Sep 65 min read

Get To Know Your Community: Dog Star Cannabis

Written By: Dillon Cate

Hello and welcome! Thanks for being here and letting the community get to know you better!

What is your history with cannabis?

My history with cannabis started when I was 13. My brother turned me on to it. I was immediately in love with the plant and plugged in bag seeds on my windowsill. That was 1982. I never stopped growing. Later learning the medicinal values and uses as companion drug to chemo I entered the legal market in 2008?

With an interesting thoughtful name like Dog Star Cannabis, what’s the story behind it?

“Compass card is spinning, helm is swinging to and from Oh, where is the dog star, oh, where’s the moon.” You’re a lost sailor, been away too long at sea. Bob Weir, John Barlow Good ol Grateful Dead sparked my interest in The Dog Star (Sirius A) the brightest star used as a navigational tool.

But then there’s the whole Dogon tribe people. Outer space extra heady stories for another time.

Favorite thing about cannabis?

My favorite thing about cannabis is its medicinal use. It has so many uses it sounds like snake oil. But after 16-17 yrs of donating to sick or needful people I know it’s Not snake oil and a magical herb. Seeing it help firsthand to heal so many is a privilege this plant has given me. I’ve been blessed to be able to give to those who need it.

A Sea Full Of Medicine

You have a long history with Cannabis, what are your thoughts on how Cannabis is a lot stronger today than it was “back in the day.”

Cannabis back in the day seemed strong until Greenbud started flowing. Then you realized Brick weed was poorly processed pot so it offered weak high. All around yuck. Greenbud from the early 80s on had a kick to it. Strong pot!

Now science plays a big role in strengthening THC even more so in the legal world. Today’s pot is good and high. It needs that hippy killer put back in it so she’s whole again; is my personal thought.

What were some of your favorite strains back in the day?

My favorite was that first Skunk 1985-87 we all seek out now a days. Stunk so the whole town could smell yer grow from week 3 on. Chem91 was a thrill when it hit the street also Peppery fuel our noses didn’t understand at first. So many!

If you could pick 3 strains from your past to have a clone of now what would they be and what were the effects and flavors/aromas?

3 strains from yesteryears I’d die for an old cut of skunk weed Stinky as a dead skunk tastes earthy and stoned ya good. Danny Glover was a cut I was gifted She had no bag appeal but she crippled ya with THC, big chunky buds that could hurt ya if thrown at you.

Critical Mass cbd was a pheno I found many years ago in a search 15%cbd 6%THC.

This flower was magical and there’s plenty of people to testify to it’s love. I would give it out to ensure it stayed around. Time won and I eventually lost her. I do have seeds I made and a Danny Glover, Critical Mass cross to play with one day.

You and I have something in common a lot of cannabis users and growers do which is we are skaters! Any cool skating from back in the day?

Skateboarding was a way of life and cannabis flowed from under the deck of any vert ramp I’ve ever rode I had a really large ramp growing up in central New Jersey. Skaters from all over would ride and we’d partake in the finest herbs from all over the country. Under the Brooklyn Bridge was a favorite dream spot. Street punks homeless and skaters all shared the herb. Manhattan was street heaven

You and I also have in common the fact we are both fans of The Grateful Dead. What era of the Dead do you find yourself listening to the most?

The Grateful Dead has influenced my life from 12 yrs old. I saw JGB November 10 1982 at Rutgers Livingston gym. This changed my life!. Jumped on the bus that spring seeing the dead as much as possible.

I started touring summers, eventually full-time rat. I’m a sucker for 73 dead and 74-75 JGB Legion of Mary is my dig. Then there’s the mid 80’s to 90’s which hold some epic shows. Plus it was my time of touring. Warlocks!!! The MSG runs were incredible.

What are Dogstar Cannabis current grow methods?

Currently DogStar uses Farmer Joes organic soil and compost teas. Mycelium and microbes are a side passion. Living soil for years and years. I am in a new facility for two years now. Formerly Pine Gnome Farm, I am starting over as a new business Sun grown is my talent or my passion Same living soils works best for me.

What do you look for in genetics?

That’s a tough one. Markets craves change and NEW on the daily. I prefer running the same genetics over and over but currently

What strains are you currently running?

Gush Mintz

Bubble bath

Gruntz Permanent market

Tiger balm

Frosted donuts

Oreoz

Battle axe

Master kush

Gelato41

Candy pave

Pure Michigan

These run in cycles of 5-7 at a time

Oreoz looking Frosty as Ever!

What strains can patients look forward to from Dogstar Cannabis in the future?

Future genetics im searching out some packs of Shiskaberry x Tahoe OG The Wrank (again) Sour G x Marshmallow Og And a bunch more Bean cracking addiction

Other than The Maine Cannabis Fair will Dogstar Cannabis be attending any events in the near future?

Dogstar will be at the sweet spot at The Barn September 7 and monthly. Mountain Mayhem Sept 14. As far as these “events” go I’ve always avoided them for many years. The hype and greed are heavy I Focused on the patients and my crops. Since I’m starting over new I’ve found the need to use these as a way to get my name out there again.

I do need to earn a living like all.

But don’t aim to be king canna by any means. I still have patients from the beginning the climate remains the same unfortunately. The “community” is money driven and suits have entered the garden. Investors nearly destroyed the plants worth. My hopes are we will see more Farmers and farming families. Less corporate cannabis. Hope!

Closing thoughts / Feel free to add anything else

Thanks for what ya do