“Hand trimming and hang drying preserves many more trichomes than most other processes.”

David Whyte

Greenhouse Cannabis

The artisanal boom that has swept through so many industries shows how sought after hand-crafted products can be. In a mass-market world, consumers are craving singular, specialized products made with expertise and care. But how is craft cannabis different and why does it matter? We asked David Whyte, a budtender at Greenhouse Cannabis, to explain and to share answers to some of the questions he hears from customers at their Hamilton store.

So, what is craft cannabis?

When it comes to hands-on, small-batch cannabis, Licensed Producers in Canada really shine, and they deserve the spotlight. That’s why OCS established a craft designation to help customers seeking them out. The OCS defines “craft” as handcrafted small-batch cannabis products, that are hand trimmed, hang dried, hand packaged, and grown in small batches.

What is considered small batch?

The OCS defines “small-batch production” as any facility that produces less than 10,000 kg of dried cannabis per year. “This is a great way to give each individual plant the attention it needs to reach its full craft potential.”

Does the small-batch process really make a difference?

“Craft cannabis products are produced in smaller facilities where the flower is hang dried and the processes after harvest are carried out by hand. Generally, these smaller facilities tend to be very passion-driven companies and their size allows them to pay close attention to detail at every step along the way.” This close attention also allows some craft producers the time to experiment with specialty strains that require a higher level of care that would be challenging in larger facilities — and diversity means more growth and choice in the industry.

What is hand trimming?

“Hand trimming is exactly what it sounds like: trimming the flower by hand instead of using any sort of trimming machines in the process. Some brands will use terms like ‘hand manicured’ or ‘hand finished,’ which often means that they briefly run the flower through a machine before trimming any excess leaves by hand, but these processes don’t fall within the OCS definition of craft.”

Does hand trimming and hang drying yield a better-quality product?

“Trichomes, and the balance of terpenes and cannabinoids present in them, are delicate. Hang drying whole cannabis plants in the proper environment allows the drying process to happen slowly, preserving the resin glands as much as possible. Once dried, the trichomes are more brittle and can easily be broken. Gently hand trimming cannabis flower preserves many more trichomes than most, if not all, commercial trimmers. Anything that can be done to preserve trichomes will help produce a higher-quality product.”

Is craft always more expensive?

Not always. We’re seeing more consumers seeking out craft products and that helps build range. “There are more and more craft certified options coming to market every month, and there are options available for everyone, no matter what kind of budget they are on.”