What To Look For in Quality Cannabis in Colorado
So, you’ve made your way to a Colorado dispensary, ready to pick out some top-shelf bud. You peruse the menu, chat up the budtender, and then—bam—you’re face-to-face with a few different jars of flower. The question is, how do you know you’re actually looking at the good stuff?
Since you can’t blaze up a test joint before buying, it’s important to know the visual cues for quality cannabis. Here’s a quick guide to what you should be checking for when you’re sizing up that nug and selecting your strain…
4 Things to Look For in Quality Colorado Cannabis Flower
1. Trichome Content
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like structures that almost look like a fresh coating of Colorado snow. These little resin glands hold the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for potency, effects, and aroma. A visual abundance of trichomes tends to be an indication of high-quality cannabis — so if a nug looks like it’s been dusted with sugar or is glistening under the light, that’s a good sign. On the other hand, if it looks dry and dull, it might be past its prime.
2. Bud Appearance & Structure
High-quality flower can come in a range of colors, from vibrant greens to deep purples and oranges. However, if it’s yellow or brown, it’s likely dried out or old. Regardless of the strain, quality buds should also be well-formed and intact. If they’re too airy or wispy, they might not have been grown under the best conditions.
3. Aroma
Quality cannabis should have a strong, distinct smell. Whether it’s citrusy, piney, gassy, or sweet, a strong and fresh aroma means the terpenes are alive and well. Which aroma you gravitate towards is highly subjective, as what appeals to you might not smell good to the next person in line. However, if the bud smells like hay or has no scent at all, it could be old, improperly cured, or just not the freshest batch. While not all Colorado dispensaries allow you to smell bud, our Bud Bar at Colorado Grow Company is totally interactive. Pick up a sample jar, give it a good whiff, and see what appeals to you!
4. Trim Job
A good trim job is like a good haircut—it makes everything look better. Properly trimmed buds should be free of excess leaves and stems, leaving only the good stuff behind. Too many sugar leaves left on the flower can mean a harsher smoke, and if it looks like someone hacked at it with a pair of safety scissors, you might be dealing with a rushed trim job. This knocks off additional trichomes and can negatively affect the flavor and potency of the flower.
Additional Tips for Finding Quality Cannabis in Colorado
1. Ask Your Budtender
Ask your budtender what they’ve been smoking on lately and tell them about your needs to get a personal product recommendation. Or, ask which strains have been popular lately or which ones people are coming in to buy a second time. You may just find your next favorite.
2. Check COAs
You can always review a product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA), which is a lab report that verifies the cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and, most importantly, the safety of the product. Reputable brands and dispensaries provide COAs on all products to ensure transparency and confirm they are free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, mold, and heavy metals.
3. Shop at a Reputable Dispensary
Unlike unregulated sources, licensed dispensaries adhere to strict state regulations to ensure their products are lab-tested and sourced from verified growers. Colorado Grow Company is a fully licensed recreational dispensary and only works with other licensed, reputable brands in the state of Colorado. We do this to ensure we bring you products you can feel comfortable and confident using!
Visit Our Bud Bar to Find Your Next Favorite Strain
Here at Colorado Grow Company, we’re refreshing how recreational cannabis is done in Durango. We carry top flower brands from across the state, featuring an extensive bud bar where you can actually smell and see buds before you buy them.
Plus, we’ve got a team of welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate budtenders who would love to help you find your next go-to strain. Visit our cannabis shop on historic Main Street Durango or place an order online for added convenience.
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