Growing up strong

Any thoughts about the possibility of California going recreational? Or corporations like Microsoft getting in the game?

—AG916

Microsoft is in the game. They just announced a partnership with marijuana “seed-to-sale” data management company Kind. There are already a few companies (like MJ Freeway) that offer this service, but Microsoft is the first big corporation to enter the market by allowing the company access to its specialized cloud services, if you don’t count Facebook’s support of the 420-friendly social app MassRoots.

The cannabis industry is attracting big money from everywhere. I spent a day at the National Cannabis Industry Association’s giant business conference in Oakland last week, and there were rich folks from all over looking to get into the game. The cannabis business-conference industry is booming. You can’t swing a dead cat without being invited to a conference. I bet the hotel and convention industries are very happy about all this weed-legalization talk. Weed creates all kinds of jobs, not just weed jobs.

As to the Adult Use of Marijuana Act possibly making recreational cannabis legal: Who knows? AUMA has money and power. Future Gov. Gavin Newsom is all for it. All the major activist groups are for it, too, but hardcore activists continue to badmouth it, and I don’t think many growers are happy about all the proposed rules. Add in the fact that some people just hate weed more than they like new jobs and tax revenue, and I would say that there’s maybe a 50-50 chance that AUMA will pass. That could all change as the campaign ramps up.

I will say this: If AUMA doesn’t pass, there is a good chance that California will fall behind all of the states where weed is legal. Not in terms of growing weed—our black market export game is hella strong—but in terms of keeping people out of jail and embracing the future.

Where can I buy some quality seeds? Doesn’t matter the type. I just want to try to grow the plant. Any strains you recommend?

—DB

Woo-hoo! Growing cannabis is fairly easy. Most clubs these days have a decent selection of seeds; just call around. Starting a cannabis plant from seed is hella fun and just like growing any other plant from seed. One thing, though: Cannabis is a sexed plant. The female plants are the ones you want. The males aren’t very good for smoking, and if you let the boys grow into adulthood, they will fill your female plants with seeds and all your pot will look like it escaped from the ’70s. It may be easier to buy a clone or two from your local dispensary and throwing it in the dirt. (With clones, though, the fact that the plants are already grown mean that you run the risk of attracting any present pathogens into your garden.)

Blue Dream is easy to grow and a big yielder. I also like Sour Diesel or Trainwreck for outdoor growing. Trainwreck will take a little extra time to ripen, so be patient. Have fun, and invite me over if you need help trimming or smoking.