Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2016
Source: Sacramento News & Review (CA)
Column: The 420
Copyright: 2016 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://newsreview.com/sacto/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/540
Author: Ngaio Bealum

GROWING UP STRONG

Any thoughts about the possibility of California going recreational? 
Or corporations like Microsoft getting in the game?

- -AG916

Microsoft is in the game. They just announced a partnership with 
marijuana "seed-to-sale" data management company Kind. There are 
already a few companies (like MJ Freeway) that offer this service, 
but Microsoft is the first big corporation to enter the market by 
allowing the company access to its specialized cloud services, if you 
don't count Facebook's support of the 420-friendly social app MassRoots.

The cannabis industry is attracting big money from everywhere. I 
spent a day at the National Cannabis Industry Association's giant 
business conference in Oakland last week, and there were rich folks 
from all over looking to get into the game. The cannabis 
business-conference industry is booming. You can't swing a dead cat 
without being invited to a conference. I bet the hotel and convention 
industries are very happy about all this weed-legalization talk. Weed 
creates all kinds of jobs, not just weed jobs.

As to the Adult Use of Marijuana Act possibly making recreational 
cannabis legal: Who knows? AUMA has money and power. Future Gov. 
Gavin Newsom is all for it. All the major activist groups are for it, 
too, but hardcore activists continue to badmouth it, and I don't 
think many growers are happy about all the proposed rules. Add in the 
fact that some people just hate weed more than they like new jobs and 
tax revenue, and I would say that there's maybe a 50-50 chance that 
AUMA will pass. That could all change as the campaign ramps up.

I will say this: If AUMA doesn't pass, there is a good chance that 
California will fall behind all of the states where weed is legal. 
Not in terms of growing weed-our black market export game is hella 
strong-but in terms of keeping people out of jail and embracing the future.

Where can I buy some quality seeds? Doesn't matter the type. I just 
want to try to grow the plant. Any strains you recommend?

- -DB

Woo-hoo! Growing cannabis is fairly easy. Most clubs these days have 
a decent selection of seeds; just call around. Starting a cannabis 
plant from seed is hella fun and just like growing any other plant 
from seed. One thing, though: Cannabis is a sexed plant. The female 
plants are the ones you want. The males aren't very good for smoking, 
and if you let the boys grow into adulthood, they will fill your 
female plants with seeds and all your pot will look like it escaped 
from the '70s. It may be easier to buy a clone or two from your local 
dispensary and throwing it in the dirt. (With clones, though, the 
fact that the plants are already grown mean that you run the risk of 
attracting any present pathogens into your garden.)

Blue Dream is easy to grow and a big yielder. I also like Sour Diesel 
or Trainwreck for outdoor growing. Trainwreck will take a little 
extra time to ripen, so be patient. Have fun, and invite me over if 
you need help trimming or smoking.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom