Many people are aware of the benefits of avoiding “well liquor,” the cheap stuff that’s served at bars by default. It gives you a worse hangover and a rougher drinking experience.
Similar to top-shelf liquor, high-quality cannabis also provides a smoother, more pleasant experience. Let’s examine why that is and how to judge the quality of your cannabis selection.
Why Does the Quality of the Flower Matter?
The cannabis flower, or bud, contains various compounds that affect the potency and experience of a high. This is most obvious in the differences between Indica, which is more relaxing, and Sativa, which is more energizing. However, many other compounds impact the high as well.
How It Might Affect Your High
The most well-known compounds are cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. These directly impact the level and consistency of the high and tend to have higher concentrations in higher-quality strains.
The other compounds are terpenes. These make up the difference between Indica and Sativa and also impact how smooth the smoke is and how pleasant the high is. As a result, negative experiences, such as paranoia, are more likely with lower-quality flowers.
Benefits of Quality FlowerHigh-quality cannabis offers several advantages that elevate your experience:
- Stronger High: The terpene quality enhances the therapeutic effects of the high.
- More Consistent: Lower-quality flowers aren’t consistent. Each bud delivers different results.
- Better Aroma: The terpenes in high-quality flowers provide better aroma and flavor.
- Safer: Top-shelf cannabis is more likely to be free from contaminants.
Differences Between High-Quality and Low-Quality Weed
Aside from the effects, there are a few noticeable differences between high-quality and low-quality cannabis that make it easier to spot the difference:
- Appearance: High-quality flower is vibrant with plenty of trichomes (tiny crystals) on the bud.
- Aroma: Low-quality bud will have a dull aroma, contrasted with the complex and pungent smell of high-quality bud.
- Flavor: Top-shelf cannabis has a rich flavor that’s more pleasant than low-quality flowers’ hard or bitter taste.
- Burn Consistency: High-quality flower burns evenly and smoothly, while low-quality bud burns unevenly and causes harsh hits.
Use Your Senses When Choosing Flower
Given what we’ve seen about the difference between high-quality and low-quality flowers, it’s easy to see how your senses can be used to choose the better option:
- Smell: Different strains can vary greatly in smell. A fruity strain may smell sweet, and a diesel strain may smell earthy or gas-like. However, if the flower smells dull, musty, or hay-like, it’s probably not very good.
- Look: High-quality cannabis will have dense, well-formed buds with a mix of colors. This is typically rich greens with a mix of purple or orange. It will also be coated in tiny, crystal-like structures. Poor-quality bud will be dull in appearance and lacking in trichome.
- Feel: The trichomes in a quality flower give it a slightly sticky feel. A good flower is also firm and slightly springy when squeezed. By contrast, a poor-quality bud will be overly dry and brittle. It may crumble easily when touched.
Selecting a Strain
In addition to the quality of the flower itself, the strain you choose also strongly influences the high you experience.
Why the Strain Matters
Each cannabis strain offers a unique combination of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.) and terpenes, which contribute to the effects you feel when consuming it. We’ve already discussed the biggest difference.
Generally speaking, Indica is relaxing, and Sativa is energizing. Hybrids offer varying mixtures of the two. Each strain has its own subtle differences in taste, aroma, and effect.
Quality Strains
Top-tier strains will have a well-balanced cannabinoid and terpene profile designed to enhance certain effects. They are grown with attention to detail, providing a fresh and potent product that consistently delivers on its promises. They are cultivated by reputable growers who take care to use proper curing methods for increased longevity and shelf life.
For the Smoothest High
The Trust Cannabis Company only stocks the highest-quality strains available. It’s our goal to ensure that you enjoy your experience, regardless of which of our products you choose.
To learn more about our offerings, contact us today.
Image Credit: noxphotos, Shutterstock