When they start smoking or getting high, many stoners don’t notice the difference between good and bad cannabis buds. It doesn’t take long, however, until you see the discrepancies.
They begin small, perhaps with a less potent high, and soon you notice significant alterations such as the aroma, the heaviness of the smoke, and the possibility of headaches.
Every weed plug or seller will say that their product is the greatest on the market. However, because the world of cannabis is not ideal, they are blatantly peddling bush and overrating it.
Everyone is looking for a way to make additional money. But, even with these assurances, you’ve probably noticed when the bud isn’t quite right. Some seasoned stoners can identify the difference between good and bad cannabis buds merely by looking at them.
We want you to join our group of seasoned stoners. So we’ve put together this guide to show you how to tell the difference between good and bad cannabis buds.
To ensure that you only spend your hard-earned money on high-quality pot, you’ll need to learn how to differentiate between top-shelf weed and everyday bush.
If you’re considering becoming a cannabis farmer, understanding the difference between good and bad cannabis buds will help you keep track of your plants. In addition, this will assist you with producing high-quality cannabis. Quality implies a bigger pocket and more customer loyalty.
First, we’ll go over the various cannabis buds and provide detailed descriptions so you know what to look for in marijuana buds. Some varieties of cannabis buds are listed below.
Table of Contents
1. Premium quality CANNABIS BUDS (high grade, top shelf)
Premium quality buds are the most sought-after strain of cannabis. Because of their powerful aroma and scent, tremendous flavor, and mind-blowing effects after usage go by many names.
These buds are primarily in states where marijuana is legal, and growers put time and effort into their crops. In general, skilled growers and master breeders in legal states like California, Spain, and Holland produce this sort of cannabis.
These buds are frequently on the shelves of well-known cannabis dispensaries, wrapped in sealed jars. So, if you’re seeking the best pot money can buy, keep an eye out for these characteristics. They give the difference between good and bad cannabis buds.
Characteristics of premium quality pot buds
They’re perfectly trimmed, have a nugget-like shape, are brightly colored, feature deep orange pistils and a white or frosty trichrome coat.
They’re plump and thick, sticky texture, and well cured.
They have a rich and sweet aroma.
They have a rich terpene profile; thus, you can smell them from a long distance when smoked.
2. Low-quality cannabis buds
You can identify a low-quality bud by glancing at it. They have a pathetic appearance and frequently resemble dense cubes, hence the jargon “brick weed.”
They are typically squeezed into small containers and transported across vast distances over extended periods.
Low-quality buds are typically in states where cannabis is prohibited. Profit-driven cultivators dealing in the illegal market generate it.
Low-quality cannabis buds are barely produced for quality, and the primary motivation is to profit from people who cannot get weed legitimately and thus have no other option.
It isn’t to say that inexperienced or experimental home growers can’t grow this bud type. But unfortunately, things may go wrong in a home garden, and these producers are left with this low-quality bud to harvest.
Warning indications of low quality so you can tell the difference between good and bad cannabis buds
They have a dull tint, which can be darker with brown shades.
They have an airy, pleasant feel about them. Unfortunately, low-quality buds are not sticky, indicating a low trichrome level.
They don’t have any scent or aroma. It is due to a shortage of terpenes.
They’re wet and occasionally moldy.
The buds are abrasive to the mouth, throat, and nasal passages. They can also have an earthy or peppery flavor.
They have a powerful low high that doesn’t last very long and have a low THC concentration.
3. Medium quality cannabis buds
Most cannabis home growers yield cannabis buds of this quality. It is primarily created by newcomers to the cannabis industry.
There is a difference between good and bad cannabis buds of medium quality. They are distinguished from poor quality by their improved coloring, hints of ascension or aroma, and unmasked flavors.
Medium quality cannabis buds are a form of cannabis created when plants acquire most of the nutrients they need to generate high-quality buds: most but not all. To produce weed of this grade, many farmers manage to get their watering schedule, ambient conditions, and nutrient supply just so.
Characteristics of medium-quality cannabis buds
They have softer green hues, a vivid trichrome coat, and huge, enticing orange pistils.
Medium quality cannabis buds are small, sticky, and pliable. They have a lovely and natural aroma; however, it is not overpowering. (it will bounce back with a short squeeze)
They contain terpenes, which give them an aroma when lighted.
They contain a lot of trichrome and cannabinoids, which means they’ll offer you a lot of solid.
The preceding indicators can assist tell the difference between good and bad cannabis buds; However, determining the distinction can sometimes be challenging. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of other factors to watch out for when searching for the most excellent cannabis buds available.
4. Color of CANNABIS BUDS
The color might indicate whether they are good or bad cannabis buds.
However, color is not a final determination, and you should only use it as a secondary check. Also, keep in mind that cannabis buds and flowers come in various colors, depending on the strain.
They are usually orange, blue, purple, green, and occasionally red. While the color of a blossom might indicate whether it is terrible or good, the vibrancy of the hues is also essential. Buds that have been appropriately cared for have a bright and sparkling appearance. Buds of poor grades are drab and black.
5. Size of the pot buds
The way cannabis buds feel when you touch them reveals their quality. So after harvesting, the goal is to have dense and heavy buds.
So, it’s essential to know the difference between good and bad cannabis buds, and the size of the flowers can give you hints
Dense buds indicate high-quality marijuana. In addition, buds with a more substantial mass appear healthier and are easier to smoke.
When you crush cannabis buds, the amount of ground material from a single bud can double. As a result, you may construct a reasonable-sized joint with a small piece of a dense and compact bud.
On the other hand, when buds are puffy, it signifies the bud is of poor quality and was harmed by a lack of light or nutrients throughout its growth.
You can detect a healthy bud by seeing if it rebounds back to its average size after being pinched. When the hand is lightly pressed on the fluffy buds, they collapse.
There is more information available on how to create dense and fluffy buds
Good genetics, excellent growing practices, adequate curing, and reliable storage are all indicators of vibrant and bright colors on buds.
Buds of poor quality appear dull, pallid, and lackluster. Moreover, they’re dark and unpleasant in general.
6. Appearance of pistils
Hair-like tendrils stretch externally and are different from the other structures on the surface of cannabis buds and flowers.
The female cannabis plant’s secondary organs are known as pistils. During blossoming, they acquire pollen from male plants. The flower is fertilized and produces seeds once the pollen reaches the pistils.
Aside from their role in reproduction, producers utilize pistils to track the development of their cannabis plants’ growth by identifying good and bud cannabis buds.
The pistils should be a bright white during early flowering, turning dark orange as time passes. All of these signals indicate that the plants are in good health. Anything else than this suggests that your plants are in trouble.
As a result, rich orange is the hue to look for high-quality buds. When at least 70% of the entire bud is bright orange, it’s time to harvest. When buds become orange, they’re ripe, mature, and ready to be picked. White pistils, on the other hand, indicate immaturity.
7. Aroma of weed
You may already be aware that the plant’s terpene profile determines the aroma of cannabis.
Different strains of cannabis emit different types of terpenes, responsible for the intense or mild aroma they emit.
Although certain strains have distinct fragrances due to varying terpene concentrations, the terpene profile for cannabis generally has a similar undertone.
During the flowering stage, trichomes, the tiny glossy mushroom-shaped structures on the surface of cannabis buds, are responsible for pumping forth terpenes.
Using the aroma to tell between good and bad cannabis buds
When the pungent aroma strikes you in the face like a bus after opening your cache, you know it’s good cannabis.
On the other hand, a pleasing aroma does not automatically imply good quality. On the other hand, a pleasant fragrance is almost always an indicator of good quality cannabis.
A tinge of earth, fruit, gasoline, spices, and occasionally berries are among the typical smells.
A variety of factors influence the terpene profile of cannabis. And anything that impacts the terpene profile also affects the bud’s aroma. Some of these elements are listed below.
Companion planting – the terpene profile of your cannabis is certain to be affected by some of the plants or crops utilized in companion planting. Planting basil with your cannabis, for example, is said to boost the aroma.
Level of curing – when you dry and cure your cannabis correctly after harvesting, the terpene profile is preserved, and you get pleasant buds.
Nutrients supplied — During the flowering period, cannabis plants have a higher requirement for nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus.
Plants require less nitrogen at this time. However, the terpene profile is frequently tremendous and promises sweet-smelling blooms if this balance is well implemented.
Genetics — Some cannabis strains are recognized to have a fantastic terpene profile and, as a result, always have an enticing aroma. The sour diesel is one of them.
The growth medium’s quality – A high terpene profile influences the scent of cannabis plants, and good quality soil allows cannabis plants to obtain all of the nutrients they require.
Remember that increasing the terpene profile of your plants will increase their aroma.
8. Presence of seeds and stems on cannabis
Check for seeds and stems while purchasing stash from your favorite plug so you can distinguish between good and bad cannabis buds.
If you have these in your stash, you most likely bought low-quality marijuana. RUN!!
Look for another outlet. Top-shelf or best-quality cannabis is known as ‘Sinsemilla.’ There are no seeds or stems on this weed species.
When pollen from male plants reaches the pistils of female plants, a process begins in which the female plant redirects its energy away from resin production and toward seed production. It means that seeds-bearing buds do not become fully mature since the plant’s resources are diverted to reproductive efforts.
Seeds degrade the quality of the buds, but they also make them heavier. As a result, you end up paying more for fewer consumable items.
Furthermore, seeds and stems cannot be smoked or used to get high. Seeds will also disrupt your smoking sessions because of the annoying popping sound and strong smoke they produce.
Stems in cannabis can be a symptom of hasty preparation, but they aren’t always indicative of a low-quality plant. Stems contain very few psychotropic chemicals and emit harsh smoke unpleasant to inhale.
Make sure there are no seeds or stems in your purchased stash. Before paying up correctly, you might also ask your plug to trim these.
9. Trimmed or leafy marijuana buds
Trimmed weed is a weed in which the sugar leaves have been removed.
Small leaves that sprout out of and around cannabis buds and blossoms are sugar leaves.
Although the presence of these leaves does not imply that the weed is of poor quality, eliminating them can make a significant difference.
Cannabis buds that have been trimmed and cared for have a beautiful appearance. It is why top-of-the-line or top-of-the-shelf marijuana has a nugget shape.
Trimming also has the advantage of reducing the weight of the bud, resulting in you paying for what you can’t eat.
Additionally, eliminating sugar leaves aids in proper curing. It is because moisture pockets can form in these leaves, altering the plant’s flavor and providing a breeding ground for viruses.
Cannabis buds can be trimmed either before or after they’ve been cured.
10. Presence of mold on marijuana
The presence of molds on marijuana plants ruins the flavor of cannabis.
It also has negative health consequences for both the plant and the user. For example, inhaling mold-infected buds might cause a lung illness.
Mold on buds indicates that they were improperly cured or kept. It means that cannabis was exposed to high humidity levels, which allowed fungi to thrive.
Moldy marijuana is of low quality. It has the potential to make you ill. Customers can inspect their cannabis for mold or rot before purchasing it at a reputable dispensary, usually offering magnifying glasses.
Avoid moldy weed, regardless of the quality advertisements, as it is considered non-smokable.
11. Pest presence in the cannabis
Before consuming your stash, make sure it’s free of cannabis pests. Peats is a good indicator of good and bad cannabis buds
Pests should not be present in weeds that have been appropriately cared for. Pests in your hoard could indicate inadequate storage on your part or the part of your merchant.
If it’s from the seller, you’ll need to replace the plug, and if it’s from you, you’ll need to upgrade your storage. You may also aim to buy what you require rather than stockpiling jars upon jars of cannabis.
Pests could also indicate that your supplier failed to keep his inventory free of infestation. It’s also possible that the buds came from a young, undeveloped plant. It suggests that their quality is poor and that they should be avoided.
On the other hand, some customers would instead eliminate insects from their cannabis than inhale pesticides. As a result, the presence of pests could be a symptom of a completely natural and organic growing process.
You can also learn more about employing biological management methods to avoid pests.
12. Sticky CANNABIS BUDS or not
To the touch, good cannabis should be sticky. The cannabis is more potent the tackier it is.
Premium cannabis should be sticky and occasionally leave resin flecks on your skin. Because they are sticky, they can be challenging to handle at times, but the high provided by this type of weed is incredible.
13. Resin presence on marijuana buds
Trichomes are mushroom-like creatures with bulbous crowns perched atop a thin stalk. During the flowering stage of cannabis, these trichomes contain cells responsible for creating resin.
The resin drips down and finally covers the cannabis bud or flower’s surface. Buds are protected from insect attacks and high or harsh temperatures by a resin coating, which contains active phytochemicals.
You can find other molecules and compounds in resin. For example, THC and CBD terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene are psychotropic cannabinoids.
More resin is produced when a cannabis bud or flower has more trichomes. More resin equals more cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a higher high.
By thoroughly analyzing a bud, you may determine its resin and trichrome concentration. A glistening, sticky bud indicates enough resin in the bud, signifying good quality cannabis.
14. Taste of the pot buds
After all of the other properties of good and bad cannabis buds have been checked, the taste of the buds should be the last step.
The ultimate and last technique of determining good and bad cannabis buds is to taste your buds and observe their reactions after intake.
When evaluating cannabis, flavor and smoothness are the two most important aspects.
Identifying good and bad cannabis buds by the taste
Inhale and wait a second for the inhalation to settle on your tongue before exhaling to test your cannabis. Fuel, flowers, dirt, berries, or any other sweetness will be left behind by high-quality, finely flavored cannabis. Weed of poor quality will have no taste or flavor. If it has a flavor, it tastes like soft grass or hay.
The smoothness or roughness of a bud can indicate how well it was cured. Low-quality cannabis produces a harsh burning sensation and irritates your throat and nasal airways, whereas high-quality cannabis has a smooth and buttery smoke. Coughing is also linked to low-quality marijuana.
Guidelines to ensure the production of high-quality buds at harvest time
Make use of high-quality seeds.
Select the appropriate container size.
Ensure that your plants have adequate ventilation and are adequately spaced.
Control the temperature and humidity in your growing area.
Ensure your plants have adequate carbon dioxide for indoor growers, as it is essential for bud growth and development.
Make sure your grow area has adequate illumination.
Depending on the growth stage, balance your nutrient delivery to your cannabis plants.
Plants will benefit from your strength. However, the stems and branches of some strains are relatively weak. Therefore, make sure to provide further assistance.
Prune plants regularly.
Harvest at the right time.