Trichomes and the harvest

[Colodonmed]

Hi all, a general question with I am sure many complex answers. After trying to learn everything I can before attempting to grow my medicine, I have come to a crossroads and am sure the answer is here. OK, most sites giving advice say that the trichomes should be an amber color or at least say 50% of them should be amber to get the full effect, however I have started checking the medicine I get from a few dispensaries with a 50-100x pocket scope and I'll be dammned if I can find very many amber trichomes, most are clear to cloudy. I am not complaining about the quality as they all seem to be pretty effective, but am wondering why I cannot find that many amber trich's and would the medicine really be that more potent if harvested a little later. Hope this is not too confusing to read and really looking forward to your answer(s). Thanks all

[puntacometa]

Hi all, a general question with I am sure many complex answers. After trying to learn everything I can before attempting to grow my medicine, I have come to a crossroads and am sure the answer is here. OK, most sites giving advice say that the trichomes should be an amber color or at least say 50% of them should be amber to get the full effect, however I have started checking the medicine I get from a few dispensaries with a 50-100x pocket scope and I'll be dammned if I can find very many amber trichomes, most are clear to cloudy. I am not complaining about the quality as they all seem to be pretty effective, but am wondering why I cannot find that many amber trich's and would the medicine really be that more potent if harvested a little later. Hope this is not too confusing to read and really looking forward to your answer(s). Thanks all

Because it takes a good eye and experience to know the opimal time to cut and the waiting can add an extra 10 days to the flowering cycle. ....plus you've got to watch them carefully. I prefer to cut when the trichomes are cloudy with just a beginning tinge of amber. It's tricky......amber means that the trichomes are a bit past full maturity and are starting to degrade. As far as potency is concerned, this is also dependent on a proper curing environment and taking the time to do it instead of rushing it out the door. A two month + curing process can make a huge (and positive) difference relative to potency.

[bigtopsfinn]

More amber means longer time until harvest, maybe 1 or 2+ weeks which adds up over a year for commercial/medical growers. Plus if they are more amber, it'll be more of a couch-lock high, which I imagine many people don't like if they need to be productive while medicating.

I'd say pick when there's little to no clear trichs anymore. 50% amber would be the farthest I'd take em.

[TheReleafCenter]

Glad to read those first two responses. I've had numerous arguments with people who say "There isn't enough amber on this bud, it's no good." Very frustrating.

[lampost]

Glad to read those first two responses. I've had numerous arguments with people who say "There isn't enough amber on this bud, it's no good." Very frustrating.

Everyone likes their herb different....

Some people may prefer more amber?

I picked up some White Widow awhile back that was specifically allowed to amber up a bit... it was the stoniest White Widow I've come across yet...

[Colodonmed]

Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it, I prefer a more "up" high when smoking/vaping during the day and a good heavy body high for pain at night so I guess I will harvest some a little early and wait the extra time for the ambers for pain and sleep. Now I am ready to start my grow, thanks again and peace to all

[puntacometa]

Everyone likes their herb different....

Some people may prefer more amber?

I picked up some White Widow awhile back that was specifically allowed to amber up a bit... it was the stoniest White Widow I've come across yet...


Ambering can induce a bit of a narcotic effect to the experience. Early cut (clear trichomes) can enhance the properties in some strains that make them prone to induce anxiety/paranoia. Definitely not a good thing for patients who are dealing with PTSD related problems.

[Colodonmed]

I am glad Releaf chimed in as I was wondering if folks were giving the dispensaries any feedback/grief or whatever over the amber, do have to say I got 1/8 th of mean green about 8 days ago that was really moist and have had it in a mason jar for the entire time, burping it a few times a day and this morning I noticed the smell was different and now I believe it has some mold, at least white fuzzies in a few places, gonna return it and see what the dispensary will do about it. Damn, I hate hassles

[puntacometa]

I am glad Releaf chimed in as I was wondering if folks were giving the dispensaries any feedback/grief or whatever over the amber, do have to say I got 1/8 th of mean green about 8 days ago that was really moist and have had it in a mason jar for the entire time, burping it a few times a day and this morning I noticed the smell was different and now I believe it has some mold, at least white fuzzies in a few places, gonna return it and see what the dispensary will do about it. Damn, I hate hassles

If you're seeing mold, don't use it.

[MMJinColorado]

Also, if you get wet feeling buds, DO NOT put them in a jar, as they will mold even if there wasn't mold on them to begin with. If you end up with wet buds, take it back to the dispensary before smoking it and ask for a different strain. If you are past the point of no return or simply really want to keep that particular sample, allow it to dry out for 1-2 days until the stems snap and then put it in a Mason jar if you want to cure it a bit.

And yeah, the clamor over ambers is a lot of nothing really. I tend to like my meds with 10-15% ambers because it seems to round out the high on most strains... nice mix of head and CBD-heavy body stones. However, some are better early, sometimes the ambers make it very tough to smoke because you'll fall asleep, etc. A knowledgeable grower should have his/her strains "dialed in" to the point where they know that an early/mid/late harvest will produce the best results.

Seeing nothing but clear is the one time I really question the motives... in those cases, they were most likely just trying to get the product out the door rather than striving for quality... That, or there was some other issue like mold, pests, hermies, etc. that caused them to want to harvest earlier than normal.

[lampost]

I am glad Releaf chimed in as I was wondering if folks were giving the dispensaries any feedback/grief or whatever over the amber, do have to say I got 1/8 th of mean green about 8 days ago that was really moist and have had it in a mason jar for the entire time, burping it a few times a day and this morning I noticed the smell was different and now I believe it has some mold, at least white fuzzies in a few places, gonna return it and see what the dispensary will do about it. Damn, I hate hassles

Also, let us know where you picked up that wet, soggy bud so we can avoid the place.

That's become one of my biggest pet peeves lately: getting some nice-looking bud home and realizing it's too wet to smoke!! Shit, I've got my own stuff curing up in jars. I bought some herb at the dispensary to smoke TODAY while I wait for my own, NOT to have to continue their cure for them for another 2 weeks!!

You can't tell moisture levels by looking either so its really frustrating.

[TurboALLWD]

Glad to read those first two responses. I've had numerous arguments with people who say "There isn't enough amber on this bud, it's no good." Very frustrating.

Yeah I'm done buying buds that aren't at there full potential :D :stoned:

[puntacometa]

Also, if you get wet feeling buds, DO NOT put them in a jar, as they will mold even if there wasn't mold on them to begin with. If you end up with wet buds, take it back to the dispensary before smoking it and ask for a different strain. If you are past the point of no return or simply really want to keep that particular sample, allow it to dry out for 1-2 days until the stems snap and then put it in a Mason jar if you want to cure it a bit.

And yeah, the clamor over ambers is a lot of nothing really. I tend to like my meds with 10-15% ambers because it seems to round out the high on most strains... nice mix of head and CBD-heavy body stones. However, some are better early, sometimes the ambers make it very tough to smoke because you'll fall asleep, etc. A knowledgeable grower should have his/her strains "dialed in" to the point where they know that an early/mid/late harvest will produce the best results.

Seeing nothing but clear is the one time I really question the motives... in those cases, they were most likely just trying to get the product out the door rather than striving for quality... That, or there was some other issue like mold, pests, hermies, etc. that caused them to want to harvest earlier than normal.

:thumbsup:

[GratefulMeds]

The earliest I take them is 1/4 Amber, but the strains I recommend for insomnia and severe pain like Herijuana we let go 3/4 or more. I personally have never liked to take them any earlier ( but I have been smoking for 37 years so I prefer a bit more of a punch).:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[TurboALLWD]

The earliest I take them is 1/4 Amber, but the strains I recommend for insomnia and severe pain like Herijuana we let go 3/4 or more. I personally have never liked to take them any earlier ( but I have been smoking for 37 years so I prefer a bit more of a punch).:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:


+REP! :thumbsup:

[bigsby]

Ambering can induce a bit of a narcotic effect to the experience. Early cut (clear trichomes) can enhance the properties in some strains that make them prone to induce anxiety/paranoia. Definitely not a good thing for patients who are dealing with PTSD related problems.

PTSD needs lots of amber. I had it pretty mild (seemed like the sh!t at the time) and I needed the full body experience to cope.

[Colodonmed]

Thanks all for the help it is certainly appreciated. I got the bud from "Organic Solutions " in Pueblo West, and in all fairness to them, they replaced the product with no problems, issues, bitchin and moaning or anything else, just good folks there that had a supply problem that hopefully has been taken care of. Generally have had not had any complaints about them before and after the prompt exchange ( keep in mind that more than a week had passed ) I have only good things to report for them.Thanks again and peace to all.

[puntacometa]

Thanks all for the help it is certainly appreciated. I got the bud from "Organic Solutions " in Pueblo West, and in all fairness to them, they replaced the product with no problems, issues, bitchin and moaning or anything else, just good folks there that had a supply problem that hopefully has been taken care of. Generally have had not had any complaints about them before and after the prompt exchange ( keep in mind that more than a week had passed ) I have only good things to report for them.Thanks again and peace to all.

two things.....

1. good on them for refunding your money

2. they should have someone who knows what they are doing buying their meds and/or they should not be buying crappy bud at discount prices and then turning this around and offering it to their patients as medicine......and/or they should contact the grower who passed this off on the gullible meds buyer (the one that they just had to let go because he/she was not qualified to judge quality) and request their money back and the grower should refund their money.

[Klonzinc]

Hi all, a general question with I am sure many complex answers. After trying to learn everything I can before attempting to grow my medicine, I have come to a crossroads and am sure the answer is here. OK, most sites giving advice say that the trichomes should be an amber color or at least say 50% of them should be amber to get the full effect, however I have started checking the medicine I get from a few dispensaries with a 50-100x pocket scope and I'll be dammned if I can find very many amber trichomes, most are clear to cloudy. I am not complaining about the quality as they all seem to be pretty effective, but am wondering why I cannot find that many amber trich's and would the medicine really be that more potent if harvested a little later. Hope this is not too confusing to read and really looking forward to your answer(s). Thanks all

I got this info a very long time ago from an old pro and have been using this advice for the last 10 years...........works for me.

Peak Harvest
With all the so called experts and confusion created by these experts I have decided to post the true harvest indicators. What makes me an expert you ask? 45 years of cultivation experience along with 25 plus years of education in botany and horticulture. 7 yes I said 7 masters degrees and the owner of the worldâ??s largest cannabis research farm. Enjoy this scientific proven advice and please pass it on to all of the so called excerpts you know so as they may learn the true tried and proven scientific harvest methods of the real excerpts. Remember you will run into those who will say I am wrong but keep in mind my credentials and ask yourself, â??does the individual you are conversing with have the experience or education to dispute this article, and do you want true top shelf cannabis or what your friend THINKS is top shelf?â?�

Trichome development and harvest time: how to get the best high In this article, weâ??re going to explore the final phase of your plants? Growth cycle: the flowering or budding phase. Specifically, we want to look at the last two weeks of the flowering phase in what is known as the? Window of peak maturity?. The window of peak maturity is when trichome development and the level of THC production in your plants have reached their maximum point, which is when you would harvest your plants. By being patient and paying close attention to certain indicators, you can reap fantastic buds that provide you with precisely the type of high that suits you best.
Cannabis plants produce THC and CBN on their stems, leaves, and vegetation surrounding the buds and are developed in trichromes, which emerge on the surface of most of the plantâ??s parts. On the stems and the early fan leaves, the trichromes are small and hug the surface. As the flowering phase continues, the glands develop on the more mature parts of the plant, including the smaller leaves and the first calyxes (which exist to develop and nurture seeds if male pollen fertilizes the female plant). The trichromes that develop on calyxes no longer hug the plantâ??s surface, but are on stalks like mushrooms with bulbous caps. During this time, more and more trichome-covered calyxes develop and create densely packed clusters, called? Bud?. As your plants enter the final stages of their life cycle, the calyxes begin to swell and ripen, while more and more resin glands develop on the surface.
Examining Trichromes
As the amount of trichromes covering your plant increases, you should take a closer look at them, maintaining a light touch to avoid crushing the resin glands. Your best bet is to purchase an inexpensive 25x microscope (available at most electronics stores), and most pocket microscopes have a small light to help you get an illuminated peek at your trichome development.
When you cut small buds from your plant to test them, you want to concentrate on the stalked glandular trichromes. The coloration of the gland heads can vary with different strains and maturity, but most start with clear or slightly amber heads that gradually become cloudy or opaque when THC levels have peaked and are beginning to degrade. Regardless of the initial color of the trichromes, with careful observation you should be able to see a change in coloration as maturity levels off. Some cultivators wait for about half of the trichromes to go opaque before harvesting to ensure maximum THC levels in the finished product. However, you will also want to try samples at various stages to see what is best for you. While you may be increasing the total THC level in the cannabis by allowing half of the glands to go opaque, there will also be a larger percentage of CBN, which is why some people choose to harvest earlier while most of the trichromes are still clear.
Now you understand how trichromes develop on your plants and how to examine them as they turn from clear to opaque, indicating THC breakdown.
If you choose to harvest later in the window, your buds produce more of a body high, which is conversely more pronounced in Indicas than in Sativa. A body high is similar to a narcotic down effect, usually associated with being stoned. A down type of high is often desired in the late evening to calm nerves and drift into sleep. A late-harvest yield is often sought by medicinal cannabis users to ease pain and increase appetite. If you choose to harvest somewhere in the middle of the peak window of maturity, you donâ??t necessarily get the best of both worlds, but more of a happy medium. If you arenâ??t sure what type of high you like or want, aim for the middle and you likely wonâ??t be disappointed.
As you continue to examine your plants, you will be tempted, even compelled, to start pulling buds off of your plants to test them out. There is a right way and a wrong way to try out your buds before they are ready, so letâ??s take a look at your options.
There are lots of different ways to quick dry your bud, but one of the best ways is to use your lighting ballasts in the grow room. First, cut up your fresh bud and spread it out evenly in an envelope. Close the envelope and place it on top of your ballast, then leave it there for two to three hours while the light is on. After the buds are dried out, put them in an airtight container and allow the last of the moisture to move from the stem into the bud. Considering this is a quick dry method, the taste is usually good and the potency is acceptable. Also, the use of a vaporizer will allow you to concentrate on your high rather than being distracted by the odd taste of quick-dried weed smoke.
By now you know what trichromes are and how the chemicals in them evolve from producing a head high to a body high over a couple of weeks. You also know that the pistils on your buds change color from white to reddish-brown as the window of harvest opens and closes, as well as what type of high to expect depending on the percentage of new and mature pistils. Throughout the window of harvest, you took small buds from the middle of the plant, quick dried them, then tested them out to determine the type of high you want your crop to give you. Now, you can harvest your plants with confidence in knowing that they will be loaded with resin that produces just the right kind of high you were looking for. Enjoy your harvest.



MYTHS
With all of the peak harvest information I have read and seen posted the myth of the trichromes swelling to the point of eruption has got to be the most absurd. The fact is trichromes do not explode. The genetic structure of the plant prohibits this.
The pistols should be all red and the leafs beginning to die off is also another absurd method, by this time the plant has finished its life cycle and the THC and/or CBN oils have already degraded and lost most of their high/stoned qualities.
Always follow the breeders recommended flower times. This is okay if you are a rookie, but this would only apply if you had the exact same grow setup as the breeder, like any other plant, cannabis also has to acclimatize to its environment.
There are many other myths out there, too many to list and I do not want to waste your time or mine posting them. These are the top 3 that I hear frequently. Following my harvest indicators and with time you will be able to produce the most diverse crops.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY TOKING

[Colodonmed]

Thanks for all the great info, really appreciated

[steezyd]

How long is the optimal harvesting window open?Lets say I discover my trichomes are clear to milky white today for the first time, its 6-7 weeks into flowering(is this about the time for a perfect harvest?)I then start flushing immediatly w/ a solution. How long would it takes for the trichomes to amber up and my "optimal Harvest" window to close?

[rightwinger]

Also, let us know where you picked up that wet, soggy bud so we can avoid the place.

That's become one of my biggest pet peeves lately: getting some nice-looking bud home and realizing it's too wet to smoke!! Shit, I've got my own stuff curing up in jars. I bought some herb at the dispensary to smoke TODAY while I wait for my own, NOT to have to continue their cure for them for another 2 weeks!!

You can't tell moisture levels by looking either so its really frustrating.


Yeah--I have been hearing that about a lot of dispensories too. I think they're anxious to get the product on the shelf--so they harvest early--don't dry enough--and most times don't spare the time to let it cure.

[rightwinger]

How long is the optimal harvesting window open?Lets say I discover my trichomes are clear to milky white today for the first time, its 6-7 weeks into flowering(is this about the time for a perfect harvest?)I then start flushing immediatly w/ a solution. How long would it takes for the trichomes to amber up and my "optimal Harvest" window to close?

From what I have been reading I believe you have a 10 to 14 day window. Also--for patients with certain conditions--a clear to cloudy harvest works better and with others a amber or later harvest works better.

It's still science right now.

[telephone]

I prefer indicias and the more amber the better for me. :thumbsup:

If smoke a pure sativa (clear,cloudy or amber), I have to go and dig out my diazepam or some really strong beer to combat my anxiety issues. :jointsmile:

[bigsby]

Yup. Personal preference sure plays a big role. For PTSD I like the headier up from a good stavia. I'm not sure why but it just gets me where I need to be in a way that the indica buzz doesn't. I have friends who prefer the opposite. I should note that I'm pretty far out of the weeds now with my PTSD (no pun intended). Therapy and time (as in years) were very important factors. I find the meds just smooth out the sharp edges and spike that crop up every so often. It is amazing the way the mind works. Touch, sight, smell, and sound can all bring it out in an instant. The smell of diesel is a sure fire trigger for me. It just brings it all into focus again. Sucks because I'd like to get a diesel motor... another one is Jeep headlights coming at me at night. I can pick them out from half a mile.

[feefigreenthumb]

Anyone else notice that the early harvest stuff can exacerbate arthritic pain? I have intermittent pains from some hairline fractures and arthritic pain throughout my body. Please excuse the ignorance on the exact medical descriptions here, but my observations are valid. I've had strains like Jilly Bean and an early harvest Sweet Tooth that brings out the pain in the joints of my hands on days when they are not hurting. True Blue, or DJ's Blueberry and anything displaying the qualities of Afghan genetics seems to always kill the pain when at least mostly cloudy. This includes the usual joint pains from repetitive motion and those occasional 'knots' in the neck and shoulder area. In addition, after sitting at a computer for an extended period of time, my neck and back tense or lock up. The True Blue especially causes this effect that feels like the loosening of a knot of muscles, restoring freedom of movement and washing away the pain. However, when taking the True Blue super early, say 30-50% cloudy trichomes, the relief/kick is just not there.

I have noticed the pain relief qualities seem to go hand in hand with what I'm told are Indicas and especially strains of Afghan heritage. In addition, they seem to accompany the calming effects, while the Sativa dominant strains can stress me out, give me a headache, make me excitable, paranoid or just plain annoying. I have an OG Kush cutting, supposedly one of a few Sativa dom Kushes (leaves agree). At 30-50% cloudy, it's a range between 'a little harsh' to 'mildly stoned'. Fully cloudy is 'very stoned', I couldn't say actual pain relief, but you're too involved in what you're doing to care too much. Maybe I can tell you how amber is on that one, one day...

Worth mentioning is that some of the best pain relief I have received is from tiny Afghan buds with lots of thick stems (Denver MMCs: Afghooey, Afghan, Afghanica). Not visually appealing (equals cheaper), but excellent pain relief.

[rudy2010]

From my own personal experience, and this may be related to my old eyes, I find that tricomes can look cloudy even as soon as they appear on the buds. Sometimes if the light is a little different they suddenly look clear. Just wait until you see about 5% brown or abmer trichomes before you harvest.

I did this last year and everyone is saying my weed is the best around. Even the guys in Santa Cruz like it better than their local product. I did a poor job curing several of them and screwed the pooch on the taste but they are still chronically stoney. I did cure my best plants correctly (Blue Dream and Sour Diesel so they taste and look good and are of course very stony.:stoned:

[Colodonmed]

Anyone else notice that the early harvest stuff can exacerbate arthritic pain? I have intermittent pains from some hairline fractures and arthritic pain throughout my body. Please excuse the ignorance on the exact medical descriptions here, but my observations are valid. I've had strains like Jilly Bean and an early harvest Sweet Tooth that brings out the pain in the joints of my hands on days when they are not hurting. True Blue, or DJ's Blueberry and anything displaying the qualities of Afghan genetics seems to always kill the pain when at least mostly cloudy. This includes the usual joint pains from repetitive motion and those occasional 'knots' in the neck and shoulder area. In addition, after sitting at a computer for an extended period of time, my neck and back tense or lock up. The True Blue especially causes this effect that feels like the loosening of a knot of muscles, restoring freedom of movement and washing away the pain. However, when taking the True Blue super early, say 30-50% cloudy trichomes, the relief/kick is just not there.

I have noticed the pain relief qualities seem to go hand in hand with what I'm told are Indicas and especially strains of Afghan heritage. In addition, they seem to accompany the calming effects, while the Sativa dominant strains can stress me out, give me a headache, make me excitable, paranoid or just plain annoying. I have an OG Kush cutting, supposedly one of a few Sativa dom Kushes (leaves agree). At 30-50% cloudy, it's a range between 'a little harsh' to 'mildly stoned'. Fully cloudy is 'very stoned', I couldn't say actual pain relief, but you're too involved in what you're doing to care too much. Maybe I can tell you how amber is on that one, one day...

Worth mentioning is that some of the best pain relief I have received is from tiny Afghan buds with lots of thick stems (Denver MMCs: Afghooey, Afghan, Afghanica). Not visually appealing (equals cheaper), but excellent pain relief.

I as well have quite a bit of pain from arthritis and other conditions. I have found that the best pain relief I can get comes not from smoking, but from green dragon tincture especially for my lumbar spine pain and a topical balm made from the roots. I am estactic over the medicinal properties of the roots as far as a topical pain reliever. It is without a doubt the best relief I get for my knees and ankles from arthritis.

[rudy2010]

I am going to make a batch of Green Dragon in the near future. I finally read the thread and it looks like good info. I still have lots of buds to play with.

[sunbiz1]

Anyone else notice that the early harvest stuff can exacerbate arthritic pain? I have intermittent pains from some hairline fractures and arthritic pain throughout my body. Please excuse the ignorance on the exact medical descriptions here, but my observations are valid. I've had strains like Jilly Bean and an early harvest Sweet Tooth that brings out the pain in the joints of my hands on days when they are not hurting. True Blue, or DJ's Blueberry and anything displaying the qualities of Afghan genetics seems to always kill the pain when at least mostly cloudy. This includes the usual joint pains from repetitive motion and those occasional 'knots' in the neck and shoulder area. In addition, after sitting at a computer for an extended period of time, my neck and back tense or lock up. The True Blue especially causes this effect that feels like the loosening of a knot of muscles, restoring freedom of movement and washing away the pain. However, when taking the True Blue super early, say 30-50% cloudy trichomes, the relief/kick is just not there.

I have noticed the pain relief qualities seem to go hand in hand with what I'm told are Indicas and especially strains of Afghan heritage. In addition, they seem to accompany the calming effects, while the Sativa dominant strains can stress me out, give me a headache, make me excitable, paranoid or just plain annoying. I have an OG Kush cutting, supposedly one of a few Sativa dom Kushes (leaves agree). At 30-50% cloudy, it's a range between 'a little harsh' to 'mildly stoned'. Fully cloudy is 'very stoned', I couldn't say actual pain relief, but you're too involved in what you're doing to care too much. Maybe I can tell you how amber is on that one, one day...

Worth mentioning is that some of the best pain relief I have received is from tiny Afghan buds with lots of thick stems (Denver MMCs: Afghooey, Afghan, Afghanica). Not visually appealing (equals cheaper), but excellent pain relief.

I had the same issue a number of years ago after a broken leg. I couldn't smoke early to mid mature herb for 2 months, it increased the pain quite a bit. Back then I didn't know and just assumed(probably correctly)that it increased my sense of touch. It certainly lies true for hearing. Years later my Uncle was terminally ill and tired of codeine etc. I gave him some late harvest, and he reported it worked well for pain relief.

[denverbear]

I had the same issue a number of years ago after a broken leg. I couldn't smoke early to mid mature herb for 2 months, it increased the pain quite a bit. Back then I didn't know and just assumed(probably correctly)that it increased my sense of touch. It certainly lies true for hearing. Years later my Uncle was terminally ill and tired of codeine etc. I gave him some late harvest, and he reported it worked well for pain relief.

sunbiz...are you the same poster that used to post on the chicago bears site..??? I might know you..

[SoCoMMJ]

Generally speaking early harvested indica biased plants or sativas in general can actually increase pain.

Indica will releive pain best when mostly cloudy to amber on thrichomes.

[sunbiz1]

sunbiz...are you the same poster that used to post on the chicago bears site..??? I might know you..

Oh shit....lol!. My cover is now blown. Yes , that would be me. I haven't posted over there in several years, been here for about a year:
Bears Raise Ticket Prices - CHI CITY SPORTS l #1 Chicago Sports Fan Message Board (http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/chicago-bears-forum/11981-bears-raise-ticket-prices.html#post225481)

Go Bulls!

[denverbear]

Oh shit....lol!. My cover is now blown. Yes , that would be me. I haven't posted over there in several years, been here for about a year:
Bears Raise Ticket Prices - CHI CITY SPORTS l #1 Chicago Sports Fan Message Board (http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/chicago-bears-forum/11981-bears-raise-ticket-prices.html#post225481)

Go Bulls!I will have to let NAK know I talked to you....lol....so are you staying out of trouble ??

[sunbiz1]

I will have to let NAK know I talked to you....lol....so are you staying out of trouble ??

Tell Dave I said hello, tried to call him last year and then bought a new phone/lost his #.

[denverbear]

I will actually send Dave the link to this thread as he will get a kick out of it for sure...don't ya wish you lived in Colorado (Gods Country)..and we are just using the medicine God gave us to stay healthy and happy.

[bluesteve]

I got this info a very long time ago from an old pro and have been using this advice for the last 10 years...........works for me.

Peak Harvest
With all the so called experts and confusion created by these experts I have decided to post the true harvest indicators. What makes me an expert you ask? 45 years of cultivation experience along with 25 plus years of education in botany and horticulture. 7 yes I said 7 masters degrees and the owner of the worldâ??s largest cannabis research farm. Enjoy this scientific proven advice and please pass it on to all of the so called excerpts you know so as they may learn the true tried and proven scientific harvest methods of the real excerpts. Remember you will run into those who will say I am wrong but keep in mind my credentials and ask yourself, â??does the individual you are conversing with have the experience or education to dispute this article, and do you want true top shelf cannabis or what your friend THINKS is top shelf?â?�

Trichome development and harvest time: how to get the best high In this article, weâ??re going to explore the final phase of your plants? Growth cycle: the flowering or budding phase. Specifically, we want to look at the last two weeks of the flowering phase in what is known as the? Window of peak maturity?. The window of peak maturity is when trichome development and the level of THC production in your plants have reached their maximum point, which is when you would harvest your plants. By being patient and paying close attention to certain indicators, you can reap fantastic buds that provide you with precisely the type of high that suits you best.
Cannabis plants produce THC and CBN on their stems, leaves, and vegetation surrounding the buds and are developed in trichromes, which emerge on the surface of most of the plantâ??s parts. On the stems and the early fan leaves, the trichromes are small and hug the surface. As the flowering phase continues, the glands develop on the more mature parts of the plant, including the smaller leaves and the first calyxes (which exist to develop and nurture seeds if male pollen fertilizes the female plant). The trichromes that develop on calyxes no longer hug the plantâ??s surface, but are on stalks like mushrooms with bulbous caps. During this time, more and more trichome-covered calyxes develop and create densely packed clusters, called? Bud?. As your plants enter the final stages of their life cycle, the calyxes begin to swell and ripen, while more and more resin glands develop on the surface.
Examining Trichromes
As the amount of trichromes covering your plant increases, you should take a closer look at them, maintaining a light touch to avoid crushing the resin glands. Your best bet is to purchase an inexpensive 25x microscope (available at most electronics stores), and most pocket microscopes have a small light to help you get an illuminated peek at your trichome development.
When you cut small buds from your plant to test them, you want to concentrate on the stalked glandular trichromes. The coloration of the gland heads can vary with different strains and maturity, but most start with clear or slightly amber heads that gradually become cloudy or opaque when THC levels have peaked and are beginning to degrade. Regardless of the initial color of the trichromes, with careful observation you should be able to see a change in coloration as maturity levels off. Some cultivators wait for about half of the trichromes to go opaque before harvesting to ensure maximum THC levels in the finished product. However, you will also want to try samples at various stages to see what is best for you. While you may be increasing the total THC level in the cannabis by allowing half of the glands to go opaque, there will also be a larger percentage of CBN, which is why some people choose to harvest earlier while most of the trichromes are still clear.
Now you understand how trichromes develop on your plants and how to examine them as they turn from clear to opaque, indicating THC breakdown.
If you choose to harvest later in the window, your buds produce more of a body high, which is conversely more pronounced in Indicas than in Sativa. A body high is similar to a narcotic down effect, usually associated with being stoned. A down type of high is often desired in the late evening to calm nerves and drift into sleep. A late-harvest yield is often sought by medicinal cannabis users to ease pain and increase appetite. If you choose to harvest somewhere in the middle of the peak window of maturity, you donâ??t necessarily get the best of both worlds, but more of a happy medium. If you arenâ??t sure what type of high you like or want, aim for the middle and you likely wonâ??t be disappointed.
As you continue to examine your plants, you will be tempted, even compelled, to start pulling buds off of your plants to test them out. There is a right way and a wrong way to try out your buds before they are ready, so letâ??s take a look at your options.
There are lots of different ways to quick dry your bud, but one of the best ways is to use your lighting ballasts in the grow room. First, cut up your fresh bud and spread it out evenly in an envelope. Close the envelope and place it on top of your ballast, then leave it there for two to three hours while the light is on. After the buds are dried out, put them in an airtight container and allow the last of the moisture to move from the stem into the bud. Considering this is a quick dry method, the taste is usually good and the potency is acceptable. Also, the use of a vaporizer will allow you to concentrate on your high rather than being distracted by the odd taste of quick-dried weed smoke.
By now you know what trichromes are and how the chemicals in them evolve from producing a head high to a body high over a couple of weeks. You also know that the pistils on your buds change color from white to reddish-brown as the window of harvest opens and closes, as well as what type of high to expect depending on the percentage of new and mature pistils. Throughout the window of harvest, you took small buds from the middle of the plant, quick dried them, then tested them out to determine the type of high you want your crop to give you. Now, you can harvest your plants with confidence in knowing that they will be loaded with resin that produces just the right kind of high you were looking for. Enjoy your harvest.



MYTHS
With all of the peak harvest information I have read and seen posted the myth of the trichromes swelling to the point of eruption has got to be the most absurd. The fact is trichromes do not explode. The genetic structure of the plant prohibits this.
The pistols should be all red and the leafs beginning to die off is also another absurd method, by this time the plant has finished its life cycle and the THC and/or CBN oils have already degraded and lost most of their high/stoned qualities.
Always follow the breeders recommended flower times. This is okay if you are a rookie, but this would only apply if you had the exact same grow setup as the breeder, like any other plant, cannabis also has to acclimatize to its environment.
There are many other myths out there, too many to list and I do not want to waste your time or mine posting them. These are the top 3 that I hear frequently. Following my harvest indicators and with time you will be able to produce the most diverse crops.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY TOKING

Is your name Logan Edwards? I doubt it, as Logan Edwards is a writer for Cannabis Culture Magazine, and he's who actually wrote the article you've copied here, and for which you've taken credit, though you did say it was advise from an old pro, but, most of what is here, is word for word quote of Logan's article. And, you didn't even do a very good job of coping it, either. While his article is correctly punctuated and uses good syntax, your punctuation is not that of a person holding 7 Master's Degrees, nor is some of your syntax. You're an obvious phony, but, as Logan Edwards actually wrote this post, members can take it as accurate, though you'd be better served to read the original article here: Peak Harvest | Cannabis Culture Magazine (http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/articles/4822.html)

[copobo]

he states it was from someone else?! are *you* Logan Edwards, or just looking to start shit?

[32yrslater]

MY FIRST GROW-My Betty Boo Lowryder trichromes are clear to cloudy also. The enclosed area air temps range from 40's- 60's or 70's depending how cold it is outside (presently 20 degrees). I have a space heater that seems to warm the large growing container pretty well so I'm sure the root temps are possibly 70's. I'm using a Big Buddah UFO LED 2nd gen.

The plants are 70 days now. Once again this is my first grow (thanks Attitude) so I'm relying heavily on the advice here. Unless someone advises otherwise, I'm going to harvest this weekend, dry and cure following the information found elsewhere in this forum as it seems very practical and consistent with information from other sources.

Also, just as a side note: I recently discovered that photos taken with cell phones REALLY DO have GPS coordinates in the metadata (Source-Dateline News). I saw that info on the net before but thought it was BS. So, for the daredevils with crop sizes that would make Philip Morris envious...BEWARE!

[Bevin1981]

Personally I like to Harvest right when they start getting milky, and 50-75% of the pistils change color.

[MDFinest]

Ambering can induce a bit of a narcotic effect to the experience. Early cut (clear trichomes) can enhance the properties in some strains that make them prone to induce anxiety/paranoia. Definitely not a good thing for patients who are dealing with PTSD related problems.

Yea some1 I knew was complaining that his first grow wasnt good and he pretty much gave growing up just thinking he didnt have what it takes. I asked him what was wrong with it, what happened. He said he smoked it and the high was too racey and made him paranoid. I tried to tell him that it was probably because he harvested too early but he acted like I didnt know what I was talking about then because I was a novice grower at the time. The more I think about it Im sure I was right

[mistermark]

Because it takes a good eye and experience to know the opimal time to cut and the waiting can add an extra 10 days to the flowering cycle. ....plus you've got to watch them carefully. I prefer to cut when the trichomes are cloudy with just a beginning tinge of amber. It's tricky......amber means that the trichomes are a bit past full maturity and are starting to degrade. As far as potency is concerned, this is also dependent on a proper curing environment and taking the time to do it instead of rushing it out the door. A two month + curing process can make a huge (and positive) difference relative to potency.

I also watch the pistils to turn color. As they die and dry out, the pistils coming up out of the calyx-ovaries turn color. Some go red, others go orange. This is truely a beautiful thing. As they die off, they are no longer viable to get that plant pregnant and to me that means that that flower bud is definately ready to be harvested. As the Pistils die out, the trichomes do too.

[Rofloki]

Hi everyone,

Looking for some advice: Do this trichomes look ready to you?

294271294272294273

Thanks for your comments.

[low_rdr]

Depends on the effect your going for. If your going for a high energetic buzz, yes. If you want to smoke and then pass out, no. Personally, I would harvest this now, I like about 90% cloudy and 10% maturing - some like 90% cloudy and 10% amber, others like more amber... so you harvest to taste.

[Rofloki]

Thanks a lot.

Probably I'll wait a bit more. Maybe more amber trichs would be nice.

Thanks again for the input.