Different Tiers of Cannabis in Massachusetts

Walking into a Massachusetts dispensary for the first time, including ours here at Flower & Soul, you’ll likely spot cannabis flower sorted into various tiers or quality levels. These tiers may not even always be labeled, but you’ll definitely notice the significant price difference, and usually see differences in the quality of the flower itself.

The quality of cannabis isn’t uniform across all buds. While aspects like THC content, freshness, and cultivation techniques certainly affect the cost, the core quality of the flower itself often plays the most significant role in pricing.

So, what separates top-notch cannabis from the rest, and how do you judge the quality when you’re browsing in a dispensary? How are each of the cannabis tiers different? Do they matter much? Let’s dive into the nuances of the different cannabis quality tiers in MA and explore the key indicators of premium bud.

Shop Now

A Closer Look at Defined, But Often Unspoken Cannabis Tiers in MA

Tier One – Mid-Grade Flower ($25 to $35 per eighth)

Typical Potency Range: Around 15% to 25% THC

Brands Often Found in Tier I: Simply Herb, Perpetual, and Good Green

Tier One cannabis in Massachusetts is well-cured and grown with care; there’s nothing wrong with this flower at all. These buds are aromatic, feature a nice terpene profile, and are free of seeds. While potency generally ranges from 15% to 25% THC, some strains in this category can still be quite potent, though they might not excel in all aspects of quality.

Tier Two – Good-Grade Flower ($35 to $45 per eighth)

Typical Potency Range: Generally 20% to 30%

Brands Often Found in Tier II: Harbor House Collective, Happy Valley, and Rythm

Moving to Tier Two, you’ll find cannabis that’s almost picture-perfect with its meticulous trim and appealing look. These flowers have more noteworthy aromatics that can fill a room, most boasting a noteworthy high terpene content. Grown by dedicated cultivators, Tier Two strains are often focused on bringing out the best traits of the plant and ensure specific genetic traits are highlighted. THC levels here typically range from 20% to 30%, but this isn’t a hard range; some strains in Tier Two can be higher.

Tier Three – Top-Grade Flower ($45 per eighth and up)

Brands Often Found in Tier III: Khalifa Kush, DOJA, and High Supply

Typical Potency Range: 25% to 30% or more

Tier Three is where you find the crème de la crème of cannabis. These buds are not just fragrant; they are exceptionally so, often surpassing Tier Two in terms of aromatic quality. Visually, you could say these buds are the gold standard, usually covered in a frosty layer of trichome, tight flower clusters, and manicured shapes exceptionally well-defined. The flavors and effects are some of the most sought-after, which is why most flower that falls into this tier is known to be cultivated by leading cannabis brands in in the state. THC percentages often approach or exceed 30%, making these strains some of the most potent and sought-after.

Understanding What Determines the Different Tiers of Cannabis

While some aspects like cannabinoid and terpene profiles necessitate lab testing, there are several visual and sensory checks you can perform yourself. Check out how to use your nose and eyes to get a better feel for cannabis quality.

Flower Structure

Top-quality or Tier Three cannabis often boasts well-trimmed, uniform buds that are sticky to the touch and have a slightly spongy texture. The best buds will exhibit vibrant colors, free from excessive brown or off-tones which can suggest degradation or improper curing.

Trichome Density

The presence of numerous, densely packed trichomes is a hallmark of high-quality cannabis. Trichomes are the glistening, frosty hairs on the buds where THC and other cannabinoids are primarily stored. A high concentration of these can signal a potent strain, suggesting both quality and strength.

Aromatic Profile

The scent of cannabis is a significant quality marker. High-grade cannabis is typically rich in terpenes, leading to a strong, pleasantly complex aroma. If the bud smells earthy, musty, or reminiscent of old hay, it’s likely not of top quality. Instead, look for buds with vibrant, complex scents that suggest a rich terpene profile that comes to life through careful seed selection and plant care.

Explore All Cannabis Tiers at Flower & Soul

At Flower & Soul, we build our menu of the best cannabis flower from all tiers, so customers have access to a diverse selection in terms of price, quality, and potency. Explore our menu to see the flower we have in stock, or ask for a specific quality tier when you stop in for a visit.

Shop Now