FROM FARMER TO PATIENT
THE JOURNEY OF THE CANNABIS PLANT
Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D. & CTC Have you ever taken the time to really think about how fortunate we are to have flower and what the voyage it undergoes in order to get into your hands? The journey of an organic cannabis flower from grower to consumer involves several steps, each crucial to ensuring a safe, high-quality product reaches the end user. Here's an overview of the process:
I. Cultivation Seed Selection: Farmers start by selecting high-quality organic cannabis seeds or clones. These plants are cultivated using organic farming methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They pay close attention to which are going to be doing best in their particular growing environment. Growing Environment: Organic cannabis is typically grown in controlled environments, such as indoor or greenhouse facilities, where conditions like light, humidity, and temperature can be regulated. Outdoors are for the hardiest of cultivars and farmers as it is much more difficult but overall the most nutritious of flower and end product when it comes to terpenes and cannabinoids. Organic Practices: Organic growers use natural fertilizers, compost, and beneficial insects to maintain soil fertility and protect plants from pests. They avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and synthetic chemicals. 41
NOVEMBER 2023
thechronicmagazine.com
II. Harvesting Timing: Cannabis plants are carefully monitored, and the timing of harvest is crucial. Harvesting too early or too late can significantly impact the potency and quality of the flower Hand Harvesting: Organic cannabis flowers are often hand-harvested to ensure delicate handling, preserving the trichomes and cannabinoids. It takes time but is overall the protection of the trichomes that are affected when not handled correctly.
III. Drying & Curing Drying: After harvest, the flowers are dried in a controlled environment to reduce moisture content. Proper drying prevents mold and mildew growth. There are several methods, but all depend on your location and process.
Photo: Red Dirt Raised Duncan, Oklahoma Sun-kissed Organic No-Till Living Soil Beds
Curing: The dried flowers are then cured in glass jars, allowing them to develop complex flavors and aromas. Curing also enhances the potency of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
IV. Testing and Quality Control Lab Testing: Samples from each batch are sent to a laboratory for testing. This ensures the product is free from contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and molds. Quality Control: Experienced professionals inspect the flowers for visual cues of quality, including color, trichome density, and overall appearance.
