Tech Update: The Science of Growing Cannabis

in #cannabis7 years ago

Canada and the USA face a similar problem, their legal cannabis producers are scrutinized by government regulations their security requirements are high but another more interesting issue is that they face a lack of reliable information when it comes to growing their crops.

Because growing cannabis has been illegal for so long, its not suprising that scientific research regarding best practices in cannabis crop production is extremely limited. Most of the information available out there regarding how best to grow cannabis has not been produced scientifically using qualified labs.

Researchers have been improving production practices for other crops, including medicinal plants, for decades, creating a large body of scientificaly-validated information.

Clearly the same needs to be done for cannabis and fast considering its a legally available medicinal plant in many areas of the world now.

A particular lab at the University of Guelph has a reputation for being one of the best in the world for horticulture research.

With legalized recreational cannabis use on the horizon in Canada, more licensed growers are seeking this sort of expertise.

Where are we in regard to cannabis production?

Well in America many states have made cannabis legally available for recreational consumption. What's more is that its providing a huge source of desperately needed tax income. Because who minds paying a little bit of tax when it comes to their beloved weed smoking hobby?

Growing cannabis can be a lucrative business. Spending on legal cannabis in North American medicinal and recreational markets is projected to reach US$21.6 billion by 2021.

In Canada, there are currently 73 authorized licensed medical cannabis producers, most of them large-scale producers. With the recreational use and sale of cannabis scheduled for legalization in our country next year, it is foreseeable that many more large-scale producers will enter the market.

Of course, up until now, indoor cannabis production has been primarily confined to smaller-scale operations. Due to these conditions, growers acquired a lot of knowledge and experience. But at the moment, most of the knowledge gained became trade secrets and as a result still needs to be scientifically validated.

Even in today’s modern medicinal cannabis production facilities, growers are often reliant on online forums — so-called “grow guides” — and advice from salespeople for information on crop production. Without proper training, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction.

Unfortunately, reliable evidence-based research is lacking. As mentioned, the bulk of production knowledge is anecdotal and even secretive. It makes things difficult for policymakers charged with setting standards and policies.

So lets get to the point. These governments need to fork up some cash and increase their research efforts to scientifically improve, verify and document valuable knowledge on cannabis production.

At the end of the day end users and the governments of Canada and America should both want the same thing, high quality cannabis as free from toxins and carcinogens as scientifically possible. Good clean weed for all!

If you liked this article please leave your thoughts and comments below.

Thanks for reading Techblogger!

Source:

How to grow cannabis? With modern science and technology - The Conversation

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"Because who minds paying a little bit of tax when it comes to their beloved weed smoking hobby"

Only it's not a little bit of tax. I don't know about Canada but in the states, it's at least 10% usually around 20%. That's just from the dispensary. It's usually taxed from the farm to the dispensary as well. 20% is a lot when you need $100 worth of medicine a week. Also the biggest barrier to research is the government itself. In the states its federally illegal which makes it near impossible for universities to do any research or for companies that cross state lines to invest in it. The cannabis industry has to jump through hoops just to use a standard bank account for their business. I don't even want government research, I just wish they would get out of the way and allow us to research it ourselves. A lot of people get the attitude that the government is being gracious by legalizing cannabis and allowing us to pay them crazy taxes, but in reality they are still keeping millions from accessing it, and keeping the cost for sick patients sky high all while profiting massively from it. Cannabis could be a cheap efficient medicine if government would get out of the way.

Good point. I agree that for people who truly need it for medicinal purposes rate is unacceptable. Recreational marijuana should always come with a higher price tag and should be priced in a way that makes it even cheaper for medicinal users to afford it. Overall I agree with your statement and still find it quite absurd that they tax a plant while at the same time making it illegal to grow at home... Hypocrisy at its best!

AFAIK it has only been illegal for a FEW years...since ~1940's??

It's been LEGAL for about 5000 yrs from my research.

Well that's all changing. Care to take part in a scientific study? It includes free joints and edibles... ;)

Ok would if I could (location may be issue ?)
but hit me with it....If I can assist I will.

My 'vegetables' always die on me :-(

It's times like this I am proud to be Israeli. Some of the best medical and scientific research into the properties of Cannabis has been done about 30 minutes away from where I am.

That said, it's still illegal here and high grade medical cannabis is only provided to patients who manage to wait the long long months and comply with all the regulations to get a permit. Like yours truly. Pretty crazy that I have to go through a bureaucratic hell getting my medication in the country where CBD was bloody discovered!

Okay, maybe not that proud to be an Israeli. Stupid governments and their laws!

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Cannabis production and consumption legalized in Canada..Hmm, and your country about to legalize in a year or so? Well, my country generally considers it as something bad and can't be legalized(I don't see it differently too).

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I am Techblogger thanks for dropping by!

Your country is ignorant of the true facts surrounding cannabis. Very common place to be these days, what with how successful prohibition has been.

No Worries! Stay Calm!

and within the next 10-15 years, you'll see your country becoming more educated on the subject. ;) This will be combined with a greatly increased public tolerance and increase in their health and general well being. All good stuff. :D

Go Be Awesome!

Organic no till living soil! Healthiest & cheapest best qualify &taste! Keep the chemicals out of the best medicine on earth!!!

nice post,I hoop you upvote me all post.@mozammel

It is great to see cannabis quality increasing. You commonly see 29% THC and up strains. Follow Top Dank if you would like to learn more about this beautiful plant.

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