There are many types of cannabis strains available, each with its own benefits and flavor profiles. These strains have also been shown to have various health benefits. Key features to look for in higher quality flowers are appearance, smell, and how it’s been stored. Here are some THCa flower features and how they affect quality:
1. Aroma
No matter the strain of THCa flower, quality cannabis should always be fresh. Proper curing processes and storage will help maintain the longevity of a strain’s effectiveness. One way to determine the quality of your cannabis is by assessing its freshness and aroma. Fresh cannabis typically has a vibrant appearance and retains a rich, pungent scent that reflects its potency and care in cultivation.
High-quality THCa flowers should be rich in aromatic properties. Depending on the terpenes in a strain’s profile, they can have subtle nodes as well. The scent will vary, but it should be fresh and earthy. Anything with a musty, stale, or sour smell may not have been properly cured or stored. A properly cared-for strain will be crisp and may have some or a mixture of the following aromas from terpenes:
- Earthy
- Floral
- Pine
- Zesty
- Musky
- Diesel
2. Potency
THCa strains are not psychoactive until heated to a certain point. After they are treated, they become THC, which does have psychoactive properties. The potency of cannabis is tested, where each strain is given its own detailed profile, including the amount of THCa. Lab-tested products will list other elements featured in the strain, too, such as the content of CBD, CBG, and what terpenes it has. All of these properties influence the effects of the strain. The amounts of all these features also affect a strain’s potency.
3. Appearance
The texture and appearance of a strain can help you determine the quality. Cannabis flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes, but any signs of discoloration, like yellowing or browning on the leaves, can be a sign of improper storage or cultivation of the flower. A very dry or crumbly batch may have been improperly sealed or mishandled. Fresh cannabis flowers are softer, even sticky at times, requiring a grinder to crumble them finely. Good THCa flowers should be firm and not too dry, and some may have more trichomes on them, giving them a frosty appearance.
4. Lab Testing
A high-quality flower has clear labeling and profiling, which is done through a lab. Lab testing is used to specify a strain’s qualities and its benefits. Good quality products will have lab reports that list and confirm cannabinoid content and break down the specific amounts and potency. These tests follow safety standards to eliminate contaminants, like heavy metals or pesticides, and to verify quality and freshness.
Finding the Right THCa Flower for You
When buying THCa flower, finding a transparent brand that offers a range of options and uses proper safety and storage practices is key. Accurate details from lab testing and properly cured cannabis help the effects of the THCa flower last longer and have high potency. Visit a cannabis dispensary near you to find out how quality cannabis can help you today.