The Importance Of The Ripening Process: How To Grow Properly “Matured” Cannabis & Increase Potency

[cannetix Inc]

The Importance Of The Ripening Process: How To Grow Properly “Matured” Cannabis & Increase Potency

By Cannetix
​

The ripening process of Cannabis, although often overlooked by novice growers, is one of the most important factors in the finished quality of the bud. The active constituents in Cannabis, known as Cannabinoids, begin life as one of two compounds; Olivetolic Acid and Divarinolic Acid. These two acids are converted by an enzyme known as Geranyl Diphosphate into the two primary Cannabinoids found in raw Cannabis; CBG-A (Cannabigerolic Acid) which is synthesized from Olivetolic acid and CBG-VA (Cannabigerovarinic Acid), synthesized from Divarinolic Acid. Most modern varieties of Cannabis contain significantly higher quantities of Olivetolic Acid compared to Divarinolic Acid and thus produce much higher quantities of CBG-A compared to CBG-VA.

As the ripening process continues, other enzymes in the plant convert CBG-A and CBG-VA into their secondary metabolites. CBG-A undergoes enzymatic conversion to THC-A (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), CBD-A (Cannabidiolic Acid) and CBC (Cannabichromic Acid) while CBG-VA undergoes a similar enzymatic conversion process resulting in THC-VA (Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid), CBD-VA (Cannabidivarinic Acid) and CBC-VA (Cannabichromovarinic Acid). It is important to note that this enzymatic process can only occur when the plant and its tissues are alive and growing. Nearly all enzymatic activity within a plants cells ceases 10 minutes after harvesting has taken place. Allowing cannabis to ripen long enough ensures maximum conversion of CBG-A and CBG-VA into their valuable secondary metabolites.

One Cannabinoid you may notice has been left unmentioned thus far is CBN, also known as Cannabinol. Unlike other Cannabinoids found in Cannabis, CBN does not follow the same biosynthesis pathway and instead results from the Oxidization of THC-A catalyzed by UV-B radiation, resulting in CBN-A. One harvesting does occur, and once the drying/curing process beings, metabolism ceases and the acids can no longer be converted to other acids. Instead, a process called decarboxylation becomes the primary means of ripening at this point. Decarboxylation of these acids is catalyzed by Oxygen, but only in a dark environment. Oxidization in the presence of UV light catalyzes a reaction that converts THC-A to CBN-A, which then undergoes decarboxylation to CBN. Oxidization in a dark environment causes a reaction referred to as “dark oxidization” or more accurately, oxidative decarboxylation to occur, converting Cannabinoid Acids (CBG-A, THC-A, CBD-A, CBC-A, THC-VA, CBD-VA, CBC-VA, CBN-A) into their corresponding Cannabinoids (CBG, THC, CBD, CBC, THC-V, CBD-V, CBC-V, CBN).

The general consensus amongst the medical marijuana community is that high-quality Cannabis should contain the highest possible levels of THC, CBD, CBC, THC-V, CBD-V, and CBC-V while minimizing levels of CBG and CBN. While not invaluable from a medical perspective these compounds act as partial CB1 and CB2 agonists and can thus interfere with the activity of other more valuable Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. It is generally thought that CBG and CBN are responsible for the undesirable lethargy and fatigue caused by some varieties of Cannabis. In order to maximize THC and CBD content, plants should be left to fully mature which will be evident by the presence of a red-orange coloration in the glandular trichome heads. Allowing plants to mature for too long can result in higher CBN content. To minimize CBN content, dry plants in a cool, dry, dark environment until moisture content reaches 20% or lower. At this point buds can be placed in light-proof jars and sealed. Because the curing process (decarboxylation) relies on dark oxidization it is important to keep light out while still allowing for some transfer of air. This can be accomplished by opening the jars for 5-10 minutes each day. Continuing this process for at least 2 weeks will result in highly potent buds that have the proper moisture content, strong aroma & taste and that burn smoothly due to a lower sugar content.

Glandular trichome heads, referred to by growers simply as “Trichomes”, are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants that are diverse in both structure and in function. Many aromatic herbs, including but not limited to Cannabis, produce the vast majority of their volatile oils in the glandular trichome heads. Cannabis trichomes cover the buds and surrounding leaves and are clear “antennae” shaped appendages made primarily of Cellulose, as well as Silica and Calcium Carbonate.

 

[cannetix Inc]

The presence (or lack thereof) of certain nutrients during the flowering period can not only have an effect on yield, but also an effect on glandular trichome production, Terpene synthesis, alkaloid synthesis and the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Due to the economic importance of many of these so-called phytochemicals, such as essential oils used for flavors and aromas, there has already been a significant amount of research into stimulating alkaloid synthesis in such economically important plant species. It is widely known that all plants require high levels of Phosphorus to produce buds, flowers, and fruits but less widely known that Phosphorus also plays a very important role in the synthesis of Cannabinoids due to its importance in the Geranyl Diphosphate molecule responsible for the conversion of Olivetolic Acid and Divonaric Acid into the primary Cannabinoids CBG-A and CBG-VA. Another important nutrient for alkaloid production is Sulphur (Sulfur) which is a primary component of the enzymes responsible for the ripening of Cannabis and the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as THC-A and CBD-A. Due to the fact that Silicon & Calcium are both involved in Trichome production, the addition of these nutrients can improve glandular trichome head formation and increase oil/alkaloid production. Silicon in the form of Silica (SiO2) and Calcium in the form of Calcium Carbonate (CaCo3) is especially useful when used as a foliar spray. Studies have shown that the accumulation of Calcium Carbonate nanoparticles and Silica Nanoparticles in glandular trichome heads increases synthesis of phenolic compounds in various aromatic plants.

Another potential means for enhancing trichome and phenolic compound production is a process referred to as supplemental UV irradiation. Although the biological role Cannabinoids play in the Cannabis plant is not fully understood, it is likely that they play a number of roles in defense against pests as well as UV-B radiation. Studies have shown that Cannabis grown under artificial UV light contains higher alkaloid concentrations while Cannabis grown under High-Pressure Sodium bulbs (which emit little to no UV-B) contain lower alkaloid concentrations. Similarly, outdoor Cannabis grown at higher altitudes where UV-B levels in sunlight are greater is also known to contain higher alkaloid concentrations. Using artificial lights that emit high levels of UV-B radiation, growers can, in theory, stimulate Trichome and alkaloid production. Supplemental UV-B radiation may also have the unintended beneficial effect of reducing the growth of mold spores and thus reducing the likelihood of gray mold (Botrytis) or powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) which can devastate entire Marijuana crops in less than 1 week.

Cannabinoids are not the only active constituent found in the Cannabis plant. Cannabis contains many volatile Terpenes and Phenolic compounds, including those responsible for its aroma and flavor. C. Sativa produces high levels of compounds known as Esters, which tend to have sweeter, fruitier scents while C. Indica varieties produce higher levels of Terpenes which tend to have earthier, muskier scents. Of these Terpenes, the most predominant and most important are the Monoterpenes, including Pinene, Limonene, and Myrcene. These monoterpenes are not only responsible for some of the Antiseptic properties of Cannabis but also interact physiologically with the body and with the Endocannabinoid system. Although it is commonly claimed that CBD (and less commonly, CBN) are responsible for the sedative effects of Cannabis, studies fail to demonstrate a consistent sedating effect in patients who are administered purified CBD, which is actually present in significant quantities in many varieties of Hemp and Hemp oil. The sedative effect of C. Indica is more likely to be the result of Monoterpenes such as Myrcene, which is the predominant chemical constituent in other herbs with known sedative properties including Hops (Humulus lupulus). Another possible effect of these monoterpenes is the creation of a “synergistic” effect when administered with Cannabinoids by increasing blood flow and “trafficking” Cannabinoids across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Terpenes are lipophilic compounds that easily cross membranes and the blood-brain barrier in particular. In Cannabis, about 20 flavonoids have been identified, mainly belonging to the flavone and flavonol subclasses. These Flavonoids may also modulate the pharmacokinetics of THC, via inhibition of the hepatic P450 enzymes thus slowing its metabolism.

Due to the fact that Terpenes are of especially great economic importance compared to other phytochemicals, much of the research surrounding the potentiation of phytochemical biosynthesis in agriculture is aimed at increasing Terpene production. In higher plants, the conventional acetate-mevalonic acid pathway operates mainly in the cytosol and mitochondria and synthesizes sterols, sesquiterpenes, and ubiquinones mainly. In the plastid, the non-mevalonic acid pathway takes place and synthesizes hemi-, mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenes along with carotenoids and phytol tail of chlorophyll. The enzymes responsible for the synthesis of terpenes are called terpene synthases. They initiate the synthesis of monoterpenes by dephosphorylation and ionization of geranyl diphosphate to geranyl carbocation and the synthesis of sesquiterpene with the ionization of farnesyl diphosphate to farnesyl cation, which can also be isomerized to nerolidyl cation. Again, ensuring plants receive adequate levels of phosphorus and Sulphur, both of which are key elements in this reaction, ensures maximum terpene production. The involvement of amino acids in the biosynthesis of hyperforin and adhyperforin was reported in H. Perforatum shoot cultures. Valine and isoleucine, upon administration to the shoot cultures, were incorporated into acyl side chain of hyperforin and adhyperforin, respectively. Feeding the shoot cultures with unlabelled isoleucine at a concentration of 2 mM induced a 3-7-fold increase in the production of a hyperforin. The treatment of plant cells with biotic and/or abiotic elicitors has been a useful strategy to enhance secondary metabolite production in cell cultures. The most frequently used elicitors are fungal carbohydrates, yeast extract, Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) and chitosan. MJ, a proven signal compound, is the most effective elicitor of taxol production in Taxus chinensis Roxb and ginsenoside production in P. Ginseng C.A. Meyercell/organ culture. Exogenously applied Methyl Jasmonate is one of the most well studied and promising techniques for promoting the biosynthesis of a wide variety of terpenes, flavonoids, etc. Methyl Jasmonate makes up some 2-3% of refined Jasmine Oil, making Jasmine Oil a potential potency-enhancing agent for use in organic medical marijuana production.

 

[whitebb2727]

Nice copy paste. Normally a person gives credit to the source being copied.

 

[cannetix Inc]

Nice copy paste. Normally a person gives credit to the source being copied.

A few bits and pieces are copied and pasted, yes, mostly in regard to the final two paragraphs referencing particular studies, but the vast majority of this article is original content – and i challenge you to prove otherwise. The “Cannabis community” is filled with high & mighty arrogance like yours. Normally people cite their resources when they are writing a scholarly journal or paper, which this is not, its a post on a Cannabis forum intended to give fellow growers valuable information. Stop making this community out to be something that its not. Next time i write an article for a scientific journal ill be sure to provide adequate citation but i really couldnt be bothered to waste my time providing them here. Sounds like you are a 16 year old who just recently learned about citing your work. Get off your high-horse.

 

[chemphlegm]

long as you aint selling something.........

 

[GroErr]

Excuse our "arrogance" but we have "New Members" signing up here daily going after the gold rush of MJ legalization and selling one thing or another. Most don't know shit and most simply copy/paste or regurgitate internet myths.

Hint: If you're selling anything and your handle implies that btw. You'll do a lot better in this community of members on their high horses if you develop some rapport and build some reputation. Otherwise, try another site because based on your start, you're not going to sell anything here under hat handle and with that attitude.

 

[cannetix Inc]

Excuse our "arrogance" but we have "New Members" signing up here daily going after the gold rush of MJ legalization and selling one thing or another. Most don't know shit and most simply copy/paste or regurgitate internet myths.

Hint: If you're selling anything and your handle implies that btw. You'll do a lot better in this community of members on their high horses if you develop some rapport and build some reputation. Otherwise, try another site because based on your start, you're not going to sell anything here under hat handle and with that attitude.

Hint: The term "Inc" means "Incorporation" and just because an entity is incorporated does not mean it sells a product. Plenty of corporations operate in a manner that does not involve the sale of any product or service. You should probably educate yourself a bit further instead of assuming that every corporate entity has evil, ill intentions and is just out to take your money. Classic attitude of today's millennial liberals. It doesn't matter what my name implies, last time i checked I'm not selling any product or service. Arrogant fools.

 

[cannetix Inc]

Excuse our "arrogance" but we have "New Members" signing up here daily going after the gold rush of MJ legalization and selling one thing or another. Most don't know shit and most simply copy/paste or regurgitate internet myths.

Hint: If you're selling anything and your handle implies that btw. You'll do a lot better in this community of members on their high horses if you develop some rapport and build some reputation. Otherwise, try another site because based on your start, you're not going to sell anything here under hat handle and with that attitude.

Looking at your thousands of posts, it looks to me like you're the one who sits on this site all day regurgitating internet myths. For example, the myth that the Wynn governmen is going to impose a height limit on plants. Wrong. The federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation reccomended this but there has been no indication that its going through. There are many reccomendations and proposals flying around the Canadian government right now and many people like to spout them off as fact but very few things are set in stone thus far.

 

[tstick]

"recommended"....only one "C" and two "M's"

sincerely,

-The Grammar Police

 

[Jaybodankly]

I hang my plants in a dark room @60F and dehumidifier set to 60. I leave it for ~10days or so. What can I do to improve my drying situation?

 

[cannetix Inc]

I hang my plants in a dark room @60F and dehumidifier set to 60. I leave it for ~10days or so. What can I do to improve my drying situation?

Your temperature seems fine in terms of keeping humidity low and preventing mold growth. Ideally, you want drying to occur as quickly as possible without the use of high temperatures that can burst glandular trichome heads and drive off some of the more volatile oils. You want the curing process to begin as soon as possible, so once moisture content is low enough to prevent the growth of mold the bud can be trimmed and placed into jars. I don't know what kind of dehumidifier or if you can set it any lower but doing so to allow for a slightly faster drying time might be ideal. Do you trim large fan leaves before or after the drying process? Do you use a fan for air circulation or does your dehumidifier include a fan?

 

[jarvild]

I have no problems with what you are saying, but not all of the people on here are uneducated in the botanical sciences. Some actually enjoy reading scholarly papers.

 

[GroErr]

Looking at your thousands of posts, it looks to me like you're the one who sits on this site all day regurgitating internet myths. For example, the myth that the Wynn governmen is going to impose a height limit on plants. Wrong. The federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation reccomended this but there has been no indication that its going through. There are many reccomendations and proposals flying around the Canadian government right now and many people like to spout them off as fact but very few things are set in stone thus far.

Ok so I see how well you're going to fit into this site, have fun and happy sales.

BTW: Alberta has today set the limit to 1 metre and banned outdoor sales. But you may want to check the sources. I didn't check them, assuming the CBC already did.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-provincial-rules-marijuana-cannabis-1.4327491

 

[cannetix Inc]

Ok so I see how well you're going to fit into this site, have fun and happy sales.

BTW: Alberta has today set the limit to 1 metre and banned outdoor sales. But you may want to check the sources. I didn't check them, assuming the CBC already did.

Nice! Thanks for the article. I wasn't aware Alberta had put such laws into place. Unfortunately, Kathleen Wynne is the premier of Ontario, and I was actually referring to Ontario. I see that you are too arrogant to actually read peoples arguments and take them into consideration. As I've already stated multiple times – I'm not selling any products or service, nor do I have any plans on doing so in the future. If this were the case, I would have to be awfully bad at my job to not even provide any website or links of any kind. Geesh!

 

[jeepster1993]

I was unaware that curing my cannabis is decarboxylation.

 

[GroErr]

Yeah total ignoramus here, enjoy your short stay.

 

[cannetix Inc]

Yeah total ignoramus here, enjoy your short stay.

Will do! Thanks for your input and enjoy buying my non-existent products you are so set on believing exist!

 

[cannetix Inc]

I was unaware that curing my cannabis is decarboxylation.

The process is referred to as Oxidative Decarboxylation. The effect isn't as pronounced as decarboxylation that occurs under high temperatures but it certainly does take place and there are many examples of it even outside of the world of Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

 

[whitebb2727]

A few bits and pieces are copied and pasted, yes, mostly in regard to the final two paragraphs referencing particular studies, but the vast majority of this article is original content – and i challenge you to prove otherwise. The “Cannabis community” is filled with high & mighty arrogance like yours. Normally people cite their resources when they are writing a scholarly journal or paper, which this is not, its a post on a Cannabis forum intended to give fellow growers valuable information. Stop making this community out to be something that its not. Next time i write an article for a scientific journal ill be sure to provide adequate citation but i really couldnt be bothered to waste my time providing them here. Sounds like you are a 16 year old who just recently learned about citing your work. Get off your high-horse.

I'm far from arrogant. Just calling it like I see it.

Forget the lessons. You are the one that joined a site and went straight to the advanced cultivation section.

You may very well be legit. I, and others, don't know that. Maybe take the time to introduce yourself.

What kind of setup are you running?

 

[jeepster1993]

The process is referred to as Oxidative Decarboxylation. The effect isn't as pronounced as decarboxylation that occurs under high temperatures but it certainly does take place and there are many examples of it even outside of the world of Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

Gotcha.
You call it tomato I call it Towmatow...The cure.
I should have known it had a spiffy scientific name.