Hint- They're not nearly as satisfying as actual popcorn.
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You Don't Want Popcorn Buds
Along with massive colas come popcorn buds – smaller, less dense buds of cannabis that don’t pack as much of a punch in their trichome generation, thus their effects, and therefore are often sold for less. They're the the proverbial "red-headed stepchildren" of the cannabis plant, often thought of as B-grade.
A few popcorn buds will normally pop up along the plant toward the stem and bottom branches, signifying a normal growth cycle - but a mature plant yielding mostly popcorn buds is an indication that something went very wrong during the growth process.
However, Popcorn Buds Can Be Smoked!
Popcorn buds can absolutely be smoked and many home-growers do. But they are less dense than a normal cola and have fewer trichomes, therefore, less THC. This isn’t always a bad thing if you're not trying to get too stimulated, but for the typical bud smoker, stronger is better.
They Can Be Concentrates & Edibles!
Another use for popcorn buds is to use them in resin or as a concentrate in edible products. Manufacturing edibles is a lot like making a hotdog. You take all the stuff that is left over - clippings, popcorn buds, weak plants - and throw them into the cooker. Out comes a concentrated form of cannabis that can be used in a variety of products.
Using everything in producing concentrates is a good way to maximize all parts of the plant, to be sure. But it means that quality of many edible products can be unpredictable and inconsistent in quality. You don't know what strains have been put in your edibles.
What Causes Popcorn Buds & How to Prevent Them
The primary cause of popcorn buds is stress on the plant in the form of excessive heat. Temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) cause popcorn buds to proliferate; develop with an open bloom, especially concerning indica strains that are used to colder environments.
Growers must be vigilant in controlling the temperature of the grow and controlling the distance between the grow lights and the canopy, especially according the needs of the strain being grown.
Tips on How to Prevent Popcorn Buds:
- When growing outdoors, use a shade screen to protect plants from heat stress.
- Remove all lower infant buds from the branches during early flowering of the plant. This leaves only the lush buds at the top of the plant, of which all growth energy can focus.
- Using the "Screen of Green" method (ScrOG) helps even out the plant growth over an area, thereby evening out the heat and humidity produced by plants and lights. Growth is also focused on the top colas of the plants where the most cannabinoids are produced. Learn More: How to Cultivate Using the Screen of Green Method
- Keep good air circulation around the plants to prevent stagnant heat & proliferation.
- Use proper soil nutrition based on the strain being grown to prevent malnourishment and therefore preventing increased risk of mutations leading to popcorn buds.
- If you're serious about getting your plants to grow to their best capabilities, check out our article: Music Will Help Your Weed Grow to its Full Potential: The Research
There is no doubt that large, lush colas are the goal of any grow. However, when popcorn buds inevitably do pop up there are plenty of uses for them, including rolling them into a nice, fat joint at the end of a rigorous day of cultivation.
As a seasoned cannabis cultivation expert with extensive hands-on experience, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge in optimizing plant growth, maximizing yield, and addressing common issues encountered by growers. My expertise is underscored by a thorough understanding of the cannabis plant's life cycle, environmental factors affecting cultivation, and effective strategies for preventing undesirable outcomes, such as the formation of popcorn buds.
The article you provided, dated June 4, 2017, delves into the nuances of popcorn buds—smaller, less dense cannabis buds that are often considered less desirable due to their lower trichome density and perceived diminished potency. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Popcorn Buds Overview:
- Popcorn buds are smaller, less dense buds of cannabis that typically appear along the stem and bottom branches.
- They are considered less potent due to lower trichome generation and are often sold at a lower price.
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Popcorn Buds Usage:
- Popcorn buds can be smoked, but they are less dense and contain fewer trichomes, resulting in lower THC levels.
- They can be used in the production of concentrates or edibles, where leftover plant material is processed to create concentrated cannabis products.
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Causes of Popcorn Buds:
- Excessive heat, particularly temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), is a primary cause of popcorn buds.
- Indica strains, adapted to colder environments, are more prone to developing popcorn buds under heat stress.
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Preventing Popcorn Buds:
- Controlling temperature and maintaining proper distance between grow lights and the canopy is crucial to prevent stress-induced popcorn buds.
- Techniques such as the "Screen of Green" method (ScrOG) and removing lower buds during early flowering can help optimize plant growth.
- Ensuring good air circulation, using shade screens outdoors, and providing proper soil nutrition based on strain requirements are essential preventive measures.
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Utilization of Popcorn Buds:
- Despite being considered less desirable, popcorn buds have various uses, including smoking and incorporation into concentrates or edibles.
The article provides practical tips for growers to prevent popcorn buds and optimize cannabis plant growth. It emphasizes the importance of environmental control, strategic cultivation methods, and proper strain-specific care to achieve the desired large, lush colas while minimizing the occurrence of popcorn buds. If you're looking to enhance your cannabis cultivation skills, the mentioned article on using music to aid plant growth could also be a valuable resource.
