When browsing dispensary menus online or in-store, cannabis shoppers are often greeted with ratings attached to flower, edibles, vapes, and concentrates. These ratings—usually expressed in stars, percentages, or consumer reviews—can be incredibly useful tools, but only if interpreted correctly. Much like restaurant or tech product reviews, cannabis ratings blend subjective experiences with measurable qualities. Understanding how to read them helps consumers avoid disappointment and choose products that best match their needs.
What Cannabis Ratings Represent
Cannabis ratings typically combine several factors:
- Aroma and flavor – Terpene expression (citrus, earthy, sweet, piney) plays a big role in customer impressions.
- Potency – Measured by THC and CBD percentages, with higher numbers often (but not always) rated more favorably.
- Effects – Energy, relaxation, creativity, or pain relief often drive the majority of consumer comments.
- Overall satisfaction – Packaging, freshness, and even customer service can influence ratings.
Trusted industry sources like Leafly, AllBud, and Weedmaps aggregate thousands of consumer reviews, offering a broad perspective beyond a single dispensary’s customer base. For example, Durban Poison consistently earns high ratings for its uplifting and energetic effects, while heavy indica strains like Granddaddy Purple rate highly among those seeking relaxation and sleep support.
Why Ratings Differ
Not all ratings are created equal. A 4.8-star review on one site may reflect only a few user submissions, while another strain with 4.2 stars may have hundreds of reviews. This makes sample size crucial: the more feedback, the more reliable the score.
Additionally, cannabis is a living product—variability in cultivation, curing, and even batch-to-batch genetics can impact consumer experiences. For instance, a Cookies-branded Gelato grown in California may not feel identical to the same-named strain produced under license in another state. Recognizing this helps explain why ratings sometimes diverge across regions or dispensaries.
Reading Between the Lines
When interpreting cannabis ratings, consumers should:
- Look beyond the number. Read the written reviews to understand why people rated the product the way they did.
- Identify patterns. If multiple reviews mention strong citrus flavor or sedating effects, those impressions are more likely to be accurate.
- Check recency. Ratings from two years ago may not reflect today’s batches or reformulated products.
- Consider your goals. A product rated “amazing” by someone chasing high THC may not be ideal for someone seeking balanced CBD effects.
The Role of Professional Reviews
While consumer ratings are invaluable, professional reviewers often provide more structured evaluations. Experts evaluate consistency, terpene depth, burn quality, and lab data. Publications like High Times and Cannabis Business Times sometimes highlight top-rated products, offering a more technical breakdown than casual reviews. Consumers benefit by balancing professional insights with peer feedback.
Quick Takeaway
Cannabis ratings are a helpful guide but should never be the sole factor in decision-making. By combining star scores, written experiences, lab results, and personal goals, shoppers can make more confident purchases. In a market as diverse as cannabis, knowing how to read ratings is as important as knowing how to read a menu.