Terpenes, terpenoids, essential oils, aromatic metabolites…there are over a hundred types of these hydrocarbons that can be found in cannabis and many other plants. They play a huge role in many of the sought-after qualities of our favorite strains. Specifically, the smells and tastes of fragrant flowers!
If you have ever given or received a compliment on some loud bud…then you understand the appreciation of a terpene profile. The scent is usually the first and most apparent attribute noticed of high-quality cannabis. The terpene benefits and qualities can vary greatly from strain to strain and even be different by phenotypes. These organic compounds also contribute many of the pleasant physiological effects that are enjoyed both medicinally and recreationally. Terpenes exist in a symbiotic relationship with THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta-8, and all the other cannabinoids & compounds found in marijuana. All these miracle molecules work together in ways that scientists and cannabis professionals/enthusiasts are still learning about. This is known as the “entourage effect” which is a theory on the dynamics of how cannabinoids and terpenes work together and with our endocannabinoid systems. Many of the benefits that terpenes offer has been known about, studied, and used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. There is much to be learned and enjoyed from this scentful synergy between terpenes, cannabinoids, and our very own receptors within!
So, the next time you stop to smell the flowers (or smoke them!) - Take a moment and reflect on the aroma and flavor.
We believe in the importance of preserving terpenes and cannabinoids by maintaining trichome integrity during the growing, trimming, and all of the handling processes. It is our mindset that using care and efficiency can go a long way towards great cannabis cultivation. This is especially true during the trimming process when buds get handled the most (before consumption anyway) and stand the greatest risk of receiving loss of or damage to the resin glands. Developing plants from seed to a precious terpene & cannabinoid packed harvest, and then to the final flavorful form can be a challenging task…but it’s one worth the rewards, for certain!
AKA α-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol, or levomenol
Benefits:
Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anticoagulant, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, neuroprotectant
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Floral, mild, sweet
Also found in:
Candeia trees, chamomile flowers & tea, cosmetic products
AKA moxa
Benefits:
Analgesic, anticancer, anticoagulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, digestive aid, neuroprotectant
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Camphor, herbal, minty, woodsy
Also found in:
Camphor, insect repellant, many plants, menthol, rosemary
AKA 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane
Benefits:
Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, lowers cholesterol & triglyceride levels
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Earthy, musky, piney, pungent
Also found in:
Camphor, foods, fragrances, mangos, oils, ointments
AKA β-caryophyllene or beta-caryophyllene
Benefits:
Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gastric-protective
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Herbal, earthy, peppery, spicy, sweet, woodsy
Also found in:
Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, oregano, hops, rosemary, skincare products
AKA delta-3-carene
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory, bone-strengthening, memory-retention
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Citrus, cypress, piney, pungent, sweet, woodsy
Also found in:
Basil, bell peppers, cedar trees, cypress trees, cosmetics, fragrances, insect repellant, juices, pine trees, rosemary
AKA cineole
Benefits:
Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cough suppressant, respiratory & sinus relief
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Camphor, cooling, fresh, minty, spicy
Also found in:
Aromatherapy, eucalyptus trees, insecticides, medicines, topicals
AKA (2E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
Benefits:
Anticancer, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, neuroprotectant
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Citrus, fruity, peachy, rose-like, sweet
Also found in:
Citronella oil, bath & body products, fragrances, geraniums, honeybees, lemons, palmarosa oil, rose oil, tobacco
AKA α-humulene, alpha-humulene, α-caryophyllene, or alpha-caryophyllene
Benefits:
Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, allergy relief, appetite suppressant
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Earthy, spicy, woody
Also found in:
Beer, coriander, ginger, ginseng, hops, insecticides, tobacco, sage
AKA (3E)-3,7-dimethylocta-1,3,6-triene
Benefits:
Anti-congestive, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, gut flora health
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Citrus, floral, fruity, herbal, strong, sweet, woodsy
Also found in:
Basil, bergamot, fragrances, hops, insecticides, kumquats, lavender, orchids, oregano, mangos, mint, parsley, tarragon
AKA D-limonene
Benefits:
Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastrointestinal relief, mood elevation, stress relief
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Citrusy, fruity, sweet
Also found in:
Cleaners, fennel, fragrances, grapefruits, juniper, lemons, limes, mint, oranges, pine, rosemary, topicals
AKA β-linalool or beta-linalool
Benefits:
Analgesic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, sedative, stress relief
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Blueberry, citrus, floral, musky, spicy, sweet
Also found in:
Birch trees, cinnamon, citrus fruits, coriander, laurels, lavender, rosewood
AKA β-myrcene or beta-myrcene
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, muscle relaxant, pain & insomnia relief, sedative
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Earthy, musky, spicy, sweet
Also found in:
Basil, bay laurel, cardamom, cloves, hops, lemongrass, mangos, thyme
AKA α-pinene, alpha-pinene, β-pinene, or beta-pinene
Benefits:
Anti-cancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bronchodilator, gastrointestinal relief, neuroprotectant, respiratory relief
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Earthy, piney, sweet
Also found in:
Dill, insecticides, limes, oranges, oregano, parsley, pine nuts, pine trees, rosemary, topical antiseptics
AKA α-terpineol
Benefits:
Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibiotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial antioxidant, anti-seizure, antitumor, gastrointestinal relief, relaxant, sedative
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Citrus, floral, lilacs, lime, piney, woodsy
Also found in:
Cardamom, eucalyptus, fragrances, lilacs, lime blossoms, pine trees, skincare products, tea
AKA α-terpinolene or alpha-terpinolene
Benefits:
Antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, relaxant, sedative
Aroma / Flavor Profile:
Citrus, floral, herbal, piney, sweet, woodsy
Also found in:
Apples, cleaning products, conifer trees, cumin, fragrances, herbs, insecticides, lilac, nutmeg, rosemary sage, tea tree
]]>Here we are! 2020 brought unique challenges and changes providing a multitude of learnings to bring into 2021.
Cannabis politics experienced major progress as more states and countries began exploring options for their medical marijuana systems, recreational cannabis, dispensary protocol, and relaxing outdated weed laws. Earning the essential business recognition was huge! No matter how the new year unfolds, one thing is certain…cannabis is here to stay! Undoubtedly, there will be an increased demand for more cultivation and extraction of cannabis. We expect many more people to be growing their own medicinal marijuana, as well as an increase in cannabis growing operations including everything from small hydroponic gardens to large-scale cultivation facilities. There will be a lot of growth (pun intended...we guess) for cannabis in the future and we are excited to see what happens next!
Let’s start here: 2020 saw the historic passing of the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act bill in the House. TL;DR - this essentially decriminalizes cannabis by rescheduling it on the Control Substances Act and ending prohibitions on the federal level: aka a HUGE step in the right direction towards cannabis legalization. Beyond a legislative win - the MORE act guarantees the continued growth of job creation in cannabis as well as a new revenue generator for struggling states by regulating marijuana as they (and hopefully their residents) see as most beneficial. Five states in the US have passed “marijuana legalization” bills this year, including: Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota. Progress is made every year, but it is a long journey to the end of marijuana prohibition.
H.R.3883 – MORE Act Summary: The long of it
This bill decriminalizes marijuana.
Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana.
The bill also makes other changes, including the following:
Decriminalization
Let’s get one thing straight. Trim Daddy takes a stance against the incarceration of cannabis users and specifically the racial biases experienced by BIPOC in cannabis including by not limited to: incarceration rates, access to permitting for cultivation and dispensary operations and inclusion in “big” canna.
Medical marijuana is legal in more than 30 states, and recreational cannabis is legal in more than 10 states. Most of the population of the United States lives in a state where cannabis is available on a state-legal level. Having the current Schedule 1 classification on the CSA simply does not match up with the opinion held by the majority of the population in this country. This might be “preaching to the choir” but it is important to emphasize the effects of prohibition and punishment of people enjoying cannabis.
We’re looking forward to a year where tax dollars spent on enforcing outdated marijuana laws are reallocated for improved budget health and to see an end to being jailed over a joint.
Research
Let’s talk bill H.R.3797 – The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which aims to direct the DEA to allow for more expansive cannabis research and facilitate federal clinical trials. Allowing scientists to research this miracle plant is a commonsense change that could go a long way in learning more about all the benefits and future improvements to be gained from ganja. We look forward to tracking the progress of this bill and seeing more action towards removing the federal barriers in place that prevent scientists from studying cannabis in a practical way.
Banking
Allowing banking opportunities to be made available for cannabis businesses would be a welcome change. This is currently something that is being fought for in the form of the SAFE Banking Act. This is a standalone piece of legislation that has previously passed by the House of Representatives in 2019 but has yet to be approved by the Senate. While this has not yet been signed into law, the need for sensible banking for cannabis-based businesses is undeniable. A change in the current financial support structure is inevitable. Hopefully, this bill passes in a way that can help protect the banks and allow them to offer their services for cannabis businesses unhindered.
Advocacy
If you would like to learn more or stay up to date on the latest in cannabis happenings on the political, state, and federal levels, then register, support, and follow NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and NCIA (National Cannabis Industry Association). These are amazing non-profit organizations doing really great things for marijuana reform. Check out their sites to learn more about how you can help!
NORML
NCIA
https://thecannabisindustry.org/
And now…Trim Daddy Updates for 2021
Despite 2020 being natural disaster after political disaster - we still saw an amazing harvest season for so many home and commercial cannabis growers. We truly enjoyed witnessing the journeys of our customers and deeply appreciate each and every order we processed in 2020. In a year where budgets were tight across businesses and households, thank you for shopping with Trim Daddy.
With the success we saw, we were able to invest in ourselves and are excited to share that we’re bringing back an upgraded zippered case for every Trim Daddy purchase! In addition to the elevated cases, we’ve designed two new blade designs and have decided to include them at no-cost to each trimmer kit. You heard right - EVERY trimmer now comes with THREE blade types and our price stays the same.
Looking for new ways to help growers trim easy while saving time (and money) is kind of a big deal around here.
And we’re just getting started. We’re looking forward to another great year for cannabis with all of you “green thumbs” out there! Don’t forget to subscribe to Trim Daddy’s newsletter and email updates to stay tuned in all year long.
]]>Things have been quite different this year. Different, how? All the great events like concerts, cannabis awards events, glass shows, marijuana industry events, and all those puff puff pass smoking circles that we used to enjoy so much…getting canceled and postponed. It is a bummer because the cannabis community is one of the best groups of people to hang out and talk shop (weed) with, according to us here at Trim Daddy. The social and community aspects based around our favorite medicinal plant getting put on pause has seemingly left a void in the lives of sociable stoners and talkative tokers everywhere.
Do not fret! Fortunately, there are many awesome cannabis communities online! There is something to be appreciated about being able to; access a wealth of information, learn a great deal, get advice, give advice, share experiences, get inspired, and have a dialog with marijuana lovers from all over the world. All of this from the comfort of our homes or on our phones anywhere at any time. The Trim Daddy team wanted to share this collection of some of the best online cannabis communities and forums to check out. So, get to socializing, learning, and hanging out with all those pot loving people! The sesh might have gone remote, but we think that remote can be dope. There is something for everyone in the digital space!
Huge! That is exactly what this forum is. Currently, this forum has 880K+ members, 820K+ threads, and more than 15 million messages! Everything about cannabis has a discussion happening on this forum community.
This is an online headshop with a large (680K+ members!) & highly active cannabis community on their forums. Almost all cannabis topics have a place here and there is a lot of participation based on cannabis consumption & lifestyle.
A fantastic source of cannabis news and so much information on the industry in general! There also happens to be a large community that is super active (158K+ members & 4.5 million messages). A wide variety of topics are covered on this forum.
This “Cannabis Cultivation Network” has 85K+ members that are all about, you guessed it…farming for THC! If you are into conversations on cannabis cultivation, then check out this community! There is a wealth of information on seeds and strains available and even a place to share pictures of your labor of love. A great place for growers to gather!
A great community with a focus on solventless concentrates and vaporizing all those cannabinoids & terpenes that we medicate with. If you have not assumed by now…they are 35K+ fans of solventless dabs and dank flower without chemicals & combustion over there. Nothing wrong with that though! We do love to enjoy ice-water bubble hash that has been properly pressed into delicious rosin from time to time. ✌️😃👍💨
A smaller but engaging group of 15K+ friendly cannabis-loving people discussing many topics about growing marijuana. Plenty of information and a wide variety of discussions covering everything in the wonderful world of weed that we live in!
Another big forum community with a ton of informative, interesting, and entertaining posts about all things cannabis. The range of subjects and special niche topics is comprehensive in this forum community. As with all forums…check the rules! This one has specific rules against “cash croppers” and is focused on personal growers. This is a well-moderated forum with a bunch of great info and conversations.
An open-source style buffet of cultivation and growing information. 23K+ members are participating in the sharing of tips, experiences, bud shots, grow setups, genetics, lab test results, product testing, and so much more. An easy-going free flow of flower info!
Not so much of a forum, but this virtual destination is worth visiting and bookmarking. A vast treasure trove of useful and educational information covering pretty much everything that could be experienced with growing marijuana. There are so many great guides available with a strong focus on the propagation and cultivation of cannabis.
Marijuana Business Daily – MJBizDaily.com
Also, not a forum, but a fantastic source for all the latest & relevant news about marijuana, politics, legalization, regulations, and the cannabis industry. This is a must-have bookmark for those that want to stay up to date on all the important happenings with cannabis in our societies.
Here is another excellent organization with up to date marijuana news, political coverage, entertainment, culture, business, science, health, and more! Bookmark worthy for sure. Do it.
Members: 1.6 million!
“Home of the Ents”
“The go-to subreddit for anything and everything cannabis. From MMJ to munchies, from nugs to news, and everything between! The casual cannabis community”
Members: 460K
“All about weed. The friendliest weed community on Reddit is right here! Also check out our official Discord channel! https://discord.gg/bgkbEM44H3”
Members: 126K
“Cannabis news from across the Universe.”
Members: 278K
“Welcome to /r/marijuanaenthusiasts. This is the go-to subreddit for everything dendrologic! That's right, this subreddit is about real trees! Please make sure to read the rules before posting.”
Members: 264K
“You give a few pot heads a bunch of weed and nothing to smoke out of and they suddenly become engineers. It's amazing.”
Members: 251K
“Dedicated to the cultivation of cannabis. We love pictures of your plants & harvest, discussing growing methods, and helping with grow problems.”
Members: 46K
“This is the sister reddit of /r/microgrowery. This subreddit is dedicated to large scale grows of Cannabis; too large to consider 'Micro'.”
Members: 49K
“Stuff about growing cannabis in general, cannabis you've grown, or dank cannabis you've smoked.”
Members: 93K
“Discussion of custom/heady blown glass by your favorite artists. No acrylic or Chinese glass.”
]]>
Decarboxylation is the most important aspect of making a good marijuana-infused butter or any other cannabis edible. This is the process that activates the dried herb. Several different methods can be used to activate the THCA into THC, or CBDA into CBD. The magic number at which this happens is 240 degrees Fahrenheit!
Figuring out your dosage is strongly encouraged. Anyone that has overindulged on a bunch of potent edibles and regretted them in the next hours understands. It can be easy to go “too far” with infused foods. A 10mg dose per serving is considered standard. It is also an easy number to work with when trying to figure out the dose. Here are some easy formulas to calculate your estimated dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) …
(THC/CBD% ÷ 100) X 1000mg = milligrams of THC/CBD
(Grams of cannabis ÷ number of servings) X (milligrams of THC/CBD) = the dose in milligrams per serving
Unsalted butter is required and the higher the quality, the better! Coconut, avocado, & olive oil can also be infused. These are good choices as a vegan option or a healthier alternative to get properly stoned. Be mindful of the burning point limits with oils and butter. Medicated butter and oil can be stored for a long time in the proper conditions. Certainly, a versatile way to get high in delicious ways!
How to Make Cannabutter…Quickly! (relatively anyway)
There are many ways to create cannabutter and just as many great guides out there on the internet to experiment with to find the best results. Here is a basic and easy oven method to get started on decarboxylating cannabis and making the infused butter needed to create delicious munchies that will have you hungry for more in no time!
Infusers!
Here is a convenient device to decarb your herbal infusions! These infusers are a no-nonsense and super-easy way to get to magical edibles easily and efficiently. Bonus: way less messy!
Check out these Trim Daddy approved decarboxylation machines!
MagicalButter MB2e Botanical Extractor
Levo II Herbal Oil & Butter Infusion Machine
STX Infuzium 420 Infused Butter-Oil-Tincture Maker Machine
An Easy Infused Buttermints Recipe!
This is a great, easy to make, no-bake recipe that is perfect to substitute with infused cannabutter. Buttermints are a great festive treat for the holidays. Anytime, actually! They keep in the freezer nicely as a cold, delicious melt-in-the-mouth edible ready anytime. Feel free to experiment with other flavor extracts, terpenes, and food coloring. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients:
Directions:
The last month of 2020…December. This is it! What a year! It is cooling down outside and the time for hanging out indoors & getting cozy is upon us. So many fires to be lit, take that as you will. The holiday season is here whether it feels like it or not – and with it, the age-old struggle of picking out the perfect gifts for all the stoners and smokers in your life. As usual, Trim Daddy’s here to help. You know we’re huge fans of saving time, saving money and keeping it easy - so lean on us for your holiday shopping.
Our gift guide was designed the same way our trimmers are - for cannabis enthusiasts, by cannabis enthusiasts. So, roll up a joint, pack a bowl, rip that dab, grab a snack, and get merry! Here are some ideas to consider when shopping for that special stoner or cannabis industry worker in your life. Even if that person happens to be you; we’ll never tell.
Without further ado, it’s time for puff puff presents!
We are going to kick this off with a few awesome products that would make great stocking stuffers and then move on to some bigger ticket items that are sure to please even the most discerning marijuana consumers.
The Santa Cruz Hemp 4pc Shredder is made with all-natural hemp, natural dyes, and a hemp-based binder. This means that this weed grinder is 100% biodegradable! This hemp grinder is extremely durable and eco-friendly.
https://santacruzshredder.com/products/santa-cruz-hemp-3pc-shredder-1
Now, this is an awesome little kit! Each Smoke Proper Rolling Kit is fully equipped with a dispenser for rolls of rolling paper and includes 24 feet of joint rolling goodness. The dispenser can also accommodate Elements (single wide, slim width, & king size) and RAW (king size) paper rolls. Also included in this water and scent-resistant container are two filter tips, tweezer/poker, herb storage area, lighter & pre-roll storage, snubber, and carabiner for easy attachment when you are on the go.
https://www.smokeproper.com/product/smoking-rolling-kit/
If premium portable dab storage sounds like something that your dabber buddy might be into…then check out the Wax Wallet XL by 420 Science! This latching clamshell has an airtight seal, and the heavy-duty plastic casing will keep your dabs fresh and protected. The interior is sturdy food-grade silicone that has spaces for concentrates of all kinds. There are multiple spaces to keep your concentrates divided up and this thing even has individual dose slots for easy and precise pre-measured dabbing and loading. There is also a place to keep a 3.5in dab tool. A must-have item for keeping hash handy.
https://www.420science.com/collections/dab-accessories/products/420-science-wax-wallet-xl
The Puffco Plus Portable Oil Vaporizer has been a rockstar concentrate vape pen for a while now and continues to deliver heavy hits! If you have not tried one or are using something else, do yourself a favor and pick up one of these high-quality, portable vape pens. The innovative mouthpiece combines a loading tool, splash guard, and a carb cap. Within is a coil-less pressure-sealed ceramic bowl which provides an evenly heated smoke consistently. There are three heat settings and sesh-mode functionality to ensure a flavorful & controllable hit every time.
https://www.puffco.com/products/puffco-plus
G Pen has another hit on their hands! Yes, pun intended. The well-reviewed G Pen Roam Vaporizer is an all-in-one portable vaporizer with a spill-proof borosilicate glass hydro tube inside for some water-filtration function. The bucket embedded within is quartz, which makes it truly awesome! A LED display offers digital temperature control ranging from 400°- 800°+ F (204° - 427°+ C). This sweet little device is powered by a powerful 1,300mAH lithium-ion battery and the body is made with a lightweight but durable aluminum alloy shell. A weed vape that can be used while plugged in and is easy to break down for cleaning is always desirable. A hemp case and accessory kit are also included.
https://www.gpen.com/products/g-pen-roam-vaporizer
If you really want to make someone happy, then this might be it. Although you will most likely be tempted to keep it for yourself. Who could blame you? The Stündenglass Gravity Hookah is a beauty! Made with borosilicate glass and aircraft-grade anodized aluminum. This classy piece is not only about good looks, but a consistent function that is surely unique. You might recognize this from the Seth Rogan video or one of Dabbing Granny’s videos featuring it with a G Pen Connect feeding the vapor clouds!
Bonus: A 10-year warranty.
https://stundenglass.com/collections/hookah/products/stundenglass-gravity-hookah
Where you find a weed lover you will most likely find a person that has several bags. There might not be a tree smoker in existence that does not have some sort of bag to store their flower, concentrates, and smoking accessories. A bag to store that sticky loud stuff is infinitely better if it keeps the smell in and away from prying nostrils. Check out Skunk Bags for some purpose-driven storage! Always a great gift choice.
Puffs Pendy Melts are paraffin-free soy-based candles with a prize within. The inspired candle scents are TD team approved. Each candle contains a pendant made by a glass artist and could be worth anywhere between $20-$2000. There are also versions with heady glass carb caps or dabbers. Check out all their artist collaborations and latest drops on their Instagram.
https://shoppuffspendymelts.com/collections/original-puff-pendy-melts
What better gift could you possibly give than time? Some say it is worth more than money. This year you can give time and money with this specialized tool. Cannabis trimmers come in many forms. Hand scissors are great and have an irreplaceable role in detailed work. However, if you are one of the many cannabis industry workers or tackling your large harvest then you know the demand that long days of scissor work can have on the hands. Pass on the carpal tunnel and trim smarter, not harder.
The Trim Daddy 3PLUS includes a comprehensive 3-year warranty on this long-lasting bud trimmer. Features on these handheld electric trimming scissors include a variable speed control dial, proprietary high-carbon stainless steel blades, and a patented brushless motor that uses less energy and produces more power, efficiently for over 10,000 hours! A replacement set of trimming blades and a protective glove are also included.
https://www.trim-daddy.com/collections/all/products/3rd-gen-trim-daddy-trimmer
Eye protection is one of the main pieces of protective gear when working under the many types of powerful lights in a grow. This intense lighting environment can cause serious damage to the eyes and should always be filtered through proper lenses. If you have a friend or family member that cultivates cannabis, they would undoubtedly appreciate a pair of Method Seven’s shades. Several different lens options that can protect from HPS, Full Spectrum LED, CMH/LEC, Magenta Spectrum LED, Metal Halide, and Sunlight. Check the spectrum and find the right pair of top-notch Method Seven glasses for the lights above!
https://methodseven.com/grow-overview/
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SEED CHOOSING
One of the most exciting parts about growing your own weed is the ability to choose which strain you prefer to create your ideal high. On top of that, here are the three types of seeds on the market.
Regular seeds:
Because most people get in the growing business to harvest weed that they can consume, regular seeds have become less of the hype. Regular seeds come in both male and female forms, but many choose to stick only with feminized seeds because they don’t want to deal with the pollination process.
Feminized photoperiod seeds:
According to Zamnesia, “since females are the ones that produce resin-rich buds, this is the choice most growers opt for. If you grow indoors, you control the growing stages of feminized photoperiod cannabis plants with a timer for your grow light.” We’ll be going over the different types of light later on, so hang in there. Feminized photoperiod seeds are popular for home growers because it takes away the hassle of having to separate the males from the females. They also produce seed-free buds that have a higher THC/CBD concentration than other seed types, which is a huge plus.
Autoflowering seeds
We recommend these seeds for rookie growers because they can be left under the same light source for 18-24 hours rather than having to switch it. In addition, if you’re focused simply on the growth process, these have a low-maintenance, fixed life cycle and their compact size also makes them perfectly suited for indoor growing.
INDOOR VS. OUTDOOR
Lucky for you, a deep dive into this topic is in this month’s future. Subscribe to Trim Daddy’s email to get updates from our team - don’t leave us lonely.
LOYAL TO THE SOIL
40 Water said it best. Choosing a soil for your plants is not something to be taken lightly, as this is the environment they will be spending the majority of their lives in. Instead of trolling anxiety-inducing Home Depot (we’ve all been there), read on for what to look for when making a decision on soil.
Loamy soil has equal parts sand, silt and clay and is the ideal soil for growing most plants - not just cannabis. Because you reap the benefits of each type of soil, it’s the perfect host for the beginnings of your home garden. According to Leafly, “the best way to identify loamy soil is by touching it. How does it feel? Sandy soil should be difficult to compact while clay should compact into a tight ball that won’t crumble. When squeezed, loamy soils should form a loose ball that will hold its structure momentarily before breaking apart in large chunks.”
Check out this article on how to make your own loam soil!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
If indoor growing is your go-to, we’ve compiled a few of the best quality lights for your project.
Fluorescent grow lights:
These are probably the best option for new growers because you can find them at any home improvement store on the low and they’ll fit several different kinds of light fixtures. The bulbs on fluorescent lights offer a less intense light than others, so you can get away with hanging them closer to the plant itself. This is helpful for those trying to keep their operation under wraps, because you can fit more plants and their corresponding lights in a smaller area. With the guesswork taken out of the equation, you can focus on giving your bbs the attention they deserve. Fluorescent grow lights are best suited for smaller harvests, so keep this in mind if you have more than a few plants.
High-intensity discharge:
These lights run much hotter than the above, and come in two varieties - metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs. The main difference between these varieties is the type of light spectrum they produce, HPS designed specifically for the flowering phase of your plants and MH for the vegetative state - or the first stage of life. The first emits a red orange tint, while the latter emits light from a bluer spectrum.
HID lights require a hood or reflector, which increase the amount of light getting to your plants using no additional electricity.
For the environmentally conscious, HPS bulbs are about twice as electrically efficient than their counterpart. Because they are brighter, however, more space must be put between the lamps and plants - taking up more space.
LED:
There are three different kinds of LED lamps - standard, chip on board, and spread-style.
Standard: Otherwise known as purple lights, these lamps contain red and blue hues spread over the fixture and come at a low price point. This low price might compromise quality, as they are not the brightest.
COB: Chip on board LEDs are composed of hundreds of smaller LEDs on one single chip and are some of the most efficient lights you can purchase, as they best imitate the natural yet intense light from the sun. They run more expensive than standard LEDs, but will prove a solid companion to your canna-babies if you’re willing to spend the money.
Spread-style: Spread-style lights are just like what they sound - larger boards with LEDs spread across the panel. They are ideal for larger indoor operations and are among the most energy efficient, but can potentially break the budget for new growers.
POTS FOR YOUR POT
One of the final steps to perfecting your home garden is selecting your grow containers.
Plastic: Standard plastic containers are a happy medium for old and new growers alike, sold at a low price point but still able to provide all the nutrients your plants need. The structure of these pots runs the risk of being flimsy, but with minimal handling they should perform just fine.
Terra cotta: Ceramic pots provide unique advantages for those growing in hotter climates, while also being aesthetically pleasing af. Most pots like this don’t come with drainage holes, which can be tough to tack on.
Fabric: The fabric pot trend is slightly newer to the growing community, but perform similarly to their plastic counterpart save for a little more maintenance due to their drying out quicker.
STATE BY STATE REGULATIONS
Choosing to grow your own weed obviously has extremely different connotations across the United States, but there are plenty of resources for you to know just what you’re up against.
According to Way of Leaf, “Today California law allows for the cultivation of up to six plants for recreational adult use. The law also allows for up to 100 square feet of area per residence to be dedicated to the cultivation of medical marijuana. There are no limits to the number of plants that can be grown for medicinal purposes.” If you’re wondering what the regulations are state by state, check out the complete article here.
TRIMMING
Looking for the highest quality trimmer on the market that allows you to cut wet or dry? Say less. Shop Trim Daddy for the cleanest results that won’t sacrifice the work you’ve put in to get this far. If you need extra convincing, check out our pros & cons post on the different trimmers here.
While Trim Daddy hails from the bay, we gotta show love to bros in different area codes and make sure we’re all on the same page when it comes to the ballot.
This election cycle, six states will have the chance to adopt new medical and/or recreational cannabis laws - Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, Nebraskaand Mississippi.
The first four of the above states will be voting on legal recreational use, while South Dakota, Nebraska and Mississippi are voting on medical marijuana legalization.
Currently, 11 out of the 35 states in which cannabis has been legalized allow for its recreational use for adults 21 and over.
Here are the measures by state involving cannabis that you should be looking out for:
ARIZONA
According to CNN, the Smart and Safe Arizona Act “would allow adults 21 years and older to possess, consume or transfer up to one ounce of cannabis and create a regulatory system for the products' cultivation and sale. Some key differences with the new measure include the addition of social equity provisions and criminal justice reforms such as record expungement.”
This act would open the door for more job opportunities and increase the state’s overall wellbeing, with community colleges and addiction prevention programs being on the receiving end of the funding.
If passed, the Smart and Safe Act would generate $3 billion of revenue for the state within the first 10 years.
In addition, those who have previous low-level marijuana charges will have equal access to fair jobs and housing.
MONTANA
Similar to the above act, revenue generated from ballot issue I-190 would go towards state improvement programs like substance abuse and veteran’s services.
“ I-190 would allow adults in the state to possess, buy and use cannabis for recreational use. A separate initiative, CI-118, would establish 21 as the legal age to purchase, possess and consume cannabis.”
These two initiatives do not oppose each other, but work in tandem. Because the Montana Constitution defines an adult as an individual 18 years or older, CI-118 must appropriately define these regulations.
NEW JERSEY
A “yes” vote on Public Question 1 supports the constitutional amendment to legalize the possession and use of marijuana for persons age 21 and older and legalize the cultivation, processing and sale of retail marijuana.
While the state prohibits specific marjuana excise taxes, marijuana sales would fall under the standard 6.625% state tax.
According to Leafly, “If the amendment passes, New Jersey will become the first mid-Atlantic state to legalize adult-use cannabis.”
Although the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act has been around since 2010, state governor Chris Christie has always been an active opponent of marijuana legalization.
A few aspects of the New Jersey Marijuana Legalization Amendment to note are as follows:
According to CNN, “The passage of recreational cannabis in New Jersey could accelerate legislative efforts in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.”
SOUTH DAKOTA
According to the Marijuana Policy Project, South Dakota will become the first state to vote on medical marijuana and adult-use legalization at the same time.
On their website, the Marijuana Policy Project defines themselves as the “number one organization in the U.S. legalizing cannabis.”
Because marijuana legalization historically hasn’t been the smoothest process, the mission of the MPP is to shed light on campaigns that aid these efforts and advocate legislation for a more balanced and smarter system.
Due to South Dakota’s conservative majority, laws surrounding marijuana possession are extremely harsh. If caught with even a small amount, you could be faced with a $2,000 fine and up to a year in jail. In addition, the state’s racial disparities in possession rates are among the top 10 in the country.
If marijuana possession was treated as a civil offense rather than a criminal one, we would be one step closer to eliminating jail time for these individuals.
A medical marijuana program and registration system is on this year’s ballot for the state, for those who fit the requirements. Amendment A “would legalize cannabis for all adults and require state legislators to adopt medical cannabis and hemp laws.”
A program like this is still needed because although residents of South Dakota have legal access to CBD, this is not the solution for all medical marijuana patients.
NEBRASKA
On September 10, the Nebraska Supreme Court removed the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Constitutional Amendment from the ballot. The amendment would have allowed adults 18 years or older with debilitating conditions to receive medical marijuana from their healthcare provider.
Possession is illegal in the state, but Nebraska is one of 26 states that offers protections for first-time offenders.
Because of the high demand for medical marijuana in the state, this removal of the amendment from the ballot is devastating for advocates and patients alike.
MISSISSIPPI
While other states have amendments that would complement each other, Mississippi faces two competing measures.
Like South Dakota, a potential medical cannabis program would allow patients with up to 22 qualifying conditions the ability to participate.
On the other hand, “the competing measure requires medical products that are of pharmaceutical quality, limits the smoking of medical cannabis to people who are terminally ill, and leaves the future creation of rules and a regulatory framework up to the legislature,” according to CNN.
Check out https://www.cannabisvoter.info/ to ensure you’re registered to vote and learn more about election rules!
While you’re not educating yourself on everything you need to know come November, shop Trim Daddy today and receive 10% off your first order.
See you at the polls,
xoxo Trim Daddy
The MORE Act
After Covid-19 laid thousands of Americans off, new jobs and revenue are exactly what these states need, even more than they did four years prior.
And if you needed a little more clarification on the presidential candidates’ stances, keep reading.
JOE BIDEN:
DONALD TRUMP:
Growing weed indoors is typically ideal if you live in an apartment or condo, and can be a fulfilling hustle if you do it right. A few of the most important considerations are going to be the electric bill you pile up, the location in which you place your plants and whether or not the smell will impact you or your neighbors.
IT’S ELECTRIC
Let’s talk about your electric bill. We already pay too many utilities as it is, so an indoor weed operation can send your account into overdraft if you’re not prepared. According to growwweedeasy.com, you’ll need the following information to move forward:
-Wattage refers to a light’s power rating. If you’re working with a smaller space, one or two lights with high wattage may be just enough.
If you’re growing one or two weed plants, the cost will most likely be lower than if you’re growing several. Indoor growing can be a solid hobby if you’re ready to invest a couple extra dollars, but can quickly turn into an overwhelming mission. We recommend starting a pros & cons list to determine whether or not growing indoors is the right solution for you!
SEND ME YOUR LOCATION...
Let’s focus on communication. In terms of where to grow indoors, you’ll need a space where you can fit lots of ventilation in addition to the plants themselves. And not just at the beginning of your operation - save space for your plants to grow up to 2x the size!
If you live in a relatively sunny area, feel free to place your plants outdoors rather than subjecting them to artificial light. If indoor growing is your best bet, though, the next best lights would be LED. Just like any house plant, you have to make sure they’re placed in a spot where they’ll best flourish and give them the luuuv they deserve.
If you plan on a larger harvest, do your research on the different lights you’ll have to invest in before you dig yourself into a financial hole.
If you live alone, the smell of your indoor growing operation won’t be too much of an issue. However, the smell of weed plants can be overpowering to people or pets you’re living with, so make sure that your air filtration system is working in your favor and consider buying anti-odor products. These products range in price from pretty affordable to expensive af, so pick your battles.
Growing weed indoors is preferred by many from a legal standpoint, as the historical illegality of the drug in certain spaces has caused several individuals to make their operation more lowkey.
DON’T FORGET MAMA EARTH
The quality of weed grown indoors is thought by some to be higher than its counterpart, so if you have the supplies and space necessary we won’t stop you from going for it. However, there are some environmental concerns when it comes to this method in particular - with energy costs being at the top of the list.
Outdoor growing is more of an option to consider if you’re working with a bigger team and harvest. Growing outdoors has everything to do with where you live and the climate you’re dealing with, so consider all these factors before you begin!
Leafly News says that “outdoor cultivation (is the) most technologically elegant, sustainable, ethical, and economically viable approach for minimizing the rising energy and environmental burden of cannabis production.”
One of the benefits of growing outside is that you won’t have to spend as much on electricity or air conditioning and you can rely on your girl Mother Earth to get most of the job done.
However, you will have to consider variations in weather such as droughts or excess rainfall that could negatively affect your harvest.
The growing cycle usually ranges around three months, so make sure the climate you’re located in is comfortable with this timeline.
In addition, you will most likely have more space when growing outdoors.
UPKEEP
Weed plants thrive off of bright sunlight and must be watered on a regular basis. If you stick your finger into the soil and it’s dry, that’s usually a solid indication of when you should water your bbs. Setting a calendar reminder or getting an app that lets you know when to water your plants is always a good call!
In terms of the size your weed plants will achieve, Weedmaps says, “The sizes of the buds are, in many ways, the first visual cues to tell whether buds were grown indoors or outdoors. But it is a general rule of thumb that everything is bigger with outdoor-cultivated buds.”
Outdoor growing can definitely be a more cost effective route - especially if you’re growing directly in the ground. Before making a decision, though, figure out what’s most important for you and your partners because concerns differ for everybody.
Whether you decide to grow indoors or outdoors, allow Trim Daddy to take care of the rest.
With a remarkable self-cleaning blade system and the ability to trim wet or dry, Trim Daddy has your back for the long haul. Shop today and receive yours in time for harvest!
We’re here to introduce 3Plus - our beloved third generation trimmer now featuring Trim Daddy’s first ever speed dial.
Rather than manufactured settings, the 3Plus dial allows you to manually adjust between all of the speeds to determine which is right for you.
We realized that two simple settings weren’t quite enough to match the trimming needs of some of our customers - so we took this into consideration and tested our first dial.
Our trimmers pride themselves on getting the job done up to 10 times faster with its patented brushless motor, and now you don’t have to worry about whether or not the speed will match what you’re trying to achieve.
MULTIPLE SPEEDS
With adjustable speeds, you can take your trimming game to the next level. You’ll have the ability to trim and change speeds at the same time, getting you to harvest even quicker than before.
The highest speed was often too harsh for fragile buds, while the slow speed took too much time. With 3Plus, the ball is completely in your court when it comes to trim speed. You can change back and forth without having to stop what you’re doing, making the process effortless from start to finish.
ITS BENEFITS
Some in the cannabis industry prefer hand trimming to machines because of their ability to control each part of the process, rather than leave it up to a machine.
With traditional trimming machines, the brush motors wear out after approximately 1,000 hours of use. After these brushes reach the end, the entire machine is useless.
However, Trim Daddy gives you the best of both worlds.
Its compact size and durability make the last step in your growing game a seamless one. Our trimmers are similar in size to scissors, making imperfect cuts a thing of the past.
Our speed dial makes speed control almost an afterthought, because you can focus on giving your bud the precision it deserves without sacrificing your precious time.
Additionally, the 3Plus feature allows you to trim different kinds of flower because of its gentle approach. You might have different strains that need to be trimmed in their own unique ways, and Trim Daddy can help.
Regardless of what speed you’re using, Trim Daddy’s motor won’t give up on you. Its unique composition prevents overheating to allow for a smooth, continuous trim.
QUALITY CONTROL
Oftentimes, those who prefer hand trimming have had negative experiences with machines damaging their plants due to high and uncontrollable speeds.
For workers getting paid to trim by the pound, their main priority is speed. In Marijuana Business Magazine, co-founder and chief operating officer of the licensed cultivation company Tahoe Hydroponics Mark Bruno says for new trimmers, speed is their enemy.
Bruno believes “a hand-trimmed flower offers a smoother, finer taste profile.” While this may be true for some, not everyone has the time or energy to devote to such a task.
Although Trim Daddy can never fully imitate the exact precision of hand trimming, it comes pretty damn close - and we think we’re pretty convincing.
The speed dial feature allows for full control over your buds - because we know how hard you worked to get this far.
We hope you’re just as juiced about this new feature as we are. Trim Daddy’s patented design is unlike any other on the market and delivers the highest quality trim every time.
Don’t miss email updates from us - you’ll be the first to hear about news like 3Plus and other things we think are worth sharing.
And remember - Daddy comes with a comprehensive three-year warranty. If it’s not everything you hoped for, it’s on us.
]]>A few things to consider when investing in a trimmer, whether it’s your first or fifth:
No matter the size of your operation, these above observations can help guide your search and make a decision.
Scissors
Scissors are an absolutely necessary part of any canna-business, regardless of the trimmer you decide to purchase. We don’t recommend relying solely on scissors to get the job done, but they’re most definitely a strong sidekick.
Pros: Hand-manicuring your flower allows you to pay extreme attention to detail and avoid rough cuts that come with more industrial tools. If you’re working with a small harvest, scissors are a decent way to go but they become low reward as harvest size increases.
Cons: Two words - time. Management. If scissors are your trimming tool of choice, be prepared to spend hours perfecting the bud you’ve grown. Plain ol’ scissors will also cause strain on your hands as time goes on.
Bowl/Bag Trimmer
How they work: Bowl and bag trimmers are pretty self-explanatory, considering they’re just what they sound like. Bowl trimmers such as this one feature a 16-19” bowl-shaped compartment that the weed can fall into while cutting and a clear plastic top, while bag trimmers like TrimBag let you transfer your flower into a bag that you then shake to separate and trim in just a few minutes.
Pros:
-The high number of blades on bowl trimmers gives you an extremely precise cut every time without worrying about damaging or bruising what you’ve worked so hard for.
-The plastic top allows for increased visibility.
-The compact size of bowl trimmers works perfectly for those growing in small spaces or for those who will be using their trimmer in various environments.
-Trimming your harvest doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore.
Cons:
-Because of the high number of blades, trichomes may be lost in the process. Although it does its job in removing most of the leaf, it can oftentimes remove wanted buds as well.
-Most bowl trimmers should only be used for trimming wet flower and are not ideal for commercial use.
-Although bowl trimmers run small compared to others on the market, cleaning requires you to take apart and reassemble the product.
In terms of pricing, traditional bowl trimmers are usually about $120-$200, while other stainless steel models can be up to $500. Bag trimmers are typically around $300.
Tumble Trimmers
How they work: These are heavier cannabis trimming machines that can trim extremely large amounts of weed using bladeless technology. Devices like the Python feature three chambers of mesh netting that move the product through the machine at 35 RPM in just five minutes to produce expertly trimmed flower. If you’re in a larger cannabis operation, heavy-duty machine trimmers are probably your best bet, although they can be extremely costly. Depending on the size of your harvest and your budget, do your research before investing in a tumble trimmer.
Pros:
-Tumblers like the Centurion Pro and Tom’s Tumble Trimmers can trim up to 1200 pounds per hour. Industrial grade trimmers like these often have a couple different size options depending on your needs.
-You can control the machine’s speed in order to find the setting that works best for your bud.
-Interchangeable mesh nets efficiently separate leaf from flower while conserving both structure and aroma.
Cons:
-Due to the sheer size of industrial trimmers, you’ll have to be okay with some of your bud getting bruised. According to Buds Grow Guide, “Bruised buds are a real thing...created when automated machinery tosses the buds around and rubs their hard processing surfaces up against the delicate flowers.”
-Tumble trimmers can run from $400 to as much as $84k.
Electric Hand Trimmers
How they work: Hand trimmers are a step above scissors that feature dual edged blades and multiple speed settings.
Pros: The main advantage of electric trimmers is the precision quality of hand-manicured bud without the hassle of ordinary scissors.
-Remarkable speed. Trim Daddy’s two speed settings allow you to move up 10x faster than hand trimming.
-You can trim your bud either wet or dry! This is a huge come-up, as you’re not limited to one or the other.
-The durability is unmatched - with Trim Daddy’s high-carbon stainless steel blades, you can trim for up to 10,000 hours. Our blades are self-cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about taking apart and cleaning your trimmer every few days.
-The current Trim Daddy model is going for $308 and comes with a replacement blade and cut-resistant gloves.
Most other electric hand trimmers fall in the same price range.
Cons:
-Can only handle a certain amount of bud at once.
Some will say that a faster trim can lead to a damaged or less aesthetically pleasing harvest, but that’s where Trim Daddy comes along. We believe precision doesn’t have to be compromised. Although our third generation model is a tad more expensive than certain table top trimmers, quality and quantity can coexist with Trim Daddy.
If you’ve made it here, thanks for staying with us. Trimming is often seen as the most exhausting part of the process, but it doesn’t have to be! Pro tip: With any of these tools, remember to use gloves to avoid injury.
Shop Trim Daddy today and receive a comprehensive three-year warranty!
Trim Daddy saves you time and energy to focus on the other sides of your canna-business, so let us show you how to give a little love back to your trimmer with the following sections.
Get to Know Your Daddy
Let’s separate the trimmer into three parts: high-carbon stainless steel blades, a brushless motor and the body of the machine.
The two-speed blades have five edges to provide the most precise trim and the ability to tackle larger harvests. They’re self-cleaning, which means you don’t have to go out of your way to ensure your Trim Daddy is performing at its best.
To replace the blade, simply pop the cover on top of the device and position the new blade.
Our patented brushless motor allows for unprecedented speed and gives you up to 10,000 hours of use.
The size and design of our third-generation trimmers make comfort a top priority with an easy-to-grip surface. You don’t have to put so much pressure on your hands to get the job done.
Now that you’ve got the Trim Daddy basics down, let’s dive into care & maintenance.
Take Care
One of the reasons Trim Daddy stays above the game is because of its self-cleaning blade system that takes stress out of the equation. If you’re anything like us, a deep clean is often good for the soul - but Trim Daddy requires minimal attention. A soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol is all you need to keep both the blades and the body looking and feeling their best.
We don’t recommend soaking your trimmer in a rubbing alcohol solution, but routinely wiping it down will ensure it’s properly out here tryna function.
Weighing in at 30% smaller and lighter than our previous trimmer, there’s less surface area to look after. This time around - it’s the size of the fight that counts.
Our cut-resistant trimming gloves provide you with an elite trimming experience and are included for a reason, so practice good adulting and never use Trim Daddy without them!
Wear gloves as a safety precaution when cleaning your Trim Daddy as well to avoid hurting any accidental injury.
Using scissors for each harvest is not only time-consuming, but can take the satisfaction out of the picture. Some consumers believe that automated trimmers can sacrifice precious parts of the plant, but with Trim Daddy, you don’t have to compromise. Our blades work 10x faster than hand trimming and produce unparalleled results. Trichomes, rejoice!
How to keep him looking fresh:
One of the reasons we love Trim Daddy is because of how low-maintenance our trimmers are, leaving you space to check off those boxes on your to-do lists.
-For Trim Daddy to maintain peak performance, we recommend changing the blade at least once every three months. A blade replacement is included with purchase and we sell replacement blades separately if you’re the type to stay prepared.
-Take advantage of the case that we provide along with your trimmer so Daddy doesn’t get left to the elements.
-Our trimmers are programmed to prevent overheating, so you don’t have to worry about trimming sessions going longer than expected. Like any machine though, Trim Daddy can get tired - so make sure to give your trimmer a break here & there.
Let’s talk about blade sharpening. Because Trim Daddy is made by trimmers, for trimmers, you don’t need to worry about sharpening more than once every six months.
The best consumption experience starts with the best trimming device - and Trim Daddy has all your needs on lock.
To keep your bud staying high-quality AND aesthetically pleasing, make sure you’re showing your Trim Daddy allll the love.
Our trimmers are meant to last for several years, setting them apart from machines that show signs of wear after just a few uses. Following these guidelines will ensure that your Trim Daddy will not only survive, but thrive for years to come. We’re here for a good time AND a long time: we’ve just extended our hassle-free warranty up to three years. Now that’s daddy.
For warranty information, email sales@trim-daddy.com or check out the warranty page HERE!
]]>The phrase “working in cannabis” has evolved exponentially as decriminalization and legalization have worked their way across the United States. So much so, in fact, that Leafly’s 2020 Cannabis Jobs Report counted an incredible 243,000 full-time equivalent employees as of January - marking an impressive 15% increase from it’s 2019 report. The year over year growth isn’t an anomaly for the industry either; cannabis employment in the United States has more than doubled in the last four years. For comparison, Massachusetts now has more cannabis employees than hairstylists and cosmetologists. Nevada has an equal amount of cannabis employees and bartenders and Illinois has double the amount of cannabis workers than they do meat-packers.
With such rapidly increasing employment numbers, the question of workplace safety, and guidelines arises naturally. Cannabis job creation now outpaces growth in the occupational therapy, nurse practitioner and information security analysis industries - but what protections do cannabis employees have?
Most Common Injuries in the Cannabis Industry
Before digging into state by state regulations, it’s important to outline the occupational health and safety concerns facing the cannabis industry.
The cannabis industry is a blend of agriculture, distribution, laboratory testing, manufacturing and retail verticals each bringing their own unique hazards and considerations to the table. While the most common injuries reported are muscle strain, cuts, falls and being struck by a falling object, not too dissimilar from more strictly regulated spaces - the industry faces the enormous task of creating effective job training for a continuously growing employment base in an under-represented and murkily legislated field.
The most common injury locations from reported cases (listed in order of most frequent) are fingers, hands, lower back, eye and knee.
In a study conducted by a Colorado worker’s compensation agency, it was noted that 38% of all on-the-job injuries reported in the cannabis industry occurred during the first six months of employment which suggests inadequate onboarding training for new employees. In 2018 Colorado State University facilitated the first deep dive into workforce issues in cannabis from an employee perspective. It’s findings reported that 46% of participants had never received any form of health and safety training on the job and only 16% of participants reported receiving structured, ongoing training.
These results aren’t promising and leave new-to-the-industry employees (of which there are tens of thousands annually) at a higher risk of job-related injury.
Existing Training Requirements for the Cannabis Industry
Employees in California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon make up 50% of the entire reported cannabis workforce.
California, the nation’s largest cannabis employer, has incorporated health and safety training for cannabis employees into their state legislature through CAL/OSHA’s 30 hours general training requirement in addition to passing AB 2799 in 2018. The bill, signed in September, requires licensed cannabis businesses to have at least one employee and manager complete a 30-hour course from the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) to ensure compliance with job-related safety and health hazards.
Often looked to for cannabis legislation precedents - AB 2799 was a step in the right direction for cannabis worker protection in California, but it's clear that there is a long road ahead.
Safety Best Practices for Cannabis Employers
As we celebrate increasing protections for our cannabis employees, there are still many steps employers will need to take independently to ensure safety for their teams.
With hand and finger injuries topping the charts on common cannabis-related workplace injuries, and most common window of injury occurring within the first six months of employment - it’s imperative to shed light on the transient trimming community.
Cannabis trimming injuries can include arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, ganglion cysts and skin irritation. Employers are often in the position of weighing effectiveness against efficiency putting an enormous amount of strain (pun intended) on their trimmers.
Trimming Tools Can Help Prevent Cannabis Workplace Injury
While some larger grows use larger machines or tumblers such as Twister Trimmer or Centurion Pro, the costs are prohibitive to smaller grow operations or home growers. Electric handheld bud trimmers - like Trim Daddy - can prevent hand strain, carpal tunnel and blade injuries by providing a sturdy handle, keeping hands away from blades. By removing the repetitive motions associated with trimming scissors, a handheld trimmer can deliver the same attention to detail as a hand trim without causing pain and strain to the trimmer.
A small investment at just over $300, Trim Daddy is certainly a commitment to elevating the trim experience in your operation - but comes in much under the thousand dollar price tag of similar competitors. Trim Daddy is for trimmers, by trimmers.
While there are currently no regulations surrounding equipment use for trimmers, equipping your team with adequate resources can prevent employee turnover, increase retention and productivity all while reducing operational expenses.
Resources for Cannabis Industry Employees
While seemingly endless resources and regulations exist on marijuana use in the workplace, information for occupational health and safety of cannabis industry employees is severely lacking. If you’re employed in the cannabis industry, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite resources below:
Guide to Worker Safety in the Cannabis Industry
Cannabis Industry Health and Safety
Cannabis Industry Hazards Safety Training
Trim Daddy couldn’t do its job without you - so we’ll lay out some ground rules.
Patience is Key
According to Big Buds Mag, “if you harvest too early, you miss out on that weight gain, which means missing out on potentially 30-45 percent of your profits.” Because the last trimester of the growing process is so crucial to the quality of your weed, you want to make sure the timing of your harvest sets you up for success.
Harvesting too early can cause you to lose some of the plant’s potency, creating a different and potentially less pleasurable consumption experience.
Waiting just a week can produce significantly better results. Just like the saying “a watched pot never boils,” your plants need the opportunity to fully develop before you decide to pull the plug.
However, there is a gray area between harvesting too early and too late depending on the type of high you’re going for. Keep reading to figure out how you can better calculate potency as your babies grow!
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
We’re with you on wanting the highest quality flower, but that means allowing your plants the life cycle they deserve.
In the final weeks of harvest, the trichomes on your plants should appear milky white. It takes about two weeks for them to transition from cloudy to a darker amber color.
What is a trichome? By definition, they are “fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens and certain protists.”
Trichomes produce cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids - all of which contribute to the flavor profile and strength of your favorite strains.
“Harvesting too early, when all the resin glands are intact, sturdy and clear, provides a...less intense high than harvesting at peak potency when some of the resin glands are cloudy and/or amber.” (BigBudsMag)
A certain THC percentage can be lost if you harvest too soon - so if you’re looking for a heavier high especially, wait just a little bit longer.
It’s All In The Details
When timing your harvest, you gotta have an eye for the little things. A magnifying glass can be helpful in those final days of growth to really nail it.
If you’re growing outdoors, pay attention to weather patterns also.
Determine Your Ideal High
A common harvest myth is that you must follow the breeder’s and/or bloom-phase estimates to a tee. However, by carefully monitoring your plants, you can actually engineer the type of high you want to achieve.
One cannabis plant is not always like the other, so don’t necessarily take another’s word for it.
Another thing to note - if you’re going for bubble hash, kief or other forms of processed cannabis concentrates rather than flower, BigBudsMag says “harvesting too early robs you of some of your resin gland harvest.”
For a lighter, less serious high, notice when the resin glands are just beginning to turn cloudy and keep a close eye for the next few days.
If you’re looking for a heavier, more concentrated high, wait until approximately 30-35 percent of the glands are cloudy or amber.
Different harvesters have different opinions on which type of high suits their purposes, so do you. But remember - allowing your plants adequate time to mature will benefit everyone involved in the long run.
Once you’ve determined the harvest time that fits your needs, let Trim Daddy do the rest.
Even if your harvest is impeccably timed, don’t ruin a good thing by resorting to scissor or hand trimming. The right trimming equipment can make or break the end of your harvest, so shop Trim Daddy today! We know you dedicated time and energy into this project, so let us take the uncertainty out of those final harvesting steps.
]]>But, growing marijuana isn’t as simple as starting an herb garden. For example, timing your cannabis harvest can be difficult.
But don’t be intimidated — Trim Daddy can help you better time your marijuana harvest. We’ve compiled our very own guide to improve your cannabis production process.
Accurately timing your plants is challenging because every marijuana plant and strain is different. Here are some factors to consider during the flowering and harvesting phases.
The first way to approach harvest timing is by looking at the type of strain. You should harvest Indica strains before Sativa strains. Indica harvest time takes eight weeks after flowering and Sativa strains take ten weeks after flowering.
During the flowering phase, it's essential to pay attention to your plant’s growth and progression. The first few weeks are especially important — you’ll not only need to properly feed them but ensure they have plenty of space to grow.
Keep in mind that if you’re using Autoflower seeds, your timeline may be a bit different, depending on your strain.
Week one is when you’ll see the most growth. This is why week one is also called the “stretch phase.”
During week two, your plant may develop pistils. Pistils are extremely important to marijuana maturity, more on those a little later on.
The growing and stretching will slow down during week three. You may also see the first signs of developing buds.
Growing usually stops at week four. During this phase, you should make sure the buds are growing. Check the buds every day to ensure they’re getting larger. They also may start producing trichomes during this time.
Week five is characterized by thickening buds as well as new bud formation. This is a sure sign your plant is in full flowering mode.
Week six marks the end of the flowering stage. Not all strains take as long to mature, so it’s vital you pay close attention to your plant’s progress. While milky white trichomes are a sure sign of maturity, there are other ways to determine maturity. A few other methods are mentioned below.
Lots of stem growth issues can occur during the flowering and pre-flowering phases. Fragile and weak stems usually indicate a problem and can even prevent your plant from maturing. But if your stems are strong, this may signal the plant is in the later flowering stages.
Harvesting buds based on resin level is a little controversial; some plants are ready to harvest when resin trichomes are at their THC concentration peak and other strains still need to wait a few more days after this time.
If you’re judging harvesting by resin level, keep your strain in mind. As stated earlier, Indicas should be harvested earlier than Sativas — when the resin glands are developed but not fully ripened. Extending the harvesting time will impact the effects.
Another indication that it's time to harvest cannabis plants are when the leaves change color. During the flowering phase, the leaves will be a healthy green color. As they enter the harvesting phase, the leaves turn a yellow or yellow-brown color.
We promised more about pistils - we wouldn’t leave you hanging. When pistils first form, they look similar to little white hairs. As the plant matures, the pistils will darken and curl inward. If there’s a combination of dark and white pistils, your plant is not ready for harvest.
Most growers use the trichome strategy to determine when marijuana is ready to harvest. They use a magnifying glass or magnifier to study the trichomes.
Harvest-ready trichomes are milky-white, almost looking like plastic. These vivid trichomes also mean the plant has potent THC and/or CBD levels.
If the trichomes still look clear and glassy, your plant isn’t ready for harvest. If you harvest your plant too early, the effects won’t be as potent.
Some growers also let marijuana plants harvest after the trichomes turn milky white. They will turn an amber color; while the effects won’t be as intense, you’ll still get a cerebral sensation. Waiting this long to harvest depends on the strain you’re growing.
Everyone has a different growing and harvesting process. But are there any specific best practices?
There are a few steps to complete before, during, and after harvesting:
Following these few extra steps will ensure harvesting and drying will be flawless.
For more details on how to handle your crop after harvesting, check out our After Harvest guide.
There is not one ‘best and most impactful’ way to trim your plant, but your trimming method can impact consumption results. It’s generally recommended to trim before drying your cannabis. Drying makes the resin glands brittle; trimming when your plant is dry will risk resin gland loss.
Should you still use hand trimming or is machine trimming recommended? Machine trimming saves a lot of time and can improve the look of buds. However, some plants still require hand trimming.
As an alternative, you can have the best of both worlds. You can use a trimming device that offers the precision of hand trimming with the speed of a machine.
One of the biggest struggles faced by new marijuana growers is timing your plant for maturity.
An accurate marijuana harvest time will result in healthy buds that produce amazing results. There are many ways to know your plant is ready for harvest, but it’s still essential to pay close attention to the flowering phase and practice the best trimming methods.
Are you looking for a better way to trim your marijuana harvest? Trim Daddy creates an efficient trimming solution without compromising the quality of hand trimming. Shop Trim Daddy today!
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Did you know carpal tunnel syndrome affects 3% to 6% of adults? It's one of the most common entrapment neuropathies: a group of disorders that are characterized by loss of function or pain to the nerves because of chronic compression.
Employees in the cannabis industry, particularly trimmers exposed to highly repetitive work, are at an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel.
Trimming cannabis doesn't have to lead to serious injury or pain, but it can.
Do you want to learn how to prevent muscular-skeletal issues from trimming marijuana? Keep reading for a guide that explains what causes carpal tunnel and the best ways to prevent it.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by repetitive pressure on the median nerve in the hand, wrist, and arm. This pressure can be caused by injury, individual anatomy, and also repetitive movements.
The CDC has noted that because trimmers spend all day performing repetitive movements with their hands and wrists, they’re at particularly high risk for developing Carpal Tunnel.
Signs of Carpal Tunnel Include:
As carpal tunnel gets worse and when left untreated, it can become extremely debilitating.
People afflicted with carpal tunnel can lose coordination, find it difficult and painful to move their fingers and find themselves unable to perform daily tasks and job duties.
Typically, a wrist splint is the first order of treatment, which can make it impossible to hold and use trimming scissors or other tools.
Corticosteroid injections can help alleviate pain and symptoms, but the benefits are usually temporary. If symptoms do return, surgery is the next option.
The recovery process for the surgery (called a carpal tunnel release procedure) can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. Somewhere between 75% and 90% of carpal tunnel surgeries are successful, but symptoms can return if the factors that caused it are not addressed.
Think about marijuana trimming scissors for a moment. Trimmers spend hours gripping the scissors, which engages all the arm's muscles. Those motions extend to the bicep and shoulder too.
The work is repetitive, which means trimmers rarely get the chance to recover. Using scissors puts you in danger of causing a number of repetitive strain injuries to the fingers, wrists, and arms.
Whether it's a sprain, a cramp, or a pulled ligament, it's difficult to trim when you're in pain or immobilized. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to avoid marijuana trimming injuries.
Whether it's a wet trim or a dry trim, manual trimming can cause a myriad of hand, wrist, and finger sprains and injuries. Here are some of the things you can do to minimize those risks:
Trim Daddy boasts the benefits of trimming by hand but with the power of an electric motor. Anyone can operate the easy trimmer, it's perfect for all different hand sizes, and it saves hand strain!
You can hold and grip it in different ways to trim buds to perfection without having to twist and strain your wrist.
Unlike alternative trimming machines, Trim Daddy offers more than 10,000 hours of trimming, without overheating.
There's less training, less cleaning, and it saves time!
If the above benefits weren’t convincing enough, let’s talk numbers because Trim Daddy offers a quick ROI.
A grower with 100 plants will make back the cost of Trim Daddy in reduced labor costs in just one harvest!
That same grower will spend around $12,000 annually on hand trimming labor and spend a total of 4 weeks a year just harvesting and trimming.
Trim Daddy’s speed can reduce trim time from weeks to days, reducing labor budgets by over half.
In just one harvest, Trim Daddy can save small to medium growers hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.
Trimmers will appreciate the comfortable handheld design that reduces strain and minimizes the risk of carpal tunnel, which results in less pain on the job and less time off.
Trim Daddy isn’t just quicker, it’s also built to last. It’s 3rd generation brushless motor provides over 10,000 hours of trim time, and Trim Daddy stands behind its trimmers with a comprehensive 3-year warranty, meaning your investment is protected.
Trim Daddy Is the Best Tool for Trimming Cannabis
Trimming cannabis is a great profession, as long as you use the best tools and take care of your physical health.
When you're required to perform highly repetitive movements at work, it's crucial to sit or stand with excellent posture, and to take a break every hour.
Stretch all your muscles, especially those you move the most. Pay attention to how tightly you grip your trimming tool, and make sure to keep your wrist in a neutral position as much as possible.
Keep your body warm, and use Trim Daddy! It's the premier automated trimmer with technology, quality, and comfort that is unmatched in other trimming tools on the market today.
Plus, it's easy to use! Check out how it works here or start shopping so that you can start saving and trim with ease!
]]>How you choose to trim can significantly impact the quality of your product. One way isn't necessarily better than the other, but there are specific reasons and methods for each choice.
Whichever method you choose though, Trim Daddy is designed to stay sharp and fast when trimming either wet or dry.
The primary purpose is to get rid of the unnecessary parts of the plant. For example, the leaves don't carry the same beneficial trichomes, terpenes, and cannabinoids that the buds carry.
Do you want to learn more about marijuana harvesting?
Keep reading for a guide that breaks down wet trimming, dry trimming, and when or why to choose either one.
At the end of the cannabis harvesting processes, there are a few reasons to trim your plants.
First, you want to get rid of the parts of the plant (like the leaves) that don't contain any of the beneficial properties and components that other parts of the plant are rich in. Plus, bigger leaves that protrude from marijuana buds tend to result in a harsher smoke as they're more moist.
When leaves are properly trimmed, buds are more likely to contain a uniform moisture content that offers a much more enjoyable smoking experience.
Excess foliage doesn't look good either. When buds are trimmed, they are much more aesthetically pleasing.
Depending on the strain, it can take buds anywhere from 5 to 16 weeks or longer to grow.
When it comes time to harvest your precious plants, it's essential to make the right decisions around drying and curing as it'll determine the quality of your product.
Let's take a look at the 2 ways to trim, and when it's better to choose wet or dry.
Wet trimming takes place BEFORE you hang your cannabis plants to dry. Some of the advantages of wet trimming are:
If you're in a rush and want your product to be ready sooner, a wet trim will dry the buds faster because they won't have the additional weight of the stalks and leaves. It also gives the plants more of a chance to puff up, thus allowing for bigger buds.
If your drying environment is particularly humid or you don't have a lot of space, trimming wet will cut moisture levels and eliminate the risk of mold.
Be prepared to clean your scissors often, though, and to get all your trimming done in a shorter period so that the plants can be hung to dry. Trim Daddy has blades that are fast and easy to change for cleaning, meaning you spend more time trimming and less time cleaning blades.
In near perfect conditions, cannabis plants can take up to 2 weeks to dry. Dry trimming takes place AFTER you hang them to dry.
Some of the advantages of dry trimming are:
Dry trimming is ideal for those who like to influence the aesthetic and shape of their final product.
Plus, while it may seem ideal to do a wet trim and dry buds faster, sometimes this results in terpene loss. When buds are in the right environment to dry slowly, it can increase the terpene potency and flavor.
Trichomes harden as they cure, so dry trimming can help lessen any potential mess or stickiness while trimming. Bowl trimmers, or just a sloppy hand trim, can damage trichomes. Trim Daddy’s electric scissor design means you can save precious trichomes while you trim.
Even though wet trimming is the preferred method for most cannabis growers, it's not necessarily the better option. Growers with a lot of yield and harvest often choose to dry trim, whereas smaller growers typically choose wet trim.
Many growers use both options, too. They choose to wet trim as soon as the harvest is done to jumpstart the drying process and then trim when plants are dry to enhance the buds' appearance and aesthetic.
Regardless of whether you dry trim, wet trim, or both, it's crucial to make sure you're using efficient and comfortable trimming methods.
Manicuring buds can take hours, and professional bud trimmers often do upwards of 40 hours per week. It's essential that you have a comfortable place to sit during the trimming process and to make sure you take breaks to move around.
Be sure to keep a clean workspace, too, as dust and other debris could significantly impact your product.
Your plant trimmer plays an essential role in the trimming process. A marijuana trimming machine can help you get more done, faster. However, the machines are expensive and hard to maintain. Also, sometimes buds get shaved, and trichomes get damaged in the process.
Hand trimming results in a better quality finished product but requires more time. Plus, it can cause hand cramping, carpal tunnel and other hand-related injuries.
However, hand trimming with an electric trimmer is an excellent way to minimize waste but boast faster trimming times. Trim Daddy provides trimmers with the accuracy of a hand trim, but with the speed of a machine.
Not only does it reduce hand cramping, but it also improves efficiency. Plus, it doesn't mangle or shave the product down as large machine trimmers do.
Whether you opt to dry trim, wet trim, or both, trimming marijuana plants well requires special care and attention.
Trimming with hand scissors results in excellent aesthetic and little waste, but it takes significantly longer to complete. Machine trimming, while fast, is often wasteful.
Trim Daddy will give you the best of both worlds: the precision of hand-trimming with the speed of an electric motor.
Our patented technology is built to last so that you can trim nonstop without worrying about an overheating machine. If you need to change blades, it only takes a few seconds to pop a new set in.
Are you ready to streamline your trimming process while maintaining beautiful, appealing buds? Shop Trim Daddy today.
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Just like selecting the right strain, growing conditions and nutrients, good pruning is an essential task in successful cannabis production. Here, we’ll discuss why proper pruning is important, a few different pruning methods and when to use them, some common mistakes to avoid, and how Trim Daddy can make pruning faster, safer, and more effective.
As you probably already know, 'pruning' a marijuana plant refers to trimming the unwanted parts of it off. Pruning makes more room for the healthy buds to grow and allows them to absorb more light. Using a trimmer with automatic trimming blades, like Trim Daddy, ensures that you get all of the small, unwanted leaves off of your plant so that the good stuff can flourish.
Pruning increases your crop yield in multiple ways. It eliminates the buds that aren't going to thrive and allows the plant to focus the energy that it would have spent growing them elsewhere. It also gives your plant more space to let natural light in and reach the good leaves.
It also trains your plant to focus on the areas that you want to flourish rather than the small buds at the bottom of the plant. This ensures that they grow appropriately in the space you have provided and that they thrive in areas that can easily be reached by light.
Now that you know the basics of pruning and how it helps boost yield, it's time to talk about how to properly prune your cannabis plants; what should be removed during this process, and what techniques need to be employed. Read on to learn how you can increase your marijuana yield when growing both indoors and outdoors!
When pruning a marijuana plant, the first thing that you should do is remove entire branches that are dying due to lack of sunlight. These branches will generally be at the bottom of the plant because upper-level leaves have given them too much shade. You can prune the entirety of these branches to give yourself more room to perform more detailed work on the rest of the plant.
Don't worry that you might be wasting cannabis when you prune these branches- they’re never going to fully develop into usable buds because of their positioning on the plant and lack of sunlight.
After you finish cutting off all the full branches that you don't want, you can begin clipping bud sites that are low down the main stalks of your plant. These branches that are growing up under the canopy also will get shaded out, making them unable to develop usable buds. Getting rid of them will give your usable buds extra space to grow, thrive, and flourish.
These small branches and bud sites can be hard to reach, but Trim Daddy’s compact design helps trimmers to maneuver into hard to reach places on the plants.
Finally, you'll need to take a comprehensive look at the remainder of your plant. Prune any tiny branches or dying leaves. If you don't do this, the rest of the plant is more likely to become unhealthy.
The open space created by pruning will let extra light get to the healthy, usable buds. This will give the entire plant a growth spurt in the days following your pruning.
The plant will also thrive because you have controlled where the plant invests its energy in growing. It isn't going to waste time and resources attempting to grow unproductive or dying areas, but will rather be able to focus on the areas that will yield usable weed.
In addition to pruning the right parts of your plant, you are going to want to utilize a few different pruning techniques.
One of the main pruning techniques is called 'topping.' This is what it's called when you prune the growing main stem of the cannabis plant. Eliminating this top will allow two new main colas to develop. Not only does this increase yield in and of itself, but it also promotes growth of the lower branches by increasing the light levels that they receive.
Fimming is another main pruning technique similar to topping, but instead of doubling your yield, it can increase it 4x. Here, you use your high-quality trimmer to get rid of 75% of the main stem of your cannabis plant. Once this is done, the main shoot will develop into four (or more) colas that will be 100% usable.
Before trying either of these pruning techniques, make sure that the plant has between 3-5 nodes.
If you want the most yield possible, topping and fimming alone aren't going to cut it. You're going to need to go above and beyond with lollipopping and scrogging.
Lollipopping is simply the removal of fluffy lower bud sites from your cannabis plant with your plant trimmer. When you do this, you help your plant redirect its energy into growing large leaves rather than into nurturing tiny nubs. This is generally best done the third week after the buds develop.
'Scrogging' is a bit different than these other pruning techniques because it refers to the site at which the plant should be grown. High-yield pruning strategies can be enhanced with Screen of Green (ScrOG), which refers to placing a mesh screen across the grow space. You then can have the concrete goal of having the plant bud through as many mesh holes as possible, which increases your yield by encouraging you to attain a quantifiable objective.
When pruning your plants, there are also some common trim mistakes that you need to avoid.
The first mistake is pruning plants at the wrong time. When you prune too early or try to clip off bad buds preemptively, you run the risk of eliminating a part of the plant that could have grown into a good product. Of course, this is something to avoid at all costs if you want to maximize your yield!
The second- and more detrimental- mistake is over-pruning. While you may think that pruning constantly is a great way to ensure that your plant gets the appropriate amount of light, you could wind up killing it if you’re not careful. The nutrients that your plant needs are stored in its buds, and clipping these buds off means that nutrients will never get to the parts of your plant that you want to nurture. Instead, pruning once a week is generally a safe bet.
Keep your own health and safety, or that of your workers, in mind as well. Using manual scissors or trimmers may give a clean, accurate cut, but the repetitive strain and wrist contortions required can lead to hand strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Using an electric trimmer like Trim Daddy for pruning can cut down on time, labor costs, and hand strain.
While there are a lot of important aspects to cultivating thriving cannabis plants, pruning appropriately is one of the most critical. Pruning properly ensures that your plants will get the right amount of light and nutrients to grow the product that you want.
If you’re looking to cut down on pruning and trimming time, but aren’t willing to give up the quality cut of doing it by hand, it’s time to add Trim Daddy to your cultivation toolkit.
Trim Daddy features easy to change blades too, which means you don’t have to stop working to waste time fumbling with hard-to-clean blades. And it’s ergonomic design means you and your crew don’t have to stop because your hands and wrists hurt too much to keep trimming.
Save time, trim better. Invest in a Trim Daddy today.
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Save money
Did you know, the average grower spends $12,000+ on labor for trimming each year? Make 2020, the year you change your labor cost line items. The Trim-Daddy will equip your team to trim, 10x faster than you’ve ever trimmed before.
Not only that, but the Trim-Daddy is so easy to use - anyone can trim, like a professional. Save time on training new trimmers, by handing them their own Trim-Daddy to use. The Trim-Daddy does the work for you, with the skill it’s built with. Trimming sugar leaves, and leaving manicured nugs ready for oil processing or boutique sales.
Are you normally frugal with your purchases? Or only invest, when it makes sense for your bottom line? Don’t worry - you’ll get the money you spent on the Trim-Daddy back in just one harvest. Whether with time savings, or money saved from labor costs.
Time savings
Are you a solo grower, running your own home or small operation by your lonesome? Sick of the time it takes to harvest the fruits of your labor? Put the Trim-Daddy on your holiday gift list, and get the gift of extra time with friends, family, or back towards the garden you work so hard on.
Growers using the Trim-Daddy have turned weeks or days of trimming...into days or hours. The normal cumbersome task of manicuring nugs, turns into a simple task completion with the automated blades who do the work for you.
You’ll also impress yourself or gift recipient, with the time saved from cleaning or replacing scissors...With the Trim-Daddy you can trim multiple plants without scraping, cleaning or changing your scissors to a new pair. And, save on purchasing mediocre, standard trimmers, that you’ll know you’ll be replacing in less than a year.
A gift for anyone...that lasts, too.
The Trim-Daddy is the highest quality automated trimmer on the market today. So go all out, for your cannabis growing friends and treat them to the best in the industry. That’ll also last longer than any most gifts you can give. The Trim-Daddy provides over 10,000 hours worth of trimming. The superior brushless motor allows your Trim-Daddy to live a long and strong life. Its patent pending technology makes it impossible to overheat so you can trim nonstop.
In addition, the Trim-Daddy is versatile for handling and use. Meaning anyone can hold and handle the automated trimmer, to achieve the trim job they prefer. The Trim-Daddy is light enough for anyone to use, and whether you’re a beginner or expert trimmer - you’ll be able to maneuver the trimmer around big and small buds, too.
The automated trimmer comes in a sleek, light case that makes the Trim-Daddy easy to transport and store. Equipped with a replacement blade, and a cut-resistant glove - all you’ll need is your crops and the rubbing alcohol you already have on hand, to get started.
Save on gifting
What’s the best part of gifting the Trim-Daddy to your weed growing loved ones, or yourself? For a limited time, our latest and best model is $50 off! Use code 3RDGEN to receive your discount, and start racking up the savings for your operation in 2020.
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Growing green
An understandable identifier...green is an attention grabber amongst the cannabis crowd. Attempting to appear as popular ‘raw’ or ‘organic’ trends, green is the color to be in the cannabis industry today. Which makes sense, given that healthy cannabis plants are green in color, too.
But the green aesthetic is more than just targeting stoner stereotypes. The color delivers a brand image of being from a source of nature. With many looking to be more organic in their general lifestyle, this helps cannabis brands be pleasing to the growing ‘natural’ population.
Health matters
Similarly to being ‘green’, a number of brands are now emerging with health focused branding themes. A growing number of consumers are using cannabis for health benefits, and brands are increasingly focusing efforts to that niche.
To add, medical cannabis is still far more accepted than recreational use. In the number of States who have legalized medical vs recreational, as well. So diverting efforts to health minded consumers provides brands with overall larger target markets, too.
Many brands are using the ‘health’ cross symbol in logos and design, and using medical type packaging to match.
Simple & sophisticated
Along with the next trend, many brands are implementing sophisticated, modern looks to avoid common stereotypes with the industry. The clean and minimalist branding goal also targets consumers looking to relax with the product, or not use due to psychoactive effects.
This includes clean, simple fonts typically with a black and white coloring to remain ‘stylish’ yet classic, too. In addition, this look also appeals to the growing number of women users.
Luxury counts
Lastly, and again to remove stigmas with use, the cannabis industry has gone upscale. Luxurious design and exclusive or customized packaging, is giving many brands the high scale look they’re seeking.
More appeal to women is seen in this trend, as well. Using soft fonts, and muted color schemes to again target the growing market of users. Which also works for an increasing number of specialized THC or CBD products targeted for women specific benefits.
Raising Profits
Growing can be fun, but at the end of the day - it’s a business to most. And with the amount of work you put forth towards your plant’s success, you should do the same with the growth of your brand.
By keeping up with branding and consumer trends, your operation can succeed more than most. What else can help? Improving your time from seed to harvest...with automated tools that are trending too. Like, the Trim-Daddy. Save time, and trim 10x faster than the rest. Equip your team with the best!
]]>The new CBG trend
CBG or Cannabigerol, is one of nearly 400 beneficial cannabinoids that the cannabis plant produces. Like, CBD and THC, CBG provides many unique effects. Even some you may be familiar with from already puffing your favorite strain.
CBG is grown in the early stages of maturity in cannabis plants. It’s the precursor from which other cannabinoids can even be produced. As the plant grows, CBG breaks down and transforms into other cannabinoids. Including CBD, CBGA, THCA and others. This is why CBG is referred to as the “mother” cannabinoid. It’s also why there is less CBG in mature plants, and why it’s more difficult to find the compound for purchase.
But like CBD, CBG does not have psychoactive properties.
Specific CBG effects include -
Growing CBG
Above a plethora of medical benefits, due to its scarceness among strains, CBG is beginning to trend among consumers and growers alike.
Like most retail, the rarest products are most in-demand. Which leads to higher purchasing costs, too.
Overall, CBG is found in low levels across normal cannabis strains - typically less than 1%. While most strains carry levels of CBD and THC up to 30% at times.
Wellness groups specifically focusing on CBG for medical purposes are having a hard time keeping up with demand. But due to CBG flourishing in younger plants - the supply is low. Cultivators have had to implement new growing methods, and securing new genetics for higher productions of CBG. As the compound is quickly becoming a luxury item on the market.
In comparison to CBD, hemp strains typically contain up to 20% CBD to just 1% of CBG. Which means, producers have to grow 20 times more flower to produce equal amounts of CBG oil to CBD amounts.
Many seed banks, and geneticists have taken note. Modifying flower to produce strains with CBG content levels nearing 10 - 22%.
CBG to raise profits
Like designer items or premium products on the market, those with lesser availability usually trend the most. Which is why CBG is the next best thing since CBD. If you’re looking to increase the demand for your crops, CBG high strains can be the way to grow. Increase your operation’s profit, by acquiring unique strains consumers will soon be seeking more than ever. And, how else can you increase your operation’s profits? Save time on trimming. Check out the Trim-Daddy and trim your crops 10x faster.
]]>So, why cut costs during the final production of your hard-earned cannabis plant harvest? Here’s how the Trim-Daddy is the upgrade you need to add, to your trimming operation.
As a cannabis grower...you do what’s best for your plants. Whether you’re a one-person operation, or a large scale grow - anyone can gain from extra time towards their crops, or less money spent over time. For most, trimming is the least fun part of the job - even dreaded by many. But, with Trim-Daddy - trimming cannabis plants is easy, fast and accurate too. Upgrade your trimming game today, and shop the best Trim-Daddy model, yet, now!
How it’s done
By now, you know the compounds in cannabis provide relief - psychoactive, or not. THC, CBD, terpenes and nearly 400 other cannabinoids are found in the trichomes of plants. The extraction process to concoct concentrates, is the separation of these compounds into a more potent product. While standard marijuana flower usually contains 15-20% THC, concentrates typically boast 90-100%.
The differences in final extract end-product depends on how the goods are isolated. Alcohol, Co2 and butane/propane extraction processes are used the most.
Extracts use solvents including alcohol or Co2 that separate trichomes by washing them away. Concentrates remove trichomes mechanically, without using solvents. By adjusting methods in these processes, you’ll find varied products like tinctures, resin, crumble or batter.
Oil & tinctures
Cannabis oil, tinctures or distillates are the most common. Marijuana is combined in oil or alcohol to create tinctures. These forms are the most versatile. Allowing users to add their doses to foods, liquids or sublingually. Oils and tinctures kick in within 15-45 minutes.
Through co2 processes, and additionally distilling, oil distillate is cannabis in almost a clear and liquid-like form. Distillate is best known for being discrete, like in the use of vape pens. Cannabinoids in their purest forms, have no scent or aroma.
Live resin, crumble, shatter and badders are all varied versions of concentrates. Which have thicker consistencies for dabbing. Shatter is like its’ name, and is glass-like and translucent in form. Crumble and badders are wax-like, but differ in final consistencies.
If you prefer tasting your favorite strain, live resin is the extract for you. For this products’ process, bud is frozen immediately after the plant is cut down for harvesting. This preserves cannabinoids and terpenes, that provide cannabis its’ aroma and taste.
THC-a or Crystalline is the newest of extract products. THC-a, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the notable psychoactive cannabinoid found in the trichomes. The crystal end product is the cannabinoid isolated into a compound similar to snow or salt. Upon heating THC-a, in a dab rig or pen, the compound converts to THC.
Rising in popularity
Concentrates are rising in popularity due to their potency, overall. Cannabinoid levels can range from 70-90%+ in concentrates in comparison to 10 - 30% usually found in flower.
Being discreet and convenient is also why extract use is rising. Using cannabis to reap its’ benefits, is easier, quicker and more potent with concentrates. With advancements in technology for vape pens, dab rigs and torches, accessibility of use for concentrates is increasing, too.
The purest of plant matter
What matters most is what’s inside the plant. Concentrates and extracts are providing the purest and most isolated forms of that plant matter that matters. And worth the most to growers on the market. While the new trend may be overwhelming in options, with the right partners, your bud can be turned into elevated products. Making your ROI higher, overall.
On the Move
When transporting harvest product, growers can be moving hundreds of thousands of dollars in cannabis. Which is naturally a nerve-wrecking process.
Currently, any truck regulated by the Department of Transportation is prohibited from moving marijuana. So, how can cultivators safely transport their crops? Luckily, there’s a growing number of brands that have emerged to answer that question.
With growing legalization, the cannabis industry has formed supply chain solutions for transportation needs. Even though, banking and transporting laws still in place, has lead to a slow start.
For example, current logistics or transportation companies already serving other industries must be licensed specifically to handle cannabis. This means they may be required to renovate existing warehouses or even build new. Just to meet regulations for transporting cannabis.
Until recently, most growers have operated on a cash basis. And handled transportation in their own way. With regulations imposing on that process, legally, growers have been nudged into using emerging start-up solutions.
Safety & Security
Due to the value of transported goods, many new brands are focusing on safety and security for their client needs. Noah Stokes, the CEO of CannaGuard, a Portland based cannabis transportation company said the following in regards to moving harvest biomass -
“Pound for pound, it’s like transporting gold. There are no serial numbers on it, customers have to pay in cash, and it’s all difficult to insure,”
Focusing on security has prompted cannabis companies to use armored cars. Serving as additional insurance, for moving their precious goods or profit.
The armored transport option also removes the fear of theft. Vehicles are usually equipped with bulletproof glass, safety deposit boxes, and GPS tracking for monitoring of route or diversions from directions.
But be careful with inter-state travel. Even though the recently enacted ‘Farm Bill’ has approved hemp nationwide, certain state restrictions on cannabis can still apply and even override.
Emerging Answers
With a demand for moving marijuana, let’s take a look at a few cannabis transportation companies from legalized states.
CannaGuard - Oregon
Canna Security America - Multiple States
HARDCAR Next Generation Security - California
Lelantos Transport - Michigan
Cannabis Security Experts - Oklahoma
Bud Runner - Washington State
Green Parcel Service - Michigan and Colorado
If you’re looking for your own transportation, there are companies to build your own vehicle, too. Like, Nor-Cal Van, located in California and similar brands are converting used cargo vans, customized for cannabis clients.
Safety First
Once you have a finished product, the last thing any grower wants is to be at risk when transporting. Start exploring your options prior to harvesting, so your process can be as stress-free as possible.
CBD is here to stay
While CBD was all the rage in 2018, the non-psychoactive counterpart is growing even further in the years to come. Also known as Cannabidiol, CBD is popular amongst users looking to feel the effects of medical relief, without feeling high. Which is why its’ growth into common use products has been elevated, as of late.
Companies like Coca-Cola, are infusing beverages with CBD to deliver relief with a sip or a drink. Popular products include CBD water, wine, soft drinks, and even cold brews. The benefits provided by these drinks include what CBD normally offers when consumed - relief for pain, stress, insomnia, and other ailments.
And who else suffers from these types of conditions? Friends, family, and loved ones...like animals and pets too. And that’s the next Cannabis trend - CBD for your furry friends. Whether fear from storms, or anxiety from a rescued past...pets can be anxious, like people. And CBD can help.
Not only is CBD calming, but pet owners are also adressing symptoms of arthritis common in older animals. A recent study at Cornell University was conducted, and found that 2 mg per kilogram of CBD twice daily “can help increase comfort and activity” in dogs with osteoarthritis. And many are choosing more natural medicine for their pets, like humans are opting for CBD too.
Other household products like cosmetics are being infused with the calming components of CBD, too. Popular publications like Allure, Glamour or New York Times, are listing their best CBD skin-care products and the benefits are abundant. CBD is known to help skin conditions like acne, rosacea, swelling or soreness due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Organic Grown
Like food products, clothing and skin care too...Cannabis has gone organic. With wellness, and natural-made items rating higher on consumers’ requirements, weed is no different. Users, recreationally and medically, are seeking organic grown flower, or products for use.
So, how is weed organic? Like common goods, the plant is grown naturally without chemicals. Or, without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms.
To keep up with demand, and proof of production many Cannabis growers and brands are increasing their testing and result communications. Products are developing new ways to distribute specific compounds by delivering full lab reports. Like QR codes, equipped with cannabinoid and potency levels.
New Cannabinoids
Due to a rise in research, our knowledge on the components of Cannabis that relieve symptoms, is rising too. The most recently noted, being CBC, CBG and CBN. While most common strains contain low amounts of these intoxicating compounds...experiments continue to prove their effectiveness for conditions in need of treatments.
CBC, or cannabichromine, is a cannabinoid found helpful for pain, depression, inflammation and healthy brain function. And cancer, too. CBC interacts directly with the body’s endocannabionid, anandamide, which has been shown to fight breast cancer.
CBG, or cannabigerol, is being researched more actively once positive results were produced in studies of aiding glaucoma, huntington’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, bladder dysfunctions and cancer, as well.
CBN, or cannabinol could be the sleep therapy all insomniacs are searching for. Other than being sedative, CBN is also being further investigated for promotion in growth of bone cells, ceasing convulsions, stimulating appetite, and relieving pain or inflammation.
Grow technology
Between testing for minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC and CBN and improving labor efficiency from small to large, technology and innovation in the cannabis industry has stepped up to the trending plate.
Chromatography is a new extraction technology that is more easily able to isolate minor cannabinoids, high in demand. Chromatography is a ‘flash’ process that uses a purification system, solvents, an ultraviolet detector, and a fraction collector to isolate the CBG cannabinoid. It’s the most high-tech process to separate individual cannabinoids, like CBG that is found in small quantities.
Automated trimming machines and scissors, like the Trim-Daddy have also emerged as efficient necessities to help growers keep up with large harvests. With the legalization of hemp, federally - the amount of biomass being produced has significantly increased. The Trim-Daddy uses a proprietary brushless motor, and self cleaning blades to save trimming crews from worn down scissors, strain on hands and wrists, time taken to clean and scrape standard trimmers...all while saving on labor costs too. The third generation, set to launch soon, even saves time on changing blades with a pop off cover, for smoother access. You can learn more here, and shop our selection (link to shop).
So old, yet so new
Cannabis is one of the oldest medicines around...yet, so new to being discovered through legalization in the modern age era of research. As its’ inner components are more scientifically extracted, and researched, brands will continue to put the compounds to good use. And as the market grows...so do brands innovating the industry to improve across the board.
]]>The final phase
Did you know that once you cut your cannabis plants down, their production of beneficial compounds hasn’t stopped? That’s right. The way you dry, store and cure your bud can affect its’ final potency and quality.
That’s because the biosynthesis process that produces THCA and cannabinoids keeps going once your plants are cut down for harvesting. In ideal conditions, beneficial compounds can even gain in potency by still producing THCA while curing.
Which is why maintaining the proper practices to protect your bud in the final phase is just as important as the care you put into growing it.
Trimming
While most growers differ among their opinions to wet trim or dry trim, many prefer wet trimming due to its simplicity for the harvesting process. The advantages of trimming when initially cutting your plant down include saving trichomes, avoiding mold, expediting your curing process and potentially fatter buds.
Because you’re looking to remove moisture from your hanging plants as quickly as possible, wet trimming is ideal. By removing fan leaves that are carrying excess moisture from feeding or flushing before hanging, you’re removing additional and unnecessary leaves that will make your stalks take longer to dry. This is also the main source of avoiding mold, since we all know, moisture in non-ideal conditions can cause pesky contamination.
Other growers like to dry trim to avoid a sticky mess, and/or increase terpene production. If cannabis dries out too quickly, it can lead to terpene degradation. And when you lose terpenes, you lose taste and aromas you may be looking for when producing certain strains.
Either way, whether you choose to wet or dry trim - don’t forget, the Trim-Daddy can help make this process up 4x faster than normal scissors.
Dry time
The process of drying and curing buds, not only can affect taste and potency but the harshness of your hits too. If you’re producing cannabis for oil, this may not be so important. Most oil extractors request that the final flower be cut, sealed in a food storage bag, and frozen almost immediately (or within a couple days). But, if you’re growing for boutique or smokeable flower...these next few steps are key for smooth smoking.
Whether you’re hanging the whole plant, individual stalks, or even using a drying rack system...the process to completely dry out your bud will take about 1-2 weeks. And the room and temperatures you do so in, will definitely make a difference.
The best practice often recommended is in a dark space, with temperatures between 60 - 70 degrees. Light can also degrade beneficial compounds like cannabinoids or terpenes. Humidity levels are just as important and most cultivators keep humidity from 45 - 55% overall. These conditions will help your final product gain potency as they dry.
Last but not least, curing.
And last but not least, is the curing process or storing of the nugs after you’ve clipped them from their stems. At this point, you may be manicuring the buds to their appropriate shape, and removing any excess sugar leaves. These leaves also add to throat burning or harsh hits, when smoking.
To begin the curing process, your final nugs are stored in airtight containers. Typically, mason jars, hence their popularity amongst the industry. To maintain potency and protect your weeds’ integrity, it’s again, best to store the jars in a cool dark space.
During the first week of curing, you’ll ‘burp’ the jars once a day - or open the top lid for a short period of time. This allows your cannabis to breathe, and let any remaining moisture out. Which is another mold deterrent to keep your buds fresh and free of any rotting.
Certain strains can be cured in jars for up to 8 weeks - or sometimes even longer. Generally though, you’ll be curing your final pot product in jars for 2-3 weeks for ideal taste, flavor and potency.
To summarize...once you’re ready to harvest, your work and efforts towards premium or top shelf cannabis is far from over. It’s important to follow these best practices to ensure your investment and crops are just as good, as they were during their growing process too. If you’re looking to improve your team’s efficiency during any harvest - look no further. Trim-Daddy helps hundreds of growers across the nation speed up the trimming process to make their systems more seamless. Shop our products now, and save the time where you can.
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What does autoflower really mean?
Autoflower is appropriately named, considering the definition means that the seeds will automatically flower. The autoflower varieties have a shorter ‘veg’ state that is normally standard for cannabis plants grown from standard seeds or clones. This also means, unlike normal cannabis plants, autoflower seeds don’t depend on light cycles (or periods of darkness) to begin flowering.
But how? As advancements in technology and research grew in cannabis, so did the abilities of seed genetics. Autoflower seed genetics were crossed with a lesser known subspecies - cannabis ruderalis. This type of cannabis gene type is known for autoflowering, and for being shorter in stature versus cannabis indica or sativa subspecies.
By cross-breeding and hence ‘genetically modifying’ autoflower seeds, they are essentially set on ‘auto-pilot’, and flower on their own time, and more easily.
What is the difference?
Due to the advanced nature or modifications of autoflower seeds, they are more expensive than typical seeds. So, now that you know what an autoflower seed really is, is it worth the additional cost? Here’s a quick breakdown of how autoflower seeds grow differently so you can decide what’s best for your garden or space.
All in all, there are a number of benefits to growing from autoflower seeds. If you’re looking to increase your current garden with new strains, or just begin to grow your own - autoflower seeds are the easiest way to get going, fast. What else can get your harvests on the move? The Trim-Daddy, during any trimming and harvest process...check it out now, and just keep growing!
Flower, first
To start with the basics, the cannabis flower contains cannabinoids and terpenes that provide its’ psychoactive or beneficial health effects. These cannabinoids are found in the trichomes of the plant, or more well known as the ‘crystals’ on the bud. These trichomes, are then extracted or removed from the flower, to create concentrates like wax, shatter, distillate and more…
So, the more trichomes, or ‘sticky icky’ resin crystals found on your cannabis flower...the higher your concentrates’ potency or production will be. Which is why the production of your marijuana or hemp flower, is important to enhance or increase trichome count or quality, overall.
Beginning with the strain, the more complex terpene profile produces higher quality concentrates. And more flavorful, considering the terpenes are the aromatic carriers in cannabis plants. If you’re growing cannabis flower directly for concentrate, you’ll also want to avoid foliar spraying, as it can turn up as contaminants during testing.
This also includes avoiding any harsh chemicals or pesticides, and completing a full flush in the last two weeks prior to harvest. Like growing any quality or top-shelf flower, you’ll also want to start with a nutrient rich or complete soil to ensure the health of your plant over time. Room Temperature and the addition of Co2, can also help assist in increasing trichome production for cannabis concentrates.
Trimming
Whether trimming wet or dry, the key to maximizing concentrate production, is keeping as many trichomes intact or left on the leaves or bud of your plants. Unlike manicuring nugs for boutique sale, you’ll just be removing any leaves that don’t have trichomes or crystals present.
This can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process, especially in high plant count operations. Which is why the Trim-Daddy has helped many speed up their trimming times, and cut down on involved labor costs. Without investing into expensive trimming machines that can degrade the precious trichomes of the plant for processing.
Drying or Freezing
Your processor’s preference, or timeline for transportation, will determine whether you’ll dry and cure or immediately freeze your flower. Ultimately, you’re again looking to protect your trichomes from breaking down or decreasing which both methods, do.
If your flower is going to process in 1-2 weeks from harvesting, you can remove the fan leaves and immediately freeze. To do so, you’ll loosely package the flower in freezer storage vacuum sealed bags.
If you’re not sure when your flower is going to process, the drying and curing phase is recommended. To dry and cure cannabis flower properly for concentrate extraction, you’ll hang your plants in proper temperatures and humidity, then cure slowly in jars. At first, you’ll ‘Burp’ the jars or open the lids, to let your flower breathe and for moisture to escape.
Extraction matters
Once your flower has made it to processing, the real magic begins. Different extraction processes, and techniques make the different consistencies of concentrates you see on the shelves today. The most popular methods are -
When these solvents are applied to the flower through the extraction process, it separates the terpenes and trichomes away from the plant material for clarifying, and then concentrate production.
The next steps, or technique variations will determine your final concentrate type. For instance, some processors let the concentrate cool, creating a glass like, or crisp ‘shatter’. When making ‘wax’, the concentrate is agitated by heat. For creamier consistencies like ‘batters’, after heat, the concentrate is whipped for texture. ‘Crumble’ type concentrates, are whipped at a lower temperature to achieve their honeycomb or brittle final consistency.
Bigger & better
If you’re growing for concentrates...it’s likely that you’re growing bigger and better. Go bigger and better with your equipment too, by adding Trim-Daddy to your team. Decrease your labor costs, and speed up your harvests by prepping your flower for oil with machine like efficiency, and hand-trimmed results. Our 3rd generation model is about to launch and is better than ever before...but smaller and easier to handle. Contact our sales department today to find out how Trim-Daddy can help your operation.
With statewide marijuana legalization increasing, and federally legalized hemp, the spaces that cannabis is being grown in, are expanding. From outdoor farms, to indoor operations and greenhouses too, the different environments are growing across the nation. And each provide varied growing advantages and disadvantages, too. Here, we’ll review the differences in outdoor, indoor and greenhouse growing, to see what’s best for your plants or area.
Growing Cannabis Outdoors
The most important factor when considering whether or not to grow hemp or marijuana outdoors, is your location. Obviously, climate and conditions will affect your crops when growing in a natural environment. And growing cycles when growing outdoors, normally takes up to 3 months so consider this if you’re in northern or colder climates.
One benefit from your outdoor space, is it’s the most cost efficient way to grow. Using the sun for energy, eliminates your need for lights and cumbersome electricity expenses. If you’re planting in the ground, you’ll save on soil costs as well. Although, you will have to consider watering or irrigation costs, as natural rainfall just won’t cut it.
Another advantage is seemingly unlimited space, can mean more plants and higher yields. And some weed connoisseurs say outdoor grown weed is higher in flavor. Which many attribute to the power of natural sunlight.
But, a drawback from growing cannabis outdoors, is more risk from uncontrollable factors like weather conditions. Droughts, heavy rainfall, low periods of sunlight, flooding or fires can be detrimental to crops that are grown outside.
Growing Cannabis Indoors
When growing indoors, the biggest advantage is control over your environment. However, this is also the most time consuming and labor or cost intensive factor, too.
Of course, the cost of your initial set up will depend on the size or type of grow you build. Indoor grows range from industrial warehouses, to basements, closets or even indoor grow tents. With any method, your initial start-up costs will include lights, ventilation, soil, containers, water or irrigation systems, and any nutrients you might use to supplement growth.
Most importantly, you’ll need supplies to properly clean the area you’re growing in to avoid pests or mold that can be common when growing in an indoor space.
With that said, the startup costs can pay off quick with perpetual harvests. Meaning, unlike growing outdoors, you can grow year round producing more crops and yields overall.
And because indoor growers are able to control their environments, including beneficial light cycles, or the addition of Co2...the bud you grow can be higher quality. And higher in content of beneficial cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, CBG or terpenes. Which is why in legalized states, indoor grown weed tends to test better and sell at a higher cost. An added bonus for your operation’s ROI.
Growing Cannabis in a Greenhouse
Growing marijuana or hemp in a greenhouse can provide the benefits of both indoor and outdoor growing. Along with their disadvantages as well.
For cost, there are low priced and high priced greenhouse options, so you can add to your operation or begin growing at a feasible expense. And with an enclosed space outdoors, your plants are able to hone the natural sunlight, while benefiting from a controlled or protected space from the elements.
Many weather conditions can affect the production of THC, CBD, and terpene levels that your final plants output. Basically, growing in a greenhouse can deliver the quality of indoor cannabis, plus the power of the sun found in outdoor growing, too.
One similar drawback to greenhouse growing, is climate control. When cultivating cannabis, humidity and temperatures are important to producing ideal crops. So, unless you add advanced equipment like climate controllers (heat/air), shutters, or additional lights, in milder or cold climates, you may be limited in the seasons you can actually greenhouse grow in.
Which is best?
With the tedious nature of growing and caring for cannabis plants, if you can do so - indoor environments are generally preferred. Not only can it be more discrete (think, smell), but your precious crops are better protected and controlled for premium production. Whichever method you choose, when it comes to harvest...think Trim-Daddy. Our automated trimmer will save you on time, and money, by saving on labor, too. Make your final phase of a successful crop, efficient and easier than ever with the Trim-Daddy. Check out our products, now!
First thing’s first, you’ve got to cut the unnecessary weight. By removing the leaves from your crop that don’t carry any beneficial cannabinoids, or terpenes. And the age-old question among cannabis growers still remains...is it better to trim plants when they are wet or dry?
Let’s review the differences between wet and dry trimming, so you can determine which will work best for your grow operation.
Wet Trimming
Wet trimming is completed before your hemp or marijuana is hung to dry or cure. Because the plant is still holding water after feeding, the leaves are full of moisture, or ‘wet’.
Trimming immediately after taking down your cannabis plant, has its’ advantages. Many growers choose to wet trim, due to the following benefits -
Dry Trimming
Dry trimming, as you can guess, is performed after your plant has hung and dried completely. Harvested cannabis plants typically dry in 10 days - 2 weeks, in ideal conditions .
Once dried, you’ll be removing any non-coated sugar leaves, that can make smoking more harsh. And the leaves without trichomes, provide no additional benefits, either. A few advantages to dry trimming include -
Wet or dry...Trim-Daddy can help
Luckily, the Trim-Daddy can trim your plants wet or dry. Eliminating many of the cons of either trimming choice. The tool allows you to care for your bud, with handheld capability... but with the speed like no scissors (or hands) can offer. If you haven’t upgraded your trimming game yet, check out our 2nd generation model now, or watch the Trim-Daddy at work.
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