Growing for Extraction

As the dust settles from the tornado of entrepreneurs that spun up after 788 passed in Oklahoma the sun is shining bright on the farms/farmers that have focused on scalable & sustainable growing methods.

This week we want to focus on how a farmer might think differently when growing for extraction compared to growing for flower. 

Obviously, much is exactly the same and many of the same factors apply. That said, there are specific nuances that seasoned vets will tell you can make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of oil that can be extracted based on a handful of key factors.

Plant Genetics & Strain Selection:

Everything from plant size, bud structure and environmental preferences to oil content, potency & terpene production are factors when selecting strains that are being cultivated specifically for extraction. 

Harvest Timing:

When harvesting for oil as opposed to flower some farmers try to bring their plants down just before the heads begin to amber, leaving fully clear or milky trichomes. This is because the cannabinoids & terpenes are at their highest level at this stage. 

Drying and Curing:

This process varies depending on the type of extraction & the final product you're hoping for. Live Resin or Live Rosin require a very finicky fast freezing process that locks in the essence of the plant at its height. (We will do a full article focused on the intricacies of this freezing process that are crucial for successful live extractions in the future). Cured products need to be dried quickly as opposed to the slow dry/cure needed for proper smokable flower.

IPM:

Farmers, Processors & Labs can all attest to the fact that many harmful chemicals may show ND (Not Detected) in flower testing but fail aggregisly once concentrated in the extraction process. This is not only alarming for the millions of flower consumers but its a huge hurtle for processors nation wide. In addition, there are clean and ethically sound products that can be found on OMRI list of approved IPM that still may have huge negative effects on the final product if not used properly.

The good news is there are hundreds of extremely talented growers in our great state today & they have been dialing in their processes for many years now.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the many partners we've been able to work with generating thousands of liters worth of distillate, sugars, badders, diamonds & everything else that can be made with this beautiful, versatile & totally far out plant that we all know & love!