Thankfully, there is already an established grading system for rating mids vs high bud: the A to AAAA+ system. You might have noticed these “A” grades on cannabis before, but do you know what they mean? Here’s a summary of the A-grading system for cannabis products:
A Grade: This stuff is not meant for trophy cases or displays. A grade cannabis is more like shake filler than it is meant to be smoked/consumed on its own. Many dispensaries sell A grade cannabis for the purposes of bulk/wholesale filler because this trim is simply lacking flavor, aroma and is often lower in potency. You get what you pay for when you buy A-grade buds – the price is very favorable, but that’s about all that’s positive about the lowest tier of cannabis.
AA Grade: “Dubs”, the AA grade of cannabis might be on the lower end of the weed spectrum but it’s still a popular category for value + basic standards for quality. AA buds are typically equal in value/quality to most homegrown cannabis, so it’s not going to wow you with new flavors, aromas, or high effects. That being said, “dubs” are very popular as an introductory option. AA grade cannabis is very consistent in potency, and while they won’t rock your world with their overall smoke experience, “dubs” weed is reliable, affordable and is miles above the filler-shake of A-grade.
AAA Grade: The official “mid grade” of weed, “Trips” or AAA grade cannabis has a lot to offer both greenhorn smokers and seasoned stoners. AAA was the top quality buds you could get in decades past, but with modern technology and growing techniques this has now become the benchmark for mid-grade quality, consistency, potency, and cost. Next to “dubs”, “trips” is one of the most popular grades of cannabis that people are smoking/consuming. Higher CBD + THC potencies are common, but the finer points of aromatic quality, complex flavors and visual appeal are not quite there. “Trips” is probably the best “bang for your bud”, which is why it’s become the most commonly purchased grade of weed today.