Do fertilizers change the taste of cannabis?

Fertilizers can be valuable tools for cannabis growers. However, an excess of nutrients and fertilizers on the plants can alter the taste and smell of the cannabis produced.

Jorge Cervantes, author of The Encyclopedia of Cannabis advocates for organic cannabis cultivation. In his view, the addition of fertilizers and chemical components such as phosphorus and potassium brings both benefits and drawbacks to cannabis farms. These nutrients are extremely useful in indoor cannabis cultivation, but are also used in outdoor plantations, particularly in California, a region Cervantes knows well.

Nutrients are found in the plant’s vegetative parts. When lighting a joint, the user can tell if there’s an excess of fertilizer by the crackling sound heard upon inhaling. If a seed is causing this crackling sound, a «barbecue» smell will tickle the nostrils. On the other hand, if chemicals or additives are the cause, a smell of chemical appears at the joint. According to Jorge Cervantes, these cracks are caused by an excessive buildup of nutrients in the plant tissue. He also addresses the issue of concentrates and fertilizers, which is a problem in the United States. He urges growers to clean their plants (flusher (in the trade) whether they used fertilizers, paying particular attention to the hydroponic crops.

In addition, he recommends properly drying your cannabis if it was grown with fertilizers. Insufficient spacing between plants, excessive heat, lack of humidity, and poor ventilation can prevent the minerals added by the cannabis fertilizer.

Potassium Excess and Deficiency

Potassium, whether organic or mineral, contributes to the plant’s resilience. If the leaves on the lower branches turn yellow and the branches become brittle, the plant is deficient in potassium. On the other hand, an excess of potassium in cannabis can block the uptake of other essential nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, or iron. The soil’s pH would also become more acidic, which could affect root health.

Deficiencies and excesses can negatively affect crop yields and flavor.