Selecting quality flower is part science, part craft. The following checklist blends sensory evaluation with lab-backed standards so consumers can make confident, safe choices.
Start with the Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA ties a product to a tested batch and discloses potency, terpene profile, and contaminant screening. Look for the matching strain name, lot/batch number, sample date, and lab accreditation on the report. Several state regulators explicitly require third-party testing and COAs prior to sale, underscoring their importance for consumer safety.
Confirm the lab’s credibility. Prefer COAs from ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratories—this international standard demonstrates a lab’s competence to generate valid results. Accreditation bodies publish programs specific to cannabis testing, and ISO explains that 17025 promotes confidence in lab results.
Scan the contaminant sections. Robust COAs screen for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, mycotoxins, and microbes; method standards are advancing through organizations that develop performance requirements for mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis. If these sections are blank or “not tested,” consider another product.
Check water activity (aw) or moisture status. Beyond “feel,” flower stability is about water activity—a measure that predicts microbial growth and shelf life. Industry standards specify an acceptable aw range of 0.55–0.65 for dry cannabis flower; product stored too wet risks mold, while too dry can degrade terpenes and cannabinoids. If aw appears on the COA or packaging, aim for this range.
Evaluate potency and terpenes together. THC percentage alone doesn’t define quality. The cannabinoid profile should align with desired effects, while the terpene panel (e.g., myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene) offers aromatic and physiological cues that help differentiate similar THC products. Reputable guides to reading COAs emphasize reviewing both potency and terpenes rather than fixating on a single number.
Inspect with eyes and nose—where permitted. Visually, look for dense, well-formed buds with abundant intact, milky to amber trichomes; avoid discolored or excessively stemmy material. Aroma should be vivid and cultivar-appropriate (citrus, floral, fuel, etc.), not haylike or musty. Note that some jurisdictions require sealed packaging, so evaluation may rely more heavily on COAs and brand handling practices until purchase can be opened legally. For storage and transit, established standards also support quality retention.
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Ask about harvest and packaging dates—and storage. Fresher isn’t always better, but extremely old inventory may show terpene loss. Dispensaries that store flower in airtight containers at moderate humidity help preserve quality; humidity control aimed at roughly 55–65% relative humidity generally corresponds to the proper water-activity window for stability.
Verify package labeling against the COA. QR codes that resolve to the exact batch report, consistent weights, and compliant labeling indicate good quality systems. While cannabis remains a patchwork of state rules, alignment with recognized quality frameworks is a positive sign.
Finally, buy from dispensaries that prioritize transparent sourcing and accredited testing partners. Industry experts note that accreditation alone doesn’t solve every testing challenge, but it is a meaningful baseline when combined with rigorous methods and compliance with safety limits.
Learn More: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Discreet Cannabis Consumption