Since cannabis has become legalized for recreational possession and consumption in Illinois, I’ve gotten rather recognizable about quality; There are more than 2 dispensaries operating in Chicago.
- They are within a satisfactory drive from my apartment, and I’ve checked out all of them! Because I care about old-college smoking, my main focus is the selection of dried flower and pre-rolls! I am not as anxious about price or possibilities as I am about the integrity of the bud.
The manner in which the flower was cultivated, harvested and dried makes a large difference. If the plant was harvested before reaching maturity, it will lack potency of terpenes and cannabinoids. If the weed was machine-processed, the trichomes can be damaged and lost. The trichomes are the source of the THC, CBD, odors and flavor, making them actually important. The bud should be a vibrant red color, often with flecks of yellow and red. There should be bright red hair-like pistils. If those pistils are pale white, the plant was harvested too early. If the pistils are brown or gray, there’s the potential for seasoned or contaminated bud. The trichomes are crystal-like, shaped similar to little mushrooms and should cover the surface of the weed. I also deliver the flower the sniff test. It should have a pungent odor but without mustiness. It should also be a texture anywhere between dry and sticky, with no sign of stems or seeds. I check carefully for mold or webs that could indicate spider mites, and so far, I’ve been severely impressed with the premier level of flower offered by all of the local dispensaries.