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I recently toured the Kronic Relief Toronto craft facility, venturing into indoor cultivation for the first time. As someone accustomed to outdoor setups, this was quite a departure. Throughout the day, I explored their pre-vegetation process, inspected grow rooms, examined watering systems, and even got a glimpse of their blunt rolling room. It was an eye-opening experience, offering insights into cannabis cultivation that I hadn't encountered before. Join me as I share the highlights of this unforgettable journey into the world of cannabis craftsmanship.
Safety Protocols and Tour Preparation
Before stepping into the growth facilities, our tour began with strict safety protocols and thorough preparation. Upon arrival, we were directed to a designated change room, clearly divided by a taped line. One side housed all external materials, clothes, and personal items, while the other held essential cleaning supplies, masks, gloves, and PPE sets. After disinfecting our phones and recording materials, we were instructed to put on full PPE attire, including gloves, hair nets, masks, and shoe covers, before entering the facility. It was emphasized that these precautions were of utmost importance to this facility, prioritizing the protection of the plants and preventing cross-contamination.
Anna Li, Cannabinista and Kronic Relief’s CEO & Founder, Steven Conville in full PPE
Pre-Vegetation Room
This marked our inaugural stop on the tour, where we delved into the crucial pre-vegetation process of cannabis cultivation. Pre-vegetation is a critical phase in the growth cycle, encompassing the initial stages from seed germination to the development of young plants before they enter the vegetative stage. Getting this phase right sets the foundation for a successful grow.
It involves providing the optimal conditions such as proper lighting, humidity levels, and nutrient-rich soil to encourage robust root development and healthy plant growth. Additionally, maintaining precise environmental control ensures that the plants receive the ideal conditions for their early growth stages, fostering resilience and vitality. For someone like myself, who has grappled with understanding the intricacies of plant growth, this experience offered invaluable insights into the nuanced requirements of cannabis cultivation.
Vegetation Room at Kronic Relief’s facility in Toronto, Ontario (2024)
Vegetation Room
Entering the vegetation room, we were greeted by an impressive sight: over 90 active strains thriving in their designated space. Remarkably, this number has decreased from an initial 150 strains since the facility's licensing inception. This reduction reflects a common challenge faced by growers in the Canadian market, where stringent regulations necessitate the limitation of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units).
Additionally, we gained insight into an essential cultivation practice: the trimming of the plant's lower foliage. This process isn't just about aesthetics; it's a strategic move to optimize light distribution throughout the canopy. By removing lower leaves, growers ensure that all parts of the plant receive sufficient light for photosynthesis, promoting uniform growth and maximizing the plant's potential.
The Flower Room
Stepping into the flower rooms was a sensory experience unlike any other. As we toured three distinct chambers, the air was filled with a rich tapestry of aromas, each hinting at the unique characteristics of the strains within. Notably, these rooms were deliberately maintained on the warmer side, creating an environment conducive to flowering and resin production.
I took a sniff of a bunch of different strains and really got a whiff of a variety of terpenes. I smelled gassy notes, citrusy notes, and even floral like notes. Even with a mask on, these buds were dank!
Anna Li, Cannabinista smelling the different strains in Kronic Relief’s flower room
Amidst the lush foliage, we observed a plant entering its no-light stage—a crucial phase in the cultivation process. Typically lasting for an average of 12 hours, this stage simulates natural light cycles, triggering the plant's reproductive phase. By subjecting the plant to darkness, growers mimic the outdoor environment, enhancing bud development and potency. Furthermore, our guide provided insight into the facility's operational rhythm.
We learned that they harvest one of their ten flower rooms every week, employing a perpetual harvest system that allows for an impressive 52 crops per year. Each flower room maintains precise temperature and CO2 levels, set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night, with CO2 levels set to 1200 ppm. Close to harvest, the temperature is lowered to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and CO2 is shut off.
The Curing Room
Following harvest, each crop undergoes a careful drying process, hanging for 10-14 days at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% relative humidity. This room reminded me of when I cured my buds in my bathroom shower back in 2020. It definitely wasn’t as high-tech as this setup!
Photo of Kronic Relief’s curing room
The curing room quickly became my favourite stop on the tour. Here, all the buds rested in darkness, undergoing a crucial drying process before further processing and cleaning. While I recall attempting something similar in my bathroom, the level of expertise displayed here was truly impressive.
Curing cannabis is a meticulous process that involves drying the buds in a controlled environment with specific humidity levels and temperatures. This stage is essential for several reasons.
- Firstly, it helps to remove excess moisture from the buds, preventing mold growth and preserving their quality.
- Additionally, curing allows for the gradual breakdown of chlorophyll and other undesirable compounds, leading to a smoother and more flavorful smoke.
- Moreover, the process facilitates the development of complex terpene profiles, enhancing the aroma and overall sensory experience of the final product.
In essence, proper curing is essential for maximizing the potency, flavour, and overall appeal of the cannabis buds.
Final Stop: The Vault
Some of the product observed at Kronic Relief’s vault room
Wrapping up the tour, we entered the vault—a remarkable sight. Inside, pounds of diverse strains, both ground and whole, were on display. The founder led us through what they called the "gold," showcasing strains with years of history and origin stories. This room served as the hub for quality control and inspiration, housing only the finest selections chosen to exemplify excellence in cannabis cultivation.
Anna Li, Cannabinista holding two bags of cannabis in Kronic Relief’s vault room
I am immensely grateful to the Kronic Relief Toronto team for the invaluable opportunity to tour their facility. The insights gained into the intricate processes of cannabis cultivation have been truly enlightening. From stringent safety protocols to the meticulous care evident in every stage of growth, it's evident that the Kronic team's dedication to excellence is unparalleled. Learn more about them here.
Hey I’m Anna, also known as Cannabinista™
I’m a cannabis content creator, recipe developer, and enthusiast for the ancient plant. I’ve dedicated my platforms to helping you create a healthy relationship with cannabis through mindful consumption and providing education that resonates with the modern consumer.
My ultimate goal is to debunk traditional stoner stereotypes and myths, by showcasing the world of cannabis through my POV.
