When it comes to flower, most people focus on potency, flavour, or terpene profile, but there’s one factor that’s just as important (and often overlooked): how flower is grown.
If you’ve ever heard the term “PGR flower,” you’ve already brushed up against one of the most concerning topics in cannabis cultivation today, Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs). These synthetic chemicals are used to manipulate plant growth, but they come with serious consequences for quality, safety, and even your health.
Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are synthetic or natural substances that control how plants grow and develop. In agriculture, they’re used to boost yields, control height, or speed up flowering.
PGRs are often misused to make flower appear denser, heavier, or more visually appealing, creating the illusion of high-quality product.
Common synthetic PGRs found in cannabis cultivation include:
It’s not always obvious, but there are a few telltale signs that cannabis may have been grown with PGRs:
– Buds are unusually dense or rock-hard (almost sponge-like).
– Colour appears brownish or dull, with less trichome sparkle.
– The smell is faint or chemical-like, instead of aromatic and earthy.
– Harsh smoke or unusual residue when burned.
When in doubt, trust your senses.