Cultivators of cannabis are always looking for new and improved formulas for bettering their products. After all, the better the grower the better the yields may be. The most experienced growers know how to use nature on their side and produce above-average results. Some growers, who may not be as experienced, try to use plant growth regulators to do the same thing.
These plant growth regulators (or pages) are used to synthetically make cannabis look, and feel, much better. However, the key word here is “synthetic” and this word is often associated with negative side effects. For example, synthetic cannabis is nothing like real cannabis and can be fatal. Pgrs may not be fatal… in the short term.
Don’t Confuse With Nature
Before you go off assuming all PGs are evil, there are a few things you must take into consideration first. Nature sometimes has a way of making synthetic PNGs seem present. These plant growth regulators are intended to make buds look more dense and bulky, but nature can also do that:
It’s Done in Indica Strains
Compared with sativa, Indica strains are naturally more dense and bulky. While you may believe you found some PGs, you may simply be looking at an Indica strain and believing it’s a sativa.
Growing Conditions Play a Part
Certain growing conditions, such as weather (if outdoor growing), lighting, nutrients, and a few others can affect a plant’s bud density. For example, it has been proven that increasing a plant’s exposure to light (yet not overdoing it) can increase bud density. Many growers use this to their advantage.
In Some Plants, PGRs Are Natural
Some plants, not cannabis, unfortunately, naturally produce pg’s. This is why we must emphasize “synthetic” PNGs and not all PNGs.
Why Are They Used?
Simply put, they are used in cannabis plants to make the buds appear bigger, denser, and weigh more. These synthetic pgrs are either sprayed onto the plant or fed to it through the soil.
Many cannabis companies market their per-filled buds as better quality, also as cannabis with more “bud per bud”. These companies look to increase profits by using it more often in their buds, therefore convincing customers that they offer “top quality” cannabis that costs more than the regular stuff. Some cultivators also do this as a way to increase profits.
Due to the competitive nature of the business markets, using PGs is very tempting for many companies since it can lead to more sales and overall profit growth. It can also help cut costs: you can use it to grow one plant the size of two, effectively removing the need to feed two plants. Grocery stores do something similar with their fresh produce. Fruits are injected with additives to make them appear shiny and more appealing.
Those who do not know on pgs may believe that buds full of them are better buds than buds that are all-natural. This is not the case, however. Hopefully, this post will shed some light for those who know little about growth regulators. Because even with all of these benefits from the pages (which only benefit the sellers), many consumers are wondering if any dangers come along with smoking or consuming buds with pages.
Are They Harmful?
Yes, PGs do pose a risk to our health. Even with these risks, there is no need to worry about the ones you have already consumed/the ones you will soon after this. Short-term use is not fatal and you do not need to fear it… in the short term. Long-term use of PGs, however, can have a significantly negative effect on your health. It is the same thing with tobacco: smoking one cigarette will not kill you, but smoking them for many years just might.
Starting in the 1920s, p’s were used in many foods to help them grow and have a longer shelf life. However, by the late 1980s, they became banned for human consumption as new research indicated that pagers can be classified as a carcinogen (and the government did classify them as such). Unfortunately, PGs are not regulated in cannabis cultivation as they are in the food industry.
Added to cannabis, it can reduce trichomes on buds, which are what determine how many cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) will be present in the buds. They also affect how the buds will create terpenes, which in turn reduces the flavors and scents.
One thing to note is that just because one cannabis bud is denser than another (from a different plant) does not mean it is better quality. A better indicator of a bud’s quality is the level of trichomes present, which can be visibly seen on buds (small white crystals). Also, look for a strong scent on the buds, as they are known to remove this pungency.
For all of your future cannabis purchases, you should always attempt to avoid per-filled buds. Hopefully, this post cleared up some information about these bud enhancers. Know some people who should learn about PGs too? Use one of the share buttons below to get this post in their hands! Thanks for reading!
FAQ: Plant Growth Regulators
A: Plant Growth Regulators, or PGRs, are chemical compounds that are used to control the growth and development of plants. They can influence factors such as germination, flowering, fruiting, and stem and leaf growth.
A: PGRs are used in cannabis cultivation to help enhance the quality and yield of the finished product. They are used to promote better root growth, promote higher cannabinoid concentrations, and help increase the overall yield.
A: As with any chemical, there is a possibility of over-application which can result in adverse effects on the plant, such as stunted growth or lower yields. It is important to carefully monitor your application of PGRs to get the desired result without causing damage to the plants.
