Cultivation SOP

Growing for Resin, Not Flower. 

Section 1: Cultivation and Pre-Harvest Preparation

1. Harvesting Methodology:
   • Timing: Harvest cannabis plants at peak maturity to maximize cannabinoid and terpene content. Choose a time when trichomes are at their most mature, ideally just before plant senescence.
   • Trichome Preservation: Handle plants with care to preserve trichome structure. Minimize physical contact to avoid damaging the resin glands.
2. Initial Freezing:
   • Immediate Freezing: As soon as the plants are harvested, trim and prepare the material for freezing using the Water Plant Freeze Flow (WPFF) method. Rapid freezing prevents degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes.
   • Storage Conditions: Store frozen plant material in airtight, freezer-safe containers at temperatures below -20°C to maintain product integrity.

Section 2: Post-Harvest Handling

1. Material Preparation:
   • Sort the frozen material to remove fan leaves and large stems, which are less resin-rich. Focus on preserving trim and buds with high trichome content.
   • Quality Check: Inspect the frozen material for any contaminants or damaged trichomes that could compromise extraction quality.
2. Pre-Extraction Staging:
   • Prior to beginning the extraction process, ensure all equipment and workspaces are sanitized and prepared for safe handling of frozen cannabis material.

Pre-Harvest Protocols

1. Light Calibration

Objective: Simulate autumnal light conditions to enhance resin production.

Procedure:

Utilize varied lighting sources while decreasing overall intensity.

Configure LED lights to operate at 40% intensity.

Elevate the lights to increase the distance from the plants.

Mimic the lighting characteristics typical of October (autumn).

2. Light Cessation

Objective: Induce stress in the plant to promote resin enhancement.

Procedure:

Deactivate all lighting for a duration of 48-72 hours prior to harvesting.

3. Temperature Optimization

Objective: Create plant stress through temperature reduction.

Procedure:

Lower the ambient temperature to a range of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Final Stress Application

Objective: Activate the plant’s self-defense mechanisms to increase resin output.

Procedure:

Allow the plant to perceive that it is nearing the conclusion of its life cycle.

Diligently monitor for signs of increased resin production in female plants.