Elevated Learning
Understanding Grades of Cannabis
Are You Buying Mids or High Quality ?
by Danielle Buntyon , contributing writer
The local dispensary is an oasis of goodies ranging from premium , high-price strains to affordable sale items that appeal to all customers who frequent the establishment . Everything in the dispensary is not always that fire we believe . Often , customers are stuck with pricey boof masked with Pizazz . The way to avoid this is to seek out certain characteristics that will satisfy your needs . To understand what “ grading ” means , think of a dog show where the contestants are judged on a set criterion but can also be awarded extra points for a best-in-show title . This is a similar way to judge your purchase . To find the “ grade ” of your cannabis , we will look at four characteristics to start your research :
● Growing methods of the grower
● Appearance of buds
● Reading the COA
● Packaging
Let ’ s look at the first form of inspection .
Understanding the Company ’ s Growing Method
The ultimate indicator of fire-grade cannabis is understanding how the company you purchase from grows its product . The plant and the end products are a huge reflection of the grower . What chemicals it uses or doesn ’ t use can affect taste , appearance , terpene profile , and potency . Due to stiff regulation in the market , it is imperative that we ask the question of where the medicinal cannabis is grown before we attempt to set the quality standards for that product . In addition , we should ask how it is cured and what it says on the certificate of analysis . By answering these questions as honestly as we can , we then have a chance to get to the bottom of what our quality starting point is supposed to be .
Where is it cultivated ? That is my first question . It is very helpful to understand whether the farmer is growing indoors or outdoors to receive a complete answer to this question . There is a particular outcome to each type of growing method , which is determined by the grower ’ s processes as well as their drying and curing methods .
Appearance
When looking at the bud in the jar , size matters , the bigger the bud the more likely it has a higher potency . The size of the buds also affects the cost as you pay a higher premium price for the bigger , denser buds . Look at the color of the flower in the package if you can . I know the display will always look its best but check your actual package to compare freshness . It wouldn ’ t hurt to ask the budtender if they have recently tried the strain you have in mind . If possible , check the trichome production of the flower on display and in the package . This is sometimes hard to do if the package does not have a viewing window . Trichome production can be tricky for a grower to master , but it will tell the health and potency of the plant from which it came . A healthy growth of trichomes can ensure an enjoyable consumption .
Check the COA
If you cannot visually see it , always read the Certificate of Analysis ( COA ) for the item you want to purchase . The COA will give you the potency and terpene profile that you should really use . The test is of the whole batch so make sure you also pay attention to the batch it came from when comparing flower to see which is high quality . I would look for the date of harvest , terpene profile , and potency . These all help to create an entourage effect with a high-quality experience .