THC percentage is not the only measure of good cannabis. Some of the best flower we have sold at Simply Green Dispensary tested in the high teens but delivered exceptional flavor, smooth smoke, and a clean, long-lasting effect. Whether you are shopping in Coram or anywhere else in Suffolk County, use this checklist to judge quality like a seasoned buyer.
1. Buy from a Licensed Dispensary
This is the foundation. Licensed dispensaries in New York are required to sell lab-tested products sourced from state-licensed cultivators and processors. That means no mystery pesticides, mold, or heavy metals. If you cannot verify a license, shop somewhere else. Your health and your experience are worth the extra few minutes of verification.
2. Check the Harvest and Package Dates
Cannabis is a plant product. It degrades over time. Look for a package date within the last three to six months. Older flower may still be safe, but terpenes fade and the smoke can become less smooth. Fresher cannabis smells stronger, tastes better, and burns cleaner. At Simply Green, we keep our inventory moving so you are not buying last year's harvest.
3. Look at the Flower
Quality flower should be:
- Dense and well-trimmed, not leafy or stemmy
- Covered in visible trichomes, the tiny crystal-like glands
- Free of seeds, mold, or discoloration
- Properly cured, neither too wet nor bone dry
If the bud looks dusty, brown, or has a milder aroma, pass. Good cannabis should look alive and smell loud.
4. Trust Your Nose
A strong, distinct aroma is one of the best signs of quality cannabis. Diesel, citrus, pine, berry, skunk, and floral notes all indicate a rich terpene profile. Weak or grassy smells suggest incomplete curing, age, or genetics that may not have reached their full potential. The nose knows. If a strain does not smell like anything, it may not deliver the full experience you are looking for.
5. Read the Lab Test
Ask to see the Certificate of Analysis. A good COA shows:
- Total THC and CBD potency
- Terpene percentages
- Passing results for pesticides, mold, heavy metals, and residual solvents
At Simply Green, we keep this information available for every product. If you want to know exactly what is in your cannabis, we will show you.
6. Evaluate Edibles and Concentrates
For edibles, check the ingredient list, serving size, and total cannabinoid content. Avoid products with vague labeling. For concentrates, look for clarity, color, and consistency. High-quality extracts should not look dark, murky, or full of particulates. Good shatter, wax, or live resin has a clean appearance and a strong aroma.
7. Consider the Price Per Gram
Higher price does not always mean higher quality, but extremely cheap cannabis is usually cheap for a reason. Compare price per gram, potency, and terpene content to find the best value. Sometimes spending a little more gets you a significantly better experience.
8. Ask the Budtender
The best tool you have is the person behind the counter. A good budtender has handled the product, read the COA, and heard customer feedback. Tell them what you liked or disliked in the past. They can steer you toward something better.
9. Store It Properly
Quality cannabis can be ruined by poor storage. Keep flower in a sealed container away from light, heat, and humidity. Do not store it in the refrigerator, and never leave it in a hot car. Proper storage preserves terpenes and potency for weeks.
10. Trust Your Experience
The best measure of quality is how it makes you feel. Smooth smoke, pleasant flavor, and a clean, predictable effect all point to well-grown, well-cured cannabis. If something feels less smooth, causes headaches, or does not match the label, try a different product or brand.
Quality cannabis is an investment in your experience. Use this checklist on your next visit to Simply Green Dispensary and you will leave with something worth smoking.
