Shopping for marijuana has evolved dramatically, especially with the rise of online THC flower. According to the BDSA report, 42% of frequent dispensary shoppers visit online menus to check specific dispensaries.
As more users turn to online platforms for convenience, variety, and discretion, selecting quality marijuana becomes essential. But how can you tell whether the cannabis flower you’re purchasing is “lit” (premium) or “mid” (mediocre)? Find out the quality of marijuana flowers you are buying online.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways:
- The Quality of Flower: Lit or Mid
- Key Visual Cues: How to Identify Quality THC Flowers
- The Nose Knows: Importance of Aroma
- Understanding Potency and THC Levels
- The Role of Packaging and Storage in Quality
- Trusted Dispensaries: How to Vet Your Source When Buying Weed Online
- Online THC Flower Product Selection
- Wrapping Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways:
- Lit cannabis offers a range of benefits and satisfying physical qualities, while mid-grade marijuana may have decent effects but lacks physical attributes.
- Marijuana coated in heavy, crystal-like trichomes indicates that you have a high-grade, potent strain.
- Fresh weed has a strong smell, called “dank” or “loud,” while weak odours may indicate it’s old or contaminated.
The Quality of Flower: Lit or Mid
The difference between the two can significantly impact your overall marijuana experience. A “lit” bud delivers a full range of therapeutic effects, including relief from chronic pain, relaxation, and euphoria. On the other hand, “mid” marijuana flowers may provide lacklustre effects, which can affect your enjoyment and satisfaction.
Key Visual Cues: How to Identify Quality THC Flowers
Quality is necessary when it comes to cannabis, and even if you’re not an expert, there are signs that can help you recognize good quality. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a flower to ensure the best possible experience.
Colour and Appearance
High-quality buds have rich green to deep purple hues. They have traces of orange hairs, especially in strains like Mandarin Cookies, which boast bright shades. Dull colours like brown or yellow mean it’s likely to dry and be of low grade.
Check also for trichomes. These are the tiny, frosty crystals on the flower. They must be milky white, not orange or brown, which means the cannabinoids are degrading.
Trichome Density
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like glands that cover the buds. They’re responsible for producing terpenes and other cannabinoids. High-density trichomes give the bud a frosty, sugar-coated look. Heavily coated buds are a solid sign you’re looking at premium weed.
Structure
Another telltale sign is the bud structure. Indica-dominant strains tend to have dense, compact buds, while Sativa strains are generally fluffier and lighter. Whichever strain you choose, ensure the buds are well-formed and not overly loose.
It must break apart easily without being crumbly or too sticky. If it’s tough to break, the cultivator may have not dried it properly. Dense buds indicate higher grades, but some strains naturally have lighter buds. Even lighter buds feel full and thick, not thin or filled with stems and seeds.
The Nose Knows: Importance of Aroma
The smell of your bud, like earthy notes, can offer valuable insights into its terpene profiles and freshness. Fresh weed has a strong, distinct smell due to its terpenes. Flowers with a powerful scent are referred to as “dank” or “loud,” which is a sign of a good grade. Common smells include skunk, diesel, and pine.
If it doesn’t smell much, it may already be old. Stay away from strains with a musty or sour odour, as this could mean it’s mouldy or contaminated.
Terpene Profiles
From light floral scents to heavy diesel smells, weed aromas fill the air, enhancing your experience. But what gives weed its unique smell?
Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants like herbs, teas, and cannabis. They work similarly to other cannabinoids to offer benefits like pain relief, reduce anxiety, and fight inflammation.
Terpenes have primary and secondary groups. The primary group shapes the plant’s smell, taste, and look. The secondary group adds extra depth to these features.
Primary Terpenes
Terpene | Aroma | Benefits |
Pinene | Earthy, outdoor smell | Anti-inflammatory, bronchial dilator |
Humulene | Woody scent | Reduces inflammation, appetite suppressant |
Limonene | Citrus scent | Boosts mood, reduces anxiety, aids digestion |
Myrcene | Earthy, clove-like smell | Relaxation, “couch-lock,” enhances cannabinoid absorption |
Secondary Terpenes
Terpene | Aroma | Benefits |
Borneol | Minty, metallic aroma | Anti-inflammatory, pain relief |
Phytol | Floral scent | Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety |
Eucalyptol | Cooling, minty scent | Antibacterial properties |
Sabinene | Spicy, peppery smell | Antibacterial properties |
Understanding Potency and THC Levels
The strain’s potency refers to its THC content, which directly influences the marijuana flower. However, potency isn’t just about cannabinoid levels; it’s also about the entourage of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Tetrahydrocannabinol Content
Potent strains tend to have stronger euphoric and psychoactive effects, which can be great for those seeking intense enjoyment or relief from stress, anxiety, and pain. However, strains with moderately high levels, when combined with a balanced terpene profile, can offer a more nuanced and manageable high.
Balanced Terpenes and Cannabinoids
The presence of terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene can greatly enhance the overall effects. A hybrid cannabis strain that balances these compounds will provide relaxing and energizing effects but depends on the strain and its cannabinoid mix.
The Role of Packaging and Storage in Quality
Virtual dispensaries that know how to keep their selection fresh ensure you receive high-quality products. They securely seal them in a plastic bag or leak-proof container. They also wrap it in light-proof packaging to protect the product from light and prevent damage during transit.
After receiving your order, you also have the responsibility to keep your marijuana flower fresh and potent. Follow these steps to do so.
- After purchasing, transfer your product into an airtight container, like a glass jar. This helps keep out air and moisture.
- Light, especially UV light, can degrade the strain. Keep the container in a dark spot or cover it to block light.
- Store your buds in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity can reduce potency and lead to mould growth.
- Only handle your product when you’re about to use it. Frequent handling can contaminate it and reduce its quality. Avoid showing it off to friends to preserve its freshness.
Trusted Dispensaries: How to Vet Your Source When Buying Weed Online
The rise of online shopping means you have access to many weed products at your fingertips. However, not all stores are created equal. Here are some tips to ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable source.
Reputation and Reviews
Before making any purchase, take a close look at the dispensary’s reviews. Are other users satisfied with their products? What do they say about the quality of the buds and customer service? Trusted sites will have a strong track record of positive feedback.
Third-Party Lab Testing
Reputable dispensaries must offer third-party lab test results to confirm the potency levels, terpene contents, and quality. Look for this data on the product page or inquire with the seller or growers to ensure you’re getting premium weed.
Tips When Buying Online
- Research different strains and decide what suits your preferences. Whether you’re smoking into Indica-dominant for a relaxing high or Sativas for more energizing impacts, the strain plays a huge role in your overall experience.
- Photos can be misleading. Read product descriptions, read reviews, and verify the store’s credibility.
- If you’re trying a new dispensary or strain, order a small quantity first. This helps minimize risk in case the product doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Virtual stores offer more than just flowers. You can explore other cannabis products like edibles, tinctures, concentrates, or even buy pipes and bongs to expand your collection.
Online THC Flower Product Selection
Products you may find interesting as they contain various tetrahydrocannabinol and excellent bud structure with high-quality aroma and flavour.
Product | Flavour | Strain Type | THC (%) | CBD (%) | Effects |
Cookies Kush | Minty, Pungent, Sweet | Indica | 20 | 0.5 | Sedative, Groggy, Red-eyed, Cerebral Stimulation |
Supersonic | Herbal, Tropical | Sativa | 21 | 0.5 | Uplifting, Energizing, Focused |
MAC Donut | Citrus | Hybrid | 19.5 | 0.5 | Long-lasting, Balanced, Relaxing |
Wrapping Up
When shopping for cannabis, it’s important to know how to spot top-notch marijuana flowers. Choosing a premium product is key, whether you’re using it for pain relief, stress, or just to feel good.
Look for visual signs, check the potency, and research the dispensary’s reputation. These tips will help you confidently buy the best cannabis flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to calculate the total THC content?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is not psychoactive on its own. It becomes active when it’s heated, like when you smoke or bake it, turning into Delta-9, which has psychoactive effects.
To find the total content, use this simple formula:
- THCA content + (Delta-9 content x 0.877) = Total content
The 0.877 factor accounts for the weight change when the conversion happens. This gives you the accurate total amount.
Which is better, high or low THC bud?
High potency can be helpful, especially for people with a high tolerance. It allows you to use less and can provide stronger or longer-lasting effects. People also seek strong psychoactive effects to manage PTSD or depression. However, using these regularly can also increase your tolerance quickly. A tolerance break or switching products can help with this.
Low THC content can be helpful if you are new to cannabis or want to try microdosing.
Can I return my bud purchase if I am unsatisfied?
The ability to return or exchange products depends on the dispensary you choose. Most online dispensaries allow returns or exchanges, but confirming this policy is essential. Always buy from a trusted dispensary, as some scam websites may ignore your return requests.
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