Leading the way in hemp genetics.
Seeds are most often are used for food and oil production. This oil does not contain any CBD, but is a great source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
The stalk (also known as the fiber and hurd) can be used for building materials, textiles, and industrial applications. The hemp industry in the United States currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to process large amounts of hemp fiber, making it less viable as a business opportunity.
Floral parts are sold to hemp processors to be extracted for the cannabinoid rich oil the plant produces. There is also a burgeoning market for dried, smokable flower, which is being consumed as a tobacco alternative. It currently commands the highest dollar per pound value, but requires more attention and care.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Some people confuse hemp and marijuana because they are very similar plants. They share the same genus (Cannabis), they look the same, and they smell the same—but these plants have one key difference. Hemp contains below .3% Delta-9 THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol
It is one of the many phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD comes from the flowers of the plant and is commonly extracted in the form of oil. This oil can then be used in many ways—pills, tinctures, lotions, etc.
CBD’s potential health benefits means a growing market for high-CBD hemp.
Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary compound in Cannabis that causes the “high” feeling. While hemp does not contain much THC, it does however, contain high levels of CBD (cannabidiol), which has shown efficacy in treating many ailments.
Our bodies have something called the endocannabinoid system. This regulates many of our physical processes and helps maintain overall wellness. It is responsible for sleep, mood, pain receptors, among other things.
Scientific and clinical research underscores CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of conditions including, but not limited to:
Growing hemp: clones or seeds?
Are you ready to jump into hemp and get your farm growing? It can be challenging to learn not only about hemp farming, but also the different forms of hemp plants you can purchase and plant in your field. In any business, starting with a healthy, well thought out foundation is often the key to success—the same can be said for hemp farming! Hemp plants can be sourced in three different forms: hemp clones, seedlings, and seed. Below, we will go through these in detail so that you can better understand the benefits and drawbacks of hemp clones, hemp seedlings, and hemp seeds.
1) Hemp Clones: Hemp clones are just that: clones! They are genetically identical and come from the same “mother plant”, which means they have the same genetic code within their DNA. When done correctly, mother plants are all the same phenotype and there should be only consistent growth across the field. Pros: Because these plants have the same DNA, they exhibit consistent growth uniformity and flowering time, and have predictable and dependable cannabinoid and terpene profiles. This last point is especially important, as this consistency makes it easier to monitor and track your field for CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpene content, and overall reliable compliance testing. Clones also have the benefit of being 100% female, because they are taken from female mother plants, meaning you do not have to hunt or rogue out males in your field (because there are none).
In addition, hemp clones (when properly hardened by a grower) should be ready for farmers to plant right away. Doing so streamlines the process and optimizes planting efficiency while maximizing vegetative growing. Cons: The biggest negative is price. Because these are premium plants that provide an incredibly consistent and high quality plant for the farmer, they come with a higher cost. Clones require multiple weeks in a greenhouse, and maintaining healthy stock plants is time, space, and resource intensive. Additionally, there is a concern with pests and diseases because hemp clones are grown in a greenhouse environment. If the grower does not have pest and disease management techniques, this could lead to a farmer getting dirty plants that will underperform in the field.
2) Hemp Seed: Hemp seed can be purchased in large or small quantities and can be sent through the mail and delivered to your door. There are two forms of hemp seed: feminized seed and conventional seed. Feminized seed is developed from an involved process of creating female pollen from a female plant via colloidal silver through various application techniques. This female pollen is then used to pollinate female plants and will yield predominantly female seed. Feminized seed is often described as having a certain feminization ratio, such as 1000:1 or 2000:1 female plants to male plants. Conventional seed is created traditionally using male pollen to pollinate female plants. This type of seed will yield closer to a 1:1 female to male ratio.
Pros: Seeds are the lowest up-front cost option to the farmer. Farmers germinate their own seed, either in a controlled environment or by directly drilling seed into their field, which gives farmers more control over the process. Cons: This may be a more affordable option at first glance, but bad breeding techniques and lack of seed sorting can lead to a farmer purchasing a bag of nonviable seed. The risk exists where a farmer or purchaser incorrectly germinates seed, which could be the cause of poor germination rates. If the germination environment is too wet or too dry or too cold or too hot, the germination process is ineffective and poor results occur. Lastly, seed can carry virus if the breeder started with diseased parent lines. This situation can manifest as unhealthy, virus-riddled plants in a farmer’s field.
Ready to buy high quality, high-CBD hemp genetics?
The Honest Grower
We sell high quality hemp clones that have been rigorously tested and feminized, offering industry-leading uniformity in your fields.
Address: Emerson, Ga