The New Yorker's Guide
to Shopping for Cannabis Flower in New York
Explore our curated selection of the Empire State’s finest flower.
What is cannabis flower?
Cannabis flower, also called weed, bud, zaza, or simply “cannabis,” is the harvested and dried portion of the plant. This is what you buy when you want to smoke cannabis, dry herb vape, or make your own infused edibles or topicals at home. Its versatility and its ability to cater to diverse preferences and needs — not to mention, the seemingly-endless array of strain options — make flower the best selling cannabis product year after year.
Cannabis flower contains THC and may contain minor cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and CBG, depending on the strain. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce a variety of effects. The aroma, flavor, and potency of flower can vary depending on the strain itself, the cultivation methods utilized, and processing techniques.
How many types of cannabis flower are there?
Cannabis flower is commonly categorized into three main “types” based on genetic lineage and other characteristics: indica, sativa, and hybrid. While it’s ultimately the cannabinoid and terpene content that truly defines a strain’s effects and characteristics, there are some general traits associated with each type.
Indica
Indica strains are traditionally associated with relaxing effects and are often sought after for their ability to induce feelings of calmness or relaxation. As a result, they’re commonly consumed in the evening or at night.
Sativa
Sativa strains are associated with energizing and uplifting effects. They are often selected for daytime use, as they can enhance creativity, focus, and productivity while providing a high. If you want a mood boost, a strain associated with these characteristics is worth trying.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are crossbreeds of indica and sativa plants. Most strains you’ll find on dispensary shelves are hybrids. Cannabis lore says that hybrids combine characteristics from both genetic lineages, supporting a “balanced” effect between indica and sativa effects.
How is cannabis flower sold in New York?
Whole flower
This is the intact, dried buds of the cannabis plant, typically sold by eighths, quarters, or ounces. It’s quite versatile and can be put to use in many ways.
Premium flower
These are the highest quality buds available, often characterized by their robust aroma, potent effects, and well-developed trichomes. These buds are carefully cultivated, harvested, hand-trimmed, and carefully cured to maximize potency and flavor, offering an unforgettable experience for discerning consumers.
Popcorn buds
These smaller, less dense buds that develop on the cannabis plant. They may not have the same visual appeal or size as large buds, but popcorn buds are still plenty good to smoke. They contain the same cannabinoids and terpenes as other flower from that plant. It’s a satisfying experience at a more affordable price point.
Trim
This refers to the excess plant material that’s manicured during the harvesting and trimming. While trim isn’t as potent or flavorful as whole flower, it can be used to make extracts, concentrates, or infused products. Trim is sometimes used interchangeably with “shake” and “pre-ground flower,’ but these are all technically different products.
Pre-rolls
These are cannabis joints without any need to roll them yourself. They offer convenience and ease of use for consumers who prefer not to roll their own joint, and come in various sizes and strains that cater to different preferences and habits.
Trim
This refers to the excess plant material that’s manicured during the harvesting and trimming. While trim isn’t as potent or flavorful as whole flower, it can be used to make extracts, concentrates, or infused products. Trim is sometimes used interchangeably with “shake” and “pre-ground flower,’ but these are all technically different products.
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Cannabis Flower FAQs
Adults 21 or older in New York are permitted to purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and 24 grams of cannabis concentrate (like edibles or oil) in any single day.
You can have up to 3 ounces of cannabis on you at a time. Any more may result in fines.
The cost of cannabis eighths can vary significantly depending on several factors, including brand reputation, cannabis quality, and market demand. For example, one New York brand, Hepworth sells eights for about $32, well other brands like LOBO have higher-priced eighths, around $53. Other factors such as cultivation methods, cannabinoid content, and rarity of the strain can also influence pricing.
It’s crucial to check the packaging to ensure your flower is from a licensed, New York grower. Look for compliant labeling displaying the grower’s license number, batch information, and cannabinoid content. Official seals or stamps from regulatory agencies, along with tamper-evident packaging, further authenticate a product’s legality and quality. You can also verify a brand’s authenticity through online research and or talk with the budtender at your dispensary for more details.
Every product sold at The Plant is from a fully licensed cannabis cultivator or processor. All flower sold at our Yonkers dispensary is tested according to stringent state standards. Rest assured, what you buy at The Plant is legit.
Every regulated adult-use cannabis product sold in New York is required to undergo testing for a variety of cannabinoids, contaminants and more.
All regulated products in New York also include the below New York State “universal symbol” designating it as a tested, regulated product. Always check the product label to ensure you’re purchasing a regulated product.
Proper storage of cannabis flower is crucial for maintaining freshness, potency, and flavor over time. Here are some tips on how to store cannabis flower at home:
- Use airtight containers: Store cannabis flower in airtight jars to prevent exposure to air, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes over time. Mason jars or specialty containers designed for cannabis storage are both great choices.
- Keep flower in a cool, dark environment: Store flower away from sunlight and direct heat sources. Excessive heat and light can accelerate the degradation process and diminish the quality of your flower.
- Control the humidity: Maintain a moderate humidity level to prevent mold and mildew growth while preserving the integrity of the buds. Adding a humidity control pack or moisture regulator to your storage container can help maintain optimal humidity levels.
- Store away from children and pets: Store cannabis flower in a secure, out of reach location. Ensure that containers are childproof and placed somewhere that is inaccessible to the curious hand or paw.
