This may open up a can of worms but there are some stressors that have been peer reviewed and abstracts written about to “ bump “ the levels ….
One being Drought stress ( which ironically ) I am doing by throwing pre-trimmed plants into darkness. The inflorescence ( complete flower ) dry weight and secondary metabolite content in cannabis is largely controlled through breeding and phenotype selection ; however horticultural management techniques such as fertilization, lighting , substrate used , air / environment all play into results . Drought-stressed plants had increased concentrations of major cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) by 12% and 13%, respectively, compared with the control Plants done with study.
For example : Areas around the world that experience drought situations / more intense solar radiation which stimulates secondary metabolites within . Results are more aromatic / oil production - remember when I said my girls get more fragrant this way ? I am in a way introducing a good stressor to them as they are drying in pot.
UVB increases THC production also. I run a Sunblaster with DUAL AGROMAX PURE UV bulbs during some grows .
Wonder what results could happen if UV is only available light harvest plants get while in dark tent. Something like 10-15 minutes per 3 hour block ( x4 ) of typical 12/12 cycle.
I “ may “ experiment on a harvest by not only keeping harvest ready plants in dark / drought stressing til end but add my Agromax Pure UV lamp to cycle on and off on them to bump trich expression. Could work who knows …. Tell me what you think.