How to identify the good stuff..
Cannabis is a complex plant with a variety of qualities and characteristics that can affect the overall experience of using it. Whether you are new to cannabis or a seasoned user, knowing how to determine the quality of cannabis is important. Here are some things to look for when selecting cannabis, and how to differentiate between low, medium, and high-quality buds.
Colour:
Colour is an important factor when assessing cannabis quality. High-quality cannabis is typically a vibrant green colour with some variation depending on the strain. Low-quality cannabis can be brown or yellow in colour, indicating that it has been poorly cured, aged, or stored. Overly dark or light-coloured cannabis can also be a sign of lower quality.
Orange vs brown pistils:
Pistils are the tiny hairs that grow on the buds of the cannabis plant. High-quality cannabis will typically have bright orange pistils, while lower quality cannabis may have brown or even black pistils. Brown or black pistils indicate that the cannabis has been harvested too late or has been exposed to heat or light, leading to a loss of potency and flavour.
Crystals and resin:
The presence of crystals and resin is a good indicator of high-quality cannabis. These trichomes contain the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, which give cannabis its unique effects and flavours. Look for buds that are coated in a frosty layer of trichomes, which is a sign of high resin content.
Density and fluffiness:
Dense, tightly packed buds are usually a sign of high-quality cannabis. On the other hand, loose, airy buds are typically lower quality. Dense buds tend to have more trichomes and a stronger aroma, while fluffier buds are often less potent and less flavourful.
Seeds and stems:
The presence of seeds and stems in your cannabis can also indicate lower quality. High-quality cannabis should be seedless and have minimal stems. Seeds and stems take up space in your buds, reducing the amount of usable flower you have.
Trimming:
The way cannabis is trimmed can also affect its quality. Well-trimmed buds are typically higher quality, as they are free of excess leaves and other plant material. This makes the buds easier to handle and smoke, and can also improve the overall potency and flavour.
Sticky bud:
Sticky, resinous buds are often a sign of high-quality cannabis. The stickiness is due to the high resin content, which is where the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes are concentrated. When cannabis is sticky, it is typically more potent and flavourful.
Terpene content:
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis that give each strain its unique flavour and aroma. High-quality cannabis will have a strong, distinct aroma that is indicative of its terpene content. Look for strains with a pronounced scent that matches your preferences.
In conclusion, assessing the quality of cannabis involves a combination of factors, including colour, pistil colour, resin content, density, fluffiness, seeds, stems, trimming, stickiness, and terpene content. By paying attention to these qualities, you can better identify high-quality cannabis and make informed choices about the products you consume.