Close to all shops refer to their flower as their “premium”. But not a whole lot of it is. As with any plant, you should be familiar with what you are buying, and be able to tell if it is an exotic, indoor strain or a classic such as Durban Poison flower, within about 30 seconds after you open the bag.
1.Don’t forget to search for the trichomes, just the color isn’t enough.
The tiny, shiny crystals on the bud are called trichomes. These contain the majority of the cannabinoids and terpenes. Flower on top shelf shows frost and is almost sugar coated. So, if they appear to be flat or dull when you look at them up close, then that frost most likely will not materialize.
2. Check the trim
Good flower is hand-cut or carefully machine-cut, so that you’re only paying for flower, not leaves! The nugs should be tight and well formed and have little stem and leaf.
3. Smell it
This is the quickest test. The more expensive the flower, the more distinct the scent as soon as the bag is opened: gas, fruit, pine, candy. If the flower has a weak or hay-like odor, it is likely that the flower was dried too quickly, or that it was dried too long ago.
4. Feel the moisture
Gently squeeze a bud to see if it is ripe. Slightly elastic and easily broken. If it turns to dust, it’s too dry. If it is damp or spongy it is too damp and may be susceptible to mold.
5. Read the COA
Lab results are always posted by any serious seller. Test for potency; be sure that pesticides and heavy metals are included in the report. The only thing that matters is the safety tests if there is a big THCA number.
But is it always best to pay more for a product?
Not always. Smaller, often “ugly buds” from the same plants might be just as strong, but at a lower cost. They just don’t appear in photos as nice.
An example is Durban Poison. The top half of the ugly-bud quarter-pound scored an average of 32.14% THCA, whereas an average amount of flower marked as top shelf scored a maximum of 25.51%. So it’s the same for this “old and ugly” Kush Crasher quarter pound. It still sports the full Pure Kush and Wedding Crasher profile—the diesel, earthy kush and pine flavors, with a deeply relaxing end. You are not sacrificing quality, you are sacrificing looks.
Therefore, when is the time to make the best use of top shelf?
· Pay for it Use it for best bag appearance, special occasions or slow smoking whole flowers.
· Save with ugly buds Save with ugly buds when rolling, make edibles or get them for daily use.
The quick checklist
Frosty trichomes, a clean trim, a strong specific smell, the right moisture and a full COA. If a flower fits all five, then it’s what it is worth. Otherwise, it’s nothing but marketing.
Designed for adults 21 years and older. Please research local legislation prior to purchase.
