The Rural Voice, 2019-07, Page 21taken to maintain control from
fertigation through finalization. He
absorbed as much knowledge as
possible through hours of research
from countless sources including
university studies and practical
information gleaned from a global
array of farms, large and small. Seeds
were purchased through breeders
originating in Holland, British
Columbia and California based on
grower data, reviews and
performance history.
“They’re not just random seeds,”
said Newton, who habitually
“researches the crap” out of anything
he approaches.
He currently uses an organic ‘tea’
to promote plant growth: compost,
worm castings, bat guano and
blackstrap molasses steeped in water
over two days. The mixture helps
create a living soil or micro-
ecosystem around the roots, fostering
nutrient breakdown and uptake.
Following harvest, flower (bud) is
separated and dried for
approximately five to seven days to
the point of being dry, but not
“snapping”. Newton completes a
process he sees as crucial to quality
by slow-curing buds in mason jars or
large stainless steel containers for
several weeks, in order to break
down chlorophyll, which he believes
results in a smooth, pungent, finished
product.
“Not drying and curing cannabis
properly produces flower that smells
of hay and is harsh for smokers,” he
explained.
In its natural form, cannabis
contains CBDA and THCA,
components including a carbon
molecule which must be
decarboxylated or separated in order
to create purified and active
ingredients. Smoking cannabis
separates the carbon molecule
through intense heat and instantly
makes THC or CBD available for
absorption through inhalation, but
beyond Newton’s preference for a
healthier edible option, the latter can
also be controlled more precisely
within the therapeutic realm.
“You are in control 110 per cent,
which you don’t have when you
smoke.”
Decarboxylation can also be
achieved at lower temperatures over
July 2019 17
Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory
www.bdo.ca/agriculture
BDO HELPS FARM
OPERATIONS GROW
Our dedicated team of professionals can work with you to make sense of
the big picture, while addressing the key details. BDO helps agribusinesses
like yours with tax and business planning, accounting, bookkeeping,
the Canadian Agriculture Partnership program, transition planning, and
AgriStability / AgriInvest applications.
Chatham Collingwood Essex Exeter
519-352-4130 705-445-4421 519-776-6488 519-235-0281
Guelph Hanover Harrow Kincardine
519-824-5410 519-364-3790 519-738-2236 519-396-3425
Lambeth Mitchell Mount Forest Norwich
519-652-3317 519-348-8412 519-323-2351 519-863-3126
Orangeville Owen Sound Port Elgin Sarnia
519-941-0681 519-376-6110 519-832-2049 519-336-9900
Stratford Strathroy Walkerton Wiarton
519-271-2491 519-245-1913 519-881-1211 519-534-1520
Woodstock
519-539-2081