Fanilehdet

Fanilehdet is a Finnish term that literally translates to "fan leaves." In the context of cannabis cultivation, fan leaves refer to the large, broad leaves that grow from the main stems of the cannabis plant. These leaves are primarily responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which the plant converts light energy into chemical energy for growth.

Fan leaves are often the first leaves to appear on a young cannabis seedling and continue to grow throughout the vegetative and flowering stages of the plant's life cycle. They are typically a vibrant green color when healthy and well-nourished. While they play a crucial role in the plant's overall health and development, fan leaves themselves do not contain significant amounts of cannabinoids like THC or CBD, which are concentrated in the buds and smaller sugar leaves.

Cannabis growers sometimes prune fan leaves during the later stages of the flowering period. This practice, known as defoliation, is done to improve light penetration to the lower buds and to enhance air circulation within the plant canopy. Removing excess fan leaves can help prevent mold and mildew issues and encourage the plant to direct more energy towards bud development. However, over-pruning can stress the plant and negatively impact yield, so it is a technique that requires careful consideration and experience.