Tell the WSLCB to Require Terpenes on Cannabis Labels

      The WSLCB is taking public comment on packaging and labeling rules. This would be a good time to let them know medical cannabis patients would be better served in the state if  producers and processors were required to put the top 3 terpenes on their labels. This would also help adult users get away from the sativa and indica guessing game in which bud tenders and consumers basically guess about the effects of a particular strain. By listing the terpenes, educated consumers would be able to choose exactly what they need/want when it comes to the effects of their cannabis.

       To contact the WSLCB and submit your public comment concerning terpene labeling on cannabis packaging, send an email to rules@lcb.wa.gov

Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides Available

Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides Available

     Last year the MMCWS put together business card sized “Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides”. Terpenes are smell molecules. The cards list the most common terpenes found in cannabis, and their known effects. The cards are based on the work of Dr. Jeffery Raber, and others, who have studied what is known as the “entourage effect”. The idea is the terpenes act in conjunction with THC, CBD and other cannabanoids to produce the different unique medicinal effects of each cannabis strain. Think of THC as a 15 seat passenger van, and the terpenes the passengers. When ingested the THC “van” transports the terpenes across the blood brain barrier, thus intensifying the effect of the terpenes. For example, limonene in a lemon does not cross the blood brain barrier, therefore, when consumed the limonene has a far less effect than if it is consumed in Super Lemon Haze. This is a basic example, and there is much more to be learned about terpenes in cannabis and their various medicinal effects. We put these cards together to begin to educate the public and medical cannabis patients on the true nature of cannabis. They are not meant to be medical advice, and provide only a snapshot of current research.

     Recently, the MMCWS has generously received offers for funding to print more Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides. If you’d like a pack of 20, please send over your address to emailmmcws@gmail.com , and we will send them direct to your door. If you need more than 20, please let us know.

View our Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides at our FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/mjismedicine/

Reverend Weaver Grow Tip – Harvest for Aroma

Today research on the medicinal benefits of marijuana point in the direction of terpenes, the molecules that give cannabis strains their aroma or smell.  The different terpenes have been found to have unique medicinal qualities.  

Years ago through various periods I found out due to basic medical needs that what some would be considered an early harvest, 6 1/2 weeks to 7 1/2 weeks brought with it a much more pronounced flavor and aroma which reminded me of Lebanese Blonde hash from the 70's.  I would have to say that the " head rush" was more likely to occur here then with traditional harvest when 50 percent of the bud hairs are red.  Years ago whenever this was established as the harvesting standard thc was the focus.  We know more now about other components or chemicals found in cannabis and Thc is becoming a side note to the educated.

    To this day I find that what some commercial growers are now calling early harvest yields me a better product than if I " over finish" my produce.  I look for die off of the tips of the hairs and definitely harvest if I begin to see any red.  I know this goes against general harvesting folk lore and voices will talk about bud tightness and other things they dislike about harvesting a plant when the flower is at the peak of freshness.  This preference for flavor and taste known hereabouts as the Old Man Brand  or technique speaks to the feeling "that life is too short to smoke bad tasting ganja".  Besides I pick an apple before it falls from the tree and I give my lover a fresh fragrant rose not one that is at the end of its beauty.  

     When that 6 week period comes around we start watching for changes that show the hair receptors are beginning to deteriorate on the flower.  Harvesting after hair receptor die off means less flavor, fragrance and thus perhaps less terpene content due to 

the general deterioration of the flower.  

     This theory may already have been explored by commercial growers with product testing at various harvest times to check for terpene levels.  I never spent the money to prove this, direct experience by myself and others plus lack of loose change to pay for testing was enough for me.  

Another tip I discovered is to not trim so closely that I cut off hairs and all bits of small leaf within the bud.  Some plant strains have more vegetative leaf within the bud than others.  Also growing and flowering under a metal halide or full spectrum lighting system produces a leafier flower.  These flower leaves have flavor and may contain more terpenes than we are aware of, regardless I trim the tips off but make sure to not be so aggressive and so I try to leave any portion of leaf I see covered with tricombs or crystal.  The bud quality doesn't suffer if you have good curing procedures.  Again these things work for me and I enjoy the flavor of my harvest over most others I have tried, but it might not be for you.

Happy Harvesting

>From a Friend of the Friend