Weed Lingo: What Are Quad Strains?

So you’re ordering weed online in Canada and want to know about Quad Strains? We’re not talking about the medical term for athletic injuries either. This is weed lingo or slang for AAAA-grade weed. This is top-grade cannabis, the absolute best of the best.

Why would you care about this? Because as cannabis users, we want quality. We want to experience all the best of what a cannabis strain has to offer. Quad Strains can be indica or sativa. They can be smoked, vaped, drunk, eaten, or taken any other way. The key is that it is top-shelf.

What Exactly is AAAA Grade?

Sometimes we call great weed “dank” or “kush.” Kush is actually a misnomer that is commonly used, but people hear it once and it sticks. Speaking of sticks and sticky, there is a big difference between the two.

Good weed is sticky. Bad weed has sticks, seeds, and stems in it. Bad weed should be considered only as a last resort. Some people call it “Reggie.” It is the lowest-quality weed available. It looks like oregano sprinkled with dirt. It smokes harshly and is not enjoyable. Do yourself a favour and never smoke Reggie.

Now that we know that Reggie is the bottom of the barrel, let’s work our way back up. After the lowest-grade weed there is mid-grade, top-shelf, and then finally AAAA. Remember, AAAA is another name for a Quad Strain.

Now, what’s the difference between AAAA, AAAAA, and AAAAA+? The simplest answer is marketing. One dispensary may rate their flowers like this: AAA, AAAA, AAAAA, AAAAA+. Another may have a different scale. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, there is no true universal grading system. One dispensary’s AAA maybe be another’s AAAA.

The fact that the cannabis industry does not have a standardized rating scale is unfortunate. This creates a problem similar to the word “kush.” Remember how we mentioned before that it is a misnomer? Kush went from being a distinct strain of indica found in the Hindu Kush ranges of Asia to being an adjective used to describe great weed. It’s worrisome that AAAA could have a similar destiny due to its misuse and overuse.

Forget the Adjectives and Focus on the Flower

To avoid repeating history with misused adjectives and ratings, take a moment to forget all the names and scales. People will always have their opinions. Perhaps the best way to have an unbiased and objective view on what constitutes quality cannabis is to look at the science. When ordering weed online in Canada, there are some key attributes to read about in order to make an informed choice and be assured you are getting quality cannabis.

Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile

Lab tests can tell us which cannabinoids and terpenes are contained in a cannabis strain. Product descriptions often give us the specs on these percentages. Whether it is a hybrid, has a certain percentage of THC, or has a very specific terpene can all give us an indication of the quality.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds like cannabidiol (CBD). These elicit certain effects, so the percentage of each one can tell us what to expect from consuming the plant. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis. The main cannabinoids shown in lab tests usually include THC, CBD, THCA, CBDA, CBN, THCV, CBGn and CBC. Each has its own reason for existence and its own properties.

Terpenes are responsible for the aromas and taste of the cannabis. There is no standard in testing for terpenes. Instead, individual terpenes are listed in reports, case by case depending on the research and desired information. A standard terpene test would be useful, but it’s also beneficial to simply know how many terpenes show up in the strain. Terpenes offer therapeutic qualities and give a range of benefits depending on which ones are present and how they interact with the plant’s cannabinoids.

Appearance

Density of the flower buds and the size, shape, colour, and general appearance of the plant can all tell us about quality. Unfortunately, when ordering weed online in Canada, you do not always get to see the product ahead of time. Sure, there is stock photography that gives you a general idea, but the actual product may look slightly different. This is why it is important to buy from reputable, quality dispensaries that have good reviews.

If the appearance of the cannabis flower doesn’t match the qualities, then it is reason to be skeptical. For example, an indica strain is short and wide. So if it looks like the leaves are long and thin, then clarify if you are buying an indica strain.

Another important aspect of appearance is how the product is kept. If it seems like the dispensary has mishandled the product and the trichomes (hair growths) are not intact, then ask questions. There could be a reason for this, or the dispensary may have washed it or tried to remove mould, or it may be evidence of bugs. Again, this can be difficult if ordering weed online in Canada. All we are saying is to ensure that the information matches up.

Ordering Weed Online in Canada: Best Quad Strains

Here is a selection of favourite Quad Strains available at Top BC Cannabis:

Blue God has a blueberry smell. It is a top-shelf AAAA strain with 24% THC content. The leaves are deep purple and have freckles frosty resin. This is ideal for sleep and those nighttime euphoric feelings.

Mimosa is a sativa-dominant hybrid. Opposite of Blue God, this is ideal to have in the morning as an energizer. It has THC levels between 19-27% on average. It has a sweet and sour citrus flavour to it, hence the name. These olive-green nugs with orangish hairs are sure to not disappoint.

Sunset Coast Pink Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that is related to OG Kush. It has bright green buds with sugary trichomes and pink hairs. It has 24% THC content on average and around 1% CBD. This is great for those who suffer from insomnia or appetite loss and is often used medicinally.

Other Considerations

Make no mistake about it, ordering weed online in Canada is one of the best ways to find quality cannabis. If you get the opportunity to see a new strain of weed in person beforehand, then there are some criteria to check. Feel, smell, taste, and experience the effects of the strain. This will help you decide ahead of time if it is worth ordering that next expensive AAAA strain. Most likely, it will be everything you hoped and dreamed. But if you can have a firsthand account ahead of time, then you’ll feel better about the purchase and eagerly anticipate its arrival.