If you think about the differences surrounding a less expensive bottle of wine from a convenience store, in comparison to a more expensive wine from an upscale Italian establishment, there is a clear difference. You are likely to come to the conclusion that while both are adequate, the more expensive wine is of better quality due to being created through a More rigorous procedure with higher-quality ingredients.
This line of thought can also be applied to the quality of marijuana. With medicinal and adult-use weed legalization on the rise all over North America, the differences between a dank bud and ditch weed are becoming more evident than ever before. Throughout the decades, individuals have used many slang terms in order to classify cannabis which often varies by region. For example, when looking for the same product, some may call it Reggie, and others May call it Schwag. Moreover, some may intend on purchasing less expensive products, while others are hoping for top-shelf goods. Either way, everyone is genuinely looking at what the best product they can find on the market is.
The classification of marijuana has been altered throughout the years as a result of the increase in cannabis legalization as well as the potency and quality of weed that has risen in comparison to what was available in the 60s and 70s. The quality of weed that is currently available depends on both the market and the location of the Market. Thus, a product that would be considered dank around a decade ago may be seen as a mid today. Additionally, cannabis from California may be regarded as a top-shelf product in states where marijuana is illegal.
In order to distinguish between smoking Schwag or higher quality weed, here is a comprehensive breakdown meant to give you insight into different types of cannabis and what factors into their classification.
Dank Weed
Dank weed is also known as top-shelf weed, chronic, headies, piff, and Loud weed. regardless of what you choose to call it, this is a test that you will likely find on the top shelves of dispensaries. There are a variety of strains that have different effects, flavours and smells.
States where cannabis is legal, top-shelf marijuana is often quite expensive, with an eighth of ink sting $16 or more in certain adult-use markets. Overall, factors such as the location of the dispensary, who the cultivator is, as well as the availability of the product will influence the cost. Thes top-shelf products are also generally higher in their THC content.
How it Looks
These high-end nugs can appear to be a bright shade of green or a darker green tone with purple streaks and sugary trichrome that boast vibrant hairs complete with a red or orange hue. Most strains are described as vibrant, dense, and frosty nugs that sparkle when the light hits them.
Taste and Smell
Like the appearance, the taste and smell have a lot to do with the terpene profile. Top shelf buds are often very aromatic and rich with flavour in a way that a mid could not compare to. Sometimes, the more trichomes that are visible can be a good indication of quality, but sometimes the balances taste and smell are needed to determine the quality.
The Effects
As mentioned, the potency of top-shelf cannabis is often higher than normal, but ultimately depends on the grower and strain you chose. Lab analytics are often displayed on the packaging of the products bought from medicinal and adult-use markets. You can expect the THC content to range from anywhere between 25%-35% in recreational markets, but the levels of THC does not mean the product is necessarily top shelf. There are medical strains that are high in CBD such as Charlotte’s Web that is top-shelf despite low THC potency.
Mids
Mids, otherwise known as beaters are closely related to dank over Schwag weed. Mids are a mid-tier quality product that is a great option for individuals living in states where marijuana has been legalized, as it is a nice blend of quality and reasonable cost. In some dispensaries, Mids are often categorized as a lower potency product, which means that smokers who enjoy lower THC levels with higher quantities of other cannabinoids may be able to find a bargain.
How it Looks
Mids are often less densely packed and airier when compared to top-shelf products. However, Mids do still possess some frosty trichomes throughout the product but are less of vibrant green colour with less orange or purple hairs. Mids almost never contain seeds and are trimmed to take away the majority if not all of the stem. As discussed previously, depending on your location, some Mid cannabis can be regarding a higher shelf quality product.
Taste and Smell
There is a smaller trichome concentration in Mids which has the terpenes that make the marijuana more flavourful and aromatic. Due to this, the taste and smell are not as intense as what you would find in a top-shelf strain.
The Effects
Depending upon where you live, Mids will have THC contents ranging anywhere between 10%-16%, or even higher in some legal states. Further, the cost of Mids may be different depending on where they are being purchased.
Reggie Weed
If you have ever wondered, “what is Schwag Weed?” Well, that is another name for Reggie weed, which is also called Regs, Dirt weed, or Ditch weed. These are considered to be low-end cannabis that is not always very enjoyable.
How it looks
Weed Schwag is often brown in colours with bits of dark green, as well as seeds and stems mixed in. In some instances, Reggie weed is often dry to the point that they crumble when handled.
Taste and Smell
This form of marijuana is very earthy and smells similar to dirt, which creates a pungent and harsh flavour when it is being smoked. While some individuals are able to tolerate it, they are certainly not on par with the top shelf strains (or Mids for that matter).
The Effects
In legal markets it is not very common to find this type of low-grade weed, making it difficult to pinpoint the average THC level or the Schwag weed effects. However, it is assumed that the poor conditions the plants are grown in will make for a lower potency and less optimal effects in comparison to mid or high tier cannabis. On the upside, Schwag weed prices are often quite cheap due to their low-grade status
Factors Influencing Cannabis Quality
- Environment of Cultivation
Higher quality marijuana is often cultivated in ideal environments with control over various aspects of the growing and curing process. Strains are selected carefully and the plants are grown with the aid of supplies like living soil and organic nutrients for a better end product. The majority of top-shelf weed is also hand-trimmed ( or sometimes, but less often trimmed with the help of a machine) in order to keep the shape and trichome bud intact.
Schwag weed tends to be grown in harsher environments that result in the early formation of the buds without the trichomes on the flower’s surface that you could expect to find on Danks or Mids.
- Harvest
Curing is essential to the cultivation procedure because if it is not done adequately it can transform top-shelf quality into mid-tier quality products. If improperly cured, mids can have a harsher of grassy flavour and less enjoyable aromas. In addition, if cannabis is cured poorly, it can sometimes become damp on the buds and stem making it harder to snap.
This said Mids can still possess a decent terpene profile that provides a pleasant aroma that is on par with Danks over Reggie weed. The difference is that Mids will often be more pungent than top-shelf marijuana.
Harvesting too early can turn a high-end product into a Mid or Schwag level, so it is crucial to avoid a premature harvest in order to maximize the potency and flavour.
Types of Storage
In relation to high-end but that is sold at legal adult-use markets, the way the product is displayed in sometimes be more enticing than in the product itself. Marijuana that is high quality will usually have higher THC levels as well as other cannabinoids that are listed on the label, along with a certificate of analysis courtesy of a third-party testing lab in order to approve there are no pesticides mould or other contaminants in the cannabis.
In comparison, Schwag weed Can be compressed and transported in bricks that are a mix of small and dry nugs, shake, as well as many stems and seeds. When a product is not adequately handled or cured, the best of products can contain high can cannabinol levels ( cannabinoid produced when THC is decarboxylated. This happens more rapidly as the dry plant matter becomes exposed to heat and oxygen.
While cannabinol is not the preferred choice of all recreational users that are seeking a buzz, it does have the capability to aid with insomnia, pain, bacteria, inflammation and appetite boosting. This may seem enticing to some, but it is important to note that this weed could also contain mildew, mould, pesticides, or insects due to its sub-optimal growing environment.
How to Decide for Yourself
Know that you have gained some insight into the differences between Dank, Mids, and Regs, we can know quickly recap how to distinguish each type of cannabis in order to ensure you are able to call upon this knowledge in the future.
- Appearance
High-end cannabis it’s generally hand-trimmed and is coded with trichomes and hairs while feeling sticky in the hands. Mids may possess trichomes and hair as well, but not as many as you would find on top shelf or Dank. Schwag weed, on the other hand, is characterized by its brownish colourization and fragility when being handled, especially with stems and seeds.
- Taste and Smell
High-end strains will have a balanced and complex aroma because cultivators work to maximize the terpene profiles for a better aroma and flavour. One quick smell or hit is generally enough to know the difference, but if not, look for the lab analysis and the terpene list that is often displayed on products that are bought in a legal market.
- Trichomes
The surface of the buds can have trichomes that can indicate that you are puffin on some puff. Frosty Dank nugs will have many sparkling crystals whereas Mids will have them more dispersed. In comparison, Regs will not contain much if any trichomes and are easy to see the difference between them and higher-quality products simply by just taking a look.
Amount of Marijuana a Beginner would need to Get High on Mids
The amount depends largely on the tolerance level of the individual that is smoking, such as if they have a low or high tolerance to cannabis. With Mids having a THC level of 10%-16%, this may be enough to get high as a beginner. Mids will have fewer trichomes and thus a decrease in terpenes and cannabinoids which will have a non-potent aroma.
On certain occasions, Mids can be marijuana that is good but can be older or damaged by the sun, making it browner in appearance. In states that have well-established markets such as California, Mids could pass for a higher-end product when compared to states where weed is not legal. In fact, they may be the best cannabis available.
Overall, the amount of marijuana needed to get high, and just how high you get depends on your age, body, sex, weight, and even what you ate or drank prior. As a general rule, it is advisable to take one hit at first and wait 30 minutes to an hour to see how you are doing before smoking more.
