 Not all marijuana is grown the same. Many different growing styles have developed to accommodate the climate, environment, and financial resources for every grower. Outdoor growing is the original and most natural method — it’s how weed first grew in the wild before humans cultivated it for consumption. After outdoor farming came the innovation of new methods, such as indoor farming, light-dep hoop houses, and greenhouses. Below is a guide to all of the different growing styles to help you decide which method is best for your garden. Whether you’re completely new or an advanced gardening veteran, there are plenty of options for you.
If you’re starting a marijuana garden, the first decision you’ll make is whether to use seeds or clones. Because regular seeds from the same strain of cannabis are genetically a little different from each other, the resulting flower will also vary between seeds. In some cases, buds from two different seeds of the same strain will have differences in flavor. Seeds are extremely useful for breeders because they provide many different variations of a strain that allow the grower to select a favorite and make clones of that seed. Unlike regular seeds, cloned seeds are all genetically identical, and will therefore produce plants that are consistently the same in all aspects, including flavor. Outdoor Growing marijuana outdoors is the oldest and easiest method of cultivating weed. Ideally, you should select this method if you live in a “Mediterranean climate,” which has warm to hot summers, mild fall seasons, and not a lot of rainfall. Places like California, Oregon, and some regions of Washington exhibit similar climates to the Mediterranean environment.
Indoor Indoor growing is the most controlled, yet most expensive option. With indoor growing, environmental and seasonal factors are no longer a concern, and the growing space can be anything from a small cabinet to a giant warehouse. However, it costs a lot more to mimic and maintain “ideal” growing conditions artificially.
Light-Dep Hoop Houses Light-dep (short for light-deprivation) hoop houses are a method of growing that involves covering the plants with large tarps in a large tent-like structure outdoors. They work well in ideal climate regions and allow growers to influence the amount of sunlight and rainfall the plants receive. The tarps also offer greater protection from unpredictable weather. This option offers a nice balance, as it is essentially outdoor growing with greater environmental control.
Greenhouse Greenhouses are another convenient option for your garden. They allow for a more controlled growing environment while exposing the plants to sunlight and limiting pest infestations. In addition, the walls of the greenhouse shelter your harvest from rough weather conditions.
Every growing style is a little bit different. They all have significant pros and cons and work for different budgets and climates. Outdoor growing is the easiest and least expensive method, while indoor growing is the most complex and most expensive method. Partial-outdoor methods like light-dep hoop houses and greenhouses fall somewhere in the middle in terms of sustainability, cost, and labor. Ultimately, choosing a growing style comes down to how much environmental control you want for your harvest, and how much effort you are willing to put into your crop.
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 A lot of unorthodox workout trends have risen to popularity in the recent past. For example, goat yoga — yoga in which participants mingle with cute goats who use them like climbing playgrounds as they flow through various poses. Or paddleboat yoga, in which people practice yoga atop paddle boards in the water. On the more controversial side are activities such as ganja yoga and going to weed gyms.
Ganja Yoga Ganja yoga is the practice of using cannabis before a yoga session to heighten one's experience. Marijuana and yoga go hand-in-hand for a lot of reasons. Yoga places heavy emphasis on mindfulness, mental connections, conscious breath, music, and being in the present moment. Smoking weed before yoga could help enhance all of these individual aspects. The relaxed state and clear-headedness that weed induces helps the user focus on mind-body connections and perform a mental inventory of their subtlest sensations and breathing rhythm. Furthermore, when time starts to slow down after taking cannabis, users can really immerse themselves in the music and savor each present moment. People who have participated in ganja yoga often reported feeling ultra-connected to their surroundings, as well as appreciative of everything their heightened senses picked up — including silence. Weed Gym When Power Plant Fitness opened, it was the first of its kind — a gym that blended cannabis with working out. Its motivation? To "integrate cannabis into one's daily routine of wellness," both before and after a workout, and dispel any negative stereotypes about the "evils" of marijuana. It even helps its members create weed-assisted fitness plans and offers a line of athletic edibles "for pre-workout focus and post-workout recovery." Given that a large percentage of cannabis users like to get high before working out for the sense of relaxation and focus that is induced, Power Plant Fitness targeted exactly that clientele with the intent of promoting more motivated, weed-friendly workouts. However, you don't have to do ganja yoga or go to a weed gym to have a great weed workout. If you're looking for a different vibe while you exercise — a mood booster, less mental tension, or greater mind-body connection — try adding some cannabis to your routine! As always, stay mindful of dosage and the effects that weed has on your body if trying this for the first time.  Many of the anti-inflammatory steroids and medications currently on the market come with a long list of side effects, some of which you probably won’t experience, but are enough to scare you just from reading the label. If you’re looking for another form of treatment for inflammation you may be experiencing, cannabis is a good alternative. It’s not a new form of treatment either, despite its increasing popularity for medicinal benefits in recent decades. Using marijuana as an anti-inflammatory has been around for thousands of years across multiple cultures.
Compared to the medications you can get at a pharmacy, cannabis has relatively fewer side effects. Other steroids may cause symptoms such as decreased immune strength and muscle weakness. Cannabis, on the other hand, has minor side effects such as dry mouth and an increase in appetite. For this reason, it is a popular recommendation for patients with cancer and other conditions in which inflammation is prevalent, especially because it contains cannabidiol (CBD). In multiple studies tested on both human and animal subjects, CBD was found to suppress cytokine production. Cytokines are signaling proteins released by the immune system that trigger inflammation in the body. CBD’s ability to decrease cytokine production is helpful for individuals suffering from conditions like dermatitis and arthritis. If you’re uncomfortable with smoking a joint, there are plenty of other methods of taking marijuana. Vaping has a smaller footprint since you are just inhaling vapors, and edibles won’t affect your lungs at all. In addition, cannabis topicals in the form of salves, lotions, and transdermal patches are growing in popularity for their anti-inflammatory properties that can be applied directly to the skin, often without the psychoactive high effect. Cannabis-infused topicals are able to bind to endocannabinoid receptors (which respond to cannabinoids such as THC and CBD) in the body in order to bring pain relief to the applied area. The benefits of cannabis as an anti-inflammatory are both significant and abundant. The side effects are minimal, and there are a wide range of methods to try if you’re not comfortable with smoking. The next time you’re on the way to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription of steroid cream, consider trying something else first, maybe at your local dispensary (or, if you live in a non-recreationally legal state, consider asking for a medical marijuana prescription).  Music is a powerful tool — it has the ability to influence our moods and emotions, and is also a product of creativity, inspiration, and the many changing faces of reality. Music doesn’t just reflect moods, but also time, culture, and evolution. Some of the most legendary musicians from history created their best work under the influence of marijuana.
Listening to music is one of the best ways to unwind. If you’ve had a long day at work or are stressed, cannabis and music make up one of the best combinations of activities to help you relax. Music tends to sound so much better when you are high. Why does music sound better high? Here's the science behind weed enhancing the sound of music. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana known to stimulate feelings of euphoria and heightened sensitivity. Daniel J. Levitin, a psychology professor at McGill University, has posited that music enhancement may also stem from marijuana's disruption of short-term memory in the brain. As a result, people will take note of the smallest details in a song while "in the moment," and time will seem to pass much more slowly. What was originally a "good" song while sober becomes a mind-blowing ride while high. Below is a list of 10 song suggestions to enjoy on an epic trip session, whether solo or with friends. "Yes, I'm Changing" (2015) Artist: Tame Impala Themes: The lyrics of this song cover deep and reflective themes in a "John Lennon meets Pink Floyd" style of sound. "The Other Side of Paradise" (2016) Artist: Glass Animals Themes: Glass Animals, an English alternative-psychedelic group, brings a more modern sound to psychedelic music. "Comfortably Numb" (1979) Artist: Pink Floyd Themes: As you are comfortably numb being high, why not also listen to a song titled "Comfortably Numb"? The lyrics contain vivid imagery that only becomes more vivid when your senses are heightened. "Marijuana" (2010) Artist: Kid Cudi Themes: Take some marijuana, turn on a song called "Marijuana," listen to some lyrics about marijuana… this song hits the whole theme. "Purple Haze" Artist: Jimi Hendrix Themes: The combination of Jimi Hendrix, known for being a bold acid user, and the pronounced presence of electric guitar is perfect. "Nuthin' but a G Thang" (1992) Artists: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg Themes: As Snoop Dogg is a notorious king of weed, it makes sense to listen to one of his classics. "Strawberry Fields Forever" (1967) Artist: The Beatles Themes: What better opening lyrics than "Let me take you down, 'Cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields, Nothing is real, And nothing to get hung about, Strawberry Fields forever"? "Feel Good Inc." (2005) Artist: Gorillaz Themes: Gorillaz, an animated virtual band, paints a deep landscape in a song about both the dark and good things that have the ability to make people "feel good." "Riders on the Storm" (1971) Artist: The Doors Themes: Delve into this jazz-rock classic hit that touches upon the nature of the rough world humans are thrown into. "Sun is Shining" (1971) Artist: Bob Marley & The Wailers Themes: No stoner playlist is complete without a little upbeat reggae music.  If you’ve ever had the munchies before, it’s usually a very distinct feeling. After a relatively chill smoke sesh with some friends, hunger suddenly hits the group like a meteor — quickly, intensely, and out of nowhere. The sense of urgency to eat is synchronized among everyone, almost like a mental wavelength. Even if you just ate, food is the only cure to whatever you’re feeling. Though it may seem so, the munchies are not just a thief in the night who comes to grab you. The munchies are one of the most common side effects of consuming marijuana. Getting high heightens all of your senses, including smell and taste, but there’s a little bit more going on behind the scenes than just an amplified nose.
What triggers the munchies? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid found in cannabis that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of a weed-induced high. The body’s endocannabinoid system naturally helps control functions such as pain response, emotions, and appetite. The brain produces its own cannabinoids that fit into special receptors associated with each of these processes. THC has the ability to fit into these receptors as well, giving it the power to manipulate each of these functions significantly. When THC fits into receptors linked to appetite, hunger is artificially induced and makes the body feel as if it has been deprived of food. THC has also been found to facilitate the release of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger. In a nutshell: whether you are hungry or not, THC sneaks in and flips the hunger lever like a little goblin puppeting the olfactory region of your brain. Once that switch is flipped, you’re on the hunt for anything edible, preferably sweet or salty, and loaded with carbs… Taco Bell, for instance. Can the munchies be beneficial? Of course, the munchies are not ideal for anyone trying to lose weight, but they have been found to be beneficial for anyone with an appetite issue — for example, cancer patients or people with eating disorders. A large population of people with these conditions reported that using cannabis provided welcome pain relief and appetite stimulation. And the key to it all: THC tricking the brain into needing food. Does CBD give you the munchies? Interestingly, cannabidiol (CBD), another naturally occurring cannabinoid in marijuana, does not trigger the munchies like THC. It has been suggested that CBD helps reduce the side effects of THC related to appetite activation, among other side effects as well. The next time you light up a joint and are hit by the hunger meteor, you’ll know exactly what’s going on in your brain. THC is prancing through your endocannabinoid system, throwing its own little party as it mimics your natural cannabinoids to trigger a drastic reaction.  Smoking a joint or taking CBD gummies are generally useful techniques to help quell anxiety. Of course, these techniques only provide short-term relief from any mental turbulence that throws you off-course during the day. One way to deepen the calming effects of cannabis and extend your peace of mind is to integrate meditation into the routine.
Meditation on its own is known to have many benefits: it helps you learn to manage stress, draws you to the present moment, slowly melts away negativity, builds self-awareness and perspective, fosters creativity, and releases any mental and physical tension from your current state. In addition, it is an essential element of yoga and several religious practices. An important aspect of meditation to note is that it doesn’t only fix your present anxiety. Meditation cultivates feelings of calmness, mindfulness, and appreciation that follow you into the future. It’s a harvest of tranquility and introspection. While cannabis doesn’t have the ability to actively alter your mindset when you’re not using it, it’s the perfect tool to accompany and deepen your meditation practice. If you take a mood-lifting strain, negativity is melted away much faster. If you take advantage of the clarity that your strain induces, your self-awareness and ability to concentrate on the present will be magnified. Creativity and inspiration will also arrive more easily. Here are 5 cannabis strains to try out with your meditation session. Granddaddy Purple (Indica-dominant hybrid) With aromas of sweet berries and purple flowers, Granddaddy Purple is a full-body relaxing strain. It delivers a soothing sense of calm to the mind, providing relief to any mental or physical tension during meditation. This THC-dominant strain will not only clear the user's head but also activate the ability to feel present and in the moment. Hindu Kush (Indica) Hindu Kush is known to induce a trance-like mindset, which is good if you want to enjoy a hypnotic effect during meditation. It has flavors of citrus and sandalwood and is able to generate a deep sense of calm within the mind. Lamb’s Bread (Sativa-dominant hybrid) Lamb’s Bread is used for its mood-lifting abilities, as well as for the simultaneously positive yet peaceful vibes it sets within the mind. It is the perfect strain for focusing on positivity and gratitude during meditation and contains an earthy, herbal aroma. Blue Dream (Sativa-dominant hybrid) With hints of blueberry and floral notes, Blue Dream is usually described as a good strain for euphoria. It awakens the mind and induces alertness, which pairs well with focusing on the present and controlling breath rhythm during meditation. Mars OG (Indica-dominant hybrid) Mars OG possesses a pungent, peppery aroma, and is able to induce a peaceful state of mind capable of pulling the user back into the current moment. It has been described as a perfect strain for staying grounded during meditation. Try it out! Grab one of our recommended strains, or use one of your personal favorites, and light up a joint before you meditate. While your senses are heightened, try to observe all the ways that meditation with weed feels different than both cannabis and meditation as separate experiences. When you’re done with your practice, try to take note of whether or not your mindfulness follows you back into the real world. The next time you encounter any anxiety or mental obstacles in your day, aim to draw yourself back to a meditative state, even if only for a few deep breaths.  Photo by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash When we think of weed, we naturally think of the color green. However, buying weed is actually more like picking paint colors to put on a palette — cannabis flowers take on a whole spectrum of colors from red to blue and black to white. The natural instinct is to reach for whatever has the prettiest color and catches the eye most easily. You’ll buy the purple one not because it’s the most potent, but because it looks cool. Marijuana comes in a kaleidoscope of different hues, and the diversity among colors is due to a wide range of genetic and environmental factors. Cannabis breeders have noted this, and even strategically breed their strains to display more vibrant colors that will appeal to users.
All marijuana is green from the beginning. The green color remains with the plant through its infancy but then starts to change when the plant matures. The colors expressed in marijuana are all influenced by multiple factors: nutrients, environmental pH (soil alkalinity), sunlight, and temperature. For example, cooler temperatures tend to inhibit chlorophyll production, and chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. As a result, new hues have the chance to reveal themselves as seasons change and plants mature. All plants contain compounds called phytochemicals, which are responsible for the expression of these different colors. Anthocyanins belong to a class of phytochemicals called flavonoids that influence the colors of weed, and varying levels of anthocyanins color the plant in shades from red to black. An important note — weed with richer color is not necessarily more potent than weed with less pronounced color, nor does it have anything to do with the quality of your psychoactive high if you smoke it. Here are some brief explanations of the various hues found in marijuana and why they appear. Red and Pink Red and pink strains of marijuana usually get their colors from anthocyanins, which also contain antioxidant qualities. These shades rarely occur naturally in weed buds, which makes them more desirable among certain cannabis users. It is more common to see red hairs (pistils) than it is to see red buds. Occasionally, the plant will take on a red or pink hue as a result of a phosphorous deficiency in the soil. Examples of red and pink strains: Red Poison, Red Dragon, Pink Panther, Pink Flower Shaman, Predator Pink, Pink Flamingo Orange and Yellow Carotenoids are another family of pigments that plays a role in coloring marijuana. They are responsible for yellow and orange colors found in plants. In the human body, they help facilitate vitamin A production. Marijuana strains with gold, yellow, and champagne hues usually grow in alkaline soils or environments where the pH is higher. Another factor that can cause yellow to orange tingeing in weed is nitrogen deficiency. In nitrogen-poor environments, chlorophyll production is stifled, resulting in yellowed leaves and buds. Examples of yellow and orange strains: Orange Bud, Lemon Kush, Grapefruit, Nectarine, Olive Oyl, Kandy Skunk, Wicked OG Green While all immature marijuana plants start out green, only some retain their green hue through maturity. Chlorophyll, which causes the expression of green hues in plants, typically masks other pigments unless other environmental factors disrupt its function. In many cases, a true green color indicates that a marijuana plant was exposed to plenty of sunlight. Examples of green strains: Green Crack, Green Haze, Green Goblin Blue and Purple Various shades of blue and purple found in marijuana contain large amounts of anthocyanins. This trend is expressed in other plants as well — berries, eggplant, and purple cabbage are all incredibly rich in anthocyanins. The cannabis plant remains green while it is still young, but with maturity changes color as anthocyanin production increases. If the buds and leaves of weed are purple in hue, it was probably grown in a more neutral pH environment. If they’re blue, they were likely grown in a higher pH environment (alkaline soil). In the cannabis industry, purple is one of the most common hues available. Purple and blue colors are also good indicators of the “fruitiness” of a particular marijuana strain. Examples of blue and purple strains: Blueberry, Blue Dream, Blue Cheese, Purple Urkle, Granddaddy Purple, Purple Orangutan, Purple Haze White When buds on a cannabis plant have been cultivated to their absolute maximum potential, they are covered in white, frosty-looking trichomes. These trichomes are rich in cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, which cause the flower to be especially potent. If you smoke a strain with white-looking buds, your psychoactive high is guaranteed to be much more powerful. Another factor that can cause white pigmentation in marijuana is a class of flavonoids called anthoxanthins, which possess colors ranging from cream to yellow. Examples of white strains: White Widow, White Rhino Black There are a few rare strains of marijuana with black buds. This unusual coloring is due to an exceptional abundance of anthocyanins that turn the plant so dark it appears black. Something interesting to note about black strains is that they can induce very intense psychedelic highs. They are an ideal option for anyone looking for an extra kick during a session. Examples of black strains: Vietnamese Black, Black Willy, Black Tuna What color can tell you about environmental factors While color won’t always tell you the exact science behind a strain, it often serves as a good indicator of the environment in which the marijuana was harvested, as well as the general quality of the product. For example, vibrant colors suggest that the strain is still fresh, while faded colors of the same hue are a sign of diminished taste and potency. The presence of white trichomes points to extra potency in a strain. Buds rich in anthocyanins — namely, blue and purple flowers — may contain fruitier flavors. Red or yellow hues that appear unexpectedly may indicate imperfections in the weed, such as a phosphorus or nitrogen deficiency in the environment. And, finally, the growing temperature can be gauged from the color of marijuana as well. Green variations probably had exposure to the most sunlight, while the presence of other colors suggests an inhibition of chlorophyll’s function, and therefore lower temperatures or a seasonal change.  Vape pens, the ultimate way to consume cannabis discreetly, are incredibly convenient for a number of reasons. They don't carry the same conspicuous odor as a joint, they can easily fit into pockets and bags, and instead of exhaling smoke, you exhale vapor. Standard vape pens have cartridges of cannabis oil that is vaporized upon use. Decarboxylation — the process in which the cannabinoids THC and CBD are activated through high heating — happens almost instantaneously when using a vape pen, either by pressing a small button or in other models, just by inhaling.
What's going on under the surface of your vape pen? Here are a few details on how such a small device helps deliver such a successful high. The Mouthpiece The mouthpiece is located at the front end of a vape pen and is the part through which you inhale. Mouthpieces can be made from glass, silicone, or plastic, and are available in several shapes and variations. A mouthpiece is also sometimes called a "drip tip," because vape juices would drip through it in older models of vape tanks. The name "drip tip" still remained even after the introduction of non-dripper vape tanks. The Tank/Cartridge This is the part of the pen that holds the cannabis oil. Although the names are relatively the same, a tank is usually an empty compartment with a marked fill-line that can be filled with oil manually, while a cartridge is a compartment that is already filled with oil by a cannabis manufacturer and then inserted into the pen. The Atomizer The atomizer is a small heating unit that turns the oil to vapor droplets and activates the THC or CBD in the process. The most common types of atomizers are cotton wick, quartz, and ceramic. The ceramic version is the most resilient of the three because it retains heat well and holds up to higher voltages. Quartz atomizers are also pretty reliable but don't retain heat at the same level as the ceramic versions. Cotton wick atomizers are the most sensitive, as they are prone to overheating and burning at higher voltages, and need to be replaced more frequently than ceramic or quartz ones. The Activation Trigger A vape pen can either be activated with a power button or with a sensor that turns the device on when you inhale. Button-activated pens usually have a safety catch that requires you to click five times in a row to turn on the device, which helps prevent accidental activation. You can also adjust temperatures with the button. The Battery The battery takes up most of the vape pen's total volume. It is usually a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It can be charged through a charger that screws onto the back end of the pen and has a USB port. Your device can be easily charged by a computer, in the car, or anywhere else with a convenient outlet and USB adapter. The next time you use a vape pen, your understanding of the whole process will be much deeper, and you might even find yourself appreciating the small details you'd never noticed before in your vaping experience.  What exactly is the relationship between cannabis and anxiety or stress? Many users seek out cannabis to deal with anxiety and stress in a variety of forms, including sleeplessness and appetite loss. These five mood-boosting strains all tackle anxiety with different methods; some are meant to assist with peaceful sleeping and feeling refreshed in the morning, while others are more energizing and uplifting.
Jack Herer (Sativa-dominant hybrid) Jack Herer is a popular option for morning blues because of its ability to induce energized focus and happiness. Good for people with anxiety and depression, this strain also is linked to feelings of creativity and motivation. Jack Herer is THC-dominant, and its flavor profile includes aromas of freshly cut wood and pine. Granddaddy Purple (Indica-dominant hybrid) With aromas of sweet berries and purple flowers, Granddaddy Purple is a full-body relaxing strain that works well with insomnia and chronic pain. It delivers a soothing sense of calm to the mind, providing relief to any mental or physical tension before sleeping. This THC-dominant strain will not only clear the user's head but also activate the appetite, making it a competent remedy to appetite loss. Northern Lights (Indica) Northern Lights has been described as a perfect strain for people with bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, or poor appetite. It delivers a sweet and earthy aroma and induces a peacefully euphoric feeling. While creating sensations of mellow laziness, it also works during sleep to help the user feel less groggy and more refreshed in the morning. Harlequin (Sativa-dominant hybrid) Harlequin contains a chill balance of THC and CBD, delivering the positives of both cannabinoids in healthy doses alongside flavors of mango and earthiness. The CBD helps counteract any negative anxiety-inducing effects of THC, making this strain perfect for anyone with heavy anxiety or stress by clearing the mind. It also works well with pain-relief. The high CBD profile in Harlequin may also create a sense of happiness without as much psychoactive high (which would be common in a THC-dominant strain). Girl Scout Cookies (Indica-dominant hybrid) Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) has a sweet yet earthy flavor profile and is associated with boosting positivity, a clear headspace, and euphoric feelings. With large concentrations of THC, GSC is also commonly used as relief for pain, nausea, and appetite loss. It is a highly recommended strain for those with heavy stress, anxiety, and depression. 
Photo by Michelle Tsang on Unsplash
It is the last weekend of summer but it’s not too late to enjoy a cool dessert! This step-by-step recipe will take only 15 minutes to make.
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