While there are all sorts of cannabis consumption methods available, I care about the old-university smoking of flower! I can care about the convenience of vapes, the discretion of tinctures and the fun of edibles, even though I don’t recognize they compare to lighting up wonderful quality bud. I care about the process of rolling the joint, the aroma of burning weed and the bite of inhaling the smoke. I’ve checked out the multiple dispensaries in my hometown of Portland and found the best brands and strains of weed available. I am quite particular about the quality of the marijuana flower that I purchase. I look for complex and bright colors, make sure to sniff test for pungent terpenes and check that there are no stems or seeds… One of the most important aspects is an abundance of trichomes coating the surface of the bud, then the trichomes contain cannabinoids responsible for potency and the terpenes that give each strain its distinctive odor and taste! When there is a plentiful supply of crystal-like trichomes, I can be sure the weed has been properly cultivated, harvested and cured. It sporadically requires a magnifying glass to see the trichomes. I officially use my smartphone to snap a quick option of the buds. I then zoom in to verify the characteristics. The trichomes should be pale white and look care about small mushrooms. If they are rare or too tiny, the bud may have been prematurely harvested or component trimmed. It won’t be as potent or beneficial. It’s especially important to recognize the difference between trichomes and mold. The trichomes are shiny, sparkly and crystal-like while mold tends to be more gray and fuzzy.