Trichomes are most abundant on cannabis flowers , but also occur early on in the growing cycle on the surfaces of cotyledons and first true leaves , meaning microgreens also offer the secondary metabolites produced by these structures . Research conducted by Louisiana State University found cannabis microgreens possess an average cannabinoid content of around one percent . In raw cannabis , the cannabinoids most of us are familiar with , including THC , CBD , and CBG , exist in their acidic forms THCA , CBDA , and CBGA , respectively . While all three of these cannabinoid acids have a low affinity to the receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system — the universal regulator of the human body — studies show they activate receptors belonging to the expanded endocannabinoid system , known as the endocannabinoidome ( eCBome ). For example , THCA , CBDA , and CBGA bind to eCBome receptors known as PPARs where they reduce insulin resistance and exert neuroprotective effects . CBDA also appears to produce anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the enzyme COX-2 , the same protein targeted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . While cannabis microgreens contain only trace quantities of these compounds , the manner in which these concentrations tweak the eCBome in humans remains unknown . Alongside cannabinoids , cannabis also produces flavonoids — phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant effects . As well as producing common flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin , cannabis also assembles rare flavonoids known as cannflavins that show up as early as the seedling stage . These molecules have demonstrated an array of beneficial effects in early studies , including anti-inflammatory activity 30 times that of aspirin .
How to Grow Cannabis Microgreens
Now that you ’ re aware of the potential benefits of cannabis microgreens , it ’ s to learn how to grow them . If you ’ ve ever purchased cannabis seeds , you ’ ll know things can get pretty expensive . However , hemp seeds provide a much cheaper option . “ Cannabis ” and “ hemp ” are two names for the same species . “ Cannabis ” often refers to selectively bred drug-type cultivars that produce high concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes . In contrast , “ hemp ” denotes fiber-type cultivars primarily bred and grown for stalks and seeds . Hemp seeds are considerably less costly than cannabis seeds , and the cannabis microgreen research mentioned above featured the analysis of hemp cultivars . With nomenclature out of the way , follow the steps below to secure your first crop of cannabis microgreens . Before we get into the key details , you ’ ll need the following to grow your own cannabis microgreens :
• 100g of non-sterilized hemp seeds
• Bowl or jar
• Sieve
• Seed tray with drainage holes
• Collection tray
• Soil
• Mister
Step 1 : PREPARE YOUR SEEDS
To grow cannabis microgreens , you ’ ll need to purchase non-sterilized hemp seeds . Some manufacturers heat-treat their seeds to prevent germination at the consumer end . Once purchased , measure out 100g , pour them into a bowl , and soak them in non-chlorinated water . Chlorine exerts an anti-bacterial effect . Hemp seeds possess endophytic bacteria that help in the formation of root hairs . If you ’ re using tap water , simply let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to off-gas . Leave your hemp seeds to soak overnight .
Step 2 : FILL YOUR TRAY
The next day , pour your hemp seeds into a sieve to strain the water . Fill a shallow seed tray with 5 to 7.5 centimetres of soil ( a fine potting mix will allow the taproots to gain a quick foothold ). Spread your soaked seeds as evenly as possible on the surface and gently firm them down with the back of your hand . Give them a mist to moisten the soil and place the seed tray on top of a collection tray to contain leaks . Place your trays outdoors in the garden or under grow lights indoors .
28 Maximum Yield