Definition:
Low-quality cannabis that has been compressed into dense bricks, often for easier transportation and storage, but typically resulting in degraded potency, flavor, and aroma.
Purpose and Usage:
“Brick weed” is often referenced when discussing cannabis of lower quality, primarily due to its preservation method and historical association with illegal markets. It’s relevant in conversations about cannabis quality, origins, and differences between current cultivation standards and past practices.
How It Relates to Cannabis:
Brick weed involves several distinct processes:
- Harvesting and Drying: Cannabis plants are harvested and dried quickly, often compromising quality.
- Compression: The dried cannabis is tightly compressed into bricks to minimize space and facilitate easier shipping.
- Packaging: Bricks are wrapped in plastic or other materials to seal them, often leading to moisture retention that can result in mold or degradation.
- Transportation: The bricks are typically shipped in bulk, often across long distances, historically common in illegal markets.
- Consumption: Due to its low potency, brick weed often requires more product to achieve the desired effects.
Common Misconceptions:
- “All brick weed is moldy”: While brick weed is often low-quality and may contain mold, not all brick weed is moldy. However, improper packaging and storage can increase this risk.
- “Brick weed is always weak”: Though typically less potent, potency can vary depending on the strain and storage conditions.
- “Brick weed is a type of strain”: Brick weed refers to the form and quality of cannabis, not a specific strain.
Alternatives:
- Schwag: Another slang term for low-quality cannabis, typically associated with poor appearance and effects.
- Compressed Weed: Refers to cannabis that has been tightly packed, though it doesn’t always indicate low quality, unlike brick weed.
Importance of Brick Weed:
Understanding the term “brick weed” provides insight into the history and evolution of cannabis quality standards. Once a staple in the black market due to ease of transport, brick weed highlights the shift towards premium, carefully handled cannabis in legal markets, where consumers expect higher quality, better potency, and flavor profiles.
