As the plants reach maturity the leaves start to yellow and die. The grower now starts to examine the calyxes to check on the trichomes. These bulbous glands are where THC is produced; they start out clear, turning milky and finally, a beautiful amber color. When one-third to one-half have turned amber, the plant has reached peak fluorescence--a fancy term for maturity. Past this point THC starts to degrade and the flowers become less potent. About a week or so prior to harvest, cannabis plants need to be flushed. Even organic-soil grown flowers need this. Heavy nitrogen fertilizers like guanos can leave a distinct and not pleasant taste in the finished product. Fish emulsion, another common organic ingredient, also leaves a wicked fishy smell and taste if not properly flushed. We've had to turn away beautiful sun-grown at Harborside because of poor flushing. 

 

 

 

The weeks leading up to harvest can be an intensely nerve-wracking period when one's patience and commitment are tested. During this time the grower is also putting word out that they'll soon need help trimming. There are a variety of machines on the market to trim cannabis, but the vast majority of folks employ trimmers. Many rely on trusted friends and neighbors, but there also exists an itinerant tribe of trimmers who flock to Northern California from all over the world...

 

People travel from Israel and Germany, even as far as Japan, to participate in Cali's shadow economy. The highways and side-roads fill with scraggly backpackers clutching signs displaying scissors; this is code in the Emerald Triangle for "I'm looking for trim work." Growers will pick up these migrant laborers and often blindfold them for the journey to the farm. Trim scenes can vary from the posh, with cooks and hot tubs, to primitive, with folks living in tents and barely getting fed. All kinds of crazy stories abound. After a trim crew has been established, the grower is ready to begin harvesting the fruits of their labors. 

 

 

Endocann CBD gel caps

Thankfully, the national buzz around therapeutic cannabidiol (CBD) has given rise to a breadth of CBD medicines. There are now several varieties of pills, tinctures and salves that are rich in CBD. Three of these products have become quite popular at Harborside Health Center. The first is a capsule by Endocann (pictured left). Each clear gel cap contains 25 mg of CBD and less than 15 mg of THC. A small amount of THC works with the CBD to increase its effects. The capsules are professionally manufactured and look like a traditional gel cap or soft gel. They are attractively packaged in clear pill bottles that allow the patients to see the capsules inside. They are not inexpensive but they are effective. 

 

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CBD-OOS lozenge

 

Harborside also features two CBD-rich medicinal cannabis products from GOOD-EZ. One is a lozenge called CBD-OOS (pictured left), which contains 25 mg of CBD and 15 mg of THC. The lozenges come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry and ginger. These can be broken into smaller pieces to effectively get just the amount of medicine needed. 

 

Another outstanding product from GOOD-EZ is a sugar-free crumble (not pictured) made from xylitol, which is most often found in sugar-free gum. This medicine contains 25 mg of CBD with 8 mg of THC. The crumble can also be broken into smaller pieces for effective dosing. If you haven't tried CBD-rich products yet, ask your HHC patient consultant to acquaint you with these valuable new medicines. 

 

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Are you a parent of a child with special needs who may want to try medical cannabis in the healing process? 

 

Does your family struggle with questions regarding medical cannabis administered to children who suffer from epilepsy, autism, cancer or other conditions? 

 

HHC is here to help!

 

Our latest support group aims to educate our patients and the public about safe access to medical cannabis for children. The PARENT SUPPORT GROUP is designed to answer questions about legal access to cannabis for children, which types of cannabis are most effective for kids, how to find a doctor who will write a valid recommendation for your child, and to provide a safe space where families can share stories and network in confidentiality and caring.

 

Harborside has a long history of reaching out to families with special needs children and providing them with guidance and medicine to facilitate healing. Please join us as we continue our efforts to fulfill our mission of providing the highest quality medicine in a supportive and caring environment. 

 

The PARENT SUPPORT GROUP meets 6:15pm-7:45pm on the second Wednesday of every month, and will be moderated by our Director of Holistic Services, Dave Wedding dress.

 

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