In a market that’s increasingly being taken over by large-scale production, lower quality, and cheaper prices, it’s important to look at the better alternative: craft cannabis. What makes Giving Tree Farms and other craft cannabis producers stand out? From seed-to-package, there’s a certain mindfulness involved. So, let’s take a look at what harvesting craft cannabis entails.
Cultivating Craft Cannabis
Contrary to popular opinion, outdoor cannabis cultivation, indoor cannabis cultivation, and a blend of the two—greenhouse cultivation—can all produce craft cannabis. In fact, given many state regulations, indoor cannabis cultivation may be the only option for cannabis producers who want to produce a high-end product.
While often times sun-grown cannabis is promoted as the best product, the intention of the producer is far more important than the light source or cultivation structure. Being mindful and respectful of the plant and how craft cultivators treat it has a far bigger impact than someone who’s cultivating cannabis outdoors—but views it as nothing more than a commodity.
Plus, as anyone who’s familiar with cannabis canopy management can tell you, sometimes indoor growing can lend itself to a more intimate connection with the plants—especially when outdoor plants can reach towering heights. While we’re on the topic, effectively arranging the canopy is another practice commonly used with craft cannabis to improve the flower by exposing it to adequate light and airflow. When you want optimal potency, you sometimes have to go the extra mile to ensure that every plant is catered to.
Harvesting Craft Cannabis
When it comes to when to harvest cannabis, a craft cannabis producer will likely already be more in tune with the plant and its needs. Timing is everything and this is one of the biggest ways a craft cultivator can stand out in the crowd. Instead of the grow-cut-sell process, a craft cultivator will pay special attention to the plant as it’s peaking. By doing so, the beautiful trichomes will have the highest level of oil residuals.
The artisanal approach to craft harvesting also typically entails hand-trimming. Not only does this prevent any machine-associated damage, but it also brings additional people on board. With more eyes for quality control, it’s far less likely that a buyer or end consumer will end up with something that’s moldy or deformed.
Then comes careful curing. While some producers may simply hang dry the cannabis, careful practices will help to preserve the cannabis’ terpene profile. When it comes down to it, terpenes produce a better aroma, better flavor, and ultimately, a better product. That’s why craft cultivators might combine air drying with climate controls that monitor airflow and relative humidity, then use storage bins to bring the aroma back.
When Looking For Craft Cannabis
Looking for craft cannabis is much like learning how to identify quality cannabis. There’s a lot of overlap between the two. Better aroma and appearance are often linked to more thoughtful cultivation and harvesting practices. Beyond that, looking for smaller, family-owned, women-owned, or BIPOC-owned producers can help you find a brand worth buying buds from.
At Giving Tree Farms, we know that to harvest cannabis successfully is nothing short of an artform—one that we get better at every year. We’re happy to be a part of a segment of the industry that’s committed to clean, craft cannabis. Not only are we SIMPLY CLEAN Certified, but we also just really love what we do and what we’re able to produce. We’re pretty sure that you’d feel the same, so get in touch today to see how you can join us in getting craft cannabis and products made with it to people who want something better than the status quo.