Harvest season

It’s harvest time! What should I do?

Wow. Is it harvest time already? This year has gone by so fast. Most outdoor cannabis plants won’t be fully ready until October, but some of these newer breeds are ready right now, and it’s never too early to plan ahead.

The first thing you should do is get your drying room together. You need a clean, dark spot with good air circulation, such as a tool shed or a closet. Fans can help to create good airflow. Temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. Once you cut down your buds, hang them in your drying shed for a few days. The goal is to get the chlorophyll in the plant to decompose. After three or four days, your weed will be ready to smoke. However, if you want to take it to the next level, you should definitely let it “cure” for a while. There are plenty of different ways to cure cannabis. Each grower has their own method, but they all aim at the same goal: to slowly dry their buds, creating a smooth smoke that is still full-flavored and effective. O.G. ganja guru Ed Rosenthal has some good techniques at edrosenthal.com.

Good luck with your harvest, and let me know if you need any help trimming.

How do I know if my wax cart is good or bad?

If you bought it from a licensed dispensary, you should be good. If you bought it on the gray or black market, who knows? With all the hoopla about tainted vape carts, it would probably be good for us to all take a step back. The president recently made remarks about banning vape pens and whatnot, and people are freaking out because six people have died, presumably from vaping unregulated vape cartridges. However, prohibition is never the answer. Use licensing and tested and regulated products, and you should be OK.

Does weed cause psychosis?

No, but if you are predisposed to psychotic episodes, cannabis is probably not your friend. According to a 2004 paper published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, “Cannabis use appears to be neither a sufficient nor a necessary cause for psychosis. It is a component cause, part of a complex constellation of factors leading to psychosis.” It goes on to state: “Cases of psychotic disorder could be prevented by discouraging cannabis use among vulnerable youths.”

So, there it is. Folks with a history of schizophrenia or maybe even family members who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia should not smoke weed. Young people shouldn’t do drugs until college at least. Weed is still relatively safe. If weed caused psychosis, there would be millions of crazy stoners in the streets right now. Don’t forget: Booze definitely causes short-term psychosis and even hallucinations. Everything has a yin and a yang. Moderation and enjoyment are the keys. Have fun. Be safe.