Is Sticky Weed a Good or Bad Sign?

There are so many types of marijuana on the market today that many consumers have stopped trying to keep track of which strain is which. In fact, it can feel like every time you walk into a pharmacy there’s a brand new list of strain names you’ve never heard of.

The whole process of choosing from all these new weed species can be a bit overwhelming. If you don’t want to choose by name, you can use your nose to smell through the variety of buds and see what pleases your nostrils.

In your quest, you’ll inevitably find some buds so sticky they almost feel like they’re oozing crystallized juice. These buds appear complex and unique, and are often fragrant. They can also be so juicy that they’re a bit more difficult to manage.

Photo by Kirill Vasikev/EyeEm/Getty Images

Considering these factors, you’re probably wondering about sticky marijuana. Are sticky buds a great trait or a cause for concern?

Sticky weed, when properly dried and cured, is usually synonymous with quality and potent bud. This is because trichomes are the main culprit behind the sticky nug phenomenon. Merriam-Webster Are defined Trichomes as “an epidermal hair structure on a plant”. So when you see a flower with lots of hairs and what appear to be crystals, you’re looking at a plant with lots of trichomes. These nuggets will also most likely feel sticky when touched.

“Where the dry buds lack trichomes, the sticky buds abound. The long, beautiful hairs collect THC and form a dense, sticky coating on the buds herb. If you see buds with lots of hair and feel sticky, you are probably touching a bud that is packed with THC. In these cases, a little sticky weed will go a long way in getting you high.

While sticky weed can often mean a potent, well-cultivated product, it can also mean the exact opposite. Some illegitimate and shady growers may even try to make their weed appear sticky to fool their clientele. “Because stickier cannabis is associated with higher potency, illegitimate marketers can trick their customers into believing that improperly dried and cured cannabis is sticky,” according to the Massachusetts-based dispensary happy valley.

Photo by Jordan Siemens/Getty Images

RELATED: Why you should smell your weed before you buy it

They say growers use humidity to trick customers into thinking the bud is sticky when in reality it’s just wet. Not only is this dishonest, it often means an inferior product. “Wet or damp cannabis has fewer cannabinoids and terpenes, with a harsher smoke.”

A good rule of thumb to determine if your cannabis is sticky or wet is a quick smell test. Properly cured and sticky weed should smell strong and fresh. It will be filled with intense and particular flavors that you associate with strong weed. Wet, rushed weed usually has far fewer odor notes and often smells like hay.

RELATED: Does Cheap Weed Get You a Good High?

You will also notice the difference over time. One great thing about sticky, well-cured weed is that it lasts a long time. Fallen and wet weed spoils quickly and can even become toxic and dangerous for smoking. “Curing cannabis also extends the shelf life of the product for commercial growers. Uncured cannabis can become moldy or develop powdery mildew.” corresponding greenhouse grower.

As always, it’s important to get your cannabis products from a reliable source. As long as you buy your sticky weed from a trustworthy dispensary, your buds should be strong, long-lasting, and high-quality weed.