Here is Something Interesting for Everyone – Christianities Thoughts Regarding Marijuana

Much confusion has been surfacing regarding the relationship between marijuana and ethics.  Unfortunately however, much of today’s ethics are created due to a monotheistic strain of thinking commonly referred to as Christianity.  It is only in Christianity that an individual can refuse to learn and acknowledge any other type of belief system as well as push theirs on the rest of the world, even if murder is involved, and still sleep soundly at night because their ‘God’ said they could do so.  Although it is not as blatantly obvious as this if Christianities last 2,000 years are summed up in a nutshell it appears this way.

However, to clear the confusion I have researched what the Christian God has said regarding the use of marijuana and cannabis amongst mankind within the world.  It first came to thought when the only tree worth mentioning in the Christian Doctrine was that of the Tree of Knowledge.  Of course Adam and Eve were told to stay away from the Tree of Knowledge and of course they didn’t listen blah blah blah.  But they weren’t exactly told to stay away from Marijuana, although it may be much similar to the Tree of Knowledge.

Instead all of the plants and animals belonged to mankind as the Christian God made it this way.  More specifically however, in Genesis it is mentioned what God quoted about the plants and animals living on the Earth.  In Genesis 1:12 it states that the Christian God created plants and herbs yielding seed after its own kind, as many plants and herbs do, marijuana included.  It is mentioned that God saw this as good.  Later in Genesis 1:29-31 it is mentioned that God officially gives the seed bearing plants to mankind to use as food.   God also mentions at this point that he also gives the beats of the Earth to mankind but more specifically the green plants as food.

Of course marijuana and cannabis is green and recently cannabis has been found out to be a dietary benefit.  This is because cannabis contains a majority of the amino acids that the human body needs in order to initiate amino acid synthesis which leads to protein synthesis.  Protein synthesis of course is crucial for the muscles within the human body to feed, heal, and grow.  Could it be that mankind has illegalized a plant that God specifically placed here to help us?

What is neat is in my research that I conducted in order to find what the Christian God said regarding marijuana specifically I became rather curious to what other cultures may have said as well.  Of course one that obviously came to mind was Rastafarianism which proudly accepts the use of marijuana and closely connects it with a pathway to higher enlightenment and spirituality.  But I was surprised to find that even in ancient Chinese culture vague fragments indicate the use of hemp fibers and even opium as a recreational drug.

Even the ancient Greeks mentioned a secret herb that was in use by Zeus that would cast a spell of sleepiness over its victims.  This also indicates that the ancient Greeks may have possibly used marijuana in order to induce drowsiness.  It is also becoming common knowledge that the ancient Greeks also used psychedelic compounds such as magic mushrooms in order to connect themselves with higher enlightenment as well as a higher sense of spirituality.

My research has led me to further research which I am very excited to investigate deeper into.  However, what I have found has helped me realized that the use of narcotics has been around for as long as mankind has been around.  And that the danger in these narcotics is not the narcotics themselves but the overconsumption of them by us instead.  The longer we stay hidden intellectually in the dark about narcotics the longer we stay in harm’s way when individuals choose to frequent them regardless of what the ‘law’ states.   Understand that in order to protect individuals from dangers they must first be educated about the dangers.

Testing the Marijuana and Marijuana Bud after Harvest

Once the marijuana bud has been cut and trimmed then dried and cured; it is finally time to test it.  Testing the marijuana bud is a very crucial and special moment for every marijuana grower.  This is because not only is the marijuana grower looking for the taste in his or her own bud but they are looking for potency, how well the marijuana burns, and of course how harsh it may or may not be.  All these different factors are critical for a marijuana grower but they all also help a marijuana grower fix and correct what may be wrong with their bud after much trial and error through many crops.

To begin testing obviously the marijuana should have been dried and most likely cured.  The first test is to then make sure that the bud is even ready to be lit on fire.  If the bud is still retaining too much water then this is an obvious indicator that it will not burn evenly.

Take a hit of the marijuana inhaling slowly and cautiously.  First ensure that the harshness of the marijuana is just right.  If the marijuana instantly causes the smoker to violently cough then an error occurred during the growing cycles.  This is most commonly water versus nutrient cycle error.  Many amateur growers will not properly flush their marijuana plants during the last two weeks of the flowering stage.  If water is not the only thing being fed to the marijuana plants during this time then anyone who smokes the bud after its cured will be inhaling the harshness of the nutrients and/or repellants that lie within the bud.

Another factor to examine is the taste.  Is the taste adequate?  Is it suitable?  Does it appeal to its strain or name?  These are all questions a marijuana smoker will ponder on for hours after smoking some of his or her own home grown weed.

The final factor of course is the potency.  Is this weed comparable to weed purchased from various other people or is it in comparison to weed grown by friends?  Testing for the potency of the weed will help a marijuana grower fix and correct any errors they may have caused during the growing process.  This can range from the type of lights used to the timing of the vegetation and flowering stages.  It could even depend on how well the marijuana grower dried and cured his or her own bud.  Whatever it may be, if the marijuana grower is unsatisfied with their own crop than there is no reason to give up but to try again and again until adequate weed is grown and the marijuana grower is happy!

Curing Marijuana and Marijuana Buds after Harvest

After the marijuana buds have been thoroughly dried then it is time to cure them.  This is a fairly simple process that many amateur growers actually skip.  However, by curing the marijuana buds properly a marijuana grower can increase the potency of the marijuana buds as well as the taste.

To begin curing the marijuana buds simply place them in an air tight jar or see through container.  They need to be sealed off from air for long periods of time so that any remaining moisture within the marijuana buds can become entirely vacuumed out as well as this helps bring out the taste.

The curing process should last for a minimum of 7 days but the jar needs to be opened and the buds thoroughly checked and rotated at least every 24 hours.  This is because the buildup of moisture from within the jar can cause the marijuana buds to mold which will ruin the entire jar of marijuana.  Be sure to also keep all jars filled with marijuana bud during the curing process only at half full.  Having too much bud in the jar will cause the buds to take longer to cure and can delay the process over time.  If the marijuana buds do not ‘feel’ or seem to appear thoroughly cured by 7 days then return them to the jars for about an overall cycle of 14 days.

In order to check the marijuana buds to see if they have been cured properly begin by cracking each bud open in its middle section.  This is a smell test however, over a period of a few days the smell that has been first smelt within the bud compared the smell that is can be smelled within the bud after a few days should have increased in strength.

There are vague rumors however that during the curing process many marijuana growers will cure the marijuana buds alongside orange peels, lemon peels, or various other peels.  If doing this then be sure that these scented flavoring ideas will not cause an increased amount of moisture and will dry thoroughly at the same time as the marijuana buds.

Drying Marijuana and Marijuana Bud after Harvest

Once all of the marijuana bud has been trimmed upon harvest then it is time to dry.  This can be done in one of two popular ways.  The first involves the use of any sort of hanging device and most commonly; wooden clothespins.  The hanging device, usually a string of even fishing line, is spun out across from either wall to wall or from any two large flat surfaces.  This string will be used for hanging all of the marijuana buds from so be sure that it remains secure for the entire drying process.  Using each wooden clothespin hang each bud by the end of its branch that it was previously cut from.  Be sure to hang them this way for at least 7 to 14 days periodically checking on them daily.

The second popular way of drying involves a drying rack which can be purchased either online or at any local garden nursery store.  These drying racks are VERY useful but do require the bud to be flipped every couple of days so that the bud may evenly dry on all sides.  These drying racks range in size as well as price and are most commonly found amongst more experience growers.  However, it is wise for amateur growers to have them as well.

During the drying process the marijuana bud will decrease dramatically in weight.  Be sure not to worry as the majority of the weight is retained from the previous watering cycle that occurred before the marijuana plant was cropped.  To rid the bud of all of this water it is necessary to dry the bud for a minimum of 7 days upwards to 14.  Doing so will allow the bud to thoroughly dry as well as it will lose up to 70% of its original weight.

To be sure that the marijuana bud has finished drying check each branch and bend it at the stem.  If the stem folds over easily than it is still retaining a majority of water.  However, if the bud begins to crack then it is almost finished drying.  Be sure to bend all of the branches, especially the thickest ones, to ensure that all of the marijuana bud has efficiently dried.

What to do with Marijuana Trimmings

After cutting down the marijuana plants then trimming them, a marijuana grower will be left with a lot of marijuana clippings to clean up.  Marijuana clippings are the little clippings of fan leaves and leaves that were sticking out of the bud after harvesting.  These leaves can be very valuable depending on the marijuana grower.

Usually marijuana growers, especially amateur marijuana growers, will just throw out all of the clippings after they are finished harvesting.  However, these clippings contain a decent amount of THC and can be used for cooking marijuana products such as brownies, cookies, and even rice crispy treats.

A marijuana grower will store all of the marijuana clippings and allow for them to dry much similar to the drying process that the bud experiences.  However, the clippings must be watched very closely as they can mold easily especially if little moisture is present.

Depending on the amount of the plants that were being harvested as well as their average size will determine the amount of marijuana clippings that a marijuana grower is left with.  This can range from just a few ounces to possibly a couple of pounds.  Be sure to weigh, using a gram scale, the amount of marijuana clippings that are left behind.

The process for extracting the THC from the clippings is relatively simple but will not be found within the Marijuana Fundamentals blog or website. Instead, directions for how to separate the THC from the clippings to either butter or oil can be found at various other websites and/or books.

The idea behind mentioning the THC that is included on the clippings though is to make sure that every marijuana grower is aware of the use of the trimmings.  New information such as this helps marijuana growers realize that every bit of the plant can actually be used and not just the bud itself.

Cutting and Trimming the Bud from Marijuana Plants

As previously mentioned the fan leaves as well as the leaves that exist on the bud can be trimmed either immediately upon being harvested or can be allowed to dry and curl along with the rest of the branches and the stock of the marijuana plant.  However, it is most advisable for amateur marijuana growers to trim the leaves upon harvesting rather than waiting as this is the fastest way to gain the necessary experience and to trim the leaves at their easiest state.  Waiting to trim the leaves for a few days or allowing the leaves to curl and dry is a method normally used by experience marijuana growers who have harvested multiple crops and have learned various techniques through practice.

To begin harvesting however be sure to have a pair of very reliable scissors or a pair of garden shears.  Garden shears are highly recommended because they have a spring mechanism within the handle that helps the wrist and hand from becoming sore too quick.

Have the branch in hand and facing the opposite direction in a downward position.  This allows the leaves to fold over in their opposite directions which also helps them to become much more easily identified.  Begin by trimming all of the major fan leaves so that the majority of the bud becomes revealed.  Once this is done begin trimming all of the leaves that stick out of the bud itself making sure not to trim too closely to the bud.  Trimming too closely to the bud or not paying enough attention will cause the bud itself to be cut off.  Be sure to avoid this by taking the extra time to cut back all of the leaves.

Go through the entire marijuana plant(s) trimming all of the leaves on each branch.  Trimming the leaves upon cutting the plant will be easier as it is at this point that the marijuana plant will retain the most water hence the leaves will weigh much more.  Trimming the bud after a few days of drying will cause the leaves to become crisp and much thinner making it slightly harder to trim.

Cutting Down the Marijuana Plant

Cutting down the marijuana plant at the time of the harvest can be done in one of two ways.  For amateur marijuana growers it is advisable to cut down the plant than to trim the bud immediately afterwards however, for more experienced marijuana growers they will cut the down the marijuana plant and let it hang dry for a few days instead.

There really is no difference whether the marijuana plant is trimmed upon being cut down or allowed to dry for a few days, experienced marijuana growers instead have developed specific qualities that they look for thus allowing to take different methods during the harvesting process.

However, the basic steps for cutting down marijuana plants are very simple.  Begin by taking the marijuana plant, using a sharp knife or garden shears, cut the stock of the marijuana plant at an angle.  Be sure that the cut is a good six inches away from the bottom branches as this will help create space for hanging the whole marijuana plant upside down.

If a marijuana grower chooses to trim the marijuana plant right after cutting it down than it is not entirely necessary to cut the plant at the bottom of the stock.  Instead, begin by choosing a branch then removing that branch at the very bottom portion closest to the stock.  Be sure to use the same method of cutting the branches at an angle when cutting the branches to prepare for trimming.

Again, once the branches are removed from the stock of the plant a marijuana grower can then choose to trim the plants at this point or to just hang dry and allow the fan leaves to curl for a few days.  This method is most common amongst more experienced marijuana growers but is worth the try so that amateur marijuana growers can begin to identify their unique tastes.

Properly Identifying when to Crop

Many first time marijuana growers can become very hesitant as to what is the appropriate time to cut down the marijuana plants and begin the trimming, drying, and curing process.  On average the flowering stage should only last for only eight weeks but depending on the type of lights that are in use this timeframe can be either greatly lengthened or greatly shortened.  However, there are some great tips for properly identifying when to cut down the marijuana plants and begin harvesting.

The first tip is to purchase a 30x magnifier from any local garden nursery store or online or a recommended magnifier that may be similar.  Although purchasing a magnifier is not usually common for amateur marijuana growers it is in fact a great tool for properly identifying the appropriate time to crop and will come in handy in the future.  The point of the magnifier is to closely examine all of the trichomes that are on the bud at the final stages of the flowering cycle.  Depending on the stage of the trichomes a marijuana grower can determine what time they will begin harvesting their marijuana plants.

If money is tight, or the purchase of the magnifier is forgotten there is no need to fret.  Amateur growers should also learn how to properly identify when to begin to harvest a marijuana crop by examining the pistils with the naked eye.  This can be done by closely studying each branch on the marijuana plant to determine whether or not roughly 50-70% of the pistils are amber in color.  If the majority of the plant looks to be more than 50% in amber colored pistils than it is time to begin harvesting.

Remember, that depending on the type of lights the marijuana grower is using some of the branches that exist toward the top of the plant can begin to turn amber in color faster than the branches that exist below.  To help even out the overall plant try reflective material such as mylar or black and white poly.

Preparing to Harvest the Marijuana Crop

Preparing to harvest the marijuana crop is one of the most exciting times for every marijuana grower.  It is at the point of harvest that there are only just a few remaining weeks left before a marijuana grower can sample some of their bud that they have been tending to for a couple of months.  Before than however, the marijuana plants will have to be cut down, trimmed, and dried accordingly before the bud is ready to be smoked.

During the last few weeks of the flowering stage a marijuana grower should have already purchased a pair of garden shears (specifically for clipping and trimming) or have on hand a pair of small sharp scissors.  Another great tool that should be purchased before the marijuana plants are harvested is a drying rack or drying net.  Drying racks and drying nets are very useful when it comes to properly drying the bud evenly.  Drying racks and drying nets also allow for adequate air circulation to reach every angle of the bud especially if the bud is rotated every few days during the drying phase.  These drying nets and racks can be purchased either online or at any local garden nursery store.

Another factor that all marijuana growers should keep in mind is that the weight of the bud (or how heavy the bud feels in the palm of your hand upon being clipped) will not be the same weight after the drying phase is over.  This is because during the drying phase the bud itself will lose up to 70% of its original weight because of the amount of water that the bud and branches retained upon being clipped.

Marijuana growers should also keep in mind that for the last two weeks of the flowering cycle only water should be given to the plants as part of the cycling process.  This is to help marijuana growers enjoy the organic taste of their freshly dried and cured marijuana rather than the remnants of either pesticides or nutrients that might be within the bud.

Preventing the Infestation of Bugs, Mites, and Other Pests

It is very crucial for every marijuana grower to realize the importance of keeping bugs, mites, and various other pests away from the marijuana plants.  Not only are the pests living in indoor marijuana crops annoying, but they can cause major damage to the bud that is growing on the plants as well as the overall growth of the plant itself.

To properly prevent bugs, mites, and other pests from getting into the marijuana crop be sure to sanitize and wipe down the room that the marijuana plants will be living in.  What this does is helps to eradicate already living pests that might multiply within the soil of the plants as well as on the plants themselves.

Another tip is to not ‘mulch’ the leaves into the soil.  Be sure that when pruning and plucking unwanted fan leaves that they are either thrown away or kept entirely separate from the marijuana crop itself.  Dying fan leaves can attract a mass amount of pests as they feed on the mulching leaves and will begin to multiply.

The earliest indication of bugs, mites, and other pests will be little tiny white dots moving around atop the soil.  These little tiny white dots are the beginning stages of mites and will usually appear right after a watering or feeding cycle when the soil is freshly moist.  At this indication be sure to purchase an organic pest control from any local garden nursery store as well as be sure to check beneath each fan leaf to ensure that the mites have not spread.

Another great tip that most amateur marijuana growers do not realize is that it is very important to remove clothing and shoes that have been previously worn outside before entering the marijuana growing room.  This is because many outdoor pests and bugs lay hidden within the fabric of our clothing and can detach and begin to breed within a grow room if clothing or shoes have not been removed.  This also includes washing hands before handling the marijuana plants as the oils and bacteria from our hands can cause overall damage to the marijuana plant if consistently handled.