AAA vs AAAA Weed: What’s the Real Difference?
Posted by The Purple Shop on 2025 Jun 23rd
AAA vs AAAA Weed: What's the Real Difference?
When browsing premium cannabis online, you'll often see flowers labeled as AAA or AAAA — but what do those grades actually mean? If you’re wondering whether it’s worth spending more for AAAA weed, or if AAA flower gets the job done, this guide breaks down the real differences so you can shop smarter.
What Does AAA and AAAA Weed Mean?
Cannabis flower in Canada is often graded on a scale ranging from A to AAAA (sometimes even AAAAA). While these aren’t government-regulated terms, they’re widely used within the industry to reflect the overall quality of the bud, based on factors like:
- Visual appeal
- Trichome coverage
- Aroma and flavour
- Curing process
- Smoke smoothness
- Potency (THC %)
What is AAA Weed?
AAA cannabis flower is considered mid to high-grade, offering a great balance between quality and affordability.
Typical Characteristics:
- Solid trichome coverage, though not as frosty as AAAA
- Pleasant aroma and taste
- Dense nugs, sometimes slightly leafy
- Smooth smoke with decent potency (usually 20–26% THC)
At The Purple Shop, strains like Strawberry Banana AAA represent some of the best AAA value available in Canada.
What is AAAA Weed?
AAAA cannabis is top-tier premium flower, often referred to as "quads". It’s known for being exceptional in all categories: bag appeal, aroma, taste, and effects.
Typical Characteristics:
- Ultra-dense, perfectly trimmed buds
- Crystal-coated trichomes
- Loud, complex terpene profiles
- Very smooth smoke with deep, long-lasting effects
- High potency (usually 26–34% THC)
At The Purple Shop, popular AAAA strains like Astro Pink, Galactic Runtz, and Pink Wagyu are customer favorites for good reason.
→ Explore Our AAAA Flower Collection
Key Differences Between AAA and AAAA Weed
| Category | AAA Grade | AAAA Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dense with some leaf, good trichomes | Ultra-dense, manicured, very frosty |
| Aroma | Noticeable scent, but more muted | Pungent, complex terpene profile |
| Smoke Quality | Smooth with occasional harshness | Extremely smooth, no harsh hits |
| THC Range | 20–26% | 26–34% |
| Price | More affordable | Higher price point, premium quality |
Which Should You Choose?
Both grades have their place. If you want great quality at a fair price, AAA is a smart pick for everyday smoking. But if you’re after top-shelf effects, flavour, and bag appeal, AAAA is worth the upgrade.
Final Verdict
There’s no wrong answer — it all comes down to your budget, tolerance, and smoking preferences. At The Purple Shop, we carry both AAA and AAAA flower options to suit every type of cannabis consumer in Canada.