Contents
Find out how to grow medical cannabis for dispensaries in this blog post. You will learn about the best strains, grow methods, and more.
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Introduction
Whether you’re new to growing medical cannabis or you’re a seasoned grower, there are always new things to learn. The landscape of the cannabis industry is constantly changing, and with that, so too are the techniques and technologies for growing cannabis.
In this guide, we’ll go over some of the basics of growing medical cannabis for dispensaries. We’ll start with an overview of the different types of dispensaries and the regulations they must comply with. From there, we’ll move on to discussing the different stages of the cannabis plant life cycle and how to optimize each stage for maximum yields. Finally, we’ll touch on some of the common pests and diseases that can affect cannabis plants and how to prevent or treat them.
By the end of this guide, you should have a good understanding of how to grow medical cannabis for dispensaries.
The Basics of Growing Medical Cannabis
If you want to grow medical cannabis for dispensaries, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to obtain a license from your state. Once you have obtained a license, you will need to find a location that is zoned for commercial cultivation. You will also need to purchase some supplies and hire some employees. In this section, we will go over the basics of growing medical cannabis for dispensaries.
Soil
Cannabis grows best in a loose, well-aerated soil mix that drains easily. If your soil is too dense, add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. You can also make your own soil mix by combining two parts coir (coconut fiber) with one part perlite.
When growing cannabis in soil, you will need to fertilize your plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer such as FoxFarm Tiger Bloom or General Hydroponics FloraNova Grow. Start with half the recommended dose and increase as needed.
If you live in an area with hard water, you will need to use reverse osmosis water or rainwater for your plants. Cannabis grown in soil will also need to be watered more frequently than plants grown in hydro or coco. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Lighting
An important factor for growing medical cannabis is the type of lighting that you use. Most growers prefer high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, which include metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. These lights provide intense light over a small area, making them ideal for growing cannabis. Another type of light that can be used is LED, which stands for light emitting diode. These lights are more expensive upfront, but they use less energy and last longer than HID lights.
MH lights are usually used during the vegetative stage, while HPS lights are typically used during the flowering stage. LEDs can be used for both stages, but they are not as effective as HID lights.
When choosing a light, it is important to consider the intensity, spectrum and duration of the light. The intensity is measured in lumens and the spectrum is measured in kelvins. The duration is the amount of time the light is on per day. Cannabis plants need about 18 hours of light per day during the vegetative stage and 12 hours of light per day during the flowering stage.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature for cannabis growth is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent. However, cannabis will survive and even thrive in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.
The most important thing is to avoid sudden or drastic changes in temperature or humidity, which can stress the plants and reduce yields. For example, if you are growing in an indoor environment, you’ll want to make sure that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate more than a few degrees from the ideal range. Similarly, sudden changes in humidity can be just as damaging, so it’s important to maintain a consistent level throughout the grow cycle.
One of the best ways to ensure consistent conditions is to invest in a quality grow tent or grow box that can be tightly controlled. These products provide an insulated environment that helps stabilize temperatures and humidities, while also keeping out pests and other unwanted guests.
Air
humid and climates with little to no wind are ideal for growing medical cannabis. If you live in a dry climate, you will need to supplement your plants with extra humidity. A good way to do this is to use a humidifier in your grow room. You will also need to make sure that your plants have plenty of ventilation. Stagnant air can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can ruin your crop.
Water
Water is one of the most important elements when it comes to growing any type of plant, and cannabis is no different. Although cannabis plants are hearty and can withstand some neglect, they will not do well if they don’t have enough water.
The amount of water that your plants need will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of soil you’re using, the size of your pots, the climate you’re growing in, and the stage of growth your plants are in. During the vegetative stage, when your plants are actively growing leaves and roots, they will need more water than they will during the flowering stage, when they are focused on producing buds.
You will also need to adjust your watering schedule based on the weather. If it is hot and dry outside, your plants will need more water than if it is cool and rainy.
To avoid overwatering your plants, it is best to water them deeply but infrequently. This means that you should give them enough water so that the soil is saturated, but then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering again.
Nutrients
Nutrients are essential for a healthy cannabis plant. Just like people, cannabis plants need a balanced diet to stay nourished and grow properly. The three main nutrients that your plants will need are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Cannabis plants will go through different stages of life, and each stage will have different nutrient needs. For example, during the vegetative stage, your plants will need more nitrogen to help them grow big and strong. During the flowering stage, your plants will need more phosphorus to help them produce large, potent buds.
You can get all the nutrients your plants need from a variety of sources, including chemical fertilizers, organic matter, or even fish emulsion. It’s important to know that too much of any nutrient can be harmful to your plants, so always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using fertilizers.
Grow Mediums for Medical Cannabis
As a cannabis dispensary owner, you want to ensure that you are getting the highest quality medical cannabis possible. One way to do this is to grow it yourself. This way, you can control every aspect of the growing process, from the type of soil to the amount of water and light. Another benefit of growing your own medical cannabis is that you can save money on dispensary purchases.
Soil
As with any type of gardening, the quality of the soil you use will have a big impact on the quality of your plants. Cannabis is no different. In fact, because cannabis is such a versatile plant, it can actually be grown in a variety of different mediums, including soil, hydroponics, and aeroponics.
But for those who want to stick with more traditional methods, growing cannabis in soil is still one of the best options. Not only is it relatively easy to do, but it also allows for a greater degree of control over the growing process.
When it comes to choosing a soil for growing cannabis, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you’ll want to make sure that the soil you choose is light and airy. This will help ensure that your plants roots have plenty of room to breathe and grow.
It’s also important to make sure that the soil you choose has a good drainage system. Cannabis plants don’t like sitting in waterlogged soil, so make sure that any soil you use has ample drainage. Otherwise, you run the risk of your plants getting root rot or other diseases.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the pH level of your soil is within the ideal range for cannabis plants (between 6 and 7). If it’s too high or too low, it can cause problems with growth and development.
There are many different types of soils available on the market today, so finding one that meets all of these criteria shouldn’t be too difficult. Just be sure to do your research and ask around before making your final decision.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution without soil. In a hydroponic system, the roots of the plant are suspended in water and are constantly being oxygenated by a pump. The water is also supplemented with nutrients that the plant needs to grow. Hydroponic systems can be set up indoors or outdoors and can be as simple or complex as you want them to be.
Hydroponic systems have several advantages over traditional soil-based growing methods. They use less water and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Additionally, plants grown in hydroponic systems often grow faster and produce higher yields than plants grown in soil.
If you’re interested in growing medical cannabis in a dispensary, hydroponics is a great option. It’s important to do your research and understand how to set up and maintain a hydroponic system before you get started.
Aeroponics
Aeroponics is a soilless grow method that uses air or mist to deliver nutrients to plant roots. It’s considered one of the most efficient ways to grow because there is little to no water or media used and plants can be grown very close together.
The biggest benefit of aeroponics is the speed at which plants can grow. Because they don’t have to search for food, roots can grow very quickly, making aeroponics an ideal method for growing fast-growing plants like lettuce and herbs.
The downside of aeroponics is that it can be difficult to control the environment and if something goes wrong, plants can die very quickly. Aeroponics is also one of the more expensive methods to set up and maintain.
If you’re considering starting a dispensary, aeroponics may not be the best option for you because of the upfront cost and risk involved. However, if you’re an experienced grower with a deep understanding of hydroponics, aeroponics may be worth considering.
The Best Strains of Medical Cannabis to Grow
When it comes to growing medical cannabis for dispensaries, there are a few things you need to take into account. You need to make sure you are growing the best strains of medical cannabis so that your patients can get the most out of it. You also need to be aware of the different strains of medical cannabis and how they can be used to treat different conditions. In this article, we will be discussing the best strains of medical cannabis to grow for dispensaries.
ACDC
ACDC is an indica-dominant strain with a pretty high THC content, averaging 20%. ACDC is a cross between Cannatonic and Ruderalis, both of which are known for their low THC content and high CBD content. CBD is the compound in cannabis that has shown the most promise in medical trials, and it is largely responsible for the healing properties of cannabis. The high CBD content of ACDC makes it a great strain for treating a wide variety of conditions, including:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Chronic pain
-Inflammation
-Epilepsy
– Cancer
ACDC is a relatively easy strain to grow, and it can be grown indoors or outdoors. It has a relatively short flowering time of 8-9 weeks, and it produces a moderate yield.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a 50/50 hybrid strain that was specifically bred to have high CBD levels and low THC levels. This makes it a good choice for those who want the medical benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. Cannatonic grows relatively quickly and can be ready to harvest in as little as 8 weeks. It has a citrusy taste and a strong smell that some describe as being similar to diesel fuel.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a CBD-rich strain , with THC levels that usually don’t exceed 5%. sativa-dominant hybrid. Harlequin was bred by the STrain Hunters team, and is a cross between Swiss sativa landraces and a Nepali indica. This makes it one of the most CBD-rich strains available on the market today, with CBD levels that can reach up to 15%! The high CBD content makes this strain ideal for medicinal use, as it can provide relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress without causing any psychoactive effects.
Sour Tsunami
Sour Tsunami is a hybrid strain of cannabis that is 60% indica and 40% sativa. This particular strain is known for its high CBD content, which makes it a popular choice for those looking to grow medical cannabis. Sour Tsunami has a sour, diesel-like flavor and aroma, with hints of lemon and lime. The buds are small to medium in size and have a light green color with orange hairs. This strain has a high yield and is easy to grow, making it a good choice for both beginner and experienced growers alike.
How to Maximize Yield When Growing Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis dispensaries are starting to open up all over the country, and as a result, there is a growing demand for high-quality cannabis. If you are thinking about growing medical cannabis, there are a few things you need to know in order to maximize your yield. In this article, we will go over some tips on how to grow medical cannabis so that you can get the most out of your crop.
LST (Low-Stress Training)
LST is a cannabis training technique that uses string or wire to “train” your plants into a certain shape. It is a gentle way of manipulating the plant into a desired shape, which allows for more even growth and, ultimately, bigger yields.
To LST your plants, you will need to tie down the tallest branches so that they are horizontal to the ground. This can be done with string or wire. As the plant grows, you will need to keep adjusting the ties so that the plant continues to grow horizontally.
LST is an especially good method for growing in small spaces, as it allows you to make the most of the space you have. When done correctly, LST can result in bigger yields and healthier plants.
SCROG (Screen of Green)
The Screen of Green (SCROG) method is one of the most popular methods for growing medical cannabis indoors. The SCROG method involves using a screen or mesh to train the cannabis plants to grow horizontally. This allows the grower to maximize yield by getting more buds from each plant.
To set up a SCROG grow, you will need a grow tent or room, grow lights, fans, pots, soil, and a screen or mesh. The mesh should be big enough to cover the entirety of your growing area. You will also need to get some dowels or other material to use as training aids.
Once you have all of your supplies, you will need to set up your grow area. Start by setting up your grow lights and fans. Then, set up your screen or mesh on top of the grow area. Be sure to leave enough space between the screen and the plants so that you can access the plants easily.
Once the screen is in place, you will need to start training the plants. To do this, simply tie the plants down to the screen with some string or wire. Be sure to leave enough space between each plant so that they have room to grow. As the plants grow, you will need to periodically check on them and re-tie them down if necessary.
After a few weeks, you should start to see buds forming on the plants. When they are ready, you can harvest them and enjoy your home-grown medical cannabis!
SoG (Sea of Green)
SoG or “Sea of Green” is a cannabis cultivation technique that gets its name from the dense sea of green cannabis plants it produces. The SoG method is designed to produce a large number of identical cannabis plants in a small space in a relatively short period of time.
To maximize yield, growers using the SoG method will typically start with a larger number of small plants, which are then allowed to grow for a shorter period of time before being harvested. This results in fewer overall grams of bud per plant, but the total yield is usually much higher.
SoG grows are typically done in grow tents or rooms with high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, and often involve training techniques like topping or supercropping to encourage the plants to produce more lateral (side) branches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to learn how to grow medical cannabis for dispensaries, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that you only grow enough for your personal use. Second, you need to get a dispensary license in order to sell your product. Lastly, remember that growing cannabis takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. With a little practice, you’ll be a master grower in no time!
