(Northeast Kingdom)

Twenty-three years ago, driven by my passion for the positivity the plant can bring to the universe, I planted my first ganja seeds right here in Vermont. After a decade of honing my skills in breeding, growing, and selling in the northeast, I headed to the capital of cannabis culture the world-famous Emerald Triangleto test my skills. Deep in the hills of Southern Humboldt County I earned a reputation as a leader in premium sustainable sun-grown cannabis, developed some of The Emerald Triangle"s most exclusive and award-winning genetics, and grew a team of amazing partners and friends. But I always yearned to come Home,

My journey back to Vermont is dedicated to a softer side of life peacefulness how I want to raise my children, and live naturally preserving and stewarding the environment on our farm in the Northeast Kingdom. My team and I are realizing a dream to share truly memorable cannabis, envisioned in Vermont basements and forests, honed in the hills of Southern Humboldt's most brazen outlaw territories with our friends in communities throughout Vermont.

With Love,

Respect & Ganja,

Dan from Rebel Grown

Sustainable cultivation:

We have been associated with the program since its conception and have been focusing on organic permaculture-based cannabis cultivation since 1996.

Our founder Dan Pomerantz (Ganja D) first discovered organic cannabis cultivation from the book Primo Plants by Mountain Girl when he was just 14 years old. As he began his lifelong journey of organic cannabis cultivation he realized the importance of environmentally responsible cultivation methods. After his grandfather, who was an award-winning gardener passed away, Dan grew some weed plants in his backyard using his grandfather’s compost from a pile that had been in use since 1957.

“I couldn’t believe how healthy and lush the plants were” said Dan. “Even compared to other organic soil mixes I’d been making, I’d never seen any plants as vibrant and vigorous as the ones I grew in my grandfather’s compost”

Dan soon realized that the best way he could grow weed was with the most simple and natural approaches. Not only were they better for the environment and his conscious, but organics clearly grew a superior quality herb.

Rebel Grown has evolved over the decades to a style of cultivation we call “diversified organics”, using a simple and natural approach that by using more diversity, we can use less of each input, therefore less is more.

This theory comes from the idea that quality and attention to detail are what create something special when it comes to growing weed. Over the long run it’s also more efficient both economically in material inputs cost and labor, and of course, benefiting and restoring our natural environment.

On our Farm in Vermont we grow in the ground in living native soil which we have developed since 2018 to have incredible biodiversity and bioavailability for our plants. Our soil is tested by top agricultural and University laboratories each spring, then we use locally sourced organic inputs to balance everything from the ph to the ion exchange rates of bioavailable minerals and nutrients. Over time we hope to create a natural and diverse self-sufficient ecosystem rich with biodiversity and polyculture.

Rather than using standard commercial agricultural synthetic fertilizers and salt based inputs, to build our soil we use things like chicken and turkey manure, compost we make and from local farms in our community, wood ash, sustainably harvested sources of gypsum and other minerals. We use a multitude of bio-inoculants, many species of beneficial microbes, bacteria, enzymes, and fungus, which aid in everything from breaking down carbon and rotting matter in the soil, creating nutrient bioavailability, and colonizing the rhizosphere (plants root zone and system), protecting the plants from harmful microbes, fungi, and pathogens, and improving the plants immune system.

We cover crop with a low ryegrass and nitrogen fixing white annual and red perennial clover, inoculated with natural enzymes as a bio-protectant. 

Once the cover crop is established we mulch with a thick layer of alfalfa straw. As all this evolves along with our organic inputs of root drenches, compost teas made using Maple Syrup tapped and boiled on site from our trees, and some experimental Korean Natural farming techniques, our soil becomes its own universe of organic diversity, perfect for our Ganja, and our farms natural ecosystem.

1. Prevention and Early Detection

• Quarantine and Testing:

  • Source Certified Disease-Free Stock: Only utilize propagation material (cuttings, rhizomes, etc.) from certified, HLVd-free sources. Ideally, use only plants that have been tested for HLVd.

  • Screen Incoming Stock: Before introducing any new plants into the nursery, conduct thorough viroid testing (PCR or other molecular techniques) to check for HLVd. The goal is to avoid bringing infected material into the nursery.

  • Establish Quarantine Area: Set up a dedicated quarantine zone for new arrivals. These plants should remain isolated for a minimum of 3-4 weeks, with regular HLVd testing to confirm they are disease-free.

• Regular Monitoring:

  • Implement a monitoring program for signs of HLVd infection. Infected plants may show symptoms like stunted growth, webbing, brittle tissue, yellowing, or chlorosis on leaves, poor flower development, or general plant decline.

• Routine Soil and Environmental Management:

  • Ensure the soil and growing environment are healthy and free from pathogens. Regular soil testing and management of fertility.

2. Vector Control and Sanitation

• Eliminate Mechanical Transmission:

  • Sanitize Tools and Equipment: Since HLVd can be mechanically transmitted through cutting tools, gloves, and other equipment, establish a strict cleaning protocol. Tools should be disinfected between each use (10% bleach solution).

  • Limit Human Movement: Restrict human movement between infected and healthy plants. Designate specific areas for the handling of infected plants, and avoid cross-contamination by wearing separate protective gear (e.g., gloves, boots).

  • Use New Cutting Tools for Each Propagation Batch: Use new, sterilized tools for each batch of cuttings. For shared tools, ensure proper sanitation between each use.

• Prevent Contamination of Water and Irrigation Systems:

  • Regularly clean and disinfect irrigation systems, including hoses and sprinklers, which may transfer the viroid between plants.

  • Avoid irrigation methods that cause water splashing between plants, as this could spread pathogens.

3. Cultural Practices and Crop Management

• Isolation of Infected Plants:

  • Infected plants should be identified and removed from the nursery as soon as possible. If HLVd is detected in a small group of plants, those plants should be discarded immediately, and nearby plants tested to ensure they are not infected.

  • Use plant disposal protocols to destroy infected material (preferably via incineration or sealed landfill).

• Use of Disease-Free Planting Material:

  • Ensure that all propagation material (e.g., cuttings) comes from HLVd-free plants.

  • Establish a strict protocol for the treatment and handling of propagation material, ensuring that any material that shows even mild symptoms is discarded before propagation.

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

• Monitor for Insect Vectors:

  • While HLVd is primarily spread through mechanical transmission, some insects (e.g., aphids, thrips) could act as secondary vectors by carrying infected plant material from one plant to another. Use appropriate insect management strategies to reduce the likelihood of insect transmission.

  • Regularly monitor for aphids or other pests and treat as necessary with approved insecticides or biological controls (e.g., beneficial insects).

• Use Resistant Varieties:

  • While there are no known hop varieties that are completely resistant to HLVd, it may be beneficial to choose varieties that are less susceptible or show some level of tolerance to the viroid.

5. Education and Staff Training

• Staff Education:

  • Train all nursery staff on the importance of preventing HLVd transmission and the specific protocols for managing and testing for the viroid.

  • Hold regular workshops or meetings to update staff on new research, methods, or tools for preventing and managing HLVd.

• Documentation and Record Keeping:

  • Keep detailed records of plant origins, testing results, and all management actions taken, including plant removals, sanitation activities, and pest management measures. This helps to track the effectiveness of strategies and respond to potential outbreaks more efficiently.

6. Post-Harvest and Post-Propagation Management

• Sanitize Propagation Equipment:

  • Before using propagation equipment for the next cycle, ensure all cutting tools, trays, and other materials are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

• Environmental Sanitation:

  • After each propagation cycle, perform a deep clean of the nursery to minimize the risk of residual pathogens remaining in the environment..