The cannabis plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. However, only recently have people begun to harvest it for themselves. This guide will show you how to harvest cannabis so that you can enjoy its benefits.
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Introduction
Cannabis harvesting is the process of removing the mature flowers or buds from the plant. In order to ensure peak quality and THC levels, it is important to carefully monitor thetrichomes and choose the right time to harvest. Depending on your desired product, you may want to harvest your cannabis plants early, on time, or late.
This guide will teach you how to harvest your cannabis plants at each stage in order to achieve maximum quality. We will also go over some of the most common mistakes made during harvesting so that you can avoid them.
So, let’s get started!
The Right Tools
If you want to harvest your cannabis the right way, you need to have the right tools. Here is a list of what you will need:
-A good pair of scissors or pruning shears
-An oven-proof baking dish large enough to fit all your buds
-Cannabis trimming gloves
-A large zip-lock bag
Once you have gathered all your tools, it is time to start harvesting!
The Right Time
The right time to harvest your cannabis plants is critical to achieving the most potent, flavorful, and effective results. If you harvest too early, you risk losing valuable THC; if you harvest too late, your buds may become harsh, seed-filled, or full of couchlock. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true methods for determining when it’s time to harvest.
Observing the Trichomes: The most accurate way to determine when to harvest is by observing the trichomes on the buds with a jeweler’s loupe or microscope. The trichomes are the tiny sparkling hairs that cover the buds and leaves of cannabis plants. These glands produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. Under a loupe or microscope, they will appear as clear or milky white orbs. As the plant matures, these glands will turn from clear to cloudy white, and eventually amber.
Harvesting when most of the trichomes are still clear will result in a more cerebral high that is energetic and uplifting. This is ideal for daytime use or for when you need to be productive. Harvesting when the trichomes are mostly milky white will give you a more mellow high that is good for relaxation. And harvesting when most of the trichomes have turned amber will give you a couchlocking high perfect for night-time use.
The Pistil Method: Another way to tell when your plants are ready to harvest is by observing the pistils—the tiny hairs that protrude from the buds (these are also called “hairs”). In the early stages of flowering, these pistils will be white or pale green in color. As maturity approaches, they will begin to darken and curl inward. When half of the pistils have darkened and begun curling inward, this is generally an indication that the plant is nearing maturity and ready to harvest.
The Right Technique
Cannabis harvesting is a critical stage in the cultivation process. Properly harvesting your cannabis plants will maximize the THC and terpene levels in your buds, giving you a more potent and enjoyable final product.
There are a few things you need to consider before harvest, such as when to harvest, how to properly dry and cure your buds, and what tools you will need. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to harvest cannabis.
When to Harvest Cannabis
The most important factor in deciding when to harvest your cannabis plants is the trichome development. Trichomes are the tiny resin glands that cover the buds and leaves of the plant. These glands produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique effects.
You will need a loupe or magnifying glass to properly assess the trichomes. Take a close look at the trichomes on your buds and leaves. If they are mostly clear with a few amber/brown ones mixed in, your plant is not quite ready for harvest. If 50-75% of the trichomes are amber/brown, your plant is ready for harvest. If more than 75% of the trichomes are amber/brown, your plant is past peak ripeness and some of the THC has begun to degrade into CBN.
How to Harvest Cannabis
Once you have determined that your plants are ready for harvest, it’s time to start cutting down your buds. Cut each branch individually, taking care not to damage the main stem or surrounding branches. Once all of the branches have been cut down, remove all of the large fan leaves from the plant. These leaves do not contain much THC and can be discarded.
Now it’s time to trim off excess leaves and smaller buds from each branch so that only the large, well-developed buds remain. Trimming can be a time-consuming process, but it’s important to do it carefully so that you don’t damage the final product.
After trimming, your buds are ready for drying and curing!
Jinal (author) from Ahmedabad on September 13, 2020:
Harvesting is an important step while growing any kind of crop including cannabis. It is crucial
Drying and Curing
Drying and curing is a process that helps preserve your weed and enhance its taste, smell, and effects. When done correctly, your weed will be fresh for months.
The goal of drying and curing is to reduce the moisture content of your buds while preserving the THC. Mold and mildew can grow on wet cannabis, destroying your buds and causing respiratory problems. Drying reduces the moisture content while curing helps preserve the THC.
You can dry your weed by hanging it upside down in a dark, dry room with good air circulation. A fan can help circulate the air and speed up the drying process. It usually takes about a week for cannabis to dry completely.
Once your cannabis is dry, you can begin the curing process by placing it in jars or containers. Make sure to open the jars once a day to let in fresh air. Curing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
After drying and curing, your weed will be fresh for months. Enjoy!
