When the plants are flowering, I find myself constantly running my hands across the buds as I’m examining, smelling and looking at trichomes with my loupe.
I can tell when I return the next day that I’ve flattened and mushed some down before or after even when they are cloudy.
Is this hurting the THC? or is this very minor and superficial and I should not worry about it or change my behavior?
I don’t know the objective answer to your question. Personally, I avoid touching the buds so that I don’t damage them.
agreed very good question. i would like to know the answer on this one. another experiment? lol
I never touch my buds bare hand. Outside of trichomes your hands are oily and dirty. I work a job that always keeps my nails and the rough areas of my hands dirty.
That and a dirty tent are a dub for me.
I was told by professional growers not to touch buds. Touching does cause damage and any damage that is avoidable is unacceptable.
It does “pop” them and that’s why you can smell the terpines on your hands. But unless you’re rubbing them like you’re washing a rolling pin, it won’t make a noticeable difference. There are so many trichomes. A ton that you can’t even see unless you spread the bud apart.
Try grabbing the stem instead of the flower and if ur checking trichomes ur best of cutting a small piece off ur bud and looking that way
If, by handling, you are knocking any trichomes off, then the answer is yes. That stickiness on your hands afterwards is likely loaded with cannabinoids.
I love the way my fingers smell after rubbing her.
lmao 
I just had to double check which site im on lol
Blackjack the Cat licks my fingers until they are nearly raw when I finish tending the plants. I don’t know if he thinks that I am dirty and need a bath or if he likes the smell/taste.
Sort of like catnip I guess??
Lol. He hangs out there (next to my desk), or on the couch … nearly 100% of the time. He’s a good dog.
