The Bay State has one of the most fruitful cannabis markets in New England thanks to its maturity. For this reason, Massachusetts cannabis enthusiasts have the opportunity to navigate through a nuanced landscape of quality tiers, each offering a unique experience in terms of quality, prices, and what to expect. While cannabis tiers may seem a bit confusing, they are relatively easy to understand with just a bit of guidance. Take a look at the three primary cannabis tiers below.
A Closer Look at Cannabis Tiers
Tier III – Top Shelf
Price Range: $40 per eighth and up
Brands: Elevated and Blue Collar Botany
When you reach for Tier III cannabis, you’re at the pinnacle of what Massachusetts has to offer. These buds are the crème de la crème. The aroma from these buds can fill a room, thanks to a rich terpene profile that’s not only a treat for the nose but also promises a complex flavor palette when consumed.
Here, you’re likely to find strains with THC levels that can soar past 30%, oftentimes offering potent, long-lasting effects that cater to both recreational and medicinal users looking for the best of the best. Nevertheless, not all top-shelf flower is the most potent; there is more focus on overall quality, genetics, and care during the cultivation process.
Tier II – Mid Tier
Price Range: around $35 to $40 per eighth
Brands: Highmark Provisions and At Ease
Tier II cannabis strikes a balance between cost and quality, making it a popular choice for those who want a bit more than the basics without breaking the bank. This flower may not have the same visual allure as Tier III, but there is no skimp on potency or aroma.
You’ll find well-cured buds with decent trichome coverage and overall a well-formed and trimmed bud in the “mid” tier. The THC content here can range from 20% to 25%, but there is no hard-and-fast rule in any tier when it comes to potency.
Tier I – Budget Tier
Price Range: up to $35 per eighth
Brands: Glorious Cannabis Co. and Farmer’s Cut
Tier I is all about accessibility, offering cannabis at a price point that welcomes everyone into the fold. Don’t let the budget label fool you; Tier I still provides a decent experience, suitable for daily use or for those who are new to cannabis.
The buds in Tier I can be smaller or less visually appealing than higher tiers, but they are often well-trimmed and free from seeds. Potency can still be quite respectable, with some strains offering up to 20% THC or more.
How to Spot Different Cannabis Tiers at the Dispensary
When visiting a dispensary, understanding these tiers can significantly enhance your shopping experience. Here are some tips:
- Look at the Price: Generally, the higher the price, the higher the tier. However, always check for specials or discounts which can make higher-tier products more accessible if you’re shopping on a budget.
- Examine the Buds: Top-shelf flower is often easy to spot due to its rich colors and frosty appearance. Mid-tier and budget-tier buds may not be quite as flashy, uniformly trimmed, or heavily trichome-covered.
- Smell and Feel: Higher-tier cannabis will have a more pronounced, complex aroma and a spongy, dense texture. Lower tiers may feel less robust and don’t always have the most profound aromatics.
- Check the Brand Reputation: Brands focus on different tiers, so if you know a dispensary carries a particular brand known for quality flower, look for their certification of a certain quality tier on the label.
- Ask the Budtender: Dispensary staff are there to help. They can guide you through the quality tiers, explaining what each offers in terms of effects, flavors, and value. Our team can also point you to the best strain picks from each tier or price range.
Find One of the Largest Varieties of Cannabis at Collective
With a commitment to quality and customer education, all of our dispensaries offer one of the largest and most diverse selections of cannabis in the state. Whether you’re after the superior quality of top shelf or the reliable quality of mid-tier at more accessible prices, we have something for everyone. Looking to explore now? Check out our menu in Billerica and Littleton, as well as Campfire Cannabis in West Boylston to see every strain of flower we have in stock.
