A newspaper leaked Germany’s plan to legalize weed, which some have called too restrictive. It’s still a momentous occasion for Europe and the rest of the world.
At long last, Germany is moving forward with legal marijuana. A blueprint of the reform was leaked through RND newspaper group and translated by Politico, stating that marijuana will be decriminalized, allowing for its purchase, possession, and cultivation. Any advertising promoting cannabis would be banned.
Under Germany’s plan, adults will be able to purchase up to 20 grams of marijuana sold in shops. There’s a chance they could also be sold in pharmacies and specialty shops like coffee houses.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash
Some of the limitations include the fact that marijuana will have a THC limit of 15%. In the case of young adults, aged 18 to 21, they will be able to purchase marijuana with a 10% limit of THC, which seems like an intelligent if conservative way of avoiding some of the harshest criticism that exists against cannabis on a global scale.
The plan also makes it clear that cannabis sold in Germany must be produced domestically, sidestepping international law and avoiding conflict.
While many are celebrating Germany’s decision, several German politicians have considered the plan too restrictive. Kristine Lütke, the drug policy speaker of the Free Democratic Liberal Party, said that some of the restrictions would drive people to the black market.
“A disaster for youth, health & consumer protection,” she tweeted.
Photo by SusanneSchulz/Getty Images
Germany’s decision to legalize marijuana has long been awaited, with the government delivering a promise that was made a year ago. It’s also a decision that’s been analyzed by experts, representing a significant step for marijuana in the European Union and the world. Germany is the EU’s largest economy and a determinant of how various countries will react.
Earlier this year, The Guardian spoke with several experts who provided their opinions on why legal marijuana in Germany was a game changer.
“There will be a domino effect, for sure,” said Justin Haucap, director of the Dusseldorf Institute for Competition Economics. “European countries that have a much bigger problem with illegal cannabis use, like France, are watching very closely what Germany is doing at the moment.”
Researchers discovered that clinicians’ decision not to select cannabis users as acceptable candidates for heart transplants is founded on old data or has no scientific significance.
Are cannabis users suitable candidates for heart transplants? While they are currently not considered to be, a new study indicates this could be wrong. Scientists from Indiana University School of Medicine analyzed more than 200 publications, reviews pre- and post-heart transplant considerations connected to marijuana use and released their findings in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure.
Researchers came to the conclusion that the medical community should reexamine its understanding of cannabis use and heart transplantation, writes the IU School of Medicine. This implies the potential for an entirely new approach to identifying suitable heart transplant candidates.
The study’s lead author, Onyedika Ilonze, MD called the cannabis-heart transplant issue controversial.
“This is a dilemma in a time of increasingly favorable legislation regarding medical and recreational cannabis use,” said Ilonze, assistant medicine professor at IU and member of the Cardiovascular Institute. “The dilemma is compounded by a rising need for heart transplants.”
Photo by Shidlovski/Getty Images
Ilonze and his colleagues discovered that clinicians’ decision not to select cannabis users as acceptable candidates for heart transplants is founded on old data or has no scientific significance.
“We need to learn more about the interactions between cannabis and immunosuppressants, and to study the association between cannabis use and transplant survival,” Ilonze added. “Clarifying this will move us forward and help us establish a standardized evaluation process.”
Unlike THC, delta-8, and THC-O, this cannabinoid is safe to use and has few side effects. Studies have shown the absence of toxicity, dangerous symptoms, and withdrawal effects.
It is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana. In terms of structure and properties, it is most similar and close to CBD. But what is CBDV and how is it different from CBD. CBDV is a propyl analog of CBD, although they are not identical.
It was discovered in 1969 along with other cannabinoids, including the better-known THC and CBD. However, its valuable medicinal properties began to be investigated only very recently.
In the late 2010s, scientists drew attention to the fact that the therapeutic properties of СBDV are somewhat different from the effects of other cannabinoids on the human body.
Properties and Health Benefits of CBDV
The last few years have been fruitful in terms of research on CBDV benefits. Some of these studies have been officially supported by pharmaceutical giants as well as the US government.
Much of the CBDV research is so new that it has not yet reached the stage of clinical trials. So the studies presented here are mostly preclinical researches conducted in laboratories and animal models. But perhaps unsurprisingly (for those who already have some knowledge of cannabinoids), the research base supporting CBDV’s enormous potential is already compelling.
Health benefits of CBDV include:
Anticonvulsant property. Makes it an impeccable remedy for the treatment of epilepsy of various origins. This effect is still being investigated. But it is already known that the ability to reduce seizures does not depend on CB1 receptors.
Reduces nausea. Scientists hope that, like other cannabinoids, CBDV has pronounced antiemetic properties. In 2013, a study was conducted on rats that led to the hope that CBD-V has the potential to reduce such symptoms.
Analgesic property. Research is being conducted on the ability of CBDV to reduce neuralgic pain.
Reduces anxiety. One of the CBDV effects is the improvement of the psychological state due to the effect on the balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters.
Antibacterial action. Especially against gram-positive bacteria. But this property is less pronounced than in CBD.
Antioxidant potential. Reduces inflammation and protects cells of the nervous system.
What Disorders Does CBDV Help Treat?
The main research on CBDV has focused primarily on its functions in alleviating the symptoms of nervous disorders. Most of the studies were conducted on animals. But they showed good results, which give hope for effective application in various directions.
CBDV and Neurological Diseases
Administration of CBDV may reduce the neurological and social problems caused by Rett syndrome. This is a disease that affects the development of the brain. Studies in mice have shown the ability of CBDV to improve memory and motor coordination, as well as regulate the expression levels of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Cannabidivarin in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Preclinical studies have shown the indispensable role of cannabidivarin for autism. The connection is that the cannabinoid can influence excitatory-inhibitory processes in the brain, which are associated with autistic disorders. One of the major pharmaceutical companies is currently conducting the final stage of research related to autism spectrum disorders.
CBDV in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Studies have shown that CBDV promotes muscle growth. This applies to both healthy people and people with DMD, a genetic disease with progressive muscle wasting. This occurs due to the formation of myoblasts and myotubes, as well as due to the activation of TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors.
CBDV is most similar to CBD, but scientists have already found out what is CBDV cannabinoid and its special features, which are different from CBD. The difference is only in the length of the side chain. CBD consists of 5 carbon atoms, while CBDV consists of 3 carbon atoms. The length of the carbon affects the ability of cannabinoids to bind to endocannabinoid receptors and the nervous system and is, therefore, an important property of the substance.
Possible CBDV Side Effects and Safety Measures
CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid similar to CBD. Unlike THC, delta-8 THC, and THC-O, this cannabinoid is safe to use and has few side effects. Studies have shown the absence of toxicity, dangerous symptoms, and withdrawal effects.
Strains High in CBDV
Most often, CBDV is featured in Indica cultivars from Pakistan, Mexico, or India.
If you want cannabis rich in CBDV, you should look into strains like:
Royal CBDV. It is one of the first strains of this cannabinoid. It contains 5% cannabidivarin, 5% CBD and a minimal THC level of 0.3%. This strain has a piney earthy aroma and a noticeable boost of energy.
CBDV Auto. This strain has a CBDV/THC ratio of 25:1 as well as approximately 4% CBD. It’s Sativa with mild earthiness and a light resin coating.
Forbidden V. It contains 5.6% CBDV and 8.6% CBD. The strain has a fresh and exotic fruity taste and a terpene profile that invigorates and invigorates creativity.
Pine Walker. The strain has 8.48% CBD and 6.80% CBDV. It is characterized by the taste of lemon and the fragrance of needles, as well as the properties of Indica.
Where to Get Products with CBDV?
People who have developed a CBDV appetite wonder if it is possible to legally buy products containing it. Whatever the goal, it is better to consult a doctor beforehand. He will tell you which variety of cannabis will suit your personal needs. It is much more effective and safer than self-medication.
Conclusion
Since research on the effects of CBDV is ongoing, soon we can count on new results from these searches and, accordingly, wait for sensational products that would help solve a range of medical problems.
Multi-state cannabis operator Green Thumb Industries Inc. teamed up with Alimentation Couche-Tard Circle K Stores, an American chain of convenience stores. Under the deal, Green Thumb will sell licensed cannabis at Circle K gasoline retailers in Florida, first reported Bloomberg.
Financial terms between the two parties weren’t disclosed, but it was noted that Green Thumb will lease space from Circle K locations.
The sales will start in 2023 at 10 of the company’s 600 locations in the Sunshine State. Bloomberg pointed out that is a global first, as marijuana has been legally sold only in dispensaries in the U.S. and in pharmacies in countries that have legal cannabis programs like Germany or Uruguay.
The sales should “continue to normalize”cannabis fusing it with standard consumer products, Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler said. “This is a futuristic deal.”
Seeing marijuana at stations where people usually buy snacks and cigarettes could open the way for the plant to become fully mainstream.
Photo by Q. Hưng Phạm via Pexels
The cannabis company’s outlets will be branded as “RISE Express” stores and will have a separate entrance from the gas station.
With Florida having legal only medical cannabis, sales will be limited to residents with medical marijuana cards, which is about 700,000 people.
Kovler added that “there’s appetite” from Circle K to expand partnership across other states.
Even though kratom and cannabis come from natural plants, both have a long history of prohibition primarily driven by misinformation.
Kratom and cannabis are two substances that have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures as herbal allies. Although they both come from plants, there are many differences between these two products.
There are the active ingredients and the locations where the plants are grown. Another significant difference is the legality of these products throughout the United States.
Learning the similarities and differences between kratom and cannabis is vital. It will help you understand the benefits of both products and which one you should consider adding to your daily wellness routine.
The Kratom and Cannabis Active Ingredients
Despite coming from plants, the active ingredients of kratom and cannabis are significantly different.
Alkaloids are the primary active ingredients in kratom. The two you might be aware of are 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine. But it’s important to note that alkaloids occur in tiny concentrations compared to CBD and THC. Mitragynine is below 2%, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine is even lower.
As for cannabis, its active ingredient is cannabinoids. It is a natural chemical that can affect the body in multiple ways. The most prominent cannabinoid Is THC which is intoxicating, and CBD, which is non-intoxicating.
Where Are Kratom and Cannabis Legal?
Cannabis and kratom have different federal, state, and city legal statuses. For example, kratom is legal at a federal level, and cannabis isn’t. However, cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational purposes in 38 states, whereas kratom products are banned in six states.
Due to these conflicting legal statuses, certain stigmas have formed around both products. As such, some prohibitionists are making it their mission to reduce access to kratom and cannabis. Thankfully, advocacy groups and movements, such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, are doing their part to ensure safe and legal access for adults across the country.
Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images
Where Are Kratom and Cannabis Prohibited?
Even though kratom and cannabis come from natural plants, both have a long history of prohibition primarily driven by misinformation.
Detractors of cannabis would often exaggerate the potential side effects, much like kratom. Due to unscientific arguments and misconceptions, users of these products have faced discrimination.
The lack of regulation hasn’t helped the situation. For decades, both products were largely unregulated. It made it difficult for the average person to know what kratom and cannabis products were safe to use and of a high quality. Thankfully, change is occurring, and it’s become easier to understand where to purchase items.
Comparing the Two Industries
Kratom doesn’t quite have the same following as cannabis, but it has begun to grow. Thanks to the legalization of both substances being supported by underground movements, the benefits of using the plants beyond ritual and recreation are coming to light. As such, it’s leading to more products getting created, such as:
Gummies
Capsules
Chewable Tablets
Powder
Soft gels
Leaf
Tinctures
The good news is that studies into kratom are ongoing. While it’s known that the plant is safe to consume, as further advantages are made available, it’s expected to grow the industry even further.
Where Are Cannabis and Kratom Grown?
Cannabis is known to be cultivated in countries around the world. Within the US, it’s primarily grown in highly sophisticated indoor operations.
As for kratom, the plant is native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia. But most of the world’s supply comes from ancient-growth forests within Southeast Asia.
Due to decades of prohibition, research into cannabis and kratom is still in its infancy. Studies are getting funded and conducted thanks to the interest in both plants and the growing industries.
Some of the research targets how kratom and cannabis could be used, the risks of consuming the products, and the safest way to utilize both ingredients. The hope is that it will continue to empower users to make informed decisions on how kratom and cannabis can support wellbeing.
How to Choose Between Kratom and Cannabis?
Understanding the similarities and differences between kratom and cannabis is just the first step. Much like using any herbal ingredients, it’s vital to know how to use them safely and responsibly. That means speaking to a medical professional, especially if you’re taking prescription medication.
You should also consider where you purchase your products from. Choose businesses that are doing their part to legitimize the industry. Look at where they source their products and how they test them. This will ensure you’re getting high-quality and safe items.
Federal regulations say individuals violate the law when combining medical cannabis with gun ownership. But like cannabis laws, several states are not adhering to ongoing national policy.
Roughly 33% of US adults report owning a gun, according to a 2021 Georgetown University firearms survey. By the end of 2022, New Frontier Data expects 4.7 million Americans to be registered medical cannabis cardholders.
How those two figures impact one another remains uncertain. But with federal laws preventing individuals from legally owning firearms while consuming Schedule I drugs, individuals using both could run into legal trouble.
Like much of U.S. cannabis law, state and federal rules don’t always align.
The ban on gun ownership for medical marijuana users stems from the Gun Control Act of 1968. The law intends to regulate interstate and international firearm commerce while preventing specific individuals from legally participating in the marketplace. Banned individuals include anyone using or addicted to a Schedule I substance.
Under current laws, if a person admits to using medical cannabis on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives background check form, they will not receive their gun license. If they lie, they face up to half a decade in prison and thousands in fines.
Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), opposes the ban. She questioned why the status quo exists, calling alcohol more of a concern to public safety.
“There is no similar prohibition on alcohol consumers owning firearms even though more than a quarter of violent crimes are attributable to alcohol, while cannabis rarely — if ever — is linked to violence,” she said.
Photo by jirkaejc/Getty Images
O’Keefe didn’t cite a specific study, but a 2016 University of Pennsylvania research paper analyzed 40 years of firearm violence-related literature between 1975 and 2014. The analysis concluded that over 33% of US suicide and homicide victims had consumed acute levels of alcohol before their deadly incident. The report added that study limitations make it difficult to offer guidance on the relationship between the two.
Efforts To Revise The Law
Steps have been taken in recent years to revise the medical cannabis-gun owner ban. Notably, in 2020, late-U.S. Representative Don Young sponsored legislation to end the rule. The bill did not advance.
O’Keefe noted that the House-passed MORE Act could offer an end to the current rule via descheduling. She said a MORE passage would “remove the incredibly harsh penalty for otherwise law-abiding Americans possessing and owning guns.”
In April 2022, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried sued the Biden Administration over a federal rule that puts medical cannabis-using gun owners at risk of a five-year jail sentence.
In August, the Department of Justice sought to dismiss the case, citing federal cannabis prohibition and the plant’s Schedule I status. The DOJ noted that Congress has not deemed cannabis to have any medical use and claimed that gun-owning cannabis consumers posed a public danger.
In a September response, plaintiffs claimed the DOJ failed to demonstrate why the case should be dismissed. That month, Fried called the DOJ’s reaction “insulting, illogical, and ahistorical.”
Nico Pento, an attorney and senior policy advisor at Bianchi & Brandt, feels the DOJ “proposes some sound legal arguments” but said those points highlight where the federal rules are “outdated and wrong.”
Pento says the DOJ’s reasoning opens the door for similar claims about individuals combining guns with alcohol, coffee or opioids.
“While the position of the DOJ may not be unconstitutional, which will be left to the Supreme Court to decide, it is morally wrong,” Pento said.
Scott Solomon, CEO of Operational Security Solutions (OSS), said he understands the desire for gun ownership and the DOJ’s perspective.
“While we support the right to own guns, we understand why there are still restrictions on the places and times the guns may be used,” he said, noting cannabis’ potential to alter judgment and reaction times as concerns.
Cannabis leaf with gun and ammunition on grey background. 3d illustration
Patients Impacted By The State
Federal regulations say individuals violate the law when combining medical cannabis with gun ownership. But like cannabis laws, several states are not adhering to ongoing national policy.
Justin Bedford, a regulatory analyst for cannabis compliance firm Simplifya, feels the DOJ rules limit patient access and encourage people to obtain guns through illegal methods. Working in the Colorado market, Bedford reports hearing concerns from numerous patients.
“I know people with medical cannabis cards that have told me they lied about their cannabis use on their federal ATF background check form when purchasing a firearm out of fear for federal punishment,” he said.
OSS’s Solomon highlighted California’s recently passed worker protection laws for cannabis consumers. However, the rule excludes certain professions, including law enforcement, security personnel, commercial vehicle drivers, hazmat response personnel and others subjected to federal drug tests.
“While our state has instituted some protective measures, it’s clear that those employee groups that are required to carry – and potentially use – firearms in the course of their duties cannot be active cannabis users,” Solomon said.
Pento called Arizona a “strong Second Amendment state,” allowing cannabis patients to own guns. He’d like to see the rules change due to the “chilling effect” on usage among certain groups. He reported seeing the impact among veterans.
“There are veterans suffering from serious PTSD who can be treated with medical cannabis but refuse because they do not want to relinquish their Second Amendment rights,” Pento said.
Benzinga’s take: With gun and cannabis laws varying by state, users of both should exercise caution. If wanting to adhere to federal law, choose one or the other–or at least understand how your home state views the laws.
A new study found links between a common hair product and uterine cancer, one of the most common cancers for women.
A new study found using these products increase the risk of uterine cancer. The research, published in The Journal of National Cancer Institute, found an indirect link between hair straighteners and uterine cancer. This type of cancer is more common among Black women, making this link all the more curious.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash
The study tracked over 34,000 women for more than a decade and found that women who frequently used hair straighteners had 4% more risk of developing uterine cancer. The study defined frequent users as women who used these products over four times in the previous year.
In previous years, hair straighteners have been linked with other types of cancer, such as ovarian and breast cancer. Hair products like bleach, perms, dyes, and more, didn’t report this link.
While all demographics were impacted by the use of straighteners, this statistic is more concerning for Black women, since 60% of them reported the use of these types of products.
“We don’t want to panic people,” said the study’s lead author Alexandra White to the New York Times. “One could make a decision to reduce this chemical exposure, but we also want to acknowledge that there is a lot of pressure on women, especially Black women, to have straight hair. It’s not an easy decision to not do this.”
Hair straighteners contain a variety of dangerous elements, among them metals, parabens, and formaldehyde, which may be absorbed via the scalp. The heat of the straightening procedure and the damage that this process can do to the scalp might make these risks greater.
Uterine cancer more likely to be diagnosed in women over the age of 45, but younger women are getting more and more diagnoses per generation. According to cancer.org, about 65,950 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed by the year 2022.
The condition can be serious as it can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
According to a new UCSF study published in the European Heart Journal, substances such as cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine and even marijuana are linked to the most common type of heart arrhythmia — atrial fibrillation, often called AF or AFib.
Scientists examined data from diagnostic codes from hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and medical procedures in California over 10 years (from 2005 to 2015), revealing that cannabis users had a 35% higher chance of developing AF, reported KRON4 News.
“To my knowledge, this is the first study to look at marijuana use as a predictor of future atrial fibrillation risk,” said principal investigator Gregory Marcus, MD, MAS and professor of medicine with UCSF’s Division of Cardiology.
What is AF exactly?
AF is a heart arrhythmia condition when the heart beats too slowly, too fast or in an irregular way, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “When a person has AFib, the normal beating in the upper chambers of the heart (the two atria) is irregular, and blood doesn’t flow as well as it should from the atria to the lower chambers of the heart (the two ventricles).” This could be a permanent condition or can happen from time to time.
The condition can be serious as it can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
More than 150,000 people die annually in the U.S. from AF-related strokes.
Photo by Khwanchai Phanthong/EyeEm/Getty Images
Study Highlights
In this research, around one million people who had no pre-existing AF but later developed it were identified. Among the patients examined in the database:
132,834 used marijuana
98,271 used methamphetamine
48,700 used cocaine
10,032 used opiates
“Despite exhibiting a weaker association with incident AF than the other substances, cannabis use still exhibited an association of similar or greater magnitude to risk factors like dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, those with cannabis use exhibited similar relative risk of incident AF as those with traditional tobacco use,” the study authors reported.
It is important to note that the research also confirmed that while cocaine or methamphetamine are known to cause sudden cardiac deaths due to disruptions in orderly electrical signaling and pumping within the heart, the same has not been confirmed for cannabis.
The study concluded that of all the drugs it examined, methamphetamine posed the greatest risk for AF.
During a recent town meeting, Sanders expressed his concern over teens and their love for weed. Still, he had some encouraging words for cannabis legalization.
Bernie Sanders is pro-marijuana, yet he is still concerned over some of the harms of the drug, especially in reference to teens.
The senator recently stopped by Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, Vermont, for a town hall where he spoke about a wide range of topics from climate change and health care to teens smoking marijuana.
“It’s terribly important for me to hear what’s on the minds of young people. They are the future of the country,” said Sanders.
Photo by Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images
A member of the audience asked Sanders’ opinion regarding Biden’s marijuana pardons, and the effect that that would have on marijuana charges. Per the Bennington Banner, the question was met with an excited reaction from the audience, which made Sanders frown.
Sanders said that the topic of marijuana is one that often is brought up in high school events. “That worries me, to tell you the truth,” he said. Still, Sanders said that while he’s not a fan of drugs and alcohol, he believes marijuana should be legal in every state in the U.S.
Sanders also made sure to differentiate between marijuana and other drugs that have more serious and dangerous side effects. “Heroin is a killer drug,” he said. “Fentanyl is even worse, and fentanyl sometimes gets mixed in with the heroin. … Marijuana is not heroin, it is not fentanyl, it should be not lumped together.”
Sanders has long been a proponent for the decriminalization of marijuana, and its legalization. When Biden’s pardon was issued, Sanders supported his decision, sharing his approval on Twitter.
I have long believed that marijuana should be legalized and those arrested for possession should be pardoned and have their records expunged. The President’s executive action today is an important step forward, but much more needs to be done.
“I have long believed that marijuana should be legalized and those arrested for possession should be pardoned and have their records expunged. The President’s executive action today is an important step forward, but much more needs to be done,” he wrote.
The main advantage of autoflowers is that you don’t have to worry about the changing seasons, which is excellent for beginner growers.
Autoflowering marijuana is a type of cannabis that doesn’t rely on the change in light cycles to start flowering. Instead, it flowers automatically after a certain time has passed since it’s been germinated.
For growers, this means that you can get two crops in one year, making autoflower marijuana a big business opportunity. For consumers, it means you can get high-quality cannabis with less waiting time.
But that’s not all autoflowers are good for as some strains are resistant to pests and mold, making them an ideal choice for growers who live in humid climates.
What does autoflowering mean?
As a result of its harsh environment and limited sunlight, a type of cannabis often called Cannabis ruderalis emerged centuries ago in very cold northern areas. We say “often called” as there is genetic evidence that suggests these taxonomic classifications are inaccurate. (Want to know more? Check out Cannabis sativa Vs. “Sativa”) Cannabis in this region began flowering after a period of time, thus acquiring the name “autoflower.”
So, what does the autoflowering feature actually do?
Essentially, this type of cannabis automatically flowers under virtually any light condition, which means they don’t need to follow the 12 hour day/night cycle in order to bloom, as they can thrive in 24 hours of light from seedling to harvest. In contrast, this process is not the same in traditional strains, which rely on a consistent pattern of darkness alternating with light.
Cannabis plants reach the flowering stage when fully mature.
In outdoor cultivation, marijuana plants from traditional seeds begin flowering or growing buds as fall approaches and the sun sets earlier and earlier. As a result of this light reduction, cannabis plants trigger their flowering phase and produce buds. When plants are grown indoors, the flowering cycle can be controlled by reducing the amount of light they receive from 18 hours a day to 12 hours.
Photo by DaveLongMedia/Getty Images
The evolution of autoflowering cannabis plants
The autoflowers that initially hit the marketplace at the beginning of the 2000s weren’t that impressive. They lacked potency, the aroma was weak, and yield was disappointing.
While wild cannabis plants tend to have a low level of THC, breeders worldwide have created some spectacular autoflower strains by crossing them with popular commercial strains. Those breeders perfected the process, resulting in an explosion in the number of autoflowering seeds. These strains are ready to harvest within 60 days from seed, stay between 30 and 100 cm high, and produce between 20 to 30% THC.
What are autoflower pros and cons?
Autoflowers have a number of distinctive features:
Flowering occurs naturally between two and four weeks after planting.
Typically, it takes ten weeks from planting to harvest.
Autoflowering seeds are usually feminized. This means there are typically few male plants.
Plants remain short (30–100cm).
Many popular strains are available in autoflower form. For example, “Blue Dream Auto” combines features of Blue Dream and autoflowering strains, so the plant retains a lot of Blue Dream attributes but makes grows faster.
The main advantage of autoflowers is that you don’t have to worry about the changing seasons, which is excellent for beginner growers. Additionally, autoflowers grow rapidly, so you can usually get two harvests in the same period of time it would take you to get one harvest.
Photo by CasarsaGuru/Getty Images
What are autoflower seeds?
For beginners, autoflowering cannabis seeds are the most suitable seeds because of their small size and ability to grow in small areas. They are also very resilient and strong, so beginner mistakes won’t damage them.
Growing autoflower seeds
Choose an environment indoors or outdoors for growing autoflower seeds. Providing seeds have at least 18 hours of direct sunlight per day in an indoor environment, you can cultivate the seeds any time of the year. However, the ideal time to grow seeds outdoors is in the spring, when daylight hours are plentiful.
In any growing environment, autoflowering seeds don’t require a high level of nutrients as they work independently. Autoflower seeds also have the advantage of being able to survive in extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures.
Plants grown in pots indoors must have drainage holes to ensure adequate oxygen flow. In addition, it’s a good idea to allow your seeds plenty of room for flowering because some autoflowering strains can grow up to four feet tall.
Where to buy autoflower seeds
Autoflower seeds are available for purchase online from cannabis seed retailers.
