The modern-day cannabis experience—where states like Illinois have legalized adult recreational sales and usage—is about more than “getting stoned.”
More to the point, cannabis is many different things to different people.
To some, it adds a little excitement to their lives.
After all, even if legalized, our old pal Maryjane remains slightly rebellious. Maybe it’s because of its inebriating, psychoactive qualities that makes us feel like we’re breaking the rules, even when we aren’t.
On the other end of the spectrum, other enthusiasts don’t find indulging in cannabis rebellious or exciting at all. For them, consuming their favorite indica, sativa, or hybrid is all about mellowing out and relaxing, throwing on their favorite tunes and movies, or engaging in artistic pursuits.
These are merely examples of how you might partake in legal, adult-use cannabis.
Really, as long as you aren’t getting behind the wheel or doing anything reckless that puts you or others at risk, cannabis can be anything you want it to be. No matter your proclivities, there’s bound to be a strain or type to suit your preferences.
Included in this new era of cannabis consumers is the connoisseur who appreciates the many nuances of a given strain.
While many enthusiasts are happy to indulge in whatever smacks them hardest in the brain, others have more discerning tastes. They don’t simply demand heavy-hitting cannabis—they want strains that please their senses, from their nose to their tongues.
Thus, flavor is an increasingly significant aspect of the cannabis experience for many lovers of the magical plant.
It’s then worth asking—does improved flavor mean you sacrifice potency?
What Tastes Good Will Make You Feel Good
One could make the argument that bad-tasting cannabis will ruin the experience conjured by even the most potent but foul-flavored strain.
Imagine spending the bulk of your high trying to get rid of the bad taste in your mouth. It doesn’t sound like a good time to us.
Of course, we’re neglecting all the ways you could offset that flavor, whether through a drink, treat, or spearmint gum.
Still, should you have to suffer through cannabis that tastes putrid just to enjoy a potent high? We’d say no, you shouldn’t—especially when there is so much good-tasting cannabis out there with high potency.
Also, when cannabis offers robust, pleasant flavors, it adds to the overall experience.
You garner a further appreciation for the plant, which enriches your mind and expands your perspective. You become more active in your cannabis usage instead of passively smoking and letting whatever happens happen.
Not that there’s anything wrong with passive enjoyment of cannabis—but we vigorously promote garnering more from your experiences with the storied plant.
Flavor And The Entourage Effect
Not all potent cannabis tastes good, but we’d argue that a sign of high-quality cannabis is an appealing, noteworthy taste.
When cannabis tastes good to smoke, it’s usually a sign it’s cultivated with care and by thoughtful growers who make exceptional products.
Moreover, a strain’s flavor typically derives from the present terpenes, a significant component of the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is an increasingly accepted notion in cannabis circles that dictates all components within a given strain dictate its quality. Factors such as the present terpenes—and the flavors and aromas they yield—and other cannabinoids (e.g., CBD or CBN) are as crucial to cannabis as THC levels (aka, potency).
Other cannabinoids and terpenes, when harnessed with care, maximize a strain’s potency while offsetting the potentially unpleasant effects of a powerful, psychoactive response.
A Matter Of Taste
There is something of a caveat to the previous section. A lot of potent cannabis that effectively harnesses its cannabinoids and terpenes typically has a strong flavor.
Now, we’ll point out that these intense flavors are absolutely delicious to many cannabis lovers, especially if there’s nuance along with the potent punch.
However, not everybody loves it when the taste of their cannabis is so robust—it can be overpowering to certain pallets.
Fortunately, there’s a way to bridge the gap between lighter flavors and higher potencies.
With cannabis more widely available and understood these days, cultivators have the freedom to create strains that satisfy bespoke needs.
So, think about cannabis as you would wine.
Some more expensive, sought-after wines will possess more unctuous flavors, while others will be more easily drinkable. The bottles might cost the same and be similarly rated amongst oenophiles, but they provide vastly different experiences. And, guess what—both hypothetical wines would very likely have similar alcohol content, offering a similarly “clean” buzz.
Cannabis—these days—is no different.
Various strains will have terpene and cannabis content conducive to fuller flavors on the tongue, while others will have crisper, gentler “ingredients.” And these two contrasting hypothetical strains could very well have similar THC content and potencies.
The Top Tasting Terpenes
Here are some of the top-tasting terpenes that often pair with high-potency cannabis:
- Myrcene is known for its fruity notes and is present in our 30.04% THC Gas Station Sushi sativa.
- Limonene—as its name suggests—offers a zesty, citrus taste and aroma and is present in our whopping 47.2% THC Rainbows & Cherries sativa.
- Caryophyllene features a spicy kick, and you’ll enjoy its rich flavors in our 34.97% THC Carolina Honey indica.
Find these cannabis products and more in Stash’s online catalog.
Your Ideal Cannabis Product Is One Conversation Away
Your search for high-potency, better-flavored bud doesn’t have to be a complicated one.
These days, your local budtenders can guide you to the promised land. The staff at our Orland Hills and Peru locations know our strains’ terpene content, taste, and THC levels inside and out.
All you need to do is visit one of our locations, ask the right questions, and tell our team members about your preferences. From there, they’ll begin making catered suggestions to your needs.
Have Any Questions About Balancing Flavors And Potency Levels?
While we’d love for you to visit either of our locations, you can shop with Stash without leaving the comfort of your home!
Visit our website to make an online purchase, and if you have any inquiries about our selection, contact us online. We’ll be glad to provide you with detailed answers!
