Over the past few years, we have seen a dramatic shift towards organic products, and organic marijuana is no exception.
We have become much more conscious about what we put into our bodies, both in terms of what we eat and what we smoke. It has become wildly apparent just how devastating synthetics and chemicals can be on our health.
Today, we are going to cover organic marijuana, it’s history, teach you how to grow it, and show you the best places to find it here in California.
What is organic marijuana
To put it simply, organic marijuana means the plant was grown as it was intended to in nature. No harsh chemical nutrients, additives, or pesticides are used throughout the growing cycle.
The soil used to cultivate the plant is organic, the nutrients (if any are used) are organic, and only natural pest prevention methods are used. The result of this is organic flower – the most prized cultivation in the cannabis industry.
We will go more in-depth on the process of growing natural weed later on, but first, let’s cover some history,
The history of organic marijuana
While there is no telling how long this method of growing has been practiced in the cannabis industry, it is believed to have started in Alaska. Here, a famous grower named Jeff Lowenfels developed a style of growing cannabis that was uncommon at this point – the no rake method.
This simply means that you do not interfere with the plant’s soil, and simply allow mother nature to do her thing.
It became known that there are tons of living organisms and microbes in the soil that we cannot see. These include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, along with tons of nutrients, both primary and secondary.
These guys help feed the plant by breaking down waste into food, as well as transporting nutrients to the root zone.
Why marijuana grown with synthetic nutrients (non-organic) is bad
Since organic marijuana is good, what does that mean about non-organic marijuana?
Well, to be blunt, it is inferior. Here are some reasons you should avoid anything missing that “organic” label.
Chemicals and toxins
There are plenty of chemicals and toxins in your favorite plant nutrients, especially those labeled as “superfoods”, that market extreme growth rates and potency elevations.
These chemicals and toxins quite simply are not meant to be funneled through our bodies, whether it be from smoking or eating.
In fact, California has very strict testing requirements for licensed dispensaries and cultivars to test for these chemicals and toxins.
Metals and salts
Another reason inorganic cannabis is regarded as bad is because of the buildup within the plant of metals and salts.
Eventually, these compounds exit the plant and enter the soil, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This starts a vicious cycle of harm to not just the consumer, but to our earth as well. Synthetic nutrients can be very bad for the environment.
Benefits of growing and consuming organic marijuana
Now that we dissed synthetic marijuana, let’s further our case for organic marijuana. There are plenty of reasons it is better, including flavor/aroma, potency, safer consumption, and eco-friendliness.
Better flavor and aroma
The most noticeable benefit of organic marijuana is the flavor and aroma of the buds. There is nothing quite like the pure taste and smell of organic flower, and the reason for this is simple.
Without the presence of synthetic nutrients, the plant is allowed to develop its terpene profile to the fullest extent. On top of this, the chemical taste associated with synthetic nutrients isn’t there – instead, you get to indulge in the natural flavor of that strain.
Higher potency
Similar to how synthetic nutrients interfere with flavor and aroma, they can also interfere with potency – something many are unaware of.
Certain chemicals in many common fertilizers and nutrients inhibit cannabinoid development, curbing the plant’s ability to round out its potency. With organic marijuana, only truly organic plant superfoods are used.
Organic marijuana is safer for consumption
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of organic marijuana is from a health standpoint.
When a plant is sprayed with pesticides or fed synthetic nutrients, you end up ingesting those once the plant is harvested, as they are stored within the plant. Even with a good pre-harvest flush, it would be tough to completely eliminate all stored chemicals in the plant. And, there is no telling how these alter the makeup of the plant.
Since there are no synthetics or chemicals being used throughout the growing process, organic marijuana is much healthier. We may not know everything about them, but we are certain that ingesting certain chemicals is bad news.
Better for the environment
You now know that synthetic cannabis is bad for our environment, and the opposite is true for organic. The nutrients and amendments used to grow organic marijuana are completely natural, and most often are animal waste. These not only grow huge plants, but they restore nutrients and microbial life into the soil, rejuvenating the earth.
How to grow organic marijuana
Growing organic marijuana may sound like it would be more difficult, but this is actually not the case. In fact, organic weed is far more simple to grow, since you have a way lighter nutrient schedule, if you use one at all.
Start with the soil
There are a number of grow media that are organic, and many growers opt for living soil, also known as super soil.
This is a soil blend you make yourself with natural amendments such as bone meal, bat guano, and other organic fertilizers. You allow the soil to compost, and it will then grow a plant from veg to harvest all on its own!
Another option is to start with clean, organic soil, and add in organic nutrients and amendments throughout the growing cycle.
Add organic nutrients
Just because you aren’t using synthetic nutrients doesn’t mean you can’t use any. There are plenty of sources of organic fertilizer that can grow great cannabis.
Organic nutrients are naturally derived sources of fertilizer, such as bat guano, seabird guano, fish meal, bone meal, blood meal, and much more.
What is OMRI listed?
OMRI listed is what certified a product as truly “organic”. To be considered organic, everything that goes into your plant needs to be OMRI listed.
Deal with pest issues in an organic matter
Unfortunately, organic marijuana is not immune to pest and disease issues. To make matters worse, if you run into a case of powdery mildew or fungus gnats, you cannot go crazy with the sprayer. Remember, most pesticides and fungicides are off-limits.
Instead, you will need to rely on organic pest control methods. The best medicine is prevention, so keeping a clean growing environment in an ideal location is key.
Should you encounter an outbreak, don’t lose all hope. You still have some natural options, including traps, beneficial bugs, and even neem oil.
Where can I find organic marijuana in California
If you are looking for organic marijuana in California, you are in luck! Cannabis is medically and recreationally legal in the Golden State, and you can find it everywhere in its organic form.
Elyon Cannabis cultivates some of the highest quality organic marijuana in California. Our flower is sun-grown in the heart of Sonoma County and is perfect for those looking for top-shelf cannabis without the typical top-shelf prices.
If you want to find some of our organic cannabis products, check out this map for a retailer near you.
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