When you walk into a dispensary, you expect quality cannabis — but not all flower on the shelf is as fresh as it looks. Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or a curious newcomer, knowing how to spot the difference between fresh and aged bud is essential for getting the most out of your purchase. Like any agricultural product, cannabis degrades over time, losing potency, aroma, and therapeutic value. So, how can you tell if your flower is at its peak — or past its prime?

Start With the Look and Feel

One of the first indicators of freshness is the appearance and texture of the flower. Fresh cannabis should be vibrant in color, with rich greens, purples, or oranges depending on the strain. A dull, brownish hue is a red flag — often a sign of age or improper storage. Trichomes, the tiny crystal-like structures that contain cannabinoids and terpenes, should appear plentiful and shiny under light.

According to the Cannabis Business Times, a healthy cannabis bud should feel slightly sticky due to its resin content, but also have a spongy bounce when lightly squeezed. If it’s too dry and crumbles easily, or if it’s spongy and damp, it could be either too old or poorly cured — and both situations compromise quality.

Smell Matters — A Lot

The nose knows. Aroma is one of the most reliable indicators of freshness. Cannabis should have a pungent, distinct smell — fruity, gassy, piney, or earthy, depending on the strain. If the flower has little to no scent, or worse, a musty or hay-like smell, it could be a sign of terpene degradation or even mold.

In an interview, renowned cannabis cultivator and breeder Kyle Kushman notes, “When the terpenes begin to fade, the flower loses not just flavor, but also some of its medicinal potential. A strong smell usually means the flower is still chemically active.”

Check the Harvest or Packaging Date

Always check the label. Many dispensaries include a packaging or harvest date, which provides insight into how long the flower has been sitting on the shelf. Cannabis typically has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months when stored properly. Anything older than that may have significantly reduced potency and flavor, even if it still looks okay.

According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research, THC degrades by roughly 16% after one year of storage in standard dispensary conditions. That’s a big loss if you’re expecting a potent experience.

Ask the Budtender

Don’t be shy — the budtender is your ally. A reputable dispensary should be transparent about the age and quality of its flower. Ask about the farm, storage methods, and turnover rate. High-volume dispensaries with strong sourcing relationships usually cycle through inventory faster, meaning fresher flower for customers.

In the end, your nose, eyes, and fingertips are your best tools. When in doubt, choose strains with clear packaging dates, preserved aroma, and visible trichomes. Cannabis is a living product — treat it like fresh produce, and you’ll get the most flavor, potency, and effect out of every gram.