Weed Flower – Different Forms New Smokers Should Know
Retail sales data from six states shows that weed flower sales grew from $4.92 billion in 2020 to $5.49 billion in 2021. Flower consistently holds the position of the top-selling cannabis product category at dispensaries.
The various ways of consuming cannabis contribute significantly to its popularity, which can be overwhelming for new smokers. Understanding “what is flower weed” and its different forms can help you choose the one that best fits your preferences.
What is Flower Weed?
Cannabis flower refers to the dried flower bud or as a “nug” of a female marijuana plant. The flower is what cultivators harvest, dry, cure, and sell at dispensaries. It is also part of the plant that manufacturers use to create other cannabis products like concentrates, tinctures, and oils.
Marijuana flowers contain a complete spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes that help to create the effects experienced when smoking marijuana.
- Cannabinoids. The two major cannabinoids are THC and CBD. There are minor cannabinoids, such as CBC, CBG, and CBN. THC and CBD affect users by interacting with specific receptors at different parts of the nervous system.
- Terpenes. These are organic aromas found in trichomes. They contribute to the ground flower’s effects, aroma, and flavor. When cannabinoids and terpenes collaborate, they produce an entourage effect that amplifies the medicinal properties of the cannabis plants.
Anatomy of a Flower Plant
When buying a complex plant such as cannabis, it’s important to understand all its components. Familiarity with the basics of cannabis plant anatomy can help in choosing the right product.
| Part | Description | Buying Tips |
| Leaves | Shape varies by species; includes sugar leaves and fan leaves. | Look for healthy, vibrant leaves as an indicator of quality. |
| Flower | Contains all cannabinoids; only female plants produce it during the ‘bloom’ stage (6-8 weeks). | Choose dense, resinous flowers for higher potency. |
| Cola | Bud or flowering area of the female plant; a cluster of blossoming buds. | Larger colas mean a more productive plant. |
| Trichomes | Crystals on flowering tops; rich in cannabinoids; indicate potency. | Seek flowers with abundant, milky trichomes for the best effects. |
Different Forms of Weed Flower in a Local Dispensary
When you visit a cannabis dispensary or browse online, you’ll encounter prominently displayed packed buds. Did you know there are other forms of buds as well? While seasoned cannabis enthusiasts are familiar with shake, trim, and popcorn, beginners might find it challenging to distinguish between them.
Understanding the distinctions between shake, popcorn nugs, and full nuggets allows customers to make informed decisions about selecting the best product.
Premium Marijuana Flower
A premium flower is a trichome-rich, pungent, private-reserve flower, brightly colored cannabis bud trimmed to perfection. It is the most popular form in the cannabis market. Master growers cultivate them using an exact blend of high-quality cannabis seeds and the latest indoor and outdoor growing facilities.
Different Strains
You can find three types of female cannabis plant buds in an online dispensary. Although scientific studies suggest minimal differences between them, cannabis connoisseurs still claim their experiences vary depending on the type they consume. Male plants are also important in the cannabis life cycle, mainly for breeding and seed production.
- Sativa. Recognizable by its lighter, thin-bladed leaves and towering height.
- Indica. Short, bushy, and compact. It is the smaller variant of marijuana.
- Hybrid. Designed for those who enjoy variability and lack access to pure landraces, hybrids combine traits of Indica and Sativa.
Product Samples to Explore – Types of Cannabis Flower
| Type | Products | THC Content | Effects | Benefits |
| Indica | Cement Shoes | 22% |
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| Sativa | Red Congo | 20% |
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| Hybrid | Gas Tanker | 34% |
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Popcorn Buds
Popcorn refers to the small marijuana flower buds about the size of a popcorn kernel. While they aren’t the standard giant flower buds, they are still a quality product more affordable than premium buds.
They come from the buds closer to the soil, receiving less light or airflow, and tend to be small yet have just about the same potency (THC percentage), flavor, and aroma.
Popcorn buds are convenient for smoking or vaping with minimal preparation. You can use these buds in pipes and bongs.
Trim
Cannabis trim refers to the excess sugar leaves, stems, trichomes, and other plant materials that cultivators remove from the cannabis buds during the cultivation and trimming. These trimmings have lower levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Can You Smoke Cannabis Trim?
You can smoke trim, but the smoke tends to be harsh and grassy because of the high chlorophyll concentration in the leftover plant material. This might cause coughing and detract from your experience.
How to Use Trim
There are plenty of ways to utilize trims as they are still rich in nutrients and cannabinoids, which can provide a decent buzz.
- Make Cannabutter. Done by infusing the trim into butter or oil. You can create anything with cannabutter, like cooking or baking a range of cannabis-infused edibles.
- Add to Tea. Simply steep the trim in hot water with fat (such as coconut oil or butter) to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Create Tinctures. Soak the trim in high-proof alcohol or glycerin to extract the cannabinoids and create a potent liquid you can consume orally or in various recipes.
Shake
The shake is a loose flower that has broken off the full flower bud. It can be found at the bottom of cannabis dispensary jars filled with flower buds or in the bag that holds your purchased bud.
Shake got its name because moving, bumping, or shaking a bag or jar of flower buds causes pieces of the bud to break off. Despite perceptions of being of lesser quality due to its fragmented nature, shake can still deliver a potent experience.
How to Choose a Weed Flower?
After discovering the various forms of cannabis flower available at a dispensary, you can select the type that best suits the effects you desire, your method of consumption, or your budget.
Potency and Effects
A whole flower offers the highest potency and effects due to its intact trichome structure, but popcorn buds are comparable, though some variability may occur.
Shake can also be potent, mainly if it accumulates from high-quality buds, but may lack the uniformity of effects found in flower and popcorn buds.
Versatility
Shake is highly versatile and easily used for joints, edibles, and tinctures without further breakdown. Popcorn buds offer a convenient size for smoking cannabis flower in a pipe or bong.
Premium flowers provide a superior cannabis experience with the option for users to grind it as finely as they prefer for their consumption method.
Price
Shake’s lower price point attracts budget-conscious consumers or those needing higher quantities like baking or making butter. Popcorn buds represent a middle-ground cannabis, which offers a balanced mix of quality and affordability.
The whole flower stands out as the most expensive option.
Shake, Trim, Premium Flower, and Everything in Between
GetLoud cannabis dispensary offers a range of cannabis flower options tailored to fit your budget. You can find premium flower for smoking or convenient pre-rolls containing ground flower for on-the-go use. Add your desired product to your cart and have them shipped directly to your location anywhere in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
How potent is a premium marijuana flower?
The potency of marijuana flower depends on the strain and the method of consumption. Most cannabis flower contains between 10-25% THC. Certain strains or consumption methods may produce higher levels of THC, which could lead to a stronger “high” feeling.
Do shake, trim, and popcorn flower last longer like a regular bud?
All types of cannabis flower have the same shelf life when stored properly. To prolong their freshness, consider the following tips:
- Use an airtight container to protect it from air and moisture. Mason jars, glass containers with rubber seals, or specially designed cannabis storage containers work well.
- Minimize exposure to air, as oxygen can degrade your weed over time.
- Store your cannabis in a cool, dark place to limit light exposure. The recommended storage conditions are between 60-70°F with 59% to 63% relative humidity.
- Keep your cannabis away from strong-smelling substances such as cleaning products, spices, or perfumes.
How do you smoke cannabis?
To smoke cannabis flower and popcorn, start by grinding the buds and packing them into a pipe, bong, or rolling paper. Light the flower and inhale slowly to allow the smoke to enter your lungs.
For trim, it is better to use them for making other cannabis-containing products because smoking them can be harsh and can give you a headache.
It is better to smoke cannabis shake in a joint or blunt.