Trimming, often referred to as manicuring, is the process of removing excess leaf material from the harvested cannabis flower. Removing the non-flower foliage improves the visual aesthetic, creating the dense, uniform look consumers expect. Beyond appearance, trimming increases the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes by eliminating leaf matter that contains fewer trichomes than the buds. This focused removal also creates better airflow around the flowers, which significantly lowers the risk of mold or mildew developing during the subsequent drying and curing phases.
Preparing Your Workspace and Tools
The primary tool is a set of sharp trimming shears or scissors, preferably with spring-loaded handles to reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Resin quickly accumulates on the blades, making it necessary to have isopropyl alcohol and a cloth readily available to clean the shears frequently.
Protecting your hands and preserving the valuable resin is accomplished by wearing non-powdered latex or nitrile gloves. A collection tray or bin is necessary to catch the removed plant material and any trichomes that fall off during handling.
Proper lighting is necessary to clearly see the small sugar leaves nestled within the flower structure. A comfortable, ergonomic seating arrangement should be prioritized, as the trimming process can take many hours depending on the harvest size.
Deciding on a Trimming Strategy: Wet vs. Dry
The decision between wet and dry trimming establishes the entire post-harvest workflow. Wet trimming involves manicuring the buds immediately after harvest while the plant material is still saturated with moisture. This method is faster because the leaves are still firm and stand away from the flower structure, making them easier to snip.
The downside to wet trimming is the increased risk of trichome loss due to the fresh, sticky resin smearing or sticking to tools and gloves. However, wet trimming expedites the drying process since the bulk of the moisture-retaining foliage is removed early. This accelerated drying can be advantageous in environments with high humidity where the risk of mold is elevated.
Dry trimming requires the grower to first hang the whole plants or branches to dry until the stems snap instead of bending. This method allows the remaining leaves to act as a protective barrier around the delicate buds, which helps to slow the drying process. Slower drying is preferred because it allows for a more controlled breakdown of chlorophyll, resulting in a smoother smoke and better preservation of volatile terpenes.
While dry trimming offers superior preservation of flavor and aroma, the leaves curl tightly around the buds when dried, making them more difficult and time-consuming to remove. Commercial operations often favor the speed and efficiency of wet trimming, while connoisseurs prefer the quality and terpene retention associated with a slow dry and subsequent dry trim.
Detailed Technique for Manicuring Buds
Begin the process by removing the large, seven-pointed fan leaves, which contain minimal cannabinoids and are primarily responsible for photosynthesis. These leaves can often be pulled off by hand or quickly snipped at the petiole.
After the fan leaves are gone, the focus shifts to the smaller sugar leaves. These leaves are coated in trichomes, and while they contribute to potency, they can result in a harsher smoke if left untrimmed. The goal is to trim the sugar leaves just to the point where they are flush with the main body of the bud.
Hold the bud gently by the stem end, using the stem as a small handle to minimize contact with the flower itself. Use the sharp tips of the trimming shears to carefully cut away the protruding leaf matter, following the natural contour of the bud. A gentle “skimming” motion is often used, especially when dry trimming, to slice the brittle leaves without closing the shears fully on the delicate flower.
Turn the bud slowly to ensure a consistent, rounded shape is achieved across the entire surface. Excessive handling should be avoided, as rough movement can dislodge the fragile, resin-filled trichome heads, decreasing the final potency.
Immediate Post-Trimming Handling
The newly trimmed flowers must be carefully placed onto drying racks or prepared for hanging. Ensure the buds are not piled on top of each other, as this can trap moisture and increase the likelihood of mold development.
If wet trimming was used, the manicured buds go directly to the drying racks. If dry trimming was used, the buds are already dried and are ready to be transferred to airtight containers for curing. In both cases, gentle handling is necessary to maintain the integrity of the resin glands.
The removed plant material, often called “trim” or “shake,” should be collected. The small sugar leaves are particularly valuable because they retain a significant concentration of trichomes, cannabinoids, and terpenes. This trichome-rich material should be saved for secondary processing, such as making concentrates, extracts, or edibles.