How to Tell If Weed Is Good or Bad

As marijuana consumption continues to gain traction globally, weed fanatics and occasional tokers are growing more concerned about the quality of their cannabis. Counterfeiters and unscrupulous traders are becoming more creative, enticing unsuspecting consumers with fake cannabis packaging and selling inferior marijuana. Consequently, it can be easy to fall into their trap if you don’t know how to tell if weed is bad. 

Low-quality weed often results from mishandling, poorly cured cannabis, and aging. Therefore, to ensure your own stash doesn’t go bad, use appropriate cannabis packaging and take proper care of it. 

So, how can you distinguish between good weed vs bad weed? There are several ways to differentiate between excellent and inferior marijuana, including the cost of the weed and other physical factors. Our guide explores the most prevalent distinctions to help you make better purchasing decisions. 

The Look

Appearances can be deceiving, but when it comes to weed, the visual cues often provide valuable information about its quality. Good weed typically has a healthy, vibrant appearance. Keep an eye out for these features:

Color

High-quality cannabis usually has a rich green color, with hues ranging from light to dark. Brown or yellow weed, on the other hand, is a telltale sign of poor quality. 

Trichomes

Essentially, cannabis trichomes are crystal-like structures on the cannabis flower. They contain the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the plant’s potency and aroma. Dense trichome coverage indicates a potent, well-cultivated bud.

Structure

Good weed has dense, tightly-packed buds, while bad weed often has a loose, airy structure with visible stems and seeds.

The Smell 

A potent aroma is another hallmark of good cannabis. Weed’s scent can range from fruity and floral to earthy and pungent, depending on the strain and terpene profile. On the other hand, a bad bud often has a musty, moldy, or hay-like smell, which could indicate improper storage or aging. For this reason, you should also learn how to store weed to ensure you keep your products in mint condition for longer. 

The Feel

How your weed feels to the touch can also provide insight into its quality. Here’s what you need to consider when judging the quality of your cannabis using its texture.

Moisture content

Good weed should feel slightly sticky and resilient, while bad weed is often dry, crumbly, or excessively moist. Using cannabis humidity packs when storing marijuana can help prevent it from drying out. 

Stickiness

High-quality cannabis has a slightly sticky texture due to the resinous trichomes. If the weed feels overly wet or doesn’t have any stickiness, it might be of low quality or improperly cured.

The Smoke

The true test of weed quality is in the smoking experience. Good weed will provide a smooth, flavorful smoke, while bad weed can be harsh, acrid, and unpleasant. Pay attention to these factors:

Taste 

High quality weed often has a pleasant, complex flavor profile that reflects its aroma. If your weed tastes bitter, metallic, or otherwise off, it’s likely poor quality.

Harshness

Good weed should be relatively smooth on the inhale and not cause excessive coughing or throat irritation. Harsh smoke can be a sign of impurities, poor curing, or the presence of mold and mildew.

Ash color

Quality cannabis generally produces light gray or white ash. If the ash is dark or black, it may indicate incomplete combustion or the presence of impurities.

The Bottom Line 

Distinguishing between good and bad weed is an essential skill for any cannabis enthusiast. Apart from scrutinizing the cannabis packaging designs to tell if it’s fake, the techniques provided in this guide will help you learn how to tell if weed is good. With practice, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the world of weed and elevate your cannabis experiences to new heights.