Have you ever seen the terms “popcorn flower” or “popcorn buds” at your local dispensary but weren’t sure what that meant? You’re not alone! Popcorn isn’t a specific strain but rather a style of bud similar to popcorn kernels in size. To confuse matters even more, there is a strain varietal called “Popcorn Kush,” but that’s a subject for another day.
First things first: What’s the story behind popcorn buds? If you’ve thought about stocking up on these little wonders, you’re in the right place. Follow along with us as we share everything we know about popcorn flower, including:
- What is popcorn flower?
- Are popcorn buds less potent?
- Shake vs flower vs popcorn: What’s the difference?
…and so much more. Ready? Let’s get…popping!
What Is Popcorn Flower?
Popcorn flower, or “smalls,” are a bit smaller than the eye-popping nugs you typically find in grams and ounces on dispensary shelves. They’re harvested from the lower branches of the cannabis plant—since they’re smaller and usually less potent, they tend to be more affordable than regular-sized bud.
When grown, the ranks of branches above them shield much of the light and nutrients available to higher-placed flowers, so these popcorn-sized nuggets tend to be somewhat fluffier and less mature than the top-ranking colas, the dense flower clusters that grow straight up near the ends of major branches.
Are Popcorn Buds Less Potent?
Though it’s difficult to definitively answer a question that relies on so many variables, popcorn buds are usually less potent than the larger buds from the same plant, due to their position nearer the bottom of the plant. Many expert cultivators report that popcorn flower isn’t as dense as other buds and have fewer trichomes. These resinous, mushroom-shaped glands produce the bulk of the cannabis plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.
But is less potency such a bad thing? That’s a matter of perspective—and the story doesn’t end when it comes to popcorn’s THC levels. When cultivated from a high-quality strain, a carefully tended cannabis plant can produce popcorn buds that are difficult to distinguish from their larger A-grade counterparts.
Shake vs Flower vs Popcorn: What to Know
Time for a little detour into some key terms! If you’re into semi-esoteric products like popcorn flower, it’s good to know exactly what you’re talking about. Here’s the difference between various forms of cannabis:
- Flower: Cannabis flower is just that—a flower produced by an unfertilized female cannabis plant. Not all flower is equal—depending on numerous variables like sunlight, nutrients, and biological factors, flower can range widely in terms of appearance and cannabinoid and terpene contents.
- Popcorn: The smaller, somewhat less developed cannabis flowers that typically appear lower down on the cannabis plant. With less access to resources than higher-up buds, popcorn flower tends to be less eye-catching and slightly less potent. But as a result, it’s a great way to try high-priced strains and products at a potentially significant discount.
- Shake: Consisting of little fragments of cannabis flower, dried trichomes, and sometimes leaves and stems that fall off during transport and handling, shake is often considered the lowest grade of flower. It’s lower in both cannabinoid content and flavor than whole flower, and as such, is often used for processing into extracts, homemade edibles, cannabutter, and other infused products.
Is Popcorn Flower Worth It?
Popcorn buds appeal to some cannabis fans, while they wouldn’t be the first choice for others. However, if you want to try top-of-the-line strains but don’t want to drop a ton of cash, popcorn buds may be just what you’re looking for. Long gone are the days of paying for a top-shelf cultivar only to find that you don’t like it as much as you thought you would—you can sample it instead without breaking the bank!
Into making homemade rosin or other extracts? Popcorn nugs are a great way to economize, and you can even add them to edibles to gently boost potency.
When wouldn’t you buy popcorn? If your goal is to impress, breaking open a stash of undersized—and possibly less potent—buds may not be how you want to show up. But as with many such weighty decisions, it’s a question of your goals, budget, and other personal factors.
Shop Popcorn Buds and More at Mission
Don’t let the small size of popcorn buds fool you. When grown by a reputable cultivator, they can be just as aromatic and flavorful as regular buds. They might be slightly less potent than top-tier flower, but the difference is usually minor. That makes popcorn buds a solid choice for anyone looking to snag high-quality weed at a more budget-friendly price.
Want to learn more about unique cannabis products? Visit our cannabis blog for in-depth guides to crumble wax, how to clean a bong, and other must-know tips.
To try some fire popcorn flower, head to your closest Illinois or Massachusetts Mission dispensary today—we can’t wait to hook you up!
