5 Gadgets and Tools to Help You Harvest and Store Cannabis

While harvesting and storing cannabis isn’t exactly a tough process, it can be a tedious one.  The following is a quick breakdown of a few gadgets to make the process quicker, more enjoyable, and, importantly, more effective.

Cannabis Harvesting & Storing Gadgets

1. Jewelers Loupe

The very first gadget you will want to harvest your Cannabis properly is a Jewelers Loupe.  These handheld devices typically feature multiple magnifying lenses and built-in lighting.  Ideally, you will want one with a 30x, 60x, and 90x lens.

Illustrative Multi-Lens Jeweler’s Loupe Used for Evaluating Trichomes

The loupe’s compact size and ease of use make it a convenient tool, reducing the tedium associated with guesswork and frequent plant inspections. Ensure it is made from high-quality materials for durability, is lightweight, and is ergonomically designed for comfortable use.

While not technically necessary, a loupe will help you to properly assess when your crop is ready for harvest.  This is done by using the lenses to look at the plant’s trichomes, which grow and progress through multiple stages from translucent orbs or ‘resin glands’ to milky white and finally amber.  This precision ensures a higher-quality product with peak potency and flavor.

2. Gloves and/or Rubbing Alcohol with Cotton Balls

When it comes to cannabis, the stickier, the better.  This means that your plants have a high level of resin and trichomes, resulting in increased potency.  Unfortunately, this also means that the harvesting process can become tedious quite quickly as you and your tools will be covered in sticky resin.  Sometimes, the best solution is a simple one, and in this case, look no further than a set of gloves and/or rubbing alcohol with cotton balls.

Gloves protect your hands from the sticky resin, while rubbing alcohol effectively removes any residue, keeping your tools and hands clean. This combination will reduce downtime spent on cleaning and should decrease the amount of time needed to harvest each plant.  Notably, the process becomes more enjoyable as it minimizes mess and frustration, allowing you to focus on the rewarding aspects of harvesting.  Finally, maintaining cleanliness helps prevent contamination and ensures a high-quality final product.

Illustration of Sticky Residue Resulting from Harvesting Cannabis

When choosing gloves, opt for ones made from nitrile or latex for flexibility and protection against resin.  Ensure the gloves fit well to maintain dexterity and comfort during use, as you will need to be meticulous when trimming stems and sugar leaves.

For rubbing alcohol, choose 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol for effective residue removal, and cotton balls to saturate and wipe down tools with.  Decide whether you need disposable gloves for convenience or reusable ones for sustainability. Ensure the rubbing alcohol is in a well-sealed container to prevent evaporation and contamination.

3. Drying Rack

A drying rack is crucial for properly curing harvested cannabis.  By providing ample airflow and space, a drying rack ensures that cannabis dries evenly and efficiently, preventing mold and mildew.  This method preserves the potency, flavor, and aroma of the buds, resulting in a superior final product.

Tiered drying racks with built-in fans are particularly useful, as different strains can be separated by level.  This streamlines the curing process by reducing the hassle of constantly monitoring and rearranging the buds.

Illustration of a Tiered Drying Rack Used for Cannabis

When selecting a drying rack, choose one that fits your harvest size and available space. Opt for a rack made from breathable mesh material to promote airflow.  As mentioned, consider a rack with multiple layers to maximize drying space.  Look for a collapsible or foldable design for easy storage when not in use.  Ensure the rack is stable and can support the weight of your cannabis without collapsing.

4. Kitchen Scale

After the harvesting and drying process is complete, the next step involved is to weigh and store your product – a process that is pivotal in ensuring maintained potency over time.  To achieve do this, a kitchen scale cannot be beat.

A kitchen scale provides precise weight measurements for both fresh and dried cannabis, allowing growers to track their harvest’s progress (water content) and inventory. An accurate scale will ensure consistent product quality and help manage dosage for personal or commercial use.  Also, a scale simplifies the process of dividing and packaging cannabis, making it more enjoyable and less tedious by eliminating the guesswork.  Its ease of use and reliability make it a valuable tool in achieving a professional level of efficiency in cannabis harvesting and storage.

Illustration of a Kitchen Scaled Used to Weigh Harvested Cannabis

When purchasing a kitchen scale, look for high precision, ideally measuring down to at least 0.035 ounces in the United States —or 0.01 grams for the rest of the Earth.  Ensure the scale can handle the maximum weight you plan to measure, typically at least one ounce (28g) or more.  A clear, easy-to-read digital display is essential.  Make sure the scale has a tare or ‘zero’ function to subtract the weight of containers.  Opt for a scale made from sturdy materials with a protective cover for longevity, and consider scales with rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter for convenience.

5. Humidity Packs

One of the last steps that should be taken to ensure your high-quality harvest maintains its potency quality is the use of humidity packs.  Like most of the items on this list, these are by no means essential, but they will certainly make your life a little bit easier.  After all, why spend all the time and effort going through the harvesting process only to drop the ball on one of the final steps?

As their name would imply, humidity packs are used for maintaining optimal moisture levels within storage containers housing cannabis.  These packs regulate humidity, preventing over-drying or mold growth, which can compromise the quality of the cannabis.  The packs simplify the storage process by reducing the need for constant monitoring and adjustments.  Their effectiveness in preserving the desired humidity levels makes the overall process of storing cannabis more efficient and less labor-intensive.

Illustration of a Mason Jar Storing Cannabis and a Humidity Pack

When purchasing humidity packs, choose ones designed for cannabis storage, typically maintaining around 58-62% RH (relative humidity).  Select packs appropriate for the amount of cannabis you are storing, as various sizes are available.  Opt for reputable brands known for their reliability and consistency and offer a product that is easy to insert and replace in storage containers.  Consider packs that last longer to reduce the frequency of replacements and ensure they are made from non-toxic materials that are safe for use with consumable products.