The Equatorial Theory

The ratios of cannabinoids found in different varieties of cannabis differ greatly. Generally, marijuana grown at the equator contains mostly THC, CBN, and THCV, with only traces of CBD. As the distance from the equator increases, the amount of CBD in relation to THC increases. At the 30th parallel (northern Mexico, Morocco, and Afghanistan), amounts of CBD and THC found in adapted varieties are about equal. Above the 30th parallel, cannabis plants are usually considered hemp.

But this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Within any macroclimatic area there are many microclimates, which may show extreme variations in environmental conditions. Since a patch of plants is adapted to the conditions in exactly the area where that patch is located, there may be major differences in the quality of adapted marijuana from several nearby stands. In the American Midwest, the content of CBD in samples of cannabis taken from escaped hemp (plants which had escaped from hemp fields) ranged from trace amounts to 7.1 percent; the THC content, from trace amounts to 2.3 percent. The high THC content indicates that there is potent marijuana growing "wild" in the Midwest. On the other hand, samples of hemp from India and Iran, two countries usually associated with good marijuana, contained (respectively) .11 and .18 percent THC and 2.4 and 1.63 percent CBD. All this means that over many generations, each population of cannabis adapts to the particular conditions it faces. However, cannabis grown directly from tropical seeds will resemble its parents in growing habits and potency. First-and second-generation descendants will also reach a potency close to that of their tropical ancestors. Evolutionary theories are predicated on the process of natural selection: that is, the plant that is more fit (for a particular environment) will be more likely to survive and reproduce. Just why the change in THC-CBD ratios occurs is unknown. However, America's marijuana growers, through selective breeding, have developed high-THC varieties adapted to the temperate environment. The serious consumer faces two problems: ascertaining where the marijuana comes from, and determining the variety of seeds from which it was grown. Much of the grass now being imported was grown from top-quality seeds given to the grower by the dope exporter. For instance, the quality of Mexican has improved in recent years as Colombian and Southeast Asian seeds have been introduced to the area. Twenty years ago there was virtually no grass grown in Hawaii. Today, almost all of the grass grown there is descended from seeds recently imported to the islands from various sources. This becomes apparent when buds from different Hawaiian growers are compared.

They differ in color, shape, size, as well as potency — factors determined in part by genetics.

Chapter Nine

Techniques for Preparing Soil

Each garden situation is unique: the soil's condition, the garden's size, its location, your commitment, and your personal preferences all play their part in determining which garden techniques you should use. Each technique affects the micro-ecology in its own way, and is useful for some set of conditions. Home gardeners can use techniques that are impractical for a farmer or a guerrilla planter. But all growers have the same goal when they prepare soil for planting: to create a soil environment conducive to the growth of a healthy, vigorous plant.

If you are already growing a vegetable garden, the chances are that your soil is in pretty good shape for growing marijuana. However, vegetable gardens may be a little acidic, particularly east of the 100th meridian. The soil should be prepared in much the same way as it is for corn, with the addition of lime to bring the pH close to neutral.

Continue reading here: Better Growth And Disease Protection

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