Cannabis under the microscope
Cannabis under the microscope
Trichomes, mould and the perfect time to harvest
More and more growers are using a microscope to closely examine their plants. It helps to determine the degree of ripeness of the trichomes, detect possible mould formation at an early stage and assess the quality of the flowers.
But which microscope is best suited, what should you look out for and can you harvest without a microscope? Here you can find out everything you need to know.
Which microscope is the best choice for cannabis?
If you want to buy a microscope for cannabis, you have a wide choice. Depending on the intended use and budget, there are various models that are suitable for everyday growing. The most popular variants are:
- Magnifying microscopes: small handheld magnifiers with magnifications between 30x and 60x. They are inexpensive, easy to use and fit in any pocket. However, they provide less detail than digital models.
- Digital microscopes: These models are often connected to a computer or smartphone via USB or Wi-Fi. They offer high magnification and make it possible to save images. Particularly practical for precise analysis.
- Pocket and stereo microscopes: These high-quality devices offer an extremely detailed view with magnifications of over 100x. They are ideal for accurately identifying trichomes and mould, but are usually a little more expensive.
For beginners, an inexpensive handheld magnifier or a simple digital microscope is often sufficient, but advanced growers will benefit from a more powerful model to better assess their plants.
This is what trichomes look like under the microscope
Trichomes are tiny resinous glands on the cannabis flowers that contain cannabinoids and terpenes. Their appearance changes during the flowering phase, and this is exactly what can be observed with a microscope. The condition of the trichomes indicates when the plant should be harvested.
- Transparent trichomes indicate that the plant has not yet matured and is still lacking full potency.
- Milky-coloured trichomes indicate the perfect harvest time for a strong, psychoactive high.
- Amber-coloured trichomes develop later and provide a more calming, sedative effect.
A microscope helps to clearly recognise these differences, which makes the harvest time much more precise than simply observing with the eye.
Detecting mould on cannabis: The microscope as a protective measure
Mould can creep onto cannabis without being immediately visible. It can spread quickly, especially if the humidity is too high or ventilation is poor. A microscope helps to detect signs early and avoid a contaminated harvest. Typical signs of mould are:
- Fine, downy white or grey threads running across the blossom.
- Dark spots or unusual colour changes.
- Small spores that look like dust particles.
- A musty or unpleasant odour that indicates contamination.
Regular inspections with a microscope help to detect mould at an early stage before it spreads further. It is advisable to examine suspicious areas closely, especially during the drying and storage phase.
How to prevent mould on cannabis
To prevent mould from forming in the first place, a few basic measures are important, especially the ambient conditions:
- Humidity should be between 40 % and 50 % during the flowering phase to prevent mould growth.
- Good air circulation is essential and fans help to avoid stagnant humid air.
- After harvesting, cannabis should be dried slowly and in a well-ventilated room, as excessive humidity promotes the growth of mould spores.
- Before storing the flowers, it makes sense to check them with a microscope to detect hidden mould at an early stage.
Paying attention to these points minimises the risk of losing an entire harvest to mould.
Can you harvest cannabis without a microscope?
Yes, it is possible to harvest cannabis without a microscope, but this makes it more difficult to determine the perfect time. Without magnification, the only option is visual assessment based on the flower structure. Typical signs of maturity are:
- The calyxes swell and the white hairs (stigmas) turn a brownish colour.
- The plant stops growing and the resin content appears to be at its peak.
- The odour of the flowers becomes more intense and mature.
Although these signs are helpful, it is not possible to examine the trichomes closely without a microscope, so if you want to be on the safe side, use a magnifying aid.