Photo by Elsa Olofsson
Not every jar of weed is created equal—far from it.
The spectrum of quality out there is wild, ranging from $15 bottom-shelf shake that’s barely holding it together to $50+ premium strains dripping with trichomes and smelling like a dream.
And then, there’s the mids—the middle child of the cannabis family. Not quite top-shelf, but far from bottom-barrel. They’re the “good enough” option when you want to get high without blowing your budget.
But are these middle-ground buds actually worth your dollar and what really differentiates them on the spectrum of cannabis quality?
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Short for medium-grade cannabis, mids make up a large chunk of the cannabis sold in the U.S. They sit right in the middle of the quality spectrum, better than low-tier weed but not quite the cream of the crop.
What Do Mids Look Like?
Mids often share some visual traits with high-quality buds—a decent mix of colors like pale to medium green, and even a few visible trichomes. The difference? They might not have that same vibrant, frosty glow as their top-shelf counterparts. Occasionally, you’ll stumble upon a gem—a mid that leans closer to premium quality but still comes with a mid-tier price tag (a win for your wallet).
You’ll also notice hints of orange or purple weaving through the buds, but steer clear of anything overly brown or dull. A good mid should look fluffy and fresh, never dry, brittle, or rock-hard. These are the basics that separate decent mids from bargain-bin weed.
What Do Mids Smell Like?
When it comes to aroma, mids likely won’t be packing the glorious terpene-rich scents that more high-grade strains will have. But, they shouldn’t be smelling like an old basement either. A good mid should have a noticeable, pleasant scent—earthy, fruity, or spicy depending on the strain and dominant terpenes. If the smell is musty or just plain off, chances are you’re dealing with something below mid-tier quality.
Okay, so mids aren’t exactly Instagram weed, but let’s not sell them short.
Affordable, decent, and surprisingly good-looking at times, mids can hold their own when top-shelf isn’t in the budget or on the menu.
Affordable Without Being a Buzzkill
Mids are the sweet spot between quality and cost, making them perfect for those moments when you want to smoke without your wallet crying. No premium price tag might also mean no premium high, but you’ll still be getting a solid experience.
The High: Just Right
As Goldilocks put it, mid-weed can feel “just right.” Not the absolute best, but not the absolute worst. They won’t send you hurtling into another galaxy (unless this is your first rendezvous with weed), but they’ll get the job done and leave you feeling good. If you’re a regular weed dabbler, then you’ll likely feel satisfied after a mid-weed toke, but it won’t be blowing your mind.
Finding a Hidden Gem
One of the best parts about mids is stumbling upon a strain that punches way above its weight. Some mid-weed leans more on the side of top-shelf quality but is at a mid-shelf price point.
Take Canada, for example. Big-time growers like Avant Brands have scooped up brands like Tenzo and Flowr, which sit on the higher end of mid-weed. While their prestigous sibling, Blk Mkt, gets all the hype (and the higher price tag), brands like Tenzo offer surprisingly solid quality without shattering the bank. And, these hidden gems happen more often than you’d think, especially when big-name producers roll out multiple brands.
RNDE / PEXELS
Of course, as with everything, mids also have their drawbacks. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Inconsistent Quality
Mids can vary widely in quality, especially when produced by less meticulous growers. The batches of medium-grade weed can vary dramatically sometimes. One batch might feel like a real winner–perfect taste and highs all-around. Then, the next batch might feel like a complete catfish.
Harsher Smoke
Lower-quality curing and drying techniques are more common in mids. When cannabis isn’t properly dried and cured, excess moisture or leftover chlorophyll can linger in the buds. This makes the smoke rough on your throat and lungs, leading to coughing fits that ruin the vibe.
Improper curing can strip away those rich, flavorful terpenes that make smoking enjoyable, leaving you with a burnt, bitter taste instead of the earthy or fruity notes you’re hoping for.
Appearance Is Also Mid
Let’s face it, mids may not be the most beautiful flowers in the garden. They may lack the trichome sheen and eye-catching aesthetics you’d find in high-end strains. But hey, beauty is subjective, right? At the end of the day, it’s the experience that matters.
May Contain Seeds And Stems
Some mids come with a few unwelcome extras, like seeds and stems. While they’re not total dealbreakers, they’re definitely not what you want in your sesh. Seeds can ruin the vibe with their infamous pops and sparks when burned—not to mention, they’re not great for your lungs to inhale.
Stems, on the other hand, are just filler—taking up space without adding anything to your experience. Not every batch of mids is guilty of this, but it’s worth keeping an eye out when you’re packing your bowl or rolling up.
Gabriel Cote / Unsplash
In the world of cannabis, there’s a whole vocabulary dedicated to ranking the quality of your bud.
Regs, short for “regulars,” refers to the lowest quality weed available.
Typically, growers package regs in large blocks that contain tons of stems and seeds. The color of regs tends to be brownish, with an earthy aroma.
Due to improper storage or premature harvesting, the concentration of cannabinoids in regs is low, resulting in less THC and CBD. Smoking regs produce a mild calm but can cause side effects such as stomach upset, respiratory problems, sore throat, and headaches.
Beasters, also known as “BC weed,” represent a higher quality than low- and medium-grade cannabis, but are not considered top-notch.
These buds exhibit vibrant green, purple, and orange colors and have a pleasing shape with minimal to no stems and seeds. Trichome crystals are more visible in beasters, and offer a smooth, delicious flavor without irritating the throat.
Beasters have a substantial concentration of cannabinoids, usually ranging from 15% – 20% THC. Consuming beasters can cause a potent high, and novice smokers can experience a strong effect. Some common names for beasters are Dro, Fire, Flame, and Kine.
Headies are the creme de la creme when referring to high-quality cannabis.
These buds exhibit vibrant green, orange, and purple colors, and are totally free of stems and seeds. Trichome crystals and terpenes coat the buds, giving them a visually appealing appearance.
When smoked, the headies offers a delicious taste without any harshness in the throat. The concentration of cannabinoids in headies is high, with a THC content that can reach 25%.
The effects of headies are described as intoxicating, providing a euphoric high that allows for physical function rather than couch lock. Headies are known by various names, such as Top Shelf, Chronic, Loud, and Piff.
When buying weed online, you likely know how difficult it is to guess which strains are good quality.
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Mids are the middle ground of the cannabis world—affordable and decent, but not without their compromises. While they might lack the potency, complex flavors, and smooth smoke of top-shelf buds, they still offer a solid experience for the price.
That said, the effects can sometimes fall short for those chasing a stronger or more nuanced high.
But let’s not write them off entirely. Every now and then, you’ll come across a hidden gem—a mid-tier strain that surprises you with quality beyond its price tag.
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