Ever walked into a dispensary, stared at the shelves, and wondered why some buds cost twice as much as others? You see labels like “craft” and “small-batch,” while others are just your standard dispensary stock.
Is craft cannabis really worth the hype (and the extra cash), or is commercial weed just as good for half the price? The truth is, both have their place—it all comes down to what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re after top-tier flavor and potency or just need something reliable that won’t drain your wallet, understanding the difference can help you get the best bang for your buck.
Let’s break it down.
What is Craft Cannabis?
Craft cannabis is all about quality over quantity.
It’s grown in small batches with a hands-on approach, ensuring each plant gets the attention it needs to reach its full potential. Unlike large-scale commercial operations, craft cannabis cultivators focus on unique strains, rich terpene profiles, and sustainable farming practices.
Many use organic growing methods, hand-trim their buds, and slow-cure their harvests to maximize potency and flavor. This artisanal approach results in a product that’s not just about getting high—it’s about the experience.
Whether it’s the complex aroma, the smoothness of the smoke, or the balanced effects, craft cannabis aims to offer something special that mass-produced weed often lacks.
It’s similar to how craft beer is made with more care and creativity than big-name brands. While craft cannabis is usually priced higher, consumers who value premium quality, sustainability, and distinctive genetics see it as worth the investment.
What is Commercial Cannabis?
Commercial cannabis, on the other hand, is produced on a much larger scale, with efficiency and consistency as the main priorities.
It’s grown in massive indoor facilities, greenhouses, or large outdoor farms using automation and streamlined processes to maximize yield. These large-scale operations often focus on a limited number of high-performing strains that are easy to grow, resistant to pests, and have predictable effects.
This approach helps keep production costs down, making commercial cannabis more affordable and widely available.
While it may not always have the same handcrafted quality as craft cannabis, it meets the needs of consumers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Many well-known cannabis brands operate at this scale, ensuring a steady supply of products that are consistent in potency and effects.
However, some argue that the focus on mass production can lead to a loss of complexity in flavor, aroma, and overall user experience.
What are the Differences Between Commercial and Craft Cannabis?
The main differences between commercial and craft cannabis come down to scale, quality, sustainability, and pricing. While commercial cannabis focuses on mass production and affordability, craft cannabis prioritizes small-batch, high-quality cultivation with unique strain offerings. Here’s how they compare:
Cultivation Scale and Practices
Craft cannabis is grown in small batches with a hands-on approach, allowing growers to fine-tune every detail, from nutrients to lighting. This results in a more flavorful, potent, and high-quality product. Commercial cannabis, on the other hand, is mass-produced in large facilities using automation and standardized processes, ensuring efficiency and consistency but often sacrificing individual plant care.
Strain Selection and Genetic Diversity
Craft growers experiment with rare and unique strains, offering a diverse range of flavors and effects that aren’t always available in dispensaries.
Commercial producers focus on high-yield, easy-to-grow strains that thrive in large-scale operations, prioritizing quantity and predictability over genetic variety.
Quality Control and Processing Methods
Craft cannabis is carefully hand-trimmed, slow-dried, and properly cured to preserve potency, flavor, and smoothness. Commercial cannabis is often machine-trimmed and processed quickly to maximize output, which can lead to lower terpene retention, rougher smoke, and less distinctive flavors.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Most craft growers use organic farming, natural pest control, and eco-friendly cultivation methods to reduce their environmental footprint. Large commercial operations consume more water and energy, though some companies are adopting greener practices like LED lighting and water recycling to improve sustainability.
Market Accessibility and Pricing
Commercial cannabis is more affordable and widely available due to its large-scale production, making it a budget-friendly option for everyday consumers. Craft cannabis, being small-batch and labor-intensive, is typically more expensive, but for those who value premium quality, unique flavors, and artisanal care, the higher price is often justified.
Which is Better Between Craft and Commercial Weed?
The choice between craft and commercial weed depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want premium quality, unique strains, and a carefully cultivated product, craft cannabis is the better option. It’s grown in small batches with more attention to detail, resulting in richer flavors, higher potency, and smoother smoke. However, it tends to be more expensive and less widely available.
On the other hand, commercial cannabis is the go-to for those who prioritize affordability, consistency, and accessibility. It’s mass-produced to meet demand, making it easier to find at dispensaries and usually at a lower price. While it may not always match the depth of craft cannabis in terms of flavor and uniqueness, it still offers reliable potency and effects.
Ultimately, it’s not about which one is “better” overall—it’s about what fits your needs, budget, and preferences.
FAQs
Can I buy both craft and commercial cannabis from an online weed dispensary?
Yes! Many reliable online weed dispensaries offer both craft and commercial cannabis, often labeling them clearly so you can choose based on quality and budget. If you’re looking for unique strains with richer flavors, check for craft selections. If you want something cost-effective and widely available, commercial options will likely be your best bet.
Why is craft cannabis more expensive than commercial cannabis?
Craft cannabis is grown in smaller batches, with more hands-on care, organic methods, and artisanal processing like hand-trimming and slow curing. These labor-intensive steps result in a higher-quality product, but they also raise production costs. Since commercial cannabis is grown in bulk using automation and efficiency-driven methods, it’s cheaper to produce, making it more affordable for consumers.
Does craft cannabis taste or smell better than commercial cannabis?
In most cases, yes. Since craft cannabis is carefully grown and cured to preserve its terpene profile, it often has more pronounced flavors and aromas. Commercial cannabis, while still effective, may lose some of its complexity due to machine processing, fast drying, and large-scale cultivation practices that prioritize yield over sensory experience.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between craft and commercial cannabis comes down to personal preference.
If you’re after a premium, small-batch product with unique flavors and sustainable growing practices, craft cannabis is the way to go. But if you prioritize affordability, availability, and consistency, commercial cannabis might be the better option.
About Author
