U-Pick FAQ

 

 

Need assistance? Before picking up the phone or starting that message, check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked u-pick questions below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, then please let us know how we can help.

 

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 What to Expect

• No ATM’s on-site

• Security personal on-site

• Social distancing is a must

• Guest must stay in the event area

• We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone

• No Weapons

• No Alcohol

• Zero tolerance drug policy

• No Animals (Trained service animals are authorized)

• No Littering

• No Violence

• No unauthorized vendors

• No unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, and giveaways

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 What to Look Forward to

• Our Good Vibes and Family Fun Enjoyment

• A walk through Ananda Farms fields and a wonderful U-pick Hemp experience

• Take a plant home

• Learn about Hemp and CBD

• High-quality Hemp flower and products available

• Learn about the business

• Explore investment opportunities

• Bathrooms available

• Self-parking

• Cash and Credit Cards accepted

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Q: What do I do with the flower after purchase?

A: Take it home! Depending on what you want to use the hemp for will determine whether or not you want to dry it. You can take it home and use it right away (even wet aka not drying or curing it) and make/use it in a multitude of products. Or you can dry it and cure it then use it as needed.

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Q: How do I dry the flower?

A: Drying is the primary step of the post-harvest process. After purchasing the plant, you immediately want to start drying it, in proper conditions, to prevent the loss of valuable terpenes and cannabinoids. This important phase reduces the moisture content of the hemp by 10-15%. Therefore, it is ideal that you have your drying room prepared prior. Generally, drying hemp should occur in a well-ventilated room that's 60-70 degrees F in temperature. Humidity should rest between 45-55% (a simple dehumidifier can help in the winter months when there is heavy moisture!). Having a fan that can generate gentle air circulation is also ideal. If you took the whole plant or cut off large branches, hanging them upside down may be best. The initial drying period can take anywhere from 5 days to a little over 2 weeks, depending on the conditions in your space, how large the plant is, and the quality of the bud. To determine if your hemp is dry enough to cure, look for a small terminal branch and see if it breaks/snaps. If it snaps rather than bends on itself, that your hemp is most likely ready for the next step...curing!

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Q: What is curing the flower?

A: Curing is the next step after drying. Hemp that undergoes the curing process showcases aesthetics, aroma, and flavor. This process can take some time.  Curing provides more lucrative, premium flower. If you're after nothing short of the finest product, then curing your harvest through the steps below (in the next question) should be a vital part of your post-drying processing. 

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Q: How do I cure flower?

A: Step 1.) Place the dried hemp into container(s). Ceramic, metal, wood, and glass vessels are all viable choices as long as they have wide openings and tight air-seals. Do not compress the flower. Secure the lid ensuring that zero air penetrates the interior. This allows the internal moisture from the hemp to rehydrate the exterior leaves. Set the containers in a cool, dark, dry area away from direct heat, moisture, and light.

Step 2.) Check for moisture. after the first 24 hours, take a sample out and inspect the hemp. have the outer leaves regained some moisture? if they have, then you've properly dried and stored your hemp. if it remains dry and brittle, then its most likely that you've over dried your samples. Pacing the hemp in a paper bag / turkey bag can help to return moisture on over dried hemp.

Step 3.) Replenish Oxygen aka "burp the plant"...read more about burping in the next question!

Step 4.) Have PATIENCE! - wait it out. This step is often rushed. Although it may be tempting to crack that jar open and try a sample, try your best not to. Your hemp should be ready within 2 - 4 weeks after starting our the curing process. But keep in mind that this number isn't set in stone. There are some strains that benefit from longer curing. Our Berry Blossom variety is thankfully not one of them, this strain typically takes about 2-3 weeks.

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Q: What does it mean to burp the flower?

A: About a week after placing the flower in their curing containers, you should provide your hemp with some time to breathe. Remove the lids and allow a few minutes for oxygen levels to restore inside the containers. We recommend during this twice a day for the first week. Once a day on the second week. Then every other day for the following weeks. This is a perfect time to sniff out ammonia! If you smell that distinct odor, it's likely because your hemp wasn't dry enough before being put through the curing process. Another reason as to why the drying and curing processes are vitally important. Unfortunately, ammonia smell typically mean that mold has probably started to grow within the flower. We highly recommend to not use moldy plants. If it smells like hay then re-check the storage conditions, your flower may be getting too dry.

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Q: What is the paper-bag technique?

A:There are many methods to dry and cure plants. The paper-bag technique is just one method.

Step 1.) Once you have dried your flower, put them into paper bags. A large paper bag, like grocery store bags, are ideal. Put about 3 inches of buds into the bottom of a bag and roll the top over.

Step 2.) Open the bag 1-2 times daily, mixing and shaking the buds around. The moisture will sweat out from the inside of the buds to the outside where they will dry. Doing this ensures they will dry slowly which leaves for gorgeous aroma and overall flower. 

Step 3.) Once the buds are dry in the paper bags, we have found it best to place them into plastic zip-lock bags for 2-3 days.

Step 4.) Watch the buds. if they become wet again or the bag sweats, this tells you that they are not dry and should be placed back into the paper bags for more drying. 

Step 5.) Once you are certain that the flower is dry (typically 2-3 days in the plastic), then you can place them into jars to cure (mason jars work amazing!).

Step 6.) Check your jars daily for roughly a week or two until you're ensured that they are dry.

(optional) For long term storage - You can vacuum seal and store the jars away in a safe and dark location.

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Q: If I purchase the whole plant or a branch do I have to cut it into smaller parts?

A: There are 2 choices when it comes to cutting up your harvest into smaller sizes. Some choose to cut their hemp while it's wet, allowing more precise measurements and easier handling. On the other hand, there are more experience cultivators who cut when they samples are dry. Although dry cutting might risk the disruption of the delicate trichome coating, it generally produces far better hemp after curing.

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Q: How and where do I store the flower?

A:Ceramic, metal, wood, and glass vessels are all viable choices as long as they have wide openings and tight air-seals. Do not compress the flower. Secure the lid ensuring that zero air penetrates the interior. This allows the internal moisture from the hemp to rehydrate the exterior leaves. Set the containers in a cool, dark, dry area away from direct heat, moisture, and light.​

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Q: What products can I make out of the hemp flower?

A: The flower or "buds" hold high concentrations of cannabinoids compared to the stalk, leaves, and roots of the plant. Currently, most of the hemp flower grown is being used to make CBD products. However, we're also seeing many new hemp products appear, to include pet food, cosmetics, hemp t-shirts, hemp bathing products, and thousands of various textiles.

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Q: Where do I go to purchase a machine / accessories to make products out of the flower?

A: www.MagicalButter.com

Combining an immersion blender with a precise heating unit, the Magical Butter machine allows you to make products, from your hemp flower, right at home!  Easily infuse your herbs into a multitude of products right in your own kitchen!

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Q: Does Ananda Farms provide discounts on their u-pick hemp?

A: Absolutely!

Veterans, first responders, seniors, and medical marijuana patients all receive discounts on our u-pick hemp flower. Please bring appropriate ID's.

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Q: If I purchase in bulk (10 plants or more) can I get a discount?

A: We are always willing to listen and discuss bulk orders.

We are especially eager to work with small business as well as fellow farmers/processors by providing affordable high-quality plants!

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Q: Are Ananda Farms plants tested?

A: Just like your products, our plants and fields go through rigorous testing. This is to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness. NY state mandates all cultivars to turn in pre-harvest reports, harvest reports, annual reports, and test results. For 3 years Ananda Farms has passed all tests, inspections, and reports. We pride ourselves in the safe, high-quality plants we produce on our farms. 

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Q: Are Ananda Farms plant organic?

A: Ananda Farms only uses organic products on our plants and fields. We refrain from using bottled ingredients, herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides. We organically practice ways to tend to our plants, our land, invasive pests, and various diseases. 

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Q: What type of strains/varieties does Ananda Farms grow?

A: Ananda Farms has experience growing hundreds of different varietals. We have found that local genetics are key to success. Which is why we sources organic hemp seeds from a local small business out of Delhi, NY. Our Berry Blossom variety has a 98% germination rate with less than 1% being male or hermaphrodites. 

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Q: Can I bring my own scissors/snips?

A: Unfortunately, due to safety protocols for both insurance and agri-tourism in regards to COVID-19, we are not allowing visitors to bring their own scissors, snips, shears, tools, or harvesting equipment. Our team of knowledgeable professionals will be there along the way to help you choose and cut from over 8,000 plants.

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Q: Do I have to buy the whole plant?

A: Nope!

Visitors interested in partaking in the u-picking can cut branches or the whole plant. There will also be pre-cut plants, branches, and colas to choose from as well! 

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Q: Is there an entrance fee into the u-pick?

A: No, we want everyone to be able to come and enjoy this amazing educational experience!

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Q: What ages can attend?

A: We are a family-friendly farm! We welcome everyone of all ages. However, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21+.

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Q: Do I need to bring ID?

A: Yes!

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21+. Veterans, first responders, seniors, and medical marijuana patients please bring appropriate ID for discounts.

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Q: How much does the u-pick flower cost?

A: $45 per lbs. / whole plant ...... $55 per lbs. / branch.

Depending on the size of the plant, prices will typically range from $75 - $550.

We will also have a plethora of affordable pre-cut plants, branches, and colas to choose from.

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Q: Do you accept checks?

A: Ananda Farms accepts cash (no money orders), debit cards, local checks, and credit cards. 

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Q: Can I smoke hemp?

A: New York has a ban on hemp pre-rolls, cigarettes, and any "flower product labeled or advertised for the purpose of smoking". But the state health department says it will allow the sale of hemp flower, so long as the flower is not branded as an item for smoking. Therefore, Ananda Farms does not sell our products or plants for the intent of smoking nor can our customers purchase our products or plants for the intent of smoking.

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Q: What is Cannabinoid Hemp?

A: Cannabinoid hemp is any product processed or derived from hemp, that is used for human consumption including for topical application for its cannabinoid content, that does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Cannabidiol or "CBD" products are an example of cannabinoid hemp products and can come in a variety of different forms including but not limited to tinctures (CBD oil), pills, capsules, balms, lotions and food or beverage products. Other hemp-derived products such as hemp seeds or hemp seed oil, which do not contain cannabinoids, are regulated as foods and not under the scope of this program.

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Q: Is Hemp the same as Marijuana?

A: Hemp and Marijuana are different classifications of the Cannabis plant. "Hemp" is used to classify varieties of Cannabis that contain 0.3% or less THC content (by dry weight). "Marijuana" is used to classify varieties of Cannabis that contain more than 0.3% THC (by dry weight) and is known for its psychoactive effects (including a feeling of being high).

 

Q: What are cannabinoids?

A: Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant that have different effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most common, but there are more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is known for its psychoactive effects (including a feeling of being high). CBD does not produce a feeling of being high and has anecdotally been found to have a variety of wellness benefits.

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Q: What is THC?

A: THC aka delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is a chemical compound that is a psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana plants, and is almost entirely absent in hemp.

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Q: Does hemp have THC?

A: Variations in the growing conditions and requirements of hemp result to changes in their chemistry. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, any part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant will be considered legal hemp as long as it contains no more than 0.3% of THC. This includes all of its extracts and whatever hemp-derived products are manufacted from the raw plant. If it contains any more than 0.3% THC, it will be classified as marijuana and have to be destoryed according to our Partnership Agreemet with NYS Dept. of Agrictulure and Markets.

 

Q: Will hemp get me "high"?

A:With only trace amounts of THC (0.3% and less), hemp brings the benefits of cannabinoids without the psychoactive ("high") effects of THC. Aka there is no getting "high" off of Ananda Farms hemp products or plants.

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Q: What are hemps "medical" benefits?

A: Ananda Farms does not make any claims that hemp or it's cannabinoids (to include CBD) can prevent, cure, mitigate, or treat diseases and serious health conditions. 

After researching the safety and effectiveness of CBD for treating epilepsy, in 2018, the U.S. FDA approved CBD as a therapy for two rare conditions characterized by epileptic seizures.

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