otherwise, it would be too viscous. In that state, it would be impossible for
the vape pen to turn it into vapor. Instead, it would just damage the pen.

A CLOSER LOOK AT PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL
Propylene glycol is complicated in terms of safety. That is because when you
heat this chemical, it will create carbonyls. Carbonyls are chemicals that can
cause cancer, and they include formaldehyde. For those unfamiliar with it,
formaldehyde can cause pregnancy-related issues, including potential spontaneous
abortions and low weight at birth. Additionally, experts classify formaldehyde
as a carcinogen in group 1.

While that sounds dangerous, there is good news. Specifically, the oral toxicity
rate of propylene glycol is very low. In fact, its toxicity rate is low enough
that you can commonly find it in food, when breathing it in or heating the item
will not happen. You should also know that the FDA classifies propylene glycol
as “generally safe” as an additive. There are further complications since
various devices will heat the chemical at a different temperature and every user
of a vape pen will inhale varying amounts of vapor, changing their risk
slightly.

Overall, there is a small risk associated with inhaling or absorbing propylene
glycol through the mouth, but it is unlikely to cause an issue for you, and the
FDA deems it safe enough to allow its use. Polyethylene glycol has a similar
risk.

OTHER ISSUES WITH THE OIL
WAXY PLANT MATERIALS
There is also a risk that your chosen cannabis vape oil will contain some waxy
plant material. This would come from the hemp leaves’ protective outer covering.
Manufacturers can get rid of the waxy plant materials, such as cuticle wax, via
winterization, but they do not always stake this step since it would add to the
production time and cost.

If the manufacturer does not winterize the product, the cuticle wax will remain.
This is still the case even when the oil heats since the vape pen will do so at
low temperatures to avoid burning the e-liquid. Since the cuticle wax is still
there, it will be in the liquid and make its way to your body. The waxy parts
can join as a clump before settling in your lungs. Experts still need to conduct
more research with this, but it is a risk to be aware of.

You can avoid this problem by choosing your vaping oil carefully and opting for
one without waxy plant materials.

CARRIER OILS
The cannabis oil you use in your vape pen will always include a carrier oil that
makes it easier to consume the cannabis and its cannabinoids. Common carrier
oils include hemp seed oil and MCT or coconut. The problem is that the oil
itself is not great for the body. These oil globules could get stuck in the
airways and cause health complications, such as lipoid pneumonia.

POTENTIALLY LEAKING METALS
One study from 2018 from Johns Hopkins discovered that metals can leak from the
heating coils in certain types of e-cigarettes. Given the similar construction
of many vape pens, it is logical to assume that this would be a concern for
cannabis vape pens, as well.

CONCENTRATION IS STILL AN ISSUE
Experts also express concern about the concentration of carcinogens and
chemicals found in vape pen oils. You will be exposed to anything the plant was
during its growing cycle, including heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides.
While this would also be the case if you smoked cannabis with a pipe or another
similar method, these chemicals will be more concentrated with a vape pen.

There is also the issue that some extraction methods to turn cannabis into the
extract involve harsh solvents. Manufacturers try to get rid of any remaining
solvent, but it some remains, it will be in a high concentration when you
inhale.

SAFETY IN TERMS OF DOSAGE CONTROL
When considering the safety of a cannabis vape pen, you must also consider the
dosage. Using small quantities of THC and CBD is perfectly safe, but you do not
want to risk consuming too much of either, regardless of your intake method.
That could lead to a stronger reaction to the cannabis than you intended. It may
also increase your risk of side effects. Of course, the most likely effect of
consuming too much THC is simply getting higher than you want and not being able
to drive or do anything important right away.

The need to control dosing can be somewhat of a safety concern with cannabis
vape pens, although most people will still be fine. Naturally, some people will
inhale more of the vape oil than others do, leading to stronger effect.
Unfortunately, there is no good method of determining how much of the oil vapor
you inhale and how much dissipates.

The best way to overcome this challenge is to just take it slow and cautiously
until you become familiar with your vape pen and the vape oils you use. Start by
trying the vape pen in a safe environment, such as your home, when you do not
have any commitment for the rest of the day. That way, if you accidentally
inhale more THC than you think, you can just wait for the edge to come off.

YOU MAY GET HIGHER IF YOU USE INFREQUENTLY
While everyone should be aware of the dosage difficulties with cannabis vape
pens, this is particularly important for those who user marijuana infrequently.
A 2018 study that Johns Hopkins Medicine conducted found that those who use
cannabis infrequently may experience a greater higher when they vape weed than
if they smoke it. This may be good or bad depending on your outlook, but it is
definitely something to be aware of. A similar small study in 2018 from JAMA had
similar findings.

That second study also found something else that those who rarely vape should
consider. If you vape infrequently, you may be more likely to have increased
vomiting, nausea, anxiety, and hallucinations when you do vape cannabis,
compared with smoking it with a bong or pipe.

BENEFITS OF VAPING CANNABIS OR CBD
Many people choose to take the small risks associated with vaping with a
cannabis pen due to the overwhelming benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a key
substance in cannabis and will be in nearly every vape pen oil you find. It
interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide a range of health benefits,
from pain relief to relaxation to overcoming insomnia.

While there are other methods of taking CBD, such as sublingually, in edibles,
or in capsules, vaping is growing in popularity due to its efficiency. Vaped CBD
has improved bioavailability, which means that your body can use it more
efficiently. Vape manufacturers regularly claim that vaping CBD will increase
the potency of the cannabidiol fourfold due to its improved efficiency.

HOW TO SAFELY USE A CANNABIS VAPE PEN
If you decide that the benefits of using a cannabis vape pen outweigh the minor
potential risks, then you should take a few steps to stay safe while vaping.
Start by doing your research on the products you plan to use, both for the vape
pen itself and for the liquid. Opt for manufacturers that are reputable with
positive reviews. Since you cannot avoid mixing agents, like propylene glycol,
just try to find a vape oil that has it in lower quantities.

You should also make it a point to start slowly with vaping, just like you would
with any other cannabis product. Starting with smaller quantities gives you the
chance to see how you react to the given dose, so you can make adjustments. This
way, you will not find yourself with a commitment you cannot attend due to using
a higher dose than you thought.

THE BOTTOM LINE
There are some minor risks associated with using cannabis vape pens, such as
exposure to small quantities of potential carcinogens. The FDA considers the
materials that give off these chemicals to be safe in small doses, so you are
unlikely to experience those side effects. Even so, you should be aware of the
potential side effects of vaping cannabis before doing so.

Are Cannabis Vape Pens Safe?

With the popularity of cannabis vape pens, it is common to wonder whether this method of consuming cannabis is safe.

<p>For those who want to get the benefits of cannabis without smoking or otherwise using the entire plant, numerous extractions processes can get cannabis oil out of the plant. From there, manufacturers can create cannabis oil, edibles, capsules, vape products, or other items.</p><p>Essentially, cannabis extraction will get rid of the compounds in the plant that you do not want while keeping the original plant’s cannabinoids and active terpenes.</p><h2>Reasons for the Extraction Process</h2><p>There are multiple reasons to extract cannabis oil from the cannabis plant, including improving the potency over the fresh herb. It also gets rid of the compounds that you do not want. It is also simpler to find the dosage and concentration for cannabis oil extracts than in a whole plant since more of the compounds you want (cannabinoids and terpenes) are present.</p><p>The extraction will keep the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes to the greatest extent possible. It will also remove as much of the chlorophyll, fatty acids, and waxes. The first group enhances the concentrate’s taste, potency, and smell, while the second group can be dangerous or taste bad.</p><h2>Cannabis Extraction Is Nothing New</h2><p>Before getting into the various methods of cannabis oil extraction, keep in mind that this process is nothing new. People have been doing it for thousands of years. We have just created additional methods and refined the process in recent years. You can find records of people using hash as early as the year 900, where people would eat it. There are also many old records of cannabis tea and tinctures.</p><p>During the turn of the millennium, hash was popular throughout the Middle East. Many feel that Napoleon, along with his troops, may have brought Egyptian hash to Europe in the 1800s or so. There are records of French doctors suggesting hashish during the 1840s and evidence of a Club des Hashischins in Paris not long after. In fact, people in the United States used cannabis tinctures until 1942, and their popularity continued in the United Kingdom until 1970.</p><h2>Extractions Based on Plant Type</h2><p>Some of the variations in the cannabis oil extraction method will depend on the plant type you use. You should choose your cannabis strain based on the desired results. If you want an extract with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC, look for that in the plant strain. The opposite is also true.</p><p>All cannabis extraction methods should start with organic cannabis grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This prevents the presence of those chemicals in the final product.</p><h2>Solvents Vs. Solventless Extracts</h2><p>There are two main categories of cannabis extracts, those that use solvent and those that are solventless. As the names imply, one involves the use of solvents in the extraction process, and the other does not. Production of solventless extracts will not include any foreign substances, except for water. Instead, they rely on heat, a sieve, and pressure.</p><p>Solvents will use substances like butane, propane, or alcohol. People keep discovering new solvent-based methods of cannabis oil extraction, but you should always use caution when experimenting yourself or buying oil made from a new process. The chemicals may explode during the process if done incorrectly. It is also possible for some residual solvent to make it into your final cannabis product. That is just one of many reasons to get certificates of quality always before buying cannabis products.</p><h2>Hash (Solventless)</h2><p>Hash is among the oldest products extracted from cannabis. There are several extraction techniques. Of these, the most common is to use ice water. The ice water will separate the plant matter from the trichomes containing the essential oils. The separated substances will stick together. You let them dry and press them to finish making the hash.</p><p>You can also make hash via dry sifting. Start with frozen buds that the screen will break down into tinier pieces. This separates the trichomes from the rest of the plant, having them fall through your sieve, where they press and form a hash-like consistency.</p><h2>Kief (Solventless)</h2><p>Another solventless extraction method produces kief, which are the white crystals on the cannabis flower that are small and sticky. It looks like pollen or powder and is rich in trichomes. You may also know them as the trichomes or resin glands, and they are the part of the cannabis plant with the largest concentration of active cannabinoids and terpenes. To separate the kief during extraction, you need a three-chamber grinder. The kief will end up in the bottom chamber.</p><h2>Rosin (Solventless)</h2><p>Rosin is another solventless extraction method, and it only requires pressure and heat. That combination will cause the juice to run out of your hash, bud, or kief. The extract will be translucent and juicy, with a sap-like consistency. This rosin can maintain the plant’s aromatic terpenes and have potency as high as 70 percent THC.</p><p>Testing shows that rosin can effectively extract the terpenes and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant without any risk of toxic residual solvents left behind. It is popular for its simplicity and the ability to do it at home, to some extent. People have produced potent rosin extracts using baking parchment, heatproof gloves, a hair straightener, and a tool to collect it.</p><h2>Butane Hash Oil (BHO; Solvent)</h2><p>As the name implies, Butane Hash Oil (BHO) is made with butane. This continues the trend of using hydrocarbons like butane, propane, and hexane in extractions like corn and canola oil.</p><p>This process involves running a solvent through the cannabis plant matter. This process will cause the oils you want to come out of the plant in question. Afterward, the solution is placed in a vacuum and heated, since butane evaporates at low temperatures. This ensures that all of the solvent gets out of the extract. The extract from this process is referred to as shatter. The extract is clear and usually includes terpenes, CBD, and THC. True shatter is a harder version of butane hash oil, and it requires low terpene content to avoid a soft extract.</p><p>This process is ideal for producing extracts with incredibly high potency, such as up to 90 percent. There are, however, some hazards associated with this method. Butane burns easily while as a gas, so you must carefully manage the temperature to avoid an explosion. Also, you will need a system that recycles and removes the butane, so there is no residual butane in your extract. The process must include analytical testing to confirm no butane is present since it is harmful.</p><h2>Propane Extraction (Solvent)</h2><p>Using propane to extract cannabis oil is nearly identical to using butane. The high pressure will ensure the propane remains liquefied. Propane has a lower boiling point than butane so that the extraction can take place at lower temperatures. You still need to take precautions to ensure you remove as much of the chemicals as possible.</p><h2>Alcohol Extraction (Solvent)</h2><p>Several types of cannabis extraction use alcohol. These involve soaking the plant in alcohol and then removing the plant material. You then filter the liquid and remove the alcohol via a process like evaporation. Usually, alcohol extraction is perfected at the normal atmospheric pressure with carefully controlled temperatures. You need to take the process slow and steady to avoid the ethanol catching fire.</p><p>A significant challenge to this method is that the solvents used have inherent polarity. As such, it is likely to mix with the water where it would dissolve chlorophyll and other water-soluble molecules. That would be problematic as chlorophyll in the extract can lead to a bitter flavor.</p><p>A significant benefit is that you do not have to worry about accidentally leaving residual chemicals that are toxic in the cannabis extract. It also makes it easy to extract the compounds you want simultaneously.</p><h2>Tinctures (Alcohol Extraction)</h2><p>Tinctures are incredibly common types of cannabis oil. These are liquid concentrates produced via alcohol extraction. The alcohol will pull the terpenes and cannabinoids out without any need for heat. The lack of heat makes tinctures safer to extract than the BHO method. As a bonus, tinctures can also incorporate added flavors, appealing to those who want to enjoy cannabis without the bitter taste.</p><h2>Rick Simpson Oil (RSO; Solvent)</h2><p>Another solvent-based extraction method is Phoenix Tears or RSO. This method is named after Rick Simpson, who created the extraction method. Start by soaking the entire plant in pure isopropyl alcohol or naphtha. This will draw the cannabinoids out. Let the solvent evaporate, and you will notice the extract is tar-like. You can then take RSO orally or choose to apply it on your skin.</p><h2>Supercritical Fluid Extraction (CO2 Extraction; Solvent)</h2><p>With supercritical fluid extraction, you do not need to have any chemical solvents at all, which makes it appealing to many. Instead, these extracts rely on carbon dioxide, so they are also called CO2 extraction. You compress the carbon dioxide, so it turns into a supercritical fluid. The resulting fluid will work similarly to hydrocarbons, stripping essential oils out of the cannabis plant. At the end of the process, any leftover CO2 will evaporate. You need professional, expensive equipment to complete this extraction process, so you are unlikely to find someone trying it themselves.</p><p>Thanks to the use of professional equipment, you lose less valuable material and get higher yields. That equipment also makes it possible to extract the specific compounds you want by adjusting runtime, pressure, and temperature. Cannabis oil extracted via this method does require analysis for concentrations since the same process can lead to varying concentrations.</p><p>The unique thing about this method is that the supercritical fluid combines properties of gas and liquid, allowing for the extensive dissolution of the plant matter. CO2 extraction like this is also easier to control than BHO. It even produces a cannabis extract containing additional terpenes. While BHO produces 0.5 to 3.5 percent terpenes, CO2 has a concentration of up to 10 percent.</p><h2>Molecular Separation (Solventless)</h2><p>Another method of extraction is molecular separation, also known as short path distillation or high vacuum distillation. The method lets you treat molecules using minimal thermal degradation to separate terpenes and cannabinoids from the rest of the plant. The entire process takes place in a vacuum with levels under 0.01 mm Hg.</p><p>That vacuum means that you can distill products with a high boiling point at moderate temperatures. This helps the resulting product, as you do not expose the plant to high temperatures for a long period. As a result, the compounds you want, like terpenes, experience minimal thermal degradation.</p><h2>Live Resin (Solvent)</h2><p>One of the newest extraction methods is live resin. You harvest the cannabis plant fresh and then freeze it right after harvesting. The method uses butane extraction as its basis, but it is different enough to be a separate method. This distinction comes from the reduction in waiting time. There is no need to dry and cure your cannabis plants before extraction as you would with other methods. That is important, as drying and curing can take as long as 70 days.</p><p>Live resin extraction can also preserve the terpenes to a higher degree than other methods. Since this method is still new, it is very rare and tends to be expensive.</p><h2>Leave the Extraction to the Professionals</h2><p>Even if some of the above methods seem straightforward, you should keep in mind that most require a deep understanding of chemistry. You will need a fume hood or other safety equipment for most of the methods. As such, you should not try most of them at home. There is also the risk that you will not complete the extraction process correctly and create a product that is not safe if you attempt to extract the cannabis oil yourself.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>You should be able to find cannabis oil created using each of the extraction methods above, although some are much more common than others are. To stay safe when purchasing cannabis products, always make sure to choose a company that offers certificates of quality or analysis. This will let you confirm that no solvents or chemicals make it into the product and can also confirm the potency.</p>

For those who want to get the benefits of cannabis without smoking or otherwise
using the entire plant, numerous extractions processes can get cannabis oil out
of the plant. From there, manufacturers can create cannabis oil, edibles,
capsules, vape products, or other items.

Essentially, cannabis extraction will get rid of the compounds in the plant that
you do not want while keeping the original plant’s cannabinoids and active
terpenes.

REASONS FOR THE EXTRACTION PROCESS
There are multiple reasons to extract cannabis oil from the cannabis plant,
including improving the potency over the fresh herb. It also gets rid of the
compounds that you do not want. It is also simpler to find the dosage and
concentration for cannabis oil extracts than in a whole plant since more of the
compounds you want (cannabinoids and terpenes) are present.

The extraction will keep the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes to the
greatest extent possible. It will also remove as much of the chlorophyll, fatty
acids, and waxes. The first group enhances the concentrate’s taste, potency, and
smell, while the second group can be dangerous or taste bad.

CANNABIS EXTRACTION IS NOTHING NEW
Before getting into the various methods of cannabis oil extraction, keep in mind
that this process is nothing new. People have been doing it for thousands of
years. We have just created additional methods and refined the process in recent
years. You can find records of people using hash as early as the year 900, where
people would eat it. There are also many old records of cannabis tea and
tinctures.

During the turn of the millennium, hash was popular throughout the Middle East.
Many feel that Napoleon, along with his troops, may have brought Egyptian hash
to Europe in the 1800s or so. There are records of French doctors suggesting
hashish during the 1840s and evidence of a Club des Hashischins in Paris not
long after. In fact, people in the United States used cannabis tinctures until
1942, and their popularity continued in the United Kingdom until 1970.

EXTRACTIONS BASED ON PLANT TYPE
Some of the variations in the cannabis oil extraction method will depend on the
plant type you use. You should choose your cannabis strain based on the desired
results. If you want an extract with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC,
look for that in the plant strain. The opposite is also true.

All cannabis extraction methods should start with organic cannabis grown without
chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This prevents the presence of those
chemicals in the final product.

SOLVENTS VS. SOLVENTLESS EXTRACTS
There are two main categories of cannabis extracts, those that use solvent and
those that are solventless. As the names imply, one involves the use of solvents
in the extraction process, and the other does not. Production of solventless
extracts will not include any foreign substances, except for water. Instead,
they rely on heat, a sieve, and pressure.

Solvents will use substances like butane, propane, or alcohol. People keep
discovering new solvent-based methods of cannabis oil extraction, but you should
always use caution when experimenting yourself or buying oil made from a new
process. The chemicals may explode during the process if done incorrectly. It is
also possible for some residual solvent to make it into your final cannabis
product. That is just one of many reasons to get certificates of quality always
before buying cannabis products.

HASH (SOLVENTLESS)
Hash is among the oldest products extracted from cannabis. There are several
extraction techniques. Of these, the most common is to use ice water. The ice
water will separate the plant matter from the trichomes containing the essential
oils. The separated substances will stick together. You let them dry and press
them to finish making the hash.

You can also make hash via dry sifting. Start with frozen buds that the screen
will break down into tinier pieces. This separates the trichomes from the rest
of the plant, having them fall through your sieve, where they press and form a
hash-like consistency.

KIEF (SOLVENTLESS)
Another solventless extraction method produces kief, which are the white
crystals on the cannabis flower that are small and sticky. It looks like pollen
or powder and is rich in trichomes. You may also know them as the trichomes or
resin glands, and they are the part of the cannabis plant with the largest
concentration of active cannabinoids and terpenes. To separate the kief during
extraction, you need a three-chamber grinder. The kief will end up in the bottom
chamber.

ROSIN (SOLVENTLESS)
Rosin is another solventless extraction method, and it only requires pressure
and heat. That combination will cause the juice to run out of your hash, bud, or
kief. The extract will be translucent and juicy, with a sap-like consistency.
This rosin can maintain the plant’s aromatic terpenes and have potency as high
as 70 percent THC.

Testing shows that rosin can effectively extract the terpenes and cannabinoids
from the cannabis plant without any risk of toxic residual solvents left behind.
It is popular for its simplicity and the ability to do it at home, to some
extent. People have produced potent rosin extracts using baking parchment,
heatproof gloves, a hair straightener, and a tool to collect it.

BUTANE HASH OIL (BHO; SOLVENT)
As the name implies, Butane Hash Oil (BHO) is made with butane. This continues
the trend of using hydrocarbons like butane, propane, and hexane in extractions
like corn and canola oil.

This process involves running a solvent through the cannabis plant matter. This
process will cause the oils you want to come out of the plant in question.
Afterward, the solution is placed in a vacuum and heated, since butane
evaporates at low temperatures. This ensures that all of the solvent gets out of
the extract. The extract from this process is referred to as shatter. The
extract is clear and usually includes terpenes, CBD, and THC. True shatter is a
harder version of butane hash oil, and it requires low terpene content to avoid
a soft extract.

This process is ideal for producing extracts with incredibly high potency, such
as up to 90 percent. There are, however, some hazards associated with this
method. Butane burns easily while as a gas, so you must carefully manage the
temperature to avoid an explosion. Also, you will need a system that recycles
and removes the butane, so there is no residual butane in your extract. The
process must include analytical testing to confirm no butane is present since it
is harmful.

PROPANE EXTRACTION (SOLVENT)
Using propane to extract cannabis oil is nearly identical to using butane. The
high pressure will ensure the propane remains liquefied. Propane has a lower
boiling point than butane so that the extraction can take place at lower
temperatures. You still need to take precautions to ensure you remove as much of
the chemicals as possible.

ALCOHOL EXTRACTION (SOLVENT)
Several types of cannabis extraction use alcohol. These involve soaking the
plant in alcohol and then removing the plant material. You then filter the
liquid and remove the alcohol via a process like evaporation. Usually, alcohol
extraction is perfected at the normal atmospheric pressure with carefully
controlled temperatures. You need to take the process slow and steady to avoid
the ethanol catching fire.

A significant challenge to this method is that the solvents used have inherent
polarity. As such, it is likely to mix with the water where it would dissolve
chlorophyll and other water-soluble molecules. That would be problematic as
chlorophyll in the extract can lead to a bitter flavor.

A significant benefit is that you do not have to worry about accidentally
leaving residual chemicals that are toxic in the cannabis extract. It also makes
it easy to extract the compounds you want simultaneously.

TINCTURES (ALCOHOL EXTRACTION)
Tinctures are incredibly common types of cannabis oil. These are liquid
concentrates produced via alcohol extraction. The alcohol will pull the terpenes
and cannabinoids out without any need for heat. The lack of heat makes tinctures
safer to extract than the BHO method. As a bonus, tinctures can also incorporate
added flavors, appealing to those who want to enjoy cannabis without the bitter
taste.

RICK SIMPSON OIL (RSO; SOLVENT)
Another solvent-based extraction method is Phoenix Tears or RSO. This method is
named after Rick Simpson, who created the extraction method. Start by soaking
the entire plant in pure isopropyl alcohol or naphtha. This will draw the
cannabinoids out. Let the solvent evaporate, and you will notice the extract is
tar-like. You can then take RSO orally or choose to apply it on your skin.

SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION (CO2 EXTRACTION; SOLVENT)
With supercritical fluid extraction, you do not need to have any chemical
solvents at all, which makes it appealing to many. Instead, these extracts rely
on carbon dioxide, so they are also called CO2 extraction. You compress the
carbon dioxide, so it turns into a supercritical fluid. The resulting fluid will
work similarly to hydrocarbons, stripping essential oils out of the cannabis
plant. At the end of the process, any leftover CO2 will evaporate. You need
professional, expensive equipment to complete this extraction process, so you
are unlikely to find someone trying it themselves.

Thanks to the use of professional equipment, you lose less valuable material and
get higher yields. That equipment also makes it possible to extract the specific
compounds you want by adjusting runtime, pressure, and temperature. Cannabis oil
extracted via this method does require analysis for concentrations since the
same process can lead to varying concentrations.

The unique thing about this method is that the supercritical fluid combines
properties of gas and liquid, allowing for the extensive dissolution of the
plant matter. CO2 extraction like this is also easier to control than BHO. It
even produces a cannabis extract containing additional terpenes. While BHO
produces 0.5 to 3.5 percent terpenes, CO2 has a concentration of up to 10
percent.

MOLECULAR SEPARATION (SOLVENTLESS)
Another method of extraction is molecular separation, also known as short path
distillation or high vacuum distillation. The method lets you treat molecules
using minimal thermal degradation to separate terpenes and cannabinoids from the
rest of the plant. The entire process takes place in a vacuum with levels under
0.01 mm Hg.

That vacuum means that you can distill products with a high boiling point at
moderate temperatures. This helps the resulting product, as you do not expose
the plant to high temperatures for a long period. As a result, the compounds you
want, like terpenes, experience minimal thermal degradation.

LIVE RESIN (SOLVENT)
One of the newest extraction methods is live resin. You harvest the cannabis
plant fresh and then freeze it right after harvesting. The method uses butane
extraction as its basis, but it is different enough to be a separate method.
This distinction comes from the reduction in waiting time. There is no need to
dry and cure your cannabis plants before extraction as you would with other
methods. That is important, as drying and curing can take as long as 70 days.

Live resin extraction can also preserve the terpenes to a higher degree than
other methods. Since this method is still new, it is very rare and tends to be
expensive.

LEAVE THE EXTRACTION TO THE PROFESSIONALS
Even if some of the above methods seem straightforward, you should keep in mind
that most require a deep understanding of chemistry. You will need a fume hood
or other safety equipment for most of the methods. As such, you should not try
most of them at home. There is also the risk that you will not complete the
extraction process correctly and create a product that is not safe if you
attempt to extract the cannabis oil yourself.

CONCLUSION
You should be able to find cannabis oil created using each of the extraction
methods above, although some are much more common than others are. To stay safe
when purchasing cannabis products, always make sure to choose a company that
offers certificates of quality or analysis. This will let you confirm that no
solvents or chemicals make it into the product and can also confirm the potency.

Common Methods of Cannabis Oil Extraction

With so many different types of cannabis oil on the market, it's helpful to know what you'll be consuming before buying.

<p>Glaucoma is a condition that negatively affects your eyes, including your vision. As the use of medical marijuana rises, glaucoma has become one of the more common diseases whose symptoms can be alleviated by the use of cannabis. This trend continues today with cannabis proving itself effective at controlling glaucoma symptoms.</p><h2>Understanding Glaucoma</h2><p>Before you can explore how cannabis helps glaucoma, you need to understand the disease. As mentioned, glaucoma is a disease that affects the eyes and your vision. This is a degenerative condition that can progress very slowly, meaning that many patients do not detect it in the early years.</p><p>Research indicates that around 3 million Americans have glaucoma, with 4 percent of those glaucoma patients going blind eventually. Experts agree that many people with glaucoma do not know they have the condition since it is very hard to spot in its early stages.</p><h3>Types of Glaucoma</h3><p>There are two types of glaucoma, both of which can cause eyesight deterioration without treatment.&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Open-angle glaucoma is more common and is when the peripheral vision deteriorates.</li><li>Acute angle-closure glaucoma comes with more severe symptoms, such as eye pain, vomiting, nausea, and headaches.</li></ol><h3>Causes and Treatments</h3><p>Experts believe that the cause of glaucoma is either too much pressure within a person’s eyes or intraocular pressure. Because of that, traditional treatments work to reduce that intraocular pressure.</p><p>Traditional treatments usually include surgery, medications, and laser treatment. All of these treatments will focus on reducing the pressure in the lower eye, so the damage slows down. Most patients with glaucoma will have to use daily eye drops that are topical medications. Unfortunately, not everyone tolerates this treatment well, and it can be incredibly challenging for some people to get drops in their eyes successfully.</p><h2>History of Cannabis for Glaucoma</h2><p>The first report that marijuana was able to reduce intraocular pressure came in 1971. Since then, cannabis has earned a reputation as a natural remedy for glaucoma with minimal side effects.</p><p>One of the landmark cases for medical marijuana was about glaucoma. In 1974, Robert Randall was 26 years old and had poorly controlled glaucoma that was at an advanced stage. Randall usually saw halos around lights, but he noticed they went away after smoking marijuana. Randall risked jail time to bring this information to light and faced a federal criminal judge. He managed to convince the federal judge that his use of marijuana was necessary from a medical standpoint. This became a landmark case.</p><h2>Cannabis Reduces Intraocular Pressure</h2><p>Cannabis can help with treating glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. By reducing that pressure, cannabis helps to slow down the progress of glaucoma. Cannabis use will not benefit those who have already gone blind from glaucoma; it can just delay the progression.</p><p>Research as far back as 2004 indicates that some of the active ingredients in cannabis are responsible for lowering the intraocular pressure. Studies show that THC and marijuana reduce the intraocular pressure in normal individuals and those with glaucoma by between 60 and 65 percent. In one study, the mean reduction in intraocular pressure was around 25 percent. The effect applies to intravenous, oral, sublingual, and inhaled cannabis.</p><p>The studies also show that the reduction in intraocular pressure does not last long, only three to four hours. There is also a relationship between the dose-response with the extent of the reduction of pressure and quantity of marijuana. While taking higher doses is more effective at relieving the pressure, it does not improve the duration of the results.</p><h2>Cannabis Has Neuroprotective Qualities</h2><p>The neuroprotective properties of cannabis also play a role in its ability to help glaucoma. Recent research indicates that the neuroprotective properties of cannabis may help protect damage to a patient’s optic nerve. That would be a very different treatment method for glaucoma than most existing ones since the current methods rely on reducing intraocular pressure, not protecting the optic nerve.</p><h2>Cannabis Relieves Other Symptoms of Glaucoma</h2><p>Cannabis can also help patients with glaucoma control related symptoms.</p><h3>Reducing Nausea</h3><p>In 2008, researchers found that cannabis did a better job at suppressing chemotherapy-caused vomiting in cancer patients than the medications typically prescribed. Other research shows that the ability of cannabis to reduce nausea extends beyond chemo-related nausea and applies to nausea in general.</p><h3>Reducing Vomiting</h3><p>Thanks to its ability to reduce nausea, cannabis can also reduce vomiting. This makes sense since the two are usually connected.</p><h3>Reducing Headaches</h3><p>There is also plenty of evidence that cannabis can reduce the presence of headaches, which are one of the potential symptoms of glaucoma.</p><h2>What About Marijuana Eye Drops?</h2><p>There is some criticism associated with using cannabis to help glaucoma, including concerns about inhaling the smoke and the problems associated with that. This led to others wondering if marijuana eye drops could be the solution. This way, patients would not ingest cannabis through their lungs, avoiding those side effects.</p><p>Scientists have run studies that have patients ingest the THC from marijuana via eye drops, or via sublingual (underneath the tongue) or oral methods. These methods do successfully prevent lung problems linked to smoking cannabis. However, there may still be some other side effects.</p><p>There are also issues producing cannabis eye drops. While this seems like a logical solution, the fact that THC is not very soluble in water makes it hard to create the eye drops. The attempts so far do not have sufficiently high THC concentrations to make them effective.</p><h2>Skeptics Remain</h2><p>Despite the evidence that cannabis can help with glaucoma and its long-standing use for this condition, there are skeptics.</p><h3>Concerns About Side Effects</h3><p>Some argue that cannabis is not an ideal treatment for glaucoma because of the potential side effects of taking it, such as its psychoactive nature. Other than the psychoactive effects of cannabis, however, this concern is largely unfounded. Few people experience side effects when taking cannabis.</p><p>Even if there were side effects, they would typically be lesser than those associated with pharmaceutical drugs used in treating glaucoma symptoms. The minimal side effects would also be worth it for most glaucoma patients as there are not many other good ways to relieve the intraocular pressure.</p><p>There are also some concerns about the chemical compounds found in marijuana cigarettes. Experts found that these chemical compounds could cause lung damage in a similar way to tobacco cigarettes. You can get around this by rolling your own marijuana cigarettes or choosing a product that is all-natural. Research also indicates that in rare cases, chronic marijuana use could permanently impact brain function. The key here is that this side effect is very rare and requires chronic use.</p><p>Experts also believe that in addition to lowering the intraocular pressure, marijuana could lower blood pressure. While this is good for some patients, it would be an unwanted side effect for many. That is particularly true because lower blood pressure means the optic nerve receives less blood, which could further damage it.</p><h3>Short-term Effects</h3><p>They also argue that cannabis is not a feasible long-term solution since the positive effects will only last several hours. This is a valid point as it means that patients need to use cannabis consistently to reap the benefits. Most of the time, the relief in eye pressure will last three to four hours. It is not practical for people to smoke cannabis at these intervals, especially if they need to operate heavy machinery or work in a field that requires attention to detail.</p><p>However, there are methods of consuming cannabis that can increase the duration of the benefits and relief. Between the varying effects of different strains and options like edibles that are long-lasting, this criticism is easy to overcome.</p><h3>The Official Stance</h3><p>The official stance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and the American Glaucoma Society is not to recommend cannabis or its derivatives like CBD as a treatment for any eye condition, including glaucoma. The organizations point out the lack of evidence and the inability to reduce the pressure 24/7 with cannabis. They also say that experts still need to conduct more research into how cannabis and its compounds affect glaucoma and eye pressure.</p><p>For the ideal treatment of glaucoma that saves the vision of a patient, you must control the eye pressure 24/7. That ideal pressure reduction for the average glaucoma patient is three to five mm Hg. That reduction in pressure would require ingesting ridiculously large quantities of THC, between 18 and 20 mg at six to eight times every day. This would interfere with regular activities and be cost-prohibitive in most cases.</p><h2>Should You Use Cannabis for Glaucoma?</h2><p>If you deal with glaucoma, you may want to try using cannabis to help prevent the condition from worsening and to treat your symptoms. You should only consider this as a treatment option if medical and recreational marijuana is legal in your jurisdiction and after getting the proper licensing.</p><p>If you do live somewhere where cannabis is legal, consider consulting your doctor about using cannabis to help your glaucoma. This would likely supplement your traditional treatments. You should always talk to your doctor before using cannabis to treat glaucoma since the plant can interact with certain medications. You do not want to render the medicines you currently take less effective.<br>Before you use cannabis to help with glaucoma, you should also keep in mind that it would only provide temporary relief. Ingesting cannabis alone will not be enough to keep your intraocular pressure at safe levels unless you consumed large amounts that can hinder you from functioning normally. Because of this, cannabis to treat glaucoma should supplement your other glaucoma treatment, not replace it.</p><h3>Consider Its Psychoactive Properties</h3><p>When deciding if you should use cannabis to help with your glaucoma, you also need to consider your lifestyle and the psychoactive properties of the plant. If you have a detail-oriented job or operate heavy machinery, including cars, you would not be able to use your medical cannabis at or right before work, since it would pose a risk.</p><p>Even if you do not have a detail-oriented job, drive, or operate heavy machinery, you should confirm how you react to cannabis before incorporating it into your glaucoma treatment. Start by trying it on a weekend or holiday so you can gauge your reaction since this varies by person.</p><h2>How to Use Cannabis for Glaucoma</h2><p>Although medical experts and glaucoma patients have recommended cannabis to treat the disease for well over a decade, there are still no clear guidelines on using cannabis in this way.</p><h2>CBD for Glaucoma</h2><p>Given the challenges associated with using cannabis for glaucoma, such as side effects, some wonder whether CBD could be a better option. After all, CBD or cannabidiol provides relief for a range of conditions. Unfortunately, researchers still need to conduct more studies on the potential of CBD for glaucoma treatment. One study actually showed that it could worsen glaucoma by increasing the intraocular pressure, but this was a single study.</p><p>If experts could create a CBD-based solution to relieve the symptoms of glaucoma and prevent its spread, this would be ideal. This is because CBD is non-psychoactive, so it would not interfere with a patient’s daily life by making them high. CBD is also legal in more states than cannabis is, which would make it easier for patients to get treatment. For now, those with glaucoma need to wait for more research.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Experts tout cannabis for its ability to help with glaucoma treatment, but there is still some debate about its effectiveness. Cannabis can help prevent the spread of glaucoma by reducing the intraocular pressure that causes the condition. The caveat is that cannabis will only last for several hours in a row, and you need to control your intraocular pressure 24/7 to prevent worsening your vision.</p><p>Experts have more planned research to look into the impact of cannabis on glaucoma. Hopefully, they will achieve more concrete results and be able to develop a cannabis-based solution that lasts longer than four hours and does not come with side effects.</p>

Glaucoma is a condition that negatively affects your eyes, including your
vision. As the use of medical marijuana rises, glaucoma has become one of the
more common diseases whose symptoms can be alleviated by the use of cannabis.
This trend continues today with cannabis proving itself effective at controlling
glaucoma symptoms.

UNDERSTANDING GLAUCOMA
Before you can explore how cannabis helps glaucoma, you need to understand the
disease. As mentioned, glaucoma is a disease that affects the eyes and your
vision. This is a degenerative condition that can progress very slowly, meaning
that many patients do not detect it in the early years.

Research indicates that around 3 million Americans have glaucoma, with 4 percent
of those glaucoma patients going blind eventually. Experts agree that many
people with glaucoma do not know they have the condition since it is very hard
to spot in its early stages.

TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
There are two types of glaucoma, both of which can cause eyesight deterioration
without treatment.

 1. Open-angle glaucoma is more common and is when the peripheral vision
    deteriorates.
 2. Acute angle-closure glaucoma comes with more severe symptoms, such as eye
    pain, vomiting, nausea, and headaches.

CAUSES AND TREATMENTS
Experts believe that the cause of glaucoma is either too much pressure within a
person’s eyes or intraocular pressure. Because of that, traditional treatments
work to reduce that intraocular pressure.

Traditional treatments usually include surgery, medications, and laser
treatment. All of these treatments will focus on reducing the pressure in the
lower eye, so the damage slows down. Most patients with glaucoma will have to
use daily eye drops that are topical medications. Unfortunately, not everyone
tolerates this treatment well, and it can be incredibly challenging for some
people to get drops in their eyes successfully.

HISTORY OF CANNABIS FOR GLAUCOMA
The first report that marijuana was able to reduce intraocular pressure came in
1971. Since then, cannabis has earned a reputation as a natural remedy for
glaucoma with minimal side effects.

One of the landmark cases for medical marijuana was about glaucoma. In 1974,
Robert Randall was 26 years old and had poorly controlled glaucoma that was at
an advanced stage. Randall usually saw halos around lights, but he noticed they
went away after smoking marijuana. Randall risked jail time to bring this
information to light and faced a federal criminal judge. He managed to convince
the federal judge that his use of marijuana was necessary from a medical
standpoint. This became a landmark case.

CANNABIS REDUCES INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE
Cannabis can help with treating glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. By
reducing that pressure, cannabis helps to slow down the progress of glaucoma.
Cannabis use will not benefit those who have already gone blind from glaucoma;
it can just delay the progression.

Research as far back as 2004 indicates that some of the active ingredients in
cannabis are responsible for lowering the intraocular pressure. Studies show
that THC and marijuana reduce the intraocular pressure in normal individuals and
those with glaucoma by between 60 and 65 percent. In one study, the mean
reduction in intraocular pressure was around 25 percent. The effect applies to
intravenous, oral, sublingual, and inhaled cannabis.

The studies also show that the reduction in intraocular pressure does not last
long, only three to four hours. There is also a relationship between the
dose-response with the extent of the reduction of pressure and quantity of
marijuana. While taking higher doses is more effective at relieving the
pressure, it does not improve the duration of the results.

CANNABIS HAS NEUROPROTECTIVE QUALITIES
The neuroprotective properties of cannabis also play a role in its ability to
help glaucoma. Recent research indicates that the neuroprotective properties of
cannabis may help protect damage to a patient’s optic nerve. That would be a
very different treatment method for glaucoma than most existing ones since the
current methods rely on reducing intraocular pressure, not protecting the optic
nerve.

CANNABIS RELIEVES OTHER SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA
Cannabis can also help patients with glaucoma control related symptoms.

REDUCING NAUSEA
In 2008, researchers found that cannabis did a better job at suppressing
chemotherapy-caused vomiting in cancer patients than the medications typically
prescribed. Other research shows that the ability of cannabis to reduce nausea
extends beyond chemo-related nausea and applies to nausea in general.

REDUCING VOMITING
Thanks to its ability to reduce nausea, cannabis can also reduce vomiting. This
makes sense since the two are usually connected.

REDUCING HEADACHES
There is also plenty of evidence that cannabis can reduce the presence of
headaches, which are one of the potential symptoms of glaucoma.

WHAT ABOUT MARIJUANA EYE DROPS?
There is some criticism associated with using cannabis to help glaucoma,
including concerns about inhaling the smoke and the problems associated with
that. This led to others wondering if marijuana eye drops could be the solution.
This way, patients would not ingest cannabis through their lungs, avoiding those
side effects.

Scientists have run studies that have patients ingest the THC from marijuana via
eye drops, or via sublingual (underneath the tongue) or oral methods. These
methods do successfully prevent lung problems linked to smoking cannabis.
However, there may still be some other side effects.

There are also issues producing cannabis eye drops. While this seems like a
logical solution, the fact that THC is not very soluble in water makes it hard
to create the eye drops. The attempts so far do not have sufficiently high THC
concentrations to make them effective.

SKEPTICS REMAIN
Despite the evidence that cannabis can help with glaucoma and its long-standing
use for this condition, there are skeptics.

CONCERNS ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS
Some argue that cannabis is not an ideal treatment for glaucoma because of the
potential side effects of taking it, such as its psychoactive nature. Other than
the psychoactive effects of cannabis, however, this concern is largely
unfounded. Few people experience side effects when taking cannabis.

Even if there were side effects, they would typically be lesser than those
associated with pharmaceutical drugs used in treating glaucoma symptoms. The
minimal side effects would also be worth it for most glaucoma patients as there
are not many other good ways to relieve the intraocular pressure.

There are also some concerns about the chemical compounds found in marijuana
cigarettes. Experts found that these chemical compounds could cause lung damage
in a similar way to tobacco cigarettes. You can get around this by rolling your
own marijuana cigarettes or choosing a product that is all-natural. Research
also indicates that in rare cases, chronic marijuana use could permanently
impact brain function. The key here is that this side effect is very rare and
requires chronic use.

Experts also believe that in addition to lowering the intraocular pressure,
marijuana could lower blood pressure. While this is good for some patients, it
would be an unwanted side effect for many. That is particularly true because
lower blood pressure means the optic nerve receives less blood, which could
further damage it.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS
They also argue that cannabis is not a feasible long-term solution since the
positive effects will only last several hours. This is a valid point as it means
that patients need to use cannabis consistently to reap the benefits. Most of
the time, the relief in eye pressure will last three to four hours. It is not
practical for people to smoke cannabis at these intervals, especially if they
need to operate heavy machinery or work in a field that requires attention to
detail.

However, there are methods of consuming cannabis that can increase the duration
of the benefits and relief. Between the varying effects of different strains and
options like edibles that are long-lasting, this criticism is easy to overcome.

THE OFFICIAL STANCE
The official stance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Canadian
Ophthalmological Society, and the American Glaucoma Society is not to recommend
cannabis or its derivatives like CBD as a treatment for any eye condition,
including glaucoma. The organizations point out the lack of evidence and the
inability to reduce the pressure 24/7 with cannabis. They also say that experts
still need to conduct more research into how cannabis and its compounds affect
glaucoma and eye pressure.

For the ideal treatment of glaucoma that saves the vision of a patient, you must
control the eye pressure 24/7. That ideal pressure reduction for the average
glaucoma patient is three to five mm Hg. That reduction in pressure would
require ingesting ridiculously large quantities of THC, between 18 and 20 mg at
six to eight times every day. This would interfere with regular activities and
be cost-prohibitive in most cases.

SHOULD YOU USE CANNABIS FOR GLAUCOMA?
If you deal with glaucoma, you may want to try using cannabis to help prevent
the condition from worsening and to treat your symptoms. You should only
consider this as a treatment option if medical and recreational marijuana is
legal in your jurisdiction and after getting the proper licensing.

If you do live somewhere where cannabis is legal, consider consulting your
doctor about using cannabis to help your glaucoma. This would likely supplement
your traditional treatments. You should always talk to your doctor before using
cannabis to treat glaucoma since the plant can interact with certain
medications. You do not want to render the medicines you currently take less
effective.
Before you use cannabis to help with glaucoma, you should also keep in mind that
it would only provide temporary relief. Ingesting cannabis alone will not be
enough to keep your intraocular pressure at safe levels unless you consumed
large amounts that can hinder you from functioning normally. Because of this,
cannabis to treat glaucoma should supplement your other glaucoma treatment, not
replace it.

CONSIDER ITS PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES
When deciding if you should use cannabis to help with your glaucoma, you also
need to consider your lifestyle and the psychoactive properties of the plant. If
you have a detail-oriented job or operate heavy machinery, including cars, you
would not be able to use your medical cannabis at or right before work, since it
would pose a risk.

Even if you do not have a detail-oriented job, drive, or operate heavy
machinery, you should confirm how you react to cannabis before incorporating it
into your glaucoma treatment. Start by trying it on a weekend or holiday so you
can gauge your reaction since this varies by person.

HOW TO USE CANNABIS FOR GLAUCOMA
Although medical experts and glaucoma patients have recommended cannabis to
treat the disease for well over a decade, there are still no clear guidelines on
using cannabis in this way.

CBD FOR GLAUCOMA
Given the challenges associated with using cannabis for glaucoma, such as side
effects, some wonder whether CBD could be a better option. After all, CBD or
cannabidiol provides relief for a range of conditions. Unfortunately,
researchers still need to conduct more studies on the potential of CBD for
glaucoma treatment. One study actually showed that it could worsen glaucoma by
increasing the intraocular pressure, but this was a single study.

If experts could create a CBD-based solution to relieve the symptoms of glaucoma
and prevent its spread, this would be ideal. This is because CBD is
non-psychoactive, so it would not interfere with a patient’s daily life by
making them high. CBD is also legal in more states than cannabis is, which would
make it easier for patients to get treatment. For now, those with glaucoma need
to wait for more research.

CONCLUSION
Experts tout cannabis for its ability to help with glaucoma treatment, but there
is still some debate about its effectiveness. Cannabis can help prevent the
spread of glaucoma by reducing the intraocular pressure that causes the
condition. The caveat is that cannabis will only last for several hours in a
row, and you need to control your intraocular pressure 24/7 to prevent worsening
your vision.

Experts have more planned research to look into the impact of cannabis on
glaucoma. Hopefully, they will achieve more concrete results and be able to
develop a cannabis-based solution that lasts longer than four hours and does not
come with side effects.

Does Cannabis Help With Glaucoma?

Widely purported as being beneficial to those with glaucoma, does marijuana actually help with the eye condition?

<p>Before starting to grow marijuana, you should make sure that you understand the entire process as this will get you off on the right foot. There are two main methods of growing cannabis, from seeds or clones. Neither method is better than the other, but they have different uses. Discover the differences between these two methods of growing marijuana so you can better choose the ideal way for your situation.</p><h2>Overview of Growing With Seeds</h2><p>If you choose to grow your marijuana from seeds, you will need to begin the process with germination. To begin germination, place the seeds in warm water and leave them there as long as 72 hours. During this time, the seeds will start sprouting roots so they can start growing.</p><p>Once the seeds germinate, place them in high-quality soil. Make sure the soil features peat moss as this helps maintain moisture. You should also confirm that the soil has natural vitamins and is aerated. You can start your marijuana seeds in smaller pots if you want. Just remember that you will have to move them as the seeds grow.</p><p>As soon as the cannabis plants begin flowering, make sure you remove the male plants. This prevents them from pollinating the female plants, which you do not want. A pollinated female will give you more seeds, so you would have to begin this process from scratch. When not pollinated, the female plants provide you with the buds you want.</p><p>Between germinating the seeds and harvesting the buds, this entire process may take as long as four months. That depends entirely on your growing method and the strain.</p><h3>Benefits of Growing with Seeds</h3><p>It tends to be much easier to find information on specific seeds and to purchase seeds than it is to find and buy clones. You can purchase seeds from a reputable supplier that will tell you the strain and other information. That lets you save time and money that you would have wasted trying to grow a low-quality plant.</p><p>Additionally, you will find yourself with multiple options for seeds, including feminized cannabis seeds. Although feminized cannabis seeds tend to cost a little more, they will save time, as all the seeds will grow female plants. This means you will not have to determine the sex of the plants and get rid of the male plants to prevent pollination.</p><p>You can also find auto-flowering seeds that make growing from seeds easier, thanks to their crossbreeding conditions. Specifically, the grower bred the auto-flowering seeds in an area with greater daylight hours. Since the plants have already had a large quantity of light, they need less before they can begin blooming.</p><p>Growing from seeds also means that you work with the nature of the plant. Cannabis is an annual by nature, so it only lasts about one year naturally. The mother plants used to get cuttings for clones are forced to stay active for a longer period. This could result in older mother plants with reduced yields, although that is not always the case.</p><p>It also helps that cannabis seeds tend to create plants with stronger root structures, thanks to its taproot. The taproot goes deep into the soil, and while seeds develop a taproot, cuttings cannot. This taproot serves an extension of the plant’s stem, keeping it in place securely like an anchor. The taproot lets the cannabis plant reach deeper into the soil so it can get water and nutrients, even if they are not readily available. The taproot also grows lateral branches, so the plant has a larger area with roots. This makes it easier for the plant to get water and nutrients. While the taproot is a big advantage for cannabis seeds in outdoor growing, it is not as crucial for container or indoor gardening.</p><p>It is also worth noting that if you buy cannabis seeds, you do not have to plant them immediately, this would not be the case with clones, as they need to be planted and cared for right away.</p><h3>Challenges of Growing With Seeds</h3><p>For many, the biggest disadvantage of growing cannabis using seeds is that you will need to spend extra time. After all, the plant will still need to go through its entire development stage.</p><h2>Growing With Clones</h2><p>If you have a clone handy, then you can save a bit of time by growing your cannabis from a clone. This will also let you keep the genetics of a favorite plant going. If you plan to grow clones, you will want to keep the mother plant healthy.</p><p>You can start with your clones by taking cuttings from your mother plant. Alternatively, you can buy clones from a master grower. When cutting the clones for growing, always get the clippings when the plant is in the vegetative stage. You do not want to take the clippings during the flowering stage of the mother plant, as this will cause it to go back to its vegetative stage, slowing growth.</p><p>If you purchase the clones, make sure that you know the conditions the mother plant and the clone were grown in, including temperatures and nutrients. Asking this will let you maintain a consistent environment for the clone, which encourages healthy plants with quality cannabis.</p><p>When using clones, you do not need to worry about germinating seeds or removing the male plants. You will only have female plants, and they will have already begun their growth. However, you will need to change the container that you grow the cannabis in as the plant gets larger.</p><h3>Benefits of Growing with Clones</h3><p>The biggest advantage of growing cannabis from clones is the plant’s developmental stage. You will not need to spend time on germination, meaning that you are closer to the actual yield.</p><p>For experienced growers of cannabis plants, the biggest benefit will be the ability to reuse the genetic material of your favorite cannabis plant repeatedly. This way, you do not have to play a guessing game with the quality of seeds and can instead use clones from a plant you already have good experiences.</p><p>When growing with a clone, you will always know what to expect from your plants. This makes it easier to get the identical aroma, appearance, potency, and other features. If you share your cannabis with others, that is great for uniformity. Even if you grow for just your use, this means that you know the plant will produce buds that you enjoy. The balanced nature of growing multiple clones also means that you will not have to adjust your feeding and other inputs based on the plant; all will have identical requirements.</p><h3>Challenges of Growing With Clones</h3><p>There are a few challenges associated with growing clones, including the health of the mother plant. Since a clone will have the same genetic material as the mother plant, any susceptibilities that the mother had will also apply to the clones. This is why it is important to choose your mother plant carefully and always ask questions if buying a clone. That is particularly important for beginner growers as you may lack the experience to overcome weaknesses, disease, and infestations.</p><p>There may also be issues depending on the condition of your clone. When freshly cut, clones require a great deal of care. They are also very sensitive when replanted the first time. During this phase, you will need to minimize transplant shock via specific quantities of nutrients and light.</p><p>There is also the potential challenge associated with even finding a clone that you trust. Not only do you have to find someone with a strong cannabis plant that permits you to take a cutting, but you also need to know the quality of the plant. You will not be able to verify the strain of cannabis until much later in the growing process, so you must trust the clone supplier.</p><p>For some people, it is easier to find a clone online than in person, but this comes with its challenges. Due to their sensitivity, the shipping process can take its toll on the clone. As such, your clone is unlikely to be healthy upon arrival. You may also realize your commercially bought clone was treated using chemical fungicides or pesticides. Even if the grower only treated the mother plant with these chemicals, the clones will contain them.</p><p>If you plan to use your clone, keep in mind that you will need to have space for it and continue caring for it. This can use up some of your valuable resources, but it may be worth it if you love the strain.</p><h2>Growing the Mother Plant</h2><p>Those who plan on growing clones may want to grow their mother plant. This lets you keep the genetic material of your favorite plant and saves you money as you will not need to buy clones. It also makes it easier to maintain the same growing conditions throughout the entire process of growing the clone. After all, you will have been in control since you took the cutting.</p><p>Start by choosing the mother plant carefully. You want a plant that is stable, healthy, and strong. Choose a plant that is four weeks old or older and has a minimum of six separate nodes. Before taking your clippings, be sure to sex them, so you choose the right ones.</p><p>Ensure your plant gets between 18 and 20 hours of light each day. This will prevent the plant from flowering so you can keep using it as the mother plant for clones and do so continuously.</p><p>Keep in mind that over time, the clones you get from the mother plant may lose their strength. This means that the latter clones you get may have reduced overall growth, aroma, potency, and yield.</p><h2>Summary of the Differences</h2><p>For those who need a direct comparison, instead of the pros and cons of each method, the following summarizes the key differences between growing marijuana clones and seeds.</p><ul><li>Time Spent<ul><li>Growing from clones lets you skip the germination stage, saving time. However, you can opt for auto-flowering seeds to reduce the time from seed to harvest.</li></ul></li><li>Ease of Finding<ul><li>It is much easier to find seeds than clones, and they are less sensitive to transport.</li></ul></li><li>Control Over Genetics and Strains<ul><li>When buying from someone else, you have more control over the strain and genetics of the seeds, as these are explicitly stated.</li></ul></li><li>Ability to Prolong Your Favorite Plant<ul><li>If you have a favorite plant, growing from clones will let you reuse its genetic material.</li></ul></li><li>Growing Identical Plants<ul><li>When using clones, you can grow two identical plants simultaneously. They will have the same requirements in terms of water, light, and nutrients. With seeds, some may be stronger or weaker.</li></ul></li><li>Potential Disease<ul><li>If the clones come from another garden, they may carry a disease or pests that can ruin your whole garden.</li></ul></li><li>Taproots<ul><li>Cannabis grown from seeds will develop taproots, boosting stability. This benefit does not apply for container growing or indoor growing.</li></ul></li><li>Shelf Life<ul><li>Clones are delicate cuttings, and you must care for them immediately. Seeds tend to have some shelf life, although the time can vary. If you get clones from your mother plant, you will need to care for that mother plant constantly.</li></ul></li><li>Sexing<ul><li>When growing with seeds (other than feminized seeds), you must spend time sexing the plants to discard the males. Otherwise, pollination will occur.</li></ul></li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Whether you choose to grow your marijuana from seeds or clones is entirely up to you, and you should make your decision based on your circumstances. Most experienced growers will caution against using clones unless you grow the mother plant yourself or fully trust the grower. Otherwise, there is no guarantee of what you get, and you may accidentally bring disease into your garden.</p><p>Overall, growing from clones is ideal if you have found your perfect strain and want to keep it going. Clones are also suitable if you want to guarantee quality. Growing seeds will make it easier to get started and typically give you a larger yield. When done right, growing marijuana from either seeds or clones will provide you quality buds that you can enjoy.&nbsp;</p>

Before starting to grow marijuana, you should make sure that you understand the
entire process as this will get you off on the right foot. There are two main
methods of growing cannabis, from seeds or clones. Neither method is better than
the other, but they have different uses. Discover the differences between these
two methods of growing marijuana so you can better choose the ideal way for your
situation.

OVERVIEW OF GROWING WITH SEEDS
If you choose to grow your marijuana from seeds, you will need to begin the
process with germination. To begin germination, place the seeds in warm water
and leave them there as long as 72 hours. During this time, the seeds will start
sprouting roots so they can start growing.

Once the seeds germinate, place them in high-quality soil. Make sure the soil
features peat moss as this helps maintain moisture. You should also confirm that
the soil has natural vitamins and is aerated. You can start your marijuana seeds
in smaller pots if you want. Just remember that you will have to move them as
the seeds grow.

As soon as the cannabis plants begin flowering, make sure you remove the male
plants. This prevents them from pollinating the female plants, which you do not
want. A pollinated female will give you more seeds, so you would have to begin
this process from scratch. When not pollinated, the female plants provide you
with the buds you want.

Between germinating the seeds and harvesting the buds, this entire process may
take as long as four months. That depends entirely on your growing method and
the strain.

BENEFITS OF GROWING WITH SEEDS
It tends to be much easier to find information on specific seeds and to purchase
seeds than it is to find and buy clones. You can purchase seeds from a reputable
supplier that will tell you the strain and other information. That lets you save
time and money that you would have wasted trying to grow a low-quality plant.

Additionally, you will find yourself with multiple options for seeds, including
feminized cannabis seeds. Although feminized cannabis seeds tend to cost a
little more, they will save time, as all the seeds will grow female plants. This
means you will not have to determine the sex of the plants and get rid of the
male plants to prevent pollination.

You can also find auto-flowering seeds that make growing from seeds easier,
thanks to their crossbreeding conditions. Specifically, the grower bred the
auto-flowering seeds in an area with greater daylight hours. Since the plants
have already had a large quantity of light, they need less before they can begin
blooming.

Growing from seeds also means that you work with the nature of the plant.
Cannabis is an annual by nature, so it only lasts about one year naturally. The
mother plants used to get cuttings for clones are forced to stay active for a
longer period. This could result in older mother plants with reduced yields,
although that is not always the case.

It also helps that cannabis seeds tend to create plants with stronger root
structures, thanks to its taproot. The taproot goes deep into the soil, and
while seeds develop a taproot, cuttings cannot. This taproot serves an extension
of the plant’s stem, keeping it in place securely like an anchor. The taproot
lets the cannabis plant reach deeper into the soil so it can get water and
nutrients, even if they are not readily available. The taproot also grows
lateral branches, so the plant has a larger area with roots. This makes it
easier for the plant to get water and nutrients. While the taproot is a big
advantage for cannabis seeds in outdoor growing, it is not as crucial for
container or indoor gardening.

It is also worth noting that if you buy cannabis seeds, you do not have to plant
them immediately, this would not be the case with clones, as they need to be
planted and cared for right away.

CHALLENGES OF GROWING WITH SEEDS
For many, the biggest disadvantage of growing cannabis using seeds is that you
will need to spend extra time. After all, the plant will still need to go
through its entire development stage.

GROWING WITH CLONES
If you have a clone handy, then you can save a bit of time by growing your
cannabis from a clone. This will also let you keep the genetics of a favorite
plant going. If you plan to grow clones, you will want to keep the mother plant
healthy.

You can start with your clones by taking cuttings from your mother plant.
Alternatively, you can buy clones from a master grower. When cutting the clones
for growing, always get the clippings when the plant is in the vegetative stage.
You do not want to take the clippings during the flowering stage of the mother
plant, as this will cause it to go back to its vegetative stage, slowing growth.

If you purchase the clones, make sure that you know the conditions the mother
plant and the clone were grown in, including temperatures and nutrients. Asking
this will let you maintain a consistent environment for the clone, which
encourages healthy plants with quality cannabis.

When using clones, you do not need to worry about germinating seeds or removing
the male plants. You will only have female plants, and they will have already
begun their growth. However, you will need to change the container that you grow
the cannabis in as the plant gets larger.

BENEFITS OF GROWING WITH CLONES
The biggest advantage of growing cannabis from clones is the plant’s
developmental stage. You will not need to spend time on germination, meaning
that you are closer to the actual yield.

For experienced growers of cannabis plants, the biggest benefit will be the
ability to reuse the genetic material of your favorite cannabis plant
repeatedly. This way, you do not have to play a guessing game with the quality
of seeds and can instead use clones from a plant you already have good
experiences.

When growing with a clone, you will always know what to expect from your plants.
This makes it easier to get the identical aroma, appearance, potency, and other
features. If you share your cannabis with others, that is great for uniformity.
Even if you grow for just your use, this means that you know the plant will
produce buds that you enjoy. The balanced nature of growing multiple clones also
means that you will not have to adjust your feeding and other inputs based on
the plant; all will have identical requirements.

CHALLENGES OF GROWING WITH CLONES
There are a few challenges associated with growing clones, including the health
of the mother plant. Since a clone will have the same genetic material as the
mother plant, any susceptibilities that the mother had will also apply to the
clones. This is why it is important to choose your mother plant carefully and
always ask questions if buying a clone. That is particularly important for
beginner growers as you may lack the experience to overcome weaknesses, disease,
and infestations.

There may also be issues depending on the condition of your clone. When freshly
cut, clones require a great deal of care. They are also very sensitive when
replanted the first time. During this phase, you will need to minimize
transplant shock via specific quantities of nutrients and light.

There is also the potential challenge associated with even finding a clone that
you trust. Not only do you have to find someone with a strong cannabis plant
that permits you to take a cutting, but you also need to know the quality of the
plant. You will not be able to verify the strain of cannabis until much later in
the growing process, so you must trust the clone supplier.

For some people, it is easier to find a clone online than in person, but this
comes with its challenges. Due to their sensitivity, the shipping process can
take its toll on the clone. As such, your clone is unlikely to be healthy upon
arrival. You may also realize your commercially bought clone was treated using
chemical fungicides or pesticides. Even if the grower only treated the mother
plant with these chemicals, the clones will contain them.

If you plan to use your clone, keep in mind that you will need to have space for
it and continue caring for it. This can use up some of your valuable resources,
but it may be worth it if you love the strain.

GROWING THE MOTHER PLANT
Those who plan on growing clones may want to grow their mother plant. This lets
you keep the genetic material of your favorite plant and saves you money as you
will not need to buy clones. It also makes it easier to maintain the same
growing conditions throughout the entire process of growing the clone. After
all, you will have been in control since you took the cutting.

Start by choosing the mother plant carefully. You want a plant that is stable,
healthy, and strong. Choose a plant that is four weeks old or older and has a
minimum of six separate nodes. Before taking your clippings, be sure to sex
them, so you choose the right ones.

Ensure your plant gets between 18 and 20 hours of light each day. This will
prevent the plant from flowering so you can keep using it as the mother plant
for clones and do so continuously.

Keep in mind that over time, the clones you get from the mother plant may lose
their strength. This means that the latter clones you get may have reduced
overall growth, aroma, potency, and yield.

SUMMARY OF THE DIFFERENCES
For those who need a direct comparison, instead of the pros and cons of each
method, the following summarizes the key differences between growing marijuana
clones and seeds.

 * Time Spent * Growing from clones lets you skip the germination stage, saving
      time. However, you can opt for auto-flowering seeds to reduce the time
      from seed to harvest.
   
   
 * Ease of Finding * It is much easier to find seeds than clones, and they are
      less sensitive to transport.
   
   
 * Control Over Genetics and Strains * When buying from someone else, you have
      more control over the strain and genetics of the seeds, as these are
      explicitly stated.
   
   
 * Ability to Prolong Your Favorite Plant * If you have a favorite plant,
      growing from clones will let you reuse its genetic material.
   
   
 * Growing Identical Plants * When using clones, you can grow two identical
      plants simultaneously. They will have the same requirements in terms of
      water, light, and nutrients. With seeds, some may be stronger or weaker.
   
   
 * Potential Disease * If the clones come from another garden, they may carry a
      disease or pests that can ruin your whole garden.
   
   
 * Taproots * Cannabis grown from seeds will develop taproots, boosting
      stability. This benefit does not apply for container growing or indoor
      growing.
   
   
 * Shelf Life * Clones are delicate cuttings, and you must care for them
      immediately. Seeds tend to have some shelf life, although the time can
      vary. If you get clones from your mother plant, you will need to care for
      that mother plant constantly.
   
   
 * Sexing * When growing with seeds (other than feminized seeds), you must spend
      time sexing the plants to discard the males. Otherwise, pollination will
      occur.
   
   

CONCLUSION
Whether you choose to grow your marijuana from seeds or clones is entirely up to
you, and you should make your decision based on your circumstances. Most
experienced growers will caution against using clones unless you grow the mother
plant yourself or fully trust the grower. Otherwise, there is no guarantee of
what you get, and you may accidentally bring disease into your garden.

Overall, growing from clones is ideal if you have found your perfect strain and
want to keep it going. Clones are also suitable if you want to guarantee
quality. Growing seeds will make it easier to get started and typically give you
a larger yield. When done right, growing marijuana from either seeds or clones
will provide you quality buds that you can enjoy.

Marijuana Seeds vs. Clones

There are two main methods of growing cannabis, from seeds or clones. Find out which one works for you.

<p>Many people choose to take CBD for the range of benefits it provides. Since cannabis is often used to treat ailments like pain, large and well funded research into the plant is only just now becoming more common due to the global acceptance of cannabis.</p><p>Lots of research lately has focused around CBD, which may not come as a surprise if you've been living in a state where CBD is legalized. There have been some promising early studies that show CBD has strong benefits for those who decide to medicate with it.</p><h2>What is CBD?</h2><p>CBD (short for cannabidiol), is one of over 100 types of cannabinoids naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. When you consume CBD, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, and those interactions lead to most of the benefits associated with CBD.</p><h3>Non-psychoactive</h3><p>For some people, the fact that CBD is non-psychoactive is one of the main benefits of this substance. This way, it lets you get the medical benefits of cannabis without having to worry about the psychoactive effects.</p><p>Of course, the psychoactive benefits are not necessarily a bad thing; they are not always ideal. Many people who like to take advantage of CBD want to be able to function normally at work or school or to drive their cars without impairment. The non-psychoactive nature of CBD also means that you can use it without fear of the results of any drug tests at work or school.</p><p>The psychoactive component of the cannabis plant is the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. If you feel that the non-psychoactive nature of CBD is a benefit for you, then make sure you choose a CBD product without THC.</p><p>⚠️Some CBD products contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which is enough to show up on a drug test but not typically enough to interfere with daily functions. So, keep that in mind if this is a significant advantage for you.</p><h2>Pain Relief</h2><p>For many people, the most important benefit of CBD is its ability to help with pain relief. There are indications that our ancestors used marijuana for pain relief as long ago as 2,900 B.C. In recent years, scientists have discovered that CBD is one of the reasons that marijuana can provide pain relief.</p><p>Research indicates that CBD might help alleviate chronic pain thanks to its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, specifically the endocannabinoid receptors. The CBD interacts with neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation. Studies in rats have shown reduced inflammation and sciatic nerve pain while human studies have shown CBD, combined with THC, can help with arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS) pain. There is even an oral spray combining these two cannabinoids, and various countries have approved it for treating MS pain.</p><h2>Reducing Depression and Anxiety</h2><p>Another major benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce depression and anxiety without the side effects associated with antidepressants and other medications usually used to treat them. This is important since certain medications for anxiety and depression can be addictive, potentially leading to substance abuse, while others just cause minor yet annoying side effects.</p><p>Studies have already shown that CBD has a similar impact as antidepressants in animals. Other studies in humans support the ability of CBD to reduce anxiety in public speaking, along with discomfort and cognitive impairment in that situation.</p><p>That ability to reduce anxiety can also help people navigate stressful situations and everyday stress. When you are less anxious thanks to CBD, it becomes easier to handle a potentially stressful situation.</p><h2>Improving Sleep</h2><p>Cannabis may also help you fall asleep at night and get a better night’s rest in the process. Between anecdotal evidence and early research, it seems that CBD is worth a try for sleep disorders. It can specifically help if you have trouble falling asleep or do not feel rested when you wake up.</p><p>While there are numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep, they tend to come with side effects. Some may not even be very effective. By contrast, CBD has almost no risk, and it should help you sleep better.</p><p>Experts believe that CBD helps with sleep in several ways. Some argue that its ability to reduce anxiety and to relieve pain will naturally help people fall asleep. After all, many people who do not sleep well have those issues. Other researchers feel that CBD might directly affect sleep via interactions with the brain receptors responsible for the sleep and wake cycle.</p><h2>Reducing Symptoms From Cancer</h2><p>Given the harsh symptoms typically associated with cancer, and the unfortunate prevalence of the disease, CBD’s ability to reduce certain symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment is a significant benefit. Some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments include pain, vomiting, nausea, and changes in appetite. Various studies and anecdotal evidence show that CBD can help with all of these.</p><p>Research has looked at both CBD alone, and CBD combined with THC for treating cancer symptoms. One study found that CBD with THC can provide a significant reduction in pain, even if the pain was resistant to traditional medications. More importantly, the pain reduction of CBD with THC was greater than that of just THC.</p><p>In terms of nausea and vomiting, a study looked at a group of people undergoing chemotherapy. This study found that CBD did better at reducing nausea and vomiting than just traditional treatments and without side effects.</p><h2>Might Lower the Risk of Cancer</h2><p>Although this potential benefit of CBD still requires more research, there is some indication that CBD might lower the risk of cancer or its spread. A study found that animals with CBD in their systems were less likely to get colon cancer after exposure to carcinogens. Some studies have also looked at reported data, including one about male Californians in 2015, that found a significantly lower rate of bladder cancer for those using cannabis.</p><h2>Potentially Reducing the Spread of Cancer</h2><p>Early evidence indicates that CBD may be able to limit the growth of cancer cells, this particular benefit should be taken with a grain of salt due to its life and death nature. Animal and test-tube studies indicate that CBD can reduce or slow down the spread of lung, colon, brain, prostate, and breast cancer.</p><p>The reason to be extra cautious with this potential benefit is the risk factor. Because CBD has not been proven to reduce the spread of cancer, those who have cancer should not rely solely on cannabidiol to stop the disease from spreading or to treat it. Instead, they can consider CBD when traditional medications do not work. Alternatively, cancer patients can ask their doctors whether CBD would negatively interact with any of their other treatments and if there would be risks to trying it.</p><h2>Reducing the Risks of Obesity and Diabetes</h2><p>Some early research has shown that CBD may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes or being obese. This comes from studies that indicate that those who use cannabis regularly have smaller waist circumferences, lower body mass indices, and a lower risk of both obesity and diabetes. This study is particularly useful as it had a large sample size. However, the caveat is that it looked at cannabis as a whole, not just CBD and that it relied on self-reported data regarding cannabis use.</p><p>Despite these limitations, there have been other studies focused on CBD. One looked at diabetes in rats and found that CBD helped with weight loss and controlling diabetes.</p><h2>Promoting Heart Health</h2><p>Another significant benefit of CBD is its ability to promote heart health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improving cholesterol profiles. One study found that those who use cannabis regularly had higher levels of good cholesterol and reduced levels of bad cholesterol. Once again, it is important to note that this study looked at cannabis as a whole, not just CBD.</p><p>Although There is some anecdotal evidence that CBD can help with heart health. Some studies also looked at CBD in particular instead of cannabis. One animal study in 2007 found that CBD could provide cardio-protective benefits during a heart attack. Animal studies show CBD might reduce cell death and inflammation due to heart disease, thanks to its stress-reduction and antioxidant properties.</p><p>There are also indications that CBD may be able to reduce a person’s blood pressure. Since high blood pressure increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart attack, and stroke, this potential CBD benefit is important. Experts feel that this reduction in blood pressure is due to the ability of CBD to minimize stress and anxiety.</p><h2>Protecting the Brain</h2><p>In addition to helping the heart, CBD may also help protect the brain. Experts believe that when CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it can help people with neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. The early research into this is promising.</p><p>One of the few FDA-approved medications with CBD is for the treatment of epilepsy. Studies have found that taking CBD can reduce medication-resistant muscle spasticity in persons with multiple sclerosis and can reduce seizures. There are also studies indicating that CBD can help improve the quality of life of those with other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The research regarding Alzheimer’s so far focuses on mice and test tubes, but the Parkinson’s study includes human participants.</p><h2>Protecting Against Bone Disease</h2><p>CBD may also be able to protect against broken bones and bone disease. This is because cannabinoids like CBD encourage bone metabolism. That process is when the old material in our bones gets replaced with new material, encouraging healthy and strong bones.</p><p>While that benefit applies to multiple cannabinoids, research indicates that CBD, in particular, can block the enzyme that is responsible for destroying our body’s bone-building compounds. That, in turn, reduces the risk of breaking bones as well as that of developing bone-related diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.</p><h2>Overcoming Substance Abuse</h2><p>There are some indications that taking CBD may help people suffering from substance abuse to overcome their addiction. This comes down to the ability of CBD to modify brain circuits that are part of drug addiction. One study involving rats showed that CBD can reduce both heroin-seeking behavior and dependence on morphine.</p><h2>Minimizing Acne and Protecting the Skin</h2><p>You can also find research to support the idea that CBD can help reduce acne. Acne is due to sebum overproduction, underlying inflammation, genetics, and bacteria. Some studies indicate that CBD can treat acne, thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation. It may also reduce the production of sebum. The studies so far have not included humans, so more research is still necessary.</p><p>On a related note, some research indicates that CBD infused into lotion can improve the skin’s ability to repair damage from environmental pollutants and UV rays. This comes from the skin’s cannabinoid receptors, which are related to sebaceous glands’ oil production.</p><h2>Reducing Psychotic Symptoms</h2><p>Although this particular benefit needs more research, some studies have shown that CBD may be able to reduce the psychotic symptoms experienced by those with schizophrenia or other mental disorders.</p><h2>There Is Minimal Risk to Trying CBD</h2><p>On top of all the above potential benefits, one strong advantage of CBD is the typical lack of side effects. In most cases, those who take CBD will not notice any adverse reactions. It is possible to experience changes in weight or appetite, diarrhea, or fatigue. CBD may also interact with certain medications.</p><p>Other than those rare cases, however, CBD is completely safe. This makes it an appealing option for those who have used traditional medications without success or with horrible side effects. Because CBD has almost no side effects, there is almost no risk in trying it for any of the above benefits.</p><h2>The Takeaway</h2><p>CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and it can relieve pain, stress, depression, anxiety, and inflammation, help with sleep and protect the heart and brain. Few people experience side effects with CBD, making it safe to try the cannabinoid and take advantage of its many benefits.&nbsp;</p>

Many people choose to take CBD for the range of benefits it provides. Since
cannabis is often used to treat ailments like pain, large and well funded
research into the plant is only just now becoming more common due to the global
acceptance of cannabis.

Lots of research lately has focused around CBD, which may not come as a surprise
if you've been living in a state where CBD is legalized. There have been some
promising early studies that show CBD has strong benefits for those who decide
to medicate with it.

WHAT IS CBD?
CBD (short for cannabidiol), is one of over 100 types of cannabinoids naturally
occurring in the cannabis plant. When you consume CBD, it interacts with the
body’s endocannabinoid system, and those interactions lead to most of the
benefits associated with CBD.

NON-PSYCHOACTIVE
For some people, the fact that CBD is non-psychoactive is one of the main
benefits of this substance. This way, it lets you get the medical benefits of
cannabis without having to worry about the psychoactive effects.

Of course, the psychoactive benefits are not necessarily a bad thing; they are
not always ideal. Many people who like to take advantage of CBD want to be able
to function normally at work or school or to drive their cars without
impairment. The non-psychoactive nature of CBD also means that you can use it
without fear of the results of any drug tests at work or school.

The psychoactive component of the cannabis plant is the cannabinoid
tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. If you feel that the non-psychoactive nature of CBD
is a benefit for you, then make sure you choose a CBD product without THC.

⚠️Some CBD products contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which is enough to show
up on a drug test but not typically enough to interfere with daily functions.
So, keep that in mind if this is a significant advantage for you.

PAIN RELIEF
For many people, the most important benefit of CBD is its ability to help with
pain relief. There are indications that our ancestors used marijuana for pain
relief as long ago as 2,900 B.C. In recent years, scientists have discovered
that CBD is one of the reasons that marijuana can provide pain relief.

Research indicates that CBD might help alleviate chronic pain thanks to its
interactions with the endocannabinoid system, specifically the endocannabinoid
receptors. The CBD interacts with neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation.
Studies in rats have shown reduced inflammation and sciatic nerve pain while
human studies have shown CBD, combined with THC, can help with arthritis and
multiple sclerosis (MS) pain. There is even an oral spray combining these two
cannabinoids, and various countries have approved it for treating MS pain.

REDUCING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
Another major benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce depression and anxiety
without the side effects associated with antidepressants and other medications
usually used to treat them. This is important since certain medications for
anxiety and depression can be addictive, potentially leading to substance abuse,
while others just cause minor yet annoying side effects.

Studies have already shown that CBD has a similar impact as antidepressants in
animals. Other studies in humans support the ability of CBD to reduce anxiety in
public speaking, along with discomfort and cognitive impairment in that
situation.

That ability to reduce anxiety can also help people navigate stressful
situations and everyday stress. When you are less anxious thanks to CBD, it
becomes easier to handle a potentially stressful situation.

IMPROVING SLEEP
Cannabis may also help you fall asleep at night and get a better night’s rest in
the process. Between anecdotal evidence and early research, it seems that CBD is
worth a try for sleep disorders. It can specifically help if you have trouble
falling asleep or do not feel rested when you wake up.

While there are numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications that can
help you fall asleep and stay asleep, they tend to come with side effects. Some
may not even be very effective. By contrast, CBD has almost no risk, and it
should help you sleep better.

Experts believe that CBD helps with sleep in several ways. Some argue that its
ability to reduce anxiety and to relieve pain will naturally help people fall
asleep. After all, many people who do not sleep well have those issues. Other
researchers feel that CBD might directly affect sleep via interactions with the
brain receptors responsible for the sleep and wake cycle.

REDUCING SYMPTOMS FROM CANCER
Given the harsh symptoms typically associated with cancer, and the unfortunate
prevalence of the disease, CBD’s ability to reduce certain symptoms associated
with cancer and its treatment is a significant benefit. Some of the most common
side effects of cancer and its treatments include pain, vomiting, nausea, and
changes in appetite. Various studies and anecdotal evidence show that CBD can
help with all of these.

Research has looked at both CBD alone, and CBD combined with THC for treating
cancer symptoms. One study found that CBD with THC can provide a significant
reduction in pain, even if the pain was resistant to traditional medications.
More importantly, the pain reduction of CBD with THC was greater than that of
just THC.

In terms of nausea and vomiting, a study looked at a group of people undergoing
chemotherapy. This study found that CBD did better at reducing nausea and
vomiting than just traditional treatments and without side effects.

MIGHT LOWER THE RISK OF CANCER
Although this potential benefit of CBD still requires more research, there is
some indication that CBD might lower the risk of cancer or its spread. A study
found that animals with CBD in their systems were less likely to get colon
cancer after exposure to carcinogens. Some studies have also looked at reported
data, including one about male Californians in 2015, that found a significantly
lower rate of bladder cancer for those using cannabis.

POTENTIALLY REDUCING THE SPREAD OF CANCER
Early evidence indicates that CBD may be able to limit the growth of cancer
cells, this particular benefit should be taken with a grain of salt due to its
life and death nature. Animal and test-tube studies indicate that CBD can reduce
or slow down the spread of lung, colon, brain, prostate, and breast cancer.

The reason to be extra cautious with this potential benefit is the risk factor.
Because CBD has not been proven to reduce the spread of cancer, those who have
cancer should not rely solely on cannabidiol to stop the disease from spreading
or to treat it. Instead, they can consider CBD when traditional medications do
not work. Alternatively, cancer patients can ask their doctors whether CBD would
negatively interact with any of their other treatments and if there would be
risks to trying it.

REDUCING THE RISKS OF OBESITY AND DIABETES
Some early research has shown that CBD may help reduce the risk of developing
diabetes or being obese. This comes from studies that indicate that those who
use cannabis regularly have smaller waist circumferences, lower body mass
indices, and a lower risk of both obesity and diabetes. This study is
particularly useful as it had a large sample size. However, the caveat is that
it looked at cannabis as a whole, not just CBD and that it relied on
self-reported data regarding cannabis use.

Despite these limitations, there have been other studies focused on CBD. One
looked at diabetes in rats and found that CBD helped with weight loss and
controlling diabetes.

PROMOTING HEART HEALTH
Another significant benefit of CBD is its ability to promote heart health,
including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improving cholesterol
profiles. One study found that those who use cannabis regularly had higher
levels of good cholesterol and reduced levels of bad cholesterol. Once again, it
is important to note that this study looked at cannabis as a whole, not just
CBD.

Although There is some anecdotal evidence that CBD can help with heart health.
Some studies also looked at CBD in particular instead of cannabis. One animal
study in 2007 found that CBD could provide cardio-protective benefits during a
heart attack. Animal studies show CBD might reduce cell death and inflammation
due to heart disease, thanks to its stress-reduction and antioxidant properties.

There are also indications that CBD may be able to reduce a person’s blood
pressure. Since high blood pressure increases the risk of metabolic syndrome,
heart attack, and stroke, this potential CBD benefit is important. Experts feel
that this reduction in blood pressure is due to the ability of CBD to minimize
stress and anxiety.

PROTECTING THE BRAIN
In addition to helping the heart, CBD may also help protect the brain. Experts
believe that when CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it can help
people with neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. The
early research into this is promising.

One of the few FDA-approved medications with CBD is for the treatment of
epilepsy. Studies have found that taking CBD can reduce medication-resistant
muscle spasticity in persons with multiple sclerosis and can reduce seizures.
There are also studies indicating that CBD can help improve the quality of life
of those with other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
The research regarding Alzheimer’s so far focuses on mice and test tubes, but
the Parkinson’s study includes human participants.

PROTECTING AGAINST BONE DISEASE
CBD may also be able to protect against broken bones and bone disease. This is
because cannabinoids like CBD encourage bone metabolism. That process is when
the old material in our bones gets replaced with new material, encouraging
healthy and strong bones.

While that benefit applies to multiple cannabinoids, research indicates that
CBD, in particular, can block the enzyme that is responsible for destroying our
body’s bone-building compounds. That, in turn, reduces the risk of breaking
bones as well as that of developing bone-related diseases such as osteoarthritis
and osteoporosis.

OVERCOMING SUBSTANCE ABUSE
There are some indications that taking CBD may help people suffering from
substance abuse to overcome their addiction. This comes down to the ability of
CBD to modify brain circuits that are part of drug addiction. One study
involving rats showed that CBD can reduce both heroin-seeking behavior and
dependence on morphine.

MINIMIZING ACNE AND PROTECTING THE SKIN
You can also find research to support the idea that CBD can help reduce acne.
Acne is due to sebum overproduction, underlying inflammation, genetics, and
bacteria. Some studies indicate that CBD can treat acne, thanks to its ability
to reduce inflammation. It may also reduce the production of sebum. The studies
so far have not included humans, so more research is still necessary.

On a related note, some research indicates that CBD infused into lotion can
improve the skin’s ability to repair damage from environmental pollutants and UV
rays. This comes from the skin’s cannabinoid receptors, which are related to
sebaceous glands’ oil production.

REDUCING PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS
Although this particular benefit needs more research, some studies have shown
that CBD may be able to reduce the psychotic symptoms experienced by those with
schizophrenia or other mental disorders.

THERE IS MINIMAL RISK TO TRYING CBD
On top of all the above potential benefits, one strong advantage of CBD is the
typical lack of side effects. In most cases, those who take CBD will not notice
any adverse reactions. It is possible to experience changes in weight or
appetite, diarrhea, or fatigue. CBD may also interact with certain medications.

Other than those rare cases, however, CBD is completely safe. This makes it an
appealing option for those who have used traditional medications without success
or with horrible side effects. Because CBD has almost no side effects, there is
almost no risk in trying it for any of the above benefits.

THE TAKEAWAY
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and it can
relieve pain, stress, depression, anxiety, and inflammation, help with sleep and
protect the heart and brain. Few people experience side effects with CBD, making
it safe to try the cannabinoid and take advantage of its many benefits.

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