I'm as guilty as anyone of pride and prejudice; rating my efforts not only against what I've previously experienced but what others have shared. This manifests in comically tortured logic to justify my rationalizations. The perception that from my humble no name volume purchased bagseed, there is the potential for achieving a finished product on par with Cannabis Cup winners is inarguably laughable. Discounting the perspectives of more experienced and serious home growers is an unintentional shield to guard my preconceived notions from the cold light of reason. Over the course of the more than a dozen years of sharing and comparing I've swatted away well intentioned criticisms about lighting, nutrients, scheduling, training and others as a way of justifying (to myself) that my methods and results outweigh cold hard facts. Trichome development, bud structure, complexity of their aromatic profile are clear indications that named strains exist on another level that I'm very unlikely to reach. One inherently prized aspect in growing is the curb appeal of a given plant with shade, shape, and vitality viewed as the markers of success. Imperfections are seen as weakness and either consciously bred out or trimmed to please a sense of visual uniformity. With this particular specimen, I'm leaning in against my own preference and will be taking cuts from the aberrant growth to judge whether what is normally relegated to the scrap heap can produce on par with what the show ponies of more conventionally pleasing plants. Others who've veered from the path of perfection are welcome to share and discuss their perspectives and experiences.
