Craft Cannabis vs. Commercial Weed: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ve probably heard the term “craft cannabis” thrown around—usually followed by higher price tags and glowing reviews.

But what exactly makes craft weed different from the commercial bud you’ll find on every shelf?

Let’s break it down and help you decide which kind of cannabis is right for your next sesh.

What Is Craft Cannabis?

Craft cannabis is the weed world’s version of small-batch whiskey or farm-to-table produce. It’s grown with an artisanal approach, meaning it’s typically:

• Hand-trimmed rather than machine-cut

• Grown in small batches, often indoors

• Hang-dried and cold-cured to preserve terpene and cannabinoid content

• Grown with premium genetics and tailored nutrients

• Handled with care at every step to avoid damage or degradation

The result? Buds that are more aromatic, visually appealing, and consistent in effect.

Think of craft cannabis as a passion project—it’s about quality over quantity.

What Is Commercial Cannabis?

Commercial weed, on the other hand, is grown at scale. Think big greenhouses, high yields, and automated processes. It’s designed to:

• Supply large volumes to retailers

• Hit competitive price points

• Meet standardization requirements

While some commercial producers create solid products, the focus is often on efficiency and output, not flavour or finesse. That can lead to:

• Machine-trimmed buds that lose trichomes

• Less complex terpene profiles

• Varying freshness depending on distribution and storage

Craft vs. Commercial: Side-by-Side Breakdown

Feature	Craft Cannabis	Commercial Cannabis
Batch Size	Small-batch, limited runs	Mass production, large-scale
Cultivation Style	Indoor or hybrid, artisanal techniques	Indoor, greenhouse, or outdoor farms
Trimming Method	Hand-trimmed	Machine-trimmed
Curing Process	Cold-cured, hang-dried slowly	Often speed-dried
Terpene Retention	High terpene preservation	May lose aroma and complexity
Price	Higher (reflects time + quality)	Lower and budget-friendly
Potency & Consistency	Often higher and more consistent	Can be variable
Aesthetic	Dense, frosty, colourful buds	Less visual appeal, more trim/leaf
Sustainability	Often more eco-conscious, local	Varies, usually more industrial

Why Craft Cannabis Costs More

Let’s be real: craft cannabis doesn’t come cheap. But that’s for good reason:

• Manual labour like hand trimming takes time

• Smaller yields mean supply is limited

• Slower curing enhances terpene profiles, but reduces turnover

• High-end nutrients and strict growing protocols increase cost

• Premium packaging often reflects the boutique experience

So when you’re paying more, you’re not just buying THC—you’re buying experience, flavour, and farm-to-bowl freshness.

Who Should Buy Craft Cannabis?

Craft cannabis is ideal if you:

• Are a cannabis enthusiast or terp hunter

• Care about flavour, aroma, and smoothness

• Want consistent effects every time

• Appreciate ethically grown and local products

• Like supporting small businesses and boutique growers

It’s also a great choice for medical users who want clean, predictable results with minimal variability.

Who Might Prefer Commercial Weed?

Commercial cannabis can be a great option if you:

• Want to try different strains affordably

• Need bulk purchases for regular use

• Aren’t as focused on taste or bag appeal

• Are new to cannabis and experimenting

• Just want something accessible and budget-friendly

Not everyone needs small-batch, ultra-cured nugs—and that’s okay. The best weed is the one that works for you.

The Rise of Micro-Cultivators in Canada

Thanks to Canada’s micro-cultivation licenses, small, independent growers can now legally enter the market—many of whom focus exclusively on craft cannabis.

These growers often:

• Operate on less than 200 square metres of canopy space

• Produce specialized, high-terpene strains

• Take pride in local and sustainable practices

Look out for micro-cultivator names on your label—especially if you’re shopping at stores like ours that support local, independent producers.

How to Spot Craft Cannabis

Want to tell craft cannabis apart from commercial just by looking at the label? Here's what to check:

• Brand Reputation – Craft brands like Simply Bare, Msiku, Carmel, Dabble, and North 40 are known for quality.

• Hand-Trimmed & Hang-Dried – Check the label or ask a budtender.

• Packaged Date – Freshness matters. Look for recent packaging dates.

• Smell & Appearance – Frosty trichomes, vibrant colour, and bold aroma are good signs.

• Terpene Percentage – Higher than 2% is usually a good indicator of premium quality.

Real Talk: Is Craft Always Better?

Not always. Some “craft” brands slap the label on without walking the walk. And some large-scale growers are producing excellent quality thanks to modern tech and tight controls.

The key is to trust your senses—if the bud looks fire, smells fresh, and hits how you like, it’s good weed.

That said, truly artisanal flower does stand out. Once you’ve experienced that burst of citrus from a Limonene-heavy sativa or the deep relaxation from a rich Indica with 3% myrcene, you’ll know exactly why craft is worth the hype.

Final Toke

At the end of the day, the choice between craft cannabis vs. commercial weed comes down to your priorities. Do you want the wine sommelier experience—or the six-pack that gets the job done?

Whatever your vibe, we’ve got you covered at Steady Eddys. Be sure to ask us about small-batch drops, craft exclusives, and terpene-rich favourites that punch way above their weight.