The Good Weed Board, part nine

December 20, 2024 | Contributor

TWELVE RULES OF THE OG RATING GUIDE

Welcome to the Good Weed Board on StratCann, part nine! In my last column, we scrutinized the cheap weed system and explained why consumers should beware of some pre-rolls, vape oils, and milled flower.

Here in Part Nine, we present the Twelve Rules of the OG Rating Guide. Let’s begin with the basics.

Rule #1: Professional scissors are better than any kind of grinder. Yes, grinders work faster. But attention to detail is crucial when breaking apart dried flower for quality-grading purposes.

Rule #2: Thin rolling papers provide a smoother burn. The best ones are generally not found inside your average convenience store. I like the OCB Ultimate or Elements ultra-thin rice papers.

Rule #3: It’s best to ignore the misinformation on package labels. We know that Indica and Sativa are bogus claims. The same is true for THC and Terpene percentages. COA results can be fabricated, and many brands are culpable. For examples of best-in-class labelling, check out Organnicraft, Victoria Cannabis Company, or Book Club.

Rule #4: Visual appeal is an overrated metric. Flavour and burn quality are more important. Too many growers these days release buds that are nice-looking but taste and burn inadequately.

Rule #5: Hand-rolled joints are the best way to judge quality. It’s fine to bong, it’s okay to vape, but these actions don’t provide a complete flavour experience. Smoking is the best way to realize the more subtle and complex notes of cannabis.

Rule #6: Ash colour is an indicator of burn quality. Supreme burn quality means the joint stays lit and burns easily. Lighter-coloured buds tend to burn more enthusiastically, while darker-coloured buds often burn reluctantly and with a darker ash.

Rule #7: Remediation degrades craft dried flower. The practice can lead to moisture imbalance, which causes bud to break apart into weird little bits instead of being sticky or fluffy. Secondary metabolites can also be diminished.

Rule #8: The 3.5-gram is a regrettable format. Eighths are viable in a deli-style scenario, but the package size fails to balance moisture content throughout a CPG distribution system. More dried flower packed together works better.

Rule #9: Humidity packs are a red flag. They degrade aromatic phytochemicals and shouldn’t be required. I’ve bought Homestead ounces without any pack that were still well balanced six months after the package date. Curing definitely matters.

Rule #10: Scoring isn’t valid when judging multiple samples simultaneously. Graders must spend more focused time with the material they’re evaluating to gain a comprehensive sensory experience.

Rule #11: Terroir is noticeable for all types of growers. I’ve sampled multiple offerings from many different producers. Each of them has made an identifiable brand of flower. Their unique environments and ingredients play an essential role. It would be fun to establish an appellation program for cannabis.

Rule #12: Direct-to-consumer and farmgate are underutilized. These additional sales channels have enabled microbreweries, artisan coffee roasters, and cottage wineries to thrive. They can do the same for craft cannabis. Canada should eliminate the 30-gram possession limit, and the provinces should authorize bulk distribution, combined with deli-style retail. Traditional market consumers will follow.

That’s all for Part Nine. Stay tuned for Part Ten as we introduce our new classification tool: Delineating the Fuel Spectrum. Happy blazing!