At East Coast Cannabis, we take pride in cultivating top-tier cannabis flower that fuels creativity, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking something to enhance your weekend or unwind after a long day, our shelves are stocked with over 20 premium strains. Visit any of our three locations in Lebanon, Eliot, and Waterville, Maine, where our cannasseurs are ready to help you discover the perfect flower.
Cannabis Plant Types: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid
Cannabis comes in three primary categories, each offering distinct effects and characteristics:
- Indica: Known for its relaxing properties, indica strains typically provide a “body high” that is great for evening use or times when you’re looking to unwind. These plants are shorter and bushier, with broader leaves.
- Sativa: Sativas are energizing, often promoting creativity and focus. They’re ideal for daytime use or social settings. The plants are taller with thinner leaves.
- Hybrid: A blend of both indica and sativa, hybrids offer a balanced experience. Whether leaning toward relaxation or invigoration, hybrids are cultivated to provide a mix of effects tailored to specific needs.
One of our favorites, Mimosa, is a sativa-dominant hybrid that brings a burst of citrus aroma and energizing effects—perfect for creative ventures or social occasions.
Trichomes: The Resin Glands of Cannabis
Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like structures that coat the cannabis flower. They contain the plant’s cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes, making them crucial for both potency and flavor. When evaluating cannabis quality, the presence of abundant, intact trichomes can indicate a well-cultivated flower. Look for those frosty, sticky buds!
Terpenes: The Aromatic Compounds That Shape Your Experience
Terpenes are the natural oils responsible for the scent and flavor of cannabis. Beyond smell, they also contribute to the overall effect of each strain. For example:
- Myrcene: Often found in indica strains, myrcene has a musky, earthy smell and promotes relaxation.
- Limonene: With a citrusy aroma, limonene can enhance mood and reduce stress, commonly present in sativa strains like our Mimosa.
Different terpene profiles allow you to customize your experience based on the flavor and effect you prefer.
The Cultivation Process: From Seed to Harvest
Cannabis can be grown in two primary environments: indoors or outdoors, each with its own benefits.
- Indoor Grows: Indoor cultivation offers complete control over environmental factors like light, temperature, humidity, and airflow. This results in consistently high-quality flower with precise terpene and cannabinoid profiles. Indoor grows also provide year-round harvests, ensuring a steady supply.
- Outdoor Grows: Outdoor cultivation uses natural sunlight and fresh air, which can produce larger plants and unique terpene profiles. However, outdoor grows are more susceptible to the elements, pests, and mold, and are limited to seasonal cycles, making year-round supply a challenge.
Why We Choose Indoor Grows: At East Coast Cannabis, we exclusively grow indoors due to Maine’s harsh winters and unpredictable weather. This allows us to maintain consistent quality and yield throughout the year. Outdoor crops in our region face significant risks from disease, mold, mildew, and pests, which can negatively affect both quality and yield. By growing indoors, we ensure that our flower meets the highest standards of potency, purity, and reliability—year-round.
Cannabis vs. Hemp
Though cannabis and hemp are the same species of plant, they differ in THC content. Cannabis (marijuana) is bred for higher THC, the psychoactive component, while hemp contains very low THC and is often used for industrial purposes or CBD products. At East Coast Cannabis, we specialize in premium recreational cannabis flower.
Curing the Flower: Patience Equals Potency
Once harvested, cannabis undergoes a curing process. Curing helps preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids, while reducing unwanted moisture to enhance flavor and smoothness. Our flower is carefully cured for optimal potency and aroma, ensuring you get the best experience with each purchase.
Shelf Life: How Long is Cannabis Flower Good For?
With proper storage, cannabis flower can remain potent for 6 months to a year. Keep it in an airtight container, away from light and heat, to preserve freshness and potency. Over time, cannabinoids degrade, and the terpenes may lose their aromatic properties, which can reduce the quality of the effects.
Identifying High-Quality Bud
Want to know how to spot top-shelf cannabis? Look for these characteristics:
- Appearance: Vibrant colors, often with deep green, purple, or orange hues. Buds should be dense and well-trimmed.
- Trichomes: A frosty, sticky coating indicates potency.
- Aroma: A strong, pleasant smell, which reflects the strain’s terpene profile.
- Feel: Good bud should feel slightly sticky but not too dry or too moist.
- Smoke: High-quality flower burns clean, with white ash and a smooth flavor.
Our Strains
At East Coast Cannabis, we offer a wide selection of flower. Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or new to cannabis, we have something for everyone. Here are a few examples:
- Mimosa: A sativa-dominant hybrid with an uplifting, citrus aroma.
- Root Beer Float: An earthy, vanilla-like hybrid perfect for relaxing.
- GMO: Known for its pungent, savory notes and powerful effects.
- Silver Kush: A balanced strain that offers the best of both worlds.
Stop by any of our three locations in Lebanon, Eliot, or Waterville, Maine, and let us help you embark on your cannabis adventure!
