THC Obsession: What Really Matters When Choosing Cannabis Cultivars

The cannabis community is too focused on THC. Though it’s an important part of the experience, THC isn’t the end-all-be-all when it comes to high-quality, enjoyable cannabis. Many other factors are equally important. 

As Mello Farms’ Master Grower with over 20 years of experience in cannabis cultivation and distribution, I have a unique perspective on what truly makes for high-quality cannabis. Read on to learn more about reprioritizing the cannabis selection process.

It’s Not All About High THC

Though regulation has strengthened the cannabis industry, it has made it difficult for consumers to interact with cannabis flower before purchase. In response, manufacturers have emphasized lab-tested THC content to easily communicate product information to prospective customers.

The Problem With the Focus on THC

There are a few reasons why a higher THC content isn’t always better. First and foremost, THC percentage doesn’t accurately describe the experience a product will produce; cannabis has more nuance than a single cannabinoid percentage can convey.

High THC percentages produce strong psychoactive experiences. While a strong effect can be desirable for experienced consumers, more potent products also carry a higher chance of producing unwanted side effects. 

Additionally, the THC level in a cannabis product does not indicate its quality. In fact, many high-quality cannabis products that produce balanced, enjoyable effects contain relatively low THC levels. 

The Three Factors Behind Good Weed

Three factors really matter when choosing flower, and only one has anything to do with THC. 

1. Aroma Profiles — The Nose Knows Ideal Cannabis Strains

Aroma is one of the best — and simplest — ways to find cannabis flower you’ll enjoy. If you like how a cultivar smells, you’ll probably like how it tastes, and there’s a good chance you’ll like how it makes you feel. The connection between scent and overall enjoyment of a cannabis cultivar has also been confirmed through recent scientific and medical double-blind testing. A groundbreaking study determined that aroma, not THC percentage or terpene content, was the sole determiner of a consumer's enjoyment level of any given cannabis cultivar.

Scent or aroma is also a good indicator of overall quality. High-quality cannabis flower should have a robust and identifiable scent, with subtle but noticeable variations based on the unique cultivar. 

Finding new cultivars to try is also easier with aroma profiles in mind. Over the years, growers have identified specific aroma clusters, or aroma profiles, based on the unique genetics of each cultivar. Typically, growers identify six aroma profiles: Gas, Pine, Cheese, Purple, Fruit and Dessert. While different growers may use different adjectives or descriptive words, they all coalesce around these six groupings.

2. Cannabinoid Balance — A Blend is Best for Bud

Though THC is one of the most well-studied cannabinoids and definitely the most influential, high THC does not always mean high quality. A delicate balance of over 100 other cannabinoids makes each cultivar unique, though more research is necessary to understand how each influences the consumer's experience. Different cannabinoid balances will affect the feeling a cultivar creates, so it’s essential to pay attention to the overall cannabinoid makeup of the flower you consume.

Many consumers prefer a more balanced ratio between THC and CBD. Though it might not be as chemically potent, flower that has an even balance between cannabinoids often provides a richer, more enjoyable experience. 

Consumers must familiarize themselves with the THC level that is most enjoyable for them personally. For example, new and occasional consumers might prefer cultivars with a relatively low THC percentage, up to 19%. More experienced consumers may find a mid-range of 20 to 25% THC is most enjoyable. Heavy consumers and medical patients may find that the highest THC cultivars provide the best experience and produce the results they seek. 

3. Terpene Content — Cannabis’ Effect is Reliant on Terps

Terpenes, known for affecting the taste and smell of cannabis flower, also have unique effects consistent across cultivars. For example, most strains that contain myrcene tend to be relaxing, while most strains that contain high levels of limonene are more uplifting. 

Cannabis terpenes can be an indicator of quality, too. Top-shelf cannabis flower often has a strong scent or aroma, sometimes visually evident as a velvety or crystalline coating of trichomes on the buds. 

As with scent, terpene content can help you intuitively choose cultivars you will likely enjoy. If you are a fan of how a specific terpene makes you feel, you can seek out other cultivars with a high level of this terpene for a similar experience. 

Cannabis terpenes are only just beginning to be studied and understood — scientific research has examined and isolated the effects of about seven terpenes thus far.

1. Myrcene: Relaxing and sedating 

2. Linalool: Relaxing and sedating 

3. Pinene: Uplifting 

4. Limonene: Uplifting 

5. Caryophyllene: May aid in alleviating stress and anxiety 

6. Humulene: May aid in alleviating stress and anxiety

7. Terpinolene: Mentally stimulating and THC enhancing 

There are over 100 terpenes present in cannabis; over time, we will learn more about them and their unique effects. 

Looking Beyond THC Content

A shift away from a sole focus on THC levels will benefit the cannabis community, opening producers up to more possibilities for progress and allowing consumers to have more personalized, well-rounded experiences with cannabis. Though learning about THC levels, terpenes and cannabinoid ratios is important, scent or aroma is the easiest and most effective way to select a cannabis cultivar that’s right for you: choosing great cannabis is as easy as following your nose.