The resin of the buds contains what most cannabis lovers and medical users are looking for. It contains the cannabinoids that are responsible for the effect of marijuana. The highest concentration of resin is usually found in the top buds of the plant (headbud), which receive the most light, especially in indoorgrowing. Cannabis strains that have been bred for high resin production usually have more small white hairs, the so-called trichomes, than strains with less resin.
The characteristics of a plant are determined by the genotype and the phenotype. While the genotype is determined by the genetics of the plant and can be changed by breeding and selection, the phenotype determines which genes prevail or come to the fore in the individual plant. Basically, each chromosome carries a large number of genes, which are activated or deactivated in a similar way to the lights on a switchboard. Which genes are activated or deactivated depends on the environmental conditions.
The resin production is largely determined by the genotype, which means that there are resin-rich and resin-poor varieties. However, it is possible to influence the resin production within the genotype and to increase the production through, for example, more optimal light conditions.
There are basically 3 ways to increase the resin production of cannabis plants.
1. addition of bioactive substances
By adding bioactive substances, as they also occur in nature, the release of resin can be stimulated. Through products such as BioBud or Ripen increase the dry weight of the weed and the content of cannabinoids and terpenes. However, overdosing on these additives often has the opposite effect. Here too, as with fertilising in general, the principle "a lot helps a lot" does not apply. Therefore, always stick to the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to dosage and don't start messing around with it yourself!
2. change of the light spectrum
By changing the light spectrum, increased resin production can be achieved towards the end of the flowering phase. The plants receive a real boost from additional light waves and release more resin. By additionally illuminating the plants during the flowering phase with a LED Booster not only the yield is increased, but also the resin production can be increased by up to 15%.
3. change in environmental factors
Resin production is also significantly influenced by environmental factors such as the CO2 content of the air and the temperature. While CO2 has a very positive effect during growth and also at the beginning of flowering (see also CO2 for indoor growing), the opposite is true at the end of the flowering phase. If the Co2 content is lowered during the last week before harvest, the plant can produce more ethylene. These plant hormones stimulate, among other things, the release of resin, which results in increased production. The same effects can be triggered by lowering the temperature in the grow room. Especially Indica strains react to cooler temperatures towards the end of the flowering phase with an increased resin release and a stronger concentration of cannabinoids and terpenoids in the flowers. However, lowering the temperature increases the risk of the plants contracting botrytis or other fungal diseases. Therefore, you should only lower the temperature in a very well ventilated growroom and with some experience in growing.
As already mentioned several times, one should always approach carefully and already have some experience in order to achieve the best results for oneself and the cultivated varieties.
Especially Indicas usually have a stronger resin production than Sativas, White Widow has even received its name because of its many white hairs. In the following we would like to present particularly resin-rich strains:
Warlock by Serious Seeds:
Warlock is one of the best indicas on the market today. In British Columbia, it is the most prescribed medicinal cannabis. Because of its extreme resin production, it is ideal for making concentrates.
Warlock won 2nd place in the concentrates category at the High Time Cup 2011
G13 Haze from Barney's Farm:
The G13 Haze is a cross between the infamous G13 and a Havaiian Haze. The result is a pure resin wonder that has the typical Haze taste and turn, but stays relatively small and only needs 10-12 weeks flowering time. Ideal also for indoor growing.
- 1st place High Times Cup 2007
- 2nd place Cannabis Cup 2006
La Blanca of Kannabia:
It is a white strain from the White Widow Strain, characterised by a very strong resin production and high THC and THC levels. Its effect is very relaxing without being too strong on the body.
La Blanca won 3rd place in the BHO category at the Cannabis Canarias Cup.
Resina by Cannamed:
Resina is the Spanish word for resin, and she deserves this name. Resina is an indica-dominant strain that delivers enormous amounts of resin and has a THC content of 26%, as well as 1.1% CBC and 0.2% CBN. She has a very fruity taste and is very relaxing and calming due to her cannabinoid profile.
Devil Fruit by Medical Seeds:
Devil Fruit is an indica-dominant strain that was created by crossing a Shishkaberry with a Great White Shark. Her White Widow ancestors are still refined in this medicinal strain and the resin production is enormous. Because of its very high THC levels, it is used for relaxation and anxiety relief.
1st place Cannabis Galicia Cup 2010, Extraction category
