How Do I Know If I'm Buying Quality Products?

Not all cannabis is created equal. Here's how to ensure you're getting safe, quality products.

Signs of Quality Flower

Look for:

• Dense, intact trichomes (crystalline, frosty appearance)
• Vibrant colors (greens, purples, oranges)
• Tight, well-trimmed buds
• Fresh, complex aroma (not hay-like)
• Slight stickiness to the touch

Avoid:

• Brown, yellow, or dull color
• Seeds or excessive stems
• Musty, moldy, or hay smell
• Very dry, crumbly texture
• Visible mold or mildew

The Importance of Lab Testing

Legal dispensaries require lab-tested products. Always check for:

Certificate of Analysis (COA):

• Cannabinoid potency (THC%, CBD%)
• Terpene profile
• Pesticide testing (should be "ND" - not detected)
• Heavy metals testing
• Microbial testing (mold, bacteria)
• Residual solvents (for concentrates)

Red Flags

• No lab testing available
• Testing from an unknown lab
• Expired test results (>1 year old)
• Failed contaminant tests
• Potency far above normal (90%+ THC flower is suspicious)

Where to Buy

Safe:

• Licensed dispensaries
• Products with complete testing
• Established brands with reputations

Risky:

• Unlicensed dealers
• Unknown brands
• Products without testing
• Too-good-to-be-true prices

Questions to Ask Your Budtender

1. "Can I see the lab results for this product?"
2. "When was this product tested and harvested?"
3. "What's the terpene profile like?"
4. "Have you had any customer feedback on this batch?"

Key Takeaways

• Always buy from licensed dispensaries
• Look for lab-tested products with COAs
• Quality flower has visible trichomes and complex aromas
• Avoid products without clear testing and labeling