Smalls at Dispensaries Explained Why Cheaper Buds Still Pack a Punch

Written by Lorien Strydom

January 14th, 2026

Walking into a dispensary and seeing "smalls" or "popcorn buds" listed alongside regular flower can raise questions. Are these inferior products? Why are they cheaper? The answer might surprise you: smalls are simply smaller cannabis flowers from the same plants that produce top-shelf buds. They offer the same cannabinoid content and terpene profiles you'd find in larger buds, just in more compact packages.

We'll break down exactly what smalls are, how they compare to regular-sized flower, and why they've become a smart choice for budget-conscious cannabis enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on quality.

Table of Contents

• What Are Smalls?

• Why Do Smalls Exist?

• Quality Considerations for Smalls

• Smalls vs. Regular Buds: What's the Difference?

• Are Smalls Worth Buying?

• How to Choose Quality Smalls

• Best Uses for Smalls

What Are Smalls?

Smalls are smaller cannabis flowers, typically under 2 grams each, that develop on the lower branches of the plant. They're also called "popcorn buds" because their size resembles popcorn kernels. These buds come from the same genetics and plants as top-shelf flower —the only difference is their position on the plant during growth.

The size difference results from reduced light exposure during cultivation, not from inferior genetics or poor growing practices.

Cannabis plants naturally produce larger flowers at the top where direct light is strongest, while lower branches receive less light and produce smaller buds.

Despite their smaller size, smalls contain the same cannabinoids and terpenes as their larger counterparts from the same harvest. A small bud from a THCa flower plant grown by quality farmers maintains the same potency and characteristics as the largest cola from that same plant.

Why Do Smalls Exist?

Cannabis plant structure naturally creates size variation in flower development. Top colas receive direct light exposure and develop into dense, large buds. Lower branches exist in the plant's shadow, receiving filtered light that produces smaller but chemically similar flowers.

Growers separate flower by size during trimming and curing for market segmentation purposes.

This practice maximizes value from entire harvests rather than discarding smaller flowers that don't meet premium visual standards. The industry has standardized this categorization, creating distinct price points for different bud sizes.

This separation benefits both producers and consumers. Growers recover value from their complete crop while offering budget-friendly options. Consumers gain access to quality cannabis at lower price points when appearance matters less than effects.

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Quality Considerations for Smalls

Smalls from reputable growers maintain high potency and rich terpene profiles despite their compact size. Size doesn't determine THC content or cannabinoid levels—those characteristics come from genetics and cultivation practices, not bud diameter.

When evaluating smalls, look for vibrant colors and visible trichomes across the surface. The buds should maintain intact structure without excessive stem or leaf material. Proper smalls are complete miniature buds, not broken pieces or shake.

Distinguishing Quality Smalls From Shake

True smalls differ significantly from shake or trim. Shake contains loose trichomes, small fragments, and plant material that falls off during handling. Smalls are intact buds with complete structure.

Quality smalls show the same trichome coverage you'd expect from larger buds. They emit strong, strain-appropriate aromas that indicate fresh, properly cured flower. Weak or hay-like scents suggest degraded quality regardless of bud size.

Smalls vs. Regular Buds: What's the Difference?

Appearance

Regular buds measure over 2 grams and come from the plant's top colas where light exposure is strongest. These premium flowers show dense structure and prominent trichome coverage. Smalls measure under 2 grams and develop from lower branches where light penetration is reduced.

Both should display vibrant colors and crystalline trichome coverage when properly grown and cured. The visual difference is primarily scale, not quality indicators.

Potency

THC and cannabinoid content depend on genetics and growing conditions, not bud size. Lab testing consistently shows that smalls often match or approach the potency of larger buds from identical batches.

A strain testing at 25% THC produces smalls with similar potency to its premium flowers. The cannabinoid profile remains constant throughout the plant when cultivation practices are sound.

Price

Smalls typically cost 20-40% less than premium buds from the same harvest. This price difference reflects market perception and bag appeal rather than actual quality or potency differences. For regular consumers focused on effects over Instagram-worthy nugs, this pricing creates significant value.

At Mood's premium flower selection , quality standards apply regardless of bud size, ensuring consistent experiences across all flower categories.

Burn Quality

Smalls burn slightly faster due to increased surface area relative to mass. This difference is minimal and rarely impacts the actual smoking or vaping experience for most consumption methods. For pre-rolls or smaller sessions, the faster burn rate becomes virtually unnoticeable.

Are Smalls Worth Buying?

Smalls offer excellent value for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize cannabinoid content over visual presentation. The cost savings allow for purchasing more variety or maintaining a larger supply without sacrificing quality.

These smaller buds work perfectly for making pre-rolls , edibles , or concentrates where appearance becomes irrelevant. Many regular consumers prefer smalls specifically because they deliver identical experiences at reduced prices.

The key to maximizing value from smalls is sourcing from reputable providers who maintain quality standards across their entire flower selection. Mood ensures that all flower, regardless of size classification, comes from carefully vetted American farms using sustainable practices.

How to Choose Quality Smalls

Source From Reputable Providers

Established brands with transparent growing practices consistently deliver quality smalls. Companies that lab test all products regardless of bud size demonstrate commitment to standards that matter more than aesthetics.

Mood partners with licensed growers operating under strict regulatory compliance. Every flower product undergoes third-party testing to verify cannabinoid content and ensure freedom from contaminants.

Check for Trichome Coverage

Dense trichome coverage indicates proper cannabinoid development throughout the flowering cycle. These crystalline structures contain the cannabinoids and terpenes that create cannabis effects. Smalls with abundant trichomes deliver experiences comparable to any premium flower.

Lack of visible trichomes may indicate old product, improper storage, or substandard cultivation practices. Quality smalls glisten with resin regardless of their compact size.

Assess Aroma

Strong, strain-specific terpene profiles indicate properly grown and cured flower. Fresh, pungent scents suggest optimal storage conditions that preserve quality. Weak or hay-like aromas signal degraded terpenes from age or improper handling.

The aroma test applies equally to all flower sizes. Smalls from quality sources maintain robust scent profiles that match their larger counterparts.

Verify It's Not Shake

Intact bud structure separates quality smalls from shake or trim. Each piece should be a complete miniature flower with minimal stem and leaf material. Powdery or crumbled texture indicates shake, not true smalls.

Reputable vendors clearly distinguish between smalls and shake in their product descriptions. This transparency helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Best Uses for Smalls

Smalls excel in applications where appearance doesn't factor into the experience. Rolling joints and blunts becomes easier with uniformly sized smaller buds that portion naturally. Many consumers appreciate how smalls eliminate the need to break down large colas.

For creating homemade edibles or infused products, smalls offer ideal economics. The same cannabinoid content costs less, and visual appeal becomes irrelevant once the flower is processed into butter, oil, or concentrates.

Daily Consumption

Regular consumers who prioritize consistent access over bag appeal find excellent value in smalls. The cost savings enable maintaining steady supplies without stretching budgets. This practical approach puts effects and reliability ahead of aesthetics.

Sampling Multiple Strains

The reduced price point makes experimenting with different strains more accessible. Trying several smalls varieties costs less than purchasing premium buds of each, enabling broader exploration of different THCa strains and their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

Smalls are legitimate cannabis flowers offering excellent value when sourced from reputable providers who maintain consistent quality standards. Size differences result from natural plant structure, not inferior genetics or poor cultivation.

For consumers focused on effects rather than appearance, smalls deliver identical experiences to premium buds at significantly lower costs. The key is purchasing from trusted sources that test all products and maintain transparent standards.

Explore Mood's complete flower selection to discover quality options across all price points. Every product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistency and compliance. Mood offers millions of users hemp-derived THC, which is 100% legal and fully compliant cannabis. You may have heard that the legality of hemp-derived THC is currently under attack, which could threaten the wellness of so many.

Read here to learn how to join the fight, and help us keep hemp cannabis accessible to all for a long time to come.