The appearance and compactness of weed also play a role, but the quality is mainly related to the content of cannabinoids and terpenes. In other words, good weed has a strong effect and nice smell and taste. Properties that are not only genetically fixed but that you can also influence with light and minerals.

Weed with which weed cups are extracted usually has a lot of resin and therefore a high percentage of active substances and odour and flavours (terpenes). These levels are for the most part trapped in the genes of the specific type of weed but are also largely dependent on light and minerals. In addition, the production of THC is related to the production of certain terpenes. More terpenes mean not only a fuller taste but also a higher THC percentage!

The Quality of your weed comes from THC terpenes?

There is a connection between terpene production and THC and CBD levels. For example, weed species with high CBD content also produce much of the monoterpene myrcene. In the production of CBD, cannabigerol (CBG) is not only converted to CBD but also to the corresponding terpene. THC production is combined in the same way with large quantities of terpenes limonene and pinene. This is the explanation for the clear citrus scent that you recognize in many THC-rich weed varieties.

Minerals and light increase the quality of your weed

To make terpenes, weed plants need minerals, and certain light waves also have an influence. Ultraviolet light and UVB light to be precise is needed to stimulate the production of certain enzymes. These enzymes are needed to make terpenes and cannabinoids.

Minerals also play a role in the production of cannabinoids and terpenes. For the production of many terpenes, enzymes need a divalent ion to make the chemical compounds. Magnesium or manganese ions are needed for the production of just about all terpenes. Shortages of these ions and also the iron ion in plant food are directly linked to reduced production of THC and CBD.

Influence the quality of your weed, more taste without red light

In summary, levels of CBD and THC are highly dependent on myrcene and limonene. All this is related to sufficient micro-nutrients and specific light frequencies. On the other hand, the omission of certain (red) light frequencies at the end of the flowering phase leads to weed with many terpenes and therefore a much stronger odour! This is because the release of terpenes is directly dependent on signals that the plant receives from red light and far-red light.

However, red and far-red light is also required during the entire flowering phase. You cannot simply omit it. Fortunately, that is not necessary, and you can suffice with only the last 72 hours before the harvest. Turning off the red light in these last hours of the cycle (for example, by switching back to the growth position with LED grow lights, or exchanging your HPS lamp for an MH lamp), ensures that terpenes are produced but not emitted.