Source:
http://cannabis-world.org/cw/showthread.php?p=84333
Original Poster: Jedi Hippie
"There is some speculation that exposure to UV may increase potency in mj plants.I believe the theory is that the trichomes shape (round) may cause the UV light to be focused and concentrated in the trich,not unlike a manifying glass,thus causing a photochemical reaction which causes an increase in the THC in the trich.
I have tried several experiments using cut MJ,and placing it under UVB exposure while curing to see if it had any effect on the potency.I did not to seem to have any effect that was noticable.
The reason I didn`t try this on growing plants is the damage it can do to the growing plants.UVB causes everything from DNA damage,to problems with the stomata size.About the only thing it may do is increase the flavinoid compounds in the plant.This may make for better taste,but still damages the plant.There is also a decrease in dried matter,and mass in the plant.In other words,you`ll end up with less of a harvest.
I still believe that the UVB in sunlight has a beneficial effect on the potency of plants,but thats Mother Nature,not harsh exposure to UV lamps.Perhaps if you can simulate the same UVA,UVB AND UVC that the sun produces,you may be able to increase the potency.Another experiment you can try is once the plants are cut,you may try to dry and cure them out in the sun.The proper amount of UV may make a difference,but I`m just speculating."
This person is completely wrong. This is a perfect example.. of finding false information on the internet on growing and harvesting cannabis. This is why so many people end up with ruined harvests... because of people like that.. that think they know all of it.
Firstly.. once you cut your buds (harvest) them from the plant, you should put them wherever your going to dry them.. and make sure that they have no more light.. than the nights moon would give out. In other words.. the room should be blacked out.. with no light brighter than a full moon at night.
Why? Because once cut, while they're drying and curing... any light (especially bright lighting) but any light that hits the buds, will hit the trichs. Once the light hits and focuses' onto the trichs.. the THC that is inside the glandular trichs, will start to deterriorate and degrade. After only just a little exposure to light.. the THC can actually degrade to the point to where it loses all potency. If not all potency, a very good amount of potency... will be lost. In a nutshell, light degrades THC levels while the bud(s) are being dried/cured.
Anyhow, just wanted to show a perfect example of "false information".
btw, last thing... I'm not saying that this person is stupid or anything like that. For all I know, this person could have read this information somewhere else.. or someone could have told him this. Either way, its incorrect information and it needs to be corrected. If its not corrected.. those people that don't know anything about growing come along and read that post.. will also get incorrect information. It just becomes a "domino effect".
anyhow, TGIF!!!!! WOOOO!!
peace.