Veganic Weed: Growing Cannabis with Plant-Based Inputs

In the ever-evolving world of cannabis, veganic weed has emerged as a revolutionary option for those seeking a high-quality alternative free from animal-derived products. Catering to cannabis enthusiasts who embrace a vegan lifestyle, veganic cultivation aligns with eco-friendly values. While growing veganic cannabis may demand more effort and research, the result is a premium product that satisfies the ethical and health-conscious choices of consumers.

What is Veganic Weed?

Veganic weed refers to cannabis cultivated through organic vegan practices, avoiding all animal products and byproducts. This method emphasizes soil health using compost and plant-based fertilizers while promoting biodiversity through companion planting. It focuses on sustainability by utilizing renewable resources and minimizing waste, employing natural pest management techniques, while promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.

Six key principles of veganic growing:

1. Veganic growing prioritizes creating a rich and healthy soil environment essential for sustainable agriculture. This is accomplished through techniques such as composting and incorporating natural amendments like plant-based fertilizers. These practices significantly enhance soil health, fostering better nutrient absorption and plant growth.
2. Unlike traditional organic farming, veganic farming strictly avoids animal-derived products, including manure and bone meal. Instead, it emphasizes using plant-based nutrients and supplements to nourish the soil. This commitment to avoiding animal products aligns with the principles of veganism and supports ethical agriculture.
3. Vegan growers opt for natural pest and disease control methods, steering clear of synthetic chemicals and animal-derived products. They often utilize beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and predatory mites, alongside plant-based solutions like neem oil to promote a balanced ecosystem, enhancing plant health without compromising integrity.
4. Encouraging a diverse ecosystem is a fundamental aspect of veganic growing. This involves planting a variety of crops and employing companion planting strategies that support mutual growth. Additionally, attracting beneficial insects helps with natural pest control, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing the resilience of the ecosystem.
5. Veganic cannabis cultivation emphasizes eco-friendly practices, utilizing renewable resources, and implementing water conservation strategies to reduce environmental impact. By minimizing waste through efficient practices, veganic production aligns with sustainable agriculture principles, protecting natural ecosystems for future generations.
6. Central to veganic cannabis cultivation is the commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with farming. Growers aim to minimize transportation by sourcing materials locally. Whenever possible, many growers utilize renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to ensure their cultivation practices are sustainable.

Veganic vs Organic

Veganic cannabis refers to plants grown without animal-based products, focusing solely on plant-based nutrients and natural cultivation methods. In contrast, organic cannabis is grown using organic farming standards, which may include animal byproducts like manure. Both methods prioritize natural growing practices, but veganic growers aim for an entirely plant-based approach, appealing to those seeking a more environmentally friendly product.

Benefits of Veganic Cannabis

In recent years, veganic cannabis has gained popularity among enthusiasts and growers alike. This organic approach to growing cannabis emphasizes the use of plant-based inputs and omits any animal products or byproducts. By focusing on sustainable practices and enriching the soil, veganic cannabis not only promotes a healthier environment but also enhances the final product’s quality. Here are six key benefits of choosing veganic cannabis.

• Veganic cultivation is free from animal byproducts and synthetic chemicals, significantly reducing the risk of residue contaminants such as heavy metals and harmful pathogens. This approach ensures that the final product is safer for consumption and supports overall health, appealing to consumers seeking purity in their cannabis products.
• Utilizing plant-based nutrients allows for cleaner terpene profiles in cannabis cultivation. This results in the development of richer and more complex flavors and aromas. The absence of synthetic additives permits the true essence of the plant to shine, creating a more enjoyable experience for consumers who appreciate a diverse terpene profile.
• Growers have observed that veganic methods can lead to increased cannabinoid production. This boost in potency ensures that the final product offers more significant effects for users. Higher levels of cannabinoids mean enhanced therapeutic benefits, making this method attractive for both recreational and medicinal cannabis consumers.
• Veganic cultivation practices boost soil health by enhancing water retention and fostering beneficial microorganisms throughout the cannabis plant’s life cycle. This sustainable approach not only supports the growth of immediate crops but also promotes long-term agricultural sustainability, ensuring a healthier ecosystem and a more productive farming future.
• The focus on plant-based fertilizers aligns with the values of vegans and eco-conscious consumers. By eliminating animal-derived fertilizers, such as bone meal or fish emulsions, veganic cultivation promotes ethical agriculture. This appeals to those looking for products that support animal welfare and environmentally friendly methods.
• Focusing on renewable, plant-based resources significantly reduces environmental harm, and these cruelty-free options are perfect for a vegan diet. With a variety of vegan edibles, including tasty vegan THC gummies, delicious dark chocolate brownies, or cupcakes, cannabis enthusiasts can savor their favorites without any guilt!

Veganic Weed Cost

Growing veganic weed usually costs more than regular weed for several reasons. High-quality organic nutrients and vegan amendments are often priced at a premium. Additionally, investing in specialized lighting systems, such as full-spectrum LEDs, involves a significant upfront cost and can increase electricity expenses. These factors contribute to the overall higher costs associated with cultivating veganic cannabis compared to conventional methods.

According to GQ’s Most Expensive, the price of veganic weed is skyrocketing, with a joint costing around $37. When the famous rapper 2 Chainz learned that a pound of cannabis could reach nearly $1,000 an ounce, he was shocked. Renowned cultivator Kyle Kushman continued to explain that he once stayed home for five years, selling so much vegan weed that customers would come just to bring him money—underscoring the enormous demand for veganic weed!

How to Grow Veganic Weed

Growing vegetarian weed can be rewarding, especially when emphasizing sustainable methods. In this guide, we’ll examine six key aspects of cultivating veganic cannabis, ensuring you can achieve healthy plants while supporting environmental sustainability. Let’s dive into the world of veganic cultivation!

Step One: Source your Seeds

Begin with high-quality, organic cannabis seeds tailored to your growing conditions, whether indoors or outdoors. It is essential to select strains you enjoy.

Numerous seed banks provide certified organic seeds; however, here at Humboldt Seed Company, we have the most diverse range of genetics! Once you have your seeds, germinate them using the paper towel technique or plant them directly in your growing medium.

Step Two: Choose a Growing Medium

Choose a medium that ensures optimal drainage and aeration. Here at Humboldt Seed Company, we recommend a blend of organic soil, coco coir, and perlite, which is ideal for promoting healthy root development. Additionally, consider peat-free options or craft your own mix featuring worm castings and organic compost. These choices create a nutrient-rich environment that supports vigorous growth while adhering to Veganic principles.

Step Three: Use Organic Fertilizers

When you’re growing vegan weed, choose products derived from natural ingredients and always adhere to the recommended dosages to prevent nutrient burn. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, and adjust your approach as needed. Unlike traditional methods, veganic growing eliminates the need for pH management, fostering a balanced and healthier ecosystem for your plants.

Step Four: Add Some Mulch

Applying organic mulch around your plants can help retain moisture, suppress unwanted weeds in your growing medium, and enhance soil quality as it decomposes. Effective materials include straw, shredded leaves, and wood chips. When using mulch, it’s essential to keep it away from the base of each plant to prevent rot and ensure healthy growth. Regularly replenishing mulch can further improve your garden’s health and appearance.

Easy Compost Tea Recipe

Compost tea is a fantastic way to supply organic nutrients to your plants. Here are some basic instructions to help you get started!

Materials:

• Compost
•  Mesh Bag
• 5-gallon Bucket
• Water
• Molasses
• Aquarium Pump
• Optional: Seaweed or Alfalfa Meal

1. Prepare the Compost and Mix the Water
   To brew your own compost tea, begin by placing your compost in a mesh bag. Then, using a 5-gallon bucket, begin to mix water with molasses, which creates a base for nurturing beneficial microbes that help enhance plant growth and development. 
2. Submerge the Material
   Submerge the compost bag in the molasses-water mixture, ensuring it stays weighed down if necessary. This process allows the nutrients from the compost to leach into the water effectively, creating a nutrient-rich tea that your cannabis plants will be grateful for!
3. Aerate the Mixture and Additional Supplements
   After preparing the mixture, use an aquarium pump for about 48 hours to aerate it. This step fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing the compost tea’s effectiveness. After aeration, you can add seaweed or alfalfa meal for an enhanced nutrient profile.
4. Strain and Dilute the Compost Tea
   After finishing the brewing process, strain the compost tea to remove any remaining compost, ensuring that only the liquid is left. To achieve a balanced consistency, gradually dilute the tea by adding an equal amount of water and mixing thoroughly to combine the two. 
5. Apply to Your Plants
   For optimal results, apply the nutrient-rich tea every couple of weeks around the apical mainstem of your plant to improve soil health. This practice significantly enhances nutrient availability for the cannabis plants, fostering robust growth and vigor in your garden.

Post-Harvest Tips 

After harvesting, it’s recommended to cure your cannabis to maintain its quality.

Hang your buds in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry, ideally at a temperature between 60-70°F and humidity around 60%. Once dried, transfer the buds into jars, opening them periodically to allow air exchange. This process enhances flavor and potency while preventing mold. Following these steps, you can cultivate healthy cannabis and promote sustainable gardening!

Vegan THC edibles

For consumers hoping to find vegan cannabis edibles at local dispensaries, the menu can be a tad scant. From chocolate chips to gelatin in gummies, there are many animal ingredients in infused foods. 

There are a number of vegan edible gummies brands across the country. In California, Space Gem is a popular choice. Kanha and Lost Farm are other popular options. If looking to buy vegan or gluten free edibles, be sure to ask the retail staff for recommendations.

DIY Vegan cannabis gummies

If your local dispo doesn’t carry vegan THC gummies brands, you may need to DIY. Fortunately, making vegan weed gummies at home is a fairly simple process. Check out our full guide to making gummies to learn more. And while our recipe uses gelatin, you can substitute agar agar to ensure there are no animal products present

Conclusion: is weed vegan?

While most people may not think about whether cannabis is vegan, the truth is that most commercial weed is not. For people who want to adhere to a lifestyle free from animal products, finding veganic weed may be a bit of a chore. From brands using blood meal in the grow to dairy-filled THC edibles, there are many supply chain components to think about.

The best way to ensure your weed is vegan is to grow at home using vegan nutrients. While some supplies may be a bit more expensive, they can be worth the peace of mind.

Photos courtesy of Kandid Kush.