Green Thumb Consulting, LLC
Class 1: Cannabis Genetics
Objective: To understand cannabis genetics and their impact on plant characteristics.
1. Introduction to Cannabis Genetics (10 minutes)
● Overview of genetic concepts and terminology.
● The significance of genetics in determining plant traits.
2. Cannabis Strains and Lineages (25 minutes)
● Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Classifications:
○ Characteristics of Indica: shorter plants, broader leaves, sedative effects.
○ Characteristics of Sativa: taller plants, narrower leaves, uplifting effects.
○ Hybrid strains: a mix of Indica and Sativa traits.
○ Geographic origins and historical context.
● Ruderalis plants:
○ Ruderalis plants and how they impacted typical indica/sativa strains
○ The introduction of fast flowering strains and autoflowers
○ Pros and Cons of each
● Popular Strains:
○ Background on well-known strains like Blue Dream, OG Kush, and Gelato.
○ Genetic lineage and development of these strains.
○ How breeders have stabilized these strains over time.
3. Breeding and Hybridization (25 minutes)
● Techniques for Selective Breeding:
○ Cross-pollination: combining traits from two different parent plants.
○ Backcrossing: breeding a hybrid with one of its parent strains to stabilize traits.
○ Stabilization: creating a consistent and reliable strain over generations.
● Creating New Cannabis Strains:
○ Identifying parent strains with desirable traits.
○ Pollination and seed development processes.
○ Pheno-hunting: selecting the best phenotypes from a batch of seeds.
4. Phenotypes and Genotypes (20 minutes)
● Differences Between Phenotype and Genotype:
○ Phenotype: observable traits like color, height, aroma.
○ Genotype: genetic makeup that determines potential traits.
● Importance of both in cannabis cultivation and breeding.
● How to identify and select desirable traits in plants.
5. Practical Applications (15 minutes)
● Choosing the Right Strain for Cultivation:
○ Factors to consider: growing conditions, desired effects, market demand.
○ Selecting strains for specific purposes: medicinal use, recreational use, industrial hemp.
6. Q&A and Wrap-Up (25 minutes)
● Open floor for questions.
● Recap key points.
Class 2: Cannabis Cultivation Techniques
Objective: To provide an in-depth understanding of various cannabis cultivation techniques and best practices.
1. Introduction to Cultivation (10 minutes)
● Overview of cannabis cultivation.
● Importance of proper cultivation techniques for quality and yield.
2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing (20 minutes)
● Indoor Growing:
○ Controlled environment: light, temperature, humidity.
○ Equipment needed: grow lights, fans, dehumidifiers.
○ Advantages: year-round cultivation, pest control.
○ Disadvantages: higher costs, energy consumption.
● Outdoor Growing:
○ Natural environment: sunlight, rain, wind.
○ Factors to consider: climate, soil quality, security.
○ Advantages: lower costs, larger plants.
○ Disadvantages: weather dependency, pest exposure.
3. Soil vs. Hydroponics (20 minutes)
● Soil Cultivation:
○ Types of soil: loamy, sandy, clay.
○ Soil amendments: compost, perlite, vermiculite.
○ Benefits: natural nutrient availability, easier for beginners.
○ Challenges: pest management, nutrient lockout.
● Hydroponic Systems:
○ Types: deep water culture, nutrient film technique, aeroponics.
○ Equipment needed: reservoirs, pumps, grow media.
○ Benefits: faster growth, precise nutrient control.
○ Challenges: higher setup costs, technical knowledge.
4. Growing Mediums (20 minutes)
● Types of Growing Mediums:
○ Soil: organic matter and minerals.
○ Coco Coir: renewable, good aeration and water retention.
○ Rockwool: inert, good for hydroponics.
○ Perlite and Vermiculite: used for aeration and moisture retention.
● Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Medium:
○ Choosing the right medium for your growing setup and goals.
5. Light Cycles and Lighting Options (20 minutes)
● Understanding Light Cycles (Photoperiods):
○ Vegetative stage: 18-24 hours of light.
○ Flowering stage: 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness.
● Types of Grow Lights:
○ LED: energy-efficient, customizable spectrum.
○ HPS (High-Pressure Sodium): high output, effective for flowering.
○ CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light): cost-effective, good for small spaces.
○ CMH (Ceramic metal halide) : high output, effective for all stages of growth
● Light Intensity and Positioning:
○ Adjusting lights for optimal plant growth.
○ Avoiding light burn and ensuring even coverage.
6. Pruning and Training Techniques (20 minutes)
● Pruning Methods:
○ Topping: cutting the main stem to promote bushier growth.
○ FIMing: similar to topping, but less precise.
● Training Techniques:
○ LST (Low-Stress Training): bending and tying down branches.
○ SCROG (Screen of Green): using a screen to spread out the canopy.
● Benefits for Yield and Plant Health:
○ Improving light penetration and airflow.
7. Q&A and Wrap-Up (20 minutes)
● Open floor for questions.
● Recap key points.
Class 3: Pest Management
Objective: To learn effective strategies for managing pests in cannabis cultivation.
1. Introduction to Pest Management (10 minutes)
● Importance of pest management in maintaining plant health and yield.
● Overview of common pests in cannabis cultivation.
2. Common Pests in Cannabis Cultivation (25 minutes)
● Identification of Common Pests:
○ Aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap.
○ Spider Mites: tiny arachnids that cause speckled leaves.
○ Fungus Gnats: small flies whose larvae damage roots.
○ Whiteflies: small, white flying insects that feed on plant sap.
● Understanding Pest Life Cycles:
○ Importance of recognizing different stages of pest development for effective control.
3. Preventive Measures (20 minutes)
● Environmental Controls:
○ Maintaining proper ventilation, humidity, and cleanliness.
○ Quarantine protocols for new plants.
● Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies:
○ Combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods.
○ Monitoring and early detection techniques.
4. Biological and Chemical Controls (25 minutes)
● Biological Controls:
○ Using beneficial insects and natural predators: ladybugs, predatory mites, nematodes.
○ Attracting and sustaining beneficial insects in the grow environment.
● Chemical Controls:
○ Organic pesticides: neem oil, insecticidal soaps, essential oils.
○ Chemical pesticides: considerations for use, safety, and impact on plants.
○ Rotating pesticides to prevent resistance.
5. Hands-On Activity (20 minutes)
● Identifying Pests on Sample Plants:
○ Using magnifying tools and identification guides.
● Implementing a Pest Control Strategy:
○ Applying biological controls or organic pesticides.
○ Monitoring results and adjusting as needed.
6. Q&A and Wrap-Up (20 minutes)
● Open floor for questions.
● Recap key points.
Class 4: Terpenes
Objective: To explore terpenes, their roles, and their influence on cannabis aroma and effects.
1. Introduction to Terpenes (10 minutes)
● Definition and significance of terpenes in cannabis.
● The role of terpenes in plant defense and attraction.
2. Key Terpenes in Cannabis (25 minutes)
● Myrcene:
○ Aroma profile: earthy, musky, fruity.
○ Common strains: Blue Dream, OG Kush.
○ Effects: sedative, muscle relaxation.
● Limonene:
○ Aroma profile: citrus, lemon.
○ Common strains: Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison.
○ Effects: uplifting, mood-enhancing.
● Pinene:
○ Aroma profile: pine, fresh.
○ Common strains: Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough.
○ Effects: anti-inflammatory, alertness.
● Linalool:
○ Aroma profile: floral, lavender.
○ Common strains: LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze.
○ Effects: calming, anti-anxiety.
● Caryophyllene:
○ Aroma profile: spicy, peppery.
○ Common strains: Girl Scout Cookies, Bubba Kush.
○ Effects: anti-inflammatory, pain relief.
3. Terpenes and the Entourage Effect (15 minutes)
● Explanation of the entourage effect: synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids.
● Case studies and research findings.
● Practical implications for medicinal and recreational use.
4. Increasing Terpene Production (15 minutes)
● Cultivation techniques: light cycles, temperature control, nutrient management.
● Stress techniques: low-stress training, defoliation.
● Post-harvest handling: curing, storage conditions.
5. Sensory Evaluation Techniques (25 minutes)
● Hands-on activity with terpene samples.
○ Providing terpenes found in everyday products for students to smell and identify.
○ Techniques for identifying and differentiating terpene aromas.
● Training the palate: sensory exercises to enhance aroma identification.
6. Q&A and Wrap-Up (30 minutes)
● Open floor for questions.
● Recap key points.
Class 5: Harvesting and Curing
Objective: To learn the proper techniques for harvesting and curing cannabis to ensure the best quality and potency.
1. Identifying the Right Time to Harvest (15 minutes)
● Signs of maturity: trichome color, pistil color, etc.
● Tools for inspecting trichomes: magnifying glass, microscope.
2. Harvesting Techniques (20 minutes)
● Methods: wet trimming vs. dry trimming.
● Handling plants to avoid damage.
3. Drying Cannabis (20 minutes)
● Setting up a drying space.
● Ideal conditions: temperature, humidity, airflow.
● Monitoring the drying process.
4. Curing Cannabis (20 minutes)
● Importance of curing for potency and flavor.
● Curing methods: jars, bags, humidity packs.
● Monitoring and burping jars.
5. Storing Cannabis (15 minutes)
● Long-term storage options: jars, vacuum-sealed bags.
● Ideal storage conditions: temperature, light, humidity.
6. Q&A and Wrap-Up (20 minutes)
● Open floor for questions.
● Recap key points.
● Further reading and resources for deeper understanding.
Class 6: Extractions (Solventless and Solvent)
Objective: To understand various cannabis extraction methods, starting with solventless techniques followed by solvent-based methods.
1. Introduction to Extractions (10 minutes)
● Overview of cannabis extraction and its significance.
● Brief history of extraction techniques.
2. Solventless Extractions (40 minutes)
● Ice Water Extraction (Bubble Hash):
○ Process: freezing plant material, agitating in ice water, filtering through micron bags.
○ Equipment: ice, water, bubble bags, agitator.
○ Benefits: purity, terpene preservation.
○ End product: bubble hash.
● Dry Sift/Kief:
○ Techniques: screens, tumblers.
○ Equipment: silkscreens, pollen boxes.
○ Uses: smoking, pressing into hash.
● Rosin Pressing:
○ Process: applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash.
○ Equipment: rosin press, parchment paper.
○ Benefits: solvent-free, high-quality concentrates.
○ End products: rosin, live rosin.
● Advantages and Limitations:
○ Comparison of solvent-based and solventless methods in terms of yield, purity, and safety.
3. Solvent-Based Extractions (40 minutes)
● Hydrocarbon Extraction (BHO):
○ Process: using butane/propane to extract cannabinoids and terpenes.
○ Equipment: closed-loop system, vacuum oven.
○ Benefits: high yield, terpene preservation.
○ Safety considerations: flammability, proper ventilation, equipment certification.
○ End products: shatter, wax, live resin.
● Ethanol Extraction:
○ Process: using ethanol to extract cannabinoids.
○ Equipment: ethanol, extraction vessel, rotary evaporator.
○ Benefits: food-grade solvent, scalable for large production.
○ Safety considerations: flammability, solvent recovery.
○ End products: tinctures, distillates.
● Supercritical CO2 Extraction:
○ Process: using CO2 at high pressure and temperature to extract cannabinoids.
○ Equipment: CO2 extractor, separator, collection vessel.
○ Benefits: non-toxic, precise control over extraction parameters.
○ Safety considerations: high-pressure system, equipment maintenance.
○ End products: oil, wax, terp sauce.
● Advantages and Limitations:
○ Comparison of solvent-based and solventless methods in terms of yield, purity, and safety.
4. Post-Extraction Processing (20 minutes)
● Winterization:
○ Removing unwanted fats, waxes, and lipids.
○ Process: dissolving extract in ethanol, freezing, filtration.
○ Equipment: freezer, filter, Buchner funnel.
● Purging:
○ Removing residual solvents.
○ Techniques: vacuum ovens, rotary evaporators.
○ Importance of proper purging for product safety.
5. Q&A and Wrap-Up (20 minutes)
● Open floor for questions.
● Recap key points.