What Makes a Strain Regular or Exotic?
Medicinal craft-quality cannabis refers to top-shelf flower, but how do you know if what you’re about to purchase is top-quality flower? There are some characteristics to keep an eye on that will help you spot top-quality flowers on a menu.
Potency
Top-quality cannabis strains are known for being much more potent than your normal strains. Premium strains usually contains higher THC levels, ranging from 25% to 32%, whereas regular-quality flower typically has lower THC levels between 10% and 20%.
Even if there’s no lab test for you to check, you can recognize potency by the density of the layer of trichomes, as more resin is often an indication of more potent effects.
Color
Exotic strains also have beautiful bag appeal, and will probably the first thing you notice. AAAA quality flowers can have unique combinations of hues of orange, purple, blue, and green, that will catch your attention right away.
Bud Density
It might be difficult to assess bud density without touching or pressing the buds, but premium cannabis flower is usually much denser than normal-quality buds. This means that 1 gram of premium cannabis flower won’t look like much, but just a tiny bit will go a long way, unlike normal buds, where you might need two or three small buds to roll a joint.
Terpenes (Taste and Aroma)
However, the main way to identify AAAA flower is by its aroma and taste. Unlike regular strains, which usually offers one-note flavors like lemon or orange, AAAA-grade strains provide a much more complex combination of terpenes that can translate to flavors like cheese, coffee, chocolate, and pastry, among others.
The way the terpenes work together results in a unique experience. As you grind, roll, inhale, and exhale, premium-quality cannabis will reveal different layers of aromas and flavors. This complexity can only be achieved through an extensive selection process that takes several years, which is why top-shelf strains tends to be more expensive but worth it as it delivers a unique experience from start to finish.
In Conclusion...
Now that you know the differences and how to identify them, get ready to enter a whole new realm with unique highs and flavors, and also indulging in the unforgettable experience of smoking top-shelf strains. Whether you’re looking for recreational enjoyment or medicinal relief, make sure to always purchase from trusted vendors, and remember, premium cannabis is much, much more potent than normal cannabis. So if you’re a beginner, approach with caution!