Cannabis Connoisseur

Now that you’re chronic, you want to level up eh?

Here’s an profound scope of points to look for in your cannabis, if you are serious and should you desire to be a....

"CANNABIS CONOISSUER"

Stop saying Weed!

I know its the most common way to refer to cannabis, but its almost like insulting the plant, calling it weed makes it seem cheap and low grade, like weeds on a front lawn. It also portrays a low vibration, in the way that calling someone a weed smoker objectively sounds more negative than does profiling them as a cannabis consumer. I have a friend from Jamaica who educated me how I was disrespecting the plant, and If I say I am a true cannabis connoisseur, do the plant justice and stop yourself from calling it WEED, there are so many other brilliant names.

Equipment

Not every cannabis connoisseur has a wicked looking tool kit, but they do have tools to assist with the process of consuming their cannabis, as shown in the image above, its a typical cannabis kit, grinded, rolling papers, lighter etc.,,,,

If you are serious and you want to become a master, there is equipment in todays market that help you to elevate to the next level.

For instance this tCheck potency tester, is an amazing little unit I bought, in fact I loved this device so much, I bought one for a friend who is as serious as I am when is comes to cannabis. The tests results it produces are comparable to labs, its easy calibration step by step process and mobile app, is extremely user friendly. I have used it for dried flower, alcohol and oil based infusions, having this ability to test when I want is an incredibility empowering feeling, as a cannabis connoisseur tCheck has elevated my herbal status, and it is very affordable compared to some of the personal testing devices that are out there. I originally purchased the unit so I could check the quality of the products I was purchasing from an unlicensed provider, who had a reputation for blowing his percentages our of proportion, I can't even count on my fingers how many times this cat would say " oh man this is seriously like 40% to 50% dude!".....Yeah, ok 40 or 50?

I have experienced those high potency buds that are out there, but when a supplier tries to gouge you on price when you know last time it was kinda ok but not really, I need to make sure I'm not getting the run around. It may look, smells and tastes amazing, but the potency, it was just not there, and confirming it with the tCheck proved my point.

Loved seeing his expression when I showed him the test results.

On the cultivation side, this baby helped build my confidence in my growing techniques. Before I had the tCheck, every harvest I had to wait till the curing process was complete to truly test the potency of the bud, via smoking a joint, but not now, I can do testing and monitor the potency of my plants or products, and make the adjustments needed based on the result the tCheck provides, seeing these results made me feel proud and inspired to keep growing, having this brilliant device in your arsenal is like a device that can translate any language

Another fantastic piece of equipment below is from FORMLINE, this is a trichome magnifier, not only does this tool enable you to admire and really take a significant look at the trichome structure.

It assists grower in determining plant sex or identify and diagnose issues like Molds, Pests, Disease before they become problems. Some trichomes are too small to be seen by the naked eye. A trichome magnifier also helps to determine the optimal time to harvest.

Trichome

Trichome one of the most important traits to look for in identifying the overall quality of the cannabis you smoke. When you break up the bud, you’ll notice these tiny crystalline-looking particles, which are the trichomes of the cannabis plant, and which are where all the THC potency is stored in. Buds with more full, intense clusters of trichomes are typically more potent and of a higher quality in production, whereas airier buds are a lighter, less intense high, kind of a social type of buzz you ride.

Color

The color of the bud itself not only clues you in about the effort the grower put into the product, but also about the actual strain itself. Purple and pink colors tend to indicate more Indica dominant strains, while orange/red hairs and frosty tend to be a sativa or hybrid. If you see colors like that you can count on them being brilliant buds.

Terpenes

Ok this one is going to really be important leading into the next two in this list, anyone that considers themselves a cannabis connoisseur, should know what is a terpene.

As stated by the britannica of science.

terpene | chemical compound | Britannica

https://www.britannica.com › science › terpene.

terpene, any of a class of hydrocarbons occurring widely in plants and animals and empirically regarded as built up from isoprene, a hydrocarbon consisting of five carbon atoms attached to eight hydrogen atoms (C5H8).

To take this into the cannabis prospect, there was one instructor I had at the academy, who was absolutely brilliant when it came to not only being a cannabis connoisseur, but a skilled craft growing master.

His name was Daniel Hochman:

"Cannabis terpenes are synthesized within secretory cells in glandular trichomes. Production increases in light. Terpenes provide natural protection from bacteria, fungus, insects and other environmental stresses. Terpenes are common constituents of flavorings and fragrances. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma of cannabis".

Therefore with this understanding of the terpenes, taste and smell, the next two explain those perspectives deeper.

Aroma

With experience you will begin to differentiate various aromas between the different types strains of cannabis, once this talent has been developed, know you’re on your way to becoming a full-fledged cannabis connoisseur. Some strains emanate sweet, citrusy, or even mint like, while others provide a downright sour stank. Whiff the bud before it’s lit, this way you gain a more accurate aromatic flavor profile. High quality aromatics include notes derived from citrus, and floral to even something like cheese or skunk. Avoid that reeks like mold, rotted or anything un pleasing

Taste

When you first start your cannabis journey, chances are you only really tasting the heavily earthy notes of the cannabis you’re smoking. As you become more of a cannabis connoisseur, your palate begins to expand, and the added flavors start to blossom on your taste buds. Think of it like a whiskey. Once you get used to that taste, you can tell when it’s a blend or single malt, with notes of mango or cinnamon. Same thing goes for cannabis, and once you start to notice, it becomes an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Like a Pro: A brilliant way to refine your cannabis palate is to pair your cannabis with other foods and beverages that draw out it’s flavors. To get you started check out "The Pros" article featuring Andrew Freedman, he is the one and only original Canadian Cannabis Sommelier.

His YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCannabisSommelier and has some fantastic content, so check him out!

Touch

A buds texture and consistency is a key indicator of determining how fresh a particular product is. If the herb is soft like a pillow or very crystalized like a frosted flake, that’s a sure sign of cured cannabis that is still fresh. If its overly brittle, off colour or mushy, as that is usually older weed that has been kept in poor conditions. Cannabis that is too dry will burn and degrade quickly, and cannabis that’s too moist can potentially develop mold, which is nasty and harmful to smoke, I know from experience, it does matter if these types of attributes are present.

The different psychoactive effects (The Buzz)

There are differences in effects from the different classifications (Main Genotypes) of a cannabis plant, they use to say Sativa, is a focused, energized buzz. Indica is a total couch potato buzz, and don't forget the ruderalis, that your lucky to even get an ounce off this class to smoke and figure out what that buzz real is.

Now with these super grades and hybrid that have crossed over the best of the best strains, provide effects not even the most seasoned cannabis consumer can take it standing. If your blessed enough to find those pure strains

Expand Your Consumption Methods

Lastly, the ultimate cannabis connoisseur has a variety of tools at their disposal, ready for any kind of situation that might be thrown their way. They might prefer to roll up wax paper and smoke a single, or perhaps they have their favorite piece that gets the job done in a discrete fashion better than anything they know. Maybe they’re a foodie who finds ways to incorporate THC infused ingredients into their recipes, or prefer to sip a cannabis-spiked beverage in place of a cocktail at the end of the day. If they’re on the go, for a more discreet and portable option they will have a vape pen. Pens, like the premium selection from Mistifi, can offer some of the most elevated and enhanced experiences, all while remaining discreet and respectful of your surroundings.