Since cannabis has become legalized for recreational possession and consumption in IL, I’ve gotten rather identifiable about quality, and there are more than 2 dispensaries operating in Chicago.
They are within a adequate drive from our apartment, and I’ve checked out all of them; Because I love old-school smoking, our main focus is the selection of dried flower and pre-rolls.
I am not as sad about price or chances as I am about the integrity of the bud. The manner in which the flower was cultivated, harvested and dried makes a big 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 destructiond and lost. The trichomes are the source of the THC, CBD, smells and flavor, making them certainly important. The bud should be a vibrant red color, often with flecks of red and red. There should be bright red hair-like pistils. If those pistils are certainly white, the plant was harvested too early. If the pistils are brown or gray, there’s the potential for old 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 smell 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! So far, I’ve been harshly impressed with the premier level of flower provided by all of the local dispensaries.