Power to the Flower: How to Identify & Assess the Many Different Compounds in Cannabis
When shopping for cannabis flower, it’s about more than just the strain or how frosty it looks. Whether you’re getting delivery in Massachusetts or New York – or shopping in person – knowing how to assess flower helps you have the best experience.
Here are three tips to evaluate the many compounds and qualities that make each bud unique.
1. Know Your Cannabinoids Beyond THC
THC may be the most well-known compound, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A well-balanced flower often includes other key cannabinoids like:
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound that gives you that euphoric “high.”
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is THC’s raw form. It’s non-psychoactive until heated (think smoking or vaping).
- CBD (Cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and commonly associated with relaxation, stress relief, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- CBG (Cannabigerol) is a non-intoxicating compound thought to support mood and reduce inflammation.
- CBN (Cannabinol) forms when THC ages, and it may enhance physical relaxation and sedation.
Your cannabis label will list the cannabinoid content shown as percentages. Higher THC generally means a more potent experience. A balance of CBD or minor cannabinoids can mellow the intensity and round out the effects.
2. Follow Your Nose: Terpene Profiles Matter
Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give each strain its unique flavor, and they do more than just smell good. They interact with cannabinoids to shape your overall experience. Look for a terpene breakdown on the label or ask your Lucky Green Ladies budtender to help decode it.
Some favorites include:
- Limonene: Citrusy, uplifting, and great for mood-boosting
- Myrcene: Earthy, calming, and commonly found in indica-dominant strains
- Pinene: Piney, refreshing, and may aid focus and clarity
- Caryophyllene: Peppery and anti-inflammatory
Pairing tip: Consider both the cannabinoid and terpene content together to choose a flower that matches your vibe. This goes for anything, from being energetic and creative to calm and cozy.
3. How to Use the Info on the Label
When you’re shopping for flower from a dispensary that uses accredited third-party testing, here’s how to make sense of the numbers:
- Potency: Look at total THC and CBD percentages to gauge strength.
- Desired Effects: High THC = stronger high. High CBD = gentler, more therapeutic.
- Terpenes: Help predict whether the flower will feel energizing, relaxing, focused, or euphoric.
Remember: No two people experience cannabis the same way, so experiment and take notes! Many people use a cannabis journal to jot down the different strains they try and how it makes them feel.
Also keep in mind that no two grows are exactly the same. Even if you loved a strain before, a new batch might hit a little different. That’s because the terpene and cannabinoid profiles can vary from one grow cycle to the next.
Check the label and look for strains with similar percentages to what works best for you.
Extra Tips for a Great Experience
- Storage matters: Keep your flower in a cool, dark place in its original packaging. This will preserve the potency and flavor.
- Lab tested: Always choose cannabis that’s been third-party tested for accurate cannabinoid and terpene info. Our flower in both Massachusetts and New York is third-party lab tested.
- Ask your budtender: Not sure what the label is telling you? Our team is happy to guide you, whether you’re shopping in person or getting local delivery.
Ready to Explore Your Next Favorite Strain?
You don’t need to be a chemist to understand great cannabis flower. You just need to know what to look for. From cannabinoid content to terpene profiles, labeled flower offers transparency and consistency.
At Lucky Green Ladies, we’re here to help you find the right flower for your mood, moment, and lifestyle. And we can deliver it right to your door. Or if you’re in New York, you can pick it up from our welcoming dispensary in Kingston, NY.
