Whether you are a cannabis newbie or an experienced veteran, when it comes to picking the right strain of marijuana, it’s important to know what you are looking for. Potency is key, and with so many strains on the market these days, it can be tough to determine which one is right for you.
There are some common indicators of a quality strain though, and in this blog post, we will discuss seven tips on what to look for.
It should have a strong smell
Smell has always been a good indicator of the potency of marijuana flower, and for savvy smokers, it's often the first step in deciding which strain to pick.
It may seem obvious why, but the science behind it is amazing! Different strains of marijuana produce their own unique aromatic compounds, known as terpenes, which can offer helpful information to users who are looking to experience specific effects from their cannabis.
Whatever your choice, sniffing out the nose-pleasing terpenes in various strains can help you find the perfect one for you. In terms of potency, if it has a strong smell, you can be confident that it's a quality strain. If the smell isn’t doing anything for you, it’s probably best to move on.
It should be brightly coloured
If you’ve ever browsed the cannabis dispensary, you probably noticed that the most vibrant and brightly-coloured marijuana buds have the biggest price tag. That’s because those lovely emerald greens, leafy purples, and sunny oranges indicate a more potent pot.
On the other hand, if you spot weed that is dull brown or faded in colour, it likely indicates lower potency and a lower price tag.
“Crystals” or “frost” = Trichomes
If you've ever found yourself in a dispensary trying to pick out a strain of cannabis, you may have noticed some with a distinct sparkle. That sparkle is the presence of trichomes, and these are actually good indicators of THC potency.
But trichomes serve other purposes too; they contain terpenes —natural essential oils produced by plants, that contribute to the smell, flavour, and effects of certain strains.
If that piques your interest, make sure to check out this article on Veriheal to learn everything you need to know about trichomes. So if you're after a powerful buzz or just looking to get something that smells great, make sure to get a closer look at the bud under a bright white light.
Check density
Checking the density of cannabis buds is an important consideration if you're looking for a potent strain. Sure, looks may be deceiving (cue the cheap brick weed), but dense buds are typically a good indication of the level of THC content in your flowers.
Dense buds suggest there's more material packed into each nug, which means that it'll provide you much more bang for your buck. Not to mention, when it comes time to grind up the bud, a dense clump will make your job much easier. Who doesn't love getting more out of every flower?
Trimming
It may sound obvious, but the trim job on a cannabis flower can also be indicative of its potency. Clean and manicured buds usually indicate higher quality, as well as a more potent strain.
That’s because it takes time and effort to manicure each bud properly, so growers who take their time when they’re trimming are usually producing higher-quality flowers.
On the other hand, if you find buds that are overly leafy or not well-trimmed, it’s a good indication of lower potency.
Stems and seeds aren’t a good sign
Stems and seeds usually mean low-grade cannabis, so keep an eye out for them when you’re shopping for buds. In general, if your bud has a lot of stems or seeds, it probably means it’s an underdeveloped bud and may not have the same potency as a more mature strain.
So if you want the strongest flowers available, look for buds without too many stems, and ideally, zero seeds.
Check the harvest date
Finding out the harvest date of a strain can tell you a lot about it. Generally speaking, the fresher the bud, the more potent it will be. So if you’re looking for something with a powerful effect, try to find out when the marijuana was harvested before making your purchase —the more recent, the better.
Conclusion
Knowing what to look for in a cannabis dispensary can help you pick out the strongest, most potent buds available. From vibrant colours to trichomes, clean trim jobs, and harvest dates – these are all good indicators of high-potency weed. When it comes down to it, the best way to determine a strain’s potency is to try it out for yourself!
