HOW TO RATE CANNABIS: A GUIDE TO JUDGING CANNABIS STRAINS AND PRODUCTS 

Choosing the best cannabis can be tricky with so many options around. People often rely on trial and error to find their favourite strains and products. This guide will simplify the process, teaching you how to rate and judge cannabis like a pro. 

Discover your next go-to choice today! 

Key Takeaways 

  • Use Leafly’s Cannabis Rating System to understand the quality of different strains by looking at user reviews that focus on aroma, effects, and potency. 
  • Follow tasting guidelines such as assessing appearance, evaluating aroma, considering texture, and tasting carefully to rate cannabis objectively. 
  • Check for signs of lousy weed, like mould, unpleasant smells, poor appearance, or harsh taste, to ensure you’re not consuming low-quality or contaminated products. 
  • When judging cannabis products, also consider potency levels and look for lab testing results to guarantee purity from contaminants and pesticides. 
  • Read reviews and research sources before purchasing; opt for reputable dispensaries known for their commitment to quality. 

Understanding and Judging Cannabis Strains 

Leafly’s Cannabis Rating System provides a comprehensive guide for evaluating and judging different cannabis strains. Additionally, guidelines for tasting and blind tastings can help objectively assess the quality of various strains. 

Leafly’s Cannabis Rating System 

Leafly has developed a robust cannabis rating system that helps users judge the quality of different strains and products. It focuses on several key attributes, such as aroma, effects, and potency, to provide comprehensive reviews. 

With its easy-to-understand star ratings, Leafly allows consumers to assess which cannabis flower might be right for them quickly. Users can also dive into detailed reviews to learn about others’ experiences. 

Every strain featured on Leafly receives scores based on user-submitted reviews covering everything from THC and CBD content to the subtle nuances in flavour and smell. This collective scoring approach ensures a diverse range of opinions contributes to an overall rating, making it easier to make informed decisions when buying weed. 

Whether exploring Sativa vs Indica’s characteristics or examining specific terpene profiles, this system guides you toward high-quality flower that meets your personal preferences or medicinal needs. 

Guidelines for Tasting and Blind Tastings 

When evaluating cannabis strains through tasting or blind tasting, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure an accurate assessment. Here are some tips to consider: 

  1. Assess the appearance: Examine the buds’ colour, shape, and density. Look for vibrant colours and well-formed structures. 
  2. Evaluate the aroma: Take note of the fragrance the buds release when broken open. Consider the intensity, complexity, and overall pleasantness of the scent. 
  3. Consider the texture: Touch the buds to gauge their stickiness, dryness, and overall quality. 
  4. Taste with care: When consuming cannabis products, pay attention to the flavours experienced in inhalation and exhalation. Note any subtleties or nuances in taste profiles. 
  5. Stay open-minded: Approach each tasting with a neutral mindset to avoid bias and preconceived notions about specific strains or products. 

Tips for Judging Cannabis Products 

Assessing cannabis products involves examining the product’s smell, look, and feel to determine its quality. Additionally, it’s essential to consider other attributes, such as potency levels and potential contaminants, to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality cannabis product. 

Smell, look, and feel

When evaluating cannabis, consider its aroma, appearance, and texture. 

  • Assessing the smell of cannabis involves noting the fragrance, identifying any pleasant or off-putting scents, and considering the intensity of the aroma. 
  • Examining the appearance includes inspecting the buds’ colour, trichome coverage, and density to gauge their quality and freshness. 
  • Feeling the cannabis involves touching and squeezing the buds to assess their moisture level, density, and stickiness. 
  • Look for vibrant, deep greens and purples with bright orange hairs for high-quality flowers. 
  • The scent should be spicy, aromatic, and complex without any signs of mould or mildew. 
  • Evaluating texture involves assessing if the buds are too dry or excessively wet; they should be firm but not brittle. 

Other qualities to consider 

When evaluating cannabis products, it’s essential to consider the overall potency and cannabinoid profile. Understanding the levels of THC and CBD in a strain or product can give you insight into its potential effects and benefits. 

Additionally, examining the terpene profile can provide valuable information about the aroma, flavour, and potential therapeutic properties of cannabis. 

Assessing the quality of cannabis also involves inspecting for signs of mould, mildew, or pests. Any visible contamination should raise red flags when considering a purchase. Furthermore, understanding how the product was cultivated and processed can offer insight into its safety and quality. 

After taking these factors into account, one can confidently assess 

How to tell if weed is bad 

To tell if weed is terrible, look for these signs: 

  1. Mould or mildew: Check for any visible signs of mould or mildew on the buds. Mouldy cannabis can be dangerous to consume and cause health issues. 
  2. Unpleasant smell: If the weed has a musty or unpleasant odour, it may indicate that it’s old, improperly stored, or contaminated. 
  3. Poor appearance: Avoid cannabis with discoloured patches, unusual textures, or an unattractive appearance, as they may be indicators of low quality or contamination. 
  4. Harsh taste: When smoking or vaping the weed, if it tastes harsh or chemical-like, it could be a sign of poor quality. 
  5. Excessive moisture: Cannabis that feels excessively wet, sticky, or slimy may indicate improper curing and storage. 
  6. Inconsistent colour: Look for uneven colouring in the buds, which might indicate improper growing conditions or potential contamination. 
  7. Presence of pests: Inspect the cannabis for any signs of insect infestation, like webs, eggs, larvae, or bugs, which could make the product unsafe to use. 
  8. Adverse effects: Pay attention to how your body reacts after using specific cannabis products, as this can be an indicator of low quality or contamination. 

Avoiding low-quality or contaminated products 

When assessing cannabis products, it is crucial to avoid low-quality or contaminated options. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions and steer clear of subpar products: 

  1. Look for mould or mildew: Check for any signs of mould or mildew on the bud, as these can indicate poor growing or curing conditions. 
  2. Inspect the trichomes: Trichomes should appear milky or amber, a sign of maturity and potency. 
  3. Consider the smell and appearance: A strong, pleasant aroma and visually appealing buds are indicators of high-quality cannabis. 
  4. Research the source: Ensure that you obtain your cannabis from reputable growers and dispensaries with a commitment to quality and safety standards. 
  5. Test for potency and purity: Opt for products that have undergone thorough testing for potency, contaminants, and pesticides. 
  6. Read reviews: Utilize online resources and peer reviews to gauge the quality of a specific strain or product before making a purchase decision. 

Conclusion 

In summary, assessing cannabis strains and products involves understanding Leafly’s rating system, conducting blind tastings, and considering smell, look, and feel. To judge marijuana products effectively, pay attention to the aroma of the buds and check for signs of contamination. 

Remember to evaluate THC potency and CBD content when buying high-quality flowers.