What Happens If You Don’t Trim or Cure Bud Immediately After Harvest?

If bud is not trimmed immediately upon harvest or quickly dried and cured before trimming, you could (will) run into these problems:

Not Trimming Immediately Upon Harvest:

• Mold and Mildew Growth: Leaves can retain moisture and create an environment conducive to mold and mildew. If the buds are not trimmed and dried promptly, mold can develop, which can ruin the entire batch.
• Degradation of Cannabinoids and Terpenes: The outer leaves can trap moisture, leading to uneven drying. This can cause cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes (the compounds responsible for aroma and flavor) to degrade.
• Difficulty in Trimming: If the bud is left untrimmed and begins to dry, the leaves can become more brittle and harder to trim. This can lead to a more labor-intensive trimming process and potential loss of valuable trichomes.

Not Properly Curing Before Trimming:

• Harsh Smoke: If the bud is not properly cured before trimming, the chlorophyll in the leaves and buds doesn’t break down completely. This can result in harsher smoke with a more unpleasant taste.
• Loss of Potency and Flavor: Proper curing helps preserve the potency and flavor of the bud by allowing a slow degradation of chlorophyll and other unwanted substances. If bud is not cured correctly, it can lose its potency and the distinct flavors and aromas that make each strain unique.
• Increased Risk of Mold: Without proper curing, the buds' internal moisture content can remain too high. This moisture can lead to mold development, especially if the buds are stored in airtight containers.
• Uneven Drying: Curing allows for even distribution of remaining moisture throughout the buds. Without curing, you may have unevenly dried buds, with some parts being too dry and others retaining too much moisture.

Best Practices:

• Immediate (Wet) Trimming: Trim off fan leaves immediately upon harvest to prevent moisture retention and potential mold issues.

OR

• Immediate Drying: Hang the trimmed buds in a controlled environment with appropriate temperature and humidity levels for drying.
• Curing: Store the dried buds in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Open the containers (burping) daily for the first couple of weeks to release excess moisture and allow fresh air in.

Following these steps ensures the bud retains its potency, flavor, and quality while minimizing the risk of mold and other issues.