There is no official government grading system for cannabis flower. “Grades” are shop and grower labels that group flower by overall quality and price.
Common shelf tiers you will see
- Top-shelf (often labeled AAAA, quads, private reserve)
- Mid-shelf (often labeled AAA)
- Budget (often labeled AA or A)
Names vary, but the idea is the same: you pay more for better grow, better cure, and better handling.
Quick checks you can do before you buy
Use three tools: your eyes, your nose, and your hands.
Color
Healthy flower usually looks lively. You will see greens, plus possible purple or orange hairs. Avoid buds that look brown, gray, or very dull.
Trichomes
Trichomes are the tiny “frost” crystals on the bud. More visible trichomes often means more cannabinoids and stronger aroma.
Trim and structure
Well-grown flower is usually denser and more cleanly trimmed. Too many leaves and thick stems can mean you are paying for filler.
Red flags
Skip anything that shows:
- White fuzzy patches (possible mold)
- Web-like strings
- A damp look or musty smell
Smell: strength and freshness
A clear, strong smell is usually a good sign. Weak smell or a hay-like smell can mean the flower is old, stored poorly, or dried out.
Feel: stickiness and moisture
A good bud often feels slightly sticky and springy. Problems look like this:
- Too dry: crumbles into dust and can smoke harsh
- Too wet or spongy: harder to light and higher risk of mold
Different grades of cannabis flower
These are common patterns, not hard rules.
Top-shelf (often AAAA)
What you can expect:
- Strong aroma as soon as the jar opens
- Heavy trichome “frost”
- Good density and clean trim
- Smoother smoke and stronger flavor
Buy this when you care most about taste, smoothness, and strong effects. Buddies NJ is a known supplier of AAAA top-shelf flower.
Mid-shelf (often AAA)
What you can expect:
- Good smell, but not as loud as top-shelf
- Solid trichome coverage
- Decent density with a few small flaws
This is the best “daily driver” pick for many people.
Budget flower (often AA or A)
What you can expect:
- Smaller buds, more leaf, or more stem
- Lighter smell
- Drier texture is common
This can work fine for tight budgets or for cooking, where looks matter less.
Choose based on how you plan to use it
Smoking or dry herb vaping
Prioritize aroma and stickiness. Terpenes drive a lot of flavor, and dryness can make the experience rough.
Rolling joints
Look for flower that is not dusty-dry. Dry flower burns fast and can taste flat.
Edibles or infusions
You can save money here. “Pretty” buds matter less than clean, mold-free flower.
THC percent is not the whole story
THC matters, but it is not the only driver of how a strain feels. Aroma compounds and other cannabinoids also shape the experience. For a plain-language overview of THC and cannabis effects, see the NIDA overview of cannabis (marijuana).
Strain name does not guarantee quality
The same strain name can vary a lot between growers. Judge what is in front of you, not the label.
Lab testing and COAs
A COA is a Certificate of Analysis from a lab. Many dispensaries can show it on a screen or through a QR code.
What to ask for
- Cannabinoid results (THC, CBD, and others listed)
- Contaminant screening (like microbes, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents)
For a real example of what regulated testing can cover, see the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission testing guidance.
Simple checklist for choosing flower
- Looks lively, not dull or gray
- Has visible trichomes
- Smells clear and strong, not like hay or damp storage
- Feels springy, not dust-dry or wet
- Has a COA available, especially for higher-priced flower
