The Evolution Magazine August 2023 | Page 13

Nugs
PRE-ROLLS
the stems that are trimmed into a nugget-like shape ( hence the term “ nugs ”). Because the flower is the part of the cannabis plant that receives the most exposure to light , it is typically coated in trichomes that contain the highest amount of terpenes and cannabinoids . There are a few telltale signs that flower is premium .
At a licensed dispensary , the first thing you ’ ll likely notice is the price . Premium flower is typically one of the most expensive things you ’ ll find in a dispensary , and this is because of the intensive process actually required to grow and cultivate top-shelf flower . To keep conditions that produce premium flower , growers face higher expenses , and , as with most things , that translates into higher costs for consumers . However , there is plenty of quality cannabis flower on the market that is not deemed to be “ premium ” by dispensary standards .
Before considering a flower purchase , it is important to do as much research as possible before even stepping foot into a dispensary . By a quick online search or phone call , you can discern what brands / farms your shop carries and then look into the websites and / or social media platforms that belong to said brands / farms . Does it use conscious cultivation practices ? Is it an ethical and socially responsible company ? Does it guarantee or somehow explain the quality of its flower ? All these things matter when we are considering a purchase . 3
Once you are at the shop and ready to make your purchase , ask the budtender some of the questions above or their favorite flower brand and why . You can also ask to view and sometimes even smell the flower to help guide your purchase . It is often said that whatever cannabis flower smells best to you is , in fact , the best fit for your endocannabinoid system . It is also important to ask about and check the testing label for the THC and CBD percentages to help you gauge the potency .
If you do have the opportunity to look at the buds offered by the shop , think about these questions : 1 . Is the bud larger than others being sold ? 2 . Is it fully intact ? 3 . Is it coated in a thick layer of something that looks almost like crystals ? If that ’ s the case , there ’ s a good chance you ’ re looking at quality flower covered in that rich layer of trichomes that give cannabis its effect , flavor , and aroma .
Pre-rolls are often bundled into sales as “ flower ,” but when looked at alone , they are still strong performers making a dent in total sales across the board in even the most robust cannabis markets . Many of the above considerations for purchasing raw cannabis flower are also considerations / questions consumers should make when purchasing pre-rolls . The biggest difference , obviously , is that with pre-rolls you cannot view the flower at all since it is already rolled up . So , this is perhaps a situation where you may even want to ask more questions of your budtender .
Additionally , pre-rolls may be purchased in standalone packages ( often called “ doob tubes ”) or in packs that may contain anywhere from two to ten pre-rolls at a time . Packaging is a real consolidation with pre-rolls , as you are relying on that packaging not only to help keep the pre-roll fresh from the time of packaging but also to keep it fresh from the time of purchase to the time of consumption .
It is also important to consider what kind of rolling papers or wrap was used to make the pre-rolls , as you will also be consuming that once you light up . When you ask about testing numbers for pre-rolls , also make sure to ask if the pre-roll is infused with anything ( such as cannabis extracts ), as that may also impact the potency and overall effect .
Whether you purchase raw cannabis flower , pre-rolls , or both , it is important to be educated about what you are buying . It is also important to take note of the effect the products have on you to help inform future purchasing of various brands or strains . Enjoy !
Resources : 1 . https :// techpos . ca / articles / hot-cannabis-products-and-trends-incanada / 2 . https :// flowhub . com / learn / top-selling-cannabis-products 3 . https :// www . verilife . com / learn / premium-flower
Have a cannabis education related question for Leah ? She ’ s a St . Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010 ! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions . Please send questions to leah @ theweedblog . com . Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine .
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