Popcorn flower is a specific type of marijuana flower bud that’s available for smoking or vaping. In this guide, we’ll explain more about popcorn buds, including:

• What are Popcorn Buds, and Why are They Called ‘Popcorn’?
• What Part of the Cannabis Plant Does Popcorn Come from?
• What are the Pros and Cons of Popcorn Flower?

If you’re completely new to all types of cannabis flower, feel free to check out our guide: Marijuana Flower 101.  

The term “popcorn” refers to the small marijuana flower buds that are about the size of a kernel of popcorn. While they aren’t the giant flower buds you sometimes find in a dispensary, they are still a quality cannabis product that is a bit more affordable than more premium buds. In fact, while the producer may sell the buds for less because they aren’t show-stoppers, they can often have just about the same potency, flavor and aroma.  

Cannabis growers or producers are innovative, searching for ways to grow high-quality flower buds on a single marijuana plant. From expertly planned grow rooms with advanced lighting, heating and watering technology to entire plots of land specifically cultivated for the best marijuana conditions, growing marijuana is truly both an art and science. Marijuana requires the right airflow, nutrients, and attention to ensure the female cannabis plant produces the most buds possible.

Like with any plant, there are going to be bigger flower buds and smaller flower buds. With marijuana, the buds closer to the soil, receiving less light or airflow, tend to be smaller. While they might not have as many trichomes—the sticky fibers on buds that produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—popcorn buds can still pack their own unique effects similar to what is seen from the larger flower buds on the plant.

Across the industry, many marijuana producers try to trim the buds before they form, so the plant can put its energy into the larger flower buds, but popcorn is still inevitable. That’s why marijuana producers harvest these popcorn buds from their plants, process and package them together, and then sell them to dispensaries for a lower cost than the larger buds. And of course, we pass those savings on to you, the consumer.

Learn how to properly store your popcorn with our cannabis flower storage guide.  

The truth about popcorn flower is that the pros and cons depend on the cannabis consumer. For example, sometimes, popcorn can have lower levels of cannabinoids in them compared to their larger sister buds. For experienced smokers and vapers looking for intoxicating psychoactive effects, this may be a con. But if you’re new to cannabis? This could be the perfect way for you to try flower.

One pro many people can agree with is that they’re a more cost-effective type of marijuana flower. With popcorn buds, you’re sure to still get the psychoactive effects you’re looking for in your flower, but you won’t pay as much at a dispensary when compared to other types of cannabis.

Another advantage of popcorn is that it can be smoked or vaped in a variety of ways. For example, it can be ground up and rolled into a “joint,” packed into a glass or water pipe, inserted into a dry herb vape pen, or even processed for homemade edibles. And you’re doing all of that for a lower cost. So, if you’re a beginner looking to try new ways to consume cannabis, popcorn flower can be the perfect entry point to the industry.  

To know if popcorn flower is right for you, you have to first ask yourself if you’re okay with vaping or smoking—or if you’re willing to put in the work to make your own homemade edibles. If the answer to any of those questions is “yes,” then there’s a good chance you’d enjoy consuming popcorn buds.

And if you’re still wondering about popcorn, why not visit your local Verilife dispensary? Our cannabis experts on staff can talk to you about all of our available cannabis products—including popcorn buds if available in your state—and the tools you can use to enjoy them.