Barney’s Farm
This unusual pure sativa heirloom strain has been named in
honor of physician, Harvard professor, author, and cannabis
advocate Dr. Lester Grinspoon. By Dr. Grinspoon’s own
account, he first researched cannabis in order to document its
harmfulness. Instead, as he reviewed the literature, he found
little support for the demonization of marijuana, and much
more support for its benign, positive influences. As a good
scientist, Dr. Grinspoon adjusted his opinion based on the
evidence. In 1971, he wrote a seminal book, Marihuana
Reconsidered, which argued for the legalization of marijuana.
Since that time, Grinspoon has been a steadfast and outspoken
advocate, using his voice to help reform marijuana policies in
the US and around the world.
The aptly named Dr. Grinspoon variety is a “thinking man’s”
sativa of the highest order. This top-shelf connoisseur breed is
a good addition to personal gardens seeking premium
headstash. The plant has a distinct flowering pattern that
makes it a standout in the garden. The pure sativa heritage
means Dr. Grinspoon forms long twig-like branches with the
buds loosely strung popcorn-style along the willowy stems. As
the plants mature, they begin to fill gaps between bud sites,
but the buds remain distinct rather than gathering into one
large flower. Yields are moderate with harvests up to 350
grams per square meter. Yields are likely to be better under
the tutelage of a gardener who has already grown a few crops
and figured out the basics.
The long season makes this an indoor or greenhouse variety
when living outside of the equatorial region. Outdoors, Dr.
Grinspoon needs 6 full months of agreeable weather to finish,
ripening in late October or early November. Using organic
fertilizers in soil will bring out the best flavors. The Dr.
Grinspoon variety tends to interest gardeners with some
experience and a desire for great sativa qualities. It is not “fastfood” style weed for those wanting a quick crop. This is more like a bottle of good champagne. Although Dr. Grinspoon has
an effervescent lucidity that makes it suitable for any occasion,
these buds are often treasured and reserved to celebrate
special moments.
The aroma has the tropical-floral elements expected of an
island sativa, but there is also a distinct lemon-herbal sumac
smell. These notes are carried through in the flavor, imparting
a light lemon tang and a touch of honeyed earthiness. This
strain’s clarity will be manna for the true aficionado. Dr.
Grinspoon has a pleasant entry into the high, inviting a blissful
and expansive mood that enhances compassion and provokes
intellectual insights. It is very compatible as a daytime smoke
or for long evenings with friends, intimate conversations, and
deep enjoyment. Given the heightened awareness it
encourages, it is less suitable right before retiring for sleep.
The effects of Dr. Grinspoon taper off gradually, leaving one as
clearheaded at finish as they were at the outset, only quite
possibly with a host of new ideas and pleasant experiences to
remember.
