The Truth about Hermaphrodites

[Guitar Man]

IMO, dealing with Hermaphrodites is good experience for anyone who wants to become a serious grower. I’ve done 2 grows with Hermies and my knowledge and expertise grew ten-fold during this time. Some don’t consider Hermies a problem like others do, and they take complete advantage of the situation, which is exactly what I did.

First, dealing with your Hermaphrodite will cause you to become VERY familiar with your plant, via a magnifying glass, flashlight, tweezers, and online research. I looked my plants up and down so many times, I know every node, every flaw, and practically EVERY leaf on my plant(s). This will teach people the finest details that go into a solid grow far sooner than another grower who is learning the ropes. I simply yanked any “Balls” off the nodes where they came up, and pulled the “Nanners” out of the buds with sterilized tweezers. Yes this was tedious, but like I said, this caused me to watch my plants for any sign of disease, deficiency (light, ferts, temps), and growth production problems.

Second, don’t listen to ANYONE who says Hermaphrodites don’t produce dank bud!!!!!! My weed was so fucking good, my good friends who grow for Dispensaries in busy California couldn’t believe how solid and sweet my finished product was! Taste, affect, and harvest were ALL good. In my research, experienced growers feel the Hermaphrodite plant is actually more potent than a standard Female because the Hermie is a SURVIVOR. They are a strong, resilient plant, which leads to greater potency.

Third, ANY seeds you acquire will be Feminine. Yes, they will have the Hermie trait, but keeping your grow room “stress free” can help draw down the chance of the plant producing any pollen. And, you won’t have to buy any seeds for your next grow if you happen to get super good weed from your Hermie that you want MORE of.

If a grower is careful and patient, you can keep seed production to a minimum, or almost none. This happened on my first grow (minimal seeds were found): 2 of the plants in my grow room right now are from my last grow seed production. My second grow, which has had some Hermie activity, I have ripped every part (Nanners/Balls) I could find away from the plant, and so far (based on my last experience) I should have only a few (if any) seeds.

Keep in mind, I feel that ANY bag seed (for the most part) will have the Hermaphrodite strain. No one grows with a male plant in their garden ON PURPOSE, unless they are a breeder or are just plain ignorant. It is possible if people are growing outdoors, if someone isn’t paying attention to their garden, a male plant that wasn’t discovered could blow pollen all over the neighborhood, scoring some “pussy” on the weed you found a seed in.

Feel free to critique my personal analysis of this controversial subject. I would like to hear about those who bought seeds from a valid source, only to find their plant went Hermaphrodite. Stress, Strain, and other unknown causes could be the reason, and, a sheer disappointment to those who considered the seeds to be a Non-Herm Female.

 

[kryptoniteglo]

I think it's all a matter of perspective. Back in the day, all the weed had seeds in it! I remember my older brother teaching me how to roll -- a kitchen sieve was mandatory. That and Bamboo papers.

So then I don't smoke for 30 years, and I come back to it and I read that people are offended by seeds! Who knew?

I'm on my second grow but no harvest yet (two males the first time). If these girls get to harvest without trying to self-polinate, then this will be the first time in my life I've knowingly smoked seedless bud! What a novel idea.

And if one or both does hermie, I'll try to pick the nanners off that I can see and get to easily just to reduce the amount of prepping I'd have to do. But I'm not going to stress about it. UNLESS someone has a peer-reviewed study indicating that seedless bud is "better" I think it's just cosmetic, and I don't have a lot of time to waste on things that are cosmetic and without genuine merit.

Any studies????

 

[Guitar Man]

I think it's all a matter of perspective. Back in the day, all the weed had seeds in it! I remember my older brother teaching me how to roll -- a kitchen sieve was mandatory. That and Bamboo papers.

So then I don't smoke for 30 years, and I come back to it and I read that people are offended by seeds! Who knew?

I'm on my second grow but no harvest yet (two males the first time). If these girls get to harvest without trying to self-polinate, then this will be the first time in my life I've knowingly smoked seedless bud! What a novel idea.

And if one or both does hermie, I'll try to pick the nanners off that I can see and get to easily just to reduce the amount of prepping I'd have to do. But I'm not going to stress about it. UNLESS someone has a peer-reviewed study indicating that seedless bud is "better" I think it's just cosmetic, and I don't have a lot of time to waste on things that are cosmetic and without genuine merit.

Any studies????

I'm totally with you on this! I grew up in the 60's and 70's and seeds were in ALL of our MJ, even the good MJ. Then Americans discovered what other Countries did, learning how to grow Sensimilla (seedless MJ). I remember when this happened in the 70’s, and buying an ounce was replaced with buying grams because the MJ was so strong and good! I’m sure Sensimilla was around before our golden discovery, but today is a totally different story (everyone wants the BEST: no RAG WEED!)

In my research, growers believe that seed production can reduce potency because the female plant must exhaust energy by making seeds. If a plant is loaded with seeds because a male landed pollen on her eager pistils, I could see why someone might feel this way. But, if a female plant only produces, say 10 seeds, when she could produce over a 1000, I don’t see how the small amount would affect the plant. In fact, this might increase potency because the plant has been “Teased” into reaching for more pollen, which can be compared to an Athlete.

To make one stronger in competition, the body must be Tested or Teased into gaining strength and power. The man or woman must break down muscle tissue in order to become better (no pain, no gain), and if training is properly implemented, the result can be staggering! Faster, Stronger, and more potent is the result.

But, if the Athlete begins overtraining, the downhill slide begins. Loss of strength, mood changes, sickness, and other ailments can cause the person to be worse than they were before.

I’ve noticed, growing potent and quality MJ requires the constant attention of keeping the plant on the right edge(s). Take nutrients; too much, the plant can die. Not enough, the harvest will be lower and the bud not as good. But on that right “Edge”, the plant will thrive and the payoff, bountiful!

A few seeds in the plant might be the secret answer to better and stronger MJ, only because the “Workout” is done with precision (not too much, but enough). Just some things to think about.

 

[Guitar Man]

Here are a couple of pictures from last year's grow. The plant is a Hermaphrodite, and she looks pretty nice before harvest in about a week. The smoke was incredible and affect was beyond good!



!

 

[kryptoniteglo]

Oh, that second photo made my mouth water! LOL

What do you think of the idea that since potency is so strain-dependent, rather than pursue sensimilla to the point of pulling up plants that are 6 weeks into flowering, just grow the most potent strain out there that has the smoke traits one's looking for? Then if a plant hermies, it's still great weed that gets you where you need to be?

Also, I think I read that just because a plant hermies doesn't mean it will be able to self-polinate -- that there's still only a 10% chance of that happening. Is that true?

 

[hexthat]

Don't believe anything you hear from others discover for yourself, most of the time you'd be surprised how much bullshit people spew. This here is no bullshit in my opinion.

Off subject but, I LOVE TRINODES.

Polyploid plants FOR THE WIN.

I just popped 70 seeds in some rockwool, 65 sprouted first week. Out of all of them only one trinode(second one I've ever had). Its growing crazy three cotyledon (first leafs from seed). Now it just looks like leafs coming from everywhere. Its slower growing but 300% denser.

The seeds are the product of breeding (Subcool Seeds: Third dimension) x (Hombolt county's: GDP) then back-crossing four generations. I sprout usually 75-100 seeds and then pick 6 parents most; vigorous, disease resistant, stress resistant and, largest most dense resin glans.

 

[Guitar Man]

Oh, that second photo made my mouth water! LOL

What do you think of the idea that since potency is so strain-dependent, rather than pursue sensimilla to the point of pulling up plants that are 6 weeks into flowering, just grow the most potent strain out there that has the smoke traits one's looking for? Then if a plant hermies, it's still great weed that gets you where you need to be?

Also, I think I read that just because a plant hermies doesn't mean it will be able to self-polinate -- that there's still only a 10% chance of that happening. Is that true?

Yeah, I’ve got a seed from her growing right now in my garden. I’ve only plucked a few Nanners out the buds and I’m really surprised how little she Hermied on me. I haven’t found 1 Ball on her, and by this time on the last grow I had found several. Here is a picture of her, taken over a week ago. You wouldn’t believe how much she has changed in the last 7 days! She’s unfricken believable!! I’ll be posting some fresh pics, soon.

Interesting point. I guess a person can become so consumed about making sure they don't have ANY seeds, they sacrifice a good plant that might be more potent than anything they have every smoked or grown. Just imagine how many people chopped their plant, not realizing what the finished MJ will be like. People also don’t consider, you can keep the seeds you get for your next garden, and they will ALL be Female!

I don’t agree with the 10% figure. If you get Nanners or Balls on your plant and they burst, you will have seeds. But, I was surprised how few seeds I ended up with because I didn’t notice the Hermaphrodite trait until one of the Balls burst open! I saw white pollen on the stalk of my plant and I was STUNNED! I almost cut the girl down, I was so distraught. I think this is the reaction of many growers, and they don’t sleep on it, running to the plant with a SAW!!!!!!!! Fuck her, she’s coming DOWN!!!!!!!

Little did they know, the dankest weed you could imagine might be a few weeks away!

 

[Guitar Man]

Don't believe anything you hear from others discover for yourself, most of the time you'd be surprised how much bullshit people spew. This here is no bullshit in my opinion.

Off subject but, I LOVE TRINODES.

Polyploid plants FOR THE WIN.

I just popped 70 seeds in some rockwool, 65 sprouted first week. Out of all of them only one trinode(second one I've ever had). Its growing crazy three cotyledon (first leafs from seed). Now it just looks like leafs coming from everywhere. Its slower growing but 300% denser.

The seeds are the product of breeding (Subcool Seeds: Third dimension) x (Hombolt county's: GDP) then back-crossing four generations. I sprout usually 75-100 seeds and then pick 6 parents most; vigorous, disease resistant, stress resistant and, largest most dense resin glans.

Getting past the BULLSHIT is one of the hardest things to do when growing MJ. Just like anything else, people need to kick fear in the ass and learn for themselves! So what if your grow isn't like others, you might discover something entirely new that will change the course of MJ history! I believe were just on the surface of understanding this ancient plant that has intrigued Humanity for millenniums!

Just look at the last 30 years! The whole landscape of this industry is changing, every day!

Never heard of Trinodes until today. I did a little research after reading your post and I am curious about the nature of this strain.

 

[cosmoridez]

awesome post tyvm. this helped me alot.

 

[kryptoniteglo]

Can any strain be "trinoded"? Where do the trinode genetics come from?

 

[zat]

Great post. Sometimes I feel like we focus way to much on the "ideal" grow when probably most of us who consider ourselves casual growers rarely have a completely "ideal" grow. I know I do my best to keep everything w/in specs but shit happens, and as long as my girl isn't hanging there totally dead, I'm gonna continue nurturing her, even if she's a little rough around the edges. It's still a better quality than most of the crap on the streets. Thanks for your perspective....if our livelihood doesn't depend upon it, maybe we should all just chill the fuck out and work w/whatever Mother Nature gives us at the time.

 

[Saldaw]

the part about seeds can just as easily be done with a photoperiod plant, take a clone hermie it with colloidal silver and bam feminized seeds
also it depends on how much the plant hermies

 

[hexthat]

Trinodes:There is a bit of info on them in Marijuana Botany by Robert Connell Clarke. Here is a link
MJ BOTANY. Chapter 3 under "Polyploidy"

My Polyploids are natural and not chemically induced witch is why they are so rare.


Strawberry's have 10 sets of chromosomes.....

"Polyploidy is the condition of multiple sets of chromosomes within one cell. Cannabis has 20 chromosomes in the vegetative diploid (2n) condition. Triploid (3n) and tetraploid (4n) individuals have three or four sets of chromosomes and are termed polyploids. It is believed that the haploid condition of 10 chromosomes was likely derived by reduction from a higher (polyploid) ancestral number (Lewis, W. H. 1980). Polyploidy has not been shown to occur naturally in Cannabis; however, it may be induced artificially with colchicine treatments. Colchicine is a poisonous compound extracted from the roots of certain Colchicum species; it inhibits chromosome segregation to daughter cells and cell wall formation, resulting in larger than average daughter cells with multiple chromosome sets. The studies of H. E. Warmke et al. (1942-1944) seem to indicate that colchicine raised drug levels in Cannabis. It is unfortunate that Warmke was unaware of the actual psychoactive ingredients of Cannabis and was therefore unable to extract THC. His crude acetone extract and archaic techniques of bioassay using killifish and small freshwater crustaceans are far from conclusive. He was, however, able to produce both triploid and tetraploid strains of Cannabis with up to twice the potency of dip bid strains (in their ability to kill small aquatic organisms). The aim of his research was to "produce a strain of hemp with materially reduced marijuana content" and his results indicated that polyploidy raised the potency of Cannabis without any apparent increase in fiber quality or yield.
Warmke's work with polyploids shed light on the nature of sexual determination in Cannabis. He also illustrated that potency is genetically determined by creating a lower potency strain of hemp through selective breeding with low potency parents.
More recent research by A. I. Zhatov (1979) with fiber Cannabis showed that some economically valuable traits such as fiber quantity may be improved through polyploidy. Polyploids require more water and are usually more sensitive to changes in environment. Vegetative growth cycles are extended by up to 30-40% in polyploids. An extended vegetative period could delay the flowering of polyploid drug strains and interfere with the formation of floral clusters. It would be difficult to determine if cannabinoid levels had been raised by polyploidy if polyploid plants were not able to mature fully in the favorable part of the season when cannabinoid production is promoted by plentiful light and warm temperatures. Greenhouses and artificial lighting can be used to extend the season and test polyploid strains.
The height of tetraploid (4n) Cannabis in these experiments often exceeded the height of the original diploid plants by 25-30%. Tetraploids were intensely colored, with dark green leaves and stems and a well developed gross phenotype. Increased height and vigorous growth, as a rule, vanish in subsequent generations. Tetraploid plants often revert back to the diploid condition, making it difficult to support tetraploid populations. Frequent tests are performed to determine if ploidy is changing.
Triploid (3n) strains were formed with great difficulty by crossing artificially created tetraploids (4n) with dip bids (2n). Triploids proved to be inferior to both diploids and tetraploids in many cases.
De Pasquale et al. (1979) conducted experiments with Cannabis which was treated with 0.25% and 0.50% solutions of colchicine at the primary meristem seven days after generation. Treated plants were slightly taller and possessed slightly larger leaves than the controls, Anomalies in leaf growth occurred in 20% and 39%, respectively, of the surviving treated plants. In the first group (0.25%) cannabinoid levels were highest in the plants without anomalies, and in the second group (0.50%) cannabinoid levels were highest in plants with anomalies, Overall, treated plants showed a 166-250% increase in THC with respect to controls and a decrease of CBD (30-33%) and CBN (39-65%). CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol) are cannabinoids involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of THC. THC levels in the control plants were very low (less than 1%). Possibly colchicine or the resulting polyploidy interferes with cannabinoid biogenesis to favor THC. In treated plants with deformed leaf lamina, 90% of the cells are tetraploid (4n 40) and 10% diploid (2n 20). In treated plants without deformed lamina a few cells are tetraploid and the remainder are triploid or diploid.
The transformation of diploid plants to the tetraploid level inevitably results in the formation of a few plants with an unbalanced set of chromosomes (2n + 1, 2n - 1, etc.). These plants are called aneuploids. Aneuploids are inferior to polyploids in every economic respect. Aneuploid Cannabis is characterized by extremely small seeds. The weight of 1,000 seeds ranges from 7 to 9 grams (1/4 to 1/3 ounce). Under natural conditions diploid plants do not have such small seeds and average 14-19 grams (1/2-2/3 ounce) per 1,000 (Zhatov 1979).
Once again, little emphasis has been placed on the relationship between flower or resin production and polyploidy. Further research to determine the effect of polyploidy on these and other economically valuable traits of Cannabis is needed.
Colchicine is sold by laboratory supply houses, and breeders have used it to induce polyploidy in Cannabis. However, colchicine is poisonous, so special care is exercised by the breeder in any use of it. Many clandestine cultivators have started polyploid strains with colchicine. Except for changes in leaf shape and phyllotaxy, no out standing characteristics have developed in these strains and potency seems unaffected. However, none of the strains have been examined to determine if they are actually polyploid or if they were merely treated with colchicine to no effect. Seed treatment is the most effective and safest way to apply colchicine. * In this way, the entire plant growing from a colchicine-treated seed could be polyploid and if any colchicine exists at the end of the growing season the amount would be infinitesimal. Colchicine is nearly always lethal to Cannabis seeds, and in the treatment there is a very fine line between polyploidy and death. In other words, if 100 viable seeds are treated with colchicine and 40 of them germinate it is unlikely that the treatment induced polyploidy in any of the survivors. On the other hand, if 1,000 viable treated seeds give rise to 3 seedlings, the chances are better that they are polyploid since the treatment killed all of the seeds but those three. It is still necessary to determine if the offspring are actually polyploid by microscopic examination."

 

[hexthat]

the part about seeds can just as easily be done with a photoperiod plant, take a clone hermie it with colloidal silver and bam feminized seeds
also it depends on how much the plant hermies

I sprayed a lot of colloidal silver on Super Silver Haze female and it didn't faze it. I even made it so concentrated that the water had a milky blue hue to it, still didn't faze it. Next time I'll try Silver Thiosulphate Solution(equal parts silver nitrate mixed with sodium thiosuphate). If I can get my hands on some...

 

[420skyhigh420]

IMO, dealing with Hermaphrodites is good experience for anyone who wants to become a serious grower. I’ve done 2 grows with Hermies and my knowledge and expertise grew ten-fold during this time. Some don’t consider Hermies a problem like others do, and they take complete advantage of the situation, which is exactly what I did.

First, dealing with your Hermaphrodite will cause you to become VERY familiar with your plant, via a magnifying glass, flashlight, tweezers, and online research. I looked my plants up and down so many times, I know every node, every flaw, and practically EVERY leaf on my plant(s). This will teach people the finest details that go into a solid grow far sooner than another grower who is learning the ropes. I simply yanked any “Balls” off the nodes where they came up, and pulled the “Nanners” out of the buds with sterilized tweezers. Yes this was tedious, but like I said, this caused me to watch my plants for any sign of disease, deficiency (light, ferts, temps), and growth production problems.

Second, don’t listen to ANYONE who says Hermaphrodites don’t produce dank bud!!!!!! My weed was so fucking good, my good friends who grow for Dispensaries in busy California couldn’t believe how solid and sweet my finished product was! Taste, affect, and harvest were ALL good. In my research, experienced growers feel the Hermaphrodite plant is actually more potent than a standard Female because the Hermie is a SURVIVOR. They are a strong, resilient plant, which leads to greater potency.

Third, ANY seeds you acquire will be Feminine. Yes, they will have the Hermie trait, but keeping your grow room “stress free” can help draw down the chance of the plant producing any pollen. And, you won’t have to buy any seeds for your next grow if you happen to get super good weed from your Hermie that you want MORE of.

If a grower is careful and patient, you can keep seed production to a minimum, or almost none. This happened on my first grow (minimal seeds were found): 2 of the plants in my grow room right now are from my last grow seed production. My second grow, which has had some Hermie activity, I have ripped every part (Nanners/Balls) I could find away from the plant, and so far (based on my last experience) I should have only a few (if any) seeds.

Keep in mind, I feel that ANY bag seed (for the most part) will have the Hermaphrodite strain. No one grows with a male plant in their garden ON PURPOSE, unless they are a breeder or are just plain ignorant. It is possible if people are growing outdoors, if someone isn’t paying attention to their garden, a male plant that wasn’t discovered could blow pollen all over the neighborhood, scoring some “pussy” on the weed you found a seed in.

Feel free to critique my personal analysis of this controversial subject. I would like to hear about those who bought seeds from a valid source, only to find their plant went Hermaphrodite. Stress, Strain, and other unknown causes could be the reason, and, a sheer disappointment to those who considered the seeds to be a Non-Herm Female.

Wow very good INFO Thanks for that will deff lookin into that

 

[Guitar Man]

Great post. Sometimes I feel like we focus way to much on the "ideal" grow when probably most of us who consider ourselves casual growers rarely have a completely "ideal" grow. I know I do my best to keep everything w/in specs but shit happens, and as long as my girl isn't hanging there totally dead, I'm gonna continue nurturing her, even if she's a little rough around the edges. It's still a better quality than most of the crap on the streets. Thanks for your perspective....if our livelihood doesn't depend upon it, maybe we should all just chill the fuck out and work w/whatever Mother Nature gives us at the time.

Great post! I spent about an extra hour in my garden this morning, pulling some nanners and a couple of balls of my plants. I try to look at how this time in my grow affects me, personally. Working on my plants relieves stress, gives me extra light because our days are short with little sun this time of year, and my radio in the back ground playing Classic Rock, all these add to the positive energy of my day.

I use many different techniques that increase my overall skill in caring for the girls. I also compare many of the different aspects (positive and negative) on growing MJ to just, plain life. Hermaphrodites are strugglers; survivors; feisty; potent; and willing to give back what you put into them.

Like you said, dealing with whatever comes our way is important. People today are trying to avoid the obstacles that make US stronger and wiser, wanting life to be perfect. Fuck that! If you get a Herm, take the time to figure out what you can do about it instead of running for the “CHAIN SAW”! What happens in the end could change a person’s life.

 

[ogreb]

Some of the best weed I ever grew was a Mad Man OG Kush that hermied. ( Like smoking chocolate wine ! )

It was one of 4 MMOGs in a grow and the only one that hermied ( never figured why ) but it was the best ! Insanely good.

Still the negatives out weigh the positives.

Earlier harvest
Lost weight
Pollen spreading

But in the end I guess it would all depend if I finished a hermie...How late into flowering was it ? Why did it hermie ? Risk of contamination ? How bad is it ?

If I see seed pod after seed pod...dumpster it goes. The MMOG that hermied on me , I didn't even know had hermied until harvest. And seed count was maybe 5 per ounce of cured, and not all buds had them and none of the other plants had any.

If you got the space and time I guess hermies are ok.

 

[hexthat]

Some of the best weed I ever grew was a Mad Man OG Kush that hermied. ( Like smoking chocolate wine ! )

It was one of 4 MMOGs in a grow and the only one that hermied ( never figured why ) but it was the best ! Insanely good.

Still the negatives out weigh the positives.

Earlier harvest
Lost weight
Pollen spreading

But in the end I guess it would all depend if I finished a hermie...How late into flowering was it ? Why did it hermie ? Risk of contamination ? How bad is it ?

If I see seed pod after seed pod...dumpster it goes. The MMOG that hermied on me , I didn't even know had hermied until harvest. And seed count was maybe 5 per ounce of cured, and not all buds had them and none of the other plants had any.

If you got the space and time I guess hermies are ok.

you let those seeds finish up and sprouted them right???

 

[Guitar Man]

Some of the best weed I ever grew was a Mad Man OG Kush that hermied. ( Like smoking chocolate wine ! )

It was one of 4 MMOGs in a grow and the only one that hermied ( never figured why ) but it was the best ! Insanely good.

Still the negatives out weigh the positives.

Earlier harvest
Lost weight
Pollen spreading

But in the end I guess it would all depend if I finished a hermie...How late into flowering was it ? Why did it hermie ? Risk of contamination ? How bad is it ?

If I see seed pod after seed pod...dumpster it goes. The MMOG that hermied on me , I didn't even know had hermied until harvest. And seed count was maybe 5 per ounce of cured, and not all buds had them and none of the other plants had any.

If you got the space and time I guess hermies are ok.

Earlier Harvest? Do Hermaphrodites mature sooner than non-Herms?

Another discovery I found while researching Hermaphrodites: Apparently there are at least 2 kinds; Strain and Stress. The Strain will only produce minimal pollen balls/nanners. The Stress can go wild with pollen, and these are trash can plants (based on what I found). The plants I've grown are Strain, producing minimal pollen sacks, which made the grow and harvest more of a joy, than a downer.

Like you, I found only a few seeds after the finished product, and the MJ was KILLER! That's why I planted the Herm seeds on this grow, and so far, I'm not disappointed.

 

[bill6567]

I agree with your assessment about herms. They aren't the end of the world, and they can acutally be a good deal in the long run.

I had an Easyryder herm on me a while back. The bud was still first quality and the minimal seeds I ended up with grew great stuff too. All of the seeds from the herm grew female plants. None of them hermed. My Autocheese and AutoNL just hermed at roughly 50 days. It hasn't been a stress-free grow so I wasn't surprised. Since they both hermed, I'm just going to grow them out. Plus, my other hermed plant produced great product. I'm actually hoping for some seeds off of this.

I pulled off the pods (maybe 20 in all, mostly from the AC) with forceps and threw them in a baggie to seal up and toss in the trash. They were so smelly and sticky and covered with trichs, I figured, "what the hell!" I dried them out and burned them last night. Three hits and I was BLAZED. After that, I went Christmas shopping. It was one of the most magical experiences of my life. I watched Santa for a long time. I bought a series of gifts that don't seem quite as cool today as they did last night. I also came home, did another two hits and ate an entire bag of clearance Halloween candy I found on sale. I have to admit, I was bummed when 20 more pods didn't grow right back. If I was a commercial grower, herms would be a huge issue, but for my small production runs, they aren't a big deal at all. If the AC pods were that solid, I can't wait for the plant to finish up.