The Cannabis Ripening Process: How It Works

Written By Bryan Gregori

Updated: 9/19/24

Before you get all excited about harvesting your cannabis, you need to ensure that it's ripe. Otherwise, harvesting it too late or too soon will definitely affect the overall quality of your final product. There are telltale signs to look out for, but first, let's talk about how the ripening process works.  

How Cannabis Ripening Works

Your cannabis plant starts ripening once it transitions from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage.

This typically lasts between 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the strain. Indica strains usually have a shorter flowering period of about 6-8 weeks, while Sativa strains may take 8-10 weeks or longer

During the first 3 weeks, you will notice the growth of white hairs at the nodes. These hairs are what we call pistils, and they are the reproductive parts of the female cannabis plant and are responsible for capturing pollen from male plants to produce seeds.

Between weeks 4 and 6, the buds start to form and increase in size, the plant may stretch and grow taller, and you might notice more pistils. You may also notice the growth of trichomes.

Trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that cover the buds and leaves of your cannabis plant. They are responsible for producing cannabinoids and terpenes, which give marijuana its unique smell and taste. They also contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects.

By week 7, the buds continue to grow and become denser, trichome production increases, and you may start to see the pistils change color from white to orange or brown.

Around the 9th week, the buds are fully formed, and you may notice that they have a sticky feel to them. This is because trichomes are now producing more resin, which is responsible for the stickiness of cannabis. This is when your cannabis plant will be ready to harvest.

How to Identify Unripe Buds vs Ripe Buds

Unripe buds often appear smaller and less dense, with fewer trichomes and a less pronounced aroma. The pistils are usually white or light-colored and stand upright. 

The buds themselves may feel less sticky because resin production is still low at this stage. The overall appearance of unripe buds can be described as somewhat immature and underdeveloped.

In contrast, ripe buds are denser, larger, and visibly coated with a thick layer of trichomes, giving them a frosty or sparkling appearance. The pistils on ripe buds turn darker, typically orange or brown, and begin to curl inwards. 

These buds will also feel stickier to the touch due to the increased resin production. The aroma of ripe buds is much stronger and more pungent, which is a clear sign that the plant has reached its peak potency. 

Additionally, visually inspecting the trichomes with a magnifying glass or microscope can provide further confirmation. Ripe buds will have mostly cloudy or milky trichomes, with some turning amber, signaling that the cannabinoids are at their highest concentration.

How to Ripen Buds Faster

If you want to speed up the ripening process, here are some tricks you might find helpful. 

Adjusting the Light Cycle

Cannabis plants rely heavily on light to grow and flower. During the flowering stage, maintaining a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle is standard. However, you can slightly shorten the light period to 10 hours of light and 14 hours of darkness. 

This change can signal the plant that the end of the growing season is near, encouraging it to ripen faster. Be cautious, as too much alteration in light cycles can stress the plant.

Modifying Nutrient Levels

Toward the end of the flowering stage, gradually reduce the nitrogen levels and increase phosphorus and potassium. This change supports the development of the buds. Using a bloom booster can also help, but follow the product guidelines to avoid nutrient burn.

Additionally, in the final weeks, flushing your plants with plain water helps remove excess nutrients, forcing the plant to use up its stored nutrients and can hasten the ripening process.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Lowering the night temperatures slightly can mimic the natural changes of the fall season, which can trigger the plant to finish its life cycle. Aim for a nighttime temperature drop of about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the humidity levels lower, around 40-50%, reduces the risk of mold and can also stress the plant slightly to accelerate ripening.

Applying Moderate Stress

Moderate stress can speed up the ripening process. Techniques such as super cropping (lightly bending the stems) or defoliation (removing some fan leaves) can stress the plant just enough to focus its energy on bud development rather than foliage. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive stress can harm the plant.

Adjusting Watering Practices

In the last week or so before you plan to harvest, reducing the amount of water can help speed up ripening. This controlled drought stress encourages the plant to finish its flowering phase and ripen its buds. However, ensure you don’t dry out the plant completely, as this can cause irreversible damage.

Choosing Fast-Ripening Strains

Some strains naturally flower and ripen faster than others. If you're consistently needing a quicker turnaround, opt for strains known for shorter flowering times. Autoflowering strains, in particular, have a set life cycle and often ripen faster than photoperiod strains.

Managing Overripe Cannabis

Dealing with overripe cannabis can be tricky, but it's not a lost cause. You can still use it, but there are a few things to keep in mind. When you see a lot of amber trichomes and dark, curling pistils, you know your buds are overripe.

Some amber trichomes can give you a relaxing, sedative effect. However, too many mean that the THC is breaking down into CBN (cannabinol). This breakdown lowers the potency of your cannabis and makes it more sedative and less psychoactive.

Some growers let part of their crop get to this stage on purpose. They want to create a product that helps with sleep or relaxation. The trick is to find a balance. If you want a stronger, more potent product, it's best to harvest when most trichomes are milky, with just a few amber ones. If your plants are getting too amber-heavy, it's time to act fast to keep your buds' quality.

Early Harvesting Considerations

Sometimes, you might need to harvest your cannabis earlier than planned. This usually leads to under-ripe buds, which are identified by clear trichomes and lighter, upright pistils. These buds generally have lower potency and a less developed flavor compared to fully mature ones.

If you have to harvest early, you can still make the most of your crop. Start by ensuring you properly dry and cure the buds. Proper drying and curing can enhance the flavor and aroma, even for early-harvested buds.

Dry your buds slowly and consistently, ideally in a dark room with good airflow and controlled humidity. Once dried, cure the buds in airtight jars, opening them daily to release excess moisture and promote even curing.

Early harvested buds can still be useful in various cannabis products. They can be used to make concentrates, edibles, or tinctures, where the lower potency might not be as noticeable. Some users even prefer the lighter, more energetic effects of under-ripe buds for daytime use.

While early harvesting isn't ideal, careful handling can still yield a decent-quality product. Focus on optimizing the post-harvest processes to bring out the best in your early-harvested buds. A proper drying and curing process can significantly improve the final outcome, making your early harvest as successful as possible despite the less-than-ideal timing.

Final Thoughts

“Getting the timing right for harvesting cannabis is key to producing top-notch buds. By keeping an eye on the trichomes and pistils, you can figure out when your plant is at its best.

Whether you’re dealing with buds that are a bit too ripe or not quite there yet, or if you need to speed things up, knowing how to handle these situations can make a big difference.

With a little care and the right techniques, you can ensure your cannabis is as potent and flavorful as possible, no matter what challenges you face during the growing process.”

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Bryan Gregori
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