Happy Harvesters Hydroponics

Hydroponic Glossary

Access Point

An access point is the place where patients can legally buy medical marijuana. This term may refer to the pick-up location. Medical marijuana is easy to obtain at the access point, but the patient must have their paperwork in order. Likewise, the access point must follow all state laws and guidelines.

Aggregate

The aggregate is the type of medium that is used in a hydroponic growing. While gravel is the most common, growers can use other types of aggregate as well.

Ammonia

Soil pH levels range from 0 - 14. pH levels 0 - 6 are acidic, 8 -14 are alkaline while a pH level of 7 is neutral. Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. Ammonia is colorless gas with a pungent aroma. Ammonia will increase pH levels of its environment making it more alkaline.

Aphids

An aphid is a tiny, white insect that likes to feed on plants. Since they will continue to eat a marijuana plant, aphids must be eradicated with pesticides, beneficial insects or natural solutions.

Aroma

Like coffee and wine, marijuana uses the term aroma to describe a certain taste or smell. Everyone has different opinions about what constitutes a good aroma. Often, words used to describe the aroma include phrases like citrus, skunky, earthy or fruity. The actual scent of marijuana is caused by terpenes that are produced in trichomes. There are more than 120 terpenes that produce district scents. When a drug sniffing dog discovers marijuana, it is the terpenes that they are smelling and not THC. Climate, weather and different genotypes can affect the production of terpenes.

Autoflower

An autoflower is a type of marijuana plant that automatically goes from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage. This happens in an autoflower because it flowers based on its age and not the available sunshine.

Backcross (BX)

A backcross is a type of hybrid that is bred with a parent to create an offspring that is similar to the original parent. Growers do this to maintain a rare strain and encourage certain recessive genes. For example, a grower may breed a plant with its mother to ensure it retains the mother's aroma, THC content or height.

BHO

BHO is an acronym for butane hash oil. BHO is made by concentrating cannabinoids and marijuana. Basically, normal marijuana is turned from a plant into a solvent. This causes exceptionally high THC levels and an oil-like appearance. Sometimes, BHO is also called dabs, honey oil, shatter or earwax.

Bong

A bong is a type of device that is used to smoke marijuana. It is typically made of plastic, ceramic or glass. A bond has a similar construction as a hookah, so the smoke is filtered through water before it is inhaled. Each bong is made of a bowl and a stem, but more complex bongs may contain other pieces.

Bubbler

A bubbler is a mixture of a bong and a normal pipe. This type of smoking device is small enough to fit in one hand, but it still has a chamber for water. This water is used to purify and filter the smoke before it is inhaled. Most bubblers are made of glass and are small enough to transport easily.

Bud

This term refers to the flower of the marijuana plant. The fluffy flower is harvested and dried to create marijuana that is sold in stores. Since the bud contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids, it is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Burn

Burn refers to times when the tips of the leaves look dark or burned in color. This is generally caused by excessive amounts of fertilizer or salt.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a type of chemical compound that are completely unique to the marijuana plant. When cannabinoids are consumed, they work on the cannabinoid receptors in the human body. This can cause effects like pain relief, relaxation or other effects. One of the most famous cannabinoid compounds in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This abundant compound causes the psychoactive high that spurs marijuana's recreational use. While THC is the most famous, there are more than 86 known cannabinoids.

Cannabis

Cannabis is the scientific name for marijuana. It is technically the plant's genus. The three species of cannabis include sativa, indica and ruderalis. Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are both known for their recreational and medicinal uses. Since Cannabis ruderalis has a lower THS content, it is rarely used for recreational or medical uses. Due to cross-breeding, ruderalis could be grown for medical purposes. The entire Cannabis genus is native to Asia, but it can be grown anywhere provided it has the right environment. Often, growers will use hydroponic systems to ensure a healthy marijuana plant. Cannabis can also be grown to create hemp for rope, clothes and other purposes.

CBD

Cannabidiol is known by the abbreviation of CBD. This chemical compound is one of the 85 cannabinoids that are found in marijuana. In terms of volume, THC is the only cannabinoid that is found in higher amounts in marijuana. Researchers have recently discovered that CBD is an effective treatment for anxiety, pain and inflammation. Unlike THC-rich plants, CBD does not cause the psychoactive effects or elation normally seen from using marijuana. Strains of marijuana that include high levels of CBD are frequently used and marketed to medical marijuana users.

Clone

A clone is made by taking a clipping of a marijuana plant. This clipping is then grown to create an entirely new plant. Since the clone was taken from just one plant, it is a perfect genetic copy of the original plant. Cloning is a popular way to propagate marijuana plants because it ensures that each plant is genetically identical.

Concentrates

Concentrates are a way of concentrating the amount of cannabinoids. A concentrate is made by dissolving marijuana using a solvent to create exceptionally high levels of THC. These concentrates can then be used to create BHO, waxes, resinous bits and budders. The way that concentrates are classified depends on the consistency of the concentrate and the way it was made.

Co-op

In the medical marijuana community, a cooperative is a place where patients and consumers share marijuana. Often, a co-op has specific membership requirements about the way the marijuana is distributed. Depending on the state, a co-op may be used instead of dispensaries or in addition to dispensaries.

Cross

A cross is basically a way of genetically intermingling different strains of marijuana. Also known as crossbreeding this process mixes two different strains of marijuana. A cross may be done to encourage the positive aspects of two different plants. For example, a cross may be done between a disease-resistant strain and a strain that is high in THC for a plant that can resist diseases while getting someone high.

Cure

Curing is a part of the growth process of marijuana. Once the plant is allowed to cure, the grower can control the amount of moisture in the bud. If the plant is cured properly, it will have a better potency and flavor. Improperly cured buds end up being harsher to inhale or foul in aroma.

Dab and Dabbing

A dab is a slang term for using BHO. This is done by using butane combustion before inhaling. Meanwhile, dabbing is the verb for using a dab.

Dispensary

A dispensary is the place where consumers and patients can buy marijuana. It can be an access point, collective, pick-up location, co-op or any other type of legal marijuana distribution center.

Edibles

Some patients dislike smoking marijuana or are worried about the effects of inhaling the drug. For these individuals, an edible is an alternative way to consume the plant. Edibles are often baked into goods like brownies, cakes and cookies. Marijuana can also be blended into sodas, candies and breads. A dispensary may also sell marijuana-infused oil or butter so that patients can make their own edibles. Since an edible takes longer for the body to process, marijuana will take longer to activate if it is eaten instead of smoked.

Feminized

When a plant is feminized, it means that the seeds have been selectively bred over time to only create female plants. Female marijuana plants are the only ones that produce flowers, which means that only female plants can be used to create marijuana products. By producing only female seeds, growers are able to remove plants that would be unable to produce flowers. While the plant strain has been modified to produce only female plants, feminized seeds normally produce the same quality of plant as natural strains.

Flowering Time

The flowering time is the amount of time it takes for a seed to become a mature flower. When the flowering time is reported, this number only shows the amount of time it takes to produce a flower under the best possible conditions. Due to this, the flowering time can vary from grower to grower. The amount of time it takes for marijuana to flower depends on the environment and the number of hours it is exposed to the sun every day.

Flowers

Flowers are fairly self-explanatory. Unlike traditional flowers, marijuana flowers are not pretty, dainty parts of the plant. When marijuana grows flowers, they look hairy and sticky. These crystal-covered flowers are later harvested and dried. Throughout the process, the flower continues to produce cannabinoids and resin until they are harvested.

Germination

Germination is the start of the growth process. It occurs at the moment that the seed cracks as the seedling sprouts out of it. For marijuana, roughly 80 percent of seeds will successfully germinate.

Hash and Hash Oil

Hash is made from marijuana plants and is short for the word hashish. This product can be used for medication or consumed. Basically, hash is made by removing the plant's trichomes with a filter or a sieve. After this is done, the powder is compressed and packaged for use. Like typical marijuana products, hash is offered in a variety of strengths. If it is made using a chemical solvent, the hash is called hash oil.

Heirloom

Heirloom strains are types of marijuana strains that are taken directly from their native homeland. Afterward, they are grown in other locations.

Hemp

Hemp is a type of fiber that is produced from male marijuana plants. Companies are allowed to grow it in many nations because the species that is used is extremely low in THC. Over the centuries, hemp has been used to create rope, beauty products, paper and other products like hemp seed oil. Back in the day, Thomas Jefferson even drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper. Since the hemp plants that are used are only males, they have no drug potential. Starting in 1937, the United States outlawed hemp since it was a type of marijuana. In a 2014 farm bill, President Obama made it legal to grow hemp for research purposes.

Hybrid

A hybrid is a type of plant that is genetically crossed between two different strains. Marijuana can be genetically crossed intentionally or unintentionally. When it is intentionally done by researchers, the goal is normally to create a hybrid that has desirable traits from two different plants. Today, the majority of marijuana for sale is a type of hybrid.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a type of gardening system that has been used since the Hanging Gardens of Babylonia were created over 2,000 years ago. Today, modern hydroponics allow growers to to produce plants without using any soil. Instead, the plants grow entirely in water. Added solutions provide each plant with the nutrients that they need for the best level of stability and nutrient intake. Among growers, hydroponic plants are known for having a better flavor and cleaner growth process.

Kief

Every bud has trichomes on it. These sticky crystals can fall off or become separated from the bud. When this happens, the fallen crystals are called kief. The majority of the marijuana's cannabinoids are located in the trichomes, so kief is exceptionally potent. While some people mistake kief for pollen, it is entirely different.

Landrace

A landrace is a type of marijuana that is uniquely adapted to its geographic area. Over time, genetic variations occur for all plants and animals. Landrace strains may come from a native land like Afghanistan or Hawaii, but the genetics begin to shift naturally over time.

Marijuana

Marijuana is the term used for female cannabis plants and flowers. The female plants are the only ones used to make marijuana products because they are the only gender that can produce the buds. Marijuana is also known by slang terms like pot, weed and dope. Common species of marijuana include sativa and indica. Cannabis sativa started outside of Asia and the Middle East. Sativa strains tend to grow quite tall and produce more cerebral effects.

In comparison, Cannabis indica is more likely to produce physical effects or a sense of sedation. This species originated in the Middle East and Asia. Unlike Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica is short with a compact flower. People often choose indica strains because they are relaxing and have a sedative quality.

Passive

A passive hydroponic system lets nutrients passively move through the system using capillary action or absorption. Normally, a porous medium allows the fertilizer and water to move through the system. This reduces the amount of labor needed and ensures a continuous supply of water. As an added benefit, many hydroponic media increase the amount of air space so that the roots receive more oxygen.

Phenotype

A phenotype is commonly used by growers and researchers. Basically, a phenotype is a word for the different physical traits of the plant. It can be used to refer to the leaf configuration, color, cell structure, height or branching. In science, a phenotype is any observable attribute of the plant.

Pistil

In order to reproduce in nature, flowers have to have pistils. The pistils are a part of the female plant. On marijuana, they look like tiny hairs and can be white, orange, brown or red. During fertilization, the pistils collect pollen from the male. If the female marijuana plant is not fertilized, the pistils will change. For growers, the pistils' change is a sign that the plant has ripened.

Pre-Roll

Dispensaries and recreational marijuana stories commonly sell pre-rolls. These products are also known as joints. A pre-roll is just a marijuana cigarette that is rolled before it is sold. The majority of dispensaries and access points will have pre-rolls for sale.

Sinsemilla

Sinsemilla is a type of seedless marijuana plants. Fertilization is prevented, so the female plant does not produce any seeds. Growers often prefer sinsemilla plants because the resulting flower has a higher THC content.

Strain

The basic way to divide marijuana plants is between the indica and sativa species. We can further narrow down the type of plant by looking at the strain. Within the indica or sativa species, there are thousands of different strains. These strains are often named by the breeders who create them. Each strain is made to exhibit certain desirable traits. When the strain is named, the name will normally reflect how the strain makes you feel, the way it looks or where it was made. Unfortunately, it is very easy to confuse different strains if they are labeled poorly or marketed incorrectly.

Terpene

Terpenes are a molecular compound that is normally found in plants like marijuana, citrus trees and conifers. These compounds are one of the reasons why each plant has a different scent or flavor. Terpenes are extremely sensitive to low temperatures. Due to this, many growers try to keep their marijuana plants in a stable climate.

THC

THC is the fun part of marijuana. This acronym stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is the best known cannabinoid from marijuana. Also known as delta-9-tetracannabinol, THC produces the psychoactive, euphoric highs of smoking marijuana. It was first isolated in 1964 by Yechiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Unlike other chemicals, there is no lethal dose of THC in its natural form. Researchers have found that this compound can also have medical benefits for different diseases.

Thrips

Thrips are a small, winged insect that is less than 0.06 inches in length. Unfortunately, this insect likes to feed on marijuana plants by puncturing a hole in the plant and sucking out the juices. If marijuana becomes infested by thrips, the leaves will develop silver-colored or bronze-colored scars. As the thrips suck out the plant's chlorophyll, the leaves will turn brown and dry out. Thrips are also known for carrying plant viruses, which can also kill the marijuana plants.

If only a few thrips are present, manually catching and killing them may work. Natural thrip solutions include insects that eat thrips like green lacewings, parasitic wasps and predatory mites. Chemical treatments like neem oil, pyrethrum and insect-killing soap can help.

Tincture

A tincture is a type of extract. Normally,it is made using liquids like glycerol or alcohol. It can be flavored or simply placed under the tongue. Within minutes, the liquid marijuana extract begins to take effect. While a tincture can be blended into a drink, it would take longer to have an effect. It will always take longer to produce an effect any time marijuana must pass through the digestive system first.

Topical

Topical products are designed to be applied to the skin. Often, a topical will be in the form of a lotion or cream that is blended with the active properties of marijuana. Once the topical has been applied to the skin, it is quickly absorbed. Topicals can be used to treat dry skin, muscle aches, soreness and other ailments.

Trichome

In marijuana, trichomes are the glands in the plant that create resin. These sticky parts of the plant look like hairs or crystals. While they are described as crystals or hair,s they are actually just a gland in the plant. Within the trichomes, cannabinoids like CBD and THC are produced.

Trim

Once marijuana plants have matured, the plants will only remain fresh for so long. Once the plant has been harvested, the grower will trim the leaves and remove excessive leaves from the buds of marijuana plants. While the leftover product can still be used for hash, extractions and edibles, growers will remove it from the buds that are actually sold. Many buyers prefer buds with fewer leaves, so trimming the leaves off is one of the ways that growers can ensure a high-quality product.

Vaporizer

A vaporizer is one of the many devices that can be used to smoke or consume marijuana. It can be used with marijuana-infused oil or flowers. Once it heats up, the vaporizer creates a vapor that contains cannabinoids. Vaporizers are considered healthier than other smoking devices because they do not create any smoke to achieve an effect. Modern devices are extremely inconspicuous and easy to carry, so vaporizers have grown quickly in popularity.

Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage is the main part of the plant's growth cycle. In natural settings, plants normally get 12 hours of sunshine during the summer. Once the season changes, light is reduced. This causes the plant to flower. For hydroponic growers, plants can be triggered to leave the vegetative stage by reducing the amount of light that they receive. The vegetative stage can also be extended by ensuring that the light remains on for longer.

Wax

A wax is another type of marijuana concentrate.