Sometimes, it can be hard to find good marijuana when on a budget, especially when you’re not exactly sure what you should be looking for.

 

While the price for recreational marijuana can be anywhere from $5 per gram on up to about $20, not all marijuana was created equal.

 

Despite what many people think, picking potent pot is far more involved than just looking at the THC level listed on the bag or jar. Numbers aren’t always the most indicative of potency, especially considering an indica with a low level THC can still send you soaring. And a gram tested at 30% won’t always get you incredibly stoned.

 

So, how do you pick potent pot and determine which marijuana is the best? Just like no two snowflakes are exactly the same, neither are nugs. This practical guide will give you a crash course in how to determine marijuana quality.

 

 

Frosting

 

The more frosted the marijuana is, the highers its quality. You want to be able to see the trichomes all over the nug, because the most concentrated levels of cannabinoids reside in them. The more crystals, the more cannabinoids.

 

 

 

Smoker tip: Avoid storing your marijuana in plastic, because the static will make the trichomes cling to it. You want them to remain on the nug!

 

Coloration

 

Marijuana varies widely in coloration just as much as it does in shape, size, and density. The genetics of the plant determine the coloration, producing strains with stunning purple, orange, and red coloration within the flower.

 

 

It’s best to avoid nugs that are brown or tan/blonde in color, because this tends to be a sign of degradation (which affects potency) and light damage. This is why proper marijuana storage is essential in preserving the cannabinoids and terpenes of the flower.

 

Aroma

The law varies by state, but Washington prohibits the opening of marijuana containers inside the dispensary. However, because of this, quality is even more obvious.

 

If you are able to smell the marijuana through the bag or jar, you can pretty much bet it’s of a high quality. That being said, some packaging may be thicker than others. Just ask the budtender about it, as they would have likely used or interacted with the flower in some way and would know what it smells like.

 

Density

 

Experienced stoners tend to have personal preferences when it comes to density, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

 

The more dense the buds are, the more CO2 was present within the flowering process. Which means the plant was healthy and has produced quality flower. The denser buds usually require a grinder in order to break the nugs apart.

 

However, super dense nugs are not the same as brick nugs. Brick weed has been packed into tight bricks for shipping purposes, but it’s not actually dense. Brick weed tends to be very low quality, very dry, and very weak.

 

The density is about the individual nugs. Does it feel heavy? Does it feel solid? These are signs of quality bud.

 

Trimming

 

The potency of the marijuana is mostly in the flower itself. The leaves and stems do have cannabinoids, but it’s far less than the bud contains. Little baby leaves can sometimes be covered in trichomes, so the grower may leave those on the bud. This is a clear sign of a high-quality product, which means it’s high in potency and tastes great.

 

Look at how the the nug was trimmed. Is it hand-trimmed or did they use a machine? There is a huge difference between the two trimming processes, especially when it comes to yield and potency of the marijuana.

 

Buds that have been trimmed by machine all look like little pine trees. These nugs lost a lot of the trichomes that give marijuana its potency. When the marijuana has been trimmed by hand, the nugs look different. The trimmer knows exactly where and when to trim, taking into account the strain’s genetics.

 

Stems and Seeds

 

It’s inevitable that the nugs will have some stems. It IS a plant after all. Stems are going to be present, but the presence of seed indicates low-quality marijuana.

 

Seeds are present when the male cannabis plant keeps growing and pollinates the female cannabis plants. Once it starts developing seeds, it focuses more on growing in size than it does on producing the potent flowers that will be harvested and smoked. If you get a batch that is mostly stems and seeds, it’s going to be poor quality and not worth your time or money.

 

Date of Harvest

 

Old weed isn’t going to have the potency, aroma, or flavor you want. Proper cannabis storage does keep the buds fresh for a bit, but it’s not going to preserve them entirely. The clear bags still expose the buds to light and air, because they don’t seal as well as jars do. The more the buds have been exposed, the more the cannabinoids and potency have decomposed and degraded, respectively.

 

 

By that same token, super fresh weed isn’t going to be stellar. Buds need to dry and be properly cured. While the drying time does vary by the strain, harvesting process, and environment, the drying time should take around 3 to 7 days, and the curing takes around a month. Fresh flower won’t burn the same, nor will it taste or smell very good. It’s also considerably less potent, because it hasn’t had time to develop all of its cannabinoids and terpenes.

 

If the harvest date is within the past month, make sure it’s had time to properly dry out. If it’s been six months or more, make sure it’s not too dry. Generally, the fresher the buds (between 2 and 5 months), the better the quality will be.

 

Ask the experts!

 

When you come in for your new product, go ahead and ask the budtender for a recommendation. Our budtenders have plenty of experience and will be able to help you find the high-quality product that best fits your needs and preferences.

 

Are you a new marijuana smoker? Read this helpful guide for beginner stoners.

 

Disclaimer: Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana. Marijuana, in any form, should not be used by individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Marijuana is intended for use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington State.