When to pull? What are the myths and facts

[sammysamsam]

I was under the impression that the max amounts of THC are available when the trichomes are cloudy.

Then when the trichomes start to turn amber it is a sign that the THC is starting to degrade. When this starts to happen the amount of available CBD is increasing.

This is also what I've been told previously, but then after some more reading it seems it gets more technical than that this is why I am falling in love with the whole process of the grow though, it's a craft in itself and looks like will take me many goes at it to master- I'm looking forward to the first pull of my plants and first smoke what a rewarding experience! I've only ever bought from shady people who I'm pretty sure don't do all the amazing stuff you all do to make it great so I'm happy I know what's gone into mine even if it's not the best first time around I'll still love it for what it is, can't thank everyone enough for the advice here!

 

[Sativa1970]

I was to pull the northern lights before the amber trichomes would it's still be couch lock type strain or would it change its feels to more of a sativa feel?

When you harvest won't make a pure sativa hit like a pure Indica or vice versa. The genetics determine the effects but when you harvest is a fine tuning dial. More along the lines of making a 50/50 hybrid hit like it is sativa or indica dominant level of control.

Starting at 10%, then 20%-30%-40% and so on, clip a small bud. Loosely wrap it in aluminum foil and bake it at 150-200degF for 30 minutes. It will be a bit green and harsh but dry enough to burn at that point. Use a good water bong. There will be a clear, noticeable difference each time you sample. As you move from low potency mind to a high potency body effect you will find the level that is right for you. At that point you can harvest. But you don't have to harvest the entire plant at one time. You can do an early, mid and late harvest. Easier to limit to two harvests so you don't stress the plant.

even if it's not the best first time around I'll still love it for what it is

Even if it is the worst bud you have ever seen, it will be one of the best buds you have ever smoked. Been over 40 years but still remember preferring my first home grown buds almost over the jar of Thai sticks I had in my stash. Friends were kind enough to say "That was good" but then fallowed by " but now can we smoke something else?" Same guys last summer brought a dispensary joint when we got together. Told him I brought an oz of mine but we can smoke that latter. He threw his in the river and handed me his lighter.