As the cannabis industry continues to grow, the demand for high-quality strains with increased resin production and terpene levels has also increased. Resin is the sticky substance that contains the active compounds in cannabis, while terpenes are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its unique smell and flavor. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways cannabis cultivators can increase resin production and terpene levels to meet the demand for high-quality strains.
For many cannabis cultivators, increasing resin production and terpene levels is a top priority. Resin is the sticky substance that contains cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of the plant. Higher levels of resin and terpenes not only improve the quality of the plant but also increase its value in the market. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect resin production and terpene levels and discuss techniques and nutrients that can be used to increase them.
What is Resin On Cannabis Buds?
Resin is the sticky, crystalline substance found on cannabis buds and leaves. It is produced by the plant’s trichomes, which are small, hair-like structures that cover the surface of the plant. Trichomes are responsible for producing cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of the plant. Resin is highly concentrated with these compounds, making it an important component of the plant. The amount of resin on a cannabis bud can vary depending on genetics, environmental factors, and cultivation techniques. Cultivators often aim to increase resin production to improve the quality and value of their product.
Factors that Affect Resin Production and Terpene Levels:
Several factors can impact the amount of resin and terpenes a cannabis plant produces. These include genetics, environmental factors, and cultivation techniques.
Genetics: Cannabis Genetics play a significant role in determining a cannabis plant’s resin production and terpene levels. Some strains are naturally high in resin and terpenes, while others are not. It’s important to select high-quality genetics when breeding or selecting strains to grow.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity can all impact resin production and terpene levels. Cannabis plants require a specific balance of these factors to produce optimal levels of resin and terpenes.
Cultivation Techniques: Several cultivation techniques can be used to increase resin production and terpene levels. These include pruning, topping, training, and stress techniques such as defoliation or bending.
Techniques and Nutrients for Increasing Resin Production and Terpene Levels:
- Pruning: Pruning involves removing some of the plant’s lower growth to increase airflow and light penetration to the top of the plant. This technique can lead to increased resin production in the remaining flower sites.
- Topping: Topping involves removing the top of the plant to promote the growth of multiple colas, which can lead to increased resin production and terpene levels.
- Training: Training involves manipulating the plant’s growth through techniques such as bending, tying, or staking. This technique can increase the number of flowering sites and promote even canopy growth, leading to higher levels of resin and terpenes.
- Stress Techniques: Stress techniques such as defoliation or bending can also increase resin production and terpene levels. However, it’s important to use caution when implementing these techniques to avoid over-stressing the plant.
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are all important nutrients for cannabis plants. However, too much nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth and lower resin production. Phosphorus is crucial for root development and flower formation, while potassium is important for overall plant health and stress tolerance. In addition to these macronutrients, calcium and magnesium are also important for resin production and terpene levels.
Increase Resin Production FAQs:
Q. Can LED lights increase resin production and terpene levels?
A. Yes, LED lights can increase resin production and terpene levels. LED lights are known for producing specific spectrums of light that promote resin and terpene production.
Q. Can terpene enhancing supplements really increase terpene levels?
A. Terpene enhancing supplements (Big Bud, Bud Candy, etc.) are designed to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients and cofactors needed to produce more terpenes. While there are some products on the market that claim to enhance terpene levels, it’s important to remember that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in terpene production as well.
Q. What are the best nutrients for increasing resin production and terpene levels?
A. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are all important nutrients for cannabis plants. However, too much nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth and lower resin production. Phosphorus is crucial for root development and flower formation, while potassium is important for overall plant health and stress tolerance. In addition to these macronutrients, calcium and magnesium are also important for resin production and terpene levels.
Q. Are there any risks associated with using techniques to increase resin production and terpene levels?
A. While techniques such as pruning, topping, and training can be effective for increasing resin production and terpene levels, they can also be risky if not done properly. Over-pruning or stressing the plant too much can lead to reduced yields or even plant death. It’s important to research and understand the proper techniques before implementing them in your cannabis cultivation.
Best Cannabis Strains for Resin Production and Terpene Levels
- Gorilla Glue
- Wedding Cake
- Gelato
- Purple Punch
- Granddaddy Purple
Conclusion:
Increasing resin production and terpene levels is a goal for many cannabis cultivators. By selecting high-quality genetics, controlling environmental factors, and using cultivation techniques and nutrients, it’s possible to increase the amount of resin and terpenes a plant produces. Pruning, topping, training, and stress techniques such as defoliation or bending can all be effective at increasing resin production and terpene levels. It’s important to use caution when implementing these techniques to avoid over-stressing the plant. By following these techniques and providing the plant with the necessary nutrients, cultivators can achieve higher levels of resin and terpenes, resulting in a higher quality and more valuable product.
