Hallo, ik ben Marisja Anderson, ik ben een nauwgezette EMS-supervisor met een solide karakter en goed ontwikkelde kerncompetenties met betrekking tot het verlenen van en toezicht houden op de uitbetaling van medische noodhulp. Toegewijd aan het uitdagen en aanmoedigen van EMS-personeel om te voldoen aan de normen voor patiëntenzorg en deze te overtreffen.
Free Malaysia Today reports that cannabis in both recreational and industrial form will be removed from Thailand’s Category 5 narcotics designation on June 9th, citing a ruling from the Thai Food and Drug Administration. Cultivators wishing to conduct legal cannabis business will be able to register via the Pluk Kan mobile application.
According to the Global Cannabis Report the legal cannabis market is valued at US$100 billion globally.
Thailand’s cannabis industry is generating widespread interest and has already attracted 1.2 million baht worth of investment. There is a rush to exploit the nascent cannabis market in Thailand now that the plant will be decriminalized. The excitement among existing corporate players is palpable as investors prepare to jump in.
Thailand now stands as the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize cannabis and its industrial cousin hemp.
Thailand’s largest conglomerate, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), is getting in on the action, forming a joint venture between their food and beverage wing and Gunkul Engineering, a renewable energy developer, to begin production of CBD-infused food and beverages in addition to industrial hemp production. The resulting products will be marketed via CPF’s retail outlets.
“CPF takes an interest in hemp as a new economic crop that can be turned into value-added food and beverages in light of growing demand, both domestically and internationally,” said Prasit Boondoungprasert, the CEO of the company.
Thailand allowed the cultivation of cannabis to be used for medical applications in 2019 and sanctioned its use in drinks and foods last year. Since that time it has been incorporated into both western and traditional Thai foods.
All eyes are on other Southeast Asian countries to see which nation might be the next to end the prohibition of cannabis and start enjoying the economic benefits of legalization.
When the Emerald Cup (www.theemeraldcup.com) announced an expansion into the Southern California market, some critics wondered if the 18-year tradition had lost its way or forgotten its roots. On the contrary, the road to the 2022 Emerald Cup Awards brought a caravan of the finest cannabis cultivators from the Emerald Triangle on a SoCal tour, promoting clean, pure sungrown cannabis and the folks who grow it to the world’s largest marijuana marketplace.
Emerald Cup Community
Since 2004, the Emerald Cup has honored these outdoor farmers with an annual competition and celebration. In contrast, since 2016 the state of California has created an unsustainable burden of cannabis regulation and taxation that presses down harder the smaller your operation is. This has led to the loss of legacy family farms and, in some cases, the loss of life as some farmers could not bear the emotional burden that came along with the financial one.
Knowing that many mom n’ pop craft cannabis farms might not be able to muster the resources to represent themselves at the Emerald Cup last year, Cup co-Founders Tim and Taylor Blake formed an advisory council to create the Emerald Cup Small Farms Initiative.
The Emerald Cup recognizes that their heritage, small-batch craft cannabis cultivators in Northern California are facing an existential crisis resulting from a combination of taxation, licensing, and market conditions. In partnership with the Origins Council, a statewide advocacy organization representing licensed small farmers in legacy producing regions across California, the Emerald Cup launched the Emerald Cup Small Farms Initiative, which is Chaired by Michael Katz, the Executive Director of the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance (MCA).
Through the Emerald Cup Small Farm Initiative, the organization provided complimentary vending and competition opportunities to small cannabis farmers at this year’s Hall of Flowers (HOF) in Palm Springs. The program accepted submissions from small farmers of 10,000 sq ft of canopy or less with sustainable cultivation practices to help support their efforts in accessing the retail market.
Wild Land Farms
Widely recognized as the top B2C (Business-to-Consumer) and B2B (Business-to-Business) gatherings in the cannabis space, the Emerald Cup and Hall of Flowers, in partnership with the Origins Council, and the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, provided complimentary booth space at Hall of Flowers to four legacy craft cannabis farms; Flying Tiger Farm, Perrin Family Farm, Tall Tree Society, and WildLand Cannabis. Michael Katz from MCA explains the significance of the collaboration between HOF, the Emerald Cup, and the Small Farms Initiative by saying “It has been incredible to see the love and support for the legacy cannabis cultivation community translating into concrete opportunities for market access from The Emerald Cup and Hall of Flowers. Through the Small Farms Initiative, we hope to continue inspiring and developing more of these direct connections between small farmers and the people who care about their cannabis!”
Hot on the heels of Hall of Flowers, the Emerald Cup was invited to attend the private grand opening of The Woods dispensary in West Hollywood on May 13th, 2022 which marked the start of a budding relationship between retail cannabis supporting small farms.
Carrying the Emerald Cup Small Farms Initiative Spirit, The Woods (www.thewoodsweho.com) founded by actor and outspoken advocate, Woody Harrelson, this year’s recipient of the 2022 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th Annual Emerald Cup Awards. The Woods, which is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of WeHo, has dedicated ample shelf space to legacy, sungrown, craft cannabis farms like Huckleberry Hill Farms, Happy Day Farms, Arcanna Flowers, Moon Made Farms, and more. The Woods Co-Founder, Devon Wheeler added “We strive to be the vehicle that drives awareness and appreciation towards sungrown, craft cannabis – ensuring the legacy of California heirloom doesn’t get washed out by corporate cannabis.”
The Woods – 8271 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 – Photo Credit: Stephanie Keenan
The road to the Small Farms Initiative began in Santa Rosa in December of 2021, and six months and 420 miles later it culminated on May 14th, 2022 at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood.
Over 700 entries were submitted in the world’s largest and most diverse cannabis competition, filling over 50 different categories and creating a daunting challenge for the 90+ Emerald Cup Judges tasked with sampling and ranking it all. Working with cannabis advocacy partners like the Origins Council, Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, and others, the Cup offered heavily discounted entry fees to 21 farms that met the strict criteria associated with these highly reputable groups. Additionally, the Cup offered complimentary entry to 10 small farms to compete in this year’s judging competition that otherwise would not have been able to participate. Several of these small farms wound up bringing home awards, including 1st place wins by Emerald Spirit Botanicals, Lit House, Sovereign, Sunrise Mountain Farm, Lost Paradise Organics, Sol Spirit Farms, Moon Valley Farms, Rebel Grown, and Flower Power. These wins reflect how important programs like this are to helping provide access to small farms growing some of the best cannabis in the world but who are severely challenged by the challenges in the California market.
In fact, the winner of the Sungrown Flower category, Lemon Sponge Cake by Farmer and the Felon, also won ‘Best in Show’, beating out the top entries in Greenhouse, Mixed Light, and Indoor along the way. There is just something about sungrown cannabis and the Emerald Cup continues to advocate for the farms that grow it well and grow it in a regenerative, earth-friendly manner.
“It was a tremendous source of validation to see so many small farmers in the spotlight at the Emerald Cup Awards ceremony, out at Hall of Flowers, and at the gathering at the private opening of The Woods as well,” says Tim Blake. “After evangelizing to the community since cannabis was legalized about how critical it was for smaller farmers and brands to connect with the cannabis market in Southern California, to see so many lights go on in the minds of all the folks who made the trek to L.A. was incredibly appreciated.”
Before and after the Emerald Cup Awards show, friendly farmers could be seen strolling on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, stars in their own right, shining and growing cannabis under the sun. There truly was a vibe in the air that a vital connection had been made there that weekend.
Media needing to connect with The Emerald Cup and Emerald Cup 2022 Awards Show, or to speak with founder Tim Blake regarding this announcement, please reach out to Kenneth Loo, Chapter 2 at ken@chapter2agency.com.
For more information and to get updates on upcoming events follow the Emerald Cup @theemeraldcup
To Shop Flying Tiger Farm, Perrin Family Farm, Tall Tree Society, and WildLand Cannabis please visit MendocinoCannabis.shop
Landing in Hollywood in 2022, Emerald Cup is now the world’s premier virtual cannabis destination and iconic live event. While advancing the concept of sustainable, sun-grown farming, the 17-year-old organization’s reputation is firmly solidified as the largest, most-respected cannabis competition in the world. As a group, The Emerald Cup prides itself in bringing together the leading experts in the cannabis industry to educate and inspire our fellow farmers, patients, and patrons each year. A community celebration that has grown to become a global movement honoring the year’s finest, organic, sun-grown, cannabis harvest as well as the finest cannabis products available. The Cup has stood as a celebration of excellence and over the years has seen founder Tim Blake recognized as a guardian of the industry. (www.theemeraldcup.com)
It’s relatively common knowledge that different cannabis strains produce different effects.
Often this can be attributed to other cannabis constituents such as terpenes, but the differences in effects are primarily due to variations in the THC/CBD ratio. The relative concentration of THC and CBD is chemotype dependent.
Yet, what is a chemotype? According to experts, a chemotype is a subgroup within a microorganism or plant species. [1] Different chemotypes have distinct chemical profile because of the minuscule genetic changes allowing a cannabis plant to produce a peculiar chemical composition. [2] Our article will discuss these chemotypes and how strain genetics influence THC/CBD ratios.
What is the THC/CBD ratio (1:1)?
In most instances, the THC/CBD ratio (1:1) refers to a cannabis product containing an equal amount of THC and CBD. According to various studies on the topic, many people prefer this THC/CBD ratio because the effects are considered more tolerable. Ultimately, this is because CBD is believed to dampen the psychoactivity and side effects of THC to a certain extent.
How do the strain genetics influence THC/CBD ratios?
Let’s unpack how these strain genetics can influence the THC/CBD ratio. As is the case with most animals and plants, cannabis plants inherit two gene copies, but unlike other plants, the enzymes that turn cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are ciphered by two uniquely different versions of the same gene.
Due to this, a cannabis plant has two copies of the gene, so that’s why there are three possibilities or three chemotypes. A cannabis plant can have two copies of a gene in one enzyme (E1), it can have one copy of each of the genes (E1&E2), or it can have two copies of a gene in another enzyme (E2). The three THC/CBD ratio strain classifications are discussed under the next heading. [2]
These are the three chemotypes of cannabis
Every cannabis strain is unique, but by knowing the general chemotype classification, a consumer can know what effect they should expect from a strain. A perfect example is that the CBD dominant (chemotype III) strains won’t be as psychoactive compared to THC dominant strains (chemotype I).
Chemotype I (hemp): This chemotype is THC dominant which means it has low levels of CBD but high levels of THC. When a strain inherits two copies of the E2 gene, this occurs. It’s believed that most commercial strains belong to this category. A few examples of these strains include Girl Scout Cookies and Blue Dream.
Chemotype II: This chemotype is balanced with moderate levels of CBD and THC. When a strain gets a copy in each of the E1 and E2 genes, this occurs. Popular examples of balanced strains include Cannatonic and Harlequin.
Chemotype III: This chemotype is CBD dominant with low THC levels but high levels of CBD. When a strain receives two copies of the gene that makes E1, this chemotype occurs. Charlotte’s Web is one of the most famous strains in this category.
Why are THC/CBD ratios important?
It is important to know the precise THC/CBD ratio because, depending on the type of product bought, there will be a different biological response of the body depending on the particular strain consumed. For example, a strain with more CBD will produce a clear-headed non-psychoactive effect which helps ease the mind and nerves.
In contrast, a THC dominant ratio produces a significantly higher psychoactive effect, with a pacifying impact on a person’s body or an energizing and euphoric effect depending on the variety, thus the different chemical composition.
References:
[1] Pacifico, D. et al. Genetics and Marker-assisted Selection of the Chemotype in Cannabis sativa L. Molecular Breeding; (2006).17(3), 257-268. doi: 10.1007/s11032-005-5681-x [Journal impact factor = 3.26] [Times cited = 111][2] Campbell, L. et al. (2020). Cannabinoid Inheritance Relies on Complex Genetic Architecture. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 5(1), 105-116. doi: 10.1089/can.2018.0015 [Journal impact factor = 4.30] [Times cited = 4]
A 2010 study that tested 46,211 samples of cannabis for potency found an upward trend in strength between the years 1993-2008. [1] During that time period, the average THC percentage went from a mean of 3.4% to 8%, with some samples reaching as high as 29.3% strength. As cannabis becomes more regulated, measuring its potency, thus its THC content, becomes increasingly important in order to evaluate the risks and rewards of increased usage.
How we respond to various cannabinoids
Cannabis primarily bonds to two cannabinoid receptors in the human body called CB1 and CB2 receptors. [2] THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid, primarily binds to CB1 receptors while CBD, the second most common cannabinoid, can interact with both receptors. Scientists have found as many as 120 other cannabinoids present in cannabis in various concentrations, leading to possible variations in cannabis potency. [3]
How minor cannabinoids can affect potency
Cannabinoids vary based on their chemical structures. As more cannabinoids are isolated and identified, it is possible to study how each compound may produce various effects. [4] One example: varinic cannabinoids, don’t interact well with CB1 receptors as they are composed of less than 2 carbon atoms. [5] Current research suggests varinic cannabinoids may be useful in treatment of people affected by autism. Another: cannabitrol (CBT) has shown promise in the treatment of breast cancer: this cannabinoids with 8-9 carbon atoms tend to bind more to estrogen receptors than cannabinoid receptors. [6]
The risks of high-potency cannabis
While many of these newly discovered cannabinoids show therapeutic potential for a variety of treatments, there are also potential risks associated with higher potency cannabis. Addiction specialists have compared it to the strengthening of alcohol or tobacco, claiming, “The more potent a drug is, the stronger the possibility of addiction and the more likely the person will continue to purchase and use the product.” [7] High potency cannabis also may increase the risk of psychosis or have a “detrimental effect on cognitive function.” [8] With this in mind, it may prove to be productive to spend more time investigating minor cannabinoids as an alternative to high potency cannabis.
References:
[1] Mehmedic, Z. et al. Potency Trends of Δ9-THC and Other Cannabinoids in Confiscated Cannabis Preparations from 1993 to 2008*. Journal of Forensic Sciences; (2010); 55(5), 1209–1217. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01441.[2] Reggio, P. Endocannabinoid Binding to the Cannabinoid Receptors: What Is Known and What Remains Unknown. Current Medicinal Chemistry; (2010); 17(14), 1468–1486. https://doi.org/10.2174/092986710790980005 [Journal impact factor = 4.184 ] [Times cited = 184][3] Walsh, K. B. et al. Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses. Frontiers in Pharmacology; (2021); 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804 [Journal impact factor = 4.400 ] [Times cited = 4][4] Radwan, M. M. et al. Isolation and Pharmacological Evaluation of Minor Cannabinoids from High-PotencyCannabis sativa. Journal of Natural Products; (2015); 78(6), 1271–1276. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00065 [Journal impact factor = 4.050] [Times cited = 122]
[5] Navarro, G. et al. Pharmacological data of cannabidiol- and cannabigerol-type phytocannabinoids acting on cannabinoid CB1, CB2 and CB1/CB2 heteromer receptors. Pharmacological Research; (2020); 159, 104940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104940 [Journal impact factor = 7.65] [Times cited = 32][6] Carbone, M. et al. Chemical characterisation of oxidative degradation products of Δ9-THC. Tetrahedron; (2010); 66(49), 9497–9501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2010.10.025 [Journal impact factor = 2.475] [Times cited = 32][7] Stuyt, E. et al. The Problem with the current high Potency THC marijuana from the Perspective of an Addiction Psychiatrist. Missouri Medicine; (2018); 115(6), 482–486. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312155/pdf/ms115_p0482.pdf [Times cited = 51][8] Murray, R. M. et al. Traditional marijuana, high-potency cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids: increasing risk for psychosis. World Psychiatry; (2016); 15(3), 195–204. https://ift.tt/JbCTqpX [Journal impact factor = 49.548] [Times cited = 226]
With the cardiovascular system being one of the most complex mechanisms in our body, and heart problems being the leading cause of death, claims about cardiovascular benefits shouldn’t be made lightly. This is particularly true when it comes to cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), which are still in very infant stages of their scientific and medicinal research. Nevertheless, there’s a reason to believe that CBD can positively, be it mildly, affect your heart rate, both directly and indirectly.
Indirect
Stress is infamous for being the heart’s arch-nemesis. CBD, on the other hand, became famous especially as stress antidote, one that comes without any serious adverse effects. By the logic of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” CBD is a great ally in the fight against heart problems, even if it operates relatively indirectly.
Speaking of logic and combatants, there’s another side note worth mentioning: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychotropic cannabinoid of cannabis, is known for increasing the heart rate potentially causing arrythmia in predisposed people.
CBD is THC’s counterpoint, softening its effects.
Direct
Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1) is one of a group of channels whose physiological functions play an important role in the cardiovascular system and its diseases.
CBD works as a desensitizer of TRPV1 and, in doing so, it produces a mildly calming effect on the heart and reduces metabolic rates of heart muscles. [1]
Interestingly in a crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind study on nine healthy volunteers, a single dose of 600 mg of CBD reduced blood pressure while increasing heart rate, especially during the first hour after administration. This was largely attributed to the high dosage. [2]
Perhaps more noteworthy is that CBD’s ability to restore balance may translate into a decreased heart rate variability. Spikes in the heart rate because of stressors can be detrimental, so this can have major implications.
For instance, a study on rats, exposed to acute restraint stress, found CBD to attenuate “acute autonomic responses to stress and its delayed emotional consequences by facilitating 5-HT1A receptor-mediated neurotransmission.” [3]
Of course, studies on rats don’t hold the same weight as those on humans. Research from the latter type on CBD’s influence on heart rate are scarce. Nevertheless, there is one study of 2021, concluding that “acute CBD ingestion may have a modest influence on autonomic regulation of heart.” [4]
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that CBD has displayed some ability to reduce blockages and plaques in the cardiovascular system, thus improving blood flow [5].
The Bottom Line
There are some grounds to believe that CBD can benefit the heart rate and the cardiovascular system as a whole, especially considering its negligeable risks of side effects. CBD can be a valuable adjunct therapy that, coordinated with a doctor, can be a potential preventative measure promoting health and the overall wellbeing.
References:
[1] Alfulaij et al, Cannabinoids, the Heart of the Matter, Journal of the American Heart Association, Vol. 7, No. 14; https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.118.009099 [Journal Impact Factor = 5.501] [ Times cited = 33][2] Jadoon et al, A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study, JCI Insight. 2017 Jun 15; 2(12); doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.93760 [Journal Impact Factor = 8.315] [Times Cited = 97][3] Resstel et al, 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the cannabidiol-induced attenuation of behavioural and cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats, 24 December 2008, British Journal of Pharmacology, Volume 156, Issue 1; doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2008.00046.x [Journal Impact Factor = 8.739] [Times Cited = 270][4] Williams et al, Comparison of Five Oral Cannabidiol Preparations in Adult Humans: Pharmacokinetics, Body Composition, and Heart Rate Variability, Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14(1),35, 6; doi: 10.3390/ph14010035 [Journal Impact Factor = 5.677] [Times Cited = 8]
[5] Gonca and Darici, The Effect of Cannabidiol on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias: The Role of Adenosine A1 Receptors, Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics; doi: 10.1177/1074248414532013 [Journal Impact Factor = 2.457] [Times Cited = 63]
The European agency in charge of food safety has announced a pause on evaluations for cannabidiol (CBD) as food while it gathers more data on safety.
The European Commission, one of the governing bodies of the European Union, had previously established that CBD can be considered a “novel food” as long as it meets the relevant criteria. In the EU, novel food regulations apply to any food without a significant history as part of the human diet before the regulations were put in place in 1997. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that can be extracted from cannabis plants including hemp, and does not have a known history as food in the EU.
After 19 applicants sought approval for CBD as a novel food, with more applications expected, the European Food Safety Authority said it wouldn’t be approving any of them until it had more information.
“[I]t has become clear that there are knowledge gaps that need to be addressed before a conclusion on the safety of CBD can be reached,” the EFSA said in a statement.
Within the EFSA, a group of experts reviews such applications: the Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA).
The chair of the NDA panel, Prof. Dominique Turck, said, “We have identified several hazards related to CBD intake and determined that the many data gaps on these health effects need filling before these evaluations can go ahead. It is important to stress at this point that we have not concluded that CBD is unsafe as food.”
“It is important to stress at this point that we have not concluded that CBD is unsafe as food.”
— Professor Dominique Turck, Chair of the Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens
Specifically, the NDA hopes to gather data on how CBD affects the liver, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system and psychological well-being.
“Stopping the clock on a novel food assessment is not unusual when information is missing,” said Ana Afonso, Head of Nutrition and Food Innovation at EFSA. “It’s the responsibility of applicants to fill data gaps. We are engaging with them to explain how the additional information can be provided to help address the uncertainties.”
“Stopping the clock on a novel food assessment is not unusual when information is missing.”
— Ana Afonso, Head of Nutrition and Food Innovation at European Food Safety Authority
In US, FDA Has Also Been Slow to Approve CBD as Food
Getting federal approval for CBD and other cannabinoids to be used in food and dietary supplements has been difficult in the United States too, for similar reasons.
Despite repeatedrequests from federal lawmakers and the food industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to build a regulatory framework for CBD. The agency maintains it needs time to study potential health risks before creating regulations.
“Clear answers to many important questions are still lacking,” the acting chair of the FDA’s cannabis-product committee said last November, “such as what adverse reactions may be associated with CBD from hemp-derived products and what risks are associated with the longterm use of these products.”
Meanwhile, sales of hemp extracts continue in a regulatory gray area with little oversight on safety testing or labeling.
In April, US House Representative James Comer (R-KY) requested a committee-level hearing with the FDA to address its failure to establish regulations for the sale of hemp-derived extracts including CBD.
“Across the United States, inauthentic products are sold under the likeness of legal hemp but are improperly labeled, contaminated with harmful chemicals, and marketed to children,” Comer wrote. “We must hear directly from the FDA to ensure the agency has a plan to institute a regulatory solution that can effectively monitor the sale of hemp products and protect the health of children.”
In his letter, Comer noted that in legalizing hemp with the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress had tasked the FDA with oversight of consumable hemp products.
The head of the FDA has since agreed with critics who say the agency has done little to regulate CBD products since hemp was legalized in 2018, but also said the FDA would need greater regulatory authority to build enforceable rules for hemp extracts and derivatives.
When it comes to soil structure for growing cannabis, we can all easily see some of the big differences between growing in the ground or in containers. Today’s article checks out a few of your issues of late I have read about, regarding soil structure in general.
Alright then earthlings, let’s rock and/or roll with today’s “Letters” to Rev…
Soil Structure, Question #1: Pumice?
FROM: John Q.
“Hey ya Rev. I don’t have much space to work with beyond my actual gardening spaces indoors. I’m basically bankrupt on storage space. I can keep one aeration amendment on hand in a fairly large size. I have kind of landed on pumice. Before I pull the trigger on this, I just wanted to get your input. Thanks, Rev, I can’t wait to get the new book!”
Rev’s Answer to Q1
Yo John. Thanks a ton for the support man, writing a book is pretty insane, workwise; LoL! Here’s the dealio, according to me… If I were you, knowing what I know, I would use perlite as my main amendment to aerate container soil, for a few reasons. That being said, I love-love-love pumice, and I use it along with perlite, and vermiculite too. Pumice, along with all its other outstanding qualities, also inhibits fungal growth—which is nice for cannabis—to a point.
Pumice is Awesome for Soil Structure and Especially Bacterial Soil Life
Cannabis prefers bacterial dominant soil types, but there needs to be a balance between fungi and bacteria. I feel that using too much pumice in a soil mix may have negative effects on some of the good fungi in the mix. Like, say, the mycorrhizal fungus. I do use approximately ½ cup of pumice per about 4-cubic feet of soil (24-gallons) when I recycle my soil. If I were you, I would find a way to store a little pumice and more perlite. But perlite would be my sole choice.
Having a little vermiculite around is also a good thing for special situations, like sprouting, and planting freshly rooted clones. I feel ya regarding your space issues, I have grown in many different environments over the decades and a few of those were extremely space challenged. Perlite is also so lightweight, I used to just use a piece of duct tape to hang a 4-cubic foot bag from rafters. Pumice has more weight to it, it’s way heavier, and if it gets wet, it’s super heavy.
Soil Structure, Question #2: Using Coir Heavy Soil?
FROM: Tom M.
“I have started using a very coconut coir heavy soil mix as my living soil. Everything started out fantastic, but now I have problems left and right. Of course, these problems begin once I am three weeks into flowering. My plants all have a yellowish look on the top several nodes of leaves. I thought this was a pH issue so I used a little pH down and things became much worse. Please help Rev! Thank you.”
Rev’s Answer to Q2
I mean no insult when I say that you sound like a new grower. There are a lot of “rules” and physical laws you need to have a bit of a grip on; when growing indoors especially. Allow me to bring you up to speed on a couple of serious things I believe you have overlooked here…
First and foremost, if you are ever using coir as part or most of your soil mix, the coir MUST BE FULLY RINSED/FLUSHED! This is not a rule you can just dismiss. Coir carries a ton of great mineral salts, and uber tons of potassium is one of them. Unfortunately, these levels are so high as to be actually toxic to the plants. Yup… So, if you didn’t flush your coir, you’re boned and that’s it. Most growers that use coir in their mixes in greater amounts also use bottled organic nutrient liquids. The super-low pH of the organic nutrients counters the coir’s ability to raise the pH way up with super-salts. But they still rinse the coir first.
In Containers Perlite is Usually the Best Choice for Soil Structure Enhancement
Another aspect here is how coir starts out as an excellent anti-compaction/aerating amendment for your containers’ soil. However, within a few weeks the coir is broken down and no longer has its anti-compaction qualities, and actually the coir sort of fuses together during decomp making it the opposite of an aerating amendment. Without another soil structure enhancing amendment anaerobic conditions are primed to happen, and this is what I would say is likely also happening to you.
Soil Structure, Question #3: Can I Make Just Vermiculite Work?
FROM: Johnny B.
“Greetings Rev. I have a situation where I can source vermiculite up the ass, but I have no options for perlite. I can’t really do online stuff so I have to rely on local suppliers. The vermiculite is agricultural grade and I can get 4 cu. ft. bags for a good deal. Can I just use vermiculite as my only amendment to help with aeration in my containers? Thanks for everything you do Rev.”
Rev’s Answer to Q3
Hey Johnny, greetings. The short answer is, yup, you sure can. But this will cause you to have to pay EXTRA attention to your watering habits very closely, you dig? Because as you likely know vermiculite can hold a shit-ton of water. More than soil can per volume, like 30x more at least. So, there’s that. You will be watering less often with some vermiculite in your soil. I would recommend a target of about 10% to 15% of your overall soil mix being vermiculite.
Vermiculite is a Fine Soil Structure Enhancement That Absorbs a Ton of Water
Vermiculite is actually very awesome stuffs. It (like pumice and perlite) has a pH of just about neutral 7.0 which is very bacterial friendly indeed. The vermiculite stores not only a lot of extra water but stores nutrients as well (like pumice). Vermiculite is super light like perlite, but unlike perlite which holds a little water on its exterior in nooks and crannies, vermiculite absorbs water. Once waterlogged vermiculite will be fairly heavy—duh—while perlite stays light.
Afterword
Well, my esteemed homeskillets, that’s about it for today. I just want to say, regarding coir as a soil amendment. I no longer use it, and while it is fine in special situations you don’t really ever need it all. If you have some kind of desire to use it don’t even think about using it if it isn’t fully rinsed or flushed. Several years ago, you could still buy rinsed coir that had been left out in the rain for days before drying and packaging. Otherwise, you need to flush it out yourself. Also please, never ever use pH-Up or pH-down products on living soil. Ugh.
These days my main aeration and anti-compaction amendment is perlite, but there are also small levels of vermiculite and pumice as well. Perlite and pumice recycle extremely well and so less is added over time. Vermiculite kind of fully breaks down more rapidly than the other two, but it still hangs in for a while first—like 2 recycles for vermiculite, while perlite and pumice stay very well formed for many recycles.
Candyman Skunk Seeds—Say What?
Back to working on the new book for me, whew. Swing by Kingdom Organic Seeds and grab some of the latest: La Smush, Black SEA, and Candyman Skunk! Candyman Skunk will be available within a week or so of this publishing date. Get a copy of my latest TLO 2nd Edition book and learn the ways of the all-natural container grower Grasshopper. L8r G8rs…
