6 Factors That Affect Cannabis Flavour and Strength

Everyone has a different cannabis experience. Cannabis is used for recreational purposes, and it is popular because of its ability to provide a euphoric feeling. The quality and potency of different cannabis strains vary from batch to batch. In this blog post, we are going to look at 6 factors that are responsible for flavour and strength.

Cannabis strains like Cali Kush strain are known for its unique flavour profiles and high THC content. Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are essential elements that determine the flavour and potency of cannabis strains.

Both cultivators and consumers need to know these factors because they determine the strength and potency of a cannabis strain. The combination of genetic factors, chemical compounds, and growing conditions makes cannabis suitable for recreational use.

Now, let’s understand the 6 factors that are crucial for determining the cannabis flavour and strength.

Knowing What Impacts Cannabis Strains’ Flavour and Strength

Take a look at the following points to know what affects the strength and flavour of cannabis strains:

#1 Genetics and Strain Selection

A strain’s lineage is often greatly affected by the genetics of the plants. The genetics create the foundational structure of the cannabis plant. Each cannabis strain has a specific genetic code. For example, some cannabis strains are genetically pre-designed to produce a high level of Myrcene terpene. On the other hand, the rest of the strains are structured to synthesise a high amount of THC or CBD cannabinoids.

Cannabis strains with steady genetics are more likely to deliver consistent ratios of these cannabinoids. This is crucial to deliver predictable results while cultivating.

For example, the Cali Kush strain of cannabis is known for its sweet, earthy, and citrusy flavour.  It contains a lot of myrcene, which is responsible for this earthy smell. On the other hand, Hi Octane strain is recognised for its bold and diesel-like flavour.

Here is a table that shows flavours and potency of popular strains.

Table 1: Flavour and Strength Profiles of Popular Strains

#2 The Role of Terpenes in Determining Flavour

Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in cannabis strains. Terpenes are directly responsible for determining the diverse range of flavour and aroma.  Different combinations of terpenes create the distinct profiles of various strains. For example, Limonene is accountable for the citrusy scent, while Pinene is known for its pine-like aroma.

Terpenes are volatile organic compounds responsible for the distinct notes the user experiences. The entire sensory profile of the cannabis, from earthy to citrusy, is determined by the terpenes. Furthermore, besides flavour, terpenes also contribute to impacting the overall effects of the strain.

#3 Growing Environment

For cannabis strains, the growing environment should be optimised. Different types of cannabis strains require different growing environments.

One of the main components behind the growth of the cannabis plants is the light, which is essential for cannabinoid synthesis. It is often believed that higher light intensity can lead to high THC potency of the strain. The varying wavelengths of different light sources, such as LED, HPS, and natural sunlight, stimulate the plant’s response.

Maintaining ideal temperature and humidity levels is crucial for cannabis plants, especially during their growth in the flowering stage. In high temperatures, delicate terpenes can evaporate, leaving the cannabis plant in no use. Therefore, cultivators consider maintaining a lower temperature toward the end of the flower cycle. This way, the volatile terpene profile of the cannabis plants is stored.

#4 Nutrients and Fertilisation

Cannabis plants need a particular ratio of macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients. The overall growth and resin development of the cannabis plants are highly dependent on the nutrients.

Just before harvesting, the plant is only given water. Through this process, the plant consumes any remaining nutrient salts stored in its tissues. A properly flushed plant yields a cleaner, smoother, and more flavourful smoke.

#5 Harvest Timing

Harvest timing can significantly influence the flavour and strength of the cannabis strain, which contributes to interacting with the chemical composition. 

When you harvest too early, you can observe mostly clear trichomes. In this case, the potency of the cannabis strain is low as the THC cannabinoid profile is not properly developed. When the trichome colour becomes mostly cloudy or milky, it is a sign of peak harvest time. This is the ideal time when growers harvest their plants to get the maximum potency of the strains. 

Terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for the distinct smell and flavour of the cannabis strains. Terpene concentrations are usually highest when the trichomes are cloudy in colour, which coincides with the high THC presence. Different strains have different harvest timings. For example, Cali Kush strain has a harvest time of 50 to 60 days of flowering indoors.

#6 Storage Conditions

Storage conditions play a crucial role in preserving the flavour and strength of the cannabis strains. Inaccurate environmental conditions, such as improper light, air, heat, or incorrect humidity, can affect the cannabinoids and terpenes present.  

Do not use plastic or metal containers for storing the cannabis, even if they are light-proof and air-tight. Instead, growers can use glass containers with an added seal. A vacuum sealer is also good for storing cannabis.

Final Words

These factors can affect cannabis flavour and strength effectively. Iooking for if these factors are not properly followed. Explore different strains and try to get the maxf not properly taken care of, the potency and flavour profile of the cannabis strains can be significantly affected. Moreover, growers will not get the expected terpene and cannabinoid profile they were limised flav

our and potency. 

Cultivate Cannabis by Maintaining the Right Growing Factors!

Looking to grow cannabis with high potency? Try to provide the best environment for the cannabis plants to grow, which can maximise their potency and flavour profile.