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Best Practices for Harvesting CannabisUpdated 6 months ago

Harvesting cannabis correctly is crucial to preserving potency, flavor, and overall quality. Here’s a detailed guide on best practices for harvesting cannabis, with a focus on questions you might have during the process and their answers.

When is the Best Time to Harvest Cannabis?

1. How Do I Know When My Plants Are Ready?

  • Growth Stages: Cannabis goes through various stages, from pre-flowering, where sex is identified (around 6 weeks in), to the flowering stage, which typically lasts 6-12 weeks based on the strain.
  • Trichome Color: Use a magnifying lens (at least 60x magnification) to inspect trichomes on the buds. Harvest when most trichomes are milky/cloudy for peak THC levels. Approximately 15-30% amber trichomes indicate a more sedative high.
  • Pistil Color: While less reliable, pistils turning from white to reddish-brown can also suggest readiness. Aim for 70-90% darkened pistils.

How Should I Prepare for Harvest?

1. What Tools and Set-Up Do I Need?

  • Tools: Sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears are essential for cutting plants and trimming buds. Wear old clothes or a disposable apron as trichomes are sticky.
  • Workspace: Ensure your harvesting area is clean, well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight to avoid contamination and sub-optimal processing conditions.

2. How Should I Prepare the Plants?

  • Flushing: Stop using nutrients 1-2 weeks before harvest and flush with plain, pH-balanced water. This removes residual nutrients and enhances flavor.
  • Dark Period: Some growers use a 24-48 hour dark period to potentially boost resin production before harvesting.

What is the Best Way to Harvest My Cannabis Plants?

1. Should I Cut the Whole Plant or Individual Branches?

  • Whole Plant Method: Cut the plant at its base for hanging the entire plant upside down.
  • Branch-by-Branch Method: Cut individual branches to make processing more manageable. Handle plants carefully to avoid bud damage.

2. Should I Wet Trim or Dry Trim?

  • Wet Trimming: Trimming leaves immediately after cutting the plant allows for easier handling due to moist leaves and faster drying times. However, be cautious as this can lead to a harsher smoke if not monitored closely.
  • Dry Trimming: Waiting to trim leaves until after drying can help retain terpenes and result in a smoother smoke. Expect more tedious trimming as leaves curl around the buds.

How Do I Properly Dry Cannabis?

1. What Are Ideal Drying Conditions?

  • Humidity: Maintain 55-65% RH to prevent mold and ensure slow, even drying.
  • Temperature: Keep the environment between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
  • Airflow: Ensure air circulation without direct airflow on the buds, using oscillating fans for gentle and even airflow.

2. What Drying Methods Should I Use?

  • Hanging: Hang plants or branches upside down in a dark room, using clotheslines or specialized drying racks.
  • Racks or Trays: Useful in limited space, ensure buds are spaced evenly. Mesh racks work effectively to facilitate airflow.

3. How Do I Know When My Cannabis is Dried Correctly?

  • Drying Time: Typically takes 7-14 days. Larger buds may take longer.
  • Readiness Check: Stems should snap rather than bend. Buds should be dry to the touch but not brittle.

Why is Curing Cannabis Important, and How is it Done?

1. What Benefits Does Curing Offer?

  • Curing improves flavor, aroma, and potency while reducing harshness by allowing compounds like chlorophyll to break down. Proper curing significantly enhances the end product.

2. How Should I Cure My Cannabis?

  • Containers: Use glass jars with airtight seals. Avoid plastic bags to prevent sweating and degradation.
  • Filling Jars: Fill jars approximately ¾ full to promote airflow and minimize light exposure. Do not pack buds tightly.
  • Humidity Packs: Consider using products like Boveda packs to maintain around 62% RH.

3. How Often Should I "Burp" My Jars?

  • Frequency: Open jars daily for the first 1-2 weeks, then gradually decrease to weekly. This allows excess moisture and gases to escape.
  • Duration: Leave jars open for about 10-15 minutes each time.
  • Total Curing Time: Aim for 2-4 weeks, though extended curing up to several months can greatly enhance quality.

How Should I Handle My Cannabis Post-Harvest?

1. What is the Best Way to Store Cannabis?

  • Store cured buds in a cool, dark place using airtight containers. Consider vacuum sealing for long-term storage. Avoid plastic bags as they can cause sweating and mold growth.

2. How Can I Ensure Quality Control?

  • Inspect periodically for mold or degradation. High-quality cannabis should have a consistent color and potent aroma.
  • Ensure buds remain dry and properly stored. Monitor for signs of excessive dryness or humidity changes.

What Common Issues Might I Face, and How Do I Troubleshoot Them?

1. How Do I Prevent and Handle Mold and Mildew?

  • Prevention: Maintain optimal humidity and air circulation. Avoid physical damage during trimming.
  • Action: Remove and safely dispose of any moldy buds immediately to prevent spread.

2. What Should I Do If My Cannabis is Over-Dried?

  • Prevention: Monitor drying conditions closely. Use hygrometers for accuracy.
  • Action: Rehydrate slightly using humidity packs during curing, but be cautious to avoid mold reentry.

3. How Can I Ensure Even Drying?

  • Prevention: Allow ample space for airflow around each bud. Rotate plants or buds in the drying area.
  • Action: Adjust airflow and spacing as needed. Consider using drying racks for better space utilization.

4. What Can I Do About Harsh Smoke?

  • Prevention: Proper flushing before harvest, alongside careful drying and curing.
  • Action: Extend the curing period to allow more time for unwanted compounds to break down, resulting in a smoother smoke.
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