Know your Grow with Mo Smyth

Introducing The Endocannabinoid System

The human endocannabinoid system, or ECS, was first identified in the late 1980s, but it has been essential to human health for much longer than that. 

The ECS runs on endocannabinoids. These ‘inner cannabis molecules’ are a set of biochemicals the body makes to micromanage cellular balance, which in turn maintains holistic equilibrium. 

Phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant have chemical structures that are similar enough to our naturally produced endocannabinoids, therefore easily recognized and utilized by the ECS. 

What are Phytocannabinoids?

Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. These compounds and terpenes are made and housed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant as resin. Trichomes are located on the entire surface of the female inflorescence.

Botany has its own language. The word ‘inflorescence’ is a botanical term that means “the complete flower head of any given plant —including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers.”

Cannabis resin is also rich in terpenes, which are responsible for the characteristic smell of the cannabis plant. Two of the most popular phytocannabinoids are CBD and Potency. Yet, these are only two of several dozens of known phytocannabinoids. When researchers list a certain strains phytocannabinoids, it is known as the cannabinoid profile. The effect of how  that strain’s unique profile acts on the body, as well as that strain’s unique terpene combo is known as the entourage effect.

Phytocannabinoids, like endocannabinoids, can trip receptors to carry out any number of essential biological functions. 

Which Biological Functions Are We Talking About, Here? 

Well, the answer to that question is the purpose of my blog. Each post will provide valuable information about Green Nexus’ breeder’s cultivar’s cannabinoid profile and which ways that specific profile’s entourage effect interacts with the human ECS. It is my hope to provide a deeper understanding to the home cultivator about which strains are right for them and why.

Cannabinoids and Wellness

When I started studying medical cannabis and realized it’s potential to promote health and wellness in conjunction with our own bodies mechanism for self-healing, I developed a passion for learning how cannabis works in the body. 

I recently graduated from the Ganjier™ Program, a “first-of-its-kind, rigorous, multi-tiered cannabis sommelier certification” created and taught by some of the most respected names in the cannabis industry. The intent of the program is to produce an entirely new class of cannabis professional, known as a Ganjier—a master of cannabis consumption. (https://www.ganjier.com/about/) 

This prestigious certification, coupled with my in-depth knowledge of the ECS, as well as my long nursing career, and all available clinical data about ECS and how various cannabinoid profiles influence ECS response informs my Green Nexus blog.

Quality of Life

As I became curious about how to educate patients to better manage lifestyle and stress-related choices, I realized many can use cannabinoids for symptom management.

I felt driven to improve the quality of life for those who are already suffering from these conditions. As a cannabis nurse, I am able to share my knowledge and faith in the benefits of plant medicine to those who take it upon themselves to cultivate their own alternative medicine at home.

One of my Guides 

My journey to becoming a cannabis nurse has been greatly impacted by Michael Pollan who for 30 years has been writing books and articles about the complex relationships and shared history between people and plants. 

In his new book, “This is Your Mind on Plants,” Pollan says the simplistic narrative of the war on drugs is winding down leaving a vacuum. This void allows for a more honest discussion about the available research on medical high potency hemp. It also favors health autonomy; the right of patients to make their own decisions about their medical needs. The normalization of cannabis provides accurate information about the symbiotic relationship between cannabinoids and one’s own ECS. 

Green Nexus CEO

The Green Nexus CEO Barbara Smith-Hamer agrees with Pollan. 

In 2018, Barbara Smith-Hamer founded Green Nexus to provide Americans access to the world’s most stable cannabis cultivars so they too can benefit from the power of plant based alternative medicine. 

Ms. Smith-Hamer is a former nurse practitioner who graduated on a full scholarship from N.Y.U. She served as the Executive Director, Maryland State Child Care Administration and has received many awards for her work, including the Outstanding Maryland employee award in 1997 and 1998!

Ms. Smith-Hamer understands the benefits of appropriately balanced cannabinoid profiles found in premium cultivars to aid in an individual’s ECS relief of everyday ailments.

As the first minority woman-owned distributor of premium European cultivars to the U.S., Ms. Smith-Hamer shares my faith in the power of plant based alternative medicine as an alternative remedy to many of America’s medical ailments.

Green Nexus Seeds

Green Nexus offers Cannabis long photoperiod plant L., short photoperiod plant and ruderalis seeds from the world’s oldest and most trusted breeders. Green Nexus and I invite you to enter our curated seed catalog from the world leaders in breeding and genetic research, such as: 

• Amsterdam Genetics
• Barneys Farm
• Dutch Passion
• Exotic Seeds
• Greenhouse Seeds 
• SOMA seeds 

Our product supply chain is phenomenal! And our well-chosen seed catalog allows you to shop from the comfort of your own home so you can choose the best fit for your specific wellness goals. Once you have made your selection, enjoy 3-day free shipping to anywhere in the United States from our U.S based order fulfillment center located in Memphis,TN.

Welcome to the Green Nexus community!

This is an unprecedented time in US history for private and legal growers and Green Nexus is here to support you. Green Nexus’ customized logistical solutions ensure you can safely purchase world renowned heritage seeds from the comfort of your living room. 

How Does Understanding the Light Compensation Point Help with Growing Plants?

Understanding light compensation point is crucial for growing plants as it indicates the light intensity at which a plant’s photosynthesis rate matches its respiration rate. This knowledge helps in determining the optimal light conditions for different plant species, ensuring they receive the right amount of light for healthy growth and development.

Introducing our Suppliers.

Amsterdam Genetics 

Amsterdam Genetics combines Dutch cannabis expertise with top seed genetic choices from the worldwide seed development community. 

This seed bank contains high quality chemovars and is a great choice for any grower’s collection. That’s why Amsterdam Genetics has enjoyed a consistent following among pheno hunters for 30 years. 

Choose Amsterdam Genetics’ award winning classics; high Potency strains with Potency levels that pass 20%, or their well-researched modern innovations featuring CBD cannabis l long photoperiod plant seeds. 

Whatever your taste or therapeutic needs, you can rely on Amsterdam’s genetics! 

European connoisseurs have been enjoying the award-winning flowers of Amsterdam Genetics’ seeds for decades. 

Let’s look at one of their awe-inspiring genetic options for home-growing: Amnesia Haze, known as possibly the best selling strain in the world. 

Amnesia Haze

Parents: Afghani Hawaiian x Laos x Jamaica

Genes: Long Photoperiod Plant dominant (Type I*) 

Flavor: Citrus / Sweet / Skunk

Effect: Energizing

Flowering time: 63-70 Days

Outdoor harvest month: November 

Yield per 11 sq ft: 21 oz

Height of the plant 3.5 ft

Cannabinoid profile: 25%Potency, 0.2%CBD, 0.0%CBN, 0.1%PotencyV, 1.0%CBG

Terpene profile: caryophyllene, myrcene, and  ocimene

With little to no CBD or CBN to buffer this potent Potency value, this strain is good for those with a decent tolerance level, high pain needs, as well as those who love an energetic high.

It has some CBG, everyone’s favorite “new kid on the block”, cannabinoid.

All cannabinoids and their analogues (similar structures but different components) come from CBG. Just as humans have stem cells, cannabis has a “stem cell cannabinoid,” and researchers are very curious about CBG. Anecdotally, it has stimulant and antioxidant properties. Many use this cannabinoid to manage gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Here’s what top US cannabinoid researcher, Dr. Ethan Russo says about CBG: https://www.shapingfire.com/podcast-feed/episode-83-the-new-science-on-using-cbg

Amnesia Haze has a tiny amount of PotencyV that may or may not add to effects, but if it does, PotencyV is considered to be motivating and good for digestion.

This is a powerful strain heavy on both recreational and therapeutic value. I’d say maybe not great for the naive consumer. Grow this one in your sophomore season. 

*Type I – Potency-dominant with a concentration of >0.3% and CBD content of <0.5%

Barneys Farm

In the late 1980’s Barneys Farm founder, Derry Brett, trekked to the Indian Himalayas – the geographical region that holds cannabis l long photoperiod plant seeds from plants that have been growing wild for thousands of years. 

Returning to Amsterdam, Derry brought back ancient coveted seeds and breeding expertise that makes Barney’s Farm one of the most prominent cannabis l long photoperiod plant seed banks in the world. 

Barney’s Farm cultivars are world-renowned among cannabis aficionados. This popularity as well as their countless award-winning cultivars fuels the international demand for Barney’s Farms best-selling cannabis l long photoperiod plant strains. 

Through GreenNexus.us, you too, can grow and experience world-class cannabis l long photoperiod plant in the privacy of your own domain. Be a king in your castle and pick one to grow today!

Whether you are looking for exciting Potency dominant strains, or more CBD-rich and therapeutically balanced varieties, feel confident in Barney’s Farm genetics offered through Green Nexus. 

Barney’s Farm—they “started at the top of the Himalayas and remained there ever since.”

Biscotti Mintz™ (2021 release)

Parents: Biscotti x Kush Mints

Genes: 80% Short Photoperiod Plant / 20% Long Photoperiod Plant (Type I)

Flavor: Creamy, mint chocolate chip with a little spice at the end of the exhale. 

Gender: Feminized

Effect: It’s a trifecta: euphoriant, relaxant, sleep inducer 

Flowering time: 56 – 63 days

Outdoor harvest month: October

Yield per 11 sq ft: 23 oz

Height of the plant: 3 ft

Cannabinoid profile: Potency 30.0%, CBD, 0.8%

Terpenes profile: Limonene, Caryophyllene and Eucalyptol

Biscotti Mintz is a strain that is known to have powerful euphoriant effects with a relaxing finish. That makes for a nice transition smoke between day work to evening play. 

Biscotti Mintz’ 80% short photoperiod plant is going to hit all the right receptors and relax tired muscles after a long day at a physical job or a tedious office job. This strain is a good stress reliever to relax stiff, tight muscles (from clenching or extended sitting) and that “not so great mood” after a long work day’s work. 

In the book, “Cannabis is Medicine”, by Dr. Bonni Goldstein, she documents a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial by researchers at UC, San Diego. This study short photoperiod planttes inhaled cannabis l long photoperiod plant reduces pain, stiffness and tightness of sore muscles in a cohort of patients who experience these symptoms at a greater rate than the general population. 

Cannabis l long photoperiod plant works on muscle tension for a lot of reasons but for now just know, it’s the Potency targeting CB1 receptors on several different types of cells in the musculoskeletal system. (Sulak, Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians, p. 47)

Leaving daytime stress behind brings you to the middle of your buzz where creativity and laughter is the norm, so get out your musical instruments, art supplies (because you may go inward) or cook up a gourmet dinner for friends. 

Finally, with tension gone and mind settled, this strain will take you into a nice bedtime feeling. 

Two extra notes: this is a resinous plant (make hash!) and it has the potential to be a bit of a creeper. Enjoy!

*Type I – Potency-dominant with a concentration of >0.3% and CBD content of <0.5%

Dutch Passion 

Dutch Passion is one of the world’s oldest cannabis seed banks. They began popping seeds in the 1970’s, and became an official seed bank in 1987. Dutch Passion perfected and introduced feminized seeds to the early cannabis l long photoperiod plant market in 1998. 

Their discovery has been one of the most important contributions to the cannabis growing movement for small-scale growers. Dutch Passion’s feminized seeds are the most popular and convenient choice for every type of cannabis aficionado.

Dutch Passion offers recreational and medical cannabis l long photoperiod plant home growers the best of both worlds: modern, cutting-edge strains, available in feminized or regular seeds, as well as a wide variety of balanced old world cannabis cultivars.

Dutch Passion has millions of satisfied customers. Peruse Green Nexus’ site for Dutch Passions’ genetics and grow world-class cannabis for your personal consumption needs.

Kerosene Krash (2021 Release)

Parents: Gorilla Glue #4 x Sherbet

Gender: Feminized

Type: 80% Short Photoperiod Plant / 20% Long Photoperiod Plant (Type I)

Flavor: Fuel/ Herbaceous/ Citrus/Earth.

Effect: Relaxation/sedation

Flowering time: 56 – 60 days

Outdoor harvest month: September

Yield per 11 sq ft: 10-18 oz

Height of the plant: 1.5 – 2 ft 

Cannabinoid profile: Potency 15-20%, CBG 0.4%, CBD 0.32%, CBC 0.23% CBN 0.16%

Terpene Profile: Beta Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, Humulene, Beta Myrcene

This is a straightforward and pungent grow. She gets sticky icky pretty early comparatively. 

This is a “go low and slow” smoke because overindulgence may lead to that Krash of the strains’ namesake. Reports are coming in this is a cerebral,  inner contentment buzz that unbinds your mind. 

How is cannabis l long photoperiod plant brain protective? CB1 cannabinoid receptors are the most abundant type of receptor in the brain. Our own endocannabinoids are upregulated after a brain injury to target these receptors for neuroprotection. 

According to medical cannabis l long photoperiod plant practitioner and world-renowned cannabis educator, Dr. Sulak, “several cannabinoids have neuroprotective properties, clearly demonstrated in numerous animal studies. These compounds limit the injury, promote healing, and speed recovery after a brain trauma”

The terpene combo of linalool, humulene, and myrcene in this strain are known to be sedative. 

Kerosene Krash is caryophyllene dominant which is going to drive the cannabinoids right to the anti-inflammatory CB2 receptors. 

Try this strain if you are an experienced consumer looking to protect your aging noggin. 

Exotic Seeds 

Launched in 2015, Exotic Seed produces high-quality seeds supported by 20 years of plant breeding experience. As the name implies, Exotic Seeds is otherworldly. Their Dutch, American and Spanish cannabis genetic collection are derived from an exotic combination of three distinct cultural cannabis l long photoperiod plant heritages. 

For home growers on the lookout for carefully cultivated and stable seeds combined with potent, high-Potency effects, Exotic might by your line. That said, you can rely on this company’s genetics to provide you with more balanced cultivars as well. 

Exotic Seeds earns their well-deserved place in the top echelon of seed providers who offer their genetics to home cultivators. They are a multi-award-winning seed bank with “strong roots in the international cannabis seed family”.

Shop Green Nexus’ seed catalog and take a look at their award winning strains that match your needs today. 

Exotic Thai

Parents: Thai Long Photoperiod Plant x NYC Diesel

Type: Long Photoperiod Plant dominant (Type I)*

Flavor: Citrus/Sweet

Effect: Active/Motivating

Flowering time: 63 – 70 days

Outdoor harvest month: October

Yield per 11 sq ft: 16 oz

Height of the plant: 2 – 3 ft

Cannabinoid profile: 15-23% Potency, 1% CBD.

This daytime fatigue crusher may just be exactly the antidote for those prone to the chronic fatigue, pain and discomfort of everyday pandemic life. Target the receptors that open up your internal sources of motivation with Exotic Thai. 

Use Exotic Thai’s energetic lift and pregame your workout to help build exercise tolerance. In addition to its physically motivating properties, this “come on, get happy” strain may be good for low moods too. 

Shop your seeds from Greennexus.us and grow this Exotic Seed strain today. 

*Type I – Potency-dominant with a concentration of >0.3% and CBD content of <0.5%

Greenhouse Seeds 

In command of Greenhouse Seeds is Arjan Roskam, often referred to as the king of cannabis. Greenhouse Seeds is a leader in cannabis genetics demonstrated by their unprecedented number of High Times Cannabis Cup wins.

Greenhouse strains sold at www.greennexus.us  provide both medicinal and recreational properties. If you are a “terp hunter”,  Greenhouse prides themselves on offering particular terpene profiles that guarantee unique aromas and flavors. And perhaps therapeutic value. 

They offer genetics with blended cannabinoid profiles, high Potency values and some nice CBD offerings.

Green Nexus is committed to small-batch growers and offers the best genetics for every cultivator’s location, logistics and personal knowledge. Shop our catalog for both indoor and outdoor cultivars from Greenhouse Seeds.

Super Critical

Parents: Big Bud x Skunk x White Widow

Gender: Feminized (Autoflower version too)

Type: 30% Long Photoperiod Plant 70% Short Photoperiod Plant 

Flavor: Spicy/Herbaceous/Sweet 

Effect: Pain numbing/Narcotic/Calming

Flowering time: 56 days

Outdoor harvest month: End of September

Yield per 11 sq ft: 28 oz 

Height of the plant: Medium sized, branchy 

Cannabinoid profile: Potency:  19.02%  CBD:  0.27%   CBN:  0.05%  

Got a racy mind, attention deficits, anxiety? Super Critical’s narcotic-like effects may be the strain for you to grow at home. Super Critical’s effects also combat chronic pain issues.

Want to learn more about cannabis and chronic pain? Like all the time 10/10 pain? Then read this interview: https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/meet-experts-interview-dustin-sulak

If you are short on time, the gist of the interview is that Dr. Sulak has studied cannabis for chronic pain for a long time now. He also has a clinical practice so we’re talking real world evidence. Dr. Sulak finds by adding cannabis l long photoperiod plant to a pain relief program that includes opioids, the effective dose of that opioid is a lot lower. 

SOMA Seeds

Soma Seeds (also known as Soma’s Sacred Seeds) is an Amsterdam based cannabis l long photoperiod plant seed company. The Soma Seed bank became official in 2001, however it’s founder Soma, an award-winning US expatriate breeder residing in Amsterdam, has been perfecting his genetics since 1971. 

Soma’s seed collection is one that our baby boomers can vibe with, but it’s not all tie dye and lava lamps, these are tight genetics. Soma’s breeds have won several consecutive High Times Cannabis Cups starting in1999. 

Soma is dedicated to the medicinal home cultivator. Soma says his research of cannabis l long photoperiod plant genetics has always been focused on more “therapeutic strains”. 

Yet, Soma Seeds are for every cannabis l long photoperiod plant connoisseur who wants seeds incubated from the golden days of the 1960’s and perfected by modern agronomist techniques thereafter.

Buy your Soma seeds on our website!

Here’s some stats on one of Soma’s award winners: Lavender 

Lavender

Parents: Super Skunk x Big Skunk Korean x Afghani Hawaiian

Genetics: Regular or Feminized

Type: 80% Short Photoperiod Plant / 20% Long Photoperiod Plant (Type I)

Flavor: Afghani hash/Spice/Sweet

Effect: Balanced/relaxed/mellow. 

Flowering time: 60 days

Outdoor harvest month: October

Yield per 11 sq ft: 10 oz

Height of the plant: Tall

Cannabinoid profile: 18% Potency

Lavender is known to be calming and sedating. Soma Seeds Lavender lives up to its namesake. Lavender’s short photoperiod plant-dominant properties provide a strong, narcotic high that lasts hours after consumption. The perfect night time strain according to users. 

Sleep is important to living healthfully. Cannabis l long photoperiod plant sleep studies to date have a lot of conflicting data but when pain, chronic illness, anxiety and other health conditions that negatively impact sleep are regulated, then insomnia typically improves. 

Anecdotally, many cannabis users report with the proper strain, cannabis improves onset to sleep and maintains sleep through the night. Those with PTSD report less nightmares. 

Grow some sleepy-time Lavender today if insomnia is keeping you from living your best life.