I would like to know (if anyone noticed or remembers) how harvest timing is related to peak terpene production, and the ratio of sativa/indica of the plant. Why? Because in my experience, the "amber trichome theory" is founded mostly in mostly indicas, and has no basis with mostly-sativas, and I find no basis in actual science whereby trichome color equates to THC levels (though it may be coincidental timing in some cannabis varieties). Sometimes, I see the trichome heads recede/disappear when buds are over-ripe, leaving just a clear stalk. Waiting for amber trichomes will mislead many growers to harvest crappy buds. I have found no science that measured the substance that makes trichomes amber, or what chemical pathways are occuring in sativas/indicas at such times. Merely speculation based on a limited number of cannabis varieties. I think the best advice for harvesting should be made on the same basis as any other flower or fruit: when the odors are in peak production and the plant is looking fresh, sparkly and delicious. There is a window of peak terpene production and I would never advise a grower to harvest when that window closes, and the buds have lost most of their odor. In my experience, peak terpene production is the harvest window, not amber trichome production. Again, I have always been a mostly sativa grower (25+ years), but this is my experience, and after searching a while, I didn't see this advice, so I just decided to put this into the mix of "when to harvest" thoughts. Doesn't it make more sense to think that peak THC occurs with the peak of other essential oils?
In Cannabis: -over 120 different terpenes can be manufactured by Cannabis, some only in trace amounts with others in double-digit percentage --> produced in the Trichomes, the same glands where THC is produced, comprising between 10 and 20 percent of the total oils produced by the glands -about 10-29 percent of marijuana smoke resin is composed of terpenes/terpenoids -drug sniffing dogs are able to smell odorous terpenes, not THC -age, maturation and time of day can affect the amount and ratios of terpenes. They are constantly being produced but are vaporized by heat and light of the day... so harvest in early morning! -climate and weather also affect terpene and flavonoid production. The same variety, even genotype, can produce a different terpene profile when grown in different soils or with different fertilizers. -in addition to many circulatory and muscular effects, some terpenes interact with neurological receptors -a few bind weakly to Cannabinoid receptors -others seem to alter the permeability of cell membranes and allow in either more or less THC -others affect serotonin and dopamine chemistry (neurotransmitters)
How did they decide which plants made the first cut? We smelled them, Watson explains. He had long suspected that the terpenes present in cannabis resin enhance the potency of THC. Ten years after launching HortaPharm, Watson tested his hypothesis in an experiment that compared the subjective effects of 100 percent THC to lesser amounts in terpene infused cannabis resin. The consensus among Watson and several associates: Terpene infused resin with 50 percent THC was more potent by dry weight than an equivalent amount of pure THC. Talking Terpenes | High Times
One word: CURING! Curing is what brings out 100% of the reason why you germinated that seed in the first place. Flavor, smell and effect should all be optimal after about 2 months in a mason jar. Good luck.
Myrcene, or β-myrcene, is a monoterpene and an organic compound. It is obtained from the essential oil of various plants: bay, mango, myrcia (from which is gets its name) and cannabis, but not hemp. Its odor is described as clove-like, earthy, green-vegetative, citrus, and fruity with tropical mango and minty nuances. In volume III of the Big book of Buds, Ed Rosenthal states that the presence of Myrcene is an important factor in the quality and enjoyment of the high from smoking certain Cannabis strains, particularly those strains that came from tropical climates - namely Sativas. Myrcene is also one of the most important chemicals used in the perfumery industry because of its pleasant odor. Although it is rarely used directly, it acts as an intermediate for the preparation of flavor and fragrance chemicals such as menthol and geraniol.
strong flavour and strong smell does not necessarily mean strong potency, or have any effect on "type" of high. I think the yellowing of the trichomes are as good an indicator as any other, but experiment all you can. the ripe fruit analogy doesn't help things as fruit is usually obvious when ripe, by your own admission bud is not. if you want to go off smell then you could only know peak time when you have gone past, otherwise whatever happens it could get stronger the next day for all you know bud gets stronger as it matures, that I can be sure of. so at some point it must start to degrade, right after peak ripeness. this point being as the trichomes start to yellow makes perfect sense to me. why are you suspicious of this old method?