Harvest

Marijuana Horticulture

by Jorge Cervantes

Growth stops at harvest and THC content cannot increase. It will stay the same or decrease after harvest. Proper handling is the key to retaining THC potency. Prolonged periods of light, temperatures above 80F, friction from fondling hands, and damp, humid conditions should be avoided because they all decrease THC.

The THC chemical is produced in leaves, flowers, and stalked glandular trichomes, lovingly referred to as “resin glands” or simply “trichomes”. Stems and roots may smell like they should be smoked, but contain few mind bending cannabinoids, if any, and the resin is not very psychoactive. Male plants contain much less THC and are harvested before they pollinate females. Female plants are harvested when trichomes show peak ripeness. leaves are harvested first.

Growers hang plants upside down because it is simple, convenient, and effective – not to drain existing THC-potent resin into the buds. Also, boiling roots to extract THC is crazy.