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Sometimes I travel so much at the speed of light, I tend to forget that light is also one of the most important parts of a cannabis plant’s life. Not only does light regulate photosynthesis, but it also dictates when it’s time for your plant to flower those precious buds that make it all so worthwhile. Home growers may be familiar with the vegetative and flowering phases of cannabis cultivation and growth; however, the 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness schedule goes a little bit deeper.
This 12/12 light phase of the weed plant’s life follows the vegetative cycle, which has it primed for the eventual weight and density of flower buds. Photoperiod seeds and plants need a period of darkness to promote specific hormones and compounds that are critical to producing buds.
For outdoor growers, the shift in daylight from summer to autumn naturally provides a full period of darkness each night. Indoor growers must mimic the internal signals of a photoperiod plant during dwindling daylight to a 12/12 split. During the vegetative cycle, the recommended amount of light is 18 hours, with 6 hours of darkness. To flower, your weed plant needs a hormonal signal to initiate the flowering process, and simply allowing for 12 hours of light will achieve that!
Autoflower seeds and plants don’t rely on the same light cycle to trigger the signal to flower internally as their photoperiod counterparts. This quicker-to-harvest cannabis seed type instead relies on age to shift directly from vegetative to flowering phases. [1]
Autos flower after only about 2-4 weeks on average due to their unique cannabis ruderalis genetics. This trait has evolved in nature to cause flowers to bloom automatically after a few weeks, despite drastic shifts in the amount of daylight available in the wild. Indoor breeders have continued to breed this trait into their autoflower cultivars.
Growers of autos instead typically utilize 18 hours of light/6 hours of darkness or 20 hours of light/4 hours of darkness to maximize photosynthetic processes and grow bigger plants. It’s not unheard of to run continuous light 24 hours a day for autos, but rest, recovery, and hormonal balance from a few hours of darkness are important as well. It can also help your electric bill!
The main thing during flowering is photosynthesis. The ability of the weed plant to convert light energy into internal energy is critical for the continued growth of the flower buds during this time.
Proper light also ensures the plant can synthesize complex compounds and nutrients to continue developing. There are a few important things that take place right under the glow of the late summer/early fall sunshine or those bright grow lights in your tent or indoor grow room.
Among the main stem and secondary branches, preflowers begin to form. Growths known as meristems reproduce on the stems and branches. These growths form into individual preflowers. Each female reproductive part, known as the stigma, starts as a tiny white filament, eventually turning a reddish-brown during maturation. The flower buds develop along the stems and branches, becoming swollen with density and eventually cannabinoid-rich trichomes during the entire flowering cycle. [2]
Important cannabinoids and terpenes are produced and developed by the weed plant according to the strain. This is when primary cannabinoids like THC and CBD begin to fill the trichomes with their sticky resins, while other minor cannabinoids and less-present terpenes also begin to form. Cannabinoids cause the psychoactive and potentially medicinal effects of weed. Terpenes also contribute to the overall impact of certain strains while enhancing their flavor and aroma as well. [2]
Like the vegetative cycle of your weed plants, the flowering cycle needs to ensure that light quality and intensity are also maintained.
Your plants will continue to blossom with buds and get bigger as a result, as will the canopy too. While LED grow lights emit less heat than HPS lights, it’s still important that no matter what kind of lights you use when growing indoors, you maintain a healthy distance from the plant’s canopy. According to the folks at AC Infinity, your primary grow light should be hung at approximately 1.5” away from the canopy during flowering to avoid stress and light burn.
One of the most important ways to optimize bud growth during the flowering phase is to provide specific light intensities. Photon Flux Density (PPFD) determines the amount of usable light and active photons (in the PAR range) that reach the plant’s surface each second. However, as no surprise, too much light intensity can adversely affect and stress your plants. Growers should try to keep their light intensity levels in the following ranges, with gradual adjustments, according to researchers:
Sunlight contains a full spectrum of different wavelengths that naturally affect how a weed plant grows, manufactures terpenes and cannabinoids, and yields. Some of these wavelengths are great for vegetation processes early on during the outdoor grow season, while others help promote flower production.
When the days get shorter and extended periods of darkness (12 hours) begin in the late summer, it’s time for your outdoor plants to begin naturally flowering. If there isn’t sufficient darkness, your weed plants aren’t getting the right signal and are going to stay in a vegetative state, incapable of flowering.
The preflower starts to develop along branches and stems, forming the beginnings of your buds. Hormones called gibberellins and cytokinins kick off the flowering process, and the introduction of 12 hours of darkness is what sparks it. Trichome, terpene, and bud development also begin to take shape due to the right amount of darkness and stored energy from the 12-hour photoperiod that gets synthesized.
The dark period of 12 hours is also a time for your plant to recover from the light with increased respiration and growth. Don’t confuse your weed plant by interrupting the 12-hour cycle of darkness–even for a moment! This will not only confuse your plant into thinking it’s in veg again, but it’ll also delay and affect flowering and bud growth, while the stress of it can lead to undesirable hermaphrodite weed plants. Keep to a strict 12-hour darkness period, no matter what!
Keep to a few best practices for indoor growers when switching your cannabis plants to flower, once they are big and strong enough in veg. These simple practices can make the difference between a successful harvest and a major bummer.
The photoperiod of light and dark, as well as nighttime, regulates the light schedule required for outdoor plants. However, for indoor growers, the choice must be made once the plants are as ready as they can be in vegetation.
Flipping your indoor lighting schedule to 12/12 is a simple task that ultimately encourages both light and dark to start the party with dense and dank flower buds. Flipping to a 12/12 flower cycle is a simple task that ultimately paves the way to bring them to the table.
Mastering the 12/12 light schedule is one of the most critical techniques in cannabis cultivation, especially for those growing photoperiod cannabis strains. Whether you’re working with indoor grow lights or relying on natural sunlight outdoors, providing your plants with exactly 12 hours of uninterrupted light and darkness will trigger the hormonal changes needed to produce dense, trichome-rich buds.
From strain selection to lighting intensity, distance, and spectrum, every factor plays a role in shaping the quality of your final harvest. If you’re aiming for high THC levels, strong terpene profiles, or simply the healthiest plants possible, understanding and controlling the 12/12 cycle is non-negotiable. And if you’re growing autoflower seeds, knowing the difference in light response will help you get the most from their rapid life cycle.
Whether you’re dialing in your 12/12 light cycle or deciding between autoflower, photoperiod, or high-CBD cannabis seeds, our expert team at Multiverse Beans is here to help. We offer a carefully curated collection of premium cannabis seeds online, including rare genetics, fast-flowering strains, and high-yield varieties trusted by growers across the galaxy. If you have questions about lighting schedules, nutrients, or choosing the best strain for your setup, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us anytime to chat with one of our grow specialists and find the perfect seeds to match your cultivation goals. Your next harvest starts with the right beans and the right light.
Greg the Alien is here and at it again! Sunlight and grow lights provide vital light for your cannabis plants to grow from seedling to harvest. These light sources can also add a lot of heat and humidity to any outdoor or indoor grow. Controlling and managing temperature and humidity effectively will ultimately impact the quality and quantity of your final harvest.
Humanoid scientific studies have done their best to confirm the ideal range for both, but there is no clear consensus due to several different variables [1]. However, finding a comfort zone for optimal conditions can still be manageable with the right environment and equipment. Whether you’re growing feminized cannabis seeds, autoflower seeds, or high-THC strains, managing your environment is one of the biggest factors in maximizing yield and potency.
Cannabis plant development depends on optimal temperature and humidity to process numerous internal functions vital for success. Learning how to manipulate both factors makes the difference between a high-quality, bountiful harvest and a cannabis plant full of bud rot and underdeveloped flower buds. Temperature and humidity control issues in either extreme range are important to control; however, so are air circulation and ventilation. This is especially true when growing premium cannabis genetics in controlled indoor settings.
Temperatures that are higher than the average range affect plant development by creating weaker buds in both potency and overall appeal. When I get too close to the sun in my spaceship, it can make me sweat and feel stressed—your weed plants aren’t any different!
High temperatures can create heat stress, which affects plant, terpene, and cannabinoid development and potency, while also causing nutrient burn and root rot. Low temperatures also slow down plant growth and create an environment for harmful mold, mildew, and bud rot. Growers working with rare cannabis strains or CBD-rich cultivars may find these temperature swings especially damaging.
Transpiration is essentially the process by which your cannabis plant sweats during development. It’s an essential process for photosynthesis and for moving nutrients and water from the roots to the rest of the plant while cooling it down. However, a major side effect is that a good amount of water vapor gets put back into the air as a result, causing increased humidity in a grow room or tent. [2]
Cannabis plants with excessive humidity have insufficient transpiration, which can lead to root issues, mold, mildew, and other plant diseases. Low humidity is often responsible for nutrient burn due to excessive water evaporation from leaves. This is why indoor growers who source their seeds from a reputable cannabis seed bank should also invest in quality ventilation systems to protect their genetics.
Growing cannabis outdoors can be an advantage due to the natural breeze and open space that allow for optimal air circulation and ventilation, which are essential for plant development. However, some geographical regions can be too stagnant and just plain hot. Try some of the techniques below to achieve optimal results.
Space your plants away from each other properly, so as not to overcrowd the grow area with too many transpiring plants not getting enough individual airflow. Be aware of the specifications of the specific strains you’re growing to space them correctly for all growth phases. This becomes especially important when cultivating large crops from bulk cannabis seeds.
Direct or create more optimal airflow naturally where open breezes occur, and there’s nothing in the way to block them. Create enough of a gap between all plants to avoid any issues.
Circulation fans aren’t just an indoor grow tool; they can also be used outdoors. Install oscillating fans to create a gentle breeze that keeps your plant foliage dry, thereby reducing the risk of mold and mildew issues. This can help ensure the success of outdoor cannabis seeds, especially in humid regions.
Use a greenhouse to maintain temperature, humidity, and proper ventilation, free of the often-overwhelming elements of the great outdoors. Keep doors and windows open for a steady exchange of fresh air.
Proper air flow and ventilation can often be thwarted simply by the very plant you are growing. When a plant has too thick and dense foliage, it’s necessary to prune and remove the excess. This will improve how air can circulate and be ventilated around your plants and grow area, while also helping to reduce moisture and humidity.
When growing indoors, avoiding mold, mildew, and a host of other detrimental plant diseases can be greatly achieved by maintaining proper air circulation and ventilation. This often requires additional equipment and costs on top of what you already have running in your grow setup. Indoor growers working with fast-flowering cannabis seeds or high-yield strains may find these investments essential for success.
As a crucial piece of indoor grow equipment, fans remove stagnant humid air while introducing fresh air and improved circulation. All of these fans, in conjunction with some ventilation ducts, will make a dramatic difference in maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels indoors.
Cannabis plants rely on different temperature and humidity ranges according to several different factors. Understanding how these affect your plant’s specific needs will greatly impact your success as a grower. Indoor and outdoor grows also have different variables to control—some are listed below; however, keeping everything within range is doable for both.
Okay, so you’ve probably been thinking to yourself, when is this little green SOB gonna finally say what the ideal temperature and humidity levels should be? For outdoor growers, much of the outcome is directly related to the geographical climate.
If you’re growing outdoors in a humid region like most of the East Coast, you’re going to have to make RH adjustments. The same thing goes for the PNW–be prepared for levels that can contribute heavily to mold and mildew. Desert environments are arid and dry and can use the aid of a greenhouse to help manage conditions and pests like spider mites.
Mitigate the elements of the outdoors with a greenhouse or plant covers. You can also use an overhead tarp to keep moisture under control from morning dew, excessive heat, and torrential downpours when necessary.
Researchers still have a lot of work to do when it comes to cannabis cultivation-based studies. Currently, there are only a few humanoid peer-reviewed studies that confirm the ideal indoor growing temperatures by stage. On the other hand, every single humanoid weed grower, big or small, has their specific ranges and preferences for their grows that they think are ideal.
To straddle the line of science and experience, I have included ranges according to researchers and ranges according to cultivation and light systems pros. I think it’s important to understand what growers versed in just how much grow lights add heat and stress to the environment think the adjusted ranges should be as well.
Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) is a factor that measures the rate at which plants transpire and how much moisture the air can still hold. By calculating the VPD, growers can ensure their plants are not only getting ideal temperature and humidity levels but also optimal results with the following:
VPD is calculated by measuring air temperature, leaf temperature, and relative humidity levels in an indoor environment. Overly humid air that contains a lot of water equals low VPD, while dry air that can hold even more moisture equates with high VPD.
Adding more humidity to a grow space will lower VPD, while lowering it raises VPD. Increasing temperature raises VPD, while lowering it lowers the VPD level. Circulation and ventilation equipment like that described for outdoor growing is also crucial to indoor growers navigating extremes in both ranges. [6]
Several cannabis researchers have reported a few slightly different windows of efficiency for temperature and humidity levels when growing cannabis plants. It’s up to you to be the judge of which ranges work for you and the specific strains and region you are growing in.
Some of these ranges are not as specific (day levels vs night levels), but according to researchers, growers should keep temperature and humidity levels in the following ranges for optimal VPD.
Seedling
Vegetative Stage
Flowering
Indoor Humidity and Temperature Ranges According to Industry Experts
According to Spider Farmer, an indoor cultivation household name, home growers should try to zero in on the following ranges and humidity for each development phase.
Seedling
Vegetative Stage
Early Flowering Stage
Late Flowering Stage
Dropping the temperature a few degrees at night provides a signal to your plants that the cooler overnight temperatures of autumn are on the way. This signal naturally occurs with outdoor grows, and helps indoor grows with flower, trichome, terpenes, color, and cannabinoid development. Lower nighttime temperatures also give your plants a rest while facilitating the metabolization of carbohydrates crucial to plant health. [7]
On top of implementing quality air circulation and ventilation equipment already discussed for outdoor use, such as fans and exhaust systems, there are a few other ways to stay on top of your indoor levels.
Hygrometers and digital humidity controllers are crucial for monitoring and adjusting humidity levels. Humidity controllers can automatically adjust your indoor grow space in conjunction with a humidifier/dehumidifier. Adjusting watering practices to avoid overwatering and excess moisture keeps humidity levels lower, while running your grow lights at night can help reduce extra heat in the grow area as well. Like outdoor plants, proper spacing and upkeep of pruning on your indoor plants will help with air circulation and lower humidity immensely.
Paying attention to your levels and ensuring your environment has what it needs to maintain balance and be successful is paramount in navigating the spectrum of potential that temperature and humidity bring to every grow. Understanding and applying many of these concepts to newer growers can be tricky, so always feel free to reach out to Uncle Paulie and the grow experts at Multiverse Beans with any of your indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity control questions!
Figuring out how to keep your cannabis plants thriving is sometimes a tricky balancing act. Maintaining the proper conditions, water, and nutrients is a standard performance for anyone growing cannabis seeds and clones. Many types of nutrients can help offset deficiencies in your plants–knowing how and when to use them is vital.
Aliens, apples, aardvarks, and all living things need water and nutrients to survive–so do cannabis plants! When you provide your weed plants with nutrients, it helps them reach their true potential.
Researchers report that improving soil health by increasing organic matter significantly impacts harvest yield [1]. However, nutrient deficiencies can often rear their ugly heads before you even notice. A telltale sign that something is up with your cannabis plant’s health is unhealthy-looking leaves. Discoloration, spotting, wrinkling, and other anomalies are your plant’s way of saying, “Hey, I could use some food over here, buddy!”.
If the pH levels of your soil mix or growing media aren’t within the proper range, chances are that you’re going to be dealing with nutrient deficiencies. Plants simply can’t absorb nutrients, or they also get locked out and become unavailable, if they’re even being added to the soil or water by the grower at all. Soil or hydro chambers can sometimes lean one way compared to the other–too acidic or too basic.
A pH balance of 6.0 – 6.5 is essential for cannabis plants grown in soil to thrive, while 5.5 – 6.5 is recommended for hydroponic grows. These pH levels have been proven to provide the most optimal final yields. [2]
Some grow media come complete with nutrient amendments that keep pH naturally regulated, while supplying the right nutrients to plant roots. The need to obsessively check pH and supply nutrients is eliminated with a properly calibrated super soil mix. Super soil is full of a balanced mix of organic matter right off the bat. It contains many nutrients that growers using a traditional potting soil mix or hydro grow would have to manually adjust regularly.
Living soil contains organic microbes in addition to fungi and nutrients. Microbes decompose organic matter while maintaining optimal nutrient balance. An entire ecosystem can thrive in living soil for everyone’s benefit–microorganisms, fungi, plants, and humanoids. Researchers have also noted that maintaining a healthier microbial environment also dramatically improves the final yield [1]. That’s not to say growers using either super soil or living soil won’t ever have to adjust pH–it does happen–but living and super soil set growers up to generally not need to. These methods are ideal for organic cannabis seed cultivation or for anyone aiming to grow high-THC cannabis plants without synthetic inputs
Before we get into how to counter nutrient deficiencies if you aren’t using living or super soil, let’s talk about the nutrients themselves. There are three different types of nutrients involved in keeping your cannabis plant happy and healthy, each one just as crucial as the other. Whether you’re growing medical marijuana strains or CBD-rich cannabis plants, all varieties depend on the same core nutrients to thrive
The letters N, P, and K are your best friends if you are a cannabis grower. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are utilized in high demand for growth vigor and optimal development. The vegetative stage is especially in need of these macronutrients for those very reasons. In contrast, the flowering stage requires a cut-off of nitrogen to ensure all efforts go towards boosting flower growth first and foremost. [3]
Secondary nutrients are necessary for many photosynthetic functions, as well as enzyme activation, cell growth, nutrient absorption, and overall vigor. These include Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S). Secondary and primary macronutrients form the core pillars of development above any others. [3]
Cannabis plants don’t require specific micronutrients in such high demand as the other two types; however, these nutrients are critical for many growth functions. Micronutrients maintain vital processes like photosynthesis, metabolization of other nutrients, respiration, and optimal chlorophyll production. These compounds keep the engine that is your cannabis plant humming along behind the scenes. [4]
Balanced feeding is key whether you grow indoor cannabis strains, outdoor photoperiod plants, or start from cannabis seed bank genetics.
Take a look at a helpful table to guide and inform you more easily on each type of nutrient, the deficiencies they can fight, as well as their organic sources.
|
Nutrient |
Nutrient Type |
Deficiency Symptom It Counters |
Organic Sources & Compounds |
pH Influence & Balancing Notes |
|
Nitrogen (N) |
Macronutrient |
Yellow leaves, slow growth |
Blood meal, fish emulsion, composted manure, alfalfa meal |
Can somewhat acidify soil, lime can help buffer pH |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
Macronutrient |
Purple stems, stunted development, and root issues |
Bat guano, bone meal, worm castings, rock phosphate |
Too much lowers pH |
|
Potassium (K) |
Macronutrient |
Curled leaves, burnt leaf tips, poor stem development |
Wood ash, kelp meal, greensand, banana peels |
Can slightly raise pH, specifically wood ash |
|
Calcium (Ca) |
Secondary |
Poor stem development, curled leaves |
Dolomite lime, gypsum, crushed eggshells |
Raises pH, specifically dolomite lime |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
Secondary |
Interveinal chlorosis (yellow between veins), poor photosynthesis |
Dolomite, lime, compost, epsom salt |
Epsom salt is pH neutral |
|
Sulfur (S) |
Secondary |
Yellow & stunted development |
Epsom salt, gypsum, compost, sulfur |
Sulfur lowers pH |
|
Iron (Fe) |
Micronutrient |
Yellow leaves, inefficient chlorophyll production |
Chelated iron, compost, fish emulsion |
Lowers pH or may be neutral |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
Micronutrient |
Yellow leaves, brown spotting |
Manganese sulfate, compost, kelp meal |
Slightly acidic |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
Micronutrient |
Poor node development, wrinkled leaves |
Zinc sulfate, compost, seaweed |
Slightly acidic, compost can buffer pH |
|
Copper (Cu) |
Micronutrient |
Darkened leaves, poor flower bud growth |
Copper sulfate, kelp meal, compost |
Slightly acidic |
|
Boron (B) |
Micronutrient |
Brittle stems and leaves |
Borax, kelp meal, compost |
Excessive use lowers pH |
These steps are especially helpful when growing premium cannabis genetics purchased from a trusted online seed bank.
The choice is up to you, my humanoid growmie, as to what media you want to grow weed in. Options like living and super soil are your best bet to avoid pH issues. Traditional soil potting mixes and hydroponic grows require regular monitoring to maintain a balanced environment for a successful harvest. But that’s not to say it’s impossible–millions of humanoids monitor pH and add the necessary nutrients to their weed plants daily. However, truly understanding which nutrients can do what, and when to adjust them, is the key!
Shop cannabis seeds for beginners or expert-level genetics to match your growing setup and feeding strategy. Contact us today.
The question every new grower ponders before putting cannabis seeds into soil: How long does it take to grow cannabis? While there is no one definitive answer, we do know an average seed-to-harvest timeline that you can expect. However, with anything organic, there are always X factors that come into play that can delay or speed up the process.
In this guide, take a ride with me, your buddy Greg, while I break down how long the most pivotal stages in cannabis seed cultivation take and what you can expect on your way to a bountiful harvest!
There’s no definitive answer on how long it takes to grow cannabis due to several different factors. However, fellow growers have determined the average at 3-5 months for indoor and 5-6 months for outdoor. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that not all cannabis seeds and grows are created equal.
The combination of warm temperatures, air, and moisture creates the right environment for cannabis seed germination. Germination occurs once the taproot emerges from the seed shell as a result of the aforementioned conditions, taking anywhere from 1-7 days, depending on the right conditions and the viability and health of the seeds. [1]
Once the taproot emerges from the cannabis seed, it attaches itself to the soil, eventually culminating in the first set of leaves to appear. The developing cannabis seedling then makes great use of light and just a small amount of water during its life as a seedling. Higher humidity in the range of 60-75% RH is advised for seedlings and plants in the early stages of veg growth.
Photoperiod plants typically start an 18/6 light cycle, while autoflowers run the same light cycle or higher (many growers use 24 hours of light). The seedling life cycle can take anywhere from 3 to 15 days before settling into the official vegetation phase. [2][3]
The vegetative life cycle can last a while because it’s a lot of work building out the support system for the big buds your weed plants are going to start producing soon. While autoflower plants only take about 3-4 weeks in total to finish up their particular vegetative life cycle, photoperiod plants take longer due to their larger physiology. Depending on the strain, weed plants typically mature in 6-9 weeks. [2][3]
Once the switch to a 12/12 light cycle happens—either indoors or naturally as a result of the declining sunlight later in summer—weed plants begin flowering with buds within 10–15 days. [2][3]
During this time, preflowers will begin to appear on nodes and branches. Weeks 3–5 of flowering will start to present small bud formations. One study examined 200 THC-rich indoor weed plants to figure out the average length it takes to finish flowering: the total being 57 days or about 8 weeks under a 12/12 light schedule. [4].
Regarding outdoor cannabis plants, early-flowering strains like indicas are ready around August–September, while sativas and others that take longer can finish up as late as October–November, depending on the region. [5]
Knowing your strain’s typical timeline can help you plan your cannabis grow cycle more accurately—especially when deciding whether to buy autoflower seeds or stick with photoperiod strains.
Determining when is the right time to chop your weed plants down is based on trichome color and can’t be pinpointed down to an exact window of time. Whereas other crops can be ripe for the picking based on fruit color and size, the trichome heads full of cannabinoids determine ripeness for cannabis.
Trichomes are only viewed effectively at a microscopic level. Having a digital microscope determines the ripeness of cannabis buds the best. The general rule of thumb is to harvest with a majority of milky white trichomes with only a smattering of brown or amber colored trichomes in the mix. [6]
Drying your harvested cannabis, however, is estimated to take a certain amount of time. This is the process of hanging the branches from the plant with those lovely cannabis buds attached to them to dry. Keeping the buds in a well-ventilated room around 65-70°F and 50- 55% RH is ideal. This process is called dry trimming, and it typically takes anywhere from 4 to 14 days on average. Wet Trimming is drying your harvest after you’ve already trimmed it, and can lessen the drying time to 4-5 days since there is less material to manicure. [7]
Once trimming is complete, it’s time to cure your freshly manicured buds to enhance the terpenes, aroma, taste, and quality. Curing can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks or longer to enhance terpene and cannabinoid content. Different strains cure differently and can affect the amount of time it takes, while environmental conditions can also play a part in the curing timeline. [7]
Burping, or opening the jars each day for a few minutes, brings in fresh oxygen and removes remaining moisture. Repeat the twice-daily ritual of burping your jars for the first week or two, eventually phasing the process out until humidity levels around 55-65% remain.
Well, that was an exciting ride down the cannabis seed-to-harvest timeline to figure out how long it takes to grow weed! Now that you know what kind of time commitment to expect, you can also determine how long it takes on average to complete each life cycle phase for a weed plant.
As mentioned, there are a lot of outlying factors that will also affect these timelines, so please don’t treat them as gospel! Keep a journal of how long each phase took during this grow to determine a baseline for your next one to improve upon. The keys to a high-quality harvest are in your hands, but the team at Multiverse Beans is always ready to help should you have any questions during any stage of the life cycle!
Looking to get started or speed things up? Buy cannabis seeds online from Multiverse Beans—your trusted source for autoflower, indica, hybrid, and sativa strains. Whether you’re new or seasoned, we’ve got genetics for every grow timeline and harvest goal.
Explore our premium collection of cannabis seeds for sale online and learn how to grow cannabis of your own today.
A great perk of growing weed is all of the other things you can make with it and your trim, like edibles! Making edibles is an easy way to make great use of your entire harvest by creating a wealth of oil, butter, and treats for not only yourself but your friends and family, too! Let’s explore how you can make your own infused oil and butter to DIY your own edibles ASAP!
Making cannabis edibles like brownies, gummies, and other assorted treats from the leftover trim from your harvest is one of the most resourceful ways to repurpose all of the plant. The massive amount of trim leftover from the trimming process, along with kief, larf, and some popcorn buds, aren’t always the most palatable things to smoke. That’s why making it all into butter or oil to create your edibles makes the most sense.
This is especially helpful if you’ve purchased cannabis seeds online and grown your own plants at home. Why let all that extra biomass go to waste?
Chances are, if you were able to grow weed successfully, your harvest also yielded a lot of extra big buds that can also be thrown into the mix for edibles, too, if desired. One bountiful harvest can give a home grower enough leftover plant material to make DIY edibles with trim and buds that last for months—even up to a year!
Most states that have a medical and recreational program offer cannabis edibles on their menu. While prices vary state-to-state, the cost of a package of edibles can run anywhere from $10-$60 on average, depending on the dosage and product. For anyone who enjoys edibles, those costs can certainly add up. Save yourself a considerable amount of money by simply turning all of your leftover and extra plant material into edibles.
You’ll want to limit the biomass you use for edibles to bud (any size), trim, sugar leaves, kief, and larf. Try to exclude utilizing a significant amount of stems as they don’t add much cannabinoid content to the mix and can get in the way. Fan leaves also contain a limited amount of cannabinoids and can take up a lot of space, so excluding them is also a good practice when creating homemade edibles from cannabis trim.
Edibles have come a long way since brownies were the main delivery system for edibles popularized by the Alice B. Toklas cookbook. Nowadays, any type of baked goods can be made with cannabutter–butter infused with activated cannabinoids. Meanwhile, cannabis gummies have become the norm and standard bearer as one of the most popular ways to ingest cannabis these days. A wide variety of each type of treat awaits; however, before you get that far, you must first activate, or decarboxylate, the cannabis.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD exist in their acidic forms before they are consumed. These cannabinoids are activated by heat–smoking, vaping, or by what’s known as decarboxylation [1]. If you don’t decarboxylate–essentially roast your plant matter at a low, even temperature–it won’t activate, and you won’t feel a thing other than a tummy ache from all of the chlorophyll!
The MVB Guide to Decarboxylation is the definitive source on everything you need to know when activating your THC and/or CBD before making edibles. Once you’ve settled on your device or cookware to decarb your weed, maintain the following scientifically studied times and temperatures to maximize the process and activate as many cannabinoids as possible [2]. Once decarbed, the next step is to infuse your weed with oil or butter to create edibles.
Cannabutter–butter infused with activated cannabis–is typically used to make edibles like cookies, brownies, cakes, and other baked goods. It can be used in any recipe that calls for actual butter. Cannabutter needs to be refrigerated or frozen to stay fresh and be preserved properly if not being used in a recipe right away. Clarifying your butter before infusing it removes the milk solids from the butter, which is great for several reasons:
Add the sticks of butter you wish to use into a pot on low heat until they melt. While melting, scoop the creamy froth and extra water off the top of the low-simmering butter and discard until no more white froth or water is left, leaving only the warm golden glow of a pot of clarified butter to infuse with!
Cannabis-infused oil–aka cannaoil–can be used in a wider variety of recipes or even as a tincture. The biggest use for canna oil these days is for making DIY cannabis gummies at home. You can also put a few drops of oil into a smoothie, salad dressing, or even a cocktail! Here are just a few great reasons why cannaoil is awesome:
Equipment to infuse your decarbed weed into butter or oil can be as simple and affordable as you want it to be. It’s up to you whether you want to use something like a saucepan, sauté pan, or a high-tech gadget that automatically heats your mixture to a perfect temperature for several hours to get the most out of it.
Take the decarboxylated cannabis you just activated, and use at least a ¼ to a full ounce, depending on how much you wish to infuse. To create an even balance, use as much butter or oil as decarbed cannabis. The more weed you use, the stronger the result will be.
Congrats, you now have cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil to make edibles with! Be sure to refrigerate or freeze cannabutter.
All of that standing over a hot stovetop and stirring, stirring, stirring can get annoying sometimes, so that’s why some humanoid genius came up with the automatic infusion machine.
This dynamic device can infuse oil, butter, and decarbed weed automatically according to a digital program it runs on. These devices are great because they can hold at an exact temperature and automatically stir the mixture, while you go about your day away from the stovetop. The alien in me loves advanced technology, so I highly recommend these devices to make your edibles. There are also some models that not only infuse, they decarb first, too–highly recommended!
Some humanoids use vacuum-sealed sous-vide bags or mason jars to do a water infusion of decarbed weed and a carrier like butter or oil. Essentially, a large pot of water is boiled to a range of about 160-185ºF anywhere from 4-8 hours (again, longer means stronger). Once complete, the cooled-down jar or bag gets strained through a cheesecloth or mesh strainer to make your desired edibles!
Using two pots to infuse a carrier and decarbed weed is known as a double boiler. Stack two pots that fit into one another and fill the bottom pot with enough water to slightly fill the gap between the two pots. This simmer will keep your carrier and decarbed weed that gets put into the top pot from burning, and will regulate the temperature.
Now that the hard stuff is out of the way, have some fun coming up with your recipes or trying your hand at some new and old classics.
Gummies are one of the most popular and portable edibles. Instead of overpaying at the dispensary, use your cannaoil to make your own stash. Many kits online include sugar, molds, and all the essentials—just add your homemade cannabis oil.
Always wanted to take your Grandma’s delicious brownie recipe to a whole other level? Well, anything is possible with baked goods and cannabutter! Choose from your favorite cookie, cake, brownie, Rice Krispies treats, or even cake icing recipe to make them true edibles! You can even just add cannabutter to anything that calls for butter–or doesn’t–like a cup of coffee or dessert! No matter what recipe you choose to use, share your treats and make new friends everywhere you go!’
Have questions about growing your own cannabis, decarboxylation, or how to make edibles with your trim? Reach out to the experts at Multiverse Beans. We’re here to help you grow, harvest, and create magic with your plants—from seed to treat.
Ready to buy cannabis seeds online and start your own grow? Check out our seed bank and start planning your next batch of homemade cannabis edibles.
Throughout my never-ending interdimensional travels, I have yet to find a plant as dynamic as cannabis. There are thousands of different strains and cannabis seeds, all with their distinct personalities, including different THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) ratios. As the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis, these two are responsible for the potential psychoactive or medicinal effects that make weed so fascinating!
Cannabis seeds deliver all types of unique ratios of THC and CBD compounds, or cannabinoids. Let’s discover where these cannabinoids come from, the ratios they’re often found in, and what factors you, as a home grower, can control to positively affect them.
As the most unique plant in the multiverse, cannabis seeds can develop well over 100 different cannabinoids and over 560 different compounds. Delta-9 THC and CBD are found in the highest abundance, along with the various terpenes we all know and love. [1][2]
The effects after consumption of THC are psychoactive, while CBD is known to give consumers a more medicinal, non-psychoactive feeling. This stems from the humanoid body’s own endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that can connect with these compounds after consumption and metabolization. [1]
Over the last 50 years, humanoid researchers have done some amazing work in cannabis plant science. Cannabis seeds don’t contain any actual THC or CBD when dry; instead, they develop their acidic forms first—THCA and CBDA—during the cultivation process. Once exposed to heat via smoking, vaping, or baking, these acidic forms are “activated” to their psychoactive and potentially medicinal forms of THC and CBD. [2]
But before that happens, THCA and CBDA develop from the OG of cannabinoids—cannabigerol, or CBGA. Whichever prominent cannabinoid your cannabis seeds eventually develop into during cultivation depends on how the plant metabolizes a specific genetic enzyme that can take either form. [2]
However, for you, the home grower, the info is already out there on what cannabis strains are THC-dominant, CBD-rich, or a hybrid of both—you just need to do the research to find out which is which!
You may already be familiar with all of the different types of cannabis seeds that growmies like my intergalactic buddy, Uncle Paulie, feature on Multiverse Beans. These include sativa, indica, hybrid, feminized, regular, photoperiod, and autoflower seeds.
However, beyond that is the distinction of Type I -Type IV cannabis seeds and strains. These seeds are commonly known as THC-dominant, balanced, CBD-dominant, CBG-dominant, essentially hemp. Each type has unique cannabinoid concentrations, potential effects, and related strains. [3]
Cannabis seeds that contain high amounts of THC and lower amounts of CBD in their cannabinoid concentrations are known to many as Type I strains [3]. These fit the profile of many of both the classic and modern, psychoactive-first strains that the majority of cannabis consumers grow and enjoy!
A lot of these types of cannabis seeds can eventually grow up to be psychoactive powerhouses that often clock in with anywhere from 20-30% THC these days. They are often found in ratios of 20:1 THC:CBD content. These include:
A little less prevalent in today’s THC-dominant cannabis seed and strain marketplace are Type II seeds that create a balanced cannabinoid ratio and potential effect. Often produced in 1:1 THC: CBD ratios, Type II strains promote the entourage effect, which is known to provide a more enhanced ability to fight inflammation and other ailments. [3] [4]
These seeds are primarily used to grow weed that produces a less intense THC high that is balanced by potential medicinal effects from its CBD-rich counterpart. Breeders have also been able to combine other less-known cannabinoids like THC-V and CBD-V to create other unique, balanced 1:1 strain types. Here are some great balanced seed choices to go Type II.
For some humanoids (and interdimensional beings), cannabis seeds and strains containing THC can often be too much, producing adverse reactions and a reluctance to try it again. That’s why Type III cannabis seeds are great–there are minimal to no psychoactive effects, and they are one of the top choices for potential medical use for so many purported ailments.
Type III weed strains feature the highest in cannabidiol, while THC cannabinoids are very minimal and non-existent. Ratios for these can vary widely–some strains have 20:1 CBD:THC, while others may be more along the lines of something like 4:1. Strains like the few below are often go-tos for growers and consumers looking for possible medicinal relief without any fear or need of THC psychoactivity. [3]
The title above says it all–Type IV seeds are marvels of modern-day breeding that feature the cannabinoid CBG almost exclusively. CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid capable of even more therapeutic possibilities for growers.
Seeds options like Dutch Passion’s CBG Force are a great pick for any grower looking to dip their toes into the world of CBG or perhaps see what all the talk is in regards to its therapeutic potential. Growers will be rewarded with frosty, CBG-rich yields that can feature up to 15% CBG!
Even though the cannabinoid content within a cannabis seed is genetically pre-determined, that doesn’t mean it will express the same way every time it’s grown. How you cultivate your weed plants is always super important to get the most potential out of your grow. While many growers focus on final harvest yields, it should really be potency and quality that matter most.
Cannabis genetics are the first line of defense a grower has to ensure the highest levels of cannabinoids will be present come harvest time. Purchasing your cannabis seeds from a breeder or seed bank with a proven, respected reputation and solid online reviews helps gauge whether your genetics will deliver big on cannabinoid concentration and desired effects.
How efficiently you provide your cannabis plants with the proper growing conditions can pave the way for the maximum potential of your cannabinoid content. Utilizing nutrients, lights, and the growing environment the right way increases cannabinoid and terpene content. Allowing your plants to grow with vigor creates less stress and allows them to flourish to the finish line and beyond.
Knowing when the time is right for you to harvest your cannabis plants is super important to ensure all of the hard work you’ve done up to that point doesn’t go to waste! Harvesting early results in plants with more CBD and less psychoactive effects, whereas harvesting a little later means increased THC and psychoactivity. Harvest even later than that, and you may just find yourself dozing off regularly from the sleepy CBN-rich weed you just grew.
After determining the right time to chop your plants down—often based on trichome color—the final step is ensuring your buds are properly cured. Curing is when buds slowly dry and break down excess moisture and plant compounds. This process ensures your weed smells, tastes, and burns properly while delivering the cannabinoid effects it should.
The last thing you want is bland bud with no terpene profile, low potency, and that barely stays lit.
Curing cannabis properly can take up to 8 weeks if humidity levels are consistently maintained between 60–65% RH. Find the sweet spot:
All the tools and factors you need as a home grower are in your hands. Knowing the breeder, strain, strain type (Type I–IV), and typical cannabinoid content ahead of time goes a long way.
Once you understand what kind of psychoactive or medicinal effects you want from the ratio of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in your seed selection, you must then be aware of how you grow, harvest, and cure them in order to reach their maximum potential. Following these simple rules will ultimately lead you to enjoy this versatile plant as much as I do!
Not sure which cannabis seed strain or cannabinoid ratio is right for your goals? Whether you’re aiming for high THC, balanced CBD, or a unique Type III or IV variety, the team at Multiverse Beans is here to help. We’ll guide you through strain selection, breeder insights, and growing techniques to ensure your plants deliver the effects you’re looking for. Reach out today and take the guesswork out of finding your perfect cannabinoid profile.
You don’t need to be Sherlock Homegrow to figure out whether you bought quality cannabis seeds before spending precious dollars and energy on cultivating them to harvest.
Way too many times I’ve seen some of my growmies get burned on cannabis seeds that either failed to germinate, became hermies, or had stunted growth—and my little extraterrestrial heart goes out to them! But if they had just done a few visual tests or stuck with reliable seed banks like Multiverse Beans, those same folks would already be puffing tough on some of their own homegrown funk. Instead, they’re in a funk because the money and energy they put into growing those seeds turned out to be a massive waste.
That’s why I created this little guide to identify quality cannabis seeds even before you rip the seed pack open. Follow along as we explore how to avoid buying bunk beans!
Believe it or not, cannabis seeds are actually tiny fruits called achenes, which contain the seed and its shell [1]. These achenes (we will still refer to them as seeds going forward!) can have different appearances for different varieties and strains.
The protective outer shell is also known as a seed coat or testa. This protects the seed from any damage inflicted upon it by the environment, pests, temperatures, and even heavy-handed postal employees!
Within the protective shell is the embryo, which is the living part of the seed that will grow a taproot once germinated and eventually mature into a cannabis plant. Within this embryo are all of the genetic markers of the particular strain or seed type you selected.
Nutrient storage surrounding the embryo sustains it until the seedling starts photosynthesis after germination. It’s also important to note that according to one important U.S. regulatory body, cannabis seeds do not contain any actual cannabinoids like THC or CBD until they’re germinated and begin to grow into a full plant [2].
There are a few telltale signs of a quality cannabis seed stock with just a quick visual check. Many different varieties of cannabis plants produce seeds that may look a little different from each other—and that’s OK! How the seed looks doesn’t matter in terms of quality; just check to see that they fall into any of the color varieties below:
Tiger-striped or tortoise-shell-looking seeds have spots and stripes all around that resemble those found on either type of wild animal. This design is usually found throughout beans with a gray or brownish overall tint. These seeds will have a glossy sheen like any other quality seed to signify health.
Sometimes, beans can be gray, too! Gray seeds can sprout boundless harvests as well—just be sure they have the same telltale glossy shine on the outer shell.
Cannabis seeds that are dark brown are in the same ballpark—as you humanoids like to say. They are capable and healthy enough to grow killer cannabis; just make sure they have that shine!
Overly pale, green, or white seeds are often a sign that the beans you have in your possession may be immature or perhaps damaged in some way. The only real way to test for viability is with the float test, which I will cover shortly.
Quality can also be assumed from their overall size and shape. Just about all of them feature the same teardrop shape with a round end that curves to a blunt tip. Any bean that doesn’t feature the same basic body shape may very well have germination or cultivation performance issues.
Some humanoid researchers have also shown that they can tell what strain a specific seed is through a chemical analysis known as chromatography. Regardless of what strain a seed will grow into, each seed should have a healthy-looking, average-sized mass compared to being overly small or misshapen.
Using your fingers to test firmness is also another easy indicator of quality. They should be smooth to the touch without any roughness or a coarse texture.
Quality beans should also be firm to the touch, without any hollowness or a lightweight feeling once gently pressed. A solid, firm outer shell demonstrates a fully mature seed compared to a more hollow-feeling seed, which indicates it’s underdeveloped [3].
Keep an eye out for cracks or damage to the seed when checking for quality during the firmness test. Often, beans may very well be high quality—they just happened to be damaged during shipping, packaging, or storage.
Older cannabis seeds are more prone to a decreased germination rate. This is often due to adverse climate conditions or bacterial or fungal diseases that have developed over time [4]. That’s not to say that seeds stored properly can’t still grow killer weed after a few months to years, as my previous guide to properly storing cannabis seeds mentioned before.
Younger seeds that were bred more recently will always give you the best chance of germination and a successful final harvest compared to rolling the dice with older seeds [4]. However, as many of my fellow seed junkies can attest, it’s often easier said than done!
As mentioned in an earlier blog, you can avoid having to deal with any bad seeds by just doing some online research about the breeder and/or seed bank to get an idea of where your seeds are originating from. Online reviews are great sources to determine whether your seeds have good genetics that will grow up big and strong—and won’t herm either!
A reputable breeder like Multiverse Genetics is going to ensure quality genetics, reliable packaging, and seeds that have been stored properly before being delivered to you.
Speaking of MVG, my fellow growmie, Uncle Paulie, likes to test potential seed viability his own way:
Set the seeds on a sturdy surface like a coffee or kitchen table
Apply pressure from your thumb and press firmly onto the seeds
If the seeds become flat or crack, they’re probably underdeveloped and won’t germinate properly
Mature seeds have more gravity and tend to survive the test before being germinated
The float test observes the buoyancy or floatability of a cannabis seed. This simple-to-do test is done by a lot of folks; however, it’s still not scientifically proven. Know that the only true test of viability for the home grower is to germinate [5]. That said, here’s how to do the float test:
Grab a drinking glass and fill it with room-temperature water. Ensure it’s room temp so that any temperature extremes don’t interfere
Now go ahead and drop your seeds into the glass of water with enough space to move around
Let the seeds remain in the glass of water for an hour or two. Notice whether the seeds sink or float
Seeds that sink to the bottom have more density and may indicate a mature cannabis seed that has the possibility to germinate successfully
Seeds that float tend to demonstrate that they’re less developed or may have other issues that will possibly prevent successful germination
If you do perform this test, do it right before you are ready to start growing, so that the water-soaked seeds don’t develop mold or start to germinate on their own. If you’re not quite ready to grow yet, be sure to dry them off thoroughly before storing them away.
While the float test is a pretty reliable barometer to judge whether you have quality cannabis seeds or not, germination is definitive proof of seed quality and viability.
Whether you like to use the paper towel method or germinate directly in soil, the only real way you’re going to know whether the beans you bought are up to snuff is to start them. If they begin to develop stunted seedlings or perhaps don’t even germinate at all, then you will ultimately know where you stand.
Any of the above visual and physical tests are great indicators of whether you bought quality beans on their own. However, in combination, they create a better overall determination that is more comprehensive—up until float testing and germination.
If you buy beans from poorly reviewed or non-reputable sources, you’re always going to be rolling the dice. Do the smart thing and rely on quality American seed banks like MVB that you can trust to grow you some funk, not put you in one!
Ready to grow with confidence? Skip the guesswork and shop cannabis seeds online from trusted breeders at Multiverse Beans. Whether you’re hunting for high-quality genetics, better germination rates, or just want to avoid bunk beans, we’ve got you covered. Explore our curated online cannabis seedbank or contact us for help finding the seeds that match your grow goals today.
Fungi have an interesting relationship with a lot of things. However, it’s the connection between certain species of fungi and plants like cannabis that is particularly special. By incorporating specific species of fungi with your hydro system, living soil, or germinated cannabis seeds, home growers can reap the many rewards of this unique and symbiotic relationship throughout the entire cannabis grow cycle.
Aliens and fungi have always gotten along, going way back to the early days of the cosmos. Humanoids can, of course, thank us for bringing certain varieties of fungi here for your enjoyment as well! In terms of specific types of fungi, some also get along very well with my favorite plant—cannabis. We call this mutually beneficial relationship between fungi and plants mycorrhizae.
More specifically, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are a specific type of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs) that live symbiotically with plant roots of the majority of plant species here on your spinning blue ball called planet Earth. PGPMs and AMF improve plant nutrition and affect the release of biologically active substances such as phytohormones, vitamins, and enzymes.
Researchers and growers have honed in on a few specific types of fungi that are most beneficial to cannabis seedlings and many plants in general—Rhizophagus Prolifer and Rhizophagus Aggregatus. Both species of AMF are in the Glomeraceae family and are known to growers far and wide as great fungi to use for mycorrhizae during cannabis cultivation.
These strains have shown excellent results not just in cannabis cultivation but also in crops like legumes, artichokes, and soybeans.
However, the AMF species known as Rhizophagus Irregularis is another standout. According to researchers, it has demonstrated a tremendous ability to benefit cannabis seedlings in particular.
Significant factors like bigger plants with more overall biomass, root length, and nutrient uptake were observed after several trials using AMF. In addition, the accumulation of key cannabis nutrients like phosphorus was noted.
Researchers observed a 35% increase in root length in cannabis seedlings treated with AMF. This improved root colonization contributes directly to optimal root development and plant biomass, a must-have for healthy cannabis plants.
Mycorrhizae not only support underground development but also boost above-ground growth. More biomass, cannabinoids, and proteins were observed—leading to stronger and more vigorous cannabis plants. Even THC and CBD levels increased in cannabis seedlings treated with Rhizophagus Irregularis.
This species also showed a higher colonization rate compared to others, which means better support for cannabis plant health.
AMF supports nutrient uptake by helping dissolve minerals and stabilize nitrogen. Rhizophagus Irregularis, in particular, aids the uptake of Magnesium, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus—three essential nutrients for potent cannabis strains and maximum yield.
They are also helpful in drought-prone environments, enhancing water retention and nutrient availability in dry grow climates.
Rhizophagus Irregularis provides amazing stress resistance to cannabis seedlings, reducing transplant shock and improving plant resilience. Strong roots give plants the ability to cope with stressors while maintaining water and nutrient absorption.
Watching this symbiotic relationship unfold is amazing whether you’re a soil grower or into hydroponic cannabis setups. Introduce mycorrhizal fungi into the soil or nutrient solution before or during cannabis cultivation for best results.
Look for products like Recharge, Great White, Mycos, Harrell’s, or Trifecta—especially those containing Rhizophagus Irregularis.
For hydroponic cannabis growers, AMF can be added to nutrient solutions (unless already included) to support cannabis seedlings throughout their grow cycle.
For soil growers, sowing directly into living soil with AMF at the germination hole can kickstart that beneficial bond right from the beginning. Keep the soil moist and let nature take over.
Some growers like to pre-colonize their soil with AMF weeks in advance, or before flowering, to maximize the availability of nutrients—especially phosphorus, a crucial element for cannabis flowering.
To reduce transplant shock in cannabis, sprinkle powdered mycorrhizae around the root ball and into the transplant hole. This ensures contact with the roots and maximizes the fungi’s benefits.
Humanoid researchers have shown that Rhizophagus Irregularis prepares cannabis seedlings for success. But don’t sleep on Rhizophagus Aggregatus or Rhizophagus Prolifer either—they’re excellent for promoting healthy cannabis growth, higher yields, and stronger resistance to stress.
When you’re starting with cannabis seeds, adding mycorrhizal fungi sets you up for healthier growth, optimized root systems, and ultimately, premium flower production. Whether it’s germination, transplanting, or flowering, let fungi elevate your grow.
Curious about which mycorrhizal fungi strains are best for your setup or need help incorporating AMF into your cannabis grow? The team at Multiverse Beans is here to guide you—from seedling support to flowering finesse. Whether you’re growing in living soil or hydro, we’ll help you pair the right cannabis seeds with proven microbial allies for a thriving, resilient grow. Reach out today and let us help you take your grow to the next level—naturally.
References
Now that your harvest is trimmed, dried, and cured properly, it’s time to discuss proper storage for your cannabis flower and concentrates. While some of these best practices may seem obvious, others are not. So ride with me–Greg the Alien–and look at some science-backed ways to store your stash courtesy of several different peer-reviewed studies by humanoid researchers.
You’ve spent several months, a little bit of money, and a lot of hard work on your weed plants–get the best out of your harvest for as long as you can. Storing weed and concentrates properly will ensure the best longevity and quality for as long as possible.
The potency of cannabis gradually degrades if stored inefficiently. Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid formed from the breakdown of THC-rich trichomes in flower and concentrates over time. THC-rich weed and concentrates become less and less psychoactive the older they get, while CBN takes over and leaves consumers with a more drowsy effect than anything. [1]
If your goal is to preserve potency, learning how to store cannabis flower and protect concentrates is critical for long-term use.
Terpenes factor in much more than they are given credit for when it comes to their contribution to potency and potential medicinal effects of cannabis. They’re also a big part of the aroma and flavor profiles of just about every strain and type of weed.
Besides genetics, cultivation, harvest, and growing environment, age has a lot to do with how active and present terpenes are in the overall spectrum of cannabinoids for a certain strain. The inherent nature of terpenes leads them to be unstable, which means that as cannabis ages, the terpenes are depleted along with all their benefits, scents, and flavors [2].
The best approach to preserve terpenes is to store your weed at its peak dankness, using a Boveda humidity pack to keep relative humidity levels stable.
For maximum flavor and aroma retention, always store your cured buds in air-tight, UV-protected glass jars—it’s the gold standard for anyone who wants to keep weed fresh for months.
There have been quite a few studies on the effects of light, temperature, and air on cannabis and concentrate samples. Many of these studies have become the cornerstone of our understanding of how to store weed properly.
In one 2012 study, both concentrates and flower were monitored over 4 years under different conditions. Samples exposed to natural UV light and room temperature showed drastic THC reduction in just the first year. By year four, THC was virtually nonexistent and replaced by CBN [3].
If you’re wondering how long weed lasts in different conditions, this study offers a clear answer: improper storage = massive potency loss.
Other researchers discovered that storing cannabis at room temperature can reduce THC levels by 3–5% per month. While CBN is the main culprit, light and temperature speed up degradation [4].
Once the temperature rises above 85°F, degradation increases exponentially [5]. So, if you’re storing your stash in a garage, attic, or sunny window—move it immediately!
Among all factors, light was found to be the most destructive. Even more than air or heat, UV exposure destroys cannabinoids in both flower and concentrate forms [6].
If you’re planning long-term storage, light protection is non-negotiable. This makes UV-blocking, airtight jars a must-have for any serious cannabis consumer or grower.
Many of the factors besides CBN that contribute heavily to the degradation of your stash can be relatively controlled. When it comes to fighting the elements and keeping weed premium, humanoids have it figured out pretty good.
UV-protected glass containers with a dark, opaque, or preferably blue tint will ensure degradation from light is minimized. Keep jars in a room-temperature, dark location, away from kitchens, bathrooms, or windows.
Once your buds are filled into each jar, add a Boveda pack to maintain ideal RH levels while they’re stored. Choose a Boveda pack size that coordinates with the weight inside the full jar. Refrigeration and freezing are not smart ways to store buds specifically, since they can damage cannabinoid-rich trichomes and produce condensation that leads to mold.
If you’re a grower using premium cannabis seeds from Multiverse Beans, proper post-harvest storage is just as important as the cultivation itself.
There are many different types of cannabis concentrates, each with unique storage needs. Whether you’re preserving live resin, rosin, wax, shatter, or distillates, proper storage ensures potency, texture, and terpene profile stay intact.
Learning how to store cannabis concentrates is essential for extract users who want to preserve taste, potency, and consistency.
As mentioned, storing weed and concentrates the right way may seem simple, but a lot of humanoids still don’t seem to do it. Pay attention to all of the above that I talked about, but also some other tips below to help guide you.
Researchers continue to study and publish findings on cannabis preservation, helping us humanoids (and aliens) better understand how to fight the effects of time, light, air, and heat on THC, terpenes, and overall product integrity.
More studies are on the way, but what we know now is enough to make a huge difference. If you’re serious about protecting your harvest from premium cannabis seeds, don’t overlook this final but vital stage.
CBN may not be your friend, but it’s gonna show up to the party anyway—minimize its takeover and preserve your weed’s full potential by storing it properly.
Start strong by choosing high-quality seeds! Visit Multiverse Beans to buy cannabis seeds online—autoflowers, photoperiods, hybrids, indicas, and sativas. Once you grow them right, store them right using the tips above.
👉 Ready to grow and preserve like a pro? Shop now at Multiverse Beans
Growing cannabis seeds with companion p
lants—both indoor and outdoor—can make a galaxy of a difference when dealing with pest control in cannabis gardens. Sometimes, no matter what a home grower does, they can never seem to dial in the organic pest control aspect of growing cannabis plants, resulting in less-than-stellar results.
Humanoid home growers and interdimensional aliens like me have one thing in common—we both have green thumbs! Combine some know-how with those green thumbs to make companion plants for cannabis dramatically revolutionize your indoor grow, greenhouse cannabis garden, or outdoor living soil bed.
Home cannabis growers should utilize companion plants for cannabis pest control to confront pest issues organically and efficiently. This time-tested growing trick has numerous advantages that result in an enhanced ecosystem that minimizes mold, maximizes soil quality and health (nitrogen), promotes pollination, and—as discussed here—keeps those annoying cannabis garden pests away! [1][2]
When it comes to cannabis and companion planting, humanoid researchers have slacked hard in the areas of studies and research. Hard, factual evidence is mostly observational and has been passed down from early ancestors, along with their successes using companion plants for other traditional crops.
Though there are many proven varieties to pair with your cannabis seeds, it still requires some trial and error to get them to interact and produce just the way you want.
Terpenes are a natural way for many plant species to fight pests in cannabis grows [3]. They can also be X factors because many companion plants have their own terpene profiles which can also affect the terps, aroma, and flavor of your final cannabis yield.
For example, be aware that cultivating companion plants like onion and garlic in the same cannabis grow bed with your OG Kush may help keep away pests; however, it just might also turn your prized OG Kush into something more like Onion Garlic Kush! I’ll be sure to mention which ones have been shown to affect the terpenes of cohabiting cannabis plants when possible.
Companion planting with cannabis can be used indoors, outdoors, or in a big, beautiful greenhouse cannabis grow. As mentioned, if you want the most organic and efficient way to fight common cannabis pests, then get a few new green friends growing close to your weed. A good rule of thumb (green or otherwise) is to start your companions once the cannabis seedling develops its first true leaves. That way the fresh cannabis seedling doesn’t have to compete for nutrients.
Indoor Companion Plants
Along with thinking about how much space you have to grow at your disposal, using companion plants for indoor cannabis grows must also consider other environmental concerns. Before we discuss which to use, here are a few tips:
A strong-scented herb that repels aphids, beetles, thrips, houseflies, and spider mites. Also boosts limonene and pinene-heavy strains.
Repels moths, fleas, and whiteflies; attracts pollinators outdoors. Excellent for enhancing linalool-rich cannabis strains.
Menthol-heavy herbs that repel ants, aphids, and beetles. Grow in separate containers to contain spread.
Repels spider mites, aphids, and mold. Enhances caryophyllene or pinene profiles.
Greenhouse & Outdoor Companion Plants
Many of the varieties already mentioned above are great for indoor companion planting, and as a bonus, also work well in a greenhouse cannabis grow or outdoor cannabis garden. Just be sure to account for differences in temperature, humidity, available light, and even the size of the pests (deer and rabbits).
Growing cannabis in a greenhouse provides the best of both worlds—indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation—all in one! Take advantage of the improved space and flexibility that a greenhouse grow provides courtesy of several tips:
When cultivating cannabis outdoors, you are, of course, exposed to environmental factors, and therefore trying to maintain a solid balance to your ecosystem in response. Here are some additional tips for any of my humanoid growmies looking to do so:
Best Outdoor Companion Plants For Cannabis
Repels aphids, nematodes, whiteflies, and rabbits.
Repels root nematodes and spider mites.
Repels mosquitoes, attracts pollinators, and boosts limonene strains.
Act as aphid magnets and wind barriers.
Repels caterpillars and attracts parasitic wasps.
Attracts ladybugs and repels aphids.
Repels spider mites and beetles; boosts terpene profiles.
Hot peppers deter pests with capsaicin and even repel deer.
Choosing which companion plants for cannabis cultivation doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out decision. Many perform the same functions while ridding your cannabis grow area of pests. However, some may work better in your particular environment—it’s just a matter of trial and error.
Consider growing a companion plant that supports terpene production, or that you can use after harvest as well. Herbs and plants like basil, lavender, rosemary, mint, peppers, onions, and garlic can be repurposed for food, topicals, or even herbal teas and tinctures. You may also want to choose companion plants based on how they can affect the final aroma and flavor of your cannabis strains. No matter what you choose, give yourself—and your faithful cannabis plants—a new friend that you can rely on!
Need seeds to start your companion planting journey? Explore premium cannabis genetics at Multiverse Beans and build the ultimate grow setup today. Contact us to learn more.
It’s me, Greg the Alien, once again, and let me start by saying, “Congrats,” you’ve officially grown a successful harvest of potent, premium weed—now learn how to trim cannabis buds like a pro! For some folks, trimming cannabis buds can be a real pain in the you-know-what. However, with the right tools, knowledge, and plan of action, trimming can be just as enjoyable as any other stage in the cultivation process.
Whether you grew photoperiods or autoflowers, this is the part where your buds go from “garden fresh” to dispensary-quality nugs.
Your weed plant made it through the trials and tribulations of cultivation generally unscathed. Finish the process with a clean, more aesthetically pleasing appearance that also helps to preserve vital cannabinoids and terpenes. Trimming away excess plant material also leads to a smoother smoke containing far less chlorophyll, while also preventing mold production. [1]
Flushing your weed plants free of nutrients and replenishing with water is an option some growers like to utilize about 2 weeks before they chop them down. Though not a requirement, doing so removes any remaining harshness of nutrient uptake still within the tissues of the buds–the result, according to some, is increased aroma and flavor. [2]
However, there remains a trade-off between enhancing desirable traits like aroma and flavor by flushing, while also potentially allowing nutrient deficiencies and cell damage by doing so. [2]
Whether or not you’ve flushed or not, eyeing up the trichome ripeness and looking for that ideal mix of cloudy white trichome heads is when it’s time to chop your plant down. Being patient is super important at this stage to judge the right time to harvest.
Accuracy is also important, so as Uncle Paulie and I have mentioned before, ditch the jeweler’s loupe and get a digital microscope to determine when the right time to harvest is going to be. You want your weed plants to be at maximum potency before any manicuring starts, and digital microscopes give you the best chance at doing so.
A big part of making trimming easier, less time-consuming, and less stressful is being prepared with the right tools for the job. Take a look below to see which tools I incorporate into my routine.
Whether you’re trimming autoflower cannabis, photoperiods, or boutique craft strains, these tools are essential for high-quality, professional results.
There are two schools of practice when it comes to trimming your weed plants down after harvest. Wet trimming and dry trimming are exactly what they sound like, however, the results can be a little different. [3]
One recent study evaluated both methods to determine which yielded the most optimal cannabinoid and terpene content. Their results determined that mild wet trimming produced the highest concentration of cannabinoids due to an increased balance of stress signals. This process included only partial removal of the sugar leaves up front. [4]
On the other hand, complete removal of the sugar leaves in a dry trim could have the opposite effect. There is an effect from the remaining starches in the sugar leaves on secondary cannabinoids and terpenes. Dry trims are also apparently more efficient in enhancing terpenes. [4]
For the most part, wet trimming removes sugar leaves immediately after you chop down your weed plants. This process involves drying the buds after trimming them to remove the excess plant material, meaning a lot of stickiness to work through up front.
Wet trimming is great at preventing any mold for growers living in very humid regions. Removing sugar leaves before drying also helps to cut down on drying time at the end. Buds maintained with a wet trim are often less compact than the typical nuggets we all desire.
According to some researchers, wet trimming preserves trichomes more optimally since fresh trichomes are less susceptible to breakage compared to dried trichomes. [5]
Dry trimming is when growers dry the branches first before manicuring each bud. This process makes drying take longer, but with more optimal results in the areas of flavor and aroma. Sugar leaves also start to lose moisture more quickly with dry trimming, making them slightly more difficult to trim.
Many home growers I know refer to the overwhelming presence of freshly chopped plant matter to sort and manicure as “trim jail.” Listen, I have been to jail for one night in the Bear Paw Galaxy—over there by the Lynx constellation and the new Starbucks that just opened—for going Warp 3 in a Warp 2 Zone—and let me tell you, it ain’t nothin like trimming weed!
Hang out with friends, blaze, listen to good music, and make dank buds look pretty! Make trimming fun by creating a comfortable environment free of stress or distraction. Inviting some friends over to help minimizes the amount of time in your trim jail sentence.
Remember to keep a consistent size and shape—don’t butcher your buds—and maintain clean, sharp tools, and you’ll be in trim heaven, not trim jail!
Whether you’re trimming your first cannabis grow or your fiftieth, make it a ritual. Respect the plant, and the process becomes a celebration.
Need help before, during, or after your harvest? Reach out to the team at Multiverse Beans for growing support, harvesting tips, and of course—your next round of premium cannabis seeds.
Buy cannabis seeds online at Multiverse Beans and grow something worth trimming.