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Harvest

Trichome anatomy and harvest timing

Clear, cloudy, amber — and what each tells you about the high.

1 min read2026-05-2615 views

Trichomes are the resin glands on cannabis flower. They contain almost all the cannabinoids and most of the terpenes. Watching them change color is the single best way to time harvest.

Trichome color → effect
Clear
  • Cannabinoids still building
  • Harvest now = weak, racy, harsh
  • Wait longer
Cloudy / amber
  • Cloudy: peak THC — sharp, head-forward effect
  • Amber: THC oxidizing to CBN — heavier, body-leaning
  • Most growers target ~70% cloudy / 30% amber
  1. 1
    Buy a jeweler's loupe or USB microscope
    60x is enough. Phone clip-ons work fine.
  2. 2
    Check 3–4 buds across the plant
    Tops finish before bottoms. Don't judge by the one nearest the light.
  3. 3
    Sample over several days
    Trichomes change fast in the last 7 days. Daily checks matter.
  4. 4
    Match to your goal
    Mostly cloudy = head. More amber = body. Choose what you want.
Related
When to harvest
Trichomes are the truth-teller. Pair them with pistil retraction and your strain notes for confident harvest calls.
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