Crafting the Colchicine Solution
A Blueprint for Mutation

Polyploidy operation: Turning your cannabis into an enhanced symbiote!

Think of your cannabis plant as Eddie Brock, the ambitious reporter who lives his life on a regular basis.
However, one day something extraordinary happens: he comes into contact with an alien symbiote and suddenly becomes Venom, a powerful entity with incredible abilities.

In our experiment, Colchicine is that symbiote!

How does all this work

Your plant cells have a nucleus that stores their chromosomes, something like the plant’s genetic memory. During growth, these chromosomes duplicate and then separate to form two new cells. But when we “infect” the plant with Colchicine, something changes.

Colchicine acts like Venom’s symbiote, interfering with this chromosome separation process. So, instead of getting two normal cells, we end up with cells that have twice as many chromosomes. It’s as if Eddie Brock had not just fused with one symbiote, but two, obtaining an even more powerful version of Venom.

So what we do with Colchicine is enhance the genetics of the plant, giving it superpowers. The result? A stronger, more resistant cannabis with more cannabinoids.

The science behind concentrations, the dose makes the master gardener.

Each plant represents a complex genetic system, and within this system, colchicine serves as a powerful agent.

When applied at the correct concentration, it disrupts the normal mitotic process, compelling chromosomes to remain doubled, thereby facilitating the dance of polyploidy.

But as any good scientist knows, concentration matters, and it can change the entire result.

Different concentrations of Colchicine have different effects on plant cells.
Sometimes a lower concentration may be enough to induce polyploidy, but other times, a higher concentration may be required to obtain the desired results.

At the same time, using too much concentration could be harmful to the plant.

Therefore, the dosage is key!

Throughout history, scientists from all over the world have experimented with different concentrations, and it is thanks to their discoveries that today you can get on board with this adventure.

Now we present some concentrations based on real research, so that, in the best “botanical hacker” style, you can try, observe and decide which is the best dose for your cannabis plant.

We are going to base everything on the use of 10ml of water, this is enough for many seeds or plants and it is easy to measure if we do not have any graduated glass, because you can measure it with one tablespoon.

0.2% Concentration
Jones and Taylor (1960) used this concentration to experiment with certain plant varieties. You will need 20 1mg pills in your 10ml of water.

0.1% Concentration
Blakeslee and Avery (1937) showed that this concentration could induce polyploidy in various plants. You will need 10 1mg pills for your 10ml of water.

0.05% Concentration
Franklin and Lawrence (1962) decided to opt for an intermediate concentration for certain vegetables, involving 5 1mg pills in 10ml of water.

0.01% Concentration
Birss and Dermen (1955) opted for a milder version with tobacco plants. You will use 1 1mg pills in the 10ml of water.

The Tek 😀

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing a Colchicine Solution

We detail each method using both laboratory equipment and its everyday kitchen equivalents, making our techniques accessible no matter your setup.

Materials Needed:

Step 1:
Safety First

Before starting, ensure you are wearing protective gloves. Colchicine is a potent chemical, and safety should always be your first priority.

Step 2:
Crushing the Tablets

Laboratory: Place the colchicine tablets in a mortar and crush them finely with a pestle.
Kitchen: Wrap the colchicine tablets in a clean piece of paper and crush them into a fine powder using the back of a spoon on a hard surface.

Step 3:
Measuring Water

Laboratory: Use a measuring cylinder to measure the exact volume of water needed for the solution.
Kitchen: Use a measuring cup to measure the required amount of water, ensuring accuracy for the solution’s concentration.

Step 4:
Mixing the Solution

Laboratory: Gradually add the crushed colchicine to the water in a beaker, stirring continuously with a glass rod to ensure it dissolves completely.
Kitchen: Add the powdered colchicine to water in a clean glass or bowl, and stir thoroughly with a clean spoon.

Step 5:
Transferring the Solution

Laboratory: Use a syringe or pipette to transfer the colchicine solution into a clean, labeled container. Kitchen: Use a clean dropper to carefully collect the solution and place it in a clean, labeled container.

Step 6:
Immediate Use

Prepare the colchicine solution immediately before application, as it is unstable in water and its efficacy can diminish over time. Do not store the solution; prepare fresh batches for each use to ensure the best results.

DONE!

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively prepare a colchicine solution using either laboratory equipment or everyday kitchen items. Remember, accuracy in preparation is key to the success of your experiments.

We've prepped our colchicine solution, it's time to find a candidate and attempt our first polyploid mutation.

Let's start hacking!

How to mutate from seedlings

This means that the entire plant, from the roots to the leaves and eventual flowers, will exhibit the effects of the mutation

How to mutate from Apical Buds

Inducing mutations in the apical buds of a branch affects only the new growth from that bud.
This method allows specific branches to be targeted for mutation, which can be useful for experimental and selective breeding purposes