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What are Mids?
When you hear the term “mids,” it refers to cannabis that falls somewhere between the best and worst qualities. It’s a middle-ground product that offers a cheaper alternative to top-shelf.
Sometimes referred to as “medium-grade” or “B+ Cannabis,” mids have certain characteristics that differentiate them from other products. While the appearance, texture, and smell will be similar to other marijuana buds, there will be a noticeable downgrade in terms of quality. For example, the coloring might not be as bright, the texture not as sticky, and the smell not as pleasant.
Keep in mind that mid-grade does not mean a low grade. Mids will still have shades of green, orange, or purple. They’ll also be sticky and fluffy. If you purchase cannabis with a brown tint that’s dry and brittle, avoid it at all costs! Low-grade cannabis has a much higher chance of being contaminated with molds, heavy metals, and pesticides.
While top-shelf marijuana is always preferred, mids are the standard. In fact, a significant portion of the cannabis in the United States is considered medium-grade.
Pros of Mid-Grade Cannabis
Admittedly, the term “mids” is often used in a negative light. Still, that isn’t to say there aren’t any pros to purchasing this type of cannabis:
Affordability
Affordability is the number one reason people purchase mids. If you’re a heavy smoker, mid-grade marijuana allows you to have a large supply without breaking the bank. Of course, this price cut comes at the cost of quality. Namely, in terms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) count – mids simply have lower THC levels. However, mid-grade marijuana will still provide you with a decent high.
Color
While mids aren’t the prettiest out there, they usually have brighter shades of color than reggie weed. When purchased in varying strains, mids will provide an array of colors to enhance your stash. Since this is the affordable option, buying an assortment of mids is easy and an effective way of boosting the aesthetic of your cannabis collection.
Psychotropic Effects
As mentioned, part of the cost of middle-grade weed is it usually contains lower levels of THC. However, don’t let this dissuade you! Mids can still provide a solid high, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Even more so, mids are a great option for those sensitive to THC. If you find that large sums of high-grade weed leave you paranoid and anxious, the lower THC levels may help ease some of these symptoms. In our experience, we found mids to provide a high that wasn’t too intense or mellow – it was the perfect middle-ground.
Cons of Mid-Grade Cannabis
Naturally, the negative attitude for mids comes from somewhere. These are the cons:
Appearance
While the color of mids can be aesthetically pleasing, it can also be bland. Mids tend to lack trichomes which are what give weed its appearance pop. Of course, beauty is subjective. At the end of the day, all that really matters is the experience.
Stems and Seeds
Unfortunately, a collection of mids is bound to have more stems and seeds than high-grade marijuana. For those that don’t know, stems and seeds do not contain THC and, therefore, do not add to your high.
Of course, this can be seen in a positive light. If you’ve wanted to learn how to grow marijuana, these extra seeds may be your chance to experiment. On top of that, stems will provide extra fiber in your favorite cannabis-enhanced infusion, such as THC milk.
Higher Risk of Contamination
If you live in an area where marijuana is recreationally legalized and are purchasing marijuana legally, this will not be a concern of yours. However, if you buy mid-grade cannabis illegally, be warned that there’s a higher potential for contamination.
More so, mid-grade weed is more prone to molding if not stored properly. Consuming moldy marijuana can have a variety of negative effects on your lung health, including coughing, nausea, and vomiting.
What are the Terms for Cannabis Grades?
As you find yourself in the cannabis space, you’ll hear different terms to define the quality of cannabis. These include:
- Regs – short for “regulars,” are the lowest-grade marijuana out there.
- Mids – as discussed in this article, middle-grade cannabis products.
- Beasters – considered higher quality than regs and mids, but still not top-notch.
- Headies – the best of the best.
All four types of cannabis can be differentiated by quality. With regs, you’re receiving low-quality products likely at an affordable price. In terms of headies, you’re paying premium dollars but also receiving high-end marijuana.
Mid-Grade Marijuana FAQs
In terms of physical touch, mid-grade weed will feel similar to top-quality marijuana. It will be sticky and fluffy while also producing a strong aroma. In terms of effects, mids aren’t as strong as headies, but still provide a solid high.
The simple difference is this: top-shelf cannabis will provide you with premium quality, potency, and experience, whereas middle-grade cannabis remains acceptable quality and affordable.
The term “Cali mids” is middle-grade marijuana grown in California. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, “Cali mids” may be used in relation to higher-quality than local mids, but still a middle-ground product.