Canada’s Weed Grading System: A-AAAAA Explained

If you’ve ever browsed an online dispensary in Canada, you’ve probably come across cryptic-sounding weed ratings like AAA, AAAA, or even AAAAA. So what do these letters actually mean?

The A-graded cannabis system is a non-official, legacy grading scale that dates back to Canada’s pre-legalization era. Born out of necessity when quality varied wildly across black market sources, the A–AAAA system was a grassroots attempt to describe how good a batch of bud was, both in terms of appearance and effect.

Today, despite the rise of government-regulated cannabis stores, this legacy grading language persists, especially among mail-order marijuana (MoM) sites and independent online dispensaries. Why? Because it still works, at least as a shorthand for consumers who know what to look for.

But here’s the rub.

There is no universal standard. One vendor’s “AAAA” might be another’s “AAA.” Some sellers slap a quad label on anything with a bit of frost, while others reserve it for genuinely top-tier flowers grown in small batches under expert care.

In the legal market, cannabis is graded based on lab-tested THC and CBD content. Products are labeled with specific percentages and terpene profiles, more objective, but also missing the sensory nuance many long-time users rely on:

• Smell
• Structure
• Ash color
• Burn quality

That’s why even seasoned connoisseurs still look for “quads” rather than just a lab score.

What Each Weed Grade Means in Canada

The A-to-AAAA+ scale might be unofficial, but it still shapes how many Canadians shop for cannabis. Each letter grade gives a general sense of what to expect, from budget flower to premium top-shelf. Here’s how the categories typically break down.

A Grade (aka Ditch Weed, Schwag)

Photo Source -> The Gazette

A-grade flower is at the very bottom of the quality spectrum. You’re unlikely to find it in reputable dispensaries these days, but it still circulates in low-cost or DIY circles. These buds often show visible signs of mishandling or poor cultivation, think brownish tint, brittle texture, and a smell that ranges from grassy to outright stale.

Structurally, A-grade weed might contain stems, seeds, or loose fragments. The THC content is generally low enough that it doesn’t produce much of a high unless consumed in large quantities. If you’re buying for edibles or planning to extract oil, it might do the job, just don’t expect a smooth or tasty smoke.

AA Grade (aka Dubs, Mids)

Product Featured -> AA Skywalker OG (Small Nugs) | Kana Post – Mail Order Weed

AA, or “dubs,” is the starting point for most budget-conscious buyers. It’s functional and gets you high, but the experience isn’t memorable. THC levels usually hover around the lower end of the spectrum, and while it may look alright from a distance, the buds often lack consistency, uneven trim, patchy coloration, and sometimes a hay-like scent.

Expect the ash to burn dark or peppery, which often indicates inadequate flushing or curing. Still, AA has its place, especially for new users, edible makers, or anyone rolling up on a budget. It’s the kind of weed you buy when cost matters more than quality.

AAA Grade (aka Trips)

AAA is where things start to feel reliable and worthwhile. Often dubbed the “Trips,” this grade offers a balanced middle ground, solid potency, good terpene presence, and smokeable flower that doesn’t break the bank.

The buds are generally well-trimmed and smell pleasant, though not overwhelming. However, you might notice inconsistencies: some nugs may be tight and frosty, while others look flat or leafier. Trichome coverage can be patchy, and the ash might burn darker than you’d like, signaling room for improvement in the curing or flushing process.

Still, for many casual users, AAA is the sweet spot: strong enough to satisfy, priced low enough for repeat buys.

AAAA Grade (aka Quads)

Featured Product -> Ultra Pink (AAAA

AAAA, or “Quads”, is marketed as premium flower, and when it lives up to the name, it’s a beautiful thing. Quads are known for their frosty trichomes, strong terpene aroma (think citrus, gas, pine), and dense, hand-trimmed buds that stick to your fingers.

This weed should burn clean, with a white or light gray ash, and offer a smooth, flavorful smoke. THC levels are often 22% to 30%+, but what sets it apart isn’t just strength, it’s the complexity of effects, aromatic richness, and eye-catching appearance.

However, not all “quads” are created equal. The term is used loosely across the industry, and without standardized oversight, consumers must rely on visual cues and experience to verify quality. One seller’s AAAA could easily be another’s AAA with a glossier description.

AAAAA Grade (aka High Quads)

AAAAA is the so-called “unicorn tier” of cannabis grading. Some dispensaries and sites use this label to imply next-level premium, but in reality, it’s more of a marketing term than a measurable leap beyond AAAA.

While a few small-batch, competition-level strains might deserve a step above quads, most “AAAAA” listings don’t deliver enough of an upgrade to justify their higher price. At best, you’re paying for boutique curation; at worst, you’re paying for a flashy tag on regular AAAA.

If you’re chasing the highest quality, judge the flower itself, not the number of A’s slapped on the label.

AAAA Weed vs AAA: What’s the Real Difference?

These two grades often overlap in pricing, especially during promotions, making it tricky to know which one’s actually worth your money. The key differences lie in how the flower looks, smells, smokes, and how consistently it delivers.

At a glance, AAA weed offers a solid high, decent aroma, and respectable potency. But under closer inspection, it might fall short: looser buds, darker ash, and inconsistent trichome coverage are common signs. You’ll get baked, no doubt, but the experience may be rougher around the edges.

AAAA, on the other hand, is supposed to be elite-tier bud. It’s what you roll when you want to impress a fellow smoker or really savor your session. Tight, crystal-covered nugs, bold terpenes, and a clean, smooth burn set it apart, when it’s the real deal.

Here’s how they typically stack up:

Attribute	AAA Weed	AAAA Weed
THC %	18–24%	22–30%+
Smell	Noticeable	Strong/Pungent
Ash Color	Peppery/Dark	White/Grey
Price (per oz)	$80–$130	$130–$180
Best For	Value smokers	Connoisseurs

That said, a common frustration is visual inconsistency. You might come across AAAA that looks more mid-grade than your favorite AAA strain. Why? Because grading is subjective, and batch differences, even within the same strain, can affect density, color, and trichome expression.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why does some AAAA look worse than AAA?”, the answer is: it’s all about how it was grown, cured, and handled. Potency may be there, but if it wasn’t flushed or trimmed properly, the visual impression suffers.

Bottom line? Don’t let the label do all the talking. Evaluate the flower itself, especially when you’re paying quad prices.

How to Spot Legit AAAA Weed Online

Shopping for AAAA weed online can feel like playing cannabis roulette. Without being able to touch, smell, or spark it up first, how do you separate true quads from overhyped mids?

Start with visual cues. Legit AAAA should have tight, dense buds, not airy popcorn nugs. You’ll want to see a healthy coating of frosty trichomes that glisten under light, along with a well-executed trim. Excess sugar leaves or exposed stem? That’s a red flag.

If a seller provides terpene details, great. If not, trust your nose when the package arrives. AAAA flower should hit you with strong, complex aromas, citrus, gas, earth, spice, not something faint or grassy.

The burn test is another underrated tool. A proper flush and cure will produce white or light grey ash and a smooth inhale. Harsh hits and black ash often mean poor post-harvest handling, regardless of how good the weed looked in photos.

And speaking of photos: not all are real. Rely on verified reviews, detailed product descriptions, and consistent experiences. Avoid places where everything is magically labeled AAAA, because not everything is.

Who Should Buy What Grade? A Guide Based on Needs

Not everyone needs quads, and that’s okay. The best grade for you depends on how you use cannabis, your budget, and what kind of experience you’re after.

User Type	Best Grade	Why
Budget Smoker	AA / AAA	Affordable and solid for daily joints or bowls
Daily Dabber	AAA	Strong enough for most setups without overkill
Medical Users	AAAA	Clean, reliable effects with minimal harshness
Connoisseurs	AAAA / AAAAA	Top-shelf, flavor-packed, and terpene-rich
Edible Makers	A / AA	You’re infusing it, no need to burn your budget

 

How Much Should You Pay for Each Weed Grade in Canada?

Understanding how much to pay for weed in Canada doesn’t just help you save, it helps you spot when something doesn’t add up. Price is often the first clue that a strain’s grading might be exaggerated.

Here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges by grade in the Canadian online cannabis market:

• AA (Dubs, Mids): $60–$90/oz: Budget-friendly and ideal for bulk purchases or edibles. If you’re paying over $100 for AA, something’s off.
• AAA (Trips): $90–$130/oz: Strong, reliable, and often considered the “best value” tier for most everyday smokers.
• AAAA (Quads): $130–$180/oz: Premium territory. Anything under $140 is a steal, if the quality holds up. Expect this to be your connoisseur shelf if it lives up to its name.
• AAAAA (High Quads): $180–$250+/oz: Often a marketing flex more than a measurable upgrade. Pay this only if the strain is truly rare, boutique-grown, and has the effects to match. 

If you’re Googling “AAAA weed price Canada” and finding options under $100, read carefully, those are likely mislabelled AAA or discounted product nearing expiry.

Keep in mind, price doesn’t guarantee quality, but it does set your expectations. And if you’re paying quad-level prices, the flower better look, smell, and smoke like it.

What Makes Kana Post’s AAAA Different?

If you’re shopping for true AAAA weed, not all quads are created equal, and not all dispensaries are built to deliver them consistently. That’s where Kana Post stands apart.

Based in British Columbia, the undisputed craft cannabis capital of Canada, Kana Post works directly with top-tier BC growers, not distributors or white-label suppliers. These exclusive partnerships mean tighter quality control, better batch consistency, and real quads that don’t just look good, they perform.

Every strain on the site is photographed honestly, so what you see is what shows up. And when you buy AAAA, it’s dense, resin-coated, and grown by cultivators who’ve been around since before legalization, some with decades of experience perfecting small-batch flower.

Even better, Kana Post makes more than just flower. Their in-house vape carts and concentrates are crafted to pair beautifully with their quads, perfect for those who want a consistent high across formats.

Kana Post Prices vs Competitors

While many online dispensaries push their AAAA listings at $160 to $200 an ounce, Kana Post offers premium-quality AAAA starting at just $139/oz. These aren’t discount mids in disguise, they’re legit, lab-worthy quads from trusted BC farms.

And with fast, discreet shipping across Canada, often same or next day, you’re not just buying weed; you’re getting access to BC’s finest without paying premium-chain markups.

Want to taste the difference for yourself?
Explore our premium AAAA strains here

Final Word: Trust Your Nose, Not Just the Label

At the end of the day, the A-to-AAAAA grading system is just a tool, and a flawed one at that. Labels can guide you, but they’re not gospel. What matters most is how the weed looks, feels, smells, and smokes once it’s in your hands.

Start with your senses:

• Smell: Does it hit you with bold, rich terpenes or does it smell faint or grassy?

• Texture: Is it sticky and dense or dry and crumbly?

• Look: Are the buds frosted with trichomes or dull and leaf-heavy?

• Burn: Does the ash glow white or turn black and harsh?

These signs tell the real story. Because while grading is subjective, your experience isn’t. If you’re paying for AAAA, it should deliver a clean, potent, flavorful high every time, no excuses, no empty hype.

And that’s exactly why customers keep coming back to Kana Post. With deep roots in BC’s craft cannabis scene, a no-BS pricing model, and product quality that speaks for itself, they don’t just sell quads, they deliver the kind of AAAA you can actually trust.

Ready to try real AAAA without overpaying?
Check out our BC-grown quads today and experience the difference for yourself.