Subscriptions - Maximum Yield Cannabis USA January/February 2021 | Page 46

THE

BRIX

IMPORTANCE OF

IN CANNABIS HEALTH

Sugar content in cannabis is something most home growers rarely consider . But like all plants we consume , as well as other consumables , the brix value is very important . In the case of cannabis , sugar levels within the plant are essential for healthier buds , increased THC , and a more appealing flavor . In this article we ’ ll explore the tools needed to measure brix , how sugars affect the plant , how brix levels can be manipulated , and understanding what different brix values mean . by Luis Cordova

Using a basic tool like a brix refractometer gives growers a glimpse into the inner workings of cannabis and how well it will perform . Choosing a plant with high brix can produce the heaviest and tastiest buds when it comes time to harvest .
What is a Brix Refractometer ?
A brix refractometer is an instrument that measures sugar concentration in a sample . It has been used by the wine , beer , beverage , fruit juice , maple syrup , and honey industries for more than 150 years . A refractometer estimates the amount of light bent through a solution . The amount of bent light is converted by the brix refractometer into a readable number giving us an estimation of the percentage of sugar . When using it to test cannabis plants , the sugars often contain other solid material like minerals , salts , and other metals in low percentages . Brix can also be used to give an indication of total dissolved solids and overall health of the plant .
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