Cannabis Blog - Philosopher Seeds

Growing auto varieties in Germany

Following the entry into force of the Cannabisgesetz in April 2024, adults in Germany can grow up to three plants for personal consumption. The article advocates autoflowering varieties as the best option due to their short cycle of 8 to 12 weeks, their photoperiod-independent flowering, and their compact size, which suit the German climate and allow one or two outdoor cycles between May and September. For cultivation, it recommends germinating directly in 7–15 litre pots, using an airy substrate, applying short wet-and-dry watering cycles, fertilising at reduced doses, and sticking to low-stress techniques such as LST, while choosing mould-resistant genetics to combat humidity during flowering.

Energy Efficiency in Cannabis Cultivation

The post analyses the environmental impact of indoor cannabis cultivation, which consumes up to 10 times more energy per square metre than an office building and generates a carbon footprint up to 50 times greater than outdoor cultivation. To reduce this impact, several measures are proposed, such as replacing HPS lamps with efficient LEDs, integrating solar energy, or moving production outdoors, which could reduce the sector's emissions by almost 80%. However, the post concludes that in Europe many growers have no choice but to cultivate indoors due to prohibition, identifying it as the main cause of this environmental problem.

How to make homemade pesticides for marijuana home growing

The article warns about the risks of chemical pesticides in cannabis cultivation and proposes homemade organic alternatives to combat pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies or fungi like powdery mildew. Among the suggested recipes are neem oil with potassium soap, diatomaceous earth, garlic maceration, horsetail infusion or milk with baking soda, each one targeting specific pests. That said, the article clarifies that these remedies work best in preventive phases or mild infections, and that in cases of advanced infestations it may be necessary to resort to certified organic solutions or biological control with natural predators.

Overfertilization and cannabis

Discover how overfertilization affects your marijuana plants: key symptoms such as tip burn and clawing leaves, the impact on cannabinoids and terpenes, the role of pH and EC, and prevention and flushing strategies to optimize your harvest without nutrient excesses.

How to store marijuana

The post explains how to properly store cannabis depending on the format. The main enemies are light, oxygen, temperature and humidity. For dry flower, the ideal is a cool, dark cupboard in airtight glass jars, avoiding the fridge due to its humidity fluctuations. Extracts like rosin require strict cold storage, while BHO is more stable. Whatever the method, the container should always be left to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation, and glass containers should always be used, preferably vacuum-sealed for long-term storage.

Use of companion plants in cannabis cultivation

Cannabis monoculture depletes the soil and encourages the appearance of pests. Companion planting offers an ecologically sound and scientifically backed solution: tagetes and marigolds combat nematodes and whitefly; legumes fix nitrogen; aromatic plants repel pests and mask the smell. A well-designed polyculture reduces dependence on chemicals and turns the garden into a balanced ecosystem where cannabis is the great beneficiary.

Entourage effect in cannabis consumption

The entourage effect suggests that cannabis is more than just THC: the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes can make a genetic feel different (not necessarily stronger). Science still holds mixed views, so the most useful approach is to look at the full profile—not just the THC percentage—to better understand and choose varieties.

How to make a marijuana brownie

Mary Jane Rathbun, known as Brownie Mary, distributed cannabis brownies to AIDS patients in San Francisco during the 1980s, playing a key role in the legalisation of medical cannabis in California in 1996.
The process requires decarboxylation, heating the ground cannabis at 110-120°C for 30-45 minutes to activate the THC. Dosage is critical as ingested THC is converted in the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, 2-3 times more potent than when smoked. It is recommended to start with 1-2.5mg for beginners and 10mg as a standard dose.
The preparation consists of making cannabutter by infusing butter with decarboxylated cannabis, then preparing traditional brownies by baking at 175-180°C for 20-30 minutes. The effects take between 30 minutes and 3 hours to appear and last 6-12 hours, being much more intense than smoking.
It is essential to clearly label edibles, keep them out of reach of children and not combine them with alcohol. There is no lethal risk from overdose but the experience can be very unpleasant. Brownies keep for 1 week at room temperature, 2-3 weeks refrigerated or 3 months frozen.

The Super Cropping Technique in Marijuana Cultivation

Super cropping is an HST technique that involves crushing and bending a branch without breaking it to control height, level the canopy, and improve light distribution. The plant responds by forming a callus that strengthens the area and encourages lateral growth. It’s best applied during the vegetative stage or early flowering, and it should be avoided if the plant is stressed or in late flowering.

Soil Regeneration and Cannabis

The post explains that to improve cannabis quality and consistency, soil should be treated as a living ecosystem: with more organic matter, permanent cover, less tillage, living roots, and greater diversity to boost microbiology and resilience. It also recommends tracking soil improvement through indicators (carbon, infiltration, structure, pH, etc.) and making a gradual transition, since meaningful changes take time.

Growing automatic plants in mother plant cabinets

Autoflowering plants bloom according to age rather than photoperiod, which means they can be grown in a mother plant cabinet under an 18/6 light cycle without modifying it. They are fast, compact, and sensitive to stress, making them ideal for continuous harvests in small spaces.

In the cabinet, they require good space organization, proper ventilation, full-spectrum LED lighting, and stable temperatures. They should be planted directly in 7–11 L pots with an airy substrate and gentle nutrients. LST is recommended to control height.

Their cycle lasts 70–90 days, and harvest time is determined by observing the trichomes. Common mistakes include transplanting them, pruning them too aggressively, or overcrowding the cabinet.

Fungus gnats in cannabis cultivation

Fungus gnats appear in marijuana crops when the growing medium remains too wet. Their larvae, which live in the upper layer of the substrate, damage fine roots and especially affect seedlings and cuttings. Yellow sticky traps and the potato test are used to detect them. Control is based on adjusting irrigation, improving drainage, keeping the area clean, and applying biological control such as Steinernema feltiae, Bti, or predatory mites. With good practices, it is possible to keep the pest under control without using chemicals.

Cannabis and mealybugs

Mealybugs are one of the most persistent and damaging pests in cannabis cultivation, especially outdoors, as they can seriously compromise the health and productivity of your plants. In today's article we want to offer you a complete guide to identify them, understand their life cycle and apply effective prevention and control strategies. With proper management, you will be able to keep your crop healthy and protect the quality of your harvest.

New autoflowering strains from Philosopher Seeds 2025

Today we present our new autoflowering varieties for the 2025 season, designed to offer high yields, aromatic profiles that will leave you speechless and, as always, ease of cultivation. With a fast cycle and great adaptability, these genetics are ideal for growers of all levels looking for quality and productivity in any environment. Come and discover them with us!

New photoperiod strains from Philosopher Seeds 2025

Philosopher Seeds is kicking off 2025 with three new feminized strains that promise to revolutionize your grows: Oreoz S1, Black Cherry Cookies and Permanent Marker. These genetics stand out for their extreme potency, high yields and unrivaled flavors. Discover the latest in genetic innovation and take your harvest to the next level with these three cannabis gems!

Philosopher Seeds' Best-Selling Autos in 2024

In 2024, Philosopher Seeds' autoflowering strains have established themselves as the favourites of many growers for their speed, ease and exceptional results. From the stimulating Lemon OG Candy Auto to the potent C. Banana Auto, these genetics have stood out for their versatility, unique flavours and captivating effects. This top 5 best-selling autoflowering strains reflects the best of our work this year, ideal if you're looking for quality and efficiency in your cultivation. Find out why they've been a hit and get ready for a 2025 full of new surprises!