Exploring Cannabis Flower Formats: Whole Flower, Milled Flower, and Pre-Rolls
The fascination with legal cannabis is on the rise, but the choice between dried cannabis formats can be perplexing. Delve into the realms of whole flower, milled flower, and pre-rolls to unravel their distinctions, understand their consumption methods, and determine which format suits you best. After harvesting, drying, and curing, cannabis is presented in three primary formats: whole flower, milled flower, and pre-rolls. Although originating from the same plant, the processing and consumption of each format differ. As every consumer is unique, discovering the most suitable format is pivotal.
What is Whole Flower?
Dried or whole flower signifies cannabis that has been harvested, dried, and cured, retaining its intact buds. Recognizable by the captivating whole-nug visuals on social media, whole cannabis flower encapsulates all terpenes, trichomes, and cannabinoids, allowing consumers to control the grind’s coarseness or fineness. In essence, whole flower is often deemed the freshest, most potent, and flavourful option.
The physical characteristics of whole flower depend on the production process, with variations in colour, aroma, texture, density, and overall effects. Some producers employ high-tech automation, while others opt for a craft-cannabis approach with hand-trimming in small batches. Cannabis flower is typically available in 1-gram, 3.5-gram, 7-gram, 14-gram, and 28-gram formats, packaged in tamper-resistant, child-proof containers.
What is Milled Flower?
Milled cannabis is dried flower ground before packaging, providing a convenient and often more economical alternative to whole flower. While practical, milled flower may experience quicker cannabinoid degradation. Despite this, it is popular in Canada, with various brands offering diverse options.
Unlike whole flower, consumers cannot control the grind’s density, and there is no industry standard for coarseness. Some brands offer coarser milled flower, while others provide finer products. Ideally, the best milled cannabis is made from whole flower, excluding trim, shake, or stems. Brands may offer single-strain milled options or combine similar strains for budget-friendly alternatives. Milled cannabis is sold in 7-gram, 14-gram, and 28-gram packages.
How to Consume Whole and Milled Flower
Whole flower requires grinding with a grinder or scissors before being consumed through vaping or smoking. Grinding facilitates smoother smoke or vapour by allowing air circulation. In contrast, milled flower is ready for consumption, requiring no additional accessories for breakdown.
Dried cannabis can be consumed through various methods, including dry herb vaporizers, joints, blunts, pipes, and bongs. Each method offers a distinct experience, catering to individual preferences.
What are Pre-Rolls?
Pre-rolls are cannabis products designed for immediate consumption, requiring no additional accessories except a lighter. They come in three varieties: joints, blunts, and infused pre-rolls. Offering a quick and easy alternative to rolling your own, pre-rolls vary in sizes, strains, rolling papers, and filters, contributing to the overall experience.
Pre-rolls can be infused with concentrates like kief, shatter, diamonds, or live resin for enhanced flavour and potency. They are available individually or in multi-packs, ranging from 0.35 to 2 grams.
How to Consume Pre-Rolls
With pre-rolls being ready to consume, all you need is a lighter. A “dry pull” before lighting allows for a taste of terpenes and flavonoids. To address the odour concern of finished pre-rolls, smell-proof accessories discreetly hold them and used filters.
What to Consider When Shopping for Dried Cannabis
When selecting a cannabis product, understanding the desired effects, aroma, and flavours is crucial. Factors such as terpenes, cannabinoids, strain-specificity, and overall experience contribute to the decision-making process. Additionally, factors like skill level, available accessories, planned activities, and convenience influence the choice between whole flower, milled flower, and pre-rolls.
Before making a purchase, read the product label or information to determine THC and CBD content.
