As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so do the technology and methods used to cultivate it. Automated trimming is becoming increasingly popular as an efficient method of trimming buds. Hence, producers achieve consistent results in terms of potency and quality.
The automated trimming process begins with the harvesting of cannabis plants. After they have been harvested, branches are removed, and their fan leaves are stripped. Branch buds are removed or “bucked” before they’re finally trimmed. The trimming machine uses various blades and tools to cut away excess material from the buds and leaves of the plant. After the trimming is complete, the final product can be packaged or further processed as needed.
The Case For Automated Trimming
Automated trimming is a process by which cannabis plants are trimmed by machines rather than by hand. This relatively new technology has grown in popularity among cannabis growers. Automated trimmers, such as the Mobius Trimmer, offer numerous advantages over traditional manual trimming.
For one, they have quicker turnaround times. Dry trimming through automated trimmers can produce 60 pounds of buds hourly, while said number is doubled in wet trimming. This speed also means less manual labor, which can help companies minimize their costs. The short turnaround time also makes it the ideal choice for large-scale cannabis production.
Another advantage is many automated trimmers can easily be disassembled and cleaned. Some don’t even require tools when breaking and assembling them. Instead, they have swappable components that minimize productivity downtime. Some even have built-in vacuums necessary for cleaning the equipment.
The Benefits Of Automated Trimming
Automated trimming is beneficial for several reasons. It’s more efficient than manual trimming, as the machine can quickly and consistently trim excess material. This ensures that each batch of cannabis has consistent potency and quality.
Potency
Cannabis potency refers to the number of active compounds, such as THC and CBD, contained in cannabis flower or other products. The potency of cannabis products has varied over the years depending on the strain, growing conditions, and harvesting or processing techniques. Thus, consumers need to know what potency they’re buying to get the desired effects.
One of the most effective ways to ensure consistent potency levels in cannabis products is through automated trimming. Automated trimming machines use precise blades and sensors to accurately remove the outer leaves from cannabis buds with minimal impact on their potency. This ensures that the maximum amount of cannabinoids and terpenes are left intact in the bud. Some automated trimmers are shown to maintain higher cannabis potency in comparison to those produced from manual trimming.
Quality
The quality of cannabis is determined by various factors, including appearance, aroma, flavor, and cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Quality cannabis should have minimal amounts of stems and leaves, as well as buds that are dense and colorful. The aroma should be pleasant and intense, the flavor should be smooth and enjoyable, and the cannabinoid and terpene profiles should be consistent and abundant.
Automated trimming can ensure quality in several ways. First, automated trimmers can precisely control the size of the cuts. They have steel bed knives that can eliminate the possibility of accidental damage to the flowers or unevenly trimmed buds. This feature also results in speedy trimming that lessens impact damage. Some trimmers can also separate debris such as stems, leaves, or seeds from the finished product. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures a higher-quality end product.
The Cost Of Poor Quality Trim
When cannabis isn’t trimmed correctly, the quality of the product can suffer. It can lead to decreased potency, uneven smoke distribution, and an unpleasant user experience.
Many believe the biggest issue with poor-quality trim is decreased potency. Depending on the source, potency can be measured based on its THC content or other compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes. This means that users who smoke poorly trimmed marijuana wouldn’t get the level of high they’re looking for.
Uneven smoke distribution is another problem with poor-quality trim. When cannabis hasn’t been trimmed properly, it can have clumped and unevenly distributed buds. This can lead to a less pleasant smoking experience for users and difficulty controlling THC or CBD dosage.
Lastly, an unpleasant user experience can be caused by poor-quality trim. If the trichomes are damaged, or the buds are too large, drawing a smooth hit from the joint or pipe can be challenging. In addition, buds that are too small can be hard to handle and light, leading to a frustrating smoking experience.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to cannabis cultivation, trimming is an essential step that can significantly impact the quality and potency of the final product. Automated trimming can ensure that cannabis is trimmed to the highest standards. It’s indeed a worthwhile investment that can help increase productivity and profitability while delivering a superior end product to customers.
