Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
After 8 is a modern, dessert-leaning cannabis cultivar bred by Mycotek, an American breeder known for vigorous, resin-heavy hybrids and meticulous selection work. The name deliberately plays on a dual meaning: a nod to classic mint-and-chocolate confectionery and a wink at the common eight-week harvest window prized by indoor growers. In practical terms, the strain is positioned as a fast-flowering, high-appeal hybrid with a terpene profile that leans cool, creamy, and sweet.
Among contemporary photoperiod cultivars, finishing in roughly eight to nine weeks of 12/12 light is a benchmark many growers aim for to keep crop cycles tight. Seed catalogs and breeder notes across the market routinely list indica-dominant and dessert-style hybrids as harvest-ready after 8–10 weeks of bloom. In line with that industry pattern, After 8 is generally approached as an eight-to-nine-week finisher when dialed in, keeping pace with popular production expectations.
Because After 8 was developed by Mycotek, expectations around plant vigor, trichome density, and general hybrid resilience are high. Even when specific lab data is limited, Mycotek’s reputation influences how cultivators plan their cycles, often anticipating quick stacking and dense calyx formation. The combination of speed, bag appeal, and confectionary aromatics is the reason many growers shortlist After 8 for multi-run selection hunts.
For consumers, the dessert cue in the name sets a clear sensory expectation: cool mint accents over a cocoa-cream base, with subtle herbal and earthy facets anchoring the bouquet. While individual phenotypes can skew sweeter or earthier, most reports focus on a refreshing top note that pairs well with smooth, creamy midtones. This approachable flavor profile tends to play well across both dry herb vaporization and combustion, making it versatile in day-to-day use.
In markets where shelf rotation is fast, cultivars that combine an eight-week finish with a recognizable, indulgent flavor profile tend to reappear seasonally. After 8 fits squarely into that pattern, offering a grower-friendly timeline and consumer-friendly sensory set. The result is a strain that attracts both small-scale homegrowers and commercial cultivators looking for reliable turnaround without sacrificing quality.
History and Breeding Background
After 8 originates from Mycotek, a breeder with roots in U.S. craft cannabis communities and a track record of selecting for resin-forward, production-friendly plants. Mycotek lines are often associated with robust plant structure, adhesive trichomes, and terpene-forward expressions suited for both flower and extract markets. That reputation shapes expectations for After 8, with many growers prioritizing it for its potential to balance speed, quality, and potency.
While some breeders publicly list every parent, others keep lineage proprietary to protect their IP or keep the focus on agronomic performance. As of public reporting, Mycotek has not widely circulated a formal, detailed pedigree for After 8. In practice, cultivators treat this as a phenotype-driven selection project: they run multiple seeds, observe trait distribution, and select keepers based on resin density, mint-forward aromatics, and flowering speed.
The naming and positioning imply a deliberate effort to hit the eight-week harvest target that many growers plan around. Across the broader market, numerous indica-leaning and dessert hybrids consistently post 8–10 week bloom windows in breeder notes. Examples from seed catalogs span classic and contemporary lines alike, underscoring how common this schedule has become for efficient indoor production.
From a historical perspective, dessert-style aromatics in cannabis have surged over the last decade alongside Cookies, Gelato, and Mint-influenced lines. Whether derived from Cookie-based ancestry or convergent terpene selection, the mint-and-chocolate axis is now a stable, repeatable flavor space for modern breeding. After 8 sits within that wave, offering a curated expression built for practical cultivation timelines.
The result is a cultivar that resonates with both market demand and grower logistics: confectionary appeal, pronounced resin for extract viability, and a bloom time designed to fit within standard 8–9 week rotations. Because of this alignment, After 8 is often slotted into perpetual harvest schedules where predictability and quality consistency are paramount.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
Mycotek has not publicly disclosed a line-by-line pedigree for After 8, and responsible reporting treats the exact cross as undisclosed. Nonetheless, phenotypic signals point toward a dessert-leaning hybrid architecture with mint accents, which is frequently observed in modern Cookies-plus-Mint style lineages. These lines often deliver stout branching, stacked calyxes, and thick, greasy trichome coverage suitable for solventless and hydrocarbon extraction.
Growers who pheno-hunt After 8 commonly describe three recurring expressions. The first is a mint-dominant phenotype with cool, menthol-adjacent aromatics, dense golf-ball colas, and a slightly faster finish. The second leans cocoa-cream with sweet pastry notes, displaying a bit more lateral stretch and exceptionally frosted sugar leaves. A third, more hybrid-balanced phenotype blends bright mint with earthy chocolate and subtle citrus, often finishing right at the eight-to-nine-week mark.
Across these expressions, internodal spacing is typically tight to moderate, supporting dense canopy builds in small rooms and tents. Calyx stacking is pronounced from mid-flower onward, with plants often transitioning from a leafy mid-phase to a calyx-dominant finish as bracts swell. This calyx-forward maturation is a hallmark of many dessert hybrids and contributes to the strain’s visually striking bag appeal.
From a cultivation standpoint, the phenotypic variance is narrow enough to support uniform canopies after a basic selection pass. Once a keeper is identified, clonal runs tend to exhibit consistent height, nutrient needs, and finish time, simplifying production planning. This consistency is one reason growers report reliable runs with After 8 once a preferred cut has been locked in.
Because the exact genetic lineage is undisclosed, lab testing and disciplined note-taking are valuable for dialing the cultivar. Tracking terpene distributions, cannabinoid potency, and flowering milestones over two to three cycles helps solidify expectations. Over time, this data-driven approach yields reproducible outcomes and helps confirm whether a given cut aligns with the mint-cream target profile.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
After 8 is visually arresting, with dense, resin-laden flowers that often appear dusted in frost due to heavy trichome coverage. Buds tend to form compact, rounded colas with pronounced calyxes, giving a textured, faceted surface that catches the light. Shades range from deep forest green to slightly olive, and in cooler nights, phenotypes may express mauve to plum undertones along the sugar leaves.
The pistils are typically fine and lightly curled, shifting from light apricot to burnt orange as maturity approaches. By late flower, resin gleam is conspicuous even under moderate room light, with a greasy, almost wet look in closeup photos. Sugar leaves are often so frosted that they can appear lighter than the surrounding bracts, enhancing contrast and visual drama in the jar.
Trimmed flower presents a boutique look: tight buds, minimal visible stem, and an attractive ratio of calyx to leaf matter. With proper dry and cure, the trichome heads remain intact and glassy, contributing to a tactile, slightly tacky feel when handled. This stickiness is a positive indicator for solventless hash makers who prioritize resin mobility and head integrity.
Under magnification, glandular trichomes are abundant, and heads often mature uniformly across the canopy when lighting and airflow are balanced. Uniform trichome development correlates with consistent potency and flavor across top and mid-canopy sites. This evenness reduces the variability that sometimes plagues denser hybrids and simplifies harvest timing decisions.
In retail settings, After 8’s bag appeal is elevated by its clean, dessert-forward aroma that wafts from the jar the moment it is opened. The visual story—resin sheen, tight structure, and subtle color play—aligns with consumer expectations for premium, modern flower. Combined with its confectionary nose, the appearance alone often drives repeat interest.
Aroma
The dominant aromatic impression of After 8 is a cooling mint layered over sweet cream and soft cocoa, often compared to mint chocolate confections. On first grind, a crisp, almost menthol-adjacent top note releases quickly, followed by pastry-like sweetness and a faint herbal backbone. Secondary cues can include delicate citrus zest, light earth, and a hint of peppery spice.
Limonene frequently shows up in strains that present bright, confectionary sweetness, and it is a likely contributor to the uplifted top notes here. Beta-caryophyllene and humulene, common in dessert and cookie-type hybrids, add a pepper-spice structure that reads as cocoa-leaning in combination with myrcene. A touch of linalool or fenchol can contribute to the cooling perception and round out the mint impression.
Across multiple phenotypes, the intensity of the mint note varies, with some cuts presenting it as dominant and others framing it as a cooling accent. In cooler rooms or late-flower under lower VPD, the minty freshness can appear more pronounced, possibly due to improved terpene retention. Warm, dry rooms tend to push sweeter pastry and earthy-chocolate tones while softening the cool top end.
Aroma retention after cure is robust when drying parameters are controlled, especially using 60/60 targets—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days. Samples dried too warm often lose mint brightness, while over-dry cures can flatten the cream note and emphasize spice. Ideal storage at 55–62% RH preserves the full dessert spectrum and curtails terpene volatilization.
Because mint-like tones are less common than standard citrus or fruit profiles, After 8 captures consumer attention in mixed menus. The result is a distinctive, easily recognizable bouquet that remains appealing across repeat use. In crowded markets, that signature aromatic fingerprint can be a key differentiator.
Flavor
After 8’s flavor follows its nose, delivering a cool mint inhale that quickly broadens into sweet cream and soft chocolate impressions. The first draw often feels refreshing, with a clean, almost eucalyptus-adjacent lift that stops short of being medicinal. As the smoke or vapor settles, pastry-like sweetness and a hint of cocoa powder create a lingering, dessert-like finish.
On exhale, subtle pepper and herbal tones emerge, likely tied to caryophyllene and humulene, which provide structure and prevent the sweetness from feeling cloying. Well-grown samples sometimes reveal a faint citrus oil brightness—think lime zest or sweet orange—likely linked to limonene or ocimene sub-traces. The net effect is layered and rounded, balancing cool, sweet, and earthy elements in equal measure.
In dry herb vaporizers at 180–190°C, the mint and cream notes are especially pronounced, with less of the peppery spice present. Combustion adds a deeper cocoa-espresso nuance and more perceptible spice, which some users prefer for a fuller, pastry-like character. If the goal is to preserve the bright mint top note, vaporization or low-temp dabs of rosin are ideal.
Flavor integrity is sensitive to post-harvest handling, with mint brightness attenuating quickly if dried above 65°F (18.3°C) or below 50% RH. A slow cure—minimum 14 days with periodic burping or the use of one-way valves—helps knit the cream and cocoa notes into a more cohesive finish. When storage is stable, flavor longevity over 60–90 days is excellent, with only minor softening of the mint tone.
Pairing ideas for connoisseurs include sparkling water with a twist of lime or a mild cold brew that echoes the cocoa finish without overwhelming the mint. Avoid strongly flavored edibles or drinks immediately before tasting sessions, as they can mask the delicate cream top notes. A clean palate reveals the full range and emphasizes why the strain lives up to its dessert-inspired name.
Cannabinoid Profile
Specific lab panels for After 8 vary by phenotype and cultivation practice, but bench-marking against similar dessert-leaning hybrids is instructive. In regulated U.S. markets, top-shelf flower commonly tests between 18–28% THC by dry weight, with a median clustering around 21–23% for modern hybrids. After 8 falls within that competitive range when grown well, with keeper cuts often landing in the low-to-mid 20s.
CBD content in dessert-focused, high-THC hybrids is typically negligible, often below 0.5% and commonly under 0.1%. Minor cannabinoids are more variable: CBG can present between 0.2–1.0%, while CBC and THCV are often present at trace levels below 0.2%. These minor components may subtly influence subjective effects, especially calm focus or perceived clarity at moderate doses.
For extracts, high-resin cultivars like After 8 often concentrate into 60–80% total cannabinoids in hydrocarbon extracts and 55–75% in rosin, depending on process variables. Rosin yields from flower are commonly 15–25% in resin-forward dessert lines, with elite phenotypes occasionally exceeding 25% under optimal pressing parameters. Such yields are highly sensitive to harvest timing, dryness (ideal 62% RH pre-press), and trichome head maturity.
Batch-to-batch consistency depends on environmental control, plant health, and post-harvest discipline. In side-by-side runs, cannabinoid variance of 2–4 percentage points is not unusual between phenotypes grown under identical conditions. This variance narrows considerably when a single keeper cut is cloned and run across multiple cycles with consistent inputs.
For homegrowers, sending samples to a certified lab for potency testing is advisable when selecting a keeper. The cost is often justified by the downstream benefits of consistent dosing and reliable effects. Over time, a data-backed selection ensures that the After 8 cut retained in the garden aligns with the desired potency and flavor outcomes.
Terpene Profile
After 8’s terpene profile centers on a dessert-like matrix anchored by beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, with supporting roles from humulene and linalool. This constellation is common in sweet, cookie-leaning hybrids that present creamy, confectionary notes with a cooling lift. In mint-accented phenotypes, small but notable contributions from fenchol or eucalyptol-like compounds can heighten the perception of coolness.
Total terpene concentrations in top-shelf flower commonly range from 12–25 mg/g (1.2–2.5% by weight), and After 8’s better expressions tend to land in the middle to upper part of that band. Beta-caryophyllene often registers around 2–5 mg/g, limonene around 1.5–3 mg/g, and myrcene around 2–6 mg/g. Humulene and linalool collectively add 0.5–2 mg/g, depending on phenotype and environment.
Terpene distribution is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and airflow during late flower and post-harvest. Rooms maintained at a flower-day temperature of 24–26°C, with night temps 19–21°C and mid-flower VPD near 1.2–1.4 kPa, help preserve volatile monoterpenes. Raising heat or running too-dry air can strip limonene and linalool, shifting the profile toward pepper and earth at the expense of mint-cream brightness.
Interestingly, visual phenotypes do not always predict terpene dominance; two sister cuts can look near-identical yet test with different top terpene ratios. This is why lab panels are valuable beyond mere potency numbers, allowing targeted selection for flavor-first goals. Once a terpene-targeted keeper is found, clonal runs typically reproduce the profile within a tight band assuming consistent environmental control.
In extracts, the mint-cream character is best preserved with careful low-temperature processing and post-processing formulation that avoids excessive purge heat. Solventless heads from After 8 often carry the mint tone cleanly at 90–159 micron ranges, making it attractive for hash rosin. Stored cold and sealed, the terpene profile remains stable over several months with minimal drift.
Experiential Effects
Users commonly describe After 8 as a balanced, dessert-forward hybrid that opens with clear-headed uplift before transitioning into a calm, body-centered ease. The minty top note seems to correlate with a perceived refreshing onset, while the cocoa-cream undertone contributes to a soothing finish. At moderate doses, focus is typically intact, with a warm, social mood that suits evening wind-downs without immediate couchlock.
As dose increases, the strain’s body relaxation becomes more pronounced, often accompanied by a gentle heaviness behind the eyes. Sedation can surface at higher intake levels, especially in phenotypes that skew toward myrcene or linalool. Time-to-peak is commonly 15–30 minutes for inhaled routes, with a total duration of around 2–3 hours for most users.
Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequently reported side effects, consistent with high-THC hybrids. Occasional dizziness or transient anxiety can occur in sensitive users, particularly with rapid titration or on an empty stomach. Slow, measured dosing and hydration mitigate most adverse effects for the majority of consumers.
For daytime use, microdosing in the 2–5 mg THC range (via vaporization or small puffs) can provide the mint-refresh sensation with minimal impairment. In the evening, standard inhalation amounts yield a mellow, contented body comfort that pairs well with light activities or media. Many users describe After 8 as ideal for post-dinner relaxation—true to the dessert theme implied by its name.
As always, effect profiles are phenotype- and dose-dependent, and two cuts labeled After 8 can diverge in sedation, euphoria, or focus. Keeping personal notes on onset, peak, and comedown over several sessions helps refine timing and dose. With the right cut and dosing, After 8 reliably delivers a polished, indulgent experience without overwhelming the senses.
Potential Medical Uses
While After 8 has not been subjected to clinical trials as a named cultivar, its high-THC, dessert-leaning hybrid profile suggests several plausible therapeutic niches. In patient surveys and observational reports across legal markets, high-THC flower is frequently selected for chronic pain, stress, and sleep disturbances. The calming, body-centered progression reported for After 8 aligns with those use cases when titrated appropriately.
For pain, THC-dominant strains show meaningful patient-reported reductions in neuropathic and musculoskeletal discomfort. Many patients respond in the 10–20 mg THC per session range, though tolerance, metabolism, and route of administration vary widely. The presence of beta-caryophyllene—a CB2-interacting terpene—may add a mild anti-inflammatory dimension to the overall effect.
For anxiety and stress, lower doses are generally preferred to avoid overactivation or transient unease. The mint-cool aromatics and sweet-cream body can be subjectively comforting, especially in vaporized form at moderate temperatures. A terpene profile featuring limonene and linalool has been associated in population-level reports with calmer mood and perceived stress relief in some users.
Sleep support is typically linked to myrcene- or linalool-forward phenotypes that trend toward sedation at higher doses. Evening use of After 8 in such phenotypes may shorten sleep onset latency and reduce nighttime awakenings, according to user anecdotes. However, individual reactions can vary, and overshooting the dose ceiling can paradoxically impair sleep in sensitive individuals.
For appetite stimulation, THC remains the primary driver, and dessert-flavored strains can increase palatability and adherence for some patients. Start low and go slow remains the best practice, especially for inexperienced users or those on polypharmacy regimens. Patients should consult healthcare professionals, particularly when managing complex conditions or integrating cannabis with existing medications.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Flowering time and cycle planning: After 8 is typically targeted for an eight to nine week bloom under 12/12, aligning with the broader market pattern for indica-leaning hybrids. Seed catalogs across multiple breeders regularly show 8–10 week windows for high-quality hybrids, highlighting the practicality of this timeline. In perpetual rooms, a four-week veg and nine-week flower cycle supports roughly six harvests per year with minimal downtime.
Environment and VPD: Aim for 24–26°C day and 19–21°C night in weeks 1–5 of flower, stepping down to 22–24°C day and 18–20°C night in weeks 6–9 to protect terpenes. Maintain VPD around 1.2–1.4 kPa early, tapering to 1.0–1.2 kPa late flower to reduce stress and preserve volatiles. Relative humidity should transition from 55–60% in early bloom to 45–50% by week 6 and 40–45% in the final 10–14 days.
Lighting and PPFD: After 8 responds well to 700–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD in mid-flower and 900–1,100 µmol/m²/s late in bloom when CO2 is ambient. With supplemental CO2 at 1,000–1,200 ppm, advanced growers can push 1,100–1,300 µmol/m²/s if temperatures and irrigation are tuned. Keep daily light integral (DLI) consistent and monitor leaf surface temperature with an IR gun to prevent hidden heat stress.
Substrate and nutrition: The cultivar is comfortable in coco, soil blends, and rockwool, provided pH and EC are tightly managed. In coco or hydro, target pH 5.7–6.0 in veg and 5.8–6.2 in flower; in soil, aim for 6.2–6.8. Nutrient EC commonly runs 1.3–1.6 mS/cm in veg and 1.7–2.2 mS/cm in bloom, with a gentle PK ramp starting end of week 2 and peaking week 5–6.
Irrigation strategy: In inert media, pulse irrigate to 10–20% runoff once media shows 50–60% water content by weight, avoiding both drought stress and saturation. In living soil, water to field capacity, then allow adequate dry-back, using mulch and cover crops to stabilize moisture. Consistent oxygenation at the root zone supports resin production and reduces susceptibility to root pathogens.
Training and canopy management: A single topping at the 5th node followed by low-stress training creates an even canopy for compact structures. For vigorous phenos, a SCROG net helps manage stretch and maximize light interception during the first 14–18 days of flower. Defoliate modestly at day 21 and again around day 42, removing interior leaves and low shoots that fail to reach the canopy.
Pest and disease management: Dense, resinous flowers require proactive IPM to avoid late-flower issues. Implement weekly scouting, sticky cards, and preventative biologicals such as Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana in veg. Maintain positive airflow with oscillating fans, and keep leaf surface temp and RH in check to minimize botrytis risk in the final weeks.
Yield expectations: Benchmarks from comparable eight-to-nine-week hybrids in controlled environments suggest 400–550 g/m² indoors with optimized lighting and nutrition. Some high-performing rooms exceed 600 g/m² when CO2, PPFD, and pruning are dialed in. Outdoors, healthy plants can produce 600–1,000 g per plant in temperate climates, assuming full sun and strong soil biology.
Benchmarks and industry context: Popular indica-leaning cultivars across reputable catalogs are regularly harvest-ready after 8–9 weeks, underscoring how common this cadence is. Classic Kush and Skunk derivatives, and numerous contemporary dessert hybrids, list 8–10 week windows and post 400–500 g/m² indoor with proper care. This context helps growers place After 8’s target timeline and yields in a realistic, competitive framework.
CO2 and advanced controls: If supplementing CO2, keep levels between 1,000–1,200 ppm from day 10 of flower to day 42, then taper to ambient to safeguard terpene retention. With elevated CO2, bump room temps 1–2°C to maintain optimal stomatal function. Always pair CO2 with strong dehumidification and adequate air exchange to avoid microclimates.
Harvest timing: Track trichomes across top, mid, and lower buds, aiming for a mix of mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber for a balanced effect. Aroma should peak and shift from sharp mint to rounded cream-cocoa in the final 7–10 days. If terpenes smell muted, reassess VPD and light intensity; excess heat late in bloom is a common culprit.
Post-harvest handling: Wet trimming can rupture trichome heads on this resinous cultivar; many growers prefer hang-dry with a light dry trim after curing. Shoot for a 10–14 day dry at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH with gentle airflow that does not directly hit the buds. Once stems snap and flower stabilizes near 11–12% moisture content, jar or bin with humidity control packs set to 58–62% RH.
Curing and storage: Burp jars daily for the first week, then every two to three days for the next two weeks, monitoring RH drift. A 3–6 week cure significantly improves mint-cream integration and smoothness, with many samples peaking around the 30–45 day mark. Store long-term at 55–60% RH and near 4–8°C in the dark to preserve terpenes and color.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting: Over-defoliation can reduce yield and terpene intensity; keep leaf removal measured and targeted. Overfeeding PK past week 6 can harshen flavor and blunt the mint top note; begin tapering to a balanced feed or light flush. High nighttime humidity in late flower invites botrytis—maintain a 2–3°C night drop and robust dehumidification to protect dense colas.
Clonal selection tips: When pheno-hunting, clone each seedling before flip so winners can be preserved. Track qualitative metrics—aroma intensity at week 6, trichome head size under 60–100x, and calyx stacking—alongside quantitative ones like yield and days to maturity. Select for plants that maintain mint brightness after a full cure and show minimal variance in trichome maturity across the canopy.
Outdoor and greenhouse notes: In warm, low-humidity climates, After 8’s dense structure thrives with aggressive airflow and early-season IPM. In humid regions, consider light-dep schedules to dodge late-season storms and bring harvest into the drier part of the calendar. Greenhouse growers should leverage shade cloth to cap midday PPFD and maintain VPD in the safe zone during heat waves.
Harvest, Drying, Curing, and Storage
Harvest indicators: For a balanced psychoactive and body effect, target mostly cloudy trichomes with 5–15% amber and minimal clear. Pistils will have largely turned and receded, and calyxes should be visibly swollen with resin heads appearing glassy and full. The aroma evolution—mint sharpness giving way to a rounder cream-cocoa tone—is a reliable supplemental signal.
Drying protocol: Hang whole plants or large branches in a dark space at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days with gentle, indirect air movement. Aim for a slow, controlled moisture migration to protect volatile monoterpenes, which can volatilize rapidly above 65°F (18.3°C). Avoid rapid drying; if small buds crisp in 3–5 days, environmental control is insufficient and flavor will suffer.
Trimming strategy: Dry trimming preserves trichome heads and reduces chlorophyll smearing on resinous surfaces. Use sharp, clean tools, and keep gloves fresh to prevent resin build-up; swap frequently. Collect quality sugar leaf for hash production, as After 8’s frosted trim often washes well and presses into flavorful rosin.
Curing targets: Once jarred near 11–12% internal moisture, maintain 58–62% RH using two-way humidity packs and burp as needed to release CO2 and excess moisture. Over the first 7–10 days, burp daily; then taper to every 2–3 days for another 2 weeks. Most jars stabilize by day 21, with optimal flavor integration typically arriving by day 30–45.
Storage best practices: Long-term storage should be cool, dark, and oxygen-limited—ideally 4–8°C with humidity stable at 55–60%. Use glass or food-safe, gasketed containers, and open infrequently to limit oxidative terpene loss. Under ideal conditions, After 8 maintains bright mint notes and creamy sweetness for 3–6 months with minimal flavor drift.
Yield conversion: Expect final dry yield to land at approximately 20–25% of wet weight for dense, resinous flowers. Well-trained, indoor-grown canopies commonly return 400–550 g/m² dry, provided environmental targets are met. Variance stems from phenotype, PPFD consistency, and post-harvest discipline—arguably as important as in-room cultivation.
Quality control and evaluation: Track water activity (aw) to ensure microbial safety—target 0.55–0.65 aw for stable storage. Periodically pull small samples for aroma checks; fading mint brightness may indicate temperature or oxygen exposure issues. Lab testing for total yeast and mold is prudent for commercial lots and provides confidence for end consumers.
