Egg Harbor Township has quite the vibrant cannabis scene. Specifically, the presence of the reputed cannabis dispensary City Leaves has opened the doors to high-quality cannabis and cannabis products! Before legalization, getting access to top-quality cannabis was impossible and quite a dangerous prospect. Today, professional curators work hard to ensure quality of the product before it even reaches store shelves.

The process of determining high quality cannabis is quite engaging. It has you directly interact with the flowers and plants to discern various qualities. As a cannabis enthusiast, you’re sure to enjoy inspecting your favorite product and appreciate its nuances. Here’s a simple method to help…

1. Visual Appearance

One of the first indicators of high-quality cannabis is its visual appearance. Top-shelf cannabis flowers are usually dense, well-formed, and vividly colored. The buds should be thick and tightly packed, with a healthy amount of pistils (hairs) visible. These pistils should be orange, red, or purple, depending on the strain, adding to the bud’s aesthetic appeal.

The color of the cannabis flower is also a crucial factor. High-quality buds often display vibrant greens with hints of purple or other hues, indicating a well-cultivated plant. Additionally, look for a generous coating of trichomes, which are the tiny, crystal-like structures that give the flower a frosty appearance. 

2. Aroma

The aroma of cannabis is a strong indicator of its quality and potency. High-quality cannabis flowers should have a strong, pleasant smell that reflects their terpene profile. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct scent of each strain, and a rich aroma often correlates with a potent and flavorful experience.

Different strains will have varying scents, ranging from fruity and sweet to earthy and pungent. When assessing cannabis, trust your nose: a strong, distinct smell usually indicates a fresh, well-cured product. Conversely, cannabis that smells weak or has a musty odor may be old or improperly stored.

3. Texture and Moisture Content

The texture and moisture content of cannabis flowers are vital factors in determining their quality. High-quality cannabis should feel slightly sticky and spongy to the touch, indicating that it has been properly cured. The buds should break apart easily without being too dry or too wet.

If the cannabis is too dry, it can crumble easily and may have lost some of its potency and flavor. On the other hand, if the buds are too moist, they can be difficult to break apart and are at risk of developing mold. A balance between dryness and moisture ensures that the cannabis burns evenly.

4. Trichome Density

Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like structures that cover the surface of cannabis flowers, and they play a critical role in determining the quality of the product. These glandular hairs contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to the flower’s potency, flavor, and effects.

High-quality cannabis flowers should have a dense coating of trichomes, giving them a frosty or shimmering appearance. You can examine the trichomes using a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to check their density and clarity. Well-developed trichomes are usually milky white or amber in color, indicating optimal maturity and potency. 

Today, cannabis production is no less than an art. It has gone through the growing pains of a new industry and matured into something consistent. Remember the days when acquiring cannabis would only lead to some of the lowest quality and potentially moldy flowers? A legalized cannabis industry avoids any such problems with a complete focus on quality and professionality!

When you’re looking to ensure that the cannabis you consume is the highest quality product possible, head to a local reputed dispensary and make a confident purchase!