Taste the Difference: Cannabis Cultivation Mediums and Flavour Profiles

The art of growing cannabis has come a long way since it was first cultivated thousands of years ago. As the industry evolves and new methods are continuously developed, the choice of growing medium has become increasingly important for producing top-quality buds with unique flavour profiles.

Traditional soil has always been the go-to medium for cannabis growers, but advancements in technology and research have opened up a world of possibilities with other mediums such as coco coir, Rockwool, and hydroponic systems. Some farmers even swear by living soil, a dynamic mix of compost and organic amendments teeming with beneficial microbes and fungi.

Each medium has its own set of pros and cons, as well as different effects on the final product’s taste, potency, and effects. To help you understand the differences, we’ve broken down the most popular options and how they can influence taste, potency, and effects.

 

Soil

The traditional medium of choice, especially for home growers, soil is a tried and tested method for cannabis cultivation. While it may seem simple, not all soils are created equal. The composition of the soil can vary widely depending on factors like location, climate, and how it has been treated. Soil is not without its challenges, as it can be challenging to maintain a consistent pH and nutrient levels. which can adversely affect the cannabis plant's overall health and flavour.

Taste: Soil-grown cannabis often produces a more earthy and robust taste due to the presence of organic matter and beneficial microbes.

Potency: The natural fertility of soil can be harnessed to produce high levels of terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in potent buds.

Effects: The full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids expressed in soil-grown cannabis can provide a well-rounded, synergistic effect known as the "entourage effect."

 

Living Soil

Growers: Woody Nelson, Island Genetics, Weathered Islands, Earthwolf Farms, Grown Here Farms, Coast Mountain Cannabis

A relatively new concept, living soil is a dynamic mix of compost and organic amendments teeming with beneficial microbes and fungi. Think worm castings, bat guano, and compost tea that work together to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for the plant. Farmers that swear by living soil argue that it produces the best-tasting, most potent, and well-rounded cannabis.

Taste: Due to the diverse microbial life and organic matter present, living soil can produce a complex, earthy, and rich flavour profile.

Potency: The beneficial microbes and fungi in living soil can enhance terpene and cannabinoid production, potentially resulting in higher potency.

Effects: With a full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids expressed through the living soil, the effects can be more well-rounded and synergistic.

 

Coco Coir

Growers: Magi Cannabis, Seastone Farm, Ostara Medical

Made from coconut husks, coco coir is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional soil. It is a natural, renewable resource that provides excellent drainage and aeration for the roots. As a relatively inert medium, it doesn't contain any nutrients and must be supplemented with fertilizers. Growers that use coco coir often swear by its ability to produce clean, potent and flavourful buds.

Taste: Being an inert medium, coco coir doesn't impart any flavours, allowing the plant's natural terpene profile to shine through.

Potency: Coco coir provides excellent aeration and drainage, which can promote resin production and higher cannabinoid levels compared to dense soil mixes.

Effects: The effects are primarily determined by the plant's genetics and growing conditions, rather than the coco coir medium itself.

 

Hydroponic Systems

Grower: Amani Craft

Hydroponic systems involve growing plants in a soilless environment, using water and nutrients as the growing medium. There are various types of hydroponic systems, such as deep water culture, ebb and flow, and drip irrigation that provide different levels of water, aeration, and nutrient delivery. If you've ever tasted hydroponically grown vegetables, you know that they can lack flavour compared to soil-grown produce. The same is true for cannabis.

Taste: Due to the absence of soil, hydroponically grown cannabis can lack depth and complexity in flavour. However, some growers have reported a cleaner taste, free from any earthy notes.

Potency: With precise nutrient control and environmental factors, hydroponic systems can produce high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Effects: Hydroponically-grown cannabis may have a cleaner, more intense effect due to the precise control over nutrient delivery and environmental conditions.

 

Aquaponic Systems

Grower: Cake & Caviar

Similar to hydroponic systems, aquaponics also involves growing plants in a soilless environment. However, rather than using synthetic nutrients, it relies on fish and beneficial bacteria to provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth. This sustainable method of cultivation is gaining popularity among cannabis farmers as it is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and produces high-quality buds.

Taste: With natural, organic nutrients provided by the fish and bacteria, aquaponically grown cannabis can have a clean, fresh taste with subtle earthy notes.

Potency: The combination of natural, organic nutrients and precise environmental control can result in high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Effects: Similar to hydroponic systems, the effects may be more intense due to the controlled nutrient delivery and environmental conditions. However, some growers have reported a smoother, more well-rounded effect from aquaponically grown cannabis.

 

Aeroponic Systems

Grower: North 40 Cannabis

Suspending plants in a mist or fog of nutrient-rich water, aeroponic systems are similar to hydroponic systems, but use less water and nutrients. The roots are exposed to the air, providing maximum oxygenation and nutrient absorption. This method is relatively new to cannabis cultivation but has been used successfully in other crops such as lettuce and tomatoes.

Taste: With precise control over nutrient delivery and oxygenation, aeroponic cannabis may have a clean, crisp taste with minimal earthy notes.

Potency: The efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the roots can result in higher levels of cannabinoids and terpenes compared to other growing methods.

Effects: Similar to hydroponic and aquaponic systems, the effects may be more intense due to the precise control over nutrient delivery and environmental conditions.

 

Rockwool

Made from molten rock spun into thin fibers, rockwool is an inert medium commonly used in hydroponic systems. It provides excellent water retention and aeration, but it must be thoroughly washed and pH balanced before use or it can negatively affect the plant's health. Although widely used, some growers have concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact of rockwool.

Taste: Rockwool is an inert medium, so it doesn't directly influence taste. However, improper pH management can lead to nutrient lockout and off-flavours.

Potency: With precise nutrient control, rockwool can support high resin and cannabinoid production.

Effects: Similar to coco coir, the effects are primarily determined by genetics and growing conditions, rather than the medium itself.

 

Perlite and Vermiculite

Perlite and vermiculite are often used as additives in soil mixes to improve drainage and aeration. Lightweight and porous, perlite is made from volcanic glass while vermiculite is made from micaceous minerals. Both are inert mediums that don't provide any nutrients and must be supplemented.

Taste: Like coco coir and rockwool, perlite and vermiculite don't impart any flavours, allowing the plant's natural terpene profile to shine through.

Potency: These mediums can promote root growth and overall plant health, which can indirectly lead to increased cannabinoid production.

Effects: The effects are primarily determined by the genetics and growing conditions, rather than the medium itself. However, increased root development may result in a more robust and potent plant.

 

What is the best medium for flavourful and potent cannabis?

Now that you know about some of the popular growing mediums used in cannabis cultivation, you may be wondering, "Which medium is best for producing the most flavourful and potent cannabis?" The answer is not so simple, as it ultimately depends on various factors such as genetics, growing conditions, and personal preference.

Growers that lean toward living soil or traditional soil may argue that their methods produce the most complex and robust flavours, and they make a valid point. However, hydroponic growers may argue that their precise control over nutrients and environmental conditions can result in higher potency and a clean, intense effect.

Other contributing factors such as genetics, proper plant care, nutrient management, and environmental conditions play a significant role in producing flavourful and potent cannabis. And while the medium may impact these factors, it is just one piece of the puzzle. The end result ultimately depends on the skill and expertise of the grower.

 

To soil or not to soil?

Consumers often underestimate the impact of growing mediums on the taste, potency and effects of cannabis. Each medium has its advantages and drawbacks, but ultimately the quality of the final product is determined by a combination of factors.

As cannabis enthusiasts, knowing how your favourite strains are grown and the cultivation methods used can deepen your appreciation for the plant and help you make informed decisions when selecting a product. The next time you try a new strain, take note of the growing medium and see if you can detect any differences in taste, potency, or effects. You may be surprised by how much the medium can influence your overall experience.