Professional Marijuana Grower July-August 2019 Issue | Page 28

of more than 10 degrees F between the “light” and “dark” periods. A large temperature differential be- tween the “light” and “dark” periods can potentially cause humidity-related issues. Ideally, the humidity level in a cannabis fl owering room should fall between 50-60%. However, during the last few weeks of fl owering, the humidity level can be dropped to around 30% to slightly stress the plants. This will most likely require a dehumidifi er. The lower humidity will lightly stress the plants, which, in turn, will increase terpene production. As with reducing the operating temperature, the lower humidity during the last weeks of fl owering will increase terpenes and also protect them by reducing the likelihood of molds and mildews. Plant Manipulation Techniques for Increasing Terpene Production In addition to providing plants with a fl avor enhancer or specifi c terpene enhancer, the most effective way to increase terpene production is to lightly stress the plants during the fl owering stage. Light stress causes cannabis plants to increase the trichome and terpene production even more. When done correctly, the physical manipu- lation of cannabis plants can increase terpene produc- tion during the crucial fi nal stages of fl owering. Always use caution when deliberately initiating stress. Although Dehumidifier (Order GFI #5333) GENERAL FILTERS INCORPORATED Touch Screen & Wi-Fi Control GeneralAire ® Model DH75 Touch Screen & Wi-Fi Control Dehumidifier Removes Up To 75 Pints Per Day Fan-Only Function Low-Temperature Lockout Filter Hour Indicator AFCI Power Cord MERV 11 Filter Quick Access Filter Doors Adjustable Feet Safety Grate Integrated Carrying Handles the benefi ts can be great, it should always be done cautiously so as not to over-stress the plants. The goal is to stress the plants just enough to boost terpene produc- tion, but not enough to cause any serious harm. Two simple plant manipulation techniques that will lightly stress the plants and, therefore, promote more terpene production are super cropping and undercutting. Both techniques can be used to not only increase terpene production (due to the light stress), but also help the horticulturist more effi ciently use his or her given light energy. Harvesting for Maximum Terpene Concentration How and when the cannabis plants are harvested will directly affect the concentration of terpenes. In fact, properly timing the harvest is one of the most import- ant factors over the concentration of terpenes in the fi nal product. Cannabis plants that are harvested too early will not yet have reached their maximum terpene production. Cannabis plants that are harvested too late will also have a lower concentration of terpenes due to the degradation of terpenes over time. Drying and curing will also affect the terpene concentration. After being cut down, cannabis plants should be hung up to dry. Drying a cannabis plant too quickly can negative- ly alter the terpene profi le. To get the dried cannabis fl owers to retain the odors that are similar to what they were while growing, the cannabis must be dried slowly (especially for the fi rst few days). When done correctly, cannabis fl owers should take anywhere from 7-14 days to dry. They should then be placed in long-term storage containers where they will continue to cure. The nutrient additives used, the atmospheric conditions of the growing environment, and the manipulating and harvesting techniques a grower uses will all directly infl uence the terpene profi le of the cannabis plants. The fact that terpene production can be altered by atmospheric conditions and particular products and/or techniques further illustrates how every garden will pro- duce a slightly different result. Even when two cannabis horticulturists gro w the exact same strain, there are usually slight differences between the fi nished products. These subtle differences can be attributed to each crop’s unique terpene profi le. As more knowledge is gained regarding the medicinal properties of terpenes and techniques for increased production are fi ne-tuned, the medicinal and recreational potential of cannabis will only continue to expand. PMG ** Change Settings From Almost Anywhere With Wi-Fi ** This product should be installed only by a qualified contractor. DH100 also available - Removes up to 100 pints per day (Order GFI #5334)! Eric Hopper is Editor in Chief for NUGL Media Group. He can be contacted at [email protected]. [phone] www.generalfilters.com General Filters, Inc. 43800 Grand River Ave Novi, MI 48375 28 • Professional Marijuana Grower July/August 2019