For Over Three Years We’ve Served The Community With CompassionWE A R E H E R E T O S TAY !

hope all of you are doing well. It has definitely been a crazy month for medical cannabis in

California. Please read the statement I made the day after US Attorneys had their press conference.! "Yesterday, 4 US Attorney's held a Press C o n f e re n c e h e re i n S a c r a m e n t o . T h e y threatened action against m e d i c a l c a n n a b i s providers. They did say that they will not come after medical patients.! Let me assure you, El Camino Wellness Center has no plans to close. We are here to serve patients the same way we h a v e f o r 3 ye a rs . No

matter what the threats are, we will continue to fight for the right to provide medicine in a safe environment for our many patients and caregivers. ! I want to personally thank all of you for your support. We will be here for all of you."

Next week we wi l l be participating in a s t a t e w i d e m e d i c a l m a r i j u a n a peaceful protest and rally. Hopefully you will be able to make it!

! Nine members of Congress have directly asked President Obama to end the ongoing attacks on state medical cannabis programs. ! In a letter sent to the White House late last month, representatives from California, Colorado and Tennessee called the targeting of state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries “unconscionable” and called on the President to reschedule cannabis to make it available as a medicine. The letter also urges support for the States' Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) that would prohibit federal interference in state medical cannabis programs. ! The other members of Congress who signed the letter are Democrats Barbara Lee, Pete Stark, Lynn Woolsey, and Republican Dana Rohrbacher – all of California – and Democrats Jared Polis of Colorado and Steve Cohen of Tennessee. Staff from Americans for Safe Access’s Washington D.C. of f ice worked with the representatives in preparing the letter. ! "We write to express our concern with the recent activity by the Department of Justice against legitimate medical cannabis dispensaries in California that are operating legally under state law," the letter said. ! The four U.S. Attorneys in California announced Oct. 7 that they were stepping up enforcement actions against dispensaries in the state. The announcement follows a Department of Justice memo issued June 29 stating that anyone involved with medical cannabis programs, even those expressly legal and licensed under state law, is subject to federal prosecution and asset forfeiture. ! "It is our strong position that local and

state governments must be allowed to develop, implement and enforce their own public

health laws with regard to medical cannabis," the letter stated. ! The Representatives also noted that the recent escalation in California follows months of federal interference in other state medical cannabis programs, including federal raids in seven states. Americans for

Safe Access has documented 125 medical cannabis raids under the

Obama Administration.

More information:

The letter to President Obama from members of Congress

In This Months Issue

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Dear Whitehouse,

EL CAMINOWellness Center

M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R

Novem

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AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS Information from the Front

San Francisco, CA -- Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the country's largest medical marijuana advocacy organization, f i l ed su i t in federa l cour t today challenging the Obama Administration's attempt to subvert local and state medical marijuana laws in California. ASA argues in its lawsuit that the Obama Justice Department (DOJ) has "instituted a policy to dismantle the medical marijuana laws of the State of California and to coerce its municipalities to pass bans on medical marijuana dispensaries." The DOJ policy has involved aggressive SWAT-style raids, criminal prosecutions of medical mari juana patients and providers and threats to local officials for merely implementing state law.! "Al though the Obama Administration is entitled to enforce federal mari juana laws, the Tenth Amendment forbids it f rom using coercive tactics to commandeer the law-making functions of the State," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, who filed the lawsuit today in San Francisco's federal District Court. "This case is aimed at restoring California's sovereign and constitutional right to establish its own public health laws based on this country's federalist principles." The ASA lawsuit, which seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, was filed on behalf of its 20,000 members in California who are directly and adversely affected by the DOJ actions.! On October 7th, California's four U.S. Attorneys announced in a highly unusual joint press conference that the DOJ would be engaging in a multi-pronged attack on the State's medical marijuana laws involving enforcement action against State-compliant producers and distributors as well as threatening their landlords with criminal prosecution and civil asset forfeiture. In addition, the same U.S. Attorneys have been sending threaten ing l e t te r s to se vera l municipalities across the state in an attempt to undermine the passage of local medical marijuana regulations.! On July 1st, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California sent a letter to Chico Mayor

Ann Schwab stating that the city's proposed ordinance regulating medical marijuana dispensaries would violate federal law. U.S. Attorney B e n j a m i n Wagner also w a r n e d Chico's City A t t o r n e y, C i t y Manager, and Police Chief that council members and staff could face federal p rosecut ion for i t s a t tempts to implement such a law. As a result, the Chico City Council voted on August 2nd to re sc ind i t s medica l mar i juana dispensary ordinance.On August 15th, the Eureka City Council received a letter from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California threatening that its regulation of medical marijuana dispensaries violates federal law. Similar to the letter sent to Chico, the Eureka letter stated that the city's pub l i c l y ve t ted l i cens ing scheme "threatens the federal government’s efforts to regulate, the possession, manufactur ing, and traff icking of controlled substances." The letter added that, "If the City of Eureka were to proceed, this office would consider injunctive actions, civil fines, criminal prosecution, and the forfeiture of any property used to facilitate a violation of [federal law]." Because of these threats, the City of Eureka has suspended implementation of its local ordinance.

The federal actions announced on October 7th by U.S. Attorneys have also derailed the regulatory efforts of local governments in Arcata, El Centro, Sacramento and other municipalities across the state. Less than a week after the DOJ press conference, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted an early morning raid on October 13th at Northstone Organics, a fully-licensed cultivation collective in Mendocino County. The DEA handcuffed the collective's founder and his wife and

cut down all 99 plants, which were each zip-tied and registered with the Sheriff 's Department. Mendocino has one of the most tightly controlled cultivation ordinances in the state.! Several local and state officials ha ve pub l ic l y b la s ted the Obama Administration's tactics. In a recent statement, Mendocino County Supervisor John McCowen called the DEA raid on Northstone "outrageous," and said "The elimination of dispensaries that operate legally and openly will endanger patients and the public." Last week, the co-author of Cal i fornia 's Medical Mari juana Program Act, State Senator Mark Leno "urge[d] the federal government to stand down in it massive attack on medical marijuana dispensaries." On October 21st, State Attorney General Kamala Harris issued a statement renouncing the federal government’s tactics, claiming that "an over l y broad federa l enforcement campaign will make it more difficult for legitimate patients to access physician-recommended medicine," and urging "federal authorities in the state to adhere to the [DOJ's] stated policy" of allowing California to implement its medical mar i juana l aws wi thout federa l interference.Although the lawsuit accuses the Obama Administration of commandeering California's legislative function and interfering with local laws meant to distinguish between medical and non-medical use, it does not challenge the federal government's authority to adopt and enforce federal marijuana laws. The lawsuit states that , "It i s , rather, the . . .mi suse o f the go ver nment 's Commerce Clause powers, designed to deprive the State of its sovereign ability to chart a separate course, that forms the basis of plaintiffs' claims."Further information:ASA l awsu i t f i l ed today : h t tp : / /A m e r i c a n s Fo r S a f e Ac c e s s . o r g / d o w n l o a d s /ASA_v_Holder.pdfU.S. Attorney letter threatening Chico officials: http://A m e r i c a n s Fo r S a f e Ac c e s s . o r g / d o w n l o a d s /DOJ_Threat_Letter_CA_Chico.pdf

U.S. Attorney letter threatening Eureka officials: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/DOJ_Threat_Letter_CA_Eureka.pdf

he Green Avengers are on a mission to produce some of the wor ld ’s most e l i te

cannabis strains and future legends of dank.  Better known as TGA Subcool Seeds, this cream of the crop team of breeders is quickly escalating to legendar y status themselves.  The chronic breeder known as Dioxide is responsible for one of Hightimes 2010 Best Strains of the Year, the sweet, sticky buds called Chernobyl.

Chernobyl is completely covered in crystals, shrouding the buds in glowing resin.  Every part of this bud is sticky and sweet, even the stems will stick to your fingers.  The sweet fruity taste is incredible, but it is the mind-bending high that this cannabis is known for.   This is a very Sativa dominant medicine, with an entirely complete feeling that vibrates through the body.  This is a Sativa that is even great before bed, for a fully rested sleep and pleasant dreams.

When Subcool f i r s t came to California, he was on the search for the best cut of Trainwreck he could get.  Trainwreck is a legendary strain itself, and is widely known across America as being some of the best cannabis ever.  However, Subcool could not find a cut that he was truly impressed with, even the original Arcata E-32 was too tall, too lanky, and was too likely to hermaphrodite for him to consider usable for breeding.  The breeder known a s Smokescreen had discovered a Black Trainwreck, found from a bagseed grown in a room with both Trainwreck and Trinity.  It was unsure which seeded which, or if the Trinity was even involved but it must be

assumed s ince those were the only possibilities.  The B lack Tr a i n w r e c k showed all of the classic features of the legendary Tr a i n w r e c k , without showing any signs of male s tamens , even under stress or late into flower.  A cut o f th i s amazing p lant wa s g i ven to Dioxide knowing that he cou ld come up wi th i n c r e d i b l e results, and he did!

When Dioxide crossed the Black Trainwreck to his male Jack The Ripper plant, he produced an award-winning batch of genetics.  The TGA created JTR has a bit of legendary history behind it as well.  Chernobyl is the sweet, sticky, super Sativa bud that has shown to be at least 19% THC easily, but could likely be pushed to the brink to much higher.  Or perhaps the fat and tasty calyxes are just filled with too much flavor.  There are two varieties of Chernobyl, a Lime and a Cherry.  The difference is distinguishable in the bud, the plant, and the smoke, but the high is pretty much the same.  The Cherry cut is a little more Indica-prominent, but Indica in a way that Romulan is considered.  More like the kind of Sativa that feels like an Indica. The plant also exhibits the short, squat, recessive traits of this Sativa dominant Hybrid.  The

more Sativa-dominant Lime cut of Chernobyl grows tall and bushy, and has more crystals than almost any other cannabis plant known to man.  This bud tastes just like Sprite, or lime-sherbert, and can blow your mind into the stratosphere in such a calm and cool way that you just don’t mind being up there at all.

Now is the t ime that a l l the grower’s have picked out their favorite mom’s and have begun to mass-produce this amazing strain.  Be on the lookout for th i s incredible medicine from TGA, and if you are lucky you will come across Cher noby l Cherr y.  “Warning: Recessive Genetics” They really did redefine potency.

T

All pictures are of actual product from ECWCC.

STRAIN OF THE MONTHChernobyl

A different way to medicate: OIL Dome

With arrival of hash oils to medical cannabis community, the quest for most effective intake method has led patients try new and sometimes mystifying devices. One device that has definitely caught the ear of patients who use concentrates is the Oil Dome. The Dome consist of three pieces; the base a double sided male glass on glass joint, a glass nail with concave head , and a glass dome that fits on to the double sided glass joint. The best part about the whole set up is that it is made entirely of glass. To prepare the place the double sided joint on your favorite glass piece, set the nail inside, next take your trusty torch lighter and heat the nail up until

its almost red h o t . N e x t p l a c e t h e dome over the nail carefully a n d d a b a small amount of oil, earwax, or super melt hash. Another option is to u s e t h e titanium nail, w h i c h i s a t i t a n i u m version of the n a i l w h i c h a l l o w s f o r faster heating times and huge increase longevity. A glass nail setup can run between $40-$70 and should last for a couple months of use before you’ll need to by another nail.

The green candy hash oil is isopropyl extracted oil with a rich sweet taste and rich oily smell absent of any signs of solvents. At first look the oil is dense and viscous one poke of the oil dabber reveals its true silken nature. As you pull the dabber out of the jar the oil slowly musters its self to the apex. While this oil would be great atop a bowl of the finest medicine it works perfectly with a glass

nail setup. Upon the glass nail the oil sizzles f o r a s e c o n d t h e n vaporizes to a thick sweet smoke. The effect is cerebral, uplifting, and very euphoric. The sweet taste is reminiscent of the Green Candy buds which al lows for a b l i ss fu l exper ience . While the iso extract method leaves the oil a darker color due to its purging process, it is a great a l ternat ive to BHO!

A different way to medicate: Green Candy Oil

arvest Time Approaches

It’s been a wonderful summer here in NorCal!  Despite all adversities like bugs, mold and cops of all sorts, we will triumph again by bringing our fine herb to our neighbors.    You farmers are the salt of the earth.  We are all meant to be farmers, in my humble opinion.  

Growers’ work and wait patiently for their efforts to fruit as reward for their labors.  This is the time for patience as the flowers mature and many growers worry about deciding when to harvest.

Many variables make this process of harvesting more difficult.  Weather, strains used from clone or seeds affect flowering times.  When growing the same clones, the process is simplified but many outdoor growers prefer growing from seed.  Seeds grow 25% faster than clones and generally make the biggest outdoor plants.

  

FLOWERING BOG L.S.D.

Seeds vary considerably more than clones of course.  When harvesting, the plants should always be evaluated on an individual basis.  Peak harvest period lasts only 2 – 3 days with outdoor plants so making the correct judgment about when to chop is crucial.  The reality however is often that impending rain or other circumstances forces harvest all at once and often too early.

Methods of judging the maturity of buds help when trying for peak harvest period.  Under a magnifying glass you can see resin stalks and heads.  Too early and heads are unformed and totally clear.  Too late and resins are yellow with most heads fallen off.

 

B.M.R. CLOSEUP           

My advice is to wait for haze to appear in the resins that start out clear.  Don’t go for a high % of amber resins.  Just wait for the heads to form and the clarity to haze.  This early side of peak har ves t usua l l y works out bes t outdoors.  Curing continues after the chop and this is the time to be very careful with your crop.

Often, new growers don’t realize how fragile their crop is once harvested.  Excess leaves must be removed before

hanging to dry.  The plants must be kept warm and well ventilated until at least half dried.  Mold in early curing will set in if wet or cold!  A heated garage with fans works well and don’t be afraid to keep it warm.  Partial drying will reduce the chance of mold in your crop.  

Plants should stay intact (on stalks with no leaves) until final trimming.  This keeps the bud fresh over long periods of up to 6 months.  Once trimmed the buds should be given at least 24 hours warm and well -ventilated air exposure to dry them further before packing in bags or jars.  Containers should not be sealed tight until you are confident that your product is fully cured and safe for airtight storage.

386 GRAM BOGGLEGUM PLANT      

Have a good harvest my friends.

BOG

H

BOG SEEDS PRESENTSBest Tips from B.O.G.

Information from Pure Analytics Lab

Important Considerations in the Control of Powdery

Mildew Infestations in Cannabis

By: Samantha Miller, President-Chief Scientist, Pure

Analytics Cannabis Potency and Safety Screening

The cannabis farmer or patient-cultivator faces many challenges throughout the lifecycle of the plant. Some of t h e s e c h a l l e n g e s include control of insect and m o l d infestat ions. P o w d e r y mildew can be o n e o f t h e most common and frustrating i s s u e s i n c a n n a b i s c u l t i va t i o n . P o w d e r y mi ldew is a type of fungus that in fec ts plants. There a r e s eve ra l s p e c i e s o f p o w d e r y mi ldew that infect different types of plants, these all belong to the order of Fungi known as Erysiphales. Infected plants display white powdery spots on stems and leaves as shown in the photo below. This growing season, with its unusual weather patterns, was especially tough with extensive proliferation of powdery mildew in some regions. There are many c o m m e r c i a l l y a va i l a b l e treatments to stave off the spread of powdery mildew, once present, as well as products designed to be preventative throughout the lifecycle of the plant.

When seeking a treatment for the control of a powdery mildew infestation the patient-cultivator should strongly consider the implications of what they are applying to cannabis that will eventually be consumed by humans. As noted above there are many c o m m e r c i a l l y a va i l a b l e t rea tments fo r powdery mildew. There are organic, OMRI listed options and those that contain more dangerous

chemicals that m a y h a v e h e a l t h imp l i ca t i ons for humans. It is important to u n d e r s t a n d what it is you are applying and to follow t h e p r o p e r guidelines for use. Read the i n s t ru c t i ons carefully for:••P r o t e c t i v e c l o t h i n g requirements•Period for re-e n t r y a f t e r

application (how long before you can return t o t h e a r e a o f application)

• Intended growth phase of use. Can it be used o n f r u i t s a n d vegetables or only during early growth stages? Is it only intended for use on ornamental plants?

• Proper storage and disposal

These stipulations are important to follow and adhere to. They are established for the safety of both the farmer and the consumer. If the product you are buying does

We are now a drop off point for Pure Analytics Labs!

THC-CBD-CBN Potency Testing

Know how much active ingredient is in your cannabis.

Verify the presence and amounts of THC, CBD, and CBN

Precise, reliable chromatographic analysis

Only 1 gram sample needed

Potency Test Pricing:

1-4 Samples $ 110

5-19 Samples $ 100

20+ Samples $ 85

Mold and Fungus Screening

Know your medicine is safe and healthy.

Screen your medicine for mold and fungus through microscopic investigation

Only 1 gram sample needed

Mold & Fungus Pricing:

1-4 Samples $ 20

5-19 Samples $ 19

20+ Samples $ 16

Medibles & Concentrates Dosages

Customized testing and tools for producing edibles with known dosages

Training to produce your own accurate dosage labeling

TESTING

not have all of the information you need, look up the active ingredients online an d read the MSDS, material safety data sheet, for each active ingredient. These are often easy to find on the manufacturers website. The MSDS wi l l have al l of the important information noted in the list above and more. With a difficult growing season underway many farmers are turning to stronger and more dangerous chemicals to control powdery m i l dew, such as myclobutanil. Without discretion for the labeling precluding use

during the later stages of g rowth , despera te garden managers turn to desperate measures to avoid expensive losses. The prevalence of this f u n g i c i d e i n c a n n a b i s i s concerning. Patient-cultivators are encouraged to seek out OMRI listed organic products for use in the control of crop infestations. You can find some of these products listed on our Facebook page. By engaging in thoughtful pest control cannabis cultivators c a n m a k e a n i m p o r t a n t contribution to the health, well-

being and sustainability of the medical cannabis community. For more information on subjects like this one check us o u t o n t h e w e b a t www.pureanalytics.net and visit o u r b l o g a t www.pureanalytics.net/blog. If you would like to have your cannabis screened for pesticide residues, cannabinoid potency or mold and fungus contamination you may drop off your sample at El Camino Wellness Center for analysis by Pure Analytics.

You will need:

1 whole boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed2 cups wild rice, cooked1/2 pound fresh asparagus3 tablespoons hoisin sauce3 tablespoons peanut oil, & 1 Tablespoon THC oil 1 tablespoon brown sugarDirections:Cut asparagus into 3/4 inch to 1 inch pieces, discarding tough bottom of spears. In a small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce and brown sugar and set aside. Prepare rice OR reheat cooked rice and keep warm.

Heat wok over medium high heat. When hot, dribble 1 tablespoon of Peanut oil around the rim. Stir fry asparagus for approximately 2 minutes. Remove from the wok and keep warm. Heat wok to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil and the chicken pieces and stir fry until the chicken is no longer pink. Add the reserved asparagus and hoisin/sugar sauce and stir fry all together until pieces are coated with sauce. Serve over the hot rice and finish by drizzling 1 Tablespoon of THC oil.

Medicated Wild Rice & Asparagus Chicken

PURE ANALYTICSPowdery Mildew(cont.)

RECIEPE

ast month we had been fortunate enough to be graced by the presence of world-renowned cannabis breeder DJ

Short.  We have had continual good fortune here at El Camino Wellness Center to be able to offer patients’ access to true DJ Short Seeds straight from the source.  He is one of the original breeders of connoisseur seeds for sinsemilla growing.  This is the breeder whose claim to fame is the world famous Blueberry, first created in the early 1970’s.  DJ Short’s Blueberry strain has been the basis for many breeders and many famous strains, and is the winner of the 2000 Hightimes Cannabis Cup.  A male Blueberry in his personal collection is the main ingredient in many of his own strains.  DJ Short offers stable genetics in a variety of different flavors and growth patterns.

We try to keep a constant supply of these incredible genetics available, including the true Blueberry.  We also currently carry Flo, Vanilluna, and Azure Haze.

Blueberry is a mostly

Indica plant that is a cross of Highland Thai X Purple Thai X Afghani Indica.  This fruity plant is finished in just a little over 50 days of flowering.  Best grown outdoors, this strong and sturdy plant will produce a heavy harvest of tight, dense, and delicious buds tinted with blue and lavender tones.  

Vanilluna, or Vanilla Moon, is a Kushy kind of hybrid of Blueberries that is a cross of B l u e b e r r y Sativa X O r i g i n a l Blueber ry.  The bud c r e a t e d strikes the palate with a c r e a m y , v a n i l l a honey taste, and the high p r o v i d e s calm and clarity that can become dreamy for hours.  This is another sturdy plant yet grows with hollow stems.   A long vegetative time and topping plants early is recommended to increase yield, and these buds will be finished in 55-60 days of flowering.

Flo is an interesting Sativa dominant hybrid.  It has been suggested that this plant has the ability to produce a steady “flow” of buds through multiple harvests from the same plant.  The calyxes grow tall and dense while the plant spreads out wide.  The buds mature rapidly and colas are even and consistent, not showing any one main cola.   The genetic lineage of Flo appears to be identical to that of Blueberry, however Flo has been stabilized more through the Purple Thai instead of the Afghani Indica so much.  This slightly Sativa dominant hybrid finishes in 55-60 days and has a musky, floral scent.  

DJ Short’s Blueberry was the basis for the infamous, clone-only Blue Dream so it is only natural that DJ Short creates the first recreated seed strain of the same genetic origin.  

Known as Azure Haze, using his O r i g i n a l B l u e b e r r y male and crossing to Super Silver Haze, this is DJ Short’s spin on Blue D r e a m .  Azure Haze is a mostly S a t i v a d o m i n a n t hybrid that produces a medium to high yield.  These flowers must go at least 65-70

days to finish, but they posses an incredible flavor combination of Blueberry Haze.  An outstanding high is generated that can alleviate pain and muscle spasms, increase appetite,

induce relaxation and reduce stress trough an intensely calm euphoria.

DJ Short’s award winning and world famous seeds are available right here at ECWC.  Check our menu at www.elcaminowellnesscenter.com for daily updates and stay on top of top quality genetics.

L

GENETICSDJ Short

et me begin by saying that I judge herb based primarily on the e f fect o f the f in i shed product , proper l y f lushed ,

harvested, dried and cured.  All other aspects of the plant or bud such as growth structure, flowering time, flavor, aroma, co lor, e tc . , a re a l l s econdar y considerations compared to the effect of the finished product.  This is one of the most important criteria for the selection process when breeding high quality cannabis.  

One of the classic tests when comparing several different varieties of cannabis is the ‘ jar test’ .  Simply, different varieties are kept in separate jars and generally speaking the jar that empties first is usually the most desirable of the lot.  This test works for a single individual doing the comparisons, or for a larger group.  It is a simple test that mainly measures short-term desirability such as flavor or aroma and potency.  To fully appreciate the finer, subtler aspects of cannabis quality a much longer testing period is required.

The basic characteristics that I look for when judging herb are primarily; onset , duration, cei l ing, tolerance threshold (burnout), general potency, ‘character’ and shelf life.  Onset refers to the amount of time it takes to fully feel the effects of a specific variety or blend.  Fast onset herb, herb whose effect is a lmost immediate l y f e l t , i s most associated with the ‘rush’ effect whereas slow onset, or ‘creeper’ herb comes on more slowly, sometimes taking 30 to 45 minutes to be fully felt and appreciated.  

My personal preference is for ‘creeper’ or slow type onset due to the fact that the effect from most quick onset herb is usually short-lived (30 to 90 minutes duration) whereas creeper herb’s effect may last for several hours.  Slow onset herb also tends to have many more subtle characteristics beyond mere potency.  This is the reason I do not appreciate the ‘cup’ mentality for judging herb where many different varieties are sampled over a brief period of time; often one joint immediately fol lowed by another.  This testing method does not take into account the creeper effect of

slow onset herb whose effect is often not noted until after the next variety is consumed.

It needs to be noted here, however, that the effect of any given herb is truly a matter of personal preference.  For example, a person who is using cannabis medicinally to regulate or decrease their intake amount of opiate pain medication may appreciate a faster onset variety with a strong red-eye, couch-lock appeal .  As the c l iché goes ; ‘YMMV’.  Personally, I prefer a slow onset (creeper) effect with a subtle-yet-potent long duration (3 to 5 hour) that is consistently pleasant, comfortable and functionally ‘dreamy’ that does not elicit any form of tolerance threshold or ‘burnout’ factor.  That is, the same amount of product sampled should elicit the same effect over an extended period o f t ime .  I ha ve been smoking ‘Blueberry’ now for over thirty years (!) and it actually takes less of an amount to give me the same effect over time.  So generally speaking it takes me at least three months, preferably six months of testing to fully gauge the effect/value/quality of any given variety.  Which leads to another important aspect of cannabis quality to consider, shelf life.

! Shelf life simply refers to the amount of time a given bud holds its potency or character.  From what I’ve gathered shelf life is both genetically and environmental ly inf luenced.  The genetics are self-explanatory and the environmental influences primarily involve proper curing and storage.  Some bud will begin to deteriorate relatively quick, six months or so.  Others, such as the strains I offer tend to build character after a long cure, up to several years!  Currently my favorite bud is outdoor organically grown Vanilluna cured for two to three years in glass.  Smooth, creamy and dreamy yet clear and functional is how I describe the effect—my preference.  For those interested in long-term quality storage containers, check out the violet glass collection at www.mmjars.com

‘Cei l ing ’ is a term used to describe the level of potency obtainable from a given sample.  Simply put, a ‘high ceiling’ would indicate that the more one

consumes of the sample, the greater the effect; whereas a ‘low ceiling’ would indicate that max effect is reached after a certain amount has been consumed.  Some herb such as a heavy couch-lock indica provides its full effect after a few tokes and consuming more does little to expand the effect.  And some soaring sativa has virtually no end to its effect the more one consumes of it, to the point of being psychedelic.

Another impor tant consideration regarding cannabis quality is testing the product under many different circumstances using different methods of consumption.  There are the early ‘wake-and-bake’ trials, or mid-morning first smoke, noon and afternoon consumption, pre- and post-dinner, evening and bedtime trials.  Then there is the choice of vaporizer, bubbler, pipe or joint, and of course the option to try edible tinctures, baked goods, etc.  Another consideration, as mentioned in my book, is the possibility of testing the effect of a variety of herb during a mild psychedelic experience!

Most important, regardless of time of day or method of testing, is keeping and compiling adequate notes and records.  Valid research and data are greatly needed in our fledgling industry.   There is much we may contribute in this regard.  Record all pertinent or possibly per t inent in format ion , e spec ia l l y regarding onset, duration, cei l ing, tolerance threshold, general potency and shelf life.  Information relating to spec i f i c s t ra ins or methods o f consumption as they relate to the relief experienced from specific ailments or conditions is also needed. There are a number of databases established online and the data is beginning to trickle in.  Interesting times, indeed!  

L

ON JUDGING CANNABISby DJ Short c.2011

MONTHLY CALENDARGrowing stronger, together

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

Growing Class 1-3pm

6 7

Acupressure3-6:00pm

8

Massage Therapy3-6:00pm

9

HASH 10% off

Patient Services3:30-5:30pm

10 11

Chiropractor11:30-1:30pm

12

Growing Class1-3pm

13 14

Acupressure3-6:00pm

15

Massage Therapy3-6:00pm

16

HASH 10% off

Patient Services3:30-5:30pm

17 18 19

Growing Class1-3pm

20 21

Acupressure3-6:00pm

22

Massage Therapy3-6:00pm

23

HASH 10% off

Patient Services3:30-5:30pm

24 25

Chiropractor11:30-1:30pm

26

Growing Class 1-3pm

27 28

Acupressure3-6:00pm

29

Massage Therapy3-6:00pm

30

HASH 10% off

Patient Services3:30-5:30pm