Everyone wants the best when it comes to the quality of the weed they buy. However, we sometimes miss getting it right, other times we simply don’t know the quality of the buds we purchase.

The last thing you want as a consumer is for it to be affected by insects, dirt, mites, pesticides and other unwanted items.

With this post, we’ll help you learn how to separate good from bad. If you are lucky not to have landed low-quality weed in the past, then read this to avoid getting it in your next batch. Here are a few essential takeaways to determine the quality of the weed you buy from your dispensary.

Cannabis Quality by Scent

Like in all good things we consume, scent is usually a very good indicator of quality. Poor quality cannabis may look great, but if it smells like hay or fresh cut grass, it is probably lacking in flavor. Similar to wine, each strain is unique in its own terpene profile.

You can read more about terpenes in our previous post —

Cannabis Terpenes: What are they, and why are they so important?

An indicator of high quality weed is that cannabis buds should have a pungent, identifiable smell; indicating high terpene content. Alternatively, low quality buds often lack any smell or smell like hay; the sign of poorly grown cannabis.

As a general rule of thumb, rich scents like coffee and chocolate are typically indicative of an Indica strain, and sharp citrus notes are generally indicative of a Sativa.

Cannabis Quality by Color

The quality of your cannabis can sometimes directly be related to the color of the buds. Generally, it should be a healthy tint of green in color; though the shade can range from light green to darker green. It is not uncommon for quality buds to have hints of purple, pink, blue, etc. Alternatively, if the majority of the bud is red, brown, tan, or yellow, it came from an unhealthy plant. Buds that looked bleached white are the victim of light burn due to unfavorable growing conditions in which the plant is subjected to extremely high intensity light. Cannabis that looks overly saturated in color should be avoided.

Top shelf buds are well-kept, tight trimmed, often sugary and sticky from the trichomes. They should almost shimmer in the light from the trichome density. The color should be vibrant and not dull.

Cannabis Quality by Sources

You wouldn’t buy anything you consume from unreliable sources, would you? Why take that risk with your weed? Make it a rule to buy your weed from knowledgeable and reliable sources only.

Now that medical and recreational weed is legal in many states, we’re seeing a surge of sellers throughout the industry. However, not all dispensaries offer quality cannabis, and some should be avoided. Take the time to do your research, seek advice from friends and other consumers in your area. Furthermore, make use of the web and online groups, with that, you’ll find the best sources. Such sources are a little bit hard to find, but with the right information, you’re sure to find the best buds in your area.

The Wrap Up

Analyzing a bud visually is a fairly reliable way of telling how good it may be, but don’t let it be the main reason you purchase.

Truly the best way to tell is by smoking, only then will you really notice just how good or bad the bud is. That being said, just because a bud may be considered “good” doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like it. At the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

Top shelf weed should be therapeutic and potent, colorful and vivid, tasteful and aromatic, and it should reflect the phenotype of the cannabis strain by fully embodying its traits.