High Times – October 2019

102 HIGH TIMES I OCTOBER 2019

proper veg timing, could improve yields
without sacrificing quality. If grown outdoors,
however, you’ll need to protect OG Kush from
the wind, which could easily split branches off
of the main stem.

HEMP
In recent years, enthusiasm for cannabi-
diol (CBD) has grown exponentially. CBD
provides anxiolytic, antiepileptic and

anti-inflammatory effects. CBD is commonly

extracted from seed-hemp plants, which are

bred to have big buds that yield lots of seeds.

These plants tend to have a significant resin

content, but must not contain more than 0.3

percent THC to be considered hemp. Instead

of a high-THC percentage, the resin of hemp

is high in CBD. Fiber hemp differs from seed

hemp in that it is grown closely spaced to

promote stretching and long internodes,

using tall strains that are high in fiber and

generally low in flower yield. Dual-purpose

hemp varieties exist, but they are less desir-

able for either seed or fiber production than

specialized types.

Breeders have developed marijuana

strains that produce both THC and CBD. The

most famous strain of this type is Cannatonic

from Resin Seeds. The best examples of Can-

natonic have a ridiculously strong grapefruit

scent and a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD, creating a

very relaxing effect.

Knowledge of cannabis history is crucial

for predicting the future of the plant. Under-

standing the origins of modern hybrids

can also help growers use their resources

as effectively as possible, by guiding them

in assembling a diverse strain menu and in

choosing strain-specific cultural practices.

With improved legal status and a greater

public interest than ever before, cannabis

is set for a new wave of breeding success

stories. The future may bring a revival of

breeding for the outdoors, and as rules

against shipping loosen, regional specialty

strains could develop, as were once common.

Undoubtedly, indoor, outdoor and green-

house cultivation will continue to evolve,

aided by technology, research and a never-

before-seen availability of strains. m

THE HISTORY OF HYBRIDS

Hemp crops

are increas-

ingly being

used for CBD

production.

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