Cannabis Harvest

Harvesting is the stage that growers look forward to the most, and one of the most critical for the final quality of the flowers. If done too early, the cannabinoids have not reached their full potential. Too late, the THC degrades into CBN and the effects take on a different character. Timing is everything.

When should you harvest cannabis?

Experienced farmers rely on two key indicators:

The pistils : The white filaments of the female flowers turn brown and shrink as they mature. When 70 to 90% of the pistils have turned orange or brown, harvest time is approaching.

The trichomes : When examined under a magnifying glass or microscope, these resin glands change from transparent to milky and then to amber. The ideal harvest window is when the majority of the trichomes are milky, with a minority of amber ones—a ratio that varies depending on the desired effect: more amber trichomes for a sedative effect, more milky ones for a more energizing effect.

Outdoors In the Northern Hemisphere, the harvest generally takes place between mid-September and late November, depending on the variety and latitude.

How do you harvest cannabis?

The plant is cut at the base, handling the flowers as little as possible to preserve the trichomes. The branches are then separated, and most of the foliage is removed during trimming—which is done by hand for high-quality results and mechanically for large-scale production.

Drying

After cutting, the branches are hung upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area with low humidity (50–60% relative humidity, 18–22°C). Drying takes 10 to 14 days. If the process is too fast, it degrades the terpenes and results in a harsh taste when smoked. If it is too slow, it promotes mold growth.

Curing

An often-overlooked step is the curing involves placing the dried flowers in airtight jars for 2 to 8 weeks, airing them out daily during the first few weeks. This process refines the aromas, enhances the flavor, and stabilizes the residual moisture for optimal preservation.