This guide is perfect to get you started on the basic terms to know when it comes to growing, harvesting, tending and cultivating.
Small, plant-harming bugs that can infest a cannabis plant at any lifecycle. The larvae will typically devour the roots of the cannabis plant, while adult aphids can eat the sap from stems and chew on leaves. Aphids can appear as white, brown, black, or even orange.
A form of mold that impacts cannabis plants due to humidity/temperature imbalances. Botrytis can appear white, grey, brown, or black depending on the stage/severity of the infection.
Compounds found within the cannabis plant. Currently, there are more than 100 known cannabinoids that have been identified. Modern research is still observing the properties and potential uses of many cannabinoids.
One of the more common cannabinoids found within cannabis, outside of the THC cannabinoid. CBD is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
A minor cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant that possesses sleep-promoting and appetite-stimulating properties.
A minor cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant that produces neuroprotective and sleep-promoting properties
One of the psychoactive cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant responsible for the “high” sensation individuals feel when consuming cannabis products.
The precursor to THC. For THCA to be converted to THC, it must be exposed to heat during a process called decarboxylation.
A cutting from a Mother Plant. A clone will be female, like the mother. Cutting clones is a common practice for creating new cannabis plants in the vegetative cycle.
A soil alternative derived from coconut fiber. Mixtures can differ depending on the brand. Many growers prefer coco to other options in order to give them greater flexibility with nutrients/feedings.
A term used to reference killing a cannabis plant.
The process of slowly drying out the harvested cannabis plant by controlling temperature, humidity, and lighting. Many growers will try to aim for a 60%humidity 60℉ balance, however, this can differ depending on drying method, location, dry room conditions, and time of year.
The process of removing excess leaves and branches to open up light on the bottom half of the plant. Often this will be done during certain parts of the flowering process to encourage the plant to produce a higher THC potency.
A plant that does not produce seeds or pollen.
The process of using RO water (and minimal nutrients depending on the situation and grower), to help a plant detox from nutrient excess.
The stage in which a cannabis plant matures and begins to produce buds. They will remain in the flowering stage until they are ready to harvest.
During harvest, plants can be broken down, removing the stems and leaves, and frozen. This “fresh frozen” bud can then be used for cannabis contrate products such as resin and rosin.
The process of chopping down fully matured flowering plants to dry and cure.
A female cannabis plant that produces seeds. This typically occurs when a plant undergoes high stress or improper light balances for an extended period of time.
Any strain of cannabis that has both sativa and indica linage. Oftentimes, strains will be referred to as sativa dominate or indica dominate depending on the properties possessed by the specific strain.
A category consisting of cannabis strains that originate from the middle east. These strains will often produce shorter, leafier plants that possess more sleep-promoting and deep relaxation properties.
A type of soil used to grow cannabis plants. Unlike coco, live soil utilizes natural mediums to create a positive environment and provide your plants with the required nutrients.
A cannabis plant that produces seeds and pollen. All growers should be able to identify a male plant early on in the vegetative cycle. A male left in the grow room could cause an entire harvest to produce seeds.
A plant that is kept in a prolonged vegetative cycle in order to produce clones.
Vital requirements that all plants need to survive. Common nutrients include potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
When a cannabis plant lacks the necessary nutrients needed to grow and produce to the best of its potential.
When a cannabis plant possesses too much of a nutrient or combination of nutrients. Oftentimes, growers will respond by using a flush treatment or adjusting their feeding regimens.
A strain type that contains a balanced amount of THC and CBD.
A bug that preys on cannabis pests such as aphids and thrips. Common predator bugs used in grows include ladybugs and praying mantis.
The root formation of the cannabis plant. This is the nervous system of the plant, often resembling a ball-like structure when removed from the pot.
A category consisting of cannabis strains that originate from Asia, Africa, and Central America. These strains commonly consist of properties that produce more euphoric and energizing properties.
A young plant that is produced by seed rather than by cloning.
A leaf, typically close to a cannabis flower, that contains trichomes.
A concoction of nutrients fed to cannabis plants during different times in their lifecycle. These teas are made to fit the specific needs of the plants to help produce high quality flower. Teas get their name from their darker, often brown, color.
The essential oils that produce the flavors and scents of the cannabis plants. The terpenes work in conjunction with the cannabinoids to form unique strains.
The process of strategically cutting top portions of a vegetative cannabis plant in order to control its growth.
The small white “crystal” structures that populate a cannabis flower and the sugar leaves.
A common flying pest that damages cannabis plants, potentially transmitting viruses and viroids.
The beginning stages of a cannabis plant’s lifecycle. Plants typically spend their first 3-4 weeks of life in this stage before moving into the flowering stage.
Infectious pathogens that only contain one strand of RNA and do not contain a protein coat. Out of all the viroids, Hops Latent Viroid is one of the most dangerous to cannabis plants.
An infectious pathogen that infects hosts, replicating themselves inside living cells. Unlike viroids, viruses contain a protein coat. Common viruses that infect cannabis plants include Alfalfa Mosaic Virus, Tobacco Streak Virus, and Tomato Ringspot Virus.
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