Monday, 22 June 2020

How to Deal with White Powdery Mildew on Cannabis Plants

Growing cannabis can often leave you scratching your head over certain problems that arise or changes that occur in the plant's growth. Cannabis plants are incredibly hardy by nature, but they do come with their own sets of challenges and can be prone to certain illnesses or issues sometimes.

Often, a simple change in the humidity in the air can lead to catastrophic failure in the entire crop--cannabis is fickle like that. One of the most common issues that growers face is 'white powdery mildew', or WPM for short.

If you have ever noticed what looks like small patches of powdered sugar on your cannabis leaves, that is WPM growing on the plant. When not treated, WPM can become a serious issue and can destroy the crops. Let's talk about what WPM is, how it grows, and how to treat it. Visit Discount Pharms for CBD and hemp information.

What Is WPM?

WPM is simply a rapidly reproducing, aggressive form of fungus that occurs on a variety of plants, and completely ravages them. It is a type of mold that can occur when the conditions are 'just right' for it to do so.

What Causes WPM?

There are a few ways that WPM can begin to develop on your cannabis plants. Just like with any fungus, the conditions need to be just right for the growth to occur.

Unfortunately, the conditions in which WPM thrives are easy to replicate on accident. WPM thrives under:

  • High humidity
  • Low airflow
  • Poorly ventilated areas
  • Plants growing too close together

These conditions can produce the wet, dense atmosphere with poor circulation that helps mold to thrive. Imagine what happens if you leave a wet sock in a sealed container--over time mildew begins to grow. It's no different with cannabis.

How to Get Rid of It

WPM is easy to spot, and usually gets caught early even by inexperienced growers. It's a white powdery substance on the leaves, it's hard to miss. As long as the spores are caught early, you can likely save the plant with little harm done.

The best thing you can do is get a damp paper towel with water, and gently wipe the mildew off of all the leaves affected. Be careful not to jostle the plant too much as loose spores could 'latch on' in other places.

Once you have removed the spores to the best of your ability, purchase and mix a plant treatment substance that is designed for preventing mold and mildew--GrowSafe is a great product for this.

Gently mist your plants with the product and set about preventing new spores from re-growing. You will need to find a way to reduce humidity in your grow room and increase airflow. Buying a dehumidifier and box fans are a cheap and easy way to accomplish this.

Keeping a careful eye on your cannabis plants daily will help you to catch issues like WPM early on. With most fungus or mildew problems, they can be treated if caught early. If left to run rampant, they can destroy your crops entirely.

Take quick action and take steps to prevent the conditions in which WPM can thrive. With luck, you won't have to worry about WPM ever again!

Original Post: Discountpharms.com

Purple Cannabis Buds: A Guide To Growing Them

Cannabis comes in a variety of different looks, aromas, flavors, and strengths. It is a complex plant, and many individuals love trying as many different varieties as they possible can--the more exotic the better.

This quest to find the most interesting bud always comes with hot trends, and exciting concepts. There's a whole world of cannabis out there, and growers are always trying to create the 'next big thing'.

Right now, 'purple' cannabis is all the rage. This gorgeous hue of bud provides an added layer of complexity, and 'clout' to the bud that the smoker is purchasing. Simply put, purple cannabis is gorgeous, and cool to look at.

So, if you are growing your own cannabis at home, how do you make it grow purple? Let's talk about that.

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What Is Purple Cannabis?

Purple cannabis is merely cannabis that has been grown to have different pigmentation than 'normal' strains. All plants have pigments, which help them to create photosynthesis--gather energy from the sun.

Typically, among plants, this pigment is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the pigment compound that helps the plants convert light into energy, and also gives them their green color. However, it is not the only pigment that can do this.

If a plant does not have chlorophyll, it will use other pigments such as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins can absorb all of the wavelengths of the sun's rays, except for the indigo ones. This is why cannabis plants which are high in anthocyanins grow to be purple. The purple coloration can occur in the pistils, calyxes, trichomes, and leaves.

How To Grow Purple Cannabis

There are no shortage of theories and wild ideas out there on how to grow cannabis to be purple. Some will tell you to deprive the plant of oxygen at certain stages, others will try adding food coloring to the water to get the purple hue.

Neither of these are going to be an effective way to get your plant purple. While there are effective methods of turning your plant purple through targeted nutrient deprivation, it's not recommended unless you are an exceptionally experienced grower.

The truth is, the best way is to simply purchase seeds that have genetics for growing purple; such as Purple Queen or Blue Mystic. This will be the easiest and most effective route. However, if you want to attempt it yourself, you can try reducing the temperature of your grow room during the flowering stage.

A drastic change in daytime/nighttime temperatures will cause the chlorophyll to breakdown, and anthocyanins to take its place. Ideally you would have a 50-60-degree Fahrenheit difference between daytime and nighttime cycles.

Aside from simply buying specially bred strains for their purple hue, it can be very difficult to grow your own weed to become purple. This is because manipulating the nutrients of the plant can easily kill them if you aren't an expert.

The temperature method is likely to be your safest, and easiest bet--even though it isn't 100% guaranteed. You want to breed your cannabis with less chlorophyll, and more anthocyanins, that ultimately will give you the cool purple color you are after.

Original Post: Discountpharms.com

Thursday, 18 June 2020

Sensory Deprivation Tanks & Weed: The Perfect Combo, Or A Mistake?

There always seems to be a new and interesting therapy method or trend on the horizon. Whether it be psychological or physical, experts are always looking for cutting edge ways to treat pains, and stresses in our daily lives. That is why sensory deprivation tanks have returned to being quite a buzz topic in the past couple of years.

Sensory deprivation tanks are designed to completely isolate the user in a manner that allows them to 'wipe the slate clean' both mentally and physically while they are inside. But what does being high do to change the experience?

In order to understand that, first we should talk about how sensory deprivation tanks work. You may also check out Discount Pharms for information on buying hemp seeds and more.

What Is A Sensory Deprivation Tank?

Sensory deprivation tanks have been around since the mid 1950's; they are also known as 'float tanks' or 'isolation tanks. They work by sealing the user in a small, completely dark tank that is somewhat filled with saturated water that contains enough Epsom salt to ensure anyone can float in it. The chamber leaves the user totally locked away from sight, sound, and floating as if in space.

It might sound scary, but many who use them say that the complete removal from the worldly senses allows them to focus on their inner self, and they even help to relieve some chronic pains and aches while inside. So, now to the real question; does weed enhance this experience?

How Does Weed Affect the Sensory Deprivation Tank Experience?

The short answer to this is, well, it depends. Smokers have been known to use sensory deprivation tanks rather often in the past. Sensory deprivation tanks are meant to provide relaxation, inner reflection, creative thoughts, and an overall sense of well-being.

These are traits that are also often associated with the use of marijuana. So, for many, the pairing of the two can lead to a spiritual and physical experience like none other. Many smokers will tell you that once you try a sensory deprivation tank a few times while stoned, you will never want to do it 'sober' ever again.

The combination of euphoria caused by the cannabis, mixed with the total sensory isolation of the tank, can make for an environment perfect for sparking something spiritual and creative inside the mind. It can also help take pressure off of achy joints and allow the cannabis to seep away the pain. It's easy to see how this combination could be amazing for those in the right mindset.

However, this experience isn't going to be the same across the board. For some, marijuana smoking leads to very different reactions. Many smokers can exhibit increased anxiety or paranoia when they smoke outside of their 'comfort zone'.

In these cases, a small dark chamber with no noise might actually induce a panic attack. This is why it will likely come down to your connection with marijuana in general.

There are very few studies conducted on sensory deprivation tanks beyond anecdotal and testimonial. However, they are rapidly becoming popular again--especially at spas. They are often relaxing, and calming, even for those who do not suffer from pre-existing mental or physical conditions.

If you are someone who handles marijuana and being 'high' very well, the combination could be an absolutely incredible one. However, if you have a tendency to get a bit anxious when high, perhaps it's best to avoid the experience altogether.

Original Post: Discountpharms.com

Wednesday, 17 June 2020

Cannabis Industry Thriving or Dying During This Pandemic?

The current global situation has forced many to adjust their perspective on things in a very real and personal way. Many have been faced with the hard decision of cutting out certain 'discretionary' or 'luxury' purchases in order to cut down costs and save on money while the economy is on lock-down.

This has, naturally, done a number on many industries nationwide. Restaurants, bars, movie theaters, hair salons, gyms, they are all suffering due to this pandemic. But, how is the cannabis industry handling it? Well, let's start with the good news. Check out Discount Pharms for information on hemp seeds and more!

The Good News

Alongside hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and food, many cannabis consumers have reported that marijuana is on their list of things that are a 'must-have' in stock. This has been good news for the cannabis industry, as the industry as a whole has seen a massive up-tick in sales.

Consumers have realized that they may not be able to get to their dispensaries very often for the foreseeable future and have taken this time to buy all of their edibles, flower, vape liquids, and tinctures en masse.

Despite being closed, many dispensaries and online distributors were able to host 4/20 virtual events that were a massive success. The online cannabis industry is still thriving, and still seems to be doing well despite the obvious obstacles. In fact, recent surveys of consumers show that online business has risen 17% since the pandemic started.

This means that more people than ever are buying online, and of those new 'recruits', 34% have sad that they prefer the experience over brick-and-mortar shopping. This could mean a drastic change to the industry as we know it moving forward, which doesn't have to be a bad thing. However, not all is going perfectly swimmingly.

The Bad News

While online sales are thriving, many of those in the industry are without work right now.

The marijuana industry has secured 'essential worker' status as far as legal states are concerned, but the lack of actual in-store customers has left many dispensaries cutting back on manpower and even closing up shop altogether. This does not bode well for those who work within the industry on the ground floor.

Another area of concern is the fact that marijuana dispensaries and growers--despite being federally legal to operate--are not eligible for government stimulus money. This means that these companies are going to have to 'boot strap' themselves through these hard times. We could see the unfortunate impact of this down the road as the lock-down persists.

So, what is the ultimate answer to the question?

Well, in all honesty, the cannabis industry as a whole entity is thriving. More people are buying and stocking up on their marijuana than ever before. However, the impact on the brick-and-mortar dispensaries could be irreversible if something is not done to protect them. This very well could lead to a dramatic shift of consumers switching to online buying in the future, and physical dispensaries becoming a thing of the past.

Make sure that when the country reopens, you make a visit to your local dispensary; they could really use our help right now amid the business shifting towards online sales.

Original Post: Discountpharms.com

Vapor Additives: A How to Read Labels Guide

Vaping cannabis is one of the most popular methods of consumption around these days. Whether it be CBD, or THC, many marijuana lovers prefer to get the fast-acting quick hits of a vape rather than edibles or standard flower smoking. However, the problem with vape e-juice, is that sometimes it can contain certain unsavory additives.

These additives can lead to a number of health issues such as popcorn lung or other respiratory conditions. In the case of one individual who vaped Jamaica Ginger, they received paralysis in the leg known as 'Jake leg'.

These issues stem from a striking lack of regulation in the young marijuana vape industry.

Here is how you can avoid these unsavory additives and read your e-juice labels properly.

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What to Look For on the Labels

The blunt truth is (hehe) it's never 100% safe to inhale anything that is a foreign substance to your lungs. However, in general, vaping is relatively risk-free so long as the vaporized liquid is natural and organic.

Sometimes vaping liquid manufacturers will add thickeners, thinners, preservatives, flavorings, and even coloring to make their product more appealing. Most of these are safe, but some are a firm 'no-go'.

The biggest culprit in health concerns is vitamin E acetate, or tocopheryl acetate. Vitamin E Oil is used in a lot of health and wellness products but should never be inhaled in the way that vape juice is consumed. It is typically used as a thickener, as it can thicken the CBD or THC oils without making them too runny for the vaporizer.

However, vitamin E oil has been connected to the injury, and death of dozens of users all across the USA. This is an ingredient that you should always be on the lookout for; it has luckily been banned in many states already but can still come across boarders through illicit trades.

Other Compounds to Look For

Other compounds that can cause issues for those sensitive are propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. These are common additives used to help the oils vaporize properly, but when not in their 'organic' state they can cause allergic reactions and health concerns.

Aside from these small issues, vaping marijuana e-liquids are relatively safe. All reports of recent investigations have linked most if not all of the issues to vitamin E acetate, and potential allergens such as synthetic vegetable glycerin.

Knowing Where the Product Came from Is Very Important

It is also important to note that all of the issues related to vaping marijuana e-liquids were connected to black market vape cartridges.

These cartridges and liquids are known to be filled with additives that 'cut' the marijuana oils to make the stretch further in various ways. In this case, it is much like trying to drink moonshine made in the mountains; you might be fine, but you never know if it'll turn you blind.

Your best bet is to always buy your vape e-liquids or cartridges from reputable sources and licensed distributors. They will not contain vitamin E acetate and will likely contain natural vegetable glycerin over synthetic.

The marijuana vape scene is still in its 'wild west' phase. That is, there is still very little strict regulation on what can and cannot be added to the liquids in general. Because of this, unsavory practices have popped up and health issues have skyrocketed.

As mentioned above, as long as you stick to reputable distribution channels, you are likely to be 100% fine. Just remember to check your labels, and research if your vape liquid contains vitamin E acetate in any form, or synthetic vegetable glycerin. The rest should be smooth sailing.

Original Post: Discountpharms.com

5 Popular Ways to Smoke Wax Without A Rig

Wax is probably the most popular form of cannabis concentrate available on the market. There are several other forms that THC concentrate can come in, but wax is probably the most accessible and the easiest to consume. However, what many might not know, is that smoking wax--dabbing--usually requires the use of a specialized dab rig.

These are rigs designed to properly smoke the wax without losing any of the good-good, and to burn it safely. The only downside is that these rigs are usually expensive. So, if you are looking to smoke wax, but don't have a big busy rig, here's how you can do it.

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The Joint Method

This method is rather self-explanatory and will be easy for almost any smoker to grasp. All you have to do is simply place a small amount of wax inside your standard joint and smoke it!

Be careful to not place any wax on the end you are lighting--open flame directly on wax is not a fun time. This method is probably the most popular method for those who don't want to do a pure dab, or who don't have a rig.

The Bowl Method

If you are a bowl smoker, as opposed to joint smoker, the bowl method is for you. This is a similar concept to the joint method, just modified to fit the bowl.

Start by packing your bowl 1/3rd of the way full of bud and add a small layer of wax on top of the weed. Know add a final thin layer of weed on top of that wax, sandwiching it in the middle, and smoke as usual!

The Healthstone Method

Healthstone glass is a unique little glass product that makes dabbing or smoking concentrates a breeze for those who do it often.

Healthstone is a porous glass that looks sort of like a sponge and sits in the bowl of a pipe and is heated with the dab placed on top of it. The act of smoking is very similar to smoking from a pipe in general, but the healthstone glass makes it far easier.

The Cooking Method

This method might not be as 'fun' as the others, but it still works, and you will still get a more intense high than normal cannabis flower would provide. You can decarboxylate cannabis concentrates just like you would flower and use them to cook in baked goods or homemade candies.

The wax is far more THC dense than flower would be, and wax-made edibles are also more 'potent' in this regard. Just make sure not to add too much, as you will end up getting more than you bargained for!

The Knife Method

This method is for those who absolutely do not have any other option. It is a bit dangerous and doesn't get quite the same results you would get from more secure methods.

However, it will work. Simply take a butter knife and heat it on a stove top or with a torch. Once it is good and hot, drop your wax dab on the knife and inhale the fumes as fast as you can. This method will result in wasting a fair bit of wax, but in a pinch, it will do the trick.

Smoking wax is a highly concentrated form of cannabis, and as such should be smoked with caution. This is not to mean that it is dangerous, just that it is very strong. Make sure to always start small and work your way up. Less can often be more with wax! Remember to be safe and enjoy the ride.

Original Post: Discountpharms.com

Wednesday, 25 March 2020

How to Create Your Own Cannabis Super Soil Mix!

In gardening, the soil is among the most important aspects of growing any plant. It doesn't matter if you are planting a towering oak, or a tiny little bean sprout, the soil is going to play a massive part in how healthy and strong your plant grows. For cbd flower wholesale faq, check out our link.

This Is Great Information for First-time Home Growers

In the case of cannabis cultivation, this is no different. Cannabis plants require a very particular set of nutrients within their soil, in order to yield the absolute best results. Because of this, many home growers find themselves simply making their own super soil mix, rather than buying it.

Let's talk about what goes into making a great super soil mix for your own cannabis plants.

Start Off with A Good Soil Base

You actually aren't going to need very much in order to be on your way to making your own super soil mix at home. All you need is a good soil base, and a few ingredients. Let's get started!

Starting with a strong and organic soil base is going to be the first key to success. Cannabis likes a well aerated, slightly acidic, and permeable soil to start with. Make sure that the pH balance of the soil is within the 5.7-6.5 range, and only contains natural and organic materials.

For example:

  • Guano
  • Peat Moss
  • Manure
  • Coco Fiber
  • Sand
  • Rock Dust
  • Vermiculite
  • Perlite

These types of ingredients will help get you started off on the right foot.

Learn How to Mix the Soil

Once you have your base soil, you want to begin by enriching it. Keep in mind, you should ideally create your super soil mix several months prior to using it. This is to help the components break down and permeate the soil better.

You can enrich the soil by adding other 'ingredients' to it such as:

  • Vegetable/Fruit peels
  • Eggshells
  • Compost
  • Lime
  • Epsom Salts
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Worm Castings
  • Rock Phosphate

Ratios Will Vary Depending on Composition

Add in your enriching ingredients to your base soil and mix it thoroughly. The ratios will vary depending on the composition of your starter soil. By adding these various components, you are creating a very nutrient dense and rich soil.

These ingredients will take months, or even years to break down sometimes. Because of this, you want to carefully plan your super soil operation. Ideally, you would allow these components to break down in the soil naturally.

However, there is a faster way if you are in a rush.

How To Make a Quick Mix

If you are in a hurry and wish to make a super soil mix that is able to use quickly, you can still do so. The 'quick and dirty method' can have your soil ready in two days.

  • Start by mixing 3 parts starter soil
  • Add in 1 part worm castings
  • Add in 1 part perlite
  • Add in 1/2 cup greensand
  • Add in 1/2 cup dolomite lime
  • Add in 1/3 cup guano

Simply mix all of this together and allow to soak thoroughly in water for two days. Let the water runoff completely, and use!

You should be careful with this method, however. It can often come out too nutrient dense and can run the risk of 'nutrient burning' your plant. Proceed with caution!

Creating a cannabis super soil mix can be a time consuming, and costly endeavor. For that reason, many home growers simply buy pre-made super soil mixes for convenience.

However, making your own can ensure that you know exactly what goes into it. In addition, it can help you feel more connected to your cannabis plants in a natural way. Ultimately, making a super soil mix is not for the faint of heart--but it can be fun!

Original Post: Discountpharms.com