Understanding Smalls: What They Are and If They're Worth It in the Cannabis World

When browsing dispensary menus, you might notice products labeled as "smalls" offered at discounted prices. For budget-conscious consumers or those new to cannabis terminology, understanding what smalls weed means can help make informed purchasing decisions. This guide explores what smalls are, how they compare to premium buds, and whether they provide good value for your money.

What Are Smalls Weed: Defining the Term

Smalls, also called "popcorn buds" or "littles," are smaller cannabis flower buds that develop lower on the plant, away from direct light sources. Despite their diminutive size, these buds come from the same plants as premium flowers and contain similar cannabinoid and terpene profiles. According to cannabis terminology guides, what does smalls mean in weed circles is simply a classification based on bud size rather than quality.

Typically, smalls range from pea to popcorn kernel size, whereas premium buds can be significantly larger, sometimes reaching the size of a golf ball or larger depending on the strain and growing conditions.

How Cannabis Smalls Form During Growth

The formation of smalls is a natural part of the cannabis growth cycle. As explained in resources about cannabis plant growth potential, the plant's structure naturally creates a hierarchy of bud sizes:

• Top colas (largest buds) form at the uppermost portions of the plant where light exposure is greatest
• Mid-plant buds develop with moderate size and density
• Lower branches receive less light, resulting in smaller, less dense buds classified as smalls

Growing medium and container choice can influence the proportion of smalls a plant produces, as detailed in guides about growing mediums and containers.

Differences Between Smalls and Premium Buds

Visual Differences

The most obvious difference is size. Premium buds are larger, often denser, and may have a more visually appealing trim. Smalls might appear less manicured but contain the same essential components. For visual reference, guides illustrating different weights often show how smalls compare to premium buds.

Potency Comparison

Research suggests minimal potency differences between smalls and premium buds from the same batch. Both contain similar cannabinoid levels, though terpene concentrations may vary slightly due to the buds' position on the plant and maturation differences.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing Smalls

Advantages

• Cost savings: Typically 20-30% less expensive than premium buds
• Similar effects to premium buds from the same strain
• Often more readily available when premium options sell out
• Better value for processing into concentrates or edibles

Disadvantages

• Less visually impressive for display purposes
• May contain slightly more stem material relative to bud size
• Sometimes slightly lower in terpene content
• Can dry out faster due to increased surface area relative to volume

Best Uses for Cannabis Smalls

Smalls excel in several applications:

• Pre-grinding for rolling joints or packing bowls
• Creating homemade concentrates or extracts
• Making edibles or tinctures
• Daily consumption for medical patients on a budget

For beginners learning about cannabis consumption, smalls provide an economical way to experiment with different strains, as mentioned in beginner guides to cannabis.

Storage and Preservation of Smalls

Due to their size, smalls have a higher surface-to-volume ratio than larger buds, making proper storage crucial to prevent accelerated drying. For optimal preservation:

• Store in airtight containers like glass jars with quality airtight lids or caps to maintain freshness
• Include humidity control packs to maintain optimal moisture levels
• Keep away from direct light and heat sources
• Consider vacuum sealing for longer-term storage

With proper storage, smalls can maintain their quality nearly as long as premium buds, though they may dry slightly faster due to their size.

Value Assessment: Are Smalls Worth It?

Whether smalls are worth purchasing depends on your priorities as a consumer. If you value:

• Budget efficiency: Smalls offer excellent value, providing similar effects at reduced prices
• Medicinal benefits: Patients seeking consistent effects without premium pricing will find smalls worthwhile
• Processing for other products: For creating concentrates or extracts, smalls are often the more economical choice
• Visual appeal: If presentation matters, premium buds may be preferable for special occasions

For most regular consumers, the 20-30% savings offered by smalls makes them a worthwhile purchase, especially when the effects remain consistent with premium options from the same strain and batch.

When evaluating if smalls are worth it, consider your consumption habits, budget constraints, and intended use. Many experienced consumers strategically purchase both premium buds and smalls, using each for different purposes to maximize their cannabis budget while enjoying the full spectrum of effects available.