Buzz
Advocates for nationwide cannabis legalization aim to establish a fully regulated and cohesive marketplace, moving away from the current system of fragmented local regulations and the prevalence of outdated weed stored in Mylar bags.
If you're not in a region where cannabis is grown or it's not safe to cultivate your own, finding top-notch, fresh buds can feel like an endless challenge. Even if you live in a legal area and shop at licensed dispensaries, quality and pricing don't always align. To help you make the right choices, we've gathered tips and tricks from cannabis experts to help you distinguish premium weed from subpar options before you make a purchase.
A perspective from a weed columnist: Focus on the harvest date
Writing about cannabis goes beyond just testing strains and observing cultivation techniques—it's about delivering the truth, a truth that can drastically impact the fortunes of those involved in the industry. Jimi Devine, an Emerald Cup judge and columnist, has earned a reputation as a 'heat seeker'—a term he uses to describe the pursuit of top-tier cannabis. Having spent years gaining trust within the industry, Devine has hands-on experience in dispensaries and has reported extensively on policies that shape the cannabis landscape.
In an email, Devine explained, 'The truly elite cannabis is something most people will never get the chance to experience in their lifetime.' He emphasized that great cannabis is often available for only a short window, about 60 days, before it loses its exceptional quality. According to him, in many commercial settings, it becomes difficult to maintain that 'heat' or excellence after that period.
Devine advises consumers to check the harvest date when choosing cannabis. For those looking for top-quality buds without breaking the bank, he recommends 'lights deps,' a method of growing outdoor cannabis that denies it the light necessary for natural flowering, resulting in a product that's both affordable and of superior quality.
The Color and Smell Tests
While dispensary staff decide what products to display, it's the procurement specialist who plays the crucial role of selecting which cannabis makes it to the shelves. These experts are key when it comes to sourcing the best of the best, and they’re the ones you should turn to if you're seeking top-notch cannabis.
Rachel Smith, a former cultivator of both cannabis and organic vegetables, has been making waves in the branded cannabis world. Her most recent role involved selecting and marketing products for a top-20 California cannabis brand.
The key difference between a consumer making a purchase and a buyer doing so on a larger scale? The stakes, according to Smith. However, she believes the two experiences are closely intertwined. 'One feeds the other,' she explained. 'Internal quality control is essential for ensuring consistency for the customer. My main goal when creating a product line is to offer a consistent product at a fair price. A single disappointing experience can drive a customer straight to a competitor.'
When selecting products for a client, Smith knows exactly what to look for. 'First and foremost, cannabis flowers must pass the smell test,' she explained. 'The buds should be pungent and fresh without needing to be squeezed or ground to release their aromatic terpenes. If the aroma is right, I proceed with a visual check. The buds should be bright in color and rich in trichomes, and the nugs should be properly manicured, free of excess leaves and stems.'
Smith also looks out for signs of mold, mildew, and other indicators of poor or unsafe products. 'Buds should not contain seeds or male flowers, as these affect cannabinoid potency and may signal issues with the cultivation process,' she cautioned.
Before reaching the shelves, the buds must undergo lab testing to check for cannabinoid and terpene content, as well as for any traces of pesticides or microbes. These are unseen factors that can greatly influence the experience, which is why shopping at licensed dispensaries is the best way to avoid unsafe additives in your cannabis.
Smith suggests that when you're unsure, it's best to 'ask a budtender.' 'Brands that are committed to quality often make sure that their retail staff have had the chance to try their products so they can speak confidently about their value,' she said. 'Budtenders also hear firsthand feedback from customers and can track repeat purchases. It's important to choose a retailer with a skilled and informed team that can help you make decisions you won't regret.'
The best cannabis often comes in the simplest packaging.
John Kaye, co-founder of the cannabis company Burb, serves customers in Canada, where the national cannabis market operates quite differently than the fragmented system in the United States.
'In Canada, there's no focus on flashy packaging, so the quality of the flower is all that matters,' Kaye wrote in an email. 'Because of these restrictions, brands are on an equal footing, and it's the flower quality that drives sales. No frills, no gimmicks.'
This means that eye-catching designs aren't part of the equation in Canada. 'Producers in Canada also operate under stringent federal regulations, ensuring that the flower is some of the cleanest and highest quality available, tested in highly controlled labs,' Kaye added.
Kaye pointed out that with Canada being one of the few countries with federally legal cannabis, there's a 'silver lining for consumers: They are receiving clean, craft cannabis from producers and brands that have truly mastered the craft.'
Once the U.S. government takes action, it's hoped that brands will follow Canada's example. Strong cannabis markets not only ensure consumers get the best products but also the best prices. If you want to see premium products in your local retail outlets, speak up and support regulatory changes in your state.
