Cannabis quality varies massively, and whether you’re a seasoned consumer or a curious beginner, knowing the difference between good weed and bad weed can make or break your experience. Not all flower is grown, cured, or stored equally—and these differences directly affect the smell, taste, potency, and even how the high feels. In the cannabis world, people often use three slang categories to describe quality: Reggie, Mid, and Loud. Understanding these terms not only helps you choose better products but also saves you from wasting money on poor-quality cannabis that doesn’t deliver the effects you’re expecting.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what each type looks like, how to spot good vs. bad weed using your senses, what common quality indicators mean, and what to watch out for when buying from dispensaries, delivery services, or plug sources. This long-form blog goes deep into each level of quality, breaks down visual traits, smell profiles, and structural differences, and gives you a full comparison table plus a helpful FAQ to tie everything together.
The Basics: Why Weed Quality Matters
Cannabis quality isn’t just about strength—it influences the entire experience. High-quality weed tends to burn smoother, taste cleaner, smell richer, and produce a more enjoyable high. On the other hand, low-quality weed often results in harsh smoke, weak effects, unpleasant tastes, or headaches. Quality is shaped by several factors:
- Growing conditions (indoor vs. outdoor vs. greenhouse)
- Genetics (strain quality, phenotype stability)
- Harvest technique and timing
- Curing and drying practices
- Storage methods
- Age of the flower
All these details create the difference between a sticky, fragrant, trichome-coated bud and a dry, brown, weak-smelling nug that nobody wants.
What Is Reggie Weed? (Low Quality)
Reggie, short for “regular,” is typically the lowest grade of cannabis. It’s the type many smokers encounter early on or accidentally purchase when buying from unreliable sources. Reggie often comes from poorly grown plants, rushed harvests, or outdoor grows that weren’t cared for properly. Sometimes the issue is genetics—other times it’s simply old, mishandled flower.
How Reggie Weed Looks
Reggie is usually light green to brownish, sometimes with visible seeds and stems. The buds are often fluffy, airy, or overly dry. When squeezed, they may crumble to dust rather than feel sticky or spongy. Trichome coverage is minimal, meaning potency is low.
How Reggie Smells
The terpene profile is usually weak or stale. Instead of the pungent aroma associated with good cannabis, Reggie may smell grassy, earthy in a dull way, or simply faint. Sometimes, older batches have a hay-like scent from improper curing.
How Reggie Smokes
Reggie tends to burn harshly, leaving you coughing even if you’re used to smoking regularly. The flavor may be bitter or woody, lacking the sweetness or fruitiness of high-quality flower.
Potency Level
Low potency. THC often ranges between 8–12%, sometimes even lower.
What Is Mid Weed? (Medium Quality)
Mid, often called “mids,” is middle-quality cannabis. It’s far better than Reggie but not quite top-shelf. Most average dispensary flower, especially budget-friendly options, falls somewhere in this category. Mids can offer pleasant highs, decent flavor, and a smooth enough smoke—depending on the grower.
How Mid Weed Looks
Mids usually have a healthy green color, ranging from light green to forest green. There may be orange or amber hairs, and trichome coverage is visible but not frosty. The buds are more structured than Reggie but not as dense or sticky as Loud.
How Mid Weed Smells
Mids generally smell nice but not overpowering. You’ll catch whiffs of fruit, pine, spice, or sweetness depending on the strain, but the aroma won’t fill the room like Loud or top-shelf flower. Fresh mids can still be enjoyable to smell.
How Mid Weed Smokes
The smoke can be smooth, though sometimes slightly harsh if the bud wasn’t cured perfectly. The flavor is usually decent, offering a light version of the strain’s intended terpene profile.
Potency Level
Moderate potency. THC usually lands in the 14–20% range, which is enough for a good experience without being overwhelming.
What Is Loud Weed? (High Quality / Top Shelf)
Loud is the slang for top-shelf, high-quality cannabis. The term comes from the fact that it smells “loud”—meaning the aroma is so potent it announces itself the moment the bag opens. Loud weed is usually grown indoors or in high-tech greenhouses with careful attention to genetics, nutrients, curing, and trimming.
How Loud Weed Looks
Loud buds are dense, sticky, covered in thick trichomes, and usually have vibrant colors ranging from deep green to purples or blues. The buds sparkle due to the heavy crystal coating, indicating high cannabinoid and terpene content.
How Loud Weed Smells
The smell is strong, rich, and layered. Terpenes are intense—sweet, fruity, gassy, spicy, or citrusy depending on the strain. Loud weed has an aroma that fills the room instantly.
How Loud Weed Smokes
Smooth, flavorful, and potent. You’ll notice a richer taste, fuller terpene experience, and long-lasting high. Loud weed typically burns clean, leaving white ash if flushed properly during cultivation.
Potency Level
High potency. THC commonly ranges between 22–30%+, with stronger strains reaching even higher.
Visual Comparison Table: Reggie vs Mid vs Loud
Feature Colour
Trichomes
Texture
Smell
Smoke Potency Seeds/Stems
Effects
Reggie (Low Quality)
Brownish, dull green
Sparse or invisible
Dry, brittle, seedy Faint, grassy, hay- like
Harsh, bitter ~8–12% THC Often many
Weak or short- lasting
Mid (Medium Quality)
Light–medium green
Moderate, visible under good lighting
Semi-dense, slightly sticky Noticeable but mild terpene scent
Smooth enough, slightly harsh ~14–20% THC
Minimal
Good balanced high
Loud (Top-Shelf)
Vibrant green, purple, or multicolored
Frosty, thick crystal coating
Dense, sticky, spongy
Very strong, pungent, “loud” aroma
Smooth, flavorful, clean burn ~22–30%+ THC
Very few or none
Strong, long-lasting, strain- accurate
How to Identify Good Weed Using Your Senses
High-quality cannabis is a sensory experience. If you’re comparing flower from different dispensaries or dealers, here’s what to look for:
1. The Look
Good weed should have:
- Visible trichomes
- Vibrant colors
- Well-manicured trimming
- Thick, dense buds
Avoid:
- Brown, yellow, or moldy-looking patches
- Excess stems or seeds
- Extremely airy or fluffy buds
2. The Smell
Potent weed always has a strong scent. Good signs include:
- Fruitiness
- Gas or diesel
- Sweet notes
- Citrus
- Earthy richness
Bad signs:
- No smell at all
- Grass or hay-like scents
- Chemical odors
- Moldy or sour smells
3. The Touch
Quality buds feel:
- Sticky but not wet
- Spongy when squeezed
- Well-cured but not bone dry
Poor-quality weed may feel:
- Overly dry
- Too soft or moist (possible mold)
- Dusty or crumbly
4. The Smoke
Good weed burns:
- Smooth and clean
- Flavorful
- With white or light gray ash
Bad weed burns:
- Harsh
- Chemical-tasting
- Produces dark or black ash (possible nutrients not flushed out)
Why Some Weed Turns Out Bad
There are several reasons cannabis ends up in the Reggie category:
Bad Growing Conditions
Poor light, weak genetics, or lack of nutrients can permanently ruin a plant’s potential.
Improper Drying/Curing
This is where many growers fail. Rushed curing leads to a harsh smoke and hay-like smell.
Old or Stale Flower
If cannabis sits too long—especially in hot or humid environments—potency fades and terpenes evaporate.
Contamination
Pesticides, mold, or mildew instantly tank quality and can even pose health risks.
How to Choose the Best Weed for Your Needs
Choosing between Reggie, Mid, and Loud depends on your budget and the experience you’re seeking:
- On a budget? Mids offer the best balance between affordability and enjoyable effects.
- Want maximum flavor and potency? Loud is worth the investment for premium highs.
- Avoid Reggie unless it’s all that’s available or you’re using it for edibles where potency doesn’t
matter as much.
FAQ: Good Weed vs Bad Weed
1.How do I know if weed is too old?
Old cannabis loses smell, flavor, and potency. It becomes dry, crumbly, and harsh to smoke.
2. Does color alone determine quality?
No, but it’s a strong indicator. Bright greens and purples usually mean well-grown cannabis.
3. Is brown weed always bad?
Usually, yes. Brown often means aged, poorly stored, or improperly cured cannabis.
4. Can Reggie still get you high?
Yes, but effects are weaker and shorter-lasting compared to mid or loud.
5. Why does Loud weed cost more?
Higher-quality genetics, indoor growing, extended curing, and meticulous trimming all add cost—but also improve potency and flavor.
6. Is Mid better for beginners?
Often yes. Mids provide a balanced, manageable experience without overwhelming potency.
7. What’s the easiest way to check quality quickly?
Smell it. Aroma tells you almost everything about terpene richness and freshness.
