Popcorn buds get a bad rap because they just don’t have the same bag appeal as big, frosty nugs. However, you should look a little further, because size isn’t everything! Bud size has almost nothing to do with potency. Popcorn buds are simply great flower at a better price.
For anyone who’s shopping smart in Michigan, Pure Options is here to break down everything you need to know about popcorn cannabis buds.
Key Takeaways
- Bud size doesn’t determine potency.
- Popcorn buds share the same genetics as top-shelf flower.
- Look at lab results, not bud size, to determine potency and flavor.
- Popcorn buds are a great option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Pure Options has an extensive menu of small buds.
What Are Popcorn Buds, Anyway?
Popcorn buds are the smaller flower clusters that grow below the main cannabis colas, which soak up the most light. Because they receive less direct light beneath the top-tier canopy buds, popcorn buds are smaller, which is why they’re also known as “smalls.”
The main thing you need to know is that popcorn cannabis buds are from the same strains and often the same harvest as top-shelf nugs. They’re not indicative of a bad crop. They have the same genetics and terpene profile as the A-grade bud they grew next to.
Basically, popcorn buds are little sisters to the big beauties sitting in jars in the display case.
Are Small Buds Less Potent? What the Science Says
This is the most important question, so let’s get it out of the way. Potency is measured in cannabinoid percentage. Cannabis consumers often look at the THC percentage when choosing bud. The good news is, lab testing shows that popcorn buds hold their own against full-size flower when it comes to both THC percentage and terpene content.
If anything, smaller buds can sometimes be even more potent than big nugs. The resin glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes are more concentrated on the smaller surface of popcorn buds, resulting in impressive effects and flavor.
To illustrate this point, let’s look at an example on the Pure Options menu: Moonbow #133 Small Buds tested at 30.4% THC with a 2.61% terpene content. Those numbers stand up to full-size top-shelf flower.
Size doesn’t change chemistry. Don’t count out smaller buds just because of how they look.
Why Popcorn Buds Are a Smart Buy
Now that we’ve established that popcorn buds are potent, let’s talk about why smaller buds are a smart buy. Because they lack the visual appeal of big nugs, popcorn buds are usually priced lower per gram of flower, even when lab tests show the same results for both.
This means you get the desired effects, flavor, and genetics for less money spent.
Small buds are a great way to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re packing a bowl, rolling a joint, or decarbing your flower to make edibles, bud size doesn’t play into the effects or taste.
If you’re a budget-conscious shopper looking to try premium flower for less, look for popcorn buds.
How to Shop for Small Buds Like a Pro
Next time you’re browsing small buds, take a look at the lab results. That’s where you’ll find all the info you need on THC, THCA, and terpene percentages. The Pure Options flower menu has an amazing variety of small buds from top-shelf strains.
Check out these impressive small-bud THC and terp profiles:
- Runtz – THC 26%, terps 1.9%
- Platinum Kush – THC 26.9%, terps 1.48%
- Strawberry Cough – 25.4%, terps 1.88%
- Zkittlez – THC 26.8%, terps 1.69%
- Bubblegum Gelato – THC 27.1%, terps 2.99%
Don’t hesitate to ask your Pure Options budtender for recommendations. They can help you compare lab results side-by-side with full-size flower to find the best deal for your taste.
FAQs About Small Buds
Are small buds less potent than big buds?
No. Potency is determined by THC percentage and terpene content through lab testing. Popcorn buds can test as strong as, or even stronger than, full-size flower from the same plant.
Why are some cannabis buds smaller than others?
Smaller buds, also called popcorn buds or smalls, grow lower on the plant, so they receive less light than the main cola. Less light means smaller bud size, but it doesn’t affect cannabinoids or terpenes.
Are popcorn buds a sign of a bad harvest?
No. Popcorn buds come from the same strain and often the same plant and harvest as top-shelf nugs. They’re just a smaller-sized version of the same flower.
Why are popcorn buds cheaper than top-shelf flower?
Popcorn buds are usually priced lower per gram because they lack the visual bag appeal of large nugs. They are a budget-friendly way to get the same effects and flavor at a lower cost.
Do popcorn buds work well for joints, bowls, or edibles?
Yes. Bud size has no effect on flower, whether it’s ground, packed, rolled, or decarbed. Popcorn buds smoke, vape, and cook just like full-size nugs.
Find Small Bud Deals in Michigan at Pure Options
So, are small buds less potent? No way. Lab results show that popcorn buds offer the same cannabinoids, terpenes, and effects as their larger counterparts. All it means is that you pay less.
Ready to see for yourself? Browse our flower menu online, or stop into your nearest Pure Options location to give small buds a try. We’ll point you in the right budget-friendly direction.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
