When To Harvest Marijuana
There are three basic methods for determining when to harvest marijuana.
Method #1: Examine The Pistils
In a healthy pot plant that is approaching maturity, the pistils will be white and stick straight out from the body of the marijuana flower. When the marijuana is ready for harvesting, at least half of the pistils will turn dark and curl back in toward the flower.
Method #2: Examine The Trichomes
This is where the jeweler’s loupe, magnifying glass, or digital microscope comes in handy. Point your magnifying tool of choice at the trichomes that cover your marijuana flower. If the trichomes look clear and glassy, let the plant grow a bit more.
You’ll know when to harvest marijuana when at least 50 percent of the trichomes turn cloudy.
Method #3: Examine The Pistils And Trichomes
Either of the above methods will work for determining when to harvest marijuana, but your best bet is to use a combination of both.
Sometimes, the trichomes will start to turn cloudy but the pistils will still be white. And sometimes, the pistils will begin to curl but the trichomes will still be clear. It’s only when both the pistils and the trichomes start to change that the cannabis plant is ready for harvest.
When To Harvest Marijuana For Different Effects
Want a euphoric high as opposed to a relaxing high? You can control these effects by harvesting your marijuana at different times. Here’s how to do it:
- Energetic high = 50 percent clear trichomes, 50 percent cloudy trichomes
- Intense, euphoric high = 50-70 percent cloudy trichomes
- Relaxing high = 70-90 percent cloudy to amber trichomes
Pistil color also corresponds to marijuana effect:
- Intense, euphoric high = 60-70 percent dark, curling pistils
- Relaxing high = 70-90 percent dark, curling pistils
This latter percentage (of both pistils and trichomes) is also associated with an increase in the presence of CBN and heightened anti-anxiety effect.
Reference: https://honestmarijuana.com/when-to-harvest-marijuana/