I just harvested my cannabis plants, and I want to make sure that I handle the buds properly to preserve their quality. What is the best way to handle cannabis buds after harvest?
One answer “What is the best way to handle cannabis buds after harvest?”
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Congratulations on harvesting your cannabis plants! The hard work to cultivate your plants has paid off, and now it’s time to make sure that your buds reach their full potential of flavor and potency. To do this, proper harvesting and handling is key.
The first step to preserving your buds is to properly dry and cure them. The drying process should take place at temperatures between 60-70°F, with a low enough humidity level to prevent mold. Most growers will use specialized drying racks and hang their buds upside-down in a well-ventilated space. Depending on the strain, this process can take anywhere from 3-14 days. When looking for signs of dryness, remember that thinner leaves should dry first and buds should feel dry on the outside but still somewhat spongy on the inside.
Once your buds are dry, they will need to be cured in order to ensure maximal flavor, smoothness, and potency. To do this, place your buds in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and check on them daily, airing out the jar several times to control the humidity level. Your buds should be slightly wet to the touch, but still slightly dry. The curing process can take anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks, and any longer could result in diminished flavor and potency.
Once your buds have been cured, it is important to store them properly in order to preserve their quality. Ideally, your buds should be stored in a dark, airtight, temperature and humidity controlled environment to avoid loss of cannabinoid potency and terpenes. Room temperature in a humidity range of 58-62% is ideal for long-term storage. Mason jars and mylar bags are great for short-term storage, and more specialized containers are available for long-term storage.
It is also important to avoid overly handling your buds. The more you touch them, the more likely it is that you will damage the delicate trichomes and alter the potency, flavor, and effects of the bud. When handling your buds, use clean hands and keep your fingers away from the surface of the buds so as to avoid crushing the trichomes.
By following these simple steps and properly harvesting and handling your buds, you can ensure that all of your hard work will pay off in the end with a quality crop of cannabis. From drying and curing, to storing and handling, by taking the time to properly and carefully handle your plants, you can ensure that your buds reach their full potential of flavor and potency.