Consolidating Cannabis

I have been writing a book about growing for the last year, maybe year and a half, however my notes are half-hazard and scattered all about so this post is in an effort to slowly start logically sorting my book. I hope people reading this don't just learn something, I hope they pass that knowledge on. If we were to put our efforts into making sure everything we do is to the best of our abilities, you better believe it will make a difference in quality. So with out further ado,

Xora's Cannabis Compendium (All thing Good, and Ganja)
Part 1 - The Bud


Have you ever picked up a sack from a friend, asking them how the bud is, what it's like, only to hear "Good" in response? Have you wondered how experienced smokers can take a hit of a bowl and tell you so much about it? I'm here to help you understand the basics of what ideal bud should be like, so when we get to technical discussion on growing you will understand why certain steps (such as proper drying, then curing) can be so essential, and make such a huge difference. 
To start with you must understand the four, yes FOUR, different species of cannabis, Indica, Sativa, Afghanica, and Ruderalis. Each one has different traits, growing habits, and proportions of cannabinoids.
Cannabis Indica is a short plant, usually only growing 5 - 10 feet, with thick, fat, usually dark green leaves. These plants were short crop plants, growing in cold weather regions (mountain bases in India, Pakistan, and other places) where 5 - 7 months is the maximum grow season, as such they evolved a better resistance to cold, greater production of trichomes, and a shorter grow season. The leaves of this plant, like the buds, can vary from dark green to purple, usually an occurrence caused by cool to cold weather during growing. The indoor growers best friend, as it's small stature, compact root system, and generally good yield makes for an easier time.
The high from a typical Indica is very 'stony', resulting in a intense body high (helpful for alleviating muscle pain), a very zoned out feeling, and for many Indica intense couch lock. This is caused from higher amounts of CBD (Usually .8 to 2.%) something we will discuss later.
Cannabis Sativa is the complete opposite, standing in somewhere between 8 - 18 feet. This tall, dispersed plant, has a rather large root systems, and really shines outdoors, where its long thin leaves allow for good light penetration. The plants originated in warmer climates and as such have a longer growing season. These plants though taller, often produce less overall bud, however their extremely low amounts of CBD result an amazingly cerebral, soaring high, leaving you filled with energy and euphoria. The buds generally grow more wispy, and light; rarely is it dense like it's Indica and Afghanica counterparts.
Cannabis Afghanica is a variety few people pay creed in separating from Indica. Originating near in Afghanistan, this desert plant resembles an Indica in many ways. The leaves though fat and stout like and Indica are usually more rounded and marbled. They were were selectively bred for hash, and as such are some amazingly greasy, trichomed cover plants, usually the same height or shorter than pure Indica.  I find these plants give an amazingly spiritual, creative high, while a very comfortable body high leaves you feeling like sitting and talking, or drawing.
Cannabis Ruderalis on its own is pretty much useless ditch weed. So why take notice to it? When bred with a stable Indica, Sativa, or Afghanica you produce an auto variety plant. In other words, you create a hybrid that has less strength then the Parent Plant on its own but will flower in two months no matter the light schedule. Good for Gorrila Grows.

Part two will be about the active cannabinoids and essential oils.

Zucchini Cakes for Meatless Mondays

In the great tadition of other food blogger, and recently having moved in with vegetarian, I am starting my first post with a 'Meatless Mondays' post. This recipe I read first on what has been a favorite site for quite a while, Lifes Ambrosia, and modified it a bit for flavor and to add some veggies. Now sadly I can't include any images until later in the week, so you will have to enjoy it as is for now.
This recipe is great because they can be made into pattys (for burgers), cakes (for sandwhichs or on its own), or balls (makes amazing appatizers).

Zucchini Cakes

•  large zucchini grated, moisture blotted gently with a paper towel
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 clove garlic, minced super small
• 1 egg
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 Cup Spouts (Clover Sprouts are AWESOME)
• 2-3 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• (Optional)1/2 cup onions, finely diced
• (Optional)1/2 cup celery, finely diced

Grate the Zucchini into a bowl, then blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, stir to get to the bottom zucchini and blot again. Grate the cheese into the bowl, add the sprouts, Optional Ingredients, garlic, bread crumbs, egg, and salt & pepper; mix very well until it is COMPLETELY evenly mixed. Make them into patty or cakes no thicker then an inch or inch and a 1/2 thick, add the oil to a pan, and fry over medium-low heat.