#READY READY OR NOT TRICHOMES HOW TO#

You want to harvest once most trichomes are cloudy. Here’s an example of the trichomes you’ll see. If you overshoot the harvest window, most trichome glands will be amber, and you must harvest your cannabis flowers immediately. If the trichomes are still clear, you must check every 24-48-hours until the majority of resin glands turn cloudy. Of the three - you want to harvest once most trichomes are cloudy/milky in color. The last step is to determine trichome ripeness.Īs you look at the trichomes - what color are they? The best way to determine the maturity is by viewing our trichome ripeness chart: Step Three: Determining Trichome Ripeness If it’s week-7 and beyond of flowering - there will be thousands of trichomes to view. The trichomes are spherical glands that rest on top of a stalk. Unless pre-set, focus the loupe until you have a clear picture of the trichomes. You must remain still, so you don’t shake the marijuana flower. Gently place the loupe on the cannabis bud and set your eye on the viewer. Next, it’s time to zoom in on the resin glands and see “where they’re at.”

#READY READY OR NOT TRICHOMES HOW TO#

How to Check Trichome Ripeness With a Hand-Held Loupe in Three Steps Now that you understand the gravity of trichomes and their role during harvest - let’s discuss how and when to check trichome ripeness in a few easy steps. If you miss the window of opportunity - your weed may lack potency, flavor, or aroma. You must harvest weed flowers when the trichomes are ripe because that’s when they contain peak levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. Now, can you guess which of the two stages you want to avoid? If you answered underripe and overripe - you’re correct! Depending on when you harvest your cannabis flowers, the trichomes will be: Now that we’ve got your attention let’s talk about why trichomes matter when gearing up for harvest day.įirst and foremost, cannabis trichomes have a lifespan. In other words, trichomes contain all of the essential compounds that provide: All forms of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, etc.).Here’s a list of what trichomes contain inside their sticky resin glands: Trichomes aren’t just the structures that make weed sticky - they contain everything you love about cannabis. What Are Trichomes and Why Do They Matter?Īt first glance, your marijuana buds look ready.įrom the orange hairs (pistils) and fat calyxes - everything looks like it’s go-time for the “big chop.” However, cannabis flowers are not ready for harvest until the resin glands mature.

Ready ready or not trichomes