What Are Popcorn Buds & What Can You Do With Them?
You may have seen bags of small buds in your local dispensary; but what are popcorn buds? Essentially, popcorn buds are smaller buds that grow lower on the cannabis plant and are airier than regular buds.
Popcorn buds suffer from an undeserved bad reputation as they are often considered inferior to regular buds. However, popcorn nugs or buds may in fact offer a lower-priced alternative to regular buds that can still give you a great high.
What Are Popcorn Buds?
Popcorn buds, AKA popcorn nuggets or nugs, are buds that form in the lower part of the main canopy of the plant. They're generally poorly developed compared to regular buds.
As a rule, cultivators don't want these small buds to develop, as they can reduce the weight of their harvest. Popcorn buds are often slightly less potent than big buds of the same strain (by weight) because they have fewer trichomes. However, many cannabis consumers still enjoy them.
Can You Get High With Popcorn Buds?
Popcorn buds can definitely get you high, but you will probably need more to feel the same effects. If you're looking for a psychedelic weed strain, you may feel milder effects from popcorn buds than regular weed, especially if you're a seasoned consumer. However, popcorn buds may be a perfect solution for beginners trying to take it easy in their first sessions.
Why Are They Called Popcorn Buds?
Popcorn buds are so named because their shape and size are similar to the shape and size of popped corn.
Why Do Popcorn Buds Occur on the Cannabis Plant?
There can be various reasons why popcorn buds appear on a cannabis plant. Popcorn buds are generally thought to be a result of stress. The following are a few other possible causes:
An Overcrowded Environment. A dense growing environment with very little space between plants or a lack of trimming may limit light exposure to the lower parts of the plants. This can result in the appearance of underdeveloped buds.
Excessive Heat or Humidity. As well as encouraging the presence of mold and pests, an excessively hot or humid atmosphere can lead to the development of popcorn buds as the plant tries to protect itself.
Under/Over Feeding or Watering. Cannabis plants require the right amount of nutrients and water to grow healthily and survive. Too little or too much feeding and too little or too much water can affect the plant's growth and lead to the formation of popcorn buds.
Pests. If pests and plagues aren't handled in the early stages, the plant can have problems forming healthy buds.
Popcorn Buds vs Regular Flower
There are various pros and cons to opting for popcorn buds over regular flower. As is often the case, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Popcorn buds offer some advantages over larger buds:
The lower level of cannabinoids contained in the small buds (by volume) can be an advantage for beginners or consumers who prefer a milder high or want to microdose.
Popcorn nugs offer a cost-effective alternative to regular flower. Though they're still able to get consumers high, these smaller buds won't set you back as much in your local dispensary.
Popcorn buds are extremely versatile because you can smoke or vape them in various ways. Like regular buds, popcorn buds can be consumed via a joint or a pipe, using a vape pen, or in edibles. Unlike regular flower, however, popcorn buds can often be vaped (using a dry herb vaporizer) or washed in ice water directly without needing to break them up first.
These are a couple of potential cons of popcorn flower:
People who take cannabis for its therapeutic properties may find popcorn buds less effective due to their lower levels of cannabinoids by weight.
Popcorn buds are seen as "B" grade cannabis and as being inferior to larger flower buds. Some dispensary owners and consumers may feel they lack bag appeal.
Top Uses for Popcorn Buds
Even though they're not as potent by volume as A-grade buds, there are plenty of ways to use popcorn buds for a budget-friendly high. Popcorn buds can be just as effective as their larger sister buds in the following applications:
Make Concentrates
You can easily store popcorn buds and use them to make concentrates like kief, hash, dry sift, and bubble hash (ice water hash). You’ll need a higher volume of popcorn buds to get the same output as you would with regular buds.
Make THC or CBD Oil for Edibles
Between 30% and 47% of adults who have ever consumed cannabis have at some point tried cannabis edibles. Consumers can purchase edibles from dispensaries in Seattle, WA or their nearest legal city. They can also infuse popcorn buds into butter or oils at home and use these infused products to make weed brownies.
Enjoy Them Just as They Are
Though they may be less visually appealing and less potent by weight than A-grade buds, popcorn nugs can be enjoyed just as much and at a lower price point. Indeed, the lower THC content may be appealing to those who prefer a less intense high.
Economical and Satisfying
Though cultivators may not see popcorn buds as desirable, they can be a great choice for many consumers. Popcorn buds offer a great alternative to larger flower buds if you want to make your own edibles or experience milder effects from smoking or vaping.
Whether you're a newbie to the world of cannabis or an experienced consumer on a budget, popcorn buds are a great product that shouldn't be ignored. Give them a try. We think you’ll be glad you did!