Q & A WITH MASTER GROWER RANDY FLEMING
Q: Why do you think it is that your services have become so in demand for producers and sellers?
A: There's an awful lot of people jumping into the market who have never been part of the cannabis world or subculture. Some of these people have never even seen or grown cannabis before. This being said, all the newcomers need someone reliable and trustworthy that they can confide in. I think we are seeing a huge increase in our service because when approached by these people, we offer them the right knowledge and care for how to grow and produce different plants. We've had much experience in the industry and really take the time to teach these people the right techniques in order to succeed when growing and producing marijuana.
Q: How have your experiences within the marijuana subculture shaped your attitude towards your own style of work?
A: I was lucky enough to become part of an organization (American Cannabis Company) that shares similar core values to mine. We believe that the industry does not have to be a commercialized money grabbing market like other business out there. Some producers are pumping out product, similar to mass produced street marijuana from back in the day and we want to insure that the people we work with have the same core values that have been around since the birth of the subculture. I am very passionate about the subject and always try and guide our clients and customers in the same direction to only benefit their future.
Q: We have read that you didn't personally try marijuana until you reached your 20s. What were your first personal experiences with the plant like?
A: At a young age I discovered I had ADHD but was never treated. I found that immediately after trying marijuana for the first time I fell in love. It took me to a place where my mind wasn't running 1000 miles per minute and I was able to separate and complete my thoughts. A few years later I got arthritis and was able to eliminate a lot of other medications by sticking with marijuana. It not only helps me organize my thoughts but...
Q: Why do you think it is that your services have become so in demand for producers and sellers?
A: There's an awful lot of people jumping into the market who have never been part of the cannabis world or subculture. Some of these people have never even seen or grown cannabis before. This being said, all the newcomers need someone reliable and trustworthy that they can confide in. I think we are seeing a huge increase in our service because when approached by these people, we offer them the right knowledge and care for how to grow and produce different plants. We've had much experience in the industry and really take the time to teach these people the right techniques in order to succeed when growing and producing marijuana.
Q: How have your experiences within the marijuana subculture shaped your attitude towards work?
A: I was lucky enough to become part of an organization (American Cannabis Company) that shares similar core values to mine. We believe that the industry does not have to be a commercialized money grabbing market like other business out there. Some producers are pumping out product, similar to mass produced street marijuana from back in the day and we want to insure that the people we work with have the same core values that have been around since the birth of the subculture. I am very passionate about the subject and always try and guide our clients and customers in the same direction to only benefit their future.
Q: We have read that you didn't personally try marijuana until you reached your 20s. What were your first personal experiences with the plant like?
A: At a young age I discovered I had ADHD but was never treated. I found that immediately after trying marijuana for the first time I fell in love. It took me to a place where my mind wasn't running 1000 miles per minute and I was able to separate and complete my thoughts. A few years later I got arthritis and was able to eliminate a lot of other medications by sticking with marijuana. It not only helps me organize my thoughts but it also vastly decreases the pain I experience from my arthritis. I wish I discovered marijuana in high school because I would of been a better, more focused student.
Q: Many are predicting that the issue of cannabis legalization will be a major focal point in the upcoming federal elections. What is your take on the issue?
A: I'm the least politically charged person in the world and that is one of the things I worry about the least. I find politics to be like gas prices. No matter what happens or changes, gas will still be a necessity. In my opinion, it doesn't matter what I think, or what the neighbour thinks, inevitably, change will happen. I believe that politics are similar in the sense meaning,
regardless of what we think, the results will come regardless. 10:00
Q: You are known for taking an “organic” approach to marijuana cultivation. When it comes to producing weed, what would you say characterizes organic growing?
A: The use of growing with a living organic, pesticide free, soil. My methodology is to use a true living organic soil pre amended with everything the plant could potentially need or want within the scope of its life. I'm adding humic soil, worm castings, glacial rock dust, azomite and all the other elements the plant is going to use. You can also use fresh water, rain water or de-chlorinated water to grow the marijuana. By following different organic methods you are able to grow the plant to its genetic potential. There is no other way to take full other advantage of your plant other than growing organically.
Q: You've had something of a green thumb since your youth. Tell us about how you grew up around gardening.
A: I've had a green thumb since I could walk and talk. My parents made me garden and plant flowers a lot when I was a kid. Although they never grew marijuana, I was very lucky to have them teach me the right skills and requirements to grow and care for different plants. They are probably the straightest laced people on the planet. I remember the day they found out I was growing marijuana and despite the shock, they were extremely interested in seeing my plants. After showing them my plants, I was pleasantly surprised to find out how proud my dad was and how beautiful my mom thought they were. It is a really nice feeling knowing my parents support me considering they did teach me most of what I know about growing and caring for plants. If it wasn't for them, i wouldn't be doing what I am doing today.
Q: What are the unique features of growing marijuana that differ from other plants?
A: You can grow marijuana in a crack in the pavement. You can put a seed there and it will grow a plant with successfully ripened buds. The difference between growing it like that verse growing it in a controlled environment is that there are so many variables to play with to increase the plants cannabinoid profile. In my opinion, growing marijuana should be classified as an art form when in comparison to growing other plants. For example, you can grow a hosta plant and there is only so much you can do to better it. With marijuana, there are so many different things you can do to change the growing and caring process; such as changing the temperature to change the potency or changing the plants nutrient structure to insure it gets everything it needs. There are so many different variables involved in growing marijuana and that's what intrigues me so much about it. Every little move you make will affect the potency and quality of the final product. It is more challenging to care for marijuana because every variable has to be met in order to unlock your plants potential.
Q: Have people from other parts of the globe expressed interest in employing your services?
A: People all over the globe contact ACC but I have not been contacted personally. I am still learning how to use social media to contact and connect with different people around the world. I only got twitter a few days ago and I am finally learning and understanding the power of social media.
Q: To your knowledge does the type of pot people enjoy smoking vary from region to region?
A: I don't think so. I think people who enjoy marijuana enjoy it no matter where it comes from and what kind it is. I think different countries around the world all have similar marijuana etiquette and subculture. The marijuana consumers around the world are strong like minded individuals that share the same beliefs regarding the subject matter.
Lastly, What are your plans for the not far off future?
A: My personal plans are to have our extraction equipment in every legal producer in Canada. That is what I'd like to do first, but overall I would like to see the industry thrive and succeed. Ultimately, I think that is what everyone involved in the industry is trying to do and the more that everyone works together the faster we can make that happen!