CBD has been found to actually interfere with the intensity of THC. It is being studied for its impact on anxiety, depression, and pediatric epilepsy. It is antibacterial and has been studied in light of positive responses to dealing with MRSA-type pathogens.
In addition, CBD reduces pain and inflammation. It has become very popular as a home remedy for muscle pains and as a sleep aid. One of the most promising attributes appears to be the ability to aid in protecting the brain after an injury such as a concussion. Clearly, the research has just begun, and no doubt more uses will be discovered for CBD.
CBG
In terms of percentages, after THC and CBD comes cannabigerol or CBG. It is actually the precursor of THC and CBD and is converted to the other two by cellular enzymatic activity.
CBG has gained attention of late because mouse studies show it is effective in helping with irritable bowel diseases. It is strongly antibacterial and antifungal and is being studied as an anti-tumor agent and as an aid in treating prostate diseases.
CBG can interact with cellular systems in addition to the endocannabinoid. Only about 1 percent of the cannabinoids are in this group, though this can be increased by breeding, as can the other cannabinoids.
CBC
Cannabichromene (again, you can see why abbreviations are used), CBC, is only found in some Autoflowering Cannabis plants. It isn’t psychoactive, but it is a moderator of pain. CBC has antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been shown to reduce acne.
TERPENES
In addition to cannabinoids, over 200 chemicals called terpenes have been found in Cannabis thus far. Terpenes and their oxidized forms, terpenoids, are odoriferous compounds produced by all plants and animals. Each has a unique smell, taste, and effects. They serve a number of functions. Bacteria, for example, communicate by producing and “reading” each other’s terpenes.
There are more than 30,000 terpenes found in nature. The exact same terpene can be made by different plants: lemon, lime, and orange trees, for example. Still, many terpenes produced by Cannabis cannot be found in other plants.
Terpenes give Autoflowering Cannabis plants their characteristic smells and flavors. They bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body where they chemically complement THC. Autoflowering Cannabis would not be the same without them since they blend with (odorless) cannabinoids. Think of the smells of lemon, orange, or pine, as all of these scents and flavors are due to terpenes.
While there is only one kind of THC, there are lots of kinds of terpenes. The way Cannabis affects you, therefore, depends an awful lot on the mix of terpenes (and other cannabinoids) present. Some are noted for imparting pain relief, others for reducing inflammation, inducing sleep, reducing anxiety, providing focus, or serving as anti-microbial agents. Each terpene imparts a different feeling to the experience of using Cannabis, and knowing their mix, or “profile,” in a plant can define the experience before one ingests.
The same variety of Cannabis grown under different conditions can show a different profile. This has led to a confusing array of names which has complicated breeding and buying Cannabis. They are often, incidentally, as useless as are the names of tomato varieties.
Terpenes’ major benefits.
For years the only standard used to determine the effects of a particular Cannabis variety was to determine if it was an indica or a sativa variety. Indicas induced the lethargic, couch-lock effect and sativas created a more energetic high.
The different mixes of cannabinoids and terpenes is what makes growing, and actually harvesting and using your Autoflowering Cannabis, interesting. It is a good idea to become familiar with the major terpenes as they will help you describe your plant. Follow the smells.
SOME IMPORTANT TERPENE PROFILES
More and more commercial vendors are using a system that lists and describes the terpene content of the product. This system is rightfully replacing an indica versus sativa method of choosing which Cannabis to grow or use and provides a much more exact preview of what to expect.
Today, there is an ever-increasing number of studies designed to shed light on the subject. As a result, we are beginning to understand that the terpenes and terpenoids have much to do with the type of high induced by Cannabis. Terpenes are made up only of carbon and hydrogen so they are hydrocarbons. Terpenoids are terpenes altered by oxidation and contain other elements. Both act in synergy with cannabinoids and create an “entourage effect.”
Instead of indica versus sativa, we now know that terpenoid alcohols such as linalool, bisabool, guaiol, as well as beta-myrcene are partially responsible for couch-lock and terpenes that create the sativa-type high include terpinolene and beta-caryophyllene. It is possible to learn to taste and recognize the smells of terpenoids and terpenes just as one does with wine.
With Cannabis, the ensemble effect comes into play. The sum of the impacts is greater than the individual components. Various terpenes work together better than they do alone, creating special impacts.
Borneol
This terpene smells like menthol and camphor. It is found in cinnamon, wormwood, and galanga. Borneol imparts a calming effect and can be very sedating. It is also used to repel insects. Strains of Cannabis that have it include Diamond Girl and Green-o-matic.
Beta caryophyllene
The only terpene to intersect directly with the endocannabinoid system, beta caryophyllene is a spicy terpene that smells somewhat like black pepper, in which it is also found. It is also found in cloves, cinnamon, oregano, basil, and rosemary, and in green leafy vegetables. Because of its complex makeup, it survives temperatures used to make extract products and so is found in lots of them. Strains with beta caryophyllene include Skywalker, Haze#2, and Super Silver Haze.
Beta caryophyllene is used as an anti-inflammatory. It is being studied to help deal with alcoholism. As a topical and ingested, it has analgesic and anti-anxiety impacts. It also gives a characteristic odor when oxidized, and it is said this is the scent that law enforcement drug dogs were trained to locate.
Eucalyptol
As you would expect, this terpene is what gives eucalyptus its spicy, minty smell. It is also found in tea tree, amphora, sage, and rosemary. Strains that contain eucalyptus include Chem Dawg, Bubba Kush, and King’s Kush. Eucaluptol is an antibacterial used in mouthwashes and body deodorants.
Humulene
Hops, a botanical relative of Autoflowering Cannabis, contains lots of humulene, which has a woody, earthy smell and is found in black pepper, cloves, as well as sage. Strains with humulene include White Widow, Skywalker OG, Headband, Girl Scout Cookies, and Sour Diesel.
Humulene is an appetite suppressant. It relieves inflammation and is an antibacterial.
Limonene
Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in Cannabis and, as its name suggests, is found in large quantities in citrus rinds. Any strain with a citrus fruit or sour in its name contains limonene. Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk, Jack Herer, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Tangerine, Super Lemon Haze, and Durban Poison are all notable strains that contain limonene.
Limonene is antifungal and antibacterial. It reduces stress and elevates moods. It is considered the terpene that imparts the energetic high associated with some Cannabis varieties. It is being studied as it appears to kill cancer cells in lab tests.
Linalool
This terpene imparts a spicy, flowery smell. It is found in lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander. Strains that contain linalool include Amnesia Haze, Grape Ape, G-13, Lavender, LA Confidential, and OG Shark.
Linalool is very relaxing and sedative in its effects. Some use it in oil form for treatment of burns and acne. It is said to help with arthritis, insomnia, seizures, and depression.
Myrcene
Myrcene has an earthy, musky smell, which is also found in hops. Some suggest it resembles the smell of cloves. This is the terpene that imparts the characteristic underlying smell of Cannabis , probably because it is the dominate terpene in Cannabis. I
n some strains, 60 to 65 percent of the terpenes are myrcene.
Strains that have high amounts of myrcene are sedative in effects. Look for it in Skunk, White Widow, White Rhino, and Mango. Many associate the couch-lock feeling with Cannabis indica because it accompanies the use of many Cannabis indica varieties. Actually, it is the myrcene in Cannabis that induces this feeling.
Pinene
There are two types of pinene terpenes in Cannabis, alpha and beta pinenes. Both smell like pine needles, in which you can of course find it. You can also find pinene in rosemary, basil, and parsley. Strains that contain pinene include Super Silver Haze, Train Wreck, Cheese, Bubba Kush, Dutch Treat, Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream, and Romulan.
Pinene is a solvent that breaks down plastics, and it is one of the reasons Cannabis should be stored in glass jars rather than plastic containers. Pinene helps with asthma. It is anti-inflammatory and helps with arthritis.
Terpineol
While the name suggests turpentine smell, terpineol actually imparts a lilac or apple blossom odor. It is used in perfumes and flavorings.
OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, White Rhino, and Jack Herer strains contain significant amounts of terpineol. Terpineol induces a very relaxed mood, often described as couch-lock. In addition to being a relaxing agent, it is said to have anti-oxidant properties.
Replacement of the sativa versus indica classification
Traditionally, people grew and selected Cannabis for consumption based on its classification as either a sativa or an indica plant. The former was said to induce an uplifting and energizing high, while the latter was noted for inducing lethargy and deep relaxation.
Terpenes, however, represent a much more accurate measure of the potential impacts of ingesting Cannabis and are more probably the cause of the effects felt. There is growing evidence that terpenes have quite a bit to do with the different types of effects caused by ingesting Cannabis. THC, CBD, etc. have predictable impacts, but these impacts are altered depending on the accompanying terpene mix. Myrcene, linalool, and nerolidol create a sedative high, while pinene or limonene mixes leave the user feeling much more energetic.
FLAVONOIDS PROVIDE COLOR AND ADD TO TASTE AND SMELL
There is a third set of compounds in Autoflowering Cannabis that need to be highlighted. These are “flavonoids,” compounds responsible for some of the taste and smell of Autoflowering Cannabis and also for the non-green pigments found in vegetables and fruits. They protect the plants from UV rays and deter pests, both grazers and disease-causers.
Flavonoids exist elsewhere in the plant kingdom with over 6,000 identified. About 20 of these are in Autoflowering Cannabis. (Some of these flavonoids are unique to Cannabis plants.) This represents about 10% of the chemical compound mix in these plants, so they are not insignificant. They are thought to modulate the effects of THC.
Flavonoids are also responsible for giving leaves and flowers their colors. They are visible when not masked by green chlorophyll. In addition to imparting color to Cannabis, flavonoids create odor and flavor and react with cannabinoids in synergistic ways.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are plant chemicals that cause the red, blues, and purples of grapes, cherries, and blueberries. They are found in Auto-flowering Cannabis, where reds are expressed when the soil is acidic and purples as the soil becomes neutral. At some point as the pH becomes more alkaline (goes up), these colors disappear because the anthocyanins break apart. You don’t always see anthocyanins because of the presence of over-riding green chlorophyll molecules.
Cannaflavin A and B
Cannaflavin A and B are strong anti-inflammatory agents. So far, they have only been found in Cannabis. One study found cannaflavin A to be more effective than aspirin as an anti-inflammatory.
Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is found in avocados and nuts. It is an anti-inflammatory.
Vitexin and isovitexi
These two flavonoids were studied and shown to have anti-cancer effects, one paper suggesting that they prevent cancer by causing cancer cells to degrade and die.
Apigenin
This is a highly studied flavonoid with anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Several studies suggest they stop the growth of breast cancer cells.
Kaempferol
Kaempferol is being studied to treat heart problems. It is a known anti-cancer agent and has antidepressant properties.
Luteolin
Clover contains luteolin. In is antibacterial and is being studied as an anti-tumor agent.
Apigenin
This is one of the most studied of all the flavonoids. It is found in celery and parsley and chamomile tea. It appears to inhibit the growth of breast cancer and is an anti-anxiety as well as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Quercetin
This flavonoid is found in many fruits, and vegetables as well. It is also found in wines, green tea, and berries. It is considered to be an anti-cancer agent and an anti-oxidant and great for relieving pain.
Catechins
Catechins are found in cocoa and tea. They can have antioxidant properties and have shown cardiovascular benefits including helping to maintain cholesterol levels.
Orientin
Orientin is a flavonoid with vasodilator properties and is being studied for heart impacts. It is an anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and painkilling flavonoid.
FUTURE STUDIES
At some point the restrictions against studying Cannabis will be lifted and a great deal more will be learned about all of the compounds in the plants. They have already been shown to be anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, good for vasodilation, cardio-protective, radiation protective, neuro-protective, antidepressant, anti-adipogenesis, and pain-relieving. (Wow!)
THAT IS ALL YOU NEED
This is really all the specialized knowledge you will need to grow Autoflowering Cannabis, maybe even a bit more than you need! Anything more complicated is beyond the scope of this book. If you want more information, however, there is plenty to be had. The Internet is your immediate source for anything upon which you want to expand.
There is an ever-expanding universe of research papers involving Cannabis and Autoflowering Cannabis. This research is important because previous laws restricted it or, as in the case of the United States, ensured studies were designed to prove the evils of Cannabis.
It is always a good idea to keep abreast of new studies that pertain to your hobbies. In the instance of Cannabis, new discoveries are being made all the time. Again, refer to the Internet, which is a great tool to help you in growing Autoflowering Cannabis. Let’s look at other useful tools in the next chapter.
3
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED
AS A GARDENER, you can appreciate that all you really need to grow any plant are seeds, soil, a container, and light. After all, how much do you need to buy to grow a pot or two of tomatoes?
Still, as with any specialty, there are some things you will need to buy. My suggestion is to get to know these plants before buying much equipment. What you have on hand, for the most part, will suffice.
Whether you buy or already own, it is important to get everything on hand before you start. You will be amazed at how fast Autoflowering Cannabis plants develop. You cannot afford to miss a day of good growth simply because you don’t have something. If an Autoflowering Cannabis plant requires something, you need to supply it without delay.
SEEDS
Let’s start with Autoflowering Cannabis seed. This is perhaps the most difficult supply to acquire. It is going to be a while before you can buy from a seed rack in a big-box store or at a local nursery. You will need to find a source for Autoflowering Cannabis seed until they become better known and until the impacts and stigma of prohibition end.
In Canada, and in an increasing number of the United States and several other countries around the world, Cannabis prohibition has ended. Finding Autoflower
ing Cannabis seed is not going to be too much of a problem. In these places, there are breeders who are allowed to sell Autoflowering Cannabis seeds at licensed dispensaries.
Other places to find seeds are at Cannabis conventions, festivals, and trade shows. These almost always include vendors who sell Cannabis seeds. Even so, you may have to search for Autoflowers.
And, of course, the Internet is another fertile (sorry) source for purchasing Autoflowering Cannabis seeds. You can locate all of the sites that sell them using any search engine. However, it is important to understand your particular government’s rules regarding receiving Cannabis seed through the mail or other delivery services.
Finally, you might be able to trade seed with friends who also grow Autoflowering Cannabis. Remember that this is a plant you can breed on your own. Of course, you need seeds to start with.
DIY Autoflowering Cannabis Page 4
