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Dabbing 101
So you want to do a dab? Or want to know what a dab even is?
The term supposedly comes from the old Brylcreem slogan, "a little dab'll do ya," emphasizing that this is a more potent version of a cannabis experience.
In other words, a dab is a concentrated form of cannabis consumption!
Part 1 – Cannabis Extracts and Accessories
How are cannabis concentrates made?
Cannabis concentrates can be made from hydrocarbon (often Butane) extraction, fractional CO2 extraction, or by pressing cannabis under high pressure and low heat.
In the case of butane extraction, the plant material is loaded into a container, which is filled with gas, removing the trichomes from the plant and isolating them in a solution. Trichomes are the protective glands or “crystals,” which contain the medicinal and psychoactive components of cannabis. A low-temperature, high-pressure oven is then used to boil off the remaining solvent, leaving a potent concentrate.
Examples of hydrocarbon and CO2-extracted concentrates are shatter, budder, badder, and live sugar.
In the case of pressing, the plant material (or hash) is pressed between heated plates, and the oil is smashed outta there.
Examples of high-pressure extraction are rosin and live rosin.
In either case, these extracted oils are potent and tasty, a great way to take your cannabis experience to the next level. But you'll need a way to smoke 'em, right?
Dabbing Devices
The easiest way to start is with a portable vape pen or a nectar collector. This will allow you to take dabs without buying many pieces of equipment with multiple steps involved in their use. There are great choices out there from quality brands like Puffco (the Plus), Yocan (the Uni XL Pro), Lookah (the Seahorse Pro), and Boundless (the Terp Pen).
These devices will require you to either fill a chamber with or dip a heated element directly into your concentrate, which will then quickly boil and vaporize, allowing you to inhale the vapor.
These gadgets will also allow you to easily control the temperature of your dab. You’ll want to keep the heat low enough to avoid burning the concentrate. At the right temperature, you’ll be ingesting terpenes and cannabinoids and receive their healing effects.
With any of these devices, and with dabs in general, it’s *key* to keep things clean. Concentrates themselves, along with the residue that gets left behind after they vaporize, can be very sticky. As such, it's important to clean up any sticky bits pretty well, with isopropyl alcohol and q-tips. This is especially true of the Puffco Plus, which works best when you clean it after every session.
The Puffco Plus is a great tool for perfecting the temperature at which you take your dab, with three temperature settings to choose from.
The Yocan makes terrific clouds and comes with two removable chambers so you can have one soaking in alcohol while you use the other.
The Lookah and the Boundless, which are nectar collectors, allow you to simply dip their tips directly into your concentrate and inhale the vapor. The Boundless also has a burn-off cycle that you can use to clean the tip. Super Handy!
Dab Rigs
But what if you're ready to graduate to some of these fancy bong-type things you've seen people using on the internets? Where to begin?
The set-up you are now getting ready to use is called a "dab rig." The components you need are as follows:
1) A BONG
You don't want a 3-footer here. Remember, dab vapor is rich in terpenes and can degrade in too big a chamber, so stick with ten inches or less. There are lots of water pipes out there that are sold specifically for dabs, so that is an easy way to pick, though not a requirement.
2) A BANGER
The banger is the place where you'll be putting your dab. It's a glass (quartz glass is best) bucket with a stem that you insert into the place on the bong where the bowl would normally go. You'll be heating this up with a torch until it is hot enough to boil and vaporize the concentrate.
3) A TORCH
It’s popular to use high-grade butane torches for dabbing, but a propane torch will work, too. This is maybe the most intimidating part of using a dab rig, since shooting a blowtorch around is outside most people's realms of experience. But if you can keep from aiming the torch at yourself and others, and aim it instead at your banger, you will be fine!
4) DAB TOOL
You need a way to carry the concentrate from its container to the banger without burning yourself, and the dab tool is just the skinny little spoon for the job. You probably don’t have a good substitute around the house.
5) DABS
Any form of concentrate can be dabbed, from shatter to budder to rosin. Even edible concentrates like FECO can be dabbed!
6) COTTON SWABS OR MOPS
There are ad hoc dabbing q-tips out there that are more tightly wound than your average q-tip or CVS cotton swab, and this does come in very handy. Trust us, you really don’t want fibers tearing off your q-tip and sticking to your rig parts. It’s best to mop out your banger or insert a dry mop after letting it cool for a few minutes. This will get most or all of the residual material out. If necessary, you can use another mop with isopropyl alcohol to finish the job.
That’s it! You’re ready to dab. BUT there are some other things you can add to optimize your dabbing experience…
Extra Dabbing Gear
Let's move on to a few handy items you can add to your rig to maximize your experience.
1) INSERT CUPS
This is a quartz bucket that you can load your concentrate into, so that when you drop it into the hot banger (it should nest perfectly inside), it absorbs and distributes the heat evenly and gradually, helping to insure a lower temperature dab. You can also get multiple cups so that you don't have to clean up after each dab.
2) CARB CAP
This is a cap (hence the name), that sits on the top of the banger bucket. It regulates airflow and heating and is integral to the use of insert cups and terp pearls. There are lots of different styles of these. We recommend a “spinner cap,” which makes great airflow even if you aren’t using terp pearls.
3) TERP PEARLS
These are little marbles that come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Put them in the banger (or insert cup) and they spin around in the banger bucket, stirring the concentrate inside and providing surface area, thereby giving a more even and thorough vaporization of your concentrate.
4) SILICONE MAT
Dabbing is sticky business, so you want a place to set your rig so that is doesn’t stick to your table.
5) A THERMOMETER
Having the right temperature is essential to an ideal concentrate experience. You can opt for a specialized dab thermometer (expect to spend around $100). You can also use an infrared beam thermometer, but it can be tricky to hit the perfect spot on your banger to get a good read. Test them out and see which thermometer is right for you.
SO that’s a lot! But doing dabs from an “acoustic rig” like this is really a hobby in and of itself, and that is a big part of the appeal. If you consider all this customization and learning intriguing, then this kind of dabbing could be for you! I find it a shame that some more “old school” cannabis users shy away from this approach, because an appreciation of paraphernalia and its customization has long been a part of the culture, and it is at its most vital in the dabbing sphere.
BUT there is yet another, hybrid option available in the “e rig,” an electric version of a waterpipe for concentrates. A very popular iteration of this idea is the Puffco Peak, which comes with everything you would need to do precisely-heated dabs. Other options allow variations on electric elements that take the place of the torch, providing a precise and consistent heat to your quartz banger or replacing the banger assembly with an all-in-one heating unit and chamber. These are great options as well, though they will be among the more expensive. The upside is huge when it comes to consistency, convenience, flavor and effect. Even the customization aspect is still available, as there is a world of options out there for these devices, from custom blown-glass tops to carrying and accompanying gadgets galore! So what will you put into your new device? What are these substances you see described in seemingly misspelled descriptions on your dispensary’s menu? The names given to these various concentrates can be confusing, and the reason is simple but unfortunate. The fact is there is not much consistency of terminology when it comes to these names, which are really all about describing what kind of texture/consistency the stuff ends up with. A budder has the consistency of butter, a badder has the texture of batter, a wet sugar… well, you get the idea. Why the bad spelling? Because we’re stoned and it’s cute? Partly, but really we’re making a distinction from cannabis butter or batter that you might encounter in the edibles realm. There’s no guarantee, however, that the texture from one maker called “wet sugar” will not be described as “badder” by another. This is a new frontier in a lot of ways, and creativity and innovation can also lead to a little confusion. But if you are expecting a wetter or dryer consistency than what you end up getting, it is not the end of the world. All these concentrates work well for all kinds of dabbing. It’s all about figuring out your preferences! Another important thing to note in these descriptions is that anything described as “cured” is referring to its source material, which is cured cannabis flower. Contrast these with “live” concentrates whose source material is freshly harvested, immediately frozen and subsequently cold-maintained cannabis. So, confusing but navigable, especially with the help of your friendly budtender. Here’s a brief attempt to nail down a few of the more common concentrate offerings: CURED RESIN CONCENTRATES SHATTER Glassy and brittle, usually comes in a flat piece wrapped in parchment. WAX Crumbly and opaque, but not as crumbly as sugar. You’ll probably use the pointy spear end of your dab tool rather than the scoop for these first two. BUDDER This is supposed to have a whipped, airy, smooth and scoopable texture. Like butter, baby. BADDER Like batters that you bake with, these can range from nearly waxy like cookie dough to much wetter like cake batter (and textures in between). LIVE RESIN CONCENTRATES LIVE SUGAR More like brown sugar, which cakes together but can also be easily crumbled into powder. Again, this can vary a bit, even sometimes getting wet enough to be considered “wet sugar.’ DIAMONDS AND SAUCE This is a combination of THCa crystals (diamonds) and terpene extract (sauce). This name does a pretty good job of describing what this concentrate typically looks and feels like. The biggest difference is usually the size of the diamonds. TERP SUGAR A point somewhere between the last two, this is grainy, fairly uniform, and swimming in terpene-rich, syrupy sauce. With these last two, the scoop end of your dab tool should easily carry a nice heaping dab of this without it falling off too easily. To put it mildly, there is a lot more to learn if you wish to dive into the different kinds of hydrocarbon extraction, the various fractions of a CO2 process, the thirteen shapes of terp pearls and their benefits and downsides, and such abysmal rabbit holes. We may dive into them here in the future, but for now let’s keep it simple, enjoy a dab and celebrate 710! Part 2 – Differences in Cannabis Extracts
ALL ABOUT TEXTURE
The Source Team
January 7, 2025
The Source Celebrates the 12 Strains of the Holidaze!
Happy holidaze, Arkansas!
Like the holiday season, cannabis cultivation is cyclical. Round by round, the way we grow each strain evolves. There are ups and downs, which allow growers to listen to the plants and make adjustments. When a grower learns to speak the language of a particular strain, cannabis flower cultivation reaches peak form.
Growers strive to bring out the best in a strain – the highest and most diverse terpene profiles and usually... THC percentages.
The cultivation team at The Source is no exception. They are loyal stewards of each cultivar, who use both science and intuition to bring out the best in a strain. One of my favorite moments in my role as CEO of The Source came on a random day when I was on a call in our conference room. Unbeknownst to me, test results from our most recent harvest dropped while I was on the call.
Flush with the excitement of badass test results, Rob and Ari scribbled “Chemmy tested 30%” on a piece of white printer paper and stuck it to the window of the conference room for me to read. I put myself on mute and jumped up and down, dancing with excitement like a crazy person.
My team had finally mastered the cultivation of the legendary strain, Chemmy Jones... and guess what? It wasn’t easy. We will never forget that day; that sign is still hanging in my office. Grow lore suggests that there are four essential ingredients for peak cannabis cultivation, and they fall in this order: Genetics (the DNA of the plant) The grower (caretaking team) Environment (sunshine and climate) Inputs (food and water) I agree with this rough rubric, but I would also like to suggest that there is a fifth point that works a little bit like the “12th man” concept in football. Consumer (you, the storyteller) In business, we would refer to you as “the market” or “the consumer,” but I see it differently. I see you as the authors of the Arkansas cannabis story. What you buy determines what we grow. In fact, it’s your mindful consumption of products that allows local craft businesses like ours to pour deeper care into what we do, like the art of hand-watering plants. At The Source, our Head Grower, Ari Pascoe, has many responsibilities, but she will never hesitate to say that her favorite duty of all is watering the plants. It is a meditative act for her, filled with intention, during which she possesses an uncanny ability to assess the health of each individual plant. This attention to detail is evident when you take these products home in your kraft paper exit bag, open them up, and author one story after another with the essences of limonene, myrcene, and THC. Ari Pascoe, Head Grower at The Source in Northwest Arkansas, tends to young cannabis plants. At the end of 2024, we are celebrating 12 cultivars by 4 different cultivators that have written themselves into the book of Arkansas medical cannabis history, thanks to your purchasing power. And let me tell you – these strains are worth celebrating. You already know the bangers on our list: Donny Burger, Blackwater, Sour Berry Blue (and of course, Chemmy Jones). But we also included some deep-cuts – strains we feel deserve your attention, like one of our newest In The Flow cultivars, Grape Pie; the insider-favorite, MAC 1; and the shape-shifting, Wolverine, from BOLD Team. I’m excited to invite you to shop “The 12 Strains of the Holidaze,” by The Source, where we create and sell products that tell a story. Stay spark’d Arkansas,
The Source Team
January 7, 2025
Roots and Reefer: The Natural State of Excellence
It’s a regular Thursday at The Source, and I’m on the sales floor when I hear, “Blackwater’s on the floor.” Like a buzz, the news sweeps around. I heard Montana, then May, then Hannah says something about it. By the time I get back to my computer to check the sales, we’ve already sold about 95 grams.
Blackwater.
It makes a buzz.
Blackwater, cultivated by Natural State Medicinals, is a flower strain that the budtenders at The Source taught me to go crazy over. Completely unique on the nose, Blackwater doesn’t smell like weed. It’s complex like a winter garden or a fruit you’ve never tasted. There’s art in the flavor profile.
It’s not always available, so when we have it, you should buy it.
Blackwater, Dogtown, Commerce City Kush, Pixy Drip, Mac Daddy, Grandpa's Cookies, and Sour Tangie are all strains that take the spotlight when they hit the floor, and they are grown exclusively by Natural State for the Arkansas patient base.
That night at home, I popped open my deli jar to fill a cone, and the unique terpene profile of Blackwater filled the kitchen as I ground it up. There’s no better way to wind down after a long day than with this strain.
The story of Blackwater grows out of White Hall, Arkansas, home to the elite Arkansas cannabis cultivation business, Natural State Medicinals. Natural State stood apart from its competitors over the last five years, due to the simple fact that they have grown and produced some of the best cannabis products on the market.
It’s no surprise that the laser-focused vision and steady leadership of one outstanding person was at the center of Natural State this entire time, and that’s Robert deBin – the company’s Co-founder and CEO.
Composed, yet distinctly passionate, Robert is a very young man to have so much experience. Now 34, Robert’s classic look is still boyish, and he has a disarming patience for listening. It’s hard to deny his sincerity once you get to know him.
Robert’s journey with Natural State began before the company ever even had a name. He was a disciplined student of the Arkansas medical marijuana amendment movement. He attended every single planning meeting and became known for taking tedious notes. He gathered a group of investors and penned the perfect application. By 28 years old, he had spearheaded a successful application campaign, and The Natural State app was graded first place in a stack of nearly 100 applications.
Robert celebrated by doubling down on his work ethic during the construction and opening of the company. In 2019, Natural State products launched in Arkansas dispensaries like a fireball and led the market early on, with patient-favorite flower strains like Crescendo #11 and Strawberry Cough. They mastered extraction, and in the kitchen, they created premium chocolates, micro-dose mints, and a topical that smells great and really works.
They do it all well. Robert is interested in being the best, in all ways.
“Our commitment remains staunchly medicinal-focused, guiding us to make choices that prioritize patient well-being over business interests,” Robert says, and his vision is clear. “Products like topicals and suppositories, while not always the most commercially advantageous, represent our dedication to doing what's right for those we serve.”
He is supported by a board of investors who have a common mission: prioritize patient well-being over business interests.
Robert just got back from vacation, where he spent time in a hammock sipping a piña colada and reading Murtagh, the latest book in the Eragon series, which he began reading in high school. “An actual novel,” he laughed, and admitted that this was his first vacation in 58 months.
He checked the date on the phone; it’s March 8, 2024. “It’s been exactly five years since we got plants in the building,” meaning he hasn’t taken a weeklong vacation since Natural State began operating five years ago.
The perseverance is astounding, and I’m also not surprised when I hear that he’s been accused of micromanaging. He laughs when he says it, and that’s when I feel again like he’s wise beyond his years, “I understand how everything in the system works as a whole, so when we go to create a new product or something, I always insist that I review the steps with our team before they do it – because I’ve done each part of it so many times.” Robert has solved so many problems already that I can’t help but wonder what he might achieve by the time he reaches middle age.
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Natural State has over 80 strains in its library, and they have developed and released more than 300 extraction products - from full spectrum vapes to edibles in six different categories.
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Shop Natural State Medicinals products we love here >>
NSM 3:1 Topical Lotion
Not only is this a miracle in topical lotion form, we love the way it smells. Used for aches, pains, stiffness, and soreness. It’s one of the most effective products on the market!
NSM Full Spectrum Advantage
The masters of “Whole Plant Extract and Reconstruction," the goal of full spec is to bring the natural state of the plant into a form factor that’s portable.
Dogtown
This classic strain unleashes our inner adventurer! Dogtown brings a sense of energy and creativity, making it the perfect companion for outdoor activities or artistic pursuits. Top Terps: Pinene, Terpinolene, Caryophyllene
Micro Fruits
Love these because they’re small, potent, and convenient for carrying. AND you don’t have to worry about them melting in your hot car!
Little Barks Seasonal Flavors
These flavors follow Loblolly’s tribute to Arkansas’ Seasons. We selected the best of the best from their seasonal menu and infused our chocolates with the cone and all!
Choco Mojito
This top shelf strain is on our new favorites list! Top Terps: Limonene: Citrus; Myrcene: Herbal, Earthy; Caryophyllene: Spicy, Peppery
Commerce City Kush
We think this just might be Arkansas's most legendary strain, with NSM’s cut taking the cake! Top Terps: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Humulene
Amnesia Fast
Cerebral effects found here! This gem of a strain offers a zesty and uplifting high. This strain is perfect for those looking for a pick-me-up during the day. Top Terps: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene.
Shop our favorite NSM products here >>
About The Source cannabis dispensary in Northwest Arkansas
The Source is a craft medical marijuana company located in Rogers, Arkansas, just off Exit 85 on Interstate 49. With it's own boutique grow, lab, & kitchen, The Source produces & distributes its own unique products, while also stocking all of the highest quality products produced by the great cultivators of Arkansas. We value friendliness, education, quality, & inclusivity. The Source is a destination dispensary - all Arkansas MMJ cardholders welcome!
The Source Team
January 7, 2025
Celebrate 420 Fiesta with Unbeatable Deals at The Source Craft Cannabis!
Celebrate in Style with The Source Craft Cannabis’s 420 Fiesta Weekend Extravaganza
As April rolls into its final stretch, cannabis enthusiasts know it’s time to prepare for the most anticipated event of the year - 420! The Source Craft Cannabis is here to make this year’s celebration one for the history books with our 420 Fiesta weekend. Get ready for mind-blowing deals, exclusive doorbusters, and a showcase of the finest craft cannabis that will elevate your 420 experience to new heights.
Unmatched Deals for the Cannabis Connoisseur
At The Source Craft Cannabis, we’re passionate about providing our customers with the highest quality, artisan-grown strains that deliver unparalleled experiences. This 420, we’re taking it up a notch with deals that are too good to pass up. From April 19th through April 21st, join us for discounts on your favorite products, from potent indicas to energizing sativas, and everything in between.
Doorbuster Sales That Will Have You Coming Back for More
Rise and shine early because our doorbuster sales are setting the stage for a 420 Fiesta weekend you won't forget, starting Friday, April 19th through Sunday, April 21st. In-store shoppers will be able to choose one doorbuster item from each day’s selection of products with a minimum $20 purchase, while supplies last. Limit to one doorbuster, per patient, per day. From flower and extracts to vapes and edibles, pick your favorite for only a penny!
Top-Shelf Strains at Unbeatable Prices
Our expert cultivators have been working tirelessly to ensure that our selection of top-shelf strains is the best on the market. This 420 Fiesta, we’re showcasing our dedication to excellence with special pricing on premium strains. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, creativity, or just a good time with friends, we’ve got the perfect bud for you -- at prices that will have you celebrating.
Edibles, Tinctures, and Topicals - Oh My!
Not into smoking? No problem! The Source Craft Cannabis has an array of edibles, tinctures, and topicals that will make your 420 celebration deliciously delightful. With special 420 Fiesta pricing on select products, it’s the perfect time to explore new ways to enjoy cannabis.
Join the Festivities and Share the Joy
The Source Craft Cannabis is more than just a dispensary; it’s a community. We invite you to join us for a weekend filled with fun, laughter, and shared experiences. Follow us on social media for live updates, share your own stories using our hashtag #420Fiesta, and become a part of our growing family.
So, mark your calendars for The Source Craft Cannabis’s 420 Fiesta this April 19th- 21st. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis aficionado or new to the scene, we welcome you to take part in the festivities. Visit us in-store for personalized recommendations or check out our online events at The Source Mj.
Don’t miss out on the biggest 420 celebration yet. Let’s make this 420 Fiesta a weekend to remember with The Source Craft Cannabis – where quality meets community.
Important information for pickup and delivery during 420 Fiesta weekend at The Source
Our pick-up order procedures will be different this weekend. Please read below to learn more and be prepared for the best 420 Fiesta weekend.
Delivery services will be offered Friday, 4/19 but not be will not be available on Saturday, 4/20 nor Sunday, 4/21.
The Source Team
January 7, 2025
Roots and Reefer: The Arkansas Cannabis Story
Roots and Reefer magazine is meant to be collected. It is an artifact filled with stories of cannabis patients and producers that have largely been left untold for nearly five years. Whether you're adding this series of articles to your curation of digital cannabis artifacts or you have a physical copy nested on your coffee table, this a resource you can come back to again and again.
From the Editor & Chief Executive Officer of The Source:
photo by Evan Alvarado
Dear Arkansan,
You deserve to know the story behind your cannabis and to learn about the science that’s constantly refining and redefining what’s available in your local dispensary. By sharing these stories, we want to increase transparency between producers and patients. Thanks to the careful attention of our regulators and the shape of the MMJ law here in Arkansas, we have a special opportunity to pursue and uphold quality, while giving back to our local communities.
My name is Mandi, and I am a cannabis patient, a storyteller, and CEO of The Source. My team and I are not only here to run a sustainable business and provide badass jobs, but we are here to shape the cannabis patient experience on a regional—maybe even national—level.
At The Source, we are committed to staying true to craft and community, earning our place as Arkansas’s most unique craft cannabis company. We are purposely growing our business like a tree: growing our roots deeper rather than wider, providing a canopy for our team of over 60 employees—and thus providing an unparalleled cannabis experience for the Northwest Arkansas community.
The first edition of Roots and Reefer magazine is shaped around the stories of the three people who have most impacted the Arkansas patient base and my own personal professional development. Those folks are Annie Iselin from BOLD Team, Ryan Kenaga from River Valley Relief, and Robert DeBin from Natural State Medicinals.
Like Annie says in “A Bold Approach” on page 23, Cannabis is about people. The people who grow, extract, and formulate. The people who package, transport, and dispense. The people who buy, consume, and share. That’s the cycle of cannabis community creation, and Roots and Reefer is here to empower those people through storytelling. Thanks for reading and thanks for shopping at The Source. We promise to always go the extra mile and bring you products that have a story. Stay spark’d, Mandi Strickland Chief Executive Officer The Source This is my everyday vape. I don't know how I survived before this product dropped! I love all Little Barks flavors, but I cannot get enough of this concoction created exclusively for The Source! is the weekend in a can! Mix in with your favorite libations or straight from the can. is the one strain that I would take to a deserted island. One of my favorite products of 2023, RVR’s Soft Chews are an instant classic! is more than a feeling - it's a vibe! Real fruit concentrates + CBD/THC combo = my new fave gummy The new line of French-named strains by NSM have me going, Ooh la la! Say it with me now: discreet relief! The Source is a craft medical marijuana company located in Rogers, Arkansas, just off Exit 85 on Interstate 49. With its own boutique grow, lab, & kitchen, The Source produces & distributes its own unique products, while also stocking all of the highest quality products produced by the great cultivators of Arkansas. We value friendliness, education, quality, & inclusivity. The Source is a destination dispensary - all Arkansas MMJ cardholders welcome!Shop Mandi's Extensive List of Favorite Products at The Source>>
River Valley Relief’s Live Rosin Disposable Vape
Natural State Medicinals’ Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Little Barks Created Exclusively for The Source
BOLD Countdown Cosmic Lemonade
In The Flow’s Lemon Skunk Flower Strain
River Valley Relief’s Soft Chews
Interspecies Erotica Flower Strain by Carpenter Farms
The Source Apothecary Passionfruit Re-Pear CBD Rich + THC Formula Edibles
Natural State Medicinals’ Soleil Couchant Flower Strain
Transdermal Patches by Synergy Skin Worx and Mary’s Medicinals
Shop Mandi's Extensive List of Favorite Products at The Source>>
About The Source cannabis dispensary in Northwest Arkansas
The Source Team
January 7, 2025
Cannabis Propagation: How to Successfully Clone
Growing high-quality cannabis is a complex process from beginning to end. The Grow Team at The Source Craft Cannabis in Rogers, Arkansas, however, achieve this success consistently with their top-notch genetics from In The Flow boutique cannabis cultivation. But how do they ensure this accomplishment stays true? Our lead growers, Ari and Rob, break down the process of cloning the perfect cannabis plant.
What is cloning?
Cloning is a method of plant propagation (breeding) where a portion of a plant, such as a stem cutting, is removed and encouraged to grow into a new plant genetically identical to the original "mother" plant.
Why do cultivators clone plants?
Cloning offers several advantages, such as maintaining the desirable traits of the mother plant, faster growth compared to plants grown from seeds, and the ability to create a uniform crop with predictable characteristics. This method is particularly popular among growers who wish to preserve specific genetic lines or ensure consistent quality in their plants.
How to successfully clone cannabis
1. Choose the most vivacious cannabis plant as your "mother plant”
Growers select the most vigorous, healthy, and desirable plants to serve as the source of cuttings. These plants are often called "mother plants" because they provide the genetic material for the clones.
2. Take cuttings from the mother plant
To create clones, growers carefully cut portions of the mother plant. Cut the stem just below one of its nodes (points where leaves attach to the stem). Look carefully at the stem Ari is holding in the photo above, and you'll see where the leaves were removed and nodes remain! These cuttings carry the unique genetic makeup of the mother plant, so it's important to cut carefully. After making your initial cut from the mother plant, you'll want to make sure the cuttings are even in height. Homogenizing the cuttings will make your process lighter in effort later.
3. Root the cuttings
The cuttings are then placed in a growing medium, such as rockwool cubes, which provide support and moisture for the developing roots. Rockwool is often used because it offers excellent drainage and aeration, promoting healthy root growth.
Under the right conditions, including proper lighting, temperature, humidity, and nutrients, the cuttings will quickly develop roots and grow into new plants. Clones tend to grow faster than plants grown from seeds because they are already at a more advanced stage of development. Make sure to take notes on every part of your process. Carefully observe your cuttings and note the amount of water intake that suites that strain and monitor the amount of light, nutrients, and humidity each strain prefers.
4. Transplant the cannabis clones
As the clones grow and mature, they require more space to accommodate their increasing size. Growers typically transplant the clones into larger containers or a dedicated vegetative growth area, providing them with the necessary room to continue their rapid growth.
At The Source we operate a boutique cultivation of only 50 plants, which gives us the unique opportunity to love and care for every individual cannabis plant we grow. We give each one the special attention it deserves so that it flourishes. Learn more about our hands-on cultivation approach on Episode 2of Roots and Reefer: Sentimentality in Cannabis Cultivation with Ariana Pascoe.
The State of growing cannabis at home in Arkansas as it stands today
As the law (specifically the 2016 Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment) currently stands, home cultivation of cannabis is not permitted. This restriction applies to all medical marijuana patients in the state, regardless of their specific medical condition. It is crucial for individuals to understand and comply with the specific laws and regulations as penalties can be severe, including fines and imprisonment. If you have more questions about the regulations surrounding medical marijuana in Arkansas, don't be a stranger to Arkansas Department of Health's Medical Marijuana program website, or consult with a qualified legal professional for more information. But there's hope still!
Hope on the horizon: new Arkansas Medical Marijuana Initiative in 2024
Although medical marijuana patients and their caregivers are currently unable to grow their own plants in the state of Arkansas, cannabis advocates have created a new initiative for the upcoming election that builds on Arkansas Amendment 98. This new initiative proposes allowing patients and designated caregivers over the age of 21 to grow up to seven mature plants and seven younger marijuana plants.
Other features of this new initiative include:
Expanding who can certify patients for medical marijuana cards from only doctors to include physician assistants, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.
Permitting providers to qualify patients based on any medical need rather than the state’s current 18 qualifying conditions.
Allowing health care providers to conduct patient assessments via telemedicine.
Expanding access to out-of-state residents by recognizing patient cards from other states or allowing nonresidents to obtain Arkansas patient cards.
Abolishing application fees for patients seeking registry ID cards.
Increasing the expiration date for new patient cards from one year to three years.
Removing prohibition on the manufacture and sale of paraphernalia that requires the “combustion” of marijuana.
Drop by Headwaters Provisions, located in the same building as The Source Cannabis dispensary, and sign the petition to get this new initiative on the ballot this November! Together we can make a real difference!
About The Source cannabis dispensary in Northwest Arkansas
The Source Cannabis – Arkansas is a craft cannabis company located in Rogers, Arkansas just off Exit 85 on Interstate 49. We produce and dispense In The Flow Boutique Cannabis, The Source Apothecary edibles, and Wavelength Extracts vape cartridges. We value education, quality, friendliness, and inclusivity.
The Source Team
January 7, 2025