Marihuana is a hardy plant that will grow just about anywhere, providing a minimum amount of sunshine and rain are present. The plant grows from a seed to full maturity in 10-15 weeks.

Punch 'N Grow Kits are the answer for sprouting pot. After the seeds have sprouted and have reached a height of two inches they should be transplanted.

Maxi-crop fertiliser works wonders if applied. In 2-3 weeks the plants should reach 6-10 inches.

In the States the fully grown plant may reach 6 feet higher. However, they do not grow that high in New Zealand. A height of about two feet will be normal.

Both the male and female plants will flower, but the female has a much fuller structure, with a heavier concentration of blossoms. These flowering tops contain the bulk of the intoxicating resins. The plant, useless for smoking, can be discarded at this point.

Curing can be done quickly or slowly. The long process brings superior results, but to test the quality of your crop immediately, the quick process is used. Cut off a small bunch of leaves and place them in an oven at the lowest possible temperature for 20-30 minutes until they will crumble in your fingers.

The long process involves allowing the leaves, which have been separated from the stalk, to dry naturally, requiring three to four additional weeks.

Then take a moderate mesh strainer, place a bowl beneath it and gently rub your pot against the strainer, crushing the leaves. They will crumble and fall through in small particles. Occasionally bounce the contents slightly to free the pores, repeating the process until you are left with only seeds and stems. The stems are very harsh on your throat if smoked. Save your seeds for your next crop.

For an unusually pleasant pleasant and mellow flavour, a small amount of wine can be added to the finished product. Place the pot in a small bottle and add a tablespoon of your favourite burgundy or white wine. Cover, and within a few hours the wine will spread through your pot, making it slightly moist and facilitating rolling.

Marihuana needn't always be smoked. It can be served as tea (iced marihuana tea is a summertime favourite) or can be added to whatever food the individual finds to his particular liking. A half cup of pot in your spaghetti sauce makes a delightful dish sometimes referred to as Pottza.

Here are a few recipes which tempt the palate and soothe the soul.

True Spanish Pot Omelet

2 medium-sized raw potatoes, peeled and diced

½ cup of pot

1/3 cup of olive oil

4 eggs beaten

salt and pepper

Cook potatoes in oil, turning often until tender but not brown. Remove from the oil, drain on absorbent paper; cool to room temperature. Drain any surplus oil from skillet, leaving just a film. Reheat skillet. Combine eggs, salt, pepper, potatoes, and pot. Pour into the hot skillet, lifting the edges frequently until the omelet is browned on the bottom. Turn and brown the other side. Makes 4 servings.

Pot Rarebit

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

¼ cup minced onion

1 teaspoon salt

1 can (1 pound) red kidney beans

1 cup milk

1½ cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Melt butter or margarine in saucepan. Add onion; cook over low heat until tender. Blend flour, salt and pepper. Add milk; stir over low heat until thick and smooth. Add cheese and pot; stir until melted. Add kidney beans; heat thoroughly. Serve on toast. Makes 6 servings.

Peanut And Pot Marguerites

1 egg white

2/3 cup sugar

[unclear: 1/3] teaspoon salt

½ cup pot

1/3 cup chopped peanuts

¼ teaspoon vanilla

Whip egg white foamy. Gradually sprinkle on sugar and salt, continuing to whip until stiff but not dry. Fold in peanuts, pot, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove at once from sheet. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 18 cookies.

Quickie Pot Fudge

2 packages (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate pieces

¼ cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup pot

Melt semi-sweet chocolate over hot (not boiling) water. Remove from heat; stir in milk, vanilla, pot. Mix well. Turn into buttered pan or shae as desired. Let stand several hours or overnight. Makes about 1¼ pounds.