Cannabis that has been fully grown with ‘plant growth regulators’ is referred to as PGR cannabis. The use of these regulators aids in the control of plant growth, as well as factors like when the fruits ripen and, as a result, the width and form of the plant’s roots, leaves, and stems. In the case of cannabis, PGRs are used to increase buds’ weight and density, thereby inflating the value.
What do you know about PGR cannabis?
PGR weed is cannabis that has been matured and treated with plant growth regulators. PGR (plant growth regulator) crops are grown by certain cannabis growers to reinforce growth patterns and fatten the marijuana buds. PGR buds are thicker and denser than buds that do not include plant growth regulators.
However, these plant hormones don’t appear to be the most effective way to ensure a healthy cannabis harvest. The lack of trichomes, THC, and terpenes in PGR cannabis detracts from its aesthetic appeal.
There are natural types of PGRs that can be used instead of artificial ones. Cannabis growers, for example, can utilize brown chitosan or kelp to get comparable remarkable outcomes just like artificial plant growth regulators. Plant growth regulators that are natural or organic have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly and safe for human consumption.
Identify PGR cannabis
There is no such thing as the safest drug use. PGR cannabis is extremely harmful to people’s health in the long and short term and should be avoided at all costs.
A few characteristics distinguish PGR cannabis from natural cannabis:
- Bud is rock-hard, dense, and heavy
- Brown or red hairs (pistils) – this is a natural component of cannabis, but PGR cannabis often has excessive amounts that are visible as something other than trichomes.
- Wet/spongy type of feeling
- Little to no crystals on leaves.
- Low THC concentration.
- Harsh chemical flavor.
- It emits little to no odor upon breaking.
- A quick-acting chemical high that can lead to a lack of energy and zeal as well as headaches.
- Buds have rounded and smooth edges, similar to individual nuggets.
- Hits are considerably faster and harsher, causing headaches.
- When PGR buds are dried and cured, they turn a dull brown color.
- The weed is too thick.
If you’re familiar with real marijuana blossoms, identifying PGR cannabis shouldn’t be difficult.
Why weed cultivators are using PGR?
Within the cannabis industry, both medical and recreational, there are a slew of manufacturers and businesses competing. It’s all about increasing productivity these days. From a grower’s standpoint, the most effective way to do so is to grow many plants quickly. Adding PGRs is one method of attempting to accomplish so.
As a result, PGR use is becoming increasingly common. PGRs are seen as the price ticket to increased revenues by approaching a large number of plants by enterprises ranging from small farms to large-scale agricultural operations. It will become more difficult to find non-PGR products as PGR use gradually takes over the industry.
But, what damage is it making?
- Chemical structure
PGRs have proved to alter the chemical structure of cannabis plants. It’s still unclear to what extent those changes will occur. However, trace elements of PGRs can survive in plant material after harvest, which is a significant change that can be observed. If this is the case, then ingesting PGR cannabis also entails ingesting PGRs.
- Flavor and texture
PGRs can change the flavor and texture of a specific bud in addition to chemical changes. The issue is that synthetic hormones interfere with the natural hormones of plants. This can affect everything from trichome counts to the cannabinoid as well as terpene profiles of a plant.
Differences in flavor and texture can range from subtle to overpowering. There’s no way for growers to know without about the texture and flavor unless they don’t use PGR and see the results. Experienced customers are likely to notice significant differences in products with and without PGR affecting the brand value.
Types of PGR used
Plant growth regulator hormones are used to grow a variety of plants. However, the following are the most frequently used PGR for cannabis strains:
- Paclobutrazol – causes cannabis plants to develop more quickly and produce larger buds.
- Daminozide (Alar) – boosts total bud yields.
- Chlormequat Chloride – promotes flowering and development.
Final takeaway
Currently, nobody can predict the effects of PGR. Maybe, future studies may prove it is harmless. However, for now, it is wise to buy your favorite cannabis strain from a dispensary or online through reputed and authorized dealers that provide a certificate of analysis and third-party lab reports for clarity.
