Good Weed, Bad Weed? How To Tell The Difference

Not all buds are deemed equal. Knowing how to tell the good cannabis from the bad has benefits for your wallet and your health — and you don’t have to be a connoisseur to do so.

As regulations move forward, so does the need for testing cannabis. Many farmers, businesses and customers have demanded lab tested products with visible results. Why? Because like other agricultural products, cannabis can be exposed to pesticides, mold and other potentially dangerous contaminants.

One way to ensure your cannabis is up to standard is to purchase products with lab results. Another way is to learn how to inspect it yourself. Sight, scent and touch are a good way to determine this.

Look for trichomes, the crystal-like formations that make the buds glimmer. Cannabis should be brightly colored and consistent, with orange or pink hairs (signs of browning indicate bad storage, which harbors the risk of mold and lung problems).

Other signs of bad storage and mold are a musty or stale smell. Good bud has a fruity, herbal aroma.

Mold is often confused with trichomes, but can be distinguished by its powdery appearance. A magnifying glass can easily be used to tell the difference.

Lastly, a nice and healthy bud will be sticky to the touch and firm. It shouldn’t be too dry or wet.

Now you know how to pick out the good from the bad — you can enjoy uninhibitedly!