Flower grades are the informal tiers dispensaries and growers use to sort flower by quality and price. You will see words like top shelf, premium, mid-shelf, value, budget, or letter grades like AAA and AA. There is no single official grading system, so each shop or brand uses its own scale.
Grades usually reflect a mix of factors. Bud structure and size: large, dense, well-formed buds tend to grade higher. Trim: neat, careful trimming looks better. Trichome coverage: frosty buds suggest a healthy, well-grown plant. Aroma and flavor: a strong, distinct smell is one of the best signs of quality and freshness. Cure: properly dried and cured flower should be sticky but not wet, and should burn smoothly.
THC percentage often influences pricing, but it is not a full measure of quality. A lower-THC flower with great aroma can be more enjoyable than a high-THC flower that was poorly cured.
"Smalls" and "shake" are often sold at value prices. Smalls are small buds from the same plants as larger nugs, and shake is loose flower bits. Both can be good value, especially for rolling.
The best way to judge is to look, smell and ask. Our staff can tell you how products compare.