Scientific research activities focused on production of high-quality Cannabis sativa continue to grow in both the industry and academic sectors. At the university level in the United States, the majority of the research uses hemp-type or low tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) cannabis cultivars due to federal restrictions. Only at the industry level and in states with some level of medical or recreational legalization can production research be carried out on high THCa or drug-type Cannabis. Dried female flower inflorescences are the harvested and saleable portion of the Cannabis plant. The quantitative traits of flowers are relatively clear and easily enumerated. To be considered superior quality, THCa concentration should be 25% or greater and the total terpene concentration should be 2% or greater on a dry weight basis (moisture content of 10-12%). While the average cannabis consumer values these characteristics, they also greatly appreciate many of the qualitative characteristics of cannabis flower, which include visual appearance or sometimes referred to as bag appeal, olfactory characteristics when opening the container of cannabis and while breaking apart the flowers, texture, and taste when smoking. These characteristics are more difficult to define and quantify. When conducting research, both quantitative and qualitative characteristics need to be of great consideration when the goal is to produce high quality Cannabis flower.
