Now that Nevada has established its own hemp regulatory program, farmers from across the state can legally apply for licensing and join the exciting, highly-lucrative hemp industry. Farmers can opt to grow hemp for either industrial hemp application or for CBD production. When cultivating industrial hemp, farmers can purchase standard genetics and not worry about finding the right strain. For farmers growing hemp for CBD production, you’ll have to find the right strains before purchasing your CBD seed. Here’s our guide for how to choose the right hemp strain for your Nevada farm.
Hemp is the most versatile plant offering thousands and thousands of different applications. Once you’ve decided on your end goal, farmers looking to cultivate hemp for CBD production will need to create the right plan for their purposes. Larger-scale farms often choose to harvest their hemp biomass which includes the hemp stalk, leaves, and flower which are all processed together in order to extract CBD. Smaller farms usually opt for harvesting hemp flower which contains the highest concentration of CBD. Hemp flower can also be harvested, cured, and sold as a finished product directly to a wholesale buyer or consumers. When it’s time for you to choose the right hemp stain to cultivate, it’s best to already know what your plans are in regards to what you’re harvesting and processing.
When it comes to what makes each hemp strain so unique, the biggest factor is the terpene profile. The terpene profile is characterized as the aromatic qualities and is believed to hold different potential medicinal properties. Hemp strains can be important for both CBD companies as well as end-users looking for specific flavor experiences. These terpenes are created in the trichomes of hemp which are very small hair-like structures that grow around the stems, buds, and stalks. Scientists have actually identified over 100 different naturally-occurring terpenes in cannabis and have discovered the entourage effect in which terpenes play a role. The entourage effect refers to all the cannabinoids and terpenes working synergetically together in order to deliver the maximum therapeutic promise. Terpene profiles can range from bold, fruity notes to diesel-dominant.
While CBD is in the spotlight for all its various encouraging benefits, lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG are up and coming. While CBG is generally only occurring at around 1% in high CBD hemp, there are now high CBG strains available for cultivating as well. Planting CBD seed or CBG seed can help you further decide which strains are best for your farm. Working with buyers before you even plant your first seed can help you determine which one you’d rather cultivate or if both options are on the table.
Due to the strict THC regulations placed by the USDA, farmers will need to find strains that offer high CBD or CBG rates with low THC ratios. Since all hemp crops grown in Nevada are required to have 0.3% THC or less, finding the right genetics is crucial. According to a recent study by Cornell researchers, a hemp plant’s risk of going hot, or having too much THC, is actually determined by genetics, not its environmental conditions. Always work with a reputable CBD seed supplier that can offer COAs and history of THC compliance.
Another factor that’ll play into what strain you decide to grow is understanding your growing season. Each hemp strain has its own maturation cycle– syncing up the maturation cycle with the duration of your grow season is always ideal. If you have a longer growing window, fast-growing hemp may give you the opportunity to utilize two harvests rather than one. The longer grow season you have, the more options you’ll have.
Depending on what you’re looking to produce, you’ll want to understand your hemp flower yield requirements. For farmers wanting to sell smokeable hemp flower, planting a larger number of flowering hemp crops versus hemp with more foliage can help improve your production output. Understanding your own goal will be another factor in what strain you decide to grow.
The living conditions of your crops will also help determine what strain would be ideal for your Nevada farm. If you’re running an indoor operation, the resilience of your crops won’t be as important since you’ll have control over the environment. However, if you’re planning on growing outdoors and don’t have a greenhouse, you’ll need to find strains that can withstand different weather conditions.
CBD Seed Co. is honored to be the trusted CBD seed supplier serving the state of Nevada. Our team of leading hemp farmers is always available to help you choose the right strain for your farm. With all the various factors involved, it can be tough to make the right decision. We’re here so that you can make the most informed decision regarding your farm. For more information regarding what hemp strains you should grow, please contact us!