What Is Loud Weed? A Deep Dive into Potent Cannabis, Slang & Effects

Cannabis culture has developed its own set of vocabulary, such as flowers, buds, gas, zaza, and, of course, loud. Loud has made a strong presence in casual weed slang, particularly when referring to some of the strongest-smelling and most potent buds. But what does loud really mean? Is it just about the smell, or is there more to the word? 

Curious about the meaning of loud, how it differs from other types of cannabis, and how to spot it the next time you’re in a dispensary. So we’ll break down everything about loud weed and its conceivable risks, as well as how to treat addiction to it.

What Does “Loud” Mean in Cannabis Slang?

The term loud wasn’t created in the cannabis community, but originated from urban slang, where it typically refers to something that is prominent or attention-grabbing or something that leaves a lasting impression.

The use of loud in cannabis culture started utilizing the term in the early 2000s in rap and hip-hop, specifically to refer to weed that is obnoxiously potent and has such a pungent aroma that it is apparent that something is going on even if you don’t light up. If someone has loud weed, then everyone around you is going to know you have it, even if you’re contemporaneously lighting it up.

Loud vs. Reggie or Mids

To comprehend what loud means, it is always helpful to see how it compares to the lower-tier cannabis. Reggie, short for regular, is a reference to low-grade weed that is brownish, dry, harsh, and has no THC. Mids are mid-grade cannabis that is decent weed, but it isn’t going to turn heads with its aroma, potency, or effectsLoud weed is the stuff that smells through the bag, gets you high, and costs a little bit more to get your hands on. 

How It Became Popular

Pop culture and social media have driven loud into the mainstream terminology of all cannabis users. Hip-hop artists refer to loud packs often, and they are typically referring to a loud strain when they do. Cannabis influencers generally refer to loud with high-quality strain reviews. The demand for loud cannabis became more popular after legalization, and dispensaries began to frame loud and make reference to loud cannabis by highlighting premium quality flower.

What Makes Weed “Loud”?

The term loud weed refers to cannabis with high THC potency, often between 20 – 30% or more, creating intense psychoactive effects for veteran users looking for a strong and lasting high. Additionally, louder weed is not called loud because of higher potency, but because of its strong odor and flavor profile due to terpenes. 

Loud weed can have fruity, skunky, gassy, or earthy odors or flavor profiles, and loud cannabis is stinky and pungent, hitting the nose at first whiff and leaving lasting impressions of smell. 

Examples of loud strains are Sour Diesel, Gelato, and Lemon Haze. Visually, louder cannabis buds are dense, sticky, and colorful with green, purple, and orange, and the heavy trichome coverage is what separates loud cannabis from the rest. 

Trichomes look like small crystals that coat the bud and contain the cannabinoids and terpenes that create the potency and flavor. Loud weed has a frosted, shimmery look that is identifiable to top-shelf cannabis.

Effects of Loud Weed

Here we’ll break down what you can anticipate when smoking loud weed so that you can enjoy the high without any pitfalls.

1. Intense Euphoria and Mental High

Loud weed tends to offer intense cerebral highs. Loud weed provides a fast, euphoric, uplifting, creative, and/or introspective high. Few users will notice these effects before smoking. For low-tolerance users, intense hits can feel overwhelming. Some strains can offer initial energetic highs, Sativas, while some induce a dreamy mental buzz, Indicas.

2. Body Effects and Couch-Lock

Along with a head high, many loud strains also provide strong physical relaxation. Many Indica-dominant loud weed strains can leave users couch-locked, making it hard to get off the couch or even stay awake. This makes these strains perfect for nighttime use or users looking for relief from physical discomfort, muscle tension, or insomnia.

3. Potential Side Effects 

Loud weed is so potent that the psychoactive effects can come with substantial side effects, primarily through overconsumption. Dry mouth, red eyes, paranoia, and increased anxiety are all side effects commonly experienced. For cannabis neophytes and those who are particularly sensitive to THC, it is wise to approach loud strains with caution. 

How to Identify Loud Weed

Below, we show you how to confidently determine loud weed, whether you’re buying from a dispensary or scanning a friend’s stash.

1. Smell and Look

A pungent odor and clear appearance are, hands down, the easiest ways to tell if weed is loud. A sharp, skunky smell is a dead giveaway, and a sticky, frosty appearance with bright color seals the deal. If you open something up and smell that strong fragrance, then it is probably loud.

2. Testing THC Levels

Many legal dispensaries list THC percentage on dispensary packaging. Any weed above 20% is deemed high potency, and many loud strains push into the high 20s or even low 30s. Lab testing results may also include a terpenes profile so that you can get some understanding of the expected aroma and effects.

3. Trusted Sources and Dispensaries

If you want to get authentic loud weed, only go to legal dispensaries or trusted growers. In a licensed dispensary, it is more likely you will find lab-tested top-shelf weed and ask for weed that matches your tolerance & preferences.

Is Loud Weed Right for You?

Loud cannabis can be overwhelming to beginners due to its high levels of THC, which can create possibilities for discomfort if not used with care. Starting with smaller doses or less potent strains is generally recommended. Experienced users may appreciate the intense high and long-lasting effects when they use Dankhub Cannabis. For patients using medical marijuana, loud strains may help relieve symptoms from chronic pain or anxiety or assist those with insomnia; however, the potency of loud strains may also create side effects; therefore, guidance from a medical professional is often advised.

Final Thoughts

Loud weed is not just two words that are connected as slang. The distinction of loud weed is the highest level of cannabis that obtains the utmost classification for quality. Loud weed has a powerful smell, intense smoking effects, and an impressive look that appeals to seasoned connoisseurs who love the experience, as well as cannabis novices who simply seek the next best thing. 

Whether you are on a quest to achieve a more intense high or want to splurge on premium flower, loud cannabis provides a fully stimulating experience.

 If you’re in Guelph and looking for a loud, top-shelf flower, DankHub’s weed delivery in Guelph brings same-day premium strains straight to your door.