Page 17 - Griffin Gazette Issue 3 - 2018
P. 17
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plants. Plan to scout phenotype occurs. Maintain media pH at 5.8-6.2 in
plant and offered as a supplement/ and rogue starting around week six. the media of your choice (peat-based,
treatment for medical conditions such as Alternatively, grow from cuttings from coir-based or inert media all work well).
seizures, pain, anxiety and depression. mother stock (female stock plants). Pinch prior to transplant and take care
DNA-based testing is available for sexing to avoid root-bound liners. Also, avoid
Hemp can provide strong potential as and is financially practical for stock plant drought stress, as this will stunt plants.
a diversification crop for ornamental production, but probably not for the
growers with a bit of land. States with thousands of plants that go to the field. Hemp has a few specific needs in the
pilot programs for hemp production The stock plants (aka “the moms”) must field. It is sensitive to water-logged
generally have lower barriers to entry be grown under long days to maintain soils; consider using raised beds and
compared to commercial marijuana vegetative growth. Long days can be plastic row cover to minimize this risk.
production and production needs are achieved with HPS or LED lights with Avoid drought stress, as this can lead
relatively simple. Currently, 40 states day extension or with other night to development of male flowers. The
have industrial hemp programs in place. interruption methods. best way to manage the crop is with
Rules vary by state, and growers must drip irrigation, which can be supported
be registered/licensed to grow hemp. with an injector to make nutrient supply
Note that CBD products are often state more efficient. Alternatively, consider
regulated and all forms of cannabis are use of slow release or controlled release
federally illegal. fertilizers.
Production is much simpler for hemp Planting densities range from 600 to 800
than for marijuana, generally following plants per acre to 2000 plants per acre.
a tobacco-like model. First, while hemp Wider spacing will allow space for larger
liners are produced in the greenhouse, plants. Speaking of the field, recognize
most hemp production occurs in an that planting next to ag crops will very
agricultural field under natural light. likely increase your risk of insect pests
Second, while hemp is a short-day migrating to your hemp crop.
plant (like a mum or poinsettia), the If you are interested in producing hemp for
liners are produced in late spring, so CBD, fiber or other use, check with your
there is minimal need for supplemental state regulating agency to understand
lighting to keep the plants vegetative. the registration/licensure process. Your
Finally, there is nothing mysterious about extension agent should be able to direct
hemp production – the liners are grown you to the proper office or you can
in conventional trays with conventional search “industrial hemp” with your state
media and with conventional fertilizers.
Speaking of lights, use of lights and light name to find information online. It would
For key production considerations, let’s deprivation systems is common practice also be a good idea to check with an
start in the field. Hemp for CBD is grown when growing marijuana year-round. attorney well-versed in hemp production
differently than hemp grown for fiber. However, with a target field transplant in your state. Since cannabis is still illegal
Fiber crops are grown like grain crops date of May 15-June 15 for most areas at the federal level, most organizations
in open fields and are bulk harvested. (avoid planting to the field after July 1), the run their hemp operations separate from
Hemp grown for CBD extraction is liner crop won’t need supplemental light their traditional greenhouse operations,
generally grown in spaced rows. Also, because the day length is adequate over i.e. separate businesses. Finally, join
when growing hemp for CBD, the the two to three weeks of production time. your local hemp growers association
focus is on female plants. Males bring for mentoring support and collective
the risk of fertilization, which can result The two- to three-week crop time can influence with regulating agencies.
in high THC levels and lower quality easily fit into your greenhouse once Once you’ve done your research and
CBD oil. This is different from industrial you start selling your first round of decided to grow hemp, remember
production for fiber, which utilizes both spring crops. Start with soft cuttings. to reach out to your Griffin sales rep
female and male plants. Therefore, It’s common for cannabis growers to for help. We are working with hemp
anything that can be done to increase take 4-6 node cuttings, but smaller growers across a number of states, and
the percentage of female plants being cuttings should be successful. Stems can supply you with the products and
planted will greatly reduce labor required are generally cut at a 45° angle, with knowledge to grow a successful crop.
later to rogue males. cuttings quickly submersed in water
to protect the hollow stem. Rooting is
Reducing the presence of males starts in best achieved with the use of rooting
propagation. If growing from seed, start hormone and bottom heat. Maintain long More to see online
with feminized seeds, but recognize days (16 hours, natural or artificial) and See our digital Gazette for information
that this doesn’t guarantee only female feed sparingly at 50 ppm once rooting on hemp rules state by state.
GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2018 | 17