Marike A: Cannabis - a Growers Guide
NL 1994 - 26pp
This
is a short booklet which is written in an easy, conversational
style, and with an amateurish layout.
Disclaimer: Refers to the illegality of cannabis
and the severe penalties for possession, growing and
distribution. "It is neither the writer's nor
the publisher's intention to be encourage anyone to
break the law as it stands." Stated that the
book was written "as an educational aid to help
people understand more about the lore, folklore, customs
and uses of cannabis, both in times past, in its history,
and in countries where usage is legal.". "This
book is sold on the understanding that it is for educational
purposes only & not to be used to commit criminal
acts".
The book starts with a 3-page history of cannabis
from ancient Europe, hemp as a rope and textile, and
on suppression of witches ritual use of cannabis by
the medieval church. The next chapter is the botany
of cannabis, very basic in two pages, and the chemistry
- even more basic, in just over 2 pages. Although
this information is very basic, it is generally accurate.
There follows "Growing cannabis in temperate
climates" - two pages on the effect of latitude
on day lengths, and problems with outdoor cultivation.
The next chapter: is "Growing Cannabis"
5 pages - starting with a fresh disclaimer about the
illegality of growing cannabis in the British Isles,
including the statement "I am in no way encouraging
you to grow cannabis, to possess cannabis, or to process
cannabis". The author discusses outdoor site
selection, and stated that the main requirements are
"Good seed, good soil, compost, warmth, water".
Suggests using seeds in deals of good cannabis (female
flower heads with good germinated (sic) seeds in the
deal", and cautions against buying seeds specifically.
.Suggests potting compost for seedlings, and a light
loam with one third sand, and to maintain a neutral
pH. Suggests using a "good, organic, green vegetation-based
compost, well rotted-down. Suggests heating a greenhouse
with paraffin or electrical heaters, or using water
barrels as storage heaters. Advises to keep greenhouse
sealed to prevent escape of CO2.
Advises watering up to twice daily with a can and
"when the plants are five or six feet high"
advises using a hose Two major inaccuracies in this
section, if seeds have already germinated the deal
of cannabis would be well past its best, and may have
become soaked. In a sealed greenhouse the CO2 level will be depleted, as plants take up
CO2 from the
atmosphere during photosynthesis, which would not
be replaced if the system was sealed.
The
next chapter - "Growing cannabis plants"
suggests planting seeds in germination trays before
mid -April (avoiding frost), in "John Innes"
potting compost. Once seedlings have grown their first
true leaves, advises planting in a trench 18"
apart. Advises keeping watch for pests - slugs, rodents
and aphids . Recommends allowing unrestricted growth,
but states that pinching out will increase bushiness
and an increased number of bud sites. Describes development
of male/female flowers. To produce sinsemilla it is
necessary to destroy the male plants. Advises harvest
when the plants start to wither after full flowering.
States that the decreasing order of potency is female
flowers, male flowers, leaves (around bud), shade
leaves, stems and roots. After harvest, advises grading
into shade leaves, flower bud leaves, and flower buds
and seed-bearing tops. Suggests low-temperature oven-drying
(this destroys much of the aroma in plants and is
not widely recommended). Advises storage in airtight
glass jars in a cool dark place to minimise THC decomposition.
The book contains a number of diagrams, most of which
appear elsewhere. It finishes with yet another disclaimer,
and advertisements for other booklets by the author.
Comment: The general level of information is
very basic, and deals with outdoor cultivation only.
Although published in Holland, it is clearly written
with the British grower in mind, with a "chummy"
tone which appears to counteract the frequent disclaimers.
