So, is the quality of organically produced cannabis better (using the criteria of Potency, Taste and Smell) than chemically produced?
I have to say, I mostly agree with CrackerJax on this issue.
I have actually grown a crop in which half the plants were grown organically (subcools soil mix) and half chemically (Promix + AN 3-part). The organic crop yielded about 40% less than the chemically grown crop and took about 2 weeks longer to finish. So, organic definitely seems to be less effecient than chemical ferts. On the issue of quality, I didn't notice a difference between the two. It's anecdotal, but it's my experience just the same.
This has been beat to death but it is well known in scientific/horticultural circles that plants do not pull sugars, amino acids, bat guano, bonemeal or anything else organic through the root membrane, they only pull water and ions, that's it. Chemical fertilizer = Water + ions (ie. the perfect plant food). The only reason you will hear people complaining about the "harsh chemical taste" in chemically grown bud is because most "growers", and I use that term lightly, over-fertilize. You can create the same harsh tasting plant using organics as well. There's a fine line between enough and too much, and most people cross that line and end up producing over-ferted crap. When chemical fertilizer is used in the proper proportions with correct nutrient ratios it will produce a crop of equal quality to organically produced crop, while at the same time, produce more.
My personal opinion on the subject:
I think organic and chemical based nutrients both have their place in the context of growing cannabis. I find that chemical nutrients really shine when used in a hydroponic environment where PH, nutrient concentration, and nutrient ratios can be precisely adjusted. I have never grown such a beautiful, bountiful crop as I have with a good 3-part nutrient in a hydroponic environment. On the other hand, I think soil is better suited to organic ferts because of the inherent lack of control in soil mediums.
Ultimately, in the end, to each their own.