Advantages of Organic Cannabis Cultivation: A Step-by-Step Manual for Growing Your Own

Exploring the Rise of Organic Cannabis Cultivation: Benefits, Demand, and Cost Considerations

Numerous small-scale cultivators planning to use their own yield and a majority of medical growers in the U.S., including caregivers and dispensaries, already opted for organic cannabis cultivation. Nonetheless, commercial growers catering to the recreational market frequently avoid organic methods due to persistent misconceptions that are no longer applicable.

The demand for organic cannabis has risen significantly in the cannabis market, driven by consumer awareness of the hazardous cultivation practices in the industry. For individuals cultivating cannabis at home, adopting organic growing methods has become a readily accessible choice.

With the expansion of the medicinal cannabis sector, the need for top-notch and safe cannabis has surged. Consequently, numerous patients are now urging their suppliers for organic cannabis and are displaying growing apprehension regarding the potential existence of harmful chemicals in conventional, non-organic cannabis.

Cultivating organic cannabis offers evident advantages, such as reduced risk of contamination like pesticides, improved health benefits, and a lower overall environmental impact. However, there’s a clear drawback to purchasing organic cannabis- it’s frequently pricier than its non-organic counterpart. Considering the already high cost of buying buds, this presents an additional financial challenge.

In this article, we’ve incorporated a step-by-step guide to assist you in cultivating your own cannabis, which can help alleviate the impact on your wallet. Additionally, embarking on the journey of growing your own organic cannabis provides insights into the reasons behind the occasional higher cost of choosing organic options.

What is Organic Cannabis?

There is considerable ambiguity regarding the definition of organically cultivated cannabis. A prevalent misconception is that any cannabis grown in soil is automatically organic; however, a substantial portion of soil-grown cannabis employs chemical fertilizers and pesticides. To genuinely qualify as organic, cultivators who adhere to organic practices generally rely solely on naturally sourced nutrients and pesticides. In fact, purists contend that the use of pesticides or nutrients should be completely avoided.

When it comes to nourishing your cannabis plants, using ‘natural’ products to promote growth and flowering is key. Some of these products include bat and bird guano, worm castings, manure, blood, and bone meal, as well as compost. As for natural pesticides, options like pyrethrum, capsaicin, and tobacco-derived from plants are available. However, despite the organic origins of these substances, there remains uncertainty about their impact on human health and the environment.

5 of the Benefits of Organic Cannabis

• Improved yield

A major worry for commercial cultivators is the potential for decreased yield when engaging in organic cultivation. Nonetheless, this assumption isn’t always accurate- or on the contrary, under optimal conditions, you might actually attain greater yields compared to conventional methods.

When the micro-environment isn’t optimal, there’s a possibility that yields could be lower in comparison to non-organic cultivation. This was a common occurrence in the past. Nevertheless, the organic fertilizers, growing mediums, and supplements available in the market have significantly advanced over time, accompanied by a better grasp of how to make the most effective use of them.

A significant recent advancement in organic cultivation involves the creation of “super-soil.” This specialized growth medium has been meticulously adjusted to provide precisely the nutrients required for abundant cannabis growth, eliminating the necessity for additional fertilizers. By employing this approach, you can rely solely on water to nurture your plants and attain remarkable outcomes.

Commercially prepared blends are on the market, but crafting your own “super-soil” at home is a straightforward endeavor. Generally, super-soil incorporates organic potting soil combined with elements like worm casting, blood meal, bone meal, guano, and assorted additives. Creating your custom mixture empowers you to tailor it precisely to suit your preferred strain.

• Increased potency

Providing your cannabis plants with precise and meticulous care, right down to the smallest microorganisms in the soil, constitutes a fundamental aspect of modern organic cultivation. Just like any other plant, cannabis possesses distinct and intricately detailed necessities for optimal growth. Striving to closely align with these requirements enables your plants to unlock their utmost capabilities.

Standard nutrient systems are fairly straightforward in composition, encompassing the fundamental elements necessary for the survival and development of cannabis plants. These systems consist of six vital macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium) along with six critical micronutrients (manganese, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and iron). The majority of cannabis nutrient blends incorporate these essential nutrients.

On the flip side, organic nutrient systems frequently encompass additional trace elements that can offer supplementary advantages to cannabis plants, even if they are not conventionally categorized as indispensable.

Nickel, sodium, cobalt, and chlorine are all instances of nutrients that have been shown to be advantageous for taller plants like cannabis; however, they are commonly disregarded in commercial fertilizers. Organic cultivators attest that the effect and potency of organically grown cannabis are elevated due to the intricate composition of the nutrient blends employed.

• Improved flavor and aroma

Cannabis cultivated through organic methods is commonly acknowledged to possess enhanced flavor and aroma compared to conventionally grown cannabis, largely for reasons similar to those detailed earlier. With the micro-environment tailored for robust and robust development, plants can generate optimal amounts of flavonoids, terpenoids, and cannabinoids naturally.

Terpenes and terpenoids constitute the aromatic molecules responsible for bestowing cannabis and numerous other plants with their distinct scents. Cannabis contains a multitude of these compounds, which contribute to the sweet, citrusy, spicy, or piney fragrances characteristic of different strains. The greater the abundance of these terpenes and terpenoids, the more aromatic and flavorful your end product will become.

Flavonoids represent an additional class of secondary metabolites found in various plants, cannabis included. They frequently bring a diverse array of antioxidant properties that promote longevity and general well-being.

In contrast to conventionally employed commercial cultivation techniques, organically cultivated cannabis lacks the presence of synthetic pesticides and insecticides. It’s equally essential to consider how these artificial additives influence the overall flavor and aroma of a cannabis bud

• Richer microbiome

Another facet of organic cannabis cultivation that can enhance yields, flavor, and potency lies in the thriving soil microbiome (the term “microbiome” pertains to the collective microorganisms in a given environment).

Organic soil blends constitute intricate living ecosystems in themselves, teeming with an array of bacteria bacteria, fungi, and other minuscule entities, including nematode worms. The sterile milieu found in numerous non-organic growth media lacks the capacity to foster such a high level of intricacy.

Extensive research on cannabis and other significant crops has unveiled the manifold advantages of cultivating a robust soil microbiome. This fosters nitrogen fixation and water retention, spurs growth, and serves as a deterrent against root diseases. Crafting your personal super-soil and allowing it to mature for approximately thirty days before application creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of fungi and other advantageous microorganisms, establishing a niche within the soil.

Organic compost tea presents an additional effective method for cultivating the necessary beneficial bacteria essential for a thriving microbiome. The process of composting tea entails immersing well-crafted compost in water while maintaining a continuous stream of bubbles to infuse oxygen (avoiding anaerobic conditions inside the “brewer,” which fosters unhealthy bacteria instead of beneficial strains).

• Lighter environmental impact

Normally, the most ecologically advantageous approach to cannabis cultivation involves growing outdoors under natural sunlight. This is due to the fact that the primary detrimental environmental effect associated with cannabis cultivation arises from indoor electricity usage. Moreover, there have been instances of prohibited pesticides leaching into water sources in California.

Regrettably, not all individuals have the authorization or means to cultivate cannabis outdoors, and indoor cultivation might not be an option for everyone either. Opting for organic cultivation helps mitigate the environmental influence on water resources, particularly in regions worldwide where cannabis is commercially grown.

For the best environmentally friendly choice, go for organic outdoor cultivation. But if you can’t do that, you can still lessen the impact when growing indoors. Using organic nutrients and fertilizers is better for the environment because they’re made in ways that use less energy compared to regular ones, which mostly come from fossil fuels.

Also, organic methods for controlling pests are often kinder to the environment. For example, using ladybirds can help control harmful bugs like spider mites, so you don’t need to use the harmful chemicals used in regular growing.

A Guide to Growing Organic Cannabis

The basics of cultivating organic cannabis differ based on whether it’s grown indoors or outdoors. While some believe that authentic organic cannabis should be cultivated outdoors, it’s possible to establish an organic setting indoors as well. The cultivation medium (soil, coconut fiber, etc.) can remain consistent for both indoor and outdoor setups, but indoor growers also need to consider light spectrums and cycles.

• Preparing the medium

For cultivating organic cannabis, it’s essential to opt for soil-based growth. Although hydroponic systems can produce excellent cannabis, water lacks the capacity to host the organic nutrients and microorganisms present in the soil. Organic nutrients and fertilizers can pose challenges for indoor growers, there’s ongoing debate about whether hydroponic setups can truly attain organic certification.

Once you have your cannabis seeds, the journey begins with the soil for any cannabis cultivation endeavor. Thus, for organic cannabis growth, the soil itself must also be organic. When growing outdoors on a specific piece of land, it’s crucial to ensure that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides have been utilized on that land for an extended period. These chemicals tend to persist in the soil for years even after farming activities cease.

In the end, cultivating organic cannabis in pots proves simpler, as you have the freedom to craft your own soil blend. However, this approach necessitates roughly six months of groundwork. The process entails combining composted food waste alongside other nutrient-rich elements like woody plant clippings, dry leaves, coffee grounds, and livestock manure. After blending, the mixture must sit for a period ranging from two to six months, until it starts emitting steam and gases.

• Making organic, cannabis-friendly fertilizer

If creating your own soil isn’t your preference, you can opt for buying a basic potting mix and supplementing it with organic nutrients. Essentially, this mirrors the procedure of producing fertilizer. Nevertheless, the majority of commercially available fertilizers are not organic in nature, although you can find organic alternatives in specialized shops. You can also create organic fertilizer at home using the following recipe:

1. Lay out a coating of plain potting mix on a spacious trap, adding coco fiber and mycorrhizae (available at garden supply stores).
2. Incorporate 0.75 kg of rock phosphate, 30 ml of Epsom salts, 60 ml of Azomite, 120 ml of Dolomite, and 1 tablespoon of humic acid. Distribute these components evenly over the soil layer.
3. Apply an additional layer of the plain potting mix.
4. Incorporate 1 kg of bat guano, and then finish by adding another layer of the plain potting mix on top.
5. Spread 1 kg of blood meal in a substantial layer over the surface. Repeat this step with the bone meal.
6. Utilize a spade to thoroughly blend all the components together. Transfer the mixture into garbage cans, adding 10 liters of water, and let them sit in the sunlight. Under the sun’s rays, the appropriate bacteria and fungi will flourish, establishing the necessary micro-ecosystem for cannabis cultivation.

You currently possess pre-fertilized soil. As your cultivation progresses, you can introduce additional nutrients, preferably organic ones. Nonetheless, this should supply sufficient nutrients for the entire growing process. When you transition to a new pot during transplanting, you can utilize fresh soil from your supply of organic potting mix.

• The best pesticide is no pesticide

With proper care and meticulous attention, it’s achievable to sustain a cultivation process without needing to rely on pesticides. Maintaining plant tidiness, ensuring a clean and orderly grow room or surroundings, and fostering ideal conditions for healthy plant growth will significantly aid in preventing infestations in an organic garden.

Nevertheless, there are instances when even the most diligent gardener might face challenges like spider mites or whiteflies. In such situations, understanding the impacts and outcomes of different pesticides becomes crucial to selecting the most suitable one for application.

What is Pyrethrum?

Pyrethrum refers to various chrysanthemum species and the insecticidal extract obtained from two specific species, C. cinerariifolium and C. coccineum. Pyrethrum is directly harmful to common cannabis pests like spider mites and aphids, yet notably safe for mammals.

The effective components of pyrethrum, called pyrethrins, are situated within the achenes (seed-cases) of the flower. Crushing these achenes produces an oleoresin, a natural blend of oil and resin. This oleoresin undergoes further processing to create an emulsion, suspension, or powder, which is applied directly onto plants affected by pests.

Pyrethrins are potent terpenoid compounds that are toxic to cannabis pests. Chemically, they are related esters formed through the reaction of an acid and alcohol, typically with cyclopropane cores. Their neurotoxicity arises from their instability, which is also the reason behind their rapid degradation upon exposure to air and water.

• Using companion planting for pest control

Even the application of organic pesticides can harm the immediate natural environment surrounding the cultivation area. Often, organic pesticides are used in quantities much higher than what is naturally present. As a result, their usage can adversely impact local wildlife like bats, birds, and bees. This concern becomes particularly significant when using organic pesticides in areas rich in native wildlife.

Proper utilization of companion plants might eliminate the necessity for pesticides altogether. Companion planting is a permaculture method that employs plants capable of deterring pests. This approach reduces the risk of harming the nearby environment while safeguarding the cannabis plant. Moreover, it eradicates the need for any additional “additives” to address pest issues.

Many of the companion plants used alongside cannabis can also serve as valuable culinary or medicinal herbs for your garden. This way, they won’t go to waste once the growing cycle concludes!

1. Basil: This fragment herb works as a natural repellent against aphids, asparagus beetles, mosquitoes, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. Place a couple of potted basil plants near your cannabis pots to shield them. And after your harvest, you can use the basil to create some delicious pesto!
2. Dill: Here’s another fragrant herb that can be cultivated either in pots or within your cannabis garden. Dill, in particular, repels spider mites. Additionally, butterflies and caterpillars tend to favor dill over your cannabis plants, so you’ll likely see them nibbling on dill instead of your cannabis.
3. Yarrow: Renowned for its capacity to address respiratory tract problems, this medicinal herb also serves as a deterrent for various garden pests. Simultaneously, it lures beneficial insects like ladybugs.
4. Coriander: Here’s another essential herb that can find its way into your cooking after your cultivation is complete. The potent fragrance of coriander effectively repels troublesome spider mites, aphids, and potato beetles.

The variety of companion plants available for various purposes is limitless. Certain plants draw in helpful insects, while others discourage pests. A few, like nettles and yarrow, can even share the same soil as cannabis plants to enhance the levels of terpenes and other aromatic elements. For instance, planting marigolds in proximity can also boost the growth of neighboring plants.

The basics of organic cannabis

In the end, cultivating organic cannabis involves avoiding anything created within a laboratory setting. Even if pesticides or fertilizers stem from natural sources, they are frequently highly concentrated and don’t truly reflect what’s naturally found in the environment. While these products might have advantages for cannabis, they can pose detrimental effects on the nearby surroundings.

Growing organic cannabis boils down to creating everything you need at home. Making a solution from crushed coriander seeds can be organic spray-on bug repellent. Another method is brewing compost tea to give your plants nutrients.

Achieving great results with organic growing is like mastering an art. Most farming studies involve using some kind of man-made materials. Even natural things are sometimes used in unnatural ways, like using too much pyrethrin.

Growing organic cannabis takes practice and a lot of attention to detail. This is because many commercial cannabis growers use non-organic pesticides. However the advantages of organic cannabis are vast, and the same ideas work for other organic growing projects too.