Harvesting Cannabis: How and When to Harvest Marijuana?

Cannabis cultivation can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but the timing of the harvest is a crucial factor that can determine the quality and potency of the final product. Knowing when and how to harvest marijuana is an essential skill that every cannabis grower should have in their arsenal. Proper harvesting techniques can enhance the aroma, flavour, and potency of your cannabis while also preserving its medicinal and recreational benefits. 

In this article, we will delve into the different factors that affect the timing of cannabis harvest, as well as the various methods and tools used to harvest marijuana effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis cultivator or just starting, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge you need to master the art of harvesting cannabis.

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A Brief Intro to Growing Cannabis

Growing cannabis has become increasingly popular over the years, thanks to the growing legalization and decriminalization of marijuana in many parts of the world. Whether you’re a medical cannabis patient or a recreational user, growing your own cannabis can be a fulfilling and cost-effective way to access high-quality cannabis. 

However, growing cannabis can also be a challenging and complex process that requires a lot of knowledge, patience, and attention to detail. From choosing the right strain to providing optimal growing conditions, every step of the growing process can have a significant impact on the quality and potency of your final product. 

In this article, we will provide you with a brief introduction to growing cannabis, including the basics of choosing a weed strain, setting up your growing space, and maintaining the ideal growing conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge you need to start growing your own cannabis.

 

How Do I Know When To Harvest Marijuana?

Knowing when to harvest marijuana is crucial to achieving the desired potency and quality of the final product. Harvesting too early can result in lower potency while harvesting too late can lead to a decrease in aroma and flavour, as well as an increase in the levels of THC degradation. 

Here are some factors to consider when determining the best time to harvest your marijuana plants:

1. Trichome Color: Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like structures that cover the buds of the cannabis plant. As the plant matures, the trichomes will change colour from clear to cloudy and then to amber. Harvesting during the cloudy stage is considered the best time for a balanced effect, while harvesting during the amber stage can lead to a more relaxing and sedative effect.
2. Pistil Colour: The pistils are the small, hair-like structures that grow from the buds. During the early stages of flowering, the pistils are white, but as the plant matures, they will change colour to orange, brown, or red. Harvesting when the pistils have turned 50-70% brown is a good indicator that the plant is ready for harvest.
3. Plant Appearance: The appearance of the plant can also give you a clue about the maturity level. When the leaves begin to yellow and die off, and the buds have stopped growing, this may indicate that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle.
4. Personal Preference: The desired effect and taste are subjective and personal. Some people may prefer a more energizing high, while others prefer a more relaxing one. Experimenting with different harvest times and strains will help you find the ideal time to harvest your cannabis to achieve your desired effect and taste.

In summary, monitoring trichome colour, pistil colour, plant appearance, and personal preference can help you determine the best time to harvest your cannabis plant. Remember to be patient and thorough in your observations to ensure that you harvest your marijuana at the optimal time.

Indoor Cannabis Grow Harvesting

Harvesting indoor cannabis plants follows the same principles as outdoor plants, but there are some additional factors to consider when growing cannabis indoors. 

Here are some steps to follow when harvesting indoor cannabis:

1. Flush the plants: Before harvesting, it’s important to flush the plants with clean water for at least a week to remove any excess nutrients from the soil. This helps to improve the taste and aroma of the final product.
2. Choose the right time: Determine the best time to harvest your cannabis plants by monitoring trichome color, pistil colour, plant appearance, and personal preference.
3. Stop watering the plants: Stop watering your cannabis plants 2-3 days before harvesting. This helps to dry out the soil and makes it easier to remove the plants from their containers.
4. Cut the plants: Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the plants at the base of the stem.
5. Trim the buds: Once the plants have been cut, remove the large fan leaves and trim the buds to remove any excess stems and leaves.
6. Dry the buds: Hang the trimmed buds in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated room for 5-10 days until they are dry but not brittle. Use a humidity meter to monitor the humidity levels in the room and ensure that they remain between 45-55%.
7. Cure the buds: After the buds are dry, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Open the container once a day for 10-15 minutes to release any excess moisture and to allow fresh air to circulate.

In summary, harvesting indoor cannabis plants involves flushing the plants, choosing the right time to harvest, cutting the plants, trimming the buds, drying them in a well-ventilated room, and curing them in an airtight container. By following these steps, you can ensure that your indoor cannabis plants produce high-quality buds with optimal potency, aroma, and flavour.

 

Outdoor Cannabis Grow Harvesting

Harvesting outdoor cannabis plants involves some similar steps to indoor plants, but there are some additional factors to consider. 

Here are the steps to follow when harvesting outdoor cannabis:

1. Monitor the weather: When harvesting outdoor cannabis plants, it’s important to monitor the weather and avoid harvesting during periods of high humidity or rain. Wet buds can lead to mold and mildew, which can ruin the entire harvest.
2. Choose the right time: Determine the best time to harvest your cannabis plants by monitoring trichome colour, pistil colour, plant appearance, and personal preference.
3. Cut the plants: Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the plants at the base of the stem.
4. Trim the buds: Once the plants have been cut, remove the large fan leaves and trim the buds to remove any excess stems and leaves.
5. Dry the buds: Hang the trimmed buds in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a garage or shed, for 5-10 days until they are dry but not brittle. Use a humidity meter to monitor the humidity levels in the room and ensure that they remain between 45-55%.
6. Cure the buds: After the buds are dry, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Open the container once a day for 10-15 minutes to release any excess moisture and to allow fresh air to circulate.

In summary, harvesting outdoor cannabis plants involves monitoring the weather, choosing the right time to harvest, cutting the plants, trimming the buds, drying them in a well-ventilated area, and curing them in an airtight container. By following these steps, you can ensure that your outdoor cannabis plants produce high-quality buds with optimal potency, aroma, and flavour.

 

Autoflower Harvesting

Harvesting auto-flowering weed seeds is slightly different from harvesting regular photoperiod cannabis plants because they have a predetermined life cycle, and their growth is not influenced by changes in lighting schedules. 

Here are the steps to follow when harvesting autoflower cannabis:

1. Determine the harvest time: Autoflowering cannabis plants have a shorter life cycle compared to photoperiod plants, typically taking 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest. Determine the best time to harvest by monitoring the trichomes’ colour, pistil colour, plant appearance, and personal preference.
2. Cut the plants: Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the plants at the base of the stem.
3. Trim the buds: Once the plants have been cut, remove the large fan leaves and trim the buds to remove any excess stems and leaves.
4. Dry the buds: Hang the trimmed buds in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area for 5-10 days until they are dry but not brittle. Use a humidity meter to monitor the humidity levels in the room and ensure that they remain between 45-55%.
5. Cure the buds: After the buds are dry, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Open the container once a day for 10-15 minutes to release any excess moisture and allow fresh air to circulate.

In summary, harvesting autoflower cannabis plants involves determining the harvest time, cutting the plants, trimming the buds, drying them in a well-ventilated area, and curing them in an airtight container. By following these steps, you can ensure that your autoflower cannabis plants produce high-quality buds with optimal potency, aroma, and flavour.

 

What Tools Do I Need to Harvest Weed?

Harvesting weed requires a few essential tools to ensure that the process is smooth and efficient. 

Here are some of the tools you will need:

1. Pruning Shears or Scissors: A sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors is essential for cutting the stems of the plants during harvesting. It is important to use sharp blades to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
2. Gloves: Wearing gloves is important during the harvesting process to protect your hands from the sticky resin and to prevent contamination of the buds.
3. Trimming Scissors: After cutting the plants, trimming scissors are used to remove the excess stems and leaves from the buds.
4. Drying Rack or Line: A drying rack or line is necessary for hanging the harvested buds to dry. It should be well-ventilated to ensure proper airflow and avoid mold growth.
5. Humidity Meter: A humidity meter is useful for monitoring the humidity levels in the drying room. Maintaining the right humidity level is important to prevent mold growth and ensure that the buds dry properly.
6. Containers: Airtight containers, such as mason jars, are necessary for curing the buds after they have been dried. They should be stored in a cool, dark place and opened daily to release any excess moisture.

In summary, pruning shears or scissors, gloves, trimming scissors, a drying rack or line, a humidity meter, and containers are essential tools for harvesting weed. These tools will help ensure that the process is efficient, safe, and results in high-quality buds with optimal potency, aroma, and flavour.

How to Properly Dry, Store, and Cure Cannabis Buds

Properly drying, storing, and curing cannabis buds is crucial to preserving their potency, aroma, and flavour. 

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Drying: Hang the trimmed buds in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area with a humidity level of 45-55%. Make sure the buds are not touching each other and leave enough space for air circulation. Drying can take anywhere from 5-14 days, depending on the humidity and temperature in the room. When the buds are dry but not brittle, they are ready for curing.
2. Storing: Place the dried buds in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and store them in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storage is around 60-70°F (15-21°C), and the humidity should be between 58-62%. Make sure to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures, as this can degrade the potency and flavour of the buds.
3. Curing: Open the container once a day for 10-15 minutes to release any excess moisture and to allow fresh air to circulate. This process, known as burping, helps to ensure that the buds cure properly and maintain their potency, aroma, and flavour. Curing can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, depending on the moisture content of the buds. The longer the curing process, the smoother and more flavorful the buds will be.
4. Testing: Once the buds have been properly dried, stored, and cured, it’s time to test their potency and flavour. Use a vaporizer or smoke a small amount of the bud to determine its effects and taste. If the buds are not yet at the desired potency or flavour, continue the curing process until they reach the desired level.

In summary, properly drying, storing, and curing cannabis buds involves hanging the trimmed buds to dry in a well-ventilated area, storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place with the right temperature and humidity, burping the container daily, and testing the buds for potency and flavour. By following these steps, you can ensure that your cannabis buds retain their optimal potency, aroma, and flavour.

 

Where to Buy Top-Quality Cannabis Seeds Online in Canada

In Canada, there are several reputable online seed banks that offer top-quality cannabis seeds. 

Here are some of the best options:

1. The Seed Pharm: TheSeedPharm is a seed bank that offers a variety of high-quality cannabis seeds, including auto-flowering, feminized, and CBD seeds. They offer fast shipping and a germination guarantee.
2. Crop King Seeds: Crop King Seeds is a well-known seed bank based in Vancouver, Canada, that offers a wide variety of high-quality cannabis seeds. They offer discreet shipping and a germination guarantee.
3. Quebec Cannabis Seeds: Quebec Cannabis Seeds is a Quebec-based seed bank that offers a wide range of cannabis seeds, including regular, feminized, and auto-flowering seeds. They offer fast and discreet shipping and a germination guarantee.
4. True North Seed Bank: True North Seed Bank is a trusted seed bank that offers a huge selection of cannabis seeds from many reputable breeders. They offer worldwide shipping and a germination guarantee.
5. Seedsman: Seedsman is a UK-based seed bank that ships to Canada and offers a vast selection of cannabis seeds from over 100 different breeders. They offer discreet shipping and a germination guarantee.

In summary, there are several reputable online seed banks that offer top-quality cannabis seeds in Canada that can get you started on your journey to growing premium-grade weed flowers. Make sure to do your research and choose a seed bank that offers discreet shipping and a germination guarantee to ensure that you receive high-quality seeds.

 

References

Government of Canada. (2022). Cannabis Regulations. Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2018-144/FullText.html

The Seed Pharm. (2023, June 3). Buy Auto-Flowering Cannabis Seeds Online. Available at: https://www.theseedpharm.com/product-category/marijuana-seeds/autoflowering-cannabis-seeds/

Malík, M., Velechovský, J., & Tlustoš, P. (2021). The overview of existing knowledge on medical cannabis plants growing. Plant, Soil and Environment, 67(8), 425-442. https://doi.org/10.17221/96/2021-pse

WeedSmart. (2023, June 3). Canada’s Best Premium Marijuana Flowers. Available at: https://weedsmart.cc/product-category/marijuana-flowers/premium-flowers/