A Comprehensive Review of Cannabis Brands
Introduction
Welcome to the Battle of the Brands series, your comprehensive guide to navigating the wide and sometimes wild world of cannabis brands. With the growing number of cannabis companies entering the market, it can be a challenge to discern which brands truly deliver on their promises. That's where we come in.
In this series, we'll be evaluating various cannabis brands, assessing their products, and putting them head-to-head in an epic battle to crown the ultimate champions. From cost to quality, bag appeal to potency, we've developed a comprehensive set of rating criteria designed to provide you with a clear picture of what each brand has to offer.
Process
Criteria
Our reviews of cannabis brands and their offerings are based on a specific set of criteria. This consistent evaluation standard ensures that each review is impartial, fair, and focused on the factors that matter most to consumers. Here are the criteria we use to judge the quality of each brand's products:
1. Cost:
We examine the retail price of each product, considering its relative value for money in comparison to other brands in the market. We assess whether the product's cost is commensurate with its quality, potency, and overall experience it provides.
2. Smoking Experience:
We prioritize the user's overall smoking experience, looking at factors such as the smoothness of the smoke or vapor, the intensity and duration of the effects, and the balance between the physical and cerebral influences. A high-quality product should provide a pleasurable and memorable experience, with no harshness or discomfort during use. The flavors and aromas that emerge during consumption are also crucial factors, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience.
3. Aroma and Appearance:
We evaluate the product's physical characteristics, such as its visual appeal, texture, and aroma. For flowers, a high-quality product should have a well-cured, moisture-balanced bud structure, with a vibrant aroma that speaks to its freshness and potency. The presence of snowy trichomes can indicate a well-grown and carefully harvested flower.
4. Potency:
We assess the potency of each product based on its cannabinoid and terpene profile. We consider the levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, as well as the mix of terpenes and their potential synergistic effects. High potency is not just about high THC levels; a diverse and balanced profile can lead to a more effective and enjoyable experience, thanks to the entourage effect of cannabinoids and terpenes working together.
By evaluating brands and their products against these standards, we aim to provide consumers with a comprehensive understanding of what they can expect from each offering. This approach helps to promote transparency and consistency across our reviews, empowering you to make informed decisions about your cannabis journey.
Methodology
Our review process is designed to be as objective and uniform as possible, allowing for the most accurate assessment of each cannabis product. Here's a rundown of the approach we take for reviewing flowers, concentrates, and vape products:
Dry Herb Vaping: For flowers, our main method of consumption is dry herb vaping, using the Airizer Air Max. This allows us to fully appreciate the terpene profile of each strain, observing the distinct subtleties of flavor and aroma that might be overlooked with other consumption methods.
Dabbing: For concentrates, we utilize a quartz e-nail set to a consistent temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This method provides a precise and controlled consumption experience, maximizing the potential to experience the unique qualities of each concentrate.
Vape Pens: For vaping, we use the Vessel Craftsman pen on its second-lowest setting (2.8V). This ensures a consistent heat level that is ideal for preserving the terpenes and providing a smooth vaping experience.
One Bowl/Dab/Two Pulls Policy: To ensure fair comparison across products, we adhere to a policy of one bowl for flowers, one dab for concentrates, and two pulls for vape products. Each pull on a vape pen lasts for 3 seconds, providing a controlled dose. This practice allows us to gauge the full spectrum of effects from each product without any interference from others.
Real-Time Reviewing: Reviews are written live, during the experience. As the effects of each product evolve, real-time observations are recorded, ensuring an authentic representation of the experience.
Strain-Specific Timing: The timing of the review is tailored to the nature of each strain. For sativa strains, reviews are written during the first bowl/dab/pull of the morning. Hybrids are typically consumed after work, aligning with their balanced properties. Indica strains, known for their relaxation and sleep-promoting properties, are consumed before bed.
This methodology ensures that each review is accurate, reliable, and replicable, providing you with the information you need to make the most informed choices for your cannabis needs.
Importance
Why does all this matter? As cannabis consumers, we have the power to shape the industry. With each purchase, we make a choice — we can choose to support brands that are not only committed to delivering exceptional products but also strive to do so in a way that's equitable, sustainable, and conscious of their impact.
Stay tuned for an in-depth look at a broad range of cannabis brands, where we break down their offerings, dive into their practices, and help you make informed decisions about which brands truly deserve your hard-earned dollars. The battle is about to begin.
Reviews
Ultra Premium ($60 / 3.5g and up)
Venturing into the ultra-premium sector of cannabis brands, we step into a realm that epitomizes the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. These brands have mastered the art of curating unparalleled cannabis experiences, taking quality, craftsmanship, and customer engagement to unmatched heights. The ultra-premium brands are not merely suppliers of cannabis, but creators of an opulent lifestyle, curating distinctive experiences, and pioneering advancements in cannabis technology. Investing extravagantly in product development, sourcing the finest quality cannabis, and employing state-of-the-art cultivation methods are their hallmarks. In the ultra-premium category, every minute detail is meticulously curated, from the quality of the soil and precision of cultivation techniques to the elegance of sustainable packaging and unparalleled customer service. Embark on a journey through the ultra-premium brands, where indulgence, sustainability, and supreme quality seamlessly intertwine, crafting a cannabis experience that is truly in a league of its own.
Floracal - Coming Soon
Verano Reserve - Coming Soon
Premium ($50 - $59 / 3.5g)
As we ascend the cannabis brand landscape, we find ourselves at the doorway of premium territory. This category represents a significant leap in quality, craftsmanship, and customer experience. The brands in the premium sector go beyond simply supplying cannabis; they're purveyors of a lifestyle, curators of unique experiences, and innovators on the cutting edge of cannabis technology. These companies invest heavily in product development, source superior-quality cannabis, and uphold meticulous cultivation practices. In the premium category, every detail matters – from the soil quality and the cultivation methods' precision to sustainable packaging and customer support. Prepare to elevate your cannabis experience as we delve into the world of premium brands, where luxury, sustainability, and superior quality harmoniously intertwine.
Aeriz - Coming Soon
Cresco
Cresco's cannabis offerings present a complex dichotomy of quality and value. Their Illinois Sunnyside dispensary exclusive TK91 flower provides a visual appeal and aroma that, while interesting, may not stand out significantly for seasoned cannabis connoisseurs. The smoking experience is decent, with the vapor quality and flavor hitting average marks, while the potency, due to a high THCA content, holds its ground. The pricing is on par with other premium offerings, but the discerning consumer might find more satisfying choices within the same price bracket. However, for those purely chasing high THC values, Cresco's TK91 might just be a noteworthy option. Despite some shortcomings, Cresco holds a place in the market, offering a varied lineup that will find its way into future reviews.
Flower
Cost: 7 Potency: 8 Smoking Experience: 7 Appearance And Aroma: 7
Overall: 7.25
Concentrates
Coming Soon
Vapes
Coming Soon
Essence (Verano) - Coming Soon
Grassroots
Grassroots' commitment to quality and diversity shines through in their cannabis product range, despite some room for improvements. Their Lemon Royale strain impresses with its potent blend of lemony and diesel flavors, high THCA content, and a high that dispels anxiety and depression symptoms. The flower's visual appeal might not be extraordinary, but the smoking experience more than makes up for it. Priced at a premium, the strain delivers value through flavor and effects, especially during sales. In the broader scope of premium cannabis, Grassroots presents a compelling case for consideration, despite minor shortcomings.
Flower
Cost: 7 Potency: 8 Smoking Experience: 9 Appearance And Aroma: 7
Overall: 7.75
Concentrates
Coming Soon
Legacy
Legacy Cannabis, known for its commitment to quality and consumer education, offers Terpene-Rich Concentrates that deliver a potent and smooth dabbing experience. The concentrates boast a striking presentation and a potent aroma, setting high expectations that are mostly met in the smoking experience. The flavor could have been more pronounced, but it didn't detract from the overall experience. The cost of the concentrate is competitive, especially considering the quality and transparency that Legacy Cannabis offers.
Concentrates
Appearance and Aroma: 9.5
Smoking Experience: 8.5
Potency: 10
Cost: 9
Overall: 9.25
Ozone Reserve - Coming Soon
Revolution - Coming Soon
Rythm
Rythm's cannabis products stand out for their impeccable quality, consistency, and depth of experience. Their Sour Diesel flower exemplifies these traits with its visually striking buds, luscious aroma, and smooth, flavorful smoke. The flower boasts a robust THC potency and a balanced terpene profile, promising a multi-dimensional experience that satisfies both relaxation and cerebral stimulation. The cost aligns with industry standards for premium offerings, with the opportunity for value during sales events. Overall, Rythm sets a reliable standard for what one expects from premium cannabis, making it a top contender in the battle of cannabis brands.
Flower
Cost: 9 Potency: 9 Smoking Experience: 9 Appearance And Aroma: 8
Overall: 8.75
Concentrates
Coming Soon
Vapes
Coming Soon
Budget ($40 - $49 / 3.5g)
As we delve into the budget cannabis brand landscape, we discover a realm that balances cost-effectiveness with quality and experience. The brands in the budget sector are not merely purveyors of affordable cannabis; they are the gatekeepers of cannabis accessibility, ensuring a diverse range of consumers can partake in the cannabis experience without compromising their wallets. These companies strive for a balance of affordability and satisfactory quality, sourcing decent cannabis and maintaining reasonable cultivation practices. In the budget category, the focus is on delivering a respectable, enjoyable cannabis experience at a price point that's accessible to many. Prepare for a journey into the world of budget brands, where practicality, affordability, and respectable quality find common ground.
Find
Find's cannabis offerings make a distinctive mark in the budget category, presenting products that exceed the norm in terms of quality and experience for their price range. Their Ace's High flower serves as an excellent exemplification of this, with well-formed buds, a pleasantly subtle aroma, and a satisfying smoking experience. Despite the lower THC potency compared to premium options, the strain delivers a consistent and enjoyable high. The cost-effectiveness of Find's offerings is a standout feature, although occasional sales would significantly increase the value proposition. On the whole, Find delivers a solid budget-friendly cannabis experience, carving its niche in the battle of cannabis brands.
Flower
Cost: 7 Potency: 7 Smoking Experience: 7 Appearance And Aroma: 7
Overall: 7
High Supply
High Supply proves itself to be a formidable contender in the budget cannabis category, providing products that belie their price tag. Their Pineapple Express strain is a testament to this, boasting an enticing fruity aroma, a remarkable smoking experience, and potent THC levels. Despite the lack of comprehensive terpene information, the strain's strength and flavor richness is compelling, bringing an unexpected degree of quality to the table. High Supply's Pineapple Express provides a remarkable value for its cost, even outshining some standard category strains, making it a firm favorite for regular cannabis consumers. In the battle of cannabis brands, High Supply confidently asserts its place with its unwavering commitment to quality and affordability.
Flower
Cost: 10
Potency: 8
Smoking Experience: 9
Appearance And Aroma: 8
Overall: 8.75
Matter - Coming Soon
Ozone - Coming Soon
Savvy - Coming Soon
Simply Herb - Coming Soon
Tales and Travels - Coming Soon
Ultra Budget ($39 / 3.5g and under)
Stepping into the ultra-budget category of cannabis brands, we enter a domain that prioritizes affordability and accessibility above all. These brands aim to make the cannabis experience as economical as possible, making it accessible to a wider demographic. The brands within the ultra-budget segment focus on delivering reliable cannabis, using cost-effective cultivation methods, and providing a straightforward customer experience. In the ultra-budget category, the key focus is on delivering a reasonably satisfactory cannabis experience at the lowest possible price point. The potency, aroma, and packaging may not be top-tier, but they are designed to provide a functional and enjoyable cannabis experience without breaking the bank. Journey through ultra-budget brands, where practicality, affordability, and accessibility converge, offering a cannabis experience that's for the budget-conscious consumer.
Common Goods
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