When it comes to the world of cannabis, the term “top shelf” is often used to describe the highest quality and most sought-after strains. But what exactly does it mean to be a top shelf strain? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at top shelf weed, exploring what sets it apart, how to distinguish between good and bad weed, tips for growing your own top shelf strains, and much more.
Whether you’re a connoisseur, cultivator or just a curious cannabis enthusiast, this article will cover all there is to know about top shelf cannabis.
What is Top Shelf Weed?
The term ‘top shelf’ comes from the way that cannabis dispensaries display their highest quality buds. In dispensaries you have bottom, middle and top shelf positions, the top being the highest grade buds, middle shelf being your average weed and bottom shelf being the cheapest and lowest quality weed.
Weed that makes the top shelf is the highest quality bud available on the market. These strains are often characterized by exceptional potency, exquisite flavors, and well-developed aromas. But it isn’t just about the strain otherwise anyone could go ahead and grow themselves some top shelf weed at home. Top shelf weed is also characterized by the fact that it is cultivated with meticulous attention to detail, under optimal growing conditions, using precise harvesting techniques, and expert curing processes. It represents the pinnacle of cannabis craftsmanship from the moment the seed is planted right up to the moment those buds go on the shelf. If you want the ultimate cannabis experience, then top shelf weed is what you want.
What Makes Weed ‘Top Shelf’?
There’s a lot that goes into making ‘top shelf’ weed, from the genetics to the methods that are used to cultivate it, here are some of the key elements that set it apart from other weed.
Quality Genetics: Top shelf strains are often bred from carefully selected parent plants with desirable traits such as potency, flavor and appearance. You will normally find the most in demand strains on the top shelf too, strains such as Runtz, Gorilla Glue and Girl Scout Cookies are likely to be top shelf weed in many dispensaries.
Cultivation Techniques: But its not just down to the genetics, top shelf weed is cultivated using advanced growing techniques, such as hydroponics, organic soil farming, or indoor growing. They are cultivated with expert growers who have years of experience and are able to coax the best results from the plant. The growing conditions will need to be micromanaged down to the last detail to ensure that the temperature, humidity, nutrients and water are all pin point perfect for that strain.
Precise Harvesting: The timing of the harvest plays a crucial role in the quality of the final product. Top shelf growers carefully monitor trichome development and harvest at the peak of cannabinoid production to ensure maximum potency and flavor. But harvesting doesn’t end when the plants are cut down. From a single plant only the most desirable buds will make the cut of ‘top shelf’. This with the best visual appeal, most trichomes and most vibrant colors will be selected as top shelf weed.
Proper Curing: After harvesting, top shelf buds undergo a meticulous curing process. This involves drying and aging the buds under controlled conditions to enhance their flavors, aromas, and smoothness. After they are ready, a batch of the bud will be tested for quality and only then can they be given ‘top shelf’ status.
What are the Best Top Shelf Strains?
The world of top shelf strains is diverse and ever-evolving. Some renowned top shelf strains include:
Runtz: Known for its strong, euphoric effects and distinct earthy and citrus flavors.
Girl Scout Cookies: A popular strain with a sweet and spicy aroma, offering a combination of cerebral and physical effects.
Gelato: Loved for its sweet and creamy flavors, Gelato delivers a balanced high and soothing relaxation.
Blue Dream: A classic strain that offers a harmonious blend of uplifting effects and a delightful berry aroma.
These strains represent just a fraction of the exceptional top shelf varieties available, and exploring different strains allows you to find the ones that align with your preferences.
How to Tell Bad Weed from Good Weed
If you are new to smoking cannabis, whether you get your weed from a dealer or a dispensary its important that you understand the difference between bad weed and good weed so that you don’t end up wasting your hard earned money on some swag. Here are some key indicators that should give you an idea if the weed you are about to buy is any good….
Appearance: Good weed should have vibrant green, purple and orange colors. The buds should be dense, and be free from mold, mildew, or seeds. Avoid weed that appears dull, brown, or discolored or overly dry. It should be dry to the touch, but if you squeeze it a little you should be able to feel that there is a little moisture still inside.
Aroma: The smell of weed is one of the biggest giveaways to the quality of the bud. Each and every cannabis strain has its own unique terpene profile, good weed should have a nice fruity, citrusy, skunky smell. Avoid weed with a moldy, hay-like, or overly pungent smell. It will be noticeable when you open a bag or jar of weed that has mold developing. You will get an almost putrid smell that normally causes you to move your head back – no matter how much you want some weed, avoid buying it, if it smells bad.
Trichomes: Trichomes carry a plants cannabinoids and many of its terpenes too. The presence of trichomes, the resin glands on cannabis buds, is indicative of potency. Look for buds with a healthy coating of trichomes, which should appear as sparkling, sticky crystals. Understand however, that it is normal for indica strains to have a slightly higher trichome count than most sativas.
Texture and Moisture: Well-cured buds should have a slightly firm texture, not too dry or too moist. Avoid weed that feels excessively dry, crumbly, or excessively sticky and wet.
Taste: Good weed should deliver a flavorful and enjoyable experience. When consumed, it should have distinct and pleasant flavors that align with the strain’s profile. Flavors of citrus, berries, wood, pine, earth, cheese, nuts, chocolate and sugar are all normal flavors that combine in good weed.
How to Grow Top Shelf Weed
Growing top shelf weed requires careful attention to every aspect of a cannabis grow. It isn’t something that you are likely to be able to achieve on your first, second or even third grow as growing top shelf bud requires a level of expertise beyond the novice cultivator. However, follow our guides on how to grow weed and you will be well on your way to producing some top shelf bud.
Here are some tips to help you cultivate high-quality cannabis:
Genetics Selection: Start out with the best genetics. Decide if you want an indica or sativa and what kind of high you want from your weed. Learn about that specific strain and gather information on it. Here is some of the kind of info you should be gathering on your chosen strain before you even start your grow:
- How long does it take to veg and flower?
- Is it a heavy feeder?
- Does it prefer humid climates or dry?
- Does it prefer hot, warm or mild regions?
- What kind of soil does it prefer?
- What training techniques does it responds well to?
- How much and of what nutrients does it like at different stages of the grow?
Optimal Growing Conditions: Now use all of the information you have gather to provide a controlled environment with optimal lighting, temperature, humidity, and ventilation. This may involve indoor setups, greenhouses, or carefully managed outdoor gardens.
Nutrient Management: Use quality soil or nutrient solutions suitable for cannabis cultivation. Monitor and adjust nutrient levels based on the specific needs of your plants. Get yourself a pH meter and test the pH of the water you are using to feed your plants and the pH of the soil you are planting them in. If the pH is not inside the perfect range for cannabis, adjust it.
Proper Watering: Avoid overwatering or underwatering your plants. Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
Training and Pruning: Employ training techniques such as topping, low-stress training (LST), or defoliation to promote healthy and even canopy growth, increased bud sites, and better light penetration. This will not only increase yield but also increase terpene and cannabinoid production.
Avoid stressing: It may sound obvious but avoiding stressing your plants is essential if you want to product top shelf bud. If a cannabis plant is stressed it will usually temporarily stop growing until it has recovered to full health. If this happens during the flowering stage this can have a huge impact on the overall quality of the bud.
Harvesting at the Right Time: Monitor trichome development using a magnifying tool and harvest when the trichomes are milky or amber, depending on the desired effects.
Curing Process: After harvest, cure your buds in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. This process involves drying the buds slowly and then storing them in airtight containers, allowing the flavors and aromas to mature over time.
Remember, growing top shelf weed requires patience, attention to detail, and continuous learning. It’s a journey of honing your skills over years of practice and fine-tuning your techniques.
Does Top Shelf Weed Get You Higher?
Top shelf weed tends to have higher potency due to careful genetic selection, optimal cultivation practices, and precise harvesting. It often contains higher levels of cannabinoids, including THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects. As a result, consuming top shelf strains is likely to provide a more potent and intense experience compared to lower-quality weed.
How Do You Know if Weed is Top Shelf?
Determining whether weed is top shelf involves a combination of visual, physical, and experiential assessments. Look for well-trimmed, visually appealing buds with a strong aroma that matches the strain’s characteristics. Consider the strain, is it known to you? Seek feedback and recommendations from experienced cannabis users and trusted sources to identify top shelf options.
What are the Shelf Levels of Weed?
The concept of “shelf levels” is not universally standardized, but it generally refers to the perceived quality of the bud. The common classifications include top shelf, mid-shelf, and lower shelf or economy strains. Top shelf represents the highest quality, while mid-shelf and lower shelf grades may vary in terms of potency, flavor, and overall quality.
What is the Most Expensive Top Shelf Weed Strain?
The price of cannabis strains can vary based on factors such as rarity, demand, and cultivation costs. While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific strain as the most expensive top shelf strain universally, some exclusive and highly sought-after strains, such as Fruity Pebbles or Pink Starburst, are known to command premium prices in certain markets.
What is the Difference Between Top-Shelf and Mid-Grade Weed?
Mid-grade weed typically refers to cannabis that falls between top shelf and lower-quality options. While it may still offer an enjoyable experience, mid-grade weed often has less potency, less pronounced flavors and aromas, and may not exhibit the same level of overall quality as top shelf strains. It will normally be priced lower than top shelf options due to slightly reduced quality.
Top shelf weed is weed that has been grown perfectly from start to finish. Mid and bottom shelf weed will be closer to the standard of bud that you can get from street dealers
How Much Should I Pay for Top Shelf Weed?
The price of top shelf weed varies depending on location, the rarity of the strain, and how much competition is in the local market. On average, top shelf strains are priced higher than mid-grade or lower-quality options. Prices typically range from $10 to $25 per gram, with bulk purchases or larger quantities often offering better value for money. It’s important to research local prices and compare them to ensure you’re getting a fair deal for the quality you’re seeking.
Conclusion
Top shelf weed represents the pinnacle of cannabis quality, offering exceptional potency, flavor, and aromas. It is the result of expert cultivation, optimal genetics, precise harvesting, and proper curing. By understanding the characteristics that distinguish top shelf strains from lower-quality options, you can make informed choices when selecting and consuming your weed. Whether you’re purchasing from a dispensary or cultivating your own, aim for the highest quality to ensure a truly enjoyable and cannabis experience.
