The classic battle of human vs. machine. Whether it’s John Henry and his legendary hammer racing the new-fangled steam-powered drill or the Terminator robot battling against John Connor, the war between technology and tradition is as old as time. The debate usually involves weighing each one’s pros and cons against your personal preferences. The same goes for the cannabis industry. Whether you like your cannabis flower hand trimmed or machine trimmed is simply a matter of preference. Budget, preferred quality, and availability or material are all factors that are usually considered by cannabis consumers deciding between machine trimmed and hand-trimmed flower. Which do you prefer?
Hand Trimming
Trimming cannabis by hand is the more traditional method of the two. For centuries, hand trimming has been the preferred method to clean up and prepare marijuana buds for use. This tried and true technique only requires a sharp pair of scissors, a lot of free time, and a significant amount of effort. Many discerning cannabis consumers believe that hand trimming is preferable not only for its longstanding legacy but also for the pristine results it typically produces.
Benefits of Hand Trimming Cannabis
Hand trimmed cannabis is highly sought after for many of the same reasons that a handmade sweater is. Because its productions requires a highly customized approach and a certain element of human judgment, hand trimming can deliver pristine, beautifully-crafted cannabis buds. High-quality hand-trimming is extremely precise, ensuring that every cannabis bud is trimmed in a way that highlights its personalized features. Because every cannabis strain is unique in its appearance, a specialized approach to trimming can bring out its most desirable qualities, including distinct bud structures and calyxes while delivering full flavor and a mostly natural presentation.. For example, certain strains can be trimmed to enhance their fragile structures, while others may be specifically cut to celebrate its fluffiness. When the trimming is performed by a human as opposed to executed by a machine, buds are handled on a nugg by nugg basis. Additionally, hand trimming maximizes terpene retention and preserves as many organic properties as possible at this stage of the process.
Another benefit of hand trimming is that every single bud can be closely inspected for seeds and stems, as well as monitored for contamination issues like bugs or mold. Only a touch of useful material will be lost during hand trimming, in contrast to the significant losses often associated with mechanical trimming. Lastly, hand-trimmed cannabis offers a bump to the larger cannabis industry and the local job market. By creating entry-level jobs, it opens the door for individuals to break into the flourishing cannabis market and do their part to support the industry.
Drawbacks of Hand Trimmed Cannabis
Not unexpectedly, hand trimming takes a lot of time to complete. If you’ve ever trimmed a few ounces, you know what I’m talking about. Because the job can only be done by a live person who must be paid
fairly for their hours of intense work, it’s also more expensive. Depending on the skill and experience of the trimmer, one person might complete anywhere between one and three pounds of cannabis per day, before hand cramps set in. For producers that consistently bring in large harvests, the process of hand trimming can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, organizing a trimming team can be challenging, especially when the product supply depends on trimmers’ dependability and quality of work. For the best quality buds, time is of the essence.
Hand Trimming is Ideal for…
Usually, producers choose the option of hand- trimming for the cream of their cannabis crops. The best buds and strains get the best treatment. By making a smart investment in top-shelf cannabis genetics, they can ensure that the plant’s valued characteristics are properly protected and appreciated by the well-informed consumer. Because high-quality cannabis usually possesses very dense, large colas and minimal leaf material, hand trimming is actually easier for these crops. If you’re searching for the ultimate in premium cannabis, you may want to consider spending the extra money for a hand-trimmed product to see if you notice any major differences.
Machine Trimming
Machine trimming is a more modern method that utilizes a specially engineered system to complete the task of trimming cannabis buds. New advancements in technology have provided producers with a plethora of options when it comes to streamlining the process, speeding up their trimming speed from 1-3 pounds per day (for hand trimming) to as much as 19 pounds per hour using purpose built equipment. There are trimming systems available for large-scale producers, as well as affordable options for home growers (in states where it is legal).
Benefits of Machine Trimming
Machine trimming can save an incredible amount of time and personnel cost by dramatically shortening the wait between the drying room and the curing jars. After making the initial investment in the machine, cannabis growers and producers save a considerable amount of money by NOT paying for an army of scissor-wielding human workers. In turn, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumers, offering more affordable options for high quality cannabis flower. Also, machine trimming is usually completed in a sterile, highly efficient environment, purposefully designed to maximize the workflow and efficiency. Trimmings are saved for use in concentrates, and the cleanly trimmed buds still provide excellent quality., if slightly diminished by the mechanical action.
Drawbacks of Machine Trimming
Until recently, machine trimming was considered a lower quality method in comparison to hand trimming. Seasoned cannabis consumers used to complain that machine trimmed buds always ended up in the same, generic shape and that too much flower material was lost in the process. Fair arguments.
Sometimes, trichomes fall off during the turbulent machine trimming, which can affect not just the visual appeal of the final product, but also its flavor and effect. However, machine trimmers have come a long way over the years. Significant improvements have been made to the various pieces of machinery, resulting in an impressively high-quality final product. Particularly when you’re purchasing from a highly reputable dispensary who works closely with dedicated growers and producers, machine trimmed cannabis can be the ideal balance between quality and affordability.
Machine Trimming is Ideal for…
Large-scale growers and producers frequently use machine trimming because the method is so much more efficient and affordable. If you’re shopping for cannabis that’s budget-friendly but doesn’t sacrifice quality, machine trimmed might be right for you. Machine trimmed cannabis goes through an inspection process from human employees, which can combine the best of both worlds. If you are looking for that old-world finish and classic bud look, hand-trimmed is what you’re shopping for.
You already know the Deli-style bud bar at Himalayan High dispensary in Becket only carries the finest buds in the Berkshires. Recently we added some remarkable hand-trimmed flower from Mass Alternative Care., because MAC Always Cares about growing and producing the best flower around. In our display case, ready to be weighed out to order, we have some phenomenal craft-batch, hand trimmed Rainbow Road. Huge, beautiful, aromatic nuggets, just waiting to be picked out by you, still sticky with unblemished trichomes. IF you want something already packaged, the same hand-trimmed perfection can be found in MAC’s Sweet Tree or Coughy Cake. They don’t mess around with machines and automation when it comes to preserving the beauty of their buds, and you shouldn’t either. Hand-trimmed A+ quality cannabis, from MAC, available at Himalayan High. While supplies last.
