What is Exotic Weed?
- 1. What is exotic weed?
- 2. What makes weed exotic?
- 3. The journey of top-grade weed
- 4. Is top-grade weed stronger than regular weed?
- 5. Exotic weed prices vs regular weed prices
- 6. How to smoke craft-quality weed
- 7. Examples of exotic cannabis strains
- 8. Exotic weed faqs
- 9. In conclusion
Just like any other industry, the cannabis industry, and more specifically, the cannabis seeds industry, continues to grow and expand. It’s increasingly common to see new “modern” strains (often referred to as exotic weed), that are much more potent and flavorful than those available just a few years ago.
But what exactly is top-grade weed? Is it fancier or more expensive than normal weed? Is it more potent? Let’s dive deep into what it is and how to identify AAAA-grade weed versus regular-quality weed.
What is Exotic Weed?
So let’s jump right into it. What is exotic weed? Craft-quality weed typically refers to strains that are rare to come by, but it is mostly used to describe weed of top-shelf quality, craft quality, AAAA quality, or unique quality.
Because there’s more experience, knowledge, and money invested into growing and processing premium weed, it tends to cost more than habitual weed. People are willing to pay more for a much better or unique experience compared to normal weed.
What Makes Weed Exotic?
As mentioned, craft-quality weed refers to top-shelf flower, but how do you know if what you’re about to purchase is top-quality flower? There are some characteristics to keep an eye on that will help you spot top-quality weed at your local dispensary.
Potency
Top-quality weed is known for being much more potent than normal weed. Premium weed usually contains higher THC levels, ranging from 25% to 32%, whereas regular-quality weed typically has THC levels between 10% and 20%.
Even if there’s no lab test for you to check, you can recognize potency by the density of the layer of trichomes, as more resin is often an indication of more potent effects.
Color
Exotic weed also has that beautiful bag appeal, and it’s probably the first thing you notice. AAAA quality weed can have unique combinations of hues of orange, purple, blue, and green, that will catch your attention right away.
Bud Density
It might be difficult to assess bud density without touching or pressing the buds, but premium cannabis flower is usually much denser than normal-quality weed. This means that 1 gram of premium cannabis flower won’t look like much, but just a tiny bit will go a long way, unlike normal weed, where you might need two or three small buds to roll a joint.
Terpenes (Taste and Aroma)
However, the main way to identify AAAA weed is by its aroma and taste. Unlike regular weed, which usually offers one-note flavors like lemon or orange, AAAA-grade weed provides a much more complex combination of terpenes that can translate to flavors like cheese, coffee, chocolate, and pastry, among others.
The way the terpenes work together results in a unique experience. As you grind, roll, inhale, and exhale, premium-quality weed will reveal different layers of aromas and flavors. This complexity can only be achieved through an extensive selection process that takes several years, which is why top-shelf weed tends to be more expensive but worth it as it delivers a unique experience from start to finish.
The Journey of Top-grade Weed
Nowadays, the term Exotic Weed is used to refer to top-shelf quality weed, however, when the term first came around it was used to refer to unique genetics that weren’t widely available. The story of AAAA weed or exotic strains starts back in the 70s when breeders started experimenting with crossing and breeding different landrace genetics in order to manipulate their structure, potency, and flavors among other characteristics.
A notable example is the original Blueberry strain from 1990, bred by DJ Short, who selected specific specimens to emphasize the flavor of the weed. The strain went on to become so famous that it’s still used in top-quality weed breeding 30 years later. What used to represent years of effort and dedication now signifies how well the weed has been grown and the quality of the experience when consuming it.
Is top-grade weed stronger than regular weed?
Definitely! Regular weed THC levels range from 10% to 20% and usually have terpene levels ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%. On the other hand, AAAA-grade weed has higher THC levels, ranging from 25% to 30%, and also has higher terpene levels, ranging from 2% to 3%. This gives it a more potent effect and incredible flavors and aromas.
Exotic weed prices vs regular weed prices
Weed prices vary based on several things such as strain quality and region, as prices can fluctuate depending gon where you purchase. However, one thing that we do know is that top-shelf weed prices are much higher than regular weed prices as you can see below.
| AAAA Weed | Regular Weed | ||
| Price range by quantity | |||
| Gram | $15 - $20 | Gram | $6 - $10 |
| Eighth (3.5 grams of weed) | $50 - $70 | Eighth (3.5 grams of weed) | $20 - $30 |
| Quarter of weed (7 grams of weed) | $100 - $140 | Quarter of weed (7 grams of weed) | $40 - $60 |
| Half Ounce (14 grams) | $200 - $280 | Half Ounce (14 grams) | $80 - $120 |
| Full Ounce (28 grams) | $400 - $560 | Full Ounce (28 grams) | $160 - $240 |
| Pound (448 grams) | $4000 - $5000 | Pound (448 grams) | $2000 - $2400 |
How to smoke craft-quality weed
There are no differences between habitual weed and craft-quality weed when it comes to consumption methods as AAAA weed can be consumed in the same way as habitual weed, such as:
- Joint - The classic and most preferred method amongst recreational consumers as all you need is rolling papers, tips, a lighter, and weed, obivously.
- Bong - Another widely popular method, although not as common due to the cost of a bong and the complications of carrying glass everywhere.
- Vape - A more modern and discreet consumption method that is less harmful than joints, but comes at a price, as good-quality vapes usually start at a $100 to $200 price point.
Examples of exotic cannabis strains
If you’re looking to grow your own top-quality weed, here are some strains that will provide excellent results. However, keep in mind that starting with top-quality genetics is just 50% of the work; the other 50% is providing perfect growing conditions to allow them to express their full potential.
Papaya Cookies Auto
A combination of two Cali strains, Papaya and Girls Scout Cookies, this delicious combination of top-quality strains in auto version delivers an outstanding flavor of ripe papaya and sweet cookie dough.
Forbidden Runtz Auto
Another mix of two cali sensations, Forbidden Runtz Auto is the perfect choice for hash makers as it combines the fruity terps of the original Forbidden Fruit strain with the staple aroma of the original Runtz strain.
Tropicana Cookies FF
The world-famous Tropicana genetics combined with the classic Girl Scout Cookies, resulting in beautiful purple buds that smell like cookie dough and orange juice.
Rainbow Melon
A more modern take on the famous Runtz. Rainbow Melon offers a truly unique terpene profile that tastes just like a sweet melon jelly, perfect for those looking to indulge in top-shelf Cali flavors.
Exotic Weed FAQs
Is exotic weed legal or illegal?
Craft-quality weed is legal in all places where normal-quality weed is legal since the legality of cannabis depends on the jurisdiction rather than the quality of the cannabis product. This means that in any place where medical or recreational use is legal, you can purchase AAAA weed. Remember to understand the laws and regulations in your specific location to avoid legal consequences.
How to tell if my weed is exotic? What does top-quality weed look like?
Premium cannabis flower often exhibits visually appealing characteristics such as different colors, a thicker layer of resin, and denser buds. However, the main indicators are the aromas, flavor, potency, and type of effect.
How much for a pound of exotic weed?
The price of craft-quality weed will vary by strain, region, and availability. The average price for a pound of AAAA weed can range between $2000 to +$5000.
What’s the most exotic strain ever?
This varies from time to time as new cannabis strains are appearing every week, however, the most popular exotic strains in the last few years include Runtz, Zkittlez, Gelato, and Mimosa.
How and where to buy top-quality weed?
Exotic cannabis can be found at dispensaries and vendors who specialize in premium or top-quality cannabis products. It’s essential to purchase from reputable vendors to guarantee the quality and authenticity of the strain,
In Conclusion
Now that you know what exotic weed is, how much it costs, and how to identify it, get ready to enter a whole new realm of unique highs and flavors, and indulge in the unforgettable experience that is smoking top-shelf weed. Whether you’re looking for recreational enjoyment or medicinal relief, make sure to always purchase from trusted vendors, and remember, premium weed is much, much more potent than normal weed. So if you’re a beginner, approach with caution!
