Harvest

The final stage of cultivation, when the cannabis plant is harvested.

When to Harvest Cannabis

Harvesting cannabis starts with knowing the right time to harvest it.

The white pistils on cannabis plants The females turn brown when it's time to harvest. You can also examine the trichomes and see if these sticky, crystal-like structures have turned amber.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to harvest outdoor cannabis takes place between October and November, although the exact timing varies depending on the cultivar. Experienced growers choose the exact timing and method for harvesting marijuana plants to maximize the levels of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) of their flowers, as well as their complete terpene profile.

How to Harvest Cannabis

Once the cannabis plants are ready for harvest, the plant is cut at the base, taking care to touch the flowers as little as possible so as not to lose any trichomes, which are home to the cannabinoids.

After being cut, the plants are usually hung upside down from a string and then left to air-dry for 10 to 14 days in a low-humidity environment to prevent mold from growing and to achieve the best possible cannabis yield.