When comparing options on a dispensary menu, you might see terms like “popcorn flower” or “small buds.” How does bud size affect your experience, and is bigger always better?
Many users are surprised to learn that smaller buds don’t automatically mean lower potency or quality. Popcorn flower comes from the same plant as larger buds and can have the same terpene profile.
Here’s what you need to know about popcorn flower and why bud size doesn’t necessarily matter. If you need help understanding other menu terms, don’t hesitate to ask a budtender at Cannabis and Glass Ontario for guidance or call (541) 907-1234.
What Is Popcorn Flower?
Popcorn flower isn’t a specific variety of cannabis. Instead, it refers to the smaller cannabis buds that grow near the bottom of the plant. They often resemble popcorn in size and shape.
These “cannabis smalls” come from the same plants as larger buds, but because they receive less light near the base of the plant, they simply grow smaller. But that doesn’t automatically mean they are any less potent or flavorful than their larger counterparts. Bud size alone doesn’t directly affect potency; instead, how the plant was grown and processed has a stronger impact on strength.
Main Differences Between Small Buds and Larger Flower
A common misconception is that larger buds are inherently better than small buds like popcorn flower. It’s time to bust the myth and highlight the actual differences between these two bud sizes:
- Potency: Small buds and larger flower from the same plant can have the same potency. They often share the same trichome coverage and lab-tested cannabinoid levels. Any differences come from cannabinoid concentrations varying within the same plant, not from size directly affecting potency.
- Terpene profile: Because they come from the same harvest, small buds and larger flower often share the same terpene profile and cannabinoid content. Profiles can vary within a plant and between batches, so compare the product’s lab results.
- Appearance: Small buds are around the size of a marble or piece of popcorn. They have a less uniform shape than top colas, which tend to be denser and more symmetrical. Because larger buds look more appealing, dispensaries often use them for high-end shelf appeal.
- Density: Popcorn flower is often less dense than larger counterparts. With a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, it can also cure faster and may resist mold better during storage.
- Overall quality: Small and large buds from the same plant can have comparable quality; size alone doesn’t determine quality.
The main distinctions between popcorn flower and larger buds are primarily cosmetic. Also, because lower-branch buds receive slightly less direct light during growth, density or aroma can occasionally vary slightly. But most lab tests show negligible difference.
Factors Aside From Bud Size To Review on the Label
Bud size shouldn’t be a strong consideration when reviewing cannabis flower. Instead, if you want to learn more about a flower’s potency, quality, and effects, focus on factors such as:
- Harvest and package dates: The harvest date shows when the plant was cut. Premium flower is often at its peak between 4 and 12 weeks after harvest. Also check the time between the harvest date and package date, as a long gap could mean the flower sat in bulk storage for an extended period before being jarred.
- Terpene profile: Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to cannabis flavor and aroma. Review the total terpene percentage and the dominant individual terpenes, as these can also impact your experience.
- Breakdown of cannabinoids​​​​​: Check the “total active cannabinoids,” which is the sum of all tested cannabinoids in the flower. Strains can include different amounts of minor cannabinoids like CBD or CBC.
Shop Premium Flower at Cannabis and Glass
Now that you understand the realities of popcorn flower, you can better evaluate this bud when shopping for your next high. Cannabis and Glass Ontario sells premium flower at our Eastern Washington dispensaries and through our online menu. If you have other questions, give us a call today at (541) 907-1234.