Dolores Brockington Not all weeds are equal. There are good weeds, or “loud,” as dopers would call it. And there are bad weeds, or “brick weeds.” So, some cannabis is better than others.
Despite the diversity inherent in the stoner’s community, everyone has a strain that matches their tastes.
However, no one should ever compromise on the quality of their stash. It doesn’t matter whether you are taking it for recreational or medical use.
Aside from knowing how to determine the correct dosage, you must also hone the skills for identifying good vs. bad weed. Trust us; it will save you from bad highs and other complications.
This article will teach you how to screen your stash like a weed connoisseur. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to become a knowledgeable consumer in the cannabis industry.
What Is Good Weed and Bad Weed?
Before we dive into how to tell good weed from bad weed, we’ll examine what makes weed good or bad in the first place.
Good weed, also called high-quality or premium cannabis, is characterized by its potency, flavor, and overall appearance.
Great cannabis strains typically have a strong and pleasant aroma, often fruity, floral, or spicy. The high-quality buds should be dense, sticky, and covered in trichomes, resin glands containing cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
When smoked or consumed, good cannabis should deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience with a balance of physical and cerebral effects.
Conversely, bad weed is low-grade marijuana grown and cured poorly. Low-quality cannabis may have a stale or musty smell and appear brown or yellowish instead of the vibrant green color of top-shelf cannabis. Consuming delivers a harsh and uncomfortable smoking experience with little to no noticeable effects.
Now that you understand poor-quality weed and top-notch cannabis plants, let’s see why quality is such a big deal.
Why Is It Important to Determine Weed Quality?
It is important to distinguish good weed from bad weed for several reasons.
High-quality cannabis strains contain higher levels of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. Such components are responsible for the enjoyable feeling of consuming great marijuana.
In contrast, low-quality cannabis strains may have few beneficial compounds, leading to a less potent or harmful experience.
Also, good weed is often grown and processed with more care and attention to detail. Thus, consumers access a cleaner and safer product during use. Low-quality cannabis, on the other hand, may contain harmful contaminants like pesticides, mold, or other toxins.
Additionally, top-shelf weed is typically sold at a higher price point, reflecting the quality and value of the product. Note that this isn’t always the case. Some vendors sell terrible cannabis at unreasonable prices to rip people off and put them at risk of negative trips. Hence, Canadians will fare better patronizing authorized stores or personnel than the black market.
Finally, identifying good from bad weed prevents scams or illegal activity in the cannabis industry.
How To Identify Good Weed vs Bad Weed
You can pick out compromised cannabis in different ways. Let’s examine your options:
Appearance
The appearance of weed can tell you a lot about its quality. Top-shelf weed will have vibrant, good-quality flowers that have a green color with orange or red hairs. It will also be covered in trichomes, tiny crystals containing THC.
Conversely, bad weed has low-quality flowers with a dull green color and brown or yellow hair. The colors of low-quality cannabis flowers indicate that it is old or has been exposed to too much light or heat.
We’ll explore the details below.
First and foremost, quality cannabis should have an abundance of trichomes. These tiny, hair-like structures cover the plant’s surface. They contain the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the plant’s effects and aroma. So, high-quality marijuana typically has clear or slightly cloudy trichomes, indicating they are still fresh and potent.
Contrarily, low-grade weed has amber-colored trichomes. This usually means the plant has been harvested too late or exposed to too much heat or light. Harmful cannabis also may have a dull or lackluster appearance, with nugs that are small, dry, and lacking in density.
When examining the texture of the weed, good weed should have dry and brittle stems that snap easily and should be easy to break apart without crumbling. Low-quality marijuana may have too moist or flexible stems or nugs that are too sticky or difficult to break apart. They are mostly moldy weeds.
Smell
The smell test is another indicator of cannabis quality. Good weed will have a strong, pungent odor that is pleasant to the nose.
Bad weed, on the contrary, will have a musty or moldy smell. In addition, it sometimes has a chemical or synthetic smell if sprayed with pesticides or other harmful substances.
For a better perspective, here are tips to differentiate between good and bad weed by aroma:
Strong and Pleasant
High-quality weed should have a strong and pleasant aroma; people have described the aroma as floral, spicy, or fruity. The smell should be noticeable and distinct, leaving a lasting impression on your senses.
And you’ll know the marijuana’s quality isn’t up to par if the weed has a weak or unpleasant smell.
Consistent with Strain
The scent of good cannabis should be compatible with the strain and the desired experience.
For example, if you’re smoking a strain known for its calming properties, the aroma should be soothing and relaxing. Conversely, the scent should be invigorating and energizing if you’re smoking a strain known for its uplifting effects.
Freshness
Top-shelf weed has a fresh and vibrant scent that provides appropriate cure and storage. On the other hand, cheap weed may have a stale or musty aroma, suggesting it has been improperly stored or is past its prime.
Chemical Smells: Brick weed may have a chemical-like or harsh smell. These odors are telltale of harmful substances like pesticides or mold. If the aroma of the weed is making your nose tingle or causing irritation, the quality is likely questionable.
Touch
Differentiating cannabis quality based on touch is another ball game. Here’s what you should know about purchasing cannabis based on the touch test.
Check the Stems
The best weed has dry, brittle stems that snap easily when bent. At the same time, bad cannabis may have green or moist stems that are difficult to snap.
Break the Bud Apart
Top-shelf weed must be easy to break apart without crumbling into dust. It will have a top-shelf bud that’s slightly sticky and moist but not completely dry. Bad weeds may be too dry or wet and have a spongy texture that crumbles easily.
Check for Visible Stems and Seeds
Also, quality cannabis has a substantial feel without visible stems or roots. If you can see stems or roots, it may indicate low-quality or poorly grown weed.
Look for Trichomes
High-quality marijuana has an abundance of trichomes, which are tiny crystals that cover the cannabis buds. These trichomes are responsible for the potency and flavor of the weed, so the more you see, the better the quality.
Avoid Mold and Mildew
Finally, bottom-shelf cannabis has visible mold or mildew, which could harm your health. Avoid the weed altogether if you notice any signs of mold or mildew. It means the cannabis quality is poor.
Taste
Identifying excellent weed from bad marijuana through the taste test can be challenging, especially for beginners. However, several key factors can help you distinguish between the two.
Firstly, good marijuana has a pleasant taste that is easy on the palate. The flavor should be consistent, without any harsh or bitter aftertaste. Conversely, when marijuana tastes unpleasant, it might just be dirt weed.
Another factor to look out for is the strength of the taste. Quality weed is likely to have a strong flavor indicative of its potency. If the taste is weak or lacking in intensity, it’s probably low-quality cannabis.
The texture of the weed has an impact on its taste. Good weed is dry and crispy, enhancing the flavor and making smoking more enjoyable. If the weed is too moist or spongy, it may have a muted taste, which is gross.
Lastly, the consumption method also affects the taste of the weed. Smoking, vaping, and edibles all affect the weed flavor differently.
Effects
The first thing to consider is the type of strain you are using. For example, Sativa strains produce a more uplifting and energetic high, while Indica strains offer relaxing and soothing effects. As expected, hybrid strains are a mix of both and can have different results depending on the strain.
Once you’ve determined the strain, pay attention to the potency. THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces the high. So the higher the THC content, the stronger the effects.
However, high THC content doesn’t necessarily translate to good weed. But the results of marijuana are subjective and depend on individual tolerance or preference.
Next, take note of the duration of the high. A weed’s quality influences the high’s duration positively or negatively. Thus, the good stuff gives a long-lasting trip that doesn’t wear off too quickly. While low-quality marijuana provides a high that wears off after only a short period.
Finally, consider the after-effects. Good cannabis should leave you feeling relaxed, happy, and content even after the high wears off. Any reaction contrary to this is a red flag.
How to Avoid Getting Duped When Buying Weed?
We suggest you research to avoid getting duped when buying weed. Look for reputable dispensaries or growers with a good reputation for selling high-quality weed.
Research the Dealer
Before buying from a dealer in Canada, research to ensure they have a good reputation. You can do this by checking reviews or asking for recommendations from trusted friends. Also, avoid dealers with a history of selling low-quality or fake weed.
Inspect the Product
Take a close look at the weed before you buy it. Good quality weed should look fresh, with visible trichomes and a distinct aroma. By testing the key traits listed above, you can avoid bottom-shelf cannabis.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the product, like where it was grown, how it was cured, and what strain it is. A knowledgeable dealer should be able to provide this information and may even be able to recommend a strain that suits your needs.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s often not right. So, trust your instincts and walk away. You’re not obligated to buy anything, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Use a Testing Kit
If you’re concerned that the weed may be contaminated with harmful substances, use a testing kit. These kits detect the presence of pesticides, mold, or other contaminants in cannabis.
Tips for Storing Weed to Maintain Quality
- Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- You should also avoid exposing it to air, light, or heat, as this can cause it to degrade over time.
- Finally, label your weed so you know what strain it is and when you bought it.
Bottom Line
It’s great to be knowledgeable about what you consume, including cannabis. You can get the best possible product by learning to distinguish good from bad weed.
You can also avoid getting ripped off or putting yourself in danger by smoking contaminated weed.
So, remember to do your research and run quick quality tests before buying weed. And, most importantly, enjoy the high!
