How does growing cannabis hydroponically affect the buds effect?
Growing hydroponic weed means that instead of being rooted in soil, the roots of the plants receive all the water, air and nutrients they need through a controlled system, which is why many cannabis growers are now using hydroponic systems. Cannabis hydroponic systems will have better control over the plant’s development and growth. In turn, the grower should expect the buds to have a more predictable aroma and effect. This is one reason that many cannabis users prefer cannabis that was grown in a hydroponic system.
However, even though hydroponic systems give more control to the grower, there is still room for error. If the grower rushes the growing time, if the grower doesn’t keep the environment of the grow clean, or if the grower uses poor-quality nutrients, then the cannabis could develop harsh effects, or it could have weak or missing terpenes. As an example, some cannabis hydroponic nutrient manufacturers make claims about their products that may sound appealing to you as a consumer, but the thing that matters most to you as a consumer is whether the product works.
Things to pay attention to when buying cannabis grown hydroponically
- Clarity of the aroma: bright, distinct, “clean” terp notes that are not “muddy”
- Smoothness: no harsh throat hit; the flavour is “clean”, smooth
- Consistency: the same experience every time you smoke/bake a new pack or batch from the same brand
The differences between hydroponic weed and cannabis grown in soil
| Things you might notice | Differences in hydroponic cannabis (when grown correctly) | Differences in soil-grown cannabis (when grown correctly) |
| Terp profile | Often very clear, and very distinct, “separate” terp notes | Often warmer and more complex in the terp profile |
| Batch-to-batch consistency | More consistent from pack to pack | Batch-to-batch consistency is less reliable |
| Most common negative aspect of hydroponic cannabis | Can feel “sterile” if the grower rushed through the process | Can feel “heavy” or “earthy” |
| The biggest factor in determining the quality of cannabis grown hydroponically vs cannabis grown in soil. | Standards and cleanliness of the grow operation | Genetics and environmental conditions in the grow area |
Best hydroponic system for cannabis
You’ll hear this phrase everywhere, but there is no single winner. If the grower is diligent in maintaining the system, a variety of hydroponic systems can produce high-quality flowers. The real indicator of a quality hydroponic system is the ability of the grower to consistently deliver a quality product and to be transparent in how they do it. If a company touts their hydroponic cannabis growing process as the “best” hydroponic system or mentions their cannabis grow cycle to make themselves appear to be experts, look for evidence in the product itself, such as a clean aroma, a consistent experience, and proper handling of the flower.
The best part is once you’ve tried a few styles, you begin to recognize what you personally enjoy. Some consumers want to find cannabis that has a sharp, fruity, floral terp profile while others desire cannabis that has a larger, fuller terp profile. Regardless of the direction you’re looking to take your cannabis consumption in, a hydroponic cannabis grow can produce great cannabis as long as it is properly maintained and cared for.
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