Shopping online for cannabis can be an overwhelming experience—product descriptions full of terminology, percentages and strains that sound fake confront you on your first page. There’s not exactly a person you can ask all your questions to from the comfort of your own home, so you’ll be held responsible for making the right decision.
But the key is learning how to decipher what all those descriptions actually mean for your experience. Many online dispensaries use a similar format, but it pays to understand how to parse through what’s valuable information and what’s fluff in order to find your new favorite strain and not end up disappointed.
THC and CBD Percentages
First of all, those percentages next to THC and CBD are not arbitrary numbers—they tell you important information about what you’re getting. The THC percentage average usually rests between 10% and 30% for most cultivars; therefore, if something boasts a 28% THC level, it’s likely powerful. Anything above 25% is usually for extremely veteran cannabis consumers.
But what many product descriptions fail to mention about THC is that high is not always good. A 15% THC strain with the correct terpenes could satisfy all your needs while a 28% one would be too much. CBD products vary in percentage. Cultivars boasting more balanced THC to CBD (10% THC, 8% CBD) are likely going to yield a calmer experience while high THC low CBD strains will hit harder.
When shopping on sites like https://www.bulkcannabis.cc, look for products that feature the percentages of each cannabinoid. If the percentages show a more equal showing of both but one is still higher than the other with no two-digit numbers across the board, chances are there’s quality control behind them. Some cannabis stores likes to boast high THC levels because it’s easier to market; don’t fall for the hype.
Strains and Their Effects
Most online product descriptions boast strain classification—indica, sativa, hybrid—but these terms are more marketing than science these days. Why? Because what’s going to impact your experience isn’t the classification but more the actual cannabinoid and terpene profile.
The more a description goes beyond “indica for relaxation” and “sativa for energy,” the better. Look for specific exclusions; “great for focus without anxiety” or “helps relieve physical tension with mental clarity” are far more helpful than generalized statements.
The language is also vital. Vague descriptors like “uplifting” or “calming” are useless; terms like “relieves racing thoughts” or “takes the intensity out of muscle aches” give you better context as to whether a product is right for you.
Terpene Profiles
Where product descriptions go really useful or completely useless is with terpenes. Some sites boast terpene names without explanation and unless you’re in the know about what limonene does versus what myrcene might impart, you’re out of luck.
Great product descriptions will explain terpenes in layman’s terms. Limonene tends to bring a sense of joy and stress relief; myrcene is sedating and relaxing; pinene can help with focus and memory.
When product descriptions mention aromas that are “citrusy” or “piney”, they’re talking about terpenes, but these notes aren’t just flavor components but also impact effectiveness; citrus overtures usually present with energizing effects while earthy or more musky descriptions lend themselves better to relaxation.
Lab Results
Perhaps the most separating factors between legitimate cannabis retailers and sketchy ones is the lab results—and understanding what all those numbers mean takes time and effort. The most important numbers include cannabinoid profiles of confirmed testing, terpene breakdowns and contamination tests.
Cannabis should always be tested for pesticide use, heavy metals and microbial activity. If this information isn’t readily available on every product, it’s time to move on—if they can’t get their products tested right, who knows what’s wrong with them?
Additionally, some descriptions contain harvest dates or testing dates. The fresher the cannabis means potential better taste and additional potency (although good storage can help maintain abilities for months).
Look For Pictures
Sometimes pictures will tell you more than a written description ever could. Look for good quality, detailed images of actual cannabis instead of stock photographs and fluff—good quality cannabis pictures boast trichome coverage (that crystal-like element that holds cannabinoids), color variance, structure.
Dense buds that are heavily covered with trichomes signal high-power abilities with good growing conditions; brown or yellow undertones signal age or improper curing while vibrant greens and purples imply freshness/carefulness.
Sometimes retailers will even boast multiple angles or close-ups; this level of photo detail correlates with higher quality yet more reliable written descriptions.
Reviews/Ratings
Reviews function differently on cannabis sites than other items generally. Look for reviews that speak to experienced effects and how long they lasted as well as whether it conformed to product description expectations; vague “great cannabis” reactions do little for substantiating quality.
Furthermore, look for reviews noting tolerance levels; if someone who’s never smoked before has one response but someone who smokes daily has another, chances are the everyday user won’t receive the same hit. It’s also helpful if you share similar levels of experience and style with your usage patterns as well.
Negative reviews are often more important than positive reviews; if several people mention contrary experiences versus the description of what’s expected at least you can be warned before you try.
Price Point
Generally product descriptions note weight (grams, eighths, quarters) but don’t make things easy when comparable value is concerned. Per-gram pricing should be assessed if comparative fairness is necessary. Otherwise, steer clear of any products that are majorly low—they’re probably bad quality.
High-end products aren’t necessarily for the best; look for something middle of the road from a retailer that boasts product photos with detailed descriptions.
Conclusion
The best online cannabis shopping occurs when one pays attention to multiple sources of information—read the whole description, review lab results, look at pictures, glance at recent reviews. Don’t settle on one piece of information.
Instead, go with products that boast quality amounts in their descriptions plus good photo documentation. Over time, you’ll become more experienced with products based on their descriptions and learn what’s worth it and what’s fluff based on overall expectations.
