Improving the Flavor of Marijuana: How to Maximize its Taste?
While most cultivators are concerned about the yield of their crop, many of you ask us how to improve the flavor and aroma of your harvests. Maximizing bud production is one of the key factors to develop in cultivation, but aroma and flavor—the organoleptic properties—cannot be overlooked.
In today’s post, we will explain how to improve the flavor and aroma of marijuana by breaking down the factors that determine them. If you are not satisfied with the taste of your marijuana in recent harvests and believe you can improve it but don’t know how, keep reading to learn everything about this topic.
Premises for Improving the Flavor of Marijuana
One of the key factors determining the flavor of marijuana is care. As obvious as it may sound, well-cared-for plants will taste and smell better. If you are a novice cultivator and still lack confidence in growing your plants, I recommend you check out the Experiencia Natural blog, where you will find the keys to meeting all of marijuana’s needs.
Growing Cannabis is relatively easy; what is not so simple is improving the flavor and aroma of marijuana through cultivation techniques. Although learning to maximize the taste of marijuana requires a series of learning steps, I believe they are easy enough for all cultivators to do, regardless of your level of expertise.
How to Improve the Flavor and Aroma of Marijuana
There are several ways to maximize the flavor and aroma of Cannabis. All these methods must coexist with good plant care habits. In no case can these techniques replace basic care. Let’s look at some of the basic ways to improve the flavor of Cannabis:
Stimulate the Appearance of Terpenes
Marijuana terpenes are the chemical substances responsible for aroma and flavor. They are produced mainly in the buds and, if we can make more terpenes appear, we will achieve a more flavorful and aromatic marijuana. In other words, terpenes are the key to improving the flavor of marijuana.
Not all marijuana plants produce the same terpenes, so not all Cannabis varieties smell and taste alike. However, by stimulating terpene production, you help ensure that the flavor of the buds is as natural as possible for that particular variety.
How to Increase Terpenes
For the plants to produce more terpenes than usual, you will need to stress the plant a bit. These stress techniques are completely safe, although it is recommended to apply them once you have gained some experience in cultivation, to avoid damage due to inexperience.
In these techniques, you must apply just the right amount of stress so that the plant produces the necessary terpenes without becoming vulnerable. Experiment with a test plant before implementing the technique throughout your crop.
If you manage to apply a moderate level of stress consistently over an extended period, you will maximize terpene production, which will not only improve flavor and aroma but may also boost cannabinoid production, making your marijuana more potent.
Stress to Improve the Flavor of Marijuana
But how do you apply these stress techniques? You can start with the simplest method, Low Stress Training (LST), which consists of bending the marijuana stems without applying too much pressure to reorient the buds and encourage light to reach the shaded areas. Light is crucial for terpene production.
Super Cropping is another option if you’re willing to apply greater stress. With this technique, you gently ‘break’ certain stems to reorient their position, allowing light to penetrate more evenly and stimulating the production of terpenes and sugars in the plant.
Defoliation is another controlled stress technique that involves removing approximately 70% of the leaves from the plant. This causes the plant’s energy to be redirected towards the production of trichomes and terpenes, significantly improving flavor.
Regardless of the method you choose, accompany it with a lower humidity level than during the growth stage. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier to maintain around 20% relative humidity during the last 14 days of flowering.
More Methods to Stress Marijuana
The list of ways to stress the plants to improve the flavor of marijuana is extensive and allows for a lot of creativity, as long as you don’t overdo it. For example, nutrient restriction can stimulate terpene synthesis if applied in a controlled manner.
The best time to apply this technique is two weeks before harvest, gradually reducing the amount of nutrients during this period, as the final stage of flowering is crucial for the formation of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Temperature reduction can also promote terpene production. During the flowering stage, keep the temperature below 26ºC to encourage trichome production and improve the flavor of Cannabis. Keep in mind that excessive heat softens the flavor of the buds, so this reduction is usually applied starting in the sixth or seventh week of flowering.
Factors to Improve the Flavor of Cannabis
Below, you will find some key factors to consider in order to improve the flavor and aroma of Cannabis. If you maintain these values consistently, you will notice an improvement in the organoleptic properties.
Light
For marijuana plants grown outdoors, many growers agree that more light is associated with greater terpene production, which improves flavor. Indoors, complementing the existing lighting with broad-spectrum LED lights can boost this effect, as they stimulate the proliferation of secondary compounds.
Many cultivators using HPS lamps complement the flowering stage with one or two LED bulbs during the last two weeks, thus achieving a final product that is more flavorful and potent.
Be Careful
It may seem obvious, but consistently caring for your plants is essential to preserve flavor and aroma. Do not handle the buds during flowering, as excessive contact can cause the terpenes to volatilize.
Improving the Flavor of Cannabis During Drying and Curing
During drying and curing, fundamental processes are triggered that determine the flavor, aroma, and potency of marijuana. Begin by hanging the plant upside down for 10 days for even drying. Consult our guide on drying marijuana for more details.
It should be a gradual and as gentle as possible process. If you live in a very dry climate, avoid trimming the plant before drying, as the leaves help the drying process occur progressively. Conversely, in humid climates, trim the plant to facilitate the process.
Before curing the buds—that is, placing them in a container to prolong drying and preserve cannabinoids and organoleptic properties—make sure the plant is not completely dry. The surface should be dry, but the inside should retain some moisture.
Never try to speed up the drying process, as this will negatively affect the final flavor of the marijuana.
Choosing the Right Strain
Despite following all these tips, it is important to remember that the most flavorful marijuana will be that which is genetically predisposed to have a prominent terpene profile. Browse the extensive Experiencia Natural catalog for the marijuana that offers the flavor you like best.
Research which strain produces the highest terpene levels and review its profile to learn about its dominant flavors. Some varieties produce citrus flavors, such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit, while others offer more complex flavors, such as woody or incense-like profiles.
Furthermore, ensure that the climatic conditions of your environment are optimal for the growth of the chosen strain and that the required level of care is within your capabilities. If you need more information, refer to the tips on the semillas-de-marihuana.com blog AKA Experiencia Natural.
Additional Information and Scientific Evidence
Scientific studies have shown that stress management techniques such as LST, Super Cropping, and defoliation can influence the synthesis of terpenes and other secondary compounds in Cannabis. For example, Russo (2011) notes that the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes can enhance the “entourage effect,” thereby improving both the aroma and flavor of the final product. Similarly, Booth et al. (2017) have analyzed how the genetic profile of Cannabis determines terpene production, while Gershenzon and Dudareva (2007) explain the function of terpenes in plant defense and communication.
These studies support the idea that proper management of cultivation conditions—including lighting, temperature, nutrient management, and controlled stress application—can significantly improve the organoleptic properties of marijuana.
References
Below are some scientific references that support the techniques mentioned:
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1363.
- Booth, J. K., Page, J. E., & Bohlmann, J. (2017). Terpenes in Cannabis sativa: From plant genome to humans. Plant Science, 259, 253–260.
- Gershenzon, J., & Dudareva, N. (2007). The function of terpene natural products in the natural world. The Plant Journal, 54(4), 712–732.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which techniques are most effective for increasing terpenes in Cannabis?
Techniques such as LST, Super Cropping, and controlled defoliation have been shown to stimulate terpene synthesis, which translates into a more intense flavor and aroma.
Does nutrient reduction really improve the flavor of marijuana?
When applied gradually two weeks before harvest, nutrient restriction can cause the plant to redirect its resources toward terpene and cannabinoid production, thereby improving the organoleptic profile.
What role do lighting conditions play in the flavor of Cannabis?
The quality and quantity of light, especially through the use of broad-spectrum LED lights, promote the synthesis of secondary compounds such as terpenes, which enhances both the aroma and flavor of the buds.
Is it important to select the right strain to achieve a better flavor?
Yes, the plant’s genetics determine its potential to produce terpenes. Choosing a strain known for its terpene profile is crucial for achieving marijuana with outstanding flavor and aroma.
That’s all about how to improve the flavor and aroma of marijuana. We hope you put these tips into practice and share your experience in the comments section. If you enjoyed this article, we also recommend reading Can I Catch Coronavirus When Receiving a Delivery? and Marijuana Cultivation Temperature: What is the Best?.
Founder of Experiencia Natural, creative and entrepreneur, designer, master in grower and marketing. For a normalization of all plants and substances, giving priority to patients and users.
