How Long Until You Earn a Million with Marijuana and Other Things You Can Learn Online

handSticky Fingers: Trimming Marijuana

Frequent Photo

When I started writing about marijuana, my heart would thump as if I could be arrested for merely mentioning the word.  And my worry wasn’t only that I would offend law enforcement but that I would offend my Humboldt neighbors.  And, in fact, I have had gentle complaints that I give out too much information.  I’ve tried to point out that most of what I say is already available on line but I get skeptical looks.  With that in mind I’ve decided to post links to a few  sites that prove my point.

Here’s a Humboldt girl posting a journal about her indoor grow. (hattip to Highboltage a wonderful local source for all things green and many other local subjects.)

Here’s information on trims.

There’s info on how much does different types of weed costspecifically trainwreck.

And of course there’s always High Times, Normal, etc.  but heck go to Marijuana Business News if you want to know how to sell marijuana.  There is even an online calculator to figure out how quickly your method of growing marijuana will make you a millionaire! (You have to see this one to believe it!)

There’s wild weed stories (how true is open to conjecture) and pretty obvious factual pieces.

Almost any question you might have about marijuana can be answered online with a little research.  Don’t take my word for it.  Follow some of those links! First though, find out when you’ll be a millionaire and pass me a little cash for hooking you up;>

Have fun.

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SoHumBorn
Guest
SoHumBorn
14 years ago

Thanks for the links! I’ve had some fun checking them out. The business is Humboldt’s worst kept sercret.
I think we have far more to worry about in the other things that stay hidden – out of fear of bringing attention to marijuana.

SoHumBorn
Guest
SoHumBorn
14 years ago

Thanks for the links! I’ve had some fun checking them out. The business is Humboldt’s worst kept sercret.
I think we have far more to worry about in the other things that stay hidden – out of fear of bringing attention to marijuana.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
14 years ago

I have to agree!

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
14 years ago

I have to agree!

kushboldt
Guest
14 years ago

Price comparison:

$4500 – paid by L.A. cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade indoor
$4000 – paid by L.A. cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade outdoor
$3750 – paid by local cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade indoor
$3200 – paid by local cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade outdoor
$3200 – local street price for lbs of high grade indoor
$2800 – local street price for lbs of high grade outdoor
$2100 – local street price for lbs of mediocre outdoor
$2400 – local wholesale price for high grade outdoor
$4000 – Bay Area street price for lbs of high grade indoor
$3800 – Bay Area street price for lbs of high grade outdoor
$2800 – Bay Area street price for lbs of mediocre outdoor
$5600 – New York City street price for one lbs of high grade indoor
$37-$39 – local donation per 1/8 oz. for high grade indoor at collectives
$33-$35 – local donation per 1/8 oz. for high grade outdoor at collectives
$40 – local street price for 1/8 oz. high grade indoor
$35 – local street price for 1/8 oz. high grade outdoor
$50-$60 – L.A. street price for 1/8 oz. high grade indoor
$60-$70 – L.A. cannabis collective donation for 1/8 oz. high grade indoor
$250,000 – Oakland wholesale price for 200 lbs of mediocre outdoor
$200 – local per lbs manicuring fee
$4000 – price for popcorn manicuring machine
$40 – average per hour popcorn manicuring machine operator wage
$3000 – street price for high grade outdoor in 1980
$7858.03 – street price for high grade outdoor in 1980 adjusted for inflation
5 minutes – average time to machine manicure one lbs of popcorn bud
5 hours – average time to hand manicure one lbs of popcorn bud
Priceless – growing your own

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  kushboldt

Kushboldt, I’m curious, you seem very well informed, Several people have told me that the Machine manicure is not so good. That one of the selling points of most local bud is the beautiful (hand) manicure. Do you agree?

kushboldt
Guest
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

What you describe is part myth, part user error, and part history.

Professional cannabis manicurists create myths about machine manicured product because they see these machines as a threat to their livelihood.

User error plays plays a significant role. Like any other mechanized process, these machines require adept operators to maintain quality control. These machines are often novice operated which results in the same type of inferior product that a novice hand manicurist would produce.

Recent history is also a factor. The early models of these machines were not so great. Similar to LED grow lights, trim machines have been rushed from prototype to market. Over the last few years, trim machines have been sold based on concept workmanship. Newer machines are being produced by people with a higher degree of engineering knowledge and manufacturing experience.

The particular type of manicuring machines I am talking about are designed to efficiently process so-called “popcorn” or “larf” buds. Popcorn buds are problematic for both growers and manicurists alike. As the industry moves closer to public acceptance, we will see more of these popcorn machines.

kushboldt
Guest
14 years ago

Price comparison:

$4500 – paid by L.A. cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade indoor
$4000 – paid by L.A. cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade outdoor
$3750 – paid by local cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade indoor
$3200 – paid by local cannabis collectives per lbs of high grade outdoor
$3200 – local street price for lbs of high grade indoor
$2800 – local street price for lbs of high grade outdoor
$2100 – local street price for lbs of mediocre outdoor
$2400 – local wholesale price for high grade outdoor
$4000 – Bay Area street price for lbs of high grade indoor
$3800 – Bay Area street price for lbs of high grade outdoor
$2800 – Bay Area street price for lbs of mediocre outdoor
$5600 – New York City street price for one lbs of high grade indoor
$37-$39 – local donation per 1/8 oz. for high grade indoor at collectives
$33-$35 – local donation per 1/8 oz. for high grade outdoor at collectives
$40 – local street price for 1/8 oz. high grade indoor
$35 – local street price for 1/8 oz. high grade outdoor
$50-$60 – L.A. street price for 1/8 oz. high grade indoor
$60-$70 – L.A. cannabis collective donation for 1/8 oz. high grade indoor
$250,000 – Oakland wholesale price for 200 lbs of mediocre outdoor
$200 – local per lbs manicuring fee
$4000 – price for popcorn manicuring machine
$40 – average per hour popcorn manicuring machine operator wage
$3000 – street price for high grade outdoor in 1980
$7858.03 – street price for high grade outdoor in 1980 adjusted for inflation
5 minutes – average time to machine manicure one lbs of popcorn bud
5 hours – average time to hand manicure one lbs of popcorn bud
Priceless – growing your own

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  kushboldt

Kushboldt, I’m curious, you seem very well informed, Several people have told me that the Machine manicure is not so good. That one of the selling points of most local bud is the beautiful (hand) manicure. Do you agree?

kushboldt
Guest
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

What you describe is part myth, part user error, and part history.

Professional cannabis manicurists create myths about machine manicured product because they see these machines as a threat to their livelihood.

User error plays plays a significant role. Like any other mechanized process, these machines require adept operators to maintain quality control. These machines are often novice operated which results in the same type of inferior product that a novice hand manicurist would produce.

Recent history is also a factor. The early models of these machines were not so great. Similar to LED grow lights, trim machines have been rushed from prototype to market. Over the last few years, trim machines have been sold based on concept workmanship. Newer machines are being produced by people with a higher degree of engineering knowledge and manufacturing experience.

The particular type of manicuring machines I am talking about are designed to efficiently process so-called “popcorn” or “larf” buds. Popcorn buds are problematic for both growers and manicurists alike. As the industry moves closer to public acceptance, we will see more of these popcorn machines.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Thank you. I appreciate that excellent answer. It deserves a post of its own on your blog. I learned something and I’ll bet others would too. A photo of popcorn buds (I think I know what they are but still…) would be helpful, too.

kushboldt
Guest
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Thank you for the idea. I just posted Trimming Demystified.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Thank you. I appreciate that excellent answer. It deserves a post of its own on your blog. I learned something and I’ll bet others would too. A photo of popcorn buds (I think I know what they are but still…) would be helpful, too.

kushboldt
Guest
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Thank you for the idea. I just posted Trimming Demystified.

trackback

[…] Blackbelt writes about some of the less psychotic aspects of growing and trimming with “How long until you earn a million with marijuana and other things you can learn online,” a great jumping-off point for a variety of weed-head shop-talk blogs. And don’t miss […]

trackback

[…] Blackbelt writes about some of the less psychotic aspects of growing and trimming with “How long until you earn a million with marijuana and other things you can learn online,” a great jumping-off point for a variety of weed-head shop-talk blogs. And don’t miss […]

Rose
Guest
Rose
14 years ago

Gotta tell ya I liked it better when it wasn’t all about pot all the time. You’ve always had so much more to say. Nunna my bizness, I know…

Rose
Guest
Rose
14 years ago

Gotta tell ya I liked it better when it wasn’t all about pot all the time. You’ve always had so much more to say. Nunna my bizness, I know…

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Rose, since I’ve been writing about the marijuana business for Grow, I’ve lost a lot of my extra time so I tend to use pieces that are extra from my articles–cheating a little til I can get a handle on my time and write about (and photograph) other things. I’ve also not been able to follow others blogs which makes me feel all alone on line and takes away a lot of the fun. Maybe after the remodel is over, I’ll regain some time to just enjoy myself online.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Rose, since I’ve been writing about the marijuana business for Grow, I’ve lost a lot of my extra time so I tend to use pieces that are extra from my articles–cheating a little til I can get a handle on my time and write about (and photograph) other things. I’ve also not been able to follow others blogs which makes me feel all alone on line and takes away a lot of the fun. Maybe after the remodel is over, I’ll regain some time to just enjoy myself online.

Rose
Guest
Rose
14 years ago

Yeah, I can understand that. What happens when they legalize pot, will Grow become like a Wine Aficionado magazine?

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  Rose

Rose, I hope so. I’m pretty sure legalization is coming and I’m enjoying the writing gig!

Rose
Guest
Rose
14 years ago

Yeah, I can understand that. What happens when they legalize pot, will Grow become like a Wine Aficionado magazine?

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  Rose

Rose, I hope so. I’m pretty sure legalization is coming and I’m enjoying the writing gig!

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kim, I love your blog. If you want to learn more about trimming machines you can read about how life changing they have been for me. I have had lots of bad experiences with trimmers over the years, from drinking, stealing, and drug use, to threatening to call law enforcement on me. Trimming machines have made my whole operation a lot safer and now I have had to bring less outsiders into my community which is great for everyone. I also save a lot on my trimming bill which in turn means more money for the local schools and non-profits that I support every year.
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=137684
Will you be covering the Emerald Cup this year ?

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

Okay, so I finally had time to sit down and look at what you posted….WOW! I’m impressed. Maybe I can talk Grow into doing a comparison between the machine you recommend and top trimmers. Those are some lovely looking buds, too!

Kim
Guest
Kim
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

The problem I have with these machines is the rough and tumble method knocks off a lot of the resin, leaving a inferior product for the end user. Also, in your pics I noticed some crazy football shaped buds, those are a mass of regular buds grown in a cluster and should have been broken down. The leaf and lumber inside those would make them unmarketable to a buyer with any knowledge.
Your comment about bringing outsiders into our community & having problems with drug users trimming for you made me sad & had me wondering how a person could live here & not know enough reliable trustworthy people to help you out. These connections in our communitys are part of what makes this place special. I am glad to hear that you plan to donate the money you’re no longer spending on hiring help to your schools and nonprophits, because that money usually paid to trimmers is an important part of what keeps our economy vibrat in timeas as hard as these.
I must be “Old School” but I still prefer the idea of having the work done by friends and neighbors to that of tossing a carefully cared for and loved plant into a machine. 🙂

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kim, I love your blog. If you want to learn more about trimming machines you can read about how life changing they have been for me. I have had lots of bad experiences with trimmers over the years, from drinking, stealing, and drug use, to threatening to call law enforcement on me. Trimming machines have made my whole operation a lot safer and now I have had to bring less outsiders into my community which is great for everyone. I also save a lot on my trimming bill which in turn means more money for the local schools and non-profits that I support every year.
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=137684
Will you be covering the Emerald Cup this year ?

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

Okay, so I finally had time to sit down and look at what you posted….WOW! I’m impressed. Maybe I can talk Grow into doing a comparison between the machine you recommend and top trimmers. Those are some lovely looking buds, too!

Kim
Guest
Kim
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

The problem I have with these machines is the rough and tumble method knocks off a lot of the resin, leaving a inferior product for the end user. Also, in your pics I noticed some crazy football shaped buds, those are a mass of regular buds grown in a cluster and should have been broken down. The leaf and lumber inside those would make them unmarketable to a buyer with any knowledge.
Your comment about bringing outsiders into our community & having problems with drug users trimming for you made me sad & had me wondering how a person could live here & not know enough reliable trustworthy people to help you out. These connections in our communitys are part of what makes this place special. I am glad to hear that you plan to donate the money you’re no longer spending on hiring help to your schools and nonprophits, because that money usually paid to trimmers is an important part of what keeps our economy vibrat in timeas as hard as these.
I must be “Old School” but I still prefer the idea of having the work done by friends and neighbors to that of tossing a carefully cared for and loved plant into a machine. 🙂

High Jack
Guest
High Jack
14 years ago

How I made a million dollars in a marijuana growing area. This is a true story. I put an inheritance check in my account at the local bank and waited 10 days for it to clear. When I went in to shuffle it around, I asked the teller if it had cleared. Her eyes got big. I said “What, did I get some extra zeroes?” She blushed and nodded. I asked if it said a million dollars and she nodded and ran for her supervisor while I basked in my Millionaireness. Moments later I was just me again, not a Millionaire!
Now I had told my parents when I was a child that I would be a Millionaire and retire at 55. Having attained the former, I decided to fulfill my pledge to my parents. This gives me lots of time to drive around the county looking at our beautiful area, and spend my cat’s inheritance.
A few days ago, I was on the old Benbow drive when I espied an adult bald eage standing in a riffle in the Eel holding a large fish down while he tore at it and munched away. With my binoculars it was a great treat to watch this once familiar in our area scene. He was a big ‘un, but what caught my attention was his legs. Thickly black feathered, they looked like a dancers legs with two sets of tights on. I must have watched for ten minutes.
Thanks for letting me wiggle into this thread.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  High Jack

Hey, I appliqued your experience with the eagle!

I love your story of the million dollars. Too bad they wouldn’t give you some sort of printout that you could have kept on your wall.

High Jack
Guest
High Jack
14 years ago

How I made a million dollars in a marijuana growing area. This is a true story. I put an inheritance check in my account at the local bank and waited 10 days for it to clear. When I went in to shuffle it around, I asked the teller if it had cleared. Her eyes got big. I said “What, did I get some extra zeroes?” She blushed and nodded. I asked if it said a million dollars and she nodded and ran for her supervisor while I basked in my Millionaireness. Moments later I was just me again, not a Millionaire!
Now I had told my parents when I was a child that I would be a Millionaire and retire at 55. Having attained the former, I decided to fulfill my pledge to my parents. This gives me lots of time to drive around the county looking at our beautiful area, and spend my cat’s inheritance.
A few days ago, I was on the old Benbow drive when I espied an adult bald eage standing in a riffle in the Eel holding a large fish down while he tore at it and munched away. With my binoculars it was a great treat to watch this once familiar in our area scene. He was a big ‘un, but what caught my attention was his legs. Thickly black feathered, they looked like a dancers legs with two sets of tights on. I must have watched for ten minutes.
Thanks for letting me wiggle into this thread.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  High Jack

Hey, I appliqued your experience with the eagle!

I love your story of the million dollars. Too bad they wouldn’t give you some sort of printout that you could have kept on your wall.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kym, that would be great. Let me know if you need any more info about my experience, I would be happy to contribute. Hope to see you at the Emerald Cup.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kym, that would be great. Let me know if you need any more info about my experience, I would be happy to contribute. Hope to see you at the Emerald Cup.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

I’m going to be there for sure. I’m looking forward to talking with you.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

I’m going to be there for sure. I’m looking forward to talking with you.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kim, let me clarify a few things. The machine is actually very gentle on the buds. Because you trim them wet the resin sticks to the buds, it doesn’t crumble off like when it is dry. I am a big pot snob and there is no way I would use this machine if it was damaging the herb at all. I have looked at the buds with a magnifying Lupe before and after going through the Twister and the resin heads are completely intact. There are many trimming machines that do damage the buds but the Twister is not one of them. I used several before I got this one. You are right about those football buds. They did need to be broken down. That was the first day we ran the machine and we learned it is better to break them down to the finished size you want them. I never leave them that big because of the lumber you mention. My crews have always been mostly friends and family but on my scale I have always had to bring in a few extra people that do not always turn out to be the best. It is hard to find 15-20 friends to clip in the fall when there are lots of other jobs and most are dealing with their own crops. I do not hire these kids off the streets but sometimes friends of friends are brought in. The majority of my crew has worked for me for many years and almost all of them are local. I made sure they were all compensated just as much as if they were hand trimming. I still employ a large crew but now I am finished two months earlier and for less than half the cost with half the crew. I would have to say that I think the growers in this community are pumping a lot more money into it than the trimmers. There are growers that will never use a machine and people will be hand trimming till the end of time so I wouldn’t worry about too many local trimmers losing their jobs. This is a great alternative to hiring street kids or bringing in crews of illegals which I am sure you know is what plenty of the big growers around here do. This is not for everyone but if you don’t want to be involved with so many people or you don’t want to spend months trimming these machines are a godsend. Sorry about the long post.

Kim
Guest
Kim
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

Thanks for the info! I’d be very interested in seeing this one work with my own eyes as the others I’ve seen were so disapointing 🙁
Sadly I don’t think Costco will be doing a demo of them any time soon.
Maybe they could demo it at the Emerald Cup?
If you could shorten work time for a crew, maintain quality, & keep your regular people… well that would be nice indeed.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Please never be sorry about the long posts. I learn so much. Thanks to both of you for adding to my knowledge.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Thanks for being open minded Kim, I know it is hard to believe and I didn’t think it was possible either. Seeing is believing. Trim Scene Solutions has a dvd with some footage I shot this fall and let them use. They will be at the Emerald Cup showing it and giving away copies so check them out and get a copy. I think you will be impressed. I would love to help contribute to a Grow article. Most growers don’t know these machines exist or they have only heard bad things. I have turned many friends on to them and they have all been very happy. If there was a medical marijuana collective in town I would happily come do a demo for people. It is a lot of fun to run and I love showing it to people. It blows minds.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

I will check them out. And I’ll let you know what I think. I’m excited about seeing what they have to offer but I have to admit I’m a bit worried about the trimmers. A lot of single moms support themselves trimming.

Glenn
Guest
Glenn
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Speaking strictly for myself, I would much rather check out the single moms who support themselves by trimming bud than the Twister by Trim Scene Solutions. But, that’s only me.

Retiree
Guest
Retiree
14 years ago
Reply to  Glenn

These machines are a response to the economics of the times. With larger and larger crops to be trimmed, there is more work than ever. I know so many people who aren’t out of the fall woods yet.
For years clipping circles (with all the coded phone euphemisms) weren’t talked about. The evolution of clipper wages has been an extra-ordinary victory for non-unionized Labor. The worker’s price per pound which went up to $200 when the Northcoast price peaked in its upper range somewhere well over 4k a pound, has continue to rise over $200/lb despite the per pound wholesale price plummeting.
We used to worry about getting caught and tried for “manufacturing” like they tried to do in that one big case up north. We worried about infrared signatures of multiple bodies, and numbers of cars parked at houses for days, even many miles away from it all. Seems silly now, given how many houses host the mega ton MJ clipping process and how few clippers have gone down over the years.
Maybe in a few decades one of your kids will interview us 70-80 olds for stories of the day when pot was illegal, and you “big leafed” and clipped by hand, and the whole neighborhood gained economically with jobs thanks to the decades of gov’t price supports…
called the War on Drugs.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I still have plenty of single moms working for me. It comes down to what kind of person/trimmer you are. Are you the kind that cherry picks the big buds, throws all the small buds in the shake, complains, and basically acts ungrateful for a cushy job where you get to sit on your ass and smoke herb all day. Those are the types that will be replaced by the machines. Those people are the reason these machines were invented. If you are honest, hard working, and grateful for the work you will probably always have a job. Also like Glen said, if you are a cute girl you will also probably not be out of a job. Unless you exhibit any of the undesirable qualities. I also have friends who say that it is their one chance of the year to have some girls up to their place. If want to chase girls, the sooner you are done trimming the sooner you can do it full time. Those girls just want your hard earned money and they don’t mind flirting a little to get it. I was over that scene years ago. It is all about getting my project done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

I can’t stand cherry pickers. All sneaking around trying to get weight. Harvest hook… er… flirts too.

Every single fight I’ve ever seen over trim has been like

“You’re taking all the big pieces”

or

“You’re not cool, you’re only here because you slept with Mr. X/Ms. Y”

I finally got to see onna those new machines… tight as hell. You still gotta pluck a bit after it’s done but it makes everything so money. Even cleaning the thing is easy, damn near easier than cleaning scissors. Why didn’t they have these years ago? Seems so simple.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kim, let me clarify a few things. The machine is actually very gentle on the buds. Because you trim them wet the resin sticks to the buds, it doesn’t crumble off like when it is dry. I am a big pot snob and there is no way I would use this machine if it was damaging the herb at all. I have looked at the buds with a magnifying Lupe before and after going through the Twister and the resin heads are completely intact. There are many trimming machines that do damage the buds but the Twister is not one of them. I used several before I got this one. You are right about those football buds. They did need to be broken down. That was the first day we ran the machine and we learned it is better to break them down to the finished size you want them. I never leave them that big because of the lumber you mention. My crews have always been mostly friends and family but on my scale I have always had to bring in a few extra people that do not always turn out to be the best. It is hard to find 15-20 friends to clip in the fall when there are lots of other jobs and most are dealing with their own crops. I do not hire these kids off the streets but sometimes friends of friends are brought in. The majority of my crew has worked for me for many years and almost all of them are local. I made sure they were all compensated just as much as if they were hand trimming. I still employ a large crew but now I am finished two months earlier and for less than half the cost with half the crew. I would have to say that I think the growers in this community are pumping a lot more money into it than the trimmers. There are growers that will never use a machine and people will be hand trimming till the end of time so I wouldn’t worry about too many local trimmers losing their jobs. This is a great alternative to hiring street kids or bringing in crews of illegals which I am sure you know is what plenty of the big growers around here do. This is not for everyone but if you don’t want to be involved with so many people or you don’t want to spend months trimming these machines are a godsend. Sorry about the long post.

Kim
Guest
Kim
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

Thanks for the info! I’d be very interested in seeing this one work with my own eyes as the others I’ve seen were so disapointing 🙁
Sadly I don’t think Costco will be doing a demo of them any time soon.
Maybe they could demo it at the Emerald Cup?
If you could shorten work time for a crew, maintain quality, & keep your regular people… well that would be nice indeed.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Please never be sorry about the long posts. I learn so much. Thanks to both of you for adding to my knowledge.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Thanks for being open minded Kim, I know it is hard to believe and I didn’t think it was possible either. Seeing is believing. Trim Scene Solutions has a dvd with some footage I shot this fall and let them use. They will be at the Emerald Cup showing it and giving away copies so check them out and get a copy. I think you will be impressed. I would love to help contribute to a Grow article. Most growers don’t know these machines exist or they have only heard bad things. I have turned many friends on to them and they have all been very happy. If there was a medical marijuana collective in town I would happily come do a demo for people. It is a lot of fun to run and I love showing it to people. It blows minds.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

I will check them out. And I’ll let you know what I think. I’m excited about seeing what they have to offer but I have to admit I’m a bit worried about the trimmers. A lot of single moms support themselves trimming.

Glenn
Guest
Glenn
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Speaking strictly for myself, I would much rather check out the single moms who support themselves by trimming bud than the Twister by Trim Scene Solutions. But, that’s only me.

Retiree
Guest
Retiree
14 years ago
Reply to  Glenn

These machines are a response to the economics of the times. With larger and larger crops to be trimmed, there is more work than ever. I know so many people who aren’t out of the fall woods yet.
For years clipping circles (with all the coded phone euphemisms) weren’t talked about. The evolution of clipper wages has been an extra-ordinary victory for non-unionized Labor. The worker’s price per pound which went up to $200 when the Northcoast price peaked in its upper range somewhere well over 4k a pound, has continue to rise over $200/lb despite the per pound wholesale price plummeting.
We used to worry about getting caught and tried for “manufacturing” like they tried to do in that one big case up north. We worried about infrared signatures of multiple bodies, and numbers of cars parked at houses for days, even many miles away from it all. Seems silly now, given how many houses host the mega ton MJ clipping process and how few clippers have gone down over the years.
Maybe in a few decades one of your kids will interview us 70-80 olds for stories of the day when pot was illegal, and you “big leafed” and clipped by hand, and the whole neighborhood gained economically with jobs thanks to the decades of gov’t price supports…
called the War on Drugs.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I still have plenty of single moms working for me. It comes down to what kind of person/trimmer you are. Are you the kind that cherry picks the big buds, throws all the small buds in the shake, complains, and basically acts ungrateful for a cushy job where you get to sit on your ass and smoke herb all day. Those are the types that will be replaced by the machines. Those people are the reason these machines were invented. If you are honest, hard working, and grateful for the work you will probably always have a job. Also like Glen said, if you are a cute girl you will also probably not be out of a job. Unless you exhibit any of the undesirable qualities. I also have friends who say that it is their one chance of the year to have some girls up to their place. If want to chase girls, the sooner you are done trimming the sooner you can do it full time. Those girls just want your hard earned money and they don’t mind flirting a little to get it. I was over that scene years ago. It is all about getting my project done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
14 years ago
Reply to  humboldtlocal

I can’t stand cherry pickers. All sneaking around trying to get weight. Harvest hook… er… flirts too.

Every single fight I’ve ever seen over trim has been like

“You’re taking all the big pieces”

or

“You’re not cool, you’re only here because you slept with Mr. X/Ms. Y”

I finally got to see onna those new machines… tight as hell. You still gotta pluck a bit after it’s done but it makes everything so money. Even cleaning the thing is easy, damn near easier than cleaning scissors. Why didn’t they have these years ago? Seems so simple.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Glenn, you aren’t the only one who enjoys the female company! I’ve heard several growers comment on that. In fact, in an article I wrote for Grow, one told me that he enjoys having the women over. “You hear some crazy stories when you get a bunch of women clucking over here.” I think the loneliness of the life is offset by these communal clips. All though it can be a bit too much. One grower just told me, “I’m happy when they come…we sit around and tell stories…and I’m happier when they go. My house is quiet again.”

Retiree,
Heck, let’s not wait for my kids. Get hold of me and I’ll interview you now!

Humboldt Local,
I’ve heard about a few cherry pickers–usually they were new to the job and either changed fast or were never hired again.

Mr. Nice,
Hmm, now that I have your endorsement, I’m even more interested in the machine. If GorillaintheMidst endorses, I may be won over without even seeing it.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

You should just buy one for fun Kym. My boy said he paid $15,700 for his. Chump change. Sell some more copies of grow magazine or somethin.

Seriously tho, I’ve seen a gang of trim machines and they always turned out product that looked like Mex. This new thing is the opposite, it’s hella gentle. You can run everything through twice.

I have always been a naysayer about them things. Always said why don’t I just not trim at all rather than do some half-ass machine job. This is a game changer.

It’s weird tho. Like, usually, there are hella people on a crew and it is a big ordeal to eat, sleep, and keep people from getting too drunk and then clean up after their crazy trim party. This time, I showed up and only my people were there, no temps. Spent half the second day digging out the garden because the trim part was over so quick. Plants got pulled, processed, and the beds got dug… now that’s efficient as hell. I think they only needed me to bring up supplies from civilization. Other than that, I didn’t really do much. Big ballers might need more people, but then they could just get more machines.

So yea, count me out of the machine trim haters.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Glenn, you aren’t the only one who enjoys the female company! I’ve heard several growers comment on that. In fact, in an article I wrote for Grow, one told me that he enjoys having the women over. “You hear some crazy stories when you get a bunch of women clucking over here.” I think the loneliness of the life is offset by these communal clips. All though it can be a bit too much. One grower just told me, “I’m happy when they come…we sit around and tell stories…and I’m happier when they go. My house is quiet again.”

Retiree,
Heck, let’s not wait for my kids. Get hold of me and I’ll interview you now!

Humboldt Local,
I’ve heard about a few cherry pickers–usually they were new to the job and either changed fast or were never hired again.

Mr. Nice,
Hmm, now that I have your endorsement, I’m even more interested in the machine. If GorillaintheMidst endorses, I may be won over without even seeing it.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

You should just buy one for fun Kym. My boy said he paid $15,700 for his. Chump change. Sell some more copies of grow magazine or somethin.

Seriously tho, I’ve seen a gang of trim machines and they always turned out product that looked like Mex. This new thing is the opposite, it’s hella gentle. You can run everything through twice.

I have always been a naysayer about them things. Always said why don’t I just not trim at all rather than do some half-ass machine job. This is a game changer.

It’s weird tho. Like, usually, there are hella people on a crew and it is a big ordeal to eat, sleep, and keep people from getting too drunk and then clean up after their crazy trim party. This time, I showed up and only my people were there, no temps. Spent half the second day digging out the garden because the trim part was over so quick. Plants got pulled, processed, and the beds got dug… now that’s efficient as hell. I think they only needed me to bring up supplies from civilization. Other than that, I didn’t really do much. Big ballers might need more people, but then they could just get more machines.

So yea, count me out of the machine trim haters.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Wow, definitely out of the mom and pop growers range. Let’s see at paying $200 per pound (some pay $250 but let’s low ball ’cause others pay less) for manicuring that’s the pay equivalent of 79 pounds. It would take a small grower (10-40 pounds per year I’m thinking) somewhere between 2 and 8 years to pay off.

How complicated is the machinery? Is it likely to break easily? I’m thinking a 30 pound a year grower would take a little less than 3 years to pay off their investment. That might make it reasonable. How big is the machine? Trimmers go away. Storing a big machine could be a hassle. Wouldn’t it be a little like a scale? If you did get busted, it would go to show intent for sale.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

How complicated is the machinery? Is it likely to break easily?

It’s really not that complicated. The whole thing comes apart. It’s less work than cleaning a blender.

I’m thinking a 30 pound a year grower would take a little less than 3 years to pay off their investment.

Not having to deal with any drama: priceless.

Timing… cut->trim, same day. Can cut everything exactly when it’s ready and have it curing right away. No mold from stuff being trapped in a cooler for a week. No losses from having to pawn off mis-dried stuff as mids. Since it runs like 300 cuts per second, any kind of funk on the outside gets shaved. If this theoretical 30 lbs grower boosts their A-grade weight by 15% due to everything coming out hella clean, there is the money to pay for the machine right there without even taking into account the $200/lbs thing.

How many folks dry half their crop before it even touches scissors because there just isn’t enough time to trim it all wet? That’s losses right there, can’t avoid it, can’t argue that it ain’t. Even if you time it perfectly and got all that dried stuff curing just right, a dry trim job always turns at least 10% of perfectly usable trichome into skuff just from it being so brittle.

How big is the machine? Trimmers go away. Storing a big machine could be a hassle. Wouldn’t it be a little like a scale? If you did get busted, it would go to show intent for sale.

It’s on wheels. Growers can store umpteen ATVs and dirt bikes in storage sheds, they can store one of these.

I figure there is no better investment in peace of mind than not having some big pile of cars, campfires, tents, drunk harvest flirts, 4 wheelers running out to grab propane… hell, a chopper could see 0 weed and know exactly what was going on with all that mess going down.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  Mr. Nice

I was impressed by what I saw at the Emerald cup. I’ve got the dvd and will be checking it out this week. I want to see more.

By the way, I would have loved to have met you at the Emerald Cup. I’m assuming you were there because a Mr. Nice placed very highly (top 10%!!!!!) Very very impressive.

Staff
Member
14 years ago

Wow, definitely out of the mom and pop growers range. Let’s see at paying $200 per pound (some pay $250 but let’s low ball ’cause others pay less) for manicuring that’s the pay equivalent of 79 pounds. It would take a small grower (10-40 pounds per year I’m thinking) somewhere between 2 and 8 years to pay off.

How complicated is the machinery? Is it likely to break easily? I’m thinking a 30 pound a year grower would take a little less than 3 years to pay off their investment. That might make it reasonable. How big is the machine? Trimmers go away. Storing a big machine could be a hassle. Wouldn’t it be a little like a scale? If you did get busted, it would go to show intent for sale.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

How complicated is the machinery? Is it likely to break easily?

It’s really not that complicated. The whole thing comes apart. It’s less work than cleaning a blender.

I’m thinking a 30 pound a year grower would take a little less than 3 years to pay off their investment.

Not having to deal with any drama: priceless.

Timing… cut->trim, same day. Can cut everything exactly when it’s ready and have it curing right away. No mold from stuff being trapped in a cooler for a week. No losses from having to pawn off mis-dried stuff as mids. Since it runs like 300 cuts per second, any kind of funk on the outside gets shaved. If this theoretical 30 lbs grower boosts their A-grade weight by 15% due to everything coming out hella clean, there is the money to pay for the machine right there without even taking into account the $200/lbs thing.

How many folks dry half their crop before it even touches scissors because there just isn’t enough time to trim it all wet? That’s losses right there, can’t avoid it, can’t argue that it ain’t. Even if you time it perfectly and got all that dried stuff curing just right, a dry trim job always turns at least 10% of perfectly usable trichome into skuff just from it being so brittle.

How big is the machine? Trimmers go away. Storing a big machine could be a hassle. Wouldn’t it be a little like a scale? If you did get busted, it would go to show intent for sale.

It’s on wheels. Growers can store umpteen ATVs and dirt bikes in storage sheds, they can store one of these.

I figure there is no better investment in peace of mind than not having some big pile of cars, campfires, tents, drunk harvest flirts, 4 wheelers running out to grab propane… hell, a chopper could see 0 weed and know exactly what was going on with all that mess going down.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  Mr. Nice

I was impressed by what I saw at the Emerald cup. I’ve got the dvd and will be checking it out this week. I want to see more.

By the way, I would have loved to have met you at the Emerald Cup. I’m assuming you were there because a Mr. Nice placed very highly (top 10%!!!!!) Very very impressive.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
14 years ago

I can’t stand cherry pickers. All sneaking around trying to get weight.

we grow nouthing but big buds so it’s not a problem here, but for those peeps who are still growing small buds along with the big, Suzy’s advice is –go natural, no machines are necessary if you stay away from Ravens and just hire Bald Eagles… they’ll hold them wet tops down like a big fish and tear off the leaves with their beaks and you’ll soon be seeing lots of zeros. And the bonus is –they don’t squawk so much. And of course those nicely shaped dancer’s legs in black tights.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

The American Bald Eagle–America’s top trimmer. It has a nice ring.

Retiree
Guest
Retiree
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

O there’s a new product! Eagle claw hash…. instead of finger hash.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
14 years ago

I can’t stand cherry pickers. All sneaking around trying to get weight.

we grow nouthing but big buds so it’s not a problem here, but for those peeps who are still growing small buds along with the big, Suzy’s advice is –go natural, no machines are necessary if you stay away from Ravens and just hire Bald Eagles… they’ll hold them wet tops down like a big fish and tear off the leaves with their beaks and you’ll soon be seeing lots of zeros. And the bonus is –they don’t squawk so much. And of course those nicely shaped dancer’s legs in black tights.

Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

The American Bald Eagle–America’s top trimmer. It has a nice ring.

Retiree
Guest
Retiree
14 years ago
Reply to  Staff

O there’s a new product! Eagle claw hash…. instead of finger hash.

SoHumBorn
Guest
SoHumBorn
14 years ago
Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  SoHumBorn

WOW! While I was at the Emerald Cup I got pretty excited by the Mendocino Marijuana Coop (I don’t have my notes so I’m not sure about the name). What a great concept. This may be the wave of the future.

SoHumBorn
Guest
SoHumBorn
14 years ago
Staff
Member
14 years ago
Reply to  SoHumBorn

WOW! While I was at the Emerald Cup I got pretty excited by the Mendocino Marijuana Coop (I don’t have my notes so I’m not sure about the name). What a great concept. This may be the wave of the future.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kym, when are you going to do a post about the Emerald Cup? I am sure you got some great pics.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
14 years ago

Hey Kym, when are you going to do a post about the Emerald Cup? I am sure you got some great pics.