Harvesting cannabis is a crucial step in the cultivation process and involves several stages, including monitoring the plant’s growth, determining the right time to harvest, and executing the actual harvesting process. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the process of harvesting cannabis, along with the key indicators that signify the plant is ready for harvest:

1. Monitoring growth stages: Cannabis plants go through distinct growth stages, including germination, seedling, vegetative, flowering, and finally, harvesting. It is important to closely monitor the plant’s growth to ensure it receives the right nutrients, light, and water during each stage.
2. Determining the right time to harvest: The ideal time to harvest cannabis depends on the strain, growing conditions, and the specific effects desired. Several key indicators help determine when the plant is ready for harvest:
3. Trichome color: Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like structures that contain the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. When the trichomes turn from clear to a milky white or amber color, it usually indicates that the plant is ready for harvest. Clear trichomes signify that the plant is not yet mature, while amber trichomes indicate over ripeness.
4. Pistil color: The pistils, or the hair-like structures on the flowers, change color during the flowering stage. As the plant nears maturity, these pistils change from white to darker shades such as orange, brown, or red. Monitoring the pistil color can also help determine the plant’s readiness for harvest.
5. Overall plant appearance: A mature cannabis plant often exhibits certain visual cues such as swollen buds, increased resin production, and a strong aroma. The buds should appear plump, dense, and tightly packed, indicating a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
6. Pre-harvest preparations: Before beginning the harvesting process, it is important to prepare the necessary tools and materials, including sharp scissors or pruning shears, gloves, drying racks, and storage containers.
   

   When the plant is deemed ready for harvest, follow these steps for a successful harvesting process:

   1. Choose an appropriate time of day to harvest. Preferably at dawn before the sun rises.
   2. Use clean and sharp tools to cut the branches or individual buds from the plant
   3. Trim excess leaves and stems from the buds to enhance the overall quality and appearance of the final product.
   4. Hang the trimmed buds upside down on drying racks in a dark, well-ventilated room with optimal temperature and humidity levels for drying.
   5. Drying and curing:  see this article, as this is an art by itself and is as important as the whole growing process if not more.