A GUIDE TO EVALUATING THE ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF CANNABIS

Transcription

1 A GUIDE TO EVALUATING THE ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF CANNABIS

2 SIGHT TOUCH AROMA TASTE SENSATION All cannabis is not created equal. Whether novice or connoisseur, knowing how to assess cannabis flower quality is key to having the best possible experience. The S.T.A.T.S. method (Sight, Touch, Aroma, Taste, Sensation) is a five-step process for identifying high quality, remarkable cannabis, not unlike the multi-step process for evaluating wine. This guide is designed to help consumers evaluate essential aspects of the flower in order to make the most informed and satisfying purchasing decisions. 1

3 ELLEN JASKOL 3

4 TRICHOME CONTENT The abundance of trichomes on the flower is an indication of high quality cannabis. Look for flower covered with tiny, sugar-like crystals. SIGHT PAUL CAMACHO LIGHT MEDIUM HEAVY 4 Seeing the flower can sometimes be the only evaluation option prior to purchase. It is important to know the visual cues to identify remarkable cannabis. COLOR Healthy, vibrant shades of color can include green, purple, and orange. When pistils (hairs) are present on the flower they can range from a light yellow to a deep reddish hue. 5 ELLEN JASKOL GREEN PURPLE ORANGE

5 SIZE AND SHAPE Variety in size of the flower is a good sign. It is difficult to determine high quality purely from size, shape, and density due to the characteristics of many different flower strains. PAUL CAMACHO RED FLAGS 6 PAUL CAMACHO TRIMMED FLOWER What to look for: Properly trimmed flower reveals the structure and integrity of the flower. What to avoid: Overtrimmed flower can have obvious cuts and slashes that compromise the flower s integrity. POWDERY MILDEW Mildew can be mistaken for trichomes but there are visual differences. Mildew doesn t glisten in the light and can look like baby powder instead of sugar crystals. MARIJUANAGROWERSHQ.COM 7

6 GOODCHEM.ORG SEEDS Mature seeds are brown with black watermelon stripes. Young seeds are light green or grey in color. ALCHIMIAWEB.COM/EN YELLOW STAMENS OR BANANAS Yellow stamens or bananas are a sign of unstable genetics, which can be an indicator of plant stress. 8 MOLD/ BOTRY TIS Brown or grey decay on or inside the flower. HUMAN OR ANIMAL HAIR An obvious red flag is the presence of human or animal hair found in cannabis. 9 GOODCHEM.ORG ILOVEGROWINGMARIJUANA.COM RED FLAGS RED FLAGS

7 High quality flower gives when squeezed but bounces back to its TOUCH original shape when released. A denser bud may not bounce back as much. A properly cured flower will Touching the flower can help with have a sticky or tacky (resinous) feel. 10 evaluating the cure. The cure is the controlled drying process used to In addition, the internal stem should snap easily. 11 achieve proper moisture content DENSITY post-harvest. LIGHT MEDIUM HEAVY

8 AROMA 12 Each flower strain can have a unique scent. Distinctions can be made between high and poor quality cannabis aroma. Most flowers will reveal their fragrance immediately upon opening 13 the container. PAUL CAMACHO

9 SOME AROMAS THAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM QUALITY FLOWERS ARE: Good Quality SOME AROMAS THAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM POOR QUALITY FLOWERS ARE: Poor Quality FLORAL FRUIT DIESEL FUEL MOLD HAY MUST SKUNK PINE EARTHY OLD SOCKS WET GRASS NO SMELL CHEESE SWEET CITRUS

10 Here are a few things to consider as you learn to distinguish between different flavors in the flower strains. The aroma may set up the flavor. TASTE OFTEN, THE AROMA OF THE FLOWER WILL MATCH THE TASTE. The taste should be pleasant and enjoyable, never harsh. 16 Different flower strains will have unique flavor profiles. Similar IT SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND NOT BURN YOUR MOUTH, THROAT, OR NOSE. 17 to wine tasting, experience is necessary to distinguish between different flavors among the Some flavors line up with the strain s aromas and others might suggest a different profile. Some strains such as Strawberry Cough offer a bolder taste; some such as Blue Dream are smoother. flower strains.

11 SOME TASTES THAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM QUALITY FLOWER ARE: Good Quality SOME TASTES THAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM POOR FLOWER ARE: Poor Quality FLORAL FRUIT DIESEL FUEL HAY CHEMICALS OLD SPICE CABINET SKUNK PINE EARTHY LAWN MOWER BAG METALLIC MOLD Poor quality flower will leave a severe, harsh taste in the back of your throat and mouth. The seeds will CHEESE SWEET CITRUS taste like burnt popcorn.

12 SOME TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST TASTE OUT OF CANNABIS FLOWER: THE POWER IS IN THE FLOWER. Smoke flower out of clean paraphernalia to get the most accurate flavor profile. PAUL CAMACHO Vaporizing may not provide as accurate a flavor profile. Hold flame to the flower while inhaling just long enough to ignite the bowl. 20 Load just enough fresh cured flower in the bowl for one hit. IF USING MATCHES, ALLOW TIME FOR THE SULFUR TO BURN OFF. 21 USING A REFILLABLE LIGHTER COULD AFFECT THE The first inhale offers the best opportunity to FLAVOR PROFILE OF THE FLOWER. taste the full flavor of the flower. GROUND OR BROKEN UP FLOWER WILL ALLOW AIR TO DIFFUSE EVENLY WHEN SMOKED, PRODUCING ENHANCED FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS. To enjoy the full flavor, inhale briefly before exhaling. TAKE A SMALL HIT OR DRAW FROM THE PIPE (LIKE SIPPING WINE). Exhale slowly and completely.

13 THE SENSATION OF BEING LIFTED MAY INCLUDE: SENSATION W ARM, TINGLY, FUZZY FEELINGS 22 The first sensation that comes from cannabis is the sensation of lift, or of being high. Varying experience levels may affect how one feels with SENSORY ENHANCEMENT THE SENSATION OF FEELING LIFTED OR HIGH 23 each strain and the amount of time they experience lift.

14 WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SENSATION: Key categories of sensations that can come from different flower strains: Start low, go slow. You can always consume more. SMOKING OR VAPORIZING FLOWER IS THE EASIEST WAY TO CONTROL THE INTENSITY OF THE EXPERIENCE. EFFECTS ARE IMMEDIATE AND MAY START TO DISSIPATE AFTER 2 4 HOURS. AMPLIFY: Perception, creativity, pleasure MAY HELP YOU FEEL EUPHORIC AND ENERGIZED. Entourage Effect: A HIGH THC PERCENTAGE DOESN T NECESSARILY MEAN IT WILL PRODUCE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT LIFT. RELAX: Unwind, connect, chill MAY HELP CALM THE NERVES AND ALLEVIATE TENSION. 24 THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT IS DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF ALL THE CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENOIDS COMPLIMENTING EACH OTHER TO PROVIDE A MORE WELL-ROUNDED SENSATION. Some side effects may include: RELIEVE: Discomfort, pain, stress MAY HELP TO ALLEVIATE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL PAIN. 25 DRY MOUTH. A STIMULATED APPETITE. SLEEP: Cool down, rest, refresh MAY MAKE MUSCLES AND BODY FEEL HEAVY OR EMPHASIZE DROWSINESS.

15 GLOSSARY CANNABIDIOL (CBD): The non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. PISTILS: Tiny hairs on the flower that can range from light yellow to deep red in color. Pistils are important for reproduction, as they collect pollen from males, but CANNABINOID: Chemical compounds that act on they contribute very little to the potency and taste of the neurotransmitters of the brain. The most common the flower. cannabinoids are THC (psychoactive) and CBD (nonpsychoactive). STAMENS: The male reproductive part of the plant. Female cannabis plants are the most widely used for 26 CURE: The process of controlling temperature and humidity over time to achieve proper moisture content, flavor and aroma post-harvest. ENTOURAGE EFFECT: The theory that the consumption, so stamens are not attractive features in a cannabis crop. TERPENOIDS: The flavor and aromatic compounds of cannabis. 27 combination of multiple, or all, cannabinoids and terpenoids might have a greater impact than isolating one of the cannabinoids. Example: A well-balanced TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC): The psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. strain might provide a stronger high than one with just a high THC value. TRICHOMES: Tiny crystal-like resin glands covering the flower that contain the flavor and aromatic FLOWER: The industry term for the cannabis bud. It is the female flower that is harvested for consumption. components of cannabis as well as the cannabinoids. The most common cannabinoids are THC (psychoactive) and CBD (non-psychoactive).

16 NOTES Strain Name PAUL CAMACHO THE S.T.A.T.S. DEVELOPMENT TEAM 28 Good Chemistry Nurseries founder Matthew Huron developed S.T.A.T.S. as a guide to evaluating the essential aspects of the cannabis flower. Strain Name 29 The guide was created in conjunction with Colorado-based master cultivators Duncan Cameron, Scott Toland, Heath Byington, and Stephen Spinosa. The group brings decades of growing expertise and a passion for producing the finest cannabis. Widely recognized as one of the most experienced marijuana cultivators in the United States, Huron brings nearly two decades of experience to the cannabis industry, and has established one of the nation s most sophisticated nursery programs, with grow operations that produce world-class products at the highest levels of quality, reliability, and consistency. For more information, visit statsguide.org.

17 NOTES NOTES Strain Name Strain Name 30 Strain Name Strain Name 31

18 As part of our ongoing dedication to growing the finest cannabis available, Good Chemistry Nurseries is pleased to offer S.T.A.T.S. to cannabis consumers as well as anyone interested in learning more about this remarkable family of plants. For an even fuller version of S.T.A.T.S., visit statsguide.org. COPYRIGHT 2017 GOOD CHEMISTRY VISIT US AT GOODCHEM.ORG