Category Archives: Cannabis Strains

Best Soil For Cannabis – How to Grow Healthy Cannabis Plants?

To cultivate cannabis successfully, you need the right soil. However, finding the soil with all the necessary conditions for cannabis growth is not very easy. Therefore, when growing it, you have to be very knowledgeable about creating the best soil conditions for your plants. There are many different compounds and substrates that are needed to create the conducive bedding for cannabis plants. The following are some of the conditions necessary for growing cannabis and some of the compounds needed to enhance the richness of the soil:

Best Soil Characteristics For Growing Cannabis

Soil composition and soil structure are very important factors to consider when choosing the best soil for cannabis. The amount of water in the soil, aeration and minerals in the soil all will determine how healthy and big your cannabis plants will be. So, how exactly do you tell if the soil is the best match for your cannabis plants? Here are some factors to consider:

Texture

Soil texture is quite a complex term, but it basically refers to the size of the soil particles, whether they are coarse, fine or in between. Like other plants, cannabis needs good root development and the roots also need a fair amount of aeration. Therefore cannabis requires loose soil. So, in basic terms, you are looking for a loose texture that will let the roots breathe and grow in a healthy manner.

Soil Drainage

Drainage refers to the water holding capacity of the soil. Different types of soils have different drainage characteristics. Marijuana requires soil with very good drainage. Soil that doesn’t hold a lot of water, just enough to support plant growth.

This is because, if the soil holds too much water it may kill the roots. The roots need oxygen but if they are clogged in water they won’t get adequate supply. Therefore, they may start rotting in the ground and eventually die. The rest of the plant won’t survive with dead roots.

Water Retention

As much as the soil should have good drainage, it should also be good at retaining water. This means that it should also be good at holding enough water to support the growth of the plant.

So, the soil doesn’t necessarily need excellent retention just enough to support excellent growth of cannabis.

Soil pH

Soil pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Different plants grow at different pH values. The pH value of the soil is measured up to 14, 1-6 is for acidic pH soil and 8-14 for alkaline. Some plants grow around pH 7 which is neutral.

However, according to an article by a science journal, cannabis prefers slightly acidic pH conditions, about 5.8 to 6.2 to be specific. Cannabis is a bit sensitive to the pH value of the soil . It has to be monitored otherwise, you get a poor harvest.

Also Read : All FAQs About Medical Marijuana in NJ Answered

Different Cannabis Soil Types And Their Characteristics

There are several types of soils which all have different characteristics. It is very hard to find a single type of soil that contains all of the qualities that are needed for proper cannabis growth.

But, the best you can do is list out their characteristics, look for one which has more required characteristics and enhance it to support cannabis growth. The following are some of the most common types of soil and their characteristics in relation to cannabis growth:

1. Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is known to have a slightly coarse soil texture. This means that the soil particles are larger than other soil types and it has more spaces between particles.

Characteristics :

• Very good aeration
• Excellent drainage
• Poor water retention

2. Clay Soil

Clay is almost the opposite of sandy soil. It has very small soil particles (fine) and very small spaces in between particles.

Characteristics :

• Excellent water retention
• Can hold soil nutrients and minerals
• Poor water drainage
• Possibly poor aeration.

3. Silt Soil

Silt soil has characteristics that are in between sandy and clay soils. This means that it has medium coarse soil particles, not too big and not too small.

Characteristics :

• Fair water drainage
• Fair water retention
• Can hold nutrients and minerals.

4. Loamy Soil

It is a combination of sandy, clay and silt soil. It is very good for growing cannabis.

Characteristics :

• Good drainage
• Optimal water retention
• Fair pH
• Very rich in nutrients and minerals
• Hard to find and expensive to maintain.

Supplementing The Soil

1. Perlite

Perlite are small rocky supplements that are mixed with soil with poor drainage

Characteristics :

• Improves soil aeration
• Used for soil with big particles and poor drainage.

2. Vermiculite

Granular like substances mostly used for soils that have very big soil particles. In other words, it is used to supplement soil that drains too much water than necessary.

Characteristics :

• Improve the water retention.

3. Coco Coir

Powder like substance that is mixed with the soil that has poor water retention. It is made from coconut husk.

Note : It should never be overmixed with the soil (only 10-30% is enough)

Characteristics :

• It supports good root development
• Improves water retention of the soil.

Worm Castings

These are simply worm waste.

Characteristics :

• improves the drainage
• Maintains optimum water retention
• Good soil texture.

Growing Cannabis at Home

Now, according to the cannabis possession laws of New Jersey, an MMJ patient is allowed to grow 10 plants for therapeutic reasons and a maximum of 12 plants per household. However, you should possess a medical marijuana card to grow cannabis at home.

If you are suffering from a medical condition that qualifies for cannabis use, you can get a card and begin growing cannabis at home. All you have to do is get a recommendation by a medical marijuana doctor from a trusted clinic like MD Ganja.

So, for such home growers, they can buy potting soil for cannabis plants instead of enhancing it. Some of the best potting soils for cannabis are Black Gold soil and Fox Farm soil which already contain the necessary nutrition’s and conditions to grow cannabis. Here are some of the additives that can improve the nutrition and quality of the soil for cannabis growth :

• Crab or Shrimp meal
• Oyster shell
• Bat Guano
• Composted humus
• Granite dust
• Worm castings
• Peat moss
• Sandy loam

 

Also Read : What to Do After Obtaining a New Jersey MMJ Card?

Conclusion

It is also important to note that the soil requirements can vary for different strains of cannabis. The soil you use to grow a hybrid strain for sleeping can be different from that you use for an indica strain for pain. However, the differences in requirements are not usually very different. For example, just small water drainage and retention differences. And, the supplements are usually the same.

NJ Transitions Medical Cannabis Stores Into Recreational to Keep Up With the Demand

Since the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in New Jersey, on April 21, 2022, the sales of cannabis have increased massively. In just the first month, the state reported more than $24 million in recreational cannabis sales! These sales were made at 13 medical cannabis stores; however, there has been a clear need of opening up more stores. 

These 13 stores were owned by Green Thumb Industries Inc., Curaleaf Holdings Inc., Verano Holdings Corp., Columbia Care Inc., Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc., and Terrascend Corp.

Three more recreational marjuana shops were set up in New Jersey just last week. There are now a total of 16 cannabis stores where New Jersey citizens can purchase adult cannabis legally. These stores will not only make up for the increasing demand, but also provide a great opportunity for growth. 

Related – All You Need to Know About New Jersey Cannabis Laws

Where Are the Stores Located and How Will They Help the Locals

The marijuana stores are located in Woodbridge, Union, and Eatontown. They were already operational, with the permission to sell only medical marijuana. As of now, they have transitioned from selling only to medical patients under the Garden State Dispensary brand to also selling to recreational users. 

Approvals were granted last month, in May 2022. Although the transition took a while, it will help many users in the Jersey Shore communities, as residents were severely opposed to the sale of recreational cannabis in the area. Users had to drive up to 50 miles to visit a recreational marijuana store. This was also a big hassle, keeping in mind the hike in gas prices. 

Even though the recreational use of marijuana was legalized well over two months ago, there were no outlets in central New Jersey where residents could purchase it. Millions of residents in this area were unable to get their hands on adult weed, but can now do the same since the three new stores have begun sales. They also no longer have to worry about getting in any sort of trouble. 

As per estimations, New Jersey should become the state with third-largest contributions to overall legal cannabis sales by 2026. 

However, as demand grows and more products are introduced to the cannabis market rapidly, there are high chances of prices increasing. It is speculated that consumers may have to pay a hefty price for recreational marijuana in NJ very soon.

When Did Sales Start? 

Recreational sales at the cannabis stores in  Woodbridge, Union, and Eatontown began on 15th June, 2022, Wednesday at 10 AM. Now anyone above the age of 21 can walk into these stores and purchase marijauna without a medical card. However, buyers need to carry a government-issued photo ID for age confirmation. 

A few extra tips for shopping at a recreational marijuana store include: 

• Present your ID at the front desk and wait for confirmation. 
• Wait for your turn to get called to the register if you have any questions to clarify, otherwise you can continue exploring the options at the store. 
• Most stores should also have the option to order online and pick up from the store.

You can then get in line and continue with the purchase just like at any other store. The state sales tax is 6.625% with additional excise and local taxes. 

What Does This Mean for the Residents of N.J.? 

As even the communities that were highly opposed to recreational marijuana sales begin to accept it, let’s take a look at the future of cannabis in New Jersey.

There are about 130,000 MMJ patients in NJ right now, with around 800,000 potential recreational users. This implies that these people were previously unable to get their hands on marijuana. Perhaps the reason may be that their conditions were not severe enough to qualify for a medical card. 

Regardless, it is now much easier for residents of central New Jersey to get their hands on cannabis legally. This also means that they won’t have to look elsewhere and can safely purchase at cannabis stores. Doing so will also ensure that their health is not put in jeopardy. 

Removing the stigma and regulations around cannabis consumption also helps innocent people stay out of trouble. In 2017, there were 37,623 arrests for marijuana possession and distribution. However, there is no clarity on how many of the accused had genuine intent of selling. 

Do You Still Need a Medical Card in New Jersey to Purchase Cannabis?

If you live in an area where no recreational cannabis stores are located then you may have to get a medical card. If you want to purchase cannabis at an adult-use store, you will have to make sure the shop you visit is allowed to sell to recreational users. 

However, the benefits of getting a medical card are still relevant. You can read about them in detail here. 

If you are looking for a quick and affordable doctor’s recommendation, it is best to get your medical marijuana card NJ online. Visit MD Ganja for an easy and hassle-free recommendation process. 

The Best Cannabis Strains to Treat PTSD Symptoms

As more research is being conducted into the numerous therapeutic benefits of cannabis, the possibility of it working effectively for various disorders has become a reality. This is a newfound important detail that cannot be overlooked. Owing to such relevant studies and patient experiences, marijuana has been able to spin the medical industry off its axis.

For the same reason, medical marijuana doctors NJ has been continuously experimenting with some cannabis strains to help patients of PTSD. Here is an important blog that tells how exactly cannabis treats PTSD and what are some of the important strains that a patient can make use of.

PTSD and Cannabis

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder that afflicts people who have either experienced or witnessed some horrifying event in the past. Most often than not, such patients have to relive the terrible past event via recurrent nightmares or memory overloads. This causes a great amount of grief or mental anguish for the patient. The common symptoms of this disorder which get triggered from time to time are listed down below.

• Recurrent flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic event.
• Avoidance of the reminders of the event, the feeling of emotional numbness and sometimes undergoing extreme mood swings.
• Insomnia due to recurrent nightmares, feeling of insecurity as well as angry outbursts.

These symptoms of PTSD affect the mental state of the patient to such an extent that the adversity can’t even be accurately measured. If you are a patient suffering from mental disturbance and the overwhelming feeling of nausea, aggression or irritation affects you deeply, using certain cannabis strains can actually help you out.

As per research, cannabis is a potential solution for PTSD. It is just a matter of using the right amount and right type of cannabis strain for the patient to get rid of all the symptoms of PTSD.

Best Cannabis Strains for the Treatment of PTSD

We have already shared a list of cannabis strains for the treatment of pain. Apparently, there are many cannabis strains that can help in the treatment of different disorders. To then treat symptoms of PTSD, the following strains can be used by the patients.

Pineapple Express

Leading the list, pineapple express is an important strain that is predominantly Sativa. This strain is supposed to be quite energetic possibly due to its slightly higher THC content. The consumption of this strain must be done under expert supervision as it can sometimes result in high fluctuations in the anxiety that strikes a PTSD patient.

Good for you to consume in low to moderate amounts during the day, you must always consult your regular medical marijuana doctor to ensure that the consumption benefits you and causes minimal side effects.

Blue Dream

The most well-known strain that is quite beneficial for a PTSD patient is a blue dream. This specific strain is the most perfect hybrid that relaxes the user completely. All the anxiousness passes away as the cerebral activity gets reduced to a minimum. Since this strain can handle a lot of symptoms of nausea and depression and has a high content of THC which is not “that high”, this is the perfect strain for PTSD patients.

Since the aroma and taste of the strain are quite fruity and yummy, it is a favorite of many.

Miss USA

An Indica dominant strain, Miss USA is super special for patients of PTSD. They can use it to relax and soothe any triggering symptoms that have been troubling them. The direct effects make it easy for the patient to think in a balanced and clear-headed way. The upset moods or the intense mood swings that a PTSD patient often suffers from can also be controlled with the rightful consumption of this strain.

The taste, aroma, and colorful appearance of this strain are quite attractive which makes it popular among the patients.

Purple Pie

Purple Pie is a Sativa dominant strain featuring the important myrcene terpene. It is important for PTSD patients as it works wonderfully to treat insomnia. The peace that the patients require for a good night’s sleep, this strain can provide that adequately. It also works to stimulate the appetite of the patients.

It is best consumed during the day due to its high THC concentration which is about 23%. The recognizable characteristics of this strain are the bright color and pleasant aroma. The flowers of this strain are also especially stunning.

Pennywise

Pennywise is a CBD-rich strain that extends the medicinal benefits of this cannabinoid to the patients who consume this strain. A successful hybrid of Harlequin female and a Jack the Ripper male, the strain has been named after the famous antagonist of the Stephen King novel, IT.

The consumption of this strain enhances the focus of the user and also uplifts the mood. This makes it quite a useful strain for patients of PTSD.

ACDC

Another potent CBD dominant strain is ACDC. Created as a hybrid of the two important strains, Ruderalis and Cannatonic, ACDC is truly worthwhile for patients of PTSD. With the levels of THC as low as 0-6%, there are almost none of the psychoactive effects which is a huge plus for this strain. The positive feelings of euphoria and happiness are the direct result of the consumption of this strain at any given time.

Due to its high CBD content, it also improves the symptoms of many other disorders like epilepsy, pain or anxiety. So if a patient is suffering from any one of these disorders, they can also make use of this strain.

Final Thoughts

We have shared all the relevant information regarding the treatment of PTSD with the help of certain cannabis strains. It is advisable for the patients to consult a valid health professional before using any of these strains for their PTSD symptoms. It isn’t a matter of suggestion but a rather enforced plea on our part so that the patients understand the seriousness of the situation.

Best believe if you find the most suitable cannabis strain to manage your PTSD symptoms, it will be the most welcome relief you’ll ever experience. So good luck!