MMJ: Better Than a Road Flare

Recreational weed is cool I guess, but what about medical cannabis? Is the state still working on it? – Meddie Calyouse

Good question. The state had been working on a bunch of medical cannabis regulations separate from the recreational side of things, and even had a set of regulations ready to go, but just last week all three agencies charged with drafting the regulations decided to withdraw their new rules. Weird, right? They were so close!

In April, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, placing recreational and medical cannabis under the aegis of the recently (re)named Bureau of Cannabis Control. The BCC has to come up with new regs for both medical and recreational, and is expected to publish those rules in November.

It is hella important to keep protections for medical cannabis patients in place. In our rush to maximize revenue, we must remember to protect our most vulnerable. You can learn more (and offer input) on the BCC website: bcc.ca.gov.

I’ve heard gray ash indicates good weed. Is this true? I am skeptical. Road flares also have gray ash. Just saying. – Rex N. Effex

Gray ash indicates that the plant was well-flushed. This doesn’t always indicate good weed, but it does suggest well grown cannabis. Cannabis growers use all sorts of chemicals and fertilizers. During the last two or three weeks before harvest, good growers will stop using additives and use only clear water in the their gardens, so as to “flush” out all the chemicals and salts and stuff, leaving only pure clean delicious cannabis. Cannabis that isn’t well-flushed will burn with a black ash, and may crackle. Crackling weed is no bueno. Don’t smoke that shit.

As for the “good weed” part: There is no one indicator of “good” weed. There’s aroma, appearance, texture, flavor, effect and gray ash. While I have never smoked a road flare, I would in fact recommend against such activities.

Happy harvest season! Any favorites? – Green Tongue Tommy

Yes indeed! I spent the past few weekends up in Mendo and Humboldt and the early returns are very promising. I smoked a Super Master from Giving Tree Genetics that was frosty and phenomenal. Southern Humboldt has excellent Skittlez.