Look, smell and feel: simple checks that help you tell fresh, well-kept cannabis from a poor buy.

Why it is worth checking

Two products with the same name and price can be very different in quality. You do not need special equipment to tell them apart. Your eyes, nose and fingers are enough, and most shops are happy to let you look before you buy.

Look

  • Colour. Healthy flower is usually vivid green, sometimes with purple or orange tones. Dull, brown or grey flower is a warning sign.
  • Trichomes. The tiny, glittering crystals on the surface hold much of the resin. A frosty, sparkly coating is a good sign.
  • Structure. Dense, well-formed buds are better than loose, crumbly pieces and stems.
  • Cleanliness. Look for signs of mould, which shows as grey or white fuzz, and for seeds or excess leaf.

Smell

Aroma is one of the best indicators. Fresh flower smells rich and distinct, whether it is fruity, earthy, sweet or sharp. A flat, hay-like or musty smell suggests age or poor storage. A chemical smell is a reason to walk away.

Feel

  • Slightly springy. Good flower gives a little when squeezed and springs back.
  • Not bone dry. If it turns to dust, it is too dry and will burn harshly.
  • Not damp. Wet or spongy flower can hold mould.

Ask questions

  • How fresh is it, and how is it stored?
  • Where was it grown?
  • What would you recommend at this price?

Staff who know their products answer confidently and specifically.

What not to rely on

  • THC percentage alone, which says little about flavour or quality.
  • Fancy names and packaging.
  • Price as a guide. A high price is not proof of quality.

Keep learning

Use our strain library to read about types, and see why aroma matters more than THC numbers.