From smokeable to smokeless and from solid to liquid form, there are many different ways to consume legal cannabis.
As legal and medical dispensaries open throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the number of products to navigate grow, too. From traditional “flower” or marijuana buds for smoking, to concentrates, edibles and tinctures, here’s a guide to what’s legally available in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Cannabis products are becoming increasingly diverse, with innovative new formats like fine flower and fine grind weed gaining popularity. But what exactly is the difference between these two product types? This in-depth guide examines how fine flower and fine grind compare across a range of factors. Read on for a detailed breakdown to understand the nuances and determine which is best for you.
What is Fine Flower Cannabis?
Fine flower refers to top-shelf, high quality cannabis buds that have undergone an extra refinement process post-harvest. Characteristics of fine flower include
- Careful hand-trimming to remove extraneous leaves and stems
- Precise curing to optimize aroma and flavor
- Breaking down buds into smaller, uniform sizes
This meticulous technique results in buds with enhanced bag appeal and an elevated smoking experience compared to standard cured whole flower.
Fine flower is sold in a wide range of quantities from 1/8 ounces up to a full ounce. Reputable brands like SeCHe package fine flower in distinctive glass jars for maximum freshness
You’ll find many trending hybrid strains like GMO, Runtz, Wedding Cake, Jealousy, and more available as fine flower.
What is Fine Grind Cannabis?
Fine grind cannabis takes whole buds a step further by pre-grinding them to an optimal fluffy, coarse texture perfect for smoking.
Key features of fine grind weed:
- Buds are ground to a uniform, fluffy consistency
- Smaller stem pieces are filtered out
- Packaged in pouches or jars for convenience
Fine grind enables you to enjoy ultra-potent flower without having to break it down yourself.
Look for fine grind options in indica, sativa, and hybrid strains like GG#4, Super Lemon Haze, Wedding Cake, and more.
Comparing Key Differences
Now that you know the basics, let’s do a detailed fine flower vs fine grind comparison:
Appearance
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Fine flower: Intact cured buds with visible orange hairs and trichome crystals. Original bud structure maintained.
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Fine grind: Uniformly ground greenish-brown powder. Bud shape no longer discernible.
Potency
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Fine flower: Unaltered cannabinoid levels from the natural bud, typically 15-30% THC.
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Fine grind: Same cannabinoid profile as the buds it came from. Potency not affected.
Convenience
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Fine flower: Requires breaking down by hand or grinder before smoking. Natural bud consistency.
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Fine grind: Ready to smoke as-is. Maximum convenience.
Versatility
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Fine flower: Can be smoked, vaped, or used to make extracts, edibles, and more.
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Fine grind: Mainly intended for smoking. Less ideal for vapes or cooking.
Price
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Fine flower: Mid-range pricing, less expensive than fine grind. Approximately $25-$60 per 1/8 oz.
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Fine grind: Premium pricing, $5-$10 more than same strain as fine flower. Around $30-$70 per 1/8 oz.
Moisture content
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Fine flower: Retains some natural moisture within the buds. Not overly dried out.
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Fine grind: Tends to run drier due to greater surface area and grinding process.
Flavor/aroma
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Fine flower: Preserves the subtle nuanced terpene aromas and flavors of the living plant.
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Fine grind: Aroma somewhat diminished compared to buds. May taste slightly more roasted.
Best smoking methods
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Fine flower: Joints, bowls, bongs, pipes, blunts. Very versatile.
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Fine grind: Ideal for joints, spliffs, blunts. Works best when rolled.
How to Choose Between the Two
With this detailed comparison in mind, how do you decide whether fine flower or fine grind best suits your needs? Consider these key factors:
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Convenience: Fine grind is the ultimate grab-and-go option if you don’t want the hassle of breaking down buds.
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Appearance: Fine flower shows off lush whole buds and unique strain characteristics.
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Moisture level: Fine flower may provide a smoother smoke. Fine grind can be drier.
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Versatility: Fine flower works better for vaping, cooking, or making concentrates.
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Flavor/aroma: Fine flower offers more complex terpene notes.
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Price: Expect to pay a premium for the convenience of fine grind.
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Preferred method: Fine grind pairs best with rolling papers. Fine flower excels in bowls.
For many cannabis aficionados, fine flower is the choice that keeps exceptional strains intact. Breaking down beautiful buds can also be rewarding.
However, fine grind delivers unmatched convenience for busy lives or discreet use. Its fine texture also facilitates easy rolling.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal priorities and preferences. With outstanding options in both categories, you have phenomenal products to customize your perfect cannabis experience.
Sampling Top Strains of Each
Want to sample top-shelf fine flower and fine grind options for yourself? Here are some of the most popular sativa, indica, and hybrid strains available in each format:
Top Fine Flower Sativas
- Sour Diesel
- Jack Herer
- Durban Poison
- Lemon Haze
- Super Lemon Haze
Top Fine Flower Indicas
- Northern Lights
- Granddaddy Purple
- Bubba Kush
- Skywalker OG
- Purple Urkle
Top Fine Flower Hybrids
- Pineapple Express
- Tangie
- Blue Dream
- Gorilla Glue #4
- Wedding Cake
Top Fine Grind Sativas
- Sour Diesel
- Green Crack
- Super Lemon Haze
- Strawberry Cough
- Jet Fuel
Top Fine Grind Indicas
- Northern Lights
- Skywalker OG
- Granddaddy Purple
- Grape Ape
- Pink Kush
Top Fine Grind Hybrids
- Pineapple Express
- Runtz
- Zkittlez
- Jealousy
- Gorilla Glue #4
Try an array of options in each category, evaluating effects to discover new favorites. Take note of aroma, flavor, appearance, smoothness, and overall experience.
Now that you’re an expert on how fine flower and fine grind cannabis compare, it’s time to reap their premium benefits. Savor them for their unique characteristics and find your perfect strain match.
What is marijuana extract or concentrate?
AKA: dabs, oil, wax, resin, shatter, badder, sauce
THC: 40-80%, but some are higher.
What it is: A more potent form of cannabis product that is created by extracting the cannabinoids from marijuana plants to create a more processed and highly-potent product — usually in a solid or liquid form.
How it’s used: You need additional gear like a dab rig, torch, and dabber tool, so it can be the most expensive way to consume cannabis. However, there are also vaporizers that use extract, which are more affordable. Vape products that contain extract will either be disposable cartridges, pods, or all-in-one disposable vapes. Some vape products have their own corresponding vaporizer you have to buy beforehand. Talk with staff at the local dispensary to see what they offer or for product suggestions. (You can also cook extract into foods to create edibles.)
Keep in mind: Extract isn’t for newbies. If you compare cannabis products to alcohol — consuming cannabis extract is like taking shot of liquor, whereas consuming cannabis flower can be comparable to drinking a beer.
What’s the difference between cannabis sativa and indica?
Cannabis products all come from two (technically three) subspecies of cannabis plants — cannabis sativa, cannabis indica or a hybrid of the two. Each one tends to elicit different effects in a consumer. Dispensaries will label whether a product is a Sativa, Indica or Hybrid accordingly:
- Sativa products tend to elicit uplifting and energizing “head highs” that can help with stress and anxiety, stimulate creativity and focus the brain. Often used during the day-time.
- Indica products tend to elicit relaxing and relieving effects in consumers that can help with pain relief, lack of sleep, lack of appetite, and is known to produce euphoria. Often used in the evening.
- Hybrid cannabis products utilize properties from both sativa and indica plants, producing a mixture of body and cerebral effects.
Keep in mind, cannabis products don’t always follow these rules — some indica products can be energizing, while some sativa products can have a mellowing effect.
Is the Flowermill actually good?
FAQ
What is the difference between fine grind and fine flower?
Keep in mind: Flower comes in different type; the more potent, the more expensive. Premium, which is made of large buds, offers high potency. Smalls refers to smaller buds with average potency. Shake, Fine Grind or Ground Flower refers to broken-down or ground-up pieces of cannabis, low to average potency.
What is fine flower at the dispensary?
SeCHe Fine Flower is high-quality “small” or “popcorn” buds available at a value price! Sometimes size isn’t what matters most! Available in: 7g, 14g, and 28g.
Are vape cartridges better than flower?
Potency and Effects
Vape carts are far more potent than cannabis flower. Flower generally ranges between 15% to 30% THC content. Vape cartridges, on the other hand, contain a concentrated extract known as cannabis oil, which can exceed 90% THC content in many cases.
Is it better to buy shake or flower?
Similarly, when comparing shake vs trim or shake vs bud, shake can offer a cost-effective alternative. Cannabis flower is preferred by many for its higher potency and richer flavor profile. However, shake should not be underestimated as it can still provide a satisfying high, especially for casual consumers.