NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
Giving and Receiving owner Ryan Bartsoff does a bit of cannabis consulting early last week at another business' grow op in the city. On top of owning the store, Bartsoff uses his knowledge to help others grow their own cannabis in their own gardens. Bartsoff's store will be holding a growing class for beginners on Saturday.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
After a successful first cannabis seminar in December, Giving and Receiving Ltd. will be hosting another this month – this time teaching Hatters how to grow their own pot plants.
The store will be hosting the growing for beginners class on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and it is free to attend for all interested.
“We had such an excellent response from our first class – we couldn’t even fit everyone,” said owner Ryan Bartsoff. “People have been asking me to do another class and people have asked me to specifically talk about cultivation.
“This is something I’m very passionate about, much more than selling cannabis, and I am happy to share knowledge when I can.”
Bartsoff says there is a large learning curve for anyone looking to grow their first plant, something the class can help with.
“There’s just so much information out there online, it can be hard to start,” he said. “We know there isn’t a ton of experience in local growing and we know there’s a lot of people trying to grow right now that aren’t having the success they could be having.
“I’m just trying to use this platform I have to help people to grow a little better and see better results.”
The legal amount of cannabis people are allowed to grow is four plants that are each one metre tall. Bartsoff says there is a huge difference between growing a plant, and growing a plant well.
“It’s called ‘weed’ for a reason, it’s going to grow no matter what,” he said. “In knowing that, is it a quality product? Is it palatable? How much are you able to harvest?
“There’s so many factors you have to think about – the class is going to help people with those questions.”
Though Bartsoff owns a store, he says growing your own cannabis is by far the most affordable way to stay supplied.
“Although prices are going down, this is the most cost-effective way to have cannabis,” he said. “Our business is helping people – it’s not about profiting as much as possible off of cannabis.”
Bartsoff added that spaces are filling up quickly for the class and that anyone curious is welcome to attend.
Cannabis stores around town sell seeds, including Bartsoff’s. People can also purchase seeds online.
The store is hosting another extraction and infusion class on Jan. 25. More information can be found on the Giving and Receiving Ltd. Facebook page.
People need to sign up for the class in store at 547 2 St. SE.
